Truth is stranger than fiction

It isn’t often that I end up getting bored, but when I do then God help me. In fact I ensure that I have something or the other to look forward to just to keep my spirits up and going. Be it a social gathering, outing, movies, sports, books or a weekend getaway. I just got back from an enthralling holiday and what made it special was the scuba diving experience. Unfortunately my health factor took a toll and I ended up with a dreadful viral which stalled my routine completely. I couldn’t step out of the house and needed ample rest before I resumed any sort of normal regime. Thankfully the IPL provided a great deal of entertainment in more than one way. Watching Cricket is something that always cheers me up not to mention the great start Mumbai Indians were faced with. However the last few days proved to be a disaster with the wash outs due to the rains which I’m sure ended up as a disappointing fare for all of us here in India. Why couldn’t they have checked the weather forecast befor...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=b8093360-6f46-43ad-85cf-4e347c32d543 Grotesque is what one would describe this horrifying incident. No doubt the barbaric episode of a gang rape of the girl student has created immense disgust, distress and horror. To make matters worse, the accused were not mere road side miscreants but those belonging to the supposedly elite community of business families? And were students of prestige colleges to top it all. It’s true that news about rape has always sent shudders amongst the viewers and readers. However this particular one seems to have a different connotation altogether leading to a lot of cerebration amongst many. College students are found lurking in fear and uncertainty as a question begins to form in their mind “whom do we trust?” While it may cease to argue that one cannot blame an entire community based on one incident, who could blame them entirely? Parents on the other hand would undoubtedly thicken t...

The last few weeks have been unbearable. The weather hasn’t been kind enough with its temperatures so high that it feels like Mercury has descended upon earth. Not to mention the monotony and the usual routine that makes you long for a good getaway. What could be more heavenly than that of being near the sea side? Added to which this is one place not many seemed to have explored or visited. So looking forward to yet another travel expedition into these lovely islands. The pictures seem to indicate a promising venture into more than what meets the eye. A list of to do activities have been made and I sure hope that I don’t come away disappointed or accompanied with feelings of regret. The time factor is bound to be a hurdle of course. But like my other trips I hope to manage to make the most of my limited resources-time solely. For some strange reason I have never been so excited about a holiday, considering the pre-vacation syndrome of my earlier travels. Guess the 26/11 incident increa...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=cf6aa3df-1b5a-432c-8e57-46e831ce38e9 When one says ‘family’, words like love, support, care and security comes to their mind. However with the recent occurrences attached with a horrifying element makes one want to rethink with regard to such associations. The ‘incest’ virus seems to be the next dreaded disease after terrorism. What with the hearings of Businessman father raping daughter as per Tantrik’s suggestions for monetary gains. And now the latest story on the Mumbai Mirror edition narrated in first person by a 29 year old lad of being molested by his uncle. It made me wonder where the world was heading to. Or how worse can it get? Life seems to be getting complicated with every passing day and relationships are certainly no exception. True that complexity is what makes it interesting but not to an extent that it elicits disgust, horror and dread. To an extent where it makes one question about the safety f...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=a4dc3d3f-14c0-4ec9-b741-4cc0d5d2c2cf It’s not every movie which makes you draw inferences from what was mistaken for a light hearted entertainer at least from the promos. However when it does, it ceases one to indulge in cerebral rumination marvelling at how similar the scenarios depicted in the film are to real life ones. ‘Barah Aana’ may not have gotten rave reviews. Neither does it live up to high expectations. However certain instances with its twists and turns did make me ponder about the ironical stance that was brought out eventually. The story is about 3 men belonging to the under privileged section of the society-a driver, a watchman and a waiter who are thick friends. The film showcases the frustrations exhibited by each character and their cynical view to life. All three lead a simple living until an unexpected turn of events bring about shades of grey, succumbing them into a trap of treacherous crime ...

It’s true that travel is no doubt the best teacher. Indeed it opens your mind to a gateway of experiences making it seeming almost surreal and yet portrays a reality that leaves you awe inspiring. Exploring into various parts of the world, right from remote corners of poverty, to plush locales of silver sand beaches amidst the heights of luxury denotes an exhilarating experience in different ways. Over the past few years I have travelled like never before on a frequent basis all over the country and abroad. Intriguing and enthralling experiences is what I come away with as souvenirs with each location leaving its imprint in a firm manner. It’s astounding to realize that there’s so much to see and so little time. Every time I return from a vacation, my mind traverses back to the list of to see places already planning for a next getaway. Call it impatience, restlessness or morbidity as it makes me want to live life like there’s no tomorrow. But isn’t it true that while one day everything...

