Oh Kolkata!!

Remember the contoversial musical that was called 'Oh Calcutta" and featured frontal nudity for the first time at the hallowed Westend ? Well.... each time I visit my sasural I'm reminded of that electrifying theatre experience, which was considered soooo avant garde and shocking when it debuted a few decades ago. Today, nobody blinks at a show of ANYTHING! But Kolkata itself remains strangely caught in a coy and languid time warp, which could be termed charming were it not as frustrating.
I plan to see lots of movies this week, including Rituparno's 'The Last Lear.' I told Ritu when I met him on the set of his talk show 'Ghosh & Company' last week that the posters of 'Lear..'were up and I thought he had cast Muzzaffir Ali in the title role.Ritu giggled naughtily and said, "Oh my God! So...you saw the resemblance!" Apparently, Ritu had sent a reference pic of Muzzaffir Ali to Amitabh Bachchan , for the Big B to get an idea of the character, especially the long hair Ritu wanted for the role. Mr. B had the wig styled exactly as per the photograph of Muzzaffir - and voila! the character of the Shakespearean thespian was born.
I also want to see 'A Wednesday', since it features two of our most competent character actors, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. Next on the list is 'Mamma Mia' for the second time. The first was far too lonely an experience in distant Stuttgart, minus my beloved bachchas. This time I plan to take the lot along. It also happens to be Aditya's birthday eve, and how better to usher it in than with a delightful, heart warming, entirely enchanting, exceedingly sentimental movie like this one?? I remember watching the musical on Broadway with my sister Mandakini who lives in New York. Both of us were crying, laughing, hugging and singing along... bonding wonderfully and feeling so connected. Perhaps for the last time...I really miss her and those rare moments we shared. The terrific meals we savoured. My first taste of a Cosmo was thanks to her, and that was much, much before it became the 'It' cocktail for worldly women. This was in the lobby bar of the Plaza on Fifth Avenue,before Donald Trump acquired the historic hotel and it still retained its slightly tattered old world glory. What a great time we'd had that night recalling forgotten family jokes with fondness and nostalgia. I was pretty tipsy as we jumped into a cab, three Cosmos later. She tucked me into a comfy bed in her apartment... and made fragrant tea (Darjeeling) for me the next morning. We chatted as only sisters do... or can. What a distant memory.... but still so poignant, precious and sweet. May Ganpati bless Mandakini. That is my fervent and sincers wish.

Ganpati Bappa Moryaa...!

Wah! Wah! Salman Khan haat jodo-ing in front of Ganeshji was a great photo op... and a strong, positive image to send out in these ridiculous times when other Muslim Bollywood types are shouting themselves hoarse about being discriminated against in Mumbai. Mumbai!!!Salman's mother Salma, says a news report, is a Saraswat Brahmin. Okay. So am I. And I don't keep a Ganpati at my home!That the Khans celebrate the festival with so much gusto, sends out the best signal. I mean, let's face it, there must be several people out there who might phone and 'advise' Salman not to be so visible during the aarti, or not to participate as enthusiastically during the visarjan. But it is to Salman's credit that he chooses to follow his heart and ignore such warnings.That's the way it should be for all of us. There was a time in Mumbai when each and every festival got its due and people participated without self consciousness or fear. I was a regular visitor at Bhendi Bazaar during Ramazan. Eating malpuas after feasting on kebabs and biryani with several Muslim friends. It has been years since I went back to my favourite streetside restaurant. But this time, I am determined to do just that.Iftaar at Bhendi Bazaar ranks high on my list as a unique and wonderful Mumbai experience.
My Date with the Lalbaug Chha Raja is also fixed, thanks to an obliging top cop - Javed Ahmed, without whose kind intervention, I'd be stuck for hours in the dhakka bukki that inevitably occurs when there are thousands of over enthusiastic worshippers pushing and shoving to catch a glimpse of the majestic moorti - now in its 75th year. I remember watching its slow and stately progress down a narrow road in Girgaum, well past midnight, and being moved to tears by the sheer fervour of devotees thronging the procession. Some would hold up new born infants for the Lord's blessings, while others would prostrate themselves on the road, uncaring of the dirt.Unlike other Sarvajanik Ganpatis, this one would roll past in dignified silence, minus a clash of symbols or any other noisy accompaniment. Believers would stare.... awestruck and speechless. The journey from Lalbaug to Chowpatty would take 7 or 8 hours. But such was the draw of Lalbaug Chha Raja, that nobody minded the roads being blocked to enable Him to reach the sea.
Then came the Ganpati Raves - also fun. The grooviest Ganpati procession in town featuring dj's and hip Goa groupies grooving to fantastic music near Babulnath Temple. How I love the Trance Gannu. He is just so today! And in tune with changing times. Anybody and everybody is welcome to join in and dance.
Now for Navratri and beyond. Eid is but a few weeks away. How I admire people who can fast. Like Herman Hesse's Siddhartha says simply, " I can think, I can fast, and I can wait..." Profound and beautiful, inspiring and uplifting. I am reminded of my own medocrity each time i recall that line.

