Good, bad, ugly 2008..

All the leading Newspaper had a pull out of 2007-2008 flashback info on sports,music, dance,events, just about everything. On the contrary, with a PR as profession, end of every year, I clear my telephone book and chk on my new additions,and transfer the numbers to my new year Diary..this has been mine godly routine welcoming and preparing for the next year to come. Honestly, there are no deletion on numbers or contacts,with a smile I proudly pat myself on my shoulder for my PR skills.

This year, thro this blog, I list down very few great meetings I had. My meeting with these people purely based on my initiative to write to them, trace them in a public event, thro close associates and final gate crash...not a bad idea though.

The year started with SUKANYA RAMGOPAL the first Women Ghatam artist. A versatile artist to play 12 Ghatam at a time creating a unique fusion music. Not to mention, she is the great grand-daughter of U.Ve.Swaminathan Iyer, my dad said he is called ."Tamil Thatha. I did a small research too on this Thatha, Very interesting.

Women make their presence everywhere, proved with the second meeting of mine. ZOE SHERINIAN SHERINIAN An associate Music Professor from Univ of Oklahama, living in interiors of Madurai to research on THAPATARAI a brand music of DALITS. This is played only during Procession for the last rites. A English Women clad in Indian attire Pyjama Kurta drinking masala tea, and talking about Indian music. Very astonisining. This music reminded me of my teenage, when I used to imitate street dancers dancing to this particular beat.. great feeling.

My previous association with Animation and Special effects, helped me talk the same language, when I Met Mr.BRIAN JENNINGS, won multiple Oscar Awards for Hollywood special effects and also recently lay hands in making of tamil DASAVATHARAM. Thanks to Arena Animation Academy for giving me an apportunity to learn about special Effects.

The Times Pullout carried a slot on Indian sports wizards, my joy had no ends when I shouted PANKAJ ADVANI!! winner of WORLD Title for snooker. My meeting at Chennai Andhra Club,strictly for 10mnts allotment, drag to 45 mnts. I mentioned to him about my expert playing skills with "goli" or "kanche" a exciting game on streets. I used to play quite well with boys, when I was in teens...

Thanks to Mr.HARICHARAN, sir that's how I address him, I met Mr.CHANDRASEKAR , a national, international TT Player who won the ARJUNA AWARD. He taught me to live my life, and do what I like.. To know more about him log on to http://chandra.bigadda.com.

This year ended well, DRUMS SIVAMANI gave me just one hour prior notice to meet him at Green Part Vadapalani. First time, my car driving skills were tested. A very simple human being. I deliberatly took a picture, Iam a great fan of him.

A very bad and ugly times, when I did not get a parking space for my car in the office, but to walk a km up and down. When I picked up a fight in middle of RK salai signal with a fruit vendor trying to cross on wrong side. Fighting with my ADMIN manager for a petty issue - I never got along with Administration personnel right thro my career. They are too slow and lethargic.. Im sure it is the case everywhere.
Felt too upset, when one of my best friend at mumbai office was given a pink slip - RECESSION.

Hoping 2009, I get the best and also the once I have lost last year...

Usha Uthup of Carnatic Music...

Top U.S. honours for Aruna Sairam
It was a concert-cum-felicitation ceremony organised by Shri Vari Foundation in New York.

"The U.S. national flag was flown atop the Capitol building and handed over to Aruna Sairam and a special Congressional proclamation recognising her musical contribution was issued by the U.S. House of Representatives at a function held in New York.
It was a concert-cum-felicitation ceremony organised on August 16 by Shri Vari Foundation, an organisation to promote spirituality, music and dance, at Francis Lewis Auditorium in Queens, New York.
"Margazhi Mahotsavam, music fete in Chennai. Surpised to see and feel the same spirit, even after major natural, humane and economic calamity our nation is facing. But our culture and tradition is very closely linked to Music, Dance and Art, and we strongly believe that our unity is based not on religion but purely on Music, Dance and Art.

I could proudly mention, that I hail from a music background family, my maternal grandmother, a direct disciple of yester year VEENAI DHANAMMAL. She was also an AIR Veena player. A small portion of her gene has made me a great Bathroom Singer, and also learnt VEENA from popular VEENAI JAYLAKSHMI. Surprisingly I played very well and used my Granny's antique veena to practise at home. But today, the fingering on VEENA strings have trained me to use my laptop with style.. Also thanks to KUTCHERI BUZZ, and my professional teacher MR. VINCENT, my interest to sit through 3 hrs of long concert, and waiting to meet the artist and sell space for the famous "KUTCHERI BUZZ GUIDE" had made me write this blog on music.

7th Sunday, evening, I had to typically dress like a mylapore mami to listen to live Concert of Aruna Sairam for JAYA TV margazhi Mahotsavam, at 6.30 pm. Wanted to find a place in one of the prime rows in the front, like anyother rasika. The catch for most of the rasikas to chose the first three rows is to show their face on the camera.. of Jaya TV. My previous experience in the college to get into a running bus for a seat, really helped me. I got the third row, from the dias.

