Being an Idiot !

3 Idiots is one of the finest movies I have watched of late. One movie which vouches many thoughts, applicable across trades. I always felt the education system in India needed changes, but something which required more change (read as guts) was one’s view towards education. According to Thesaurus, ‘System’ is analogous to ‘organization’ ‘arrangement’ ‘coordination’ ’scheme’, hence changing a system not only means changing an abstract framework, but also the way we look at the existing system. Few days back, during our annual appraisal, my Manager felt that the existing policies doesn’t take note of how critical and tough is it to work in a project like ours, during the appraisals and hence he was not able to get our team better ratings. I knew, that baffled me and I went on to speak things which may have been offensive but were facts. My take was that it was not the policy or my teams incapability that costed us the ratings, which we deserved, but it was the incapability of my Manager or rather mis-representation. I know these words could have irked my Manager, who has a mammoth experience behind him and doesn’t need to learn management from a newbie (word which I use to show that I am young hehehe), but he had the grace to listen to what I said. My take was that the policy is always there to guide us, and it is we who have to make best use (read as exploit) of the same.

When a friend of mine wrote that Education system has to change, I replied saying ‘It is the view of students, teachers and parents that has to change’. Education system as such never dictated that the one who scores best in all the subjects is the most brilliant one. A fact that is supported by the gradual specialisation road-map that is omnipresent in our education system. It has always been the student, teacher, parent who felt that scoring less is a sign of a dull mind. One can still argue saying, then why do we have a cut-off system, I would say the rule (scheme – analogy of system) is something which I still fail to justify. I can still counter argue that this rule can be ignored if we change the way  look at marks. I was proven right on Jan 10 2005 (I remember the date since my best buddy Ravi got his job on that day) a day when Cognizant came for campus placements to Loyola. After the recruitment drive, during a casual stroll, the HR advised our Principal Fr. Francis Xavier (fondly called FX) that Loyola should give admission to only those candidates who have scored >60% in there previous exams. FX replied ‘ We don’t see pleasure in making a top-scorer into a graduate, but we find pleasure in making a non-top-scorer an efficient graduate.

People who knew me during my intermediate would agree that though I scored 95-100 in all subjects, I was never a person who can score good in competitive exams (EAMCET AIEEE…). I knew that I wouldn’t score good in the entrance exam, since I never liked byhearting the shortcut formulae in maths and arriving at an answer at the shortest time. Physics was one subject where I could understand a scenario or solve a problem in shortest time, because of my immense love towards the subject. I scored 49/50 in the entrance and scored much lesser in Maths out of 100 and I can still claim I never byhearted the end formulae, but I would derive them as and when needed. I still remember Mr Paul, my physics tutor asking a question ‘ What will happen when I carry a pendulum clock to a hill top’, within fraction of a minute I replied ‘It would run fast’ He asked why ? I said Time period = 2 pi sqrt(length of pendulum/acceleration due to gravity) and Force = GMm/(r*r) also F= mg hence g= GM/(r*r), where r is the distance from the center of earth to point of consideration. So as we move further up, we in fact move farther from the center of Earth so the value of ‘r’ increases and hence ‘g’ decreases. Now as ‘g’ decreases, the value of T increases. Hence the clock runs faster. Mr. Paul replied ‘Thats a brilliant approach, but the conclusion was wrong because as T( time period) increases the time taken for each oscillation increases, hence the clock runs slower and not faster.

 Why did I mention this…. to boast about my physics ??? NO but to say that the conclusion is not the only thing that has to be acknowledged, but the thought process, the approach and the effort that is to be glorified. Once we start doing it, the so-called system would change by itself.

I used to know that !

How often have we said/felt/yelled/murmured/tried convincing people/shout this statement ‘I used to know that!’. Few days back during a casual visit to a book store, I came across a book of about 200 pages with this title. The tag line ‘Stuff You Forgot from School’ was even more attractive. A quick flip across the pages forced me to buy that book.

The book is a simple compilation of things we used to know in school, but have forgotten with the progress of time (loss of general knowledge under the pretext of specialising in few trades).  The book has sections ranging from English, Maths ..Geography…to .. Chemistry and of course Physics. Nostalgia was hitting me so hard that I started searching for a book that would have a title ‘Pip in the churchyard’ (Note : Readers please don’t laugh….if you are able to figure out the actual title of the book…hehe  ’Great Expectations’). Now why do I call it ‘Pip in the churchyard’…. ?? because when I covered my special-English textbook with the famous brown sheet…..I happened to accidentally staple the first few pages along with the cover page of the book.  The first chapter in that book was titled ’Pip in the churchyard’ and hence remained the title of the book for me till date. The urge to grab that book and read it was so high that I found the book. Another book which was part of my sudden hitlist was ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’… I found it too …I grabbed it..I grabbed it..hurray.

