eramaghaunedited

Whose God Will Win

2011-02-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

They want to take the "World for Allah"

Those people want a Hindu Rashtra

With them its all about embracing Christainity. \\

In the war of Gods let's see whose GOD will win!!

'O' MY GOD!

2011-01-27T21:47:00.000-08:00

‘O’ My God!

One thing that I did unfailingly after reading Orhan Pamuk’s “The Museum of Innocence” or “Masumiyet Müzesi” was recommend it to everyone I knew, loved, hated or even ignored. Last night Penguin presented an evening with him and launched his new book “Orhan Pamuk the Naïve and the Sentimental”, and there I was delighted to discover more reasons to admire him. In fact everyone admires him… People vied to talk to him. There were all sorts of people… people who genuinely follow his literature, people who came to brush shoulders with the who’s who, people who wanted to know “what’s the fuss about Pamuk, suddenly!” People who were there by means of being well connected people who wanted to tell their neighbours, “Hey last night I was at Orhan’s book reading… and you? Ok, watched Roadies!” etc etc. It was a pleasure interacting with the wide variety.

His books are for “ideal readers” who apart from being entertained read to shape their souls and build their characters. He has been an ideal reader in his growing up years, took to books to make and shape his character and to enrich his soul. When Orhan’s dad found books migrating from his library shelf to that of his son’s he said, “Aha, the books have migrated to the higher echelons!” Guess this is the only story of migration that wasn’t met with a frown! Reading hones ones imagination, he said, “When you read, the words written bring a picture to your mind and you start imagining, you become the part of the story and tend to live that character!”

The not-so-young-Turk (age 58) of Turkish Literature talks about love and makes one look for love around him. (That’s what MOI did to me!) His hero Kemal Mustafa, in “Museum of Innocence” falls in love and fails to fall out of it… unlike a lot of us! “People fall in love and find some way or the other to come out of it, but my hero can’t find any way that makes him fall out of love with Fusun!” Through this book, set in a Muslim culture, he went into the detailing of having sex before marriage that Islam prohibits.

He doesn’t mind falling in trouble for discussing the family ties that start reeking. His book “Istanbul – The Memories of a City” is an autobiographical attempt, and he brought out the lost tradition of joint family. When we can write about the family that eats together, sleeps together, cheers together we can even enjoy the liberty to write about the family that falls apart together. Orhan doesn’t believe in wasting space by not telling what needs to be told! He said, “If there is family resentment one should be able to bring that out in the book.”

What’s inspiring is that he wrote “Istanbul” when he was on the verge of depression. In an interview he recalled: “My life, because of so many things, was in a crisis; I don’t want to go into those details: divorce, father dying, professional problems, and problems with this, problems with that, everything was bad. I thought if I were to be weak I would have a depression. But every day I would wake up and have a cold shower and sit down and remember and write, always paying attention to the beauty of the book.”

I have always read, “Patience pays” and saw it last night how magnanimously it pays!

All of his books have been translated in different, around 50, languages. How amazed I was at his faith in a non-western way of expressing- Turkish. He started with Turkish language; popular success came late, but it came with a bang. For Orhan, neglecting a non western writing is equal to, “neglecting a lot of human experience!” I would like to end with one his quotes, “What literature needs most to tell and investigate today are humanity's basic fears: the fear of being left outside, and the fear of counting for nothing, and the feelings of worthlessness that come with such fears; the collective humiliations, vulnerabilities, slights, grievances, sensitivities, and imagined insults, and the nationalist boasts and inflations that are their next of kin ... Whenever I am confronted by such sentiments, and by the irrational, overstated language in which they are usually expressed, I know they touch on a darkness inside me. We have often witnessed peoples, societies and nations outside the Western world–and I can identify with them easily–succumbing to fears that sometimes lead them to commit stupidities, all because of their fears of humiliation and their sensitivities. I also know that in the West–a world with which I can identify with the same ease–nations and peoples taking an excessive pride in their wealth, and in their having brought us the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and Modernism, have, from time to time, succumbed to a self-satisfaction that is almost as stupid.

—Orhan Pamuk, Nobel Lecture

Black Current

2010-02-16T06:43:00.000-08:00

Our day starts with the current affairs, as a matter of routine or as a result of peer pressure push, many of us make sure we are our newsy best everyday, to feel in place and to sound sound. For quite sometime my life has become a 'current of affairs'. And to share it with my blog log I have put down some of them, you never know, the points might teach you without being preachy!

Current observation: Personal bonding works, yes even in the professional world

Current motto: Try, try till you succeed

Current style: Mix and match

Current hunt: A life partner, yes Eram has grown from being a reluctant bride to an eager one, why? I dont know

Current place: JNU

Current delicacy: Dhaba parantha and Mani's food

Current friends: Purva, Nikhila, Divya, Medha, Arunima

Current Office: Delhi Times

Current boss: Anshul Chaturvedi

Current guardians: Ambreen and Aqsa

Current fever: Facebook and photgraphy

Current feeling: Sab bakwaas hai

Current high-points: People are raving over my profile pic on facebook... so far the look!

