Truth is stranger than fiction

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=8e57d88a-b3d4-405d-99c3-94af617756b5 Finally the long wait is over. And this doesn’t refer to the film to complete its three hour duration. In fact Anees Bazmee’s Singh is Kinng, the most awaited commercial release of the year certainly looks to live up to a ‘hysterical’ hype. Considering the plight of the earlier blockbusters which failed to set the cash registers jingling this year, it is indeed a pleasant surprise to see a streak of positivism in the latest. Numerous flicks portray the theme of a lad from small town entering into the big bad world like a little bird which is opening out its wings to begin its first flight. Yet this one is unique with its ingredients of that of a ‘Khichdi’ only this time with a different aroma or rather aromas. A treat from the serious cinemas being portrayed off late, Singh is Kinng proves to be that break which falls under the ‘wholesome’ entertainer category. This is a story ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=c491338c-fc4f-4a3e-bb3d-8f79b0917b95 26/7: A day which could have been just another date on the yearly calendar in any other circumstance. Yet it chose to ring fatal bells that echo in the ears of people even today. What could have ideally been a birthday celebration of many has ironically turned out to be the death anniversaries of several of our fellow humans. The two forms of terror have mercilessly enticed away numerous lives leaving us pining for our beloved ones. The unforgettable ferocity of nature which took a fatal turn in Mumbai 26/7 2005 has indeed left millions in a jolt. The unpredictable stance of the monsoons and the inability to control such natural forces has reduced us to helpless beings that can only clasp our hands in prayer. However it is the other form of man made masked terror that makes us ponder and wonder about the barbaric stance adopted and at what cost. No sooner did people have tim...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=68abb5bb-9eae-4c36-a1d8-e698e5585af4 Love stories have always proved to a favorite amongst film makers. Some have adopted an amateurish and sweet stance. While a few have portrayed maturity of self sacrifice and there have been others which have shocked the viewers with its dark streak of murder and swinging moralities. The latter seems to have ruled Bollywood on the pretext on ‘intelligent’ cinema almost forgetting the animate appeal it once had to win the hearts of its audience. Aamir Khan Productions’ Jaane tu ya jaane na manages to revive the uncorrupted aspect of a teen romance which blossoms over time into the brink of adulthood, retaining its unadulterated essence. Its key element lies in its vibrant and fresh appeal. And the latter is enhanced with new faces along with the debut launch of a leading actors’ nephew. The story starts with a bunch of youngsters humming the lyrics, same as the title on their w...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=526da094-f648-40b0-8aec-cea1d23d40d9 The previous night had been a rather late one as a result of the screening of a Rahul Bose film which I couldn’t miss. It was around half past two when I dozed off quietly on my leather couch. The tinkering droplets of rain continued to hit the window panes with an unusual ferocity along with the howling gale of wind. I sleepily looked at the clock which showed 5:30 am. Just as I was about to revert to my beauty sleep, I heard an unmistakable mew. A moment’s relapse had me pondering if it was imaginary only to hear it again, this time being a decibel louder. Baffled at the proximity of the sound, I slowly reached for the door. I couldn’t ignore the disbelief and surprise in my mind at the fact of a cat loitering on the tenth floor at an odd hour. The elevator was already doing its morning rounds and the wailing seemed to come in the vicinity. As I looked quizzically at the lif...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=23fe8dfe-d7d0-4246-85a8-5e68f34beb3e Disputes and differences are inevitable especially in a country like India with its unmistakable diversity. However it’s a shocking plight to see such issues take a fatal turn. The recent incident of a woman in Bhopal being burnt alive by villagers over a water brawl is indeed a terrifying jolt to the ears. The sight of which her family members especially her daughter would have been even more traumatized. According to the reports a heated argument prevailed while filling water at the village tap. However little did they realize that the sparks of the almost forgotten fiery bicker would go up in flames literally? It portrays the atrocity of such petty grudges and the barbaric stance of the villagers to indulge in such sanguineous tactics. It is no mystery to millions about Madhya Pradesh facing a water shortage especially to the government bodies in particular. It is a shame to...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=b02380fe-6892-42bd-88d9-e75c61e68a1f A quick flash of lightning can often lead to a downpour of events characterized with deception and also to the destruction of several lives. Sometimes it even robs one out of their clear insight to an extent leaving them blinded by their first impressions forever. Such blemished thoughts lead to the imprisonment of their souls by a painful past in turn enticing the present and future of those affected by their marred thinking. The literary piece of ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEvan is the story of one such instance which takes the readers into the lives of an upper class English family and their journey into a quest which remained unfulfilled. The book starts off with the thirteen year old Briony who is immersed in her word of words which is depicted in her play called ‘trials of Arabella’. Her quick mind which portrayed the talent of a young budding writer proved to be her own downfal...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=b8507415-9602-487a-ab57-bdcef0fd71f6 "I will huff and puff till I blow your house down”. These lines of a popular fable: ‘Three little pigs” that was narrated to us during our childhood are still embedded in our minds. Going back to the narrative, it was the weak foundation of the stack of hay and the sticks that led to the entry of the wolf into the lives of the first two pigs. Unlike its former counterparts, the third managed to pose a tough exterior of a bundle of bricks that marred the entry and instead its strong will power and shrewdness ultimately lead to the destruction of the vily villain. What seems like a mere fairy tale surprisingly draws parallels to the lives of millions and a monster that people are battling against. Unable to weather storms and pose a strong exterior like those of the bricks, many have succumbed to certain vices and weaknesses. This has unfortunately led to the seepage of a mo...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=5e9416eb-9d68-4596-a6bd-226e23f6d7b2 It was just a few days ago that the Australian Skipper made an emphatic statement stirring a feeling of indignation amongst millions. Predicting a breezy win for his team in just two matches depicted his unmistakable arrogance and cockiness. Little did he realize that these magical words would come true, only to have a spectacular turn around of events resulting in a victory for the opposition? The enchanting performance by the men in blue managed to cast a spell and mesmerized their fans by emerging as the new Wizards of Oz. It is indeed a special moment for the Indian team as this win being their first one after 23 years in the finals on Australian grounds. It certainly is a case of history repeating itself and the stance of ‘champions of champions’ emerge yet again. And followed by great pomp and celebrations all over. Drama, action, tempers flaring, ego clashes, hurling of ...

