How to flex the enthu muscle?

I have often observed that the people who seem to get the most done and appear to be the most successful are those who have an enthusiastic attitude.

Sometimes, the unlimited enthusiasm in a person just baffles and bewilders me.

If there is one thing I think is genuinely worth being envious of is this enthusiasm or high-spiritedness.

There is definitely something very attractive about those who have a zest for life and a real passion about what they do.

People with such enthusiasm send out positive energy that automatically draw people in their direction.

This ability to attract positive energy is why enthusiastic people are more likely to succeed.

So, how do we become enthusiastic? How do we flex our enthu muscle?

I have been told that it's easier than I think.

Well, the key lies in practice. Yes, it just takes practice.

One needs to think of it like exercising a muscle to make it toned and strong. In this case, the best way to build up one's enthusiasm muscle is to find ways to focus on the positive. I I have found it difficult to do especially because I am way too often weighed down by the odds of life. The hardships and the challenges get the better of me, and I feel browbeaten to the core.

But, I have been told that one who is not exactly feeling upbeat due to the harsh realities of the present can try becoming aware of the happy and upbeat things around one, they can surely be found to exist by the natural laws of contrary feelings, and then one has to really start focusing on them. This will help to encourage a positive outlook. And when one becomes positive, he or she is more likely to be energetic and enthusiastic, thereby drawing wonderful energy his or her way.

It seems really a fantastic cycle to be a part of!

It is also beneficial to seek out the company of other enthusiastic people.

Being around those who are positive and enthusiastic is equally stimulating and invigorating. And as this process is contagious, even more beneficial and creative energy comes our way.
Positivity easily translates into perceivable gains, transcends immediate applications and transmits to people who happen to interact with the positive-minded people. 

As we work toward this goal of enjoying what we do and those we spend time with, we ourselves shall become an enthusiastic example to those around us.

'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan'

'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' is the upcoming Yash-Raj Films production.

It is all geared up for release and the promos on air have caught my fancy.

The Yash-Raj Films banner have always been associated with romantic flicks.

Of late, they have even tried to re-invent their brand of romantic films.

Instead of the staple formula, there have been some innovations by them,

many of them helmed by new directors, who have tried to infuse freshness,

there have been a bit of experimenting with the execution too, some of their films have backfired, despite the changes brought about in varying degrees, and a few have emerged winners too.

Much of the story is set in Dehradun, and the portions of the film have been shot there.

There have been widespread rumors that the film is loosely based on the films like 'Dan in Real Life' and 'My Brother's Wife', however, those have been quashed by the makers. The young director has said that his debut directorial venture has actually been inspired by the matrimonial advertisements in the newspapers where people are on the lookout for an ideal Indian woman to get married to. It's reassuring that the film will not be banking on the risqué quotient (very much in display in the Spanish film 'My Brother's Wife') and rather would have all the spice, the masala, that one would normally expect from a mainstream Bollywood offering.

As far as the promotional videos are concerned, they are surely gripping.

The trailers give us a n exuberant, youthful feel.

The last time that the Yash-Raj banner had a winner,

in the light-hearted romantic genre, was 'Band Baaja Baaraat',

and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one too.

The film has been described as a topsy-turvy tale set amongst upper-middle class families in northern India.

Imran Khan plays the brother to Ali Zafar, and falls in love with the latter's fiancée, played by Katrina Kaif.

But that's just the basic plot-line; the makers have been fiercely guarding the details, as they are expected to do.

Imran Khan, the male protagonist of the film, is now much in demand after the huge success of 'Delhi Belly', which got a terrific response from the young audience, and from the critics.

Imran is hopeful that 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan', which he has described as a comedy of errors, will strike a chord with the masses.

Ali Zafar, who has a huge fan following as a singer-actor in Pakistan, had done a brilliant comed called 'Tere Bin Laden' last year, and, basking from his success therein, he did not hesitate to sign up as the second male lead after it had reportedly been turned down by Ritesh Deshmukh.

Katrina Kaif has been paired with Imran Khan after their much speculated upon project with director Sanjay Gadhvi failed to take off.

The director, Ali Abbas Zafar, has been working as an assistant with this very production house for a while, with films like 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom', 'Tashan', 'New York', and 'Badmaash Company', and this one marks his writing as well as directorial debut.