Current bad habit: Eating out whenever possible

Current Vision: Hazy and obscure... Hum Kis Gali Jaa Rahe Hain, apna koi thikaana nahi

Current state: The bubble has burst

Current mission: Battle the bulge

Current obsession: Become a polyglot

Current book: Wren and Martin

Current fiction, yaar! Mrs Dalloway (still finding a way to get over that 200 page novel)

Current lesson: Never be a Yesman

Current life: Meeting deadlines

Current development: Giggles have been uninhibited

Current idol: Orhan Pamuk (he started writing post 40, and is a nobel prize winner. Just give your best, whenever you decide to give, 40 or 60, but die only after giving your best)

Current ice-cream flavour: Almond chocolate

Current night activity: bitching

Current star: Farhan Akhtar

Current fave phrase: Call spade a spade

Current fear: An unknown death, a life of an unfulfilled dream

Current support: Patience, prayers and some work in the right direction

... Ab bas!

About me

2009-06-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today I am celebrating myself, because no one else is doing that. Just joking man! I am trying to write something which I can't in black and white. And can write a thing like this only on networking sites, where i have not signed. But then for this reason why should i be deprived of the pleasure of singing paeans about myself. Last when I signed in on a massively popular social networking site, i was thrilled to write the section which said: About me and I went ahead using the space for my description. I still remember what I wrote: About me mmm... The vial is open and can you capture the fragrance? No na then how can you put Eram in words. What blasphemy! Then I signed out 'coz i was bored.

A year later, I signed in on blogspot. Again, I was excited about writing in the same section saying: About me. I went ahead but was disappointed to see what all i wrote was not updated. Then I thought of hitting back with a vengeance and decided to write a blog on myself. Now the this post is About me and I am again elated to begin... all those interested in seeing the live example of vanity, which they once read in Thomas Hardy's Far Away From The Madding Crowd fiction can stay tuned in:

About me...?? Unpredictable me, sometimes lemon, sometimes honey.

Silly me, sometimes accidentally, sometimes consciously.

Intelligent me, sometimes willingly, sometimes unknowingly,

Creative me, hah! perennially.

Beautifull me, only when don't take calorie.

Ambitious me, sometimes like herself , sometimes like a celebrity.

Latent me, sometimes explored, sometimes not seen.

Active me, sometimes hyper, sometimes productively.

Confused me, sometimes by choice, sometimes driven by plenty.

Original me, sometimes blunt, sometimes simply.

All of this sums up for the column About me till eternity. :)

Konfidence is the KEY

2009-05-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Time's running out, can't you hear your dreams shout,
fall and stand, get up and bang!
speak, talk and make your presence felt, but make sure not a wannabe u r spelt
Think now, act today every second of effort takes u away from decay ,
What stops you from exploring and facing a new experience?
Well that's what we call diffidence!

Diffidence, diffidence...
Finally you recognised your enemy, so redefine yourself with alchemy.
Don't get intimidated by smirks and sniggers, they come first from the non-achievers
Had snickering not been the rule of the trade, not many would have got the up grade,
Find the confidence and move ahead, you have the opportunity, minus courage.
Succumbing to lack of confidence can kill you at this age,
This enemy within is tieing you in a bondage.
Like a true soldier barge into the innermost corner of your body... bring the enemy out and ban it's further entry.
With this battle your victory will come first... don't think much, as this will douse your aspirational thirst.

JAI HO!

2009-02-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

Jaane tu has passed a good period of 7 seven months successfully. No, I am not writing the dates of film releases for the History of Cinema, for the posterity to know...But I'm expressing my views on the effect of this fresh- as mint- film.

My sister who usually boards a train to leave for Delhi, for a change boarded a flight and as soon as we entered the sentry doors and points of the airport both of us said in chorus, "Airport reminds me of Meow and Ratz and the wild chase of Jai to get Aditi as his newly discovered love." She excitedly pointed out the quintessential parts of airport that she saw on screen. And they brought a different meaning to our minds post watching Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Right from the slide that passes on the luggage to the place where passengers sit till they enter the aeroplane, right from the point where visitors stop to bid good bye to the guards giving instructions we were living that reel all over again. It was in our dad's company that we went there... he truly had no clue of what we are talking about.

Later I said, "I wish that the next visit to the airport is not without our Jai (Ratz...or our real life hero) Amen! I am not saying this because there's an acute shortage of affection for our father but because it's time to live the freshness of love.

Amen! Once again

As a matter of habit of narrating and relaying the stories of friends and family, this time too I told my friend about the Jaane tu and airport episode and she reacted, "Arrey... it's just like each time I visit the station I think of Jab We Met. I wish to find my Aditya there."

Thats' life ka fiimi funda

REPLAY OF RDB...

