JAAN-E-MANN

What a disappointment....

When I heard that Jaan-e-mann was a sequel to Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, I thought it was going to be a hit. The music seemed above average, and the starcast (Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar & Preity Zinta) seemed to be promising.

To be honest, I didn't even finish the film...I still have to watch the second half of it. The first part was so painful, that I had to put it off and go to bed.

Has anyone watched it? I mean...what was up with Akshay being in the spacecraft? And Salman's weird dream of being at the Filmfare awards? And the worst of all - Anupam Kher as a midget? And then the silly song of Akshay's as he is dancing with dwarves?

Someone save me!

One week to go

Today is the last Saturday I'll be spending in Grahamstown as a university student. The past week has been one of reflection and sadness...especially having to say goodbye to friends, who I may or may not see at our graduation next year in April.

On Wednesday, my friend Sean and I decided visit all the places in Grahamstown that we havn't been to in our four years here. Other places, we decided to visit for the last time as students... We had such a fantastic and fun day. We laughed like little kids and definitely made it a day to remember. Here are some pics on from our 'field trip'!

I've added the rest of the pics to my flickr page.

Botanical Gardens

Old Goal
Once a jail, this place is now used as a backpackers accommodation.
This jail cell would hold 8 prisoners


Albany Museum

South African Library for the Blind

Brail typewriter

Observatory Museum
At the top of the building is a camera obscura, where there's a mirror at the top of the building that reflects a 360 degree view of the town which you can see from inside.


The museum is a replica of a house that would have existed in the 1820's


Sean and me

Chatterbox November '06

Dear Friend: I think you’re great and I like you!

This is the unedited version of my column. The version that was published had to be cut down for space.

I usually get asked, “So where do your column ideas come from?” Most of the time, idea’s pop into my mind at the most random of times, sometimes just before I fall asleep to while I’m eating my breakfast in the mornings.

My idea for this month’s column came to me as I spent an evening with two friends – Himesh and Nikhil. We met at university and because the three of us studied in different faculties, we didn’t see each other as often as I would have liked.

However, it is only since this year that I can honestly say I have gotten to know them. Both from Zimbabwe, Himesh and Nikhil are cousins and although I met them separately, it’s pretty hard to think of one without the other.

They say opposites attract. The words could not ring more true when it comes to these two guys. Himesh studied Pharmacy, Nikhil studied Information Systems and I studied Journalism. So our paths rarely crossed, unless we made a conjoint effort to meet.

Journalism is a field that requires 200% dedication and commitment, so during my years of studying, the majority of my time was spent with my peers. Therefore, the socializing I did was minimal and usually confined to the people I studied with. During my fourth year, I felt bored and un-stimulated. I longed for fresh conversations and challenges. More importantly, I wanted to gain new perspectives on things, and I found it hard to do that being with the same people everyday, all day.

So spending time with these two friends was like a breath of fresh air for me. It was almost as if it was “just what the doctor ordered.”

One day, while reflecting on my life and the people in it, I thought to myself, “Why don’t we tell people that we like them?” Then I thought – perhaps they’d get the wrong idea? Maybe when I say that I “like” them, it will be misinterpreted as me having feelings for them.

But I have some fantastic people in my life that I would like to say, “You know what? I think you’re great and I really like you!” Many of us are used to saying such things in greeting cards, letters, e-mails or SMS’s, but how often do we say it verbally? I would say – almost never. It’s one thing telling our family we love them, but I wish more people told their friends that they liked them. I think it’s so important to make people realize their worth and value – and what better way to do it, than by actually telling them that?

So one evening that I was with these two great guys, I told them that I thought they were really awesome and that I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them! Much to my relief, they didn’t go running for the hills, thinking I had developed feelings for them overnight! Rather, they accepted the compliment and thanked me for it.

I wish I could mention every single friend of mine in this column and tell them all that I think they are superb. But this month, I have decided to dedicate my column to these two friends who are not only caring and considerate, but are great company to be in. I’m so glad to have met them, and I know that where ever life takes us, we will somehow find a way to keep in touch with each other!

Roughing it out

Look what I got when I opened my tap on Sunday morning!

Now, it could look delicious... like chocolate milkshake. Or gross ...like mud!! I vote for the latter. But I dealt with it. Lucky for me, for the past 4 years being at uni, I have stocked up on bottled water at the beginning of every term. And this is the very reason why.

It's now Tuesday evening. There's no water in probably 90% of this town, and they say it will only be fixed by Thursday. No water means that toilets can't flush, and we can't take showers.

Thankfully, my friend Michelle was awake at 6 this morning when I called her...her house had water, so I went over to her place for a shower.

On top of it all, this morning I had a Computer Science practical exam. After starting half an hour later than scheduled, the power cut! So it was postponed to 13:30... and was yet again postponed to 15:00. By then, I was tired, miserable and hungry! And then it rained - so I got wet walking back home!

