South Africa lacking the killer instinct of a Champion Cricket Side

South Africa have quite an unblemished record when it comes to the longer format of the game. Barring a solitary home series defeat in 2009 they haven't lost anything home or away since 2006.Quite a record to be extremely proud of but in my eyes they still aren't a Champion side and can definitely not be compared to the Aussie side of yore. Great sides of any era are characterised by a certain quality of ruthlessness and an aggressive streak of armour. This SA side sorely lacks that and this was again pretty evident when they chickened out wanting to play safe requiring a paltry 16 off 3 overs with 3 wickets still in hand. They had a chance to create history but instead chose to screw themselves by not going for the win. Agreed they did remarkably well to get where they did facing an imposing task of over 450 plus in the 4th innings but wonder whats the whole point of getting so close if you are eventually not going to seize the initiative and capitalise on such a golden opportunity of breaking a world record feat.
South Africa in one word - "Disappointing"

Tendulkar Toughie Quiz

There was a quiz I Created in Facebook years ago on Sachin Tendulkar - Some unusually Difficult questions on the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar!!
Some of the Questions and answers have been modified a bit and posting below the revised updated list of Q&A.

Question 1
Sachin made his 1st ever ODI Century against Aus in 1994.Which was the tournament? (Clue It was a 4 Nation event involving Ind,Aus,Pak and SL)
1. Sansui Trophy
2. Singer Cup
3. Bank Alfalah Cup
4. Janashakthi Life Insurance Cup

Question 2
Sachin's 1st ever Test as Captain resulted in a resounding victory over Aus at Delhi in 1996.Who was the Man of the Match in that Test(Clue:He scored 152)
1. Devang Gandhi
2. Sachin Tendulkar Himself
3. Nayan Mongia
4. Mohd. Azharuddin

Question 3
Opening the batting for the first time in ODI'S,Sachin made a swashbuckling 82 off 49 Balls vs NZ in 1994.Which was the venue ?
1. Auckland
2. Christchurch
3. Dunedin
4. Wellington

Question 4
In which of these venues in England has Sachin not scored a test century ?
1. Edgbaston
2. Old Trafford
3. Leeds
4. Lords

Question 5
Sachin's solitary century in the 99 WC came against this opposition ?
1. Sri Lanka
2. Kenya
3. Namibia
4. Zimbabwe

Question 6
Sachin Tendulkar has scored maximum number of centuries against Australia.How many has he scored ?
1. 8-ODI'S,9-TESTS
2. 9-ODI'S,9-TESTS
3. 9-ODI'S,11-TESTS
4. 9-ODI'S,10-TESTS

Question 7
Who was the player at the other end when Sachin miscued his shot to be out for a memorable 136 in the evergreen Chennai Test vs Pak in 1999 ?
1. Anil Kumble
2. Nayan Mongia
3. Sunil Joshi
4. Javagal Srinath

Question 8
When Sachin bowled that brilliant last over vs S.Africa in the 1993 Hero Honda Cup S/F,who were the players facing him ?
1. Dave Richardson and Richard Snell
2. Richard Snell and Allan Donald
3. Brian McMillan and Dave Richardson
4. Brian McMillan and Allan Donald

Question 9
India achieved their first ever score of 300 or more in an ODI vs Pak @ Sharjah in 1996.Sachin scored a century.Who else apart from Sachin also made a century?
1. Sourav Ganguly
2. Navjot Sidhu
3. Mohd. Azharuddin
4. Ajay Jadeja

Question 10
India has defeated Pakistan in 4 WC Matches so far (92,96,99 & 03 WC),out of which Sachin has been Man of the Match in 2 of the World Cup Matches.Which 2 World Cups are being referred here?
1. 92 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
2. 99 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
3. 96 WC , 03 WC and 07 WC
4. 92 WC , 96 WC and 99 WC

Answers

Question 1
2. Singer Cup

Question 2
3. Nayan Mongia

Question 3
1. Auckland

Question 4
4. Lords

Question 5
2. Kenya

Question 6
3. 9-ODI'S,11-TESTS

Question 7
1. Anil Kumble

Question 8
3. Brian McMillan and Dave Richardson

Question 9
2. Navjot Sidhu

Question 10
1. 92 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC

Note :
Link for the quiz created initially :
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/quiz/tendulkar-toughie/

A Trip Down Memory Lane with Sachin Tendulkar !!

As the curtain comes rolling down on an illustrious career spanning a generation, I was just reflecting on the sort of impact he made to the common man and how he touched upon many of our lives. Just chronicling some of the moments and memories which had a lasting impact on me.

My earliest memory of him was during the Hero cup semi in Nov 1993 when he came on to bowl the last over with 6 needed to win for South Africa. Family and friends had got together and I vaguely remember my mom asking me to Kann Moodify with the tension building and it was a euphoric moment when he pulled it off and on the background was an ecstatic Henry Blofeld commentating (I've never heard him comment barring the hero cup) and scenes of an Eden Gardens crowd going into absolute raptures. Those days Eden was a fortress and the number would have touched 100,000. Then came the final and though it was a match dominated by the wily old fox Kumble who got magical figures of 6/12, it was Sachin's cameo at the end which took India to a respectable target of 225.

