Final Goodbye to ‘The King of Pop’

As promised in my last post that I’ll be giving a tribute to MJ for his work & excellence, so here I am with my final post on Michael Jackson. MJ remembered by friends & family:

Quote of the Day:
In this world, it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.
–Henry Ward Beecher

Michael Jackson is Still Alive

Today on my birthday, 28th of July i.e. exactly a month before Michael’s on 28th of August, I would like to inform the whole world that MJ isn’t dead and never will be as he will live in our hearts forever as the ‘King of Pop’. I don’t know about others but when I heard the news about MJ’s death on 25th June, I passed it as a rumour/media gimmick. How could have I believed something so insane and uncalled for. I couldn’t have let him go without seeing him in real as that’s what I wanted to do since I was a toddler. I grew up looking at his posters and listening to his music. I clearly remember it was 1989 and I was 3 years old when my parents started taking me to school’s in Delhi for admissions, they took me to the best of school’s in Delhi including D.P.S. , St.Columba’s, Modern, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Army Public School and a few others. I got through all of them except Sardar Patel Vidyalaya as I didn’t want go to the same school where my brother used to go. Out of the 10 most prestigious school’s in Delhi I chose St.Michael’s as I always thought that it was founded by Michael Jackson thus I’ll get to meet my idol. Little did I know that it was not named after MJ but instead Saint Michael( the only archangel named in the Bible as recognized by both Jews and Christians.

Years passed and as I grew up, I got to know that Saint Michael’s is where I study and MJ is never be coming to our school to meet us. I felt sad but still never gave up on my hero as I know there will be a day when I’ll get to see him performing. Soon the day came when I got to know that MJ is coming to perform in India it was 1992 and I was 7 years old. I was thrilled to hear the news, according to the tour Itinerary he was supposed to perform in Bombay(Mumbai) so I convinced my parents to take me their for his show. When the day was finally approaching, I was left heart broken yet again as the tour got cancelled due to security issue/drugs scandal. After this day,I really lost hope that Michael would like to come to India again. But that day came and he did visit India in 1996 and here is the complete account of it :

The King of Pop himself Michael Jackson came to India as a part of History Tour in the year 1996. This was his first and the only visit to India.
Michael was supposed to come for a concert as a part of World Tour much before 1996 but it got cancelled due to some unknown reasons. MJ (Michael Jackson) made a 2 day visit to Mumbai, India

Arrival
Nevertheless, the day was 30th October, 1996. MJ arrived at Sahar Airport (now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport), Mumbai wearing his usual Red Jacket, Black shades and the Hat. He was welcomed in an Traditional Indian Ceremony by Bollywood Actress Sonali Bendre by performing ‘Aarti puja’ and applying ‘Tilak’ on his forehead. Sonali Bendre was wearing the iconic 9 yards long Orange coloured Maharashtrian Saree.

Along with Sonali was Politician Raj Thackeray and her daughter. At that time Shiv Sena- BJP alliance was at an all time high. Shiv Udyog Sena (former part of Shiv Sena) claimed the responsibility for the whole tour. From his security, accommodation upto his concert. It was known Shiv Sena was forcibly making them leaders of this event.
Michael was overwhelmed with the reception according to the onlookers present at the airport.

Michael’s first words
"I am very happy to be here in India … in support of charity"

Dancing with Roadside dancers
MJ was then escorted out under heavy security, there were 20 cars in front and behind taking him to his next destination. While on his way, Michael was amused by roadside fans that had lined up along the highway. MJ asked to stop the car, he got out from his Toyota and putting his security aside interacted with lezim dancers (Lezim is a popular folk dance form of Maharashtra. Lezim is performed using wooden mallets with dancers in colorful costumes)

MJ even danced few steps along with them. Michael was seen picking few children up in his arms hugging and kissing them.

Met Bal Thackeray ?
Michael then proceeded his way to residence of Shiv Sena head, Bal Thackeray at Matushree in Bandra East. Bal Thackeray himself gifted MJ the traditional Indian Musical instruments the ‘silver tabla‘ and ‘tanpura‘.
MJ signed his autograph on the wall in bathroom he used at Bal Thackeray’s residence. Mr. Bal Thackeray have kept that signature intact and shows it to everyone. He is very proud of it.

