MUMBAI DREAMS

This post is special for me in two ways – One, this post is about my book (debut!) MUMBAI DREAMS and Two – this is the 50th post in Shakys chronicle!

Mumbai Dreams is very very close to my heart in many ways. It is a collection of 16 short stories and I ve tried hard to make each story as different as possible.

I would like each one of you to get my book (costs Rs 85) and read it I would post (withi the name of bookstores wherein this would be available. Till then, have a great time!

Titbits…

I am back!!! Life s really cool, after 4 months of wear and tear (Yes, Am an Mechanical Engineer ) in the US, relaxing in my hometown, in the warmth of my family and my mother’s food is truly awesome!!!

Wogey, lets start the music…

• As I was waiting in Chennai airport to collect my luggage, I was engulfed with mixed emotions (it happens when u come back to ur motherland ). After a loooooooooong delay at the conveyer, I finally managed to collect my luggages (thank God!). As the wheels of the trolley rolled, I was thinkin as to how my dad would react on seeing me – huggin and cryin etc etc  (idhellam romba over ). Not to my surprise, there was not much of a reaction from my dad. He was like, how was the journey, come lets go… I was like, ivalavu thana PS: though he was really happy, he never lets out his emotions… my appa’s trademark
• I reached hotel at around 2am and slept at 3am and got up at 4am (haiyo haiyo). Jet lag lam onnum illa, had to go to railway station to pick my sister. Right from station, we went to Marina beach. We were amazed on seeing the sincerity of a couple (they were chattin at 6am – Oh GOD!!!, ivalo vettiya ). I think they must have stayed there itself thru night
• After njoyin the breeze and calmness of the beach, went straight to…. yes , u r right – HSB – Saravana bhavan and ordered my favourite Mini-tiffin. It is really mini for me Though the quantity was little more than what we keep for crows, it was really yummy!!
• By the way, I attended a stamp release function in Chennai yesterday, wherein our CM was the chief guest. Though I completely differ from his ideologies (I know, he doesnt have any , but still I have right ), I admire his eloquence and his hard work (primarily for his family, though!). He spoke for about 10-15 mins, seriously, so much humour man! Now, I know how he s been able to survive over 45 years in the politics
• Do u know??? Matter theriyuma??? A new writer from the city of trichy has written a book of short stories and is gonna be released in january. The author personally requested me to advertise in my blog, thats y… bdw, no prizes for guessing that the author is me DD Yes, my child (ayo apadi illa) i.e. dream child: MUMBAI DREAMS – a book of short stories, is gonna release in January – Atlantic publishers. Please BUY the book and read
• Hail Sachin for the Chennai test victory!!! those who doubt the masters performance – heres the reply!!!

AdManiac!!!

Following are some Ads which I like. I ve done a critical appreciation of these ADs.

HIDE & SEEK – http://youtube.com/watch?v=3Fm019G0Ttk

• “Wanna Dance? – I can’t…” Who can forget the Hide and Seek Ad, featuring Hrithik Roshan? Dance and Hrithik are inseparable and this Ad is a feast for us, owing to the splendid performance of Hrithik. This Ad is less of words and more of music and dance.
• Star-Value: Since, this Ad featured one of the nation’s popular actors, it succeeded in attracting the attention of the viewers.
• Balance: One has to be very careful while using Stars for promoting their product, as it may turn out to be more Star-centric rather than being Product-Centric. One of the most important reasons for the success of this Ad is that though Hrithik’s dance is used a prominent tool, the focus is always on the Biscuit from the beginning, till the end.
• Concept: The concept is that Hrithik makes that girl dance with him, by luring her with Hide and Seek choco-chips. The Director’s touch is evident from the way in which even the biscuit has been made to dance along with them.
• Synchronization: The synchronization between the background music and the dance steps are excellent.

