Today was the final telecast of Airtel Super Singer Junior and starting next week it will be the second season of Jodi No 1
This post is also in reply to several comments/mails with regard to Airtel Super Singer Junior. A lot of times, with regard to why I did not sing when everyone else did. I did not feel that as a host, I have to reaffirm that I can sing in a talent hunt for children. Though Chitra ji and Usha Ji kept asking me, I sang for them alone privately and never on stage. Probably the producers also felt that the participants and the children would get restless if I sang.
In the finals, I did not realize in the height of having have to remember what to say that Vignesh was not given an award or anything to that effect, until Dr Balamuralikrishna brought it to my notice and thereafter the general public as well, wherever I go. It still happens, and I guess it will for a quite a while to come.
When I tell people that I have no idea what is going to happen, they do not believe me. Until I wear my make up and go into the set, I have no idea about the concept of what is going to be shot that particular day, how the competition is going to be taken forward, and of course no written script either. I would be given a briefing by the producers and then I ll have to remember as much as I can and blah-blah away. That explains the bloopers and the number of out-takes. There was only so much that I could remember in the last 15-20 minutes before the cameras started rolling. Almost every instruction was last minute, but I presume thats how reality shows are made like.
I have never known which special guest was going to come, like for instance the show where the Wild Card Round winner was announced, I knew that Mr Unnikrishnan had come after we had started shooting and just after I announced the ad break, before the announcement, I came to know that he was the special guest. These were instances when I wished I had more time to prepare to introduce the guest in a better fashion and the fact that I have to watch every word that I say, especially about other musicians and stalwarts. I would have been the happiest person if I had known that Dr Balamurali Krishna was going to come at least the previous day to do some reading up on my own.
The team was very dedicated about keeping their secrets to such an extent that even I never knew what was going to happen until I went to the floors to shoot.
In a similar manner with Airtel Super Singer, I knew only from SPB Sir when he announced that Nikhil Mathew won. The team refused to tell me.
Of course the entire team had too many things to take care of. All this last minute mugging probably did some good to my semantic memory!
And again, I do not know whether there will be an Airtel Super Singer or the Junior Part 2, this year or the next. And I do not know whether I will be hosting that either :)
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
I have ranted about this before, but I sincerely cannot understand the way some people work. I have often seen that when people are behind schedule with regard to translation assignments for our firm, they have a very easy answer, my disk went corrupt, electricity has gone off. And some times when it has genuinely happened to me during the torrential rains in Chennai, and we were off power, I used to cringe with that excuse.
And "Disk Corrupt Salvaging Data" is an excuse that I get a lot of times from the translators here. And a few translators overseas. Of course I get different ones from abroad. like skidding on snow, and very easily a family member 'dies' or gets admitted to the hospital, and of course Blame-it-on-the-PC excuse. And even if the PC excuse were an honest one, I can't but help getting irritated when people fail to keep their word. Or rather, deliver their words in this case.
And thereafter you ask them for a status so that we can ascertain what we should tell our clients, there will be no reply, and their phones will be switched off, and mails not replied to.
Its enraging to say the least.
Arrrrrrgh for wrong work ethics.
And "Disk Corrupt Salvaging Data" is an excuse that I get a lot of times from the translators here. And a few translators overseas. Of course I get different ones from abroad. like skidding on snow, and very easily a family member 'dies' or gets admitted to the hospital, and of course Blame-it-on-the-PC excuse. And even if the PC excuse were an honest one, I can't but help getting irritated when people fail to keep their word. Or rather, deliver their words in this case.
And thereafter you ask them for a status so that we can ascertain what we should tell our clients, there will be no reply, and their phones will be switched off, and mails not replied to.
Its enraging to say the least.
Arrrrrrgh for wrong work ethics.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Bloopers on Airtel Super Singer Junior
I had looked forward to watching them, because more than the out-takes, the way it is edited and the 'counter' dialogues are what makes it funny in my opinion.
In response to mails and the comments on other posts, the voice in the background belonged to Mr Rajkumar, one of the producers in Vijay TV. The voice in the children-s episode belonged to Mr Nelson, another producer. Though they are technically called producers, they are the ones who direct the parents, participants, judges, special guests and finally me. They are also the ones who go to the cities where the action happens days before the event finally takes place, especially with regard to regionals.
And thereafter, visiting the kid's houses in their respective cities, getting their friends and family to speak, and taking care of editing, handling the action while it happens and creative inputs as well. I shall update this post with the pictures shortly to name the brains behind the show.
And more than last time, the out-takes this time were better, probably because I had already worked with this team and camaraderie was better.
I have to shoot 2 more episodes and with that, we will wrap up Airtel Super Singer Junior.
In response to mails and the comments on other posts, the voice in the background belonged to Mr Rajkumar, one of the producers in Vijay TV. The voice in the children-s episode belonged to Mr Nelson, another producer. Though they are technically called producers, they are the ones who direct the parents, participants, judges, special guests and finally me. They are also the ones who go to the cities where the action happens days before the event finally takes place, especially with regard to regionals.
And thereafter, visiting the kid's houses in their respective cities, getting their friends and family to speak, and taking care of editing, handling the action while it happens and creative inputs as well. I shall update this post with the pictures shortly to name the brains behind the show.
And more than last time, the out-takes this time were better, probably because I had already worked with this team and camaraderie was better.
I have to shoot 2 more episodes and with that, we will wrap up Airtel Super Singer Junior.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Pictures from the Canada Trip
The pictures from my recent Toronto trip are in FlickR. I published from Flickr once. But now I seem to have lost it. How do I get the pics from Flickr on to my blog?
TIA
Update: In my Photo Blog.I forgot about the 'Blog This'!
TIA
Update: In my Photo Blog.I forgot about the 'Blog This'!
Airtel Super Singer Junior - the curtains draw for now....
Its amazing how much children know. Especially when there is a reality check they understand a lot more between the lines than you do, its funny and surprising at the same time.
Most of the kids at the current level of ASSJ are at the threshold of their teens and they way they size up and make a meal of almost everything that comes their way.... the tenacity and the grit is .. amazing to say the least.
Almost all the children sing really well, and God willing, and especially the children willing, or should I say, the current educational system willing, they have a future in the starry skies of music, to twinkle, or shine or become the sun if they so please.
A lot of times I have had to speak to the kids on camera, trying to engage them in some sort of a conversation, because that is how it is supposed to be. And I must say this has been the most difficult portions in my interaction with them. All of them either have express instructions as to not to speak to me and answer in a word or two, or they its just the way they are made. No matter how much I try asking them, say for example, how do you think the judges are? - Good. How much practice did you put in? - "nerayya"
Do you want to say or ask something to the judges? - "No".
I have heard of children having lots of nice things to say, but probably they are all born careful now. Watching their words in front of the camera. And once they are sure the camera has stopped rolling they become different personalities, laughing, kidding around. I wonder why they don't want to be the children they are and act 35. Soft spoken, watching what they speak.... It has made me wonder whether the children have collectively lost their innocence. In the midst of all this, we had a kid asking for the viewers to vote for her sister so that she can come back to compete in the wild card round, and she said "if you like my sister's singing please vote for her, otherwise, no need". And the same kid, has seen me asking the directors of the show, on which camera on the floor to face, in the plethora that is there in front of me. Apparently she has seen me ask that a lot of times, and when the director told her "action" she asked in all seriousness "which camera"?
Most of the times older people look to children, to reclaim a spark that they have lost, or to just to smile in their moments of gray. As time goes, I wonder whether we will lose the chance to do that as well. And probably, a lot of times, I would probably ask the parents to let their children be their age and not make them act a few decades older.
The judges - Usha Uthup ji and Chitra ji were delightful to be with. Lots of laughter and lots of joy. And lots of goodness. Both of them have been straight forward in what they have wanted to say to the kids and honest as well. In spite of their status in the industry, they floor me with the simplicity they have. And Ushaji's energy is completely matchless. In the otherwise, stoic atmosphere, which I must say was created by the children, she lightened the mood made them laugh and dance and brought out the importance of stage presence, which is completely lacking in the performers from the south of India. Here we have people judging women who dance on stage while singing, you are given a once-over from top to toe, and immediately judged as someone who is not, 'adakkam and odukkam" enough.
Why should the singer not enjoy his own song? Why is the performance repressed in the name of "right behavior", and when the joy does not permeate from him, how will it communicate to the audience?
Usha ji proved that you can bring dignity into any profession that you chose to be in. I daresay that She brought pop-culture to the limelight in India, and you can wear Kanjeevaaram and still rock the cells out of the audience. And am so glad that children who are moulded to be subdued are exposed to someone like her. To be true to your music, how to interact with the musicians and how to generally communicate to the audience, because if you are on stage, you are there for the people and not for yourself. And Usha ji is to mark the contestants on this show for stage presence and overall performance. Chitra ji was marking the contestants on the Pitch and rhythm.
Though she seems to have a strict exterior, she is one of the most soft hearted people I have seen. And every time she used to correct the children, she mutters to herself, that "Oh God, let me always be in tune and in rhythm that I can honestly correct the children" And the times she was asked to sing, she would ask the children "seriya paadinaena?" And ask them to give her marks on pitch and rhythm. She is one of the very very few people who are pitch perfect, a singer who everyone wants to be, everyone wants to sing like. And this was one of the best combination of judges - Usha ji and Chitra ji.
Shooting with Vijay TV is always fun, and much against people saying that we are making the children cry, the channel just captures what goes on. And the facts. Everything is shown as is. And I'd say that this is a reality show that lives up to its name. If scenes were shown of the girl who went and demanded to the Judge who eliminated her from the contest, it shows that the children nowadays question what they feel is wrong, that they are outspoken and no matter how young they are, they speak up for themselves. And some parents encourage such behavior.
And if the children and their parents have decided to take part in a contest of this magnitude, they understand that they have to be prepared for Success and Failure with equal readiness. And this is a learning experience for the ones who are involved, the ones that are part of the show, and the ones that watch it.
As for me, I am richer with experiences and I must admit that I am pretty much surprised most of the times, as should be the feeling with most people.
The finale was an awesome experience giving me an opportunity to share the stage with Dr. Balamuralikrishna. Most of the times I am at a loss of words when I have to 'introduce' a musician of his stature on a show. How much can a singer of my stature and my age say? Questions of this sort have always plagued me on the show, I had the same trouble last time when I had to invite SPB sir on stage for the finale last year, and I have lost my cool, been a bundle of nerves just before the camera starts rolling. This is when the crew supported me a lot. The show, like Airtel Super Singer, has been a super learning experience, albeit a little different.
A question that I have been oft asked, why did I not sing? Because it was not the show's format, the producers did not plan that I should sing in an episode, and I did not want to keep establishing that I can sing, especially in a talent hunt for younger children, as with Airtel Super Singer. When I am a host, I am there to speak and not to showcase what I can sing. There are other platforms for me to sing in, and God willing I will be blessed with such platforms.
Also, that I seem to shout/scream. :) I am yet to learn how to hype up something without shouting. Most of the times the audience just does not react in spite of all this. A quiet presentation sometimes does not work when a lot of energy is needed. But perhaps there is a better way to exude energy in presentation, I watched a few episodes of presenters in Western shows and when it is necessary, the decibel has gone up. I definitely have a lot to learn on that front.
And it was very nice for me to hear the children singing the songs that I have sung.
And I stay thankful to time that gives me these opportunities.
Most of the kids at the current level of ASSJ are at the threshold of their teens and they way they size up and make a meal of almost everything that comes their way.... the tenacity and the grit is .. amazing to say the least.
Almost all the children sing really well, and God willing, and especially the children willing, or should I say, the current educational system willing, they have a future in the starry skies of music, to twinkle, or shine or become the sun if they so please.
A lot of times I have had to speak to the kids on camera, trying to engage them in some sort of a conversation, because that is how it is supposed to be. And I must say this has been the most difficult portions in my interaction with them. All of them either have express instructions as to not to speak to me and answer in a word or two, or they its just the way they are made. No matter how much I try asking them, say for example, how do you think the judges are? - Good. How much practice did you put in? - "nerayya"
Do you want to say or ask something to the judges? - "No".
