About me in 32 questions. You should try too!

So I came across this article the other day with a bunch of personal questions. These are my answers. If you're interested to know me more or if you just dislike me more than required, you're welcome to read! :D

1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
As dinner or a dinner guest? :P Ok I would want to have dinner with Marat Safin. Firstly because I always found him cute like Ethane Hawke and I was always curious about his anger issues.  

2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?
I would want to be famous for the honesty I put in my writing which I don't sometimes when I talk to people because you know, it might turn out dirty. 

3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
I rehearse when I have to talk to someone I look up to. Or my latest crush. Why? I don't know..my heart beats faster than usual and I can't do shit? 

4. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
So I bought a bunch of books the other day and usually I tend to read 2-3 books at a time. The energy my brain takes up is just mind-blowing. So my perfect day would be reading these in bed with guess what? Apple juice and a bunch of raw tomatoes cause' I love these two. 

5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?
Haha I'de rather die than sing for someone. Last time I sang was this morning, in my car, when I'm alone preferably. 

6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
I would say body because I wouldn't want a 30-year-old mind for myself when I'm 90. Like duh. For the experiences and breakup's ill have by the time I'm 90, they would all go for a waste. No?

7. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?
Hmmm so I try not to think about it much. But well, if you ask me....my secret hunch says flight crash. *Crash* *boom* done. I don't want a torturous death please. 

8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common. 
Hmm I would want a sense of humour, failures and break-up's. 

9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
For the amazing super-cool parents I've got who let me drink, drive and doze at any hour of the day. Well, not drink and drive at the same time. 

10. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
I wish my dad was a psycho who never let me quit Tennis and I turn into a Sania Mirza with lots of controversies up my profile. 

11. Take four minutes and tell your partner your life story in as much detail as possible.
Wait. Let me tell him and get back lol

12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
Stop the time sometimes? 

13. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
To answer your question, my future, of course. But what would the ball know? The ball is my court damn it. 

14. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
Sky-diving. I get these dreams sometimes when I'm falling and I literally fall off the bed. Like literally. I clearly have a fear of heights, so gotta let that go. asap. 

15. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
Ok so after a very long time, I've come to peace with myself. When I say I don't care about you nor your words, I really don't. Like it took me quite a while to implement that attitude. 

16. What do you value most in a friendship?
The fact that you don't have to think twice before sharing or giving your opinion. I'm done with judge-mental friends. 

18. What is your most terrible memory?
This is something silly actually. I was like in my tenth grade I think and my cousin gifted my brother a skateboard. My dad was so against us playing with that that I just felt like trying it one day. So I took it out, tried to go on it and I fell. Like flat on the floor. My back was on the floor and I just couldn't get up for the next 5 minutes, that's when I understood what numb feels like. 

19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
Yes I would quit working and go travelling. Le and Tokyo will be on my list. Don't ask me why I'm specific about these two places. One seems fun and the other seems peaceful. 

20. What roles do love and affection play in your life?
People who say 'Im happy alone and bla bla' aren't really...we do need love at the end of the day. Even the man who just won a gold medal at the Olympics or a Nobel Prize winner, both need someone to celebrate their success. 

21. How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s?
See when you meet someone now and you see a slight indifference in them or their reaction/sensitivity to certain situations, you can tell quite a bit about their childhood. Being a middle child, I must've been ignored but warmth was very much there. 

22. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?
My mom is pretty cool to start off with. Off late, her doubts grew from 'what to cook today?' to 'What is WhatsApp?' so I'm glad, really. Learning never ends and our parents are the best example. 

23. Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share ... “
My time and my play list (basically someone who enjoys my kinda music)

24. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know. 
He's supposed to know that when I ask for my time/ when I don't text for days, its not like I'm not into him. I'm just having 'my' time in my room reading or writing one of these kinda articles. 

25. Tell your partner what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you’ve just met.
Brb. 

26. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.
The skate-board one. I'm just glad nobody saw that. 

27. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
Oh man I cry every time I watch Marley & Me and I cried yet again in front of my siblings. They behaved like jerks as usual. 

