House-hunting blues

‘Koni ghar denar ka ghar….?' so go the lines of a famous Marathi play, ‘Natasamrat’. In the play the protagonist is left homeless…. Mera bhi haal kuch aisa hi hone wala hai.

Mumbai is always known for its huge population, space crunch and so on. But I didn’t have a clue of all this till I arrived to this city of dreams in May 2008. I can never forget the day when me and my two college friends- Samali and Joanna came to Mumbai accompanied by our mothers. We were supposed to stay with an acquaintance in Mulund and had bag loads of luggage with us. When we finished shifting the luggage to the 3rd floor on our own… this woman says, “You people can’t stay with me!” We were shocked, exhausted, angry, sad and confused all at the same time. Such was our ‘welcome to Mumbai’.

Subsequently, we found a flat in Mahim, given to us for 2 months. The house was no less than a hostel. We were observed 24*7 by the society members and commented upon. We even weren’t allowed to have visitors and none of our friends ever saw our place, believe it or not! The next change came when we shifted to Jogeshwari. Thanks to my friend Sanket, we found this place. A decent 1 BHK flat with furniture that included a bed, TV, mattresses, mixer and some utensils. The landlady whom we call ‘kaku’ was also good. She had never given her place on rent but as we needed a place urgently, she agreed.

Now that my friend Samali is getting married, I am looking for another place to stay. The other day, I sat on the ‘free’ internet (courtesy: my office) and searched for ‘PG accommodations in Mumbai’. I got hundreds of results and called some of them, but these brokers feel that they are the most important people in the town (to be honest they are important to ‘needy’ people like me, who wants to admit it though!) and show attitude.

The first destination: was a place in Marine Lines. After 20 minutes of waiting the guy took us to the 3rd floor of an old 1857, dilapidated building. The stairs were never ending. He had promised a kitchen and all five star amenities. The place was a cramped one with 4-5 girls in an 8*10 room. The kitchen, common for the 30-35 inmates was in a balcony with an antique refrigerator. I laughed at my fate and ran away from there.

The second destination: Through an acquaintance I came to know about this place in Worli. I went there with my friend to check it out. We were welcomed by the woman and her daughter in a compact two room flat. She mentioned that there are 3 girls staying with her and she is looking out for a fourth girl. I observed her place- a living room which was neat and clean and a kitchen, a balcony cum study room. The house may be around 400 sq ft, I asked the lady, “Where is the PG?” in anticipation and the reply shocked me. She said, “This room is the PG. my daughter, I and the 3 girls stay in this room (and she wanted me to join in!).” she recommended another place nearby. The condition was better as the place had 3 rooms, but the women kept 6 girls!

The third destination was a hostel in Prabhadevi. To my surprise, the hostel was neat and clean, spacious and the matron was very polite and ever-smiling, kind lady. Unfortunately, the only vacancy was taken away the same morning. But the matron recommended a couple of contacts, out of which a place was in Antop Hill. That place too was a compact place crowded by 6 girls! (Fourth destination)

Being a person who has been staying in a bungalow since bachpan… can’t take this space crunch anymore. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I find a decent place to stay very soon. Wish me luck guys.

PS: If you know a good PG or a hostel around Lower Parel or on western suburbs till Andheri, central suburbs till Ghatkopar, please tell me :)

Picture courtesy: Shutterstock and DNA.

Teething tales

Teeth- an important asset of a human being’s body. (Don’t mind the scientific language…being a biology student I can’t help it!) The first thing you notice when a person smiles is his/her teeth- white or yellow, straight or crooked, small or big.

I was (and still am) a proud owner of my 32 strong dentine range, as I could (can) eat a sugarcane using only my teeth and no other tools, crack a nut open or chew open a seal on new apparel. Phew! These are only ‘some’ examples of the many uses of my strong teeth. I never imagined that my teeth could give any problems…I was so proud of them.

It all started with a cavity in one of my molar tooth. I thought it was a small thing and ignored it till it started paining. After some days, I thought that its high time I visit a dentist now. The next day and went to a dentist near my house to take an opinion. She examined my teeth and told me there are 5 cavities in every quartet! That makes a total of 20 damn cavities. I was shocked! I was so confident that I had only one cavity that I asked her 5 times, “Are you sure?” and she replied, “Unfortunately, yes. The one main cavity you had was active and it has spread all over. Ignorance is the main cause behind it.” I was shattered- one reason being ill dental health and second being the treatment cost Rs18, 000!

