andy'sspot - Anandhi Kumar

Food for Thought...

2010-07-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

'Small Business enterprises big businesses' was one of the chapters dealt today in my MBA Class in Business Management Session. With little knowledge gained in 2 hrs of gruelling session, my brains were well fed but my stomach needed hot spicy food to compliment my brains. My car knew where to go..steered straight to the Corporation Complex in R.A Puram, thanks!!! found a nice parking place.

I always believed that corporation complex in Mylapore would have something GREAT to offer.. the birth place of 'Mylapore Times Newspaper', 'Nair Tea Kadai' offering bread omelette's right before the branded food joints came to town, Home Video services from 'TIC TAC' serving Mylporeans more than a decade..definitely an inspiration for today's big players like BIG FLIX and CINEMA PARADISSO, and not to forget the 'Evergreen Florist', who was first to introduce -home delivery services.

Yes! this place has given birth to yet another 'NEW BORN" entrepreneur, Ganesh's "JUST ORIENT". A year back, I was introduced to "Just Orient" a small joint in Corporation Complex in RA PURAM. My first day's experience has made me a regular 'dial-in' customer of this little joint. A young man neatly dressed, personally opening the doors , greeting customer with a big smile, and initiating to understand the client's need showed all qualities of a 'Manager'. He handed over a short and simple print out of the Menu's he would offer with nominal pricing. My eyes gleamed with real surprise when the Menu Card had bold Print saying only "HOME DELIVERY" orders. A boon to all working women, and a family who loves food. My order was very little and simple, as I wanted to try before I added this number to my frequent caller list.

More than the food, I admired his multi skill-set, working style and was confident that this place is going to go great heights in the future.

Future was not after 5 yrs but just an year later.., this day, taking a chance not to order through phone but visiting this place personally brought me to lot of good surprises. 'Just Orient' had glossy Menu card with multiple pages,4 sets of fancy table and chair with 100% occupancy, clients hogging the food listening to old Tamil Melodies of yest er-year legend singer Shri.PB. Srinivas. A small addition to his little growth, he had a college going boy servicing the clients on the phone. My waiting period for half an hour,observed that he had more than 25 home delivery orders to service. Wow!!! 'Just Orient' is all out to "orient' Mylaporeans. "Just Orient" also had offers for 'AADI' no cash discount on bills,but one get to upload more than 100 Tamil Melody songs of PB Srinivas to their pen drive and IPOD. Good!!! I was lucky to avail this offer.
This reminded me of the Drive-in restaurant, once the most busiest place in Chennai.. people drove in not only for drive-in services, but also to get to see Shri. PB Srinivas, in his glittery turban sipping his coffee and chatting with his fans. I was wondering may be Ganesh earlier had a connection with Drive-in Restaurant, group.

Added to more surprises, my little chat with Ganesh's, I came to know his hospitality, service, and etiquette is from his association with the TAJ Coromandel - Chennai. Ganesh has earlier worked in TAJ as a Chef and today an enterprising entrepreneur. WAH TAJ!!!

My note is not complete if I don't mention, that 'Just Orient' caters to both Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian food lovers. Very important 'Just Orient' can be trusted during Cricket seasons, 'Dine and Sport' just sitting in the drawing room, watching sensuous Mandira Bedi's commentary, munching 'Just Orient' Paneer and Fish Tikka starters, is a real treat to eyes and stomach,,works out great.!!!

With both my brains and stomach full, I drove back home listening to PB SRINIVAS!!!. Thanks to you Ganesh..
Just Orient can be reached at 91763 32555.

'Amul Girl' Loses her Father Today...

2010-03-12T03:56:00.000-08:00

Amul Butter would always top my grocery list every month. Though my fitness regime says a 'Big NO" to butter and Cheese, not a single day goes without my crispy bread toast with butter for breakfast.

More than the butter, since ages I would definitely make an excuse to pass through the Mount Road, which is now called the "Anna Salai' in Chennai just to see the huge hoarding, above the Qaide Millat College hosting 'Amul Butter' Advt campaign. A fat little polka dot cartoon girl boldly posing in-trend issues with butter. I was very sure to take a smile with me, passing by.