2008-12-24T04:11:00.000-08:00

This one is for those who find Muntazer-Al-Zaidi suitable for paying a heavy penalty for hurling his shoes at Mr Bush. And this happened when while blogging I read a comment by an individual who was quite disturbed at the unsafe prospects of our leaders, "I don't approve of what Muntazer did...today it has happened with Bush tomorrow it can happen with our own leaders." Somewhere he forgot to add erring leaders. This just brings the duality of people, on one hand they approve of RDB spirit where a couple of angry youngsters shoot the leader who was responsible for the loss of the life of their friend. It angered AMIR Khan led jing-bang to become a murdering gang because their friend was blamed of being an untrained and careless pilot. But the reality spoke about the system that was soiled by liars, who to save their skin did not admit on not providing safe machinery for the pilots. We gave the blood letting deed a thumbs up...the revolutionary streak was so infectious that it wrapped the entire nation with the disgust for our corrupt state. It led to mass involvement in Jessica Lall murder case. But all the goodness of boldness is accepted till it is on screen, once the bullet turns into a hurling shoe it becomes the point of integrity, lack of respect for leaders. (We forget that our leaders are politicians and not statesman who inspire to aspire statesmanship)
Iraq was under American operation (second gulf war) on the pretext that the country is suspected to have WMD and is giving help to Al-Qaida. Later after inquiries none of the claims were vindicated. On the other hand the country lost it's sovereignity, freedom and was razed to the ground. Later Iraq was affected by the dehumanization of people, a veteran iraqi said, 'people are subjected to humiliating and violent checkpoints, searches and home raids on a daily basis," since then the frustration of Iraqis over losing harmony with life made Muntazer keep his shoe safe to walk miles ahead of those who sit and grieve as he was the one who stood and hurled. Why we cheer for on screen revolutions and jeer for off screen ones. Or we are really used to being goody-two-shoes in real life and like only our heroes to do all the stunts.

Where's the treasure?

2008-12-20T00:47:00.000-08:00

Porque donde esta tu tesoro, alli esta tambein tu corazon

This is Mexican for, 'treasure is nowhere but in your heart.' And the above picture is the graphic expression of the thought. Alfredo Castaneda graphic artist of Mexico is the mind behind this masterpice that has been shipped from Mexico's Kyron Archive and put on the walls of Lalit Kala Kendra in the display of Mexican contemporary prints.

No one could resist the temptation of this work and stood for long admiring the piece of art that was beautifully presented in a shining wooden frame.

The catalogue of the exhibition is worth devouring , it is special to me and why? The embassy himself gave it to me and the secretary said, "There were eight catalogues and you are the only one here who is getting it." Ellan, Mexican Ambassadors wife said, "We were looking for you as His excellency wanted to give the catalogue to you himself."

Oh God why am I glorifying this?? ;)

Probably these little things add to the treasure in my heart.

When is Sisters Day??

2008-11-21T04:44:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it is coming so late, this post on my sisters should have ideally been the first one to be written. But better late than never, since it is my 25th...silver jubilee post I can dedicate it to someone special that's for my sisters. Without thinking of what others will say I take the charge of announcing that Sisters Day should be celebrated when the three of us, "Ambreen, Aqsa and Me," realised that our togetherness is our strength that can withstand any adversity. I still remember how I cribbed during my early teens, "Why don't I have a Best or bestest friend," to this my sports teacher said you have but you haven't realised, "You are looking for a friend, when you eat, sleep and breath with Ambreen and Aqsa, probably they are the ones' who are meant to be your Best Friend." At that time I dismissed the thought as , "How can I be when I fight with them, cheat them on the Maggie by eating theirs after having mine, sipping more of frootie from their can than they actually allowed."
But now when both of them are away and I haven't seen them long months I have been getting the pangs for writing an ode to them and celebrating sisters day. It's everyday at home when I have to eat my dinner alone, mix sugar and horlicks in milk alone, settle my wardrobe alone, listen to mom and dads instructions alone and go to food joints alone. Deep inside I know it's the vacuum that has been created by their absence which no one can fill. Now that the two of them have postponed their visits to next year...Jan 1 2009. I am getting impatient to hug Aqsa while sleeping and talk about our dream man with Ambreen.
I am not ashamed in saying that I have learnt a lot from them, whether it is Ambreen's indifference to favouritsm, to people who constantly compare her with fairer sibling, or brighter batchmate. She doesn't give a damn, with patience she dealt and weaned them out of her life. Today they cry for her affectionate glance. One more thing that sets her apart from others is, 'If you have messed with me then she will take it personally so much so you would think, "But I didnt wrong her." Hurting me was enough for her to dissociate herself with you. This is one reason why I don't reveal many of my insensitive friends to her. (I know she will be very happy after reading this after all the Leo Lioness is getting the attention) From Aqsa what I have learnt is, 'Do not worry,' it has now become an anthem we actually say this to motivate eachother, to put a certain demand at a suitable time and to curb the desire of having a frock of frills because it is just too expensive. She is one such person who is living in the future seeing me as her kids' Amma Khala, who will pamper them. Her imagination sometimes becomes difficult when she says, "Eram Apa I can imagine how good you will look after losing weight. You don't love me because if you did you would have lost some weight," now how can that be associated with my love for her. Please help!

I adore them and when they are not there I read for long hours, I stay in office for long , I get in touch with people who I would not attend when they are around.
You see I have finally found not one but two best friends, something that Aqsa insisted on always, "When we are together we don't need anyone." Touchwood!!

Is there a human mindset?

2008-10-01T00:50:00.000-07:00

After reading the articles in The Times of India, Is there a Muslim mindset? Bringing out the ghettoisation of muslim community, (which to an extent is because of the lack of initiative on the part of muslim intelligentsia to pull them out from there.) And is there a Police mindset? On attitudes of our police who made the culprits wear a cover that was quintessetially a muslim garb. I ask is there a human mindset? But then this ends up boggling my mind, as I asked myself the term Human should follow the definition or explanation given by George Orwell in Animal Farm? Or the one that is etched in our sub-conscious.

