BEST FILM
Dostana
Ghajini
Jodhaa Akbar
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Rock On!!
According to me, Best Movie of the Year is, "A Wednesday". Unfortunately the movie has not been nominated in the Best Film Category. My Second Choice is "Sarkar Raj", that is also not nominated. Out of the nominated movie, I felt bored watching Jodha Akbar and Rock On. I did not even feel watching Rab Ne after reading the storylines and stopped watching Dostana after one hour. I am left out with Ghajini and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. My Pick would be Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na , simply because of young cast and crew and giving the fresh touch to simple story line.
BEST DIRECTOR
A.R. Murugadoss - Ghajini
Abhishek Kapoor - Rock On!!
Aditya Chopra - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Ashutosh Gowariker - Jodhaa Akbar
Madhur Bhandarkar - Fashion
Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday!
As I said earlier, "A Wednesday" is the best movie of the year for me and so is the Direction of the movie. My Vote goes for Neeraj Pandey.
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Aamir Khan - Ghajini
Abhishek Bachchan - Dostana
Hrithik Roshan - Jodhaa Akbar
Akshay Kumar - Sinng Is Kinng
Shah Rukh Khan - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Naseeruddin Shah - A Wednesday!
It is tough to compare likes of Nasseruddin against Aamir. I am glad that they did not nominated Amitabh Bachhan for his role in Sarkar Raj, otherwise, It would have been very difficult choice to make. Since AB is not nominated, my choice would be Aamir Khan.
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
ROLE Aishwarya Rai - Jodhaa Akbar
Anushka Sharma - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Asin Thottumkal - Ghajini
Kajol - U Me Aur Hum
Priyanka Chopra - Fashion
I hope Asin gets best debutant award. I think, It happened with Hrithik Roshan when he won the best debutant and best male performer of the year award together. I went to see Ghajini for Aamir Khan but when I came out, I had all praised for Asin for Ghajini. I wish Aishwarya Rai gets the award if Asin does not. After all, she is from my college :))
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (MALE)
Abhishek Bachchan - Sarkaar Raj
Arjun Rampal - Rock On!!
Pratik Babbar - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Sonu Sood - Jodhaa Akbar
Tushaar Kapoor - Golmaal Returns
Vinay Pathak - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
It will be again battle of A's (Amitabh, Aamir, Aishwarya, Asin, Arjun, Abhisekh, A.R.Rahman, all A's). If they go by popularity, it would be AB Baby but if they go by performance, Arjun Rampal will get the award.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (FEMALE)
Bipasha Basu - Bachna Ae Haseeno
Kangana Ranaut - Fashion
Kiron Kher - Dostana
Ratna Pathak Shah - Jaanu Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Sahana Goswami - Rock On!!
I saw only 5 minutes of Fashion but the walk that I saw and facial expression, convinced me that Kangana deserve to get an Award.
BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE)
Farhan Akhtar - Rock On!! - Socha Hai
KK - Bachna Ae Haseeno - Khuda Jaane
KK - Jannat - Zara Si Dil Mein
Rashid Ali - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na - Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
Sonu Nigham - Jodhaa Akbar - Inn Lamho Ke Daaman Mein
Sukhwinder Singh - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi – Haule Haule
Problem with KK is that he does not use CORUS in his songs. It is very difficult to lift the song with the pure talent of singing but thats what Mr. KK does best. Zara Si Dil Mein is beautyfully sung song and deserve the award.
BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (FEMALE)
Alka Yagnik - Yuvvraaj - Tu Muskura
Neha Bhasin - Fashion - Kuch Khaas Hai
Shilpa Rao - Bachna Ae Haseeno - Khuda Jaane
Shreya Ghoshal - Singh is Kinng - Teri Ore
Shruti Pathak - Fashion - Marjaawa
Sunidhi Chuhan - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Dance Pe Chance
Shreya Ghosal has such a sweet voice that I would give it to her for Teri Ore although the song itself is not so good. Perhaps Shilpa Rao may get it for Khuda Jane.
NOMINEES FOR BEST LYRICS
Abbas Tyrewala - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na - Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
Gulzar - Yuvvraaj - Tu Meri Dost Hai
Jaideep Sahni - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Haule Haule
Javed Akhtar - Jodhaa Akbar - Jashn e Bahara
Javed Akhtar - Rock On!! - Socha Hai
Prasoon Joshi - Ghajini - Guzarish
Javed Akhtar for Socha Hai would be my pick.
BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR
A R Rahman - Ghajini
A R Rahman - Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
A R Rahman - Jodhaa Kabar
Pritam - Race
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy - Rock On!!
