Till we meet again...
I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.
-- Gilda RadnerA day to go before I start off with my finally final exams of the final year...
and then, (in all probability) I'll be an engineer.
[OMG! what rhyme man...]It's been four long years... and yet, when i look back, feels like just, yesterday. For the umpteenth time on my blog, and probably the last, I reiterate - "I hate my college." I hate the place, I hate the climate and I hate most if not all the people, I met (or not). In short, I hate everything that is there to be hated and everything that there isn't.
But, this isn't about hate you know... This is about thanking people who made this journey - an experience of a life time. People whom I grew up with (at least I'd like to believe that) people who taught me so much in so little a time that I have problem storing the treasure (And that doesn't really include the teachers... Most (I say most and not all) of them were nothing but pretentious jokers who came nowhere close to being fit for the noble profession. And above all, it's about Friends.
Now, you keep getting on terms of good friends, better friends and best friends with your friends, but all the same, they remain friends.
People, whom you could tell something at some point of time that you didn't feel like telling anyone else in the world. Faces that came to your mind first, when things gave the slightest hint of going awry. The certain someone you could share a drink or two with and still be at ease. Someone you could make fun of and rest assured you didn't have to ask if it was going overboard. The blackmailer, you could share your dreams and fantasies and of course crushes with. That certain someone you wouldn't wait for a second to call up before you broke news about the latest in your life. The names you looked for, first up, when signing into chat. And yes, someone you could count on to get you through your exams, when the day arrived, by hook, or by crook.
A few of my friends tell me I write long, too long. Their curse! I'm not getting more words to fill up this post with...
So I'd do probably what's the best thing to do in such circumstances... leave you with a song and some memories. I heard some people in my college say that the official college farewell documentary didn't make them cry. Ridiculous! Go watch the numerous other things that can make you cry, sweet memories are things to be cherished and smiled upon, if you think otherwise... go get a life!
Now since I didn't want any of my friends who watch it to cry, I chose precisely this theme and song... and added another stanza to the original... Hope Greenday don't sue me for that!
[ Check link if you can't see anything up there ]
On a parting note,
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
Good Bye, Good Luck and errr... Good Riddance!
Listening to: Are We The Waiting, American Idiot, Greenday
Dedicated to: Friends and Friendship, yeah! Just that...
_
Karachi Valie
About three years down the line I came up with the idea of THE iNFINITY. And one of my first posts was a review of Rabbi's next album - Avengi Ja Nahin. It wasn't that big a success - the media had blasted it all through, and had even gone to the extent of branding Rabbi - "A saint turned failed lover"! [How I hope we bloggers aren't included in the same category - the media. I mean, I hate them]
Anyways, this is my all time favourite Rabbi song - one that holds a real beautiful meaning and no message - sometimes limitations tend to get the better of you, and infinity comes to mean some vague term that becomes stuff that dreams are made of.
It's Punjabi folk, with a Bryan Adams undertone to the music, so I had always wondered how many of my readers would actually understand if I posted the lyrics...
So, just like that, I decided to post the song and translation, of course with some help from Google.
Do write in to say what the song meant for you... whatever you came to understand of it...
