Interesting read from TOI

NEW BANGALOREAN

‘I have always lived beyond my means’

R Raghavendra | TNN

Bangalore: Anand Adkoli left his home in Sarakki in 1986 and made his way to the US, only because that's where many of his peers were going. When he returned in 1999, the oncequiet and peaceful layout had become the bustling and over-developed J P Nagar. Such was the roar of traffic outside, he had to strain his ears to hear people speaking even inside his own house.
It wasn't what he had wanted to come home to. Not after he'd travelled across 32 countries, manufactured diapers, spent over 200 hours underwater, worked for Oracle, written six technology books, notched up 40 skydives, swum with whales migrating off the coast of Los Angeles, been up close with sharks in Australia, done over 20 dives in the Great Barrier Reef, gone cross-country biking, both in the US and Australia, and, most importantly, returned home with a fresh perspective on life.

Today, Anand is CEO of Liqwid Krystal, a $3 million company manufacturing software which enables writing and running a software programme successfully. He lives on an eight-acre farm on the outskirts of Bangalore and works for about 10 days a month. On those days, he leaves home at 5 am, starts the day with a game of squash and reaches work rather early. He's through with work by 5 pm.

Now, living and working in the place he wants, at the pace he chooses, there's a sense of arrival. It's been exciting getting here. After completing his schooling at St Joseph's, Anand pursued his engineering at UVCE, Bangalore. Then, he pursued his Masters in robotics and industrial engineering at Montana State University where the mercury dipped to 30 degrees celcius during winter. "The choice of institution was dictated by the fact that this university was the only one ready to fully fund my education,'' he says.

Then followed the most interesting phase of his life as he sees it now. Straight out of college, Anand got placed in a Huggies diaper manufacturing company. The business involved robots or machines doing most of the work and producing 15 truckloads of diapers a day.
Anand decided to get another degree, this time in computer science from Chicago, which led him to Oracle, a small company then. When Oracle wanted to put in place an evangelist group to travel around the world to talk about its new network computer, Anand was in the team and ready to go. As he travelled through 32 countries, he discovered the pleasures of scuba diving, skydiving, skiing and biking.

Then, Oracle wanted him to shift to Australia and he spent nine months there. At the end of the stint, he decided to set off and explore the place. He used the time to swim with the sharks. "I dived over 20 times in the Great Barrier Reef. I realised what a minority species human beings are,'' says Anand.

Having crisscrossed the North American continent on his bike, Anand decided to do the same in Australia. It was a trip that would leave a lasting impression. "At Kings Creek Cattle Station, I met a couple who lived in a shed. They'd given up teaching at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and spent their time catching camels in the outback for zoos in Australia. One camel would mean enough food supplies for a month. I realised how they had found happiness in that task and in a simple life,'' explains Anand.

He returned to India to start Liqwid Krystal along with musician Ramana Gogula and the rest is history. "I've always lived beyond my means," he says. Perhaps that's one way to get the best out of life.

Anand Adkoli

ps: My first employer opened its office in India with Anand's help. Heard a lot about him from some of the friends there.

Metro - part 2

Metro is not about love and life of a boy and girl. It is actually lot of stories interwoven through threads of love emotions and dreams. To understand them better, we should look at each and every character:

Shilpa Shetty as Shikha: A loyal housewife. She can not be categorised as Tulsi style bahu but she isn't Mandira either. She gave up her job and interests for family's good. Her husband is a bastard and mid of the movie even she knows it. She does get hooked to the lovable Akash, but she still keeps her responsibilities at the priority. When Ranjeet comes back to her, she is about to run away with Akash. But seeing her daughter, she decides to sacrifice her love. A typical Indian woman.

Kaykay Menon as Ranjeet: He does not need love. He needs sex. His relationship with Neha is based on the conditions of no-strings-attached. "aakhir hamko bachche thode hi paida karna hai," tells Ranjeet once to Neha. He cheats his wife but still shows anger when she tells him about Akash. He even doubts her purity and asks her if she used his bedroom to sleep with her lover. A bastard of one degree. But he is intelligent. He knows how to get his things done. He gives promotion to Rahul, coz he needs his home. Neha gets all the perks just coz she keeps him happy. A smart chap indeed.

