A Callous Activity

I didn't want to do this. But a society in college wants to fill up its damn notice board, and its cover story is the Bombay blasts, along with other garbage on the sides. So instead of letting someone who has no relation to my city in anyway find some random article online and put it up, I'm writing the op-ed. This won't be a pleasant read, it might be insulting and so if you do want to curse me, feel free to do so.
So this is just another one in the blitzkrieg of headlines, articles, editorials, television comments and other such nonsense. After every blast, one of the most annoying things is the media assault which follows. No Barkha Dutt, you do not know my city, you do not care about my city and frankly speaking you should keep your moth shut. That and the 'spirit of Bombay' cliche which everyone keeps using.

What is this spirit of Bombay? People say its our resilience, our ability to show up the next day at work after a blast, our ability to crowd Dadar station after a blast happened not more than 5 minutes away. Honestly speaking, no one other than a Mumbaikar would have it, because no one else has ever faced this kind of trauma, over and over again. Our 'spirit' is in fact a tribute to the fact that we've given up.

Its true, we've given up. Lost our hope in the government, given up on the system. Just like monsoon flooding, crumbling infrastructure, lack of space, crowded trains, terrorist attacks too have become a part of the everyday problems that Mumbaikars face. But I think we gave up hope long before 13th July became another date in our blast calender. We gave up hope in the Maharashtra state government and the center when we realised it was thoroughly inept. The Maharashtra governments only news worthy achievement in recent history has been increasing the drinking age to 25. Wow! I salute my MLAs. So when they focus their amoeba-sized brains on preventing 'alcoholism', caring who smokes in cabs, and all political parties attempt to seem like the biggest champions of Marathi culture and Marathi pride, its doesn't come as a big surprise when three blasts take place in the city. If anyone is wondering where the police was, our pot-bellied and lathi wielding 'Pandus' were probably busy busting some night club trying to curb 'obscenity', because obviously arresting 20 year olds is easy as compared to even finding who caused the blasts. I'm actually surprised there weren't more blasts. It seems so terribly simple.

But Bombay still is, and will remain the greatest city in the world. No city is made great by its government, or its infrastructure. People, are what make a city what it is. And Bombay does in fact have amazing people. If 'spirit' does exist its not that Mumbaikars go back to work immediately. In a fast paced city, where time literally equals money, we don't have a choice but to go back to work. No the spirit of Bombay lies in its humanity. It lies in the fact that ordinary people, do their best to help each other out. So people can continue writing op-eds, Rahul Gandhi can continue to say garbage on national television, the government can continue to be callous and inept, because my city will continue to rise, flourish and prosper due to its people. And fortunately or unfortunately, in the case of Bombay, that's all what the city needs.

I made a Lamp

So when you're in a hostel room with only a tube-light as your primary source of lighting you tend to look for alternate sources. Hence, in addition to buying a lamp, I decided to make one myself.

Its mainly for drinking purposes, and mood lighting. Or something like that. In case you're wondering what it is, its a bunch of diwali lights stuffed into a Sula white wine bottle. I actually made a similar one in a Kingfisher bottle but the electrical shop guy sold me cheap lights which burnt through the wires, causing my friend to run for his life. Bastards. Sometimes I really hate bong shop keepers. And my friend, well, what if my room had burned down? B*******.

Regarding the lamp, no I'm not gay. What's wrong with a little creativity?

A Decade of Magic

My friends have left, moved on. I met them when I was nine years old, and instantly fell in love with them. And after 10 amazing years, they've finally gone. At least, thats what I felt when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was over. I'm in no position to write a review about the film. If I look objectively at the film, it still is magnificent. Nothing short of cinematic brilliant, on par with the likes of Return of the King. But personally this film means so much more to me. Out of all the things that I may have forgotten from my childhood, watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone still is a vivid memory. I was (and still am) a Harry Potter nerd, and see all what I had imagined while reading the book come on screen was simply magical. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, all the characters, Hogwarts, classes..and Quidditich, always Quidditich. Also I fell in love with Emma Watson. Common, you know you did too.

And I kept seeing them again, and again over the course of time. Growing up, facing challenges while I too was growing up at the same time. And yesterday, when a decades worth of stories finally culminated in one film, it was overwhelming. To tell you the truth, it could not have been more perfect. Everything about the film was brilliant. From the stunning set pieces, to the acting, the special effects, the musical score, and above all else, the heart wrenching scenes. Seeing the movie, was one emotional blow after another. I don't cry in movies. The closest I've come to crying has been while watching Schindler's List and Toy Story 3. But watching Snape's flashback was heart-breaking. And then the scene with the Resurrection stone just added to the emotional torture.

