Here's the venerable The New York Times proclaiming loudly 'Indians Hit the Road Amid Elephants'. Elephants prowling on Delhi roads? I have seen my fair share of cows, but elephants? Looks like an enthusiastic desk hand let his imagination run riot.
As you read the piece there's more. At least this morning there was no elephant chewing bamboo in the fast lane, as there sometimes is. I've been in Delhi for eleven years, and I have still not been privileged enough to bump into an elephant on the roads.
The article has raised some relevant points, but falls into the trap of stemming from a pre-determined conclusion, giving full scope for sprinkling it with the masala of cliches.
Elephantine traffic jams though are very much part of the plot in Delhi. But it is unfair to lay the blame only at the door of poor infrastructure. Narrow roads are part and parcel of most Indian cities, but that is one charge which cannot be levelled against most of Delhi. The capital city has the widest roads in the country, has the maximum number of flyovers. On the other hand, the reality is that the number of vehicles are simply too large.
Along with the sheer number, drivers and pedestrians alike have scant regard for traffic rules. Half the accidents could be avoided if they can resist the temptation to be there first as well as fast. More of discipline and less of jugaad would help matters considerably.
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NANOMANIA
FRIENDLIER BUSES IN THE CAPITAL
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
NANOMANIA
From Nagpur to New York, the Nano has been making waves across the world. Undoubtedly a one-lakh car is a fantastic achievement and media hype is in overdrive mode.
It is a different matter though, when you are at the receiving end of Nanomania. I cursed my stupidity on Friday evening for travelling via Pragati Maidan en route to Connaught Place. While the media and the visitors to the Auto Expo in Pragati Maidan raved about the Nano (including the visiting Greek Prime Minister), there were thousands stuck in the crossfire, with cars waiting from Pragati Maidan to Connaught Place.
It is a different matter though, when you are at the receiving end of Nanomania. I cursed my stupidity on Friday evening for travelling via Pragati Maidan en route to Connaught Place. While the media and the visitors to the Auto Expo in Pragati Maidan raved about the Nano (including the visiting Greek Prime Minister), there were thousands stuck in the crossfire, with cars waiting from Pragati Maidan to Connaught Place.
Add to this cacophony, a few thousand nanos replacing the horde of scooters and bikes, with the size of the roads remaining constant.
Autorickshaws too may go the Nano way. After all, a new autorickshaw costs around 1.2 lakh rupees. In terms of fuel efficiency, Nano gives around 20 km per litre. Not suprisingly, autorickshaw owners in Mumbai are seeking permits allowing the use of the Nano for public transport. A more comfortable ride is in store, only that you might have to spend longer time on the road.
The roads may get choked with Nanos, but we have no business pointing fingers at the Tata Group. The Nano is undoubtedly the stuff of dreams, appealing not just to the middle-class metro Indian but also catering to the aspirations of the small town Indian. With better infrastructure, Rata Tata's small car could well reach out to rural areas too.
Dr R K Pachauri of Nobel Peace Prize fame has suggested that the Tatas should better concentrate on investing in public transport.
Quoting Ratan Tata, “I agree that India lacks public transport but you are at the wrong press conference. We are not responsible for public transport.” He's right - that's the government's domain. The cities are crying out for better public transport, be it metro or buses. The metro has covered considerable ground in Delhi, and by 2010 most of Delhi (not to forget Noida and Gurgaon) will be accessible through the metro. One hopes that buses will also keep pace, with the rickety and menacing bluelines given a well-deserved burial.
Incidentally, the new sleek low-floor buses plying on Delhi roads are made by Tata. Buses which could well be the harbingers of comfortable travel.
Related Posts
Friday, January 04, 2008
A TRIUMPH OF CHARACTER
At one end, a Van Gogh with his sublime brush strokes, enchanting a world dominated by straight lines. At the other, the master artist who honed his skills to perfection through years and years of dedication, struggling to draw even the straight line. V V S Laxman enchanted, while Rahul Dravid exasperated. The product of the union - a 175-run stand giving India a semblance of hope in the Sydney Test.
This was a Dravid struggling to put bat to ball, and leaving or patting away balls which would have sped to the fence on a normal day. He led a charmed life, caught off a no-ball once and dropped on another occasion. For somebody who had eked out a painful 5 off 66 balls and 16 off 114 balls in Melbourne, every single run seemed to be a cause for celebration.
The final output from Dravid's blade - 53 off 160 balls. A mediocre effort by any definition of class, but still worth its weight in gold. He had stayed long enough to craft a 175-run partnership with Laxman. And soon after Dravid's exit, Laxman was gone too.
It is easily forgotten that Dravid is performing a role he clearly is not comfortable in. Here's a man who inspired India to triumphs abroad from number three at Adelaide (233* & 72*), Rawalpindi (270) and Kingston (81 & 68). One can argue that a player of Dravid's calibre has no business having a block when it comes to opening the innings, but a long-time success story at number three deserves better than such tinkering with his position
Even at number three, Dravid has struggled to strike a rhythm this year, the nadir being the 12-run crawl at the Oval off 90-odd balls, when the team was pushing for victory against England (under his captaincy). Is throwing Dravid into a position where he is not comfortable the right step, when the batsman is striving to get back into form?
It's not the first time Dravid has become a victim to the pressures of 'team balance'. The early 2000s including World Cup 2003 had Dravid double up as the wicket-keeper too, so that India could bat deep. Never a specialist keeper, Dravid was far from the ideal option, but he still acquitted himself well.
It is a tribute to the man that he held on grimly at Sydney. He may not have defeated his inner demons yet, but on the crease he showed the willingness to battle those demons and stay put. Character is also about surviving in a hostile environement, where the fans and the media are baying for your blood.
This was a Dravid struggling to put bat to ball, and leaving or patting away balls which would have sped to the fence on a normal day. He led a charmed life, caught off a no-ball once and dropped on another occasion. For somebody who had eked out a painful 5 off 66 balls and 16 off 114 balls in Melbourne, every single run seemed to be a cause for celebration.
The final output from Dravid's blade - 53 off 160 balls. A mediocre effort by any definition of class, but still worth its weight in gold. He had stayed long enough to craft a 175-run partnership with Laxman. And soon after Dravid's exit, Laxman was gone too.
It is easily forgotten that Dravid is performing a role he clearly is not comfortable in. Here's a man who inspired India to triumphs abroad from number three at Adelaide (233* & 72*), Rawalpindi (270) and Kingston (81 & 68). One can argue that a player of Dravid's calibre has no business having a block when it comes to opening the innings, but a long-time success story at number three deserves better than such tinkering with his position
Even at number three, Dravid has struggled to strike a rhythm this year, the nadir being the 12-run crawl at the Oval off 90-odd balls, when the team was pushing for victory against England (under his captaincy). Is throwing Dravid into a position where he is not comfortable the right step, when the batsman is striving to get back into form?
