Love Triangle

What to do?

*Sigh*

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You little beauty.

The Cream of Cricket

I was reading the very funny Andy Zaltzman's blog the other day and it reminded me of my early years in Bangalore when me and my friends/roommates would sit and discuss something as ridiculous as 'how would the world's worst cricket team look like'.

That's the advantage of having like-minded, similar-wavelengthed friends as roommates. It is quite rare and should be cherished while it lasts. We would spend insane amounts of time discussing whether a player is 'worthy' enough to be picked in the world's worst cricket team. These discussions would last hours on end. On many occassions we would walk to Home Meals in Jayanagar 4th block, have dinner and come back home without even remembering what we ate or how long the walk was.

Anyway, I seem to have misplaced my copy of one such squad. Over the last few days I have tried my best to recollect it using my superhero-esque memory powers.

(For all you purists & uptights, I have this to say: As an accomplished allrounder in gully cricket, I have every right and capability to judge other petty international cricketers)

So without further ado, presenting, on the auspicious occassion of ICC's centenary year, (fittingly) the Cream of Cricket.

Team: KMH  (Kivi Mele Hoovu)

Vikram Rathour (IND) (wk) - Yes. He is the wicket keeper too. He can also bowl if you want. Superb player under pressure.

Wajahatullah Wasti (PAK) - A solid reliable quick scoring opener who almost single handedly won the 99 world cup.

Jacob Martin (IND) - A cool head. So cool, sometimes it forgets to score.

Dale Benkenstein (SA) - Another solid middle order batsman who's currently taking the ICL by storm.

Sylvester Joseph (WI) - Raw talent that those stupid WI selectors failed to encourage.

Chandika Hathurasingha (SL) - A living example of how one's weight cannot affect one's abilities.

Adam Huckle (ZIM) (c ) - He was Zimbabwe's captain. 'nuff said.

Abey Kuruvilla (IND) - Only bowler to beat Venkatesh Prasad in terms of Build : Pace ratio. Also takes home the best bowling action prize.

Chris Drum (NZ) - Exciting, incisive fast bowler. Wow.

Nehemiah Perry (WI) - Square turner of the ball. Again, those WI selectors.

Henry Williams (SA) - Damn the match fixing controversy for cutting short a promising career.

Reserves

Mark Ramprakash (ENG) - You cannot tell me you didn't get goosebumps out of excitement when he came out to bat.

Nadeem Khan (PAK) - Aah. Perfect loop, guile and turn. Too bad Pakistan only loves its pacers.

Pommie Mbangwa (ZIM) - What a joy it was to see his hair bounce around in front of his eyes just before he delivered the ball. And he got buckets of wickets in spite of that.

Adam Dale (AUS) - Killer swing bowler.

Russell Arnold (SL) - Has the most beautiful sweep shot. Perfectly suited for middle overs. He can pinch a single in the 3rd man area even with 3 fielders in. Backup Captain.

Ruchira Perera (SL) - The original slinger. Sachin feared him.  Malinga would do better if he learnt some tricks from him.

Team: HMT (Heglu Mele Towel)

Debang Gandhi (IND) - I will never forgive McGrath for ending such a promising, exciting opener's career.

Matthew Horne (NZ) - A classy opening batsman. Hardly ever edged to slip.

Darren Ganga (WI) (c ) - He became captain of WI. 'nuff said again.

Mohammad Hussain (PAK) - The best looking of the lot. Amazingly consistent with both bat and ball.

Sanjeeva Ranatunga (SL) - A real hidden talent. SL has a lot of those.

Courtney Browne (WI) (wk) - A calming, inspiring presence on the field. Very consistent.

Prashant Vaidya (IND) - What pace! What swing! What happened?

Eric Upashanta (SL) - Superb straight arm action, which caused the ball to move so much that it ended up being wide many times. That was his only problem.

