Burfi, As sweet as it gets but meaningful

After a long time I could find time to watch a film and I watched this movie called Burfi. The name of the movie was very unconventional and the reviews in the news papers were good, though I could not make out the theme of the movie from the review.

As the movie started, it took some time for me  to understand what is happening. As it progressed, it kept shuttling between current event and flash back and that too without any notice or hint. That also made me think, is it current event or flash back? The movie also progressed rather slowly.

What I said above  not withstanding, it was a refreshing movie, full of life and fun. So much of misfortune and sadness that the hero and heroine had in their life due to god's gift (or was it lack of it) but   the way they dealt with life was so simple and funny. Their characters made you think of our able bodied people's responses to similar situation ( and we able bodied figured poor second to these two souls). Every thing in the movie bordered to comedy yet none of it was a comedy, it was something that forced you to think. It was simple yet had a deep message. It did not make you cry (despite all the sufferings that the leads of the movie go through) yet it made you sit up and take note.

As for acting, the expressions, the communication through non verbal means, and the finesse in portraying the character by the leads was absolutely flawless. It was unbelievable the way Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra (PC to you all) acted in this movie. Just superb. No other words are required.

In order to retain pleasure of the readers of my blog, of watching this movie I have refrained from giving out the story. Guys n Gals you must go and watch the movie. Most of you will love it, few of you may hate it but one thing is sure, you will not be able to ignore it. It will haunt you for days to come, albeit in a positive manner (some you may disagree with this statement).

Borrowing from a famous advertisement, 'Burfi' is priceless, for everything else there is 'some' card ( pun intended). Don't mess your chances to watch a movie which is funny yet potent. Just go and watch. Happy watching.

Mansoon Magic at Lohagad

Mystical Lohagad

Iron Fort or Lohagad is 2000 years or so old fort replete with history. This fort has been famous in the recent history as a place where the riches that were captured by Chatrapati SHivaji, the legendry Marathi King, from Surat, a major trading port of Mugals in that era, were stored. When I was looking around to trek to Lohagad, two distinct options emerged.

 The first option was to travel to Lonavala by Train, followed by to Malavali (station next to Lonavala on Lonavala – Pune route) by a local train and then trek by road via Bhaja caves (a small detour to visit these famous Buddhist Caves) through a route that can take us to either Lohagad or VIsapur. Take the right fork at the junction and that takes us to Lohagad village. The climb to fort starts from here.

The other option that emerged is to travel by road from Mumbai (or Lonaval) to Lohagad village and then start the climb. This drive will take the travelers twice under the Mumbai – Pune Super expressway. At Ambawane village junction, one has to take left bound arm of the fork, in fact at most junctions it would be leftward road that one has to take.

After this research, we concluded that we will travel by road via Lonavala to Lohagad. That also meant that we would miss Bhaja Caves.

Having firmed up the plan and decided to do this trip on 7th July with night stay at Lonavala we did the packing (considering that it is rainy season, extra change of dress, shoes, etc was required) and got ready to move next day.

On 07th Jul, we started at 0730 and stopped over at first food court to have some tea etc. We left that place in about half an hour and reached Lonavala town by about 1100 hrs. Going through Lonavala town on the other side of railway track was a difficult task due to heavy traffic (Lonavala on weekends is very crowded). After crossing the town the ride was smooth till we reached the fork of Dhudhiwane and Lohagad.

The initial climb on the narrow, nearly single lane road in itself gave me a serious doubt about my Indigo diesel with four people inside able to climb these gradients. The road was narrow, shoulders of the road pathetic and lots of loose gravel coupled with the steep gradients steep were the reasons for the doubt. Hats off to Indigo’s super power, the vehicle took the climbs in its stride and we could drive to Lohagadwadi, the village at the base of the fort.

There, after paying the parking fee of Rs 20, we parked the car and started the climb. This is the village where motorable road from Lonavala and the route from Malavali which is mostly taken by the trekkers merge.

Initially climb was on dirt track and it was steep at few places. There were lots of monkeys in the beginning of the trek and during the climb to give climbers company. There was a small board at the foot of the trek giving the history and a rough map of the fort which was informative and useful.

The dirt track also had two medium size canons laying enroute.

