Phir Mile January 27, 2010

Ok, so every Indian who grew up with DD has already ripped apart the new “Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” video. So I don’t have anything wittier or new to say.

But what I can do for my wonderful readers is put together some of the best comments I’ve heard so far…

The makers, Zoom say, “More than 60 of India’s icons have lent their support to this initiative which has taken almost a year to create. It took more than 60 days of on-location shoot, across 15 cities of India, 30 days of post production, 22 of India’s biggest superstars, 18 of India’s best musicians, 13 of India’s best artists and singers, 15 of India’s most renowned icons to create this magnum opus. Each artist speaks of a cause and the video is shot at places which have historical value and significance.”

Evidently, it takes a year to travel by boat from Kashmir (where Rohit Bal is buying spinach) to the Qutub Minar (where the star kid is playing the santoor)

Amitabh Bachchan said,

“People from film industry along with so many other individuals have given their voices to make this wonderful song of India. I am the only person in the song who has a repeat value,”

Does that mean he’s the only one who gets to sing his lines and then say them?

Some latest tweets:

Is there any difference between Om Shanthi Om’s Title track and Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara? Could have used that video as well!

I feel so cheated: Zakir Hussain doesn’t shout, ‘Wah, Taj!” at the end of his bit in Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.

Q: Why wasn’t Rajnikanth in Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara video? A: Because Rajni ‘Kant’ be seen with ordinary actors!

— could have used more role models and less models

has gotto b d WORST National Integration Project ever! D music itself is SO un-integrated!

What was SRK thinking? He looked as if he was singing to his estranged lover.

Krish Ashok has methodically dissected the video (frame by frame) on his blog here. In his words:

” This 16 minute Bollygasm will put blade like a Kiwi farmer on a sheep during shearing season. It’s a showy, shallow, cringe-worthy, slow-tempo, un-coordinated and unwatchable piece of crystalline Crappium Craptide wrapped in crapé paper.”

Do read the entire post. It’s hilarious.

What do I think? You mean aside from the fact that I’m relieved that I’m not the only one who thought there was too much Bollywood? Well, I’m relieved I’m not the only one who feels some of the actors could lip sync to a national integration type song in a mildly (or very) obscene fashion. It’s nice to know other people feel the video could have been shorter. Everyone I know (including me, of course) feels the video was a joke.

Oh, if you know any kids who’re too young to have seen the original, do them a favour and have them watch it.

But really, I agree most with Greatbong who says:

“Now I wait eagerly for “Phir Baje Sargam Har Taraf Se” with Pritam, Himesh and Rakhi Sawant.”

Accepting Applications April 24, 2009

For the post of onsite best friend.

Requirements:

Must willingly spend time with me instead of succumbing to academic, social or personal pressure and spending time for the sake of future gain.

Must not complain when I call in the middle of the night with intellectual, emotional, philosophical, nonsensical or whimsical demands.

Must be able to appreciate the concept of a sense of space and gauge moods.

Must consume occasional doses of gyan with a teaspoon of salt (or preferred seasoning).

Must be capable of sustaining intelligent conversation not centered around “Academics” or “People Around Us” or constantly compare life with “The Way it Was”.

Must understand that a friend is not someone who fills up time when the significant other can’t be there.

Must live within walking distance of my apartment.

Perks:

Unwavering loyalty

A shoulder to cry on

An ear to crib to

A person who cares

Endless conversations

Amazing coffee!

Closing Comments:

Individuals holding this post in the past will be able to provide further inputs regarding the post and perks

Show Some Spirit! March 20, 2009

Do you know any inisipid characters? People who never disagree with anyone at all, never express their ideas. People who never jump at a chance, take risks or do anything unconventional.

Someone who never seems to have a personal opinion of their own, who never can handle conflict. Someone who never seems to take offence even if you insult them directly to their face (well, indirectly, but not subtly).

Someone who can never stand up and declare they’re in love. Can never run out into the rain just because it’s the first warm rain after months of cold. 

Someone who thinks twice before indulging in ice cream. Someone who can spend 10 mins of their life weighing options for a butter-like spread factoring in calories, artificial ingredients, price-per-ounce and taste.

People like that…

I keep meeting people who have many of the traits listed above (ugh! what a terrible sentence) and I end up observing them. Baffled. It never ceases to amaze me how people go through live devoid of all passion. Well, devoid of an outward expression of (sexually neutral) passion anyway.

People who can’t stand up for a cause, for what they think is right. People forever afraid of offending someone else. People who have clearly defined criteria (set in stone) for the kind of person they want to date (exactly like themselves). People who cannot appreciate the little things in life.

People who crib and whine and spend most of their time living in either the past or the future but never the present. People who can never appreciate what they learn in class, who think its an expression of individuality to consistantly criticize everything they see. 

People who lack the guts to criticize you to your face. People who make it their life’s mission to observe and anyalyze every happening in someone elses life…

People who, in short, lack spirit. Trapped in worlds of their own creation. Not understanding that everyone should be different. Not understanding the need to just run about free. Trapped by self-imposed and mostly imaginary burdens of duty and ambition while life passes them by not bothering to send a meeting request.