Received this via email... This is so true (for many of us growing up in the 90s too).... life does come a full circle. Though I do wonder what this generation is going to say to the next abt what was hard for them??!! Of course for the technophobic...life was probably way easier in the 80s When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking Twenty-five miles to school every morning Uphill... barefoot in the snow. BOTH ways Yadda, yadda, yadda And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that... I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today don't know ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=67e901e1-4667-4f51-a196-8273c5cafdbf Right. The infamous seven year itch is what one usually hears jokingly in a party consisting of newly married couples or oldies. Its ugly face or rather phase in this case is highlighted on when it tunes into a serious note with words lashing out not necessarily musical to the ears. The frustrations, disappointments, blame games linger on continuously till a threshold point beyond which the relationship collapses. However one can hardly imagine that such differences can lead to cause a tragic moment. Such is the dysfunctional aspect of human nature or should one attribute it to incompatibility, intolerance, irritability or a combination of all? Revolutionary Road starts off on a high pitch note literally as a middle aged couple driving down the highway drive each other crazy. April (Kate Winslet) and Frank (Leonardo Dicaprio) face the mid life crisis trying to cope up with unf...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=bdf8db1d-9617-4a69-8a63-2e33718921ec Sentimentality and the significance of memorable gifts given seem to no longer withhold a stance of merely being a token of appreciation, love and honour. Selfish and capital gains are what considered a priority over emotions sadly even if it means demeaning pride of a nation. The Otis drama clearly exhibited the above aspect evidently. It was a shock to the nation to see the Gandhi Memorabilia displayed for auction by some foreign national collector. It proved to be even more of a disgrace to hear of the same items being purchased under an agreement signed between Peter Ruhe the chairman of Gandhiserve Foundation and the great niece in law of the revered Mahatma. Do gifts no longer hold a value sans the monetary gains? One fails to realize that such priceless objects cannot match any mere figure. It is indeed understandable for the whole episode being labelled as Immoral by t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=d8a46ffd-113a-460a-b65d-a13ee15dea99 It doesn’t take much of creative juices to flow especially when one makes a script based on a true story. However it does require skilful depiction of the same in order to win the hearts of the audience with its stirring message. What proves to be a further challenge is to get into the skin of a real life character and portray him with utmost conviction. Such that it makes the viewers perceive the character alone quite forgetting that he is one of the talented actors of Hollywood. The very element which certainly doesn’t make one dispute over the numerous Oscar nominations the film had to its credit. Gus Van Sant’s ‘Milk’ is one such film which is based on the story of activist Harvey milk who was the first gay person to be elected in the public office in California. Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) migrates from New York to San Francisco in pursuit of change accompanied by his lover S...

- By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=3c64dbe3-6b0b-41f1-9356-642ba87576c8 A fabulous line stating it as one of the best films ever made behind the DVD cover arouses enough curiosity in one to pick it up and watch it immediately. It makes one wonder what exactly about the film makes it earn that line along with a flamboyant description as a timeless master piece that even inspired Satyajit Ray. Technological advancement certainly wasn’t like what it is today. Neither does the film carry its special effects that lead to bated breaths amongst the audience creating a new list of ardent followers. And yet the duration of 93 minutes nowhere disappoints as they lean back on the couch ruminating about the thought provoking narration they had just watched. It is set in the era of depression post the World War-II in Italy where unemployment was at its peak. The story is about one such unemployed worker Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani ) who must possess a ...

- By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=fa3181c3-e68f-4762-b6da-24d36792614e He screeched his brakes to a final halt and jingled his keys as he got out. Entering his lavish residence, he was greeted by his housekeeper who had laid his tea. Munching on the gooey macaroon, he was soon lost in deep thought over the day’s events which had consisted of continuous teasing by his gang in college. The same old label of a ‘spoilt rich kid’ was tagged repeatedly accompanied by remarks of not knowing the real world/ having it too easy in life. Driving his car had been the last straw. Such remarks seemed to be the latest fad that was doing its rounds. It was similar to that of the torn jeans that were once a rage and which nobody wanted to tame. It was a pity he realized that he of all people proved to be a guinea pig for tickling others’ funny bone. True that he possessed unlimited resources, latest gadgets, exotic vacations including his cool demeanour; thin...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=54b4ad81-5404-479b-9610-a3f08e05187d There has been many a heart stopping moment. Bated breaths with pounding hearts and fervent prayers to the almighty hoping for a remarkable victory rarely have fallen on deaf ears. And this time it was no exception only difference being that it was a change from the fields of a perspiring sport to that of a glamorous red carpet scenario here. Yes it is truly a ‘moment’ many wouldn’t like to let it slip out of their hands. It was a joyous one for the subcontinent when the most expectant name ‘A.R.Rahman’ was read out forgiving the mispronunciation in the state of euphoria. It doubled up the elation literally at the twin Oscar win, this time being shared with none other than ‘Gulzar’. Not to forget the sound mixing award won by Rasul Pookutty. Having won the most prestigious award, it is indeed celebration time for the country and its ecstatic folks. Especially since the words s...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=50230cb5-a128-4d59-bbef-2a8de3b72ce9 Often I found myself wondering what a real home would feel like. I often encountered fatigue as I roamed about aimlessly on the crowded streets of the busy city. My mother’s face felt like a distant image making me ruminate whether it had all existed in reality. I was mercilessly estranged from her for no fault of mine and immersed in solitude. Homeless, helpless and hungry I prayed earnestly hoping that my begging eyes would touch a kind soul to spare me a few crumbs. However all I encountered were a few grumpy shopkeepers who found me to be nothing but a nuisance. It was those big bins; I recall which provided a scarce meal of remains thrown in by the neighborhood folks. Nights were spent in lonely barns, with the hoot of a hunting owl startling me out of my wits. I missed the cozy warmth especially when the fleeting winds pounded furiously in an eerie manner. I strolled on t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=f9f9c01a-89ac-4753-8c09-49ece0a850d0 “So where are you from?” Payal looked up startled from her contemplation mode which she usually indulged in while watching waves crash ashore. It was her friendly new neighbor out on her evening walk who paused on seeing her. It was a question she had been asked several times. Where did she actually belong? It had been three years in this city and yet she felt she had lived all her life here. She had learnt the street smart ways of getting her way around, well settled in her career with a decent social life. Never once did she feel the pangs of the infamous ‘homesickness’ that she had seen innumerable times amidst her fellow migrants from various parts. There was more than one reason for this. She cringed as she often did on thinking back to her past experiences which often stifled her like a plant trapped in a box room. All through her life mountains seemed to have been creat...