I was indeed very curious and jealous of the dad who has created this, for us.

12Th March 2010, my first sms was a obit message from one of my closest friend. He had been in advt agency for quite some time. A very shocking news which dropped off my toast with the butter. It read " Amul Girl's dad passes away today' chk out!!!.
Thanks to the technology, I quickly checked my Internet to confirm the news.

Eustace Fernandes the creator of the blue hair, oranged face girl, dressed in polka dots has ruled the hearts of millions of Indian. A small research about this creator says, that he was best remembered as a cartoonist who was given to handle the 'Amul' Account since 1966. With a team of Sylvester da Cunha, Usha Katrak, and Marie Pinto together - created a magic to this product.

After handling the account for 3 yrs the team started RADEUS advertising in 1974. The agency had names after Radha and Eustace and rest is a history. 'Sir' Fernandes passes this day, at the age of 75yrs.

He always wanted his daughter to bring in smiles and thus he modelled her to all creative which had humour, but with strong message. I would not be surprised that after this model was born, she gave "heart attacks and pains" to lot of people, who were on strict NON cholesterol diet .

Even after 44ys of age 'Amul Girl' still stays young and fresh in many of the hearts which speaks all about this creator's creativity. With due respects to him, I'm not sure how many of us knew whose daughter this girl was. A great brand building exercise!!!!

Hoping that this advertising world would create a special place for this creator,in the future to come. Wish that there is a nice story incorporated about 'Sir' Fernandes which would be a great learning for the upcoming aspirant creators in advertising media.

I'm sure after 44 yrs of modelling, Fernandes's 'Amul Girl' would have all strenghts to take this brand in leaps and bounds.

World Toilet Day - A big squat Marathon'

2009-11-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

My usual morning routine starts up at 5 am in the morning and ends after a
Tom and Jerry ' race to finish few deadly household chores.. at 8am, my steaming hot Kappi and reading thro the news, and gupshups in News paper really makes my day. Today, my large eyes popped at an advertisement in 'The Metro Plus' Domex sponsoring the 'World's toilet day' which is today the 19th November.

Immediate reaction was to call couple of my close friends and wished them. Well this was exactly at 8.30 in the morning, also sent sms wishes to many. I was sure most of them would be in their wash room/toilet at this hour getting ready to work.

Thanks to WHO to have found a day for this special action, a day to create an awareness on hygiene and sanitation. This is indeed an issue which is as serious as Terrorism and corruption prevailing in our country today.

A quick search gave me a insight about this issue it is proven that 2.5 billion people worldwide are without access to proper sanitation, which risks their health, strips their dignity, and kills 1.8 million people, mostly children, a year.Because even the world's wealthiest people still have toilet problems - from unhygienic public toilets to sewage disposal that destroys our waterways.

There has been various issued raised on this in many local and neighbourhood papers, it also reminds that one of the issues of Mylapore Times carried a picture of a man using the temple corner to urinate and just after a week the entire corner turned to a nice garden.. Lots of controversies, debates on sanitation and hygiene, but it is an effort by itself which has to come within all of us.

Chennai is now going strong with Marathon and walks on beach to campaign various social causes, sponsors flooding their funds, Media going all out for coverage. Why not a marathon to create awareness in Sanitation and Hygiene.

Just a thought ran through, wish I had lot of support and funds, would definitely hold a 'Big Squat' Marathon. A thought process, if all of us could join hands on the Marina beach , the most wanted venue for walks and marathon today, squat for 5 minutes all together holding tissue papers with slogans printed on.

This could be definitely a good exercise though, but also unity in common posture to create awareness. Definitely my sponsor would be Manufacturers of Toilet cleaning detergents, Tissue papers, Sanitary ware stockists. Every 'Squat er' participant need to register with a fee of Rs. 50 each... (hot soup is served after the event to mobilise the intestine)

I'm sure with my experience in Fund raising and Pr, I would be able to collect a large sum, which is ultimately donated to the government to install clean toilets in public places, conduct forums and educated people on personal sanitation and hygiene.

Not a bad idea though, this was really passed on to couple of my close friends who promised to squat with me on this deal... Well there are also some interesting criteria to participate in this special event.