From 1994 there was more seriousness in myself as a cricket lover and Oh my Gawd how i can forget that eventful day getting up early in the morning watching this curly haired assassin open the batting and smashing a spectacular 82 of 49 balls, of course was a tad disappointed that he still didn't get his 1st ODI hundred as he had quite a few scores in the 80s till that time. However the wait ended in the Singer Cup, a quadrennial event which was held in Sri Lanka comprising of the hosts along with India , Pakistan and Australia. I fondly remember that was the first time i had bought the Sportstar dated 3rd Sep 1994 with the front cover having the pictures of the 4 skippers Ranatunga , Azhar, Malik and Taylor and then the moment arrived when i got to witness that elusive 1st ODI hundred which he so badly wanted (and so was I) when he took apart the Aussie attack to score a fine 110.

Then there was his much talked about wedding in 95 to Doctor Anjali Mehta. It was a very heavily discussed topic primarily because Anjali happened to be 4 yrs senior to him. In those days this was definitely uncommon and a big thing. Also he was just 22 at that time. And there was this magazine Sports World which splashed some lovely big photographs of his wedding. I remember buying it in a magazine shop opposite Mylapore Sangeetha (next to Ambika Appalam). Both the magazine and the shop have since became extinct.

Next was the 96 World Cup. There was so much excitement personally as this was the first WC I was ever going to witness and it was in the subcontinent. I bought that red color book by Gulu Ezekiel "Story of the World Cup" which covered the history of the World cup along with snippets and scores of the past 5 events. I just couldn't wait for the first ball to get underway between NZ and Eng on Feb 14th 1996. India's hopes was fully pinned on one man Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Imagine he had not yet turned 23 and that time itself he had to shoulder the burden of a billion people. And boy what a fantastic World cup he had. His 90 vs the Aussies and his trailblazing 137 vs Lanka (though both in losing causes) are still etched in memory. Though he was not able to take India all the way through , you knew this kid had well and truly arrived and there was entertainment guaranteed for years to come. Personally, yes i am biased I feel his 96 WC show was his best ever even eclipsing the stellar 2003 WC show in South Africa.

His hundred making continued from the WC and in April 96 witnessed him make his first hundred against Pakistan at Sharjah. He had put on a stand of about 200 odd with Sidhu who also scored a ton. This match again I have fond memories because it was the first time India ever crossed 300 in a One Day International. Azhar smoked the hell out of Ata-Ur-Rehman in the last over to enable India cross that coveted figure. (Yeah nowadays 300 is a joke, but it definitely wasn't back then).

His one day from rubbed into test cricket and in 96 he had a great tour of the Old Blighty scoring 2 hundreds in 3 test matches. Many of us tend to forget this and it was spoken more of being a tour marking the arrival and exploits of 2 up and coming young future stars Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.

The same yr 1996 also saw his first foray as Captain of India. He started off pretty well with a win over Australia in the first ever Border-Gavaskar one off test match. Also he captained India to victory in the triangular Titan Cup involving Australia and South Africa. SA showed their choking skills in the final after dominating with commanding wins in each of their games before. India also defeated South Africa in a home 3 test series 2-1, of which the first test in Bangalore saw the debut of another very special cricketer VVS Laxman.

India then went on to tour the Proteas and were pulverized black and blue. Despite the thunderous battering, if ever that tour is still remembered it is that breathtaking partnership between Azhar and Sachin with the latter going on to make a belligerent 169 and it needed a special effort from the high flying Adam Bacher to prevent him from continuing the onslaught further. It was vintage Sachin at his very best. India as a team continued to disappoint in the ODI's with losses even against minnows Zimbabwe and it again needed an extra special 100 by Sachin to take India to the final where they had to gun down about 240 in 40 overs to get India through.

Of course his captaincy encountered a rocky surface and it wasn't long before he stepped down. It reached an all time low when India set a target of 120 to win the Trinidad test vs Windies were bundled out for just 81 against Brian Lara's men.

Captaincy was gone and the batsman Sachin Tendulkar took centerstage. 1998 was a truly landmark year for Sachin, the batsman. He set the tone with a sparkling 95 vs Pakistan in the first final of the Silver Jubilee Cup. It was an innings that set the platform for very many great things to follow in the rest of the year. India eventually went on to win the cup with a last over heroic performance in the 3rd final by Hrishikesh Kanitkar in a final over hurrah.

And how can over forget the Sharjah blitzkrieg in April 98 where he decimated the Australian attack with 2 back to back hundreds in the desert storm. Sachin tormenting the Aussie bowlers with an over exuberant Tony Greig going absolute gaga will forever be etched in the minds of a gazillion cricket lovers. He was just invincible at this point of time and mind you he was just turning 25. The year continued with more glory and a truckload of centuries. Another of his special tons was the one at Chepauk where he bulldozed and trampled Shane Warne and the new spinner Gavin Robertson on his way to a majestic 155. If you have to define one year where a batsman left an impregnable impression with his strokeplay, consistency and domination it was 1998, truly a year imbibed in cricketing folklore for the exploits produced by the Bombay Bomber.