The film stars Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ali Zafar, Tara D'Souza and Kanwaljit Singh, and John Abraham reportedly has a cameo appearance.

I sincerely hope that this film lives up to its promise of being a frothy entertainer.

Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif look great as a pair. The songs are super-cool.

Katrina Kaif has donned a rockstar-avatar (in the 'Dhunki' song) for the first time.

The film's writer and director: Ali Abbas Zafar;

Cinematographer: Sudeep Chatterjee; Editor: Ritesh Soni.

And the zany songs have been composed by Sohail Sen.

Certified by the makers: A guarantee of freshness.

The surprise package: Ali Zafar, the singer-turned-actor from Pakistan.

Ali Zafar plays elder bro to Imran Khan and the latter helps in his bride hunting.

Ani & Bonnie: On Endings and New Beginnings

Ani: Hello, Bonnie, many of my readers and good friends have been asking me why I haven't been posting one of our chat sessions yet again....

Bonnie: Ani, it's always a pleasure to chat about things closer to our heart, but hearty conversations that would be of general interest have become infrequent, I'm sure your avid readers would understand.

Ani: Well, today, I'd love to broach the subject of endings and closures, they've been weighing heavily on my mind, you know.

Bonnie: Things better come to their logical conclusions, and there's nothing often more logical than an ending. And, I would also add that endings mean new beginnings too, as endings aren't absolute or static in this dynamic world of ours.

Ani: Yes. Things end, and new things come up in their place......

Bonnie: Not only that, newer sides or dimensions to old things or old perceptions also come about. Closures are thus more welcome especially in comparison to things becoming passé.

Ani: I hope my readers aren't baffled by our speaking in circles.....

Bonnie: We aren't..... okay, let me cite all the stuff that randomly come to my mind, the recent Black Wednesday terror attacks in Mumbai, for instance.

Ani: It breaks my heart to talk about it. I had been following the developments closely each night on telly, and been having nightmarish visions as I toss and turn in bed thereafter.....

Bonnie: The dastardly attacks were really so disturbing, they absolutely unsettle any sane person.... but what I was going to say was that after these repeated attacks in Mumbai in the recent past, the Mumbaikars find it hard to control their anger, and frustration....

Ani: Do you think it's going to change their spirit?

Bonnie: Well, it's an end to being appreciative of the phrase 'the resilient spirit of Mumbai', I fear that in it lurks the beginning of their seething rage..... treating the whole exercise of saluting the spirit of Mumbai, by the politicians - and the media - as if it's an attempt to abuse them.

Ani: That may be too harsh to say, but I can sense their grudges against the administration. There is a possibility of generating a democratic ouster of the present government eventually. Maybe, like we did, here, in West Bengal.

That makes me ask for your take on the change of guard in Bengal..... what do you think of the end to the 34 year-old Communist rule?

Bonnie: frankly, it's the end of CPI(M)'s misrule, that was long due, rather overdue, but Mamata Banerjee's innings have begun with a revival of the Communist ethos in a rechristened, hybridized format. How successful, or how productive it would eventually be, is a question that should be kept for the future. I am not sure how the quasi-dictatorial rule of Miss Banerjee, who has the first and the last say in calling the cards as the Trinamool Supremo will resonate in the years to come, at the grassroots, but right now, she has been consolidating the concept of a new beginning, the dream of a new tomorrow, successfully.

Ani: Can't agree more. I would assert that it's a new beginning to her crusade, this time not as the leader of opposition, but as a potential game-changer. Her strategies might paid off well in dethroning the Left government, but her real challenges have just begun. She has to live up to her image as the messiah of the marginalized and the oppressed, and has also to refurbish our state's image as a cherished model of prosperity.

Bonnie: I am reminded of one more topical change; the changes in the city's weather, of late. Have you noticed how the monsoons coming on schedule has become a thing of the past?

Ani: Hahaha...... the weather phenomena have been changing globally, buddy.....

Bonnie: Ya, but Kolkata has been witnessing new heights of erratic weather these days, too little rains, and then too much of it, some new beginning in randomness, unpredictability, whatever!

