De Parivaar wishes you Happy Diwali!

Arundhati and I went Diwali and Aakash Kandeel shopping... to our favourite haunt in Girgaum.... and Blogdosts, this doesn't look like Shanghai, does it??

Brand Bond...

More mugs.... more books....Barista has got it right!
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                            Brand Bond…

What happens when one of the world’s most recognized brands decides to reposition itself? Well….f or starters, it’s a huge risk! But what a brilliant risk it turned out to be in the case of  ‘Skyfall’, the boldest Bond film ever. It needed the genius of a Sam Mendes to deconstruct a powerful franchise, nurtured over 50 long years and come up with something that challenges the entire mythology around James Bond. ‘Skyfall’ is about courage. Not physical . But moral and emotional. This is not the typical 007 masala movie. It takes a gigantic leap into the dark unknown. And that unknown is the mind. This is by far the  most layered, deep and philosophical Bond blockbuster, that dares to go where the others haven’t – into the agent’s shadowy past and heart. In fact, the film is so damn dark, there is hardly any relief, even visually. If anything, the Union Jack fluttering behind Bond’s head, is the only bright image….perhaps a deliberate reminder and reassertion of the essential Englishness of the original book and film. An Englishness that had got lost or had become stilted during the last three decades.

The character of Bond himself was made to stand on its head this time, and it was brave indeed of the craggy Craig to display a grey stubble, show signs of fatigue, and play 007 with an air of resignation for the most part. It was the subtle coming to terms with the new order and a new world, that made his Bond so appealingly vulnerable. Then again, Mendes seems to mock physical beauty, which was once the USP of the brand. Everybody in this movie looks pretty ugh, including Bardem ( a bow in the direction of  ‘No Country for Old Men’?). It’s a dramatic clash of two worlds, different values, in which there is no place for the old ( goodbye, Judi Dench, hello, Ralph Fiennes). Even the starchy Miss Moneypenny from earlier films is replaced by a sassy, foxy Black girl. As for the latest Q ( quartermaster), he turns out to be a geeky, bespectacled, arrogant alarmingly young genius ‘with spots’.

But it is M’s role ( brilliantly played as always by Judi Dench) that officially signals the end of an era  and the reinvention of the Brand Bond. The new M is a handsome chap in a sharp suit, and not a mysterious, menacing, middle aged spook. Just as Bond himself  is a changed man who abandons his sardonic, emotionless, stony façade and reveals hidden secret sorrows! Worse, Bond is filled with self doubts! Eventually, it is a vintage Aston Martin that provides the best clue to what audiences can expect next.The car is made to appear quaint and sexy. The clash of the two worlds,two value systems, is dealt with neatly in Skyfall, summed up in the cheeky words of the brat Q when he informs Bond  that the era of ‘exploding pens’ is over. ‘Skyfall’ is about transition. The danger this time is internal. The enemy - within. It demands introspection from viewers. M quotes Ulysses ( inspired choice, there!). And the eternal fight between tradition and change is wonderfully captured against the stark backdrop of the Scottish moors, when a hunting rifle, a few sticks of dynamite, and an old fashioned knife are all that old man Finney can offer Bond. Of course, we know Bond will win this round. Even if the enemies are armed to the teeth and arrive in a monster chopper. Stylishly carrying the torch of tradition forward during the fantastically choreographed finale was a fine display of  Mendes’ bravado at its most dazzling.

 Brand Bond just got bigger. Much bigger. That’s pure brilliance.

Coffee-Shoffee ho jayaye ?

This Sethji, na????

As the invitation makes clear, Sethji will be serving garma garam, tagdi Barista Coffee across India, starting tomorrow. Blogdosts in Mumbai, if you feel like a mug or two, aajao. Chembur awaits you. Uske baad, the Sethji Coffee goes wherever Sethji goes - all over our Bharat Desh!
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This appeared in Bombay Times today.... the debate rages on....

                        Writer Vs.Writer….

This is just too delicious! Girish Karnad says he waited for ten long years to ‘fix’ Vidia Naipaul. And he did it in Mumbai – neutral zone for both. But, the deed was done  behind  Naipaul’s  back and at a session described as a masterclass in theatre. Does that qualify as a masterstroke? Ummmm…. that depends. Karnad insists it doesn’t. A platform’s a platform. And who cares about good form, manners, etiquette or politeness. Quite! Much has been written about this one sided spat. Fortunately, so far, at least, Naipaul has loftily ignored the attack. And wonder of wonders, so has Naipaul’s  fiery wife, the Fearless Nadira. Perhaps being in Goa has distracted both of them enough to say, ‘Jaaney Bhi Do,Yaaron…” and that may be a good thing. But it still leaves the writers’ community somewhat baffled. And it is not enough for Karnad to say he finds Naipaul’s opinions offensive. Of course, they are! Hugely offensive and downright rude. Some of them, at any rate. So what? Where does it say that writers must stick to politically correct views and toe the official line? Which Awards’ Committee  on earth ‘explains’ its choices to the public or seeks endorsements from colleagues? Every award in the world, in whichever category, has its share of detractors who challenge the wisdom of the Jury. That’s normal. From the Nobel to the Oscar’s, to assorted sports’ awards, there are hoots galore when the names of winners are announced. Naipaul is used to that and more. Naipaul has never been an establishment man. He doesn’t opt for safe. That’s Naipaul. His readers know him for his contrarian views…. and admire him for precisely that attribute.

