For the love of Chase!

Others might look on this legendary writer as another author, but when it boils down to spinning first -rate crime stories, he simply is a prodigy par excellence. Allow me to introduce James Hadley Chase. I know some might shriek and jump out of sight at the very mention of his name; others might feign ignorance and a few others might actually be fascinated by him, which is quite an astonishing act considering that most intelligentsia looks down on him.  Not that he isn’t a prolific writer but because he writes sleazy stuff. Well, I stand for what I believe; therefore I stand with my elementary belief; he is an awesome writer who holds many aces up his sleeve and would outsmart anyone in the game of storytelling. 

I became an official aficionado of his works, when I passed out my secondary education and became a pre-university student. How did it all began? Actually, my friends surprised me on my birthday by presenting a Chase. The cover as usual was a seedy one with a half-naked woman holding on to whatever remained of an unbuttoned shirt. Initially, I got scared to receive such a book and decided not to touch it with a barge pole. However, an avid book reader among the gang guaranteed that the cover was always a grossly misleading picture of the actually story within. “Most stories are clean with adventurous twists and turns,” he affirmed. 

Taking him on his word, I ventured out to reading one. One was enough to get me hooked. It was opium. I became an addict.

God! I was surprised why I haven’t read him before.  The sleuth in me surfaced and went hunting for his books in every nook and corner of the city. Soon, within a span of six-months I must have read almost all his titles. There were times when I read three books in a day flat. That was the time, my elder brother and sister, who had graduated to reading more serious stuff like the Kafkas, gave me irate looks which explicitly stated: time you grew up kiddo! 

Thanks to the soul of steel I possessed then, I didn’t easily give up. So, I stuck to ‘Chases’ while they chased other writers who never were within my immediate intellectual parametres. Thus began my love for Chase.

Although I have traversed many miles with other authors as guides, philosophers, magicians, storytellers, friends, intellectuals, navigators, problem-solvers, extremists, lovers… I haven’t come across anyone that was as fast-paced and as mercurial as Chase.Even today, when there’s a holiday or a long journey on the cards I ensure a Chase is tucked in along with my other books and necessities.  In fact, Chase will always remain a favourite no matter what.  For those who give me those shady looks for reading him, I can only say ‘Go, have a life’ while I have mine on my own terms. 

The Marathon that Wasn't - For Me!

Last month, Airtel organised a marathon run in Hyderabad. I desperately wanted to participate in the full marathon; unfortunately, there was tremendous workload at the office. Working for not one but for almost four different organisations, I always find myself in a tight spot. To wiggle out of work is nothing short of a miracle. Yet, there is no complaining. Anyway, before I sound the bugle a little too loud for comfort, I would like to express that I am terribly distraught at not participating in the marathon. 

The pain transforms itself into unbearable, when friends on facebook repeatedly keep posting their beaming faces at the finish line. This is enough to make me punch a hole in the computer. Since computers or laptops don’t come easy, I let my pumped up adrenaline cool off by taking a walk in the park. Even in the park you see joggers running and you see nothing but red. Anyway, the disappointment is something that I am going to have to live with for a long time. 

As if the agony of not participating is not enough, my family members’ rubbing it in with constant quibbling that ‘I couldn’t a run mile and I am planning to run a marathon’ makes me fume through  my ears. The sentence keeps ringing in my head like the haunting dialogue “Beta soja ..soja nahi to gabbar singh aa jaayega.”. Of course, my problem is tad serious in nature than the village of Ramgarh. In this matter, neither Amitabh nor Dharmendra can lend a hand. Basanti, undoubtedly, is a long shot. Of course, I do recollect that Sanjay Kapoor had no hands but legs. What he accomplished with them at the end of the movie, made me flinch. Ouch! 

Actually, with the run in mind, I had bought an armband and downloaded an interesting app which could measure footsteps, heartbeats and the works. I was fully geared until I realized the bosses of my organizations had different plans for my future. To make me run after money instead of a marathon run. Of course, 10k, half-a-marathon or marathons never paid me anything; ironically, I paid money to run, which I could do anytime any day, nonetheless I wanted it that way. When you think back, ‘ Wasn’t that sheer madness?’ is the first thing that jumps to mind and runs around in circles in head.