Vishal-Shekhar - Dostana
It would be very good battle to see which A.R.Rahman movie will get the award. My Pick would be Jaane Tu...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
2008 Cricket World Test Team
As far as Opening Batsmen role is concerned, one choice is unanimous and the same choice is true for the Captain of the Team as well. He is South-African captain and currently the most reliable opening batsman Graeme Smith.
To Give Smith company at the top of the order has many choices. Hayden had a huge struggling year and although Strauss was good enough, the choice needs to go between, either of the Indian Pair (Sehwag and/or Gautam Gambhir). Sehwag and Gambhir would make it in the squad and selection would depend upon the team composition.
Sehwag would be the first choice, considering he is right hander and to continue right and left combination with Smith. However, Sehwag is also more of a dasher and if team is going with only 5 Batsman, it makes sense to go with Gambhir at the top of the order.
In the Upper Middle-Order, one choice which would definitely make it is Kevin Pietersen. Choice of K.P. to bat at number 3 or number 4 depends upon the selection of other two members. If Hashim Amla is to be selected, then K.P. could go at number 4 but if Sachin Tendulkar gets the green light, K.P. needs to bat at number 3. Amla, Pietersen and Tendulkar would make the 3 and 4 with one of them sit out.
In Lower-Middle Order, the fight would be between, Chanderpaul who had an average of over 100 for 9 test matches. De Villers with his ability to take magnificent catches on the field gives the all round ability. If the team is required to select a genuine all rounder then Symonds might get a call. Since Kallis struggled through out the year and Bravo another all rounder is still struggling with injury, it would be fair to consider Daniel Vettori.
As far as wicket keeper’s choice is concerned, with his strong batting and leadership quality, M.S.Dhoni virtually qualifies himself before anyone in the team does.
Spin Department would have touch choices to consider. Vettori, if can not make it as All rounder, he surely deserves the top spot in the Spin Department. It is still early to consider Mendis since he played only 3 home test matches to compare him with Murlitharan and Harbhajan Singh out of which one of them should be the partner of Vettori.
Fast Bowling Department would have handful of left arm bowlers. Mitchel Johnson, Sidebottom and Zaheer Khan are the top 3 left armers and all three of them are deserving candidate. Since Zaheer was injured in the top half of the year and Sidebottom on the bottom, M.Johnson from Australia can seal the spot.
Since Brett Lee struggled in the last 6 months of the calendar year. Either of David Steyn or Ntini should be able to make it to the Top 11. Although it is too early to put Ishant Sharma in the top rank, like Mendis he also was top performer.
Squad :
Sehwag, Smith (Gambhir), Pietersen , Tendulkar (Amla), Chanderpaul ( Devillers), Symonds , Dhoni (Boucher), Vettori (Harbhajan Singh), Steyn , M.Johnson, Ntini (Zaheer, Sidebottom, I.Sharma, )
Trivia: Pakistan did not play a single test match in the entire year of 2008.
To Give Smith company at the top of the order has many choices. Hayden had a huge struggling year and although Strauss was good enough, the choice needs to go between, either of the Indian Pair (Sehwag and/or Gautam Gambhir). Sehwag and Gambhir would make it in the squad and selection would depend upon the team composition.
Sehwag would be the first choice, considering he is right hander and to continue right and left combination with Smith. However, Sehwag is also more of a dasher and if team is going with only 5 Batsman, it makes sense to go with Gambhir at the top of the order.
In the Upper Middle-Order, one choice which would definitely make it is Kevin Pietersen. Choice of K.P. to bat at number 3 or number 4 depends upon the selection of other two members. If Hashim Amla is to be selected, then K.P. could go at number 4 but if Sachin Tendulkar gets the green light, K.P. needs to bat at number 3. Amla, Pietersen and Tendulkar would make the 3 and 4 with one of them sit out.
In Lower-Middle Order, the fight would be between, Chanderpaul who had an average of over 100 for 9 test matches. De Villers with his ability to take magnificent catches on the field gives the all round ability. If the team is required to select a genuine all rounder then Symonds might get a call. Since Kallis struggled through out the year and Bravo another all rounder is still struggling with injury, it would be fair to consider Daniel Vettori.
As far as wicket keeper’s choice is concerned, with his strong batting and leadership quality, M.S.Dhoni virtually qualifies himself before anyone in the team does.
Spin Department would have touch choices to consider. Vettori, if can not make it as All rounder, he surely deserves the top spot in the Spin Department. It is still early to consider Mendis since he played only 3 home test matches to compare him with Murlitharan and Harbhajan Singh out of which one of them should be the partner of Vettori.