Year 99 and it was a historic occasion as the Pakistanis were touring India after a dozen years. The first test in Chennai witnessed an epic awe inspiring knock by Sachin when all others around him wilted under the pressure and were spun around a web by Saqlain. It was an innings withstanding immense pressure and the execution and character showed was impeccable. India however was not able to pull off a victory and the last 3-4 wickets fell like a pack of cards immediately after Sachin's dismissal. His most painful innings for sure. The Chennai crowd showed its sporting nature clapping and applauding the Pakistanis on their victory lap. For me personally it was a defeat hard to swallow and I felt after doing all the hard work he should have stayed on till the end and finished off the matter. Alas, it didnt happen. He did so much, still we take additional liberty and advantage of him. Selfish cricket fans (myself especially).

The 99 WC was a disappointment both for India and Sachin as a player who was quite below par barring a solitary hundred. However it was a time where he underwent a personal tragedy of losing his father.

Sachin again took the captaincy and after a fairly decent series vs the kiwis where he managed to rake in his then highest score of 186, it was time for down under in end 99. India fared miserably being whitewashed 3 zip by the Kangaroos. Of course, one will not easily forget that amazing 116 by him at Melbourne. It was more woes for the Indians in the tri-nation tournament not having gotten to the final. It was an ill fated second stint for Sachin as captain and you soon knew the writing was on the wall.

Things got worse with the match fixing saga and compounding further to the problems prevailing, India managed to lose a home test series vs the South Africans. Alas, it was surely time over for Sachin as captain.

Ganguly took over as captain and the first real test was against the mighty Australians who had come to India with an unbeaten 15 match win streak. It was dubbed as the final frontier for the Aussies to conquer and the win streak continued with a resounding win at Mumbai to stretch it to 16-0. Sachin waged a lone battle for India making 50's in both innings. The second test was known for the miraculous batting partnership between Laxman and Dravid and the hattrick by Bhajji to catapult India to an unlikely victory and snap the win streak of the Aussies. The see saw battle culminated in Chennai and what an amazing test match it was. Sachin's remarkable 126 along with fine performances by the others helped India pull off a brilliant win and made the Aussies wait a few more years before they could get a chance to conquer India again.

Year end 2001 and it was time to tour South Africa again. A young dashing and dynamic batsman from Delhi, Virender Sehwag who had modeled his game from Sachin was making his debut in the first test and it was a treat to watch both of them score centuries and it was attacking stroke play at its real best. That was however the only positive for India as they ended up being pounded yet again by the Saffers.

In 2002 , India finally managed to beat the Windies at home after 31 years and the one test match in which India was victorious, Sachin came to the fore with a pugnacious 100. It was next the tour of England and India performed admirably well by drawing the series. The test which India won at Leeds saw Sachin scoring a resounding 193. Dravid and Ganguly also managed to score tons in the same game to take India to a magnificent win. And it happens to be the only time the big 3 scored a hundred in the same test innings. India also managed to pull off an unthinkable chase in the Natwest one day series final with 2 young turks Yuvraj and Kaif producing an emphatic performance. Sachin however failed in the big final but managed to score an ODI ton in England in an earlier game. India's form was on the upsurge in the ODI format where they were joint winners with Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy. All eyes were on the WC 2003 to be scheduled in South Africa.

The WC 2003 saw Sachin asserting his supremacy yet again with the bat. He was in tremendous form throughout the tournament and ended up being the leading run scorer by a country mile. He however managed only one century vs Namibia but his greatest knock was that utterly disdainful 98 he made at Cape Town against Pakistan. If ever an innings deserved a century it was this one. He was again unfortunate to miss out on a century by 3 runs vs SL. In the all important final however, Australia's target was too steep an order to climb and it was all over once Sachin was dismissed early.

Year end it was time to tour Aussies. It was Steve Waugh's farewell series and India as a team had put up an excellent show drawing the series 1-1. Sachin was in a bad patch of form having failed in 3 of the tests and he was under pressure to deliver in the final new year test at Sydney. And deliver he did in emphatic fashion scoring a career defining 241. An innings Lara rates as his best for the sheer will of trying to control not playing his favourite cover drive till he reached the magical figure of 200. Truly an innings of high competency and dedication.

It was then India's turn to tour Pakistan after 15 long years and also a homecoming for Sachin who made his debut there in 1989. India ended up winning both the ODI and Test series. Sachin scored a crucial 194 at Multab , however was largely overshadowed by Virender Sehwag's triple hundred and the puzzling move by Dravid to declare with Sachin just 6 short of a double ton.

From about 2005 onwards , I beleive he changed his game a bit. He was more sedate in his approach and looked to build an innings and you could perhaps sense a deliberate move on his part to curb his attacking strokeplay. The result was mixed as for me I always knew of him as an aggressive player and it was difficult to envisage him as being anything different. The way he used to steamroll attacks in the days of yore , this changed approach seemed somewhat unacceptable. Whatever said and done , some of his innings in the latter part of his career may not have been the most entertaining but made many realise that they were certainly crucial and helped the team's cause.