I got a second shock when the dentist started drilling my teeth. The machine looked like a drilling machine and the doc drilled my teeth leaving them look like potholes on roads! She coolly said, “This cavity is in its third stage and we will need to do a root canal.” I was mentally prepared for anything by now. All I said was “ok”. The last I visited a dentist was when I was in school, so I didn’t know the details off stuff like filling, root canal, etc. I asked my friends and bro about the root canal surgery and their experiences scared me. The next day I went to the dentist and to my surprise the root canal thing didn’t hurt at all. The only thing that irritated me was to keep my mouth open for 3 long hours. I was a good patient and the treatment- root canal, filling of 20 cavities was done in 5 days’ time.

The dentist was also very friendly and she explained me each and every step of the root canal, why she was doing it…which I found quite interesting. She showed me the haalat of my teeth after each step as she knew what a curious soul I am! Now, I started becoming more conscious of my teeth- brush them twice, use a mouthwash after meals and stuff. Capping my teeth is still a problem as they’re not getting a cap fitting my tooth. My tooth is drifting, it seems. I know it is as impatient as me ;).

When that’s done…I will get my 32 back…as of now, they are 31 and a half (including the remains on my root canal wala tooth)

Now that I have got my 32 back…I am happy and I am still proud of my dentine range. I can still eat sugarcane, nuts, open labels…nothing has changed, except the fact that my bank balance saw a depression of 20K!

Those were the days….

Getting nostalgic is in the Indian blood. We have often heard our grandparents and even parents narrate incidents from their childhood…the lanes in which they played gilli-danda, hu-tu-tu, about how they would hide from their parents up on a mango tree or the topmost maala of the ancestral home. My grandparents have always told me interesting things about their childhood. The stories would often begin with, “Tya veles mula tumchyasarkhi computer war basat nasaychi…” (In those days kids wouldn’t sit in front of computers, like how you kids do). When telling their childhood tales, their face would brighten up as if they have rewinded back to the 1940/50s.

My maternal grandfather worked in the Mantralaya and therefore, they stayed in the government quarters at Bandra for many years. My mother has fond memories of the place. Day before yesterday, when she came to Mumbai to visit me and my other relatives, she persuaded me to take her there. She wanted to see how that place looks after thirty long years, her school, the Udipi restaurant which they frequented as kids, everything. I was a bit reluctant. I refused to take her there because she was too tired to roam around. But yesterday, finally my maternal uncle that means my mama took us to that place. “B-26, we would stay here,” shouted my mother pointing at a window on the fourth floor. “There was our kitchen, and we would do fishing her,” she said looking at the ground. “The gutter no longer exists,” she seemed to be pleased.

I couldn’t help notice tears rolling down her eyes when she saw her school and remembered how my late grandparents would carry the two siblings to school or take them out for a walk. Both my mama and mom seemed to have lost in their childhood and I could notice it when they would point out something known and say, “Its still there,” or “Remember, we played here,” or “XYZ aunty stayed here.”

After 20-30 years, when I will roam through the bylanes of Pune, I will also point out things to my children and say, “Look here’s where I met your dad the first time…” or “Here is the katta where we would be padeek after college…” and end the experience by saying… “Those were the days…”

Basketfull of good health

Want to stay healthy, but tired of those tasteless diets? Then go the fruity way. Include fruits in your diet in the right combinations and stay fit and keep ailments at a bay.

Fruits are a delicious way to get dietary fibre and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. People who include fruits in their diet are less likely to develop diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s.

Nutritionist and founder of Health Total, Dr Anjali Mukerjee says, “Deep coloured fruits such as pomegranates, strawberries, cherries, black grapes are recommended. They are rich in anti-oxidants, they detoxify, combat stress and prevent free radical formation.”

Some people feel that going on an all-fruit diet will help lose weight. But nutritionists feel that going on an all-fruit diet is not advisable. “Our body needs a balance, so we can’t completely depend on a fruit diet,” informs Kavita Mukhi, eco-nutritionist. Dr Mukerjee advises against going on an unmonitored mono diet. She says that the nutritionists decide the diet format after inspecting a person’s age, gender, dietary patterns and work type. “The diet depends on whether the person is sitting in one place while working or whether his work requires a lot of physical movement,” says Mukhi.

