My Dwarka, my delight

Dwarka sub city is a well planned and an organized residential area located in the south west of Delhi. Around six to seven years back, this place was nothing more than barren land. With huge apartments, tall buildings, clean wide roads and plenty of greenery, it has become one of the healthiest places in the capital.

As a resident of Dwarka I do face a few problems within the locality. To start with, people here often fall victim to problems like less parking facility, shortage of water, power, and lack of transport available and so on. Each problem has to be sorted out meticulously keeping in mind that no place on earth is perfect. As residents of Dwarka, it is not only our duty to make it suitable for living but is also our responsibility to make sure that our area is made better.

Dwarka is my home since seven years and I have seen this bare piece of land turn into a posh locality. Even basic necessities like grocery, water and electricity used to be a problem. People were not only hesitant to visit Dwarka but also stayed away from exploring this unknown piece of land on earth. But today it is known as the largest sub city of Asia. Some may argue saying, Dwarka does not have theatres or malls. In a way Dwarka-ites should consider it to be a blessing in disguise. Coming up of theatres or malls will pull in more crowd. More crowds would pull in more traffic. People would throng along from different parts of Delhi causing congestion and would make way for unscrupulous activities. As it is, Delhi is called the crime capital and no place in Delhi is free from crime; at least the number of crime happenings in Dwarka is less as compared to the other areas in Delhi.

The minute I slide down from the flyover and enter Dwarka, I get the feeling of entering a new world all together. It appears to be away from the crowds and happenings of the main city. Every sector or rather every plot in Dwarka is developed after a great deal of planning. Almost each sector has a DDA park for the kids to spend their evenings. Not only this, most apartments in Dwarka are spacious and have parking facility inside their apartments. So, one need not worry about parking their cars somewhere outside. Whereas, in the much talked about areas of South Delhi, parking one’s own car nearby becomes a problem.

The domestic as well as the international airports lie in the vicinity of Dwarka. Metro has been Dwarka’s pride ever since the beginning. The metro line connects Dwarka to central, north and east Delhi. Dwarka has certainly been a blessing to its residents and I would call myself lucky enough to stay in such a place. Right from temples to churches, schools to colleges, and hospitals to clinics, Dwarka-ites need not worry about anything

After setting up a number of schools within Dwarka, the government is already planning to set up colleges here. Delhi University’s Bhaskara Charaya college of applied sciences is already functional and along with it Indraprastha University is also hopeful of coming up with colleges within a year. Private colleges like Apeejay Institute of Management and Mass Communication has students from various parts of Delhi. All these colleges offer a variety of regular courses to students. This takes away the burden of commuting to far flung places for a degree or a diploma.

Popular joints have also opened their branches putting an end to travel all the way till CP or South Delhi. Pizza Hut, Bercos, Dominos, Pizza Corner, Costa Coffee and KFC have all reduced the strain of going out of Dwarka. Everything is made available in an easy manner. Restro- Bars like Club 7 and Godavari have come up for those who love to share a drink of beer or whisky.

Dwarka was earlier considered to be a dreadful place with no connectivity to the outside world; but looking at so much of developments, Dwarka has blossomed from a desolate land into a world class habitat in just no time and is no longer a godforsaken place as it was thought to be. Dwarka has changed beyond recognition and in no time it will be among the list of avant-garde places of the country.

My first day at work and a plethora of information

I entered my first day of work at Compare Infobase Ltd with a lot of anxiety and anticipation in mind. After finishing the paper formalities with the HR department of the organisation I was brought to my work station and introduced to my colleagues. A basic introduction on the company and its various ventures was then briefed up. The next task given to me was to go through a website called www.indiahousing.com.

I had often heard about www.indiahousing.com and might have even logged on the website, out of curiosity. But to my surprise I never examined the website in a careful manner as I did it just some time back. It was today when I realized that this particular website has information about almost everything. The first impression that a layman gets after hearing India housing, is probably a one line statement – details of real estate. But on the other hand, this particular website talks not only about real estate but it weaves a very dreamy picture of owning a lovely looking house.

Gone are days when we ourselves had to go looking out for a property dealer in the hot sun or windy winters. All thanks to the cyber world as all such information is available just a click away.

