तू अपने दिल को क्यों थामता है (Tu Apne Dil Ko Kyon Thaamta Hai)

किसी के दिल की कौन जानता है
तू अपने दिल को क्यों थामता है

तेरा दिल बना है आसमा के लिए
आसमा से भी ऊंचे जहां के लिए

उड़ानों की मंजिल कौन जानता है
तू अपने दिल को क्यों थामता है

तेरी भी सुन लेंगे कभी यह लोग
जो न भी सुनें तो क्या है सोग

हर्फो के आशय नहीं हर कोई जानता है
तू अपने दिल को क्यों थामता है

हर बुलंदी से ऊंची है आवाज़ तेरी
फलक चीर देगी परवाज़ तेरी

क्यों काबिलियत को अपनी गुनाह मानता है
तू अपने दिल को क्यों थामता है

कभी वो भी मंज़र आँखों से चार होगा
कभी रूबरू कोई जांनिसार होगा

इंतज़ार का अंजाम यूँ भी कौन जानता है
तू अपने दिल को क्यों थामता है

जो हाथ नहीं तेरे, है नहीं वो किस्मत
जो तुझको नहीं हासिल, ख़ाक है वोह जन्नत

किस्मत के दम पर जीने में क्या महानता है
तू अपने दिल को क्यों थामता है

_________________________________________________

Transliteration

Kisi ke dil ki kaun jaanta hai
Tu apne dil ko kyun thaamta hai

Tera dil bana hai aasmaa ke liye
Aasmaa se bhi oonche jahaan ke liye

Udaano ki manzil kaun jaanta hain
Tu apne dil ko kyon thaamta hai

Teri bhi sun lenge kabhi yeh log
Jo na bhi sune to kya hai shog

Harfo ke aashay nahi har koi jaanta hai
Tu apne dil ko kyon thaamta hai

Har bulundi se oonchi hai aawaaz teri
Falak cheer degi parwaaz teri

Kyon kaabiliyat ko gunaah maanta hai
Tu apne dil ko kyon thaamta hai

Kabhi woh bhi manjar aankhon se char hoga
Kabhi rubaru koi jaannissar hoga

Intezaar ka anjaam yun bhi kaun jaanta hai,
Tu apne Dil ko kyon thaamta hai

Jo haath nahi tere, hai nahi woh kismat

Jo tujhko nahi haasil, khaak hai woh jannat

Kismat ke dum par jeene mein kya mahanta hai
Tu apne dil ko kyon thaamta hai

Around the Marble Church (On a fine Saturday)

The Mendak

Round Tower

Marble Church

Opera House

Nyhavn

Atop the Marble Church

View of Amalienborg (Queen's Palace) and Opera House from the top of Marble Church

Dome of Russian Church from top of Marble Church

View from the dome of Marble Church

Spiral Staircase of Church of Our Saviour

One more view from the top

Oresund Bridge

Amalienborg

Statue of Frederick V

Yet Another View

Kobenhavn (I mean Copenhagen) City View from the Marble Church

Inside the Marble Church

The dome from Inside

The Beautiful Chapel of the Marble Church

These pictures are from our last week trip in the town. It was, I suppose, the first sunny day of the spring (I mean first sunny day on a March weekend with plus temperatures) and I took Richa around for some local sightseeing. We went around Nyhavn and then all the way to the Marble Church, where we found out that they have guided tours to the dome of the church on Weekends at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Since we were there right in time and since it wasn't very costly (DKK 25 or around USD 5), we took the tour and it indeed turned out to be good fun. It was bit scary in parts as almost the whole climb was through a narrow and steep passage, with just enough space for one person to move at a time. Those afraid of confined spaces (like Richa) will probably find it bit spooky :) Once atop though, you are presented with a fabulous view of the city of Copenhagen and far off (to Sweeden and Malmo). Several of city's important buildings can be seen from the top. This of course provides one with a chance to impress one's better half with one's general know how about the city (that's no way saying that your better half will be impressed; its just that you have a chance of impressing her). All in all, a really nice local attraction. The church in itself is very beautiful and its one of my favorites in Copenhagen. The last picture in this entry is my favorite :)