Kangana as Neha: She loves Ranjeet madly. She knows that he never cared for love and needed her only for sex, she loves him. Or may be she has done this compromise with herself to get what all she needs. She says "mumbai city has made me strong enough that I wont attempt to kill myself again." Her attempt for suicide could be because of guilt. Or may be utter frustration. Not very clear at that point. In the end she runs away from Ranjeet and goes to Rahul, coz "money hi sab kuch nahi hai."

Sharman as Rahul: His character is similar to that of SRK in yes boss. He will do anything to achieve his dream. After all he has not come to mumbai to jog, he has to run. For once I felt that there is not much difference between Gurukant Desai and Rahul. His flat key not just opens the door for the flat but also is the guide to his success in the cunning world. And he uses it well. So while his managers use his flat for their adventures, he travels in empty mumbai road thinking about his dreams. Its a bitter truth, dreams ke liye kya kya karna padta hai. In the end even he realizes that what he was doing is actually not worth it. Only dreams can not promise you a happy life. He is a realist. And is smart indeed.

Shiney as Akash: A loser. Yes, he is lovable but he is a loser. Purpose of his life is not clear. There is anger in his heart due to the failure. Frustration of doing nothing worthwhile is so obvious from his looks. In the end when Shikha leaves him, he just sits there at platform. No words. In last scene, he was shown roaming on Mumbai road. I am not sure if it was him only, but yes if it was him. That's the proof of him being a loser.

Konkana as Shruti: lovable, girl next door. At times she looks frustrated at her single status. Her relation with Monty is a nice love story indeed though they express their love only in the last scene. She is pure in her thoughts and actions. A seedhi saadhi girl for mumbai life. And thus she gets cheated by her boss and the love of her life.

Irfan as Monty: Unargubly the most lovable character from metro. He is loving and caring. Truthful in his actions and thoughts. He stares at Shruti's breasts but then later accepts that as a matter of fact. Bit foolish at times and scared too. Never expresses her love for Shruti. His method of releasing anger is simply superb. His funde in life are simple and clear.

I am leaving Amol and Shivani. Coz they are typical Bollywood characters and the movie could have surely done without them.

I would say all the actors have done justice to their characters. Shilpa's simplicty, Kaykay's cunningness, Shiney's lovable face, Sharman's cuteness, Kangana's freshness, Konkana's charm and Irfan's wit - these all make this movie an experience to watch.

Life In A... Metro

life in a METRO by Anurag Basu

Another brilliant attempt to understand complex science love and relationships. Some of my friends told me that they felt this movie resembles page 3. I guess they are not totally wrong. Some stories and incidents can be called to be similar to those in page 3. But most importantly no character here resembles any one in page 3. They do not belong to that creed of fame crazy so-called party animals. Metro depicts story of people who could be amongst us - in your office, in your neighbourhood, in your family, in you.

It tells us stories about love, relationships, business deals and dreams. You can relate to all as well as none. No feel good notion attached to anything. Everything is as blunt as a rusted knife's edge. Isn't life the same? No preaching either. You get what you want. Anurag Basu has shown what he thinks is his views about everything.

The screenplay is interwoven around small stories which are somehow related to each other. Six degree of separation theory is indeed a reality. Your life and karma is not only yours. It affects many others. And this movie brilliantly shows the same.

A must watch...

bheja fry

I know (that) this post is coming really late. By now all of you must have seen and enjoyed Bheja Fry. Last month or so I was so busy with family that could not find time to watch any movie. There is a big list ready and I am starting another movie spree soon.

Thanks to Joyesh, finally I watched Bheja Fry on Tuesday. Really enjoyed the movie. There are two main character and they present to different aspect of comedy.

Bharat Bhushan laughs at himself. He is cute and lovable. He is funny yet he talks sense. He is like a joker who makes you laugh by laughing at himself. The purest from of comedy. He is Denice of "Denice the menace".

Ranjeet Thadani is not a joker. But he is the junta who sits and enjoys watching a joker. His Friday dinner plans tell us about his crude nature. Is he harmful or not, is a debatable question. He likes to laugh on others and does not care about others. Still you will like him, coz he is what he is. No mask whatsoever.