I have heard of children having lots of nice things to say, but probably they are all born careful now. Watching their words in front of the camera. And once they are sure the camera has stopped rolling they become different personalities, laughing, kidding around. I wonder why they don't want to be the children they are and act 35. Soft spoken, watching what they speak.... It has made me wonder whether the children have collectively lost their innocence. In the midst of all this, we had a kid asking for the viewers to vote for her sister so that she can come back to compete in the wild card round, and she said "if you like my sister's singing please vote for her, otherwise, no need". And the same kid, has seen me asking the directors of the show, on which camera on the floor to face, in the plethora that is there in front of me. Apparently she has seen me ask that a lot of times, and when the director told her "action" she asked in all seriousness "which camera"?
Most of the times older people look to children, to reclaim a spark that they have lost, or to just to smile in their moments of gray. As time goes, I wonder whether we will lose the chance to do that as well. And probably, a lot of times, I would probably ask the parents to let their children be their age and not make them act a few decades older.
The judges - Usha Uthup ji and Chitra ji were delightful to be with. Lots of laughter and lots of joy. And lots of goodness. Both of them have been straight forward in what they have wanted to say to the kids and honest as well. In spite of their status in the industry, they floor me with the simplicity they have. And Ushaji's energy is completely matchless. In the otherwise, stoic atmosphere, which I must say was created by the children, she lightened the mood made them laugh and dance and brought out the importance of stage presence, which is completely lacking in the performers from the south of India. Here we have people judging women who dance on stage while singing, you are given a once-over from top to toe, and immediately judged as someone who is not, 'adakkam and odukkam" enough.
Why should the singer not enjoy his own song? Why is the performance repressed in the name of "right behavior", and when the joy does not permeate from him, how will it communicate to the audience?
Usha ji proved that you can bring dignity into any profession that you chose to be in. I daresay that She brought pop-culture to the limelight in India, and you can wear Kanjeevaaram and still rock the cells out of the audience. And am so glad that children who are moulded to be subdued are exposed to someone like her. To be true to your music, how to interact with the musicians and how to generally communicate to the audience, because if you are on stage, you are there for the people and not for yourself. And Usha ji is to mark the contestants on this show for stage presence and overall performance. Chitra ji was marking the contestants on the Pitch and rhythm.
Though she seems to have a strict exterior, she is one of the most soft hearted people I have seen. And every time she used to correct the children, she mutters to herself, that "Oh God, let me always be in tune and in rhythm that I can honestly correct the children" And the times she was asked to sing, she would ask the children "seriya paadinaena?" And ask them to give her marks on pitch and rhythm. She is one of the very very few people who are pitch perfect, a singer who everyone wants to be, everyone wants to sing like. And this was one of the best combination of judges - Usha ji and Chitra ji.
Shooting with Vijay TV is always fun, and much against people saying that we are making the children cry, the channel just captures what goes on. And the facts. Everything is shown as is. And I'd say that this is a reality show that lives up to its name. If scenes were shown of the girl who went and demanded to the Judge who eliminated her from the contest, it shows that the children nowadays question what they feel is wrong, that they are outspoken and no matter how young they are, they speak up for themselves. And some parents encourage such behavior.
And if the children and their parents have decided to take part in a contest of this magnitude, they understand that they have to be prepared for Success and Failure with equal readiness. And this is a learning experience for the ones who are involved, the ones that are part of the show, and the ones that watch it.
As for me, I am richer with experiences and I must admit that I am pretty much surprised most of the times, as should be the feeling with most people.
The finale was an awesome experience giving me an opportunity to share the stage with Dr. Balamuralikrishna. Most of the times I am at a loss of words when I have to 'introduce' a musician of his stature on a show. How much can a singer of my stature and my age say? Questions of this sort have always plagued me on the show, I had the same trouble last time when I had to invite SPB sir on stage for the finale last year, and I have lost my cool, been a bundle of nerves just before the camera starts rolling. This is when the crew supported me a lot. The show, like Airtel Super Singer, has been a super learning experience, albeit a little different.
A question that I have been oft asked, why did I not sing? Because it was not the show's format, the producers did not plan that I should sing in an episode, and I did not want to keep establishing that I can sing, especially in a talent hunt for younger children, as with Airtel Super Singer. When I am a host, I am there to speak and not to showcase what I can sing. There are other platforms for me to sing in, and God willing I will be blessed with such platforms.
Also, that I seem to shout/scream. :) I am yet to learn how to hype up something without shouting. Most of the times the audience just does not react in spite of all this. A quiet presentation sometimes does not work when a lot of energy is needed. But perhaps there is a better way to exude energy in presentation, I watched a few episodes of presenters in Western shows and when it is necessary, the decibel has gone up. I definitely have a lot to learn on that front.
And it was very nice for me to hear the children singing the songs that I have sung.
And I stay thankful to time that gives me these opportunities.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Of late there have been people who have gone all out to say that I can't sing to save my life and I should not have sung Sahana and that I should try and learn to sing, especially in beeped out words and the like. Why am I writing about it? Because I am now wondering why someone would be so vocative in conveying something of distaste. Have things always been this way with people over the years, or is it just that, say in the past 20 years or so people have become highly rude in conveying their dislike to certain things? Have we lost the art of being tactful?
In some cases, the critics on these media have told me, that they write to me in such a manner, only to elicit a response from me.
Just out of curiosity, how well do we remember the person who writes in to us like that? How do we associate with them? Good feeling? Squirmy feeling?
Why is it that we have to be aggressive in putting forth our views? Is it not the conviction in our thoughts and the belief in what we say that makes them communicated to the subject and not aggression? Is it not a poor substitute because we believe that we might not get the expected response from the target?
Have politeness and basic acts of courtesy gone down the drain? What would be the best way to express dislike and distaste to anything?
I still have not come to the state where rudeness towards me doesn't affect me. Probably I ll learn in a few years.
I got a comment from a certain lady in the past couple of days that I have to learn to sing esp with regard to Sahana, and in the turn off-s section in her profile, no points for guessing - rudeness.
Brings me to what has been communicated for a decade or so in every form. That people no longer want to give but want to receive all the time. And the desire to have excellent fruits from the seeds of hate. How in the universe is that going to happen? Not to mention, the lack of tolerance.
When someone is rude to me, should I remain quiet? Should I retort? Should I smile and go? I am told to feel stronger, and these are lessons to that effect.. Actually the time that I spend learning how to feel stronger on such issues, I 'd rather do something more productive, something better than come-back skills.
When I go through the archives of my earlier posts, I see how things have changed in my perception. And somewhere down in time, when I look back upon this post, I ll probably have my own answers to the questions here...
In some cases, the critics on these media have told me, that they write to me in such a manner, only to elicit a response from me.
Just out of curiosity, how well do we remember the person who writes in to us like that? How do we associate with them? Good feeling? Squirmy feeling?
Why is it that we have to be aggressive in putting forth our views? Is it not the conviction in our thoughts and the belief in what we say that makes them communicated to the subject and not aggression? Is it not a poor substitute because we believe that we might not get the expected response from the target?
Have politeness and basic acts of courtesy gone down the drain? What would be the best way to express dislike and distaste to anything?
I still have not come to the state where rudeness towards me doesn't affect me. Probably I ll learn in a few years.
I got a comment from a certain lady in the past couple of days that I have to learn to sing esp with regard to Sahana, and in the turn off-s section in her profile, no points for guessing - rudeness.
Brings me to what has been communicated for a decade or so in every form. That people no longer want to give but want to receive all the time. And the desire to have excellent fruits from the seeds of hate. How in the universe is that going to happen? Not to mention, the lack of tolerance.
When someone is rude to me, should I remain quiet? Should I retort? Should I smile and go? I am told to feel stronger, and these are lessons to that effect.. Actually the time that I spend learning how to feel stronger on such issues, I 'd rather do something more productive, something better than come-back skills.
When I go through the archives of my earlier posts, I see how things have changed in my perception. And somewhere down in time, when I look back upon this post, I ll probably have my own answers to the questions here...
Sunday, July 08, 2007
How to - American Appliances in India
And I got a 1800 watt and 280 watt appliance, blenders to be precise from Canada. I have no idea what kind of converters I should use, if there are any.
I heard about all these step-up and step-down converters. I bought one from nearby, a step-down, and it started smoking. Even after the guy tested the appliance there.
Can anyone help?
TIA.
I heard about all these step-up and step-down converters. I bought one from nearby, a step-down, and it started smoking. Even after the guy tested the appliance there.
Can anyone help?
TIA.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
And what a concert!!!
Once in a lifetime thing. I sang about 4 songs in a 24 song SPB KJY show. Chitra amma herself sang only about 5 songs and only one solo in that.
I sang KMI, Sahana, Thesalvudhe thenmalaraale and Ennaatha solvenungo. Was supposed to sing Mayya Mayya, but the audio people did not have an out chord for the laptop, and neither did they have a CD player. The musicians had told me that it was impossible to play that song.
It was probably the first time in 5 years that KMI was properly played by the musicians. This song is always botched up. "Shyaam group" is what they call themselves, but most of the musicians are highly established in the professional music maker's circuit.
I was supposed to sing Thenral Vandhu with KJY sir but since it was pushed to the end of the show he was not keen on singing it after the tempo had picked up to very fast numbers.
The response that we get especially from the Tamils here is out of the world. The monitors for the female voices was pretty bad, but after a point the engineer got a hang of it. Both Chitra amma and I had a tough time hearing ourselves sing before he could.
The Air Canada centre was totally packed - read 10,000+ people. And in an auditorium like that, getting the sound right is a herculean task. But then, most of the times, I have not really had a good monitor.
I gotta learn to get the in-ear monitor, but I tried it once while singing at Mumbai for the Filmfare awards, I wasnt quite comfortable with it.
Yesudas sir and Chitra amma said that my Thesulavudhe was very nice. Chitra amma always goes OTT praising me. She had takena soft corner for me right from the beginning and now, the bond we share is a special one.
I was looking forward to singing with KJY sir, but then I hope there will be another oppurtunity.The run order did not have a song that I could sing with SPB sir, and that was disappointing as well
Sahana - the applause I got was out of the world. Some of the times that I thank God and send him a silent prayer, and a silent thank you to Rahman sir. When I performed KMI first at Nehru Indoor Stadium for the then Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, Rahman Sir's act had Hari ji, a huge battalion of small children singing Vande Mataram and I. And we started with KMI. Rahman sir told me to give a short alaap before beginning with KMI and also told me how to finish, in an unpredictable way. The video is there in this blog and in YouTube to see. As soon as I had finished with the Alaap and started with the song, everyone applauded and did so again at the end. That was goose-bumps-happening time. And I had the same exp last night as soon as I had finished Sahana. I will not say that my rendition was perfect, it was tough to figure out what I was singing becos of the monitors. But in spite of that people went berserk. These are times when a singer gets the reaffirmation as to where the credit really belongs. With the music maker. And the movie.
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei is an excellent album. But except for abroad, people in Tamilnadu don't know of these songs because the movie did not do well. Once we cross the shores, only the music matters to the people here, the success of the film does nothing to the way they relish the music.
Everytime, Rahman sir makes sure that I dont disappear from the scene. He has kept me alive in this industry. Its common knowledge that I have not sung a million songs otherwise. Which is why now, none of the similies for "gratitude" to Rahman sir would quite suffice. Honestly, I have no idea why.
I do not think there will be time to look around this city this time. I have another concert this evening. And we fly back right after.
God willing, there will be another oppurtunity to look around this city.
P.S.: KMI = Kannathil Muthamittaal
I sang KMI, Sahana, Thesalvudhe thenmalaraale and Ennaatha solvenungo. Was supposed to sing Mayya Mayya, but the audio people did not have an out chord for the laptop, and neither did they have a CD player. The musicians had told me that it was impossible to play that song.
It was probably the first time in 5 years that KMI was properly played by the musicians. This song is always botched up. "Shyaam group" is what they call themselves, but most of the musicians are highly established in the professional music maker's circuit.
I was supposed to sing Thenral Vandhu with KJY sir but since it was pushed to the end of the show he was not keen on singing it after the tempo had picked up to very fast numbers.