To begin with, the home page of the website opens with a statement of fact. It summarizes saying, every one of us have been habitual of drawing and painting a beautiful house with lush greenery around it. While drawing a house most of think about owning the same in our subconscious mind. Nor a single state neither a city goes without mention on www.indiahousing.com. Be it small affordable flats in the metros or a hill view house near a mountain, it has it all.

The number of links that this website has is indeed enormous and according to me, even a whole day would be less to read all the information given in different links. There are people who travel to different parts of the country for a variety of reasons; like, education, jobs, official transfers or even a holiday. www. indiahousing.com acts like a guide to all these people and helps find an accommodation suitable for them. Details about furnished houses, unfurnished houses, houses on rent or even paying guest accommodation is easily available on the website.

Interiors of our house are as important as the house itself is. Simply buying a house does not finish our job. The actual work starts after the house is bought. Interior decoration plays a vital role here. What curtains to put, what colours to paint; which furniture to use and how our kitchen should be are the questions that remain in our minds constantly. The simplest solution for all those who cannot afford to put much time thinking about it is to log on to this website and find answers to their never ending queries. Information on home appliances, modular kitchens, flooring, ceilings, lightings and so on can be found out after logging on to this website. Apart from just interior designing it also provides information on Vaastu and Feng shui.

It would not be wrong if said that www.indiahousing.com offers a one stop solution to all housing related concerns. Be it the interiors or the exteriors, it puts an end to our search. This website is surely a blessing for all those who are hopeful of beginning a new living.

Honeymoon in Hawaii

Honeymoon is the most memorable time in a couple’s life. It is the beginning of a new future with a lot of inquisitive feeling. This time is the most cherished period and a key to a successful marriage. With a wide range of options right from the huge mountains to the deserted beach, I am sure all of us might have dreamt of having their honeymoon in the most preferred location.

Hawaiian Islands are pieces of land, located in the North Pacific Ocean that extends up to 1500 miles. It comprises of 137 islands and is the 50th state of the United States of America. Nature is undoubtedly the most beautiful thing on earth. It secludes you from the chaotic atmosphere on earth; it takes you to a land of paradise – a land that every one of us yearns to be in.

Hawaiian Island remains one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in the world. The wide variety of beauty it offers is unbeatable. With perfect climate, supreme resorts, total privacy, stunning looking beaches and a lot more to offer; it leaves the couple forget the outside world.

There is no end to romantic places in Hawaii and of course when you are with the right person, whole life becomes a honeymoon. Hawaii certainly helps you to fulfill the desire of going in to another land with the love of your life. There is nothing more romantic in life other than sitting with your loved one and watching the sunset together. Nothing in life is more important than a smile on your loved ones face. Virgin waves touching both of your feet feels like heaven. A picture speaks a thousand words. It rekindles the joy of being in love after looking at those mesmerizing pictures of Hawaiian Islands.

It is said that the first impression is the last impression, so a honeymoon is Hawaii is surely going to leave a perfect smile on your life partner forever.

Singapore's serenity

Singapore is a tiny piece of land situated in Asia, well known for its cleanliness and impeccable beauty of beaches, roads and gardens. Some of the most sort after places in Singapore include the Orchid road, Botanical garden, Gem stone factory, Jurong Bird Park, Sentosa Island, Little India, Mustafa shopping arcade, and so on.

There is no dearth of gorgeous looking places like well built buildings that include schools, universities, churches and even houses. To start with, Orchid road is said to be one of the most beautiful roads of Singapore and it clearly shows signs of complete prosperity. It contains an exhibit display of shopping malls and brands like Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton and so on.

Love Orchids? Then the National Orchid Garden is a must for all visitors. Located in the lush and peaceful Botanical Gardens it remains the pride of Singapore. It includes a large variety of beautiful flowers which instantly catches our attention and makes us wonder, what else on earth can be prettier than these wonderful looking flowers. The orchids found here will not let you decide what to do? Whether talk to them or look at them. With over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids, this is one of Singapore’s most colorful spot. Princess Diana was also one among us who fell for the charm and beauty of lovely looking white daisy flowers. Vanda Miss Joaquim is the national flower of Singapore with a mixture of pink and white colours embracing the beauty of the flower.