Movie on the whole is a laugh riot. Amazing acting topped on a tight storyline. Vinay Pathak is simply brilliant. Who will believe that this guy has been a VJ for much channel. Even Ranveer comes from same background. But unfortunately his talent is wasted in the movie. This is only negative point for the movie.

Rajat Kapoor with his silent and paused looks is brilliant too. His smile is really charming.
Sarika did not have a lot of screen presence, so did Milind Soman. After all you have only 95 minutes of screen presence in a 95 minute movie.

Amazing stuff. A MUST WATCH.

void

Loads of work.
And terrible cold.
Mind is almost void.

I am looking for a good book to read while traveling to work. Please suggest. If you live in Bangalore and are ready for an exchange, then let me know.

btw, coldplay is back in my playlists, so is eminem. :)

Remix ki hadd

Could not stop myself from writing another post and sharing this song.

Titanic - Lejhim r...

I am at loss of words. Dandia rocks. :)

Bangalore: Public Transportation System

If you live in Bangalore and rely on public transportation system for your daily (or occasionally) commute, then you know how horrible experience it is every time. These is a novelty in problems you face every time and there seems to be no end to your worries.

Here I share some of the most common problems I have faced with Public Transportation System (PTS) in Bangalore:

Bus Network [BMTC]
The network of buses is not sufficient to serve the ever increasing number of daily commuters. The BMTC buses are always overcrowded. Foot boarding is an offence as per BMTC rules, but you will hardly see any bus in which people are not hanging out of the door. Getting a seat is next to impossible if you board the bus midway on a route. Pickpocketing and eve-teasing is another menace in such a case.
The travel is rather slow and time consuming. The bus drivers do no drive fast, but they do drive recklessly. Sudden brakes and senseless honking is a common feature of their driving style. Overtaking from left and stopping anywhere they wish are another of their habits.

Auto-rikshaws:
They are a nightmare of an experience most of the times. Getting an auto for your destination is very difficult most of the times. Autowalas don't readily agree to go. Many a times they don't agree to use the meter and try to fix a money beforehand. In night problems get worst. Though the rules allow them to charge 1.5 time the meter post 10pm but they mostly ask for double meter. If you cant give/don't want to give, you will need to wait for long before a good fellow comes and agrees to regular rules. One also needs to be careful of cheating using modified metres and tricks.

So where is the solution?
For now there is no other option available in Bangalore. Metro project has just started and it will take at least 5-8 years to fully and properly operate in Bangalore. Only when something like Metro or local trains like mumbai comes in Bangalore, the commuter will get the option of peaceful journey. A system like that would also mean less number of private vehicles on road and that solves many other problems for Government.
But till that time poor commuter has to suffer unless the government does something radical.

In my opinion, for now we seriously need a better control over these PTSs.
BMTC has monopoly on Bangalore local bus scene. Entry of another player would surely boost the performance. As far as problems with auto go, we need a effective grievance redressal method where all the errant autowalas are properly dealt with. They can never be allowed to run the show on their own terms as it is matter of public convenience. Rules should be properly implemented and then only we can imagine a hassle free journey.

Beware: Auto Journey

Recently I had a very bitter experience with an auto-driver in Bangalore. Me and my friend were coming from Majestic and as per the supposed night fare rules we had to pay him double meter. The meter came to 70 rs so we had to pay him 140 Rs.

I readily took out 2 notes of 100 rs from my pocket and gave to him. As soon I gave him the money, he bent backwards as if to see the meter reading. He told me to point some light using my mobile there so that he could confirm the reading [it was midnight]. I did not have any clue as to what he was up to. I put my mobile and showed to him. He agreed it is 140 rs. Then he looked at the notes in hand and told me that I had to give him 140 and not 110. He had a 100 rs and a 10 rs note in his hand.

What he had done was that while our attention was at the meter reading, he somehow slipped one 100 rs note from his hand and put a 10 rs in its place.

We were very sure that we had given him 200 and not 110 as he said. I told him the same and asked for the money back. But he did not agree. He raised his voice and told us that he did not do anything and it was us only who were cheating.