The response that we get especially from the Tamils here is out of the world. The monitors for the female voices was pretty bad, but after a point the engineer got a hang of it. Both Chitra amma and I had a tough time hearing ourselves sing before he could.
The Air Canada centre was totally packed - read 10,000+ people. And in an auditorium like that, getting the sound right is a herculean task. But then, most of the times, I have not really had a good monitor.
I gotta learn to get the in-ear monitor, but I tried it once while singing at Mumbai for the Filmfare awards, I wasnt quite comfortable with it.
Yesudas sir and Chitra amma said that my Thesulavudhe was very nice. Chitra amma always goes OTT praising me. She had takena soft corner for me right from the beginning and now, the bond we share is a special one.
I was looking forward to singing with KJY sir, but then I hope there will be another oppurtunity.The run order did not have a song that I could sing with SPB sir, and that was disappointing as well
Sahana - the applause I got was out of the world. Some of the times that I thank God and send him a silent prayer, and a silent thank you to Rahman sir. When I performed KMI first at Nehru Indoor Stadium for the then Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, Rahman Sir's act had Hari ji, a huge battalion of small children singing Vande Mataram and I. And we started with KMI. Rahman sir told me to give a short alaap before beginning with KMI and also told me how to finish, in an unpredictable way. The video is there in this blog and in YouTube to see. As soon as I had finished with the Alaap and started with the song, everyone applauded and did so again at the end. That was goose-bumps-happening time. And I had the same exp last night as soon as I had finished Sahana. I will not say that my rendition was perfect, it was tough to figure out what I was singing becos of the monitors. But in spite of that people went berserk. These are times when a singer gets the reaffirmation as to where the credit really belongs. With the music maker. And the movie.
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei is an excellent album. But except for abroad, people in Tamilnadu don't know of these songs because the movie did not do well. Once we cross the shores, only the music matters to the people here, the success of the film does nothing to the way they relish the music.
Everytime, Rahman sir makes sure that I dont disappear from the scene. He has kept me alive in this industry. Its common knowledge that I have not sung a million songs otherwise. Which is why now, none of the similies for "gratitude" to Rahman sir would quite suffice. Honestly, I have no idea why.
I do not think there will be time to look around this city this time. I have another concert this evening. And we fly back right after.
God willing, there will be another oppurtunity to look around this city.
P.S.: KMI = Kannathil Muthamittaal
Saturday, June 30, 2007
had an interview session last morning and a rehearsal session today.
Worked damn hard crunching time meeting a deadline that was well, finally met. I shall finally get some peaceful shut eye.
Thanks to all this, I still have no idea how Toronto looks like except for the driving between several points
I heard the shopping places will be closed sunday and monday thanks to Canada Day and I ll have to pack in whatever I can tomorrow. If it is possible.
There was a banquet this evening with SPB Sir, Pa Vijay Mukesh, Suchitra (not of radio mirchi) and I. Pa Vijay is the host of this show. So this promises to be something new.
Also, every time I step out of the house, there is a limo in waiting. Though it looks great from the outside, I think that a Limousine is no great shakes. Also, its not comfortable getting in and out of the vehicle. And I admire the way the chaffeurs drive the car and the speed at which they go. Guess they get used to the car after a point. As time goes by, I am seeing that I dont get excited and all that with some things that I am supposed to get excited with. Like the Limo for instance. Probably its a good thing.
Looking forward to tomorrow..!
Worked damn hard crunching time meeting a deadline that was well, finally met. I shall finally get some peaceful shut eye.
Thanks to all this, I still have no idea how Toronto looks like except for the driving between several points
I heard the shopping places will be closed sunday and monday thanks to Canada Day and I ll have to pack in whatever I can tomorrow. If it is possible.
There was a banquet this evening with SPB Sir, Pa Vijay Mukesh, Suchitra (not of radio mirchi) and I. Pa Vijay is the host of this show. So this promises to be something new.
Also, every time I step out of the house, there is a limo in waiting. Though it looks great from the outside, I think that a Limousine is no great shakes. Also, its not comfortable getting in and out of the vehicle. And I admire the way the chaffeurs drive the car and the speed at which they go. Guess they get used to the car after a point. As time goes by, I am seeing that I dont get excited and all that with some things that I am supposed to get excited with. Like the Limo for instance. Probably its a good thing.
Looking forward to tomorrow..!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Currently in Canada
For a concert this 30th at the Air Canada auditorium.
Its going to be a super time for me, as I shall be sharing a small square meter of the stage along with Yesudas Sir, SPB Sir and Chitra ji. Mukesh is also a part of this show. Looking forward to a quite a bit and some great times.
Anyone who has suggestions on what I could do in Toronto, please do let me know!
P.S.: I wont be performing in the US on the 1st.
As for the songs I am going to be singing, the Run Order always changes on stage. So shaall report on what I sang.
Its going to be a super time for me, as I shall be sharing a small square meter of the stage along with Yesudas Sir, SPB Sir and Chitra ji. Mukesh is also a part of this show. Looking forward to a quite a bit and some great times.
Anyone who has suggestions on what I could do in Toronto, please do let me know!
P.S.: I wont be performing in the US on the 1st.
As for the songs I am going to be singing, the Run Order always changes on stage. So shaall report on what I sang.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Rest In Peace: Director Jeeva
I had a chance to meet him and work under him for a short sojourn, in Unnale Unnale, and I shall always remember those hours spent in the dubbing studio for the rip roaring time that I had. Even while speaking for Tanisha, I think we spent more time laughing and pulling everyone's legs than doing much work.
And once while I just started singing a song that was looping in my brain, while they were changing the reels, and I thought the mic was switched off, as it usually is, he had entered the console room, and the dubbing studio was such that I could not see who goes in and out of the console. The booth had the Mic and the TV, so that I could sync to the dialogues and yap away. When I finished humming, he just switched the talk back and said "very nice".
Unnale Unnale was one of the best times that I had dubbing and I shall always fondly remember it. I also wished that if ever I had a chance to make an album, he should wield the lens. Of course I never told him that. And now I never can.
I heard he passed away this morning while shooting for his movie Dhaam Dhoom in Russia.
To one of the directors who believed that I could speak for a lead female actor, and who gave me an oppurtunity to explore this facet. Thank You sir. I wish you hadn't taken leave so early.
And once while I just started singing a song that was looping in my brain, while they were changing the reels, and I thought the mic was switched off, as it usually is, he had entered the console room, and the dubbing studio was such that I could not see who goes in and out of the console. The booth had the Mic and the TV, so that I could sync to the dialogues and yap away. When I finished humming, he just switched the talk back and said "very nice".
Unnale Unnale was one of the best times that I had dubbing and I shall always fondly remember it. I also wished that if ever I had a chance to make an album, he should wield the lens. Of course I never told him that. And now I never can.
I heard he passed away this morning while shooting for his movie Dhaam Dhoom in Russia.
To one of the directors who believed that I could speak for a lead female actor, and who gave me an oppurtunity to explore this facet. Thank You sir. I wish you hadn't taken leave so early.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Behind the veil of anonymity
.. a lot of people find it very easy to comment. I had once disabled anonymous commenters on this blog, because there was a lot of spamming for one. And of course it was very easy for a few people that don't like me to call me names. And small wonder, to the comments section to bad mouth the people I like.
Post PodWorks, there was Sagaro who asked me "what about Wordpress users?" And there I went enabling anonymous comments. The other day there was a commenter who sent me one saying I can't hold a candle to two other young and definitely hugely successful playback singers, whose names I shall not mention here, and that I am a piece of crap. To each his own.
No one knows about people's real names in the the web unless you know them offline and know of their online presence. When this is the case, most people go under the "anonymous" tag when they want to criticize.
I want to reiterate that I shall not publish any comments that degrade people in the industry, people I know or even do not personally. If I do, I believe that it will look like I am party to a person's views as long as criticizing someone else is concerned, if I publish them here. It is a very sincere request, that if you want to criticize another musician/popular person, please do so in your own Blog. And if you need to criticize me, please key in an EMail, I shall be glad to respond.
P.S.: Spell checked!! :D
Post PodWorks, there was Sagaro who asked me "what about Wordpress users?" And there I went enabling anonymous comments. The other day there was a commenter who sent me one saying I can't hold a candle to two other young and definitely hugely successful playback singers, whose names I shall not mention here, and that I am a piece of crap. To each his own.
No one knows about people's real names in the the web unless you know them offline and know of their online presence. When this is the case, most people go under the "anonymous" tag when they want to criticize.
I want to reiterate that I shall not publish any comments that degrade people in the industry, people I know or even do not personally. If I do, I believe that it will look like I am party to a person's views as long as criticizing someone else is concerned, if I publish them here. It is a very sincere request, that if you want to criticize another musician/popular person, please do so in your own Blog. And if you need to criticize me, please key in an EMail, I shall be glad to respond.
P.S.: Spell checked!! :D
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I watched Sivaji on the first day. a 2:30 show at Satyam. This was the first time I caught a Rajnikanth Movie on the First day with all the hype and hoopla. And I screamed myself hoarse whenever, well, everyone also screamed along. I completely adored the movie and loved the whole experience of a first day.
I am not the reviewing kind. I have no idea how to do that. But there are people who do, and how! If you want to read a review about Thalaivar's movie, it is at Sudhish's.
And I will probably catch the movie a few more times as well .... And I know the whole velocity of the euphoria that a Superstar movie creates. Whoah. Still to recover. Or Probably I wont...
I am not the reviewing kind. I have no idea how to do that. But there are people who do, and how! If you want to read a review about Thalaivar's movie, it is at Sudhish's.
And I will probably catch the movie a few more times as well .... And I know the whole velocity of the euphoria that a Superstar movie creates. Whoah. Still to recover. Or Probably I wont...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The rain plays a rhythm outside, pigeons flutter outside our window, I see the city under the dark canopy of the sky with no stars peeking out to say hello, a cool breeze intertwined when nature is in one of her lucid moods....
Kabhi Neem Neem from Yuva looping on my system. A moment as sheer as white silk wafting beneath a single beam of light. The voices of the song and the voices of nature.... The notes in the song and the notes of nature .. Perfect harmony. Perfect Magic.
If only music can be translated to words. Ah... but then some things are better left untranslated. Wishing this moment upon everyone who is in the world right now.
Kabhi Neem Neem from Yuva looping on my system. A moment as sheer as white silk wafting beneath a single beam of light. The voices of the song and the voices of nature.... The notes in the song and the notes of nature .. Perfect harmony. Perfect Magic.
If only music can be translated to words. Ah... but then some things are better left untranslated. Wishing this moment upon everyone who is in the world right now.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Sivaji - The Boss - speaks
Just saw on a news channel.
The Superstar is "nervous" to know the result of the movie
How does he look so young, blond hair et al?
"Ask Shankar, its a trade secret" followed by a disarming grin. He says "I am just an actor, AVM and the Director Shankar have worked so hard on this movie"
I almost collapsed when I heard him say "I am just an actor" (!!!)
The movie has a message for educationists, youngsters, the politicians, everyone.
He is "touched with the amount of love and admiration that his fans are showing. They are such innocent people and shouting their love for me" There was an intercut of his fans eating off the soil, a typical Kovil Vendudal, people piercing the 'Vel' through their mouths, and the Superstar's eyes became moist.
He said to the reporter, that all the hype is because it is created by people like you in the media.
And another channel likened him to Big B, and he says it "disturbs him" because he considers himself a follower, a fan and admirer, and does not want to be likened to a "Giant" like Big B.
And the news reporter in the studios was astounded with the humility he exhibited.
Disclaimer: I am in a state of utmost euphoria, a zillion butterflies in my stomach before I watch the movie. What is written here is not a verbatim recount of the interview. Only whatever has reached my sensory register is given here.
Just saw: Sudhish Kamath is giving Live updates as he watches the movie at Satyam
The Superstar is "nervous" to know the result of the movie
How does he look so young, blond hair et al?
