Is History really that boring? OR Does it have elements as gripping as a thriller? I have found out the latter. If you want to know what hidden pearls history reveals, watch this speech of mine. Here is the untold story of Alexander the Great of Macedonia, whose empire was spread in Europe, Africa and Asia. What happened to the huge wealth he and his army acquired during their conquests. Watch my speech/presentation 'Lost Pages of History' to find out!
We are fascinated by great movies. Do you wonder what makes a great movie? Is there a pattern in the great movies, which makes us irresistible to watch them? Surely, there is a formula - ABDCE. Confused? Watch my speech at my Toastmasters Club, ORA*TORS, to find out! It is part of Competent Communicator certification offered by Toastmasters International.
Operation Alamelamma had created waves with its captivating trailer and the movie does not disappoint. There is freshness in depicting the love blooming between Purmy, who is doing odd jobs to make a living and Ananya, a school teacher. Purmy's love for branded items makes him fall in love as well as fall into the hands of police on charges of kidnapping. As you might have guessed, it is a suspense thriller, which Suni has handled well. I kept guessing who the culprit was till the end of the movie and was wondering why the name Operation Alamelamma?
Apart from the suspense, which keeps the audience glued, it is Bengaluru's flavor which instills the spirit of our beautiful city. Visit to buttefly park and museum and trek to avalabetta bring back happy memories. Film takes a dig at popular Kannada serials with references such as Vayusaakshi and Amruthadarshini, which is hilarious! Candid market scenes is another way to depict the way of life in Bengaluru.
The song Alaga alaga is melodious. I particularly liked the line comparing heroine to Brihma Kamala (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), pristine white flower which blooms in the night. Another song Tili Sanje depicts the comical way of life of the characters, which is too good. Cinematography is excellent too, with aerial shots of Bengaluru coming out very well. Manish Rishi, the hero, who is making a debut does well to balance the innocent, comical and witty acts. Shraddha Srinath, as a bold and talkative girl impresses too.
Finally, how can a Suni movie be without punchy and witty dialogues? They are seamlessly integrated in this suspense thriller unlike his Simple Love Stories, where they stood out sidelining the plot. On the other hand, authentic Kannada dialect from Mangaluru has been used for comedy, which is been blended nicely. Seems like authentic Mangaluru Kannada dialect is the flavor of the season. Though at some places in the movie, dull moments are felt, it is the pace of the story which keeps the audience moving. Overall, a good movie to watch!
Following is the trailer of the movie - Operation Alamelamma
If I tell Ondu Motteya Kathe is about candid confessions of a bald guy, I would be understating. Because it is a movie with subtle humor throughout and full of life. With characters so genuine, dialogues so candid, it is an experience of living the movie rather than watching it!
Janardhan, a Kannada lecturer, is unable to find a suitable match because of his bald head – a prevalent problem these days! His search for an ideal match reveals his own inner self. He discovers that not only there are societal prejudices against him but also he has been harboring preconceived notions. That part delights and the viewer lives the character! Humor keeps the viewer glued as Janardhan narrates his kathe or story and evoking humor is done effortlessly! Dialogues from every day life manage to tickle the funny bone hard. A guy exaggerating the deeds of an astrologer, Janardhan’s relentless efforts to look good, be good and find a companion, his parallel efforts to be away from the clutches of moha or delusion and bits of Dr.Raj’s songs at right junctures have come out very well. Though the movie echoes the universal theme - beauty lies in the heart, it is in its sensitive presentation, Ondu Motteya Kathe scores.
Subtlety is found not only in humor but also in how the characters interact. For example, the hero’s brother though exists in frame from the beginning but their interaction happens only in the second half. But they do communicate non-verbally or using monologues.
In some scenes, I could also find different dimensions. For example, a character says Janardhan is not married - because in addition to he being bald, he is an Indian language lecturer too! Also, in the age of social media, how excitement and anxiety follow each other!
Probably this is the only movie in Kannada, which has used the Kannada dialect from Mangaluru throughout and in its authentic form. Not only the dialogues but the life of coastal Karnataka comes alive in the form of ritual vows to deities, reference to jobs in gulf nations and more importantly, through congenial courtesies! Such a sensitive portrayal is a reason to cherish and is a sure sign of arrival of great movies in Kannada.
