ashokism...

gone with the wind...

2012-02-03T22:40:00.000+05:30

painting : unknown artist

She flew towards me in the flowing air

With an Icy look yet clothed in fire;
A strange mix of fear and desire
Griped my soul and yet I stare.

I got a glimpse of the moon lit face
So near yet miles afar;
So unreal yet there she was

A flickering lamp in the chilling breeze.

I strained my eyes but futile it was
As the moon was behind her now;
I kissed her shadow just before
She vanished with the wind.

She loved the wind and the wind loved me.
She loved the wind as the wind loved me.

(1991)
[Here Iam republishing a poem that was inspired by the American Poet Theodor Roethke. I had by chance come across an article about Roethke in 'Span' as a school boy. The imagery he had used in a poem had a deep effect on me and inspiried me to pen this poem.]

Cravings ...

2012-01-31T13:23:00.000+05:30

Where the green grass,
To the tune of wind,
Gently waves in a dance:
There will I lie in a trance,
To rest my tired mind.

For the song of the cuckoo

That fills the green vale,
And it’s overflowing echo:
My wealth, my wants, I’ll forgo;

Even my life and all.

1991

Bangalore Snapshots ...07

2012-01-29T22:38:00.001+05:30

Bellandur lake

Agara junction

villas-paper cutting...

2012-01-28T12:54:00.001+05:30

These are probably from some ads that came in the Indian Express in the early 80's....Something had made me cut these villa images and save it till today!

paper cuttings retrieved from the loft junk…

Last page sketches...

2012-01-20T16:20:00.001+05:30

I found a tattered school note book among some old junk while cleaning the loft. These are some sketches I had made in the last pages. Scribbling and sketching in the last pages were an obsessive habit during school days.

Ashokism award 2011 - Aadukalam

2012-01-14T16:22:00.003+05:30

alagarsamiyin kuthurai

The Ashokism award for the best Tamil movie of 2011 goes to Aadukalam.

Directed by Vetrimaran , this Dhanush starrer has no wonder bagged 6 national awards! Shot on the background of the Rooster fights in Madurai district, the screenplay was mature and it was good to see that the director had done his homework well. G.V.Prakash scored with his catchy songs . Dhanush is arguably the best actor of the Tamil film industry today...and he proved it amply here. Congrats Vetrimaran!

Special Mention:

Alagarsamiyin kuthirai by director Suseenthiran is a short and sweet story penned by writer Bhaskar Sakthi. The novel storytelling and the breath taking locales of the western ghats had made this film enjoyable. The highlight was Ilayaraja's rerecording. The title score is a class of its own.

Other praiseworthy efforts of last year are Thoonga nagaram and Engeyum Eppothum.

Eniya Pongal Nalvaazthukkal!

The shadow

2012-01-09T08:05:00.001+05:30

the shadow of a colorful butterfly...

Happy New Year !

2012-01-02T18:41:00.001+05:30

a praying mantis that visited my house on the new year's eve...

The Kaleidoscope

2011-12-25T14:18:00.003+05:30

Nithila enjoying the patterns...

The Kaleidoscope is a perfect example of the human Fascination for geometric symmetry. Invented by Sir David Brewster in 1816, this simple gadget has long fascinated both adults and kids alike for the same reason. When Nithila wrote to Santa for her Christmas gift wish this year, Kaleidoscope was right there on top of the list. And I was as excited as my daughter to receive this gift from Santa.. Let your Christmas and the coming year be as colorful and exciting as these patterns I clicked through the fascinating Kaleidoscope.

Merry Christmas !!!

The Fish Bowl

2011-12-23T19:56:00.002+05:30

crystal ball?

Nithila with her Fish bowl...

The Versatile Blogger !!!

2011-12-17T19:50:00.003+05:30

The blogosphere is abuzz with so many awards these days. One of the most celebrated being ‘the Versatile blogger’ award! Don’t be surprised if every fifth blog you visit boasts of this award. Now I can also proudly display this award passed on to me by another versatile friend with whom I share so many common interests –the deelightful Dee! Thank you Deepthi!