"Ask Shankar, its a trade secret" followed by a disarming grin. He says "I am just an actor, AVM and the Director Shankar have worked so hard on this movie"
I almost collapsed when I heard him say "I am just an actor" (!!!)
The movie has a message for educationists, youngsters, the politicians, everyone.
He is "touched with the amount of love and admiration that his fans are showing. They are such innocent people and shouting their love for me" There was an intercut of his fans eating off the soil, a typical Kovil Vendudal, people piercing the 'Vel' through their mouths, and the Superstar's eyes became moist.
He said to the reporter, that all the hype is because it is created by people like you in the media.
And another channel likened him to Big B, and he says it "disturbs him" because he considers himself a follower, a fan and admirer, and does not want to be likened to a "Giant" like Big B.
And the news reporter in the studios was astounded with the humility he exhibited.
Disclaimer: I am in a state of utmost euphoria, a zillion butterflies in my stomach before I watch the movie. What is written here is not a verbatim recount of the interview. Only whatever has reached my sensory register is given here.
Just saw: Sudhish Kamath is giving Live updates as he watches the movie at Satyam
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Avid - Intel Based Macs : Does it work?
So here comes another question which I could not find answer to myself.
I decide to get a video editor, and liking Final Cut Pro, and then the bomb drops that it does not work on Intel based Macs.
And then goes the search to see whether Avid would work, and I am not sure with all the technical specs that I see there. I heard a whoosh just above my head, and I knew that is how the information flew past.
Now could anyone tell me whether Avid would work on the MacBook Pro?
And if it so happens, as I heard from another source, that I need to invest on a desktop to work on avid since it might/does slow down the system.
And if it has to be a new system, what should the specifications be like?
TIA
I decide to get a video editor, and liking Final Cut Pro, and then the bomb drops that it does not work on Intel based Macs.
And then goes the search to see whether Avid would work, and I am not sure with all the technical specs that I see there. I heard a whoosh just above my head, and I knew that is how the information flew past.
Now could anyone tell me whether Avid would work on the MacBook Pro?
And if it so happens, as I heard from another source, that I need to invest on a desktop to work on avid since it might/does slow down the system.
And if it has to be a new system, what should the specifications be like?
TIA
Sunday, June 10, 2007
PodWorks - Day 2
As soon as I woke up, it was great to see the coverage in Page 3 by Karthik Subramaniam on The Hindu.
We have started off pretty much on time, at about 10 AM IST
The Hall is not fully packed yet, but I reckon it will be in another hour.
The first session kicks off with Sridhar Ranganathan from Yahoo!
How to get your Blog 'discovered' by search engines.
10:17 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Currently drinking tea as sweet as payasam and listening to Dinesh talk on how to Edit videos using Adobe Premiere.
11:07 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Vivin Mathew from CNN-IBN took over to talk about "How to make an interesting PodCast"
Thereafter, we had Mr Shashi Kumar, Freelance Cameraman with Nat-Geo, Cameraman for the title song of Chennai - 600028 and who was also in team of Super Singer 2006, which is how I came to know him initially, to talk on "Frames and Lighting"
It was the session that was most fun so far
12:30 PM IST
Yousuf from Sun Microystems spoke about Server Side for about 20 minutes.
Went off to catch a coffee from Qwiky's and had lunch.
Violin Concert from 1:45 to 2:00 PM by Krish Ashok, which is in another ten minutes.
Session on Video Conferencing by Mr Eric for about 30 minutes.
A super fast 10 minute presentation by Karthik Kannan on How to make a Vlog in 10 Minutes [thats jargon for Video blog, well I have been here for almost two days now.. time to drop some words :)]
2:44 PM IST
Sharanya gave a short presentation on what not to do in front of the camera.
She was an intern with the CNN IBN
We now have Mr Shanmugham talking about PodLearning
3:16 PM IST
Talk by Mr Vikram of Nautanki.tv
And that was wrapped up at around 4:40
Thereafter we had a quick session looking at some of our favourite PodCasts.
I had to leave right after we took the group pic because I had to shoot for Vijay TV.
Some of the pictures from today
You can check out a lot of interesting pictures at Vinay's Flickr
We have started off pretty much on time, at about 10 AM IST
The Hall is not fully packed yet, but I reckon it will be in another hour.
The first session kicks off with Sridhar Ranganathan from Yahoo!
How to get your Blog 'discovered' by search engines.
10:17 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Currently drinking tea as sweet as payasam and listening to Dinesh talk on how to Edit videos using Adobe Premiere.
11:07 AM IST
PodWorks Day 2 Tidel Park
Vivin Mathew from CNN-IBN took over to talk about "How to make an interesting PodCast"
Thereafter, we had Mr Shashi Kumar, Freelance Cameraman with Nat-Geo, Cameraman for the title song of Chennai - 600028 and who was also in team of Super Singer 2006, which is how I came to know him initially, to talk on "Frames and Lighting"
It was the session that was most fun so far
12:30 PM IST
Yousuf from Sun Microystems spoke about Server Side for about 20 minutes.
Went off to catch a coffee from Qwiky's and had lunch.
Violin Concert from 1:45 to 2:00 PM by Krish Ashok, which is in another ten minutes.
Session on Video Conferencing by Mr Eric for about 30 minutes.
A super fast 10 minute presentation by Karthik Kannan on How to make a Vlog in 10 Minutes [thats jargon for Video blog, well I have been here for almost two days now.. time to drop some words :)]
2:44 PM IST
Sharanya gave a short presentation on what not to do in front of the camera.
She was an intern with the CNN IBN
We now have Mr Shanmugham talking about PodLearning
3:16 PM IST
Talk by Mr Vikram of Nautanki.tv
And that was wrapped up at around 4:40
Thereafter we had a quick session looking at some of our favourite PodCasts.
I had to leave right after we took the group pic because I had to shoot for Vijay TV.
Some of the pictures from today
Kids at PodWorks.
In action!
My most common PodWorks pose. Have been clicked in this pose by several over 48 hours. I lowwwwweee my MacBook Pro. Thanks Siva
A tradition that is followed after every Knowledge Foundation event, the participants sign on the Vinyl.
Everyone came in with their cameras to catch the action on the ones with the Marker Pens.
And there were some happy onlookers, who also eventually left their signatures.
A snapshot of what it looked like.
Mine!
And the very happy participants and Organizers.
You can check out a lot of interesting pictures at Vinay's Flickr
And this is how my day/evening took over right after PodWorks and went on till the wee hours of 11th morning. Life happens!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
PodWorks - And ITS ON!
Day 1 - PodWorks - June 09th 2007
Started off a a few minutes ago.
And we are just going through the introductions of the few Podcasters that are present here.
I am going to be updating this as frequently as possible during these two days.
9:32 AM IST
Talking on what stops people from Podcasting:
Quick Overview of what has been said
- Time or lack of it
- Unaware
- Unable to Monetize
- Audio Editing
- No quality attached to your name - Who will listen to me?
- Corporate prohibition
- Devices expensive
9:51 AM IST
BTW Kiruba is behind the Mic for the first session.
Thanks for the help on this picture - Srini and Manki.
And the Girl here is the youngest participant in PodWorks :)
A break for about 30 minutes for the Press Conference.
11:03 AM IST
The session by Karthik Kannan is already on in the meanwhile - Demo on how to make a Podcast in Audio
12:12 AM IST
Alternate seating arrangement.... Hey the is an 'Un'-conference :)
Alternate seating arrangement - Part 2
The Press Con - Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh, Kiruba Shankar, Syed and Vignesh
Thats Karthik Kannan explaining "How to make an Audio Podcast in 10 Minutes"
1:03 PM
Break for lunch Back at 2:00 PM
Lunch was Pizza with Karthik Kannan, Pradeep and Preeti Chaturvedi.
2:00 PM and it was my turn to speak on Mic, Voice and Interviewee Management. OK thats a lot of jargon, but sometimes its a blessing :)
That is Kiruba Shankar a.k.a. Kribs.
2:52 PM IST
Talk on "Tips on Blogging on Wordpress" by Sridhar Rao, Vibhash and Himanshu from 2:37 pm IST
Post Lunch and the floor seats have more takers ;)
Learning how to embed YouTube objects. Yeah its just paste the code, but then hey, I admit I need someone to push me!
This session closed at 3:18
Now On: Vitamin M - How to make money through your Blogs.
By Sunil Nair - Nautanki.tv
3:20
And the session closed at 3:50
One of the best sessions today :)
Break of about 15 minutes to dunk some Red Bull.
Mr. Venkatesh
Talk on monetizing again,but to help underprivileged people.
4:08 PM
Talk on Corporate Blogging - by Dhempe later taken over by Vijay Sriram
4:10 PM
End of talk at 5:00 PM
Somewhere in between Kribs gives the announcement that Vans are available outside the venue for the Beach House Party.
Currently watching the route to the Beach House
Here is the damn cute clip
And video by Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh
5:02 PM
First day wraps up at around the same time, but a lot of us hung out for a while.
One of the last 'working' pictures. With Sagaro
I finally reached home in time to watch the next episode of Super Singer Junior.
The team is partying at the beach house.
Tomorrow's focus will be on Video Podcasting.
Shall continue my updates tomorrow as well. And I had a rollicking time!
Started off a a few minutes ago.
And we are just going through the introductions of the few Podcasters that are present here.
I am going to be updating this as frequently as possible during these two days.
9:32 AM IST
Talking on what stops people from Podcasting:
Quick Overview of what has been said
- Time or lack of it
- Unaware
- Unable to Monetize
- Audio Editing
- No quality attached to your name - Who will listen to me?
- Corporate prohibition
- Devices expensive
9:51 AM IST
BTW Kiruba is behind the Mic for the first session.
Thanks for the help on this picture - Srini and Manki.
And the Girl here is the youngest participant in PodWorks :)
A break for about 30 minutes for the Press Conference.
11:03 AM IST
The session by Karthik Kannan is already on in the meanwhile - Demo on how to make a Podcast in Audio
12:12 AM IST
Alternate seating arrangement.... Hey the is an 'Un'-conference :)
Alternate seating arrangement - Part 2
The Press Con - Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh, Kiruba Shankar, Syed and Vignesh
Thats Karthik Kannan explaining "How to make an Audio Podcast in 10 Minutes"
1:03 PM
Break for lunch Back at 2:00 PM
Lunch was Pizza with Karthik Kannan, Pradeep and Preeti Chaturvedi.
2:00 PM and it was my turn to speak on Mic, Voice and Interviewee Management. OK thats a lot of jargon, but sometimes its a blessing :)
That is Kiruba Shankar a.k.a. Kribs.
2:52 PM IST
Talk on "Tips on Blogging on Wordpress" by Sridhar Rao, Vibhash and Himanshu from 2:37 pm IST
Post Lunch and the floor seats have more takers ;)
Learning to Post a YouTube video on my Blog. This is the test.
Learning how to embed YouTube objects. Yeah its just paste the code, but then hey, I admit I need someone to push me!
This session closed at 3:18
Now On: Vitamin M - How to make money through your Blogs.
By Sunil Nair - Nautanki.tv
3:20
And the session closed at 3:50
One of the best sessions today :)
Break of about 15 minutes to dunk some Red Bull.
Mr. Venkatesh
Talk on monetizing again,but to help underprivileged people.
4:08 PM
Talk on Corporate Blogging - by Dhempe later taken over by Vijay Sriram
4:10 PM
End of talk at 5:00 PM
Somewhere in between Kribs gives the announcement that Vans are available outside the venue for the Beach House Party.
Currently watching the route to the Beach House
Here is the damn cute clip
And video by Sagaro a.k.a. Ganesh
5:02 PM
First day wraps up at around the same time, but a lot of us hung out for a while.
One of the last 'working' pictures. With Sagaro
I finally reached home in time to watch the next episode of Super Singer Junior.
The team is partying at the beach house.
Tomorrow's focus will be on Video Podcasting.
Shall continue my updates tomorrow as well. And I had a rollicking time!
Friday, June 08, 2007
I am speaking at PodWorks
I just heard from Kribs that I will have to speak there on How to work with the Mic. Apparently most people are not able to speak to a Mic as easily as they are able to speak to a congregation of people.