I tried to locate the note in the auto but it was nowhere to be seen. After shouting for some time, I had to finally give him to money as there was no one who could support us that time. I gave him 30 rs and then left the auto. I ended up paying 230 for a 105 rs ride [as per the actual rules you need to pay 1.5 times the meter post 10pm]

Only thing I could do was to note down the number of auto and driver name [though the driver in the licence plate was different from the one driving]. If any of you know how can I take a badla [in the form of complaint or something] with the auto-driver, do let me know. I heard there was a forum formed in Bangalore, but I could not locate its contact informtaion on google.

Mysore: A sad experience

Enter Mysore city and you see hoarding boasting about the heritage and culture. Mysore the prime tourist destination in Karnataka fell really short of my expectations during my recent visit to the city. Here are two of the most important reasons why I say so.

1. Bangalore Mysore Highway:
BMIC project was supposedly developed with the good intentions of catering a hassle free travel between in Bangalore Mysore. 134 km stretch is mostly 4 lanes between these tourism hubs in state. But still you will take around 3hrs to cover this distance. Anything less than that will come tagged with a high risk to your and others life. For now, none of the city or village on the way is bypassed. No flyover to cross them also. So any vehicle has to break it's speed. To add on to the worries, there are speed breakers built all along the road. Now its a simple guess only that these are not build as part of the project but just come up on wish of villagers and roadside shop owners. How can they be allowed to play with project involving so much public money just like that is a big question. These 3 hours journey just eats up a traveler's time.


2. Unorganised Setup:
Mysore tourism will always be synonymous with Srirangapatnam. Tails of Tipu's bravado and charisma are as attractive as the paintings in the corridor of Mysore palace. Still somehow tourism in Srirangapatnam is left on its own. All the places there are run on their own, or at least they appear to be so. There is nothing like any rules or policy in terms of facility and services for the tourist. Can you believe that each spot they charge you whopping 30 rs as parking fee!!

Chamundi Hills was a similar experience too. There are toll gates put up on the way where you need to pay the entry fee. You never know what they are charging for, as most of the basic amenities are not present or even if they are there, they are in really bad shape.

The guides and agents are always on look for duping unsuspecting tourist, specially outsiders. One policeman stopped vehicle and charges 30 rs for no fault of ours. The driver later told us that it is the custom. If you don't pay him, he will find something or other wrong on your part and make you pay more. Nothing else, then he will surely kill your time and ruin the day.

The temples like Somnathpura are not in the best of conditions. At many a places it's just a tragedy like falling wall awaited to open eyes for the tourism department and ASI. ASI's role in all these places is really questionable. While at one end they charge the entry fee, inside you see priests and other local people running their own shows. I pity those foreigners who pay 2-5$ to visit such places.

3. Lack of Infrastructure:
Mysore palace is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful palace in India. But the facility there are really pathetic. One can not the reason behind ban on camera and footwear inside the palace. Given that there are no proper arrangements for clean and comfortable pathways between the two palaces. Restrooms or water dispensers are hardly visible inside the big campus. And they charge tourist entry fee. Not to forget there is a private section of the museum also which charges you 20 rs for nothing. I don't know who actually controls this palace and the museum, but they have surely put up a bad show. They are just banking on the glory from past. How long it can go on like these is the question of most importance.

Tourism is a full time business which generates so much of direct and indirect employment. It clearly needs a better deal than what it gets currently in Mysore.

It Happened In India

It happened in India is a autobiography by Kishore Biyani (KB as he is called by his friends). KB is called the Badshah of Indian Retail business. I wont use the word market coz after reading the book you will realize it for sure that its not just a market, its a full fledged business with all the basic ingredients mixed and served well.

This book to a certain extent appears like a mouthpiece of Pantaloon and KB. But then in the core, it also talks about how a common marwadi ladka from a Mumbai neighbourhood became the King of Retail in India. The book is not just about the success of KB and Pantaloon in business but the toil and efforts behind getting there. The dreams, visions and ideas - that made retailing in India such a profitable and challenging proposition. Not many dare to challenge to go to a country of 7 million bania shops [plus almost same number of suppliers and middlemen] and open a super/hyper market/mall.

Its a nice feel good read which does not lack in the stimulating feelings. It talks about dreams not just as dreams but in terms of risks and efforts. Positive or Negative - the results are not that important.