After some time the dirt track converted into staircase made using original rocks cut into rough steps of varied size. The height variance can be sometimes difficult for some people. As we gained the height, the natural beauty of the surrounding including the backwaters of Pawana Dam became evident. It was a mystical day with intermittent rains and clouds descending on the trekkers. This hide and seek with the clouds was the bonus to us travelers.

After some time these rough staircases gave way to more regular ones which had standard height and were more systematically constructed. They were therefore easy to climb. As the staircases start, the first door, traditionally called Ganesh Darwaja arrived. As expected for any fort, this door no 1 on the way to top also had huge steel nails mounted on it to deter the elephants of enemy forces from breaking open this door by brute force of impact of their head.

Further climb to the fort continued. There were few caves enroute which were supposed to be grain stores and Nachani ( a hill grain) stores like the one in the photo below:-

Just short of second gate, there was this bastion for which steps lead from the left of this gate through a small arched gate. The Archeological Survey guard on the fort told me that that there is a set of toilets at the end of this bastion but there are no guiding boards. The boards are essentially required.

View of the bastion. And second gate.

The climb through remaining gates is not complicated but the degree of difficulty increases in the final two flights of stair which have become uneven and can have running water coming down over them and certain places may also have moss.

The final door called Mahadwar leads to a courtyard having walls on three sides and a door leading to the areas of the fort, which must have had some specific use. There is no roof on this courtyard.

There are some balconies around this courtyard approached from flat ground of the fort. The photo below shows a view from one such balcony. Mazar inside is also in the view.

Once inside, there is vast expanse of land most of it flat and some of it high ground. We roamed around in the fort and saw Shivaji / Shivji and Hanuman Mandir, Shatkoni talav (Trimbak Talav), 16 koni Talav (hatti talav), Dargah, a domed structure which is the first thing that is seen as the fort is reached.

We saw two more mazars, Vinchu Kata ( a outcrop of a about 1500 yard spur, which is part of the fort and has fortification) called so because it looks like a sting of scorpion and Laxmi Kothi, a cave in the fort.

Another interesting phenomenon which can be witnessed only during monsoon is a reverse shower, a effect of strong wind flowing from the valley to the fort on the down stream falling down as water fall. This strong wind pushes up the gushing water in a strong spray which is used by everyone to have a nice rain dance. See it below.

After a ‘Dekho’ around in the fort, we started our downward descent. After a trek of about one hour in the midst of rain and clouds we came down to Lohagadwadi. Had a good fill of Bhaji (Pakode), Vada Pav, Jhunka Bhakar and Fresh corn at Lohagadwadi and completed our trip. In took a total of 3 hrs and 30 min to complete the trip.

It could have taken lesser time to climb up and come down and also actually the fort has many things to see and we did not try to see every thing. I would recommend that at least three hours be kept to wander around in the fort itself. For an informed trip, it is recommended to read through this article on the net, which I could find post this trip while reading about the fort to write the travelogue. The reference is  ‘http://fortsinmaharashtras.blogspot.in/2009/05/lohogad-and-visapur.html’

My recommendation is to read this article before embarking on a trip of Lohagad. Other points of interests were:-

(a) The signage on the road from Lonavala for Lohagad is non existence. The leftist alignment at all most all junctions is true but one needs to ask as there is no signage.

(b) There are no proper toilets on the fort. The archeological survey of India guard told me that there are toilets during the climb at two places but again no signage about these toilets which are essentially required.

(c) Also, no source of drinking water that I could see but I am told one of the pond has drinkable water.

(d) In monsoon, wind cheaters are a better option but umbrellas may serve some purpose.

(e) Some eatables should to be carried but the wrappers must be carried back to ensure no littering.

(f) Eating in the shops at Lohagadwadi post trek is a great fun in itself, don’t miss that fun, Any hotel at that place is good for this purpose. Don’t look for superior hygiene etc just enjoy the food.

Mumbai to Belgaum by Road

Hi All, I had an occasion to travel by road (one of my most favorite thing which I love to do) from Mumbai to Belgaum and back between 26 n 28 Jun to attend a marriage. This is a small travelogue about this travel.

For start, it was a straight forward journey on combination of Mumbai – Pune Super Express Highway (expressway as it is known) and NH 4 from Mumbai all the way up to Belgaum.

We set out in my Indigo LS (2007) car at 0715 from Colaba in Mumbai and after picking up my mom from Prabhadevi, we set our car to Mumbai Pune road through Tilak bridge. As expected, the traffic on the roads was thin due to early hours from Mumbai crowd standards.