The Lake at Brede

There's a lake
on the way to home.
When the winters
are in full swing
this lake
sometimes freezes;
perfect white,
a visual treat,
a sight
to behold
and cherish.
I have thought
on quite many occasions
while viewing the lake
through the train window
as I pass it
on my way home,
to stop by,
get off the train,
walk up to the lake
and
spend some time
mesmerized
in its pristine whiteness,
eternal yet momentary
calm.
I have thought this often,
that one day
I will stop by
at this station
and take a picture
or two.
Now the winters
are waning down
and
I have not been able to
get off the train
at this station
to soak in
the beauty of this lake,
to be lost
for a while
in its charm.
Every time I pass this station
I say to myself,
"Tomorrow"
for I am always eager/rushing
to reach back home,
well aware
that you must be waiting
for me.

A Valentine Day

I read somewhere, 'Each day is a valentine, if you want it to'. In simpler terms this perhaps meant; each day can be a valentine, if you think it that way. Today's morning, its nice sunshine, no wind and temperature's on the plus side; surely a day you wont hesitate in calling a 'Valentine Day' :)

By Sticks N Sushi on Strandvejen

After spending Saturday afternoon in Ikea, we went grocery shopping to Dogn Netto. Took this while waiting for the bus to the way back home.

Photo430

Shoe Shopping for Missus

New Year New Life and a New Post

On borrowed time as a bachelor (I am currently leading a life of a pseudo-bachelor since Richa still awaits her Visa), I am not sure what I should be writing. I thought of writing something sensational or perhaps a welcome note to the married life or even a dirge on the gone for good days of bachelorhood, but I guess I will end up writing something lame.

Its the start of yet another cold weekend here. Currently I listen to some Kumaoni songs, it's called 'Meri Mayadara'. Not sure what it means, perhaps 'My Lover' or something like that.

Few minutes back, I finished reading Billoo's 'Raavan ke Sir'. Amongst all other things, what I found interesting was that just before Diwali, Billoo's parents are away to Dibrugarh. I mean they have been to Dibrugarh of all places (rolling my eyes). I wonder what makes them travel all the way to Assam. Or may be Billoo's story takes place in Assam only, just that Pran Sir forgot to mention that in any of Billoo's comics. On a different note, what if Billoo's parents turn out to be some high profile secret agents serving in IB (again rolling my eyes). I would have liked to linger some more on this brilliant idea just that it wont be good to be labeled 'crazy' now that I am a married man. On the other hand, isn't a man who is married already crazy??

Lets move on to the impending African Nations Cup match between Ivory Coast and Ghana. It will be interesting to see Michael Essien and Didier Drogba rough it out against each other. I have no favorites here but I do look forward to watching this match.

My weekend will probably pass amidst preparations for upcoming trip to Cincinnati and then IMAC. Perhaps I will head out for a dinner on Sunday to some Restaurant with Ranko and Murli. BTW isnt Ranko sounding like Rancho (from 3 Idiots). I think I need to let Ranko know about this. Ranko is my colleague from work and is a Bollywood buff. I think he will like this connection since he likes Aamir Khan. I guess even Aamir will like this connection given that Ranko is originally from Bosnia and might be Aamir's one and only fan from the country :)

Tomorrow Chelsea plays Sunderland in EPL. After last few matches falling prey to bad weather in England, it will be good to get rolling again. Hopefully, Chelsea will win this one to start the year on a winning note.

On a sad note, Asheem Chakravarty of Indian Ocean breathed his last on Christmas eve. Words can't describe the sorrow that I felt on hearing this news. Certain dreams are never to be fulfilled, I guess witnessing IO perform live is one of them.

Sant Kabeer wrote,

Jab Hum Paida Hue Jag Hansa Hum Roye,
Aisi Karni Kar Chalo, Hum Hanse Jag Roye

May Asheem's soul rest in peace and may his music continues to enthrall our senses forever.

Last Song of a Bachelor

Dear Friends
As I embark on this new journey,
new phase
of my life,
with all your well wishes
and blessings
in my heart;
I think
I'll be a different person
when I return,
married
and no longer bachelor;
a changed man
I'll be
when I return;
and I am sure
this change
will be for better
but for the fact
that
I wont be a bachelor
anymore
nor
will I be alone;
few more days to go
before
I have a companion of my own.

