As the shadows moved ahead, Benedict really wanted to step out of the car. But as he thought of the next steps, he could not forget a ceramic figurine in the backseat of his car.
What should he do now?
What should he do now?
Oct 6, 2013
Oct 5, 2013
Tom Clancy - Books and Movies
Tom Clancy, the blockbuster novelist, died a couple of days ago.
I have read quite a few of his books, enjoyed some, but got bored by most. However, when the same book is recreated on the big cinema screen, the results were thoroughly enjoyable.
I have loved every movie that was based on Clancy's book. Patriot Games, The Hunt for Red October, Sum of All Fears.... all of them.
I often thought that Clancy wrote with a focus on cinematic adaptation. There are also several PC games based on his books, I am sure they are a big hit in the world of gaming.
I think what is special about Clancy's books are the immense technical detailing in the plot. Unlike say Forsyth or Le Carre, Clancy gave details about the machines, guns, computer networks, algorithms and everything around that. This possibly was a great script for any movie.
I think we will all miss Clancy either for his books or for the movies or for the games. Rest in Peace.
I have read quite a few of his books, enjoyed some, but got bored by most. However, when the same book is recreated on the big cinema screen, the results were thoroughly enjoyable.
I have loved every movie that was based on Clancy's book. Patriot Games, The Hunt for Red October, Sum of All Fears.... all of them.
I often thought that Clancy wrote with a focus on cinematic adaptation. There are also several PC games based on his books, I am sure they are a big hit in the world of gaming.
I think what is special about Clancy's books are the immense technical detailing in the plot. Unlike say Forsyth or Le Carre, Clancy gave details about the machines, guns, computer networks, algorithms and everything around that. This possibly was a great script for any movie.
I think we will all miss Clancy either for his books or for the movies or for the games. Rest in Peace.
Sep 28, 2013
Book Review - The Hounourable Schoolboy
Another densely written novel from John Le Carre, another treat to read and another heart wrenching story of a vocation made glamorous by the likes of James Bond, Ethan Hunt and others.
The schoolboy Jerry does go miles to create ruffles and surprise negations of the higher plots and he does takes thick in the jungles of far east. This book is once again a trademark John Le Carre, where the machinations of the powers that are are displayed shamelessly and quite caustically.
Smiley has returned as the head of intelligence. His task cut out to create a bridge with the Cousins or the CIA. His old fashioned investigators Connie and Di Salis find a clue in far east. Smiley decides to lure out a Karla operative out of China.
Much like he got out Haydon, there is a definite similarity here. The only difference is Jerry is far too audacious to toe the line like say a Guillam or a Esterhase for that matter. The story wades through various locations, takes us places with opium traders, rogue pilots and others.
Folks who have read Tinker Tailor, will find this reading equally demanding and worth while. And oh what a brilliant movie this would make.
As someone who loves Forsyth, for I started with his masterpieces early in my teens, the climax is far too often heartbreaking in the case Le Carre. I will still accept his writings and continue to read them for that's what makes the man different from others.
Now on to Smiley's People! Need to finish that before the movie is out.
The schoolboy Jerry does go miles to create ruffles and surprise negations of the higher plots and he does takes thick in the jungles of far east. This book is once again a trademark John Le Carre, where the machinations of the powers that are are displayed shamelessly and quite caustically.
Smiley has returned as the head of intelligence. His task cut out to create a bridge with the Cousins or the CIA. His old fashioned investigators Connie and Di Salis find a clue in far east. Smiley decides to lure out a Karla operative out of China.
Much like he got out Haydon, there is a definite similarity here. The only difference is Jerry is far too audacious to toe the line like say a Guillam or a Esterhase for that matter. The story wades through various locations, takes us places with opium traders, rogue pilots and others.
Folks who have read Tinker Tailor, will find this reading equally demanding and worth while. And oh what a brilliant movie this would make.
As someone who loves Forsyth, for I started with his masterpieces early in my teens, the climax is far too often heartbreaking in the case Le Carre. I will still accept his writings and continue to read them for that's what makes the man different from others.