Fruits are used as a de-toxicant in an individual who is over-nourished and over-indulgent and who often has late and greasy meals and suffers from constipation and indigestion. If the person is weak with low haemoglobin, calories and proteins then the fruit diet is not recommended to such a person. “It may further decrease his/her stamina and protein content,” says Dr Mukerjee.

Fruits contain minerals, vitamins, enzymes, anti-oxidants and are easily digested. They also have medicinal properties. “It is better to eat fresh fruits rather than consuming juice. Raw fruits contain more fibre and low sodium,” advises Hira Mahajan, Consulting dietician and nutritionist. Mukhi says the wild fruits found in India are very good for health. These fruits are not laden with pesticides. “Fruits such as bers, amla, jamun, berries should be consumed daily,” recommends Mukhi.

Fruits such as apricots and raisins are rich in calcium and iron. Custard apple is a good calcium source. Guavas, lemon, oranges are a source of vitamin C which is necessary for healthy gums. Papaya has Vitamin C and Beta carotene which converts to vitamin A and is needed for healthy eyes and skin. Intake of fruits such as apples, lemon, orange, pomegranate aid in the functioning of heart. “Apples, dates, mangoes sharpen memory, reduce exhaustion, hysteria, insomnia and ease mental tension,” informs Mahajan.

Fruits act as a cleanser. They give instant energy and are loaded with vitamins, minerals. “They cleanse the body, detoxify it and also don’t tax your digestive system,” says Mukhi. There are some things that should be considered when having fruits in one’s diet. Avoid cooking of fruits. If one is undergoing a weight loss programme, one must reduce the intake of mangoes, chikoos and bananas. One can have fruits for breakfast or as a snack meal. Fruits should be eaten on a relatively empty stomach. The reason behind this is that fruits are easily digested and need to be digested first. Combining fruits and vegetables when cooking is not advised. Fruits improve immune system and defense mechanism of the body. So if you want to remain healthy, go grab a fruit. The age old phrase can now be modified to ‘a fruit a day keeps the doctor away.’

What nutritionists recommend:

Anjali Mukerjee:

Deep coloured fruits such as pomegranates, strawberries, cherries, black grapes are recommended. They are rich in anti-oxidants; they detoxify, combat stress and prevent free radical formation. Eat fruits for breakfast or as a snack meal. Fruits should be eaten on a relatively empty stomach.

Kavita Mukhi:

Fruits such as bers, amla, jamun, berries should be consumed. There should be a balance of salts and sugars. Always have fruits on an empty stomach and not after meals. Fruits are easily digested and need to be digested first.

Hira Mahajan:

Avoid cooking of fruits. To reduce weight eat grapes, chikoo, custard apple, mango and bananas in a small quantity.
Fruits are a substitute for a sugary snack.

Fruits with medicinal properties:

Lemon helps in curing liver ailments, indigestion and rheumatism. Watermelon is a kidney cleanser. Pineapple and pomegranate help in curing inflammation of nose, throat, hay fever, bronchial ailments. Grapefruit is effective in case of a common cold.

(This article was published in DNA dated March 7, 2009- http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1237066)

Vote or else shut up…

These words may be harsh, ruthless and straight. Please don’t mind but they are true. The future of a new and ‘shining’ India lies in your hand…yes you, ‘young’, ‘literate’, ‘educated’, ‘future of India’ individual… in your hand. You have been bestowed upon the right to vote and choose who rules you, by the constitution. So before asking for your rights, perform your duty of voting.

India is the biggest democracy of the world and we are lucky to choose the ones who will rule us, make policies, make a difference (positive or negative…that depends on the fact whether you vote or not), make laws, run the country. At this time when the world is facing the economic downturn and terrorist activities which are degrading every inch of humanity, we need to perform our duty and make a difference.

So you, yes you youngster… don’t go out partying or on picnics on April 16th when you get a holiday for voting. Don’t sit at home lazying around, watching TV… just go to your polling booth and vote. Even if it takes an hour or two in the line, just go and vote. Don’t just shirk your responsibility by saying, ‘Koi vote dene ke layak nahi hai…’ or ‘Mere vote dene ya na dene se kya hoga?’ These are hollow statements showing that the literate India, who should actively take part in choosing the ruler of the country, is actually good-for-nothing. That’s why just go out and vote. Smell the pride of that blue ink on your index finger which tells you that you have done your duty and contributed your bit (which means a great deal) to this democracy called India.

