Flight 666: An encore!

Its not everyday that Bustards like me get lucky, but beast has always been nice to me. So I went to PVR to see this documentary called as Flight 666. There were only 10-15 people in whole theatre. This documentary primarily covers IRON MAIDENS recent tour "somewhere back in time", which as compared to their previous world tour "World Slavery" is much bigger. Maiden were carrying entire maiden troupe, entire equipment, entire crew in the Boeing 757, the service is called ED FORCE ONE and the flight.... sukkahs... its Flight 666!!!

This documentary is directed by Sam dunn, who previously directed a film on heavy metal. He himself is a big maiden fan. Directing your fav band for a movie, nothing can be better.

Its an honour and a privileged that Maiden started this Tour from India, Bombay and I saw that concert LIVE!!! Bruce talks about crazy Indian fans and how spicy Indian food tossed Steve's digestion. From India they headed to Malaysia and then to Japan. Japan is well known for its hospitality, so maiden crew were overwhelmed with all showering of love and teenage girl running into the band. Not much population of Japan understands English but "Fuck what", Maiden Fans remains undivided even after linguistic barriers. So while they were showing Indian part of movie, they played "Aces high", atleast 6-10 people in theatre were singing.
From Japan they headed to Australia, where they played at Sidney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane! Holy eddie! 4 cities in a single country? Lucky bustards Ozies! And to my surprise all stadiums were full to capacity, what a killer fan following.. And to name a few, Adrian played tennis with Pat Cash, Oz tennis champion, who is a maiden fan too!

The Next stop from here was in US, Los Angeles. Needless to say, crowd response was amazing, people in their 40s who were listening to maiden for decades were here to attend the concert! Maidens have fans like Tom morello(RATM), who idolizes Steve Harris and then Nico Macbrain has inspire none other than Lars Ulirich(you fucking donno which band, Loser!). There were visitors like Kerry king and Ronnie James dio, all coming to see Maiden.

In between Maiden members were discussing about how Maiden members are part of one splendid family. Steve goes gaga about meticulousness of Adrian about sound and his guitaring. In between Steve's daughter three of them(*very hot* Drool stuff!!!) were making comment on how reserve daddy is?
Then the next Lag of Journey was Mexico. Bruce tells that real journey begins now, since the crowd of Latin and southern America is totally wild. I remember Rock in Rio Concert, the turn out for that concert in 1985 was around 300,000. In Brasilia, Maidens are worshipped like gods. So in Mexico it was a futbol stadium all ram packed. Bruce came wearing sombrero made by some fan especially for Maidens. Swarms of crazy fan making famous Mexican wave, singing in unison. Holy Eddie, I wish I was there.
Next stop was Costa Rica. I must say it was all teary affair in Costa rica. Maiden fans were on roads and streets and everywhere, waiting since days to get a glimpse of the lords. They were crazily mobbing around the hotel. By the end of concert there were dudes and chics crying, trust me, post gig depression can kill!
Next stop was Colombia, Bagota. On political grounds the security of this place was damn tight, Cops on horses patrolling everywhere. Fans were waiting in camps on the sides of roads for more than a week. Couple of them were complaining about lack of food and water due to security issues, but still they have swarmed the place like there will never be a next time. Maiden were floored with such a reception. What could be the the hieght of fanboism, there was a guy in coloumbia, who preaches Maiden writings in a church dedicated to maiden, he has 100+ maiden tattoos and calls himself Father Iron maiden!

so Maiden continued their onslaught in Brasilia, where they played futbol match with some local team. They performed at Sao paulo for an amazing crowd in a futbol stadium with many players wearing national team jersey on stage with Bruce.

Next stop was Buenes Aires, Argentina, from where they headed next to Santiago, Chile. Previously in Chile, Maiden were banned for spreading anti-Christ Faith. Harris commented that it was one of the totally misunderstood part. but, now after more than a decade, they are welcomed by frenzied mob of maiden devotees, who were on roads from Airport to Hotel room.
Next, the journey continued to New Jersey, US. The band member talks about how Steve harris is the backbone of Iron Maiden. Right from lyrics to finalization of songs, he is everywhere. I would say, he is one of the most disciplined musician around, his hard sticking to the schedule attitude has brought Iron maiden to this pinnacle.
So they had a crew song, "you are shit and you know you are", which they sang all time, whenever the plane took off for next journey(LOL!). There were couple of hot stewardess in the plane, who were having great time with band. The Last stop of this Journey was Toronto, Canada. Maidens were famous in Canada, much before it was famous in US. So Band is particularly fond of this place. The documentary ends with "Hallowed be thy name", I guess not a single soul in theatre can stop itself from howling and banging its head!
I was totally Maidenized, my addiction requires a regular dose of metal and this was it. Infact it was a really heavy shot of the toxin, which has mixed with blood so thoroughly that it will stay there until I pay my visit to lords, yet again.
\m/ up the irons!

The last marriage of the year

So no more fancy title name, but this marriage was last one in the year 2008. Sapota was utterly happy as this was marriage of one of the bestest chum. Sapota bought a fine suit, for the first time, just for this marriage along with Fatal Jutis and to make matter more sinister, Sapota wore 5 colored Jaisalmeri Turban.


One folk bought his swift, so we had fine time moving around. In the very evening of our arrival, we had grand booze party. Sapota has promised to dance his Ar$e off on this occasion. So Sapota jumped to arena and danced, all sorts of ridiculous funny dance moves, but who cares, it was all fun. Since evening 8 till late midnight the dance followed. The source of music was utterly ridiculous, but we had one song



Played for umpteen times and Mustandas were getting more and more wild with the dance.
Then Sapota is know for his "hain hain" dance, which he did religiously well.


One fella jumped to the stagnant rain water and then they splashed it all over, it was bloody funny! Then the dance continued in all colors and forms.
Next day we left with "barat" and reached Nasirabaad late in evening. Following our arrival we had great snack party and then they we were redirected to Corners for some booze.
After booze and all we danced with barat party with so called "Brass Band", now to locate other fellas, we lost the way and were wandering around! It became chaotic for a couple of minutes.
Later we(mustandas) and Barat reunited and then again dancing followed. The invitees in this marriage were quite imminent people some one like Governor of a state, So marriage was grand and quiet sober.
There were chitchats and clicking and dining all going on quietly. Later it was all very chilly, so we retired after this. But one of the sapota's gangy(yeah i invented it rite now!) was keen on seeing rituals. So at 2 am, we went to brides place to see nuptial rituals. A big gang of chics were sitting and giggling as priest recites rituals.

Surender's wedding

Sapota on the other hand was preaching some kids and cutting Lame jokes to pass time. Finally we came back and retired and next day proceeded to Puskar...

The phail party

For last two years, on new year eve, Sapota had blast in goa. But this year, due to relocation and lack of inevitable super planning, it was all mess. So to celebrate it on the First and not thirty first, we(Sapota with a friend and HIS girlfriend), went out. The plan was to go to a pub or disc. Because of new year parties, we couldn't find room and have to settle in some "Anchor" restro bar. Notably most pubs and bars in NCR are well decorated, and they charge hefty money for all those interiors, food may or may not worth the money.
But inevitable was to happen, like the last unfortunate night, this would turn into something horrible. So after meals and drinks, Sapota made a curious conversation with Mr DJ, who have no idea of equipment, he was using, but he want to talk about himself and how he had created a chance in world against all pitiful odds in the world. What a self obsession? Sapota felt like a moron asking question to someone, not worth it.
But fun was hiding somewhere in the corner and fun was waiting to spawn out of all the fog, which was surrounding the city. What is worst thing to handle? Sapota would say a drunk chic. Chic was already two pegs down and she wanted to drink more and she was getting wild and uncontrollable.
We were done with this bar, but she was adamant on drinking more, so we inquired in another pub, but things didn't turned out, so we proceeded to dens, however chic was reluctant to go home, she wanted more booze.
Somehow, Sapota reached home in all that i-want-booze war. So as sapota approached the door, he couldn't locate the key. Sapota searched all the pocket, even the hidden one ;). But Mr Fun was waiting to reveal himself. Sapota started cursing his bad memory and carelessness and such useless stuff.
Saptoa has a bad habit of taking stuff out of his pocket and placing them on the table. As sapota remembered, he placed keys and the cellphone on the table, he collected the phone, but forgot the keys. Since Fun was to begin, sapota called the bar and enquired,it felt relieving to know that keys were in restaurant only.
But the question was how will Sapota reach there? So sapota knocked on neighbours door and recited the whole story. So they suggested to break the lock and forget the key, forget the key!!! no way! the keychain is a AC/DC Angus Malcolm Hall of fame keychain bought all the way from HMV stores London, how can someone forget that??? I told them it has many keys. So the dude suggested that I should take the bike, they cannot drive because they are too bloody drunk.
Phew! Sapota had no choice, but to take the bike, Bike was too old and had no lights and brakes were hardly effective. It was around midnight, total foggy, one couldn't see beyond 4 meters and Sapota was driving this bike on road to glory. To make things more interesting, Sapota didn't knew the way either. So sapota was circling around the same stupid turn for quiet some time. Somehow, Sapota went inside the market, where everything was invisible and people were driving their vehicles very slowly using parking lights, even on the main road. Finally, Sapota reached "Anchor", but there was no one there. Sapota looked here and there, there was not even a single mosquito around. Sapota started cursing the devil, but devil smiled on him. After a minute or so, the watchmen came, who was waiting for sapota to come and get the keys, Sapota thanked him a tonne and sapota thanked God and satan, both for this great moment.
Finally sapota returned back, all this driving appeared like a blindfold game. Sapota's hand were all numb. Sapota's eyebrows were soaked in mist of the fog, it appeared as if sapota was in Antarctica, covered thick in snow. Sapota believed that fog has frozen his thoughts, mind was blank and painless. Roads were all barren. Finally sapota was home, he thanked his neighbours and lived happily till next morning.

