Recently I watched Priyadarshan's "Chup chup ke". I am still tearing my hair off. I have been a fan of Priyadarshan and I am really disappointed with this one from him. He has pulled off many a hits like Hungama, Hulchul and Malamaal Weekly. One would go to Priyadarshan's movie with the expectation that there would be a wholesome entertainment. This one fails to bring any smile on your face.
I am surprised by the selection of the star cast by the director. Except for Paresh Rawal, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav the others are surprise inclusions. I am wondering what Neha Dhupia was doing in the movie. Apart from shaking a leg or two in two songs, she has nothing much to do. Probably the audience is used to seeing skin show by her which is not presented in this film. By the way that reminds me of the songs in this film. Himesh has scored mediocore numbers that fails to entertain even the front benchers. God save Multiplex audience. Paresh Rawal for the first time is a disappointment. But this has been compensated with some lively performance by Rajpal Yadav. He is a live wire in this movie.
Shahid Kapur has been struggling in this industry and this movie does not do any good either. Its difficult to tap the talent in him even by the best of the directors. Kareena plays a dumb girl in this movie and has done a decent job. The director has thrown some surprises by casting Sushma Reddy in a widow's role (I am still laughing). Did I mention Suniel Shetty? Ahem....yes he is also one among the star cast. He is portrayed as a caring and protective brother of Kareena. With his wooden looks, he is also a drawback for the movie's success.
All in all, this movie has no elements of comedy. The director is confused with the plot and so is the audience. Hopefully, Priyadarshan realizes and comes up with a good flick next time.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Going Dutch
There is a saying that "God created the world and the Dutch created Holland". Holland (officially called Netherlands) is small and peaceful country in the North West part of Europe. This piece of land was reclaimed from the sea. Holland is below sea level. Yes you heard it right "below the sea level". It is surrounded by "Dykes" which prevent sea water entering the land. It is amazingly flat and there is no sight of a hill or mountain anywhere. The population of the country is 7,35,000 (not an exact figure).
So what is so special about the Dutch? I am diving right in. The Dutch people are very tolerant. They are open to many cultures of the world. In Holland you will notice people coming from different Origin. My initial fear of how these people would treat Indians was erased from my mind. My first meeting with a Dutch colleague was an amazing experience. I walked through the corridor and took an elevator to the sixth floor. I encountered a well built man in a navy blue blazer, well groomed hair and with a briefcase in the elavator. Casually, I had quick look at him and took my eyes off him. He immediately said "Goed Morgen" (Good Morning) with a smiling face. I was taken aback with his reaction. We (Indians) are generally not used to smile at strangers. I did not know how to react. I just managed to give him a smile. The elevator door opened and the man went away saying "dag" (nice day). Before I could say anything, he had vanished. I moved along the corridor and went in to the meeting room. I was 2 minutes late for the meeting. My Dutch colleague was already on time and waiting for me. We exchanged a handshake and started our meeting. I realized that the Dutch are very punctual and expect everybody on time. One of the very good qualities about them. To my astonishment, almost every person in Netherlands can speak English. This was a comforting factor for me.
It is very inspiring to see how they plan out their schedules and execute them. Another noticeable Dutch behaviour is that they are open to suggestions and opinions. Decisions are not taken without consulting all the colleagues. This means that there are lot of meetings and coffee.
When you see the Dutch in offices, shops and public places, you will always be greeted with a gentle smile. This is definitely one of the striking differences I find when I compare it with my culture. One of the very good points to pick up from the other cultures of the world.
So what is so special about the Dutch? I am diving right in. The Dutch people are very tolerant. They are open to many cultures of the world. In Holland you will notice people coming from different Origin. My initial fear of how these people would treat Indians was erased from my mind. My first meeting with a Dutch colleague was an amazing experience. I walked through the corridor and took an elevator to the sixth floor. I encountered a well built man in a navy blue blazer, well groomed hair and with a briefcase in the elavator. Casually, I had quick look at him and took my eyes off him. He immediately said "Goed Morgen" (Good Morning) with a smiling face. I was taken aback with his reaction. We (Indians) are generally not used to smile at strangers. I did not know how to react. I just managed to give him a smile. The elevator door opened and the man went away saying "dag" (nice day). Before I could say anything, he had vanished. I moved along the corridor and went in to the meeting room. I was 2 minutes late for the meeting. My Dutch colleague was already on time and waiting for me. We exchanged a handshake and started our meeting. I realized that the Dutch are very punctual and expect everybody on time. One of the very good qualities about them. To my astonishment, almost every person in Netherlands can speak English. This was a comforting factor for me.
It is very inspiring to see how they plan out their schedules and execute them. Another noticeable Dutch behaviour is that they are open to suggestions and opinions. Decisions are not taken without consulting all the colleagues. This means that there are lot of meetings and coffee.
When you see the Dutch in offices, shops and public places, you will always be greeted with a gentle smile. This is definitely one of the striking differences I find when I compare it with my culture. One of the very good points to pick up from the other cultures of the world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