Fast Bowling Department would have handful of left arm bowlers. Mitchel Johnson, Sidebottom and Zaheer Khan are the top 3 left armers and all three of them are deserving candidate. Since Zaheer was injured in the top half of the year and Sidebottom on the bottom, M.Johnson from Australia can seal the spot.
Since Brett Lee struggled in the last 6 months of the calendar year. Either of David Steyn or Ntini should be able to make it to the Top 11. Although it is too early to put Ishant Sharma in the top rank, like Mendis he also was top performer.
Squad :
Sehwag, Smith (Gambhir), Pietersen , Tendulkar (Amla), Chanderpaul ( Devillers), Symonds , Dhoni (Boucher), Vettori (Harbhajan Singh), Steyn , M.Johnson, Ntini (Zaheer, Sidebottom, I.Sharma, )
Trivia: Pakistan did not play a single test match in the entire year of 2008.
2008 Bollywood Music
Male Playback Singing:
Number 5: Sukhwinder Singh (Haule Haule Ho Jayega Pyar from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Number 4: KK (Khuda Jane from Bachana E Haseeno)
Number 3: Rashid Ali (Kabhi Kabhi Aditi from Jane Tu Ya Jane Na)
Number 2: Atif Aslam (Pehli Nazar Mein Aisa Jadoo...Race)
Number 1: Udit Narayan (Falak Tak Chal...TASHAN)
Female Playback Singing:
Number 5: Shreya Ghosal (Teri Ore....Singh is King)
Number 4: Suzanne D'Mello (Hey Ya....Kidnap)
Number 3: Monali Thakur (Jara Jara Kiss Me ...Race)
Number 2: Shreya Ghosal (Tuj Mein Rab Dikhta Hai...Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Number 1: Sunidhi Chauhan (Chaliya ....TASHAN)
Number 5: Sukhwinder Singh (Haule Haule Ho Jayega Pyar from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Number 4: KK (Khuda Jane from Bachana E Haseeno)
Number 3: Rashid Ali (Kabhi Kabhi Aditi from Jane Tu Ya Jane Na)
Number 2: Atif Aslam (Pehli Nazar Mein Aisa Jadoo...Race)
Number 1: Udit Narayan (Falak Tak Chal...TASHAN)
Female Playback Singing:
Number 5: Shreya Ghosal (Teri Ore....Singh is King)
Number 4: Suzanne D'Mello (Hey Ya....Kidnap)
Number 3: Monali Thakur (Jara Jara Kiss Me ...Race)
Number 2: Shreya Ghosal (Tuj Mein Rab Dikhta Hai...Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Number 1: Sunidhi Chauhan (Chaliya ....TASHAN)
Bollywood Movies 2001 onwards
2007 : (Best in Bollywoood Year)
Taare Zameen Par, Om Shanti Om, Chak De India, Guru, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Life in a Metro, Jab We Met, Salaam e Ishq , Namastey London,Cheeni Kum,
2006:
Dhoom 2, Lage Raho , Rang De Basanti, Omkara, MalaMaal Weekly,Dor,
2005: (Worst Year) Black, Sarkar,
2004:
Dhoom, Lakshya, Khakee, Swades, Yuva, Ab Tak Chappan, Ek Haseena Thi,
2003: Munna bhai MBBS, Hungama, Gangaajal, Ishq Vishq,
2002: Aankhen, Saathiya, Company,
2001: Lagaan, K3G, DCH, Ajnabee..
I hate to say, but I do not see many movies from 2008 could make it in my fav. list. I admit, I still have to see many films, including Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Ghajini, Dostana etc ...but I am disappointed with Sarkar Raj,Jodha Akbar and Singh is King and perhaps, only movie which could make it to top list would be RACE (so far...)
Taare Zameen Par, Om Shanti Om, Chak De India, Guru, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Life in a Metro, Jab We Met, Salaam e Ishq , Namastey London,Cheeni Kum,
2006:
Dhoom 2, Lage Raho , Rang De Basanti, Omkara, MalaMaal Weekly,Dor,
2005: (Worst Year) Black, Sarkar,
2004:
Dhoom, Lakshya, Khakee, Swades, Yuva, Ab Tak Chappan, Ek Haseena Thi,
2003: Munna bhai MBBS, Hungama, Gangaajal, Ishq Vishq,
2002: Aankhen, Saathiya, Company,
2001: Lagaan, K3G, DCH, Ajnabee..