That all important 100 which he dedicated to the victims of 26/11 after the initial tone set up by Sehwag to overhaul Englands massive target of 387 in the 4th innings at Chennai stands true testimony to his courage and character.It was also a pleasure to see him score his 3rd consecutive hundred at the Sydney Cricket Ground (one of his favourites) in an ill fated and controversial tour. He followed it up with one more at Adelaide which was his last test century in Australia. In his final tour in 2011-12 , despite crossing 50 on quite a few occassions he didnt manage to get to the 3 figure mark even once which is a personal disappointment considering how well he always used to perform there.The crowning of India's achievements however was winning the VB series defeating a strong host side Australia in the finals. And again as Ravi Shastri often says cometh the hour cometh the man , Sachin was at the helm yet again steering the side by scoring a century and a 90 in the 2 finals.

And when India defeated the Kiwis in their own den , he was there again amongst the runs with a ton at Hamilton enabling India to take an early lead in the series. Also his 163 in one of the ODIs where he completely bullied the Kiwi bowlers was a treat to watch.Recently in 2010 , that commanding double century in Bangalore against the Aussies helping India retain the Border - Gavaskar trophy after falling 2 short of his 100 in the previous game was precious. Also those 2 centuries in his last trip of South Africa truly undermined his callousness and resilience.

And what a history beckoning moment it was when he became the first cricketer on the planet to reach the all encompassing mount number of 200 in a One Day International. I was on an audit and nobody was really interested to work , all that was happening was constant refreshment of the Cricinfo site . It was a signal that he was back in business as he showcased his ebullient strokeplay against a formidable South African attack. Just months before he scored a career defining 175 vs the Aussies in an ODI at Hyderabad almost taking India to the threshold of victory chasing 350. In some ways one could say this 175 was the prerunner to the bigger and larger 200.

It was World Cup time again in 2011 and there were few things to mend. First thing was avenging revenge for the disastrous showing in the previous edition in 2007 and secondly one got the feeling that Sachin was playing his 6th and last World cup. Even God was under pressure as it would have been a cardinal sin if Sachin for all his silver lining career didn't end up being a world cup winner. The script was perfectly written and Sachin's dream finally came true with India being crowned World champion. He left an everlasting impression in this edition too with 2 masterclass centuries against England and South Africa. More than even India winning, I wanted Sachin to be a world cup winner for all he had done and thank goodness it happened.

And then there were some disappointments. Many expected him to retire at least from the One day game considering he had achieved it all and capped off his career with a world cup win, but it didnt happen. His retirement decision only he knows best but what was disappointing was the struggle to get to his 100th hundred. I so sincerely hoped he would get there in that WC semi game itself where the Paki fielders too helped his cause by contributing with numerous missed catches.But he ultimately fell for a shaky 85. And then followed that 90 in the Oval test vs Eng (sadly you need to go as back as 2002 when he last hit a test hundred at Pommie land failing to score one in the following 2 tours). After that it was so painful to see him fall again in the nervous 90's after scoring a 93 vs WI in his home Mumbai test and then the stumble at Sydney when he again reached close to the monumental figure. (It also meant his final tour of Aus will not have a century by his side despite him scoring at least one in 4 tours previously). And then the moment finally arrived in Dhaka when he carved his way to a laborious and grinding 100 against the Bangladeshis. The 100th hundred should have been a more grandesque affair but it was muted and in a way more of a relief than a celebration. Yes, it was all sans style and grace but whatever, you have to give it to the man for again setting the benchmark by becoming the first player to score 100 INTERNATIONAL HUNDREDS.

I for one have always been a Sachin fan but can never classify myself as a "Fanboy". I have got irritated and disappointed with him on many occasions, a criticism I still hold is that he should have won more games chasing. Also being someone who was always numbers crazy and conscious, its a tad disappointing that he did not make a hundred in his last 23 tests and this includes 8 tests each against the English and the Australians - 2 oppositions he always thrives to do well. Was hoping silently that he would finally get that one biggie in his final test but it didn't happen. Also it was heartbreaking to see him fall repeatedly in the 90's especially in ODI's. If only he had converted a 3 quarter of them he should have had a minimum of 60 hundreds in both version - Tests and ODI'S. But the minor quibbles aside, the joy and happiness he provided far outweigh the disappointments.

Many who follow the sport of cricket would never have known you personally but through your willow you have influenced , entertained and impacted a generation of cricket lovers in the last 24 years. Its hard to digest that the razor sharp straight drive, the glorious Cover Drive, the upper cut six, shouts of Sachiiinnnnn Sachin will all soon be history of the past.

For me personally it has been a roller coaster ride in the last 20 years. So many highs, lows, ecstasies and also some disappointments. You have left such an indelible impression on me and am sure a billion other cricket fans. You've contributed so much in making my childhood all the more memorable. So many memories have been kindled and I'm sure if I rack up my brain further, more and more will flow. Its truly been a journey of a lifetime.

