I am enjoying the monsoons. Got drenched twice today :D Watched a movie at Urbashee, a hall on Station Feeder Road (Siliguri). Sarkar Raj, the movie, failed to stir me at all. I was bored as usual. Frankly speaking, I fail to appreciate Bolly movies may be ’cause I am not used to this crap. I have watched 6 Hindi movies in my entire life :D My friends who seemed to like it said Sarkar (the prequel) was much better in terms of acting and plot.
Turning the focus from movies to books. I read India’s bestselling English author Chetan Bhagat‘s latest book The 3 Mistakes Of My Life two weeks ago. I was a bit surprised to find Bhagat covering a rather sensitive issue like the Gujarat riots in his book. But he has handled it with ease. His usual banter-filled style continues. I liked the book which has already crossed 500,000 copies sales figures.
A few days ago Trina recommended listening to Susheela Raman, an acclaimed British Indian artist. Ever since I am in a trance, captivated by the magic of Susheela Raman’s music. Born in England and grown up in Australia, Susheela Raman returned to her Tamil roots at the age of 22 to explore South Indian music. The result is a great fusion of the east and the west. Equally adept in classical Carnatic music and western jazz and blues, she was nominated for a BBC World Music Award in 2006. She has come up with 4 albums till date – Salt Rain (2001), Love Trap (2003), Music for Crocodiles (2005) and 33 1/3 (2007).
I am also going gaga over another band suggested by trina again. 1 Giant Leap – a concept band founded by Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman. They travel thoughout the world and work with musicians from other countries. Their debut album 1 Giant Leap (2002) features artists from all around the world including Asha Bhonsle and Robbie Williams among others.
What better way to enjoy the monsoons than remain cooped up inside and listen to some great absorbing music!