The scene in the novel Animal Farm had a pig dictating his comrades (which included steed, cow, dogs, cats, hens and all you can think) "Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy...And remember also that in fighting against man, we must not come to resemble him, even when you have conquered him, do not adopt his vices. No animal must ever drink alcohol, or smoke tobacco, or touch money, or engage in trade. All the habits are evil. And above all, no animal must tyrannise over his OWN KIND. Weak or strong, clever or simple, we are all brothers. No animal must kill any other animal. All are equal." So if this is Human mindset then asking for it or inquiring about its presence is like living with folds covering my eyes. Because all of us live upto this human standards.

But if we go by what we believe in, like asking, "Are you not human?" When someone commits a crime, harms his brother and robs one of his share. This simply means that harming is not human. So here putting up the question, Is there a human mindset, stands.

As I proceed one more thought enters my mind, To err is human. Err, smaller the word bigger is its capacity to include everything that can justify our erroneuos stay in the world. We stab and clear, "To err is human!" We torment and justify, "To err is human!" Now I am back, failed to find the direction of my question, Is there a human mindset? I conclude human has not been explained as clearly as to give us an understanding of how do humans live? And What do humans do? Probably all the devastation and development is because of the chaos of being a human.

One Two, cha cha cha!

2008-09-23T01:29:00.000-07:00

There are visibly two categories of people I have met so far who dance to the tune of life, One Two Cha cha cha!! in their own way
........................................................................................................
One: Who find faults
Two: Who work against all odds
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One: Who have no clue
Two: Who exactly know what to do
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One: Who run after others
Two: Who make others run after them ;)
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One: Who are news breakers
Two: Who are news makers
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One: Who fall in love
Two: Who rise in love
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One: Who would say the same thing again and again
Two: Who would say the same thing differently
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One: Who notice you for your tie, perfume and shoe
Two: Who notice you only if you have some sense and IQ
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One: Who will write off you
Two: Who will write History with all that they do
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One: Who take life so seriously that they crib, bitch, gamble and hoard money
Two: Who find life so short that they prefer hoarding friends, laurels and a partner a'la Honey
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One: Who hunt for happiness outside home
Two: Who find it residing just in their adobe
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One: Who fight for the peice of land
Two: Who lend for the peace in land
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One: Who quitely wait for their turn
Two: Who are always out of turn
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One: Who will be forgotten
Two: Who will be remembered for what they've done.
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What will Imtiaz name his daughter?

2008-09-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

My editor pointed out in our routined morning meeting, "Why are you so unusually quiet!" I had nothing to say because the conversations did not interest me much, so the question met with a shrug. But i guess that was a lull before the storm. As if i was preparing myself to talk extensively for the next few hours singing my praise only.

Right after the meeting one of my colleague asked me to get a quote for his story from Imtiaz Ali, and i messaged him in order to help him as he was on a deadline, "I'm working on an article can i call you Imtiaz?" To this the famed filmmaker messaged back his Delhi number where he is currently shooting. I asked my colleague to get back to him on this number. Since i was not so convinced about the story I told him you will be able to get the best from him for the article it will better if you speak." He agreed and called him, and Imtiaz said, "Yeah Eram Hi." But when he said Hello Imtiaz discovered that it wasn't me. He gave half of his quote and asked him to get back after fifteen minutes.

For those fifteen minutes my colleague thanked me for this much effort and said, "He took the call on the first ring and was talking yaar! But he got a call on another number and I heard him saying, 'Yaar abhi to brush bhi nahi kiya hain, abhi baat karta hoon. That was at 2:00 in the afternoon." Just then Imtiaz called me back, "Hi Eram, I got a message from you but then someone else chatted. Okk... he must have thought I will not take calls from unknown numbers." I replied "ya! you are right" Then he said the remotely expected, "You know I would have been happier talking to you. And after recieving your message it felt nice that I will speak with you, since we have spoken earlier too. Also that I want to name my daughter Eram." I gave a spontaneous reaction, "Wow!" Then he said, "This name has always been very special to me...anyways ask the gentleman to call me back , I have given him time. "Well work got back to both of them and words came back to my mouth. After that I was only talking and sharing with my friends and colleagues, "You know?? Imtiaz said he would have been happier.........daughter......Eram." Well for sometime the reactions were too good to be missed. Now there is again an unusual quiteness..... A lull before the STORM. Maybe a call of opportunities is next.

SEEKING SECRET

2008-06-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

D has tagged me to reveal 10 top secrets about myself....let me tell you that it's not easy for a confused person of my ilk to share 10 concrete truths about himself. But just for you D i will try

1) I pretend that I'm not interested in getting knotty, But honestly I am. Will continue to show disinterest, "That don't impress me much," till the time I'm not convinced that he's the one, "Who can keep me warm in the middle of the night."

2) I want to lose weight without a strict diet regime. People say it's not possible in this janam. But trust me I visualise myself as a sexy mom and m convinced that these extra kilos are guests who will vacate the room soon.

