Saturday, February 28, 2009

ஆஸ்கரை விட உயர்ந்தவர் இளையராஜா - ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான்

இளையராஜாவின் இசைக்கு முன்பு ஆஸ்கர் விருது மிகச் சாதாரணமானது.
சர்வதேச எல்லைகளைக் கடந்தவர் இளையராஜா. ஆஸ்கர் விருதை விட உயர்ந்தது இளையராஜாவின் இசை என்று இசைப் புயல் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் கூறியுள்ளார். இரண்டு ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகளை வென்று தாயகம் திரும்பியுள்ள ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் இன்று பிற்பகல் சென்னையில் செய்தியாளர்களைச் சந்தித்தார்.வடபழனி கிரீன் பார்க் ஹோட்டலில் நடந்த இந்த செய்தியாளர்கள் சந்திப்புக்கு கிட்டத்தட்ட 400க்கும் மேற்பட்ட செய்தியாளர்ககள், புகைப்படக் கலைஞர்கள், வீடியோகிராபர்கள் என குவிந்து விட்டனர். ஆங்கிலத் தொலைக்காட்சி நிறுவனங்கள் ரஹ்மானின் பேட்டியை நேரடியாக ஒளிபரப்பு செய்தன.பின்னர் செய்தியாளர்களைச் சந்தித்தார் ரஹ்மான். அப்போது இசைஞானி இளையராஜாவை வெகுவாகப் புகழ்ந்து பேசினார்.

இளையராஜா குறித்து ரஹ்மான் கூறுகையில், இளையராஜாவுக்கு முன்பு இந்த ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகள் சாதாரணமானவை. இளையராஜாவின் இசை சர்வதேச எல்லைகளைக் கடந்தது.சரியான முறையி்ல் அவரது இசை எடுத்துச் செல்லப்பட்டிருந்தால் எப்போதோ அவர் ஆஸ்கர் விருதினை வென்றிருப்பார் என்று புகழாரம் சூட்டினார்.இந்தியப் படங்களுக்கு ஆஸ்கர் விருது கிடைக்குமா என்ற கேள்விக்கு பதிலளித்த ரஹ்மான், ஆஸ்கர் தரத்திற்கு ஏற்றபடி படம் எடுத்தால் நிச்சயம் நமது படங்களுக்கும விருது கிடைக்கும் என்றார்.பேட்டியின் நிறைவில், செய்தியாளர்கள் வேண்டுகோளுக்கிணங்க ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படத்தில் இடம் பெற்ற ஜெய் ஹோ பாடலின் சில வரிகளைப் பாடினார் ரஹ்மான்.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Sujatha - An Immortal Writer






Sujatha Rangarajan- The Man who inspired me a lot for writing. I was awe-inspired by his versatality. He has written in almost all genres, from Sangathamizh to Science Fiction; from Aganaanooru to Astro Physics; from Naalayiram Dhivya Prabandham to Nanotechnology. He was the first writer to introduce Computers to common man. He was a Prophet, who had predicted the computerized world in the early 70s. Being an Electronics Engineer, he started writing as an amateur author which gave him an Identity.


I came to know abt Sujatha from my mom when I was 10. There was a Scientific serial "En Eniya Iyandhira" that was telecast in Doordarshan on Mondays. He wrote about computers and Robotics in the 80s, which might be an inspiration for Director Shankar to make his magnum opus "Robo aka Endhiran". (In fact, Robot was written for Kamal during his Indian days, with Preity Zinta as female lead. But due to the high budget and some other reasons, it was dropped.) That time I haven't watched the movie Vikram which is based on Sujatha's Scientific novel with the same title. As a small boy, I liked the Robot Jeeno of En Iniya Iyanthira.



Mom has told more about his novels that were made into films. Gayathri, Priya, Vikram, Karaiyellam Shenbagappoo Ratham Orey Niram (His only Historic Novel), etc. Ninaithale Inikkum's story was by Sujatha. Among which Karaiyellam Shenbagappoo was filmed exactly as the novel. But it would have been better if it was directed by a good director. His thriller novel came as a serial in DD "Kolaiyudhir Kaalam" that introduced me to Ganesh and Vasanth, the main characters created by him.



