Shadows...!!!!!

In life’s long journey you take different paths..some frequently trodden paths..some less trodden ones.. and often I have ended up taking the less trodden path…. But the journey till date has been quite eventful…a time comes when you pause your life for a while and rewind your journey..you see so many phases..but each phase you have encountered with someone.. thinking that you will be having them with you throughout your journey..but realize sooner or later that they are nothing but walking shadows.. they just come and go… leaving no foot prints..

You wait..till the right person comes along.. and when it happens you just know it… Ghulam Ali’s “Husn-e-ghazal” had such a song in it .. “Tamam Umr Bhar Tera Intezar humne Kiya” conveys a million messages that many of us fail to express.. all those words dying to come out.. all those emotions and feelings.. all captured into one single song. That is the song for you….

The best version of it apart from the original I heard in Najim’s voice (Asianet Idea Star Singer 2007 winner and my kid brother JK’s friend). He has done a marvelous job and the blessed voice has done total justice to the original…Its just FANTABULOUS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mynXILSblso

Hafeez Hoshiyaar’S lyrics gives life to the soul stirring rendition… a journey of a life time.. you love some ..you hate some..you win some..you lose some..but the one beautiful precious journey of life… I have read somewhere “Life doesn’t always give you the people you want; instead it gives you the people whom you need to teach you..to hurt you..to love you..to make you exactly the way you should be..”

I am glad I too encountered with some walking shadows..I will be grateful to them forever.. coz of them I know the worth of the precious ones I have… I have learnt to let go off them..and to dream of a new sunrise..

“In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.”

When silence speaks!!!

This empty feeling happens to me quite often. I am sure each one of us goes through this sometime at least. When you just fail to communicate..when you feel talking doesn’t really seem to help. A time when I usually cling on to my songs and start breathing fresh air; pull up my socks to get things back on track...I hate to sulk..I hate spreading lousiness around.. I realize my people (even though much clichéd) love my 70mm smile aka evil grin or whatever… lol. Music and silence go really well. Music is done with silence and silence is so full of music

Even though I never got an opportunity to watch this movie, one particular song caught my attention the very first time I listened to it. “ Kaatrin Mozhi” from the Tamil movie ‘Mozhi’..the very beauty of its lyrics. The subtle rendition with not much of jazz in the background…the attention given to every minute detail… it’s totally a ‘WOW’ song… even when I am writing this, my colleague/ guide/ personalized Google desktop/Rahul reminded me what a miss it was.. “You have not seen the movie??You must!!” So am going to...asap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u67iaEfllU

Silence has a divinity attached to it…. it does speak volumes. When words fail to express your deepest of thoughts. When you just feel you can be there just by being silent.. when you fail to be there no matter how much ever you try.. when you feel all this together.. This one song goes for all those people whom I might have hurt knowingly/unknowingly..by talking (most of the times) and by be being silent (at times) and yes I don’t want to ruin an apology with an explanation.

When I went for my long spell of solitude to different places away from home...shuttling hostels and emotions.. I had this silence within me which was kept safely locked. Even I wish to understand the language of the gentle breeze that is drying the tears on my cheeks.. the language of the wind.. of the sky..of the sea..the language of heart!!! Mark Twain put in right “The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.”

“Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the soul.”

And then..silence prevailed!!!

Like each one of you out there.. even I felt miserable.. felt lost and hassled.. things are such right now!! With all channels time and again glorifying the terror..piercing into the unknown depths of all those who lost their dear and near ones.. many others who got affected.. traumatized..scared and all that. Something unfortunate which spilt the suffocating truth.. Are we really safe at home??

I can’t exactly say “I know how it feels like” because I really don’t.. I can just feel how I would have felt if I were there in any one of their places instead. That very thought itself is disheartening. Some songs depict certain situations just right.. this particular song from the climax scene of the much liked movie “Bombay” by the legend Mani Ratnam is one such song. Someone rightly said “Music creates order out of chaos: for rhythm imposes unanimity upon the divergent, melody imposes continuity upon the disjointed, and harmony imposes compatibility upon the incongruous”

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAglnjhs5c&feature

Again, I have no intentions of digging deep into the much more disturbing concerns… just a silent protest..a token of respect and tribute to all those ..I am trying to find peace within myself..so that I can be one such person who can live at peace with others.. "Hope".. I feel is the most exciting thing here. Never am I compromising on that. The much clichéd “Let’s hope for a better tomorrow” still makes a lot of sense to me. I still see that one day when all this will come together..what all of us have wished for has finally come to be..

“Live this day as if it will be your last. Forget yesterday's defeats and ignore the problems of tomorrow. This is it. All you have. Make it the best day of your year. The saddest words you can ever utter are, ''If I had my life to live over again. ''Take the baton, now. Run with it! This is your day! Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to be dead at midnight. Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again…. There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”

Memories!!!!

One of those days when you sit back and think about your journey through life till date.. Sometimes you reach that turning point in your life when you realize there is going to be a major change that will change your course of living.. it is when you usually relive your memories..your journey... This one is for all those moments which have shaped up my life and moulded the person I am today.. sometimes you realize life Is going to change and there is going to be a new meaning attached to it sometime soon.. when you bring back all those years spent with and without your people.. holding all those memories so close to heart..you live your life

This particular song from the Malayalam movie “Kakkothikavile Appuppanthadikal” just will press your rewind button and you just wish to go back and live all those moments once again… well, there is no harm in wishing. Chithra chechi’s soul stirring rendition has always got my eyes wet…and the video is equally brilliant… we all grow up…and just don’t find time to look back..sometimes I wish how we can just freeze childhood and we will have bonsai models everywhere lol silly me!