I was invited out for drinks this evening, but since my exam started late and I was feeling like crap, I wasn't up to going. But I pulled myself together and thought that perhaps being around other people will cheer me up. And it did :)

It was just one of those days... and I think this is something I'll be able to put down to life experience :)

Bollywood siblings

Bollywood siblings sharing limelight

It's a fact that Bollywood is the largest film industry in the world. But on the same note, it can be argued that it is the smallest – based on how many stars are actually related to each other! Many of today’s cinema idols have superstar parents, like the Bachan’s, Kapoors, Deols and Khanna’s. Today, some of the hottest stars are sharing the limelight with their older or younger siblings – even those who are still trying to crack their way into the niche of Hindi cinema.

MUKHERJEE
Kajol – Tanisha – Rani

Arguably the center point of this family triangle is Kajol, with major hits like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995) and the crime-thriller Baaziger (1993), both opposite superstar, Shah Rukh Khan. She married long-term boyfriend Ajay Devgan in 1999 and the two have been concentrating on raising their family as they give the films a break. Daughter of Tanuja Mukherjee, Kajol’s younger sister, Tanisha had her Bollywood debut with Ssshhh (2003), a murder mystery in which she starred opposite Dino Morea. Her other films include Popcorn Khao Mast Ho Jao (2004) and Tango Charlie (2005). Her latest venture has been Yaj Raj’s, Neal ‘n Nikki (2005), opposite Uday Chopra.

Kajol and Tanisha’s cousin, Rani has also been ranked as one of the most successful actresses in the industry today. Her debut film, Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat (1996) was just the launching pad of her career. Ghulam (1998) gave her instant fame and a new label as ‘The “aati kya Khandala” girl’. In a span of about five years, she boasts major hits under her belt starring across mega stars like Amitabh Bachan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan and has worked with top class producers and directors.

Cousins, Kajol and Rani were seen together on screen in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Khabhi Khushi Khabhi Gham (2001).

DEOL
Sunny – Bobby – Esha

It’s no surprise that their father is the legendary Dharmendra, and Esha’s mother is the original Dream Girl of Bollywood - Hema Malini. Sunny Deol, born as Ajay Singh Deol made his debut as a teenage romantic hero in Betaab (1985) with co-star, Amrita Singh. Action roles are definitely his forte even though he tried his hand at romantic roles in several movies. Whether he is the romantic hero or the rebellious angry young man out to get justice, he has been a hit with the crowds for many years, attracting women with his suave attitude.

Originally named Vijay Singh Deol, Bobby is known for his curly locks and boyishly good looks. He made his debut in Barsaat (1995) with co-star Twinkle Khanna, for which he was awarded Best Debut in 1995. Sunny and Bobby co-starred in Dillagi (1999), with Urmila Matdonkar as the leading lady.

Esha made her debut with Boney Kapoor’s Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe (2001) opposite Aftab Shivdasani. Since then, she has been paired with some of the hottest actors in Bollywood and has big titles linked to her name, namely Dhoom (2004) and Kaal (2005). Despite being the daughter of superstars, Esha still has a long way to go before she can live up to the credentials of her distinguished lineage. Besides working in movies, Esha is also an accomplished classical dancer and a national level football player.

KAPOOR
Karisma – Kareena

Also known as The First Family of Bollywood, the Kapoor family have held the film industry and global audiences in their magical spell for decades. Daughters of Randhir and Babita Kapoor, Karisma, nicknamed Lolo and Kareena, nicknamed Bebo have become the blue-eyed beauties of Bollywood.

Karisma broke her family tradition that no females were to enter to film industry, and soon she became one of India’s top heroines. She made her debut in Prem Qaidi (1991) opposite South actor, Harish. Despite starting out with a wild dress sense, she become one of the most stylish ladies in the industries – all thanks to ace fashion designer, Manish Malhotra. Over the years, she has turned out a number of hits, including Raja Hindustani (1996) opposite Aamir Khan, Hero No.1 (1997) opposite Govinda and Dil to Paagal Hai (1997) opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. She is especially known for her vulgar dance numbers in micro-mini skirts and hot pants. Her latest film after her marriage is Mere Jeevan Saathi (2006), starring Akshay Kumar and Amisha Patel.

Kareena’s launch pad was JP Dutta’s Refugee (2000), which also launched the heir to the Bachan throne, Abishek. She can easily be described as a sultry sex goddess, which shone through in her role as “Poo” in Khabi Khushi Khabi Gham (2001). Kareena was offered a role in Gurinder Chadha’s Bride and Prejudice (2004), starring Aishwariya Rai, but turned it down. She is currently seeing teen heart throb, Shahid Kapur.

Karisma and Kareena have not appeared on-screen together yet, but they have definitely proven that sisters can be glamorous and sexy, even though each is as different from the other as chalk and cheese!