Now on to Smiley's People! Need to finish that before the movie is out.
Jun 13, 2013
End of Telegraph Services in India
India today announced a full-stop to telegraph services. I saw this news one TV today morning. There was a sense of deja-vu when I saw it.
7 years ago, Western Union announced closure of their telegraph services. I was in the US back in 2006, I heard this when returning home on NPR in the Marketplace. Kai Ryssdal announced it in his typical style.
Coming to telegraph service, its a technology which correctly needs to be put to rest. Most of the country is having mobile and telephone access. And that effectively has substituted for the need of telegraph.
As with any technology, to discontinue old and unviable service is the correct course of action. Simply speaking it frees up resources for better uses. I am sure Western Union and Indian Posts and Telecom company will use its resources elsewhere where there is actual need.
That said, as probably the last generation who has used telegrams, I will remember the large Central Telegraph Office building in every town and city. It is behind New Shriniketan Colony in Aurangabad.
Telegrams were the fastest mode of communication until the ubiquitous spread of telephones (mobile or landlines) started in late 90s.
If anything taught us the the value of words, it was literally the telegram. Especially in country like ours where people were conservative and had to use the last paisa when sending telegrams.
Our art, be it cinema or literature, they all had telegrams as an important part till sometime ago.
I recall a particularly humorous description of the sound of telegraph equipment (the Morse Code key) by P. L. Deshpande (पु लं ) in his legendary short story "Maazhe Poushtik Jeevan". As in Pu La's words,we will miss the "Kada-kat Kada-kat" (तार यंत्राचा कड-कट कड-कट असा आवाज ). If you can understand a little Marathi, don't miss out on this story recitation. It has those amazing jokes about how a letter mis-replaced here and there in telegram led to confusion.
At the end, we simply cannot forget the word "telegraph" because it will continue to appear in the very famous names of AT&T and NTT.
So long Telegrams!
7 years ago, Western Union announced closure of their telegraph services. I was in the US back in 2006, I heard this when returning home on NPR in the Marketplace. Kai Ryssdal announced it in his typical style.
Coming to telegraph service, its a technology which correctly needs to be put to rest. Most of the country is having mobile and telephone access. And that effectively has substituted for the need of telegraph.
As with any technology, to discontinue old and unviable service is the correct course of action. Simply speaking it frees up resources for better uses. I am sure Western Union and Indian Posts and Telecom company will use its resources elsewhere where there is actual need.
That said, as probably the last generation who has used telegrams, I will remember the large Central Telegraph Office building in every town and city. It is behind New Shriniketan Colony in Aurangabad.
Telegrams were the fastest mode of communication until the ubiquitous spread of telephones (mobile or landlines) started in late 90s.
If anything taught us the the value of words, it was literally the telegram. Especially in country like ours where people were conservative and had to use the last paisa when sending telegrams.
Our art, be it cinema or literature, they all had telegrams as an important part till sometime ago.
I recall a particularly humorous description of the sound of telegraph equipment (the Morse Code key) by P. L. Deshpande (पु लं ) in his legendary short story "Maazhe Poushtik Jeevan". As in Pu La's words,we will miss the "Kada-kat Kada-kat" (तार यंत्राचा कड-कट कड-कट असा आवाज ). If you can understand a little Marathi, don't miss out on this story recitation. It has those amazing jokes about how a letter mis-replaced here and there in telegram led to confusion.
At the end, we simply cannot forget the word "telegraph" because it will continue to appear in the very famous names of AT&T and NTT.
So long Telegrams!
May 27, 2013
A review of The Shiva Trilogy
Did I enjoy it? Yes
Did it drag? Yes, at times.
Did the author put enough effort to create a good story? Absolutely!
The Shiva Trilogy is a brilliant effort by the author Amish. He has accomplished what many many potential undiscovered authors have in their hearts.
We are of the generation who saw Ramayan and Mahabharat on TV. We have also seen epics like the Lord of the Rings (also many have read it) as well as Saving Private Ryan on the big screen. We have also been sad that though India has such amazing mythology and religious literature, we don't have something that can appeal to today's generation.