Wow !! sharp as schduled, curtain raised, and the sight was very godly. ARuna Sairam in a typical south Indian attire, with Kharthik Ghatam,( who has recently got Doctorate in percussion instrument - Ghatam)as one of the accompanist. Her choice of music was on OOTHUKADU, my favourite. Her tone, body language, selection of songs, interaction with the audience, always reminded me of pop singer USHA UTHUP. Also my observation, about her, right on the third song, she would promiently remove off her golden bangles, finger ring to feel at ease. That is her involvement to singing. Her feel at HOME -DIAS, has really made the rasikas very comfortable.
Her famous number - 'kalinganarthanam and "vishama kara Kannan' literally made the mami, and mamas to dance. She also had a remix of all oothukadu numbers.

Very surprisingly, my little knowledge on Oothukadu, was specialised composition on Lord Krishna, but this concert had songs on lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga and Goddess Durga.

The compere and the organisers literally had to drive the crowd and I saw god's creation in one hall. so many different faces, emotions, background jointly clapping hands and dancing to the music. Thanks to the singer for bringing this unity amongst us. More that 1000nos were the audience count.

Chennai not a good plot for Terrorist..

Chennai was flooded with rains during the last week of Nov.08. I explored walking from Nungambakkam to Mylapore after a long day's work. Of course, with my ipod on. Trying to reach "zerofigure". Passing by X drive-in- restaurant, one of my favourite hub, which is now a haunted place, Gangotree, on Cathedral road, I normally hang out with friends, Hot breads which is now renovated, owned by Mr. Mahadevan whom I really respect for his achievements, the old Music Academy, and of course, ARena Multimedia, my earlier office ....yes a long walk. I had to hide this trip of mine to my husband, who would start his series of advices, but with lot of concern for me. Huge tree falling on RK mutt road, and corporation labours trying to clear them off, barely equipped, torn clothes, barefoot, scarce road lights and not to forget open MANHOLES.

Rikshawpullers on move for their livelihood. Cursing our government and the politician, reached home , the entire family sitting in the drawing room, with folded hands watching WAH TAJ!! torn by Human Terrorist...saw a bigger picture of politician's inefficient management of our Country. By and large, today every body speak about this issue. On the contrary, related to this incident, my observation was on how Chennai'ts reacted to this... well!! I drove down to TAJ Chennai, burst out laughing when I saw 2 dark policemen, typical fat bellied ones guarding, Marriot, had a huge lock outside, of course the traffic police trying to stop trespassers, Two wheeler riders. At the end all of them escaped parting with Just Rs.50/-. A 50/- rupee note in Chennai would prove a great deal for the terrorist, would also have festival offers!!!. Of course, if the terrorist chose, Ranganathan street, by the time they enter the lane with armed forces, stinking crowd would sent them to hell. Well if the target was Valluvarkottam, Railway station, the pungent aroma would be a treat for the nostrils putting them to coma.. Not to mention, if the plot to enter Chennai thro KOOVAM river...

These few things really put me to a safe zone, and next day I woke up telling my daughter she is lucky to be reared in place like "Chennai"

Your comments please... Best entry, would enjoy a boat ride at KOOVAM RIVER.

Summer of 69 - Rainy of Chennai

Oh when I lock back now,
That was seemes to last forever,
And if I had the choiceYa -
I'd always wanna be there,
Those were the best days of my life,
Summer of 69!!!!
From the lyrics of Summer 69 by bryan Adams... one of my favourite song. Heavy pour down yesterday in chennai. after a long days hectic work, managing and fingering my laptop hardly had time to sneak out of window.. at evening realised, need to rush home to sip my hot filter coffee and catch up with my friends on phone. Like any office in chennai, fighting for car park space, my car was parked 1km away from workplace. OOF !! after a long day inside centralised A/C cabin, my security opened the main door and could hear heavy pour, cars,bikers, walkers wading thro the roads of nungambakkam- cannaought place of Chennai. This day I decided to walk with my ipod on listening to "Pyar hua ik rar hua..Rajkapoor oldies.( but did not have my loverboy next to me. ) to my car park. But worried about not dropping into a open MANHOLE which chennai is famous for during rains.thanks to Corporation. Driving all alone from nungambakkam, to home on flooded roads. Took a corner lane, and even a bullock cart, tricycle gazed at my speed and could see the cows frowning. Driving down reminded me of my old days, when my dad would pick me from work /college during rainy days. My first comment on reaching home would be a mockery at my dad's slow driving. he would just smile at me with a cigar lit and say "slow and steady wins the race". But was sure of reaching home safe, as I was in very safe hands. My dad was a great driver, his trekker would fly like a flight in kuccha hill roads of chamba, pathankot route. And of course those days where the cars did not even have music system, or ipod. That was when all three of us my sister, brother and me would sing all the way through to keep him motivated. Well !! my dad would put me on hold all the time, as I had the most loud voice. I am sure he would have been very proud of me yesterday of my driving and also realised, I have grown up!!! But to tell you the fact APPA !! the Chennai roads have taught me this SPEED!!

