Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Marine Drive

Ariel acrobats. The Naval Parade. Mumbai Marathon. The Marine Drive has enchanted Mumbaikars and tourists alike. Proudly flaunted as the Queens Necklace, innumerable people head towards it after a back-breaking day at work to enjoy the steaming sun sizzle off into the depths of the Arabian Sea.

The panoramic view of the Marine Drive has fascinated me as long as I can remember. Awaking each morning, rushing to college was worth every bit for the sheer pleasure of a blissful drive across the Drive. But my fascination ran me into trouble one morning. As I gazed into the depths of the sea and rolling clouds above it, I failed to pay heed to the signal turning amber in time.

Brakes screeched. Rubber burnt. Managed to get a dent on the bumper and a swollen ankle. The driver right ahead of me had found a vent for his morning blues. I received a sound socking from him, though only verbal. Once he paused for a breath, I deftly pointed out that his vehicle hadn't received any blemishes. Speechless, he turned and drove away as I turned once again to soak in the sweet murmur of the rising tide.

Numerous memories have been etched at the Marine Drive. But this one never fails to amuse me.

Friday, May 13, 2005

Journalistic Disposition

These are some of my views on current media

Best aspect of being a journalist

A journalist holds the privilege of receiving information as a first-hand account, without any tint of judgment. He shoulders the responsibility of interpreting and analysing this information before dispensing the relevant news to the reading-audience. A journalist also possesses the authority to probe and question power-players, who are stakeholders of the society.

He secernates and reports about how their lives are being influenced each day through their surroundings. He thus has the power to shape their opinions basis his own interpretation; and grasp the undisputed faith of the reader.

Something interesting that happened recently

One afternoon, I was walking down Linking Road engrossed in typing a SMS to a friend. I saw a girl in a flowing skirt walking towards me, she too noticed me. We both gave a knowing smile and greeted each other as we reached earshot distance. A silent moment passed; neither of us could place each other, although both admitted that the other was a very familiar face.

She mumbled, "I'm sorry, I thought I knew you from school." "Oh! I thought we'd worked together in Crosswords," I replied sheepishly.

A quick apology was exchanged, after which we began to walk away. Just then something struck me! I ran back to her, "This is more than a mere coincidence! How can both us think we know each other?"

Her reaction was hesitation. I began to regret my hasty action. She held her hand forward and grinned, "Hi! I'm Shruti." Astonished, I grabbed her hand and introduced myself, and parted after exchanging mobile numbers.

I've been in touch with Shruti, mostly on chat. We are still trying to figure where we could have possibly met each other before. But can't locate that link...

Favourite publication

Mid-day is my favourite publication. I used to religiously pick it every afternoon while returning home from college; and have been hooked onto it ever since. The simple language, minus any jargon of this tabloid appeals to me which makes it reader-friendly.

Their journalists take up innovative assignments, such as spend the day in the shoes of people from different walks of life; eye-openers where officers are caught on camera taking bribe or lazing on duty. This captures the nuances which make the fabric of our city and captures its pulse in an innovative fashion.

These ground-breaking stories make the reader feel more involved.

A recent TV commercial that you thought was really effective.

The Pepsi bubbly ad is catchy and has worked effectively with the masses.

When the ad was first aired, it did not seem very appealing. But the jingle stuck in the head. And the ad has slowly grown on the public's mind.

Just as 'Thanda' became synonymous with Coke, Pepsi has now become synonymous with Bubbly. And this catch-line is not just targeting the rural-market.

Colleagues at work are overheard calling into the canteen to order a Bubbly, unlike the Thanda, which none of us would be caught dead asking for.

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