Ani: You see, mapping the endings or the beginnings at a macro level is one thing, but mapping them at a micro level is so very complex. Isn't it so?

Bonnie: Recently, when Kolkata's BharatLakshmi Studio was being devoured by the flames, or the city's historic New Market was threatened to be engulfed by fire, those too were the signallings of some end, or some beginning that conspiratorially waited at the fringes, but what such things mean to individuals who are associated is something that's hardly pondered over.

Ani: True. Personal or public, big or small, endings and beginnings affect us emotionally, more than anything else.

Bonnie: Some scars are left behind, some heal in good time.

Ani: We heave a sigh of relief when an awaited end comes, we lament only when the end is perceived as untimely.

Bonnie: I am baffled how we choose to turn a blind eye to the ungainly endings that are on their way....

Ani: And the same can be said for the beginnings that we are never geared up for.

Bonnie: That's a lesser evil. You, for example, have a difficulty in dealing with closures.

Ani: Touché! I invite closures too.

Bonnie: You are also frequently visited by the ghosts of your past closures, I know.

Ani: How do you know?

Bonnie: It's obvious. Hahaha.....

Enjoy their visits, at best. Else, ignore them.

All I can say is, do not let them haunt you.

You must reason that all good things do come to an end......

Ani: Hmmm..... What about the end to Harry Potter films? Good or bad?

Bonnie: Thank goodness the film series was more-or-less successfully wrapped up, the cast continuity becomes a mammoth problem.

Ani: And, as far as the creator of the Harry Potter phenomenon, J. K. Rowling is concerned, the fans have been promised 'Pottermore': the promise of more wizarding adventures, the revealing of secrets and much more interactive stuff.

Bonnie: So, there's hope in the world of business and marketing that creates newer elixirs, whereby ends aren't ends for all practical purposes. What say?

Ani: I take it as a positive note, and hereby conclude our conversation for the day. Thanks, for the special chat session.

Bonnie: Mutually pleasurable, Ani.

Best of Hindi Cinema

Here's a listing of one hundred favorite Hindi films of mine:
[I have tried my level best to order them chronologically, based on the year of release - inadvertent historicity bloopers be excused]

1. Awara (1951)

2. Devdas (1955)

3. Jagte Raho (1956)

4. Naya Daur (1957)

5. Mother India (1957)

6. Do Ankhen Barah Haath (1958)

7. Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)

8. Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)

9. Kanoon (1960)

10. Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

11. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)

12. Bandini (1963)

13. Yaadein (1964)

14. Guide (1965)

15. Teesri Kasam (1966)

16. Bhuvan Shome (1969)

17. Mera Naam Joker (1970)

18. Anand (1971)

19. Reshma Aur Shera (1972)

20. Pakeezah (1972)

21. Piya Ka Ghar (1972)

22. Saudagar (1973)

23. Achanak (1973)

24. Garm Hava (1973)

25. Ankur (1974)

26. Avishkaar (1974)

27. Deewar (1975)

28. Sholay (1975)

29. Chhoti Si Baat (1975)

30. Mrigaya (1976)

31. Manthan (1976)

32. Kinara (1977)

33. Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977)

34. Bhumika (1977)

35. Kitaab (1977)

36. Gaman (1978)

37. Junoon (1978)

38. Golmaal (1979)

39. Chakra (1981)

40. Chashme Buddoor (1981)

41. Umrao Jaan (1981)

42. Arth (1982)

43. Sadma (1983)

44. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)

45. Katha (1983)

46. Mandi (1983)

47. Saaransh (1984)

48. Holi (1984)

49. Party (1984)

50. Utsav (1984)

51. Paar (1984)

52. Mirch Masala (1985)

53. Saagar (1985)

54. Damul (1985)

55. Ijaazat (1987)

56. Yateem (1988)

57. Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro (1989)

58. Raakh (1989)


59. Nazar (1989)

60. Kasba (1990)

61. Prahaar (1991)

62. Rudaali (1993)

63. Maya Memsaab (1993)

64. Bandit Queen (1994)

65. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

66. Daayra (1996)

67. Khamoshi: Sangeetmay (1996)

68. Dil Se (1998)

69. 1947: Earth (1998)