28. Tell your partner something that you like about them already.
I did bha. stfu already.

29. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?
Hmm I feel these days, the gay jokes in movies have turned out to be silly. Like they should stop with that I think.

30. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?
I will regret not meeting Zuckerberg. If I do meet him, I'de say 'dude, your loneliness got you so much money. I wish the ones who turned lonely after your website started, I wish they could invent something too'. I didn't meet him for obvious reasons. duh. 

31. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
Ok so this might sound silly but off late, wherever I'm travelling or any concerts, anything memorable. I'm saving em' all. Like the wrist band you get in concerts or the coaster I collected from a club in Bangalore.  

32. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?
I don't want to answer this. 


Thanks for reading!


                         

#ModiInsultsIndia?....Yeah, like as if you never bitched about your country.

So, there's been a ruckus all over Twitter about Modi's speech in China. 
"That is why even as Chief Minister of Gujarat, I visited China. As Prime Minister too I am convinced and committed for exchange and co-operation for socio-economic development of the two countries" 
Chief Minister of Gujarat, that triggers a lot of thoughts. Doesn't it? 
The prince of Gandhi clan recently said how Modi is running the country for a few industrialists. Well, he at least has a voice, you think. Personally, I'm not such a Modi fan myself....for obvious reasons. But you know what? He's got skills. His forte is definitely his Public Speaking Skills. If Modi wasn't a Prime Minister, he would fit to be a motivational speaker. He turns heads with that typical Indian accent he's got, makes people think twice before they judge him. He is hard to accept but easy to deny. 
Getting to his speech in China. Personally speaking, I don't think he's said anything wrong nor disrespectful. If you remember, just two weeks ago during Salman's verdict, you guys, yes you. You tweeted about how ashamed you felt about India and its law. I felt too and I still am. The Indian Law IS definitely slow and it's depressing to expect justice to the innocent... No I'm not talking about Salman's "innocence" here. I'm getting off topic again, mind my hatred towards the Supreme Court. 
What were we talking about? Ah. 
Modi, for all the reasons you all voted for him. Truth hurts but its true, bro. I'm sure you all who went abroad or even living here, bitched about India at least once or twice or more. Statements like "don't throw trash on the road", "Let's start an NGO", "He just gave me a sleazy look, let's put that on Facebook" won't help. Just like your tweets. Ever since his speech, so many debates on various news channels. Why invite influential people and get their diplomatic or 'I'm not scared of anyone' statements? I prefer watching a debate between people you and I know. Probably you and I should be there talking about his statement. 
Again, I repeat. I'm not such a Modi fan myself. But I still support his statement. I've been abroad, when I say abroad, I mean Singapore and Malaysia cause' that's how far I've been...but yeah Singapore has amazing roads. I will get back to that some other time...and when I come back to India, I see our roads and the unemployment and I think to myself, Why is our country like this? We invented all the basic things which helped the world and ourselves. There ARE things and people who made us proud. I agree. But guys, I'm just saying....think before you tweet. Hypocrisy is easy to get, especially in our country. It's getting worse than Ebola. Save yourself before you get to the last stage cause' that's the stage nobody can help you. Not even your God. I don't care if this sounds like an open letter or what....it's just a humble request to all those sexually frustrated beings who tweet whatever gets them retweets and favourites.

P.S. I know my words won't change anything but who ever reads this, just don't fall in love with me. My life is already too complicated. Thank you.

My Review: The Secret Of The Nagas

This book tells us a lot about good and evil. Since Daksha, Now Shiva's father in law has been saying how Neelkanth is the destroyer of evil, so that makes him curious about who to blame and kill. Shiva's anger is so engaging in this book, how his emotions dominate him when his loved ones get hurt. You can tell he plays an ideal role, every woman would love to have. Shiva and Sati have some more delighful moments together, followed by Parvateshwer playing the "hard to get" towards Anandmayi. And how mysterious the Nagas were in the first book are more exposed in this, so your questions will be answered.