Here we have Amish, taking that additional step and penning down in what is a remarakable mixture of mythology, religion, science fiction and boundless imagination. We need to felicitate Amish as much as we can for these reasons. And for the fact that this will encourage many others to write more creatively.
Coming to the 3 books.
The first book Immortals of Meluha creates the story of Shiva, a Tibetan who comes to India and takes up the mantle of searching for Evil. The second, Secret of Nagas, takes him further in the search and opens his mind on what is Evil and what is not. The third, Oath of Vayuputras, is where the denouement of the events happen.
The first book is excellent in pacing, the right mix of Bollywood masala and character development. The second one drags. The Nagas are a great revelation. But the story keeps beating around the bush. The third part was criticised by many of my friends and relatives, but I enjoyed it. I found it over the top at times, but the climax was a good climax.
Overall I am impressed by how much imagination Amish has applied in creating this story. The description of cities, the war techniques, weapons are all engrossing. He does take extreme creative liberties. And he is inspired by Hollywood epics. the one thing that Amish should look at
It also leaves enough hints on what Amish is planning to write. I await that to happen!
Did it drag? Yes, at times.
Did the author put enough effort to create a good story? Absolutely!
The Shiva Trilogy is a brilliant effort by the author Amish. He has accomplished what many many potential undiscovered authors have in their hearts.
We are of the generation who saw Ramayan and Mahabharat on TV. We have also seen epics like the Lord of the Rings (also many have read it) as well as Saving Private Ryan on the big screen. We have also been sad that though India has such amazing mythology and religious literature, we don't have something that can appeal to today's generation.
Here we have Amish, taking that additional step and penning down in what is a remarakable mixture of mythology, religion, science fiction and boundless imagination. We need to felicitate Amish as much as we can for these reasons. And for the fact that this will encourage many others to write more creatively.
Coming to the 3 books.
The first book Immortals of Meluha creates the story of Shiva, a Tibetan who comes to India and takes up the mantle of searching for Evil. The second, Secret of Nagas, takes him further in the search and opens his mind on what is Evil and what is not. The third, Oath of Vayuputras, is where the denouement of the events happen.
The first book is excellent in pacing, the right mix of Bollywood masala and character development. The second one drags. The Nagas are a great revelation. But the story keeps beating around the bush. The third part was criticised by many of my friends and relatives, but I enjoyed it. I found it over the top at times, but the climax was a good climax.
Overall I am impressed by how much imagination Amish has applied in creating this story. The description of cities, the war techniques, weapons are all engrossing. He does take extreme creative liberties. And he is inspired by Hollywood epics. the one thing that Amish should look at
It also leaves enough hints on what Amish is planning to write. I await that to happen!
Apr 20, 2013
1BHKs make a come back!
I don't know how but I again feel I said so!
Read this April 2012 blog post from me:
http://indian-eagle.blogspot.in/2012/04/strange-case-of-1-bhks-in-mumbai.html
And read this article in ET today.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/real-estate/news/mumbai-builders-see-an-opportunity-in-small-homes-despite-rising-prices-and-market-uncertainty/articleshow/19643145.cms
I had categorized 1BHK as giffen good. Now good old supply-demand curves have kicked in.
Read this April 2012 blog post from me:
http://indian-eagle.blogspot.in/2012/04/strange-case-of-1-bhks-in-mumbai.html
And read this article in ET today.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/real-estate/news/mumbai-builders-see-an-opportunity-in-small-homes-despite-rising-prices-and-market-uncertainty/articleshow/19643145.cms
I had categorized 1BHK as giffen good. Now good old supply-demand curves have kicked in.
Jan 6, 2013
My journey and moments with the little master
This is an email I got from my brother who, as he describes himself below, is Sachin's unconditional supporter and fan. Read an enjoyable, slightly long yet a mesmerizing account of how many of us have grown up with आपला सचिन ...
"Sachin Tendulkar is to cricket, what a vowel is to word.
On 23rd December 2012, Sachin Tendulkar showed he is human after all. Yes he retired from ODI’s.
