Alchemist and Ayn Rand

The Alchemist - 2012 - just out of Undergrad college- was the year this book got into me, and glad to see where i am now. I do acknowledge this book as the First storey in my "Conscience Building", wherein the Foundation and Ground Storey was already laid by Swami Vivekananda and Metallica & Pink floyd respectively.
Yes, though looking back now- i feel these books are bit over-rated- fundas seem 'of-course' LOGICAL and 'as a matter of fact'- but then in the same breath- never deny or doubt the trip and the grip these books have on us & the way we respond by trying to be 'some-one' out of a 'no-one'
Guess, to be put in a nut-shell, all these books say the same god-damn thing- in different contexts and languages. It is 'old wine- new bottle', after a while. Now atleast- after a decade of going through atleast 4 different philosophies, innumerable lecturers- the effort since a year or so- has been more towards 'implementation' of this. These things are nice to read and feel good about- but then i feel the real test is 'putting them into use'. eg: It is soooooo damn difficult a cultivate a new habit- i am amazed at the sheer effort it takes and the amount of strain on the willpower. So far, i have none on the board- just goes on to show that i need lot more inspiration 'within', and decade of reading has hardly helped. Well, i end up comforting myself saying that it is new phase - just a year old and have a long way to go......
Now, coming to Ayn Rand- Let me tell - being an architect - i shamefully accept that it was only in Mar 2013- did i read 'Fountainhead' and starting nibbling at Rand's universe. And this is one book- which shook my 'Conscience Building'- by completely questioning the fundamentals of my beliefs, our upbringing and Indian way of Perceiving oneself and the Society. Still confused and yet to buy in- the theory of Ayn Rand. But dread to even think - what i would have ended up had i read this book- a decade back ( the usual time any architect- is forced/ bound/ inspired to read this book- kind of 'me-too' factor)
Here's the question for you- ARE YOU ALTRUIST ? (Something which Ayn Rand admonishes)

Chennai Express: Review

Watching a movie 3 weeks into its release- its indeed a challenge not be judgemental. But, should admit was quite successful in this. Getting on the movie- first on- its not at all a 'bad', 'pathetic', 'bore' movie as how the critics have panned out. Needless to say- we have been subjected to lot worse movies. In a nut shell- its a decent earnest movie- which knew what it was doing and to whom it was being made. If this seems to be a problem- the critics must take a hike. There are several positives in this movie- the production value of the movie is top-class & technically, a brilliant hindi movie- each shot / colors/ locales have been digitally enhanced- (deja-vu Life of Pi, Potter series). In terms of visual pleasure- certainly one of the firsts for Bollywood. There are couple of scenes where the colors are too blinding but they are few and far. Then, is the 'story telling'- Narrative and alike a lot of hollywood movies- the movie is a series of well-scripted 8-12 minute plots- each unique- like humorous song narratives, Dipika's Midnight avatar etc etc. It is in this segment that I dont feel its as bad as what the critics have portrayed. Then, its SRK SRK SRK all the way- midway through i was tempted to count the number of frames without SRK. Its SRK a movie and that too - surprise surprise- no overacting - except for one scene in the climax. I must agree that he has a done a great job. Dipika too adds on and compliments SRK and poses no threat to him, as who owns the movie. Besides, these Yes- there are cliches, predictability, bloopers, 'nothing new', 'cartoonisation' etc etc- but as i said- when you know the intent of the movie- there is no point reviewing it otherwise. Out- on Out full paisa vasool movie, and do not regret watching it. Rohit shetty and team deserve the kudos.

What are your hobbies ?

An interesting 'food for thought' moment happened about a fortnight ago. Was driving with a new acquaintance from the Client's team - and we started to get along pretty well. thereupon the obvious question popped up- WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES ? Man, what a moment- everything around me just turned into a BLACK HOLE and turned non-existential. I could see through everything around me. My eyes narrowed- tongue twitched and well I HAD TO THINK to answer this pretty - off the cuff question. Just made me realize- how old i have grown. Hobbies !!! Such a lovely thing- such a thing we proudly cultivate with an intent to distinguish from rest of us- Such a thing which we used to give unconditional time and commitment- such a thing - which spoke of who you are- such a thing- we used to KILL time with. Well- simply had no idea where all these- fell off without my notice- along this great transitional journey from a student to a professional to a family man. Of course- things change as time loses out on us- but then no way an excuse to make a victim out of this. time to play CATCH UP. But- where and how to start ???

My New Love

Something I DESPERATELY aspire.  Couple of years may be. Lets see. Its materialistic though. But I think I deserve a pass.

Tabbing, a new era

Sent from Samsung tablet

Fountainhead

Finally reading the book- full of mixed thoughts- yet to form an opinion. But keeping me actively occupied for the past fortnight. Something i really look fwd to. Watch this space

Bharath
..::::HTC..:::..on::...::::d....move

Brilliants Gifts

My darling wife gifted me these two books ...Cant tell how happy i am.