Change...

Everybody goes through a phase in life where change is imminent. I always thought I'd be stable and confident simply because I have always been satisfied with what I had. I hated change.

However this past month, everything has changed, am single now, i changed my phone (got the iPhone 4, amazing gadget), changed my hair colour, cut my hair, and got new clothes (all these wonderful, satisfying activities have left a big hole in my pocket)...

So why is change so difficult for some people to endure?

 Well in my case, its the fear of the unknown. I'm the kind of person who plans everything, from the time i get up (well i plan it but doesn't mean i get up on time la) to my life. Imagine just diving into the ocean, not knowing how to swim, not knowing if there will be someone there to save you or swim with you.

Another reason I believe, is self doubt. The 'What If" question is always playing at the back of my mind. Sitting on the high chair at the salon with brown dye on my head, I kept thinking over and over again, "What if I dont like it?", "What if it doesn't look professional?", "What if I look like a total estate?", "What if people stare at me?".. Crazy I know (because my sister kept telling me that) but its the same feeling you get when your sitting for a multiple choice exam and you don't know whether you have ticked the right answer. And if its the wrong one, you keep hitting your head!!!!

There are so many reasons for the fear of change. But recent times have taught me that, sometimes change is refreshing and welcome. We do not necessarily realise when it is time to let go, it could be your hair, your shoes, your favourite old t-shirt or even someone special but at the end of the day letting go and accepting change may be the best thing you can do for yourself.

There is always a reason for everything that happens. Hold on to that, believe and hope for the best. If it doesn't work your way, don't worry you will learn something new and the new experience will teach you to make a better choice next time.

'Change brings opportunity' - Nido Qubein 

The old me

The new me

Silk 'Vidya'

The name Silk Smitha has and always will draw a cheeky smile or covert glance at a mere mention. Known for her provocative dressing in the 1980's, Silk was synonymous with the words sex symbol.

However this sultry beauty with bedroom eyes never dreamed that she would die a sex icon with no other significant accomplishments to her name.

Born Vijayalakshmi in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, Smitha left school after her fourth standard due to financial constraints. She became a film star by accident when she moved with her aunt to Madras and was discovered by Indian director Vinu Chakravarthy at a flour mill. He renamed her Smitha and his wife taught her English, while she learned dancing from another teacher. 
Over the years, Silk tried in vain to get meatier roles that would strengthen her status as an 'actress'. She did try her hand at several roles in critically acclaimed movies including Layanam, Allagai Oivathillai and Moondram Pirai but directors kept knocking on her door for item songs, much to her dismay.
In fact, she even tried producing a film in 1995 but on Sept 23, 1996, she died after numerous heart breaks, financial difficulties and alcohol woes. It was widely speculated that Silk committed suicide but till date the theory has not been proved but friends, family and NGOs demanded for an inquest into her death despite police reports that concluded it was suicide. Nothing  was done.
Now the mystery that is Silk Smitha has been unearthed, rumour mills have started again after producer and queen of Hindi Serials Ekta Kapoor announced a movie on the life and times of Silk. Noted actress Vidya Balan is playing the southern beauty's role and she shares the screen with Nasseruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor (Ekta's brother) in the movie dubbed "The Dirty Picture".

While I love Vidya Balan for her immaculate acting skills, her finesse and beauty, I strongly doubt that she could pull off Silk's personal life on the silver screens. Believe or not I think she is too classy for this role.
Silk was a class of her own, she batted her lashes with a seductive smile (with even white teeth), she moved her hips like an expert courtesan and even made each sexy scene believeable. (don't believe me? check out Youtube). If it sounds like I admire the sex siren, well in a way I do. Nobody wants to be known as a mere item girl. I am sure it was difficult for her to put on a poker face and  do her job everyday. It must have been nearly impossible to rub shoulders with some (really bad looking) actors and pretend to love doing it. 
Can Vidya pull off the bedroom eyes and the sultry moves? Maybe not but I am sure she can pull off the desperation Silk felt, the pain she lived with and the loneliness that many say claimed Silk's life. 
So will the crowd love Vidya as Silk or will they walk out the theater on the day of the movie's release, Dec 2 (Silk's birth date) with disappointment? Let's wait and watch.