After crossing Vashi, I choose to take the Palm Beach road to avoid bottlenecks at Market yard signal and Uran Phata signal as well as the Belapur pass. It was longish but very smooth. At Kamothe, we entered expressway. Continued driving smoothly. Small bottleneck awaited us at Amrutanjan point (highest point on Expressway / NH 4). On the other side it was worst because of an apparent pile up of some vehicles including trucks.

Once we cleared Amrutanjan point, we reached at a rapid speed to BP Expressway (Company Owned, Company Operated or COCO petrol pump) after Second Toll Booth on Eway, by about 0955 ( In two hours from Prabhadevi. This kind of time is not possible once traffic picks up in Mumbai).

After taking fuel (I generally stick to High Speed or like wise diesel though many argue that only normal diesel should be used) we headed for Kailash Parbat outlet at this Fuel Pump. One reason I like this place to eat is that it is thinly crowded, may be because it is just 20 to 30 min from Pune. After quick bite we were at our task (of driving to Belgaum) at 1020 and entered Pune part of the Bangalore Bypass of NH 4.

We crossed Shirval at 1141 hrs ( 210 km from prabhadevi), in about four hours drive. My son took over from me (he is 20 and a budding long distance driver, may be following footsteps of his dad) at 1150 (218 km ex Prabhadevi) as the Shirval ghat started. This was a one ways (thankfully) hence there was no worry about incoming traffic. This 11 km ghat was left behind in a jiffy. Crossed Satara (bypass) (263 km / 1241 hrs) and Karad (bypass)  (323 km/ 1327 Hrs).

There were many hotels before Karad but we thought of having Lunch post crossing Karad. We realized that there were hardly any good places (as they looked at a glance) to eat post Karad. We finally found Sai International at 360 km (1415 hrs). A good place with non AC and AC dinning halls and a restaurant. Had lunch there which was served quickly and it was testy and good.

By now, my son had finished driving 142 Km in normal and rainy conditions. It was his first long distance drive. I took over from Sai International at about 1500 hrs, crossed Kagal and entered Karnataka. The road became better and well laid out. There were Truck Lay bys and Bus Lay bys. The Bus lay bys also had, very thoughtful of planners, toilets for Ladies and Gents with Ladies toilets (again very thoughtfully) placed away from incoming traffic (as noticed by my son, a student of architecture). This complex also had drinking water taps. Both the lay bys for trucks and buses were woefully missing on NH 4 stretch of Maharashtra, something MSRDC can and should implement ASAP.

Bus Lay By

Truck Lay By

Karnataka road was very good, all concrete and very well laid out. Even when I wanted to limit my speed to 100 km, involuntarily the speed very easily used to reach 120 km, something Indigo reaches without sweat.

Karnataka Road

Balance 140 km from Sai International was covered in just one hr and 30 mins and we checked-in in a hotel by 1645 hrs. This leg of 500 km was thus done in 7 hrs and 35 mins of total time or about 6 hrs and 15 min of driving time with a average speed of  79.78 km / hr.

Return leg started on 28 Jun at 0710 from Belgaum. This time my son was driving from the beginning. Reached Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple at 0920 (120 km). We were lucky to get darshans of Devi Mahalaxmi (fondly called Amba Bai in Maharashtra) quickly. I also got the chance of doing a Pradakshina round the deity (courtesy a security staff), an unlikely event in present set up where having mere darshans is becoming difficult. After darshans we had breakfast at Kolhapur at old Rajwada (where the temple also is located). It was a very small place but the breakfast of Kurma Poori was good.

Old Rajwada, Kolhapur

 Left Kolhapur town at 1015 hrs and stopped for tea break (I have electric tea maker which runs on Cigarette lighter point from Cars supply) at 1200 hrs after 90 km from Kolhapur on the roadside. Had self made tea and some snacks and started off at 1225 hrs. My son drove for 320 km and I took over from him at about 1400 hrs after taking diesel (regular as high speed diesel was not available in last four pumps). Crossed Pune by 1455 hrs (376 km) and hit Eway. After a halt of 20 min at Shri Dutta Snacks post last toll on Eway, we completed expressway stretch by 1620 hrs. By this time we had covered 472 km in 8 hrs and five min of total time (with a stoppage of one hr and 40 mins enroute).