By the time the movie ended, I was a mess. Literally. Thank god for 3D glasses. And I'll tell you why. For me, Harry Potter wasn't just about the universally loved books and movies. It was probably the biggest part about my childhood. I grew up with them, through ups and downs. And growing up, I didn't have a whole lot of friends. But I had my books. And I had the magical films. And sometimes that was just about enough. So it wasn't just the film ending. It was also my childhood. Growing up isn't easy, you always need something to hold on to. 'Of course it's all happening inside your head, but why on earth should that mean that it's not real.'

But true art stays forever. So just like the books, the films too will do the same. And it isn't always about the journey or the conclusion, sometimes its more about the memories.
But in the meanwhile, say it with me. Go on.

'Not my daughter, you bitch'

Cheers.

The Week that was

F*** what a week! So I maybe partially drunk, and smoked a lot, so excuse any grammatical errors. Anyways, I got back to college on Monday, paid the sweeper a hundred bucks and he cleaned every little corner of the room (Hundred bucks well spent. I'd tell you about the spiders and baby lizard who were staying rent free, but thats more gross than amusing). Now hostel rooms are frickin tiny, but I tried pimping out my room in the best way possible. Put up the Star Wars and Pulp Fiction posters, lined the shelves with books and set up the speaker. I also drew stuff on the wall, and now I'm in a dilemma whether to finish them, or just paint the damn wall. Oh and the walls don't have any paint, its just choona. So every time you sit with your head resting on the wall, you get grey hair. Yes, the shortcomings of an Indian college. (The photo doesn't do justice to the room, in case you're wondering)

There are a whole new bunch of juniors, and frankly speaking they're dull as hell. Like seriously, I thought of ragging, but its no fun when you ask them to tell you something interesting and they tell you they like watching television. And no pretty women! None whatsoever. And being in the third year, I have lesser class hours as well. What am I supposed to do in my free time?! :P

And bloggers got a facelift, like the rest of google. It's quite cool actually. Btw, does anyone have a Google+ (or Google plus, I don't know what to call it) account. I'm dying for an invite! It seems so much better than facebook.
Whats been up with you guys? Oh, and thanks for all the wishes. It really means a lot that you guys read what I write.

PS: Dipti, thanks for going back to using frozenvignettes as your blogger id. You may wanna think about making that one permanent (at least for a year :)

Thanks a Lot!

In January of this year, I started blogging. Not only because I was super impressed with my friend Niyati's blog (its pretty great, check it out http://newlampsforold.blogspot.com/), but the whole idea about writing my thoughts down, and sharing them with other people seemed like a good one. But I didn't really have too many expectations, and for sometime I was just blogging for myself. But slowly, I started getting followers, who commented, whose blogs I started following. And frankly speaking, I love it! I love other blogs and bloggers. Very few people get published, but I think some of the most talented writers can be found in this community.

And now I don't have to blog just for myself, because I have certain readers. I know 10 isn't something to be arrogant about, but I'm not going for quantity here, its all about the quantity. And you guys ROCK! You guys always have something interesting to say, and I love reading your comments. And more importantly, I love reading your blogs.

Okay enough emo stuff, I'm super happy right now! Because Meghana at Mistakes and Miracles (http://meghanak-95.blogspot.com/) has given me first award!! (wooooo!! yes, yes, yes *does a little jig*)

Thank you so much Meghana. You're awesome!!
And thanks to all you guys, for reading my stupid rants, for commenting and for simply being great bloggers!

Anyways the rules of the award are as follows:

• Thank and link back to the person who sent you the award.
• Share seven things about yourself.
• Spread the love and honor. Award recently discovered bloggers.
• Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.

So once again, thanks a lot a Meghana.

Hmm, seven things:
1) I'm blogging in the middle of the night and loving it.
2)Law school can be a bitch, but I love it.
3) Italian and Punjabi are my favourite cuisines.
4) I have a non-existent love life but I really don't care right now.
5) I can dance only when drunk.
6) I think The Secret is a terrible book.

7) Ever since I got the award my facial expression has been like this:

And I'm gonna spread the love and honor very soon, I just need to pack first. I head back to college in a days time.

But

THANK YOU PEOPLE!