AIRTEL – EXPRESS YOURSELF – http://youtube.com/watch?v=kg47SNWvu0g

• Expression: This AD is truly expressive, in the sense that it has conveyed the entire message, without any dialogues. Non-verbose Ads are challenging to make, compared to the normal Ads, where you can convey the point straight. Also, they have the capacity to attract more viewers and keep the stuck to the screens.
• Background scores: For the success of such Ads, background scores have to strike a chord and in this case, the music has been well to such an extent that, it is very touching.
• Social concern: Seldom do Ads express Social Concern. But, in this Ad, the Director has done an exceedingly good job by addressing the Social issues like Violence and Domestic issues like Marriage and associating that with their product. Also, there is much sense in attributing the causes of all such issues to ‘Lack of Expression’. By this, the Ad succeeds not only in kindling our spirits but also has made an impeccable mark in our minds.
• Inspiring: Not only does this Ad address social issues. It also proves to be an inspiring one in terms of Integrity, National Unity etc. The idea of bringing our Indian Sporting Hero ‘Sachin Tendulkar’ also proves to be a feather in the cap for the Ad. The Director’s acumen is displayed in the way in which the Sachin footage in inserted at the right point, where the music beats go up.   
• Emotional: The Ad covers a motley set of human emotions. Such close-to-heart Ads would make a permanent impression in the minds of the viewers.

RESPECT THE NATIONAL ANTHEM – http://youtube.com/watch?v=7sn40JvmglE

• ‘An Ad for our Nation’ – This term best describes the Ad.  This Ad serves a noble purpose by stressing on the need to respect our National Anthem. ’ By respecting our Anthem, we respect our country’ – This is the message conveyed by the Ad.
• Aam Aadmi ka Ad – The success of the Ad can mainly be attributed to the natural scenes, with which any Aam Aadmi can associate himself or herself with.
• Picturization  - One of the important features is the Picturization. This plays a pivotal role in the success of any Ad. The initial mood-creation and the scenes depicting symptoms of rains have been exceptionally picturized.
• No excuses – While the handicap old man is standing up for the National Anthem, amidst heavy rains, the youngsters run around to escape being drenched in rain. This stresses on the fact that there should be NO EXCUSES whatsoever for not respecting our National Anthem.
• The Paragon – The Old person serves as a paragon to the children and others. Instead of advising, he has just inspired others by his act.

The Ad has succeeded, not just in terms of awards, but by creating awareness for the importance of respect for our National Anthem

 

LEAD INDIA – http://youtube.com/watch?v=FAe_bZGqU1g

• Tum chalo to Hindustan chale! – Once again, an inspiring Ad for the Times of India – Lead India searches.
• Self-discipline – This Ad stresses on the importance of Self-discipline. Instead of blaming others, we have to take charge of our lives and our society. It is the responsibility of each and every citizen of the country, not just the government. This Ad points out that, we have to treat our country as we treat our home; after all, our home is just a miniscule in our Mother India.
• Leadership – The Ad stresses the importance of Leadership and pro-activeness. Since the TOI – Lead India drive is a leadership drive,  the Ad indirectly stresses the need and importance of good leadership.
• Responsibility – While the youngsters and others are not bothered about the society, the child volunteers himself for the task, even though it is beyond his capacity.
• A slap on the Current affairs – This Ad is sure to prick the conscience of all Policemen and other Government officials who don’t do justice to their posts. The Ad has portrayed the current affairs exactly.

CAMLIN – REAL PERMANENT MARKERS – http://youtube.com/watch?v=CKthceSGlyM

·         ‘A really funny Ad’ – This is how critics commented on this Ad. Anything conveyed along with humour will succeed in reaching the audience and making an ever-lasting impression.

·         Sarcasm – The Director has sarcastically mocked at the Indian superstition/custom of breaking bangles etc. The eagerness displayed by the professional mourners tickles the viewer.

·         Concept – The concept overpowers all other elements of the Ad. The way in which the Indian tradition of having a vermillion mark is linked with Permanent markers is simply amazing. Also, the Ad stresses upon the life of the pen, by comparing it with the life of the husband.

·         Creativity – Till the Ad reaches the climax, there is no clue about the product. But still, the Ad has conveyed the idea effectively. The viewers are held in rapt attention till the last minute, as they are held by suspense and this is one of the pros of the Ad.

·         Humour – Humour is the essence of this Ad. The disappointment and awe in the faces of the professional mourners, when they are unable to erase the vermillion mark are noteworthy.

On the whole, this Camlin Permanent markers Ad has made a permanent mark in our minds.