Stay at Oberoi Hotel
Jackson was accommodated at The Oberoi Hotel. There was already a huge rush present at the hotel. Jackson was seen freely mingling with fans. Hotel staff claimed that he was very friendly, blowing kisses to his fans and shook hands with everyone he met with a smile on his face.
The Oberoi Hotel staff made sure everything and anything that MJ liked was given to him. MJ loved the Indian festivities, The Kohinoor Suite he was staying at was decorated with confetti, flowers, balloons and lights.

Jackson asked for a Poolside Party
Michael Jackson himself requested a poolside party at Oberoi Hotel for kids. Children from local Orphanages were invited. MJ played with the kids and offered gifts and chocolates to them which he had brought with him.

Bash held for MJ
Later that evening, Bharat Shah (Hindi Film financier) held a special event to exclusively welcome MJ to India. The event was attended by all famous Bollywood celebrities and Royal Families from various parts of India.
Michael only made a 3 minute appearance before heading to his room for some rest. Everyone in the bash was left high and dry as they could not meet him personally. But 2 individuals did had a lucky night.

Anupam Kher jumped on the stage brushing aside tight security and grabbed Michael Jackson’s hand to shake it, uttering ‘Yeah Woo, woo’.
Second lucky person was acclaimed writer Shobha De. Later on Shobha De told the media that “Shaking hands with him was like an orgasm!”.

Soon after Bharat Shah presented MJ with the silver replica of Taj Mahal.

Next Day another party for kids
On the day of concert, Michael invited 50 kids to his room. He ordered burgers and cakes for all. Kids were seen sitting on his lap and playing with him. Jackson specially arranged a photo session with kids. The sofas and the surrounding were draped with Indian Saree’s to give it an Indian touch.

The Concert
On November 1, The Concert, the Show, the phenomenon happened at Andheri Sports Complex.
Jackson’s own Special teams were called for setting up the stage. All the equipment was imported by 3 Russian Antanov cargo planes. There were an 3 teams – assembling team for setting up the stage, a dismantling team for bringing down the whole structure and a standby team for further assistance.
Preparation had started few days before only. It took 24 hours for the team to build the stage and less then 6 hours for dismantling.

The Stage was 210 feet long and 60 feet deep. The green room as usual was made beneath the stage. The area had a meditation room, rest room, photography room and a VIP guest room. Although no one was allowed inside except the security and his staff.
Every room was decorated in Traditional Indian appearance. His whole visit was televised on Sony Entertainment Channel.

The show had spectacular fireworks, Dazzling light effects and a sold out arena.
Event was anchored by Mahru Shaikh and Javed Jaffery.

A special route was planned for MJ from his hotel to the Stadium. He reached the venue at 8:30PM.

Michael appeared in a Space shuttle dressed in a silver suit. He performed 20 of his popular songs. Danced, jumped, moved all around the stage in his trademark performance.

Michael Jackson’s love interest with Indian food
MJ tried several Indian dishes during his stay. He had a ‘masala dosa‘ for breakfast and the next morning he ate ‘Allu Paranthas with Makkhan‘. All his meals included Indian dishes such as butter chicken with butter naans, tandoori chicken and spicy Indian Veg curries.
On the day he left, he ordered lots of naans, tandoori chicken, paranthas and other dishes to accompany him on his flight out of India.

Jackson left a message to India on a pillow and a frame
Michael wrote a message on a pillow he slept on to all his Indian Fans.
The Note said
“India, all my life I have longed to see your face. I met you and your people and fell in love with you. Now my heart is filled with sorrow and despair for I have to leave, but I promise I shall return to love you and caress you again. Your kindness has overwhelmed me, your spiritual awareness has moved me, and your children have truly touched my heart. They are the face of God. I truly love and adore you India. Forever, continue to love, heal and educate the children, the future shines on them. You are my special love, India. Forever, may God always bless you .
— Michael Jackson.”

Later on the pillow was held for auction at an charity event which Bharat Shah bought it for himself for a large sum of money.