The movie is also so close to my heart. It just brings along with it a wide array of emotions and a different meaning to relationships…someone once said..“I have more memories than if I were a thousand years old….” It is so true ..every day is an experience..Every day teaches you something..takes away something from your life..but springs in a lot of surprises. I am at such a stage where I’m thoroughly amused by the interesting encounters..I too live my memories which have become a part of my happiness.

Sometimes, no matter how much faith we have, we lose people…we miss out on a lot of things.. But you never forget them. And sometimes, it's those memories that give us the faith to move on…the strength to persevere.. The past may be gone forever..and whatever the future holds for you and me, our todays make the memories of tomorrow…

The amazing song…
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=vRC81BIY0RU

“I've learned that good-byes will always hurt, pictures will never replace having been there, memories good and bad will bring tears, and words can never replace feelings.”

The precious wake up call !!!

It was my birthday..was having this argument of growing old or young going on in my mind for long.. managed getting some sleep at about four in the morning…after the cake cutting spree. it was then at around seven my phone rang and got up into my ‘special’ day with someone singing happy birthday to me sweetly.. the sleepy me didn’t even realize till the moment she said.. “Molee Chithra chechi this side…” and I jumped out of my bed the next second..lol :)

Surprises..who doesn’t like surprises. Even I do..I am sure all of you out there also love them..K S Chithra!!!She is one precious human being. The versatile one out here who I once wished that will adopt me sometime.. so gentle..polite and down to earth.. sweetest to the core that she bothered to introduce herself to me.. That was one wonderful call which will be cherished for the rest of my life. Time and again I am thanking Mejo ettan for bringing such surprises along .. :) :)

I have always adored her for whatever she is..have got inspired..have looked up to her and cherished every single word I heard from her. Can list a million songs by her here…but yeah the most favourite ones remain

“Paadariyen” from the Tamil movie “Sindhu Bhairavi”
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=CBagqESVCWU
“Raaree raareeram” from the Malayalam movie “ Onnu muthal Poojyam vare”
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=9lx6_vBfX60

"Etho Vaarmkulin" from the Malayalam movie "Pookkaalam Varavaayi"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrphISK1mcs&feature=related

“Pularkaala Sundara swapnathil” from the Malayalam movie “ Oru May maasa pulariyil”
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=mI5RRDC4oMg&feature=related
“Kannalane” from the Tamil move “Bombay”
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=hZPibthSju4
“Manjal Prasaadavum” from the Malayalam movie “Nakhakshathangal”
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=zeYoJYQKrGE

“Piya basanti” a Hindi album along with Ustad Sultan Khan
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=JuHWT6Szfs0

That was one memorable day.. and yeah can’t begin to thank all the special people who made it that way..Mejo ettan, Vaava, Shinoy, Govind, Sujith, Manu, luttumon, gulfu, Indu and all the special calls I received just coz of Mejo ettan.. Chithra chechi, Srinivas sir etc etc.. sometimes life gives you enough reasons to look back and cherish every moment you have lived…some people teach you not to regret your yesterdays and not to fear your tomorrows..but to live your today and make the most of it.. This one is for one such person..someone so precious and unique....so special and thoughtful..caring and all that :):):) a total package!!!!

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

One for the "serene"one!!!

It was one usual day for me…till I realized that it was his birthday... Mejo ettan did ask.. and yeah we were right…How could I forget even otherwise..Last year this time… How I heard him sing over the phone “ Azhage Sukhama” and how I was left speechless. Srinivas Sir is an amazing human being… an unbelievably talented singer..a blessed soul…. I was lucky enough to get a call from him again today…one year after I first spoke to him..I wish my service provider had some facility where I could save received calls just for the 7th of November 2008, for the rest of my life…lol…silly me again..but yeah quite lucky…

“Zindagi” has hit my senses already..and when I was listening to him speak… I was buffering all his songs..the mesmerizing melodies in his voice….have always left me wondering… whenever you listen to the songs like “ azhage sukhama” from the Tamil movie “ Paarthale paravasam”… “Zindagi” from “Yuvvraaj”… “Vasantham pole” from the Malayalam music album “Shalabham” ..you know what the word ‘BLESSED’ means… Happy Birthday Sir...you amaze me with every song of yours :) you are unbelievabel!!

Serenity is what is there in his voice.. and these songs top my chart by all means.. there might be better songs … best ones to come going forward… but there is some divinity tag attached to these…the very sacred ..divine.. emotion called love… mush suffocates me..guess today is an exception lol… Kahlil Gibran is one of those very very few authors whom I have read...am just reminded of these words.. ““But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.”