Somewhere deep down in our hearts, the fans (including me) were anticipating the moment to be around the corner.
I was 8, when he debuted and honestly I don’t remember his first runs and innings. A 16 year kid was hitting unbelievable strokes against some very established names. Understandably, his popularity was meteoric. Before I could realize I was sucked into his silky stroke play and for me Sachin became a synonym for cricket.
When I started playing serious cricket (the gully cricket was of course serious cricket), I started holding the bat right at the bottom of the handle and chose the heaviest of the bats available. So what if that made the cut, pull and the sweep shots much more difficult for me. After all I had to follow the way Sachin played, right? I used to plead to open the innings, my leg or middle guard on the crease was very much dependent on what guard Sachin took recently. At every opportunity I would (try) a back foot cover drive on the up, so what if we had a concrete wall in covers in our society (The Wall ≠ Dravid) and that brilliant shot yielded exact ZERO to the team (an edge of course would get some runs, as the square was open).
Throughout 1990’s Sachin became the prime reason to watch Indian cricket. Be it the way he first opened against New Zealand in 1994, that 90 against Australia in 1996 world cup, the Sharjah sand storm century followed by another in finals or so many other memories.
I could never be relaxed when he was on the crease, like millions of my fellow fans I prayed, didn’t move from my place, etc, just to make sure he did well in the match. I had seven posters in our bedroom, some bought and some gifted (couple of them easily approved by the family, as they helped hide some cracks in the wall).
Being a Sachin fan hasn’t been a smooth sailing, especially given the critics of him around me. People have come up with least analyzed statements like “Jab jab Sachin khelta hai tab India harta hai”.
Some friends and relatives used to pull my leg in good spirit but some were very serious anti Sachin campaigners. I have been involved in many heated discussions to defend Sachin in college, society, office and even with some unknown people in Mumbai local trains too. Top it all, once I hit a guy in my computer classes who vehemently felt Sachin was reason for India’s failure to win consistently and the argument went beyond proportions.
I used to call at his place to speak with him and the guy who used to politely tell me “to ghari nahi ahe” (He is not at home) was (presumably) his late father Mr. Ramesh Tendulkar.
I tried meeting Sachin once in early 1990’s through through through my relatives. My distant uncle were friends with a guy, whose daughter was Sachin’s class mate till 2nd standard. That’s how closely related I am to Sachin. I went in with my uncle to Patrakar colony, Bandra. Sachin was on England tour then and I had to console myself by having seen his house’s balcony and the place where he played his gully cricket.
The 2000 decade was different I completed my MBA and started working, that meant I couldn’t see Sachin play live. Switching to Cricinfo and rushing for highlights was all I could do. While doing my post graduation, came my first opportunity to play real cricket (the one with leather ball, gloves and pad).
Apart from the opportunity to play with the red cherry, was the chance to practice on the MIG ground at Bandra (the ground where Sachin practiced when he was at home). Guess that reason explains why I could bowl decent enough to get selected (although it was the first time with a leather ball).
India was to tour Pakistant in 2003/04. On a Tuesday at around 6.30 AM, my friends and I reached MIG ground for warm ups before we started our nets. Post warming up, we went ahead with our routine to fix stumps on our designated practice pitch. We saw one of the grounds man rolling a very heavy roller on our pitch. I asked him “Aap hamare pitch ko itna dhyan kab se dene lage?” (Since when did you started paying so much attention to our pitch?)
He pointed at the pitch besides and replied “tum log aaj us pitch par practice karo”.
On asking why, he said “aaj Sachin aa raha hai, vo yaha practice karega”.
Spontaneously my friend asked “Kaun Sachin?” and the guy just smiled (was the only time I saw him rolling the pitch so happily).
Unsurprisingly our practice went for a toss, no one was bothered to open the kit, few seniors were scrambling to find a mobile with a camera (camera in a mobile was rare then), few called friends nearby friends to bring in a camera urgently. For a moment I sat and wondered if he was really going come. I gathered myself and made sure I had a pen and paper for his autograph.
