'The Greatest' Bids a Goodbye to His Boxing Fans!

Muhammad Ali, the man who immortalized the words, ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’, passed away at 74 yesterday. This is a huge and irreparable loss to the boxing world!  Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, reckoned as the greatest heavy weight champion in the history of sport.  He was crowned as the ‘Sportsman of the Century’ and figures in the top sportsman in the 100 years by the Sports Illustrated and declared as ‘Sports Personality of the Century’ by the BBC. He authored several best sellers which includes ‘The Greatest: My Own Story and ‘The Soul of a Butterfly’. 

Ali’s stardom rose slowly and steadily. He made his debut in 1960, beating Tunney Hunsaker in a six-round match. By 1963, he had a cumulative record of 19-0 - most of them through knockouts. He won against competent opponents like Tony Esperti, Jim Robinson, Donnie Fleeman, Alonzo Johnson, George Logan, Willi Besmanoff, Lamar Clark, Doug Jones and Henry Cooper.  All the matches weren’t in his favour. He nearly lost the game in a few but made an astounding come back.  What’s surprising is, ahead of each of his fight, Ali used to belittle his opponents with verbal remarks. To Ali “Jones was an ugly man”, “Cooper was a bum” “He was embarrassed to get in the ring with Alex Miteff”.   

Nobody will ever know if it was Ali’s strategy to let loose his tongue on the opponent before he let loose his fists.  He would intentionally pick up verbal punches. Bash them to pulp with vicious remarks and then go on to win the fight. Such was the confidence of this man. Of course, Ali was nicknamed the “The Greatest” for nothing. He was involved in several historic boxing matches. Popular among these is the Liston fight, three with Joe Frazier and ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ with George Foremen’. 

Ali’s fame as a boxer rose to its peak when he beat Liston for the world heavy weight title in 1964. Liston was almost unbeatable. Before the pre-match build up of the Ali- Liston fight, Ali taunted Liston as “The Big Ugly Bear”, “Liston even smells like a bear” and “After I beat him I am going to donate him to the zoo”.  Everyone thought Ali’s behavior stemmed from fear and anxiety, some even wondered whether he would turn up for the fight. But the skeptics had to eat their words at the decisive outcome of the fight when Ali emerged as the winner.  

Shortly after the Liston bout, Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali on converting to Islam. Later, when he refused to be inducted into the Army Service to fight against Vietnam, the centre stripped him of his title. Subsequently, his boxing license was suspended.  He stayed away from boxing in the country during his peak performance.  

However, later, Ali was granted to license to box on winning victory in the court. This time Ali had to face Joe Frazier for the title. Both were undefeated fighters. The excitement of the bout caught everyone’s attention and ultimately the fight was broadcasted to 35 countries. Ali as usual came out winner stunning all the cynics yet another time. 

The stunning win set the stage for a fight with George Foreman, who was known for throwing hardest punches in the history of boxing. During the match with Foreman, Ali taunted Foreman saying “Is that all you got George, They told me you could hit hard?” while he leaned on the ropes inviting his punches. The move was later came about to be known as ‘Rope-a Dope’. Everyone thought Foreman would win the fight since he had already defeated Frazier and Ken Norton who gave tough fights to Ali. Contrary to the widely held belief, Ali emerged winner. 

Ali’s next opponents included:  Chuck Wepner, Ron Lyle, and Joe Bugner. In fact, it was the match between Ali and Wepner that inspired Sylvester Stallone to script the iconic movie, ‘Rocky’.  Ali went on to script success like no other in the boxing history. Today, Ali is not only popular for his incredible matches but also for his memorable and punchy Quotes:  “Don’t count the days. Make the days count”, “A man who has no imagination has no wings”, “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.” Finally, let’s not forget his popular oneliner, “Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee.”  May his soul rest in peace! 

The day the stars smiled on me.

The other day, I caught sight of a snap of Virat Kholi, with his upraised hand and a bat in his hand. Underneath the slightly raised shirt sleeve existed a tattoo that screamed ‘Scorpio’ - the astrological sun sign that stands as a mystery to scores of individuals. I wondered if there was any relation with his sun sign and his success. Not that I am a stern believer in this incantation, but instincts were customary as I indulged in my fair share of studying stars when I was a college graduate. 