Je aunda maen kadey hor
Ki mulaqat hundi
Je hunda maen changa chor
Ki jumme-raat hundi
Je aunda jhoothh maenu kehna
Tan vi ki parda eh si rehna
Hijaban vali
Karachi Valie
Kujh khali tere andar si
‘Te shayad mere vi
Ik paase khahishan si kharhian
‘Te dujey haddan si
Ni haddan terian si nerhe meri door
Ki karda maen si majboor
Mijajan valie
Karachi valie
Thhande sahan valie
Rukhe valan valie
Thorha kasoor si mera
Thorha si tera kasoor
Par dasso dil uthey kiven jit sakdai
Jithey rehndian ne mattan vadhoo
Tun tukdi si rakhdi si bujhdi si machdi di
Jhakdi si kardi si gallan
Munhon dilon hor
Maen takda si rah, kadey takda si daa
Kadey farhda si banh teri
Aakhar maen si chor
Asan lai ik sann kurhey
Vehna kinna chir khaloni eyn
Vaddi kandhan valie
Karachi Valie
Thhandey sahan valie
Rukhey valan valie
And , The English Translation:
Had I come another time
Would we have still met
Had I been a good thief
Would tonight have been a ball
If I knew how to lie
Would this cover have still remained
O veiled one
O Karachi girl
There was something hollow inside of you
Perhaps inside of me too
On one hand stood desires
On the other limitations
Yours were too close and mine too far
What could’ve I done I was helpless
O sassy one
O Karachi girl
Your sighs were so cold
You hair were so coarse
A bit of it was my fault
And a bit yours too
But tell me how can heart win
Where mind holds forte
You nibbled, cast aside, got doused, got inflamed
Hesitated, spoke one thing from your mouth and
Another from your heart
I waited in your path, waited for a chance
Grabbed your arm
I was after all a thief
I’ve made a breach
Will see how long shall you stand
You and your big wall
O Karachi Girl
Your sighs were so cold
Your hair were so coarse
Listening to: Karachi Valie, Avengi Ja Nahin, Rabbi... (since morning :)
Dedicated to: ummm... let's leave it for the moment.
_
Dedicated to: ummm... let's leave it for the moment.
_
...yes, she caught my eye.
Part II
Continued from Part I
"So what song are you listening to?", she questioned by pointing to her ears, obviously a reference to his earphones.
He wasn't really sure how to say this in sign language. He had never been good at dumb charades even with his friends... but that was not going to be a roadblock for him at least this time -
"You"...
"are"...
"beautiful." he managed to say it through his hapless gesturing, somehow.
"Thank you so much", she said with a bright smile and... a flying kiss! He just about managed to catch hold of the kiss... and his own breath.
Suddenly, dewdrops began to appear on her windowpane. The hold up was over and traffic was moving. The central heating had been switched on... she quickly scribbled her mobile number on the window as her bus moved up the flyover and didn't even have the time to say a goodbye...
Suddenly, dewdrops began to appear on her windowpane. The hold up was over and traffic was moving. The central heating had been switched on... she quickly scribbled her mobile number on the window as her bus moved up the flyover and didn't even have the time to say a goodbye...
"He'd probably call me. Hope he was quick enough to note down my number. I know he will.", she thought to herself.
And then, she turned pale with the realisation that she had written the number straight facing her, but it must have appeared all scrambled up to him, from the other side.
"He seemed like a nice guy.", she sighed...
"He seemed like a nice guy.", she sighed...
Three days later...
"What if I remember her number wrong? Nah... gotcha back my instincts." He'd never been bad with numbers... in fact, he'd been better than most mortals, thus far.
As he dialed the number, he had a sudden stroke of fear... "Girls are good at playing pranks! I should have called this number from a public booth." By then his call had been received...
It was Seven in the evening when her phone rang, with the ring tone that said it was from an unknown caller. As she pressed the talk button hesitantly an enchanting voice from the other end began, "Hi! I just got my new SIM, that's why couldn't call earlier. So how were you?"...
"Err... Do I know you?", she cut her caller short.
"It's me. Arjinkya. The... mmm... bus guy?", he explained. "Oh I'm sorry. I should have introduced myself better."
"Heyyy! I thought, I'd lost you there... how did you manage to read the number backwards!!!?", she had a hard time holding back her excited self.
"That wasn't a bother really. I had a specific learning difficulty, an SLD, in my childhood, that made me scramble up rightly formed words and allowed me to read scrambled up words fine. A kind of dyslexia, that works to my advantage many a times, to this day... errr... sorry again. I shouldn't be bothering you with the details, I guess, all you need to know is... I found you!
"Err... Do I know you?", she cut her caller short.
"It's me. Arjinkya. The... mmm... bus guy?", he explained. "Oh I'm sorry. I should have introduced myself better."
"Heyyy! I thought, I'd lost you there... how did you manage to read the number backwards!!!?", she had a hard time holding back her excited self.