It's not the first time Dravid has become a victim to the pressures of 'team balance'. The early 2000s including World Cup 2003 had Dravid double up as the wicket-keeper too, so that India could bat deep. Never a specialist keeper, Dravid was far from the ideal option, but he still acquitted himself well.
It is a tribute to the man that he held on grimly at Sydney. He may not have defeated his inner demons yet, but on the crease he showed the willingness to battle those demons and stay put. Character is also about surviving in a hostile environement, where the fans and the media are baying for your blood.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
MODI ALL THE WAY
Narendra Modi is firmly back in the saddle for another five years. An expected verdict, though the scale of it exceeded the forecasts of most election pundits. After the triumph, Modi did not forget old wounds. So no one-on-one interviews with any news channel which aired the Tehelka sting. The winner takes it all, they say.
Here's a man who virtually singlehandedly propelled the BJP to power in Gujarat yet again. Narendra Modi weathered RSS and VHP displeasure as well as the wrath of the numerous party rebels. The likes of Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta (both former BJP Chief Ministers) have been exposed as political has-beens.
Modi mastered the art of rhetoric - be it soundbytes or provocative speeches. But would his formula of asmita (pride) and development have worked to this extent if the Congress had not played into his hands?
Sonia Gandhi did exactly that, by calling Modi as a 'maut ka saudagar'(merchant of death). Right on cue, Modi, who was talking of 'development' till then, was suddenly harping on terrorism and Sohrabuddin Sheikh. The Congress would have been better served, had they been able to project at least one local leader. The TV screen only showed the imports from Delhi - Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The party had nobody to project at the local level, trying to counter Modi's claims of development. The Arjun Modhvadias and Bharatsinh Solankis remained anonymities while former BJP man Shankersingh Vaghela's influence was limited.
It is now forgotten that Modi got a shocker three years ago in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls. Defying predictions, the Congress had inched close to BJP with 12 seats and a 45.1 per cent vote share, while BJP had 14 seats and 47.4 per cent share. The Congress had enough and more time to corner Modi, only to surrender to rhetoric instead of getting their organisation right. A Congress leader said on TV that election verdicts are becoming 'geographically separated'. Against a well-entrenched local leader waiting for a pretext to polarise sentiments in his favour, grandiose accusations after flying down from Delhi simply did not work.
Modi the winner may have taken it all, but for the BJP the victory is a mixed blessing. The pundits on TV were interpreting BJP President Rajnath Singh's body language after the victory as 'glum' and 'graceless' in acknowledging Narendra Modi's overwhelming role. The party has the challenge of reconciling Modi's image with a moderate face they would like to convey to allies in future NDA coalitions. It was significant that the BJP chose to anoint L K Advani as their Prime Ministerial candidate, just when Modi was at his rhetorical zenith during the Gujarat campaign. Modi may have been able to hold on to his regional turf, despite enemies all around; but the national platform may be a different ball game.
Come Prime Time on Gujarat result day, Narendra Modi did have one competitor for screen space. And Rakhi Sawant's cries of 'dhokha' at losing out in the Nach Baliye final did turn the spotlight away from Modi on some news channels. A mixture of righteous indignation and copious tears, Rakhi was as dramatic as ever. Her latest publicity splash came as some relief to all those tired of the Moditva phenomenon.
Friday, December 21, 2007
ALL-TIME HIGH
The ink is not dry yet on my previous post, but it looks like our Christian Brothers too will plump for more of the brandy (Christian Brothers aka CB being a popular IMFL brand in Kerala)
This IANS piece estimates Kerala liquor sales to hit an all-time high Rs 23 billion during Christmas, despite the Church call.
This IANS piece estimates Kerala liquor sales to hit an all-time high Rs 23 billion during Christmas, despite the Church call.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
DON'T DRINK, FOR CHRIST'S SAKE
God's Own Country is on a high, literally. Along with high literacy, Kerala has the highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the country. And come festival time, be it Onam or Christmas-New Year, the tipplers are in overdrive mode. Onam this year saw sales of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) flow past the Rs 100 crore mark (we haven't yet counted toddy consumption). As we approach Christmas and the dawn of 2008, further record-breaking feats are expected.
That's the climate in which Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Mar Varkey Vithayathil, exhorted his flock to desist from alcohol on Christmas. Vithayathil's Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese says they are sending letters to over one lakh Catholic families, besides awareness campaigns and Sunday sermons on the evils of booze.
It may be a small step, considering Christmas is just one day out of 365. And the Archbishop has not ventured into the other big booze-guzzling day - the dawn of the New Year. But it's still a laudable effort, in a state where the government's steps have been mostly restricted to heavy taxes. Only that increased taxes lead to greater revenue for a government which complains of being perennially cash-strapped. Hooch (illicit liquor) tragedies, ranging from Vypeen in the 1980s to Kalluvathukkal in 2000 have caused the occasional jolt, but tipplers continue to go strong.
There's religious tradition too backing alcohol, in parts of Kerala. The Malabar region has the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple near Kannur, where it is customary to offer toddy to the deity Muthappan (a form of Shiva)
Public figures haven't helped matters, failing to come to the forefront expressing concern. Some of them instead have gone to the other extreme, such as Mohanlal and this controversial ad campaign for a whisky brand.
Does a celebrity with mass appeal in Kerala like Mohanlal need an explicit liquor ad for some extra pocket money? Sadly this image of Mohanlal is very much in synergy with many of his recent 'male machismo' films.
The Archbishop's call for a 'dry' Christmas may just remain a cry in the wilderness in a state where his followers quote Jesus Christ turning water into wine to support their thirst for liquor. But the Syro-Malabar Church's concerted campaign is a good beginning, as long as it remains a campaign and not a diktat.
That's the climate in which Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Mar Varkey Vithayathil, exhorted his flock to desist from alcohol on Christmas. Vithayathil's Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese says they are sending letters to over one lakh Catholic families, besides awareness campaigns and Sunday sermons on the evils of booze.
It may be a small step, considering Christmas is just one day out of 365. And the Archbishop has not ventured into the other big booze-guzzling day - the dawn of the New Year. But it's still a laudable effort, in a state where the government's steps have been mostly restricted to heavy taxes. Only that increased taxes lead to greater revenue for a government which complains of being perennially cash-strapped. Hooch (illicit liquor) tragedies, ranging from Vypeen in the 1980s to Kalluvathukkal in 2000 have caused the occasional jolt, but tipplers continue to go strong.
There's religious tradition too backing alcohol, in parts of Kerala. The Malabar region has the Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple near Kannur, where it is customary to offer toddy to the deity Muthappan (a form of Shiva)
Public figures haven't helped matters, failing to come to the forefront expressing concern. Some of them instead have gone to the other extreme, such as Mohanlal and this controversial ad campaign for a whisky brand.
Does a celebrity with mass appeal in Kerala like Mohanlal need an explicit liquor ad for some extra pocket money? Sadly this image of Mohanlal is very much in synergy with many of his recent 'male machismo' films.