Guess what, he did come. Parked his blue BMW SUV just inside the gate and walked towards a chair and table kept especially for him near the boundary. I ran to get his autograph and expectedly a security guy made sure I didn’t get anywhere near to him.
My friends had a laugh at me; I really didn’t care, as I was too much in awe to get bothered because Sachin Tendulkar was sitting right in front of me. He put on his shoes (was wearing floaters when he came from home) and headed straight to nets. We concluded that he might have done his warm up at home itself. In fact most of the Mumbai team was there from Bahutule, Sameer Dinghe to Paras Mamhbrey and even Zaheer for fitness training with a Physio (he was frequently injured then).
By the time Sachin hit the nets, Ajit Tendulkar had arrived. Within minutes the MIG gates were closed (open otherwise) and there were people around the fence trying to catch a glimpse of Sachin and Zaheer. In the meanwhile somebody had managed to open the kit and arrange the stumps, I was in no hurry to start my bowling practice. I stood just besides the batting crease (outside the net of course) where Sachin was batting and realized the little master had very very strong forearms and a very strong upper body.
Although 5.5”, he looked fit enough to take down 2 to 3 decent size men. And I couldn’t stop noticing his MRF labeled broad bat, the light weight pads (the one I always saw and heard on TV) the way he took guard and the way he was unperturbed by the people and someone like me standing right besides his net.
He practiced against a bowling machine and the balls flew in very fast indeed (most of it were short of good length deliveries). Maybe to get used to Shoaib’s pace and bounce. Remember he was in his prime then. The balls weren’t leather ones, they were some bigger than normal rubber balls.
Then I heard Sachin speaking in Marathi “Are ikdoon davi kadoon ghe” (take it from the left side) instructing the guy handling the machine. For some reason I thought he must be very sophisticated and may be speaking only Engilsh, and so was completely floored by his normal Marathi speech. My respect grew multifold.
Post his practice he sat on the chair had tea and to everyone’s surprise obliged for autograph to everyone on the ground practicing. We formed a queue, first took Sachin’s signature and then rushed to Zaheer. I was speechless when I took his signature.
We enquired and found out that he was going to come the next day as well.
Hurrayyyyy !!! I got my black marker, my favorite white T-Shirt and a camera the other morning. He came and he practiced, this time though he was hitting them a long way (was defensive the previous day). He again obliged for the autograph and even for a photograph to everyone. My friend clicked for me and this time I even managed to shake hands with the master and wish him luck for the Pak series.
I even took snaps while he was practicing. Our captain approached him for a team snap and the Little Master again graciously obliged. The exponentially high respect for Sachin got multiplied further. I literally had a feeling of “I can die peacefully now”.
I was in the stands and have seen him in action at Wankhede against Sri Lanka in 1997/98 test match, against West Indies in 2011 test match and at an IPL match V/S Chennai. But the most memorable of them all was the Mumbai V/S Australia game at Brabourne stadium. A warm up match before the historic 2000-01 Austalia series.
He scored a double century, hitting 2 sixes to Shane Warne and one of them probably went out of the ground! That game also reminds me of Amit Pagnis (the then Mumbai opener) and Sanjay Manjrekar. Pagnis hit Shane 3 boundaries in an over and couple of them against the spin over covers (he bats left handed), the crowd went crazy. It was also the last first class match for Sanjay, he got a standing ovation. Kambli unfortunately lost his stumps sweeping at 10.
Sachin’s pull six against Caddick in 2003 world cup, the straight six against Kasprowicz at Sharjah and the famous cut shot six against Shoiab in 2003 world cup are some of my favorite moments. Fans like me can go on and on. Then came his double century in ODI, that was some record (thank god Anwar got out on 194).
As time went by, I started holding my bat in a conventional way rather than at the bottom of the handle. Sachin too, had to change his batting style to play more shots behind square than before. But his strike rate didn’t change much and neither did my attachment to the master.
Everyone talks about his batting but for me to understand how emotional and a child like cricketer he is, one has to see him bowl and field. Often we have seen Sachin crossing the century mark and calmly taking his helmet off and raising his bat and helmet towards the dressing room followed by a look towards the sky (almost like what’s to be so excited about).