"That wasn't a bother really. I had a specific learning difficulty, an SLD, in my childhood, that made me scramble up rightly formed words and allowed me to read scrambled up words fine. A kind of dyslexia, that works to my advantage many a times, to this day... errr... sorry again. I shouldn't be bothering you with the details, I guess, all you need to know is... I found you!
Do you, have a name, by the way?"...
The End.
Listening to: 1973, I Really Want You, James Blunt
Dedicated to: Ignorant drivers whose impatient driving manners lead to traffic hold ups, and allow me to think up tales such as these to tell.
P.S.: This is what I describe as 'inspired fiction'. Whoa! I just invented a whole new genre of fiction! lol
_
...yes, she caught my eye.
Jonathan: This is the ultimate blend to drink. How’d you find this place?
Sara: I first came in because of the name: Serendipity. It’s one of my favorite words.
Jonathan: It is? Why?
Sara: It’s such a nice sounding word for what it means: a fortunate accident.
- From the movie Serendipity (2001)
Part I
His elbow struck the iron sidebar, as he jostled with his suitcase on the luggage shelf to get it out. Curses flew hard and fast off his shivering mouth on the cold winter morning, when nothing seemed to be going right for him. He missed the train, had to pay twice over to the autowallah because of the strike, and now he was bumping around in this fidgety old bus, going at a snail's pace in what seemed like an eternal traffic hold up. Just as he sat back in his seat after pulling over a jacket that he had just managed to get out of his suitcase after a few scratches on his elbow, he saw an air-conditioned bus pull alongside the one in which he was traveling. It was a huge thing, an imported Mercedes-Benz body with large glass windows that never opened and beautiful blinds that blocked all the passengers from view and real world lights.
"Queer are the ways of the rich and the famous", he said to himself as he wished in his heart that he could have boarded a similar thing in the kind of weather... But that was not really possible, so he went back to listening to James Blunt on his mp3 player...
"Yes she caught my eye, as I walked on by... " he was humming along when he suddenly saw the blinds being unfolded for one of the windows, from the corner of his eyes. She was beautiful indeed. As she flipped through the pages of the book in her hand and fiddled with her locks falling on to her face every now and then, he was caught in a dilemma - what to concentrate on - the book or it's reader. Suddenly he realised she was reading Marley and Me, an original cover hard bound. "Must be a rich man's daughter", he thought to himself again. He had a pirated photocopy version of the same book in his backpack too, one he had been compelled to pick up off a vendor on the sidewalks after watching the movie on his friend's laptop, of course, off a pirated DVD.
He hadn't been able to finish the last few pages in part because of the almost unreadable print and more because of his recent disenchantment with the book, the movie he thought was better made. Now suddenly, he felt the urge to read the rest of the book. He got up again to reach for his backpack on the luggage shelf. Surprisingly, he got to it with ease, and there were no bruises to show. As he got down to reading, the words started floating in weird three dimensional patterns once again and he was reminded of his childhood days as a dyslexic kindergartner who was a riddle to parents and teachers, alike... Aamir Khan hadn't thought of directing his own movies back then!
Realising that he couldn't really concentrate on his reading he thought he would better concentrate on the beautiful reader than the book. So he began stealing glances every once in a while, until he saw to his surprise the cute damsel from the other bus waving the book's cover. He saw around himself to ensure that the call was for him indeed. With a sheepish grin, he nodded back with his copy of the book in hand.
She gestured back showing four fingers of her hand and then making the 'too good' sign - that was her favourite chapter from Marley and Me.
"What's your's?", she waved back with her hands, as if asking the question. "Same as you. Four", he gestured back. And they both shared long, admiring smiles.
to be continued...
Listening to: About A Girl, Nirvana
Images courtesy: deviantART
Dedicated to: James Blunt and You're Beautiful
_
CASTAWAY
It's tagging time on iNFINITY I guess... Flipping through the blogosphere, I ran into this nice little (actually weird) game on Life Or Something Like It... In my previous tag, I had mentioned how i have a song to go with every damn moment of my life, but more often than not, I choose those numbers by myself. What if someone else does that, someone rather unpredictable? I let Microsoft's Windows media Player do it for me this time! Interesting stress buster, I must say.