This would probably be the first time that I am speaking in front of some of the best brains in the field of technology. Of course, knees are losing their caps. But let me see how it goes. Shall keep this space updated. But at the end of the day, I am going to be having lots of fun.
Godspeed to Podworks!
This would probably be the first time that I am speaking in front of some of the best brains in the field of technology. Of course, knees are losing their caps. But let me see how it goes. Shall keep this space updated. But at the end of the day, I am going to be having lots of fun.
Godspeed to Podworks!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
And this is going to be an outpouring of something that I have gotten used to hearing and remained silent so far
I have mentioned several times, that I have had a closed upbringing. My childhood was more like a Gurukula with Mom and I, and a lot of time going in her teaching me. I did not go about playing in the streets or the like and wasn't much into school sports except throwball, which I gave up because the screaming, shouting and the dust was affecting my voice. I enjoyed it while it lasted and I clearly had better things to do.
The singer that I am, The voice that is heard across countries and the songs that I have gotten to sing, all the versatility that people come to laud me for is because of the contribution of one person, and one lady alone, who decided to be the wax that makes the candle to make me the light. She gave up a very lucrative career opportunity that came in the West because she needed to give me the upbringing and musical input that can only happen in Indian climes. And she gave up being a researcher and a documentary film maker, when everything was culminating for her, because she saw that I could evolve into a good musician. And one of the biggest investments anyone can do, and no one really cares for once the investment has been made, is time. She gave me the prime of her life.
And now that I am a somebody, and since she is my Guru and a mother, I refer to her as 'amma'. Not 'Guru - ji'.
Whenever I quote saying that I have learnt this from her, she used to teach me this; I immediately get messages or retorts saying I talk too much about my mother. After a point in time mom asked me to eschew mentioning her in the media.
I have followed it for a while now. Ironically even today people ask me who I have learned from.
Why is it that I cant talk about a Mother and a Guru? Why is it that it singing my mother's praises is "wrong"? And I have heard this a lot - "amma puranam"??!
If you learn from a Guru outside and fail to mention their names in any of your interviews, you had it. Anyone who knows anything about classical music knows what I am talking about.
And she is my reference point most of the times, and when I have to remember something that she has told me in her numerous classes to me, what should I say ? "Oh I have heard this... I have gleaned that.... I have read... " without citing a source? So what if the source is mom? She is usually my only source.
In my life there have been two learning centres, one has been my own home, and the other has been Rahman Sir's studio, which I have mentioned in my posts earlier.
I go into overdrive whenever I hear comments on how I should avoid talking about mom, and have to stop myself from lashing out.
I wonder why this mindset happens in people that people who have become a known figure should not mention their families? For Goodness sake, anyone who is a someone is because the family members have given up on a lot of things, sacrificed a lot. Even in Super Singer Junior, the parents of the children, work Overtime to compensate for the days-off they take on shoot schedules as the shoots don't happen on holidays or weekends.
My Mom is what makes my family, runs after my things, keeps things in place, cooks and keeps the home in tip-top shape, manages my shoot schedules, costumes, talks to umpteen people with regard to interviews, recordings, concerts visas and wotnots, inspite of being a chronic slip disc patient. And though all these comments about my quoting her bothers me a lot, there is nothing much than I can do that blog about it. Thank God for blogs, and for people who read this kutti space. *Sigh* and *Pissed off*
I have mentioned several times, that I have had a closed upbringing. My childhood was more like a Gurukula with Mom and I, and a lot of time going in her teaching me. I did not go about playing in the streets or the like and wasn't much into school sports except throwball, which I gave up because the screaming, shouting and the dust was affecting my voice. I enjoyed it while it lasted and I clearly had better things to do.
The singer that I am, The voice that is heard across countries and the songs that I have gotten to sing, all the versatility that people come to laud me for is because of the contribution of one person, and one lady alone, who decided to be the wax that makes the candle to make me the light. She gave up a very lucrative career opportunity that came in the West because she needed to give me the upbringing and musical input that can only happen in Indian climes. And she gave up being a researcher and a documentary film maker, when everything was culminating for her, because she saw that I could evolve into a good musician. And one of the biggest investments anyone can do, and no one really cares for once the investment has been made, is time. She gave me the prime of her life.
And now that I am a somebody, and since she is my Guru and a mother, I refer to her as 'amma'. Not 'Guru - ji'.
Whenever I quote saying that I have learnt this from her, she used to teach me this; I immediately get messages or retorts saying I talk too much about my mother. After a point in time mom asked me to eschew mentioning her in the media.
I have followed it for a while now. Ironically even today people ask me who I have learned from.
Why is it that I cant talk about a Mother and a Guru? Why is it that it singing my mother's praises is "wrong"? And I have heard this a lot - "amma puranam"??!
If you learn from a Guru outside and fail to mention their names in any of your interviews, you had it. Anyone who knows anything about classical music knows what I am talking about.
And she is my reference point most of the times, and when I have to remember something that she has told me in her numerous classes to me, what should I say ? "Oh I have heard this... I have gleaned that.... I have read... " without citing a source? So what if the source is mom? She is usually my only source.
In my life there have been two learning centres, one has been my own home, and the other has been Rahman Sir's studio, which I have mentioned in my posts earlier.
I go into overdrive whenever I hear comments on how I should avoid talking about mom, and have to stop myself from lashing out.
I wonder why this mindset happens in people that people who have become a known figure should not mention their families? For Goodness sake, anyone who is a someone is because the family members have given up on a lot of things, sacrificed a lot. Even in Super Singer Junior, the parents of the children, work Overtime to compensate for the days-off they take on shoot schedules as the shoots don't happen on holidays or weekends.
My Mom is what makes my family, runs after my things, keeps things in place, cooks and keeps the home in tip-top shape, manages my shoot schedules, costumes, talks to umpteen people with regard to interviews, recordings, concerts visas and wotnots, inspite of being a chronic slip disc patient. And though all these comments about my quoting her bothers me a lot, there is nothing much than I can do that blog about it. Thank God for blogs, and for people who read this kutti space. *Sigh* and *Pissed off*
Television and wotnot
On the read up following our friend wanting to buy a new Television, I read up on the Plasma, LCD and Projection TVs whats hot what's, well, not.
In between all this, we were also wondering why not buy a TV ourselves. 'Cos our BPL has definitely seen better days. Since we don't switch it on much and the only screens that are on throughout are the computer screens.
I figure out that the next big thing in TV tech is Laser and SED. I alsohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif read up that the Laser TV's may cause more damage to the retina, as per the Wiki.
That being the case, I am going to wait it out and see who the winner is between the SED and the Laser. Ah, but then. Technology being the capricious thing that it is, by the time the bugs are ironed out and the best that can be comes out in SED and Laser, there'll be something else that makes these two obsolete. Sometimes I wonder whether technology conspires to empty our wallets all the time luring us out of our couches, or should we say recliners now? Even the recliners keep changing. And yeah I am anticipating comments "only change is constant"!
Moral of the post: I might buy a TV sometime.
In between all this, we were also wondering why not buy a TV ourselves. 'Cos our BPL has definitely seen better days. Since we don't switch it on much and the only screens that are on throughout are the computer screens.
I figure out that the next big thing in TV tech is Laser and SED. I alsohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif read up that the Laser TV's may cause more damage to the retina, as per the Wiki.
That being the case, I am going to wait it out and see who the winner is between the SED and the Laser. Ah, but then. Technology being the capricious thing that it is, by the time the bugs are ironed out and the best that can be comes out in SED and Laser, there'll be something else that makes these two obsolete. Sometimes I wonder whether technology conspires to empty our wallets all the time luring us out of our couches, or should we say recliners now? Even the recliners keep changing. And yeah I am anticipating comments "only change is constant"!
Moral of the post: I might buy a TV sometime.
As days go by, I am getting increasing number of mails on why I am not part of Rahman Sir's concert tour.
I could have been part of it if not for Vijay TV's Airtel Super Singer Junior. Life is all about opportunities and sometimes it is also about those lost.
I was completely depressed to say the least, that I could not go because I am supposed to be in Chennai until the end of June.
Chitra ji was damn sweet to tell me that she was singing Sahana in the concert and asked me for the lyrics. She also added to say that I sang very well. It was not necessary for a singer of her stature to tell me all that and thanks to Legends like her, we fledglings learn. I still remember the time I first met her at her residence a few years ago and how warm she was. And around that time, when asked in an interview for a leading Tamil daily, on which other female playback singer she liked or something on those lines, she quoted my name. For as long as I remember, she has called me kutti, and Usha ji and her have been awesome Judges on the show. I have learnt so much from the way they have been with the children and how much fun the children have had with them. Clearly the best judges ever :D
A post on ASSJ is long due. Shall be done soon.
Moral of this post: I badly miss not being able to sing in Rahman sir's concert and God and time willing, there will be another opportunity. Touche.
I could have been part of it if not for Vijay TV's Airtel Super Singer Junior. Life is all about opportunities and sometimes it is also about those lost.
I was completely depressed to say the least, that I could not go because I am supposed to be in Chennai until the end of June.
Chitra ji was damn sweet to tell me that she was singing Sahana in the concert and asked me for the lyrics. She also added to say that I sang very well. It was not necessary for a singer of her stature to tell me all that and thanks to Legends like her, we fledglings learn. I still remember the time I first met her at her residence a few years ago and how warm she was. And around that time, when asked in an interview for a leading Tamil daily, on which other female playback singer she liked or something on those lines, she quoted my name. For as long as I remember, she has called me kutti, and Usha ji and her have been awesome Judges on the show. I have learnt so much from the way they have been with the children and how much fun the children have had with them. Clearly the best judges ever :D
A post on ASSJ is long due. Shall be done soon.
Moral of this post: I badly miss not being able to sing in Rahman sir's concert and God and time willing, there will be another opportunity. Touche.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Take Two - With Gangaiamaren Uncle
It seemed like there was no one left who had not already done a Take Two. I was one of the few and it was becoming increasingly difficult to find someone who had not done it before.
Mom said Gangaiamaren uncle would be great for this but it remained to be seen whether he would do a feature of this magnitude with a fledgling like me.
For those who do not know, Gangaiamaren uncle is also part of the Aahaa FM team, hosting a 2 hour show on weekends, called Amarkalam.
As soon as I gave him a call, he agreed immediately.
We met up at Amethyst on Saturday afternoon and the conversation was recorded on Sudhish Kamath's Macbook. The photographer from Hindu was also present.
It lasted more than an hour and a half and there were times I had hold myself from rolling on the floor. Uncle is awesome company and as far as youngsters are concerned he easily makes himself one of us and we have never felt intimidated by his status and presence in the field of music.
I have been following Sudhish's blogs even before I started blogging perhaps, but then I am never that good with dates and the like. I was formally introduced to him at the Podworks initial meetings though we had attended several common do-s. As ever I was very glad to get to know him and thanks to circumstances and time perhaps. I failed to take the photographer's name but he was part of the great company that day.
The uncut version is in Sudhish's Blog. And predominantly in Tamil.
Runs to about 83 minutes. Please give a listen. And the Take Two will be in MetroPlus today (05/06/2007)
Thanks to Sudhish Kamath for being patient enough, for this time round, working around my schedule was becoming tough due to Airtel Super Singer Junior. It is definitely one of the best features that I have been in.
Mom said Gangaiamaren uncle would be great for this but it remained to be seen whether he would do a feature of this magnitude with a fledgling like me.
For those who do not know, Gangaiamaren uncle is also part of the Aahaa FM team, hosting a 2 hour show on weekends, called Amarkalam.
As soon as I gave him a call, he agreed immediately.
We met up at Amethyst on Saturday afternoon and the conversation was recorded on Sudhish Kamath's Macbook. The photographer from Hindu was also present.
It lasted more than an hour and a half and there were times I had hold myself from rolling on the floor. Uncle is awesome company and as far as youngsters are concerned he easily makes himself one of us and we have never felt intimidated by his status and presence in the field of music.
I have been following Sudhish's blogs even before I started blogging perhaps, but then I am never that good with dates and the like. I was formally introduced to him at the Podworks initial meetings though we had attended several common do-s. As ever I was very glad to get to know him and thanks to circumstances and time perhaps. I failed to take the photographer's name but he was part of the great company that day.