I started carrying ‘I used to know that’ with me in my laptop bag. Next day in office when one of the servers was having some problem…. some one asked ‘Arrey Switzerland ka capital kya hai’ …..Zooooooom came out the book and gave us the answer…Berne. Then there was a guy who said his bracelet was made of Platinum…hehee apun ko phir mouka mila book ka istalam karne ka. I asked tell me the the the …. the symbol of Platinum. Wondering why so many ‘the’ in the earlier statement.. it is because my so-called IT specialised brain has forgotten that the word that I was searching was ‘chemical symbol’, didn’t I live up to the title of the book.

I opened the book to start reading the book right from the first page, it almost gave me my reason to jump into a ‘chullu bar pani’ (handful of water). The first topic in the first section (English) was ‘Parts of speech’…. I was really ashamed that I don’t remember the definitions and various classifications in each type.

I started reading ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ the feeling of nostalgia had almost turned into tears…the classroom in my school…Mrs.Dominic…Mrs.Daniel…my friends in first bench, the interest in listening to the narration, in spite of it being a post lunch session.. everything flashed through my mind.

This book has brought in a fresh learning, a new beginning in my life, a new expression ‘It is good to know the basics’ but ‘It is better to remember things we knew in school’. I am sure it will be one of the most treasured book I have ever collected.

Pit Stop

 I was back at Bangalore after my 4 days vacation at Hyderabad.  Though the vacation was mostly gloomy reflecting the mood of the ever-bindaas Hyderabad, because the state had lost one of its favourite sons YSR.  I was at office when I read the news in ndtv.com that YSR had passed away, sudden-chilling feeling crossed me.  I was to travel to Hyderabad the same day, my colleagues asked me if it was safe to travel back home at that moment of time. I told them that I was travelling to Hyderabad and not Chennai or Bangalore, where death of a famous celebrity or leader causes the whole city to be held at ransom. I landed back safe in Hyd and that too was too pleased to see the city at its normal in terms of transport, though I had asked my cousin to pick me up. The state really showed a really dignified behaviour in giving farewell to one of the finest leaders AP has ever had (This is my statement, I have always been an ardent follower of Chandra Babu Naidu, but YSR did impress me in the last 3 years of his tenure).  Ganesh idol procession without the famous teen-mar band is the real act which can tell someone, (who knows the Hyderabadi’s style of Ganesh immersion, which stands on par with celebrations in Mumbai), how humane and dignified farewell can the city give to its leader. Drenching in rain had become my regular habit in those four days as I was shopping for my cousin who will be leaving to UK in few days.

I came back to Bangalore in  a cold weather, few days of cold after my series of rain appearances had affected me. The Force India’s performance at the international arena has influenced me as well. I needed a pit-stop and was so tired and worked up that on Thursday as soon as I woke up I gave a call to my manager and said that I shall be working from home on that day, though I never switched on my laptop that entire day. I relaxed as I was down with fever and body-ache.

My tired body continued to work on Friday, then came the two pleasant weekend days. I was so rejuvanated that some how I thought I was very new to myself or rather my daily activities were different from my daily routine since past 7 months. I didn’t work on my laptop on Saturday and Sunday this time.  I lay down to relax, the sight of me and Ravi travelling on his bike to Yadgiri Gutta, early in the morning in rain struck my mind, I don’t know why. My bike had completed 1 year on Sept 10th and I picked up my file and realised that my bike’s insurance was due this week. This thought brought Srikanth to my mind. He was the one who used to always go and pay my insurance every year when he (and me too) were in Hyd. Sept 11 marked the 3rd anniversary of my Infosys interview. I remember Srikanth and me travelled to Kasturba college for my written exam on Sept 10, 2006. The poor guy had to wait for me outside my exam hall for about 5 hours, that too on an empty stomach. At noon, he got a call from his cousin asking him to come to his place, so he had to leave. I offered him to take my bike, but before that I called up Ravi, who was about to start his lunch, but he turned up at the venue in just 10-15 min. As Srikanth left on my bike, me and Ravi waiting for my results, which was positive. Then went on towards Gachibowli to check the route for Infosys- the venue of my interview. Many such thoughts crossed my mind, making it a more nostalgic hour of relaxation. I never understood why these thoughts crossed my mind, but then I realised that the break in mechanical and fast moving life, has given me time to sit back and gather myself for future.