Nature is God’s gift, but the amount of talent present in the people of Singapore cannot go without mentioning. If flowers catch our attention within a minute’s span then the gems in the Gem stone factory leaves us spellbound. The art work is done in such a creative manner that it actually leaves life in the things made. Gem stones are carefully placed in a very creative manner that in turn looks stunning after it is completed. Wall hangings and other such decorative items are meticulously made with the help of gem stones.

Jurong Bird Park of Singapore is another spectacular place on earth. We normally get to see birds in black, brown and green but looking at red, white and orange flamingos confuses us to an extent where we ourselves start believing that somebody has painted these birds. Penguins, Pelicans and Caribbean Flamingos have found shelter in Jurong Bird Park of Singapore. This bird park organizes bird shows and spreads cheer amongst its onlookers. The birds are trained in a brilliant manner and leave no stone unturned in making the shows a great success.

Sentosa Island is another beauty in itself. The cable car that leads us to the island gives us a glimpse of this wonderful city and also adds to our thrill by taking us above the sea. The Dolphin show, 4D Show, Wax Museum, Underwater world are some stunning features of the same. Dolphins are man’s best friend and it seems as if they understand our language. The co-operation and dedication they show to man is indeed invaluable. Underwater world in Singapore shows us a different picture altogether. The fishes in the aquarium appear to have surrounded us, putting us inside a cave. So here, the fishes are not in boxes but we are put in boxes.

After a joyous city tour how can we miss out on the most important part? Shopping of course. Mustafa shopping arcade is a boon to all shopoholics. Being open 24 hours in a day, one need not worry about missing out shopping after a whole day of city tour. If one has the stamina and the inclination to look out for things after a tiring day, Mustafa is the place to be. Right from a small nail cutter to a napkin; laptops to lipsticks, clothes to chandeliers you get it all; putting an end to hunt for things in different places.

Lastly, Little India in Singapore is one such place that keeps us Indians closer to our country. Tamil and Hindi are widely spoken in Little India and it also offers a place to have home food. Rice, roti and chats are available all under one roof thus putting an end to search for Indian food.

Singapore is a beauty in itself. Small and serene it wins the hearts of all those who visit it and leaves you with a lifetime of happy memories.

Does Handicrafts in India need promotion?

Handicrafts are part of our age old culture and heritage. This art form started almost 5000 years ago and is still an integral part of our tradition. Now-a-days, our life has become very swift and so we do not get time to think about all this.

It is said that Indian villages occupy more than 75 per cent of our land and the rest comprises of cities. People in the villages still believe very strongly on their customs and lifestyle that they got from their ancestors. It is sometimes sad to know that our own culture is being diminished day by day and we ourselves have to be blamed for the same.

Handicraft is an art work recognised by all of us. But the question that puts us in a dilemma is that are we even aware of the fact that this art is not getting its right platform and thus is not get promoted as required?Indian culture and civilisation is filled with art in different forms. One such art is the making of handicraft products. Indians are well equipped with handicraft items available in our country.

But the information that we have seems to be insufficient. Within our own country if we ourselves do not have sufficient information about handicraft products, how can we expect to promote it world wide?Promotion of any product is as important as its manufacturing or finishing is. Handicraft products are generally made in the interior parts of our country and are sold to the metro cities.

The very first step of promoting handicraft items is by organising exhibitions and inviting artisans from all over the country to display their items. This will enable them to communicate with other handicraft makers in the country and will also help them to show their products to a number of visitors. Holding exhibition is one way to promote handicrafts in our country.

The Government of India must act as a biggest source of help to these artisans. The Government must do everything possible to keep these artisans comfortable during exhibitions. Providing financial aid is one step to motivate them.Recognition of such art form encourages the artisans to work better. Best Handicraft prizes should be given to the deserving candidates and his products must be made available throughout the country.

State Government should take up projects to promote traditional craft. If such small measures are taken by the country then definitely this age old culture of handicrafts can be passed on to generations to come.Handicrafts in India definitely need promotion. Promoting our own art is not only our duty but our responsibility. There is lot of talent in our country and if we ourselves do not recognize it, how can we expect of taking it to our future generations?