Sapota's adventure to Baburam paranthe wala

Sapota is a victim of inquisitiveness and sapota head starts on any adventure to satisfy his appetite for information. As soon as there was a power cut, sapota packed himself up and set forth to Chandani chowk. So as bus reached Lal Quila(Red Fort), Sapota tried to recollect the landmarks in the place, with small attempt sapota managed to reach Paranthe wali gali(Parantha Street.). This street was a ubiquitous narrow Indian street, nothing great about it, but it is quiet famous, and a must go for any Parantha lover. Well, Parantha is an Indian bread, which may be stuffed with some ingredients and is pan fried with oil or butter.
A babe with her not-so-hot mom was walking ahead of sapota, sapota followed her till she decided to settle in a dhaba(Road side Indian restaurant), but sapota has eternal itch to explore, so sapota decided to go till the end of the street. But, street was quite small, barely 200-250 meters, there were around 5-6 shops open at that time. The aroma of hot milk and other sweets were all around the street, sapota returned back to the shop where the babe sat, but but but... the shop has no place and it was all hot and steamy there. Defeated by the chance, sapota went to another shop, this one was called "Babu ram paranthe wale", this was clean and airy and not steamy, Sapota loved it and went inside. Now there is always a chance that you may not get the most popular shop in such place, but next shop is almost as good. So sapota ordered almond parantha, which took some time to get there. Most people who were sitting in dhaba seems to have came here, specially to have parantha, there were two families and couple of dudes, but no chic :(.


So sapota was served with plate full of red "sweet and sour" chutney(sort of sauce) made up of dried ginger(indian name: saunthh) then coriander leaf chutney, three vegetables one was gravy potato with makkhane(I donno what is its name in queen's English!), other one was pumpkin and last one mixed thick gravy potato(typically served in Hindu weddings) and couple of vinegar soaked vegetables. Along with this sapota ordered mango drink:Slice and Curd('course, no parantha without curd!). Finally the great Almond parantha arrived, but it arrived without much of a prelude(as in drum roll or guns firing; for the effect 'course!). Parantha was smaller than small pan pizza, deep fried and sliced in four, it was filled with almond stuffing. Sapota must say that small for its price, but too big for its taste, it was yummier than most paranthas sapota had. Sapota ordered another parantha this one was called kurchan parantha. Kurchan is typically the cream which sticks to the large pan, which is used to boil milk, this hardened cream is seperated from the utensil using sharp spoon or knife.


Sapota is floored with this parantha, it was crispy from outside and utterly soft inside because of milk cream and it tasted like having pooris(deep fried Indian bread) with rabri(milk boiled till it reduces its content by 3/4th). The third parantha which sapota ordered was layered paranta, This one again exceeded the expectation of sapota, it was very very crispy and with curd, it tasted like the second best thing in world. Sapota was so bloody satisfied with entire experience. This entire delicious food was for INR 125 only!!! Sapota took some pictures for you guys. Now to fulfill his religious endeavors sapota moved towards Gurudwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib.

Blearing ebonies and ivories

The segment has blurred,
there is not even a hole
Moralities diminishes
sins are virtues
virtues no longer matter
lines do not remain,
paths do not exist.
just invisible something
Something indistinct.

Where are the rules?
who are those fools.
They obey,
We uprise.
They comply,
we surprise.

We fail to know,
They say its a matter of fact.
What are those, accepted ways?
There is no clairvoyance,
pondering, still they know.
Foundering in the swamp
darkness becomes light.
Shine gets blurred
there are no ivories, there are no ebonies.
They are mere repercussion of shallow woods.
indistinction is so apparent,
exhibits appear obfuscated.

slapped, echoes of agitation
loved, thuds of serenity.
pale and right,
Wrong and bright,
They do the exit.
An applause for the grave
A grief over the triumph.
guffawing pleasantly
and sobbing over the milk.
But there is no cat,
Just the cow.
who dun it, who dun it.
Spare the one, he ain't.

hypocrite,the convinced ones
chauvinists,the philanthropist,
they stand in the way,
They make the hay,
while some suffer,
those who differ.
the ways to adhere
no bindings to tether.

No reality, No obscurity,
since the dissipating veracity holds
or may be unholds,
It will blur, it has to.

The Salvation: Somewhere back in time.

I have never witnessed so many mood swings in single day or it looked like a single day from 13th of feb to 17th of feb. I had witnessed pre-gig anxiety and then I am having post-gig depression, they ain't just terms, I can really feel them . There are no real words, I know of, which can describe this state of mind, the level of entropy is highest, I am questioning every action of mine, the futility of everything is so apparent. I am incoherent and clueless, feeling as if I am killed. I am unsatisfied, cold and hungry for more.
This is damn third time, I am seeing IRON MAIDEN live, but I don't feel that I had enough. First time they played a good number of songs; Second time, they played 16 killer songs and they annihilated anything and everything that was under the influence of that thing called "IRON MAIDEN". I thought then, it was the best, I ever had. But this time, they were more murderous and to add to it there was an AWE FUCKING SOME crowd of Banglore. Fuck, I love the metal crowd of b'lore so much , I wish I could carry them along with me everywhere.
Unlike B'bay, there were no shitty-bang-bangers in the crowd of b'lore, so this time I have nothing to curse. This time, I have seen devotion at one of its best.

I will no more detail on stupid journey, I would rather focus on things that really matter in this mindset. So, the previous evening, I went to styx. This time late night, and the crowd was fucking amazing. Ladies and gentlemen let me declare a proclamation in the history of Indian metal, "styx is the best metal pub in country, unexceptionally". I happen to met two Sri-Lankan guys, who wanted me to join their band, but I am untalented so I can't contribute to their music, but I told them that I will support them as a fan. So when in styx, you ought to pay homage to gods, how? its simple, Scream! sing! headbang! or simply go round and round crazily!!! They were playing things like Amon Amarth, Satyricon, Kreator and when they played Sepultura's territory, FUCK FUCK FUCK, every single soul was headbanging, the energy level had tripled, It can't get any more insane. Every maiden track played in Styx was preparing a ground for the Mayhem, that is to take place the next day in palace grounds.