Some relations come without a tag attached to them.. this is for all those ..and it will stay safe with me forever…I don’t want to give a name or rather a definition and then ruin the divinity…let them be the way they are..’If it was possible to speak to the unborn..one could never explain to them how it feels to be alive..for life is washed away in the speechless real…’

The best 3…
“Vasantham pole”… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-mhntMt5x8&feature=related
“Azhage sukhama”… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPl82YtfgNo
“Zindagi”… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nIRrh121u8

“'You'll get over it...' It's the clichés that cause the trouble. To lose someone you love is to alter your life forever. You don't get over it because 'it' is the person you loved. The pain stops, there are new people, but the gap never closes. How could it? The particularness of someone who mattered enough to grieve over is not erased by anyone but death. This void in my heart is in the shape of you and no one else can fit. Why would I want them to?”

Blessed!!!

Every one feels this at some point in life… wish I could have got a chance to spend more time with them..share many more smiles and tears..just be with them no matter what.. like the way they are always there for us no matter what !!! They teach you how to live your life and make the most of it before you get done with your time here.

I have always been amazed looking at them deal with life situations. Two amazing individuals.. very special and priceless in their own unique way. The reason for me having got a chance to see this beautiful world out here…. Life has given me one more reason to look up to them and learn another important lesson from them. ..Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence

This song is for you both and for the parents out there who missed out a lot till date and yet are not ready to give up.who always make their kids see a pleasant tomorrow in their dreams.... I too don’t regret those years spent in different hostels away from you both. I am looking forward to the many more years that we have in front of us..where we can be together ….

I will never be upset with life too… it is just that I miss you and I sometimes wish to rewind my life clock and get back all those years spent away from you… you both, through ways big and small, taught me to believe in myself.. smell the rain..feel the wind and fight for my dreams. .I am blessed to have you both as my parents.. you are amazing!!!!

I was just born when the movie “Masoom” released. The straight out of heart life lyrics by Gulzar saab and R D Burman’s brilliant composition just is soul stirring. The song “ tujhse naaraz nahin zindagi” will be heard a million more times and still stay close to my heart..

Here it is… http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=E_WV6HRq3SM

Much love now and always…
Me !!!

“For everything you have missed you have gained something else..and for everything you gain..you lose something else…”

Sunshine!!!!!!

Well.. I know this is a little off the track :) But I had to write this for him..It was love at first sight :) He just was so adorable and I just felt like cuddling him the very next moment...Am talking about the divine one in my life..Shanku aka cuddly poo!!!!!

Have never seen any one of his age enjoy music like the way he does.. It was just sheer pleasure to watch him go off to sleep in my arms..and the few hours I spent with him was unbelievably amazing.. As always, I made him also listen to "Fuzon"..and when 'Neend na aaye' was being played in Govind's violin.. I could see that spark in his eyes and we just could connect really well!

Was speaking to his mom today morning and she said how he would not sleep with out music :) It gave me a good reason to smile :) and be happy about the fact that 'future as always is bright..' There is this unique thing about him...the too hard to beleive it's real kinda innocence.. the million watts smile...and his awesome tastes in music...

This song is for you.. May there be a lot of pleasant sunrises in your life.. Let there be hopes and dreams...smiles and happiness always..Here I baptise you as the sunshine of my life...just your thoughts make me believe that this world has not lost yet lost its innocence.. Hope you always see smiles among tears..may you always see all the goodness in this world... I adore you ..I so wish this innocence remains with you even when you grow up... May you only see clouds of dreams in your bright blue sky...

One amazing song for an adorable cute little cuddly poo... "Indira" (1995)was a brilliant movie and the songs were too good to be real... the ARR magic works wonders as always..Both the versions are equally beautiful..can't really say which one is better..

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=M6--E17NI6k

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=O_xsYnsNoIg&feature=related

"The few wonders of the world only exist while there are those with the sight to see them.."

Unwind!!!

“Khabar Nahi” song from ‘Dostana’ will let your mind wander…where you just let yourself free and helps you unwind.. It is a beautiful composition by my favourite duo Vishal and Sekhar. I would not say that the entire album has the same mood. Again choices differ..But yes the marvellous “Khabar Nahi” and the peppy and cheerful “Jaane kyon” will leave a smile on your face :)

I have always loved Vishal- Shekhar’s compositions. They are very contemporary and rejuvenating. Something that is so unique about them! The song has been given life by Amanat Ali, Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal (the creator himself) and am wowed again. Anvita Dutt’s amazing lyrics actually oozes soul to the song. It is a lovely track and you can just go on listening to it for a long time...

It will just make you feel fresh where you let go off so many things.. almost all the excess emotional baggage that many of us carry along with us . The song is just about believing in your dreams and how life can be made simple. Once I had mentioned..simplest things are often the most beautiful things.. it is very true! Amanat has got an unbelievable voice and I have always followed all his shows.. Shreya as always is ‘Mishti doi’ for me..

‘Dostana’ will make you smile and believe in your dreams and just make the most of the time you have here.. I remember reading Chetan Bhagat’s lecture at Symbiosis where he said.. “One thing about nurturing the spark - don't take life seriously. Life is not to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up? It's ok, bunk a few classes, goof up a few interviews, fall in love. We are people, not programmed devices…” I second this thought anytime…

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/hindi_bollywood/s/movie_name.10040/

“It's the circle of life, and it moves us all, through despair and hope, through faith and love, 'till we find our place, on the path unwinding”

PS : Govind kuttaaa..I love this pic of yours and love you even more for reasons unknown..nothing better I could find that would have completed this post :) Love you...chechi!

"Zindagi.."...!!!!!!