I received this via email. It stated that 'The financial crisis has not affected in Kerala yet!!!' What a contrast. On one hand the world is bearing the brunt of economic meltdown with retrenchment in furious numbers. Millions are thrown out of their jobs. Pinch in the pockets are getting severe leaving many depressed and desperate. Consulting a shrink has become inevitable to overcome their loss in more than one way. While the other side has ecstatic faces adorned and drenched with gold such that it makes one wonder about the almighty playing favoritism. One isn’t sure whether to feel happy on seeing such glitter while the other half portrays nothing less than jitters. Or to feel indignant about the unfair means life tends to offer many a time. Is it a cynical view or a realistic one?? Makes me ponder and wonder. Meanwhile all this emphasizes the fact even more that it’s truly 'God's own country' or should it be rechristened as ' Gold's own country?'

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=f52f476c-9a4a-4e7a-9b26-4565d4bc2db8 Often to present something on the pretext of novelty, the same product is utilized and painted with a different shade entirely. Yet the authenticity of its true flavor cannot be ignored especially with its roots carrying the original aroma. To make matters worse, extensive marketing is mixed to dilute this ‘new’ product leading to the ‘maker’ winning a reward and an award eventually. The standing ovations, accolades and ‘globe’ trotting become the price tags. It tends to make one wonder if the same would be attained when the product is unadulterated and presented with its original roots and ethnicity. Such is the case of the movie with 10 Oscar nominations, leading to a mad rush of jubilation despite the fact of the sub continent portrayed as a land of poverty and snake charmers still. Strangely when progression rate is even faster than the space shuttles and the local trains ...

Its been two months since the massacre in Mumbai leading to terror and bloodshed. It is a tribute to the bravehearts who fought a valiant war and died a martyr's death. It is that valor which makes them well deserving of being recipients of the Ashok Chakra today. May their souls rest in peace. Jai Hind!!!

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=8131298d-cc3d-4c8d-840b-646149fe5ccb It isn't every phone conversation usually on a casual basis that leaves one in contemplation about life. While one side of it portrays colors of vivacity, it certainly doesn't hesitate to show its shades of grey many a time. To an extent where its bonded souls ponder over the unfair treatment meted out to those who in the least deserve it. It was on the way back home after an arduous day at work, that I punched the numbers furiously to catch up with my mom after ages. Our busy schedules often trespass our ability to communicate often. It was a quiet hello that greeted me which I assumed to be a result of a taxing corporate drone. On exchanging our usual banter, a sudden spurt of news jolted me out of my wits. "Do you remember my friend?" As I carelessly stated a yes, glancing out of the window at the passer by folks, little did I realize that I would be met w...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=20750d14-a7e7-487a-8f24-e2f977fb7288 He swam furiously through the unusually hazy waters looking frantically for Leonard-his one and only son. He flapped his fins, each which depicted an unmistakable anxiety as his search grew vigorous with every passing moment. Never could he leave his little one alone, he thought as a puzzled octopus sleepily looked at him in bemusement. “Has anyone seen Leo”, he asked every passer-by as they shook their heads in amazement. Darcy will never learn they thought. Laughter and squeals were soon heard in the vicinity. It seemed to come from the amusement coral park nearby as he turned sharply in that direction. There he was-dear old Leo, his nine year old son who was found in the company of his fellow mates-the sea horse and the notorious turtle. Embarrassment followed suit along with the pursuit of a sound scolding for wandering off carelessly as Leo hung his head. Partly due to be...