And as AMERICANISING DESI hadn't tagged anyone in particular, I decided to tag myself (Is it bad - manners? I'm sorry then...).
So the RULES.
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle. (try out your favourite playlist, if I may add)
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW... (yes... a bit of handwork!)
4. Tag n no. of friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun! (You surely will have lots of it... believe me!)
so much for the credits...
Get... set... go...
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
It's Not About You [Scouting for Girls] "Lol... what else?"
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
She's Waiting [Eric Clapton] "For sure. I could live with that belief for the rest of my life. Patiently!"
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Livin On A Prayer [Bon Jovi] "Guess that made me fall for some. hehe"
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Show Me Love [T.A.T.U.] "Just for today?"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Mary Jane [Alanis Morisette] "HAHAHA. I hope it's not the chocolates though."
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Wonderful Tonight [Eric Clapton] "Aw! For sure. This night, and every night."
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I Really Want You [James Blunt] "That is news! I thought I bugged 'em away!"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Higher [Creed] "Apt. Yeah!"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
That's The Way It Is [Celine Dion] "After every damn thing that happens to me, yes."
WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Love Song For No One [John Mayer] "HAHA. In fact every mathematical operation sums up that for me, I'm that bad at it you see."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Run To You [Bryan Adams] "I usually walk. 'coz that's the one person I remeber in the end."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Phir Dekhiye [Rock On] "Phir. Phir Phir. Phir Phir Phir Dekhiye! Aw! please just once, look at me."
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
All Rise [Blue] "Precisely. Always on trial!"
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Same Mistake [James Blunt] "Damn sure on that. Even if I'm the biggest mistake, who cares?"?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
You And I [The hutch Song] "But the cruel world consists of other people too, ready to spoil the party. :("
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Scattered [Greenday] "Windows Media Player needn't tell me THAT!"
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Laaree Chhootee [Ek Chaalis Ki Last local] "HAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! {regaining breath} is it gonna be that bad? No, please!"
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Sk8er Boy [Avril Lavigne] "HAHAHA! {No Comments}"
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Garaj Baras [Paap] "On others? Nay! It's me whom I blame all the time."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
All Summer Rock [Sweet home Alabama] "Just the summer? They rock through whatever clime we have in life man!"
WHATS THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Do I Have To Say The Words [Bryan Adams] "O ho haw! Easy mate..."
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Kitni Haseen Zindagi Hai [Lucky Ali] "No problems with that."
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Cuts Like A Knife [Bryan Adams] "Hmmmm... It does. SERIOUSLY!"
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina [Abhimaan] "HAHAHA. Every time I run into her, man! she's so cute, all I can do is blush and laugh."
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Mumma [Dasvidaniya] "Hmmm... No. she doesn't beat the hell outta me! I've grown up for that... it's when I'm homesick..."
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
O Sanam [Lucky Ali] "So Mr. WMP passes that on to HER? CHEATING!"
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Leaving On A Jet Plane [John Denver] "HAHAHAHA. Haven't flown in a long long time... but the first 2-3 take offs seemed scary for sure!"
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
E Ajnabi [Dil Se] "I knew it... Mr. WMP is as diplomatic as Gates himself"
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Sunshine of Your Love [Eric Clapton] "Make it moonllight or something like that... more romantic version."
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Pal Pal Dil Ke Pass [Blackmail] "That's it. Am I allowed to sue a software? Or does Mr. William Henry Gates take the responsibility for this thing that keeps bringing back ol' memories :)"
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Castaway [Greenday] "Hmm... like... For SURE... iNFINITY never had anything close to this ever... "
I haven't tagged anyone ever, so I just have to deal this seemingly initial torture to some people. So, I pass this game on to...
Akansha
Ashish
Unknown
perturbedperceiver
Aditi..............:)
ss
The Pink Orchid
a25yearold
... and anyone else who liked this, go on, do it right now!
Dedicated to: The one who thought of the 'shuffle' function for music players... life would have been a wee bit difficult without it.