I have read many a time that life is like a journey.. and have experienced it too. The song "Zindagi" from A R Rahman's latest wonder "Yuvvraaj" is one such song which will make you live through the journey of life... make you feel all the emotions possible under the sun.. at the end of it all you get a new birth.. you just start breathing a new LIFE...

Srinivas has this peculiarity to his voice. He has got this sacred voice..untouched and serene.. I still remember the day ..my birthday eve last year..when Mejo ettan gave me a surprise by making me speak to Srinivas. I just could not talk.. words that were struggling to come out of me :) yeah last year's bday was the bestest ever.. Well ..my journey at times get really interesting too... lots of encounters..some just stay in there for long..some I believe will for ever... People leaving has never made me feel that to stay detached is the best thing to do in life..Have always felt that it is kind of protecting yourself..from the insecurity of losing something priceless and irreplacable.. I would never do that.. One beautiful journey.. would not want to miss out or anything or anyone for insecurities :)

"Zindagi" is a lovely melody which will remind you of songs like "Nahin saamne" from 'Taal' and "Azhage sukhama" from the Tamil movie "Paarthale Paravasam". The very mood of the song is such.. Again the WAIT ..that never ends but each one of us love doing it.Lyrics by Gulzar saab has given a mesmerizing feel to the entire album. "Tu meri dost he" and "Tu muskura" and "Manmohini" are amazing tracks and 'Yuvvraaj' has given me one more favourite singer.. Benny!! I wish him all the very best and hope that he will make it big here :) :)

As always... Rahman's tracks will slowly but surely grow in us :) :) reaching the unknown depths and stay there forever in tact.. I honestly wish every one will go and pick up a CD with out a second thought :) It is worth it anytime :) Am amazed.. am touched.. am astonished..all that...

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/hindi_bollywood/s/movie_name.10067

"Don't ask what the world needs..Ask what makes you come alive and go for it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive... " :) :) :)

Convinced!!!!

Sometimes you just refuse to give up.. no matter what ever happens.. that’s when songs like this help you a lot. Am talking about “Ye honsla” from “Dor” which I have been listening to time and again of late. The song has always been my favourite. But yes, life has given me more reasons to love it even more and listen to it a lot more…It will make you believe in that mirage in the desert :)

The movie was amazing too..but I still love the Malayalam version of it “ Perumazhakkalam” by Kamal sir and M Jayachandran’s music was serene and intense. “Ye honsla” apparently is inspired by the authentic music of Rajasthan and it has that rural folk feel to it. Shafqat’s voice will haunt you forever.. and you just will make up your mind.. I am not giving up!!! No matter what… and not regret it a bit …

Life gives you enough reasons to feel bogged down at times. But I feel it’s all up to you to take it in the right spirit. It’s easy to give up and sulk..but the very thing about life is to stand for yourself and believe in yourself and in what you feel… “Ye honsla” is poignant..it will just help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.. see a new sunrise every time you feel dejected with the sunsets in your life!

The wonderful blend of flute.. dhapli..ektara makes the song very intense and soothing. Salim Sulaiman have done a marvelous job and the so close to life lyrics by Mir Ali Husain makes the song unique. The whole album is amazing and “Ye honsla” remains my personal favourite because of the very positive message it conveys followed by “Kesariya balam” which is equally soulful…

Let’s not give up.. Let’s accept the fact that life would have been different if things were fine..but let’s just refuse to say that life could have been better…
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=D91yJVAJOGA&NR=1

“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day…”

Castle in the clouds!!!!!!

This one song from Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion" with its soothing tune will make you just feel at peace with rest of the world. It feels like floating free among the clouds and yes I’m talking about “Mar Jaawa” the mesmerizing melody in Shruti Pathak’s husky voice. Have just been super impressed by her versatility and just have been wondering where was she all this while : )

I never paid too much attention to the movie as it is till I got to know the music is scored by one of my most favourite composers- Salim Sulaiman. Their “Dor” had left me speechless..and not to forget “Ye hosla”, one song which made Shafqat top my favourite singers list. The lyrics is simply awesome and the true lounge feel that will take you places....

I have always known that if there is a reason to love ...there is a reason for life beyond that too... "mar jaawan" is a different take where you just lose yourself in some one...in something...it explains the kind of things a person wishes for.. Shruti's low pitched rendition gives a depth to the entire feel of the song and the backing by Salim's awesome voice just makes the song reach another level altogether... Still wonder how people create music!!!!! It is divine and serene... soothing your mind..letting you come to terms with the facts of life.. it helps you get going..

I have lost count how many times I listened to this particular track in the last few days...can listen to it more than a million times and still feel am listening for the first time ever.. People around me...rather people in my world...have fallen in love with the song too :) and it gives me a lot of reasons to smile... that way we all will stay connected :) lol

"Mar jaawan" is a soulful song..a song full of life.. love...pain..hope...dreams and all that making me feel like a mixed fruit jam :) Kudos to the wonderful duo...Salim Sulaiman.. you guys are fantabulous!!!!!!!!
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=CslnrO2NBSY&feature=related

"I am not upset with the sunsets in my life.. I always dream of a new sunrise...and breath life..."

The vibrant colours of music!!!!!!!!

Music has a rejuvenating effect most of the times... It just revitalizes your soul and makes you fall in love with everything around you. This is exactly what Harris Jeyaraj's songs from the Tamil movie "Vaaranam Aayiram" will do to you. I have always wondered how people create music. It’s such a divine thing …creating something out of the world.. It has always amazed me. Ever since I have known music….

