31 December 2014 | By: Writing Buddha

MY TEN FAVORITE MOVIES OF 2014!!!

1180th BLOG POST -->>


           I have seen very few movies in 2014 but because I started a website based on Bollywood movies, I went to watch movies beyond my capacity. I went through the whole list and selected 10 movies that I liked the most. It's not that these movies are epic or critically acclaimed or a part of 100-crore club but I enjoyed watching them. So please do not get annoyed by few names which I know do not deserve to be in this list. Haha! And yes, the names are randomly put and not according to any ratings.

PK


QUEEN


MARDAANI


SINGHAM RETURNS


HUMPTY SHARMA KI DULHANIA


REVOLVER RANI


HEROPANTI


FILMISTAAN


HAIDER


SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS

      Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

TOP TEN BOOKS RATED BY ME IN 2014!!!

1179th BLOG POST -->>


   This has not been a very good year for me in terms of reading. In fact, this has not been a good year in any terms. :| As every year, I feel that I should mention the top rated books by me. The list does not have any thing to do with the year in which the book has been published. It's just that I got my hands upon them in 2014. Out of 65 novels that I read this year, few books which I am recommending are below.












TOP 10 BOOKS

1. The One You Cannot Have by Preeti Shenoy- 4.9* (WestLand)


Aman once thought he had found love. His relationship with Shruti could only be the substance of dreams. Yet the dream lay shattered when Shruti told him they were done. Distraught, Aman left India in hopes of drowning his love in his career. Shruti moved on, marrying Rishabh. Returning to India to start anew, Aman finds Anjali and discovers he is beginning to have feelings for her. But his heart still speaks to him of his feelings for Shruti, and the love he lost. A story of heart-wrenching unrequited love, complicated relationships and realization that love lost is forever and truly lost.

2. Losing My Religion by Vishwas Mudgal- 4.75* (FingerPrint)


Have you ever thought about leaving your job and home to discover the country? This is exactly what Rishi Rai, a gamer and entrepreneur does when his company goes bankrupt. In the company of an American hippie, Alex, Rishi does it all from getting high in the Malana Valley to building a shack on the Om Beach. During this journey of his, Rishi meets Kyra, a young enigmatic gamer. There's more to Kyra than just her bewitching personality. Losing My Religion is gripping, exciting and racy.

3. I too had a Dream by Verghese Kurien- 4.75* (Roli Books)


Dr. Verghese Kurien has made immense contribution to the formation and running of milk cooperatives across the country. As he is the architect of ‘Operation Flood’ which is the largest dairy programme in the world, Dr. Kurien has made India one of the largest milk producers in the world. In the book I Too Had a Dream, Dr. Kurien has penned down about his life, his contribution to the dairy industry of the country and much more about his multifaceted personality. 

4. Mistress of the Throne by Ruchir Gupta- 4.75* (Srishti)


1631, the Empress of India Mumtaz Mahal has died. Yet, rather than anoint one of his several other wives to take her place as Empress of India, Mughal King Shah Jahan anoints his seventeen-year-old daughter Jahanara as the next Queen of India. Bearing an almost identical resemblance to her mother, Jahanara is the first ever daughter of a sitting Mughal King to be anointed queen. She is reluctant to accept this title, but does so in hopes of averting the storm approaching her family and Mughal India. Her younger siblings harbor extreme personalities from a liberal multiculturalist (who views religion as an agent of evil) to an orthodox Muslim (who views razing non-Muslim buildings as divine will). Meanwhile, Jahanara struggles to come to terms with her own dark reality as the daughter of a sitting King, she is forbidden to marry. Thus, while she lives in the shadow of her parents unflinching love story, she is devastated by the harsh reality that she is forbidden to share such a romance with another. Mistress of the Throne narrates the powerful story of one of Indias most opulent and turbulent times through the eyes of an unsuspecting character - a Muslim queen. It uses actual historical figures to illuminate the complexity of an era that has often been called Indias Golden Age.

5. Burning Sapphires by Suresh Goswami- 4.75* (Partridge)


Story about one woman who, despite all the odds in life, takes on the responsibility and leads the entire community toward a progressive solution and revives the injured spirits and minds of Kashmiris. A seven-year-old girl, Ghulab Sahib, living in Machail, is unaware of life and its complications. The Machail village, 9,500 feet above sea level, in Kashmir, India, is surrounded by high mountains, thick deodar forests and attractive meadows that are fully covered with thick snow for most of the year, except in the summer months. Living her childhood in this most spectacular village, she doesnt know that destiny is going to disrupt her peaceful life and propel her through a maze of grueling fateful events. But these fateful events do not destroy herinstead, a woman of great knowledge, substance, experience and unparalleled strength emerges in the being of Shahzadi Ghulab Sahib, who takes charge of millions of Kashmiri Muslims trapped in the terror-stricken Valley of Kashmir along with 500,000 internally displaced Kashmiri pandits living as refugees in their own country and bails them out, leading them toward a life of contentment, dignity and pride.