MJ wrote another small message on a frame i quote "God Bless India, My special Love – Michael Jackson"

Video Footage of Michael Jackson performing in Mumbai, India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4OBn2M1fRE

Video Coverage of Michael Jackson’s tour to India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG4-HqK0r3Y

Pictures of Michael Jackson’s visit to India
http://movies.ndtv.com/gallerydetails.aspx?category=Movies&id=4220&picno=1&section=Bollywood%20&ShowID=173#BD

PS: There are lot more memories of MJ to be shared so my next post will also be dedicated to ‘The King of POP’ . The Life of MJ(1958-2009)

Quote of the Day:
“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”

- Michael Jackson

To Be or Not To Be

We want youthful leaders to run our country but what happens to the youth when it comes to voting. I always knew that they are many more like me who don’t much about Indian politics or the politicians other than a few prominent ones. I got my voter ID card made at the age of 18 but had never exercised my right to vote till now. This time when I had finally made up my mind that come what may(May 7) I’ll vote and also inspire my friends and family to do so. You all would be shocked to hear the kind of excuses that they made,In orange is what they said and in blue is what I replied :

1.Its too hot to step out – Would you say the same if your girlfriend called up and said “I’ll waiting for you in GK M block Market around 2’o Clock for lunch.” I bet you would have made it before time even in scorching heat.

2.How does it matter – If it doesn’t matter then why don’t you try living in a non-democratic country like China where the government decides what you can search on Google or how many children you can have. We are blessed to have been born in a country where we can choose who are leader should be so why waste such an important right.

3.I’ve heard the queue is long – Oh really! If that’s your reason for not voting then I am sure I would never see you waiting outside a Movie Theatre/Discotheque/Concert standing in a queue. Would you use the same excuse if Shakira or Iron Maiden was performing in your city and the queue would have been half a kilometre,I am sure you wont mind that.

4.I am a first time voter so if I skip they are hardly missing me – Till the time you don’t start voting you will always remain a first timer and use the same excuse time and time again so get off your bean bag/bed/couch and just go for it.

5.Its not a weekend so I’ll finish off my pending work – Ya right,how could I forget that voting takes merely 5 minutes but that much amount of time can run you into a major business loss.

6.I never considered myself as an Indian,I am born in the UK/USA - I am proud of you my friend as you have lived in this country for 20+ years but just because you were born there and lived a few days of your life there that makes you more proud to be their national and not an Indian then shame on you. Why don’t you just move back to your native land as you are not even proud to be an Indian. I hope you know Our National song/animal or even the name of our first or current president.

7.How will my vote change the system – Nobody can promise it will, but at least it can get better and gradually change or transform into what we always longed for.

8.They all are corrupt and good for nothing – In a way I agree but that’s also are fault we bring the wrong people in the power and then let them stay forever even when we know that they were so many scams in their last term.If people of America also thought the same way then trust me then they would have got an inspirational leader like Barack Obama as their President – Lead the Change.

9.Voting is done my Lower Class people not by us – That’s the lamest I have ever heard but unfortunately its true. For the rich and the powerful its too L.S. (Low Society) to stand in the queue as there all low class people there standing like a herd of cattle. My answer to them – GET A LIFE!

10.Polling booth is a bit far off from my place – Yes it maybe but not as far as your Gf/Bf’s place. Polling booth is always in the same locality just a few meters from your place or in extreme cases 1 or 2 kms to the max.

There are so many of them that each one of us would be able to relate to the above mentioned excuses as we would have made them at least once if not this time.

As this was the first time I exercised my right to vote I’ll urge all the nationals of this country to come forward and vote no matter whom you vote for and what the reason maybe but just do it. I know there are never ending problems we have with our country and its system but do answer it yourself which country in this world isn’t lacking a good system. Luckily India is still not under the crunch of recession like UK or USA, I have family member living their and they aren’t even sure if they would have their jobs the next day or not.

This list of doubts I have in my mind about the political system in India are as follows :

1.Why do we need Film stars for campaigning, aren’t the leaders confident enough about themselves?

2.How come people with criminal background are allowed to contest elections?

3.Where on earth an illiterate person is given a chance to be a leader?