The Archbishop's call for a 'dry' Christmas may just remain a cry in the wilderness in a state where his followers quote Jesus Christ turning water into wine to support their thirst for liquor. But the Syro-Malabar Church's concerted campaign is a good beginning, as long as it remains a campaign and not a diktat.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
DUS TO DUST
Ten different stories, using six different directors. Dus Kahaaniyan chose to take the road less travelled by, prompting me to catch the series of short films on day two of release.
We were welcomed by a near-empty hall. And a group of kids who were eagerly awaiting the Sanjay Dutt episode left after a while, unable to take the long wait.
In the end, they didn't miss too much. While we ended up watching utter no-brainers like High on the Highway (Jimmy Shergill's junkie act), Sex on the Beach (a lot of flesh and a horrible horror flick) and Zahir (The almost-invisible Manoj Bajpai trying to radiate intensity). Strangers in the Night and Lovedale had interesting twists in the end, but both stories as well as the execution fell flat.
The finale, with Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty as underworld dons, reeked of Sanjay Gupta. All style and no substance, the only thing which stood out was the quick intercuts between Dutt and Shetty and the two kids with a supari to kill Dutt's character. Deja vu was written all over Dutt's don, which has seen Kaante, Vaastav, Khalnayak and countless other flicks. A shootout or two does not make a Quentin Tarantino.
Dus Kahaniyaan wasn't all downhill though.
'Gubbare' may have been a predictable story, but Nana Patekar got it right as the loving husband.
Shabana Azmi gave a riveting performance as the prejudiced Tamil Brahmin in Rice Plate. And so did Naseeruddin Shah who conveyed so much without actually saying much. The plot though, is suspiciously similar to the 1989 short film The Lunch Date
And the pick of the lot - Meghna Gulzar's directorial short Pooranmashi, showcasing Amrita Singh as a Punjabi mother, whose extra-marital fling ends in tragedy. Gulzar's daughter had rich material to work on, a short story by renowned Punjabi author Kartar Singh Duggal.
But all in all, just style quotient does not an experiment make. One prefers a smooth line to curves with too many deep troughs and too few crests to savour. A common theme would also have helped matters, giving the series a sense of purpose.
For redemption I will need to watch Paris J'et aime , Life in a Metro or Adoor Gopalakrishnan's latest Naalu Pennungal.
We were welcomed by a near-empty hall. And a group of kids who were eagerly awaiting the Sanjay Dutt episode left after a while, unable to take the long wait.
In the end, they didn't miss too much. While we ended up watching utter no-brainers like High on the Highway (Jimmy Shergill's junkie act), Sex on the Beach (a lot of flesh and a horrible horror flick) and Zahir (The almost-invisible Manoj Bajpai trying to radiate intensity). Strangers in the Night and Lovedale had interesting twists in the end, but both stories as well as the execution fell flat.
The finale, with Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty as underworld dons, reeked of Sanjay Gupta. All style and no substance, the only thing which stood out was the quick intercuts between Dutt and Shetty and the two kids with a supari to kill Dutt's character. Deja vu was written all over Dutt's don, which has seen Kaante, Vaastav, Khalnayak and countless other flicks. A shootout or two does not make a Quentin Tarantino.
Dus Kahaniyaan wasn't all downhill though.
'Gubbare' may have been a predictable story, but Nana Patekar got it right as the loving husband.
Shabana Azmi gave a riveting performance as the prejudiced Tamil Brahmin in Rice Plate. And so did Naseeruddin Shah who conveyed so much without actually saying much. The plot though, is suspiciously similar to the 1989 short film The Lunch Date
And the pick of the lot - Meghna Gulzar's directorial short Pooranmashi, showcasing Amrita Singh as a Punjabi mother, whose extra-marital fling ends in tragedy. Gulzar's daughter had rich material to work on, a short story by renowned Punjabi author Kartar Singh Duggal.
But all in all, just style quotient does not an experiment make. One prefers a smooth line to curves with too many deep troughs and too few crests to savour. A common theme would also have helped matters, giving the series a sense of purpose.
For redemption I will need to watch Paris J'et aime , Life in a Metro or Adoor Gopalakrishnan's latest Naalu Pennungal.
Friday, December 07, 2007
LOOKING FOR THE GAME
An India-Pakistan test series where the on-field action is reduced to a sideshow? The ongoing series has achieved this dubious distinction, with reams and reams of space cornered by the likes of Dilip Vengsarkar and Gary Kirsten.
The headlines kept shifting inch by inch. One day Vengsarkar was angry, soon he felt humiliated and then the buzz was that he would throw it all away. Only to end up with blurbs of 'Vengsarkar relents', with the Colonel still holding on to his job as Chairman of Selectors. An uneasy calm for now, but it seems just a matter of time before further twists in the tale.
And then Gary Kirstem popped up out of the blue as the coach-in-waiting. One operation BCCI carried out stealthily. But could suspense be far behind? The 'will he, won't he' question arose after reports (conveniently fed by relevant sources?) that senior players were unhappy. This conundrum was solved in public by Kirsten, when he conveyed over the phone to news channels that he was on board.
Despite all this, the team's done pretty well on the field. Probably because BCCI, Vengsarkar and Kirsten diverted the media.
Things were quiet with Pakistan initially, with Shoaib Akhtar not coming up with any tantrums on the field. Rather, he was playing the prima donna when it came to Bollywood offers. It was just a sorry tale of a weak side futher crippled by injuries, and struggling to field 11 fit men on the field.
But now as the third test approaches there is more than a hint of drama surrounding stand-in-captain Younis/Younus (there was a big debate over his spelling in the newsroom) Khan. If you want it straight from the horse's mouth, it's Younus.
Younus Khan is now apparently refusing to lead the Pakistan side, if he does not get the side he wants. All that was missing was some action directly to do with the teams. Now we have it.
There is the blast from the past too, for good measure. Javed Miandad's claim that Imran Khan had faced a player revolt during the course of Pakistan's World Cup triumph in 1992.
Cricket's been reduced to a carnival of big egos, verbal spats and controversies. It doesn't hurt the cause of news one bit though.
Related Posts
KIRSTEN & THE COACH QUESTION
The headlines kept shifting inch by inch. One day Vengsarkar was angry, soon he felt humiliated and then the buzz was that he would throw it all away. Only to end up with blurbs of 'Vengsarkar relents', with the Colonel still holding on to his job as Chairman of Selectors. An uneasy calm for now, but it seems just a matter of time before further twists in the tale.
And then Gary Kirstem popped up out of the blue as the coach-in-waiting. One operation BCCI carried out stealthily. But could suspense be far behind? The 'will he, won't he' question arose after reports (conveniently fed by relevant sources?) that senior players were unhappy. This conundrum was solved in public by Kirsten, when he conveyed over the phone to news channels that he was on board.
