A look at the latest songs.

I read in the newspapers that Superstar A.R.Rahman is not going to take up much projects this year and that he is taking an off from his work! Good for him. May be after a year, a more relaxed Rahman would come up with something more mind boggling. Till then, I'm forced to listen to other MDs compositions (LOL!) and this post is just a small review of the latest tracks that have been released of late. Some of the tracks that keeps playing in my PMP in repeat mode are Yaathe Yaathe, Ayyayo and Otha sollale from Aadukalam; Mynaa Mynaa and Kayya Pudi from Mynaa. Like Rahman, Even Yuvan Shankar Raja has taken a pledge not to sing this year. I feel that except for the music, Yuvan tries so much to be like Rahman (which is impossible and Yuvan must learn that!!) Though En Nenjil from Baana Kaathadi give goosebumps, the other tracks in the album are just in a typical Yuvan's style. Harris Jeyaraj's Ko succeed in climbing up the chart with Ennamo Yeadho and Amali Thumali songs, but couldn't hit the top 10 list. I feel Harris have tried the same method of composition like did for his other films- A Bombay Jayashree song, a Chennai hip hop song, a soft song and a Pop song with lots of synth and bass. Ko has everything in it. I really wish some day he would change his composition pattern. Yuvan Shankar Raja's Pathinaaru and Baana Kaathadi was "just another Yuvan's album." Its only sometimes that a lightning strikes his head and he realises to come out of the box. All Yuvan's composition sounds almost the same to me. Once when i was humming one of his songs I was able to sing more than three songs with the same tune and unsurprisingly, all three songs were his compositions. Imman have outdone in his album "Mynaa." His idea of choosing Shaan to sing Mynaa Mynaa was a good one as his voice blend perfectly well with the song. Kayya Pudi, crooned by Naresh Iyer and Sadhna Sargam, is a soothing heart touching song. G.V.Prakash is coming up well with most of his albums hit the top 10 list (after all, he is our very own Rahman's cousin!! May be the effect??) I downloaded Ayyan when i learnt that it was Ilayaraja's composition. But it didn't impress me much and i felt its got his signature all over it, a typical Ilayaraja album. I liked Viduthalaikuyil Naan song from it because of Ilayaraja's magical voice. Devi Sri Prasad aka DSP (as he calls himself!) was lucky to have Kamal himself lending voice for most of the songs in Mammadhan Ambu. His Neela Vaanam tried to scramble up the chart with Kamal's mellifulous singing. Vidyasagar's Siruthai is in my PMP for Naan Rombo Nalla song as Ranjith's singing was flawless and also for the song itself.

People all over the world are waiting for the much awaited Rockstar soundtrack. It is confirmed that the album is going to be released in a couple of months as Rahman has already done with its background score. He has also composed a promotional song for the Malayalam film Lavender which is in filming now. Eagerly waiting for its release. Since Rahman is relaxing this year, I wish other MDs come up with good albums this year!

Coldly hot!

Its not been many days after writing a post on the awesomeness of Chennai climate, I've got something to rant under the same heading. Yes, Chennai's climate is steadily becoming more unpredictable. The temperature vacillates between the two extreme of the meter scale and baffles Chennai people. When i had to wipe off my sweat in the morning, not too long after it turns out to be a clement weather. The sun in the morning was burning my skin, while in the afternoon, when its supposed to smoulder, it rains! I wonder if its a preliminary indication of global warming. I came to know that it was raining outside when everyone in bay ran out to see it (No one actually couldn't believe!) That's when i ran along with them. I pray God almighty to make the world exist for a couple of more years as this is the time that a youngster like me goes to another level in life!! LOL!

An eye for an eye..