There will be a few trickling of tears when the moment sinks in to realize that this cricketing journey has reached its final ultimate destination and not going to proceed any further. With a heavy lump in my heart, I would just like to say Thank you for everything you have done. #ThankYouSachin.

Musical Take on Soundtrack Megha

Mugilo Megamo - Yuvan , Ramya NSK
The first thing that catches your attention is the humming at the background in sync with bass which constantly keeps going back and forth .. And when Yuvan starts off , the string ensemble accompanying the voice takes you to a state of elysium.. The interludes are free flowing giving a nice jazzy touch at places. The octaval upward slide on the piano with the chordal finish and those chromatic passages are just top notch. Also to be noted is the vocal portion starts 2 syllables before the beat (known as Atheetha Eduppu).

Chellam Konjam Poove - Yuvan , Ramya NSK
Possibly the pick of the album .. The opening guitaring is freaking awesome and sets the tone for the song and the portions that follow simply sweep you away. If you realise , when Yuvan repeats the opening lines of the tune twice the tune remains the same but the bass backing is different which goes forward the first time and played backward on the second instance creating a beautiful chiaroscuro. The arrangements are wonderfully harmonised giving such a pleasant experience to the listener. The drumming is excellent and the way it is used as a filler which act as a bridge connecting the Pallavi is superb.

Enna Vendum - Karthik , Priyadarshini
The guitar riffs elevate the song tremendously .. Its more like a typical Indian melody but layered with western style orchestration.. The drumming is a delight and the interludes are mesmerising especially the guitar which creeps in adding such a melliflous touch.

Jeevane Jeevane - Ilaiyaraaja
The stress with which Jeevane is hummed gives such an emotional draining feeling. The prelude resembles Vinnaar Amudhe from the album Baba Pughal Maalai but the song mostly reminds you of Pengal Endral in terms of instrumentation and intensity which suggests a painful situation. Special note on the distortion guitar which dictates terms and the usage of strings which is hypnotising.

Putham Pudhu Kaalai - Anitha
A reprise of the very popular Putham Pudhu Kaalai from Alaigal Oyvathillai. Its unfair to compare the singing but orchestration simply astounds. Its indeed a delicacy to hear all those intricate sounds in this high quality version which was missed in the original.

Kalvane Kalvane - Haricharan , Ramya NSK
Starts off like Niram Pirithu Paathen from Time but the similarity ends there. This one is extremely wacky , unorthodox and out of the box. The scale changes are freaky and the jazzy portions are sure to leave a smile on your face :) As the song says Enna Thaan Maayam Seidhaan , how true is that ?

Mugilo Megamo - Ilaiyaraaja
Follows the same tune as that of the other version but sung more intensely. Needless to mention about the soundscape created which is truly mindboggling.

Conclusion :
#Megha is marvellous , magical , mystical , magnificent , monstrous & masterclass.
If NEPV was revolutionary , Megha is boundary breaking.
An album which deserves to be celebrated for eons and rightfully deserves a place in the pantheon of all time great soundtracks.

A decade of Tennis Grandslams Dominated by 3 Champions

From the time Federer won his 1st grand slam at Wimbledon in 2003 to Rafael Nadal currently winning the 2013 Roland Garros , there have been 40 grand slams out of which Federer has won 17 , Nadal 12 and Djokovic 6. That accounts to 35 out of a total 40.
The remaining 5 were won by Roddick , Gaudio , Safin , Del Potro and Murray who have all won one each.

Its staggering and impossible to think that almost 90% of the slams over a decade were captured by just these 3 men.
Interestingly between them , if not for Nadal , Federer would have had a lot more French opens to his kitty and if not for Djokovic , Nadal would have had atleast 15 slams by now.

There have been many great rivalries in the past but really doubt this kind of complete domination in the men's game by just 3 players over a period of time in any era.
Salute and hail 3 greatest tennis players of our generation - Roger Federer , Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic !!

Kohli , coincidence and under pressure innings

Somehow have been drawing a coincidence theory involving Kohli in most of the innings he has played under pressure. Wondering is it really too much of a coincidence ?? , should such amazing batsmanship deserve heartbreak each time ??

1) Ind v SL VB Series 2012
India need to overhaul a target of 320 in less than 40 overs to stay alive in the tournament. Kohli plays the innings of a lifetime by making 133 off a mere 70 odd deliveries to get India the win within the required overs only to see SL beat Aus in the next match enabling India's exit from the tournament.

2) Ind v Pak Asia Cup 2012
India need to win a must win match against archrivals Pakistan. The Pakis bat first and amass a huge total of 329. In comes Kohli and he plays perhaps the most memorable innings ever seen in an Indo Pak encounter by making 183 to get the win for India. What happens next SL lose to Bangladesh which makes India knocked out of the tournament.

3) Ind v Pak T20 World Cup 2012
India again in a must win encounter against Pakis. Kohli rises up to the occassion yet again by scoring an unbeataben 78 to take India across the line. What happens next Aus lose badly to Pakistan and Indias chances of qualifying to the semis take a beating.