Now as per tradition, let me pass on this award to some fellow bloggers who blog on myriad topics across the spectrum, thus qualifying to receive the Versatile Blogger award.

1. Kavi – A fellow Maduraiite whose blog I have followed for years. An enthusiastic photographer, avid traveler and writer with a keen sense of wit and substance – he is truly a versatile blogger.
2. Visithra – A free spirit who amazes me with her extraordinary Photography skills. A classical dancer whose blog dabbles with every interesting aspect of life.
3. Sandhya – A blogaholic who I believe carries her Camera everywhere like me. She blogs on diverse topics and hence a deserving winner of this award.
4. Jeevan – another enthusiastic photographer, amature poet and traveler who is an inspiration for many bloggers. He is versatile in his choice of topics and has an opinion on everything under the sky.
5. Indrani – a talented photographer and traveler who never fails to impress her readers with her posts.
6.Ramakrishnan – an art and ancient architecture lover, traveler and photography enthusiast whom I follow regulary.

Congratulation winners and don’t forget to pass this award to fellow bloggers whom you feel are truly versatile. Cheers!

Bangalore Snapshot...06

2011-12-16T20:12:00.000+05:30

Light & Shade...interesting sciography on the facade of the PF building, Richmond circle.

Bangalore Snapshot...05

2011-12-15T18:28:00.001+05:30

Colorful Facade of Taj Vivanta, Whitefield...

Bangalore Snapshot...04

2011-12-13T07:59:00.002+05:30

Clicked at the UB city

Autumn Leaves...

2011-12-08T19:39:00.001+05:30

Wrinkled faces – worn and old
Hardened hands – frowny brow
Senses blurred- numb and cold
Memories move- to and fro
Lonely lives –sticks to hold
Tireless waves – of sorrow
Night and day – tales retold
Silent wait - for tomorrow
Autumn leaves –brown and gold
Meanings change – as we grow…

The Slap of Insanity

2011-11-28T20:05:00.002+05:30

You might remember Jarnail singh who sent a shoe flying in the direction of Union Home minister P.Chidambaram some time back.
This time, another sardar grabs the headlines with a slap. Union Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar's cheeks were at the receiving end.

A slap or a shoe cannot change things overnight. It’s hardly the punishment fit for all the misdeeds of the political class in a democracy. I strongly disagree to such violent protests. But surprisingly, everyone I talk to seems immensely satisfied with what an insane sardar did to an all powerful politician. Someone remarked, Pawar’s face already looks like it was slapped a hundred times before, Harvinder should have gone for some other neta. Anna Hazare infamously remarked “was it only one slap?” . Some said Pawar sahab should have, as a true democrat, shown his other cheek. Some went on an uncontrollable bout of laughter after watching the clip.Some one went on to make a bizarre kolaveri version of the whole incident.The social media was having a gala time laughing it out.

But every politician cutting across party lines stood united in condemning this insane act as they easily could have been at the receiving end any other day. The Bollywood bandwagon instantly united as usual to tweet its condemnation to make sure they are in the good books of the Bombay strongman. The media was abuzz with the regular self styled upholders of democratic values fighting for space to decry the slap. As expected, Pawars’ NCP went on a rampage in Maharashtra by stone pelting and destroying public property in protest against this undemocratic act.

But beyond all these, I saw a dangerous reaction in the face of so many Indians- a smile! Happy to know that there are still sardars like Jarnail and Harvinder, who can do things that we can never dare to with our sanity intact.
We call ourselves sane...yet we are insane enough to remain silent and put up with the misdeeds of our politicians. They say Harvinder Singh is mentally insane…
But does it mean, sometimes you have to be insane to do the right thing? What do you say?

The Meenakshi Temple of Madurai

2011-11-27T18:47:00.003+05:30

the Temple elephant

the colonnaded verandah around the tank

the usual rush...

a statue in the hall of 1000 pillars

a stone spout detail

a stone elephant...in the hall of 1000 pillars

the golden lotus tank...

a corridor

tower from below...

a gateway...

facade details...

Some snapshots from the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. Dravidian Temple architecture at its best! Sculpted in one of the hardest granites of the world...a must visit place for temple architecture lovers.