And if you don’t vote…just shut up and don’t you dare comment on any politician’s wrongdoing or the failures of the government. Coz you don’t have the right. Coz given a chance and a right, you ‘a literate and jagaruk (so-called) citizen’ of this country didn’t vote…didn’t decide who wins. So you lose your chance to criticize.

So vote or else shut up.

This Bandar needs a break!

I am not much of a ‘review’ person but after watching Delhi-6 I needed to vent out my feelings, that’s why this piece. ‘Ye Delhi hai mere yaar…’, ‘Masakali masakali udd matakali matakali…, I was humming these songs for the last one month (I still do hum them). But the movie turned out to be one (boring) disaster.

My friends and I had planned a reunion and as all of us wanted to watch the movie, we went for it. We usually do not prefer watching movies when we meet after a long time, but this was an exceptional case. That’s why I am more frustrated. (I know I give long background but it creates the mood na? :)

I don’t need to write the story, as by now everyone must be acquainted with it. The story is as confusing as the characters and what they are supposed to play!! The focus of the film itself is not focused. Roshan (Abhishek) comes to India with his dadi (Waheeda Rehman, who looks stunning even at this age) but after half an hour of the movie runs by she is completely sidelined. The cinematography is awesome and the rustic streets and people of Delhi are showcased very well. The story is intermingled with the Ramleela and verses from the Ramayan are used. I quite liked this idea.

Then enters Bittu (Sonam- she could have been given a better pet name), who just flutters around everywhere and doesn’t have a scope to showcase her acting skills. The main actor of the film is the Kaala Bandar which causes havoc in the entire Delhi-6. All people push their wrongdoings on this Bandar. The monkey also causes communal disharmony between the Hindus and the Muslims. This could have been shown in a better way. The fights and the acting seem to be frivolous and they fight for no reasons.

Enters Abhishek aka Roshan, to fight the beliefs of the people and to remove the Kaala Bandar from everyone’s mind. The scene in which Roshan imagines a mix of New York and Delhi is really innovative and refreshing. But the scenes preceding the same are very funny. Abhishek becomes the monkey and people beat him up to vent their anger and still he manages to remain alive! The scenes of Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek when they meet in swarg are hilarious. Suddenly, Roshan returns back to dharti!!

Some scenes are relieving, especially the ones involving the two kiddos, Jalebi (a sweeper) and Gobar (a simpleton). The songs are like an oasis in the desert. The kabootar (Masakali) is the most handsome pigeon I have ever seen. It is simply adorable and dances really well!

All in all, worth ONLY one watch…which includes a 100 yawns and a stare/min from your girlfriend/boyfriend, if you have take them to watch it when they were suggesting a candle light dinner.

My ratings- *

Fun-n-fair

Have you ever tried revisiting your childhood by doing crazy things such as licking a lolly-pop or playing with your favourite Barbie? Recently, (to be precise yesterday itself) I relived my childhood by going to my gaav ka mela. I stay in a place called Vadgaonsheri in Pune, which is sandwiched between two posh localities namely Kalyani Nagar and Viman Nagar, yet this small suburb of Pune has kept its traditions alive. With IT parks, restaurants, malls and multiplexes, it is no longer a gaav, but does have a mela, every year!

My parents are very religious (yet secular) and we host a Gajanan Maharaj Prakat Din at our place and around 300 people visit our home and have lunch! On the same occasion, bunch of my friends had come to my place and I managed to persuade them into going to the fair. There was a splash of colour and lights everywhere. There were piggy banks made of clay in various shapes such as pots and gas cylinders, junk jewellery, kiddie stuff- talwar, gada and whistles. My pick of the day was a Shakalaka Boom Boom fame pencil which glows red and blue when put on!

We sat in an interesting ride called ‘Torra- torra’, which is somewhat like a giant wheel but slightly tilted (tedha). We had to persuade a friend into it for like 15 minutes and finally he agreed. And later, one could hear him shout, ‘Wee… yaay..”. from the top of the ride, we could see the bright and illuminated Pune city. I remembered the days when my brother and I would go to the fair with our parents… kya din the woh! We would throw tantrums to sit in a ride twice, to buy useless toys and sweets and they would ultimately have to give in to our ‘requests’. I would also go with my friends and there were incidents when some goonda guys would follow us and we would shoo them away in our own ishtyle. Those were the days of real enjoyment.

Yesterday, I felt the same vibes running through me and it seemed as if time had taken me 10 years back… it was the same innocent and fun-loving me.