A BIG NO to Elders above 60 Plus, and children below 5 yrs.
Special guests and celebrites would be provided special ramp to squat.
'Hum Honge Kamyab' song would be played loud to cheer up the participants.
Each participant would carry a memento of a WC sponsored by House of Parry Ware' as token of participation.

This is a issue which is common to all irrespective of caste, creed, sex, or status, and one which brings all of us together universally, is indeed a special occasion today, to talk about this.

Happy Toilet day... I need to wind up, all set to clean up my toilet this day.

All souls day - A soul from Mylapore

2009-11-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

Nowadays, my focus's is more on 'Zero Figure' project. Going back to my good old hub for a workout is really very solacing. My earlier experience with 'Dimenssions' fitness studio, as an employee and today as a member, is an experience of seeing two sides of a coin. Ageing fear is already set in me so my body is being pampered to the fullest extent and my degree as a Dietitian is getting handy now.

Driving back home after a healthy schedule from 'Dimenssion' gave me a different Dimensions to life when I passed the most narrow road of Myalapore. The 'St.Mary's road'which is always under repair, couple of drive would directly lead to the Mortuary which is located there.

Mylapore for that matter apart from turbulent streets, water clog, is a place of religious unity.. Just within a cir cum of 2kms radius is located the most famous and oldest Shiva Temple, Catholic Church brushing the sea side, and the Mosque, which I always wanted to get in and see for myself. Populace of each religion celebrate their respective festivals and so far no differences is seen.

2nd Nov, the younger genre immediately think of Bollywood star SRK's birthday, and my family think of my daughter's birthday which falls of the same day but on this same day, the Christians in Mylapore throng the Mortuary to mourn on "all souls day' in other words, the day of the dead..

My eyes turned, when I saw street hawkers selling flowers, fruits, trinkets, balloons, tea and coffee stalls. Now the RTO office being shifted just opposite to the mortuary indeed added to the number of vehicles parked. Families dressed to their best walked in groups to pay homage to the dear and near departed souls. My curiosity killed me, and just parking my two wheeler - (astonishingly there was a parking assistant also collecting parking fee)I joined the crowd but did not have a clue what to do. Dressed in my work out clothes did turned many heads on me. The whole mortuary was dressed beautifully with flowers, cleaned thus gave this deadly place a lot of life. Lot of families also met there to exchange pleasantries.

A nice thought, though to remember departed ones universally. I was visualising on all mortuaries at one go to get a make over. Driving back home through Mada street, I saw mamis and mamas dressed in their best walking with pooja items into Kapali Temple. Quite an odd and extensive crowd, not sure what was happening. My sweat did not allow me to get into the temple, and checked with one of the traffic police on the occasion. This day, lord Shiva is given a special Abhisekham of food 'Anna Abhishekam'. All kinds of fruits, vegetables, cooked food, sweets offered by devotees is poured on Lord Shiva. Should be a great treat to the eyes and the nostril.

Only thought crossed into my mind, what ever the religion be it, at one end of the street is people thinking of departed souls going to heaven and the other end god is worshiped in a different form. It is irony that every human being is thinking and worshipping god in different forms, whether it is departed good soul or a stone figure like Lingam.

Hoping one day, there would be just one universal god, a day to think of all departed ones who have had contributed to this world in some form or the other. All those who are lying silent in the mortuary would have been human to have given their best to this society and fellow beings, and now being the messenger of god.

Wishing lot of peace, love and friendship amongst people in the years to come. Doing good to human, wishing good for people, helping needy and fellow beings, is getting near to god, and not thronging temples, mortuaries for a day and occasion.

'Signs' - Night Shyamalan ....

2009-07-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

Few days back, taking my usual walk at night on the terrace of my house, the day Chennai saw lightning and showers was indeed a great night, just catching up with my sister about our old days together, discussing everything on earth. Our topic covered gossips, relationships, music, Movies and also about famous Hollywood Movie 'Signs'. Directed and Written by Night Shaymalan starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix in the lead.