-By Swetha Amit http://www.domain-b.com/leisure/Travel/20071218_tree_top.html The Sajan Nature Club situated on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway is an ideal holiday getaway. Spread over 20 acres, the camp offers various adventure sports such as valley crossing, rappelling, mountain biking and kayaking and makes a perfect setting for corporate group training and workshops. When was the last time you climbed a tree and relaxed on its broad branches? As adults, we tend to move further and further away from the simple joys of childhood. Our stressful lives in crowded, dusty metropolises do not help either. Experts vouch for the rejuvenating benefits of short breaks from the predictable routines of our everyday life. Yet, our quest for a retreat is filled with contradictions. We yearn wistfully for the serenity of nature, but find it impossible to live without the conveniences of modern life. We want it to be easily accessible, yet shy away from the obvious tourist centers. It is almost impossi...

-Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=10fa492e-03f6-4bb5-8e93-f0024e1475ce Children are always considered special to parents. Yet there are those ‘special’ ones who fail to be treated in the same manner due to their faultless distinct features and abilities or rather ‘disabilities’ in this case. There are some kids who move at a rapid pace in their physical, social and intellectual aspects. However there are few who fail to do so causing havoc and dismay to their parents whose dreams are shattered like a glass window which has been stoned. Such is the case of children with Autism, Mental retardation, Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, learning disability etc. Many are horror stricken on hearing their kid’s plight and even reluctant to accept it as the final diagnosis. They often live in denial hoping that some day their little ones prove them and the world wrong. Parents fear of being under societal mixture of pity and scorn. Such pressure propels t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=df8430cb-02c9-4303-bf5c-7f390ee78477 Two strangers who couldn’t be more different from one another; an unexpected stumble; a train journey; cupid’s strike: such ingredients are not new for a Bollywood theme. In spite of its run on the mill components, 'Jab we met' depicts certain freshness and promises its viewers with a surety of fun on the run. The film starts with a forlorn expression portrayed on Aditya Kashyap’s (Shahid Kapur) face, who is a rich industrialist nursing his wounds from a broken relationship and a troubled past. Little does he realize that a chance encounter with a stranger on a train would change his life forever? Geet (Kareena Kapoor) is a typical loud Punjabi girl who is on a mission to find her true love Anshuman. Chatting away to glory the effervescent Geet tries her level best to engage the surly Aditya into a conversation but in vain. The latter's initial feelings of annoyan...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=25e747f3-bce3-449b-aa4a-c232580da80a Numerous households have reported cases where partiality between siblings is exhibited knowingly or unknowingly. Irrespective of the achievement or talent inherent in one child, it’s always the other one which manages to retain the favorite tag. The former ones tend to ponder over the inexplicable preferential treatment meted out to their counterparts. Being ignored, these faultless beings tend to feel hurt and unwanted. This portrays the untoward step motherly treatment in spite of belonging to the same family/category. The lack of appreciation can either result in withdrawal symptoms or manifest itself into a rebellious stance. Such is the case between Hockey and Cricket despite the fact of belonging to the same genre-sports. While the well deserved adulation is showered for winning the world cup, it’s shocking to see the lack of attention and acknowledgement given to the nat...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=25e747f3-bce3-449b-aa4a-c232580da80a “So long, farewell, its time to say goodbye.”.... Some adieus’ are bid with a heavy heart while others are exhibited in a grand manner. The Ganpati Visarjan is one such instance which portrays the unmistakable flamboyance of saying goodbye in a remarkable manner. It was the 11th day of the Ganesh Utsav yesterday which is declared as a public holiday to prepare for the magnificent departure of the elephant faced God. The maximum city truly exhibited its maximum stance on a literal basis. The swarming diverse crowd of millions, the undoubted ardor depicted in large amounts and the glorious celebration; Mumbai displayed an illustrious and illuminating effect. Trucks were beautifully decorated and carried the idols of various sizes with tremendous splendor. Crackers were burst, making it seem to be like a Diwali celebration. The city depicted a delightful glow and radiance. Decorat...