Mahendra Nagamootoo (WI) - Another terrific WI spinner who was sidelined by WI in favor of another promising fast bowler Marlon Black.

Mick Lewis (AUS) - An honest fast bowler who dismissed his world record performance of 10-0-113-0 by saying "It was just a game".

Heath Davis (NZ) - Generated too much movement off the seam. Kept the slips interested. Just not the batsman.

Reserves

Khaled Mahmud (BAN) - Genuine allrounder. Matchwinner.

Ian Salisbury (ENG) - England's best spinner. Without a doubt. Had a great rivalry with Shane warne during the 90's.

Peter Martin (ENG) - Tall, fast and lethal. Having a splendind action helped him take bagful of wickets in his short career.

Winston Benjamin (WI) - A True caribbean speedster. His venomous bouncers were rendered useless on lifeless pitches of Jamaica & Trinidad.

Pubudu Dassanayake (SL) - A world class keeper and an immaculate batsman.

Dulip Liyanage (SL) - Fastest Srilankan bowler of the last decade. Only Nuwan Zoysa has come close since.

Honarable Mentions (i.e. AJMs)

Sujith Somasunder (IND): A dashing, dynamic opener who stood tall to McGrath, even when his stumps did not.

Noel David (IND): A Mystery Spinner.

Blair Hartland (NZ): A Calm and composed player who can stabilize any innings.

Amay Khurasiya (IND): Classy left hander capable of some lusty blows.

Niroshan Bandaratilleke (SL): Left Arm Orthodox spinner who can control the run flow in any situation.

Ashish Kapoor (IND): Still waiting for his recall into the squad.

Are you still reading? OK...

Now that you are well familiar with the teams, can you predict the winner if these two powerhouse teams meet head to head?

For added effect, imagine this match being umpired by Ameish Saheba and Steve Bucknor, match refereed by Mike Denness and commentated by Ranjith (Wickath Crickath) Fernando,  Arun (Insightful) Lal and Sidhu.

(Extraaa Innings hosted by Charu Sharma with guests Kapil Dev, Mohinder Amarnath & Aamir Sohail all speaking English)

(Suggestions to the team composition are most welcome. Only rule is that they should be from my generation i.e. late 80s - present day.)

Six Six Six

No No, I have not lost my marbles (contrary to many an opinion) and started writing Iron Maiden lyrics out of the blue.

Actually, I have been tagged, by DewDropDream.

The deal is: I must pick up the sixth photo in the sixth folder of my photos folder and post it here with a brief descritption-cum-explanation.

Hmmm.. Simple enough.

Problem is the sixth pics folder on my computer has no pictures in it. Only more folders. So I've done the logical thing and selected the sixth folder inside the sixth folder and the sixth picture inside that very sixth folder inside the original sixth folder. (and hence, the number of the beast).

This is my pic:

Actually, this picture was taken by my wife, from inside the car. It was taken on the 25th of February 2008 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Even though it looks like an evening shot, it was about 10 in the morning. Yeah, blizzards tend to do that to Michigan. A Lot.
We were carrying our camera with us in case some freaky snow situation happened (which was quite likely considering the fact that it was a horrendous blizzard and I had to drive 45 miles and back with only one movable arm). Yes, Camera trumped snickers bars, apples, tropicana and other lesser significant things. Fortunately (or otherwise, depending on how you look at it), the trip was largely uneventful.

We were driving out of our neighborhood. The streets were deserted, as usual. It was then that we suddenly saw a moving object. It was a lady, moving slowly on a non-existant sidewalk, without an umbrella and just her hoodie for protection. She was either very brave or very desperate, we thought. We took her picture.

On second thought, I think it was more of an excitement of just seeing a human being on the road that prompted us to click that picture.

Good Times.

(I would like to tag Anoop, Mr. Shenoy, Perplexed, Bindya and Paarijatha. Come on, get off your lazy cushions and get to work, I say!)