Rock on... and on....and on...and on...

My first cousin Usha is married to Nandu Bhende - a middle -aged rocker. I know this world a little. And the good news is that 'Rock on..." is spot on!! It has the stealth approach of the best docu -dramas, that track lives over a span of years. But , let's face it... it is no ''Dil Chahata Hai.." The biggest failure is the music. And that can be a fatal flaw in a movie about music!! There is also a great deal of self- indulgence, especially in the overstretched finale with three mediocre tracks played back -to -back.The good part is the script. And the characterisation. But the real ahaaa moment of the movie , for me,was Purab Kohli's campy version of 'I will Survive..." worth the price of the ticket and more. Prachi was sickeningly sweet, understanding and loving - I'm sure she makes it to the top of the heap as every man's fantasy wife - cute, well mannered, sensitive, adoring, uncomplaining.We know she has a great smile, but it never leaves her face! Farhan Akhtar is looking and sounding more and more like his father (several subtle tributes to the old boy scattered throughout the film). The guy has the hottest bod in Bollywood (move over John),and looked incredibly attractive under the shower.... followed by the black towel scene (move over Nangu Kapoor). Farhan can act, but can he sing? So... a special award for courage. Will he get himself a parallel career as a movie star? Doubtful. But I would rather watch him than those losers who are being thrust on us (Shekhar Sumam's son , for example).
I've saved the best for last - Arjun Rampal. Brooding, defeated, restrained.... and utterly beautiful! I can well understand what SRK sees in him.Arjun broke my heart in a role that does not give him dramatic lines but exploits his vulnerability to the hilt.I wanted to instantly adopt him. The girl playing Debbie, his nag of a wife was excellently cast , as well. Yup. 'Rock on..." makes the cut. But a cult film, it ain't .Don't pitch your expectations too high, and you won't be disappointed.Yenjoy!!

Singur shenanigans

Mamata Bannerji has her loyal supporters amongst Kolkata's bhadralok after all! This was the big surprise on the short trip to the City of Joy. At an impromptu dinner with old friends at the newly opened Thai restaurant (Benjuraang), I was puzzled by the very vocal support extended to the hysterical woman who is holding the mighty TATA EMPIRE TO RANSOM! Most agreed her tactics may be crude and shabby, but what she is fighting for is completely kosher. I am not at all sure... but Mamata is gaining ground by the day in a city where every second Bong you meet is a closet revolutionary. I tried to focus on the delicious soft shell crabs and tamarind prawns, while the others debated, raved and ranted.... but it was impossible to do so. Finally when the steamed fish on a fragrant bed of lemon grass arrived on the table, it was time to change tracks and ooh and aah over the superlative cuisine. Sure made up for the Morimoto night.... and the entire meal for six worked out to less than the 6000 per head we'd shelled out at Wasabi. Oh... I'd forgotten to mention the rather odd cocktails - teriyaki martini, anyone???
Opinions on Singur vary - there are those who are violently opposed to the Tata project on the grounds that small, ignorant farmers with no voice were not given fair compensation. True or false?? Depends which side you are batting for.The example being trotted out is Jindal's and Anil Aggarwal's. They came, they saw, they asked the going rate for the land they wished to acquire, and they paid up. No haggling, no questions asked. Farmers happy, Industrialists happy. What if the Tatas do pull out and the Nano is delivered late? Loss of face and more trouble ahead.Meanwhile, Mamata can screech away and summon journos with a loud and rude, "Hey you BBC... come here." One lone politician.... and see the trouble being caused. Maan gaye, Mamataji... if you could annoy Ratan Tata into uncharacteristically letting his irritation be known, you must be one huge thorn in his side!
About Ajay Devgan... come on, chaps. He is a good actor in certain roles that suit his personality and body type. 'Omkara' was a terrific film. But Saif Ali outshone Ajay as Langda in it. And the more recent one in which Ajay plays a reigning superstar?? Does he LOOK like a star.... forget superstar?? It stretched audience credibility to the absolute limit. The scenes that established the character were better suited to a David Beckham. Kahan woh.... kahan apun ka Ajju???