The uncut version is in Sudhish's Blog. And predominantly in Tamil.
Runs to about 83 minutes. Please give a listen. And the Take Two will be in MetroPlus today (05/06/2007)
Thanks to Sudhish Kamath for being patient enough, for this time round, working around my schedule was becoming tough due to Airtel Super Singer Junior. It is definitely one of the best features that I have been in.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Signature Tune - Podworks
I had promised the Podworks Team that I will bring them a signature tune, and if not for Sid this would not have been possible. Sid is someone who I believe has a super future in the field of music and he also teaches me the basics in Piano whenever he can, and whenever we both find free time.
This is what I could offer as a musician to Podworks. Please give a listen and do let us know how it sounds.
Though I am not turning up for meetings and things because I invariably have concerts during weekends, I am trying to do my smallest bit.
I have been looking forward to this for a very long time now and hopefully this will give me the right impetus to make my own Podcasts in audio and hopefully, video as well in my Blog.
An advantage is that I get to work with some of the best brains in the field of Media, thanks to presenting shows in Vijay TV. In addition to the Directors and Producers in the show, I also get to meet the Editors fleetingly. So, as far as technical advice is concerned, I should get it in abundance.
Now, I am wondering how to make my show, to be cliched, different.
I have been trying like a mad cap to integrate my blog into my comatose website, I should say with no active changes in about 4 years. What seems to be the problem? Lack of time, and I wish I had someone in the family who could make the changes to the website and the need-to-be done-s.
I am unable to make changes on the Blue-Elephant website as well.
So God Willing I shall start 'producing' my own shows on my .com
P.S.: The voice belongs to me. In response to a few people asking me.
This is what I could offer as a musician to Podworks. Please give a listen and do let us know how it sounds.
Though I am not turning up for meetings and things because I invariably have concerts during weekends, I am trying to do my smallest bit.
I have been looking forward to this for a very long time now and hopefully this will give me the right impetus to make my own Podcasts in audio and hopefully, video as well in my Blog.
An advantage is that I get to work with some of the best brains in the field of Media, thanks to presenting shows in Vijay TV. In addition to the Directors and Producers in the show, I also get to meet the Editors fleetingly. So, as far as technical advice is concerned, I should get it in abundance.
Now, I am wondering how to make my show, to be cliched, different.
I have been trying like a mad cap to integrate my blog into my comatose website, I should say with no active changes in about 4 years. What seems to be the problem? Lack of time, and I wish I had someone in the family who could make the changes to the website and the need-to-be done-s.
I am unable to make changes on the Blue-Elephant website as well.
So God Willing I shall start 'producing' my own shows on my .com
P.S.: The voice belongs to me. In response to a few people asking me.
Podworks
Though I am not turning up for meetings and things because I invariably have concerts during weekends, I am trying to do my smallest bit.
I have been looking forward to this for a very long time now and hopefully this will give me the right impetus to make my own Podcasts in audio and hopefully, video as well in my Blog.
An advantage is that I get to work with some of the best brains in the field of Media, thanks to presenting shows in Vijay TV. In addition to the Directors and Producers in the show, I also get to fleetingly meet the Editors. So as far as technical advice is concerned, I should get it in abundance.
Now, I am wondering how to make my show, to be cliched, different.
I have been trying like a mad cap to integrate my blog into my website which is in coma, I should say with no active changes in about 4 years. What seems to be the problem? Lack of time, and I wish I had someone in the family who could make the changes to the website and the need-to-be done-s.
I am unable to make changes on the Blue-Elephant website as well.
Though it this has nothing to do with this post, I must mention the amount of work that my mother has to do just so that I go to my recordings and shows and whatnots in time, and get it done properly. All the nitty-gritty work, and that takes a hell of a lot of time and energy, is taken care of by her. She got slip disc because I was born and her whole life she has been living with it, or rather co-existing with it.
I have been looking forward to this for a very long time now and hopefully this will give me the right impetus to make my own Podcasts in audio and hopefully, video as well in my Blog.
An advantage is that I get to work with some of the best brains in the field of Media, thanks to presenting shows in Vijay TV. In addition to the Directors and Producers in the show, I also get to fleetingly meet the Editors. So as far as technical advice is concerned, I should get it in abundance.
Now, I am wondering how to make my show, to be cliched, different.
I have been trying like a mad cap to integrate my blog into my website which is in coma, I should say with no active changes in about 4 years. What seems to be the problem? Lack of time, and I wish I had someone in the family who could make the changes to the website and the need-to-be done-s.
I am unable to make changes on the Blue-Elephant website as well.
Though it this has nothing to do with this post, I must mention the amount of work that my mother has to do just so that I go to my recordings and shows and whatnots in time, and get it done properly. All the nitty-gritty work, and that takes a hell of a lot of time and energy, is taken care of by her. She got slip disc because I was born and her whole life she has been living with it, or rather co-existing with it.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Musings on ...........
being a superhero for instance. What if we are given super powers, or some of us are singled out and given super powers. Alright forget super powers, of the superman-spiderman-fantastic kind.
What if someone is given the gift or the curse of clairvoyance? To those who do not know what it is to be clairvoyant or any special gift, it is mysterious, the usual curiosity that accompanies the overwhelming need, in some cases, to know the unknown.
What if I had the power to know about something that is going to happen beforehand? Especially with regard to tragic circumstances? If I had the power to know that someone would meet with a fatal accident and instances like that way before it were to happen and had the power to do so, should I prevent it?
To start small, say the food chain, if I were to see a cat run after a frog, should I shoo the cat away, so that the frog may live longer, or should I watch the natural course of the food chain? When I was a kid, I remember having shooed a kitten away, in this case, I bodily removed her from the scene of action when I thought she was going to eat up a frog. My grandmother happened to watch it, and she said, that I should not have done that. It is the right of a being to eat what she deems right, and when she is hungry. Whether we feed the kitten or not, is a different issue altogether.
And at that point in time, I am supposed to have gone against dharma. Against the law of the universe.
When I came to know about the demise of someone close to us, and who was wayyyyy too young to pass into the other realm, leaving behind a family broken in soul. I was desperately wishing at that time, can't some power come back into that body so that they can come back to life? Or why die at all in the first place? Why not, say just fracture a limb or paralyze it instead?
And at that time I also wished that I had known about the imminent demise so that I could have told them not to take out their car on that particular day.
And eventually it led me to a lot of questions on whether I would be going against destiny. When I was young, I remember this line, said in the deep voice of a man I do not remember, "Mutthi main hai taqdeer hamari"; we hold our destiny in our fist. Whether we want to hold it tight, or loose, or not hold it at all, rests within us.
One cannot remain in this world for ever, there is a beginning and an end. But somewhere between all this, there is a choice of postponement. Could I have postponed someone dying before they should have? Or rather before I THOUGHT they should have?
What is right and what is wrong? Yin and Yang, with Yang having Yin within and Yin having Yang within.
In between all this there are things we learn while stepping on each grain of sand, pebble, stone, boulder and the rock in the road of time, where there is an imprint on the world outside, and more importantly the world inside. For whenever you step on anything, you feel the pressure in your foot and the subsequent changes that it brings about in your body. Sometimes the sands are cool, that each time the grains egg out from between your toes, you want to do it slower, so that you can savour it. And when the sands are hot, we run, trying our level best to just skim the surface of the ground below. We watch our footing when pebbles give way to stones or rocks. When the rocks are smooth we gotta watch it so that we don't slip. And in those times, we wish that the rocks are jagged, so that we can find crevices in between, to fit our feet, and remain there as long as necessary, and only until we find the next crevice.
And these lessons in all their complexity leave their imprint on us. Leave an imprint on a canvas, the colours of which constantly change. The pictures change.
We are given only one canvas. We start with a plain one. We first squiggle the colors, the scribble, then try and write, go into calligraphy, mess it up again, and then keep painting one over the other. Just because the painting on the top is the one that is perceived, the colours below remain, unchanged, and silent as layer after layer piles on.
When I was 10, I was given a box of Camlin paints. I could do whatever I wanted with them, and of course the expectation from my Art teacher was that probably I could be the gloriously talents artist that she could discover. Each time she handed out a box of paints, she probably wished, that maybe this time, she ll find her star pupil. One that could mix these coloured substances and bring about awe. And one fine day, I decided to find out what would happen if I mixed all the colours in the paint box. So I squeezed every tube in the box, in what I thought were equal portions and mixed them up. I thought I would discover a shade that the world did not know of and I could go and show off to my teacher about what I had discovered. The things that go on in a child's mind!!! And finally, all that I had was a palette with gray goo. I was disappointed of course that the world did not have a major discovery from me.
In a world full of colours, mixing them all would only give gray. Boring, dull, sick-looking, tired gray.
So when we die what colours do we take from our life? Is gray the colour of life?
Or should we look at it as an all encompassing colour that holds all the colours within, and yet looks uninteresting? Should we learn from gray that you can choose to look at the black or the white side of it?
Should I look at it as White which has been darkened by Black, or Black that has been whitened by gray? And does gray teach us that the colours are just there, but we will have to syringe it out of what appears?
And at the end of it all, what is right and what is wrong? That which is right for you, is wrong for someone else, and that which is wrong for someone else is right for you.
I seriously wished that I could have prevented someone from passing on, but would that mean I do not walk on the path of dharma? What is Dharma here? That he should die or that he should live? And if I had the power to change it, and make a dead person come to life, would that mean I have messed up someone else's life?
I believe that each life time we take is a lesson. Well at least so far. Because beliefs change as time passes, except the ones you expressly wish to hold on to. And if one's life is the it is, the way it appears, it is because you have made a decision between lifetimes that you need to learn some lesson, that you have failed to learn in the previous one. And you come back to this class to learn. And until you learn you keep going through the same thing, meet the same kind of people.
And does that mean that someone who passes on very young, has already learnt their lessons and now that their time was over, and they dont have to learn anything more for this one time, they had to move on? And if I had the superpower to change that, and if I did change it, does that mean I would have delayed their learning? Delayed a greater destiny? Or to come back to the basics, if I had had the power of clairvoyance, and I had prevented someone from any unforeseen circumstances, would that prevention be in their destiny too?
Whither the answer? As question after question floats up from the bedrock in the rivers of our life, where do I look? And if the question has come up, is the answer also there? Where is "there"? The "there", the "there" which has no address, no location, and therefrom will all the answers come. And therein lies the answer.
What if someone is given the gift or the curse of clairvoyance? To those who do not know what it is to be clairvoyant or any special gift, it is mysterious, the usual curiosity that accompanies the overwhelming need, in some cases, to know the unknown.
What if I had the power to know about something that is going to happen beforehand? Especially with regard to tragic circumstances? If I had the power to know that someone would meet with a fatal accident and instances like that way before it were to happen and had the power to do so, should I prevent it?
To start small, say the food chain, if I were to see a cat run after a frog, should I shoo the cat away, so that the frog may live longer, or should I watch the natural course of the food chain? When I was a kid, I remember having shooed a kitten away, in this case, I bodily removed her from the scene of action when I thought she was going to eat up a frog. My grandmother happened to watch it, and she said, that I should not have done that. It is the right of a being to eat what she deems right, and when she is hungry. Whether we feed the kitten or not, is a different issue altogether.
And at that point in time, I am supposed to have gone against dharma. Against the law of the universe.
When I came to know about the demise of someone close to us, and who was wayyyyy too young to pass into the other realm, leaving behind a family broken in soul. I was desperately wishing at that time, can't some power come back into that body so that they can come back to life? Or why die at all in the first place? Why not, say just fracture a limb or paralyze it instead?
And at that time I also wished that I had known about the imminent demise so that I could have told them not to take out their car on that particular day.
And eventually it led me to a lot of questions on whether I would be going against destiny. When I was young, I remember this line, said in the deep voice of a man I do not remember, "Mutthi main hai taqdeer hamari"; we hold our destiny in our fist. Whether we want to hold it tight, or loose, or not hold it at all, rests within us.