Third visit to palace ground, I still had those butterflies in my stomach. I sometimes act so weird, I thought what if we lose the tickets? that was so paranoid. I felt relieved once we entered inside. The setup was same as it was during Megadeth concert, except for the force one machine, which I really was not interested in seeing.
As we entered some band was playing, probably synaps or kryptos, I didn't bother much to notice them, because I was in a different kind of trance. While some folks were busy getting booze, I was looking around for fellow devotees and music merchandise. We finally entered the gig area, on the smaller stage De profundis, one of the band from UK were playing. The band was pretty tight and they put on the good show. I was not very conversant with their music, but it had elements of symphonic black metal and thrash. Vocalist and drummer, were two of my favourite members. We went out again and had some chit chat and looking around for jaw drooping beauties, with fags in their hands. Now Ms Lauren Harris was performing, I don't want to curse her, but she should not play in Metal concert. I know she is an honest artist, but with so many lunches on her daddy's pocket, she should stand on her own, now. We didn't bother to hear her anyway. Next in line was Ashley and the silver bug from Italia. I have a piece of advice for them, instead of focusing on those skinny dresses and all those sensual theatrics, I would have liked, if, they have put on some good music. Mr. Ashley, all that sensual dance was not quite apt, I mean you don't have that level, where u can do whatever you want, Sorry! but, you are not Rammstein.
Parakrima performed next, they were tight as ever, they performed pretty well minus that violin thingy,which i don't like, appears more like a gimmick. Anyway Nitin malik is kind of frontman I love most, his vocals resembles to Bon scott and he is full of humility. He is a popular man in rock circles in India, but still he chants "maiden" with same enthusiasm as any metal head would do. Now crowds were getting really really impatient, so Parakrima performed just one more single and they left with the chants, Crowd was roaring with "MAIDEN" "MAIDEN" , every'damn'where.
The anxiety was growing on me, as the stage and setup is getting ready, Maiden tend to take their own time, which drives me crazy. I can't, I really can't wait. While I was waiting for the ground lights to go off, those DNA folks played some lame tricks by playing some songs with full sound.
Finally they lifted the veils and the intro played, Jesus Christ! the all new intro with "Transylvania", the roars went loud, louder and loudest. Everyone knew, what is coming. As soon it stopped, the next throat slicer came down, "Aces high", Drums shaped as before, Nico Macbrain were beating snares violently, but with out any signs of effort. Bruce came running wearing same pants with those small patches, he wore in live after death. "Rolling, turning, diving, going in again Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die", I almost felt like somebody has stopped all oxygen. Even before I can "phew", they started next riff, Dave Murray was on the killing spree, the same mild smile, the brutality was evident.... I screamed my lungs out "2 minutes to midnight The hands that threaten doom". I love Bruce, when he asks for 'SCREAM FOR ME BANGLO', the decibel level reached the new high, Bruce goes again SCREAM FOR ME BANGLO, this time previous record is broken. I had never seen Adrian with two pronged guitar, I was in surprise, what is to came, and I now seek apologies to my lord Maidens for being hazy with this track due to my own preconceived assumptions. They played wrathchild,which I was not able to participate, due to fatigue and lack of cognizance. Oh holy devil, I felt like such a sinner. Bruce started talking now, making some witty remarks. He told crowd that they were about to bring pyro techniques, to which crowd responded madly, then he told Indian laws doesn't allow that, I was like "fuck the bloody authorities". Next came the surprise number in form of "Children of the damned" It was hurled across me with such a force that I never came out of it. Next leads were started by Janick Gers, I had heard this one live once before, but in Paul Di'ano concert, who originally sang phantom of the opera. I banged my head left-right, up-down round and round, each note was hitting my nerves, I had a certain numbness when that triple lead by Dave, Janick and Adrian hit me.
The red uniform and fluttering of Union Jack and the back ground of The trooper, "You'll take my life but i'll take yours too". Bruce threw Union jack, this time two of them one after the other, crowd howled again. As if we didn't had enough, Bruce appeared in Nordic mask, the background changed to Eddie faced Sphinx. Power slave, whose lyrics are really hard to grab, but crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Steve Harris was shooting with his guitars, impact of bullets from his guns were right on the chest, I bowed down to him in order to express my gratitude for all that he has accomplished as the band leader and a great musician.
Then Bruce started talking about Nature and human, I fucking knew its time for "the rime of ancient Mariner", he told us to go and get some Samosas and break this is going to be a long 13 minutes song, I fucking said "NO, Bruce we are bloody here just for you". So as he says Samuel Coleridge's Rime of ancient mariner, there was echo back from my throat. The background changed to the fallen ship, Bruce appeared with black winged dress. 13 greatest minutes of my life, euphoria, ecstasy, second fucking time, I am listening one of the greatest songs of all times. "water water water everywhere, nor a drop to drink". God forbid the time to move on, I want to stay here, forever.
Before next track crowd were chanting "maiden" "maiden" so loud for almost 2 minutes, Bruce has to sit down and wait and when he asked "is that all", I almost said, "No", "maiden" "maiden" all again. He now talks about his love for India and he tell about the interview he was to give on "why people love Iron Maiden so much in India?", I wish I could have told him that its not jut love, but people worship Iron Maidens here.
So this time you better run for your life, run to the hills because white man has come across the sea and conquered our hearts.... This time Dave was playing with guitar around his body and smiling as ever.
There were no overture, there were no introduction, the first cymbal beat, fuck, Dave on spree again, The hand goes in the air, Maidens have that magic, "ho ho ho ho", this time crowd sings in chorus, entire Palace ground was singing. As the first lead approaches, the crowd goes completely nuts, every starts jumping, everyone is shifted 4-5 feet from their places. Bruce sings "Fear of the dark" and gives that hysteric laughter, Steve Harris is jumping and running here and there with his guitar. The crowd goes again "ho ho ho ho ho", everyone sings "fear of the dark". When the song reached its end, I was dumbstruck in utter awe. I felt like crying. Even before I could have controlled my self, there came the same chime, the same drum, the same lead by Dave, FUCK! FUCK!! FUCK!!!, the crowd started spreading itself for the moshing and head banging. It was getting more and more wilder, Everyone was singing in unison "I am waiting in my cold cell, when the bell begins to chime", when Bruce gave that last scream, everyone was jumping and headbanging, I was not expecting that kind of mayhem. I kept banging my head until I had a sudden jerk in my head, which looked like a pulled muscle, I was horrified, I wont be able to headbang any more. But I collected my self back and went on. For the first time I have ever seen Dave Murray splitting his legs while playing guitar. The song left me sore, my neck in utter pain, my head was blasting with shooting pain.
For next song "Iron maiden", I couldn't do much of those rituals, I was standing watching Janick gers doing that Angus young type duck walk, which looked a little funny on him. "See the blood flow watching it shed up above my head. Iron Maiden wants you for dead"; Come and get me lords, I am all yours.
Bruce started thanking and saying we love you all, I felt lightening-struck, I said "that's it???". The crowd encored Louder and Louder "more!" "more!!", "Maiden" "Maiden", restlessness was growing on me.
They returned back with the "number of the beast", Adrian smith went on rampage with leads and then Janick gers were displaying all sorts of theatrics with guitar; throwing it up in air, then circling around with guitar very very violently. "666" was in air, I can feel that number around. The song finished with some smoke kind of thing coming out from the some vents in the stage, that looked so damn amazing. The next number was "The evil that man do", to which crowd responded so damn well. 12 feet live EDDIE was walking on the stage, and he was hitting the guitar of Janick gers, then he was shooting Steve with his gun and while leaving he was jerking off, HAA HAA!!! For the last song, I again went blank, because of same stupid dumb reason, I felt like a sinner, again, they played "sanctuary", which I have heard only very few times. The song was stopped in between and Bruce started talking about the Iron maiden movie "Flight 666", he said that there is going to be loads of India in that movie. then the song resumed. As the song stopped they started thanking and all and they said they will come again next year with all new studio album. Then Janick pretended to throw the guitar towards audience, which he never did, lol. I felt like my pulses has stopped, how come they can leave so early??? I wanted more, there was huge bloodlust. My entire body felt so heavy when I was moving my steps out towards exit, I knew, they wont come back. I felt like drained and left in wilderness, all dry and alone, oh Gawd! they should have played atleast two more songs. But I later realized that they have played almost same number of songs, but my appetite has grown too much for metal. I donno how to finish this write-up, I am so dazed right now, All I can say "UP the IRONS", thou are my lord, I thank thee for all the great music thy hath created(RESPECT \m/)

Two of them...