:)

मैं (एक अलग अंदाज़)

सच बोल सकें हम, इतनी हिम्मत ही कहाँ थी
इसीलिए तो छुपाए फिरते हैं हम शख्सियत अपनी

यूं तो फरेब था नही फितरत में हमारी
वो बात और है, नियत ही कम्बख्त थी अपनी

अब कैसे करें सलाम, लगें बढ़ के गले हम
कुछ बढ़प्पन है आपका, कुछ शरमिंदगी अपनी

तुम तो हो नूर-ऐ-खुदाई, हम स्याह के कायल
हो दिन तुम्हे मुबारक मगर रात है अपनी

हम को था इल्म इस खेल में किसकी होगी जीत
अच्छे तो तुम थे ही फखत किस्मत भी बुरी थी अपनी

तुमने जब माफ़ कर ही दिया खता को हमारी
फ़िर क्यों लें इलज़ाम और कहें की खता थी अपनी

हम तो जाएंगे जहन्नम में ऐ सनम
तुमको हो मुबारक वो जन्नत जो नसीब थी अपनी

बेमुरव्वत है यह ज़िन्दगी की अब भी जिए जा रहे हैं
हाँ इतना जरूर है, है जीना शौक़ और मजबूरी अपनी

ऐसा तो कुछ ख़ास नही है हम में मगर
न जाने क्यों सदा चलती आई है अपनी

मैं नही कहता ये तो फरमाया है 'दाग' ने
सबसे तुम अच्छे हो, तुमसे भी मगर अच्छी है किस्मत अपनी


:)

Hide and Seek

Dear Moon,
let's play a game tonight,
you
hiding behind
these clouds
that accompany you
in the sky
and I,
looking for you
all through the night.


Picture Courtesy: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2204/2508296421_f0313fea7b_o.jpg

On the Eve of a New Tomorrow

As we walk into a new tomorrow
with a hope for a better future,
I stand for a while
to look at the past
that still cast shadows
but perhaps wont last
forever;
as there's a sun
that's shining bright
and there's plenty more
to the life
than being near the window sill
and drowning in the moonlit night.

Following lines from Jose Saramago's 'The Stone Raft' form the inspiration of this poem.

Priorities of past should not be allowed to hinder the future.

While there’s life, there’s hope, so do not despair.

And though the above mentioned lines form the core of this poem, I still leave the question open; "Is it really possible to wipe off the past"?

:)


Image Courtesy : http://fineartamerica.com/images-medium/moonlight-window-chris-spuglio.jpg

My Favorite Mithun Dance Numbers

Well, I wanted to write about something else but I guess its time for the long delayed Mithun Da tribute :) Here are some of my favourite Mithun Da numbers in no particular order. I have included only one number from one movie so lots of obvious and glaring exclusions, but I guess that leaves something for discussion through the comments ;)

Gunmaster G9 (Suraksha)

OK, I said that I wont include two songs of a movie but I will start with an exception, two songs of this iconic movie, one for its sheer Mithunness and the other for the fact that it remains one of my favourite Mithun Da dance number. This one is the first, brilliant opening credits for the movie that started it all for Mithun Da.

Ae O Aa (Disco Dancer)

Every song in Disco Dancer was fabulous but this one remains my fav, a perfect launch song for a budding disco star and sets the tone of the movie nicely.

Tum Jo Bhi Ho (Suraksha)

Second song from the movie that started it all. Though earlier 'Gunmaster G9' opening credit song, with its Bond-like style, is more famous; this one showcases Mithun Da's dancing abilities better :)

Title Song (Taqdeer Ka Baadshah)

Great Intro to this disco funk number crooned in his typical voice by Bappi Da. Watch out for Mithun Da's iconic moves, which I think were the only good thing in this otherwise ordinary movie.