One cannot remain in this world for ever, there is a beginning and an end. But somewhere between all this, there is a choice of postponement. Could I have postponed someone dying before they should have? Or rather before I THOUGHT they should have?
What is right and what is wrong? Yin and Yang, with Yang having Yin within and Yin having Yang within.
In between all this there are things we learn while stepping on each grain of sand, pebble, stone, boulder and the rock in the road of time, where there is an imprint on the world outside, and more importantly the world inside. For whenever you step on anything, you feel the pressure in your foot and the subsequent changes that it brings about in your body. Sometimes the sands are cool, that each time the grains egg out from between your toes, you want to do it slower, so that you can savour it. And when the sands are hot, we run, trying our level best to just skim the surface of the ground below. We watch our footing when pebbles give way to stones or rocks. When the rocks are smooth we gotta watch it so that we don't slip. And in those times, we wish that the rocks are jagged, so that we can find crevices in between, to fit our feet, and remain there as long as necessary, and only until we find the next crevice.
And these lessons in all their complexity leave their imprint on us. Leave an imprint on a canvas, the colours of which constantly change. The pictures change.
We are given only one canvas. We start with a plain one. We first squiggle the colors, the scribble, then try and write, go into calligraphy, mess it up again, and then keep painting one over the other. Just because the painting on the top is the one that is perceived, the colours below remain, unchanged, and silent as layer after layer piles on.
When I was 10, I was given a box of Camlin paints. I could do whatever I wanted with them, and of course the expectation from my Art teacher was that probably I could be the gloriously talents artist that she could discover. Each time she handed out a box of paints, she probably wished, that maybe this time, she ll find her star pupil. One that could mix these coloured substances and bring about awe. And one fine day, I decided to find out what would happen if I mixed all the colours in the paint box. So I squeezed every tube in the box, in what I thought were equal portions and mixed them up. I thought I would discover a shade that the world did not know of and I could go and show off to my teacher about what I had discovered. The things that go on in a child's mind!!! And finally, all that I had was a palette with gray goo. I was disappointed of course that the world did not have a major discovery from me.
In a world full of colours, mixing them all would only give gray. Boring, dull, sick-looking, tired gray.
So when we die what colours do we take from our life? Is gray the colour of life?
Or should we look at it as an all encompassing colour that holds all the colours within, and yet looks uninteresting? Should we learn from gray that you can choose to look at the black or the white side of it?
Should I look at it as White which has been darkened by Black, or Black that has been whitened by gray? And does gray teach us that the colours are just there, but we will have to syringe it out of what appears?
And at the end of it all, what is right and what is wrong? That which is right for you, is wrong for someone else, and that which is wrong for someone else is right for you.
I seriously wished that I could have prevented someone from passing on, but would that mean I do not walk on the path of dharma? What is Dharma here? That he should die or that he should live? And if I had the power to change it, and make a dead person come to life, would that mean I have messed up someone else's life?
I believe that each life time we take is a lesson. Well at least so far. Because beliefs change as time passes, except the ones you expressly wish to hold on to. And if one's life is the it is, the way it appears, it is because you have made a decision between lifetimes that you need to learn some lesson, that you have failed to learn in the previous one. And you come back to this class to learn. And until you learn you keep going through the same thing, meet the same kind of people.
And does that mean that someone who passes on very young, has already learnt their lessons and now that their time was over, and they dont have to learn anything more for this one time, they had to move on? And if I had the superpower to change that, and if I did change it, does that mean I would have delayed their learning? Delayed a greater destiny? Or to come back to the basics, if I had had the power of clairvoyance, and I had prevented someone from any unforeseen circumstances, would that prevention be in their destiny too?
Whither the answer? As question after question floats up from the bedrock in the rivers of our life, where do I look? And if the question has come up, is the answer also there? Where is "there"? The "there", the "there" which has no address, no location, and therefrom will all the answers come. And therein lies the answer.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Please Suggest
Two questions
1. A friend of ours wants to buy a mid segment car which she wants to keep for at least 10 - 15 years. She is not going to be changing her car with the season. I guess that brings us to wheels that dont need to be driven to the mechanic that often, and a company that will be around for that long, so that spares and the like will be available. A lot of people have been suggesting the Hyundai Verna, one because the company has set up shop in Chennai, and is reportedly highly fuel efficient. I happened to tell her about how people have helped me on my blog, with regard to buying things. So would be great if you could chip in your thoughts on this, and....
2. Going on HDTVs, which would be the best to buy? The preference on her side are the wall mountable ones. So the question is
Projection TV - what is it all about
LCD or Plasma? Which one for either option?
She has seen the LG TV which has an inbuilt memory, and can record. And there is the split screen option I hear, what ever that may be.
And of course there is the wide range in Samsung. She does not seem that kicked about Sony, Philips or Panasonic. I am not sure on whether she has seen Sharp.
Confused consumers.
Suggestions would be highly appreciated. TIA.
1. A friend of ours wants to buy a mid segment car which she wants to keep for at least 10 - 15 years. She is not going to be changing her car with the season. I guess that brings us to wheels that dont need to be driven to the mechanic that often, and a company that will be around for that long, so that spares and the like will be available. A lot of people have been suggesting the Hyundai Verna, one because the company has set up shop in Chennai, and is reportedly highly fuel efficient. I happened to tell her about how people have helped me on my blog, with regard to buying things. So would be great if you could chip in your thoughts on this, and....
2. Going on HDTVs, which would be the best to buy? The preference on her side are the wall mountable ones. So the question is
Projection TV - what is it all about
LCD or Plasma? Which one for either option?
She has seen the LG TV which has an inbuilt memory, and can record. And there is the split screen option I hear, what ever that may be.
And of course there is the wide range in Samsung. She does not seem that kicked about Sony, Philips or Panasonic. I am not sure on whether she has seen Sharp.
Confused consumers.
Suggestions would be highly appreciated. TIA.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Trados Freelance
One of the most expensive software that I have come across. Costs a freaking 1000 USD and some clients insist that I absolutely HAVE to use it to translate. One, I am not a fan of CAT tools as far as translation is considered.
This is a rant. Thats all there is to it.
This is a rant. Thats all there is to it.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Tanisha's Voice in Unnale Unnale
And that's me. Someone just reminded me to Blog about it.
It was good fun dubbing. All the time the studio was a riot, with the Assistant Directors and the Sound Engineers. Most of the time I was ROTFL. You get to hear the pilot track where the actors speak a language they don't know. And naturally since they don't know the language, there are pauses and punctuations, where there should not be. And its damn cute listening to someone who doesn't know your language. And putting in their all to speak, remember lines and emote at the same time.
Dubbing can be a very hilarious experience. And strenuous as well.
So after Sillunu oru Kadhal, its Unnale Unnale. And people say there is no similarity in the voice for Bhoomika and Tanisha. So far so good!
What next? As usual, I don't know.
It was good fun dubbing. All the time the studio was a riot, with the Assistant Directors and the Sound Engineers. Most of the time I was ROTFL. You get to hear the pilot track where the actors speak a language they don't know. And naturally since they don't know the language, there are pauses and punctuations, where there should not be. And its damn cute listening to someone who doesn't know your language. And putting in their all to speak, remember lines and emote at the same time.
Dubbing can be a very hilarious experience. And strenuous as well.
So after Sillunu oru Kadhal, its Unnale Unnale. And people say there is no similarity in the voice for Bhoomika and Tanisha. So far so good!
What next? As usual, I don't know.
Stop and Sing
I went to the beach today with mom after a long time.
What's new? Nothing much, except that a lot more people come up and talk to me, and very loud whispers.. "hey its the super singer host.. "
And then a malli-poo girl comes to me and asks me to buy some specified length of flowers and I say no, I don't wear flowers. "Have to do sales illa ma" And then "OH neenga Sahana nalla paadirukkenga, adha solla dhan vandhen" And then she tells me to walk across a few feet to some guy she knows, and give my autograph to him. And nope I didn't do that.
Abhirami Mega Mall is next door to our FM channel office, and our team usually goes there to grab a cuppa. And sometimes there are this school kids / college goers who run after me and say "sing a song for me"
If there is one thing that I don't understand is this. Dancers are not asked to perform in the middle of the road, actors are not asked to act in the middle of the road, but why is that Singers always have to "sing and show" "at least 2 lines"?
I used to oblige in the beginning, but when there is a ruckus happening all around you, a TV is blaring POGO, and you have to sing and prove that you can, in between all this hullabaloo.
Same instance at the beach. We are leaving, and we see all these battery operated hurricane lamps. They look good and then one of the guys says, why don't you sing a song on these lights? All that I could say was "idhu konjam over-a illa?", smile and go.
No matter what I do, where I go, and with whomsoever, I might be breaking my head with mom, trying to decide about the shopping that needs to be done for the next episode, the right clothes and the right what-not, and in between I ll have to sing and show.
Of course I have to grin at the irony of it all. I have no problem when people talk to me, but I really don't understand why I have to sing at the drop of a hat, rather the drop of a sentence, " sing two lines". And most of the times it is an order.
Orkut is the next thing. I sign up to find people who are long lost from my school days, just to relive the nostalgia. Then I exchange scraps with a co-musician about a wedding that I have to attend and that realize it has totally slipped my mind. MOm and I go into a tizzy search for the invite, and see the event is tomorrow, heave a huge sigh of relief. In the meanwhile, X goes looks into my friend's scrapbook and mine, and then asks, "what function tomorrow, you told him something?? I want to know becos he is my friend" I dont know X from Adam, he says Hi, and I like your singing, I say thanks, and then he wants to know where I am going tomorrow.
And others, invite me to their college/school or other work related stuff on the scrapbook. How long does it take to send a message on Orkut itself??
Is this a rant? Probably
Of course its all part of being what I am. Some people who might read this blog will say don't crib about lack of privacy, or rather get off Orkut. WHY should I? "if not, then don't crib".
Also I get scraps like, I saw you performing at this place, and I thought you would be someone with super attitude, I thought you would be a proud peacock.
And all these assumptions with just a performance. See someone from far away, you don't even walk up to that person and talk to them, or better still, haven't seen them anywhere but on TV or the newspaper, but happily make assumptions that they are all nasty things, like you are paid for it.
I am a small fry as long as the industry is concerned. And I am having a fair share of all this and more. I wonder what happens to the stars.
A lot of people tell me that I should not be as reachable as I am now, and shut off, and behave like a celebrity.
Of course, I might get a fair share of comments for this post, but then, well that is the way things are. Thank God for this blog.
What's new? Nothing much, except that a lot more people come up and talk to me, and very loud whispers.. "hey its the super singer host.. "
And then a malli-poo girl comes to me and asks me to buy some specified length of flowers and I say no, I don't wear flowers. "Have to do sales illa ma" And then "OH neenga Sahana nalla paadirukkenga, adha solla dhan vandhen" And then she tells me to walk across a few feet to some guy she knows, and give my autograph to him. And nope I didn't do that.
Abhirami Mega Mall is next door to our FM channel office, and our team usually goes there to grab a cuppa. And sometimes there are this school kids / college goers who run after me and say "sing a song for me"
If there is one thing that I don't understand is this. Dancers are not asked to perform in the middle of the road, actors are not asked to act in the middle of the road, but why is that Singers always have to "sing and show" "at least 2 lines"?
I used to oblige in the beginning, but when there is a ruckus happening all around you, a TV is blaring POGO, and you have to sing and prove that you can, in between all this hullabaloo.
Same instance at the beach. We are leaving, and we see all these battery operated hurricane lamps. They look good and then one of the guys says, why don't you sing a song on these lights? All that I could say was "idhu konjam over-a illa?", smile and go.
No matter what I do, where I go, and with whomsoever, I might be breaking my head with mom, trying to decide about the shopping that needs to be done for the next episode, the right clothes and the right what-not, and in between I ll have to sing and show.
Of course I have to grin at the irony of it all. I have no problem when people talk to me, but I really don't understand why I have to sing at the drop of a hat, rather the drop of a sentence, " sing two lines". And most of the times it is an order.