On the other hand, Karnad has accepted Government honours and positions. It is therefore, interesting to debate why he chose to criticize Naipaul at this point. Timing is everything. The political divide in India has never been this obvious or this ugly. Which side is Karnad on? Clearly not the BJP’s. Challenging the ideology of   another writer is perfectly acceptable. And Karnad has every right to register his rage over what he considers Naipaul’s pro-Right, anti-Muslim views. But Naipaul is not contesting an election. And he is not a politician who happens to write on the side. The Lit Fest Award recognized his brilliance as a writer.Period. Whether or not he understands the relevance and importance of music. Next, we’ll get someone up in arms wondering whether Girish Karnad, another brilliant writer, understands quantum physics? And if not, how dare he call himself an intellectual. Perhaps, it’s best to adopt Naipaul’s admirable sang froid and move on. Naipaul’s a difficult old goat – thank God! We need more Naipauls. Mercifully,his books aren’t sleeping pills. Nor are they soft, comfy duvets under which readers can conveniently slip and snore away. Naipaul’s books are specially sharpened razors that cut and make readers bleed. There is no comfort zone in Naipaul’s world. That’s what makes him Naipaul. Girish Karnad may want to reach for his favourite antacid and settle his digestion (the bile!). And come back again and again to conduct more masterclasses in Mumbai. For, like Naipaul, we need many more Karnads , too.

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On a brighter, lighter, Diwali note, the ladies who shine and dine (they also do lunch , brunch and high teas) have declared boldly and recklessly that Curves are the new Thin. Which is great news for mithaiwalls who were beginning to despair. Time to go on a guilt free food trip and gorge, gorge, gorge.

Woh 50 crores walli Girl friend!

Okay.... here goes.... the black and white image was shot by ace photographer and friend, Pradeep Chandra at the Sethji book launch.  The one below also features ace photographer and friend, Gita Pandit at the Mujras and Gajras party for Sethji....
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This appeared in the Asian Age yesterday....

Dekho Bhai, we have to feel a little sorry for Narendra Modi. He is rustic and rough in speech and action. What’s the point teaching him good manners? Preaching and lecturing? Here’s a guy who has made a career out of giving offence. So, he slyly referred to Sunanda Tharoor ( as ripe and luscious as a Kashmiri peach!) in  what Bollywood would aptly describe as a ‘ghatiya’ way. Modi took pot shots at the equally peachy Shashi by putting a price tag on the ‘priceless’ lady ( from Peach to Kohinoor). That was a really low blow. Come on – 50 crores? That just about covers a few blow dry sessions at a good hair salon, plus, a spa treat at Ananda in the Himalayas. Modi is a Gujjubhai. He understands the value of money. How could he have said ‘50 crores’? That is so insulting! What is 50 crores in today’s day and age? Chillar! Small change! Pocket money for Babalog. Unless …. and this is a big one – Modi was being seriously wicked. He could have said 500 crores. Or 5,000 crores. Those are respectable numbers. But by specifying 50 crores, Modi was definitely making a point. Modi is like that, only! Sab kuch undervalue karta hai. We should not take this naughty remark seriously. In fact, we shouldn’t take anything Modi says too seriously. This is Narendrabhai’s ishstyle. He has not been to posh schools and colleges. He has not hinted he had been offered the U.N. Secretarry General’s post. Modi thinks crude, talks crude. His followers love that about him. Contrast his comments with the wry, witty, polished comeback of  Sunanda’s besotted husband. Now, why Love Guru Shashi bothered to take notice of Modi’s sexist remark is anybody’s guess. But his riposte only made things worse. Hell hath no fury like a loyal hubby scorned, it appears. And by rushing to defend Sunanda’s honour, our newly minted Ministerji, compounded the original sin. The Luscious Lady herself, was seen across channels pouting sexily and asking why we are shocked by Modi’s lowdown behaviour, when he has killed so many Muslims in Gujarat and not apologized. It is a bit hard to make the connection… but what the hell. Sunanda is so pretty. We would rather watch her on tv strenuously making a point about the apology that never came than any of the other toads croaking away about corruption.