Further, may be a common raise of the bat for the crowd. Many including me always felt we the fans deserved more prolonged and better acknowledgement. I loved him bowling, the slow medium pace, off spin, leg spin, googly, leg cutter, etc. The best part was when he took a wicket or a difficult catch; he used to get so excited like a child, almost as if he wasn’t expecting it to happen. This rather means he expected himself to score that century.
On 23rd Dec 2012 morning my friend messaged me about his retirement. I switched on the TV and saw the news channels reporting. Somewhere I felt I was expecting it and prepared. But as I saw and heard there was a lump in my throat and my eyes went moist. Prepared, was I?
Although off late playing selectively in ODI, I knew he will play in future (the big ones at least). The fact that we were about to play Pak, I felt he could have played this series. After all I deserved to know in advance that this is his last ODI series and innings. I would have bunked office for that one last time, known this is the last time he is wearing a blue, applauded his last innings, wicket, a throw and catch in ODI.
I will never know the atmosphere in the stadium where we knew this is his last. I will miss the last hoorah and we the fans deserved it. With the career being as celebrated as it was, it deserved a celebrated send off. It was almost like Richard Parker leaving Pi so unceremoniously on the beach (knowing this could be the last time he will ever see Pi).
He still plays the Tests. He will retire from tests too; I have to be prepared then. The question is will I ever be?
Sachin's unconditional supporter and fan,
Ashutosh Garud "
"Sachin Tendulkar is to cricket, what a vowel is to word.
On 23rd December 2012, Sachin Tendulkar showed he is human after all. Yes he retired from ODI’s.
Somewhere deep down in our hearts, the fans (including me) were anticipating the moment to be around the corner.
I was 8, when he debuted and honestly I don’t remember his first runs and innings. A 16 year kid was hitting unbelievable strokes against some very established names. Understandably, his popularity was meteoric. Before I could realize I was sucked into his silky stroke play and for me Sachin became a synonym for cricket.
When I started playing serious cricket (the gully cricket was of course serious cricket), I started holding the bat right at the bottom of the handle and chose the heaviest of the bats available. So what if that made the cut, pull and the sweep shots much more difficult for me. After all I had to follow the way Sachin played, right? I used to plead to open the innings, my leg or middle guard on the crease was very much dependent on what guard Sachin took recently. At every opportunity I would (try) a back foot cover drive on the up, so what if we had a concrete wall in covers in our society (The Wall ≠ Dravid) and that brilliant shot yielded exact ZERO to the team (an edge of course would get some runs, as the square was open).
Throughout 1990’s Sachin became the prime reason to watch Indian cricket. Be it the way he first opened against New Zealand in 1994, that 90 against Australia in 1996 world cup, the Sharjah sand storm century followed by another in finals or so many other memories.
I could never be relaxed when he was on the crease, like millions of my fellow fans I prayed, didn’t move from my place, etc, just to make sure he did well in the match. I had seven posters in our bedroom, some bought and some gifted (couple of them easily approved by the family, as they helped hide some cracks in the wall).
Being a Sachin fan hasn’t been a smooth sailing, especially given the critics of him around me. People have come up with least analyzed statements like “Jab jab Sachin khelta hai tab India harta hai”.
Some friends and relatives used to pull my leg in good spirit but some were very serious anti Sachin campaigners. I have been involved in many heated discussions to defend Sachin in college, society, office and even with some unknown people in Mumbai local trains too. Top it all, once I hit a guy in my computer classes who vehemently felt Sachin was reason for India’s failure to win consistently and the argument went beyond proportions.
I used to call at his place to speak with him and the guy who used to politely tell me “to ghari nahi ahe” (He is not at home) was (presumably) his late father Mr. Ramesh Tendulkar.
I tried meeting Sachin once in early 1990’s through through through my relatives. My distant uncle were friends with a guy, whose daughter was Sachin’s class mate till 2nd standard. That’s how closely related I am to Sachin. I went in with my uncle to Patrakar colony, Bandra. Sachin was on England tour then and I had to console myself by having seen his house’s balcony and the place where he played his gully cricket.