70. Satya (1998)

71. Rockford (1999)

72. Hera Pheri (2000)

73. Lagaan (2001)

74. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

75. Chandni Bar (2001)

76. Jhankaar Beats (2003)

77. Black Friday (2004)

78. Maqbool (2004)

79. Raincoat (2004)

80. Iqbal (2005)

81. Sarkar (2005)

82. Main, Meri Patni... Aur Woh! (2005)

83. Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005)

84. Rang De Basanti (2006)

85. Kabul Express (2006)

86. Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006)

87. Johnny Gaddar (2007)

88. Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd (2007)

89. Chak De! India (2007)

90. Jab We Met (2007)

91. Rock On!! (2008)

92. Firaaq (2008)

93. Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008)

94. Wake Up Sid (2009)

95. Dev.D (2009)

96. 3 Idiots (2009)

97. Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)

98. Love, Sex Aur Dhokha (2010)

99. Udaan (2010)

100. Peepli Live (2010)

"I Am Harry!": A Case of Split Reality? HaHaHa

Watch it and laugh out loud:-)

Daniel 'Harry Potter' Radcliffe has matured as a fine actor, and is quite interesting to watch and listen to, especially when he shows his funny side, which he does quite often these days.

Daniel Radcliffe in 'Equus', the cult play.

Happy Birthday, Messi!

Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi was born on this day, in 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. Here's wishing him a very happy birthday.

He is currently my favorite footballer, and a football-icon for millions all over the world. Despite being a victim of growth hormone deficiency, Messi has had a stupendous career as a champion footballer.

His playing style and skills with the ball have often made people compare him with the Argentine football legend Diego Maradona. Often called the prince of football, Messi is said to make the football smile. Not only has he achieved unprecedented success, winning almost every personal accolade including the Ballon d'Or, Messi has reaped handsome rewards for FC Barcelona and the national team of Argentina, playing as the forward/winger.

For us Kolkatans, the Messi connect is on an all-time high with the possibility of Messi coming to Kolkata being announced. Messi and his football mates from Argentina are likely to play in a FIFA-sanctioned friendly match with Venezuela, at the Salt Lake Stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan) on September 2, this year. Kolkata being a city of football-lovers, the frenzy would be just fantastic.

Gaga-awed & Bieber-ized: Happy World Music Day!

Happy World Music Day, folks!

Today, I would like to talk about two of the hottest (or should it be coolest? Whatever!) music personalities: Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

I know, many would squirm and giggle, but I can't help admit that these two stars are each a phenomenon on their own, and love them (both have won awards and accolades aplenty) or hate them (they are lampooned in the media the most, each having innumerable haters worldwide), you just cannot ignore them.

Lady Gaga shot to fame in 2008 with her debut album and there has been looking back for this singer who thrives on controversies, sensational stage acts and props-laden glam rock numbers that somehow gel well with all sorts of people who cherish rebellion above all else, and love to celebrate non-conventional lifestyles. As far as her music is concerned, it does not make me a huge fan of hers but I salute her spirit; she seems rather upfront - reminds me of Madonna in her heydays. Her avant garde electronic stuff is actually tempting to groove to. And the songs have a certain honesty which is somewhat liberating. Recommended listening (for all those readers of mine who are yet to swing and sway to Lady Gaga's music: "Born this way".

Justin Bieber too was discovered in 2008, on Youtube (of all places!) by his would-be manager and he became a sensation since his debut release in 2009. His popularity reached astronomical heights with every single of his becoming a major hit, biggest ever for a guy his age (Bieber is just seventeen now!) and his sugary sweet pop songs have connected instantly with teenagers (mostly girls though) all over the world. The 3D biopic concert film of Justin's, that released early this year (not in Kolkata though) has become a rage, and Bieber-mania still happens to rule.

My favorite Justin Bieber song: "Never say never" (featuring Jaden Smith).

Happy Birthday, Garfield!

It's the official birthday of Garfield, the comic-strip cat! It is on this day, June 19, in the year 1978, that this famous fictional cat was 'born', i.e. he first appeared in print. In the eponymous comic-strip, by Jim Davis, he is portrayed as the lasagna-loving lazy cat, owned by Jon Arbuckle, an awkward clumsy geek.