Manchester of Chennai...

This saturday 22nd afternoon, a drizzling afternoon, my daughter and husband fighting on a TV channel to watch - and atlast POGO won...my interest were different wanted to take off on exploring expedition to ..guess !! The PONDY BAZAAR - Manchester of Chennai. I had parked my wagonr 2kms away from the main bazaar. A nice walk with a pack of popcorn of course with my sisy and mom catching up with old days togeather.. Streek hawkers selling clothes, trinklets. food, footwear, everything and one of the shop even sold TOPS 100/- ):- my nasty brain tiggered off, this advt slate and this shop had the most crowd . Very simple branding with great customer service the hawkers would sell more than a fancy A/C showroom. Thought may be MBA's should get their intern with them. Well !! newyear ahead, a great place to pick up cusotmised ,personalised hot made keychains wow very exciting, just for Rs.25/-. He sells dragons, heartshaped, teddy bear, geometrical figures. You pick and he engraves what you write and show him.. just in 3mnts he gives it toyou. A lot of smile and feel of conquering the world. May be he is the most learned person, he would insrcibe anything you write and show him, but he can speak only tamil. His main business is to engrave names on marriage gifts and "seer' what we call but his extended busines is 'Keychains". Few white visitors were his customers and just with a pen/paper and a smile he serviced their orders.. and Iam still learning the art of customer service..
Nov18, 2006, I was a part of a event organised by my earlier company. Just a afternoon meeting in AREVA conference hall with bigwigs of the company , debating on gifts to give their clients ,employees, and associates, names and suggestions drawn on huge budgets, fancy items, well 2006 being a rewarding year for economy the company could spend budgets, and this personalised small gifts would really mean more than a huge gift to carry home.
Chk out this Vendor just at the foot step of Rathna stores... making people happy .
My car keychain now has my name inscribed andy natesan....wow!!!

Filmi Baazar - Maya Bazaar!!!!!

Goa ...mmm the most beautiful holiday spot in Norther India. Would one day want to stroll in a floral bikni, take a sun bath .. like to tan myself and in the night dance to the drums and music of goanese flavour, and not to forget the yummy fenny with orange juice... and if it is going to be with the most beautiful friend ... its being in heaven. This is what generally one would think of doing in Goa may be more than this. Goa by itself has been contributing to our economy of our country. shopping in Goa for trendy funky clothes. accesories, jewellery, tatooing, is one would look forward to but this year NFDC has planned a BIG BAZAAR in Goa . A new concept a platform to showcase creative and bring up talence. Again to mention here oh!!!! recession, no movies, people like to watch movies at home , with friends , long soap in television has now time for feature films and documentaries that reflect the diversity of India with untold and unheard movies . Film Bazaar is a platform for young talence, who wish their project to be financed. Meet the producers and fianciers who would buy your concept, films and create an opportunity to complete the incomplete project for just not finding FUNDS!!!! Registraions are on, If you are shopping for a good script and want to finance in a good script worth shoppping !!!! Yes from Nov 26th to 29th. Log on to www.nfdcindia.com for more detials. Also sold candies, sea food, clothes, street show.... if not for filmi shopping watch out and meet the most beautiful goanese girls .....dancing
Planning to visit , would you join, but only funky clothes and ready for a glass of fenny. write to me....

Recession - Gulab Jamun ADVT.

The whole world speaks a common language today "recession" - pink slip at Job, high priced vegetables, No hang outs, Film industry not in heights of production..... well!!! surprisingly, my mom who is just 12 pass ,earlier days ESSLC, reads Tamil hot Thinathanthi, cooks good Brahmin food, yet , my only friend today, with whom I share things at work. Every day back from home, I share gossips, my silly fights at work, happiness and achievements. She would be too proud of her daughter, but after this recession news and pink slip, she commented " All this while I thought you had a great competition at work, and proud of your intelligence and working calibre, but looking at the employee strength reducing at corporates, you relate to the Gulab jamun ADVT - shown in TV."
Wow!! even at this pulled down economy and company thinking to spend money on advertising, promotions, Gulab jamum advt has proved great BRANDING.... Simple concepts, low budget advts, would still prove effective even during bad economy times....

Thopukaranam (sign of praying Lord Ganesha)

I start this first blog of mine with Thopukaranam. In early days of my schooling, I spent most of the time outside the classes doing "thopukaranam" usually punishment gesture given to students for their behaviour, bad performance. Used this technique to bunk maths period and Chemistry period. Well, recently met a old friend (old wine in a new bottle) who is a teacher in Yoga practising abroad. Well one of the techniques used for flat stomach and quick brain activation is thro Thopukaranam. Wow!! I proudly told my mom that my earlier days punishment had given me a great figure and fitness... but had to secretly tell her, because I didnt want my daughter to practise this in her class.
Lookin on the other side, earlier days practises always had some meaning and focus.. which is now given names and branded...
Thanks to my teachers for punishing me.....