Despite all this, the team's done pretty well on the field. Probably because BCCI, Vengsarkar and Kirsten diverted the media.
Things were quiet with Pakistan initially, with Shoaib Akhtar not coming up with any tantrums on the field. Rather, he was playing the prima donna when it came to Bollywood offers. It was just a sorry tale of a weak side futher crippled by injuries, and struggling to field 11 fit men on the field.
But now as the third test approaches there is more than a hint of drama surrounding stand-in-captain Younis/Younus (there was a big debate over his spelling in the newsroom) Khan. If you want it straight from the horse's mouth, it's Younus.
Younus Khan is now apparently refusing to lead the Pakistan side, if he does not get the side he wants. All that was missing was some action directly to do with the teams. Now we have it.
There is the blast from the past too, for good measure. Javed Miandad's claim that Imran Khan had faced a player revolt during the course of Pakistan's World Cup triumph in 1992.
Cricket's been reduced to a carnival of big egos, verbal spats and controversies. It doesn't hurt the cause of news one bit though.
Related Posts
KIRSTEN & THE COACH QUESTION
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
THE AUTUMN OF THE PATRIARCH
An aggressive bunch armed with sticks throwing chairs all over the place. After the mayhem they make good their escape, save one. And the one aggressor who was unlucky enough to be caught is beaten black and blue, as news channels have a field day. The women shown in the images are no less active, using their chappals to devastating effect, as the former aggressor takes blows all over.
These are not visuals of mob violence from Bihar or the Hindi heartland. Instead they come straight from urban Kochi in Kerala. The protagonists being two marginalised political groups - one being the supporters of an ageing father past his prime and the initial aggressors apparently supporters of his 'estranged' son.
K Karunakaran and son K Muraleedharan have been at daggers drawn in public the past few days. The father talking of a return to the Congress, while the son rejected the idea. The Kochi melee merely added violence to the war of words.
It's still difficult to believe that the 89-year old politician who's striving desperately to come out of political irrelevance, and his son, who he's tried desperately to prop up all these years, are at loggerheads. It's not the first time they've spoken in different voices, publicly at least, only to come together. Net result of the violence, Karunakaran's got some attention while some foot soldiers got a few hefty blows.
It's sad that the 'Leader', who once reigned supreme in the state Congress, is reduced to such a pitiable state that he has to invite himself back to the parent party. And the Congress is not exactly welcoming him with open arms.
And son Muraleedharan, whose advances in politics coincided with the decline of his father's influence, has been pushed to a corner. His last few electoral attempts have left him red-faced and he seems condemned to the fringes as no more than a bit player in either the UDF or the LDF. Unless of course the father manages to get him back to the parent party. For inspiration, Karunakaran just needs to look up on an India map. He'll find a certain H D Deve Gowda right above his state.
These are not visuals of mob violence from Bihar or the Hindi heartland. Instead they come straight from urban Kochi in Kerala. The protagonists being two marginalised political groups - one being the supporters of an ageing father past his prime and the initial aggressors apparently supporters of his 'estranged' son.
K Karunakaran and son K Muraleedharan have been at daggers drawn in public the past few days. The father talking of a return to the Congress, while the son rejected the idea. The Kochi melee merely added violence to the war of words.
It's still difficult to believe that the 89-year old politician who's striving desperately to come out of political irrelevance, and his son, who he's tried desperately to prop up all these years, are at loggerheads. It's not the first time they've spoken in different voices, publicly at least, only to come together. Net result of the violence, Karunakaran's got some attention while some foot soldiers got a few hefty blows.
It's sad that the 'Leader', who once reigned supreme in the state Congress, is reduced to such a pitiable state that he has to invite himself back to the parent party. And the Congress is not exactly welcoming him with open arms.
And son Muraleedharan, whose advances in politics coincided with the decline of his father's influence, has been pushed to a corner. His last few electoral attempts have left him red-faced and he seems condemned to the fringes as no more than a bit player in either the UDF or the LDF. Unless of course the father manages to get him back to the parent party. For inspiration, Karunakaran just needs to look up on an India map. He'll find a certain H D Deve Gowda right above his state.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
DANCING TO THE WRONG LINES
Walk in to office eyeing a peaceful night shift, what do you get? A few Dalit organisations have figured out that Madhuri Dixit was dancing to the wrong tune or rather wrong lines in the title song of Aaja Nachle.
On release day they suddenly seem to have realised that the line 'Mochi chala banne sonar" (cobbler tries to turn goldsmith) is offensive and derogatory. Udit Raj and his Indian Justice Party says the filmmakers are trying to say that a cobbler is the lowest in the society. He may have a point, though the lyricist as well as the Censor Board missed the potential for 'social implications.'
But where was Udit Raj and his group all these months? The song's been playing repeatedly for quite some time. But then when it comes to protests, timing is everything. Without a cinema hall screening the film, where's the space to protest?
In no time, Mayawati's stepped into the act and banned the film in UP. And wants a ban all over the country.
As for makers Yash Raj, they are quick to switch to damage-control mode by snipping off the offensive part. And life goes on.....the Indian Justice Party's got its protest visuals screened across the country and more attention and curiosity surrounds Aaja Nachle.
But lyrics, dialogues and film titles do have the potential to offend, especially in communities sharply divided on caste lines. Read Dalit outfit Puthiya Thamizhagam leader Dr S Krishnaswamy's reasons for opposing the Kamal Haasan film titled Sandiyar (Rowdy). The film was ultimately released as Virumandi.
On release day they suddenly seem to have realised that the line 'Mochi chala banne sonar" (cobbler tries to turn goldsmith) is offensive and derogatory. Udit Raj and his Indian Justice Party says the filmmakers are trying to say that a cobbler is the lowest in the society. He may have a point, though the lyricist as well as the Censor Board missed the potential for 'social implications.'
But where was Udit Raj and his group all these months? The song's been playing repeatedly for quite some time. But then when it comes to protests, timing is everything. Without a cinema hall screening the film, where's the space to protest?
In no time, Mayawati's stepped into the act and banned the film in UP. And wants a ban all over the country.
As for makers Yash Raj, they are quick to switch to damage-control mode by snipping off the offensive part. And life goes on.....the Indian Justice Party's got its protest visuals screened across the country and more attention and curiosity surrounds Aaja Nachle.
But lyrics, dialogues and film titles do have the potential to offend, especially in communities sharply divided on caste lines. Read Dalit outfit Puthiya Thamizhagam leader Dr S Krishnaswamy's reasons for opposing the Kamal Haasan film titled Sandiyar (Rowdy). The film was ultimately released as Virumandi.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
SRK AND MEGALOMANIA
He's here, there and everywhere. The box office is chanting Om Shanti Om and every sporting triumph is accompanied by the Chak De India chorus.
Shah Rukh Khan is all over the place like never before. A hockey triumph at the Asia Cup and news channels make a beeline for SRK's comments. The Twenty20 World Cup fnal, SRK is there to celebrate victory along with the cricket team.