It was dark and he was all alone, with him. Damian chose the park bench which was right under a huge Banyan tree, to be unnoticed. It was a perfect place with a good vantage that had a full view of the park. The huge branches of the tree camouflages the bench that Damian was almost invisible in his black hooded track jacket. He was constantly gazing at him jogging around the park intermittently looking at his bowie knife which was still in its sheath so as to prevent it from reflecting light from its fine sharp blade. Saint Marys park is famous for the concealment from the outer world. The huge trees filters all kinds of pollutions and maintains a serene atmosphere in the park. Its overcrowded in the weekends but had very less people otherwise. The park becomes almost empty at its closing time. Damian has been observing and learning the regularities of the park. He has been watching him for weeks and now can predict his every move. It was 8:00pm and its been 15 minutes since he started gazing him. Anger and retaliation seethed within him which turned his eyes turn blood red. As every second passes, sequence of memories flash at the back of his head intensifying his anger. He gripped his bowie knife harder without taking his eyes out of him. He was incensed and his anger boiled when he saw him laughing while talking to someone over the phone. He wanted to take away his happiness forever. Memories flashes at the back of his head and a tear drop rolled down his eyes. He watched him jog faster now. He watched him appear and disappear under the golden lights in the park. He gripped his knife harder by its holder and waited for the right time. His anger engulfed his fear engendering retaliation. Being equally strong as him, his confidence shuddered. Gripping his knife harder, he took his hanky from his pocket, tied his hand tightly along with the kinfe so that it doesnt slip off his hand. His watch showed 8:12pm. His long wait had to pay off. He did not care about the repurcussions. He was wounded so deep that he couldnt be wounded any deeper. He watched him pass by everytime he finishes a round. He waited patiently in ambush to come across him the next round. He took his bowie knife out of its sheath and remained prepared. He didnt want to let down his promise he made to himself. He constructed his thoughts to do everything as planned. As he passed by him, Damian, with full rage, lunged from behind covering his mouth. He slit his throat with the knife tied to his hands and pushed him to the ground and sat on his chest, still having his hands on his mouth. He tried to push Damian down but the pain reduced his strength. He violently moved his body in pain which almost pushed Damian down, but he maintained to stay on him with his entire weight. The pressure he applied to stay over his chest broke his ribs. He enjoyed watching him die slowly with his blood oozing out from his throat. He gave another slit across his throat and watched him suffer the pain of death. The slit was powerful as the knife were tied to his hands. Damian, with an evil smile on his face, enjoyed every second of his death. He saw his eyes filled with tears and with blood scattered across his face. His violent movement then slowed down with his fully opened eyes slowly shutting down. Damian, without realizing he is dead with his throat half cut, feared that he might be saved and come alive. He looked around the park. Quitness prevailed, except for the crocking of insects. Wanting him to be dead forever, he took his knife, servered his throat, beheading him. A more contented and victorious Damian got up, looked one final look at his head, gave a peaceful smile at himself, unfurled his sleeves covering his blood stained hands and cautiously moved out of the place leaving the body under the golden light of the park.

With joy, sadness and fear equally mixed up, for a second Damian couldnt feel himself. He made sure no one noticed him while returning. Sitting in his study room in the dark with his boold stained hands, he felt peace. He switched on his table lamp to see the picture of his wife and his daughter more clearly, placed on his desk. He ran his fingers on the edges of the photograph, smiling at them. Reminded of something, he opened his desk drawer and tore the poloroid photograph which had a note written "Kill him" below it. He thrust his knife on the newspaper on his desk which had the headlines: "Mother and 12 year old daughter raped and killed. Criminal escapes."

After having a dozen sleeping pills, he went to bed with a hope that he would see his family again...

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Since now the Cricket World Cup fever is on, people go bonkers to do anything for a ticket. The ticket price is exponentially increasing as the D-day is getting closer. Tickets are now between 2000-3000 bucks and goes as high as up to 5000 bucks. I wonder why people have to spend so much to watch it live in the stadium cramped with thousands of people.

Despite the hassle while watching it live in the stadium, people seem to enjoy the match so much so that even if the world disintegrates, they give a damn about it!! For me, watching cricket at home is more comfy and enjoyable than watching it live in stadium. Who would say no if everything is shown live on TV in every possible angle and in case if you had missed the last ball would have a replay shown? There are people who wouldn't say no and I'm one among them. I would rather choose the ease and comfort of watching it from home (with friends, of course!) with relishing homemade goodies.

