Important Indian urban centres all have a story to tell, but Mumbai is still special. The narrow streets, the dirtiness and the poverty of this cramped metropolis is a common feature, yet it arguably is the country's most important hub. The lifestyle and culture is so fascinating that it attracts people like moths to light.
Bombay along with capital Calcutta were the pride of British India. The place continued to prosper and rise unlike Calcutta, whose economic growth specially, started to stagnate from the 70's. Bombay thus took over as the commercial capital, and along with the hugely profitable entertainment industry and attractive opportunities, became the temptation of all the economic classes. Needless to say, the number of migrants every year rose to infinite levels and the lack of space invented hassles. But it still survives even as population promises to wreak havoc on the city every year.
Skyscrapers and pretty British structures give it the most international look, the fast life and the ultimate elite culture today makes it the eyeball of the youth. City life never ceases to stop - even the recent attacks only provided a break of two days. And still Mumbai is in no way mechanical or robotic - it has got life, charm and meaning. The proud Mumbaikars are honest and principled, and value tradition.
The combination of its features gives rise to an emotional connect. In the end, you start loving the life of Mumbai - with all its imperfections and fascinations, it is still 'the place to be'.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
New Zealand vs Australia T20 International
One run was the margin. The Kiwis would be shaking their heads with disbelief. Having come so close to winning the ODI series before giving in to bad luck, this time nothing could go wrong. However, the Aussies prevailed yet again inspite of a most ordinary performance in this T20 match at the SCG.
The crowd had come in to witness some slam-bang action which was non-existent, yet in the end the game proved to be a nail-biting thriller. Chasing a modest target of 151, New Zealand started to stutter right from the start when Guptil was caught plumb in the crease for naught. Fulton's departure in the third over dried up the runs, they were only 28 for the loss of 2 wickets after 5 overs. Brendon McCullum played a responsible innings and steered the innings towards some safety along with Neil Broom, and later on with Grant Eliot, but David Hussey and Bracken gave nothing away to ensure a constant pressure on the batsmen. McCullum could not up the ante when required-after smashing Hopes in 17th over for 20, when one really expected him to go berserk he was caught at the ropes in a most extraordinary fashion by Adam Voges. Voges took the catch, fell over the rope, threw the ball back and returned to catch it again, to everyone's astonishment. 14 needed off the last over-the first four deliveries produced 2 runs, before a four and a six to reduce the margin to just one run.
When they were batting, Australia honestly looked like a struggling lower team which has had no experience. After a good enough start by Warner and Haddin, a couple of wickets, and they lost their way. Runs were coming in singles and rarely doubles. At the halfway mark the game appeared as boring as a slow test match, score being 67 for 3. Apart from some rare giveaways, New Zealand bowlers bowled real tight and wickets fell at regular intervals. 150 for 7 looked easily gettable, but not to be.
Australia , inspite of its pedestrian performances in recent times, has the spirit. The question now is not whether it is still the team to beat, but whether this inexperienced lot would still grow again to be the cricketing bully. Or will India take over the mantle in due time.
The crowd had come in to witness some slam-bang action which was non-existent, yet in the end the game proved to be a nail-biting thriller. Chasing a modest target of 151, New Zealand started to stutter right from the start when Guptil was caught plumb in the crease for naught. Fulton's departure in the third over dried up the runs, they were only 28 for the loss of 2 wickets after 5 overs. Brendon McCullum played a responsible innings and steered the innings towards some safety along with Neil Broom, and later on with Grant Eliot, but David Hussey and Bracken gave nothing away to ensure a constant pressure on the batsmen. McCullum could not up the ante when required-after smashing Hopes in 17th over for 20, when one really expected him to go berserk he was caught at the ropes in a most extraordinary fashion by Adam Voges. Voges took the catch, fell over the rope, threw the ball back and returned to catch it again, to everyone's astonishment. 14 needed off the last over-the first four deliveries produced 2 runs, before a four and a six to reduce the margin to just one run.
When they were batting, Australia honestly looked like a struggling lower team which has had no experience. After a good enough start by Warner and Haddin, a couple of wickets, and they lost their way. Runs were coming in singles and rarely doubles. At the halfway mark the game appeared as boring as a slow test match, score being 67 for 3. Apart from some rare giveaways, New Zealand bowlers bowled real tight and wickets fell at regular intervals. 150 for 7 looked easily gettable, but not to be.
Australia , inspite of its pedestrian performances in recent times, has the spirit. The question now is not whether it is still the team to beat, but whether this inexperienced lot would still grow again to be the cricketing bully. Or will India take over the mantle in due time.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
The unique rivalry
Sport is unkind. We all felt for him when the Swiss broke down after his loss to the ultimate muscleman of the tennis world. "God, its killing me" was a response we did not want from the gentleman, and indeed, if not for Nadal, we would always see him ever-smiling. We gasp with disbelief at the level of tennis this rivalry produces. Victory or defeat doesn't matter-our heart gives in to both of them.
The Australian Open final was a delight, and sealed a story of glory of the 22-year old Mallorcan. Having survived a Verdasco tsunami in the semi-finals- the longest ever match at the Open and arguably the most nerve-wrecking, and with hardly any rest, Nadal was still able to conjure up enough strength and muscle to down the favourite. His style of play may not convince everyone about whether he'd sustain this standard, but there seems to be nothing going wrong with him, or may never be. From being just the 'King of clay', he has conquered all surfaces-a feat previously achieved by two legends.
Federer whereas is already among the best in history. He needs nothing to prove to anyone, since he's been the undisputed No.1 for a long time. People love him for being the serenely beautiful player-a rarity in the world of aggression. The loveliness and elegance in his tennis as well as his personality makes him the most special among the greats. And he needs to understand defeat as a part of life, an experience or a phase that would make him stronger, and that he would cherish.
He may or may not have to hand over the mantle to Rafa in due time, but Federer needs to keep smiling. Then he'd win hearts, as he always does.
The Australian Open final was a delight, and sealed a story of glory of the 22-year old Mallorcan. Having survived a Verdasco tsunami in the semi-finals- the longest ever match at the Open and arguably the most nerve-wrecking, and with hardly any rest, Nadal was still able to conjure up enough strength and muscle to down the favourite. His style of play may not convince everyone about whether he'd sustain this standard, but there seems to be nothing going wrong with him, or may never be. From being just the 'King of clay', he has conquered all surfaces-a feat previously achieved by two legends.Federer whereas is already among the best in history. He needs nothing to prove to anyone, since he's been the undisputed No.1 for a long time. People love him for being the serenely beautiful player-a rarity in the world of aggression. The loveliness and elegance in his tennis as well as his personality makes him the most special among the greats. And he needs to understand defeat as a part of life, an experience or a phase that would make him stronger, and that he would cherish.
He may or may not have to hand over the mantle to Rafa in due time, but Federer needs to keep smiling. Then he'd win hearts, as he always does.
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