It's not enough being a mascot for sporting triumphs, come Om Shanti Om and the 40-something icon's six-pack abs are out to mesmerise. Sureshot material for magazine cover stories on men and the body. And then the publicity blitz for Om Shanti Om - be it soundbytes, interviews, cricket matches and Dard-e-Disco contests.
The film itself did not have much of a storyline to boast of, but successfully evoked nostalgia and retro with mostly enjoyable digs at the past. And ended up being a celebration of SRK megalomania. What else, with over 30 leading stars from the past and present jiving to the beat of Om Shanti Om.
Manoj Kumar's rant at being 'insulted' in the film only served to pump up the publicity. Add a dash of controversy over SRK's thumbs-up for smoking leaving Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss displeased. And the number one headline over BCCI comments that SRK was attending cricket matches to garner attention to his films.
Early this year one thought Amitabh-Abhishek-Aishwarya would be numero uno in Bollywood. But all the Big B's managed are disasters like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. Worse still, the Samajwadi Party's electoral rout in Uttar Pradesh, with people showing scant regard for his 'UP mein hai dam, kyunki jurm yahan hai kam' ad blitz. And the flak he got for the Barabanki land deal in UP. Busy doing the rounds of temples, a better 2008 is all they can hope for.
Meanwhile, leading British-Asian paper Eastern Eye's list labels SRK the Sexiest Asian man in the world in 2007.
Shah Rukh Khan is all over the place like never before. A hockey triumph at the Asia Cup and news channels make a beeline for SRK's comments. The Twenty20 World Cup fnal, SRK is there to celebrate victory along with the cricket team.
It's not enough being a mascot for sporting triumphs, come Om Shanti Om and the 40-something icon's six-pack abs are out to mesmerise. Sureshot material for magazine cover stories on men and the body. And then the publicity blitz for Om Shanti Om - be it soundbytes, interviews, cricket matches and Dard-e-Disco contests.
The film itself did not have much of a storyline to boast of, but successfully evoked nostalgia and retro with mostly enjoyable digs at the past. And ended up being a celebration of SRK megalomania. What else, with over 30 leading stars from the past and present jiving to the beat of Om Shanti Om.
Manoj Kumar's rant at being 'insulted' in the film only served to pump up the publicity. Add a dash of controversy over SRK's thumbs-up for smoking leaving Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss displeased. And the number one headline over BCCI comments that SRK was attending cricket matches to garner attention to his films.
Early this year one thought Amitabh-Abhishek-Aishwarya would be numero uno in Bollywood. But all the Big B's managed are disasters like Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. Worse still, the Samajwadi Party's electoral rout in Uttar Pradesh, with people showing scant regard for his 'UP mein hai dam, kyunki jurm yahan hai kam' ad blitz. And the flak he got for the Barabanki land deal in UP. Busy doing the rounds of temples, a better 2008 is all they can hope for.
Meanwhile, leading British-Asian paper Eastern Eye's list labels SRK the Sexiest Asian man in the world in 2007.
KIRSTEN & THE COACH QUESTION
Looks like Gary Kirsten will be coaching the Indian cricket team. Who knows, there might still be further twists before the official announcement. But at least this time the BCCI made its moves quietly, shielding their latest interviews from the media gaze.
Kirsten made his name as a gritty, hard-as-nails South African opener over the 1990s and early 2000s, and has battled it out in the field against the Indian seniors like Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, Dravid and Kumble. But unlike a John Wright, who had made a mark as Kent coach, Kirsten does not have enough coaching acumen to talk of. It's been just about four years after he played his last test. A stint as Cricket South Africa's high performance manager, and a privately-run Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy does not say much. All in all, a battler as player but an unknown quantity as coach.
Is it worth the risk going for an 'unknown' like Kirsten at the expense of desi contenders like Lalchand Rajput, who's given results during his ongoing stint as coach? A Sandeep Patil, who coached Kenya to a surprise semifinal appearance in the 2003 World Cup, was unwelcome. And he's now cast his lot with the ICL.
Getting a John Wright did make a positive difference to the fortunes of the national side, and Greg Chappell did have his share of good ideas (the Rajasthan state board is now using his expertise). But does it justify a blind belief that only a foreign coach can take Indian cricket forward?
Related Posts
Kirsten made his name as a gritty, hard-as-nails South African opener over the 1990s and early 2000s, and has battled it out in the field against the Indian seniors like Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, Dravid and Kumble. But unlike a John Wright, who had made a mark as Kent coach, Kirsten does not have enough coaching acumen to talk of. It's been just about four years after he played his last test. A stint as Cricket South Africa's high performance manager, and a privately-run Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy does not say much. All in all, a battler as player but an unknown quantity as coach.
Is it worth the risk going for an 'unknown' like Kirsten at the expense of desi contenders like Lalchand Rajput, who's given results during his ongoing stint as coach? A Sandeep Patil, who coached Kenya to a surprise semifinal appearance in the 2003 World Cup, was unwelcome. And he's now cast his lot with the ICL.
Getting a John Wright did make a positive difference to the fortunes of the national side, and Greg Chappell did have his share of good ideas (the Rajasthan state board is now using his expertise). But does it justify a blind belief that only a foreign coach can take Indian cricket forward?
Related Posts
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
DEFINING THE WORD EXCLUSIVE
6 am Wednesday. As the day breaks it's 'General No More' Pervez Musharraf who opens the news channel headline pack. As the stories unravel, Nawaz Sharif appears on one, then the next and then a third. In no time the quote-happy Sharif is holding forth on all three channels.
Two of them do have Sharif at the other end, while the third tries to cover up the fact that they got Sharif only on the phone with snazzy packaging. Besides getting the same man, what's common across the three channels? The word 'exclusive' blaring out on the screen.
Dictionaries say something 'exclusive' is not divided or shared with others. In the context of journalism a piece of news, or the reporting of a piece of news, obtained by a newspaper or other news organization, along with the privilege of using it first.
Did all three speak to Nawaz Sharif exclusively? If so, the English language is an ass. And the few (?) who may have switched on the telly early in the morning (that too to figure out news) easily impressionable.
To us not to reason why. Just fire the exclusive band before the competitor.
Monday, November 19, 2007
KERALA AND CRICKET
Sreekumar Nair scoring a triple hundred in a Ranji Trophy match last Friday. An obscure footnote on sports pages.
But not if you are a Malayalam newspaper. There it's another 'Sree', another 'Shobha'. A milestone for a state not known traditionally for its cricketing prowess. A marathon achievement for a team whose batsmen struggle to get hundreds on a consistent basis.