And as AMERICANISING DESI hadn't tagged anyone in particular, I decided to tag myself (Is it bad - manners? I'm sorry then...).
So the RULES.
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle. (try out your favourite playlist, if I may add)
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW... (yes... a bit of handwork!)
4. Tag n no. of friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun! (You surely will have lots of it... believe me!)
so much for the credits...
Get... set... go...
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
It's Not About You [Scouting for Girls] "Lol... what else?"
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
She's Waiting [Eric Clapton] "For sure. I could live with that belief for the rest of my life. Patiently!"
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Livin On A Prayer [Bon Jovi] "Guess that made me fall for some. hehe"
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Show Me Love [T.A.T.U.] "Just for today?"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Mary Jane [Alanis Morisette] "HAHAHA. I hope it's not the chocolates though."
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Wonderful Tonight [Eric Clapton] "Aw! For sure. This night, and every night."
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I Really Want You [James Blunt] "That is news! I thought I bugged 'em away!"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Higher [Creed] "Apt. Yeah!"
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
That's The Way It Is [Celine Dion] "After every damn thing that happens to me, yes."
WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Love Song For No One [John Mayer] "HAHA. In fact every mathematical operation sums up that for me, I'm that bad at it you see."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Run To You [Bryan Adams] "I usually walk. 'coz that's the one person I remeber in the end."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Phir Dekhiye [Rock On] "Phir. Phir Phir. Phir Phir Phir Dekhiye! Aw! please just once, look at me."
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
All Rise [Blue] "Precisely. Always on trial!"
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Same Mistake [James Blunt] "Damn sure on that. Even if I'm the biggest mistake, who cares?"?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
You And I [The hutch Song] "But the cruel world consists of other people too, ready to spoil the party. :("
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Scattered [Greenday] "Windows Media Player needn't tell me THAT!"
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Laaree Chhootee [Ek Chaalis Ki Last local] "HAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! {regaining breath} is it gonna be that bad? No, please!"
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Sk8er Boy [Avril Lavigne] "HAHAHA! {No Comments}"
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Garaj Baras [Paap] "On others? Nay! It's me whom I blame all the time."
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
All Summer Rock [Sweet home Alabama] "Just the summer? They rock through whatever clime we have in life man!"
WHATS THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Do I Have To Say The Words [Bryan Adams] "O ho haw! Easy mate..."
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Kitni Haseen Zindagi Hai [Lucky Ali] "No problems with that."
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Cuts Like A Knife [Bryan Adams] "Hmmmm... It does. SERIOUSLY!"
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina [Abhimaan] "HAHAHA. Every time I run into her, man! she's so cute, all I can do is blush and laugh."
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Mumma [Dasvidaniya] "Hmmm... No. she doesn't beat the hell outta me! I've grown up for that... it's when I'm homesick..."
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
O Sanam [Lucky Ali] "So Mr. WMP passes that on to HER? CHEATING!"
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Leaving On A Jet Plane [John Denver] "HAHAHAHA. Haven't flown in a long long time... but the first 2-3 take offs seemed scary for sure!"
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
E Ajnabi [Dil Se] "I knew it... Mr. WMP is as diplomatic as Gates himself"
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Sunshine of Your Love [Eric Clapton] "Make it moonllight or something like that... more romantic version."
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Pal Pal Dil Ke Pass [Blackmail] "That's it. Am I allowed to sue a software? Or does Mr. William Henry Gates take the responsibility for this thing that keeps bringing back ol' memories :)"
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Castaway [Greenday] "Hmm... like... For SURE... iNFINITY never had anything close to this ever... "
I haven't tagged anyone ever, so I just have to deal this seemingly initial torture to some people. So, I pass this game on to...
Akansha
Ashish
Unknown
perturbedperceiver
Aditi..............:)
ss
The Pink Orchid
a25yearold
... and anyone else who liked this, go on, do it right now!
Listening to: All those songs being dished out by Mr. WMP! What else?
Dedicated to: The one who thought of the 'shuffle' function for music players... life would have been a wee bit difficult without it.