4) RCB v CSK IPL 2013
RCB under the cosh and must beat top placed CSK to guarantee themselves any chance to make it to the playoffs. A bit of rain adds fuel to the fire and the game is reduced to an T8 8 over a side encounter. Out comes RCB and Kohli the star yet again shows his mettle under pressure to notch up an undefeated 50 which helps his side beat CSK. What happens next SRH defeat KKR and its Bye Bye Bangalore from the IPL.

Wondering what really is the conclusion and moral of the story ??

Penn - A memorable Tamil Serial

Penn is an old tamil serial (1991) evoking very strong childhood memories.Each of the episodes directed by Suhasini Maniratnam is a gem in its own unique way.
The lilting title music by Ilaiyaraaja and the image of the cute little child takes you back on a journey back to the glorious early 90's. The brilliant performances , dialogues laced with a pinch of Tam Bram touch and the breathtaking background music makes you connect instantly with the characters and storyline.
Those days those days only !!

Links for watching Penn and reviving the glorious era

Penn (1991) - Episode 1 - Hemavukku Kalyanam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96dip9Hv4wU

Penn (1991) - Episode 2 - Appa Appadithan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az8tXNkwzkk

Penn (1991) - Episode 3 - Appa Irukken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3AreE_cav0

Penn (1991) - Episode 4 - Mrs Ranganath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8RlWsOJwR4

Penn (1991) - Episode 5 - Kutti Anand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs66UaLXVfs

Penn (1991) - Episode 6 - Love Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeTNxd3mKjM

Penn (1991) - Episode 7 - Raji Mathiri Ponnu (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwoLDJx_LDU

Penn (1991) - Episode 7 - Raji Mathiri Ponnu (Part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhU60wX1sUI

Penn (1991) - Episode 8 - Vaarthai Thavari Vittai (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak02-rYbUDI

Penn (1991) - Episode 8 - Vaarthai Thavari Vittai (Part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxwlyBsZrzE

Kohli and his Bloopers

Despite Kohli continuously trying to make himself a laughing stock :P ,his bloopers need to be appreciated because it has led to some legendary and never seen before IPL cricketing moments :D

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #1
- Coming on to bowl the penultimate over with CSK requiring a herculean 40 plus in 2 overs only to make Albie Morkel a hero by hitting him for 30 in an over and enabling CSK to crossover the line. (IPL 2012)

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #2
- RCB being on the threshold of qualifying for the playoffs and he plays a ridiculous shot with just few runs needed resulting in an inconsequential victory for bottom placed Hyderabad but more importantly allowing CSK to get to the playoffs this despite the team cooling their heels in the hotel room. (IPL 2012)

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #3
- The ecstasy of a victory and the despair of a defeat both happening at the same time within seconds all wonderfully captured in Kohli's face after RP Singhs infamous lass ball no ball vs CSK. (IPL 2013)

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #4
A match which RCB looked like winning in a canter turning completely anticlimax with him dropping an absolute siiter paving the way for David Miller to produce perhaps the most astonishing , unbeleivable and destructive century of all time in T20 history leading to an improbable victory for Kings XI. (IPL 2013)

P.S - I am a big fan of Kohli the cricketer. This post is just on a lighter side about some of his bloopers in the IPL.

Ragamalika 500 - Musical Non Pareil !!

It was a perfect tribute to golden tamizh film music of the bygone era. An unforgettable and spectacular musical evening of a lifetime honouring the greatest of the greatest of music composers from G Ramanatha Iyer to Ilaiyaraaja.

Mere words cannot explaing the feeling of being present there and witnessing the musicians perform gem after gem with such precision and aplomb.

The show began in an auspicious manner with Bharat Sundar rendering a medley of devotional based numbers such as Muthai Tharu (Arunagirinadhar) , Vadivelum Mayilum Thunai - Ambikapathi and couple of other songs.

And then the 1st song got underway and it was the chartbusting Yaaradi Nee Mohini. It just lifted the spirits of everyone and ignited signs that we are all going to witness and be a part of an unforgettable musical event of another level.

Just have a look at some of the songs and names mentioned below and you can visualise how awestruck, awesomatic and mindblowing it would have been for all who witnessed this musical spectacle.

- Yaaradi Nee Mohini - Uthama Puthiran - G Ramanathan
- Nenjil Kudiyirukkum - Irumbu Thirai - S Venkatraman

Andhra Medley Section :
- Aaha Aaha Inba Nilavinile - Mayabazaar - Ghantasala
- Ariya Paruvamada - Misiamma - S. Rajeswara Rao
- Kanninum - Nageswara Rao
- Amuthai Poliyum Nilave - Thangamalai Ragasiyam - Lingappa
- Andha Sivagaami Maganidam - Pattanathil Bhootham - Govardhanam
- Kanna Karumai Nira Kanna - Naanum Oru Penn - Sudharshanam
- Chinnan Chiru Kiliye - Manamagal - C R Subbaraman
- Singara Velane Deva - Konjum Salanga - Subbaiyah Naidu