Pallathur House

2011-11-25T06:32:00.006+05:30

The empty lanes of Pallathur

The imposing main entry

The Living Hall with clear storey lighting

Colorful Pillar and Aathangudi tiles

Courtyard colonnade

The grand courtyard

another view of the court

rain water collection urn..

rain water collected

entrance porch...woodwork

Last year as part of an Architect's festival, I had gone on a trip to study Chettinad Architecture along with some fellow Architects...The photos are from a house at Pallathur.It was sad to see these massive houses, once symbols of opulence, dying without maintenance as mostly the owners have moved to the cities or abroad.

Valayapatti visit...

2011-11-24T07:21:00.005+05:30

The temple on the way

Sometime back I visited my friend CT's native village in Valayapatti near Ponamaravati in the Chettinad region. The images are from CT's ancestral house.Chettinad houses are fine examples of vernacular Tamil architecture where the culture and climate of the region have shaped
the building design. The Courtyard is one distinct feature here that Iam so fond of and I have always tried to reinterpret and use in most of my architectural works.

Temple entry...

the Temple Cart...

The intricate parapet of the house...

a window detail...

the famous Chettinad main door...

Teak wood pillars in the verandah

Urns for catching rain water - signs of sustainable living


The court yard...

The Murderous rage...

2011-11-22T23:08:00.014+05:30

‘Why this Kolaveri di?’-A Tanglish soft kuthu song that’s spreading and infecting millions, thanks to the internet. This is the kind of groovy nonsensical song that one would expect next from the duo of Simbu and Yuvan after masterpieces like “loosu pennae’ and ‘evandi onna pethan’. But this has come from the stable of the first families of the South Indian Film industry. Super star Rajini’s son inlaw Danush has penned and sung this 'soup song' for his upcoming movie ‘3’; produced and directed by Rajini's daughter Aishwarya and music by a lanky kid Anirudh, incidentally Rajini's nephew. Kamal Hassan’s daughter Shruti approvingly smiles throughout in the video. The reggaeish number is catchy enough to become the mobile ring tone of the youngsters and the car reverse tune of the not so youngsters. Other soup boys still may hum in their bathrooms...pa pa pa paan, pa pa pa paan....

aaa…Eyes-u full-aa tear-u, empty life-u, Girl-u come-u, life reverse gear-u...

Flares in the Cold...

2011-11-18T07:35:00.008+05:30

a Temple on the way...

2011-11-16T07:24:00.003+05:30

The Mandabam

The entrance

a quiet Nagarathar Temple that caught my eye near Soorakudi on my way to Aathangudi...

My Days Of Innocence !

2011-11-14T07:49:00.000+05:30

Nithila at work : )

Childhood days - life's best part;

Worries, burdens - not at all;
A mind at peace, a jumping heart,
A spring of happiness- sky tall!

Hide and seeks, scribbling walls
And little games of endless bliss;
Little mischief, tumbling falls-
The hurt was soothened with a kiss!

Soaring kites, spinning top,
The screech of a neighbor's calling bell;
Fish in pond and bubbles of soap;
Gave such joy - who can tell !

Comic books under desk at school,
Paper boats and papaya leaves;
The fun of playing April fool

And coming home with ink & grease;

Watching ants with a lens,
Playing marbles with a friend;
Building mud house, jumping fence,
Gave happiness that knew no end!

Sea shells, pebbles, bottle tops
And catapults were more than wealth;
Ice sticks, sugar sweets and lolly pops
Another bite - who cared for health!

Thro' the window catching rain;
Hunting earthworms, shaping clay;
Waving hands at a passing train
Are glimpses of a perfect day!

Home Works - O! Such silly stuff;
Very oft our plans they hinder -
But, God answered prayers-lights go puff
And playtime it was with candle fire!

Peaceful sleep, sharp at nine;
Sweet dreams of fairytale;
The Tune of life was far too fine
Than the songs of a nightingale!

A life of happiness, a life carefree;
A life content with simple things;
It’s the Life - you will agree
That took us to moon without the wings!

How fast has Time turned his wheel !
Why did those days turn past tense?
I close my eyes in silence to feel
In my heart - my days of Innocence!