I found it very amusing how Shiva goes to a temple and could talk to any Vasudev in his head. Found it a bit annoying though how they never give a straight answer :P But its later understandable how Shiva himself finds the answers and not assume. Then comes a new character who is Karthik, Shiva and Sati's son, who grows up in no time and is always to excited to fight. This book brings a lot of twists and turns which we wouldnt even imagine, holding that as the best part. One being who the hooded figure is who does the surprise attacks on Sati and the second being the secret of the Nagas itself. 

Few quotes I loved are as follows: 

"That the opposite of love isnt hate. Hate is just love gone bad, the actual opposite of love is apathy. When you dont care a damn as what happens to the other person"-Veerabhadra.

"A good man rebelled against an injustice in a foreign land more than 250 years ago. Today that very rebellious is causing me injustice", says who? Who else, Anandmayi! :) And in this, her charm successfully works and Parvateshwar breaks his vow of celibacy to marry her. So basically, this book just ends with your mouth open with its final immense twist and make you literally jump to the final book. After youre done reading, youll have a whole new respect for Sati, for her bravery! :)

 

"Remember there is no good or bad. They are either strong or weak"-Shiva. 

My review: The Immortals of Meluha

A story about a man,
Who was more human,
And less of a God.
Yet had all the power,
To deduct evil,
And create a better place to live in.
He, who fell in love,
With her beauty and pride,
Was the only man who made her feel vulnerable.
He, who became the Neelkanth,
Had the anger to destroy an empire,
And a heart to reunite one.
Known as the God of the Gods,
For his heart of gold,
For his possessive love,
And his powerful aura.
He's the Shiva we all know,
Who doesn't expect to be prayed to,
But someone we all would love to follow.

I wasn't much of a Shiva's fan, but after I read Immortals of Meluha, My thoughts have changed, grew rather. I loved the way Amish, the writer, wrote the romance between Shiva and Sati, nothing seemed silly nor lovey-dovey. It was beautiful and innocent. The way his thoughts within are written in Italic font in the book tell the way he is, especially during his moments with Sati. There are a few quotes which I loved so much, few are the following:
"I don't believe in symbolic Gods. I believe that God exists all around us. He speaks to us all the time. All we have to do is listen"-Shiva.
One friendship i enjoyed reading about was what Shiva and Brahaspati shared, something so casual and we could all relate to. How Shiva once says, "I wish Brahaspati was here, I would so take his advice and listen to his quick wit".
All the characters in the first book have been explained about, with great effort. But, the most interesting I found was Sati, who at first, makes an impression which is very easy to guess that she's a princess. So much pride in the first scene when they meet, but gets so apprehensive when Shiva shows his dance to her.
"He continued to stare at the dust with intense jealousy. It had been fortunate enough to have touched her"-Shiva's thoughts within. (After the first meeting).
Another interesting character has been Anandmayi, who yes, has a milk shower with petals :P. Her personality reminds me of Vidya Balan, i dont know why, her boldness and the guts to argue. (Hope they cast her in that role). The way she argues, especially with Parwateshwar.
Yesterday, I heard Hrithik and Kareena Kapoor are going to play the roles of Shiva and Sati, and is directed by Karan Johar. I don't know why Kareena is chosen for the role (Hope its a rumour), atleast Hrithik is fine but sigh, for the way Shiva's personality is, I was imagining Arjun Rampal through out the book.. :(

So basically, this book isn't the kind you would choose to read to go to sleep. Its a book which will wake you up, and make you read until its done. So go to your nearest bookstore and get this knowledgeable mythological story! :)

My TED experience :)

To begin with, I'd still need some time for this fact to sink in. TED's been an experience I'd never forget. Such inspiring people and what presence! The speakers confidence on stage to make sense every second, looked so difficult. if given a chance, it seemed like they would talk for hours. Like TED says, 'Ideas Worth Spreading', Every speaker literally came with an idea and was determined enough to share it. Id like to go into detail about a few of my favorite speakers:

First up was Narendra Luther, as known as the 'Rock man',an honorable writer, civil servant, and the most simple person which I suppose is his trademark. He's written books on Hyderabad's history and its changes. Since TED is supposed to have global based topics, He was given to talk about how cities change by the course of time. What I liked most was how he compared cities to human beings;  the way they change, grow, rot and rebuild. It was such a pleasure listening to him because his research and the way he spoke seemed so real. After his speech, I had the chance to talk to him, so I went up to him and greeted him. I introduced myself and mentioned that his grand daughter is a good friend of mine. It was great meeting him and I hope he'll remember me the next time I see him! :)

Next was Karthik Kumar: Founder of Evam, an actor, an engineer, an entrepreneur who turned art into business! My love for theatre grew when i first watched an Evam's play. I was a teenager with no passion for anything back then so I'm glad it happened. Anyway coming back to TED, when I heard he was invited to speak at TED, I literally jumped (well figuratively, cuz it was in my head). At the end of each play, they would let us meet the actors backstage and talk to them about the play. I never knew what to say to him, and besides, I never had the courage to go up to him and speak. But yesterday, I was supposed to accompany him throughout the event and this made my heart skip several beats. Coming to his speech, what I loved the most was what he said about personal and professional life not being placed together according to the society but practically, they should be. It is so true how the inner feelings and the gut feelings we have, should be put into our career based decisions. That would actually give us a terrific result. Loved his dramatic way of speaking, thought that's how a true actor speaks when he is given a mic and an idea to share. When I spoke to him without any hesitation, I told him that Evam's been my favorite since long and discussed how Bangalore and Chennai have plays going on all the time. More than feeling good about the meeting, I am glad that i could have a full fledged conversation with a person like him. :)

Then came Sai Gollapudi, an electrical engineer from Purdue, now pursuing his PhD in Cognitive Science. I was standing near the stage, so he was beside me and said ''Wish me luck'', and i laughed it over and said ''Sir, you'll anyway do well!" He seemed like those intelligent people with a good sense of humor (:D) I was so amazed to hear how he moved back to India to become aware of our country. He's been to hundreds of villages to take up village development projects. He chose the topic of development itself, our ethics and how we live in India. It was funny when he showed a picture of a glass door which read "Please close the door'', yet nobody closed it. Point being everybody reads that but nobody follows, especially when its a public place. Coming to my favorite part, It was when he said "If you have a rupee and a dollar, and If i have a rupee and a dollar and if we both exchange it, then we both will have a rupee and a dollar, nothing changes. But if you have an idea, I have an idea and when we share it, then we have two ideas".I really liked that. I didn't get to talk to him but we had a group picture which comes out well, I hope. But it was great hearing him speak and see that people ARE making efforts to make our country a better place.

Another speaker who was equally impressive was Vilas Nayak, a great painter who went to the finals of India's Got Talent. He walked in and started to paint for like ten minutes, while the audience was busy trying to guess what it might is. "Heal The World" by Micheal Jackson filled up the silence and everyone wondered why that song was even played? As he was done, he turned his canvas around and we saw a beautiful painting of Mother Teresa holding a child, for which he received a standing ovation. He then took the mic and said "I don't think i need to give a speech, my painting says a thousand words". The combination of his painting and the song was a great one. Hats off to his talent!! Then there was Akram Feroze, a college drop out who was hell bent on living his dream. At the age of 22, he picked up a cycle and decided to ride to other cities to give a progress to theatre in villages. His speech was entirely about his journey and how his parents reacted when he told them (which was obviously not supportive), and how he survived. His determination and love for theatre literally made him go places! :) Up next was Hussain Zaidi, a Mumbai based journalist who writes about crime and mafia. Hes been an acclaimed journalist, who has interviewed Dawood Ibrahim. He's written books on many such controversial issues. I admire his bravery for having the courage to write about nothing but the truth.

With Karthik Kumar 

The invite

On stage

Vilas Nayak's painting 

So these were my favorites and my experience at TED. The day went by quickly as it stands as a memorable day for me. If I were to pick their best qualities in all these people, then it has to be their simplicity and their never ending learning skills. I can just say I'm honored to be a part of this!! :)