Anyway, I stand decided: the next time; I’ll do the whole marathon, come rain or hailstorm. 

Talking of hailstorm, someone I know had run a Boston marathon. While he decided to run the toughest marathon on earth, the gods played foul and a heavy downpour descended on participants. Anyway, unlike me, he ignored gods and the rain and completed the full race. I am delighted he didn’t yield. Because now I look up to him as the god of Marathon. 

Well, thinking within the box, since the next marathon is a good year away… what do I do?! Train? Or Gain? 

The Hub of Festivity

This was published sometime before Ramzan in The Hans India - A reputed daily in Telangana

The allure of Hyderabad, which is known for its magnificent and opulent Nizami legacy of 400 years, is that it flawlessly merges the ancient and the modern. The monolithic structures blend in fabulously against the thriving city skyline. 

The spectacle at charminar is all the more palpitating with the heavy bustle of business during nights. Lit up with numerous incandescent lights, the region is decked up like a bride. The shops are at their thriving best. 

Whether its roadside hawkers selling fruits or mouthwatering delicacies, or shops displaying embroidery of intricate patterns or vendors offering you shimmering shades of bangles or shops decked up with jodhpuri or Kolapuri sandals, a royalty that goes well with your embroidered kurtas…there’s an old world charm that wraps you up in an embrace of coziness and exquisiteness.

The area woos the avid shopper with an array of stimulating home décor. The décor to deck up the house in style here is unmatched. You can bring home a colourful carpet that resembles the exquisite carpets of Turkey, or a traditional diwan set akin to the patterns of the Moghul Empire or gorgeous curtains that hold the appeal of the Nizami era in their folds…the richness of this place couldn’t be compared with places anywhere else. 

The entire stretch leading to the four minarets is greeted by jutting balconies and shops on either side of the ancient road. With canopies protruding onto either side of road, the area is no less than a mini-Baghdad.  Clads in typical Kurthas offering you scents filled in coloured bottles. The vials of multihued, crystal contours are as engrossing as the perfume they hold within their confines. What’s more, the most gripping aspect of shopping here is that the prices are decent and products, often, remarkable.

After the hectic shopping you may feel like titillating your palates with Hyderabadi delicacies? No problem, there are countless Biryani joints around the region. Shadab Hotel, which is a stone’s throw from Charminar, is a good spot for visitors whose appetite is driven to tickle their taste buds with the rich Hyderabadi biryani. The season’s apt to send one’s taste buds on a delicious tour with the world-renowned Hyderabadi Haleem. 

Haleem, a hot favourite of every Hyderabadi, is not merely restricted to the vicinity of Charminar but spread across the state. Its rich flavour and tantalizing aroma is enough to make one’s mouth water. But some of the joints at Charminar area offer special Haleems that come with a boiled egg, cinnamons, cashews, almonds and the works. Pista House and Shah Ghouse, which are close by, are an excellent choice to refresh oneself with a hot bowl of Haleem.

Unfortunately, it’s only during this Ramzan season, that you find Haleem at every nook and corner. Frankly, Charminar area is one place that retains its age-old rustic charm while lending flavour to a new-age living. That's why it holds a special spot in the hearts Hyderabadis during Ramzan.

Hey, Young Homie What You Trippin’ on …

I had a look at this clip long ago; since then had been searching high and low but simply couldn’t lay my hands on it. Somehow, I stumbled on it accidentally again. Boy! Am I glad I found it! This guy, Chris Rene, blew me to smithereens. He is a former drug addict who has risen as the phoenix from the ashes and conquered everyone’s hearts. A hell of an individual, who is not only a singer and rapper but also a songwriter. 

There’s always something about any guy who is neck-deep buried in mud yet has the courage to look at the stars and reach out for them. Chris is no different. And when Chris says, “Life is too precious to simply throw it away”, I couldn’t agree with him less. His performance is damn hot and he’s got his notes in place. When he quips, “Life’s more than having a trip and it is not always about getting a high” he scores with the audience and everyone. And look at L A Reid’s face when Chris is performing, you know he has delivered the goods.  If you ‘Google’ for Chris Rene, you’ll come across him doing other songs with an equal comfort and freshness. Amazing to see someone crawl, walk and run…within a short span. 