To the Mozart of Asia - A.R. Rahman
Before coming here, I was excited and terrified. The last time I felt like that was during my marriage.
- A. R. Rahman during his Oscars acceptance speech.
A. R. Rahman got an Oscar for what surely isn't the best work of his life. But, I'm not complaining. He desrved an Oscar or something even better than the silly curvaceous charcoal statuette for many of his previous works. And since the world has it's queer ways of going about acknowledging things, it'd be only now, that Rahman, and some of new school Bollywood, is officially brought under the limelight...
I don't write much about music on THE iNFINITY - being the music freak that I am, I had thought I'd dedicate a whole blog to music, but time constraints never quite let it materialise. And so, when I do need to write about something Music that is great as well... I come back here.
A. R. Rahman surely may have got the Oscar now, but we always knew back home, that he was big and unique and for most part of it, in a league of his own. They call him the man who really brought in fusion - in music and cultures too - the North and the South of India first, and the East and the West now, and for me the fusion between generations - me and my dad could agree on a few things to play in our newly installed car Kenwood, back in the 90s, when Rahman had arrived.
I have tried my hand at composing music, and for the short while that the fad stayed, it was an experience in itself. I don't really know how Rahman does it actually (recent interviews say it's more of a spiritual journey for him - each song that he does), but it's like playing rapid chess with infinite opponents, while in a trance. The catch? You need to play the opponent(s) too. For those who fear chess though, it's not that taxing a job, you enjoy it more... err.. just a bit.
And since Rahman does his job the best (this time the Hollywood agreed too), it says volumes about the man's talent, dedication and well luck (if you are one of those who think (Himesh)Reshmiya could have done a better job, given the chance). At this time, when the nation, is going gaga over his contribution to Indian music - I decided to come out with 25 of his all time best compositions. Actually, each and every song of his, from any movie that he does is listenable, hummable and more... but it's about the ones that I thought are the best, according to me.
And, it's a countdown, like they do it on radio on the weekends! I'd love to host countdowns... for now I don't mind writing one! So, A.R. Rahman's 25 best compositions for Bollywood, according to me are...
25. Mujhe Rang De - Thakshak, 1999
24. Chaiyyan Chaiyyan - Dil Se, 1998
23. Rutt Aa Gayee Re - 1947 Earth, 1998
22. Tu Hi Re - Bombay, 1994
21. Khwaja Mere Khwaja - Jodha Akbar, 2008
20. Saathiya - Saathiyaa, 2000
19. Khuda Hafiz - Yuva, 2004
18. Aye Hairathe - Guru, 2007
17. Aye Bachchu - Ghajini, 2008
16. Paathshala - Rang De Basanti, 2006
15. Dil Gira Dafatan - Delhi 6
14. Khoon Chala - Rang De Basanti, 2006
13. Yeh Jo Des Hai - Swades, 2004
12. Yun Hi Chala Chal - Swades, 2004
11. Jiya Jale - Dil Se, 1998
10. Rishta - Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, 2003
9. Roobaroo - Rang De Basanti, 2006
8. Maa Tujhe Salaam - Vande Mataram, 1997
7. O Paalanhare - Lagaan, 2000
6. Masakali - Delhi 6, 2009
5. Dil Se - Dil Se, 1998
4. Nahin Saamne - Taal, 1999
3. Luka Chuppi - Rang De Basanti, 2006
2. Kehna Hi Kya - Bombay, 1994
1. Dil hai Chhota Sa - Roja, 1992
Some other favourites that I had to skip because it's a Top 25 or because it's all about Bollywood or any other reason(s) are -
Kahin To... - Jaane Tu Ya Jaane NaI don't write much about music on THE iNFINITY - being the music freak that I am, I had thought I'd dedicate a whole blog to music, but time constraints never quite let it materialise. And so, when I do need to write about something Music that is great as well... I come back here.
A. R. Rahman surely may have got the Oscar now, but we always knew back home, that he was big and unique and for most part of it, in a league of his own. They call him the man who really brought in fusion - in music and cultures too - the North and the South of India first, and the East and the West now, and for me the fusion between generations - me and my dad could agree on a few things to play in our newly installed car Kenwood, back in the 90s, when Rahman had arrived.