The 2000 decade was different I completed my MBA and started working, that meant I couldn’t see Sachin play live. Switching to Cricinfo and rushing for highlights was all I could do. While doing my post graduation, came my first opportunity to play real cricket (the one with leather ball, gloves and pad).
Apart from the opportunity to play with the red cherry, was the chance to practice on the MIG ground at Bandra (the ground where Sachin practiced when he was at home). Guess that reason explains why I could bowl decent enough to get selected (although it was the first time with a leather ball).
India was to tour Pakistant in 2003/04. On a Tuesday at around 6.30 AM, my friends and I reached MIG ground for warm ups before we started our nets. Post warming up, we went ahead with our routine to fix stumps on our designated practice pitch. We saw one of the grounds man rolling a very heavy roller on our pitch. I asked him “Aap hamare pitch ko itna dhyan kab se dene lage?” (Since when did you started paying so much attention to our pitch?)
He pointed at the pitch besides and replied “tum log aaj us pitch par practice karo”.
On asking why, he said “aaj Sachin aa raha hai, vo yaha practice karega”.
Spontaneously my friend asked “Kaun Sachin?” and the guy just smiled (was the only time I saw him rolling the pitch so happily).
Unsurprisingly our practice went for a toss, no one was bothered to open the kit, few seniors were scrambling to find a mobile with a camera (camera in a mobile was rare then), few called friends nearby friends to bring in a camera urgently. For a moment I sat and wondered if he was really going come. I gathered myself and made sure I had a pen and paper for his autograph.
Guess what, he did come. Parked his blue BMW SUV just inside the gate and walked towards a chair and table kept especially for him near the boundary. I ran to get his autograph and expectedly a security guy made sure I didn’t get anywhere near to him.
My friends had a laugh at me; I really didn’t care, as I was too much in awe to get bothered because Sachin Tendulkar was sitting right in front of me. He put on his shoes (was wearing floaters when he came from home) and headed straight to nets. We concluded that he might have done his warm up at home itself. In fact most of the Mumbai team was there from Bahutule, Sameer Dinghe to Paras Mamhbrey and even Zaheer for fitness training with a Physio (he was frequently injured then).
By the time Sachin hit the nets, Ajit Tendulkar had arrived. Within minutes the MIG gates were closed (open otherwise) and there were people around the fence trying to catch a glimpse of Sachin and Zaheer. In the meanwhile somebody had managed to open the kit and arrange the stumps, I was in no hurry to start my bowling practice. I stood just besides the batting crease (outside the net of course) where Sachin was batting and realized the little master had very very strong forearms and a very strong upper body.
Although 5.5”, he looked fit enough to take down 2 to 3 decent size men. And I couldn’t stop noticing his MRF labeled broad bat, the light weight pads (the one I always saw and heard on TV) the way he took guard and the way he was unperturbed by the people and someone like me standing right besides his net.
He practiced against a bowling machine and the balls flew in very fast indeed (most of it were short of good length deliveries). Maybe to get used to Shoaib’s pace and bounce. Remember he was in his prime then. The balls weren’t leather ones, they were some bigger than normal rubber balls.
Then I heard Sachin speaking in Marathi “Are ikdoon davi kadoon ghe” (take it from the left side) instructing the guy handling the machine. For some reason I thought he must be very sophisticated and may be speaking only Engilsh, and so was completely floored by his normal Marathi speech. My respect grew multifold.
Post his practice he sat on the chair had tea and to everyone’s surprise obliged for autograph to everyone on the ground practicing. We formed a queue, first took Sachin’s signature and then rushed to Zaheer. I was speechless when I took his signature.
We enquired and found out that he was going to come the next day as well.
Hurrayyyyy !!! I got my black marker, my favorite white T-Shirt and a camera the other morning. He came and he practiced, this time though he was hitting them a long way (was defensive the previous day). He again obliged for the autograph and even for a photograph to everyone. My friend clicked for me and this time I even managed to shake hands with the master and wish him luck for the Pak series.