The pit-stop was so much needed that I would not have been writing this blog otherwise. The time-lag between my previous post in my blog and this one stands as an evidence to my statement. I called up everyone listed in my contact list of my mobile, just to speak to them for sometime. I spoke to almost 90% of people in my contact list. The remaining 10 % didn’t pick my call . The fast corporate world has turned even me into a machine. But the break of a single day due to flu has really recharged me so much that I feel I am a different person, or rather I am shaping myself back to my original self.

Winning ways

I have been working in a team since past few months in Bangalore after along time, since I used to work alone from Hyderabad earlier and with different project, which didn’t demand much of team coordination. The new workplace really demands an extreme amount of team work. I felt I should post the review of the book which I had read a year ago and had written down the essence of the book in my diary. I should really thank my ex-room-mate (during my training in Infosys Mysore) Kartik for suggesting me to read this book.  The book is a must  for all entry level professionals and also to people who don’t have the ability to interact or mingle with others. I had the pleasure of working in an ideal and extremely perfect team earlier in my career, when I joined Juno Online after my graduation. A team of 25 folks most of them having an experience of over 4 years and we were freshers. But there were no ego-clashes among the team, the senior folks were open enough to give our share of credit and also were humble enough to ask us things which they were not aware of.  I really doubt if I can ever have such a wonderful team again.

‘Winning Ways’ doesn’t take the reader into a counselling session but it does help the reader’s mindset through a story like narration. The story is all about a person who is excellent in his academics and manages to join an organisation. He  faces few so called office politics and the book showers the work environment gyan onto the readers.  

The  guy feels that  his teammates don’t take his suggestions into account because he is pretty new to the office. His University topper ego gets the punch of office dealings. He always lives with a feeling that he can perform better when he works alone and not as part of a team. He then reports to his manager regarding the same and asks for the change of team and quotes that the present team doesn’t need him in their team. The manager quietly listens to his mind pour and tells him that  he has to work for the company as it is for the company’s growth taht he was selected into it. She also tells him that when he was picked for the company, it was only his academic  skills that were assessed and was judged as a person who had the will to learn, which they felt would help the company. So he has to work with the company’s need in his mind.

Few notable points from their conversation,

The easiest way isn’t always the winning way.

Throughout your career many of the results you’ll be required to produce will be with and through other people – either as a team member, part of a network or perhaps later as a leader.

Develop the networking and peer influence skills you’ll need in order to have a successful career.

It is not just knowing about the winning ways that is important- it is about living according to the principles. It is about internalising the concepts so they become part of you and you live life that way every single moment in everything you do.

 After the conversation there comes the 3  most important questions and answers that any team member should realise.

Q) What career paths and opportunities exist in a field for someone who wants to work alone and can’t work with groups or other people ?

A) Very Few

Q) Of all the skills and abilities, what are the most important ones for someone to develop in order to be successful in our field?

A) Ability to get along well with others.

Q) When people in our field fail, what shortcomings or skill deficiencies most contributed to their failures?

A) Lack of ability to get along with others.

Technical expertise is important, but not nearly as important as being able to work with others. Peer leadership, positive peer influence, network leadership are way more important. The image of individual contributor as a superstar is a myth of a bygone era.  Expertise only matters if you can contribute and combine it with that of your co-worker.

 

 

 

Rs. 99

I woke up with a painful thought that I have lost my job. Until yesterday I was the best in the industry, but now I am no longer needed. The recession is taking its toll over my life. The day was also a gloomy one as my hunt for nre job didn’t pay me any returns. Neither did the cool breezy evening fascinate me. I landed under the roof of a temple. The sight of the idol of a smiling God irked me. I rose onto my feet, went close to the idol and started cursing God for my ill-fate. I might be emulating Amitabh from Deewar…saying “kush tho bohut honge na aaaj tum…jisne aaj tak tumhare sharan mein apna maata nahi teka, woh aaj tumhare saamne kada hai.” I put my hand into my pocket and found that I had just Rs 100 in my pocket. I picked up a rupee coin and threw it at the idol saying “tum tho doosroon se lene wale ho ..tum mujhe kya dooge.” A bright light blinded my eyes and a voice echoed through the temple “What do you want me to do?”  I replied ” Who are you ?” The voice said ” I am the one whom you were cursing for your ill-fate… I am God”. Though I was not sure who it was, but the need for a better luck forced me to believe in what the voice said. I said ” I have lost my job and ehhh……… if you are God you must be knowing what happened to me.” The voice replied” I know what had happened to you, now what do you want me to do for you?” I replied” Give me a better luck at least this time around.”