I have tried my hand at composing music, and for the short while that the fad stayed, it was an experience in itself. I don't really know how Rahman does it actually (recent interviews say it's more of a spiritual journey for him - each song that he does), but it's like playing rapid chess with infinite opponents, while in a trance. The catch? You need to play the opponent(s) too. For those who fear chess though, it's not that taxing a job, you enjoy it more... err.. just a bit.
And since Rahman does his job the best (this time the Hollywood agreed too), it says volumes about the man's talent, dedication and well luck (if you are one of those who think (Himesh)Reshmiya could have done a better job, given the chance). At this time, when the nation, is going gaga over his contribution to Indian music - I decided to come out with 25 of his all time best compositions. Actually, each and every song of his, from any movie that he does is listenable, hummable and more... but it's about the ones that I thought are the best, according to me.
And, it's a countdown, like they do it on radio on the weekends! I'd love to host countdowns... for now I don't mind writing one! So, A.R. Rahman's 25 best compositions for Bollywood, according to me are...
25. Mujhe Rang De - Thakshak, 1999
24. Chaiyyan Chaiyyan - Dil Se, 1998
23. Rutt Aa Gayee Re - 1947 Earth, 1998
22. Tu Hi Re - Bombay, 1994
21. Khwaja Mere Khwaja - Jodha Akbar, 2008
20. Saathiya - Saathiyaa, 2000
19. Khuda Hafiz - Yuva, 2004
18. Aye Hairathe - Guru, 2007
17. Aye Bachchu - Ghajini, 2008
16. Paathshala - Rang De Basanti, 2006
15. Dil Gira Dafatan - Delhi 6
14. Khoon Chala - Rang De Basanti, 2006
13. Yeh Jo Des Hai - Swades, 2004
12. Yun Hi Chala Chal - Swades, 2004
11. Jiya Jale - Dil Se, 1998
10. Rishta - Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, 2003
9. Roobaroo - Rang De Basanti, 2006
8. Maa Tujhe Salaam - Vande Mataram, 1997
7. O Paalanhare - Lagaan, 2000
6. Masakali - Delhi 6, 2009
5. Dil Se - Dil Se, 1998
4. Nahin Saamne - Taal, 1999
3. Luka Chuppi - Rang De Basanti, 2006
2. Kehna Hi Kya - Bombay, 1994
1. Dil hai Chhota Sa - Roja, 1992
Some other favourites that I had to skip because it's a Top 25 or because it's all about Bollywood or any other reason(s) are -
Latika's Theme - Slumdog Millionaire
The Airtel Jingle - I just love it!
O Rey Chhori - Lagaan (actually all the songs that I couldn't mention)
Delhi 6 - the Title Track
Yeh Tara Woh Tara - Swades
...and many more.
OK. I know, you don't quite agree with me... some change to the rankings and some additions and subtractions here and there. but, it's a moment to be celebrated, and we could do that later. For now, let Rahman, his music and my mp3 stick [?] bask in the glory of his twin strike at The Oscars. Jai Ho!!!
Listening to: Latika's Theme - Slumdog Millionaire
Dedicated to: A.R. Rahman - the Mozart of Asia.
Dedicated to: A.R. Rahman - the Mozart of Asia.
P.S.: Do reflect back with your favourite Rahman number... or better still a whole Top 25? :)
Three cheers to Kailash Kher the composer
RATING: **** / *****
Sixty odd blog posts and this is only my second music album review on the iNFINTIY. For the simple reason that I can't review what I don't listen to and I don't listen to what does not appeal to me. So, only the second album to be reviewed on iNFINITY had to be something special, and indeed it is.
Dasvidaniya - the music album released by Lemontea Productions as the OST of the movie which goes by the same name is something I am hooked on to ever since I caught hold of the songs. Composed by Kailash Kher, the music is a no frills attached, sheer listening pleasure for all of us bored with the run of the mill stuff being dished out by bollywood movies to - make up time.