4.Leaders who are already under the scanner for frauds and scams are allowed to contest again and become leaders again.

5.How many of them have actually faced shortage of Food(Roti)/Clothes(Kapda)/Housing(Makaan) the three basic amenities for a human being which they keep claiming that they will provide to the needy people.

I know that there are no answers to these questions but still we need a change and we need to bring the change which is only possible by voting and bringing a new set of leaders.

Few personal reasons why I think we all should vote :

1.We have had enough of terrorism so now its time for peace to prevail. Check this out for more info – India Peace Campaign.

2.Corruption has ruined our country like a blood sucking leech.

3.Inflation is on all time high and sky rocketing even higher.

4.Its high time we change the leadership and see whose better.

5.Last but not the least – We need a change – Let’s Lead the change.

Now lets discuss all the frivolous reasons to Vote (All these are applicable after showing the voting ink on your finger):

1. 20% Discount on Louis Phillippe.
2. 15% Discount on Haldiram’s .
3. 15% Discount on Fashion Bazaar.
4. 20% Discount on Spykar Jeans.
5. Discounts and Schemes at Full Circle and Cafe Turtle.
6. 10% Discount at designer boutique WHITE in Hauz Khas.
7. 100Rs off at Splash Water Park.
8. 50% Discount on PVR Meal combo’s

Some helpful links for understanding Voting Guide:

Election Commission of India

Lead India

Jaago Re

Quote of the Day:
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.
–Franklin D. Roosevelt

Better Late Than Never–Happy New Year

Its been ages since I posted anything on the blog and as the list is endless so as to why I wasn’t posting anything so lets just not even start it.Instead lets talk about what all was special in the year 2008.Here is a list of top 5 of almost everything in 2008:

Top 5 Personal Accomplishments

1. NIKISH <3.
2. Became a blogger and people loved it too.
3. Joined S60 and met the most inspiring and loving people ever.
4. A brief stint with modelling – Cover Page of a magazine and S60 editorial.
5. Got a job and currently working with Microsoft.

Top 5 News(World)

1. America got its first black president in Barack Obama – Obamania!!
2. Recession glooms over the World – Several businesses forced to close doors.
3. China Olympics – first time China hosted the Olympic Games.
4. Shoe throwing Incident on Bush – Muntadhar al-Zeidi, a journalist, threw the shoes.
5. Pakistan

Top 5 News(India)

1. Business capital Mumbai was under worst terrorist attack on 26/11.
2. India’s First Unmanned Mission to Moon – Chandayaan-1 on 22/10.
3. IPL+Cheerleaders became a craze and cricketers became richer.
4. Aarushi Talwar – Murder Mystery still remains an unsolved mystery .
5. India safe from the Worldwide Recession.

Top 5 Bollywood Movies:

1. Ghajni
2. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
3. Singh is King
4. Jodha Akbar
5. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

Top 5 Hollywood Movies:

1. The Incredible Hulk
2. The Dark Knight
3. Wall –E
4. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Top 5 Bollywood Bombshells

1. Priyanka Chopra
2. Katrina Kaif
3. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
4. Deepika Padukone
5. Kareena Kapoor

Top 5 Bollywood Songs

1. Kaise Mujhe (Ghajini): Benny Dayal & Shreya Ghoshal, Music by A.R.Rahman
2. Kabhi Kabhi Aditi(Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na): Singer: Rashid Ali, Music by A.R.Rahman
3. TuHiMeriDostHai(Yuvvraaj):Singers:A.R.Rahmanand Shreya Goshal,Music A.R.Rahman
4. Tum Ho Toh(Rock On): Singer: Farhan Akhtar, Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy
5. Zara Si Dil Mein(Jannat): singer: K.K, Music by Pritam

Top 5 Hollywood Songs

1. Hot N Cold – Kate Perry
2. Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce
3. Womanizer – Brinry Spears
4. Gotta Be Somebody – NickelBack
5. Disturbia – Rihanna

Top 5 iPod Alternatives

1. SanDisk Sansa Clip
2. Samsung P2
3. Microsoft Zune 120
4. Cowon iAudio D2
5. Sony Walkman A720/A820

Top 5 Podcasts (Music)