As it is, Kerala's had too few batsmen to boast of. Balan Pandit in the 1950s and 60s whose record of 262 not out Sreekumar Nair broke. And K Jayaram in the 1980s, who struck a purple patch in the 1986-87 season, with four centuries out of five matches. That season 'minnow' Kerala did not lose a single zonal match, grinding out draws against bigwigs Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for the first time ever. There's also Kerala's all-time top rungetter, Sunil Oasis from the 1990s and 2000s
Kerala's had better luck with its bowlers, especially in the last few years. Tinu Yohannan began his test career in style against England in 2001, with a wicket in his very first over. But two more tests and he found himself out in the cold. Tinu may never get a national call-up again, but he will forever remain the one who opened the floodgates. The first-ever test cricketer straight from Kerala (Abey Kuruvilla from Mumbai does not count)
And Tinu's emergence also had a sense of transition from Kerala's sports strengths like atheletics and football. Tinu being the son of the legendary T C Yohannan, Asian Games long jump gold medallist in 1974, Asian record holder for more than a decade and national record holder for three decades. (For more on T C Yohannan read this article)
Nearly a year after Tinu played his last test match (December 2002) two raw seamers were tired out in a practice match against the touring New Zealanders. Those days, Munaf Patel was billed the fastest bowler in the country and the hype around him overshdowed Sreesanth, who showed promise in that match. It didn't take too long for Sreesanth to make that leap into the big league.
Before them there was the promising seamer V Hariharan in the 1970s and 80s, who's now Kerala coach.
The 1990s was dominated by the unlucky Ananthapadmanabhan, who kept scalping wickets with his legspin season after season, and ended up with a tally of over 300. But he didn't have that big match at the zonal level, and in the era of Anil Kumble fell short of the big leap to the national side.
It was in the 1990s that Kerala broke the glass ceiling for the first time, qualifying for the knockout stage from South Zone. Kerala's never sizzled yet in the later stages, but after topping South Zone the team realised they can hold their own at the highest level.
But not if you are a Malayalam newspaper. There it's another 'Sree', another 'Shobha'. A milestone for a state not known traditionally for its cricketing prowess. A marathon achievement for a team whose batsmen struggle to get hundreds on a consistent basis.
As it is, Kerala's had too few batsmen to boast of. Balan Pandit in the 1950s and 60s whose record of 262 not out Sreekumar Nair broke. And K Jayaram in the 1980s, who struck a purple patch in the 1986-87 season, with four centuries out of five matches. That season 'minnow' Kerala did not lose a single zonal match, grinding out draws against bigwigs Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for the first time ever. There's also Kerala's all-time top rungetter, Sunil Oasis from the 1990s and 2000s
Kerala's had better luck with its bowlers, especially in the last few years. Tinu Yohannan began his test career in style against England in 2001, with a wicket in his very first over. But two more tests and he found himself out in the cold. Tinu may never get a national call-up again, but he will forever remain the one who opened the floodgates. The first-ever test cricketer straight from Kerala (Abey Kuruvilla from Mumbai does not count)
And Tinu's emergence also had a sense of transition from Kerala's sports strengths like atheletics and football. Tinu being the son of the legendary T C Yohannan, Asian Games long jump gold medallist in 1974, Asian record holder for more than a decade and national record holder for three decades. (For more on T C Yohannan read this article)
Nearly a year after Tinu played his last test match (December 2002) two raw seamers were tired out in a practice match against the touring New Zealanders. Those days, Munaf Patel was billed the fastest bowler in the country and the hype around him overshdowed Sreesanth, who showed promise in that match. It didn't take too long for Sreesanth to make that leap into the big league.
Before them there was the promising seamer V Hariharan in the 1970s and 80s, who's now Kerala coach.
The 1990s was dominated by the unlucky Ananthapadmanabhan, who kept scalping wickets with his legspin season after season, and ended up with a tally of over 300. But he didn't have that big match at the zonal level, and in the era of Anil Kumble fell short of the big leap to the national side.
It was in the 1990s that Kerala broke the glass ceiling for the first time, qualifying for the knockout stage from South Zone. Kerala's never sizzled yet in the later stages, but after topping South Zone the team realised they can hold their own at the highest level.
As for now, the bowling attack has bite, but Kerala still awaits the batsman extraordinaire who will go all the way to Team India.
Let's not count Robin Uthappa from Karnataka, who was given three lakh rupees by the Kerala government after the Twenty20 triumph, while Sreesanth got five lakh. Well, Uthappa is half-Malayali, which seems to be why the reward is half of Sreesanth's.
Here's an earlier piece by Ramachandra Guha on Keralites turning the corner in cricket.
NATAKA UNLIMITED
It's been just one week. CM Yeddyurappa has already become past tense.
With a restive Deve Gowda around, the 'Karnataka politics' headline was expected to change in no time, but don't the people of the state deserve a break from this non-stop drama? Even we news channel foot soldiers deserve a break from Gowda's machinations.
A BJP in a desperate hurry for the symbolic value of a Chief Minister down south. But even if you are itching to bat (after bowling and fielding for a while, as Yashwant Sinha said), it's a better idea to ensure an even-paced wicket to bat on rather than an underprepared minefield. Especially if Deve Gowda is turning the ball square with his wrong 'uns. It's impossible to tackle a former Prime Minister (we are talking of India, not Karnataka) whose motto is 'either my son or I am a secular humble farmer.' The party's been forced to realise that a hurried 'Twenty20' approach could also mean 'do and die'.
As for Yeddyurappa, the man in a hurry to be CM, it's difficult to feel any sympathy, though he's been betrayed by the JD(S) or rather the Gowda parivar. He could take some scholarly advice from Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose first government (1996) lasted just 13 days. And it wouldn't be bad idea to get back to his astrologer's drawing board, and chart out a new spelling.
Yeddyurappa (formerly Yediyurappa) may just ride on sympathy. And the Congress would do well to fight an election without help from the humble farmer and son.
Related Aricles
BJP's POWERFUL DEEPAVALI
GOWDA BENDS, BJP RISES
With a restive Deve Gowda around, the 'Karnataka politics' headline was expected to change in no time, but don't the people of the state deserve a break from this non-stop drama? Even we news channel foot soldiers deserve a break from Gowda's machinations.
A BJP in a desperate hurry for the symbolic value of a Chief Minister down south. But even if you are itching to bat (after bowling and fielding for a while, as Yashwant Sinha said), it's a better idea to ensure an even-paced wicket to bat on rather than an underprepared minefield. Especially if Deve Gowda is turning the ball square with his wrong 'uns. It's impossible to tackle a former Prime Minister (we are talking of India, not Karnataka) whose motto is 'either my son or I am a secular humble farmer.' The party's been forced to realise that a hurried 'Twenty20' approach could also mean 'do and die'.
As for Yeddyurappa, the man in a hurry to be CM, it's difficult to feel any sympathy, though he's been betrayed by the JD(S) or rather the Gowda parivar. He could take some scholarly advice from Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose first government (1996) lasted just 13 days. And it wouldn't be bad idea to get back to his astrologer's drawing board, and chart out a new spelling.