There are still many fans for ganesh and Vasanth. Ganesh is a calm and composed advocate; Vasanth is his naughty Junior and always talks about sex and the fairer sex. Director Vasanth changed his name for films because of the Vasanth character. Vivek played the role of Vasanth in Kolaiyudhir kaalam. In fact, he did full justice to the Vasanth. Once Sujatha said in an interview that he's 50% Ganesh and 50% Vasanth. That is evident from his youthful writings.


Later actress Suhasini directed Sujatha's crime novels as bi-weekly serials in Sun TV with actor Suresh as Ganesh and Vijay Adhiraj as Vasanth. Suresh with his wooden expressions spoiled the character of Ganesh whereas Vijay Adhiraj was just ok. Still i remeber an episode "Edhaiyum Oru Murai" where a psycho rich man wants to try everything in the world and eventually he would die by trying suicide. That's "Edhaiyum Oru Murai"


I became an ardent reader of Sujatha when I was in 12th, via his "Katradhum Petradhum" in Anada Vikatan. He dealt with the topics, which normal man cannot think of.

In my second yr B.E., I joined a nearby Lending Library and started reading his books. I was taken aback by his Creativity and Imagination Skills that were far ahead of his age. His first novel "Nylon Kayiru" was wriiten in early 70s i think, but the style was so westernised. I like his Srirangathu Devadhaigal, Kanaiyaziyin Kadaisi Pakkangal, Pirivom Sandhippom (Both parts), Apsara, and almost all the stories with Ganesh and Vasanth. He implements Science and Technology in his stories. In early 80s, he had written about COBOL Programming language and its codings in his Apsara, which is about a Psycho Computer Programmer in Bangalore who kills by writing COBOL coding. He would be caught as there were very few programmers in Blore, but today??!! He had good knowledge in Carnatic Music too.

He encouraged new talents and gave them recognition in his writings. Shankar and Mani Ratnam made use of him as Dialogue Writer works in Films like Indian, Mudhalvan, Boys, Kannathil Muthamittal, Aayidha Ezhuthu, Shivaji, and Endhiran (Concept of Sujatha).

Though he's not with us, his writings make him IMMORTAL.

Monday, February 23, 2009

And the Oscar goes to...... A.R.Rahman




Today is a Historic Day not only for the Music and Movie buffs, but for every Indian.
"Slumdog Millionaire" has bagged 8 Oscars out of 10 Nominations at the 81st Academy Award Ceremony held at Los Angeles.

The Music Genius, Mozart of Madras, our own A.R.Rahman has won the the most Prestegious Academy Awards in two different categories.
Best Original Score and the Best Original Song for "Jai Ho..."
He's the First Indian to win 2 Oscars. The first being the Father of Indian Cinema, the gr8 Satyajit Ray, woh got the Oscar for Life Time Acievement when he was unwell and almost in his death-bed.


The Oscar fever started right from the day, the nominations had been announced. There were polls world wide and Slumdog Millionaire got more votings. From yesterday there were rumours that ARR got Oscar and there were also rumours that he didnt get. I confirmed with my friend Bala that it is being telecast live in Star Movies at 6.30 am. As usual I cudn't wake up at that time since it's midnight for me. I woke up around 9 am and was watching Slumdog getting its Oscar for Best Editing and Cinematography in Sun News Channel. Soon I changed to Star Movies and fortunately Music category wasn't announced. I was screaming and threw the remote in when Rahman's name was announced for the Best Original Score. Soon i started sending sms-s to all my frieds.

He thanked all the cast and crew, his technicians. He told he felt nervous as he felt during his marriage. He mentioned the most popular dialogue from the Amitabh blockbuster Deewar; "Mere paas Maa hai" (I have Mother with me).
And finally he concluded in Thamizh, not Tamil by thanking the Almighty (Ellaa pugazhum Iraivanukke). He made honour to Rashtrabhasha and his Maatrubhasha.
Hats off to u Rahman!!! U r the Real Man!!!