I have already stated in my personal preference earlier that, for me, Garfield is the most favorite of all comic-strips. Hence, this fat, tabby cat with sharp (sometimes nasty) comments is really special for me.

Here's wishing Garfield a vERY hAPPY bIRTHDAY!
May he entertain us all for many, many, .....many years!

A tête-à-tête with Samadarshi

Samadarshi Dutta is one of the fresh talents that Bangla cinema can boast of. He is an actor who has been consistently doing quality work, and I am proud to present a candid conversation with this actor par excellence.

Even a few months back, I was unfamiliar with your acting.... but after watching you in "Aami Aadu" early this year I was absolutely impressed and have no doubt that you are one of the hottest young talents in Bangla cinema.

Thanks, for the appreciation. I haven't acted in too many films, but I consider myself lucky to be associated with good films.

You had started out with television, didn't you?

Well, I did just one television serial called "Kakhano Megh Kakhano Brishti", and it was a few months' work only, yet it got me some recognition.

True, and many have told me that they know you because of that serial.... people in the film fraternity, also admire you a lot for your very first film, "Ichchhe" that hasn't been released till now.

Yes, people in the industry who have seen "Ichchhe" have all lavished praises on me...... it was indeed a special film, and I acted alongside Sohini Halder, who played my mother, and Bidita Bag, with whom I share a wonderful working chemistry.



Samadarshi, you have had a formal training too, at the FTII, Pune, and it must have been quite an enriching experience, right?

Of course, I was lucky to have had done my stint there, and apart from the grooming and the exposure to the art and craft of cinema, I have made some great friends.
That you are well-versed in acting was evident when I saw "Aami Aadu", and then when I saw you in "Aarohan". You did some acting on stage too, didn't you?

Yes, I did group theatre for some time before moving on to act in films.

But don't you think for Bangla mainstream cinema your grooming and education might be considered a disadvantage? Are you open to all sorts of screen roles?

By Bangla mainstream cinema if one understands a certain kind of copy-paste versions of Telugu or Tamil potboilers, then I might not fit into the so called mould, but I do have enough confidence as an actor that I can act in diverse genres of films.

In "Aarohan", you have had an American accent, you must worked hard.....

I think I did a somewhat okayish job in terms of preparing for it. I also had to acquire the accent of Murshidabad district for "Aami Aadu", if you remember.....

Of course, you had sounded absolutely convincing!

Well, that is what an actor is supposed to do, isn't it? Becoming a character in entirety involves getting the dialect, the body language and the behaviour right.

Very true. By the way, your Hindi diction is good, so, are open to offers from Mumbai?

Mumbai, Chennai..... whichever part of the country beckons me! I'm open to doing films in any regional language whatsoever, and I believe I can pick up the language for the role.

Wow! Is that because you weigh your options cautiously, or find that Tollygunge might not have the right kind of opportunities.....

My first release was an out and out commercial film, "Saathi Aamaar Bondhu Aamaar", and it is not that I'm too proud of that film.... I want to act in films which I can proudly look back upon when I reflect on my work as an actor some years from now.

In that film, you were introduced as Surya..... which was odd......

There are things like that an actor can't do anything about. Interestingly, the first time I had got an offer from Tollygunge, was from the Late Anjan Chowdhury, who wanted to make a film with me, and though it didn't materialise, the fact that he himself had narrated the script is a treasured memory.
Please tell me about your projects at hand.

I have wrapped up the shoot for "Mukti", "Bhooter Bhobisyot", and "Dekha Na Dekha".

In Gautam Halder's "Mukti", you have worked with Raakhee Gulzar, right? How was it working with her?

Yes, I do not have many scenes with her in the film though. She is a stalwart indeed and working with stalwarts give me enough resources and insights which I look forward to implementing in due course. for example, in "Aarohan", I had worked with Soumitro Chattopadhyay and Sandhya Roy, and from them to I got to learn as well. I worked in "Hing Ting Chhawt" which too had Soumitro Chattopadhyay. Thus, my perspective on cinema indirectly got shaped even while I was working.


A personal question, as an actor, do you feel insecure at times?

I'd be lying if I deny; the profession of acting does have its share of insecurity, but I believe in honing my skills and having enough self-confidence and faith in my capability. I am passionate about acting.