Yeddyurappa (formerly Yediyurappa) may just ride on sympathy. And the Congress would do well to fight an election without help from the humble farmer and son.
Related Aricles
BJP's POWERFUL DEEPAVALI
GOWDA BENDS, BJP RISES
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
CHAPPELL'S RACISM TIRADE
Igniting controversy is something Greg Chappell never seems to tire of. Be it making brother Trevor bowl underarm against New Zealand to ensure victory for Australia or leaked emails and revelatory soundbytes/interviews during his tenure as Indian cricket coach.
Now he's joined the Australian racism chorus against India, claiming in a forthcoming TV interview in Australia that an attack on him by a crazed fan in Bhubaneswar in January this year was because he was a foreigner. A white-skinned Chappell discriminated against in India of all places? That's laying it a bit too thick.
Chappell seems to have forgotten that he wasn't very high on the popularity charts in India those days. And news channels were having dig after dig at Guru Greg and his laboratory. Unfortunately for him, his declining stock came in the way of any possible outrage.
He does have a right to feel outraged that the BCCI played down the incident. But comparing his plight to Andrew Symonds is just not on.
Not surprisingly, Chappell on Indian news channels was trying to steer clear of the controversy. After all, he is not yet fnished with Indian cricket, with a coaching assignment in Rajasthan.
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INDIA AND RACISM
Now he's joined the Australian racism chorus against India, claiming in a forthcoming TV interview in Australia that an attack on him by a crazed fan in Bhubaneswar in January this year was because he was a foreigner. A white-skinned Chappell discriminated against in India of all places? That's laying it a bit too thick.
Chappell seems to have forgotten that he wasn't very high on the popularity charts in India those days. And news channels were having dig after dig at Guru Greg and his laboratory. Unfortunately for him, his declining stock came in the way of any possible outrage.
He does have a right to feel outraged that the BCCI played down the incident. But comparing his plight to Andrew Symonds is just not on.
Not surprisingly, Chappell on Indian news channels was trying to steer clear of the controversy. After all, he is not yet fnished with Indian cricket, with a coaching assignment in Rajasthan.
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INDIA AND RACISM
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
FRIENDLIER BUSES IN THE CAPITAL
Diwali day - Delhiites zipping by in their swank cars stopped and stared, treated as they were to a spectacle of green on the roads. At long last, here was public (road) transport in the capital city which made you say, 'wow' on the face of it. A dozen sleek green buses had made their debut.
As a veteran of many a hair-raising Blueline ride, I simply had to assure myself it was indeed possible to undertake a bus journey with some degree of comfort. So Saturday afternoon I landed in Sivaji Stadium terminus in Connaught Place, waiting for the dream bus.
It was a bit of a wait, but the Tata-Marcopolo bus lived up to expectations. Here was a low-floored bus which women, children and the physically challenged could board easily. Automatic gear system, GPS - drivers have the latest technology in front of them. And speed governors are firmly in place to halt the drivers' adrenaline rush.
And all those macho males can no longer cling on to the footboard, because the door has to be closed before the bus moves.
But sleekness can also be a double-edged sword. The day I was travelling the bus crew was all at sea grappling with a GPS system which had to be activated for the bus to move. Technology is great, but what if the end-users don't know how to use it? Also with so many poor stretches of roads, are these buses too delicate to survive? Three buses reportedly broke down on day one.
It's a pity that the Delhi government needed to quote the 2010 Commonwealth Games to move forward on basic transport infrastructure. The capital city of the country should have acted long back. That said, here's to a green future without the rampaging bluelines.
As a veteran of many a hair-raising Blueline ride, I simply had to assure myself it was indeed possible to undertake a bus journey with some degree of comfort. So Saturday afternoon I landed in Sivaji Stadium terminus in Connaught Place, waiting for the dream bus.
It was a bit of a wait, but the Tata-Marcopolo bus lived up to expectations. Here was a low-floored bus which women, children and the physically challenged could board easily. Automatic gear system, GPS - drivers have the latest technology in front of them. And speed governors are firmly in place to halt the drivers' adrenaline rush.
And all those macho males can no longer cling on to the footboard, because the door has to be closed before the bus moves.
But sleekness can also be a double-edged sword. The day I was travelling the bus crew was all at sea grappling with a GPS system which had to be activated for the bus to move. Technology is great, but what if the end-users don't know how to use it? Also with so many poor stretches of roads, are these buses too delicate to survive? Three buses reportedly broke down on day one.
It's a pity that the Delhi government needed to quote the 2010 Commonwealth Games to move forward on basic transport infrastructure. The capital city of the country should have acted long back. That said, here's to a green future without the rampaging bluelines.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
WAITING FOR THE DEPUTY
We are familiar with tales of intrigue and breathless suspense when it comes to deciding on a Chief Minister. But how about prolonged suspense over a Deputy Chief Minister, with the CM decided and all set to be sworn in? Even though the choice is almost a foregone conclusion.
Janata Dal(Secular) or Deve Gowda and Sons Ltd has refused to announce its Deputy CM in Karnataka just yet, preferring to wait till the vote of confidence on November 15. Till then, we also won't get to know who their ministers will be. Pragmatic, considering Deve Gowda and Sons Ltd has a restless bunch of legislators who are willing to swing from one perch to the other at the first hint of trouble.
In corporate lingo, by staying in power all of them might have got confirmed in their job. But then if only some get a bonus (ministerial berths) before the vote of confidence, the others might get too restive a bit too soon. The solution - announce the bonus only after weathering the first big hurricane.
In a world of no permanent friends or enemies, it was no surprise that the latest JD(S) headline package was announced by M P Prakash, the very person who was so near to splitting the party and allying with the Congress.
This mixture of caution and farce should come to an end by the end of the week, with H D Kumaraswamy being the odds-on favourite to be Deputy CM. But then Deve Gowda has a problem of plenty - two equally ambitious sons. H D Revanna wouldn't mind the chair himself and the 'humble farmer' has the unenviable task of meeting both aspirations. Neighbouring Tamil Nadu's DMK strongman Karunanidhi can vouch for the fact that it's a tall order keeping both Stalin and Azhagiri happy.
As each day passes and tidbits of information sneak out, the headlines will keep rolling. Fodder for news channels but frustration for the people. The hapless denizens of Karnataka who have ended up seeing as many as three CMs from three different parties in three years. (without any election after 2004).
Related Posts
BJP's POWERFUL DEEPAVALI
Janata Dal(Secular) or Deve Gowda and Sons Ltd has refused to announce its Deputy CM in Karnataka just yet, preferring to wait till the vote of confidence on November 15. Till then, we also won't get to know who their ministers will be. Pragmatic, considering Deve Gowda and Sons Ltd has a restless bunch of legislators who are willing to swing from one perch to the other at the first hint of trouble.
In corporate lingo, by staying in power all of them might have got confirmed in their job. But then if only some get a bonus (ministerial berths) before the vote of confidence, the others might get too restive a bit too soon. The solution - announce the bonus only after weathering the first big hurricane.