Attack of the Amway Desis

They have a gift. 

They can smell you, perhaps even sense your presence in their vicinity. They are predators alright, but skilled ones at that. Their regular hunting grounds are the milk and the canned tomato aisles at Walmart. The moment they spot you in the cereal aisle looking confusedly at Kellogs' Chocolatey Delight and Vanilla Almond, they lock you in their sights. They don't follow you, but somehow 'accidentally' bump into you in the next aisle. And then they go about the kill, slowly and softly.

Yes, I am talking about the 'Amway' Desis.

My friends had adequately warned me about these creatures, more so now that I'd moved to Texas. And after two encounters in 3 days, I am now seriously contemplating doing my groceries at 1 AM on a wednesday. 

Why, you ask? Allow me to cut to the flashbacks.

Thursday evening:

On the way home from work, I remembered that I was running out of cereal (now that I'm guzzling 4 boxes a week!). So I decided to stop by the friendly neighborhood Walmart. Navigating my way through the friendly stray shopping carts, I parked at the closest available parking spot which was only half a mile away from the entrance. Actually, in one of the great ironies of life, I feel jealous of the handicapped every time I go to Walmart.

Anyway, I was at the milk section when I noticed a decently dressed 'Desi' being awfully polite to all and sundry. Hmmm.. something fishy, I thought. Well, actually I was walking by the seafood section when I thought that. But anyway..

So I was in the chips aisle doing inky-pinky-ponky between regular and jalapeno cheetos when I heard a voice.

"So, looking for Indian Chips aa?"

It was the aforementioned Decent Desi. I don't know where he came from because the aisle was empty when I entered it.

"Missing Indian Chips aa?" he asked again.

I was startled, only for a second. Then I was actually disappointed.

Missing Indian Chips? Really?? You're looking to get unknown people into your business network and that is the best pick up line you can come up with?

"Hehe" I let out an awkward smile, avoiding making eye contact for more than 2 seconds.

"You are Indian, right?" he asks. I was impressed.

"Yep".

"Hi, I'm LKB" (original name withheld), he offers a handshake. I return the favor.

"Where are you from?" enquiry begins.

"Bangalore".

"Oh.. my sister lives in Bangalore". 

Sister? Riiight. Hundred bucks says your dad got a 'Nasbandhi' after you were born, I thought. Couldn't say it to his face though. I blame it on my upbringing.

"I know Brigade Road. Nice place" he continues, beaming with confidence on his knowledge of Bangalore.

That's nothing. Visit Okalipuram once. Another awkward smile.

"Where in Bangalore are you from?"

"Jayanagar" I answer.

"Jayanagar.. Hmmm.. I don't know that place. I only know Brigade Road".

Really? You don't say! I'm just glad you asked that question anyway.

"So, what do you do?"

Oh, you mean besides engaging in such stimulating conversations? "I'm an IT Consultant for XYZ company"

"Ohhhh! That's cool"

That was followed by 2 more minutes of enquiry about the domain, technology and cubicle I work in.

"So, how long are you gonna be in Texas?" Finally, he's coming to the point.

"Hmm.. I'm not sure at this point of time" I'm proud of myself.

"Hehe.. IT consultant right, situation is bad here for you folks"

Aah, he's also a scholar and an economist. Maybe I should just give him my phone number.

"Hey, why don't you give me your phone number?" Here it comes. "I'll give you a missed call and you can store my number". Bullseye!

Okay, you know what's a perfect example of an amateur mistake? Carrying your cellphone in your hand while walking around in Walmart.

I was cornered. I had to give him my number and pretend I was saving his name while I went through AT&T's free spam in my inbox.

"What time do you come home in the evening?"

Huh? Are you planning a surprise birthday party or something, coz my birthday's not due for months.

"I dunno, its pretty hectic at work these days". Indeed it is.

"No worry, I'll give you a call soon. And we can meet sometime in the evening. I live close by"

Can't wait.