Here’s hoping he would go many more miles and make many more dance to his rap tunes. Incidentally, this recording is from 2011, I am quite sure he has come a long way since then. 

Meet…Chris Rene, a former drug addict and now a ‘star performer’.

Eye of the Tiger

When was the last time you went retro?! Gone spiraling down the rabbit hole of the past? Reminiscing over singers that were incredibly special. Unlike today’s blessed generation where youngsters don’t need to budge a finger to hear melodies of their favourite singers but simply google-speak and voila! They have their songs playing. Back in our days, we went through a helluva trouble to simply lay our hands on our favourite artist’s songs. Even then clarity was a major issue.

Anyway, cutting to the chase, the crux is that like so many others I too am a die-hard fan of Sylvester Stallone, who broke new ground with his Rocky movie series in Hollywood. There was this particular song in Rocky -II ‘Eye of the Tiger’ which everyone swooned over. So, when the flick hit the silver screens, I was as restless as a cat under the tree full of birds.

However, watching movies in theatres was intermittent, parents never understood the deep-rooted desires of children, unfortunately, there weren’t any channels on TV then and waiting for Rocky- II to feature on Doordarshan was almost a joke. So, all hopes dashed to smithereens. I had to wait for a good many years before I caught up on the movie in theatre!

In fact, whenever this song booms out of the sound system, my immediate thoughts run out to rocky, where Stallone wouldn’t give up on his dreams even when he is almost down and done…like a true champ. In real life too, he is champ for overcoming countless obstacles.

So, let’s play ‘Eye of the Tiger’ to see if the steel is still in the voice of  Dave Bickler of Survivor band …Listen and get hooked. Now, don't giggle or snicker at this band members dressing or mannerisms, remember, we time-travelled to a different era. 

On a Success Cruise

This has been published in The Hans India - A reputed daily in Telangana!

Tom Cruise, with his ever-green charisma and drop dead gorgeous looks, has indeed come a long way.  Actually, in 2012, he was sitting pretty as the highest paid Hollywood actor. Although distinguished for his super-hot looks, what really sparks an attention is his awesome acting and incredible pick of movies. His career took off with the movie ‘Endless Love’, what catapulted him to recognition is ‘Risky Business’ a romantic comedy which won Cruise top reviews from critics and audiences alike. Although successful, he was still treated as just another promising artist and was never ascribed the due credit.

It was the action-drama movie ‘Top Gun’ in 1986 that made his career soar to brilliant heights and credited him as a full-fledged, professional artist. Starring as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell pitched against actors like Val Kilmer and other prominent stars, the movie overnight won him accolades and fans. The markedly differentiating aspect of this incredible flick was that it stayed high on emotional quotient. In the movie, Cruise’s friend and co-fighter pilot is killed as a result of his nonconformist attitude. That apart, his falling in love with his instructor, Charlie (Kelly McGillis) also sports on the maverick’s nonconformist attitude quite intensely, which incidentally was against the grain during the 80s. 

Incidentally the song in the movie “You Take My Breath way”, sung by Berlin, resonated well with the audiences and had won Academy Award and Global Award for the Best Original Song.  With the firepower the movie generated, Tom Cruise was seen as a rising star and Hollywood was swift enough to seize advantage and what followed was a slew of exhilarating movies which saw Cruise don roles that have gone down the memory as unforgettable. His flicks include: ‘Top Gun’, ‘The Color of Money’, ‘Rain Man’,  ‘Cocktail’,  ‘Born on the Fourth of July’, ‘A Few Good Men’, ‘Jerry Maguire’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ , ‘Vanilla Sky’, ‘Minority Report’, ‘Tropic Thunder’, ‘Valkyrie’, ‘Jack Reacher’, ‘Rock of Ages’  and ‘Edge of Tomorrow’. Each had its own charm and appeal and these movies elevated the esteem of Cruise. 

‘A Few Good Men’ movie is a gripping drama with an appeal no drama-based movie could easily match. Set in the court rooms of law and drawing on acting prowess of Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson, the movie has high-tension drama that keeps the audience hooked. No matter how many times you watch it, you simply can’t get over it. ‘Jerry Maguire’ is another such movie that makes you fall in love with Tom Cruise for his boyish enthusiasm and brilliant charm – the same reasons the heroine falls head over heels for him. 