The movie conveyed a very sabbatical message about life, "that nothing happens by chance, and that everything that happens has a reason to connect in the future'

At this time of my life there is been quite a lot of changes happening both in my personal life and career wise. Getting back to my old acquaintances, is what has brought me to pen few thoughts in this blog.

Ms. Dwaraka who just dumped me into IIT - Madigras to sell Greeting cards for Vidyasagar saw my marketing acumen 10 yrs ago. She was the PRO of the Special School which was then called Spastics Society of India. A Fresher from college, had no clue what sales and marketing was all about, but my attitude to collect funds for the special children's need taught me Marketing skills. I never knew selling cards some day would make me an advertising Manager for a Newspaper.

My first step into Mylapore Times, and my first learning was to design an advt for a client is a nighmare even now. Mr. Vincent- editor, just made me sit next to him when he was handling a client, and next moment I was asked to handle 'Surya Sweets' Advt which had to appear on the front page. I quitely sneaked to Raji,my oldest friend briefed me on paper layout, advt design, Sizes. I was dumped into the process and servicing a sweat meat shop Advt this was a strip advt 5 colu with 7cm on the front page, gave me nervous breakdown.

Numbers make me dizzy, would always walk with a calculator and scale. Took notes from the client and co-ordinating with my technical team and taking approvals was a big process then. On the day of the the print, I forgot to add on the telephone nos of the client, and had to make an addition just one hour before it went to print.

Next day, first thing in the morning my Techie Man took lessons on Photoshop, coreldraw, with a indirect thought to convey that doing a layout is like building a dream house and correction in the last moment is like unfolding the structure. There after, I dare make such a SIN. All my advts would go a through content check.

Going dizzy about my first experience on layouts, designs, design software, almost took a decision to call it my last day at this company. My dad with a pat said,there is a sign that this profile is going to be my future and I need to show lot of attention. He was not Night Shyamalan, but a very sensible man who had come in a hard way in life and knew how to handle me.

Every day began with client servicing, marketing, and layouts..gradually I was thrown into organising an event, which is now popularly called Mylapore festival. My editor just picked up my sense of PR and alliances and cultivated my skills in event Management. Every time I get spanged by my Editor, Raji was always there to mother me. Thanks to him and Raji, who fine tuned my mistakes and grew me up.

My days in Arena, my paper Insert layout design was a cake walk interacting with layout artist talking about size, photo shop, client servicing, yeah!! my dad's 'SIGNS' were right.

Graduating from advertising Manager, to Business development head in Arena Animation Academy, needed just not layouts and photo shop knowledge, but in house counselling techniques, number games, analysis ... Again wanted to take a back seat, thought I would never fit into this role. Each day would start with tuff tuition, a whole lot of exercises to do, and everyday my meeting would start with number games.

My five year journey with the team, was indeed a maturing phase in my career. Web-designing courses was most sought after by students 7 yrs back. To sell a package, I had to learn about color codes, font, 2d animation and all tools that went into making one. Mr. Deepak earlier my client at Mylapore times, and my HOD now, had a real challenge to tune my raw marketing skills to match the profile of a Business Head.

Had, I ever thought that today I would be handling a online portal services for Reliance. My contribution in terms of writing and sourcing content for film portal Bioye and Bigadda is definitely a sign from the past. If I had neglected the signs not learning to make advts, client servicing, alliances, and PR, not sure If my blog would exist today.

Looking back it is really astonishing that my past was holding my future.

Never wanted to recall this day in my life, that all 12 yrs of my learning in layouts, content writing, I had to use it to design my dad's 1st Anniversary Obit Advt. Yet again 'SIGNS' showing this special advt should have my touch.

My family had so much trust in my creativity, and I indeed kept up to their expectations.

Appa! just got lot of appreciation for the content which went in the advt, and I need to really thank all my previous employers who graduated me to this level.

Very confident today, that each day is a good 'SIGN' to my Future.

toostep.com - Just a step foward to network

2009-06-09T01:42:00.000-07:00

.

A thought to pen down few experiences and analysis on social networking site, geared up when one of my ex-colleague sent me a link to a professional- Social networking site- toostep.com. My curiosity, jumped up to register and found great interaction happening on issues on various parameters. This site is still in alpha stage,but it is happening.