Racism: A matter of concern

After the recent racial attacks against Indians in Australia, now Canada also seems to be moving in the same direction. Indians have been reportedly assaulted and attacked in Vancouver after a petty fight during a tennis match. Indians have always been subject to such racial discrimination ever since British rule. Be it the caste divide or the language divide, Indians have faced every kind of discrimination.

It is a matter of great concern for developed countries like Australia and Canada, that such racism is present even in the 21st century. It questions not only the integrity of the country but also casts an ugly shadow on the working of the government. Racism is not something new or something that has come up recently. It has existed since time immemorial. America has experienced the worst outcome of racist attacks ever since blacks were considered to be untouchables and were treated as slaves by the whites.

The high-low, black-white debate seems to be still fresh in this changing good-bad world.It was hoped and assumed that after Obama became the first Black President of a White Nation, racism would die out by itself. Obama promised to bring about a change in the world and the very first change was when he himself was elected the President of a country that was dominated by Whites.

Although Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is determined to stop racial attacks, he has not been very successful in doing so. Strict action should have been taken against those who had indulged in such awful incidents such as those perpetrated against Indians in Australia.But why talk about Australia and Canada, when Indians experience racial discrimination within India.

New York not so appealing

NEW YORK directed by Kabir Khan opens with a story of three friends who share a very deep friendship with each other. Starring Katrina Kaif as Maya, John Abraham as Sameer or Sam and Neil Nitin Mukesh as Omar. The story revolves around these three friends after the 9/11 terrorist attack in America. It shows how the American Police was desperate to find out the real culprits of the attack and thus suspects almost everyone.
Irfan Khan plays the role of an investigating officer who detains Omar after finding arms and grenades in his taxi.

It is when he starts narrating his life story we come to know about their friendship. Omar is tortured for several months and is held responsible for the 9/11 attack; the reason of his detention being his caste and his name. Physical and mental abuse on innocent Muslims is very well portrayed. Though the concept of the movie was one of its kinds, it could not bring out the actual essence of the script. There was fault in either the narration or the screenplay of the movie.

It had high hopes of doing well in the box office but it seems to be a one time watch movie only. The soundtrack of the movie leaves a positive sign and hopes to be heard for a long time.

Especially the song “Hai Junoon,” in which all the three actors share a common space with each other. The comfort level between them will be the main reason, which might drive the audience to watch the movie. The major issue of global terrorism, however, goes for a toss after the film turns into a dramatic issue. Though John does very well in publicising the agony faced by him, but still we expected more of intense acting from his side.

Pretty Woman - Indeed Pretty

Pretty Woman is one of Hollywood’s most memorable love stories about an accomplished businessman and a road-side prostitute. It does not a weave a fairytale kind of a story but has more of an emotional appeal. This movie hit theatres in 1990 and set a benchmark with its treatment of a sensitive topic. Richard Gere played the role of Edward and Julia Roberts the role of the prostitute Vivian.Edward and Vivian meet one midnight, when Edward stops to ask for directions and Vivian tries to get him to be her customer for the night. She asks for US$100 – a request which takes Edward by surprise.

Eventually, he takes her to the hotel penthouse where he is staying and soon develops a liking for her.Edward offers her a job and makes an offer stay to her to stay with him for a week. He also gives her extra money for shopping. Vivian’s nature, mannerisms and behaviour are looked down on by most shopkeepers who view her as an out-of-place call girl. These negative vibes hurt her and she is unable to shop for anything she desires.

When Edward comes to know of this, he takes it up as a challenge and decides to take Vivian to the same people who had once humiliated her. Because of Edward’s fame and name, Vivian also receives the same special treatment as Edward.Soon one of Edward’s friends gets to know that she is a hooker and tries to force her to get sexual with him. Edward steps in at the right time and saves Vivian from his clutches. This appears to be the major turning point in their affair and after this Vivian falls in love with him.

Vivian’s friend on the other hand expresses disbelief with the turn of events and expresses his regret for having being the reason for the encounter that brought the two together. Julia Roberts' performance is splendid. “Oh Pretty Woman” and “It must have been love” are two memorable soundtracks from the movie. Even today, these songs still ring a bell with viewers who had watched the films years back. Pretty Woman is definitely not a fairytale but it still weaves a wonderful love story. It will stay in our hearts for years to come.