It was a real Treat to watch Rahman performing for Jai ho... and O Saaya... on the Oscar Arena. It was like a Jugal bandhi when he performed alongwith the other Nominee for the Best original song. ARR won the second Oscar hands down. I was so thrilled with goosebumps. I was in Cloud Nine as I won the Oscar. Thanks a lotttt Rahman for making most of our Dreams come True!
The other Indian (South indian in fact0 who won the Oscar is Russel Pookkutty for the Best Sound Mixing. Late H.Shridar would have got this Award if he were alive. Cos he was Rahman's "Aasthaana Sound Engineer".

Ilayaraja and Mani Ratnam would be so proud of ARR. The former under whom ARR was a Key-board player in Punnagai Mannan when he was Dileep (his real name) and the latter, who introduced to Film industry as a Music Director in Roja.

I too gave ice-cream treat to 4 of my colleagues out of proud and made Jai Ho as my caller tune.

Rahman has composed more commendable songs than "Jai ho.." but he got recognition only because it's a Hollywood movie. I wish ARR to do more Hollywood films but at the same time I want him not to ignore the Indian, esp Tamil Films.

Once again JAI HO ARR!!!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Pray 4 Our Brother- ARR !!!

Tomorrow is the Academy Award Ceremony. Every Indian might be in an Eagerness as "Slumdog Millionaire" has been nominated for 10 Oscars. I'm not worried about the film as it's directed by a British director. I want ARR to get all the 3 Oscar Nominations. I will be Proud not only for Tamilians but for evry Indian.

So, keeping the fingers crossed, let's hope and pray A.R.Rahman would get the Prestigious Golden Statuette to our Mother India.
Jai Ho ARR!!!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

CHEMISTRY

Don't think that this is about the Subject of Chemicals, acids, et al. Since I'm no way related to that even in my school days, I'll never blog abt dat.

Nowadays the word "Chemistry" is more often used in Dance reality shows, film reviews, etc.
What is Chemistry? It generally refrers to the "Understanding" or "Intimacy" between two persons, esp a couple. "Aan pennukkule nigazhum Rasaayana Maatram?!?!"

In Tamil Films, my fav jodi is Kamal-Sridevi. They shared a gr8 Chemistry in the 80s. Ppl saw them as real life couple. Generally Kamal shares a gud Chemistry with almost all his heroines. With Ambika in Kaakki Chatai, with Amala in Sathya (Esp the Valaiosai song), with Gowthami in Devar Magan and Kurudhi Punal. i.e. they involve in the characters as a Couple without any hesitation of touching or kissing. Shivaji and K.R.Vijaya never looked like a reel life husband n wife. So much of "Anyonniyam"

Then came the season of Prabhu-Khushboo. They created stir in the 90s. With their plumby bodies and fair complexion, they looked GR8 (pun intended).

After 2000, Surya-Jyothika is the cutest pair with an Amazing Chemistry.
Kaakka Kaakka, though an action movie, became so romantic because of the duo. Jo's eyes were full of love. Chance-e illa. They are such a Lovely pair to watch. Srikanth and Sneha too shared a gud Chemistry that gave room for Rumours. Shalini had a better Chemistry with Maddy in Alaipayuthe than her beau Ajith in Amarkkalam. TrSidharth and Genilia look sooo cute together in the movies Boys and Bommarillu. Again Chemistry!!! Aarya and Pooja share a good Chemistry right from their debut "Ullam ketkume" which unfortunately hit the screens much later than their other movies JJ and Arindhum Ariyamalum. Again they wereseen together in Oram Po, Pattiyal (But not as a pair), and the most recent Naan Kadavul (But Bala would have not chosen them for their Chemistry).

In Hindi films, Shahrukh-Kajol pair wins hands down for Excellent Chemistry. DDLJ, KKHH, K3G showed them as one of the Best reel pairs. Though Kajol and Ajay Devgan are love married couple, there was no Chemistry between them in their films Ishq, Pyar to Hona hi Tha.
Hrithik and Aishwarya's sizzling Chemistry in Dhoom-2 was mind-blowing. Aish had a gud Chemistry with her old flame Salman Khan in HDDCS, compared to her other old flame Viveik Oberoi and hubby Abhishek. The smooch between Hrithik and Aish is so romantic. That was a bold scene as she was fiancee of Abhishek who's also in Dhoom-2. Even after her marriage, her Chemistry with Hrithik did wonders in the Historical Jodhaa Akbar. I like the sword scene and the song "In lamhon ke daman mein..." Instead Abhishek shares a wonderful Chemistry with Rani Mukherji in the films Yuva, Bunty aur Babli, etc.