3) I believe I'm great! and I dont know why, even after rigorous episodes of de-moralising i have gone in early phase of my working life nobody could convince me that i write "shit." On the other hand I think they don't understand.

4) I genuinely want to write biographies. Topping the list is......please don't laugh .....dreams do come true......issss Aamir Khan. I want to I want to and I want to a thousand times, Not becuase I have this fresh crush on his bhanja, Imraan Khan but because I think Aamir has a life worth being recorded.

5) I love my sisters. when they are around rest of the world fades into oblivion

6) Find young guys yummy

7) I love travelling and have not gone beyond delhi......sob! sob! Probably my honeymoon will be one travelling experience. Amen!

8) I'm not sociolable.....

9) Wow! i can tell 8 secrets about myself

10) it's done. good job

all the secrects are out.....

FROM OUR VERY OWN 'KHAN'DAN

2008-06-25T00:57:00.000-07:00

I always wondered at the age of 6, why do these young sweet sixteen onward girls swoon over Aamir Khan when they spot him on-screen? It was Aamir's debut at that time, and his first appearance only mattered to me till the song 'Papa Kehte Hain," which still is my favourite and sings my philosohy and style of life. I would look at them as if in dire need of psychological help whenever they shouted in admiration and adoration "cho-chweet Na!" when there faces blushed in awe and love for him, when they went on poster buying spree exclusively for Aamir. All this happened when I yelled only for Laurel n Hardy and of course Neelam - Govinda "main se meena se na sakhi se" bonding in films. That was all that contributed to nurture my filmi sensiblity.

Now I know life comes a full circle. People who went ga-ga over chocolate boy of late eighties and early nineties are thirty something now and are happy people. Coz all those who got mean stares from me are now asking me, "What makes Imraan Khan CHO-CHWEET."

I think now I'm better equipped with checking Chweetness degree with Imraan making an entry. He's the cuteheart of bollywood and is reminding people of his Mamu's debut QSQT. So if I missed on the effect of Aamir's sweet solution dissolving on-screen in his debut, then I can pick up from this Mamu's sinfully chocolatee bhanja, who I fondly call Immi.

If Aamir is a giver in the industry then we have had two of his best gifts who can reign the filmdom, One being Darsheel Safary, who emerged last year and now his own bhanja Imraan whom he pampered to the hilt in his childhood. And is continuing to do that with giving him highest publicity possible.

Imraan has a soft voice, boyish charm and all that which we have not had for years. Hope we make the most of this rare specie.

I thought this will not be out, but my friends insisted to write (otherwise it would be a partial copy) when I told Imraan on phone, "Please take care of yourself." whatz the big deal, Isn't he cho-chweet!

HOW DO PEOPLE REMEMBER YOU?

2008-05-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

It's important for one to create an impression that can be etched in the memory of 'the others' and thereby those recipients of your persona can remember you like that. From pigtailed schooldays to adrenalin pumping college life I without realising had created an impression on my juniors with which they remembered me.

No this did not dawn on me with Gabriel descending with the dictate to write on this, but it was for my gift shopping for a special friend that I bumped into one of my juniors with whom I had been on 'hi' and 'hello' terms. I was so engrossed in picking a right fabric with an easy price tag that I didn't notice her queueing on the cash counter. Suddenly I heard her soft and surprised voice calling my name, 'Erammm..' Hey! and it went on to hows life and wassup. As a part of conversation I said, 'Congratulate your sis on getting married,' but then i thought and even said, 'it's been seven long years wonder if she remembers me? ' To this she smilingly replied, 'Who can forget the bell-ringer (yes i was the official bell ringer of my college LC) with golden colour worn out ringing bell in one hand and melting orange bar in the other." (oh what a picture) This just deported me to that world which I had forgotten in the daily cribbing, grinding and nibbling of working life. But I was glad that I am remembered for what I did and what I was i.e my bell signifying my dedication and ice-cream my spirit to live life even if the scorching heat of summer melted my daily bread, I mean my daily orange bar

So how do people remember you?

THOUGHT FOR THE MOTHERS DAY

2008-05-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

"Here's to the happiest years of our lives spent in the arms of other men's wives.

Gentlemen!- Our Mothers."

Edward Lutyens

............KNOW WOMAN, KNOW CRY

2008-05-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

.......know woman, know cry

if you know a woman good enough then you will know this cry better. "Now that I have divest myself of all the identities, (attached because I'm a woman) and names, with which you men would always inundate us. Now that we have got down of the pedestal on which you had put us by identifying or comparing us with godesses and dieties, so that we are in some unreal world while you men enjoy all the space on ground, and have your way. But now the space on Earth will be shared equally by us. Let no more temptations come our way, like "you will be awarded with heaven if you listen to your man," where is this written? People still say a good wife gets a paradise. And good for them means - someone who compromises her dreams to let her partner climb the ladder of success. Let men too get awarded for compromising their dreams for their wives. And what if we get hell fire as punishment for living by this standard of 'good'. And hear the Almighty say, 'When did I say don't live your dreams once you get married, infact my stance was always clear in all scriptures across religions on mutual respect, trust and equal opportunities. Don't you dare cry here and blame me.' I'm scared of this Judgement so I'll make sure that I live my dreams and he can live his and lead one life.......