The voice paused for a while, though the light still blinded my eyes, confirming that so-called God was still around me. Then the voice replied “I would give you a boon that should make you a happy man.”  “What is it ?” ,I replied. The voice said, “ I will give you the rare ability that would kill your hunger for food for 7 years. But you would need to adhere to few conditions. ” “What are those”, I asked. The voice paused again and said “You must not work for anyone in these 7years, nor you should spend the Rs 99 that you have in your pocket. On failing on any of these conditions will cease the boon given to you.” “But..but…wat about my other needs ?”. “You will get anything you want for yourself on making a single wish.” The voice and the light vanished into thin air.

I went back to my flat and had a pretty peaceful yet confused sleep. The next morning was a new begining to my life. I wandered through the roads aimlessly. I never felt hungry and my wishes were fulfilled in seconds. Days passed and one breezy quite pleasant evening I went for an evening walk along the shores of a beach, I found a cute little girl sitting on a bench and staring at the kids of her age venturing into the shallow parts of the beach. The little girl was happy to watch her fellow mates enjoying the splash of water. I went close to her and we both started to build sand houses. Just then, an ice-cream vendor passed by captivating the focus of the little girl. I knew her eyes were more towards the ice-cream stall than the sand houses, though her hands were mechanically building them. I put my hand into my pocket and fetched Rs 2 to buy her the ice-cream, but then the words of the divine voice struck my mind. I realised I would lose the boon, if I spent even a single pice from those 99 rupees. I refrained myself from approaching the vendor for the fear of losing the the boon. I walk away from that place to avoid the confrontation with the disheartened kid.

As I walked past the girl, I found a small jelabi vendor selling fresh hot jelabis -my favourite. My mouth watered, but I can’t afford to buy them.

My life moved on peacefully, without doing any work. I found many ads in the newspapers suiting my profile but the conditions laid down by the divine voice reminded me that I shouldn’t work for anyone.

One fine morning, I set up on a morning jog. I saw a familiar face sitting at a park bench. My heart started to sing “Kitna haseen chehara ..kitne pyari aankhen…kitni pyari aankhen hai aankhoon se jalakta pyar”. I know she had been my dream gal since ages.  I could see her looking at me even few minutes with a hidden smile. My heart sank as she walked towards me and said ‘Hi’. I was in trance, my foot rose above the earth, my lips went dry. I knew it was the time to propose to her with a rose, but ehhhhh…. a voice sang ‘Rukh ja ooo jane wale rukh jaaa..jhoo tu chahe tujko laake doonga’. The voice chained my leg with the fear of losing the boon and eventually I lost my lady love.

Years passed and I had those 99 rupees in my pocket and had all my personal wishes being fullfilled at a single thought. One fine morning, I woke up and went for the routine morning jog. I returned back to my bedroom and realised that I had a strange feeling in my stomach. I panicked and I started to sweat. I didnt’t know what was happening with me, the earth slipped from under my foot and I fell on the floor. After sometime I realised that the strange sensation that is engulfing me is ‘hunger’. Ohhh alas the 7 years have gone by. Now I need to work to earn my daily bread and other amenities.

I walked out onto the road and realised that the world has changed a lot in these 7 years. I couldn’t find any hotels around where I can have my breakfast. I saw that the hotels are replaced by the food vending machines. I went to one of them and the sight of the menu dazzled me. The minimum cost of any dish was Rs.100; I fall a rupee short to buy any of them and it was not possible to promise to pay the remaining Re 1, as it was a machine and not a human being.

My ill-fate, threw me on the road and my head reeled because of hunger. The entire 7 years revolved around my mind, the divine voice, the little girl, the jelabi, the job offers, the lady love and many more things. Now at the end of the penance-like 7 years, I am back to the same state, looking for food and job.  The divine voice that spoke all trough these 7 years didn’t speak now. The only voice I could here was my inner voice which never spoke since long. It asked me, “What have you achieved at the end of the 7 year long ordeal ?” I had no reply for that. The inner voice then replied “But I know what you have lost in these 7 years.” ” You have lost the beautiful, heart warming smile and happiness that the little girl would have borne on her face, if you had bought her the ice-cream she longed for.”  I fell silent as I knew it was true. the inner voice spoke again, “You have lost the pleasure of relishing your favourite jelabis” My stomach and taste buds cursed my me for not giving them their share of pleasure. By now I had come to terms with the reality and realised that I have also lost my lady love and the various opportunities to find a job.