The entire album has a whole lot of surprises in it. The seven songs in it, which has seven different shades and moods, just will make you feel “WOWED”. I am astonished by Naresh’s and Prashanthini’s “Mundhinam” and don’t get the right to words to explain the magic in Sudha ragunathan’s voice when she sings “Anul Mele”. I kinda missed Bombay Jayashri singing to Harris’ tune. But yes, Sudha will never let you down.. The added surprise element is Shruti Hassan rending her husky voice to “Adiye kolluthey” . Came across many reviews on the song which said it is a flick from “Alaipayuthe” song “Ententrum punnage”..but whatever little I have known of music I feel it is just the rhythm and the tune as it is very original. There is this gentle rock music touch to most of them and Harris has done a wonderful job of blending various genres…

“Vaaranam Aayiram” is an awesome come back of my favourite composer after some disappointments we all had of late. This is just him, the creator of original feel fresh music. With all his favourite instruments..Sax, Violin, Veena, Drums, Mouth organ and not to forget the guitar interludes… It has given me a million reasons to smile and just has changed the entire thought process where I started my day sulking and the moment the songs were on there was a drastic change of mood. Well.. that says it all. This is the “BEFORE” and “AFTER” effect and it’s a soothing feeling all of you out there will experience

“Vaaranam Aayiram” is so full of colours and life. Am all ears when I look forward to “Yodha-II”- sequel of the Malayalam film “Yodha” (1993) for which Rahman himself gave music for. Am sure you are just gonna create magic again in that… Keep composing…a million other songs from you we await… keep amazing us…

http://music.galatta.com/entertainment/music/songs/albumid/1503/movie/vaaranam_aayiram.html


“There are colours and feelings and emotional terrain that we occupy that is ours and ours alone.”

Encyclopedia "Musica" :)..!!!!!

Yes..this one goes for him... my "Encyclopedia musica" aka Karthik; the amazing blogger..the amazing music freak and the even more amazing individual..

Karthik has always amazed me…there were times when I used to just sit and wonder with my eyes wide open..How does he manage doing all that he is doing… Innovating with his clients and positioning them 24*7.. 365 days....managing two wonderful blogs.. http://www.itwofs.com/ and http://www.milliblog.com/ .. being patient enough to listen to those never ending conversations about music..Fuzon..Mejo ettan ..Paru.. and be a great family person…etc etc. The list seems to grow every day …

Having done an MBA under a French university called ENPC.. he has a lot of stories of Cochin(where his college was located) to say..which am yet to hear… all the fond memories and some ‘deadly’ ones too ..lol..in his own language :) I used to kind of dread checking his blog ‘itwofs’- which is exclusively for plagiarism in Indian film music industry where many of my idols in music broke.. don’t know when I just got addicted to that… all those “downloading” our very own music directors have done and been praised for… just can’t take it off my mind..

All those wonderful things that happened after I have known you..the very reason behind me creating a blog.. after deleting a blog which I used to write many years before in one of my weird moods ..lol. The person behind me now reviving a long cherished dream..Thanks a million for all those songs :)

Someone who taught me how this life is too short for all the sulking..all the cribbing..all the tears and all the negativity… he has always said “ We have just one life…just make the most of it… you want to sing..go sing..you want to compeer…go compeer…” all that which injected a lot of positivity in me… will be forever grateful to him for all that he has said and done.. Thank you for all your inspiring and assuring words. It gave me the strength to persevere and I learnt that Life's not just about staying on your feet. It's about getting up when you fall..

Wishing you Ganga akka and Advay all the luck …happiness and peace in the world..you are my guide in music and I thank my stars for having led me to you…

“ Those who danced were thought quite insane by those who could not hear the music..."

Tabeer...Musically high!!!

It will make you feel content..smile..laugh..cry.. fall in love..detach..attach..revive memories...all that... TABEER- Shafqat Amanat Ali's solo musical album has hit my senses hard.... where in I just refuse to stop playing them all... all the nine songs in the album :) Just could not wait for tomorrow to jot down my thoughts... Thanks again to Karthik, the amazing one :) and his equally amazing blog
http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2008/09/07/music-review-tabeer-shafqat-amanat-ali/
Time and again I thank my abundance for having led me to people like him :) whom I respect and adore like family

“Tabeer” as the meaning of the word suggests- is an interpretation of dreams….I believe it happens at times with all of us when the meaning of the dream suddenly becomes clear and you know what it was trying to convey…It happens to you…It happens to me.. A feeling that can’t be comprehended by words...

It is unbelievably brilliant!!! Where Shafqat takes music to a different level.. breath taking rendition of tunes.. taking care of the minute details..and the mesmerizing BGM... It's just astonishing a compilation.. :) just will make your mind wander through the unknown heights and depths.. where you don't have to weigh thoughts nor emotions...It takes you out of the actual.. makes you wonder who you are.. for what and where to..

"Tabeer" is musically high.. where all your senses will be tuned into the music and you get a feeling of " Deja vu " may be :) like what I am feeling this very moment.. so very real so very original..Shafqat's voice is all of that :) and he never ceases to amaze me.. every time he sings... Rohi...Naina and Khairheyan De Naal just will mesmerize you....