I LOVE IMTIAZ

2008-04-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

Honestly when Imtiaz messaged saying, "Call now," I was just reaching to line my eyes with kaajal. And when I checked the message the only thing I did was rush in a hurry, as my cell was low on balance so calling up was not possible. My mind calculated the distance from my home to office thinking of the number of famous chaurahas of Lucknow I've to cross to talk to him. Then suddenly an idea cropped in my mind and I messaged him saying, "Hey on my way to office will reach in fifteen minutes." It only took a reply, "Cool," from him to ease me.

Before I talked to him I thought he will be just like his film- Jab We Met. Enthusiastic and bubbling with joy. But what happened was that Ali was saying all things interesting with a very calm and serious tone. His revelations made me jump with enthusiasm but the man was gentle throughout. But still he is just like his films- Socha na thaa, underated and Jab we met- Wonderful. In short during the time of SNT he was underestimated and after JWM he established himself as an amazing and a wonderful director. I told him that, whether he likes it or not.

When he emailed his pics to me I skipped a heart beat on his deadly personality, tall, broad, good looking and so much like my prince charming. Well that's the moral of the story........ I LOVE HIM and it shone on my face so bright that nearly every friend could make out, "Eram, tumhe Imtiaz se pyaar ho gaya hain."

LIFE OF SIXTY MINUTES

2008-03-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

While going for a walk my colleague asked me an impromptu question, "Eram if you get only an hour to spend with your beloved what will you do to make it memorable?"And my reply was...

Lie in on his lap, oh so soft,

ruffle my hair on his feet, may he be besot,

look deep in his eyes, oh so lost,

hold his hand warmly, and beat the frost,

make him decipher my murmur, a secret let out,

entangle him in the enigma of my talk, then laugh at his doubts,

kiss him and mollycoddle his soul, will start with the supple pout,

I Love You, a feeling that will echo lifelong after the shout,

Pull his cheeks, make demands, let him say where's the wand,

make him think how to fulfill, and grow more fond,

crack jokes with no funny bone, but elicit a response laugh lorn,

with all this and more those sixty minutes will be gone,

But will have happiness till eternity,

a memory etched with tinges of affection and divinity,

a desire for more such sixty minutes and pray for their longevity.

YOU ARE YET TO DREAM!!

2008-03-07T00:08:00.001-08:00

Till the time others don't laugh at your dreams, Tom you are yet to dream,

Till the time eyes don't pop in disbelief saying, "Those achievers were different," Dick you are yet to dream,

Till the time they don't say, How will you go about it? Harry you are yet to dream

The time you elicit these responses you will be out of being Tom Dick and Harry.

Close your eyes and just ask yourself when did you last fly on the wings of your far reaching dreams. And it will explain whether it was a fling with life or genuinely an affair to remember.

WHAT SHOULD I SAY!

2008-03-06T01:45:00.000-08:00

God kneaded damp mud to create man and then blew his spirit in him.

His mud moulding manouveres, sometimes hard sometimes soft punches made and shaped us. But I often think the pre-creation kneading and pushing continues even now in the post creation period . Every experience adds in our dough of life the required amount of moisture, dryness, sometimes sweet sometimes sour filling, making us the relishable or a desirable specie. Every incident is like that kick and nudge which we might have recieved before coming down on Earth. Isn't it? What made me talk of this thought is the eager hunt for a suitable Boy for me yaar! It is at that time I interrupted and said no. Not knowing why an improptu no to this groom hunt for me. Is marriage genuinely an important ingredient to make my dough of life fine to taste and perfect in shape. Recently I blogged on my seniors blog where I read about the fading affection in marriages after a gap of long years, and a usual promising start at the onset of every marriage bond. Some even said that single is the status to be in and I'm utterly confused what if I be what I am abhi. A single ladki!

CINE-MAA'S TALENTED CHILDREN

2008-03-04T03:20:00.000-08:00

WHAT made 2008 great. Sorry for the delay in unlocking the brusary of the year goneby. As the trove was opened I found focus lights blinding both the 11 yr old Darsheel Safary and 65 yr old Amitabh Bachchan, and ear shutting applauses telling the world if you have it in you then you can romance the audience at whatever platform number of life you are. Whether 11 or 65.

The year 2008 defied the age adage, there was the competing spirit between the bunny teeth and tied white hair,

Darsheel smiled away into audience heart with his white protruding wealth,

Even Ghaasphus vegetatively spread greenery of love among those in their dotage,

If the expert chef tickled the love bud in his mid aged object of affection,

The cherubian from dyslexia showed deflection,

One had spontaneous questions ready,

the other had pat replies to the queries of doddering mom and sexy,

For him getting happiness was all about encircling the pillar, and for his younger half it was all about finding the pillar(Nikumbh).

All in all the brushstroke and the stirring in the bowl made a good recipe(indicative of Amitabh's craft) on the canvas (indicative of Ishaan's Art) of cinema.