6. Manhattan Mango by Madhuri Iyer- 4.5* (FingerPrint)


Three 20-something achievers from Mumbai become New Yorkers. The lives of Shri, Shanks, and Neel zips through ups and downs like a fierce rollercoaster. Neel is a successful guy, with a weakness for scotch and women. Shri is a good son, a banker, who contains a secret within that he means to take to his grave. Shanks is a techie, who falls for a wrong girl. The three hold on to each other to preserve sanity, with a brotherhood that holds them together. This tale of friends in Manhattan is like the city’s swift transit express subway line. You won’t want any stops in between!

7. Sorry, You're Not My Type by Sudeep Nagarkar- 4.5* (RandomHouse)


Vikrant, Anamika and Yuvi meet as a consequence of the final auditions for Rajhan’s College band. A perfectionist, a free spirit and a die-hard music lover, they are worlds apart in contrast but become close friends. When Aditya enters their lives, their perception of the values of love, life and friendship changes forever.

8. Private India by Ashwin Sanghi and James Patterson- 4.5* (RandomHouse)


When a series of seemingly unconnected murders rock the city of Mumbai with the macabre rituals and artefacts found around the corpses, Private India, a leading investigation agency takes the case. Santosh Wagh, the head of the organization, has only one mission. He needs to stop the killers before they strike again. However, in a city of over 13 million people, he finds that the clock is ticking too fast. He finds himself pitted against underworld dons and a Godman who isn't what he seems. However, the worst is yet to come and Private India itself may be threatened with a revelation that could destroy the entire organization.

9. Rules of the Game by Sumit Chowdhury- 4.5* (Bloomsbury)


A multi-faceted leader, Sumit Chowdhury speaks to readers about treating career like a game, and inventing their own rules to win at any cost. A brand-ambassador of ideas, he shows readers how they can build an ideal career and how they can rise to the top of the ladder through careful planning and deliberation. He teaches them from his vast experience as a mentor and trainer at several start-up companies, and shows how they can translate their career goals and rise up as great players at the game.

10. Embers of Light and the Sacred Secret by Abhishek Gupta- 4.5* (Konark)


The lives of five humans: a Brazilian street fighter, an American cop, a Chinese karate instructor, a Russian environmentalist and an Indian ad maker are changed forever when a bizarre Y-shaped mark appears in the sky, terrifying a hidden alien race on Earth. At the same time, in New York City, a geek finds his life turn upside down when a not-so-ordinary angel shows up in it. What ensues when their lives and stories intertwine rocks their realities forever, pitting them against both heaven and hell. For they chose light, they had to fight all, even God.


            And the other books which I rated above 4* out of 5 but, unfortunately, couldn't make it into Top 10 are:-

The Treasure of Kafur by Aroon Raman- 4.3* (Pan MacMillan)
God is a Gamer by Ravi Subramanian- 4.25* (Penguin)
Secrets and Second chances by Anita Shirodkar- 4.25* (Rupa)
Rise of the Sun Prince by Shubha Vilas 4.25* (Jaico)

         I will come up with new book reviews next year again. Till then, you can buy all these books and start your reading journey of 2015 :-)

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
19 December 2014 | By: Writing Buddha

Review: PK is magical, inspirational and an absolute entertainer!!! ****

1178th BLOG POST -->>


       After 5 years, we got to experience the magic of Rajkumar Hirani's style of cinema. Since 3 Idiots, there has not been a single movie that could have touched audience's heart in the same way. PK is a magical movie lying in the genre of "fantasy". The very first scene has Aamir Khan walking without clothes. The expression that he carries on his face states what kind of phenomena we are going to experience for the next 3 hours. PK seems to start from where Ohh My God! (starring Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal) ends. Hirani makes us realize the worm that is killing the society. He is successful in showing how religions are been formed and how every religion has its own rule. If someone belonging in no religion lands up on Earth, how confused and crazy he would look. PK is all about Aamir Khan searching for the right God who can fulfill his demand and bless him with what he desires. A very difficult topic handled very greatly by Hirani that it cannot offend anyone. 
     