Tonite (Dilwala)

This song typifies Mithun Da's dancing. Silly lyrics but nice tune; Bappi Da must have copied it from somewhere ;)

Yaee Yaee Yahaa Or Whatever it is called :)(Pyar Ka Mandir)

Crap song, I mean really crap song but Mithun Da's dance is awesome although his costumes aren't :)

Vaada Hai Kya(Taxi Chor)

Not a disco number or dance number as such, in fact this one is a really nice romantic number. Mithun Da's steps make it even better :)

Ek Hasina ki Nigahon Ka (Yaadon Ki Kasam)

Again not a Disco number, yet a nice number; kinda sounds like those Altaf Raza numbers ;) On a serious note, Mithun Da shows that he is just too good when it comes to shaking a few legs, give him beats and he wont fail you :)

Julie Julie (Jeete Hain Shaan Se)

One of the bigger hits of its times. Mithun songs had a formula to them, catchy tune, crappy lyrics, crappy singer and typical Mithun moves. BTW this one has Anu Malik giving music and also doubling up for crooning. I think this must be one of his original numbers ;)

Kabootarbaaz(Turki ba Turki) (Waqt Ki Awaaz)

Mithun Da with Queen of Dance, Sridevi, in villain's den; Hmmmm I guess thats a good enough reason to watch the song. BTW, this movie had some nice songs, 'Ladka akela' with Mithun and Sri doing robot dance and Mithun Da's angry dancing in 'I wanna hit somebody' hmmmmmmm :)

Jeena Bhi Kya Hai Jeena (Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki)

Well its a take on MJ's legendary 'Billie Jean' and I guess choreography is inspired from 'Thriller' (though not completely), but still a Mithun classic.

Tu Mujhe Jaan Se Bhi Pyara Hai (Wardaat)

Mithun Da's Classic, Ultimate song, funky sensual tune. This time he takes on John Travolta's Saturday Night Fever, in his own characteristic style :)

Banno Re (Mere Sajna Saath Nibhana)

Mithun in a desi avtaar with Shakti 'Aaaoo Lolita' Kapoor for company, need I say more :)

Mujhe Kar Gayi Hai Kangaal (Cheetah)

Iconic Mithun Da movie, nothing special about the song but just wanted to include it for the sake of the great Mithun Da movie ;)

Jeele Aha Jeele (Avinash)

Mithun Da doing Michael Jackson and Bappi Da doing 'Beat It', No Moonwalk but Mithun Da compensates for that with his own brand of Moonwalk ;)

Mera Naam Doom Doom (Commando)

Not the most popular of Commando's song, but best in terms of Mithun Da dance. Well you can also check 'Maine maine tujhe tujhe' from the same movie, which has a more catchy tune and was a big hit in late 80s.

Title Song (Karate)

Hmmmmm, this one is kinda weird song, actually pretty crappy one but for Mithun Da's great energy, just look at him, he seems to be a man possessed.

Manzil

Just came across this article in Rediff and I thought I should post it here, for these efforts need to lauded and highlighted.

This one sentence sums up Manzil very well; 'Manzil has two aims which it tries to fulfill with every student. One is to help the students earn a livelihood and the other is to help them see that whatever they choose to do should have a positive effect on society'.

Here's a link to the article and the link to the NPO itself

http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/nov/05/slide-show-1-extraordinary-indians-ravi-gulati.htm

http://manzil.in/

Mixed Emotions

In a sea of mixed emotions
I swam
and memories kept floating
for a long,
long time
till
even the time thought of
flying for a while,
leaving me aside
amidst the sea of mixed emotions.




Pic Courtesy: http://images-2.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/3457612-2-sea-of-emotions.jpg



Explanation

As the title suggests, this poem is about having mixed emotions, in fact considerable mixed emotions. These mixed emotions are picture of one's confused state of mind, when one is not sure of one's emotions, feelings or mental state; in fact this can even be extended to behavior.

If one could peep inside the head of the protagonist, perhaps one would see a sad tumult, hear a clamorous pandemonium. The extent of this state is enormous (hence the usage of sea), so huge that even time knows nothing about its boundaries. The act of swimming indicates that the protagonist is not to be freed from this state soon, there's no immediate escape for him/her and that he/she is struggling with these mixed emotions. What's giving rise to these mixed emotions are memories which refuse to fade away and thus continue to float irrespective of time passing by.

Last few lines are indicative of the fact that how sometimes things (including one's state of mind, one's feelings and emotions) just stand still, even though physically, time continues to pass and move on.

A Winter Noon Amongst Flowers

In her hat
she put a few
and then she asked
if I want them too;
In the warmth of the sun
we passed the winter noon,
she with her flowers,
I with moments that went too soon.