HOSHIYAR JALALUDDIN AKBAR AA RAHE HAIN! with his better half

2008-02-18T00:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Abul Fazl where are you???? there are certain questions that have made Bollywood the presever,educator and even writer of History. No don't laugh please! Ashutosh inadvertently or deliberately weilded your peacock-plum pen to practice creative freedom, play with History or rather explore. And guess what? It has strained the situation, Jodhaa getting romantically knotty with Jaluluddin Akbar on silver screen has sent revolutionary sparks that made people in far flung areas like USA, Netherland and even a hop away places like Gurgaon and Delhi vent their ire on Ashutosh's creative desire. To each his own is Jodhaa's existence, some say Mrs Akbar while some say Mrs Jehangir why don't you descend and clear this connubial confusion, just once and for all. Do you know the laxity with which you worked on Jodhaa{by not penning enough on her, so that Gowarikar could think of a peaceful tour de force} has employed some khaali peeli people.......people who were once spotted relishing chai on dhabas have attended the call of preserving right History, as a result now you will see them pulling down posters and disrupting the screening of Jodhaa Akbar, alighting images of macho man Hrithik {let me inform he is the hunk of Bollywood} and also of Aishwarya, {just to add to your knowledge, she is also the bahu of first family of Bollywood, the Bachchans}. Now who is to blamed for this confusion, Ashutosh's creative freedom, People's sudden realisation of History being played with, (I know even you must be thinking how?? but many say so....) or your judicious discretion of not penning what cannot be of any relevance to posterity.

I hope you hop from heaven to answer questions and clear confusions, like how can bollywood change History and how much can History depend on Bollywood for it's perpetuation.....from a seeker of your historical help

The recent roar and furore over Jodhaa Akbar made my pen-gun trigger some shots........

FLIP FROM THE FLICKS

2008-01-27T04:47:00.000-08:00

THEY too hopped onto the bandwagon, only to fall flat on their faces. The initial success on the BO of two reigning themes in Bollywood – Retro (OSO) and Sports (Chak De! India) – had other filmmakers too wishing to ride the wave. But while both OSO and Chak De... were highly ap preciated, the subsequent flicks in the respective genre – Khoya Khoya Chand and Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal – failed to make the same impact, despite a competing publicity blitzkrieg. LT analyses the contrast between the movies of these two genres, which rocked 2007 and those which were docked.

SPORT IT LIKE WHOM?

Shall cinema stick to sticks? Those hockey sticks wielded power and scored maximum points on box office scoreboard, while the (foot)ball was not on roll.
Juxtapose Chak de! India and Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, and you'll find a number of similarities, except their ultimate fate. Imagine a country that worships cricket accepting it's stepbrother, hockey. To the bad fortunes of its director Vivek Agnihotri, Goal came when people were already in awe of Shimit Amin's baby. The regionalism of Chak de! India was far more understandable than the racism of Goal. Rivalry between team members was more of a treat to watch than the white and black difference. While Chak De... flowed with the kudis from different regions who united on the field, Goal was stranded in the field of cinema. Despite the common thread run ning in the plot where the teams are lurking in darkness, sans sponsers and boosters, Chak de!... clicked, while even Billo couldn't play a supporting role to sell bad direction or the weak plot of Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal.
70'S BIGGER THAN 50'S?

Khan we say Khan sells? Whether it was his item number powered by six pack abs, or the 31 stars who descended on the dance floor, the rocking 70s of Om Shanti Om had the box office tinkling more than the golden era of 50s Bollywood in Khoya Khoya Chand. While Sudhir Mishra's moon got lost in translation, the intricate weaving of contemporary starlet Deepika Padukone's role with the stars of yesteryears Rajesh Khanna, Sunil Dutt and Jeetendra in OSO was accepted with open arms. Asking for alms was Khoya Khoya Chand, which stood out for its staginess and clueless characters. OSO, on the other hand, was overflowing with energetic and vibrant performance. It is an irony that a superstitious belief like reincarnation was a hit, while the much-castigated casting couch failed to grip attention. Khoya Khoya Chand left us conjecturing whether the film was a replay of instances from Meena Kumari, Madhubala or Guru Dutt's life? On the contrary, King Khan's OSO made sure you got the 70s dose in plenty, with the quintessential gestures of Manoj Kumar and Dev Anand's swagger along with Mithun da's jiggy moves.

eram agha

(This piece appeared in Lucknow Times, for those who missed it there catch up here.)

Here's another take on life.........

2008-01-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

"LIFE IS A GIFT TO BE SHARED AND NOT A PROPERTY TO BE DEFENDED" By Anonymous

Thought for the Lifetime

2008-01-27T01:56:00.000-08:00

GOD SMILES AT THOSE WHO SMILE AT OTHERS...........(try it!!)

by Eram Agha

OH-SO-LOVER-LY

2007-11-04T02:06:00.000-08:00

{This piece is an ode to this girl I adore who fell for an eccentric boy, again I adore......hey darling cancerian it's from both of us}

"The more I have you, the more I want you," is this the magic of love?
"The more I have you, the more I want to drift away all to see will you come back," is this the test of love.
"Emotions pour like words on sheet," is this manifestation of love
"Dreams are densly populated by your nestle and touch" is this the sleep of love
"I see you when you are not around" is this the sight of love
"You murmur in my ears and they touch like fluffy soft feathers," is this the sound of love
"I know i'll have you even when the tide is flowing against our togetherness," is this the faith of love
When faith weaves our bond then why to worry
When eternity is in view then why to think of a short span called life
Till that time let's walk hand in hand and converse by looking into eachothers eyes
Let's live life in each moment..........