Orkut is the next thing. I sign up to find people who are long lost from my school days, just to relive the nostalgia. Then I exchange scraps with a co-musician about a wedding that I have to attend and that realize it has totally slipped my mind. MOm and I go into a tizzy search for the invite, and see the event is tomorrow, heave a huge sigh of relief. In the meanwhile, X goes looks into my friend's scrapbook and mine, and then asks, "what function tomorrow, you told him something?? I want to know becos he is my friend" I dont know X from Adam, he says Hi, and I like your singing, I say thanks, and then he wants to know where I am going tomorrow.
And others, invite me to their college/school or other work related stuff on the scrapbook. How long does it take to send a message on Orkut itself??
Is this a rant? Probably
Of course its all part of being what I am. Some people who might read this blog will say don't crib about lack of privacy, or rather get off Orkut. WHY should I? "if not, then don't crib".
Also I get scraps like, I saw you performing at this place, and I thought you would be someone with super attitude, I thought you would be a proud peacock.
And all these assumptions with just a performance. See someone from far away, you don't even walk up to that person and talk to them, or better still, haven't seen them anywhere but on TV or the newspaper, but happily make assumptions that they are all nasty things, like you are paid for it.
I am a small fry as long as the industry is concerned. And I am having a fair share of all this and more. I wonder what happens to the stars.
A lot of people tell me that I should not be as reachable as I am now, and shut off, and behave like a celebrity.
Of course, I might get a fair share of comments for this post, but then, well that is the way things are. Thank God for this blog.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
100,000 +
and probably going strong.. who knows??
A look up of the statistics shows that I have had more than 100,000 hits on to this blog. A little less than two years.
Feels pretty nice to have a readership :)
Thanks everyone
A look up of the statistics shows that I have had more than 100,000 hits on to this blog. A little less than two years.
Feels pretty nice to have a readership :)
Thanks everyone
Monday, May 07, 2007
Of soaring temperatures
What happens when the AC in your car conks and you dont have the time to take it into the garage and get it fixed. You feel like how hens feel when they are broiled or whatever else. One I have to keep the glass raised as much as possible, so that my throat is not exposed to all the vehicular emissions and I have to bathe in perspiration.
I see that most people on two-wheelers are on the same road.
And probably this is what is adding to the increase in road rage amongst people who have to take the heat from the sun, and the the engines in full swing around them.
I also realize it is extremely easy to lose one's temper when someone is physically uncomfortable. And also, quite understandable when people in the lower stratas of the society have the shortest fuse and some of the foulest words in their dictionary. Why ever not? When people driving around in cars and bikes build up major temper on the road, why wouldn't those who live on the line of poverty, discomfort, lack of hygiene, and the basic quality of life?
All we have to endure is the hours on the road, until we get back to our homes, to our cool rooms, with a solid roof above our heads, great food and a comfortable bed. And yet, we complain. Complain about the food not reaching earlier on the table, with the right assortments and the right condiments, complain about not reaching anywhere earlier, complain about not getting things when we want and the way we want. Complain is all most of us can do.
Though it is an easy way, when elders told us to look at those who have less when we crib about what we don't have to feel happy with what we have, how many of us want to, or can make a difference to the lives around us?
Would it be that difficult for people to eradicate the slums around if they wanted to? Mumbai is supposed to have some of the biggest areas, as slums. Would it be that difficult, to just convert those places as high-rises or whatever other comfortable living area for those who need? Its a basic human right to want to live in good surroundings. Would it be so tough if all the citizens of a city, thought of the others living probably just a few hundred meters away from them, pooled in some money and built societies for the less privileged to live in? Why should one always blame the leaders, or the Government or the politicians. What are the people doing? Why can't all those who have the money do something, get things in place? The land is ours, the soil is ours, but we want to sit pretty and let things move around us.
Even if someone has the initiative, all that the others can do is squash whatever they have, extinguish the fire to bring about a change in the lives of others.
The human race has forgotten to be humane. And of course all we can do, moi included is only complain, as thought rarely translates into action. And even in cases that it does, a feeble action is forced through the tar or the sand, as the case may be, on the hot roads in India. And the World.
But glad I am that I have a blog that is not banned, my freedom of expression remains in this vast country that is Hindustan
I see that most people on two-wheelers are on the same road.
And probably this is what is adding to the increase in road rage amongst people who have to take the heat from the sun, and the the engines in full swing around them.
I also realize it is extremely easy to lose one's temper when someone is physically uncomfortable. And also, quite understandable when people in the lower stratas of the society have the shortest fuse and some of the foulest words in their dictionary. Why ever not? When people driving around in cars and bikes build up major temper on the road, why wouldn't those who live on the line of poverty, discomfort, lack of hygiene, and the basic quality of life?
All we have to endure is the hours on the road, until we get back to our homes, to our cool rooms, with a solid roof above our heads, great food and a comfortable bed. And yet, we complain. Complain about the food not reaching earlier on the table, with the right assortments and the right condiments, complain about not reaching anywhere earlier, complain about not getting things when we want and the way we want. Complain is all most of us can do.
Though it is an easy way, when elders told us to look at those who have less when we crib about what we don't have to feel happy with what we have, how many of us want to, or can make a difference to the lives around us?
Would it be that difficult for people to eradicate the slums around if they wanted to? Mumbai is supposed to have some of the biggest areas, as slums. Would it be that difficult, to just convert those places as high-rises or whatever other comfortable living area for those who need? Its a basic human right to want to live in good surroundings. Would it be so tough if all the citizens of a city, thought of the others living probably just a few hundred meters away from them, pooled in some money and built societies for the less privileged to live in? Why should one always blame the leaders, or the Government or the politicians. What are the people doing? Why can't all those who have the money do something, get things in place? The land is ours, the soil is ours, but we want to sit pretty and let things move around us.
Even if someone has the initiative, all that the others can do is squash whatever they have, extinguish the fire to bring about a change in the lives of others.
The human race has forgotten to be humane. And of course all we can do, moi included is only complain, as thought rarely translates into action. And even in cases that it does, a feeble action is forced through the tar or the sand, as the case may be, on the hot roads in India. And the World.
But glad I am that I have a blog that is not banned, my freedom of expression remains in this vast country that is Hindustan
Sunday, May 06, 2007
PodWorks - India's Biggest Podcasting Event
I was asked by Kribs to be part of this event. To be in the Organizer's team, to be precise. And feels nice already!
Today should have been the hottest day in my recorded history, blame it on the "scissor" summer... And the topper was the A/C conking in our car. I knew what it would be to be baked.
Anyway, I was probably the first to arrive at IIT's Cafe Coffee Day. Less than a few minutes, Kiruba came in and give or take ten or fifteen, the place was packed.
Ideas bounced in between cups of coffee, which we took our own sweet time ordering, cos everyone was wayyy to busy jogging their grey cells.
Personally, I am learning already. For one, how people react to another's ideas, how to ask someone to be succinct in expression and of course getting to know more people.
As far as I am concerned, it is all about learning, and no other place than starting it with Coffee topped with whipped cream.
I foresee excitement and sweating it out. That is something I have not done from my Throwball-match days.
The Event - PodWorks is scheduled to be on the 9th and 10th June in Chennai. Please watch this space for more in-depth info.
And here are some of the pictures
Today should have been the hottest day in my recorded history, blame it on the "scissor" summer... And the topper was the A/C conking in our car. I knew what it would be to be baked.
Anyway, I was probably the first to arrive at IIT's Cafe Coffee Day. Less than a few minutes, Kiruba came in and give or take ten or fifteen, the place was packed.
Ideas bounced in between cups of coffee, which we took our own sweet time ordering, cos everyone was wayyy to busy jogging their grey cells.
Personally, I am learning already. For one, how people react to another's ideas, how to ask someone to be succinct in expression and of course getting to know more people.
As far as I am concerned, it is all about learning, and no other place than starting it with Coffee topped with whipped cream.
I foresee excitement and sweating it out. That is something I have not done from my Throwball-match days.
The Event - PodWorks is scheduled to be on the 9th and 10th June in Chennai. Please watch this space for more in-depth info.
And here are some of the pictures
I be tagged!! wheeee
And whee whee I have been tagged by Yasaswini
1. Pick out a scar you have, and explain how you got it:
One?? Can I pick like 5? One on my knee, badly scraped when I fell on gravel. 2 and 3 on my hand, eve-teasing incident during my scooter-riding days on Chetpet bridge, hand grazed a few metres on the tar road.. Had a grotesque looking hand for days. 4 and 5 on legs, where how and all can't remember.
2. What is on the walls in your room?
Hordes of books and cassettes :)
3. What does your phone look like.
Silver gray Nokia 9500.. Me the eternal gadget freak.. waiting for the New communicator to hit the stands. Better for it to come sailing into my hands!! Wishes wishes wishes!!
4. What music do you listen to?
Almost about everything.
5. What is your current desktop picture?
A R Rahman - Worldspace campaign
6. What do you want more than anything right now?
Dance/Work
7. Do you believe in gay marriage?
Of course. When any two people are happy together, they should remain together. And no one else's views need matter.
8. What time were you born?
Not so necessary, I better make the time I am alive worthwhile.
9. Are your parents still together?
Nope.
10. What are you listening to?
Tabla Solo - Ustad Allah Rakha
12. The last person to make you cry?
Oh, I don't need a person to make me cry. Give me some music, enough to make my eyes into dams. Actually it depends.
13. What is your favourite perfume/cologne?
Elizabeth Arden - Green Tea, Paco Rabanne, CK
14. What kind of hair/eye colour do you like on the opposite sex?
Hmm.. haven't thought of it so far, don't see why I should now!
15. Do you like pain killers?
Do I like? Is this like do I like chocolate? I guess thats not the point here... Pain Killers - means to an end.
16. Are you too shy to ask someone out?
Remains to be seen.
17. Fave pizza topping?
Jalapenos hola!! Give me spice!
18. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
Coffee! Super Salad, Pani Puri, Mango Milkshake, Ice cream, Vathalkuzhambu. Ahh several things.
19. Who was the last person you made mad?
Probably my mom. Usually is. I keep pissing her off.
20. Is anyone in love with you?
Oh yep.. The world, the universe and everything else. And I love back!
1. Pick out a scar you have, and explain how you got it:
One?? Can I pick like 5? One on my knee, badly scraped when I fell on gravel. 2 and 3 on my hand, eve-teasing incident during my scooter-riding days on Chetpet bridge, hand grazed a few metres on the tar road.. Had a grotesque looking hand for days. 4 and 5 on legs, where how and all can't remember.
2. What is on the walls in your room?
Hordes of books and cassettes :)
3. What does your phone look like.
Silver gray Nokia 9500.. Me the eternal gadget freak.. waiting for the New communicator to hit the stands. Better for it to come sailing into my hands!! Wishes wishes wishes!!
4. What music do you listen to?
Almost about everything.
5. What is your current desktop picture?
A R Rahman - Worldspace campaign
6. What do you want more than anything right now?
Dance/Work
7. Do you believe in gay marriage?
Of course. When any two people are happy together, they should remain together. And no one else's views need matter.
8. What time were you born?
Not so necessary, I better make the time I am alive worthwhile.
9. Are your parents still together?
Nope.
10. What are you listening to?
Tabla Solo - Ustad Allah Rakha
12. The last person to make you cry?
Oh, I don't need a person to make me cry. Give me some music, enough to make my eyes into dams. Actually it depends.
13. What is your favourite perfume/cologne?
Elizabeth Arden - Green Tea, Paco Rabanne, CK
14. What kind of hair/eye colour do you like on the opposite sex?
Hmm.. haven't thought of it so far, don't see why I should now!
15. Do you like pain killers?
Do I like? Is this like do I like chocolate? I guess thats not the point here... Pain Killers - means to an end.
16. Are you too shy to ask someone out?
Remains to be seen.
17. Fave pizza topping?
Jalapenos hola!! Give me spice!
18. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
Coffee! Super Salad, Pani Puri, Mango Milkshake, Ice cream, Vathalkuzhambu. Ahh several things.
19. Who was the last person you made mad?
Probably my mom. Usually is. I keep pissing her off.
20. Is anyone in love with you?
Oh yep.. The world, the universe and everything else. And I love back!
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