Pic Courtesy: http://www.africanbulbs.com/Freesia%20laxa.jpg

Diwali Dishes

Kheer that took two hours

Matar Paneer that took 4 hours.

Cooked Bhai: Urs Truly
Recipe: Arpan Chauhan
Moral Support, Extra Instructions and Constant Niggling Over Phone: Richa Singh

Date: 17th Oct, 2009

A Cafe for Docs

That's what it seems, although not sure for I never stepped in. Wonder what kinda syrups they must be serving there (with capsules and tablets as appetizers).

This is near the ISKCON temple in Copenhagen; so do sip a tonic or two on your way to the temple.

Date: 18th Oct, 2009

Music Review - Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Went through the whole APKGK (that's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani in a supposedly hep way), till the last song 'Tu Jaane Na' which was perhaps the only decent song of the album. They have four versions of the song, main one being sung by Atif 'There's-something-struck-in-my-throat' Aslam, who kinda spoils the otherwise awesome start to the song. There are quite a few one hit wonders, more I listen to Atif 'See-previous-line-for-this-space' Aslam, more I feel he qualifies as one.
Kailash Kher sings the unplugged version of the same song, does a decent job but somehow the song never attains the heights of ecstasy which you otherwise feel with most Kailash Kher songs. Perhaps, Pritam 'Chor' Da helming the music arrangements has something to do with that.
Other versions of this song and other songs of the album are not worth wasting time, space and effort.

Another ordinary album that will perhaps do well to remain in heart of listeners for a month or so, thanks to constant airplay on radio/TV (as a part of advertising and marketing campaign), before fading into obscurity.

PS. Please, let me know why 'Gajab' is spelt as 'Ghazab'? Were they trying not to make the listener remember that gem of a movie that had Tusssshar (Sorry if missed a few S'es there) Kapoor movie.

Pic Courtesy: http://www.pitaara.in/wp-content/uploads/Ajab-Prem-Ki-Gajab-Kahani.jpg

EDITED :) Just figured that Tussssshar starred in 'Gayab' not 'Gajab', so apologies to readers of this entry, who thought I am crazy (which I am anyways, but still).

Nightful of Songs

Some nights are like this, when you have nothing else to do, or lets say that even if you have plenty to do, nothing beats passing it listening to sweet and soulful songs. Here's how I passed this night of mine.

My Abstract Poem(s)

Well,
this is what I do
everytime
I write some lines
of indifferent kinds
that have no rhythm,
have no rhyme,
of course no meaning
and no sense at all;
but to escape
away from it all,
I give it a label
of being abstract
laying criticism
to perfect rest.

Gandhi Jayanti

I am not sure if I should say 'Happy Gandhi Jayanti' or 'Gandhi Jayanti ki haardik shubhkaamnaye', for firstly, I don't know if that's the right greeting and secondly, I dont know if this even applies in current times.

There are people who worship this great man, considering him a saint, without possessing any of the values the great man stood for. It's like knowing him has become a fad. Ironic, that with each passing year, Gandhi ji continues to attain more and more popularity where as at the same time, the values and philosophies he suggested continue to become more and more obscure.

There's another bunch of people, who hate Gandhi ji. Without any understanding of the times in which he lived and anchored India's quest for freedom, they hold him responsible for all right and wrong things forgetting that its much easy to look back at history and criticize.

What Gandhi ji deserves is not sainthood or worship, but perhaps respect for what he had done for the nation. 'Mahatma', 'Rashtrapita' are salutations that people like us created, it was not him who took those titles. He would better be a human than a saint or god, for he knew he wasn't one.

Here's one song from Kavi Pradip, summarizing very well the current state we live in, and how Gandhi ji would have felt seeing his children living in such a state.

Leave

Leave
when the time is right,
not tonight
or during this day,
which may be shining
so bright
but the dark clouds hide
behind the blues of the sky.
It will be difficult
when the lightening flashes
and the thunder rages loud
winds howl
trees shout.

Leave
as you must
and so you will
but let
tonight be mine,
you might
find it odd
for everything
seems fine
but beyond
the faces of patent
lies a sad melancholy
soundless lament.

Leave
like everyone did,
like everyone does;
pardon me
for making a fuss.
Don't read
into the blankness
of my eyes
and don't see any further;
Leave
for you can't be here
forever.