Over the years, on appraising myself with countless astrology books, I comprehend Scorpio is a powerful sun sign. It exists in three variations. One, the sign of eagle that regenerates as the phoenix that rises from the ashes; other, the sign of Scorpion, which stings itself to death, finally, the sign of the grey lizard, which withdraws into itself often wallowing in self-pity. 

During the pre-university days, I was so obsessed with astrology that I read more number of occult books than subject books. This was furious enough for my parents to think of throwing me out of the house. But my siblings convinced my parents it was only a passing fade. 

Passing fade, my foot! I still read all that stuff! Though it may not be in the same breath and admiration. 

My earlier obsession fringed on insanity as I had my natal chart drawn and analyzed. As if this fixation was not enough, I hung on to every word this chart predicted; as if my whole destiny was pre-determined by the stars at a distance. And  I absolutely had no say in my destiny. 

Not the one to keep the knowledge to self, I dragged many a friend into vortex of occult sciences. I was a personal counselor to countless star-crazy youngsters who clamoured around to find out which girlfriend would best suit their respective sun-signs.  Deep discussions over cups of coffee, calculations, assumptions and planetary influences were analysed debated and discarded before deciding the fate of the would-be or may-not-be girlfriends. 

For all the knowledge of the stars, I was treated as a star myself. And I thoroughly enjoyed the adulation. 

The reading wasn’t just restricted to astrology but spanned almost every sphere of occult science. Cheiro, Linda Goodman and others would have been greatly thrilled at the mammoth crush I had on their predictions. Their writings were scriptures in which my entire life and scores of others lives lay trapped.  When I think back now, I can only say what a sheer waste of time! 

However, I wouldn’t say it was all a waste of time, as many girls clamored around to wherever I was just to listen to their future predictions through someone who is a die-hard fan of Cheiros or Goodmans or Duruwalas. 

I wouldn’t say there was any fortune in doing so, but I would I say I was fortunate enough to hold hands of beautiful damsels as they gazed into my eyes - the reason enough to drive all my other classmates’ wild with envy. Then it suddenly dawned on me - studying stars wasn’t all that waste. I knew for certain, the stars did smile on me in other ways.  

Star Movies Brings Back Memories.

Will someone tell me where Mel Gibson is these days? 

Actually, I was watching his movie ' Lethal Weapon 2' on Star Movies and my thoughts instantly drifted back to this handsome hunk, whose hairstyle and dressing we used to copycat as youngsters. Frankly, there were some cool movies of his that really bowled us over. Remember?! A Bird on a Wire, Ransom, Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 1 , Lethal Weapon 2, Brave Heart, The Patriot, Maverick, What Women Want… all of which featured Mel Gibson in his inimitable style and he never failed to impress us. 

I still remember how I grew my hair long after seeing him in 'Lethal Weapon 2'. My dad even though he secretly condemned the act, was glad I didn’t look that bad either. Growing your hair long back then was nothing less than a sacrilege which invited neighbours, relatives and family’s full wrath – all at once. The repentance for such rebellion was getting one’s head tonsured. 

However, I was only subjected to occasional outbursts of anger. After a month back, I was forced to relegate back to my original short hair.  I secretly wished if I only could have them out of my hair. Now, I could only chuckle over those things. 

Anyways, talking of Mel Gibson, 'Lethal Weapon 2', which featured on star movies the other day, was awesome. The story was tight. The dialogues, punchy. It’s been a long time since I saw the movie, so, everything seemed brand new. This perhaps is one movie where the heroine is killed yet you see nothing askew.  

Danny Glover adds zing to the movie. There’s this particular scene that’s really uproarious. Danny Glover, a police officer in the movie, invites Mel Gibson, another police officer, over to his house to watch a commercial in which his daughter featured. Everyone’s excited. The family is glued to Television. When the commercial turns on and is half way through, everyone realizes that the advertisement is of a contraceptive product. You should watch Danny Glover’s face turn to stone as he switches off the TV and with a dazed look asks everyone to leave the room. Unabashedly hilarious! 