Vidya Balan may be too classy for this role

Silk was a class of her own

A legend's demise

A post on my friend's Facebook page had me reeling with sadness. The great Shammi Kapoor, the legendary actor, the famous dancer and the romantic hero passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai at 5.15am on Saturday, where he was admitted within the last week. The 79 year old actor passed away due to renal failure and was on a ventilator for three or four days. He was having chest infection, which he had had for the last one or two years. He had been undergoing dialysis for the last six or seven years but developed complications.

You know sometimes, we do not know what we will miss until we have lost them. Shammi Kapoor for me was one of those things I didn't think I would miss. In fact, truth be told his dance moves used to irk me to no end but in a way it provided me with a good laugh when ever I needed one.

He used to have this annoying tilt to his head which would cause the little 'Joe Jambul' on his head to flip incessantly. It was hilarious to watch him. But that very move, melted hearts back in the day. He was a heart throb, the lean machine with an adorable smile, so I've been told.

Well, me missing him may not be that important but the Bollywood film industry has a lot to say about the joyful Shammi Kapoor. Twitter has been alive with condolence messages from actors, producers, directors and musicians. Shammi who hailed from the famous Kapoor family was known for his love of music and dance. He was also one of the pioneering actors who took to Twitter and Facebook like fish to water.


Preity Zinta tweeted '2 my all time favourite Shammi Kapoor, my childhood crush & my reason to Yahoo.. May your soul rest in peace! You will live in R hearts FOREVER!

Actress Genelia from famed Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na tweeted 'RIP shammiji,,had d good fortune of meeting him during jaane tu's audio release, so glad I met him, truly a legend n 2day its a gr8 loss 2us'

'One of finest and strongest men I knew...we will truly miss you shammi uncle....RIP....' read director Karan Johar's tweet.

So everyone... let us take a final bow as Shammi Kapoor leaves the stage forever... RIP!!!




Watch Shammi Kapoor's Video

Ignorance

Traffic Jams (Pix from www.fastmotoring.com)

The Month of Ramadhan is a holy month for our fellow Muslim friends. Each day they fast and rush home early after work to prepare a meal for their families. So not surprising, the roads are packed everyday as everyone, Muslims and non Muslims head home.

Unfortunately, we have drivers who forget that everyone needs to go home. Some fools enjoy whizzing in and out, cutting queues and changing lanes without an ounce of thought for others.
There are people who were standing in queue for a long time, those who have been patient waiting for their turn only to be pushed back again by the inconsiderate fools!!

What do you get by being a complete, arrogant idiot? An extra 10 mins at home? What if the dangerous moves land you and the other drivers in the hospital? Would that be worth it???? It doesn't hurt to be kind, you might reach your destination a little later but remember you will be safe!!

Do we need a change?

“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”  -- Thomas Jefferson


Reading an email, I came across this quote from Thomas Jefferson and reflected upon the state of our own country. 

I was in Taiping for my friend's engagement during the Bersih 2.0 Rally on the 9th of July. Tucked away in Taiping, I was somewhat shielded from the catastrophe ( I shall name it such) in KL. I received regular updates from Star Online and of course Twitter and Facebook (thanks to my friends) but engrossed in the preparations for the engagement, I pushed Bersih to the back of my mind.

When I came back on Monday, I sat at home and watched videos of Bersih posted on Youtube and realised that, the treatment the people received was not deserved. So many people turned up for the rally for their country. Initially I was skeptical for the reasons behind the rally, wondering if it is worth stopping time in KL. When I saw the videos, I was blown away by the support shown by Malaysians regardless of Race, Religion or Colour. That was truly 1Malaysia. 


I am proud that so many people decided to take matters into their hands for a better future. The initiative whether right or wrong has proved one thing for everyone, a change is needed. The government I believe should rise to this challenge and listen to the people.


So, Malaysians think wisely, the future is in your hands. After this fiasco, I have decided to register as a voter and do my part for the country. What about you? 

Where do I start?

Hello,
Everyone seems to be blogging these days and I have often wondered about the benefits of the online media. Being a reporter in the mainstream media, I have been somewhat skeptical of writing for blogs, fearful of what my actions and words may cause but I believe it is time to take a plunge. This blog I hope will mirror my feelings,  thoughts and anguish of the world we live in today. Feel free to drop a comment or two. Thanks you guys