"Okay, bye" I rushed out of the aisle even before completing that sentence.

Five minutes later, I was walking towards checkout and bam! I saw him again, walking towards the same set of checkout counters as me. With a combination of great speed and supreme cart dodging skills, I turned the other way and ran towards the ladies lingerie section where I took a very forced refuge for 5 full minutes.

I lived to fight another day.

Sunday afternoon:

That another day came sooner than I had hoped for. My mistake this time: I waited till the very last moment to do last minute chips & dips shopping before the superbowl game and hence let my guard down at the battleground.

This time it was a couple, in their mid 30s. They sneaked up on me while I was unsuspectingly looking at some cheddar dips. I shall refer to them as 'Dumma' and 'Kulli'.

"Hey, you look familiar. Are you from Chennai?" Dumma asked. I instantly recognized the genuinity in his voice.

"No", I responded, without a smile.

"But you are from South India right?", he expanded his horizons quickly.

"Yes, Bangalore"

"Ohhh Bangalore!", Kulli exclaimed, again, genuinely. "We lived in Bangalore some time back. In BTM Layout"

"Oh. Goood".

They then followed the standard questionnaire template (job, domain, technology, how long in the US, what time you come home from work) before Dumma finally came to the point

"Hey, why don't you give me your cell number? We can meet sometime."

This time, I was ready. My cell was safe in my trouser pocket, and the crease it created was barely visible.

"Actually, I don't have a phone yet. I've been here only for a week"

Nobody call me now. Nobody call me now. Please.

"Ohh. Okay, take my number at least"

I shrugged my hands indicating I don't have a pen or a paper. And I obviously don't have a cellphone.

Victory!

"Hey look, I have pen and paper", Kulli smirked as she plucked the pen and paper out of her purse.

So close.

I took the piece of paper and was about to take my leave when Dumma decided to make a last ditch attempt.

"Hey, at least give me your hotel phone number man"

Wow. I didn't see that coming. 

"I don't remember it off hand. Sorry". 

I'll kill you and your wife if I miss the kickoff. 

"Hmm.. No problem, I'll look it up online. Just tell me the room number".

My god. He must be getting a really fat commission on this. There's no other explanation.

"Its 108", I said.

"Okay then, we'll see you soon".

I sincerely, desperately, faithfully, 'on-my-knees-god-please-have-mercy-on-me'fully hope not.

As I was leaving the place, a wierd thought entered my head. What it was, you shall soon find out.

Fast forward 4 hours:

Its the fourth quarter, Arizona's just scored a freakin' unbelievable touchdown. The two minute warning has just been sounded. Big Ben is driving the Steelers down the field. Can this get any better?

Yes it can. (Its the catchphrase of the season!)

My phone rang. Unknown number. I contemplated for 10 seconds and then picked it up.

"Hi! This is LKB. How are you?"

Incomplete pass. 2nd down at the Steelers 45.

"Huh?"

"Hey, this is LKB. Remember, we'd met at Walmart a few days ago".

What. The. Fuck.

(Lesson Learnt: When an Amway douchebag gives you his phone number, Save it. At least you'll know when not to pick up the phone)

"Oh Right. Whatsup?"

"Hey, I was wondering if you wanna come down to my house tomorrow"

"What? Hey, are you not watching the game?"

"Which game?"

Roethlisberger sacked. Do or die 3rd down now. Why in the bloody world am I still talking to this guy.

"The Superbowl"

"Oh. I don't really follow all these sports"

"But I do. So, bye."

And I cut the call. That's the first time I ever hung up on someone I knew. It felt sooo good.

It was then I started giving my aforementioned wierd thought a little more er.. thought.

I was so proud of the way I wriggled myself out of the hands of these creeps twice in a row, I felt I should take this up as a night job, you know like a super hero.

'Harassed by pain in the arse business networkers? Do not fear. Blade Bhadra is here.'