Joe Pesci spices up the movie a bit more. His comic timing is amazing. I simply rolled over with laughter at the dialogues. His acting skills come to fore in the movie ‘My Cousin Vinny’! Anyways, ‘Lethal Weapon 2' will always be remembered because we, friends, bunked the college and stealthily burgled ourselves into theatre to watch  this cop movie! 

All Eyes on Indiana Jones Series Installment.

Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg coming together to shoot the fifth sequel in the series of Indiana Jones is yet another occasion to showcase their brilliance in Hollywood fiefdom. Harrison Ford, who has been lauded for his countless roles, mostly for his iconic role as ‘Han Solo’ in the Star Wars series, is a man of unusual talent.  What perhaps stands him apart are his rugged looks and smug attitude, which never failed to ignite a captivating onscreen presence! No wonder he excelled over six decades in the massively competitive arena of Hollywood. 

Where looks matter more than acting does, how does the 73-year-old still manage to grab roles right under the noses of the younger cast?!  A question that still goes unanswered even today. In 2003, American Film Institute hailed him as the second greatest hero of all time!  Seven of his films have been inducted into the National Film Registry. He has to his credit numerous hits which include: ‘Blade Runner’ ‘Witness’ ‘Patriot Games’ and ‘Clear and Present Danger’ both of which are book adaptations of the renowned author - Tom Clancy.  ‘The Fugitive’, ‘Apocalypse Now’, ‘Presumed Innocent’, ‘Air Force One’, ‘What Lies Beneath’, ‘Star Wars’, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ are few other notable flicks.

His ability to breathe life into the role and live it with an ease akin to none is what perhaps keeps the average movie-goer glued to the screen. Acting flows naturally to him. Whether he punches villains or utters sly remarks with his sarcastic trademark smile, one is bound to go weak in the knees. His recent appearance in the sequence Star Wars ‘Force Awakens’ has also won him decent reviews while putting him under the spotlight. More than the sequels of ‘Star Wars’, it’s the Indiana Jones’ series that catapulted him into unprecedented fame.

Known as Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr., a professor of archaeology, adventurer, and the protagonist of the Indiana Jones, his character is reckless, adventurous and action-oriented.  Though rumour mills were rife that a new actor would don the role of Indiana Jones, Steven Spielberg affirmed that Harrison Ford is the only actor who fits the bill flawlessly. The reason perhaps is that Harrison has carved a niche for himself with his typical bullwhip, fedora Satchel, leather jacket and his sarcastic trade mark smile. – A role that is a snug-fit for the character.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ was a phenomenal success. It’s obvious that Spielberg came out with sequels, which proved equally good. Unfortunately, ‘Indiana Jones and ‘The Temple of Doom’, which was a prequel to ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, but released afterwards, was banned in India as the movie chartered into troubled waters. Indians missed the brilliant performance of Amrish Puri, who is better known as “Mogambo”, to this side of the audiences. However, the movie did significantly well in other parts of the world.

‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ had some breathtaking scenes too – be it riding horses alongside jagged mountain ridges or getting persistently attacked by Nazis. What’s more, the flick also had Sean Connery who puts on an impressive performance with his spot on rib-ticklers.

‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, which released in 2008, was as gripping as the rest with the plot centering on discovering the secret behind the mysterious artefacts – Crystal Skulls. Harrison puts on a deadly show trying to avoid the soviets while strategizing to lay his hands on the Crystal Skulls.

In fact, all Indiana Jones series are racy, exploratory and palpitating with action - the reason why they appeal to almost everyone. With Steven Spielberg vouchsafing that the fifth installment of Indian Jones is set to roll into action, audiences are ever eager to catch them both in another flick which in all probability would set hearts’ thumping and adrenalin pumping.

Lamakaan – The Heartthrob of Artists

Quite recently, there was a lot of hue and cry to close down Lamakaan.  However, many youngsters took to roads with placards saying it must exist. Their will prevailed - at least, for the time being. 

For those who aren’t aware, Lamakaan is an interesting hangout for youngsters and an awesome place for art and theatre lovers. It’s an independent bungalow nestled in the posh Banjara Hills vicinity. What adds a touch of spice to this hangout is its nonchalant existence. It’s a quaint joint quietly hidden in one of the by lanes. Unless one distinctly knows the interiors of Banjara Hills, the chances of missing it are huge.  