Modi is a seasoned headlines grabber. His latest comment was carefully timed to embarrass the Congress, now that the gloves are officially off. By targeting Sunanda, he killed two birds with one pathar. He diverted national attention  from the sordid Gadkari saga. And he showed his own partywallas who has more guts when it comes to hitting below the belt. While the portly Gadkari huffed and puffed his way through assorted rallies, Modi sat tight and let hirelings take the Pushkar  story forward over Twitter. The verdict was out instantly. While women’s organizations rallied behind poor Pushkar ( who, in her own words, had also been touched inappropriately and had various body parts bruised in Tiruvananthpuram) most of Shashi’s admirers ( he has several) were of the opinion the man should have stayed out of this round. But who’s to tell Shashi? Twitter nearly killed his career earlier. But the man is an addict! His Tweets are priceless. Only Priyanka Chopra  boasts of  more followers. And that’s a feat. Phir bhi, Shashi’s upper cut could not  possibly have dented Modi’s aggressive charge. Jo kehena tha, who kehey diya. The damage was done.

About the 50 crore price tag. Well… I did ask around. And the swish ladies I spoke to laughed out loud. That’s peanuts, they scoffed.And added, no beautiful woman in her right mind would settle for something as alarmingly low, given our inflationary times. So…. Was it just the modest number that was the issue here? Ummmm – yes, it was the primary issue, but not the only one. Many chingoos hubbies call their wives ‘priceless’ when they don’t want to splurge real bucks on them. Most smart wives see through the trick – and demand cash! Priceless is no compliment, they insist. They’d rather see real money. This complicates matters further. What’s a pampered wife supposed to say or do if  the mad-for- her husband tries to fob her off with a denomination-free ‘priceless’ tag? Say, ‘Thank you ji’ and go back to her Karwa Chauth? Or consult a canny lawyer? We live in tough times. Us girls need to be practical. No point in getting hoity-toity. 50 crores is 50 crores. Maybe Modi has unwittingly triggered a mini-revolt! What if every girl friend of a politician now starts demanding a deposit of 50 crores in her bank account? Tauba! Tauba!  Given the staggering number of politicians with GFs, one can safely say, Kejriwal and company  have a lot of  hard work ahead!

Sethji comes to town!

Blogdosts, he's here!

Are you ready for Sethji???? What a fabulous book launch. I'd say, one of the best!  That's my hottie editor, Chiki Sarkar, and our man in Mumbai, the dependable trouper Harish, with newbie Fiero at the back. We are wearing  '' Í am NOT Sethji' caps .... you go figure the reference!
Pity Karnad rained on the parade, and dampened spirits. I was not aware of what Karnad had said during his session. All I heard hours later was that Karnad had converted his slot into a Naipaul bashing slugfest.Aah well.... every Lit Fest has its moments. The Karnad salvo marked this one.

More selfishly speaking.... I thoroughly enjoyed my session. Take a bow Anil Dharker! As for Jayant Kripalani.... what do I say? At short notice, Jayant read out chapter 33 from Sethji. It was a flawless , dramatised reading that gave the audience a rich flavour of the book.

I was still recovering from the amazing surprise party organised by my family the night before... more on that tomorrow....

That's my daughter Arundhati in front of an ancient cave we chanced upon outside Rishikesh. It's only appropriate that  the original Arundhati's guha is close to Vaishisth Muni's guha, which locals insist is more than 5,000 years old. Mythology informs us that Arundhati was Vaishisth Muni's loyal wife. She bore him a hundred sons! That's a lot of hard work for my Arundhati!

And that's us in front of a lovely sculpture of Krishna as a cowherd. Unfortunately, I'm covering Radha. This amazing Vrindavan belongs to our friends and we were lucky enough to stay at their beautiful home on the banks of the Ganga. It was a much needed Satvik break , complete with pure ghee laddoos and shudh vegetarian meals minus onions and garlic. We came back feeling virtuous. But the feeling didn't last very long. I pounced on a piece of tandoori chicken at home, drank Pinot happily.... but carried the uplifting mood to bed with me as I wafted off to dreamland with the sounds of the Ganga lulling me to sleep.
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Sethji arrives in style tomorrow. I am really excited! He gets introduced to the public at the Mumbai Lit Fest on Friday, 2nd November. If you are in Mumbai, do come and greet the wily old man at the Tata Experimental Theatre, between 3pm and 4 pm. We have a date!

The Kasauli Cow....

These images from Kasauli tell their own story. This cow had so much attitude, she almost chewed up my camera. Though, what she was actually after were the unbeatable  samosas and jalebis the Samosawalla in the pic with me is so justifiably proud of. People come from far and wide to sample his Bun Samosa ( I preferred mine with chana chaat ), which Khushwant Singh had written about ( a framed copy of that column hangs in the tiny shop). The jalebis! Worth travelling to Kasauli for - piping hot, sticky, juicy and lethal! I really loved my time in Kasauli - my smile says it all. I have more pics.... you just have to raise your hand, and I shall post them.

 Meanwhile, I'm getting butterflies in my stomach with the imminent launch of Sethji. Soon, you'll be able to enjoy Sethji Coffee at a Barista outlet nearest you. More details closer to the time.

 I'm off to Rishikesh and Haridwar tomorrow morning. It has been my dream to witness the full moon Ganga Aarti. Well, that's one dream coming true.  I feel so blessed!