Here is one of my favorite line from the book:
"The movie taught me that the most important thing is to never get too attached to any idea, project or concept. One has to dispassionately evaluate every business decision and realise that not all initiatives are going to be successful. It is important to accept failure and to distance oneself from an idea or project if it doesn't work."

ps: I would really suggest everyone reading this book. If you are an MBA aspirant then read it for some inspiring tells about how businesses are run.

Brand New Day

How many of you people out there
Been hurt in some kind of love affair
And how many times do you swear that you'll never love again?

How many lonely, sleepless nights
How many lies, how many fights
And why would you want to put yourself through all that again?

"Love is pain," I hear you say
Love has a cruel and bitter way
Of paying you back for all the faith you ever had in your brain

How could it be that what you need the most
Can leave you feeling just like a ghost?
You never want to feel so sad and lost again

One day you could be looking
Through an old book in rainy weather
You see a picture of her smiling at you
When you were still together
You could be walking down the street
And who should you chance to meet
But that same old smile that you've been thinking of all day

You can turn the clock to zero, honey
I'll sell the stock, we'll spend all the money
We're starting up a brand new day

Turn the clock all the way back
I wonder if she'll take me back
I'm thinking in a brand new way

Turn the clock to zero, sister
You'll never know how much I missed her
Starting up a brand new day

Turn the clock to zero, boss
The river's wide, we'll swim across
Started up a brand new day

It could happen to you - just like it happened to me
There's simply no immunity - there's no guarantee
I say love's such a force - if you find yourself in it
And sometimes no reflection is there

Baby wait a minute, wait a minute
Wait a minute, wait a minute
Wait a minute, wait a minute

Turn the clock to zero, honey
I'll sell the stock, we'll spend all the money
We're starting up a brand new day

Turn the clock to zero, Mac
I'm begging her to take me back
I'm thinking in a brand new way

Turn the clock to zero, boss
The river's wide, we'll swim across
Started up a brand new day

Turn the clock to zero buddy
Don't wanna be no fuddy duddy
Started up a brand new day

I'm the rhythm in your tune
I'm the sun and you're the moon
I'm a bat and you're the cave
You're the beach and I'm the wave
I’m the plow and you’re the land
You're the glove and I'm the hand
I'm the train and you're the station
I'm a flagpole to your nation - yeah

Stand up all you lovers in the world
Stand up and be counted every boy and every girl
Stand up all you lovers in the world
Starting up a brand new day

I'm the present to your future
You're the wound and I’m the suture
You're the magnet to my pole
I'm the devil in your soul
You're the pupil I'm the teacher
You're the church and I'm the preacher
You're the flower I'm the rain
You're the tunnel I'm the train

Stand up all you lovers in the world
Stand up and be counted every boy and every girl
Stand up all you lovers in the world
Starting up a brand new day

You're the crop to my rotation
You're the sum of my equation
I'm the answer to your question
If you follow my suggestion
We can turn this ship around
We'll go up instead of down
You're the pan and I'm the handle
You're the flame and I'm the candle

Stand up all you lovers in the world
Stand up and be counted every boy and every girl
Stand up all you lovers in the world
We're starting up a brand new day

- Brand New Day by Sting.

ps: Heard this song after a long time. A Bollywood style music composition with some really nice lyrics.

Jigsaw puzzle

"Things falling in place...
Ever played jigsaw puzzle with hundreds of parts. Even though it seems like everything is in place, the picture is not perfect till the very end.

It ain't over until it is over."

I wrote this piece as a comment on Shubhi's blog.
Jigsaw puzzle relates so well to life. Everything is bits and piece. Some related to each other while totally alien for others. The beauty of the game lies in envisioning a perfect picture and then fitting different parts in that.
Life on the other hand does not guarantee a perfect picture. But still dreaming is part of the game. Only if you can imagine it, you can dream it, it is possible. There is no fun in living life in bits and pieces.

ps: reading about Kishore Biyani these days. So you might see some more about dreaming and envisioning at this place.

Rule of the Game

He felt loser each day. Whatever he did, success did not bed with him. More disheartening was the fact that Failure and Dejection had gobbled up space in his life. Pain and suffering became unendurable some days.

He sat back and introspected.

And there it was. He realized that he did not know the rules of game. The rules he knew does not apply anymore.