KHAN
Salman – Arbaaz – Sohail

He is the brat of Bollywood and is best known for his public brawls and affairs with some of Bollywood’s leading ladies. Salman is the eldest son of writer, Salim Khan and step mother, Helen and claims that he hates the press. Despite this, he still remains one of Hindi cinema’s hottest selling stars – in India and overseas. His life changed after Sooraj Barjatya’s Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989), and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994) opposite Madhuri Dixit. Salman has proved that he can play anything from an action hero (Karan Arjun, 1995) to a romantic (Khamoshi, 1996) to a comedian (Judwaa, 1997).

Arbaaz was recognized for his acting abilities in the thriller Daraar (1996) with Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla. He was seen in movies like Hello Brother (1999) and Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya (1998) with elder brother, Salman. Some of his recent films include Kuch Naa Kaho (2003), Garv (2004) and Hulchul (2004).

The youngest brother of the Khan clan, Sohail emerged from the shadow as being Salman’s kid brother after the release of Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya. In fact, Sohail and Salman have become quite a pair on-screen. They were recently seen together in David Dhawan’s Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya (2005). They will also be seen together again in Rumi Jaffrey’s “God Tussi Great Ho”.

SHETTY
Shilpa – Shamita

Shilpa Shetty is known as one of the most sizzling starlets in Tinsletown and has been noted for having one of the sexiest figures in the industry. But good looks aren’t only her claim to fame. Although she doesn’t have as many major hits linked to her name, she is well-known for her fiery dance numbers. Some leading actors she has appeared with include Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan in films like Jung (2000), Mein Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) and Dus (2005). She is also well known for setting screens alight with her sexy item numbers.

Her younger sister, Shamita, made a promising debut in Mohabbatein (2000), but has been doing a lot of item songs, namely “Sharara” from the Mere Yaar ki Shaadi Hai.

The two sisters were recently paired together in Deepak Tijori’s Fareb (2005) where they played rivals in love. Shilpa is quoted as saying: “Though I’d love to be my sister’s sister on screen, I think it would be slightly awkward to play real-life roles.”

KHANNA
Akshaye - Rahul

Akshaye was launched by his famous father, Vinod Khanna who produced Himalayputra (1997). Everyone was curious about the new boy on the block who sported a charming smile and cute dimples that made girls go crazy! Despite his first film not doing too well, he was watched with a close eye by media mongers – will he follow his father’s legacy? Soon after, he appeared in JP Dutta’s war epic, Border (1997), where he shared the screen with stars like Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff and Sunil Shetty. His only real ray of hope came in the form of Rishi Kapoor’s Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999) and Subash Ghai’s Taal (1999), both opposite Aishwariya Rai.

He rejected a couple of films, including Deepa Mehta’s 1947 Earth (1999). The part was eventually given to Akshaye’s elder brother, Rahul in which he appeared opposite Nandita Das. One of Rahul’s major films still remains to be Deepa Mehta’s Bollywood Hollywood (2002) opposite Lisa Ray. He has also anchored the Filmfare Awards on various occasions.

Akshaye and Rahul have only been seen once on screen in Bollywood Hollywood, where Akshaye made a guest appearance in the film.

Diwali week-end

A Diwali to remember...

These are just some of the sweetmeats that we had at home... I had such a fantastic time in East London. It was just what I needed, because I'm feeling so refreshed! The best part was being with the family. It was a very busy day... we were invited to my uncle and aunt's place for lunch. All I can say is - WOW - the food was DELICIOUS!

We went to mandir (temple) in the evening. It was so lovely - the warmth that exuded in the mandir was amazing. Everyone was in such a joyous mood, and everywhere you looked, people were hugging and wishing each other. I met so many people from the community, including friends I havn't seen in a while.

From left to right: Nani (Lucykaki's mum), Tashira - my cousin, and Lucykaki

Two of the cutest kids I know - Nirmal & Nishani Jeevan


Our garden was looking particularly gorgeous this week-end...
especially the roses....

Diwali 2006

It's that time of the year again - my favourite day on the Hindu calender...
DIWALI...

I won't go into the whole history of Diwali etc, but basically it is a holy tradition that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is a festival of wealth and prosperity.

Hundreds of Diwali diyas (lamps like the one pictured above) will adorn many Hindu homes the world over this coming week-end. Many liken Diwali to Christmas - in terms of its importance and celebrations.

This year, Diwali falls on Saturday October 21. I am so excited that I will be spending it at home with my family! I leave on Thursday morning, and will be back on Sunday afternoon/evening. Yep - nice long week-end for me :)

One of the reasons I'm going home is also that I can help my mum with the last few goodies that have to be made. Tradition is that boxes of sweet goodies are exchanged amongst family members and friends. I'll definitely post pics of the delicious sweets that I'll be indulging in this week-end!

Having said that, I'd like to wish all Hindu's a very Happy Diwali and a prosperous Sal Mubarak (New Year).