[Today is Children's day. Iam re-posting a poem I had written for a College competition in 1993]

The Rage Of Nature

2011-11-03T21:54:00.003+05:30

Photo: Tharangambadi beach

The rage of the wave
The wrath of the ocean
Swept the sorry nation
To the watery grave.

Roofless homes, homeless souls
Tossed and torn
At the crack of dawn
On the tragic shores.

The cars are in the sea
The boats are on the street
Where the land and water meet-
What Chaos and Catastrophe!

The Whiteman on the beach
Looking for a tan;
The brown man on catamaran
Looking for the catch;

Vanished sans a trace;
All to the water-prey.
Equal on dooms day
all wretched human race;

There’s nowhere to run
and nowhere to hide;
Nature’s other side
when irate spares none.

Water, water everywhere
But no water in the eye;
The tears had gone dry
Lifeless, calm, bare.

The rage of the wave
The wrath of the ocean
Shook the very notion
That Nature man can enslave.

(written on the backdrop of the Tsunami -2004)

Cute Greetings!

2011-10-26T17:41:00.001+05:30

Nithila's greeting card!

She did this in quick time...for her daddy:)

The Truth...

2011-10-23T12:14:00.004+05:30

Photo: enroute to Pudukottai, 2006

The Truth is simple for men of every creed and rank
If you have the ears – arise from the blank
The mind is a monkey, unsteady and crank
T’will jump, swing and always confuse you with its prank.

The grass is always greener on the other bank
But once you cross the river, you’ll wonder why its lank?
Do you remember the lotus in the temple tank?
T’was beautiful to look at but when smelt, it stank!

Life’s not just a cycle where you ate and drank
A boat tossed in high seas till the day it sank
Every soul has a purpose – that’s my opinion frank
Believe you are the Best – go ahead and swank.

Happiness is in leading a life content and thank
His Hand that feeds you and shelters you from the dank.

Utsav 2011

2011-10-18T02:22:00.001+05:30

Saturday evening (15th Oct) was 'Utsav 2011' at my company.I got a chance to drum after a long gap...

The Poet...

2011-10-10T22:28:00.004+05:30

photo: cochin 2007

I flow in the river; fly free in the breeze
I glow in the fire and in snow I do freeze
I dance with the peacocks and cleanse in the rain
I romance with the sunflowers; in sun I too shine
I roam with the clouds and rise with the mountains
I foam with the waves and spring with the fountains
I dip in sweet honey and bloom with red roses
I skip with every bunny and race with wild horses
I creep with the ivy and with the koel I sing
I sleep on the moon and with stars I do swing
I buzz with the bees and swim with the guppies
I kiss every butterfly and play with the puppies
I sway to the thrushes and drink the morning dew
I grey with the ashes yet love the rainbow hue
I flick with the flame; in the candle I melt
I kick every frame and write what I felt
I fume inside like magma yet am as cold as ice
I exhume every dogma to earn my grain of rice
I dream every minute and dine without a diet
I scream yet am quiet- That’s the life of a poet…

The Stranger...

2011-10-03T21:43:00.002+05:30

@KL airport, 2007

Everyday I see a stranger
    He looks the same as I
He stares at me like danger
    when I try to meet his eye.
Even though I do meet him
    Morning, noon and night
But still the fellow stays grim
    An enigma lost in light.
I wish I knew him better,
    What he thinks and why?
Does he blog and twitter?
    Does he laugh and cry?
Whose world is real I ask?
    Whose life- His or mine?
Who lives behind the mask?
    Can we swap across the line?
Everyday I see this stranger
    who looks the same as I
I see him in every mirror
    But reflections can also lie…

The Policy...

2011-09-30T21:57:00.003+05:30

It was the usual Bangalore morning signal jam. He turns off the engine and instinctively locks his side screen to be safe from the usual menace of the eunuchs. He knew it would take at least 5 minutes before the traffic can resume. The traffic cops are busy with their morning collections on the other side of the road. He opens his canister and starts drinking his morning dose of chocolate soyamilk.

