Thursday, February 18, 2010

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2010 - Part 2

Hello,

The Disqus comment form for my last post was just an experiment which most of you did not like. I am re-posting my latest post - the only way to change the comment form back to default.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF); as people say; is an experience you cannot easily forget. It stays with you for a long time. Those who missed reading the first part, can click here.

KGAF is all about Arts. Artist from various fields showcase their talent here. Various musical shows, plays, films etc. is performed on this stage.



I was unfortunate to be there in the afternoon; and the shows started by 4 pm; I could not see a single performance thanks to my so called busy schedule. But few amusing things made the visit quite an amusing one. For instance; this huge bell:



And the artistic nest made of golden wires:




Apart from such artistic beauties, there was a dedication to our ancient beliefs about Mannat (wishes). A young couple is spotted there. The guy is tying the thread to the wish board while the girl is all smiles.


In the Hinduism, it is believed that tying a thread to the tree leads to fulfillment of wishes. Since the trees are scarce now, people are satisfied with a wooden fence which is made of that auspicious tree.

There was one stall that offered small children to showcase their talent too. They were given a brush, colours and plain white T-shirt. They drew mountains, birds, sun, flowers, rivers and such. Some simply stroked the brush randomly; while others copied them and trying to do better.

The same stall offered hand made sketches too - the real one and not the computerized one that looks like a hand made sketch. I got mine made too. Though it does not resemble me much, but I still like it.



There are many things to be shared; many photographs to be displayed; but I do not want to bore you people. Hope you enjoyed this virtual journey as much as I enjoyed the real one that had ragda patties too with the Arts.



Ragda Patties Image Source: http://jugalbandi.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/ragdapattice1.jpg

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2010 - Part 2

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF); as people say; is an experience you cannot easily forget. It stays with you for a long time. Those who missed reading the first part, can click here.

KGAF is all about Arts. Artist from various fields showcase their talent here. Various musical shows, plays, films etc. is performed on this stage.



I was unfortunate to be there in the afternoon; and the shows started by 4 pm; I could not see a single performance thanks to my so called busy schedule. But few amusing things made the visit quite an amusing one. For instance; this huge bell:



And the artistic nest made of golden wires:




Apart from such artistic beauties, there was a dedication to our ancient beliefs about Mannat (wishes). A young couple is spotted there. The guy is tying the thread to the wish board while the girl is all smiles.


In the Hinduism, it is believed that tying a thread to the tree leads to fulfillment of wishes. Since the trees are scarce now, people are satisfied with a wooden fence which is made of that auspicious tree.

There was one stall that offered small children to showcase their talent too. They were given a brush, colours and plain white T-shirt. They drew mountains, birds, sun, flowers, rivers and such. Some simply stroked the brush randomly; while others copied them and trying to do better.

The same stall offered hand made sketches too - the real one and not the computerized one that looks like a hand made sketch. I got mine made too. Though it does not resemble me much, but I still like it.



There are many things to be shared; many photographs to be displayed; but I do not want to bore you people. Hope you enjoyed this virtual journey as much as I enjoyed the real one that had ragda patties too with the Arts.



Ragda Patties Image Source: http://jugalbandi.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/ragdapattice1.jpg

Monday, February 15, 2010

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2010 - Part 1

The roads of Mumbai have huge hoardings of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF). Name of the sponsors are more evident than the name of the event. Black and White theme of the posters with a colourful surf excel logo look quite interesting.


My numerous visits to Colaba and none at KGAF has left me curious - space management is the question I have been thinking about; which is answered as soon as I reach there. Whole place is transformed completely. Shops and restaurants have moved two steps backward to make space for the colourful stalls; each corner has something to offer - from food to eco-friendly Tees, bags, wall pieces, paintings, artifacts, jewelleries and such.

Among these colourful stalls, we find the Kala Ghoda (Black Horse). This Black Horse has a different story to share altogether.



The Drought

I am tired.
There is a change happening around me, which has speed. There is a drought of pure and honest thoughts. Creativity has dried up, relationships are breaking apart like hollow branches, responsibilities are too heavy to sustain. Minds are lost in the dry jungle with no freshness; only dry creepers entangling everything around. Humans have the power to change it, but the power is in DROUGHT. We are waiting for our wills to act, to break the shackles and free our self. Waiting for the shower of freshness which is only possible if we are greener from minds and hearts.
I am tired.
There is a change happening around me.
Which has speed.

I am fast. NO. I was fast.

- Yuvraj, Dipali, Rishi and Santosh

There are many messages about saving our earth. Many images that move your heart; leaving you wondering about what we have done with our planet and what we still are doing.



Extensive use of plastic will soon take over our trees too; if at all there will be any remaining then.




Domnic Anthony insists on installation of the earth with this unique concept!



Plastic is a demon..



Save the Earth..

And the image that left me really curious. I spotted it when I entered the KGAF. I do not know the meaning behind it. If any of you has visited KGAF and know the meaning behind it, please let me know.



Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Hidden Identity


This strange world of blogging!