Morimoto letdown.

Very quickly. Taada taadi, as the Bongs would say, the dinner last night was a bit of a disaster ... Though Chef Morimoto is a photegenic hottie, with a hot temper to match those amazing looks. He is not averse to adding garam masala to Japenese dishes, he said, since he does not believe in following 'rules'. Always a great sign. Inspired chefs are inventive, innovative and create asthey go along. Alas, his Omakase menu at 6000 bucks per head (minus taxes), was not inspired enough. Or I was in a bad mood ( but if two glasses of vintage Dom can't do the trick...?).Eight tiny portions were sampled... and I barely liked two. I am not a big fan of anything TARTARE ( raw meats), so perhaps i shouldn't be commenting. But even the Wagyu disappointed. BADE MIYAN'S KEBABS ARE TASTIER. Enough said.
I must run. Rituparno awaits me in Kolkata. I love his films. And am looking forward to being on his show. It's a Dusshera Special. He is one director to have extracted the best performances from our ice maiden Aishwarya Rai. Even in a mediocre film like Raincoat, with that overrated and most unattractive actor, Ajay Devgan.

Chini Kum....???

Guys.... go on.... tell me the bitter truth. Am I being a bit too sweet? Is the milk of human kindness overflowing? Am I giving you diabetes?? Nooooo... na??? Good. I think my claws are sharp enough... and I reserve my teeth for worthy opponents. Phew! Now that I've got it out of the way, let me give you a jhalak of Calicut. Renamed Kozikode, but pronounced minus the 'z' sound , as Korikode! Confusing. Why not spell it thataway, huh?? First the bad news: Kozikode is as boring as it sounds.And now for the good news: The aapams were delicious. As was the avial. The Syrian Christian beef was a bit too dry, while the karimeen was fried to a crisp and entirely destroyed.
I was invited to the bookfair and shared the dais with some really eminent local writers. There were lots of speeches. But all of them were in Malayalam. If I look somewhat glazed in the pics, put it down to total non-comprehension.The book reading (mine!!) was slightly better. At least a few people understood and spoke English.
Glad to be home for a few hours. I am breaking my Shravan tonight in absolute style. Chef Morimoto is in Mumbai for just two short days, and I shall have the privilege of sampling his exquisite cuisine at Wasabi. Champagne and Sushi? That's my eccentric preference. I don't drink sake. More tomorrow - if I get the time. I leave for Kolkata in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Ganpatis have started arriving - glorious sight. And Kerala is getting ready to celebrate Onam. Happy days are here again!! Ciao. Jhagda karo. But thoda sa pyaar bhi...
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Tata Bye Bye

Ratan Tata has long been my hero. I am so glad he has told that hysterical Mamata Bannerji where to get off. Let her hang on to Singur.... Tata is ready to set up shop elsewhere, okay?? Meanwhile, the poor Nano gets a raw deal and the world, another chance to snigger at India. What does one do with a Mamata. I'll be in Kolkata on monday ( after Calicut on the weekend), and I'll give you guys a first hand report on popular Bong sentiment vis-a-vis the Singur issue. From conversations with friends who live there, it is obvious they are embarrassed and annoyed. But the Bannerji lady is impossible to handle! Even assuming she has a point, look at the extent of the damage being inflicted on the State of West Bengal, in terms of a loss of face ( confidence, too). Just when the biz environment was beginning to look up, comes this debacle. Ratan HAS TAKEN THE RIGHT POSITION. No more bhalo bashi with West Bengal. Hello Maharashtra, Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh.... wherever.
Arundhati, my Dubai-based daughter, called excitedly to say she'd just watched Rock On.... AND..... loved it! Farhan, says my finicky daughter, is really, really hot! So he must be! Wow! So, who should be worried? Imran more or Ranbir more??
Oh... and I just loved Vijayendra's snub. Said our Golden Boy, " I am not planning to go on a date with Bipasha... are you kiding?" Is John disappointed... or relieved??
I may disappear from this space till Sunday night. You go have a great weekend... and keep squabbling!! I'm lovin' it!!