There is nothing that is allowed inside the stadium except just you. No cameras, no cellphones with cameras (like they have 200mm optical zoom!! Gosh!!) no snack items and not more than one water bottle! And they claim the restrictions is for "security reason!!!" Who would want to kill a cricketer with potato chips or with a water bottle? And even if someone did kill, how can he take a picture of it to put it up on Facebook when cameras are prohibited!??

Looking forward to the 2011 Cricket World Cup (just two days!!) and wish everyone who are watching it live in the stadium to return home safely without having your picture flash on the news under "stampede causalities." Be safe and have fun. And for my watching-it-on-TV nanbargal, make sure you've paid your cable bills. ;-)

Yuvan Shankar Raja's concert on Vijay TV!!!

While watching Yuvan's concert programme on Vijay TV two days back, my first thought was to rant about this on my blog! I wonder why his concert fiasco had to be shown on TV! Vijay TV is predominantly renowned for its TV shows jamboree, and for this "Yuvan concert," its needless to say!

The concert wasn't like a concert after all, rather it was more like a drama. That was pretty obvious when Yuvan droned about why actor/superstar/singer/director etc Simbu couldn't show up for the concert even after he invited him. Then all of a sudden Simbu shows up with hundreds of security guards flocked around him (Like someones gonna shoot him! Well, there are chances, cuz of his extreme acting!!!) and eventually after all the dramatics, he came to center of the stage on a moveable dais on the traverse stage (something like a conveyor belt). He was waving his hands (like a superstar! Oh gross! You know him!!) as this piece of stage moved to the center. He got down and started explaining why he wasn't able to come (the reason was that he had cold! God, Kill me!!!) and explained how he managed to show up planning it all in the last minute! Wow. Wonderful! For me he seemed like he was in the pink of health and seemed like he was planning this for days. Yuvan is good with music but worst in acting! He couldn't give that "surprised" expression on his face. It was more like a drama. Both Simbu and Yuvan isn't all good in singing when it comes to a live show. Now I admire the work of all the latest technologies in his songs, like auto tune and stuffs. Kudos!

Apart from all these dramatics, singers did their part real good. I loved Shankar Mahadevan's "Merke Merke" song performance. The aalap he sang at the end of the song was out of words to appreciate. Whenever a singer takes the stage, a fake cheering was played at the background (The fake cheering was pretty obvious! Hail Vijay TV!!!)

I wonder why Yuvan chose to sing "Where is the party" at the end. All the singers got on stage and sang "Where is the party" with Yuvan in the middle. Everyone was running around the stage, jumping off the stage, running towards the audience, lightmen, etc. For a moment, i was like "what the fuck is happening?" I called my friend Ram Vittal to know what the hell is really happening but even he was equally confused. Being his show, Yuvan wasn't lionized and seemed like he was mobbed. Then luckily they realised it was Yuvan's concert and he was lifted up by everyone. My friend on the other side of the phone was like "Shit macha.. Semma sothappals."

I never felt like watching a concert but it was more like watching Super Singer finals. As I've been to two of my thala Rahman's concerts, this one felt nothing (Obviously! Rahman is Rahman!!!!). People were orderly sitting and waving some posters unlike a real concert. I think the events were not properly planned and organized.

Yuvan, having been taken a step to prove himself, has to be appreciated. I wish he doesn't screw up (this bad) next time. All the best Yuvan!!!

A new sitcom on the list..