My super power would be distracting these crooks from victims by using their own 'blading' methods, and then slipping out of the situation with blade like smoothness.

I am not kidding. In fact, at this very moment, I am stiching my superhero outfit. This is what I'm gunning for.

Well, if it doesn't work out, I always have my wednesday 1 AM plan.

And by the way, Room 108 is the room next to mine, currently being inhabited by a big black guy who's making an unusual amount of noise.

'Suiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiik'

(That was the sound of a blade. A smooth blade. Its gonna be my alter ego's signoff.)

What an Album!

Ever since Himesh started singing full time, I started dreading a new album release. In a way I am actually delighted he's started acting. I can live with a 'Mashaaa allaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan' once in 8 months.

The good thing is that for all those Himesh, Anu Malik and other mere mortals, we have one Rahman.

I do not usually write full posts about music albums. Not for bollywood film music at least. 

But in the last few days, I have gotten so absorbed by this gem of an album, by one gem of a musician, that I had to write about it.

I have been listening to 'Delhi 6' since last weekend and I've got to say this is some of the best music I've heard in years. It is interesting how lyricists seem to up their game for a Rahman album. Prasoon Joshi is emerging as a class act of late, and here he creates some amazingly meaningful yet non-cliched poetry.

And there's Rahman. He weaves magic around those words, transcending genres effortlessly in the process. I dare you to show me another contemporary album with such variety, and quality.

I'm actually compelled to put a listing. So here goes:

Masakali: Oh, the song you'll fall in love with. Fresh, Unusual and Earthy. Mohit Chauhan sings it with flair and energy. The lyrics compare Sonam Kapoor to a carefree pigeon. You can't help being smitten by it.

Arziyan: While I'm not the right guy to analyze the subtleties of a genre like this, I can still recognize a good composition. The words are honest and so are the singers.

Dilli 6: The title track is one giddy mix of guitar, funk, rap and attitude. The rhythm is so infectious, you can't help but keep tapping your foot, which is okay unless you're foot is on the brake of your car, which may result in you get honked for braking pointlessly. (This was totally hypothetical, by the way.)

Rehna Tu: Beautiful Beautiful song. Its funny how Rahman ends up singing the best songs in all his albums. The beat is just perfect, lyrics eternally romantic, reminding you of your loved one every time you play it. My guess is this song is played as background to some intimate scenes between the lead pair, which could be an interesting watch. I can easily see this one being a hot favorite at Valentine's day dedications.

Dil Gira Dafatan: Best song of the album for me. It has got this mysterious otherworldy feel to it. Every time I play it, I feel transported to another universe where everything moves in slow motion. At the heart of it, I think it is a song about one way love. There's something hauntingly poetic about one way love; a sensation that every guy or girl has felt at least once in a lifetime. The words are just dreamy. And the vocals. God, I wonder where Rahman finds all this talent. Have you heard of Ash King and Tanmayee? Well, hear them here and you'll wonder where they were all these days. I just love this song when I'm on the road. I stop caring for traffic or anything else for that matter. Did I mention that there's not a single beat of percussion in the entire track?

Genda Phool: Most interesting track. A simple folksy tune about marriage is raised to far higher levels of interestingness by adding some groovy percussion in the mix. You can't teach this stuff in music schools. It is just magic.

Bhor Bhaye: An out and out classical number. I keep telling myself that I haven't attained the levels of maturity required to enjoy Indian classical music. But I loved this one. It is intense, sometimes bordering on fusion, but you can just close your eyes and enjoy it.

Aarti: Customary spiritual ditty. Its become a standard for Rahman albums. I didn't mind it.

At the end of it, you realize Rahman is just so far ahead of anybody else in India (maybe even in the world with all the oscar noms) that it is almost laughable.

Is it not?

Okay, close your eyes and  just picture Himesh in his new Karzzz wig singing (and dancing) 'Harri Yomm Harri Yomm Harri Yooouuuuuum' for 30 seconds.