You seem to get mesmerised with Track 1 itself. Titled 'Alvida' the lyricist takes his time to bring the listener to realise that it is not exactly a sad farewell that the character wishes to have, but all he wants to do is, go out on a high. And the way the score suddenly changes from a melodramatic piece to new age rock, makes you, well, sit up in awe.
Track 2 - funnily titled 'Mumma' is a touching piece, with Kailash Kher at his vintage best. You even see glimpses of his all time best 'Allah Ke Bande' now and then, but for the now, lets not compare two tracks that shouldn't really be. A mother's day dedication piece for me!
Track 3 - 'Muskura' brings back Sonu Nigam with something substantial after a long time. Inspiring you to smile in the same vein as the title track from 'Kal Ho Na Ho' - his best piece till date for yours truly. Back to this song, the accordion - mouth organ combination takes you for a while to the good old days of black and white movies. And then the tempo, just builds up.
Track 4 - is an instrumental rendition of Muskura again. Nice listening when you are in mood for sweet nothings.
And Track 5 - which happens to be the last track is a remix of Track 1 - Alvida. I, don't really comment on remixes, though Kailash Kher knows better, he doesn't need instant coffee to sell his stuff.
All in all a good buy if you pride at calling your collection different. And I give the album 4 stars on a 5 point scale.
So until the next time a new piece appeals to me the same way, this is the musical me signing off.
Avengi Ja Nahin?... Rabbi's second coming
Few people make you sit up and notice their composition like Rabbi Shergill does. One of the few artists whose every new work or even public appearance is eagerly awaited by yours truly. So I was just about disappointed by his last work - no its not his debut album I am talking about, it was his music for the bollywood experiment Delhi Heights. Experiment it was in a true sense of the word, given the cast, director, music and yes the publicity as well.
Maybe Rabbbi and bollywood don't go along all that well(most of his fans including me would like that to keep happening), so here he is trying to do what he (that is what I think at least) does best - dishing out his thoughts in his new private album and not surprisingly, its called Aawengi Ja Nahin.
One of the first problems that I face when editing the ID3 tag for a Rabbi Album in my iTunes library is defining the genre. It sure is punjabi(the new album even has a beautifuly rendered english track to defy that though), a bit(or more than that) of sufi, the different guitar patterns bring in a tinge of rock and if you want to give credit to the singer/composer himself... its revolutionist to some extent. But that's for the perfectionist, if you are a music freak in the crude sense - just play it on.
The new album has 9 tracks, of which the title track Aawengi Ja Nahin, is of course all the more ear catching and hummable given the the fact that its splashed all over the music charts, and has that distinct rabbi look to the music as well as the video.
My persoanl favourite is Main Bolia, track 3 and a great piece of simple guitar flavour for the amtaeur guitar enthusiast. No wonder I have been trying my best to find the chords for the song online ever since I heard it for the first time. If you happen to find a good tab-set, please be kind enough to post in the link.
Challa, track 1 is nostalgic stuff, that reminds one of Gill te Guitar from his debut album.
Tu Avin Bandra, track 6 holds special meaning for me as I am going to shift to Mumbai very soon. Remains to be seen what the invitation is all about.
Bilqis(Jinhe Naz Hai), track 8 again brings the revolutionist to the fore, albeit, Rabbi seems to loose himself, in the eagerness of conveying the message, but then again, maybe that is what he alway intends to do - pass on the real message.
Return to Unity, the last track seems more of a prayer for the celebration. And the fact that this song and the one above have been especially mentioned as Rabbi's own productions, just emphasize the fact that these are compositions close to heart.
The presentation is nice, with creative and indulging cover design, and all songs with line to line punjabi to english transliteration - another effort on part of the artist to break the language barrier in order to reach out to everyone so as to convey - the message.
The music's out on Yash Raj Music, a first for the Yash Raj group company, i suppose. The album debuted across the country on mobile phones in collabration with Nokia, another first which indicates a lot about the amount of excitement that Rabbi's new album generates everytime he comes out with one.
The final word - its not in the same league as the debut album, but then if you want to listen to Rabbi the singer, you need not compare, just listen and feel.
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