TRUTH AT ONE'S OWN RISK

Sach Ka Saamna a popular television reality show has kept its audiences glued to the TV sets owing to its novel concept. The show’s main theme is to reveal the contestants' deepest darkest secrets before millions of viewers. The Bible always says, “Say the truth and set yourself free” but the underlying question is how will an individual be able to face the outside world after admitting to a number of embarrassing deeds? Secrets are meant to go with you to your grave, but revealing all of those on national television could leave near and dear ones devastated.

Confessing to one’s lustful desires, misdeeds, hatred, envy, acts of betrayal and evil thoughts in front of millions backfires on the personal life of an individual.

The participant may be excited about playing with fire and the thrill and excitement of being rewarded with money for telling the truth. Money is of course important in life. But is money more important than one’s self image in society? We have always been taught to tell the truth at all moments of life. But at times circumstances make us take the wrong turn. Truth can be destructive. Some participants are wise enough to quit the game after winning a particular amount. But some try to go further just to win more money.

Deep, dark and ugly secrets are not meant to be shared with the world but if one willingly wants to play with fire then it’s that person’s choice. It might leave an indelible imprint on the character, life and mind of the participant and his family too. After stepping down from the seat of the game show, the participants will realise that they will have to face their family and friends. And just in case luck does not work in their favour and they lose the game, they leave the game empty-handed as well.

Voting - A personal choice

APRIL 30th, 2009 saw Mumbaikars voting in the 15th Lok Sabha elections. But a mere 45 percent of the Mumbaikars actually exercised their franchise. Mumbai is considered the most populated city in the country. Not only is it the “Land of Dreams” but it is also the financial capital of India. Mumbai plays a crucial role in controlling the Indian economy which is now certainly facing a recession, to a large extent.

Mumbai has been wounded deeply and such a low turnout proves that the Mumbaikars are deeply hurt. No more will fake promises and fake assurances work. By not exercising their franchise, 55 percent of the voters have conveyed their grief and grievances, in their own way. Does it mean that Mumbaikars have lost all faith in the government? Does it mean it makes absolutely no difference to them whichever party is voted to power because at the end of the day, it is the common man that suffers? Truth has to come out in some way or the other and the truth is that the people of India repose no faith in their government.

The low voter turnout has stunned prime ministerial candidate LK Advani . It led him to suggest that voting be made compulsory in India. This statement has triggered several debates and discussions on the TV. India is a democratic country, where each one is free to express his/her will. The right to vote is a fundamental right that the Indian constitution provides and each individual is free to exercise his / her franchise. Nobody can just force the people to exercise their franchise.

Advani’s idea of making it compulsory for people to exercise their franchise is totally out of the box. If people have a right to vote, then people also have a right not to vote. In a democratic country like India, choice and compulsion do not go together. The choice is left to the people - whether to vote or not and this choice should continue to be left to the people.

55 percent of the people who have not voted, have chosen not to vote, out of choice and they have a right to exercise their choice. 55 percent represents a majority of Mumbai’s population. Hence let us just respect the decision of the majority.

Xylo in style

There is no nation like India with heterogeneous traffic on the roads. Right from the humble bicycle to the affordable hatchbacks to luxury sedans; we have got it all. It is now a land of Mahindras and Marutis, Tatas and Toyotas, Hyundais and Hondas, as also the upmarket BMWs and Ferraris. There is no stop for production of vehicles in a country vibrant and vigorous in nature. The introduction of SUVs in our markets has created a desire of owning the sporty looking cars. Sport Utility Vehicles are here to stay for long. The trendy and the sporty look of these SUVs mesmerise people gazing at it. They stretch somewhere between 4.50 to 4.60 meters in size. Making their first appearance in the 1980s by American manufacturers Ford and General Motors, the productions charmed SUV lovers.

Six and a half years back, Mahindra first stepped into the car segment with the Scorpio. The launch of Xylo, which promises to give popular sedans a run for their money, has captured the minds of the public. Stylish as it appears and energetic as it has to be, Xylo will definitely win over the SUV arena. The base E2 variant is priced at Rs.6.25 lakh which seems to be affordable by car lovers. Its basic target audience includes people who are passionate about owning a car that is neither a hatchback nor a sedan. It will attract people looking out for something beyond the ordinary. Bulky as it seems to be, the Xylo will dominate other cars in competition. The fully loaded Xylo is priced at Rs 7.7 lakh. This includes power steering, power windows, air conditioning and parking sensors.