Somewhere inside I still miss him being a part of Fuzon.. but yes would wish him all the success in the world and a million more songs to come his way... Shafqat- the blessed one!!! Stay like this forever.... your music is soulful..it expresses those emotions that cannot be put into words..yet can't remain silent...

The best of all... http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=a1nCySUTZd4

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything... The heights charm us, but the steps do not; with the mountain in our view we love to walk the plains…”

MAGIK !!!!!!!

I just could not help writing this… It is just that am way too carried away by my emotions after watching the musical extravaganza ROCK ON. I never knew I would be lucky enough to watch ROCK ON premiere…

I got back home late in the night humming “Ye tumhari meri baatein” taking along with me a positive message… one that will keep me going for long… may be forever…till I get done with my time here… Music has been something that has always helped me get going… and yes the simple yet amazing script just got my eyes wet every now and then throughout the movie.. It is something only music can do to you…

Joe, Aditya, Rob and KD and their MAGIK (the band) will take you through a lot of emotions where you just will be feeling nothing but music at the end of it all. Farhan’s magical voice has done wonders. But yes my personal favourite from the entire album is “Ye tumhari meri baatein” by Dominique Cerejo...she is just unbelievably talented I must say…. The trio… Shankar Ehsaan and Loy have proved once again that they are just THE BEST…..

The movie has made me do a thorough research on Rock music…a genre where am totally clueless about the technicalities involved.. hats off to all the Iron Maiden’s and Aerosmith’s of the world….Need to know a lot more… every single day is a learning here..In this world of music.... and I just love it!!!

MAGIK- creates magic around… when they perform.. and when they get on to the stage live after a hiatus of ten years… you just feel elated… on top of the world.. When all your senses are just tuned into them…when you know Music is what feelings sound like….

There are times in your life when you pause and think that…it would have been better to have met a person in your dreams; than to wake up and reach out for hands that are not there…The positivity ROCK ON brings on to the table is amazing… Life does give you a second chance… You are never too old to dream a new dream or set another goal..all you need to do is to believe in yourself and believe in what you feel… rest will be taken care of! And that is exactly what it says. It is never too late to follow your dreams….so…ROCK ON….

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/hindi_bollywood/s/movie_name.9824/

“You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'”

Divine Intervention!!!!!

Yes it was divine ... like a miracle... one flash of lightening... which came into life and went away before I could even feel it... my encounter with a guitar..... the songs that are coming to my mind when I think of it is "Neend na aye"... "aaj jane ki zid na karo".. and yes of course "abhi nahin aana"…

Time and again I get stuck with Fuzon in the first place :) then the rest…this time it is something like that which happened again. Where you just get hooked onto something.. you cling onto it and start breathing life… like my guitar and me…

Of late I spend my nights listening to “Neend na aye” a million times… I never liked the video in the beginning… felt that is not as impressive as the old ones.. “Khamaj” and “Saagar”…but yes it’s Fuzon and how can I not like it… and specially after interesting encounters in life.. I do believe that everything happens for a reason..if there is a reason to live… there is a reason for life beyond it as well…

But “Neend na aye” is just so mesmerizing and it will remind you time and again of those people who have couched the edges of your life and left impressions somewhere deep inside..People who might never come back.. those ones whom you will never see or get to be with even if you want that to happen so badly…. But there is some kind of a strange emotion involved.. you know they are not there… but still you have them.. it’s that very thing called hope.. which keeps you going… I completely agree to the saying “ hope is not the same thing as optimism..it is not the conviction that something will turn out well…but the belief that something makes sense ..no matter what the outcome will be…”

The song makes me go through this wide array of emotions every time I listen to this…but it is an amazing feeling….you feel so complete and content.. just right!!!! Between the wish and the thing life lies waiting…” Yes, even I love to wait…. Now and forever….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIzY7qhu7vg

“Some things in life never change...
Some moments in life aren't forgotten..
Sometimes as time rolls on you try to forget what holds you on...
Some people in life are a part of you...
And even if you let them go...
You never lose them...
Because you find them living in you ….
My guitar is not a thing..it is an extension of myself… It is who I am… “

An amazing surprise!!!!!!!!!!

Violin is something that has amused me through out..Ever since I have known music. . I feel violin is the most perfect of musical instruments and a person who plays it can be really really looked upon.... Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. That is what had happened to me of late when again I met Govind, Ratheesh ettan's favourite cousin and Mejo ettan's ever dearest violinist :)

Every time I meet Mejo ettan, there is a wonderful surprise for me. And this time the surprise walked in with a violin and that unbelievable innocence in his eyes. I could relate to him at the very first sight.... and so it happened. I love it when you call me " chechi amma"... I know you mean every word of what you say....

To be one among the eight students who got selected from SAE college to be with Rahman while he was recording for his new movie.. "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na".. dear you are stunningly talented I must say... for many people out here like me...getting a chance to even see Rahman is a dream. I always used to tell Mejo ettan. In this life time I don't think I will ever meet Rahman. Show me some one who has seen him atleast :) silly me and my silly thoughts :) You are a dream come true :) The bit you played for Mejo ettan's song in "Cycle" I just loved it... short and sweet..I listen to it a million times every day..