Sapota finishing an old assignment is not a trivial activity and that too of finishing long pending cinema something like "Pi". Someone intimidated Spota when he was just about to watch "Requiem for the dream". The other fella had one verdict "why the hell did I watched that movie?" Worst enough he played "Summer overture" again and again, sending chills in sapota's heart. With these preconceived notions Sapota somehow commenced the journey, which took a halt at the end of first CD. Sapota sighed "oh! Gawd!" Sapota stopped "requiem", clicked on some bright animated movie, It was now 01:20 hrs, Sapota restarted it. Sapota turned blue with eyebrows raised in fear and sympathy. Sapota somehow finished "requiem" and to neutralized saw some bright sunny dumb flick yet again.
It was not disgust, it was rather the sensitivity that swayed sapota off the feet, Sapota is hardcore, but as sapota is getting more maturer, his reactions toward human emotions are becoming more and more articulate. There has been very few motion pictures, which have moved sapota to such an extent. Sapota can just go GAGA over Darren Afronsky for creating such a marvel, such a masterpiece of cinema. After Clockwork Orange this is the greatest work of a camera. One of the most exotically shot, and one of the most innovative editing. Darren Afrosnky has earned all points Sapota can give.
Lock Stock and two smoking barrels? what kind of name is that. Brought it, started it, for 15 minutes Sapota thought he has gone deaf or probably all that convent eduction has vanished. Then either sapota's ears got adapted or the accent had neutralized a bit, but now you actually listen the conversation, some of which is extremely intelligent, some wicked and some of it very witty. Sapota wondered what the heck?
So Sapota repeated the same story but this time with "Snatch", now again 15 minutes of muteness, worst enough you don't understand a single word from Gypsy boys. You keep wondering! except, some of the apparently clever ones, sapota could not anticipate anything, Sapota smiled and sometimes gwaffed. Sapota still didn't had enough.
Sapota knew this is too much to be assimilated in one go, there has to be multiple re-visits, but impatient one wanted more. Third movie on his List was "Revolver".
This time sapota was sure of what he is watching, GOOD Lord! this is the one sapota was looking for, the kind of cinema and direction. There was general verdict that this is a repeated work and few had hard time understanding it, some critics say its terse and unreadable, but Sapota begs to differ, movie is being very well presented, neatly narrated and the con plot is superb. The style of movie narration is not new or innovative, but Sapota would say most of those tricks and techniques have already been created by early cinema makers, these people have just reused them in better fashion. That day and this day, Guy Ritchie is on my favourite list. He is Madonna's husband! so! Being a husband of a pop star does not necessarily kill your brain cells, one can still do good. Why the fuck do Sapota cares if he fucks Britney spears, he is an intelligent cinema maker and he does it three times in a row.
There has been umpteen revisits at "snatch" and "Lock stock" by now, every time they tickle some muscle in abdomen. Its subtle humour is absolutely intelligent and it makes sapota roar with laughter, Nothing beat British sarcasm and no one has ever presented it in a better fashion than Guy Ritchie. Creating coherence in intrinsically complex movies like snatch, "Lock stock" and revolver, which have multi-track story line is work of pure brilliance, and then adding humour on top of it! Sapota is just amazed.
One fine day while searching movie in CD library, Sapota saw "The Fountain"; wondering whose movie is that? reads.... Hugh jackman, Rachel Weisz(drool...) and... Ellen Burtyn(that's interesting) and then Director: Darren Afrosnky. Sapota sometimes react very impulsively ,"I want this one, drop all others". Sapota have by now seen all sorts of metaphysical ones and all sorts of sci-fi's, but this one, had three track running simultaneously and except one all others were metaphors of thoughts, they were surreal and engrossing. Sapota kept guessing all the time? Sapota had to scratch his head a little, Couple of times intelligent cinema maker intentionally creates open ended visuals or stories. You can interpret it your own way and then story is so non linear(or shall I say hyperbolic.) that it never converges. With such a wonderful direction Afronsky has multiplied his respect 10 times.

One of the worst itches Sapota has suffered was inablity to obtain "Pi"? Everyone looked down upon sapota for this sin, but Sapota is such a determinate one, he finally obtained "Pi"(although after months of wait). Both these cinema makers have profound knowledge of art, the way they uses resources at disposal is amazing. if you hear the scores of Snatch, Lock stock and Revolver, you know that someone has quite some taste in rock, country, jazz and pop. Then on the other hand Afronsky is into classical, he uses Clint Mansell to compose for "Pi", all those weird robotronic music, with those really innovative camera angles and terse thematics, its a intoxicated ride of insanity, where some mathematician dwells into his obsession for numbers. Exotically black n white picture with stuff like vacuum tube computers, metro station, Go game and flying pigeons, that is something for which your visual receptors wont easily acclimatize. Afronsky doesn't use narrations much, his characters get developed as the story progresses, whereas Ritchie uses narrations, couple of time dubious, other time subtly, other time exaggerated, but with a style, strictly of his own and you love them. Every one loves Bullet tooth Tony and Harry Lonsdale, isn't it?

Saturday evening roaming all alone near box office, Sapota can smell his own movies. So while sapota was not sure, but had some impression of "rock n rolla" in back of his mind. So as soon as the initial credits started rolling, in a wink sapota guessed Mr Ritchie's Movie!! Sapota must confess, its not as great as any of the previous ones, but it ha been long since sapota saw an intelligent con movie. So the fun came with exotic picture frames and British accent thrown in style. This time very little narrative, all characters getting developed all along themselves. My award for best one goes to mr rock n rolla(Johnny Quid), he is central one, but not exactly. As with Ritchie movies, he does not starts from the beginning, but eventually becomes important. The depiction gets more and more complex with burst of random irony, which makes u grab your seat, wondering, "why don't this get delayed by a minute", but Ritchie knows how to get that adrenaline rush. Not as funny as usual, but it has its own wise cracks, and there must be many hidden ones, which can be discovered with hard finding only(read second watch).

It looks like there is a lack of mass awareness that what kind of cinema maker Mr Afronsky really is, which seems one reason for so much fuss about "The wrestler". This is definitely not the best work of Mr Afronsky, but yes a popular one . At beginning it doesn't appeared much like Mr Afronsky's baby, but as it progresses, you would realize what is he spinning. He wont comfort the character in any manner, he is not encashing his spirit, he just letting him go on and on. Full marks for the Plot, and this time he has used good old school rock n roll for the scores, pretty apt for such a movie. The camera at times gives you hint that it is him, but not purely him, screenplay is satisfactory, not Afronsky style. But the way the character develops, gives a feel of psyche of a wrestler. All event in movie appear trivial, but they created a profound impact on sapota.

These two contemporaries may not be crowd magnets, but they have their own cult following. Sapota is a fan of both of them. Sapota is not sure what status they acquire in coming times, but their cinema is unique and movies like "Pi", will make it to cinema schools. Any Cinema maker without artistic elevation is bland, artistic interpretation makes it look real and it creates a charm of its own. These two are profound intellectuals, one is the master of Con cinema, other master of science parables. Both use indirect communication, as if talking in verses, using metaphors instead of speech. Sapota believes, selecting an appropriate OST is like finding needle in haystack, until unless one has a real feel of cinema and music simultaneously one will land with trash. But the impressive work by these two gentlemen speaks otherwise, it looks like it has been easy, but sapota knows it a bloody daunting task. The other part of their great vision lies in the fact they create enormously thematic backdrops, which exhibit reality and speak of the creative artistry they possess.

I, sometimes, shutdown my PC

I was taken aback?
why?
she asked me, don't you have instinct?
so...
that's like asking me if I listen to Metallica.
So what do you say?
I just tell her that I will write back.
about instincts?
yes, My instincts tell me not to talk about them?
then, why are you?
I donno, this is also instinctive action.

Other day, I asked someone, dude you are talented, how do you keep upto it?
he told me, his instincts help him.
the other case where instinct play vital role, is with respect to tiger, he pushes them to the limit.
So what's the harm?
Instinct cannot be logically explained, I can feel it, I can smell things, i am gifted with it. I have inherited it.
in that case i don't see any problem?
there are no problems, I would rather use other talents than to push myself to use instinct, I rather use them as survival weapon and find it is best suited for it.
I have instincts too,
not, in the way I understand, as I said I can smell it, who had that kind of feel.
hows that?
I mean when you meet people your own kind, for example tiger, you know it.
So what will that lead you to?
Actually nothing, just this post and asking people to talk about
what are their intellectual verbalization about their own instincts?

Naka, Zona religiousa etcetra etcetra

Sapota had attended many hindu marriages, but this was first time sapota was experiencing a sikh wedding. Sapota hate attending marriages, but this one was of a very very dear friend, so Sapota went all the way to Balachaur with all excitement and enthusiasm.
On the way to Balachaur, Sapota purchased JUTIs at Chandigarh. Now there is only one man, who can wear such Jutis and that is Sapota himself(Hah!).

From Rajjo's Marriage

Sapota had recieved a very warm welcome at balachaur in a real punjabi village called as Thopia(looks like heard somewhere).
Among many antics to be noticed, the prominent ones were buffaloes and fodder slicing machine and earthen stoves. These things are rarely visible to sapota, these days. One of the fella(read Bison) tried posing with buffaloes for photograph, but buffaloes were reluctanct, they dont want to pose with a Bison.