             The direction is more than perfect considering how each scene has been approached. Not even a single minute where you would feel that the movie is losing its script. Director keeps the movie entertaining in every shot and also compels us to think about our choices and superstitions. The script is so strong that movie revolves around the same plot but with many vivid scenes, miscellaneous characters and intriguing sub-plots that with each minute, the thought that you are watching one of the best cinemas keeps hitting your mind. Songs are also synchronized perfectly with the story. They don't let the movie become stagnant but only takes it ahead. The camerawork and VFX are also spectacular. The first scene and the climax tells a lot about it. 

             Aamir Khan is an absolute mind-blower. People criticized his same expression look in Dhoom 3 but with PK, he makes his point strong that with one expression itself, he can express everything that he wants to convey. He makes you laugh, smile, cry and think throughout the movie. You feel so strongly about his character that after a point even you feel that there's a bit of PK in yourself too. Anushka Sharma is a real show-stopper. Her acting, playfulness, strong dialogue delivery and body language makes this movie even more stronger. At times, she makes PK look better than he actually is. Sanjay Dutt is lovely in his supporting performance. Saurabh Shukla plays a godman/villain in this movie and does his job perfectly. You want PK to ruin him nationally. Haha! Sushant Singh Rajput in his cameo is also charming. Boman Irani has to be a part of Rajkumar Hirani's movie and he is just okay in his role. 

            Summarily, PK has an amazing script supported by superb performances and driven by perfect narration. After 3 Idiots, if there's any sensible cinema released with this budget and big names, it's undoubtedly PK and nothing else. I give the movie 4 stars out of 5. A very powerful attempt. PK has a repeat value hence you can watch it not only once but again and again. That's the real power of the movie. Go For It!!!

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
17 December 2014 | By: Writing Buddha

And I ended up giving last examination of my life....

1177th BLOG POST -->>


       On 12th December, 2014, I gave last examination of my life. Here on wards, I would be tested and judged only through presentations and interviews. Never ever will I have to write subjective long answers to prove my knowledge. Giving the 5th semester examination of MCA has been one of the toughest job I have faced. I found myself in the same condition as I was in 12th std. The pressure was almost the same what I felt for those 10 days when my HSC exams were on. Now, if such pressure is experienced, you can understand through what state of mind I have just survived and reached here- to a place from where I am scribbling this post. It took me almost 5 days to become normal to be able to write my Blog Post for which I have been waiting from a long time. 
   

          Choosing MCA was one of the biggest decisions. If you are asking yourself to commit for something that will boil you for next 3 years, you are actually up for a wonderful task that's going to change you. If you ask me if I am the same person who took admission for MCA in 2012, I would say I don't even remember who that person was. I had completed my graduation from a good reputed college till then but I had no knowledge of my own field. Now I know each and everything related to what my field is about. I know what I need to have in the category of skills to find myself placed somewhere. Developing our skills was the job of the college just as teaching was. Well, we know what Indian Education is up to. Until and Unless, you do not sit for yourself, no teacher, guide or college can help you. Each and every marks that you score is of yours. Teachers have no role in defining your career at this stage of life. 

           Therefore, throughout MCA, stress was always with each one of us. Initially, there were politics in class and everyone were divided into groups but by the time we reached 3rd year, we saw ourselves discussing our career problems with almost anybody in the class without worrying if the person is really close to us that he/she would understand our doubt. But that's what a challenge full of journey does to you. It makes you adaptable, adjustable, competitive and humble. Even if you have confidence, you do not show it because you know the real time of judgment is very near where you would be revealed in front of all. You lose yourself and find a new facet of yours who is a struggle-r dying to get attention from the real entity which can secure our whole life. Whenever a rocket launches, the most crucial part is its launching phase. Once it goes up, scientists know they will achieve their target now. We are at the launching phase now and this is taking a toll over everyone caught up in this self-chosen course. 

            During the exam time, it was not as if only studies were in the mind. I had planned that I will give everything I have for this semester so that I can get good marks and improve my overall score. But the kind of pressure the word "Internship" developed in my brain, it became difficult to concentrate upon a particular topic. While studying, I would feel what if I study and someone else give their all in searching an internship. I would perform mediocre here while I would also be left without an internship. I would close the notes and go for uploading my resume on various websites. This would consume almost 6-7 hours incessantly. Then I would start worrying about almost 12-13 units in each subject and my preparation which didn't even qualify me to think about exams. This process would keep continuing in loop for the whole day and every day. 