Now I stand losing all this for 7 long years, yet not in a position to buy myself a single plate of food. Do you know who am I ? …. I am the modern man ..I save plenty for my future but lose the small pleasures that I can enjoy today and by the time I feel like enjoying the fruits of my saving , I realise it is too late. All that I can say is “Before you save anything today, please think — am I losing anything? “

PS: I came up with this story, when I was discussing with a friend about why people save money for the future.

Birthday wishes !

May be this was the most happening birthday I could have ever wished for. I travelled to Hyderabad from Bangalore on 13th and the clock struck 12 marking my birthday, when I was in the bus.  I never realised that I had fallen asleep watching ‘Chandnichowk to China’ in the bus. The ringing mobile woke me up ( I am too intelligent to keep it on silent mode,  so that the co-passengers in the bus may not get disturbed), it was Kartik, my first roommate in Mysore Infy, the first person to wish me this birthday. In fact a very nice way to start the birthday. The few more calls from my batchmates, who were genuinely happy for me. Then I got an SMS from a very dear friend of mine, who must have been on her way back to home from office. Then I had a cool sleep with a happy mind.

A thundering voice woke me up in the morning. It was ‘Vamsi anna’ anchoring ‘Namatey anna with Vamsi anna’ on 91.1 FM. That’s my favourite show which I was missing since I moved to Bangalore, I haven’t missed the show even once since June 2008 till I moved to Bangalore. Now what else could you wish for…… to start your day….. your favourite show on radio to wake you up. Then I realised the bus might not reach the destination at 8.30 as I told my best friend Ravi, so I called him up and told him that I might reach a bit later.

Finally the bus halted at Lakdi-ka-pul, my destination. I saw my friend Ravi, who had come to receive me, after nearly six months since he moved to US. I went close to him and saw him sitting on my bike, my very own brand (ever)new bike. The first word he spoke was ‘Janama dinna shubhakanshalu’, he is the only person who always wishes in telugu for every occasion. Can you wish for anything better to start your day?

Then I reached hoimeafter exactly a month, withmy mom waiting with sweet payasam…..I eat sweets very rarely. Had lunch at home after a long time and then started on the Air-force duty (galli tirugudu… or .. roaming like air). then came back home just to remind my mom that her younger son has come back to Hyderabad. Then went to a temple in tehevening with another friend Sukeshand went out for dinner with Ravi and Sukesh. Believe me … Dhaaba always gives the best food (next to home-made food).

While I was shopping in the afternoon, I had picked up a camera cover and Ravi had paid the bill for my stuff along with his items using his card. When we were leaving the Dhaba, he handed over the cover to me and said this is your birthday gift. The best part of the gift was that he is the one who has gifted me the Camera on his return to India and has gifted me the accessory as my birthday gift..if you are wondering how funny we are, then please be assured we are really funny. I still remember that I had gifted him the key-chain when he was just thinking of buying a bike. It is always good to start somewhere rather to wait for the bike to become a reality hehehe.

That is the end of my birthday story …….. may be the most sweet birthday I could have ever wished for.

The B’day mood continued the next day too.. with my another best friend Srikanth(one guy who has been with me since past 9 years) called me up because it was 14th in US and we spoke for an hour and more . He was sweet enough to make sure that he spoke to my mom once I reach home.
Do I need to wish for anything more??

Social (net)working

I have been undergoing a stream of self realisation sessions in the recent past. Before I write on what the title of this post really means, I would like to share few facts about me. Today is the salary day, the day for which every employee looks forward for. I usually don’t spend much, not that I am a miser nor that I have few commitments to be met. But I the realities around has always made me spend only if the expense was really worth it. May be my friends who come along with me on my shopping trips (very rare though), would know that I don’t look for brands but the real need of the moment. Exactly 20% of my gross salary goes towards my social responsibilities (also termed charity - a word which I don’t agree with). There are few organisations to which I usually contribute in the first week of every month. Even when I was Software language trainer, I used pocket Rs 500 and the remaining money would be given to my Mom and she would donate that to an Organisation near her office.  How good and responsible citizen am I ? Of course I have a big heart and I am a very generous person. If these are the thoughts in your mind after reading the few lines written above about the portion of salary I contribute towards social responsibility, the as usual I would prove you wrong. Proving people wrong is something which gives me the pleasure which no other thing in the world gives me.

Few days before I left Hyderabad, a colleague and friend of mine called me up on a Saturday, which happened to be NTR’s death anniversary too. He told me that he was going to a Home of needy children, near Indira Gandhi statue in Alwal. He called me up because there was a heated argument with my colleagues in the car while returning home from the office about what the new political parties would cater to the public and he realised that we share common ideas. He said since it is the home of school going children, it would be nice if I carried few children’s books for them. I bought 10 telugu and English books like chandamama and tinkle and Mannoramma for them as there were kids from class 4 to 10. I felt so good doing it. but then when I sat with him at the office of the home for needy, he asked the in-charge about the common issues that they face and he started listing them in a diary.