Following is the trailer of the movie - Ondu Motteya Kathe
Neenire Saniha Neenire is another popular song from the super hit Kannada movie, Kirik Party. Arya infatuated by Karna, the protagonist, is delighted and sings this song. The song contains finer elements of budding love.
ontharaa neene ruvaari honganasige Translation : you are the sculptor of this beautiful dream, it feels like saagide ninna savaari ee manasige Translation : begun is your journey to my heart
ariyadene ninnale ondaago soochane Translation : without a clue, I am becoming a part of you arerere naachi hoovvaagi shileyanthaadene Translation : wooh... am I becoming shy and get frozen?
mugileri nintha surya, kandare suduvantha bhaava Translation : hasn't the furious sun maLe billige ranganu udisillave Translation : draped colors to the soothing rainbow?
naguva chandiranalli, kaleya kaanore illi Translation : even in the smiling moon, people find dark spots beLadingala rangaavali ballare Translation : how they could know the colorful moonlight!
ninage heLalendu maathonde ondu nannalle ulidanthe Translation : words I wanted to say to you, have remained in me raviya daari kaayo mandhaarave, nannaseya arithanthe Translation : like the flower anticipating the arrival of sunlight
neenire saniha neenire, naaLeya parive illave Translation : when you are close to me, I forget the days to come neenire saniha neenire, helada maathu noorive Translation : when you are close to me, I forget what to say
hariva jhariyanthe jaaro ee ninna jeevake Translation : for your life, likened to the flowing river sharadhi tereyanthe nee bandarene holike Translation : the only comparison is a wave of the sea
O manase Translation : O my heart. nee bahusha ee manasa rangeriso yojaneye Translation : probably, you are planning to delight my heart naachiruve navilanthe marulaagi hodene Translation : have I turned into a shy peacock, mesmerized by you?
marethu mai marethu, nasu naguve yaara parivillade ee naduveye Translation : forgetting everyone, I smile at myself these days arerere naachi hoovvaagi shileyanthaadene Translation : wooh... am I becoming shy and get frozen?
You can read the review of the film Kirik Party here.
You can view the song in the following youtube link.
BESCOM meter of my house stopped showing no reading on display screen. It showed a blank screen. So, I had to replace it. Here are the detailed steps, I followed to get it replaced. Note : If the BESCOM meter stopped working within 5 years of installation, then it will be replaced free of cost by BESCOM, as it comes under warranty. If not, one has to purchase a new one and install it.
Visit to the Soujanya Counter :
On enquiring in the Soujanya Counter in BESCOM office, I was asked to meet the JEE (Junior Engineer Electrical). He asked me to get the form for granting permission to purchase the BESCOM meter.
Getting the Form for granting permission to purchase BESCOM meter :
Above is the form you should get.
The form would be available in Karnataka State Licensed Electrical Contractors Association office, which would generally be near to BESCOM office.
This form would be filled by the JEE indicating he has granted permission to procure the BESCOM meter.
Get the above form filled and signed by JEE :
JEE will fill and sign the form and will tell where the meters are available.
Procure the meter :
In my case, local BESCOM office did not have stock of single phase meters. So, I had to go to AEE BESCOM office in Rajaji Nagar. It has the retail outlet for procuring electricity meters. Following is the address of the same :
Hand over the form filled by JEE and procure the meter. It would be good keep a photocopy of the letter, as the original letter will have to be submitted.
Get the purchase bill and check the carton box containing the meter has Test certificate issued by BESCOM and warranty certificate.
Cost of the single phase meter was Rs.740/-
Register the meter in the BESCOM office :
Come back to local BESCOM office and get the meter registered by JEE.
JEE will ask a lineman to install the new meter and ask you to pay him Rs.100/-
Get the meter installed by lineman :
Get the lineman to your location to install the new meter.
Old meter has to be handed over to the lineman.
Important Notes :
You don't have to pay any bribe to get your BESCOM meter replaced.
It takes a bit of patience and diligence to get the thing done. JEE may not be available in his office all the time. So, you may have to wait and but do not loose patience!
Even if it is a Saturday, office will be open till 5 30 pm.
Keep the original receipt of purchase of meter, as it would be required to claim warranty later.
Keep copy of grant letter and original test and warranty certificates with you.
Kaagadada doniyalli is a popular song from the super hit Kannada movie, Kirik Party. Dejected Karna, the protagonist goes on a bike journey to find answers within. The composition, kaagadada doniyalli is a very touching song in such a situation. kaagadada doniyalli naa kooruvantha hottaayite Translation : is it time for me to go on a voyage in a paper boat? kaaNisada haniyondu kannalle kootu muttaayite Translation : has a drop of my unshed tears, turned into a pearl?
haguraageetenO nannedeya bhaara, kanditeno tampaada teera Translation : have I become lighter? have I found a calming shore? sikkite mundina daari, nannellaa kalpane meeri, innondE vismayakaari Translation : have I found my next path, beyond my imagination? That's the only wonder...
haadiyali hekkida nenapina putta joLige bennallide Translation : memories from my past trail are gathered in my backsack aaDadirO saavira padagaLa mooka setuve kanmundide Translation : bridge of thousand unspoken words is right in front of me, ee hejjeya gurutellava aLisittirO maLegaalavE Translation : O rains, you are washing away my trail, leaving no sign naa ninnaya maDilallirO barigaalina maguvaaguvE Translation : am I a barefooted child in your lap?
manasaageetenO innoo udaara, banditenO nannaa biDaara Translation : have I become bit more generous? is my home visible now? sikkite mundina daari, nannella kalpane meeri, innondE vismayakaari Translation : have I found my next path... beyond my imagination? That's the only wonder!