Here, people call themselves lonely heart, crying eye, running skeleton, stupid character and what not. And they all are proud of these names. Call them by this in real life and see their reaction! Don't sue me if they beat the hell out of you.

There are few who have a decent names too. They don't want to reveal their identity or they can relate to that term really well. Few of them become really popular bloggers too. But people know the pseudo name of the person. Popularity is yours but the name isn't! Hmmm.

I was a geek when I joined this blogworld. (I still am, reasons best known to me!) I did not know how things work here, how one starts a blog; or anything. I created my account with my name and surname as the url, uploaded the coolest looking picture of mine (the current one is cool too), named my Blog as Neha. I was not even aware that people have a name for their blogs too! I told you I am a geek!

When I realized this, it was too late. My blog was popular (?) as Neha, I was popular by my name and photograph. I could not change anything. Dumb me! But I am fine with this arrangement (like I have any other option); now there is a feeling of "my own space" as I use this name.

Hidden Identity is not a common phenomenon only on blogs. It is common at chat rooms too. Nah, not those chat rooms where you speak with cool dude, sweet girl or adorable puppy; but our personal chat list where the name of your friends do not change to attract you-know-who! But the nature of hidden identity changes here.

My friend Prikant Shednekar (name changed for security purposes), who happens to be the co-author of my other blogs (oops, I revealed his identity, but I am sure he will not mind); he has downloaded a new kind of a messenger, where the idle status is one of the options along with busy, available, invisible etc. He says, it is very easy to avoid people on your list. Just set your status as idle and decide whom you would like to speak with. Rest will not bother to ping you after seeing your status. Hmmm, interesting!

Then there are those who always remain invisible. They either want to avoid people or work in peace. Or maybe concentrate chatting with one (or more) person only! God knows what is the logic behind this; but yes, they are perpetually invisible. Oh I forgot to mention one thing; I am one of those invisible souls too.

All identities accepted; but have you ever wondered, how many 007's are around this virtual world? You even tend to forget which cuppy cake you spoke with last evening.

But I guess people are happy with hidden identities! They will remain neglected creature even after 50 comments; lonely tree after 100+ followers and invisible even after blocking 50 people!

Image Source: Google Images

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Kyun Phir Sur Mila?

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS A WORK OF FICTION. I REQUEST YOU NOT TO TAKE THE POINTS MENTIONED HEREIN BELOW SERIOUSLY. WE LOVE OUR CELEBS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. I AM SURE ONE POST WILL NOT MAKE YOU HATE THEM (OR ME).
It was the grand occasion of celebrating the Success of “Phir Mile Sur mera tumhara” and I had the pleasure to meet the celebrities who have done so much for our country that they were made a part of this legendary song. Though we could ask only a few of them few questions; nevertheless, it was a great honour to interview those celebs.

AR - Rahem Man

Me: It is the greatest pleasure to meet you in person sir. I am your big fan. Tell me sir; what was the idea behind tweaking the original tune a bit (?) and coming up with a new one altogether?

ARR: It has been my speciality to do so. Remember our National Anthem that I made for Fame Cinemas? It should ideally be of 52 seconds; but mine is much longer than that! Still people love it. People love me. Anything I make works; so will this. In fact, I may use my part for a Hollywood movie. Another Oscar you see.

Amit Bechain

Me: You have given your voice for this song. What inspired you to do so?

AB: I have given my voice for almost all the songs of various genres. When the makers of this video heard me singing Himani Boro Plus song – that Swaha! One; they immediately contacted me to sing something similar. I had only one condition – I should be the first one to be featured. They agreed (like they had any other option); and there I was!

Shanky, Ehsy and Lyo
Me: your trio is playing altogether a different tune there. What do you have to say about it?

SEL: We wanted our part to stand out. People say ARR is the best; but we rock. You listen to his part and listen to ours. The national pride song was the best platform to prove that ARR is overrated.

Dipick a Padhu kone

Me: D, i must tell you; you are looking gorgeous in that video. How were you approached for this song but?

D: (Giggling) they did not approach me; I approached them. I asked them to feature Ranbir and me; so that they will get a bit more publicity. Now this is a secret ok – since i am single at the moment; I am hopeful to find somebody for me. There are so many sportsmen, actors and musicians around. I will spread the rumours of my link up first and then break up. It is a great idea to remain in news for a month you see when your movies don’t work.

Shia-mak Dee war

Me: Shia-mak, good to see you after so many years buddy. You are the only person I can ask a direct question to. What is this video all about? And what are you doing there?

S: The makers wanted a bollywood version of this song; that’s the reason all the big names were roped in. But the choreography has turned out amazing. The original song was missing that; and i have successfully created a fusion of classical dance and the western one.

Shah-no-ruk Kahn

Me: SRK, your part in the song – isn’t it your favourite pose?

SRK: Oh they used it in “Phir Mile Sur” too? No wonder I was invited for this party. I have around hundreds of copies made of that pose. Whenever somebody asks for a guest appearance; I send them a copy. So it is difficult to keep a track. I am sure technology took care of lip sync part too; if there was any.




I could not ask any further questions to anybody.