Among all his movies, what stands him apart as an actor par excellence is the ‘Mission Impossible’ Series. The movies’ suspense that gripped the audience was something the fan had always looked forward to, and Cruise delivered it time and again with impeccable precision.  Starring as the Secret Agent, Ethan Hunt, in the ‘Mission Impossible’ series, he performs stunts that are no less than James Bond’s, if not more. 

After the spectacular success of ‘Mission Impossible – 1 (1996)’, Ethan Hunt seems to have sworn not to ever let down his audiences. Because, what followed were consistent hits of Mission Impossible series. ‘Mission Impossible – II’, ‘Mission Impossible – III’, ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’, each had the audiences waiting for the next release! Helicopter rides, car chases, high-tech gadgets, Jujitsu fights… you got every scene and sequence that could send your adrenaline pumping!

With the fifth in the series ‘Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation’ already released, the audience’s expectations are really soaring high! The movie sounds promising too because Cruise is doing what he does best - racing bikes at break-neck speeds, hanging on to Airplanes in midair, fighting with his hands tied back … all of which are done without using a stuntman. If the movie rating is anything to go by, IMBd gives it 8/10, Rotten Tomatoes, 93% and Metacritic, 75%.  Which means the movie is bound to make you spill your popcorn with its fast-paced excitement.  If you haven’t seen this movie, you better catch up on it, because life in the fast lane is always thrilling! 

For a quick review of the e-paper, click on the link below:
http://epaper.thehansindia.com/561332/SUNDAY-HANS/09-Aug-2015#page/8/1

Reckless mind. Meandering thoughts. Late nights. Bitter mornings…and other mundane happenings.

Ever felt you were floating on clouds and never would want to get off the cottony, amorphous, floating fluffs?! Well, there exist occasions for all of us that we secretly revel in. For me, this typically happens at nights after a vastly successful day. After returning home late from an exciting event or a gathering, I lie on the bed and cherish recollecting sequences that took place that day and how everything delightfully culminated to give a high. And by the time I actually doze off, it’s almost morning. 

The next thing I know is that the streets are being lit up with the morning fervor. The paper boy’s bicycle making rickety sounds as he delivers the newspaper house to house. The milkman’s hurried knocks on doors to keep his schedule of delivering the milk on time. Muezzins calling the devote Muslims for morning prayers. The loudspeakers, far and few, playing  ‘Suprabhatam’ and wives and mothers waking up even before the Sun calls up on their doorsteps to start preparing food for families. 

Actually, the mornings before the sunrises are the most invigorating. But unfortunately I am not an early riser. The only time I used to get up early was when I was in school. That too, when it was a holiday. Of course, the torture of school was enough to send me burying my head under the pillows leave alone waking up on time. Even now, as a grown up, I would never agree of getting up early when there was school. The logic being simple: why lengthen the hours of anguish?! 

Anyway, drifting back to what I actually wish to share. One of the other culprit for my sleeping late is the Youtube. It’s a real spoiler. There are times I get so immersed watching movies, music and videos, I stand aghast at chunks of time I splurge on this contrivance. Nevetheless, the wonder of Youtube is that it is a devise that swiftly jogs you down the memory lane. You can catch up on all those lovely things you have missed earlier either on TV or in theatres. 

Regrettably, yesteryears memories being rosier than today’s, you tend to linger around longer than usual. And, even before you realize, the night turns into day. And you are left with 8 hours sleep deficit…and an aching head. Horrified, all you instantly do at that moment is switch off everything that remotely sounds digital and crash.

Frankly, you hardly catch a wink, when some family member wakes you up and hands you the codeless saying it’s from someone called ‘Ranjith’.  You are about to scream at the top of your lungs as to who this stupid fella ‘Ranjith’ is, suddenly realization dawns, and you softly answer into the phone, “Good morning, Sir. Oh. Yes. I know. I’ll be there. No problem”. That’s the boss. Of course, half asleep who tends to remember his name...Suddenly, the feeling of floating on clouds vanishes and you are dumped back in reality with a thud. Believe me, this happened to so many times, the only exception is the change in the name of the boss. 

The moral of the story: Don’t night dream. But day dream. Keep your sanity and, if possible, the job.