Kuttaa, you are blessed with something which many millions don't have. You have a wonderful future waiting out there... And I am hundred and ten percent sure you will come out of all the testing times high time in life. The ups and downs that let you down... all those are just passing phases. You are meant for better things in life.. infact the BEST things ever.... !!! You are free to feel what you feel..feelings are not supposed to be logical :) you don't have to rationalize your emotions ever..

Here I am wishing you all the wellness...happiness...smiles and success...loads of love on your way.. And I thank my stars for bringing you into my life.. Thanks for playing Fuzon a million times without complaining :) always with a smile... thanks a million for those wonderful two days we spent just breathing music... I would have loved to have you for a kid brother... I know you are one always....

I look forward to the day when I will be sitting in the front row to listen to your concert... I know it is not too far...for I believe in you and in your talents... and the genuineness and dedication in you will take you places....

Love and prayers...

Now and always....

Chechiamma

"Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on... Happiness is a thing to be practiced....like the violin....."

One for you..!!!!!!!

I always have felt that you should have been a poet.. a singer.. a writer..may be a lyricist even... looking at your tastes in music and the craziness in you which brought us together... I know that what I feel is absolutely right. Parvathy Menon, a stunningly talented actress in South.. my darling sisi...my "Vaava". One more reason why the Malayalam movie 'Notebook' is so close to my heart :)Thanks to Mejo ettan for bringing her into my life...!

Who said you should be born of the same parents to call some one your sister. I really don't think so. She is the child, the woman, the friend, one does not often meet ! God was kind enough to bless me with two younger ones..one our home production my Chandni :) [ I am sure she will hate me for this..but I love you loadsss Chandu].. and her my Paru... Yes he who said was right " A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost..."

I used to watch her show on TV, when she used to catch my attention at times with her unique way of presenting the show which was different from the rest of the 'many' on screen.. and hardly did I realise that down the lane we will be watching her movies together .. discussing all crazy things under the sun.. dreaming wierdest of weird dreams......I so want to adopt you vaave... :)

I was always just a spectator of the wolrd of stars. It used to amuse me at times. It is rare that in the world of stardom you find some one who is so far from all the 'expected' behaviour. some one who will find time to call you and sing for you a new song she has learnt.. some one with whom you can be at your very best.. some one when she calls you everytime brings a lot of happiness and cheer.. some one who calls you at odd hours of the night to tell you that you mean a lot to her...some one who will make you feel you are the best..its her..the whole complex package.. my adorable vaava!!!

I miss those nights when we used to stay up till late to discuss about numerous things when she was in Bangalore shooting for her Kannada movie 'Milana'.. That movie brought together two long lost friends from college :) My dad and her dad.... :) I miss those junk shopping with you.. miss those eat outs and walks...I miss putting you to sleep singing for you till late...I miss seeing you smile through your tears..Miss you...

While I await your call late in the night today after your hectic shoot for 'Poo' a new Tamil movie..I just want you to know that when all is said and done you are part of me...You are my best friend..the besteeest sister any one can ever ask for...Take care vaave...

Love ..now and always....

Chechi..!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_L24kxzgZs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTTQNtRtaRc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaOJpVIFCFQ&feature=related

"I shall go the way of the open sea, To the lands I knew before you came, And hope that the cool ocean breezes shall not blow from me, The memory of your name”

Sona! Yes we struck Gold...!!!!

Sona Mohapatra is the one who has given LIFE to the song.. ' Abhi nahin aana Sajna' from the album ' Sona'...

Well, I have always felt that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and the simplest things are often the truest... Some one has rightly said "Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art....” That is the reason why you just can't ignore this singer who made her mark through her husky and low pitched rendition making her different from the rest....

One of my very good friends.. an awesome photographer based out of Mumbai.. Girish Menon was lucky as usual (I envy you G :) for this and many other reasons) to be a part of 'JAMCAT', a programme organised by IIM where Sona performed. G's website is just amazing...http://www.girishmenon.com

'Abhi nahin aana ' is a soulful song.. a song for waiting.. !It reminds me always of this..There will always be reasons to wait...the truth is there are only two things in life.. reasons and results... and in the end reasons simply don't count! Even I love to wait...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC2q9BJoO5A

Way to go Sona.. you are a genuine singer.. we did strike gold..... :)

' Between the wish and the thing life lies waiting...'

Kaash....!!!!!!!

It feels like a journey through the greenest of the greens...where you can hear nothing but sounds just natural and serene... Hariharan.. that is him. All out there who heard him singing once 'Kaash eisa koi manzar hotha' from his album ' Kaash' will feel the same.

'Kaash' is a musical extravaganza. The entire album is so full of life.. so real and natural. There is no word play.. no extra musical instruments.. just simple soothing music..the perfect blend of everything... Each song so different from the other yet something common about them...the very originality of tunes...

It is characterized by this freedom of style and structure which makes it worth to be called an extravaganza!!! If you take ' Jhoom le' it is an elegy on life.. an elegy on existence..! But 'Kaash eisa koi manzar hotha' is a different take altogether....

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/ghazals/s/album.687/artist.404/

"Whenever I close my eyes, letting my mind wander to a red house set amidst the greenest green. My mind rocks to the gentle wind that makes the littlest noise passing through the yellow leaves that pave the path. My eyes will search for the ancient gramaphone, with enough youth still in it to turn me one more soulful ballad...."

'C'atharsis!!!!!!!!