When exactly did you sense this passion within, for the first time, you do not come from a family of actors or cinema professionals, do you?

No one in my family have been part of showbiz, my folks are all academically inclined, and have had successful careers.
I remember being stirred by a film shown on television, when I was in high school, I recall the very scene but not the name of the film, and I knew that I had to act! Eventually, getting selected as a student at FTII was a huge turning point for me.

Tell me about the things you indulge in when you aren't acting.

I love watching films. I can boast of an impressive collection of films from around the world on my computer..... hahaha......

What kind of films do you watch?

All kinds..... I love watching world cinema - the classics, for sure, plus works of all the contemporary greats.

You have an eclectic taste in music too..... I know, you play the guitar.....

Well, I do love strumming the guitar. For a while, I had studied tabla, sarod, and violin too.....

That says a lot about you, you love accomplishing things.... hahaha.... but, Samadarshi, I can't help observing how affable you are, without the trappings of a star.

I am not a star, not yet..... I would love to be an actor, an actor who works earnestly..... and by the grace of God, people like me. People who have worked with me, including my co-actors and technicians, and even the spotboys and the chaiwallahs, have endeared me. Somehow, I can connect with people. I love that.

How do you stay fit? Isn't the physicality bit in cinema a fad now?

I am not into beefing up, as is evident, but I do believe working out is important. It is important for an actor to stay fit and healthy, by all means.

You know, I was elated to learn that "Aami Aadu" has bagged both the National Award (for best regional film - Bangla), and the Silver Award at SAARC Film Festival in Colombo. I am sure that you will go places as people will take note of you for your distinctive. May your work speak for itself. I wish you all the best for all your forthcoming projects.

Thank you. I am happy that people love me, and my work.

It was lovely talking to you.
I am sure my readers will enjoy the chat as well.

The skewed lure of 'Dexter'

Just through with watching the first five seasons of the television series 'Dexter' on Star World.
It is one of the most gripping tele-serials in recent times and has been a huge hit all over the world, and it is impossible to stay indifferent to its charm.
American crime-drama series forms the staple diet of most of the television viewers across the world because, besides being well-produced, well-scripted & well-acted, these tap on the universal craving for an exploration of the darker recesses of human psyche. 'Dexter' goes one step ahead and toys with the saint-sinner tagging and has as the eponymous protagonist a forensic bloodstain pattern analyst for the Miami Metro police department who moonlights as a serial-killer.


In America, the series had debuted in 2006. But here, in India, we have been shown it this year, all the five seasons, back to back, on week-nights, with repeats on weekends. However, most viewers who got hooked to it have made sure that they catch the episodes online, as scenes and dialogues had to filtered for the telecast in the sub-continent, owing to excessive violence and profanity. In fact, the content and the violent images have been the bone of contention for the purists, and for many a social-analyst, not just in these parts of the world but in the West as well.


The first season was largely based on the novel 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' by Jeff Lindsay, the fisrt of his series of Dexter novels. The subsequent seasons have largely evolved in an independent manner. The key scripting was done by James Manos, Jr. The principal cast features Micahel C. Hall (in the title role), Jennifer Carpenter, James Remar, Lauren Velaz, David Zayas, C. S. Lee, Julie Benz, Erik King, and Desmond Harrington. Also, Margo Martindale, Christian Camargo, Anne Ramsay, Valerie Cruz, Jonny Lee Miller, Jimmy Smits, Keith Carradine, Julia Stiles and John Lithgow are some of the big draws who have had supporting roles or guest appearances.


It is pointless to introduce the plot-line to those who are unaware of this phenomenal series. Yet, here it is, the germ of it all: Dexter is orphaned at the age of three due to the murder of his mother in front of his eyes, and is then adopted by Miami police officer Harry Morgan. After discovering that the young boy has been killing a multitude of neighborhood pets, Harry tells Dexter that he believes the need to kill got into him, and that he believes Dexter's need to kill will only grow. To keep Dexter from killing innocent people and winding up in an electric chair, Harry begins teaching Dexter The Code, whereby his victims must be killers themselves who have killed someone without justifiable cause and will likely do so again. Flashbacks throughout the series show Harry, who died several years before, instructing Dexter on how to fake human behavior, how to cover his tracks after a kill. Dexter has followed The Code religiously to satisfy his Dark Passenger - the name he has assigned to his urge to kill. Like many serial killers, he keeps trophies - before dispatching a wrongdoer, he makes a small incision on their right cheek with a scalpel and collects a blood sample, which he preserves on a blood slide & stores in a box concealed inside his air conditioner. Dexter has a skewed logic that he is in denial of and it is this logic or rationale that actually makes us question what's justified and what's not. Dexter's private life, his being lovelorn, his secrets tumbling out - make interesting viewing, as do his exploits, his kills.