See, that did the trick.

A Realization

My eyes open. Its five past 7 in the morning. I turn to see that she's still sound asleep. I move her hair away from her eyes and gently kiss her forehead. That's how I usually wake her up.

She twitches a little, moans a little and turns away to sleep again. That's how she usually responds.

"Honey, I'll be late. Again. Wake up", I whisper.

She twitches again, half opens her eyes and pulls my shoulder towards her.

"Five more minutes", she mumbles "Pleeeez". It is too much for me to resist. And she knows it.

I lie down again for two minutes and then grumpily pull myself out of the bed.

"Honeyyyyyyyy", I let out another wake up call as I'm putting toothpaste on my brush, but hear nothing. 

After a couple of minutes, I come out to see her finally up, sitting on the bed, still under the sheets. She is stretching her arms slowly, like a bollywood heroine. With still half open eyes, she gives me a 'come hither' look. When I reach her, she pulls me next to her, pulls up the sheets on me and snuggles up next to me. 

Two more minutes of sweet gibberish follow ending with "Don't go to office today.. Pleeeeeease". It is accompanied with those sad kitten eyes for extra impact. Even though I hear it every day, I still consider it every day. 

With great difficulty, I get her out of bed and push her into the bathroom. I then proceed for my morning combo of online news and Sportscenter. Ten minutes pass. I feel her arms wrap around me from behind the couch and she plants a big kiss on my cheek. Before I even turn around, she's off to the kitchen. Now that she's fully awake, she's realized that its getting late for me.

"Will you drink milk?" She asks.

"No" I reply, as always.

She hands me a glass of Bournvita anyway, followed by two minutes of explanation on how milk is good for my recently healed broken arm.

"Yucckkk, there's all sort of things floating in it. I don't want it"

"That's just kene (cream). Shut up and drink it"

I take five full minutes to carefully avoid all the kenes and finish the milk.

"Gawd, what a baby!", she smacks the back of my head before taking the glass away from me.

Halfway through reading the day's Bill Simmons' column, I hear her voice, "Aren't you getting late?"

Yes, I am. I rush to the bathroom. 10 minutes later, as I am getting dressed, she walks in with breakfast. Its my favorite: Khaara Avalakki (A Poha Dish). She knows that I'm already running late, so she spoon-feeds me half the food. Finally, I'm dressed and I take the plate from her and start eating while returning to the Bill Simmons column.

"God! Can't you read that after you reach office?"

"Okay, Okay". I gobble up the last 2 spoons together, place the plate in the sink and proceed towards the glass of orange juice.

"Honeyy.."

".. I know. I'll pack your laptop"

"Don't forget my SecureID Token"

"Ayyoo gotthappa, neenu ninn SecureID (Ohh, I know, you and you're SecureID)"

I wash up and come back to the living room to see my bag packed.

"Will you come early today?"

"Yes, I'll definitely try!"

"That's what you say every day"

"No, today I will definitely be home before 5:30".

"5:30?? That's early??"

"Then what? You want me to come back at 4?

(Giggling) "Hmmm"

"I'll stay home instead, why bother."

"Yayyyyy!"

"I'll make up some bahaana to my boss and try to sneak out early, Okay na?"

"Tell your boss that you have a wife who's waiting at home all day thinking about her husband"

"Why don't you tell him that?"

"Sure. Give me your phone", and she plucks the phone away from my hand.

"You're crazy!! Give me my phone back"

"Only if you promise to come at least half an hour earlier than usual"

"Okayppa, I promise"

"Okay, take it. Now give me a ummwaa"

"Umwaaaaah"

"That's it?? I want more" (giggles).

Some more ummaas later, I wave goodbye (and some flying ummaas) and head out towards the car. As I'm warming my hands inside the car, I see her on the balcony. It is freezing cold, but she's there, just like every other day, waving goodbye and watching me till I'm out of sight.

