A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NOVICE JOY MANAGER................NEW AVATAR ON A POSTCARD

Have said this before, in today's times of abundance........... goodies, friends and fun, one thing that remains scarce is the time on hand. But despite the paucity , there comes a day when we have to shed our daily uniforms(..... no offence meant to my corporate friends, who are extremely touchy about their pinstripes) to make way for the new avatar........a day to don the garb of a novice Joy Manager. Doesn't matter whether we like it or not, but it must be done. After all the majority wouldn't like to draw the ire of a budding WWF Wrestler( trust me I've heard this dream from my little friends a few times), A Doctor, An Architect, An Astronaut, Michael Jackson( Yes, it's true. MJ has indeed left an indelible mark on young impressionable minds with his silky smooth moon walk :-) ), An Aviator, An Engineer, A footballer , A shooter so on and so forth.

Yesterday was one such day when even the Pundit got grounded and was forced to alight from the sacred observatory to essay the role of a day long Joy Manager for the birthday bash of a budding bundle of talent :-) . By the end of it all, I had no strength left in my legs( little bit of blame should also go to MJ's crazy dance moves...........minus the censored grab) to climb the stairs of the observatory. No complaining though..................anything to make our little darlings smile.

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER.......... A CINEPHILE'S DREAM COME TRUE

Indeed yesterday evening was very special. It is not everyday, that one gets an opportunity to see and hear two living legends from the world of cinema. India Today Conclave 2010 - a global forum that brings great minds drawn from various fields on a singular platform, had saved the very best for last. James Cameron and Amir Khan shared the stage and discussed the future of cinema and shared their passion for their craft. Both were of the opinion that storytelling and performance by the actors will continue to hold the key for the success of movies across the world. Due to the rapid advancement in technology, more and more directors will embrace it to enhance the whole cinematic experience.

James was the first to weave his magic. He took the audiences on a spellbinding roller coaster ride, starting with his childhood days, his fascination for science , his acclaimed bouquet of Science fiction flicks Abyss, Alien, Terminator and then moving on to the magnum Opus Titanic. But the highlight for me and I am sure for the rest of the attendees as well, was his experience behind the making of Avatar. James indeed is a visionary and a director extraordinaire with an unbridled passion for his craft. A genius who has very few peers....men with same amount of zeal and never- say- die attitude.

And talking about the second speaker of the evening, what can I say? Amir Khan doesn't have any peers. As far as I am concerned, this man is only fighting against himself. He is in a class of his own. For more than 20 years now he has been upping the bar . He is undoubtedly one of the finest actors the Indian Film Industry has ever produced.

I am glad that I was there............truly a memorable experience.... An evening to remember.

LONG LIVE CINEMA !!

PICTURE OF THE WEEK...........BLUE BEN !!

The highlight of the big night at the 82nd Academy Awards was the Ben Stiller moment. The funny man came up on the stage as an Avatar wearing Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo and Navi blue face and hands..................I LOVED IT !! My pick for the picture of the week. Ben you nailed it man.............awesome !!

ALL THAT GLITTERS.....AIN'T GOLD !!

Better believe it. And lately who knows it better than Mr. James Cameron . The blockbuster money spinning juggernaut AVATAR lost out to THE HURT LOCKER at the 82nd Academy Awards, 3 : 6 . A little consolation for James was the fact that the lady who spoiled his big party or should I say icing on the cake was none other than his ex wife Kathryn Bigelow. Though it was hard, but the man with the Midas touch handled it well and seemed quite cool, calm and collected. And as for the lady, the first woman recipient of the golden statuette as a director, what can I say...............you've made the women of the world real proud Kathryn....WAY TO GO !!

LAST AND FINAL CALL ! PANDORA AWAITS...PICTURE OF THE DAY

PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE..........THE CAMERON WAY

Some people do things, not because they are ought to be done, but they do it because of the sheer passion for their craft. They are always ahead of the curve, looking for opportunities which will pave the way for others to follow.... to create something that will raise the bar, that will mark the dawn of a new age. They are called the pioneers, the visionaries , the demigods.

James Cameron is one such Talisman, one rare genius, who has always followed his heart. He in AVATAR has created not just a great movie, but he has written a new chapter or maybe a whole new book on new age cinematic experience....What happens when the best of technology is fused with a great imagination.

HATS OFF TO YOU JAMES...........YOU ARE INDEED AN INCOMPARABLE STORYTELLER .