In a world of no permanent friends or enemies, it was no surprise that the latest JD(S) headline package was announced by M P Prakash, the very person who was so near to splitting the party and allying with the Congress.
This mixture of caution and farce should come to an end by the end of the week, with H D Kumaraswamy being the odds-on favourite to be Deputy CM. But then Deve Gowda has a problem of plenty - two equally ambitious sons. H D Revanna wouldn't mind the chair himself and the 'humble farmer' has the unenviable task of meeting both aspirations. Neighbouring Tamil Nadu's DMK strongman Karunanidhi can vouch for the fact that it's a tall order keeping both Stalin and Azhagiri happy.
As each day passes and tidbits of information sneak out, the headlines will keep rolling. Fodder for news channels but frustration for the people. The hapless denizens of Karnataka who have ended up seeing as many as three CMs from three different parties in three years. (without any election after 2004).
Related Posts
BJP's POWERFUL DEEPAVALI
Friday, November 09, 2007
KUMBLE'S COMING, BCCI'S GOOGLY
It's good to know that there are occasions when the BCCI acts sensibly. And steals a march over news channels, bamboozling them with the perfect googly - one Anil Kumble would have been proud of.
Yesterday, all the test captaincy speculation was centred around Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Some channels were absolutely sure Dhoni would be made captain, with generous doses of 'information' from reliable 'sources'. And Dhoni profile stories were already on overdrive - small-town boy, long hair, his Bollywood fans, Musharraf's tongue-in-cheek comment on Mahi's long locks and last but not the least his test career statistics.
But as day turned to night and Younis Khan flogged the Indian bowling at Mohali, anchors began to seek refuge in doubt, and wary speculation replaced confident bluster. Dhoni still remained frontrunner but a cloud of doubt hung over the headline.
The Anil Kumble star was clearly on the ascendant and by the time India hurtled to defeat, 'information' trickling in was pointing towards Kumble. And the BCCI chose to break the news in a written statement as the clock wound its way to midnight. India may have been lurching to sleep, but the world of TV news and its denizens were wide awake. Caught napping, with all speculations laid to rest. It was time to wake up to Kumble profiles - gentle giant, India's highest test wicket-taker (and ODI too), 10-wicket haul in an innings against Pakistan and trapping Lara lbw with face heavily bandaged.
Sensible choice by BCCI in the dead of night, catching the media off-guard. For all his skills, Dhoni is still not ready for leadership in the five-day game. And it's good to have an experienced and level-headed mind at the helm, ensuring a smooth transition to the younger Dhoni later. It's also the ultimate reward for a loyal soldier, who's won far more matches for India than ad contracts.
It also helps that Kumble's shadow won't be looming over Dhoni in ODIs , the leg-spinner having already bid adieu from the one-day game.
But the intruding cameras will remain trained on the flashy Dhoni, rather than the scholarly Kumble. Today a news channel ran a story on Dhoni going to watch Om Shanti Om. The cricket correspondent was busy describing Dhoni's Om Shanti Om trip over the phone. Amen to mindless entertainment and celebrity-gazing.
Suits the unassuming Kumble just fine.
Yesterday, all the test captaincy speculation was centred around Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Some channels were absolutely sure Dhoni would be made captain, with generous doses of 'information' from reliable 'sources'. And Dhoni profile stories were already on overdrive - small-town boy, long hair, his Bollywood fans, Musharraf's tongue-in-cheek comment on Mahi's long locks and last but not the least his test career statistics.
But as day turned to night and Younis Khan flogged the Indian bowling at Mohali, anchors began to seek refuge in doubt, and wary speculation replaced confident bluster. Dhoni still remained frontrunner but a cloud of doubt hung over the headline.
The Anil Kumble star was clearly on the ascendant and by the time India hurtled to defeat, 'information' trickling in was pointing towards Kumble. And the BCCI chose to break the news in a written statement as the clock wound its way to midnight. India may have been lurching to sleep, but the world of TV news and its denizens were wide awake. Caught napping, with all speculations laid to rest. It was time to wake up to Kumble profiles - gentle giant, India's highest test wicket-taker (and ODI too), 10-wicket haul in an innings against Pakistan and trapping Lara lbw with face heavily bandaged.
Sensible choice by BCCI in the dead of night, catching the media off-guard. For all his skills, Dhoni is still not ready for leadership in the five-day game. And it's good to have an experienced and level-headed mind at the helm, ensuring a smooth transition to the younger Dhoni later. It's also the ultimate reward for a loyal soldier, who's won far more matches for India than ad contracts.
It also helps that Kumble's shadow won't be looming over Dhoni in ODIs , the leg-spinner having already bid adieu from the one-day game.
But the intruding cameras will remain trained on the flashy Dhoni, rather than the scholarly Kumble. Today a news channel ran a story on Dhoni going to watch Om Shanti Om. The cricket correspondent was busy describing Dhoni's Om Shanti Om trip over the phone. Amen to mindless entertainment and celebrity-gazing.
Suits the unassuming Kumble just fine.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
BJP's POWERFUL DEEPAVALI
No more President's Rule and Yeddyurappa (formerly Yediyurappa) is within touching distance of being Karnataka Chief Minister. The BJP can now strut around chanting Karnataka to all questions about them being a North India/Hindi heartland party. It also helps that the BJP has a Chief Minister in a southern state, soon after its war of words over the Ram Sethu with the self-appointed champion of Dravidian ideology, Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi.
But does the party really understand the South? In the 2004 elections they didn't do their homework well except in Karnataka, ensuring an unexpected defeat at the Centre. And now, this laboured limp to power in the only southern state where they got a foothold three years back, could well chip away at that foothold (for the next state election at least). Poor Yeddyurappa ended up expressing happiness in faraway Delhi in his faltering Hindi, a language he is far from comfortable with.
And BJP President Rajnath Singh had the gall to thank the people of 'South India' for giving them the opportunity. Firstly, Mr Singh, the people of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh had nothing to do with this deepavali 'gift'. And secondly and more importantly, the people had no choice over this alliance, imposed on them by a majority of legislators.
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But does the party really understand the South? In the 2004 elections they didn't do their homework well except in Karnataka, ensuring an unexpected defeat at the Centre. And now, this laboured limp to power in the only southern state where they got a foothold three years back, could well chip away at that foothold (for the next state election at least). Poor Yeddyurappa ended up expressing happiness in faraway Delhi in his faltering Hindi, a language he is far from comfortable with.
And BJP President Rajnath Singh had the gall to thank the people of 'South India' for giving them the opportunity. Firstly, Mr Singh, the people of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh had nothing to do with this deepavali 'gift'. And secondly and more importantly, the people had no choice over this alliance, imposed on them by a majority of legislators.
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GOWDA BENDS, BJP RISES
HINDI TAMIL BHAI BHAI
TALKING HEADS & RAM SETHU
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