'Delhi Belly'

DELHI BELLY
A film that dares to be irreverent & funny..........


Aamir Khan's Delhi Belly is all set for worldwide release on July 1st, 2011.
And, already, there's a huge interest about the film among the critics as well as his fans.
The theatrical teaser promo of Delhi Belly premiered on January 21st, accompanying the screenings of "Dhobi Ghat - Mumbai Diaries", which too was Aamir's home production, and was directed by his wife, Kiran Rao.
With the release date approaching momentum has gathered on the makers' part as well. The film's first look, poster and music have already captured our imagination in the last few days. Delhi Belly is directed by Abhinay Deo, and has been scripted by Akshat Verma. The film has in its cast Imran Khan, Vir Das, Poorna Jagannathan, Kunal Roy Kapoor, Shenaz Treasurywala, Vijay Raaz, and Rahul Pendkalkar.
The music for the film has been scored by Ram Sampat and the lyrics have been penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
The cast and the crew have been rather tight-lipped about the film while the filming was on, and post-production work on it continued. Speculations were rife on the content, believed to be catering to the adult audience instead of the conventional family audience.
Originally, the film was supposed to be directed by the Swedish director Robert Nylund, but things didn't quite work out, and then entered Abhinay Deo, who has been associated with numerous ads of repute. Ranbir Kapoor was pencilled in at first, but that too did not work out, and Imran, Aamir's nephew was shortlisted as a cast member.
The film is till date the boldest one that has been produced by Aamir Khan, and Imran himself has said that his character is quite 'colorful' and he'll be seen diving his attention between Poorna Jagannathan and Shehnaz Treasurywala.
It is an irreverent comedy indeed, but Aamir Khan has refuted the claims made by some sections of the media that Delhi Belly is a sex comedy.
In fact, the character played by Imran does not only indulge in two-timing, but his teenage fanbase might be shocked to know that he swears, drinks, has several addictions and is totally lewd and despicable.

The grunge-rock song 'Bhaag D. K. Bose' from the soundtrack of the film has already become a sensation of sorts.

It has caught on with the youth as the latest anthem of rebellion & irreverence.

The song is surely has surely catchy, plus it has weirdly and cleverly twisted a common Bengali name into an expletive. Quite a stunt, I must say!

My Message

My message to the world,
and to someone in particular.

Be Happy.

Happiness is indeed a strange concoction.

We confuse happiness with so many things.

Happiness or contentment? Which is more desired?

Which carries more weight?

Sometimes, we lie to ourselves, and say

we are happy when we are not.

We fail to be happy, wholesomely.

I would like to quote Carl Sandburg

who, in his poem Snatch of Sliphorn Jazz, asks:

'Are you happy?'

And, then, asserts:

'It's the only

way to be, kid.

Yes, be happy, it's a good nice

way to be.

But not happy-happy, kid, don't

be too doubled-up doggone happy.

It's the doubled-up doggone happy-

happy people . . . bust hard . . . they

do bust hard . . . when they bust.

Be happy, kid, go to it, but not too

doggone happy.'

Sinful Surrender

My sinful surrender..... my weakness.

Pizzas tempt me endlessly, and I surrender sinfully.....

There's nothing like giving in to the temptation of lip-smacking pizzas....

Served hot and served rich, with fresh cream, or extra cheese....

Enriched by the chicken slices, or a delicious topping of tomatoes and onions...

The golden corn, the mushroom and capsicum and paneer or pepperoni combo.

Remember, pizza tastes best when there's more than just a pair of hands picking up the slices...... and fighting for the last one.