After watching Friends, Scrubs, a more regional sitcom is next on list. I came across a Malayalam sitcom called "Akkara Kazchakal" through my friend who shared an episode on Facebook. Though the show started long back in 2008, I came across it very recently now. The episode was funny and i was agog to watch all episodes. It has 50 episodes, everything very well directed. Though the actors are not professionally good enough to be appreciated, they are much better in how they are as themselves. After the show gained much popularity and got more viewership count, the team has decided to release a movie based on it. The group does a lot of stage shows and hence their TV show is on hiatus. The best thing about the show is that very episode is wrapped up good and would have a message in it. Every character is unique and have an ingenious funny nature. Having watched all its episodes, I'm now waiting for the next season and the most awaited Akkara Kazchakal movie. Meanwhile, I've downloaded South Park and will start watching it from today......

PS: Suggest some good Malayalam sitcoms if you know of any!

A wish for a change.......

Lately, Life seems to be really boring. With not much time to do anything, days seems to go by faster. I wish Saturday and Sunday have 48 hours each. Days between two Sunday seem very less and weekend seem to fly by even before I get a real buzz out of it. Office life seems to devour most of my personal life and hence need to cautiously balance between the two. There used to be a time when I used to sleep like a pig, hang out with friends like mad, watch 3 movies a day. I find no time to watch even one now. Used to have my friends around often, used to have a get together once in every week. Now do I have no updates on them. Have been long since I've even talked to them over phone. Things change. I need to be having a strict hold of everything. Wish things change!

Dezzzember 2010......!!!

Chennai's weather is stunning, cosying all Chennaites for the past four months. Due to my extra abdominal flab, i made sure i do the daily morning exercises. Now because of the comfy weather condition, it procrastinates. Six hours of sleep isn't sufficient enough for this weather that my body demands for more. Having my office two hours from home, travelling eats up four hours of glorious time every day. The morning fresh air and the cool breeze puts me to sleep in the bus but the traffic commotion, tailback vehicles honking and the smothering dust wakes me up at OMR. Though its not much sticky in the afternoons, the following summer heat can already be felt. I guess there is not many days left for the sweltering heat to come but we'd really miss the cool weather as this December, was not like any other December!

Story of a job hunter..

If you are one among the 2008 or 2009 passed out, then you must've known how hard was it to get a job then. And for a guy who is one among the 2009s and had a very weird preconceived opinion about getting a job, its even worse. I was someone who did not have any ambition to whom i wanna be. If you had asked me then, i would've said that i wanna become like A.R.Rahman. Pretty impossible. But i could've made that possible (Of course not like Rahman but at least a small time composer!) only if everything fell in place. Everything that interest me back in the day was music. So it was pretty obvious for me to choose the path i should be taking. For everything in life, there has to be a bad phase. Like the bad time that struck when i had to choose my career. It was when i went along with my brother for his Engineering admission, my Engineering admission was confirmed. How funny can that be? My focus was to get into Visual Communication but then everything changed when a she-devil cast an evil spell on my dad. She brainwashed him by prophesying her version of the future of VisCom students. It was that they had to shoot videos for marriage functions and nothing else. That's when my dad's conscience had to balance between my words and hers. And obviously, the experienced person wins. That too she was none other than the person responsible of my college placements.

Four years of Engineering was hell when it comes to studies but was fun otherwise. Every semester was like a war that i had to build a very strong heart to face every paper and so do for the results. For my parents, arrears in the very first semester was a pre cognitive notion that i would never graduate Engineering at all. It was hard to convince them that arrears are just a part of Engineering life (for us it was like an unofficial mandatory custom to have at least one. Mandatory? Well, arrears naturally comes our way!)

When God closes one door, he opens another (for all reasons!). He didn't want to see me struggling all alone. So he had gifted me an awesome set of friends and asked us to stay together since childhood. And they gave a helping hand when arrears fell like rain during my college days. It was one of my close friend Naveen and me who always used to study together. Like all other Engineering students, we dust off our books only during our study holidays. If there is 3 days preparation holiday, we would take our books the night before the exam. Our method of studying is different. We used to start studying at 10pm, each of us would complete 2 units in a book of 5 units, would finished it by 2am, do a knowledge transfer that goes till 5am. The rest one unit, would finish it on the way to exam. I still wonder how we used to clear the papers. Well after all, Engineering papers evaluation method is still a mystery.