One such issue was about the new library that was coming up in front of the Home. The existing library was quite fine and good for their needs, but the municipal authorities realised that an extended library block was needed. The in-charge of the Home said that the new block would obstruct the main entrance of the Home and thus would also obstruct the passage of the VIP cars and the vehicles that come to the Home occasionally to offer some funds and address to their needs.

The friend of mine then contacted the TDP leaders who had come to the Home as it was NTR’s vardanthiand told them about the issue. He then told then that it is our party which is going to win the coming elections, these words of praise made the leaders promise to take up the new library issue ASAP. Then after some time my friend called up one of the Congress leaders and told him about the issue and used the same Bramhaastra called praise. as we came out of the main block of the Home, we noticed a hoarding carrying pics of members of few local members of Chiranjeevi’s newly formed party PRP. He then tried hard to get the contact details of these members to discuss the same issue.

I suddenly realised that mere contributing money from a distant land from your salary account would not help the need of the needy. The personal involvement and the social  network that you create over your social work is something that is the real need of the hour. This not only made me realise that it is social (net)working that is required, but has also proved you wrong about your initial thoughts about my social responsibility (if you had it the way I mentioned int he first few line).

PS: People in and around Alwal may visit the Home just near the Hanuman temple few yards before you touch upon the Indira Gandhi statue on you’r way from Alwal to Old-Alwal.

 

Alvida Hyderabad

Thought of dedicating few lines to Hyderabad as I move to Bangalore.

 

You taught me how to live

You showed me the path I drive,

You gave me friends,

Whose love showed no ends.

I walked peacefully across the diverse cultures,

When the whole world fought like vultures.

I felt so safe holding your hand

Even loneliness never seemed like no-man’s land

 

The name is Rajini Kanth

I was waiting for Rajini’s birthday to start writing this  post. I am sharing the review of the book as well as my personal opinions in this post.

 

I have read this book a couple of times as though it was “Sai Satcharithra” or “Bhagawadh Gita “, the only two books which I read more than once. This doesn’t mean that Rajini’s biography is being compared to these two books (a very small word to describe them), but the fact that I had never read it properly, so had to read it another time hehehehe

 

The superstar status as far as I can say  is shared by Shah Rukh Khan and Rajini Kanth. But it has always been a matter of discussion as to who is the bigger star and this can never come to a conclusion as SRK fans will never agree to the facts.

 

This book was gifted to me by one of my nicest friends (a paakka SRK fanatic), who happens to ridicule Rajini to the core. So the choice of her gift really puzzled me, but as usual Rajini’s magic has spared none, I know this person would still argue on this. But on serious note SRK and Rajini are not comparable. Rajini has charisma to pull the masses, while SRK attracts them. I am big fan of SRK’s dialogues ….even those stammering lines ..’kkkkk kiran’ or ‘heeeh hehehe Madan Chopra’ or may it be from all those romantic hits. But can any proucer put to stake more 100s of crores on a single SRK film..no way, but will they do it on Rajini’s movie.??. wrong question, as they have done it many times in the past, and in future(ROBO, SULTAN still in the bag).

 

The book not only discusses about the Superstar Rajini Kanth but also about Shivaji Rao Gaekwad(his real name), the rise and fall of Rajini (yes even the Sun sets every evening), the struggle, the controversies, the lover, the actor(not Superstar), the rise from a road side loafer to the man who is the greatest Superstar from India.

 

Why am I so attached to the book ?

 

The books showcases variuos aspects of a man who is adored by so many millions of people across the globe, a man whose photo is used on Tshirts, watches…in Japan, a man who has 63000 fan clubs as of 2000 (the number ended bcoz they stopped approving registeration of newer club then on), Thalaivar(leader) for his fans and yet so down to earth.

A book that deals with true friendship , a rich-monk, a careless man, a dedicated worker, a faithful, man, a story of a not so good looking, not so tall, dark man who cahnged the face of Indian cinema ina literal sense as his face doesn’t look like the typical handsome stars of Indian soil.

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Bad side of him:A cahin smoker since very young age, someone who used to booze until he is fully down on the roads. A really disobidient son, brother. A guy who stole maoney from his broher’s pocket to booze, smoke. A roadside rogue who would bash up any innocent soul ont he road, eve-teaser. Yet someone who would do anything for a friend.