I hate to say, but I do not see many movies from 2008 could make it in my fav. list. I admit, I still have to see many films, including Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Ghajini, Dostana etc ...but I am disappointed with Sarkar Raj,Jodha Akbar and Singh is King and perhaps, only movie which could make it to top list would be RACE (so far...)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
NFL Fantasy Finale
This is the first time I attempted to sign up for a fantasy league in NFL. My season ended on the very first day of the NFL Season. Tom Brady got injured and had a season ending surgery and all hopes of Patriots having a good season were almost over. Tom Brady was also my first draft pick and my hopes were “almost” over.
I did not even bothered to look into the scores every week and couldn’t realize that I had 4 losses in the first 4 weeks. Suddenly, this Kurt Warner guy started me keeping in the game. I kept changing the team each week and suddenly I had a winning streak of 6 games and had my play-off hopes alive.
I won the play-offs, and then this week was the final week of the season for fantasy league. Kurt Warner who was responsible for keeping me in the league was a doubtful pick for this week. Simply because, Cardinals were playing Patriots and Patriots has to win the game to go to the Playoffs. Patriots are my favorite team and Kurt Warner is my favorite player this season simply because, he kept me in the league. So, I did not change Kurt Warner with Chad Pennington (BAD MOVE for this Week).
I had the best defensive units in the league, STEELERS and TITANS. I kept changing them every week depending upon which one they are playing against and every week they gave me more than 15 points. In fact, my defensive unit was my high scoring player.
Guess What, It is Final Week, and Steelers are playing against Titans. So, Which one to pick? Tough Choice, It’s like mother picking out of their two children. Finally, I picked Steelers because they are rated number 1 defensive team, and guess what they scored only 1 Point in the game (same score as of Kurt Warner), and Titans scored 23. (another BAD MOVE for this Week)
I also had two very good kickers in the team who on an average gave me minimum of 8 points every time I selected them. R. Longwell from Vikings and Carney from Giants. I picked Longwell for this week (Another bad move for this week).
I had 4 wide receivers and had to pick 3 out of 4. I had Bowe, Evans and L.Moore throughtout the season except few final games. I had M.Muhammad from Carolina panthers on the bench and in last 6 days, I just could not decide which one out of first three I need to drop to put M.Muhammad in. Unfortunately, I kept Muhammad on the bench for the finale and this was one more bad move. Muhsin Muhammad scored 8 points only but that is more than total of 6 points scored by three of my wide receivers (Bowe, Evans and Moore).
Now, Before I say, whether I won the game or not, let me give the name of the players my Opposite Team has. Opposite Team has best quarterback of NFL, Tony Romo. He scored 18 points as opposed to my Kurt Warner who scored only 1.
Opposite team has defensive unit of Vikings which scored 8 points as opposed to Steelers that scored only 1 point for me.
Opposite team has running back of T.Jones (number 1 in this season) and Kevin Smith who together scored 25 points.
Opposite Team had score of 56 Points and I had 16 points and only two players to play the game. Difference of 40 Points.
But the Running back which I had was (Steve Slaton) who scored 9 points and gave me hope. Like we all do, when the chips are down is go for the Hope and Pray. After all this was fantasy league and I fantasias that only one player that I have left, my running back will score some 4 touchdown (highly unlikely).
That player before I give the name out was going to play against the best defensive team, New York Giants. It is highly unlikely that someone would score 4 touchdowns against Giants defense. I would say, not even the whole team could score 4 touchdowns against Giants but this one player for me, scored 3 touchdowns in the first half against NY Giants. Player name, Ladies and Gentleman is : DeAngelo Williams.
DeAngelo Williams scored 34 points and gave me most unlikely victory and chance to win for a Super Bowl Tickets.
I did not even bothered to look into the scores every week and couldn’t realize that I had 4 losses in the first 4 weeks. Suddenly, this Kurt Warner guy started me keeping in the game. I kept changing the team each week and suddenly I had a winning streak of 6 games and had my play-off hopes alive.
I won the play-offs, and then this week was the final week of the season for fantasy league. Kurt Warner who was responsible for keeping me in the league was a doubtful pick for this week. Simply because, Cardinals were playing Patriots and Patriots has to win the game to go to the Playoffs. Patriots are my favorite team and Kurt Warner is my favorite player this season simply because, he kept me in the league. So, I did not change Kurt Warner with Chad Pennington (BAD MOVE for this Week).
I had the best defensive units in the league, STEELERS and TITANS. I kept changing them every week depending upon which one they are playing against and every week they gave me more than 15 points. In fact, my defensive unit was my high scoring player.