Coming a long way from writing letters, sending postcards,calling people, meeting on occasion is gone by gone, but today one can just connect with an old long lost friend, from Tibet to Europe jsut at the touch on the computer.

Travelling from a sales and Marketing executive profile to business development Head, and as a thorough professional handling Content & Alliances, Pr and CRM for a social networking site has given a lot of insight to read the different faces of networking and value.,

Today, the Internet space share more than 500 networking sites which categories on just casually connecting with people, making friends,upload personal photos, videos, clips of interest, forwards, posters anything we capture and link on the site. Face book and Ibibo is one which comes to my mind right away. Ibibo in the chart which is more a entertainment site, but now become serious which is morphed into serious site to increase members. Portal which scouts professionals to find jobs, in total, has more than 7 million user. While facebook is more on entertainment profile and is very casual and personalised sharing parties, dates and weekend happening. There are even artist, celebrities who are members on this portal and open to chat with fans and members.

Of course, Bigadda a new entrant to this profile is still at stages to get its way through. Bigadda.com has music to hear, mobilink facility and blogs by eminent artist. Surprisingly, celebrities have chosen this platform to interact and share experiences with fans and internet viewers. This is more a diary or medium to avoid controversy but still be open to interaction with public.

My collegue Deepak would suddenly scream, when he gets a link to chat with Bipasa Basu. It would sound very easy to get Bipasa on to our working table. Wish this was true...

On the contrary, I would see my HR head chating and surfing on social networking site to check out potentials for recruitment, well this is definitely 4 months back. Now she would avoid her name appearing on the chat list. From the serious, professional site, I would list Linked-in in top chart.

Linked In a popular professional networking site would have all members and names found. It would approximately have more than 40 million registered users over 200 countries. I would not wonder that if there is a member signing every minute, in a day.

At this juncture, when employees given off pink slip, and recession on cards, there is more networking happening and thus have increased viewers. My instinct analysis would be jobs posted on Naukari/any job search portals is getting lost amongst tons of resume being posted, instead professional search thro a professional social networking site would have more impact and for quick results. This is for basic few reasons, 1. This links and has a data base of all professionals posting and interacting directly. 2. References; The employer is able to make a decision on the candidate based on number of references and comments he has got for his posting. 3. There is no boost happening to hike the profile which is one of a marketing parameter in Job search portals.

It is definitely going to be a very healthy medium in the future to come, and also going be a one of the medium to offer for branding and advertising by the advertising professionals. Reports from sources recalls that there is definitely an increase to 81% from the previous year in the traffic and is a healthy note for advertisers.

Well, there are lot of features which adds to the traffic like blogs, plogs, discussions, photo feature..etc.

I am very surprised about this analysis of mine and also very amazed about being Internet savvy. Lot of lessons from colleagues, spl mentions would be Sandy, Udaykumar and of course my previous employer who fine tuned my analytical skills. Hey Sharon, you are there in the list too, she gave me long distance coaching to upload images, and was a great experience, Initially I would upload Namitha upside down on the site, but sure to have more hits...

Chk out these site, please register as members and get going. Log on and on, till you find the right match...

Beating the Heat in Surangani

2009-03-17T02:20:00.000-07:00

My morning at work starts with logging on to my mails, smile at all the forwards sent by my friends, and replying them back. Few days back, my inbox had a very interesting mail reminded me of my past.. A e-map sent by my brother of a beautiful place in HImachal Pradesh, where we spent our childhood and teens.

"Jadu" 300 kms up Mountains from pathankot, passing thro Chamba with more than 100 Hairpin bend roads, surrounded by Pine and Devadaru trees, sleek noisy small water falls after every half a kilometer, and of coure beautiful Himachali Dogaria walking down with herds of Cattle, and my dad driving with a cigar, trailing thro this roads reminds me of the those cool days, today living in this hot Chennai.