The following day started with engagement ceremony. Ceremony's biggest attraction was "Bhangra Junction", which was a bhangra group containing hawt hawt punjabi kudiyan(chics). In all this high temprature sound and thump, Sapota was thrown on the floor(dance floor, fools!). The no-good-dancer danced between punjabis, who by the virtue of being who they are, dance very bloody well.
Other folks joined us in the late afternoon, and then all those discussions... this time business fundas, I mean all those lame ass management shit, and everyone preached them as if they are some top grade B-school Professors. Later Brides' folk arrived to perform ceremonial rituals and the groom was loaded with all sorts of gifts and golds and $$$$(Dallaran, lol).
Next day early the barat set forth to Ropar. Rituals in Sikh marriages are performed at Gurudwaras in the day time. Day time marriage at this quarter of year and in this part of world is not actually very pleasant.
On arrival there, we were greeted by a Sikh priest, who recited some sort of chants. Then as the barat followed, we danced in the bloody sunlight in the outdoors, drenched literally! Something interesting followed next known as "saaliyon ka naka" transliterated as barriers of/by Sister-in-laws(sounds so absurd in this language). To get entry in the marriage hall, the groom has to pay the bribe(or shall it be a "shagun", sapota likes bribe more!) to cross that ribbon on naka thing.
Hall was beautiful and food was upto mark and as we settled down, "bhangra party" started dancing, so again we have to dance, this time with girls from brides side. After dancing and all, we all proceeded to Gurudwara for the actual rituals. Sapota loves Gurudwaras and Churches becuase they are quiet and serene, like a real abode of god. This was a big beautiful Gurudwara with a river flowing near by. And you know how much sapota fancies rivers. So as sapota went inside, he went into "zona religiousa"(yes there is no such word). As they were performing rituals and sapota sat down in peace with himself.

After this ceremony sister-in-law were asking for shagun, Again! I mean this time for Grooms shoes. They steal the shoe and then they ask for money as much as INR 5k, this is no way correct, but then all is fair in marriages. Ok, sapota missed talking about the groom , the groom wore a full fledged turban and the sikh attire and looked like a real "Sardar".

After completions of nuptials, photo shoots followed, which led to chit chat and cracking jokes . The newer and interesting thing was ball dance. Yes, Groom and Bride danced together, which was a surprise element for many. But it was kool, Sapota missed the dance, he has to later catch it up on the video. Overall wedding was fun, but a sweaty fun, phew!

The Man auctions his spirit for a price.

He is stuck with nothing, but commercial innuendo.
They surround him with expectations, ask him to scramble,
he reaches a false peak.
He cares! but, why? & for whom?
The unanswered one haunts him... "Identity of Unknown?"...

Necessities overshadow Creativity,
Dreams get oppressed by reality.

The Sea lies ahead and he never knew the swimming; the sea of self doubt.
He set forth to become a genuinity,
but they prevented him; his own people.
they are adamant to make him a falsery, a shallow impostor.
He wanted to dwell deep and be true, but the desire diminishes,
A patch gets spun around him, which is made of nothing but obviousness.

Death is serene, life is a shattered dream, Why live?
LUB-DUB! Is that what live for?
They want to churn out his entire endowment & milk everything.
Eat, construct and reproduce
Load Earth with Daggers, kill it! KILL IT!!!

Innocuous appearance, he loses sanity, becomes arid.
his spirit leaves him, its gone...
its flying out into the empty firmament
he gazes, gazes hopelessly, endlessly.
it just escaped, he knows no way to shackle it back.

Its just a carcass into which his heart pumps the blood,
rock n roll still lives forever,
its just that he is not in it, Anymore.


sounds keep going, sounds keep coming, swooshing by.
air goes in, air goes out, but its just a thump, not life.
he asked for somniferum, but they gave him cannabis.

Let him fly, Let him soar.
Let him spread his wings
Let him reach the sun,
and when his wings char
Let him fall and let him die, PLEASE!!!

42, 000,000 and 1

Finally Sapota purchased his First Rock Album, this was the day destined for sapota by the lords themselves...
Lord Bon Scott must have looked at his not-so-humble fan and smiled... perhaps the message is Welcome little devil to the highway to hell....
So let there be rock....
There is real joy, much beyond this fakery all around. Sapota is now 42 million and oneth fan. Sapota is now the part of history, he owns the highest sold rock album. The pride of ownership and possession.
So all day long the music will play..... Ho! ho! ho! hey! hey! hey! I am back, I am "back in Black"....
The Black welcomes me, the black is to absorb me all the time. I become a part of black.
The tolls of Bells, chimes from the Cymbals, the first riff of Angus guitar, First thump on Bass drum, Metal beats on snare.. I never bloody knew that Hell bells sounded so fucking great. No wonder its the inception of the album.
Then they sing about the damn best women I have ever seen... knocking me down with those American thigh....
What if I leave you.. honey, what you do for money?
The slowest track has subtleties of love making, "let me put my love into you", its just a wonderful surprise.
Rock n roll, sex? what else remaining... booze babe, Booze! so have a drink on me, have whatever u want, gin or brandy, but have a drink on me and let the hell pay for it. haa haa....
and then the riff....Rock n Roll ain't noise polution... who the fuck says so and it ain't gonna die.

The vacuum created by the absence of Bon Scott can never be filled, Let there be peace on him.
Angus has done marvels on Givin the dog a bone. Brain has tried hard and he is good on Shake a leg and Shoot to thrill, he is different but not quite Bon.
This album has commenced a new era of rock n roll for sapota, this is just the beginning, but the frenzy will stay and sapota shall go berserk over and over.

The Fuck Known as YOU PEE

Uttar Pradesh is largest state in india in terms of population, political activity, natural resources, religious importance and many such things. This was a state of great learning and spirituality, the epicenter of Indian culture.
While traveling back from Faizabad, we headed to Gonda, a small town to catch some train to Jhansi, we had a fine reservation, waiting for us there, but inevitable was to happen. So at this small station we were waiting for this train, which was getting delayed and delayed and delayed. So, left with no choice, we headed to Lucknow, with some other train, weather was drenchingly humid. But all was well till now, real havoc begun at Nuklow, there was not a single train to Jhansi till 4? What to do now? catch a bus to Kanpur! All ritie. A neat Air conditioned bus, kool. But the light at the end of tunnel was not the light of another bus from Kanpur.
Sorry folks, but kanpur is one of worst cities in this country, dirty and chaotic. We had hard time finding a bus, the only bus we could find was from Kanpur to Orai. The bus was so much loaded that even breathing was getting difficult. And since that was not enough some folks started quarrelling over seats; So now u knew that u are in U.P. The highway was pathetic and bus was dead slow. The journey from Kanpur to Orai, looked like eternity.
Finally we touched Orai, which looked like some city with black out for years. Entire city was shady and scaring shit out of us. We rushed to station, where we got some train(Lucknow Chennai mail) and finally arrived at Jhansi.
But all these efforts were futile, this is 00:00 hrs and our train has left this station at 21:00 hrs. I was damn sleepy, because of having literally no sleep for past 3 days and all this fuck.
Thankfully we managed to get some modifications done to our tickets and boarded some train, which was empty, so we finally had some sleep. We reached Daund in the evening next day, again we took another bus to Pune, this one also sucked big time, but till midnite we reached home. This journey has sent a wave of fear in the mind of sapota as soon as he hears the word U.P.

Danced till respiration became impossible.