The big question is – how will it compete with its immediate competitors namely, Innova and Toyota. Price is one factor, which might lead buyers opting for the Xylo. The engine is refined, the ride is pretty comfortable and the space is unbelievable, which makes the feature list impressive. Needless to say the price is considerably cheaper.

Why should Mumbai vote?

Elections 2009 are just around the corner. Year 2008, has experienced a catastrophe of events. But the most fateful of all has been the Mumbai terror attack. 26/11 is a day in the Indian history which none will forget.

Mumbai is a resilient city which tackles terror in a fearless manner. But with the upcoming elections, I wonder who should the Mumbaikars vote for and why? Should it vote for Raj Thackerey who had sought shelter when his Mumbai was attacked? Or should Mumbai vote for the politicians who commented, “Ladies with lipstick come out to protest”?

Raj Thackerey’s constant hatred and attacks on North Indians suggests that he does not need any Non-Marathi vote. Or is it the other way round? After all why should a Non-Marathi vote for the Marathi Government? I wonder how on earth the Shiv Sena will get courage to ask Non-Marathi people to vote for them.

Politicians are smart players. They are very well conversant with the games they play. Votes are something they live on and will not mind stooping down to any level for the same.

The sad part is that violence on communal grounds is increasing day by day. Varun Gandhi seems to be following Raj Thackerey’s dirty footsteps. If Raj can’t stand Non-Maharashtrians, Varun on the other hand gives speeches on communal divide. Are we going back to the era of ‘Divide and Rule’?

There are many first time voters this election, but our politicians have indeed disappointed all of us. Voting is a right, which I believe; each one of us is entitled to. But we are left with no options other than fulfilling this duty of ours. Blaming the opposition, finding out loopholes in their tenure and finding faults is all what party’s are very good at.

Each party has its own manifesto which comprises a number of promises – fake ones of course. In a recent television debate, I witnessed candidates from the BJP, Congress and the Shiv Sena fighting their way out and blaming each other for showing false dreams to the public. They hardly understand that actions speak louder than words.

Elections 2009 will also pass as the rest of the elections have gone. If change has to come, we the people of India have to strive for it. Being a Mumbaikar myself, it is indeed sad to see Mumbai being tortured in a ruthless manner.

Seems like SP has gone insane

The newspaper has become almost a part of me and not a day goes without giving at least a glance to it. Just like everyday, I picked up the newspaper in the morning and was indeed shocked to read its headlines. “We’ll ban English, computers: SP” was what caught my attention and made me rub my eyes to see if I was dreaming. But much to my surprise, this wasn’t a dream. The statement made headlines all over and Mulayam Singh was showcased releasing his party’s manifesto in the Times of India.

It’s already 2009, and making such silly statements in public makes me wonder – are we heading towards development or are we pushing ourselves backwards? Banning English language and computers shows how narrow minded one can be. I was taken aback after reading the fact that Mulayam Singh’s sons have passed out of English public schools. This is nothing but cheap hypocrisy and in this hypocritical world the common man falls in the trap of cheap politics. What is Mr. Mulayam Singh trying to prove after all? Computers are invented for the betterment of our society. English is the language that dominates all around the world. Does he want Indians and India to be called a never-developing country? International relations build only when we have something in common. Communication is the solution of most problems. Does he want Indians to sit dumb-headed at global meetings? The advent of computers has not cut jobs, but has made jobs better.

Samajwadi Party leaders very well knew that this will be the reaction once the statement hits headlines. Very smartly the party leaders are now putting it all on the media. Sanjay Dutt also blamed the media by saying; it had “twisted words”. My question to all those blaming the media is, when you know are so sure of the media twisting words, why can’t you be careful with it? Samajwadi Party’s such statements have triggered a sense of doubt in the party itself. If such a party comes into power, India’s future is sure to get hampered.

These days, one thing has become very easy. Whatever happens, play the blame game and free yourself from true-untrue allegations.