You can read the review of the film Kirik Party here.
You can view the song in the following youtube link.
Hair loss is a constant worry for men and women alike! To cash in on this problem, an entire industry has been set up. Many products are sold, promising prevention of hair loss and renewed hair growth. But do they really work? Here, is my humorous talk on these products. I gave this talk in my Toastmasters club, ORA*TORS. It is part of Competent Communicator certification offered by Toastmasters. Hope you enjoy it. Disclaimer : This post is intended for entertainment purpose only. Product names used here are just for evoking humor! I am not for or against any of these products!
I have observed how people blindly follow navigation apps while driving, without bothering to notice the landmarks or use their natural ability to navigate. I believe that this habit is slowly eroding our natural ability to navigate. Now, it has been confirmed by researchers in Royal Institute of Navigation, London. In my following speech(of 7 minutes), I present three simple steps to retain our natural ability to navigate, even when we are using the GPS based navigation apps. I gave this talk in my Toastmasters club, ORA*TORS. It is part of Competent Communicator certification offered by Toastmasters. Hope you find it useful.
“Sanitation is more important than political independence”,
“Just as there is no shame in being a labourer for one’s self, so also is there no shame in labouring for others”
The above two quotes from Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes on the importance of cleanliness and the dignity of labour. B M Giriraj’s latest venture, Amaravathi precisely portrays our attitude towards both.
In 2012, stink of Bengaluru’s garbage reached New York and London. Common perception about it was the mismanagement of waste. But few know about the mistreatment of men, who keep our cities garbage and filth-free – garbage collectors and sanitary workers. With realistic portrayal, they find their voice in the movie.
belageddu yaara mukhava naanu noDide - song from Kannada movie, Kirik Party is breaking all records in recent times to become the most popular song on internet. It has already crossed 5 million views on youtube. Here is the translation of its lyrics. Hope you enjoy understanding one of the finest composed songs in Kannada.
beLageddu yaara mukhava naanu noDide English Translation : whose face did I see after waking up in the morning? andaano adrushTaano munde kuntide English Translation : is it a beauty or my luck.. is before me sitting… ninne kanDa kanasu black and white-u, indu baNNavaagide English Translation : my dream of yesterday was black and white; it has turned colorful today ninna mele kavana bareyo gamana eega taane moodide English Translation : my full attention right now is on writing a poem on you …
kanasalli arrererere baLi bandu alelelele English Translation : In my dreams, you come close… and muddaaDi aiyyayayayo kachaguLi thaaLalaare English Translation : caress me, oh!... can’t stand being tickled!
preethiyalli hosa daari kaTTuva khayaali English Translation : while craving for carving a new path in romance… aDDadiDDi hogodu maamooli English Translation : it is usual to go haywire… sanneyalle haaDondu haaDuva vidhaana English Translation : one way is to sing a song using signs… kaadu keLo preethine majaana English Translation : or is it fun to wait and listen to romantic lines…
biDadantiro besuge English Translation : Looks like it is a forever binding alliance… sere sikkiro salige English Translation : Feels like a rapport has been struck with you… ninna sutta suLiyo aasigeega aayass hechchi hogide English Translation : my desire to be around you all the time is only growing… ninna jothe kaLeyo ella kshanavu kalpanegu meeride English Translation : the moments I spend with you are beyond my imagination…
You can read the review of the film Kirik Party here.
You can view the song in the following youtube link.
As I had seen the video songs of Kirik Party before the release, I had some assumptions and expectations about the plot. Few assumptions did come true but I cannot say the same about the expectations. Film is largely focusses on mischiefs of the last benchers and college gang wars. In between, Kirik Party tries to raise an issue, which is considered taboo.
The film is a nostalgic trip back to the engineering days. Freshers taking on the seniors, pranks played, crushes, college fests delight the audience. You could also be jotting down points in your mind when there is an argument regarding which branch of engineering is best. Songs, which were already a hit add to the scintillating portrayal. Brilliantly composed, Katheyonda Helide Bari Guruthugale College Ali will sure be heard in college farewells. Belageddu Yara Mukhava Naanu Nodide is well written and depicts a love story in its own way.
Kirik Party Poster : Picture Courtesy - filmibeat.com
But the voilent college gang war is a drag at times. Overenthusiastic mechanical professor trying to analyze mechanical problems becomes irritating. The video songs released before the release of the movie, tell bits and parts of the story. So, this has taken out the thrill of understanding the plot details for the first time in theatres. Moreover, movie does not have a great plot. It survives only on dialogues and heroism. In few scenes, I felt Yogaraj Bhat’s style of depicting blossoming love between hero and heroine, which does not enthrall much. So, though the film brings back memories of college life, it fails to engage the audience all the time and entertains only in parts.