MY FRIENDS CALL ME FOR DINNER

2007-11-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

Iwrote this poem when a bomb blast ripped Sarojini market, Delhi during the festive season of Diwali. The blood drops stained the fabric of the country in it's entirety. After the breaking news was flashed on television after half an hour I got a call from my friend asking for..........

MY FRIENDS CALL ME FOR DINNER.......
My country burning in bloodshed and my friends call me for dinner.
My country displays a naked dance of death and my friends call me for dinner,
My country being being plundered of its cherished unity and peace and my friends call me for dinner,
My country in grips of a communal vendetta and my friends call me for dinner,
My counrty men cast a suspicious eye on their fellow contrymen and my friends call me for dinner,
My country is the soft target and my friends call me for dinner,
My country is hit where it hurts the hardest and my friends call me for dinner,
Call me when we regain our depleting essence and are secure of our rightful existence,
On writing this my tears cascade, you see my friend there aren't many reasons to celebrate
Call me when wrongs are rectified,
Call me when our hearts are sanctified
And then I'll come and raise the TOAST , one for my country and one for you my friend, my host.....

Sad but true, this was written two years back and is valid even today; courtesy more such attacks like in Hyderabad.

THE LAST RIDE TOGETHER

2007-10-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

She opened her eyes with the flourishes of placidity,
He stood in front of her after pacing the floor with dignity,
He extended his hand towards her, and she placed her hand into his,
He drew her towards himself and warmed her with his hug and kiss,
She whispered in his ears her desire to go on a ride,
He couldn't decline as she was soon to be his bride,
He grabbed the opportunity to stay long with her,
They mounted on the horse and rode across the moor,
They were too lost in eachother to notice the beauty of swelling seas, ebbing tides, full moon with it's brilliant light,
Chill of the wrapping breeze and also the dew drops on leafy trees,
He whispered softly in her ears, "Fortunate that I'm to have you in my life,
I pity those who just yearned to make you their wife,
Now that you are mine
All booty I possess is thine,
You are the one who would forever be in my embrace,
And I foretell with this the end of our love shall never be traced,
The stallion gathered speed and ran into the area of thorns and weeds,
She fell from the horse and disappeared in darkness,
He met with an accident and lost his leg,
Every heart worth his sympathetic vein paid him a visit,
But she didn't turn up whose presence was awaited and exquisite,
His world and dreams met a deadly end
When she didn't turn up but only the invitation of her betrothal with the Prince of Scotland.
1 jan 2003

THE WARRIOR AND HIS LOVE STORY,

2007-09-30T02:31:00.001-07:00

She lit the candle in the expectation of his return from the war
Here eyes were fixed on the road which no beauty of nature could draw
The path lay deserted before her eyes
As she awaited a hero who would ride
She heard the sound of bugles and other sounds of exultation
She knew he had come triumphant and rushed to dress herself as a bride for the celebration
She adorned herself with rings, bangles, pearls and anklet
At the doorstep she waited and waited until her eyes grew heavy and she slept
She woke up to the sound of soldiers footsteps,
Rose upright at the sight and silently wept,
They had a coffin on their shoulders with faces woebegone,
She knew he had not come for whom she waited all day long,
The kings men in their resplendant regalia handed her a scroll which she unfolded,
and perused it while tears on her cheeks rolled,
The words of the letter appeared blurred with tears in her eyes,
She knew she should not cry as the departed expected her to act wise,
The youngmen apprised, "The valiant wrote it in his dying breath,"
And words of the letter said,
"The end that I have met is a prize disguised as blood and sweat,
Do not cry for me when I'm gone,
for each tear of yours will strike a chord of forlorn,
I promise to be a star only for you with a brightest twinkle,
Only when you swear to lead a life with a suitable mate and do not be single."
She understood that like all good things in life her love too has met an end,
only to unite in heavens with her beloved and friend

IRONY OF LOVE

2007-09-16T04:43:00.000-07:00

Writing means life to me. It's like putting down my perceptions in words. Giving my versions of well established thoughts. When did I resort to the kalam is not even etched finely in my memory. But I have discovered my earliest writings from the trove lying in the nondescript corner of my house. So I actually thought of writing them down.
To start with, I bring my first poem which I wrote in the first year of graduation. This is officially called Poetry in Pink
IRONY OF LOVE

He tall and sturdy, fair skinned and eyes turquoise green,
She lissome and demure with flaxine curls and fair with brilliant sheen,
He works in the woods, when spare plays his flute,
She decorates her house, gathers flowers and hears cuckoo's duet,
He wakes up to the morning stars for his errands, before leaving meditates withal,
She attired in ablutions garb, religiously heeds nature's call,
He met her at the beach on sunset,
She on seeing him hid herself as she was wet,
He understood the purpose of being in the world
She blushed on his stare and her face was hid by her hair unfurled,
The beach on sunset witnessed the two victims of cupid's arrow,
They talked for long hours with feet dipped in water shallow,
Who knew that curse came disguised as love
She used him to gain the riches of man for whom he worked,
He got acquainted to insanity on being jilted and jerked,
She gained arrogance and on him she smirked.