In old Hindi films, I like Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia pair. Right from their debut in Bobby, later in Sagar and as middle-aged couple in Pyar mein Twist. Amitabh's chemistry with Rekha was much talked about. Hardly he had chemistry with Jaya Bhaduri. Even in Silsila, which was released after his marriage, Amitabh and Rekha shared a sizzling Chemistry in spite of Jaya Bachchan being the heroine. Even Old Amitabh's Chemistry with Hema Malini in Bhagban and Babul was was more lovable than Old Amitabh- Jaya jodi in K Jo's K3G.

Other pairs with good Chemistry
Kamal- Ambika
Rajni- Radhika, Sri Priya
Karthik-Revathi,Radha, Banupriya
Prabhu-Radha
Sathyaraj-Radha, Banupriya
Suresh - Nadhiya
Shivakumar- Lakshmi, Jayachithra

Vijay- Simran (Nice Dancing Couple)
Ajith-Trisha (Esp in Kireedom, as Trisha is a die-hard Ajith fan from her childhood)
Surya- Asin (In Ghajini)
Madhavan- Meera Jasmine (In Run and Aayidha Ezhuthu)
Madhavan- Vidya Balan (In Airtel Ad)

Aamir Khan- Juhi (QSQT)
Saif-Preity (Salam Namastey)
Anil Kapoor- Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit
Akshay Kumar- Katrina Kaif
Shahid-Kareena (In JWM)

Nivas- Krithika in MM3

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day - Salam-e-Ishq

This is my 26th Valentine's Days being single, but not without Girl Friends.
Nowadays it's a shame being single and that too for 26 years.To my knowledge, the Valentine's Day Culture started when I was in 9th Std. Since then I celebrate every year by wishing "Happy Valentine's Day" to my Friends who are in Love though I dont have a Lover who loves me.
I had and still have a lot of Crushes and infatuations in my School days. Starting from Savithri miss (My Kindergarted Teacher) to actresses like Sridevi, Amala, Shalini, Sneha, Swathi, etc.
The latest and strongest Crush is on my Sweet heart Shreya Ghoshal.

Love is a fine feeling which makes one feel so Special; either To Love or to be Loved.
It's better to love and lose than not to be in Love.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Poor Condition of Software Professionals

Atlast, I got time for my first blog this year. Thanks for the e-mail I sent by Hardik that made me post this blog.

'Techies' - This is the term generally referred to the so called Software Professional. Almost every Engineering Student dreams to become a Software Professional. Even I was trying to join a Computer Science Engineering Course in B.E. but couldn't get even a Payment seat.

After finishing Engineering, I went to the Silicon Valley Bangalore to get a job in Software.
The main reasons for aiming a Software job even by a Mechanical Student are:

1. The hanndsome package which our Fathers are not able to get in their whole Career.

2. Cool work Environmet - in front of a System which brings the Whole Wide World at just a click.

3. Opportunities to go abroad and to earn in Dollars in a very short span.


These all reasons made the Softies, the most sought after guys. From Banks to Brokers, they were offered lot of Offers. The cost of Living went high. The culture of Multiplexes, Shopping Malls, Pubs, et al was introduced. Yougsters started wearing branded garments.

Brides started demanding for Grooms from a Software Concern.
Companies like Infosys, TCS, CTS, Wipro, et al became so common among people who have never operated a PC. A bride's father was ready to give more 'dowry' to a guy with a CTS tag. This made the non- Techie guys jealous of techies.

But after the Economic Crisis in the US, Obama stopped Outsourcing. People are being laid off from their jobs. Many organisations have announced that there will be no Salary Increment for this Financial Year. Even brides started giving Matrimonial ads like this...






So pity of you Techies...