Music can just take you to places unknown and make you feel things you have never felt before. It feels like a sudden emotional cleansing or climax that constitutes overwhelming feelings of great sorrow, pity, laughter or any extreme change in emotion that results in the restoration, renewal and revitalization for living....as Wiki calls Catharsis.. It is something only music can do to a person....like what it does to you and me...

Yes it is the same thing which is happening... and specially when you listen to songs like 'Kate nahin raat' by Ustad Sultan Khan and' Aaj jaane ki zid na karo' from the album 'Asha' by Asha Bhosle ji :) just stunningly brilliant ones. They will help you just go through that cleansing process...smoothly that too... and keep what is worth keeping and drain out the rest...can name a lot more.. but these came to mind first...

Even though the original track by Farida Khanum is as soothing as Asha ji's verison of the song, I have this bias to Asha ji as always. ... :) cant blame me for that...:) evey time her magical voice gets my eyes filled.. every time I listen to this tune... it feels great.. it is out of this world...

Link to my most favourite one..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnAVroHAwHE

Asha ji is a living legend.. music in its very sacred form.... would want to hear another million songs from her...Love you lots Asha ji... wishing you all the wellness... good health and happiness...now and for ever....

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life...."

Fuzon....!!!!!

Some times I feel they are possessed... otherwise how can some one make music so serene and magical. I remember my colleague and my soul icon in music, Karthik, telling me the same about Ilayaraja sir once when we were driving back from work :). I would have never created SERENITY with out getting kicked by his awesome blog http://www.itwofs.com/.. Thanks a million Karthik :) you are an amazing individual...

Don't remember clearly when I got addicted to Fuzon. I just used to listen to their 'Saagar' on and off.It was my trip to Mumbai this Jan and ya that lovely beach house in Dhanu when Kichu was playing Saagar from his cell that I was reminded of them again. Thanks to him and thanks to those wonderful memories....

Since then for the last three months there was not even a single day which faded... with out me listening to their tunes. There is something about them; something about the music and the raagas that will drag you towards it and make you cling on to it for the rest of your life. ...thats Fuzon for you..

http://www.fuzon.info/

Its true that I really really miss the intensity and depth of Shafqat's stunning voice.. but I honestly wish Rameez Mukhtar a sparkling stint with the band!!!! 'Neend na aaye' from 'Journey' is simply superb... though the greedy mind in me heard it on youtube much before the album released in India when Shafqat was performing it on stage:) some where in his country :) and just couldn't help comparing the two.. But at the end of it they are my favourites and I will always wish them loads of luck and many more successes... You guys are fantabulous....

'Ankhon ke saagar'- Saagar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBw17pNevdM&NR=1

'Mora saiyyan '- Saagar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9_fji0XeUw

'Neend na aaye'- Journey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR-dtDS_sts

“Since I grew tired of the chase…..And search, I learned to find….
And since the wind blows in my face…I sail with every wind….
The return makes one love the farewell….”

His Journey...!!!!

I still remember the day he called me and said "Vaave, tomorrow is my movie audio release, pray for me..you are the reason for my music ..wish you could come for the function.." that is him.. Mejo Joseph. .. now an upcoming Music Director in Malayalam movies. Well for me , the best music director ever :) Mejo ettan....

We always used to dream about that day when his album will release; while taking breaks from the long practice sessions for inter college fests.. while sipping our canteen tea... while taking walks by the auditorium in groups. Dont know when we lost touch..for almost two years.. then one day again I met him at a college fest when I had gone there taking a break from Bangalore. I saw him standing there in a small group selling his first music album " Manicheppu". There we met again.. my mirror image..my guide in music..Everything was like before.. the gap of two years never came in between us and music..

"Manicheppu", the Malayalam album was released by Roshan Anddrews, who in the long run became Mejo Ettan's bro-in-law:) sweet co-incidence. Notebook was another surprise for me. My excitement had no boundaries when he gave me an autographed Cd of his first movie in Malayalam.. "Notebook". The movie brought along with it a bunch of surprises for me. Got some wonderful friends.. Parvathy, Maria, Skanda and above everything my Paru kutty, my vaava. Even though I am the only one in the group not associated with movies.. I never feel out of place with them :)thanks to Mejo ettan...

"Cycle" is the latest one..in Malayalam again. I am praying that I can take another 10000 names of his movies before I get done with my time here.... Always wishing him all the very best in life... Cant begin to thank him for everything he has done till date... all those little little things he has done always taking out time to make sure I am not missing my music class every week :) making sure that I am happy and smiling...for all those days where he was on phone for hours singing late into the night till I fell asleep... I know you will forever remain the same.. My prayers are there for you always....

Loads and truck loads of love, prayers and luck.. now and alwaysssss
Vaava

Him..

http://video.webindia123.com/interviews/musician/mejojoseph/index.htm

All in one video :) all my favourites....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl8DmQjHduY

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step..."

Revival....!!!!!!!

Its a journey for me again .... far from everything.. Far from innovating with my clients and positioning them 24 *7....

Some things just don't cease to chase you. Like my all time passion for music....Thought would resume it after a long break... Started writing listening to my all time favourite FUZON's latest wonder Journey :)...

Here I am.. wanting to know more about music.. wanting to listen to a lot more of it....
Sangeetha
"Why waste money on psychotherapy when you can listen to the B Minor Mass? "

vallo