He notices her approaching on the rear view mirror. She has an infant against her bosom. Surely it must be a stolen infant he thought. He remembered the story he had recently read in the papers.
It was his firm policy not to give alms to beggars. "Why don’t they earn their bread by hard work? The society breeds them with alms", he always sighed.
Two teens on the bike drop a coin as they gawk at her bosom. That irks him further.
Now she is knocking on his side screen. He looks ahead ignoring her. He could hear the wails of the infant above the voice of the wacky RJ on the FM radio. He is not sure which one bugs him the more. The signal turns green and the traffic upfront begins to move. The infant’s wail drowns the other noises around as it pierces his locked door.

This is not easy he feels.
His one hand takes the 5 rupee coin lying on the dash board while the other hand starts to roll the side screen down.

He turns. She is not there.
He quickly rolls back the side screen, relieved that he did not violate his policy.

Later at office, the infant is still wailing in his head.

200911

The Little Elephant...

2011-09-29T09:07:00.002+05:30

Nithila did this picture last weekend for her school work...

Time...

2011-09-26T19:52:00.001+05:30

photo: Jewish settlement, Cochin, 2007

Today is tomorrow’s yesterday
‘Fore you wink it’ll flow away
By the time you know The way
Your hair is either gone or grey.

The clock ticks as if to say-
Life is just a numbered play;
Remember it’s just a fleeting stay
When it shines - make the hay!

Man is nothing but miry clay
From there we came and there decay;
Human life is just a genetic relay;
A rat race run to reach the ray.

All the wealth and power you may
have, but they will not delay
your knell; You can yell, beg or pray
When its time to pay- you’re Time’s prey.

Yesterday is just history they say
And tomorrow is a mystery at bay;
But think about this ‘fore you sway-
Today is tomorrow’s yesterday!

Poetry...

2011-09-24T04:28:00.001+05:30

Penning Poetry is the smoothest thing
Like the flapping of a swan’s wing
In metered rhythm the verses sing-
The moment I break my inner ring!

All I need – an endless sky
Where I spread my thoughts and fly
As I soar on an emotional high
Words pour and shape my inner cry!

photo: Bangalore 2007

The Clown

2011-09-21T21:15:00.002+05:30

With a conical hat and spotted gown,
He even can walk upside down;
The toast of every kid in town-
The cherry nosed circus clown;
We forget our bags in his folly fest,
Super human gags and jolly jest;
He’ll joke, juggle and play slap stick
And make us giggle with his loony trick
With every frolic he’ll make us laugh;
At ease he’ll do every circus task;
But inside he’ll remain a human dwarf-
Tears veiled by a smiley mask.

120911

The Lonely Road...

2011-09-16T22:52:00.005+05:30

Photo: kotiyur 2011

The Lonely road meanders through
Yellow fields and shady green;
The sky has started to lose its blue;
The wind is dry, I roll the side screen
I make a choice at the dusty Vee
There’s not a soul as far as I could see;
My journey so far- a nonstop spree
But now I need to stop and pee;

I park my car by the peepal tree,
Over the carpet of dried leaves
I relieve and set my bladder free
But the heart heaves and the mind grieves:
Have I taken the futile route?
Will it be late for a U turn now?
Why do I get this nagging doubt
that I could’ve missed a sign somehow?

A small prayer and I check my phone
As though by miracle the signal’s back
I cross a bridge and lo! A milestone!
With a renewed hope I hit the track;
I ignore the potholes and up the gear;
The lonely road will find my town;
The silver lining on the clouds seem near
On the lonely road as the sun goes down.

0809

Awake...

2011-09-12T20:02:00.004+05:30

Photo: Nuwar elya,Sri lanka 2004

The City sleeps while I stay awake
On a winter night – It’s half past one;
What do I do for heaven’s sake?
Solitary nights are no more fun
A mosquito sings on my right ear
I clap my hands and blow my palm;
The dogs are busy- their growl I hear;
I shut the window to regain my calm.

I surf the TV channels in discontent,
From rerun movies to teleshopping;
Bored with the repeated advertisement
I grab the remote – more tele-hopping!
What’s in sport? – Let me see – Golf!
Whoever thought that that’s a game?
The other’s showing yatching in Gulf-
My view on that is just the same.