             In the end, in every examination, I found myself dying to pass. My first paper itself sucked me like anything. Out of pressure, I didn't sleep nicely for any other paper to at least save others even if I trip in the first one. Somehow, the last examination of life ended and I breathe a sigh of relief. Now its time to give everything to this thing called INTERNSHIP which will decide if I complete MCA in the given time period or exceed it. Since 12th December, the real examination of life have begun. No company is calling for interview. No campus interview happening in college. Life seems to be disturbed and shattered. Friends are going to upgrade their own graph than thinking about my joblessness. So it's all about personal fight now for the next few weeks and then 6 months at stretch. Whenever I'll get the degree of MCA, I would consider it the biggest day of my life. I would be proud because I'd have completed something which I don't even deserve. Yes! :-)

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
9 December 2014 | By: Writing Buddha

PDAF announces the Biggest Opportunity for the Emerging Artists of India

1176th BLOG POST -->>


Mumbai: It’s good news for the innovative and experimental group of Indian talent, who are contributing their best in the fields of arts! The Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation (PDAF) has announced the ‘Emerging Artist Contest’, to encourage talented artists by recognizing their work with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards in the disciplines of Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Print Making, Installations, and Photography. 

The awards are specific to each State and therefore 18 individuals will be awarded in each of India’s 30 States, amounting to a total of 540 awards. In addition, the Foundation will present 18 awards on an all-India basis; one of them being the coveted ‘Emerging Artist Award for 2015.’ The winner of this award will be felicitated and given the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at a prominent art gallery in Mumbai, with all expenses paid for by the foundation. Furthermore, the winning artists will be showcased on the internet, in the ‘Directory of Emerging Artists’, that will be created by the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation, along with a yearbook for the same.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Rs. 1 Crore Prizes for the Emerging Artists!
All India PDAF Prizes
Category

Category

Category


Prize Rs.

Prize Rs.

Prize Rs.
Painting
Ceramics
Installation
Gold
40000
Gold
40000
Gold
40000
Silver
20000
Silver
20000
Silver
20000
Bronze
10000
Bronze
10000
Bronze
10000
Sculpture
Printmaking
Photography
Gold
40000
Gold
40000
Gold
40000
Silver
20000
Silver
20000
Silver
20000
Bronze
10000
Bronze
10000
Bronze
10000
Special All India Prizes
Dr. K. Anji Reddy Prize for best Installation All India of Rs. 2 lacs.
Bajaj Electricals Ltd. Prize for best Painting All India of Rs. 2 lacs
JehangirSabavala Prize for best Stylized Landscape Painting Rs. 25000
K H Ara Prize for best Still Life Painting Rs. 25000
M F Hussain Prize for best Stylized Figure Painting Rs. 25000
PrafullaDahanukar Prize for best Abstract Painting Rs. 25000
V A Mali Prize for best Portrait Painting  Rs. 25000
Ramesh Pateria Prize for best Marble Sculpture Rs. 25000
S M Dahanukar Prize for best Fine Art Wedding Photograph Rs. 25000

PDAF Prizes in the States of:
Central Zone
East Zone
West Zone
Chattisgarh
Bihar
Goa
Madhya Pradesh
Jharkhand
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Odisha
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Sikkim


West Bengal

North Zone
North East Zone
South Zone
Chandigarh
Arunachal Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Delhi
Assam
Karnataka
Haryana
Manipur
Kerala
Himachal Pradesh
Meghalaya
Puducherry
Jammu & Kashmir
Mizoram
Tamil Nadu
Punjab
Nagaland
Telengana
Uttarkhand
Tripura


PDAF States Prizes
Category

Category

Category


Prize Rs.

Prize Rs.

Prize Rs.
Painting
Ceramics
Installation
Gold
45000
Gold
20000
Gold
20000
Silver
10000
Silver
10000
Silver
10000
Bronze
5000
Bronze
5000
Bronze
5000
Sculpture
Printmaking
Photography
Gold
20000
Gold
20000
Gold
20000
Silver
10000
Silver
10000
Silver
10000
Bronze
5000
Bronze
5000
Bronze
5000






Metro Cities Prizes for Painting Category

Ahmedabad
Rs. 1,10,000

Bangaluru
Rs. 1,10,000

Chennai
Rs. 1,10,000

Delhi
Rs. 1,10,000

Hyderabad
Rs. 1,10,000

Indore
Rs. 1,10,000

Kolkata
Rs. 2,10,000

Mumbai
Rs. 1,10,000

 



The Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation (PDAF) is a registered charity trust founded in memory of the award winning Indian painter and artist PrafullaDahanukar. The Foundation finds benefactors amongst the top artists of India and is effectively a fund for the artists, by the artists. “The purpose of the initiative is to create a strong network amongst the artists’ community, simultaneously recognizing and publicizing the works of talented & emerging artists from every part of India,”said Dilip Dahanukar, husband of the late Prafulla Dahanukar, and trustee, PDAF, while talking about this had this program.


Artists interested in applying for these awards can check the details on: www.prafullafoundation.com