The nightmare started after crossing Eway. We finished expressway at 1620 hrs and reached Prabhadevi, a 41 km stretch at 1735 hrs a full one hr and 15 mins in heavy Mumbai Traffic. Inevitable but irritating.

After dropping my mom, we reached Colaba by 1815 hrs.

Now few quick facts. Total distance covered 1050 kms.

 Average we got (between BP Expressway filling on the way to Belgaum and refill post Karad on return leg) – 16.45 km/ Ltr with AC on + 4 Pax.

Total Toll one way to Belgaum was 476 Rs. No of toll booths – 8. Distribution of toll booths – Vashi, Expressway, Khed Shivpur, Anewadi, Taswad (Karad), Kini, Mah / Karnatak Border and Hataragi.

Overall, I rate this drive as good and safe. A journey recommended for families also. The drive is scenic in Maharashtra and even better in Karnataka. Road quality also is good in Maharashtra and very good in Karnataka.

 If one gets a chance, this drive is a recommended.

Finals of 25th Marathi Commercial Drama Competition

After many years I got the opportunity to see Marathi Nataks at Mumbai, courtsey Dept of Culture, Govt of Maharashtra.


It was the Finals of 25th Marathi Commercial (and not amateur) Drama Competition being conducted at Marathi Sahitya Sangha Mandir at Girgaum by the Dept of Culture, Govt of Maharashtra. There were a total of 10 dramas selected from about 25 entries of variety of Drama Companies. I could See Love Birds, Karun Gelo Gaon, Sukhanshi Bhandato Amhi and Mi Revati Deshpande.

It was real fun watching such quality dramas produced by these companies. The situation dead that I write the researched views about them but have no time to do research.

Let me put my quick thoughts about these dramas.

Love Birds - a thriller which holds you spell bound. the plot is superb. The struggle of Amruta Subash, the lead actress, to (so called) educate her husband (who has lost his past memories in an accident, but can remember what is taught) about his past life. One sympathises with her, the drama goes on with realisation that the hero and heroine might have killed old lover of the leading lady. As the plot unfolds, the heroine also committees one more murder. Every thing was to go as planed (for whom, guess it or see the Natak, I am not going to let the cat out) but for a private detective who has joined this plot out of sheer luck (or may be bad luck).

What comes out at the end is a action packed (emotional and not stunts) thriller which keeps you glued to your seat). The Music was good, the use of video to link up the events outside of the set, crisp dialogue delivery and acting of all the people are the strong points.

Karun Gelo Gaon - Is a marathi - Malvani (or so I thought) comedy with all the actors being natural and good. Vaibhav Mangale happens to be the pack leader. The drama had slapstick humour with all the ingredients thrown in like a tamasha dancer, a local MLA, film crazy villagers etc. There were some sutle but below the belt humour, some high quality humour and some very vital points made humorously. At the end the drama succeeds in highlighting the plight of the soul of Konkan, the land on the west coast.

Sukhanshi Bhandato Aamhi - is a serious drama with a lead role of a psychologist and a split personality patient. the doctor, an idealist as a Young boy from village has become materialistic due to pressures of his ambitious wife and the city called Mumbai. He is minting money and thinking that it is essential for him to mint to provide better avenues to his son.

He has been neglecting his mother who is still at his village, neglecting other aspects of life till this patient whom he admits in his hospital show him a mirror to make him understand that the mirage that he is running behind in his life is not happiness but rather a fight with real happiness. The doctor tries to run away from reality till his son decides to seek his Happiness!!! by leaving the doctor and his wife behind and migrating abroad. A very powerful story delivered superbly.

Mi, Revati Deshpande is a off beat drama. It is about gender disorder in a professor who has been living duel life of a lady and a man. his family always thinks very poorly of him because they think he seeks company of females to satisfy his male ego / taste without realisation of the reality. Only his female servant and psychologist friend who knew reality try to manage the rift. The rift widens by the additional affection shown by the professor to his erstwhile student and now his daughter in law, who is pregnant.

The rift reaches a stage where all efforts of the psychologist fried and the servant fail and the professor decides to let go of the male in him and decides to live life as a female.

A complex subject handled skillfully with lead roles of Mohan Joshi as professor, Ramesh Bhatkar as doctor friend. It was well enacted drama except for where I got the seat (in the balcony) the audio was very poor.

A very unconventional story delivered with care and elan.