Guess What, It is Final Week, and Steelers are playing against Titans. So, Which one to pick? Tough Choice, It’s like mother picking out of their two children. Finally, I picked Steelers because they are rated number 1 defensive team, and guess what they scored only 1 Point in the game (same score as of Kurt Warner), and Titans scored 23. (another BAD MOVE for this Week)
I also had two very good kickers in the team who on an average gave me minimum of 8 points every time I selected them. R. Longwell from Vikings and Carney from Giants. I picked Longwell for this week (Another bad move for this week).
I had 4 wide receivers and had to pick 3 out of 4. I had Bowe, Evans and L.Moore throughtout the season except few final games. I had M.Muhammad from Carolina panthers on the bench and in last 6 days, I just could not decide which one out of first three I need to drop to put M.Muhammad in. Unfortunately, I kept Muhammad on the bench for the finale and this was one more bad move. Muhsin Muhammad scored 8 points only but that is more than total of 6 points scored by three of my wide receivers (Bowe, Evans and Moore).
Now, Before I say, whether I won the game or not, let me give the name of the players my Opposite Team has. Opposite Team has best quarterback of NFL, Tony Romo. He scored 18 points as opposed to my Kurt Warner who scored only 1.
Opposite team has defensive unit of Vikings which scored 8 points as opposed to Steelers that scored only 1 point for me.
Opposite team has running back of T.Jones (number 1 in this season) and Kevin Smith who together scored 25 points.
Opposite Team had score of 56 Points and I had 16 points and only two players to play the game. Difference of 40 Points.
But the Running back which I had was (Steve Slaton) who scored 9 points and gave me hope. Like we all do, when the chips are down is go for the Hope and Pray. After all this was fantasy league and I fantasias that only one player that I have left, my running back will score some 4 touchdown (highly unlikely).
That player before I give the name out was going to play against the best defensive team, New York Giants. It is highly unlikely that someone would score 4 touchdowns against Giants defense. I would say, not even the whole team could score 4 touchdowns against Giants but this one player for me, scored 3 touchdowns in the first half against NY Giants. Player name, Ladies and Gentleman is : DeAngelo Williams.
DeAngelo Williams scored 34 points and gave me most unlikely victory and chance to win for a Super Bowl Tickets.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Oh No !!! Obama !!!
Barack Obama won the election because ...
He is a Democratic Nominee...(30% of the Votes just comes because you are Democrate, same other 30% Goes to Republican nominee)
He is NOT REPUBLICAN (10% of Votes Remember, Bush is Republican :) People were so frustrated with Bush Administration that they would have Voted for anyone with Democratic Ticket)
He is YOUNG Nominee compared to his Opposite Leader (3% of Voters, mostly young people voted for Obama)
He is African-American (3% of people who did not even voted anytime in their life, went out to vote because, of this)
He is a Smart Politician who BUY OUT CNN (3% of Voters) (only known authentic news channel that people of america follows)
He is a Shrewd Politician who THREW money in Florida to Win some necessary 5 to 10 of Votes to swing the state from RED to Blue. (1% of over-all votes)
Only 2-3% of Voters think, that He is actually smarters than what he looks and He could actually be a good President..
It is Amazing, How Illusion can ruin your dream and 2009 could be one of those year..........where those 2-3% people who voted for Obama thinking, He is INTELLIGENT,Strong, Clever etc. etc...would wake up and see the reality...
He is a Democratic Nominee...(30% of the Votes just comes because you are Democrate, same other 30% Goes to Republican nominee)
He is NOT REPUBLICAN (10% of Votes Remember, Bush is Republican :) People were so frustrated with Bush Administration that they would have Voted for anyone with Democratic Ticket)
He is YOUNG Nominee compared to his Opposite Leader (3% of Voters, mostly young people voted for Obama)
He is African-American (3% of people who did not even voted anytime in their life, went out to vote because, of this)
He is a Smart Politician who BUY OUT CNN (3% of Voters) (only known authentic news channel that people of america follows)
He is a Shrewd Politician who THREW money in Florida to Win some necessary 5 to 10 of Votes to swing the state from RED to Blue. (1% of over-all votes)
Only 2-3% of Voters think, that He is actually smarters than what he looks and He could actually be a good President..
It is Amazing, How Illusion can ruin your dream and 2009 could be one of those year..........where those 2-3% people who voted for Obama thinking, He is INTELLIGENT,Strong, Clever etc. etc...would wake up and see the reality...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ganguly's Replacement
I feel, Suresh Raina should be Ganguly's Replacement in the Test Squad but ongoing One-Day Series will determine whether it is Raina or Yuvraj or Kaif or S.Badrinath or Rohit Sharma or M.Vijay, who is taking his place.
My Thoughts on this can be viewed @ following youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYsfuuJzOAY
My Thoughts on this can be viewed @ following youtube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYsfuuJzOAY
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