MS Viswanathan - TK Ramamurthy Section :
- Mayakkum Maalai pozhude - Gulebagavali
- Kangal Enge - Karnan
- Mazhai Kodukkum - Karnan (Special mention as to how such tough songs are sung only in Ragamalika)

KV Mahadevan Tribute :
- Paatum Naane - Thiruvilayadal

PB Srinivas Special (Performed brilliantly by singer Karthick) :
- Mouname Paarvaiyal - Kodi Malar
- Thulli Thirintha Pen Ondru - Kathiruntha Kangal
- Paadatha Paatellam - Veerathirumugan
- Anubavam Pudhumai - Kadhalikka Neramillai
- Chinna Chinna Kannanukku - Vazhkkai Padagu
- Manidhan Enbavan - Sumaithangi

Kannadasan Special :
- Aarodum Mannil - Pazhani

Classy Classicals (Performed out of the world by Haricharan as said by SPB himself) :
- Manmadha Leelai - Haridas - M K T Bhagavathar
- Isai Tamizh - Thiruvilayadal - T R Mahalingam
- Amudhum Thenum - Thai Piranthal Vazhi Pirakkum - Seergazhi Govindarajan
- Erikaraiyin Mele - Muthalai - T M Soundararajan
- Oru Naal Podhuma - Thiruvilayadal

V Kumar Tribute :
- Unnidam Mayangikiren - Then Sindhudhe Vaanam

Dakshinamurthy Swamigal Tribute :
- Nanda Nee En Nila - Nanda En Nila

Ilaiyaraaja Section:
- Mouna Ragam BGM
- Oru Iniya Manadhu - Jhonny
- Azhage Azhagu - Raaja Paarvai
- Aayiram Thamara - Alaigal Oyvathillai (specially for SPB)
- Hey Paadal Ondru - Priya
- Thedum Kann Paarvai - Mella Thirandhadhu Kanavu - MSV & IR (Repeat of the astonishing goosebumpy violin interlude by orchestra team)
- Paruvame - Nenjathai Killathe (Goosebumby moment when SPB joins at the end and sings along with Janani Kamakshi)
- Vaanam Kezhe - Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe
- Isaiarasi - Thaai Mookambigai

SPB Special Tribute (By the man himself , the legend) :
- Nilave Ennidam Nerungathe - Ramu - For PB Srinivas
- Aayiram Nilave Vaa - Adimai Penn - For MGR
- Then Sindhudhe Vaanam - Ponnukku thanga manasu - For GK Venkatesh
- Enakku Oru Kadhali - Mutthana Muthallavo (Combined performance by SPB and Bharat Sundar)
- Vaa Vennila - Mella Thiranthathu Kathavu (Backed by humming from Subhashree Thanikachalam)
- Enna Satham - Punnagai Mannan - For K Balachander
- Mandram Vandhu - Mouna Ragam - For Mani Ratnam
- Kadhalin Deepam Ondru - For Rajinikanth
- Unnai Nenechen - Aboorva Sagotharargal - For Kamal & Vaali
- Vanam Konda Vennilave - Sigaram - For SPB

All the singers deserve a huge round of applause for rendering all these gems with such dedication and elan ..
A gazillion adjectives will not suffice or justify the work done by the orchestra team comprising of Keys , Guitar , Flute , Strings and Percussion. Listening to the music unleashed was like being in another world. It was unparallelled bliss.

Very happy to have seen some of the senior musicians like VS Narasimhan Sir , Sada Sir , Napolean Sir , Prabhakar Sir and Veena Parthasarathy Sir being honoured. They are the soul and life givers to many of the extraordinary compositions.

Nice to see MSV sir lighting the lamp and inaugurating the event.
And what can one say about the legend SP Balasubramaniam. How much ever encomiums we shower on this great personality will not be enough. Such a humility and humbleness personified gentleman. He made the show so lively and gripping through his humour and narrations of interesting background incidents.

Vijay Adhiraj did a good anchoring job and was witty and engaging.
Kodaana Kodi Nandri to Subhasree Thanikachalam for conceptualising the show , handpicking such marvellous gems and treating the audience to a musical whirlwind. Greatly appreciate your rasanai in choosing such varied gems from different eras and paying tribute to so many extraordinary musical geniuses. A Rasika could definitely have not asked for more.
Karthiks speech on Subhasree Madam totally summed it up and clearly underlined the efforts and pain taken in grooming and shaping the careers of so many aspiring young talents. Bask in the glory Madam and you deserve every bit of it. This show stands a true testimony for this.

As a rasika , feel proud and privileged to have attended this monumental musical event on the 5th of May 2013. So many everlasting moments to cherish which will last a lifetime.

Hats off Team Ragamalika !!
Let the Karagosham keep flowing !!

Blown by the Wind - Thendral Varum Ennai Anaikkum

Certain songs have a power or magic embedded which makes them so special.
Enakku ariyama have been humming this number since yesterday.
There is so much of warmth and sweetness all over , the rendition and feel brought out by the singers is like a red velvet cheesecake melting in your mouth. Paaaahhhhhhh what an intoxicating feel and on top of that you have those scintillating piano run ins , sitar reverberation , the placement of the strings , beauty of the bass and flute takeover which gives such an unabiding happiness.
Music like this give so much of joy that you automatically tend to have a smile on your face.