While driving, I keep smiling at the thought of her trying to call my boss & getting him to send me home early and suddenly, I realize that I forgot to tell her how great the Avalakki was.

I feel that a phone call isn't good enough and decide to turn back home...

"kikikikik... kikikikik.... kikikikik .... kikikikik ... kikikikik" 

My eyes open. 

Its 7:15.

I turn, hoping that she's there, but I am alone.

Slumdog Millionaire

I watched Slumdog Millionaire this weekend and I have to say I'm a little confused about how I feel about the film.

First of all, unless you're from another planet, it is impossible to walk into the cinema hall to watch this film without any expectations. It has been lauded with superlatives by critics across the globe and it has won 4 major awards at the Golden Globes this year. It is expected to repeat that performance at the Oscars next month.

With all these expectations, I walked in hoping to be 'wow'ed, I mean absolutely 'holy-smoke-that-was amazing' wowed. But to be honest, I was only just impressed.

Firstly, being an Indian, I felt the urge to dissect the film a lot more than others. There were plenty of moments in the film when I went "whoa! that was a little exaggerated". Would I have done the same if the same film was based in, lets say 'Mexico'? Probably Not.

Secondly, its the hype. This is a very good film, no doubt about it. But the hype surrounding it makes it look like a path-breaking must-see film, which it is not. It is a 100% filmi film, with all the right masala in it. The only difference is the way it is served.

Danny Boyle is one crafty filmmaker. He takes a good story (Vikas Swarup's Q&A) based in an exotic foreign land (Mumbai Slums), adds the right dose of shocking images, gets a great soundtrack by Rahman and infuses some symbolism at the right places, and voila!.. you have a potential Oscar winner.

Oscars and the like always seem a little weird for me. A little overrated, perhaps. Why should one lobby furiously for his film to win this award? Doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of the best film winning? I've never really understood the intricacies involved there. But I digress.

Coming back to the film, there are bits which are clearly stretched from reality for the sake of the film's narrative. I am pretty sure nobody would ever jump into a pile of sh*t just to get AB's autograph. Would News Channels be sitting idle if they found out that the game show contestant who's become a national phenomenon has been arrested without a shred of evidence? Which TV channel would allow its game show host to treat a participant in the same insulting way Anil Kapoor treats Dev Patel?

Which brings me to the actors. I was actually disappointed with Anil Kapoor. I like his range as an actor and the fact that he's willing to take on unconventional roles. But he overdoes it here. Also, I felt that the Host-Participant chemistry could have been given a little more depth and intrigue.

On the other hand, the 2 young leads Dev Patel and Freida Pinto have acted very well indeed.

Dev Patel shows great restraint & control in some difficult scenes. Earnestness, that's what his performance projects. Freida Pinto is disarmingly beautiful. She has a very expressive face, especially those eyes. And a smile which matches Madhuri Dixit's in wattage.

Irrfan Khan is great as usual. Mahesh Manjrekar is his usual annoying self. The real stars of the film are the kids who play the younger versions of the 3 protagonists. Their performances are ashtonishingly real and it is they who give the film the much needed emotional connection with the audience.

Great cinematography and a superb background score elevate the film to something more than just good.

(I thought the song 'n dance at the end was a cute touch too!)

At the end of the day, it is a really good work of fiction, aimed and marketed perfectly to its target audience.

A chaiwalla who doesn't know about the Indian Flag goes on to win 2 Crores after answering all of 15 increasingly difficult questions based on just his life experiences, which were mostly horrific.

Sounds intriguing? You bet. But does it sound plausible? Hmmm.. not so much.

(P.S. : I apologize to everyone who checked my blog in these last 3 weeks only to be disappointed with no new posts. Yes, to all 3 of you :))

(P.S.2: I've gotten hooked to Masakali song from Dilli 6. God bless Rahman!)