Wedding are fun. Oh yes! they are, especially when its your dearest friend's wedding.
North Indian weddings are typical, and this marriage was in awadh, so it was more so. Sopata liked this city for many reason, language and a distinct culture, and the oblivion, as evident.
Great hospitality by grooms kin left sapota impressed. By the morning of next day of our arrival, entire gang was there. And as soon as the dog is unleashed it starts biting, so the burst of laughters and whipping each other's arses continued till the troupe landed at groom's residence.
It was a grande welcome, exchanges of pleasantries, mild jokes and nominal introductions. Finally Capt Upadhyay, the big brother entertained us with fables from Commando training academy, with likes of Mr. Hawa Singh and The Gorkha PTI("We want blood in the ground" fame.).
The troupe was sent to AJODYHA NAGRI, clicking and blabbering and usual gyan chodna business continued along with Site seeing.
So finally in the evening sapota's gang were all, three pegs up (or down), so all those senti's and well wishing and bakchodee and kissing(Mustandas are embarrassing people, sometimes) started. Again on arrival at wedding spot, we were received with great affection and warmth.
Sherwani clad Groom was looking like a Greek colossus. We were all dangling around him for snaps. Mustandas were getting impateint for dancing in BARAAT. So as soon the drums were beaten, two of them jumped, no light no camera, but who cares, we want to dance, that is the power of three pegs.
So the dance started and continued for some time, it was hot and humid and mustandas are gettting old, so it stopped in very little time. After lights and camera and Laila Majnu singer of RAJA band started, we danced once more, but this time, it lasted a little longer. By the time we reached at the venue, our bodies were evaporating, we needed water. But as soon u reach brides place, u have to dance again and with energy, we tried again, but couldn't last long. As soon as Groom descend from car, one Maha-Mustanda lifted him and took him to the ritual spot. Sapota's troupe gasped in awe.
Now we had food and some rest and then again we were there on stage to lift the groom for JAIMALA. Now the same maha-mustanda lifted the bride high enough that two of our mustandas have to work hard enough. And then clapping and giggles.
After a while, bride and groom were having dinner together and people had good excuse for commenting and cutting mushy jokes.
We thought entire dancing thing is over, but no! we again danced, and this time this was a fancy dance floor with a DJ and Truck-wala songs. and this time many unexpected people joined us. The awe-some dance done by grooms brother and bhabhi sent a chill in the minds of mustandas, so mustandas left the floor immediately to hide. U can run, but u cannot hide. U have to dance, and this time, who will dance with these dancing queens, so family man cylinder jumped to rescue And he saved the day. Entire experience was marvelous, till what followed next......

Fainted section of a Cone or The Rings of firmament.

Smiling while rings of Cannabis fly by my side.
Frowning while florescence of lights are fainting on the other side.
Whispering and voices form repercussions of unknown memory,
They are singing, "Money, As they say is root of evils today, MONEY.....sssssss"
Cones of a brick, giggles of a baby
laughter of them all,
hammock swinging through,
while an unripe green banana is shared by all;
Burning of a candle is turning the wick stark and dark,
fluttering wind is making no mark.
Someone is louder,
other are lost in silence
half lying on Bed,
half lying on the floor.
Fear cuts the light, closes the window,
tail lights of a truck making a shadow,
shadow is cornered,
sittings are concealed.
hey, the applying of drum brakes somewhere...,
its lying on bed, keep the book elsewhere.
The musical note on the screen reminds me of something meant to be silent,
faces speaking, faces calm, spread newspaper says to be resilient.

The Nawabi Guest

Northern India is a delight and pain in Arse simultaneously. We got off at Nukhlow(yes no more shitty "Lukhnow") railway station, which was a small clean and generally pleasant station. Sapota was surprised as to why is this station so small, which later turned out to be smaller part of humongous railway station. We were to head somewhere more deeper in Uttar pradesh, but we thought of taking a break and looking at the beautiful city, so we went on. We entered this market, which look more like a familiar road side market of any Indian City. So as were marching inside, some waiter asked us in elegant politeness. It was quite enchanting, but sapota must confess, we were starving, so the effect was double.
This hotel or dhaba was in this market called as "char bagh". The waiters was all around us, treating us with high regards as if we were here on food inspection. As we sat down they turned on the desert cooler, Wow, that felt like a king. And then one of them sat around us explaining things. So this hotel was owned by some highly religious Vashya(the merchant community in hindus) and to our little dismay, they don't use onions and garlics here, but the boy explained us that food is tasty even without these essentials.
So what to order? We ordered Parwal(a member of cucurbitacea family, sapota is not sure what is it called in English) and dal makhani and phulkas(steamed-on-flame breads!). Gosh! They were mindblowingly delicious. They served pickles, salad and butter along, and the great hospitality was making this experience more memorable. They told lassi is great at this place, So we thought why not order one? Trust me or not, it was a remarkable lassi, the best I ever had. The shiv kailash lassi of pune is nothing more than sweet curd in front of this one, this was an authentic lassi, with a layer of dry fruits and a "rabdi" on the top and it was served in kullads(the earthern pots).
Man, man, this was real good treat, with no gimmicks around. And when the bill arrived, it was merely 130 bucks for all this? We were overwhelmed when one of the waiter helped us in getting an auto-rickshaw. That was a real royal treatment.
It was raining cat and dogs in Nucklow, typical north indian rain, which is quite contrasting to drizzling of Pune. We were looking around the majestic city, which was as beautiful as a clear night of summer, wide roads, elegant landmarks, serene Gomti flowing in background, it all looked like a painting. Roads were blocked with water, we were stuffed till the brim, but it was a real blast being treated like Nawab.

Shane: you are my man!!

why? or even why a post on cricket? Sapota hates cricket, wont explain why, because that will require another blog.
Sapota's point is about Shane Warne. He is my man, respect for him all the way. Reasons? Off course, not only on-the-field but also off-the-field, he is a real dude.
He is one the few Guys, who are worthy of the label "the real STUD"!!! why, because he have fucked so many women?
And silly bustard, that's what he is, has a hilarious clip where he is engaged in pillow fighting with girls. Silly? ain't he? Oh yes, but he was having fun.
Next big thing, he had phone sex, even when he was married and had two kids. They found proofs of him doing this. Others have also done this, come on don't tell me, Australians are no way polygamous people.
He was bound to be captain of Australia, but unlucky bustard was in the middle of all this shit. Australians must have smiled on him, "silly bloke, fucking women here and there!!!"

Shane Warne is Greatest spinner ever; about his performance and sportsmanship, there are no doubts and ambiguity. One man has made a team of underdog and youngsters perform and beat the shit out of all those so-called big guns and made them look like bunnies.
That day in match with Ganguly's team, Ganguly pointed at character of Shane Warne. why? who the fuck he think, he is? Ganguly is a lousy jerk, a filthy loser and fuck-all skipper. Everyone know you were after Nagma, but you are a loser man, only real man fuck women , not lousy losers like you. So better look at your self before you point fingers at this great man.

Shane has proved his ability: a single handed coach & captain, a performer himself, a shrewd strategist, a great leader, an impressive spokesperson and offcourse a lady charmer. Man, great respect for you. Sapota doesn't care if his team wins any more matches or not, but he has proved his point.

i'm so excited!!!

me: Hey! I am so excited?
me: Why?(pondering?) what is so exciting?
me: Nothing, i am just excited. I feel so.
me: what? there is a precursor to everything? there should be something.
me: (pondering)...
me: what? you are thinking, ha ha, you clueless fool, u are thinking! ROFL.
me: there aren't always reason for things.
me: u are pointless AGAIN???
me: (song: wherever i may roam, where i stay....)
me: STOP!!! you idiot, you can't listen Metallica, while talking to me.
me: you are an arrogant jerk.
me: SO????
me: you think that's kool.
me: LOL. you are trying to act smarter, you dumb looser, ha ha, you know what...
me: (aping) you know what...
me: (frowned)
me: every dog has a day.
me: you mean a dog-day afternoon?
me: yuck!!! that was a real bad one.
me: oh really!!! you think u are Jim carrey?
me: there is a minimum specified level.
me: where? ISO 840 and 420?
me: (twisting my mouth!!!)that was quite mature of you.
me: oh yeah, I know that, as always(hissing...).
me: hey man the excitement is gone.
me: oh again! back? - yeah......... May be then I will fade away
and don't have to face the fact.....SSSSSSSSSSSS.....

Kill for Something.

Sapota is going to write a post on voilence again, previous post was more on line of being gory and brutal. But a massacre is that way, nothing can change that. What follows next is another story of blood being spilled. Sapota is not going to present any justification on any action or views, but will present it in a way perceived by someone who has actually undergone all this. There is no disclaimer on it being true or views being biased or if they controversial content, one is free to derive any understanding of this story:

They say there is something about the water of chambal, which brings a kind of unrest, a tendency to fight. The river is vital to survival of residents of this place. In this peaceful night of summer after a day of scorching heat, burning anything that is exposed, the last thing I expect is a fight, but this place was never in peace.
There is a distant voice, "Suren bhaiya, are you coming to the fields?"
I was lost somewhere but that voice brought the mundane life back to me, I shout back "YES, I am coming".
"Bhaiya this year we will hardly have any harvest, this is july end and a not a single cloud in the firmament",
I was still lost "u'm, oh yes, bad season I guess".
"Do you know rinku will be back in village?"
I thought "why?, what does he want", but i never spoke back.
"I think that's rumor, those pichola(sub faction in village) folks are spreading".
"really? what will they get out of it?"
He became little thoughtful now, "he killed 5 of their folks, they are looking for revenge"
"I know that. but what good will the rumor do?"
"This will give them an excuse to come to this part with their weapons loaded and put some show here frightening people"
The great warrior clan of this motherland has belonged to the kings. The last thing a Rajput will do is swallow his pride. We want to live with dignity and respect, and if something prevents that, I wont deter to eliminate it. Rinku is a by-product of this glory. Rajput were known for their valor, glory, bravery and relenteless love with the motherland. The list of virtues was still bigger, but it has shrunk and there are very few left with really some of them. Nothing comes without side effects, If I am brave then I am angry and if I am justice-loving, I will fight for it and this fight will not be peaceful. It is always the war that comes to my mind when it comes to love of justice and love of this motherland.
I boomed back to life "Rinku is a kalank(contextual meaning:disgrace, literally:stain) to this entire Rajput community."
he knew my blood was boiling.
"but bhiya, he is our kid"
"Do hell with such kid, his father has protected all his deeds, till he became this monster, I would have killed such a son a long time back"
"bhaiya its not that simple!"
he was right, killing your son is last thing one can think of, but atleast I could have stopped him from becoming a monster. but who knows? the love for one's progeny blinds the parent.
"Jagan is back home for vacations" he said changing the topic.
"oh really. first thing in morning will be meeting him"
Fields were now visible.
"what is all this police doing near tube-well?"
he had a quick answer "must be drinking, what other business do they have here"
me "u'm"


"Surendra!!! wake up" she shouted.
I wake up in half haste and half sleep.
"what the time?"
"leave the time aside, their is some problem in the village"
I sprang back to life immediately, without a second thought I thought that Rinku bustard must have came back and done something.
she said "sarpanch(village head) has called u immediately to chaupal(gathering place in a village)"
I said lazily, "right now?"
"yes! rush to chaupal"
There was a huge gathering, almost all men of village were there. I was surprised to see so many folk at such an odd hour.
They all were looking at me as if something sinister is going on around.
Avtar Singh, the village sarpanch directly to me, "Son, this is time to take out your gun"
A sudden chill, a feel of death, a resistance was surmounting. I don't want to fight, No one actually want to. But Avtar singh is a man of his words, he wont say any non-sense.
"But what is the matter kaka?"
"They killed Jagan" with a firm voice. Everyone except him had watery eyes. Man of his stature don't cry, they have seen it all.
Me without a thought, "I will kill all pichola bustards", my voice became hoarse as if I was shouting at peak of my voice.
Bheem singh, "Its police!"
I was taken aghast "Why would police kill an Army Soldier???"
Bheem singh came forward with his arms around my shoulders, "they took him for Rinku"
I was admant, "Pichola folks must has conspired againt us with police"
Bheem singh, "Police was tracing rinky down right from Kanpur(a North Indian City), their informers have mistaken Jagan for Rinku"
Rinku although a notorious criminal now, was hardly 22 years old and last month he killed Kanpur's top don in the daylight in a crowded market. He had all shades of bravery, courage like a typical Rajput, but he had a criminal mind. Those instinct of fighting is turning this great community into a pit of producing criminals. Since Rinku's rise, half of young boys of this community have joined him. The reasons were simpler, "quick fame", "easy money" and yes! this is an era of unemployment and kids are hardly into proper eduction.
I asked "Now what?"
Someone "We will hunt down the thana(police station)"
"Are you out of your mind, we wont kill police"
Avtar Singh, "Yes, we will."
Gopal came forward sobbing, "Suren, they have killed my Ram-like(Ideal) son, We were about to fix his marriage next week!!!"
My blood started boiling, one side I could imagine a filthy criminal Rinku and on the other a simple ideal son Jagan, who was first cousin of Rinku. There is nothing more grave than seeing blood of your own child. And Jagan was one such child of this village, everyone loved him like their own son and he was just 23. All I could see now was blood, it was instinctive. I am growing old, but can still chase and hunt these government dogs.
"kaka, how many men are coming with me?" even if there was no one, I would do it all alone.
"Seven. there are around 10 policemen in chowki right now ,including daroga(sub-inspector). I know you can hunt them down easily"
At these moments, there are no exceptions, "Yes, we will, when should we start?"
"Now, once police realizes what they have done, they will expect the retaliation and they will be well prepared and we wont be able to take this revenge"
"I am going to bring my gun, everyone meet me near tubewell"
I am the de facto leader for this mission, this is the kind of responsibility, I knew I have to shoulder sometimes in my life. And I am not supposed to come home defeated. My father, whom I considered an Idealist to the core, always had a saying "don't come home beaten" and I never had.
I took my gun out from the trunk, which was rusting for a long time. My wife took the gun from me and started cleaning the barrels. There was no conversation, she was prepared for this. She is a true Rajput lady, who was born with guns firing around, she had been drawing inspiration from likes of Rani Padamavati(A queen, who gave her life for glory).

"Today we will make this place a chhavni(Contextually: Battle field, literally: Cantonment)" Jagan's Elder Cousin Prakash said forcefully.
These seven men now were blood thirsty, the only skill left in them is killing. By all means they will achieve what they want.
We started marching towards chowki, there was no plan, just plain anger. No one was speaking, only sound was thumping of our feet against the village dust. I was getting eager, this small walking time was making me more anxious and impatient.
We went straight inside the chowki. Chandan fired the first shot directly aiming the groin of the first policemen, he saw. There were 4 more shots fired from 4 different barrels and killing 3 more policemen. They couldn't even react to what was happening.The battle has begun and it was 7 vs 6 now. Daroga who was sitting in the other room realized something, I can't say what, but as soon as Omi entered the next room he was shot on left side of his abdomen with the pistol. We all step back and they fired three more bullets on Omi, he was dead. Avdhesh rushed in the next room while firing blindfolded, hitting one policeman in arm. Daroga and one policemen had already jumped from the window. We all entered room. I was furious again to see that khaki Dog and fired two bullets killing him.
"Babuloo and Prakash, stay here and we will signal you when we reach near window, rest come with me towards the main door", I said while waving my hand in the direction of next room.
As soon as we returned to the previous room, I spotted three more policemen coming from main exit unaware of the situation. Within a moment or so, they all opened firing except me, killing two of them. One escaped and started running haphazardly here and there. I felt a kind of relief seeing this khaki dog running madly, I felt like an executioner just waiting to kill the dog. I aimed at him while he was running, first bullet missed him narrowly. Second bullet came from other direction, which hit me on the shoulder. They all opened fire in the other direction.
Daroga and other policemen were firing from the other direction, this time they were well prepared and standing behind a tree. But fortune was on our side, Babuloo managed to jump out of window of next room and took a position just behind daroga, he killed Daroga instantly. he was in open field, so the other policeman shot him down easily.
They all again opened fire towards the tree, but no one was successful. Prakash rejoined us near the main gate. When he saw me wounded,he reaction was impulsive like a stubborn kid and he started running madly towards the tree and with lighting speed he hit the policeman with gun in the forehead, who was on the ground next second. And then he kept hitting him furiously again and again till he was all in blood. Someone killed him with the gun, relieving him from this torture.
The other policeman escaped. He was only survivor from this side. We have lost two of our men.

I was lying wounded in my bed wounded while 4 of my men has fled from the village. RAF was deployed in the village. I knew they will come for me very soon. I wont flee, there is still one left to be killed.
It happened much earlier than I expected. That khakhi dog came to get me with RAF man. My gun was lying on other side of the bed. They were proceeding towards me with loaded gun, within a minute or so the policeman uttered something, which I never bothered to hear. Somehow I managed to sit and next moment, I took the gun and shot him somewhere on throat. Next I could remember is blazing of guns and death coming, but my mission was accomplished.

No running with torch this time.

Sapota knows what you guys are thinking? See this is not about exploiting my stature. But this is about a bigger cause.
Sapota has decided this time not to run with olympic torch in order to support the Tibetan cause. Sapota knows that he should not mix politics with sports, but its not about sport any more, this is more about humanity. Sapota is an advocate of democracy, liberty and freedom, but these communist bustards have crushed a free democratic country for its political and military motives.
Sapota watched some hindi movie(yes friends, yet again) and there was so much of cliche, repeated dailogues and over-exploitation of themes like patriotism and emotions. Sapota is tired of bashing hindi movies. Sapota sound so much beating about the SAME bloody bush again and again. Commercialization has touched everything, but still there is a way of making good movies, with commercial value. Yet still these communist bustards are torturing peaceful protesters.
If Marx would have been alive and seeing what people has done with his peaceful theory of social development, he would have burnt Das Kapital with his own hands. Sapota wont advocate communism, but in spirit after imperialism and despotic reign, it was the best thing, which talk about a total social development. But these guys have twisted it as totalitarian regime. Nevertheless, nothing less is hindi movies doing, they are torturing people in name of entertainment. Each movie tries to show everything in a single go and none of them is shown well.
Phew, life is stuck with head in ass, national newpaper is a tabloid, national movies are big fucks and my friends in Tibet are suffering.