What happens in Vegas, seldom happens in India

'What happens in Vegas' is a romantic flick that made me laugh and cry at the same time. A completely hilarious movie with a shade of romance made me hooked to it. The movie stars Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher as the lead actors and is directed by Tom Vaughan. The story is about two people, Cameron (Joy) and Ashton (Jack) who discovers that they have got married after having spent a night in a pub at Las Vegas. But the $3 million jackpot the next day at a casino is what both of them eye on. Sharing money equally amongst them is simply not acceptable and staying together is not what they opt for. Invariably, the court also orders them to stay together and preserve their married life as the court is unaware of the reason behind their marriage and their intention of divorce.

There are certain scenes in the movie which made me go crazy looking at them. To start with, Joy's boyfriend not only dumps her but also humiliates her in front of her friends. Instead of sitting and crying over spilt milk, she takes this as a challenge and rebels against him. She is determined to find someone better. I am sure, this seldom happens in India and even if it does, it would get a lot of outrage and uproar from the Indian society. Our society still considers girls entering pubs and discos as immoral and of lose character. The recent Mangalore pub attack is an example of its kind.

Coming back to the movie, the shocks and surprises it showed made me wait anxiously to the next scene. People around me laughed at this romantic farce and I was engrossed in seeing the strain on the faces of Joy and Jack. I liked the desperateness and the diligent effort made by both of them to get rid of each other. It may sound funny but that’s how it is screened. Right from falsely hurting himself to irritating her in all possible ways, Jack tries it all but in vain. In fact, even the obnoxious way in which he eats popcorn made me hate popcorn for a second.

This movie may not make sense to most of us. The reason behind it, being an awkward love story. But perceptions do differ. It can also be viewed as a predictable comedy that insists on spending time in an unhappy marriage in order to sow love. As far as I am concerned, it was a good break for me from the routine love dramas that either drift your imaginations into a dream land or make you sob while leaving the theaters.

I loved the last scene in which Jack proposes Joy 'to marry again'. Strange but definitely not superficial. Joy realises what she has lost and Jack makes an earnest attempt to win her love back. Now its not about the money... it’s about the honey... This scene happens on the beach, which according to me is the perfect place to confess one's love. The scenic beauty and the act of Jack going on his knees leaves a very dreamy picture and is one of my best scenes in the movie.

Chunky jewellery is here to stay!

Chunky jewellery are becoming a fad these days. With a variety of colours and designs available in the market, a true chunky jewellery fan gets a wide option to choose from. Right from the heavy pearls to the flat colourful jewellery it has it all.
Chunky jewellery caught my attention when I was freaking out in Connaught Place, the heart of Delhi. CP, as it is popularly known, offers a one stop solution for all your fashion requirements. Starting from clothes to DVDs, accessories to eating outlets, it is a place where you just name it and you get it. While roaming around in CP, I saw a man selling beautiful pieces on the footpath. Its vibrant look caught my attention and I stopped at him. A sense of curiosity engulfed me and I wondered how does he make such amazing stuffs. I started off a conversation with him and asked where does he get all this from?
He said, “Madam, hum to yeh khud hi banate hai”. Indeed surprising... isn't it? So was I... The minute he said, he makes them himself, I was even more inquisitive to know how on earth does he make all of them? Looking at my curiosity he explained to me in detail. The jewellery is made in a factory in a place called Lona in Uttar Pradesh and he arranges all of them to give it an attractive look. Some are made out of animal bones and some out of iron. Right from the variety to its price I inquired everything. Three bracelets made me awe-struck. And the price was indeed unbelievable. Just 40 bucks for such a good looking piece is definitely worth it.

Elegant and delicate jewellery will never fade out but chunky jewellery's entry into the crazy world of fashion is here to stay for long. Love it or hate it... you simply can't ignore it.

Cupid strikes...forever...

Love happens only once, rest is just life. Valentines day brings enthusiasm and exuberance in the air. As colours add to the beauty of life, new ideas of celebrating add to the beauty of this day. Isn't it? Flowers, candle lit dinners, chocolates – of course, they bring a smile on your loved one's face, but why not innovate, initiate and involve in keeping the smile of your beloved intact.

Valentines Day is not the only day to express one's love. Everyday can be valentines day for love smitten couples. However, the emphasis on 14th specifically serves as a reason for those longing to express love. It is a blessing indeed for those in love... isn't it?