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=4bf1d5b2-0566-42de-a9ed-3ae139eefe70 After 1983, it is time once again for many to open bottles of champagne which is sure to ooze out with a whoop of spectacular delight. Millions were crossing their hearts; fingers and what not as this do or die game proceeded with twists and turns. It almost equaled to watching an edge of the seat thriller or going on the biggest roller coaster ride. This unpredictable match was almost like a see-saw, swinging from one side to another. It was a steady and sturdy innings by Gautham Gambhir who scored 75 and supported by Rohit Sharma which brought the score to 157. It was decent, yet fell short of India’s aim to reach 180. The responsibility of cruising through a victory fell on the delicate yet firm shoulders of the bowlers who geared up to put up a fierce fight against the expected rain of sixes and fours. R.P Singh was at his usual best; a consistent form displayed in the enti...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=a8441a02-7711-44df-afed-a9f0d64dde28 India-Pakistan matches have always generated a stir of commotion and excitement for the viewers. Yesterday's play proved to be no exception especially when the victory for India was crucial to qualify for the super eights. The match was completely a sea-saw with Pakistan rattling Indian wickets initially. However they managed to put up a decent total of 141 on the score board, something which seemed like a cake walk for Pakistan to chase. But the Indian bowlers managed to pull back their opponent by taking wickets at quick intervals which ultimately put pressure on the batting team. The game droned on as levels of adrenalin surged like the waves on a high tide. It was the fight by Misbah Ul Haq which brought them inching close to victory with 17 runs taken from the nineteenth over bowled by Agarkar. Pakistan just needed 12 runs from the last over. After a couple of fours, t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=e94d4479-715d-4bfa-b202-289861516787 ‘Never underestimate anybody’ is an oft quoted saying. It makes one to trace back to the hare and tortoise story, the end of which was an unexpected victory for the latter. The hare’s arrogance and over confidence cost its expected win only to emerge shame faced in front of its otherwise sluggish opponent. It was a similar situation of the above case in the second T20 ODI yesterday. The tournament favorite- Australians were counted on for a breezy win by a large margin and trash their so called ‘underdog’ team which made their fans place their safe bets blind folded. Who would have thought that the assumed occurrence will work the other way around. It came across as a pleasant surprise and probably a horrifying shock to Australian admirers when Zimbabwe stumped their beloved mighty champions on a literal basis. Right from the ICC champions’ trophy 2006 to the WC 2007, the Kanga...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=64b35a0c-0127-4b11-9448-5375552883c6 The fours(ce)ful finish by Robin Uthappa yesterday has submerged millions under the pool of exuberance and elation. It was a huge chase for the men in blue when England put up a score of 316. The second innings were watched with bated breaths and yet with a ray of hope as the spectacular partnership between Ganguly and Sachin laid a fantastic foundation. No sooner when the smiles were back on the Indian fans than a dark cloud descended upon them as wickets kept falling like pelted bricks from an old building in ruins. The foundation was losing its initial grip. What seemed like an achievable target was next to impossible especially in those last few overs. Glee began to show on the faces of the England team as India got ready to accept the defeat. However the killer instinct in the form of Robin Uthappa prevailed as his grit and determination refused to give up without a fierce...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=3adad4fa-ba43-417a-90f0-1a731dd139ff “Learning is a continuous process” – an oft-quoted expression to motivate oneself and others to attain and gather the ocean of knowledge, which is subdivided into chapters that impart the lessons of life at each stage. Such valuable anecdotes are implanted in our souls by the learned, wise and knowledgeable individuals termed as “teachers.” This special day to acknowledge the presence of these personalities who have made a difference in our lives and which also happens to be the birthday of Dr. Radhakrishan, one of the most learned scholars, is celebrated every year on September 5th as ‘teachers day.’The concept of a teacher can traced back to the historical era of great Indian epics like the “Mahabharata”, where the embodiment of the word ‘teacher’ is that of the enlightened yet strict Dronacharya, the noble soul, who imparted the knowledge of artillery skills exclusive to the...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=51894d92-20a2-4832-9342-43c97b256da9 The horrifying incident in Bhagalpur has left millions shell shocked at the cruel manhandling by the mobs and cops. It was reported that Salim who was caught snatching a chain was preyed upon by the hungry and angry mass who gave him more than what he deserved. One couldn’t help drawing parallels to a group of blood thirsty hounds attacking their underdog. Beating him black and blue, they managed to bruise him in more than one way and probably caused scars that even time cannot heal. It is true that this petty theft act by the victim was wrong and needed a lawful bid. The accused of any crime irrespective of its degree deserves to be reformed and meted out a disciplinary action in order to make him realize his misdeed. However, on no account does it call for barbaric punitive measures where he was dragged around in a motor cycle like some sacrificial animal being taken for its ...