1. The Acoustic Lounge on KSFS
   2. Irish Flute Tunes
   3. Mike Rizzy
   4. TromboneLessons.com Video Podcast
   5. Hannah Holland

Top 5 Consumer Complaints

1. Identity Theft – 313,982 complaints
2. Third Party and Creditor Debt Collection – 104,642 complaints
3. Shop-at-home and Catalog Sales – 52, 615 complaints
4. Internet Services – 52,102 complaints
5. Foreign Money and Counterfeit Scams – 38,505 complaints

Top 5 Gadgets That Could Get You Arrested

1. The WASP Knife
2. Sonar II Burner
3. EMT Paintball Sentry Turret
4. Fiber Laser Marking System
5. Lil’ Buttie LB110

Top 5 Amazing Astronomy Discoveries

1. Alien worlds
2. Martian life?
3. Dark energy
4. Black hole antics
5. Solving Mercury mysteries

Top 5 Incredible Science Discoveries

1. The Arctic melts
2. Electron filmed for the first time
3. Huge new population of gorillas discovered
4. Memory’s limit found
5. Stronger link between birds and dinosaurs

Top 5 most anticipated game

1. Grand Theft Auto IV
2. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
3. Spore
4. The Agency
5. Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Top 5 Broadcasting Uproars

1. Phone Filth Call Shocker
2. Strictly Come Voting
3. Socks Off
4. Antiques Road Show Desecrated
5. A Master at Work

Top 5 Cyber Security News

1. SQL injection attacks
2. Hannaford Brothers supermarket breach
3. Dan Kaminsky and DNS dangers
4. Microsoft Vista adoption issues
5. Slowing the spam surge

Top 5 VoIP Threats

1. DoS (denial of service) Attacks on VoIP Networks
2. VoIP Eavesdropping
3. Microsoft Office Communications Server
4. Vishing by VoIP
5. VoIP Attacks Against Service Providers

Top 10 hottest phones

1. Nokia N96
2. Sony Ericsson Xperia X1
3. Samsung Soul
4. Sony Ericsson W980
5. NTT Docomo Wellness phone

Top 5 Cellphone Letdowns

1. iPhone 3G
2. Google G1
3. Palm Treo Pro
4. Motorola Z10
5. LG Dare

The list is endless,In fact I’ve more than 50 more Top 5 lists that I compiled so if anybody needs a list of anything else just leave a comment and I’ll be more than happy to add it to my post.

PS:In a bid to make-up for keeping all of my avid readers waiting for posts,I’ll be distributing free songs,movies,software’s so just a leave a comment stating what you need and leave the rest to me.It can be anything,a song or movie you were trying to find for ages or an application that you don’t want to pay for but a need a a full version.

Quote of the Day:
A blow with a word strikes deeper than a blow with a sword.
–Robert Burton

From Terror To Peace – India Peace Campaign

In times of Terror,when all the news channels,newspaper and other form of media are busy showing/stating how it happened;when it happened and where it happened.We a group of people headed by Nirali Vasisht, Ridhi Kapoor, Malvika Grover, Deepti Gupta, Sneha Joseph,Kalyani Seth,Sneha Muralidharan and Sneha Chopra decided to join hands for Peace and not for revolt,aggression or retaliation against the Terrorists,Government Officials,Political Outfits or any other people in this blame game.Instead,we will walk for peace and prosperity by being united in the INDIA PEACE CAMPAIGN around the globe on the 10th of December 2008.

Before you read further just have a look at the following links :

Official Blog : India Peace Campaign

Event Page – Facebook

Join Us Here : Group Page – Facebook

I request you all to join us from your respective cities and stand in solidarity for this noble cause.I would like to remind everyone again as its a peace walk so no hate – slogans and banners like we witnessed in other campaigns around the nation till date.Shouting our lungs out and swearing wont make a difference so lets make an effort and let Peace prevail.

Tomorrow,10th December 2008 is the day that will go down the memory lane as an initiative for spreading peace by the youth all through out the world.We all want to be a part of this historical moment so lets do it.Together we can and we will make an difference,we did it whenever our nation needed so we can do it again.