 

Struggle : Born in a poor Maratha family, unable to bear the burden of relying on his brother’s earning, he comes to Bangalore and starts working as a conductor along with Raj Bhadhur, the driver of the bus. Impressed many commuters by his agile and active style of ticketing them. Falls in love with a passenger, but loses her before he could propose her.

 

Starts acting in dramas and adds an extra pinch of attraction to his character to steal the atttention of the audience.Somehow attracted towards movies, he moves to Madras (Chennai now). Joins the film institute after applying for sick leave with the transport department of Karnataka. His friends fund his stay and his living. He somehow gets chosen by K.Balachander (the Everst among directors) for small roles. 

 

Someone who slept right next to the fireplace in the low-rent accomodation.

His demonic hunger for food, costed his waiter friend his job, while the other friend used to pay for his food without his knowledge.

A man his friends would do anything for and vice-versa.

Charity : Has someone heard of a Supestar who announced to divorce his wife as she was not too pleased with his decision to donate their only home. If you haven’t then you have not heard of Rajini. The divorce announcement caused such a roar among the people, that few of his fans even burnt themselves alive to stop the divorce from happening. Such is the love an affection the star and his fans share.

 

Politics :The rumors of his political entry has hit the headlines so many times that would push even the headlines showcasing any the top politicians to the back seat. His every statement causes poilitical ripples. Be it his act of calling ‘Sandal-wood dacoit’ Veerappan a ‘Demon’ when he had kidnapped Kanada matinee idol Rajkumar. I don’t know if any of the so-called Super Stars or Baadshas would have dared to offer a visit to Veerappan to get Rajkumar released, but Rajini did make the offer.

 

He had the courage to make a statement that caused his films to be brought down from the cinema halls in an entire state. As part of protest against a controversial project at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, that would leave the Tamil land waterless, he said the Kanadiga leaders must be kicked with the foot, if they deny water. Later the screening of the movie of his movie was banned in Karnataka, which was later lifted after he said his statement made earlier was ‘harsh’ and ‘painful’ (mind you he did not apologize).

Simplicity: He is simplicity personified.  He walks around the roads in disguise, roams around the raods of Bangalore with his friend Raj Bahadur, on a moped and eats the bannana bhajji at a road side stall after a success like Shivaji !!!!!!!!. Doesn’t wear a wig when ever he walks out in public. Someone who stands up from his chair to greet even an assitant director or a newcomer. Someone who asks permission even now, before sitting in front of people like K. Balachander, the man who introduced him to movies,

Fan Following: Too little space on web to describe it.

Divine attraction : It is known thing that he always aspires to become a saint one day. Someone who treats Ragavendhara, Ramana maharishi and Babaji (somoen who is believed to be living in Himalayas since 2000 years) as his Guru. He is someone who doesn’t  hesitate to walk many miles on rocky path and bad weather, crawls for miles with torch in his mouth as one can’t even move his hand while going through that path. But finally his destiny takes his to Babaji, so blessed is he to see him in front of him.

 

The book also lists his movies and also provides the list of punch lines he uses in his movies… Over all  the book is an inspiration not only to his fans, but any human being

 

My heart is beating ……

It was a nice cool Monday morning, got up late at 7 am (now trust me that is late as my office bus comes to my stop at 7.35 am). I shouted at my Mom, “I will go to office on bike today, so I will sleep for 15 minutes more.” Started to office on my new (God knows how many more years I will call it new, I treated my first bike a new one for 7 years) bike, rode the bike with as much josh as Maddy in Sakhi or Alaipayuthey (wonderful and original version of the worst ever remake Saathiya).On my way on the typical traffic prone roads of Hyderabad, when suddenly felt my heart singing ‘pehli naazar mein aisa jaado kar diya…. Tera ban baita hai mera jiya’. There was cute gal running behind her office bus at Patny Bus stop, but she eventually missed her bus.

I stopped my bike near her and offered to drop her at the next stop of her bus. I had never liked gals sitting on my bike, may be only once or twice in my life did I allow a gal to sit on my bike. As we both were following her bus, my heart started to sing ‘zindagi ek safar ..hai suhaaana…’ (Like the original Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna). I asked her “which office?” she replied “Microsoft! “. I said “I can drop you at your office too; as I don’t think (or rather wish) we will be able to catch up with your bus.” She said “ok”. My heart went back to singing again ‘ooru vaaarthe keeka oru varsham kathirundeen..’(tamil song which means I was waiting waiting for 1 year(read as so long)to hear that single word). I was riding the bike as stylishly as possible.. areey samja karo miyaan impression ka mamla hai.