More than 20 yrs back, the government of Himachal proposed to generate electrcity thro RABI River, flowing thro Pathankot, chamba,Khajjiar, Tissa, Baniketh, Dunerah, and Surangani. Huge penstocks were erected to pump in water from the river to generate electricity. The entire project was planned for min 7 yrs. Technically, mountains had to be geared and shaped to hold these huge pipes and this mammoth task was assiged to my dad.. an engineer who was in charge of entire planning and execution and completion. Reminds me of sharukh Khan of Swadesh.. now. His labour was hired from all parts of India and also had to deal with localities who were naive but hard core labours.

Few other companies who have come to this small village called "jadu' had a temple, ramleela ground, max 500 houses, sweet meat shop, market place selling shoes, warm clothes, a sardar tailor, 5 bed ed hospital, Bus stand, a quite guest house for government officials to come and stay. Amongst all these, a convent built for the engineer's Children to study. The school hired teachers who were educated wives of the engineers, and few hired professionals for higher classes.

This school was manned by Mr. Vasudevan who had come all the way from Kerala, very strict military disciplined Personnel and had all military rules imposed in the school. Well the academic year would be from DEC to DEC,with CBSE board syllabus, is closed for winter to enjoy the snow season. We had a nice library, auditorium, science labs, and music and art rooms.

Our houses were built of wood, asbestos sheets, partitions made of wood panels, cement flooring but a great soil for plantation. Our garden had all variety of English vegetables,including onions. Had a small poultry farm for eggs, and my little brother would lay his hands on growing a chick into a hen, but his over feeding would kill most of them.

Rosy was another addition into our family, this was stray pup which followed us from the school and became a part of the family. After 7 yrs of staying in Jadu, Rosy breathe his last and was buried in Rabi river. His death was mourned for 1 mnt silence in our school prayer. Even today, my family has lot of liking for pets. After Rosy, was ammu kuttan and now Jolin and Mantoos.

Every morning we would wake up looking at MOUNT KAILASH. white as muslin, with silver streaks. But no Lord shiva, as he is in down south, in Chennai , the hottest city in India. He is not lucky though. The beautiful himachali Dogaria in groups singing folk song, walking down the fields, early morning is a real treat. One of the songs I still shout at home is "bala sipaiah dogariah.. rasliya rasliya Jhanna...., this is about the dream of young girl to marry a sipahi. Wish I could produce an album.

During Dusserah, the entire village is seen in Ram leela grounds watching the 10 day stage drama of Ramayan - Ram leela, the artist are hired from pathankot whose boarding and lodging was shared by the residents of the village. Sweets, food is distributed to all the people irrespective of caste or creed.

Weekends, there is screening of Movies of all Regional languages in open air, mostly in our school playgrounds. Traditional projector, screened on a white muslin cloth with basic speakers. Then watching a tamil movie would remind us of our home town, our grandparents, friends and cousins. No Mobile phones, internet, but so called BSNL lines. We need to book a STD call and most of the time the phone lines are worn out due tress falling, snow fall, or too cold weather. Totally cut off from world.

Today, when I think of technology, when my brother could send me a e-map of the place where my childhood was spent is really amazing, but on the contrary, not a safe place to visit now - with technology growing, people have also created arms and distructive tools to make this heavenly place a terrorist haunt.

Thanks appa!! for showing this wonderful land to us.

Saying it in "brief" Happy Valentine's day..

2009-02-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

My friend from Bangalore, called me last night warned me to keep stock of Pink Chaddis. The Bangalore city is running short to Pink Chaddis..the shopkeepers are running out of stock. I got a lot of warning from my close friends and colleagues not to peep out on Valentine's day after the threat from Shri Ram Sena Leader. Good times to all the undergarment manufactures, even during this economic shut down globally, the production of Pink Chaddis have contributed to rise in economy..

Our country is in threat of terrorist, riots, corruption, all of us are not sure if we would really go back home after a long days work. Not sure if our friends and relatives who are away, are really safe and there is always "if tomorrow comes". Why not St.Valentine's cast his magic on all of us. We need to exchange lot of love, friendship, warmth and of course hard work to mark our country on top of the globe.

Well!! Valentine's need to happen amongst all the politicians, in the real healthy sense, have one common ruling party, supported by team of various capacity and this could transform to healthy civic sense. As the saying goes Love begins from home...