I even took snaps while he was practicing. Our captain approached him for a team snap and the Little Master again graciously obliged. The exponentially high respect for Sachin got multiplied further. I literally had a feeling of “I can die peacefully now”.
I was in the stands and have seen him in action at Wankhede against Sri Lanka in 1997/98 test match, against West Indies in 2011 test match and at an IPL match V/S Chennai. But the most memorable of them all was the Mumbai V/S Australia game at Brabourne stadium. A warm up match before the historic 2000-01 Austalia series.
He scored a double century, hitting 2 sixes to Shane Warne and one of them probably went out of the ground! That game also reminds me of Amit Pagnis (the then Mumbai opener) and Sanjay Manjrekar. Pagnis hit Shane 3 boundaries in an over and couple of them against the spin over covers (he bats left handed), the crowd went crazy. It was also the last first class match for Sanjay, he got a standing ovation. Kambli unfortunately lost his stumps sweeping at 10.
Sachin’s pull six against Caddick in 2003 world cup, the straight six against Kasprowicz at Sharjah and the famous cut shot six against Shoiab in 2003 world cup are some of my favorite moments. Fans like me can go on and on. Then came his double century in ODI, that was some record (thank god Anwar got out on 194).
As time went by, I started holding my bat in a conventional way rather than at the bottom of the handle. Sachin too, had to change his batting style to play more shots behind square than before. But his strike rate didn’t change much and neither did my attachment to the master.
Everyone talks about his batting but for me to understand how emotional and a child like cricketer he is, one has to see him bowl and field. Often we have seen Sachin crossing the century mark and calmly taking his helmet off and raising his bat and helmet towards the dressing room followed by a look towards the sky (almost like what’s to be so excited about).
Further, may be a common raise of the bat for the crowd. Many including me always felt we the fans deserved more prolonged and better acknowledgement. I loved him bowling, the slow medium pace, off spin, leg spin, googly, leg cutter, etc. The best part was when he took a wicket or a difficult catch; he used to get so excited like a child, almost as if he wasn’t expecting it to happen. This rather means he expected himself to score that century.
On 23rd Dec 2012 morning my friend messaged me about his retirement. I switched on the TV and saw the news channels reporting. Somewhere I felt I was expecting it and prepared. But as I saw and heard there was a lump in my throat and my eyes went moist. Prepared, was I?
Although off late playing selectively in ODI, I knew he will play in future (the big ones at least). The fact that we were about to play Pak, I felt he could have played this series. After all I deserved to know in advance that this is his last ODI series and innings. I would have bunked office for that one last time, known this is the last time he is wearing a blue, applauded his last innings, wicket, a throw and catch in ODI.
I will never know the atmosphere in the stadium where we knew this is his last. I will miss the last hoorah and we the fans deserved it. With the career being as celebrated as it was, it deserved a celebrated send off. It was almost like Richard Parker leaving Pi so unceremoniously on the beach (knowing this could be the last time he will ever see Pi).
He still plays the Tests. He will retire from tests too; I have to be prepared then. The question is will I ever be?
Sachin's unconditional supporter and fan,
Ashutosh Garud "
Jan 5, 2013
1-year Full-time MBAs!
Here is an excellent piece on the 1-year MBAs by Shikhar Mohan. By far the most informative comparison giving the differences and similarities between the 2-year MBAs and the 1-year MBAs.
Most importantly, it elaborates quite well on WHY THEY ARE NOT THE SAME AS part-time MBA!
Please read it and share it with as many as possible.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/don%60t-mistake-it-for-an-executive-mba/497566/
Quoting from the article,
"The first point to note is that the IIMs’ One Year Full Time MBA is a ‘Regular’ Full Time MBA and not an Executive MBA."
Most importantly, it elaborates quite well on WHY THEY ARE NOT THE SAME AS part-time MBA!
Please read it and share it with as many as possible.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/don%60t-mistake-it-for-an-executive-mba/497566/
Quoting from the article,
"The first point to note is that the IIMs’ One Year Full Time MBA is a ‘Regular’ Full Time MBA and not an Executive MBA."
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