My First Rolling Stone

Sapota after watching this movie "almost famous" was very much impressed by Rolling Stone, the magazine. Now again after watching this flick school of rock, Sapota could relate rock and roll to his life more closely. Sapota was listening to rock and roll for a long time now, but the pleasure to discover more was becoming a passion. So Sapota started hunting around for posters, he could just manage one of "Nirvana", Sapota was desperate to get 'Metallica" poster at any cost. So Sapota started looking for magazines which publish poster, but to his dismay, in Pune there was only RSJ. So this hunt for poster ended in Sapota looking for magazines on rock and roll; as you become religious u start referring to fundamentals, so sapota started looking for Rolling Stone, but it was no where in Pune. So I looked around at internet, there were so many of them available but shipping charges from US were deterring. Then someone went to US, so Sapota asked him to get 1000th edition of Rolling stones, but again disappointment. Then again Sapota read 50 great stories in Rolling Stones, where Bono writes about Beatles and Marilyn manson wrote about The 'Holy' Doors, Sapota was bloody hooked, he desperately wanted the Magazine. Sapota once went to Bangalore, so here in Landmark Stores they had a "ROLLING STONE"!!!, Sapota was thrilled, but that edition had Jack Nicholson on cover and price was 500 bucks, Sapota thought not worth it, he wanted to buy, but like typical India consumer was justifying "if this would have been 1000th edition I would have paid 1000 buck, but for Nicholson, no way". Although Sapota likes Nicholson but this is the not the right place.
So when Sapota again went to Bangalore, he saw a street boy having a rolling stone in his hand, he said "what?", then he realized that its Rolling Stone India for just 100 bucks; there were no second thought, within seconds "give me the mag, here is your 100 bucks" Sapota was thrilled, he had his first Rolling stones in his hand. Sapota didn't like the cover a bit since it was some hip hop star. But inside they have Led Zeppelin and the holy God of Guitar Jimi Hendrix. Sapota is happy that they started it here in India and want to thanks them from bottom of his heart. Sapota's target to get 1000th edition and 50 great stories is still on list, but for now contended with his new prized possession.
long live rolling stone (\m/ *respect).

The man who saw Mustaine live...

Yeah, I am the man, Fuck yeah, I have seen Mustaine live.... and yes I will bloody brag about it for decades. And one more confession to make I love Bangalore crowd, the fucking awesome crowd, this the best gig till date.
Ladies and gentleman, I went to Bengluru to witness one of the biggest rock festival in country know as "Rock in India", where 9 bands played live viz. Prestorika, Casino Blues, Junkyard Groove, Motherjane, Thermal and a quartet, Millennium, Pentagram, Machine Head, MEGADETH. By the time I reached Palace Grounds, It was around 17:20 hrs, so many of these small bands have already performed. I was looking at arrangement and it was fabulous, there were stalls of booze and cold drink and fast food and official rock merchandise all inside the precinct of concert grounds. One more exciting thing was bungee jumping equipment all inside the grounds, and many guys and gals were trying it. As I went inside, I saw the same large stage where my lords Maiden played Last year and hey! there was another stage on my right hand side. This stage was smaller and by the time I reached this band "Thermal" was performing, I didn't bother to hear them. I was looking around for a place to sit, yup! I want to conserve my energy.
So again the typical environment, which so much is a culture and for few its a religion, all forms of hip dresses and drooling beauties with fags in their hands. So I kept sitting at the end of the concert grounds while "Thermal" finished. Next came this Bangalorean band called "Millennium", this band has been performing since last two decades and the lead vocalist of the band was Fucking awesome. Their sound is quite heavily metallic and the vocalist and drummer were really good. I enjoyed the band, although I was clueless about the music. Then came this shit head band called Pentagram, the filthy Son of Bitch, Vishal Dadlani came on stage, and these guys were singing something disco remix of some bollywood shit, I didn't even bother to listen. I wanted to shout loudly "Fuck you Motherfucker Vishal, you dared insulted my Lords Maidens, you die after while your dick is being chopped off", but I resisted the temptation and just showed him my finger to say "you suck".
Now entire focus shifted on Main stage, where this band called Machine head appeared, this band is a thrash metal band. The vocalist was quite an impressive front man, he has loud screeching vocals apt for his band. Other band members were quite impressive, a truly international band. To my surprise the crowd here knew the vocals for machine head and there was this head banging, which soon converted into a Mosh pit. I shifted my location in oder to avoid being ran down in the mosh pit. The lead vocalist said, "when I came here they ask what will you get in India, but I tell you folks, Bangalore is fucking awesome", "I love you Banglore". He was mad at the crowd response. I am sorry folks, I have no clue what all did they play, It was first time I ever heard them, the music was groovy, but not to my tastes, but yeah the band has it.
Now the banner of machine head was taken down and there was huge Megadeth banner on the back of stage. So everyone was getting impatient, when they started playing some number from Ozzy and Pantera etc. There were bunch of guys and gals making the dope, just next to me.
Finally as stage went dark and the drummer Shawn drover started the thumping and then i saw James Lomenzo, the bassist and then Chris Broderick, the new lead guitarist kicking the lead and then Finally I saw, His Holy Lord "The DAVE MUSTAINE". Oh My holy Devil, this was the moment crowd was waiting for, there was an uproar, hands in air with devil horns floating in air. They played three songs one after another without a break, crowd gasped as to what is happening. There was one guy who was standing besides me, he was headbanging and jumping very enthusiastically, then this guy suddenly asked me "Dude, Can you believe I am seeing Dave mustaine live", I was stunned, "What is with this guy?". While they played "Sleepwalker" from their new album, then they played "Take no prisoners" and then they played "Never walk alone". Then after this Mustaine came for talking, he was brief he said "We will do the talking on our website, here we will just play". And then came "Hanger 18", Oh Devil, the dude besides me went mad. I thought that he was just another kid on high, but then I realized he is one of true devotees , he was madly holding his head with his hands and shouting "kill us Mustaine" and then again he asked me "dude, do you believe I am seeing mustiane live". I had no answer, For a moment I wanted to be him. The kind of Fan Following Megadeth has is awe-inspiring, he bloody knew all the bloody lyrics.
Then again they played "trust" and "skin of my teeth", Fuck man Dave does it so fucking well. There was a crowd uproar singing the lyrics. The song finished with killer lead by Chris. Then next came "toute le mode", Now was the turn to pay real homage to the gods, the crowd was singing in unison, every bloody one was knowing the lyrics, Love you Bangalore crowd for the respect shown to the lords. Next Came "Tornado of Soul", Fuck man!, the real Live "Tornado", Fuck!, Fuck!! Fuck!!!. Mustaine took the lead so fucking flawlessly, I went mad with my head banging with each riff and and each beat, as if time has just stopped.
"what do you mean I don't believe in god?....." Oh man here came the lead .... I must say Dave mustaine is my man he has resurrected the entire band from the ashes...... there came the killer solo by Chris, he is good, I wont compare him with Marty, but he does his job pretty well. So "Pe....aceeeee.... Peace sells but who's buying", I sang every line along with the crowd. Then Dave started talking he says we will come again and we love you all and things like that. This time the climate of Bangalore was awesome, clouds all over and little drizzling and wind blowing, I prayed to god for no rains. I believe Dave has an idea its going to rain, so they played lesser number of tracks than expected.
Next came "The symphony of destruction" the dude besides me again looked at me and pointed his hand in amazement. One more killer track with utmost precision, although the acoustics of the place sucked, but band didn't made people realized that. Then the band went inside and crowd was shouting for "she wolf" and "holy wars", I told one dude, they are not going to play "she wolf". After the encore, they came back and this time they played the song from new album "Washington is next", which is quite speed-metal stuff and I loved it very much. Now came the time, every Mustaine fan will kill for, "The Holy wars", Oh man I was totally mesmerized with the way they played it. What a band man. There are very few musicians who can match the capabilities of Dave Mustaine. I must say there is good reason, why all genuine metal fans respect Megadeth Most. We were waiting as if something else will come, but Dave threw some plectrums and his wrist band and drum sticks towards crowd. I wont say he is much of showman, but his music does all the talking for him. Dave you are my Man. (\m/ *respect)