Success and Failure does not matter him now.
He enjoys playing the game, and he is happy for that. He also makes his own rules now.

diffused

I know I can not stagnate.
My existence is in getting absorbed in the moment.
I live and I vanish.
Does not matter.

the bicycle theory

In a bicycle front tire plays the guiding role while the rear one is the driving force. Both are necessary for its existence. More so is their adherence to their duty. Any one's failure means a catastrophe, or at least a meaningless existence.

Both are performing their individual duty with a unsaid trust over other's capability and commitment. One tire can be bigger than other but it never permits it of any lapse in its dharma. Egos do not expand proportionate to the size and status.

How beautifully the same theory applies to relations!!

teri yaadein aati hai

Teri yaadein aati hai by Lucky Ali.
First song to get played on my new ipod shuffle.
That 1GB storage had everything;
emigma to kishore,
euphoria to karunes,
indian ocean, floyd, bryan adams, roxette, the verve, chorrs
and what not...

But Lucky Ali got the honor. :)

Finally got my ipod. With my name embossed on it.

yippppeeeeeeeeee

naam gum jaayega....

pakhi

"Thank you. :) but what hurt me the most was that I still haven't won a place in your search for utopia," she said.
I know it is high time I make her mention here in "my search of utopia" Hurting her means I am in trouble. Even my guardian angels won't take my side this time.

So today I write to the world.
Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls, Let me introduce to you - Su.


Undoubtedly one of my best(est) friend, Su was born and brought up in doesn't-matter-to-you. She did her schooling from no-point-telling-you. And recently she finished her graduation from are-you-still-expecting-anything-here-?.

I met her on a train. The train journey of my life. Pune to Bangalore. Almost 3 years back. Few days before Xmas. She was Santa chacha's gift to my life that Xmas. And I will cherish this gift for my whole life for sure.

Chirpy and smiling - the first impression.

I was new to that group and you can imagine how difficult it would have been for a shy cow like me to sit among that gang of girls from yea-yea-that-same-college. But I sat there (like a brave soldier), and talked. Talked to Su and few of her friends. All in their early don't-mention-age-plz. Full with energy. With those umpteen dreams in those twinkling eyes. There was lots of mischief also in those eyes. Surely it made them all the more attractive. We talked about so many things. And most importantly shared some of our dreams.
For you gossip-heads, someone sang a song also; for "me and Su". :-)

Train reached to Bangalore and we parted our ways. I was not sure if we would meet again. In one corner of the heart, the meet-her-again and don't-lose-touch wale songs were playing continuously. And I called her. I did not have a cell phone that time, so I used a coin phone. At least 10 Rs1 coin in my hand. I just used 4. They did it all for me.

We talked and we met. Mails, sms, calls and dreams. We kept in touch.

Its been more than 3 years now and here is what I know about her from these three years -
She sings well
can make food too
writes well
Has done some work in advertising
and a tabloid
and with NGOs
Can do anything for chocolate
and for work
and her dreams
Is determined
and hardworking
and organized
dependable and trustworthy
Can not be pleased easily
and is perfectionist
Knows paper making
and sign language
Has acted in plays
acts well too
Almost became a RJ once
and MBA aspirant
Fell in love at least twice
both were not worth her
and she still does not accept it
Broke at least one heart
and that was mine
Is expert in ruining your mood
and plans
Never breaks promises
coz she hardly makes them
Can go on talking
for hours
and hours
Is emotional sometime
sometime a fool too
Likes shopping
want to go to Lucknow for it
and to Delhi too.
Can be unpredictable sometimes
Can make you come online at 1am
and recharge her cell at 2
Hates the sight of sodexos [hehe, thanks to me]
Never gives treat for first salary
and even if she gives, it is you who end up paying
and forgets your bday
Made me angry so many times
and made me cry.
She did it too.
Asked me 'if i will be there'
just to re assure herself
Never expects anything
from life
from you
from anyone
unless she loves you
or trusts you
Is practical
and caring
and lovable
and trustworthy
I know her
and this is my achievement of last three years.
yes ,I love her
she does too.
and that is it.
She is God's gift to me and I am always thankful to God for that.
I am proud of you Su.
I am proud of myself for knowing you.

ps: This is a paid testimonial. :)