Interestingly, the building in itself takes an informal shape, free flowing spaces that effortlessly blend with the environment. The stage for theatre performances at the ground floor seamlessly merges with the jutting rocks and plants surrounding it. The loosely spread tables and chairs add a rustic yet a classic look to the ambience, lending a feeling of complete serenity. 

I still can’t place my finger on as to who owns this awesome place and why is it being given away for an hangout when the owner can easily spin loads of money out of it? 

Nevertheless, it’s an idyllic site that sets the ball rolling for chats, snacking, and reading or for that matter simply indulging in small talk with friends. The canteen almost resembles the ones you have within the college premises, stocked with all goodies you nonchalantly love to ransack from time to time. Yes, reminisces hit quite hard.

Fascinatingly, the tea, served in glasses, gives a feeling of having it on a highway to a faraway destination. The assorted dishes include; piping hot Samosas, Dhai Wada, Bread Omelet, Nimbu Paani, and all those appetizing delicacies. All dishes are dirt cheap yet tantalizingly appealing and satiating. 

The crowd encompasses a wide spectrum of ages. You find all sorts here. The moustaches, the beards, the completely bald and of course how can we forget the pony tails. Hey, hang on; we haven’t started talking about the girls. Not yet.  

The girls are often spotted here in groups stealing glances at spicy food laid out on the table or at the pony tails or moustaches across. Some of the bold ones even sport a cigarette on their lips while discussing movies and directors. Many budding talented movie directors as well as music directors make a stopover before they climb on to the top of the success ladder. Of course, you have all sorts buzzing around the joint. 

If you have the itch for good paintings, trust me, this is one of the best places. Whoever you are - an artist or an admirer - your thirst would be quenched. The bungalow hosts art shows quite frequently. The same goes for the theatre too! Screening of plays happens at the drop of a hat. 

The last time I read of a joint resembling this place was when I read about Shantiniketan.  Of course, Ravindranath Tagore exists in his full breath here.All said and done, this is an awesome place to let one’s hair down without really feeling out of place. Youngster or an oldie you can have all the fun you desire by simply stepping into this out-of-this –place.  

The Eternal Stories of Love

This was published in Hans India - A reputed daily in Telangana. 

It’s Valentine’s Day. While the love birds take to crooning to each other on this special day, the time is ripe for taking a sneak peek at novels that break hearts with their profundity and sensitivity. These stories will either break your heart or overwhelm it, while transporting you to a different world. The beauty of these novels is, unlike a few lovers, they don’t desert when you need them. They sit pretty adorningly on shelf, waiting on the moment you would take them into arms and fall in love with them. 

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy:  

Set among the echelons of power in Russia, the story is about Anna Karenina who visits her brother Stiva in Moscow to help him restore his marriage. Although a married woman, she falls in love with Count Vronsky. Fraught between her desire for Vronsky and her loyalty to her husband, Alexei, she leaves her husband. Paradoxically, she is denied a divorce. Torn between love life and married life she leaves Vronsky in anger. 

Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak:

This is the story about one man torn between two women. Set during the 1917 Russian Revolution, the protagonist, Yuri Zhivago, is a well-known doctor and poet. While he is married to rich and aristocratic Tonya, as a twist of fate, falls in love with Nurse Lara. This is an interesting love triangle that is caught between love and wartimes and is scripted to emotionally appeal to the readers. 

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Love Story by Erich Segal:  

A story about two school mates - Oliver and Jennifer. They start out skirmishing with each other and later unknowingly fall in love. Oliver, who is cut off from his inheritance by his father, for falling in love with Jennifer, is jobless and has to live on his wife’s earning. After a couple of years of struggle, he lands a plum job only to realize that Jennifer has Leukemia. The intense love between the two and hapless situation they are caught in is sure to tear the heart. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: 

This is an ageless classic. The plot revolves mainly around two characters Elizabeth, one of the five daughters of Mrs Bennet, and Darcy, a reasonably wealthy man. Darcy on the outward seems like an arrogant man is actually a sensitive and caring individual. The initial disagreements between the two slowly transcend into love. While To everyone’s astonishment the two end up in blissful matrimony.   

Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare
This is one of the most celebrated works of William Shakespeare, albeit a tragic one. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who fall in love, come from two different famed clans of literature. The rivalry among the clans is so bitter that both kinfolk express their dissent towards the lovers’ marriage. The family’s disproval of love eventually leads to demise of lovers. 

Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Hester Prynne’s love for Arthur Dimmesdale is uncompromised even when she is tortured and publicly humiliated. On the other hand, Arthur Dimmesdale, who is the priest, seems to be torn between his position and his love. The confession of Arthur Dimmesdale as the father of Hester’s child, pearl, and his sudden demise shocks everyone and leaves Hester in a complete quandary.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: 

This perhaps is the only book where the narrator remains nameless all through. The protagonist meets Maxim de Winter and soon becomes Mrs. Winter. At every step of her journey, she finds it difficult to fill the shoes of Rebecca, Maxim’s dead wife. She is constantly harassed by Mrs. Danvers who is quick to point out that Rebecca was far better any every manner. But the twist comes when she finds out Rebecca was actually murdered. It is an undeniable page-turner. 

Click on the link below to access the article on epaper

http://epaper.thehansindia.com/721494/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/15

Naked Truth

Guess whose books are grabbed off the shelves moment they hit stands. Sidney Sheldon, of course! However, there are many who criticize him. But, I adore his craft so much that I commit his sentences to memory for sheer pleasure of using elsewhere to recreate a similar effect. Though I read his books countless times, I still wouldn’t back foot in picking any of his titles and re-reading again for nth time.  Mildly put, most of his sentences are hotly branded in my mind. 

Unaware of my passion for Sheldon’s books, out of the blue, a blogger friend handed out an autobiography of Sheldon ‘The other side of me’. I hadn’t an inkling, Sheldon’s biography even existed. The tome looked no less than 400 pages and I was filled with pure delight.

The book was phenomenal and quirky punches all through were resplendent of Sheldon’s streak of genius.  As always, I wished that the book wouldn’t end.  ‘The other side of me’ picked up pace in early pages itself; As a result, read past midnight. The book gave me new insights. New perspectives. New understandings. All doubts I had about his writings instantly erased. 

What always surprised me was how Sheldon knew so well about pits of poverty and highlife of wealthy which he depicts so commonly in his stories. After reading his biography I understood he swung from one extreme to the other frequently. It was clear that failure and success were his buddies all through life. 

Fascinatingly, even names accorded to characters in his stories were from his real life though they have been altered a bit. While immensely talented, he hardly comes across real success in life. He won an ‘Oscar’ yet he was always out of job. His scriptwriting for broadways didn’t really put him in spotlight either. Neither did the movies. 

It was only when he went on to script novels; he found his groove. He affirms unlike scriptwriting, which constantly got altered by directors or adapted to scenes, he was free to write whatever he wanted to. This, I believe, has granted him enormous scope for exercising his creative judgment. ‘The naked face’, the first book he wrote, based on a Psychiatrist, is actually picked up from his own life story. Sheldon was diagnosed for ‘bipolar disorder’ – a disorder where the patient suffers from acute bouts of depression and euphoria almost at the same time.  If I am not mistaken even the Psychiatrist’s name ‘Judd’ remains the same in novel. 

Here's what I found incredibly interesting about his launch of the first book, ‘Naked Face’. On the same day, there were three other writers, who launched their books. For book signing, all of the three had long queues. But there wasn’t a single person in front of Sheldon’s desk. Sheldon didn’t know where to look, so he put his head down and started scribbling on a piece of paper. After sometime, an old woman appeared and asked, ‘What’s the name of the book. He replied, she said, ‘Alright, I’ll buy it’. Sheldon goes on to say, “It was not out of pleasure that she bought it, but as an act of mercy”. I like the candidness with which he views everything. Incidentally, the book went on to become a phenomenal best seller, winning an Edgar award for the best mystery novel. 

His embarking on writing novels has whetted the appetite of many a soul hungry for mystery stories. The twists in the plot are no less praise worthy either. Each book takes you through a feeling of free falling and landing on an enormous comfortable cushion. Of course, not always a cushion. But definitely through a high you can’t really put in words. I guess many of us owe it to Sheldon for playing his role to the hilt.