Mohan , Maestro and Melody - What an evergreen combination.
A big salute to Raaja & team and SPB and S Janaki _/\_
80s 80s dhaaaaan !!

Thendral Varum Ennai Anaikkum - Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBO4VAhtYdE

East meets West !!

A melody in Indian style showcasing the Mohanam ragam very beautifully via Flute + Tabla first followed by a friendly banter between the Tabla + Jalatarangam with Tabla again for company.
The mood gets all dark suddenly with the strings in the background expressing the tense situation prevailing and then from nowhere you have a WCM (Western Classical Music) treat with violins in full fury unleashing its brilliance indulging in a mix of call and response and counterpoint music.
So many varied emotions all communicated and captured via music.
East meets West !!

Portion of My Dear Kuttichathaan BGM Score
https://soundcloud.com/pon-janahan/isai-gnani-ilaiyaraaja-kodai

My Dear Kuttichathaan Full BGM Score
https://soundcloud.com/nagsnathan/re-recording-my-dear

Music truly indebted to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja !!

2 Parallel melodies alternate between each other , the piano flows freely and traverses across octaves whereas the notes of the flute stick closely to each other communicating an emotion of a different scenario.
This is counterpoint music at its best , 2 totally unrelated melodies going their own way but when blended reach proportions of enormity.
As a music lover , you really dont know which to concentrate more as they both are so hypnotising and powerful in their own ways.
The spellbinding experience just doesnt end there as you observe a minor variation at 00:36 which oozes soul all over and to boost an arpegio style play between 0:50 to 0:53 which gives more added colour to this spectacle.
Wait , theres more treat to the ears. The contrapuntal melody gets over at 01:11 and then you are unleashed to a Mouna Ragam style musical style mayhem.
Listen to it closely , the way its structured , the complications and patterns woven around it elevates it much further than the Mouna Ragam theme.
2 & a quarter minutes of sheer musical monstrosity and bliss combined !!
Music is truly indebted to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja !!

Vanna Vanna Pookal Title Score Music
https://soundcloud.com/kameshratnam/vannavannapookal-title-bgm-ir

Vanna Vanna Pookal Full BGM Score
https://soundcloud.com/navinmozart/illayaraja-vannavannapookal

Mindblowing is an Understatement

An absolutely breathtaking title score of the 70s which makes you go wonderstruck.
So many varied emotions are communicated via music in this 3 minute piece.
There are counter music portions criss crossing one another but not for a moment it looks jarring and instead only elevates it to another pedestal.
I do not know much about the movie , but imagine just this piece would have got the viewers hooked for the movie to unfold and created so much of excitement.

Mindblowing is an an understatement.
Pattakathi Bhairaban Title score
https://soundcloud.com/kameshratnam/pattakathibairavan-titles

A scorcher of a WCM composition by Maestro!

This song has been fascinating me for quite some time.Wondering how that unison was achieved in the first interlude with the violin counterpoints, on top of that you have a flute also. And what about that guitar flanging in the second interlude. To add to all this, you have chorus adding harmony in the prelude plus bass backing, an interesting rhythm pattern, guitar counterpoint with keys in the second interlude and for nativity flavour you have an Indian classical touch in the combination of Mridangam + Flute.

Its astonishing to think all this packaging has been done in a mere 4 and half minute song and best thing it all sounds so amazing. To achieve this co-ordination, the musicians must have been an extraordinary talented bunch. Imagining how the mood must have been in the studio after this song was recorded. And to think this number was recorded over 30 yrs ago seems even more astounding.
I don't think an orchestra would be able to reproduce this number even today with all the technology available. Vintage 80's music of the highest order. You just feel spell bounded by the sound achieved and output produced.

Briefly summarizing in points on all the awesomeness happening :
1) The tumbling sound of the vessels which is musically rhythmical.
2) The guitar strumming the notes Ga Ma with the Tu Ru Ru humming in the side by the one and only S Janaki to be joined by the Bass moving Sa Pa Sa downward across octaves.
3) Gangai Amaran opening up and boy has he ever sounded so romantic. (Gangai Illa Mangai chorus adding the perfect harmony)
4) The first interlude with the triple counterpoint between violins , violins (I think) and flute is just more than enough for a lifetime.
5) The Guitar vamping and the Guitar counterpoint with the keys in the 2nd interlude , didn’t I just say the 1st interlude was more than enough - but he doesn’t listen he always gives more than you want. An additional Indian classical touch for you too in the combination of flute and Mridangam.
6) The mild shift from major scale to chromatic scale when Gangai sings Pudhu Raaga Jaadhikalum.

This man's music gives us so much happiness which can never be expressed in words but can only be experienced. Ecstasy in Abundance - A big salute to Maestro and team !!

Pongum Aagaya - Aagaya Gangai