As,I firmly believe ‘Action Speaks Louder Than Words’ so its time for me to request you all of you out there to meet us at the venue and make the ‘Walk do the Talk’.I’ll keep it short this time as I’ve to finish a lot of other things for tomorrow.But,to cover up for such a short post I am adding some of my favourite pictures related to the peace walk for everybody to relish

PS:Your comments & suggestions are most welcome.

Quote of the Day:
It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust
–Samuel Johnson

Remembering The Good Old 90’s (Jaane Kahaan Gaye Woh Din)

When I recently visited my blog it seemed like a tech blog to me rather than a blog for all genres.So, I decided no more posts on technology instead lets visit ‘The Good Old 90’s.’ One thing I always wondered after growing up and getting all involved in gizmos and technology is how did I manage without all these things(PC,Mobile,Playstation,IPod etc) when I was young?

So,lets just revisit the golden era once again and see….

How did one survive growing up in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s?

We had no seatbelts, no airbags and sitting in the back of a truck was a treat…
Our baby prams had the most gorgeous lead based colours…
No such thing as tamper proof bottle tops…
Opening kitchen cupboards was a breeze… as safety locks were unheard off…
Cycling was like a breath of fresh air…
No safety helmets, knee pads or elbow pads, with plenty of cardboard’s between spokes to make it sound like a motorbike…
When thirsty we only drank tap water, bottled water was still a mystery…
We kept busy collecting bits & pieces so we could build all sort of things … and we were fearless on our bikes even when the brakes failed going downhill…
We were showing off how tough we are, by how high we could climb trees & then jumping down….It was great fun….
We could stay out to play for hours, as long as we got back before dark, in time for dinner…
We walked to school, or sometimes we even rode our bike.

We had no mobile phones, but we always managed to find each other…!!
How??  No one knows…
We lost teeth, broke arms & legs, we got cuts and bruises and bloody noses…. nobody complained as we had so much fun, it wasn’t anybody’s fault, only ours
We ate everything in sight, cakes, bread, chocolate, ice-cream, sweet sugary drinks, yet, we stayed skinny by fooling around.
And if one of us was lucky to find a 1 litre coca cola bottle we all had a swag from it & guess what? Nobody picked up any germs…
We did not have Play Stations, MP3, Nintendo’s, I-Pods, Video games, 99 Cable TV channels, DVD’s, Home Cinema, Mobile phones, Home Computers, Laptops, Chat-rooms, Internet, etc … BUT, we had REAL FRIENDS!!!!
We called on friends to come out to play, never rang the doorbell, just went around the back…
We loved being let loose in the big bad world…without bodyguards…
We played with sticks and stones, played cowboys and Indians, doctors and nurses, hide and seek, soccer games, over and over again…
When we failed our exams we were given a second chance by simply repeating the same grade…without visiting psychiatrists, psychologists or counsellors…
Such were the days…
We had freedom, success, disappointments and responsibilities. ..
Most of all, we learned to respect others…

Now lets,have a look what we had on TV those days that always kept us busy even when their was only 1 channel:

Doordarshan Logo

Doordarshan’s Screensaver

                        Humlog(India’s First Family Soap)

Malgudi Days

Dekh Bhai Dekh

Ramayan

Mile Sur Mera Tumhara

Turning Point

Bharath Ek Khoj

Alif Laila

Byomkesh Bakshi

Tehkikaat

He Man

Salma Sultana DD News Reader

Vicco turmeric,
Nahin cosmetic
Vicco turmeric ayurvedic cream

Twaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinggggggg
Washin powder Nirma, Washing powder Nirma
Doodh si safedi, Nirma se aayi
Rangeen kapde bhi khil khil jaaye

Complan Boy(Shahid Kapoor) and Girl (Ayesha Takia)

Surabhi:  Renuka Sahane and Siddharth
Then were ‘Mungerilal ke hasin sapane’ and ‘karamchand’…’Vikram Betal’, etc.

Quote of the Day:
Commonsense and good nature will do a lot to make the pilgrimage of life not too difficult.
–William Somerset Maugham