The Namesake

I find the Seventies very idyllic. Although I was not born in that decade (I think..) and have nobody telling me about how awesome that decade was; I somehow feel growing up in seventies in any country must had been ideal.

So a movie that is about an Indian family living in New York in seventies was bound to catch my attention. And of course when somebody like Mira Nair is directing it, there is no reason not to watch it (or rather again).

The Namesake. A story of a Bengali young man - Asokae who wants to explore the world. He lives his dreams through books, until one day a near-fatal accident and persuasion from a foreign-return uncle changes his mind. He moves to New York for studies. He then marries a beautiful Indian girl (depicted by Tabbu. She manages to look absolutely stunning throughout the movie). Love blossoms between two lonely hearts in a big, cold country. Unaware of many American ways, they end up having to name their first kid without much thought. In a feat of happiness, the proud father names his son after the book that changed his life - a biography of Ukrainian dramatist - Nikolai Gogol.

Cut..

Like many other immigrant kids who grew up confused in a foreign land (where either side of doorstep poses two different worlds), Gogol finds himself resenting his culture and traditions. He thinks of himself more as an American, rather than a son of Indian immigrant.

Then one day his father (who taught him to walk, run and dream) passes away. A long-awaited bond of love between the two only strengthens after this tragic event. He realizes that he really needs to embraces his roots, rather than trying to run away from them. At times he takes this too seriously and goes on to marry another Bengali girl who grew up in Paris. The relation is short-lived and makes him realize that the bond with his roots is much deeper than just settling down with a compatriot.

He finds the book that had unknowingly defined his identity in a closet of his beloved father. He starts reading it and realizes what his father really wanted to tell him was 'to be free and explore the world' (This is beautifully interwoven with the name of Tabbu's character - Ashima, one without boundaries!). The story ends on a content note. Gogol and his mother go on to pursue what they always dreamed of doing.

Amazing music by Nitin Sawhney, especially the 'Namesake Reprise' track (enjoy below). Just like the movie; the music touches your heart. Great cast with likes of Irrfan Khan, Tabbu and Kal Penn.



I ended up watching this movie twice on a same day! Maybe because the plot revolves around a warm portrayal of a family living apart from each other. Who knows...

Tribute to the Indian Wall!

I always looked at Rahul Dravid as Pete Sampras of India :) I know that I might be comparing apples with oranges, but I could not help finding some similarities between their appearance on and off the field/court.

I feel fortunate to be growing up watching sportsman like Rahul Dravid who not only greatly contributed to making India a winning side, but also kept Cricket a 'gentleman's game'. Technique, discipline and sportsmanship thy name is Rahul Dravid!

Wishing Jammy happiness and good luck for the rest of his life. Hopefully we will get to see him in future through an (auto)biography and as a cricket veteran.

Anyways, Following is one of his candid interviews from late 90's with Karan Thapar. It is amazing to see how focused and grounded he is!



Reference: Rahul Dravid recently announced his retirement from international cricket

80/20 principle

I am one of those idiots who try to find pattern in everything around me. I make up some rules from observed patterns and try to live by them only to realize that 'every rule has an exception'. (Can this rule have exception as well? :P)

Anyways, here is something I have read or watched and am convinced about these days. 80% of the things in your life are driven by 20% of your actions. Believe me. 80% of your happiness comes from select 20% percent activities that you choose to devote your time or not. Of course this 20% varies for everybody, but sooner you identify that 20%, closer you will be to most of your happiness.

Let's take an example. Here's what makes me most happy.

• Cracking that problem that has been bothering or annoying me for many days.


• Learning something new about my work everyday.


• Being there for somebody I deeply care and love.


• Reading that awesome book that I always wanted to.


• Keeping my mind and body fresh by some sort of exercise or travel to some place new and different.


• Working on something cool or with somebody who shares some common interests.

I have realized that when I am not focusing on this 20%, I am mostly miserable. This is because the other 80% stuff takes too much of my energy and might or might not make me 20% happy.

You do not believe me? Alright, one more example. Let us say you are taking some exam. You have to realize that 20% of the exam syllabus will contribute to 60-80% of your grades (How do you think I managed to do reasonably well in school, despite slacking of till the very end? :P). The key is to identify that 20% soon and focus your time and energy.

Scientifically this principle is referred to as Pareto Principle.[1] Some more examples of this are as follows[2]:

• 80% of your profits come from 20% of your customers


• 80% of your complaints come from 20% of your customers


• 80% of your profits come from 20% of the time you spend


• 80% of your sales come from 20% of your products


• 80% of your sales are made by 20% of your sales staff

Or graphically,



So Bacha, find that 20% now and be 80% happy.*




Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle
[2] http://cartikvyas.blogspot.com/2009/07/living-life-8020-way.html
* Disclaimer: Author is not liable if you are focusing on that 20% of your life, and not becoming 80% happy. It just means you haven't found your 20% yet :P