I took an effort to list down very important people who always contributed in my day to day happening, and wished them on the Valentine's day.. My watchman who sincerely wipes my car, feels happy when I tell him he has done great job, a 70plus old thatha, always felt I should drive in style, my second help at home, a 18 yr old girl bharathi, I can live without my husband, but not her... she is as dynamic as Kiran bedi. Of course Sekar, who supplies water can to our house, "water water everywhere water but not a drop to drink...." Few years back he had a small auto to transport his water can, and today he moves in a mini lorry, lot of hard work. Manju akka, (I have learnt to call people with respect)she cleans our apartment, wipes the stair case, draws kolam at the entrance, this is how she earns to support her daughter who is doing an Engineering degree..Walks in with a smile every day morning, deliberately arranges my shoe rack, teaching me not to throw my shoes as soon as I reach home, in the evening. Evening Pookaramaa.. She resembles a lot of yester actor Saroja Devi, her customer service is what impresses me.

They did not understand why I wished them, but realised I really care and love for them. This was beginning to share our love to our fellow beings irrespective of caste, creed, status.. Let's not miss even one opportunity to tell someone how much we care and love for that person, and it is a great feeling.

Thanks to Ram sena Leaders, for anti- promotion campaign of ST. Valentine's day, it has created a lot of impact and in brand building the concept of "love" . Waiting for the next Valentine's day-year to come. My valetine's day was different this year, not like the one's in my earlier days, one in Dasprakash ice cream parlour, Drive-in-woodlands hotel, inside the car or at my workplace.

saa.ree.gaa maa...ANTAHEEN Endless....

2009-01-20T00:56:00.000-08:00

AMI THUMAKI BALO BHASHI... this is my sign- off -note, with people I am very close to.A beautiful phrase in Bengali, one of my oldest "friendaa" taught me during my days at KJ Hospital, doing my master in Hospital Management. He was a Bong Doc who took classes on Anesthesia.

My childhood memories go around the Lake market, Chowranghee lane, eating softy softy ROSGULLA and MISTY DOHI, SINGRA, wearing muslin dress with lot of KADAI AND BHUNAI. Well, also hear from people that Bengalis inherit trait in MUSIC, being the janam bhumi of RABINDRANATH TAGORE.

A Surprise call from one of the team member of SAREGAMA Chennai to attend Video Press Conference for the Music Launch ..."Antaheen" was a MISTI NEWS... the much awaited Bengali film directed by Aniruddha Roy with a virtual galazy of stars starring Sharmila Tagore, Aparna Sen, Rahul Bose, renowned Cinmotographer Avik Mukhopadya. Shantanau Moitra's debut as a Music Director in Bengali Film. Shreya Ghosal, Shaan, Babul Supriya are few to name,. It was indeed an honor to be a part of this conference. The team shared all their niche, sweet experience in making of the music. Listening live, on web to Shreya Ghosal's number in the movie, was a real treat . The entire music is composed with five instruments, Keyboard, Base guitar, Guitar, acoustic trumpet, Madolin and tabla. Nice to know that recording was done with all the crew member of the movie, but not just by joining in bits and pieces of antaras and mukaras of the song. Listening to the audio, feel the instruments more than computers working on it, reminds of yester years Viswanathan Ramamurthy music composition in South. Not sure if these numbers would end with a remix after 10yrs.

Even during this hard times our country is facing, wondering the fate of press meets, events, branding opportunities, and this press meet on Video conference, from various part of India covering this exclusive launch, is Value for money and time. But, bad times for Event Managers.

ART, MUSIC, DANCE is the only medicine to pep up during HARD TIMES. ANTAHEEN, a full fledged melody collection is a real medicine for all us during this RECESSION ERA. chk out the audio from SAREGAMA .

Good, bad, ugly 2008..

2008-12-29T01:39:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-10T03:31:00.000-08:00

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..

2008-12-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T02:09:00.000-08:00
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...

2008-11-24T00:13:00.000-08:00
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!!!!!

2008-11-22T08:29:00.000-08:00
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.

2008-11-19T01:15:00.000-08:00
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)

2008-11-11T03:15:00.000-08:00
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.....