As we crossed Panjagutta signal I asked “how long have you been working in Microsoft? “ she replied “two years”. My mind went counting, analyzing….and came back with answer “2 years aaaa so she must be of my age or younger to me, as It took 2 years to complete my masters degree”. My heart started singing again “naa jaane mere dil ko kya hoo gaaaya, abhi to yaheein tha ki kogaya….” We reached My office gate, she said “I cross the road n go to my office, drop me here itself”, but bhaiyaa log impression ka maamla hai, I replied “I don’t mind dropping you at your office”. I turned the bike towards the other side of the road to drop her at the gate. As she got down , I introduced myself and she said “I am Anjali”.. my heart sang ‘Anjali anjali pushpanjaali….’ .. abhi somethinghas to be done I as usual came with one of my PJs.. oo Anjali….. 5 rats. She looked confused, I said “In tamil anju means 5 and elli means rat.. so anju+elli = Anjali means 5 rats” she laughed like anything and said “I know”…aaaa my heart sang like Power star Pawan Kalyan again “my heart is beating adooolaa….cheli”. I gathered courage and asked “Your number, if you don’t mind…. So that I can drop you if possible whenever you miss your bus”… she replied “then you will have to drop me everyday…. as I turn up late to bus stop every day”. My heart said “wow she is like you man…. Ab ise kehte hai RAAB NE BANA DI JODI.” We exchanged phone numbers, and I moved to my office, whole day no work only dreaming and singing “jab se tere naina mere nainoon se laage re”

Next day, as usual I got up early but didn’t take the bus, of course started to office on bike (in fact earlier than my bus). Went to Patny bus stop and waited for that gal. She appeared; I went towards her casually and stopped my bike as if I had seen her accidentally and not intentionally. Then I said “wan lift madamji”, she replied “haaan sirji.” Then we started to our offices again. My heart started to sing again just like SRK does whenever he sees Sushmita Sen in Main hoon na. Not a second did I realize that “I have turned into a cab driver from a software engineer. Things were normal till one afternoon when she gave me a ring on my mobile and said “had your lunch”.. I said “abhi kahaan madam abhi to 11 baja hai”… she said “then chalo saat mein Punjab Rasoi mein lunch karthey hain” I said “ok “. My heart sang again “Shayad mere shaadi ka kayal dil mein ayaa haai isi liye Anjali ne mujhe lunch pe bhulaya hai”. We went to the restaurant and I asked “Madam aaap veggie ki non veggie..?” she said “arrey paaka vegiee“. My heart felt relieved, not that I was worried about those poor chickens, but I am veggie. I asked “where are you from basically ?”,she replied “I am a tamilan settled in Hyd”… I replied “me too!!!” but my heart said “RAB NE BAANA DI JODI. “. I asked “How come suddenly saath mein lunch ka plan?” she replied “ aise hi… naye friendship ke liye party..kyoon busy in office?”.Though I was on free in office, I replied

“ Haan bohut kaam hai….but then anything for a friend naa”…my heart said “waaa bachu jab team mate kisi kaam se travel desk ya facilities dept ke building ke liye bulatha hai tho …you say … arrey yaar have work… can’t move.. aab ladki bulayi tho anything for a friend “. Days passed (as usual like seconds), wow Einstein’s statement on relativity holds good here, seconds would seem like years when you sit on a frying pan, while years will pass like seconds when you are with your girlfriend. Anyways I am Einstein ka punar janam na.. so it is obvious that I will have some effect hhehe.

One evening she called me up again and said “shall we go together from office in the evening?” I said “ya sure”. Nice cool weather, rain Gods had blessed the city in the afternoon because of the low depression in Bay of Bengal. My heart was singing again “sari gama padani sa arey karo karo zaara jalsa” like Power Star Pawan Kalyan. My bike was going at the speed of 80 Km/Hr on the nice smooth road. The mood was romantic and so pleasant that I didn’t notice the pit on the road; we both tumbled on the road. Then next moment, I felt that I was sweating a lot and there was a heavy focus of light falling on my eyes. I opened my eyes expecting to find myself in a Hospital under those heavy focus lights in the operation theatre, but when I opened my eyes I realized that I was in my bedroom and was sweating because my mom had switched off the fan and the focus of light was nothing but the tube light which my mom had switched on. Now that was her style of waking me up daily. My mom said “It is 7 am, you will miss the bus, if you are going to office on your bike today, then have your breakfast at least today and then leave”. I realized that everything was a dream.

By the way, this is the first post on “On Demand”… as one of my colleague asked me to post short stories. I was inspired by few of such funny short stories written by few of my colleagues and few on public folders. Almost every day I spend time in reading those.