As days went by, the biggest burden of placements started to petrify me. Not many companies come for placements in our college and being the year 2008, nothing really came. We had a very confused placement officer who knows nothing about anything. One day he would walk in to announce that L&T or TCS is coming, two days after he would walk in again to say it is not. This used to happen very often and then whenever he walks into our class, we never used to take his words seriously. It was one day he informed about Infosys placements. We never took it seriously as usual but we came to know Infosys is really coming from other outside sources. I started preparing but the preparation wasn't enough to clear Infosys aptitude test. The first 8 toppers from every two class of every department went home with their offer letter. Me, just went home with a heavy heart. We are 7 in our gang and 3 people got placed except me 2 more friends, and my brother (though he is far better than me and since just 2 companies came to our college, it was hard for him!!) My brother and two of his friends decided to start a small time web designing business till they get a job. I didn't wanna join them cuz i couldn't compete with their technical intelligence.
During my final year, i had a promise instilled in my mind that i should not have any backlogs cuz it would be hard for me to clear it then. Hence I needed more people's guidance. Its always easier to listen to someone explaining than learning it yourself (quick learning!) I used to go to some 5 of my friends house everyday for the knowledge transfer. It wasn't difficult to write what my friends explained and hence cleared all my final year papers (kudos to them!)

Graduated out of college with no job. It was then Nikith, another close friend of mine became my good companion for THE JOB HUNT. Every week we attended around 6-7 companies. Either we will not get selected or will it not be like a company at all. There was this one company called us for the interview and we couldn't find the company even after hours of intense search in that area. Later a tea shop owner helped us locate it. It was in one corner of a building terrace which had only two rooms- One to take interview and the other, a so-called 'workplace' which had only 3 computers.

After a very long search, i got into Allsec BPO and the other guy got into Cognizant BPO. I guess many 2008 and 2009 passed outs would've been in at least one BPO before joining an IT company. Allsec was one of the best BPOs. Had so much fun there and made lots of friends. My batch in Allsec seize to exist after 3 months cuz everyone in my batch were Engineers and everyone absconded when they got a job cuz that's when IT field started to come up. Many of them got into big IT companies except me. I listened to my friends' advice that i wont be able to find a job being in a BPO, night shift. After leaving Allsec, i again started my job hunt, this time, all alone.

Everything changed one night when i went to my brother's office for night stay. My brother and his two friends started asking me about my future plans and made me realize that i wont get a job unless i gain some technical knowledge. All of a sudden it was like a star of wisdom shone above my head and showed me a road to travel when i was stuck in pitch dark. I started learning the basics of few technologies and prepared myself to face any interview and come out with an offer letter. My brother was smart enough to get into Systech solutions but i got stuck right at the technical round. It was then Shaan, a HR working in Systech, helped me out and gave me a chance to attend the final round straight away. Still, my preparation wasn't enough for them as their expectations were more. I started to think if i would ever get a job. It was then my friend told me about the Cognizant recruitment. It was a mere joke for me when he asked me to attend the interview cuz for me, companies like Cognizant, Infosys, L&T, etc were like Microsoft, Google, Facebook. Imagine where Microsoft, Google, Facebook are.? They are not even in my list. After so much advice from my brother and friends i just wanted to give it a shot. Luckily, I cleared all rounds (even the 2 rounds technical interview, each 40 mins!!! Can you imagine??) I felt "joy" within me, churn out with vibrant spectrum of colors. I wanted to thank Shaan for trying so hard to get me into Systech. Nothing can be equivalent for her timely help but bought her a big bar of chocolate as a token of thankfulness (I had to insist her to take it. And Choco?? Well, money constrain!! :P) I also wanted to thank the VP for rejecting me there which had me get into One of the World's Fastest Growing IT Companies In The World.

Life after college is so different. Hope this post would've tingled a reminiscence of your past struggles to get a job (strictly for guys of my type!!) Its time that i had to add Google and Microsoft in my list.... LOL!!