While expressing your love always try to be creative. Wrapping gifts is something each one of us do. But ever tried wrapping yourself? Thats what we did in college with Ayan for his girlfriend's birthday. Poor Ayan had no other way to escape from our clutches. What better gift would any lover want other than his or her own beloved. We found a huge cardboard box where in, we stuffed Ayan and wrapped the carton with a glossy gift paper. Anushree (his girlfriend) was stunned looking at it and felt overwhelmed when Ayan came out of it.

Friends are those who really help you in all such crazy stuffs. Get their help and ask them to wrap you in a way that no one can make out, its you in it. Once your beloved opens it, greet her with a 'plant'. Surprised? Flowers do not remain forever, but plants do. Promise each other that your love would blossom each day and remain fresh just like a green plant.

Seven artificial flowers can also be presented. Each flower would represent each life and a promise to love each other till the flower dies.

Movies always leave a dreamy image on its viewers. When the cupid strikes, one tends to imagine oneself in place of the actors in movies. Instead of imagining and dreaming why not be a bit computer savvy and make a movie yourself. Windows Movie Maker allows you to make a movie with perfect music and photographs in it. It weaves a perfect fairy tale's story of just the two of you. Ain't that great...try it... believe me it would be great.

The other day, while on a shopping spree with my gang of girls in Rajouri Garden in Delhi, I came across this great place – great for all those looking for a perfect gift for their loved ones – with a wide range of funky and stylish things.

Getting framed in a photo frame forever has been followed since ages. And here, at Rajouri Garden, I came across such a photo studio. Coffee mugs, calendars, frames – all with pictures of couples printed on them – with sweet messages of love. We found that one could actually get his or her photograph with the beloved printed on those mugs and calendars. Fascinating...!!

"Madam aap ke photos bhi print ho jayenge" (We could get our photos also printed), he said with that buttered smile. Not a bad idea hmm??

So here's your Idea No 2: Get your pictures printed on coffee mugs (or your T-shirt, or a table calendar, or...) with the most simple expression of love written on it, that says: "I Love You". Each morning as you sip your hot coffee, it will be a feast for your eyes to see the picture of your beloved on those mugs. Instead of having the same old boring calenders, you can even get both of your pictures printed on each page of the calender. So that you are welcomed each month by your beloved.

Exchange of rings are a part of our tradition. Instead of exchanging rings, one can try tattooing the initials of your lover on the ring finger. Rajouri Malls are the ultimate destination for all such frenzies. Right from printing photographs on mugs to tattooing; it has it all. The art of tattooing is a new fad these days. There were a group of college going children who had tattooed names of their lovers on their arms. It seemed very much like the style adopted by Saif Ali Khan , who got Kareena's name tattooed on his arm. But when we follow the ritual of exchanging rings, why can't we follow tattooing the initials of our lovers on our ring fingers. The idea struck me when I saw couples lost in each other's love holding hands with a promise to be together eternally.

In dreams and in love, there are no impossibilities. Try making it special because each moment of care is cherished for the rest of the life. There requires absolutely no reason or any day to adore your lover. So, stop wasting time and go for it now!!!

Varun: not so innocent

Varun Gandhi’s constant denial on his speech given at Pilihibit has created a furor of hatred in the air. Politicians are supposed to be responsible citizens and them themselves making communal statements at such a huge gathering senses out sheer irresponsibility. It’s very easy for Varun to say, “His speech is doctored” but does he realize that his statements will carry value only if he proves it? Blaming others seems to be a wise option but not always. Its better to think twice before you speak in public.

Communal issues are a growing concern in our country and the credit goes undoubtedly to Raj Thackerey. His “Marathi Manus” concept cannot be forgotten; though he got a chance to easily get away during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. If we sit and list out the number of issues of communal violence I am sure we would ourselves be shameful to call us independent. Does independence come by merely protecting people of your own religion? Do we call this a democracy when we ourselves our creating barriers between castes? Can such a country ever lead to progress?

Our politicians let us down whenever we expect something from them. There is a fine line between sensibility and sensitivity. The faster the politicians recongise the difference, the better it will be for each individual. The elections that are just around the corner have again proved to be futile. There is no point in voting for someone who will think about the religion first and then about the country.