I decide to watch the late night news-
Rape and murder, quakes and flood!
Repeated headlines, views and reviews
My eyes are already red as blood.
Stocks are falling, they say, the market’s bad;
I turn it off ‘fore I fall into their trap;
The lizard on the wall must think Iam mad,
To sit at this hour and watch such crap.

0609

Dawn...

2011-09-05T20:10:00.010+05:30

Cuddled to my pillow, I lie so still
Half Awake –as in chemistry class;
The lone myna on my window sill
Rhythmically pecks on the tinted glass.

In chorus my neighbor’s cocks crow shrill;
I look up the skylight- two herons pass.
The wavy silhouette of a far off hill-
Sleeping in peace like a curvy lass.

The early breeze is fresh and chill
Caressing the dew drops on the grass;
It eases through the bamboo frill-
Soothing the soul like Ilayaraja’s bass.

The mongrels bond and bark at will
To greet the milkman’s chiming brass;
I flip my pillow for a cooler quill-
Soaked in the moment’s languid jazz.

I yawn and soon I yearn for a fill-
Coffee in bed is not so crass!
I snuggle, nuzzle and laze until
My mobile rings to break the impasse.

The Skeletons in my Cupboard...

2011-09-03T21:48:00.004+05:30

Digital Art by Ashok , 2005

The Skeletons in my cupboard,

They howl my name aloud;

Condemned to their abode,

They hide behind a shroud;

Hollow eyes of madness-

Afraid to face the light;

Crouching in the darkness-

Long shadows of the night.

Is there a way to chase them?

Misdemeanor of every kind;

Light a candle and face them-

Those demons of the mind;

Try and try but will they

Leave without a fight?

All I need is but one ray

That parts the wrong from Right.

The walk...

2011-09-03T21:40:00.002+05:30

...in front of DLF Golf links,Gurgaon

19.08.11

New Hope...

2011-08-14T21:27:00.010+05:30

Photo: Kilakarai, 2006

Random footprints on the wet sand

that the restless waves swill,

Bring memories of her lost land

and pull her into a swirl.

She stares hard at the horizon

where the boats dot like a rope;

In her arms a new born;

and in her eyes new hope.

A single lightning cuts the sky

as he draws close to the shore;

Amid thoughts of times gone by

he wonders what’s in store;

He waves hard at the horizon

as the clouds shed a drop;

In his mind his new born;

and in his eyes new hope.

The Quest...

2011-08-10T22:09:00.016+05:30

Photo: Bangalore, 2009

A timeless ride

Like the cosmic dust;

I wander inside

On an endless quest;

A cuckoo’s ploy –

No where to rest;

Everyday I enjoy

In another nest.

From Curves and angles

And colors insane,

To black and white

And a steady line;

The ‘isms’ change

Like the window frame

Of landscape on

A speeding train.

Every step anew

A journey afresh;

With questions new

I’ve to address;

The waters flow

Over the rocks and rush;

But settle to slow

On a sublime hush.

A timeless ride

Like the cosmic dust;

I wander inside

On an endless quest;

A timeless ride

Like the cosmic dust;

I wonder inside-

Will I end this quest?

(Inspired from my previous post)

The journey continues....

2011-08-05T21:38:00.002+05:30

Architectural practice for me is an endless journey or rather a quest for eternity.

As a student and in the early part of my career, my design philosophies or the “isms” kept changing like the landscape on the window frame of a moving train. I had a crush with exposed bricks, a brief romance with curves, steady days with angles, a phase of daring colors, few dates with vaults and domes, a brief marriage with De Con, to name a few.

Like a fresh stream that chatters & clatters before it settles to the steady flow of a river, I guess, most architects go thro this initial phase of experimental exuberance.

(excerpts from an architect's diary)

I know I have to run out of a project when…

2011-08-04T22:48:00.002+05:30

1. the client’s wife and their lady interior designer are friends.

2. the client says he will need 4 options before he will decide.

3. the clients favorite color is pink

4. the client emails pictures of his beautiful house in the US and says its great architecture.

5. the client's wife starts referring to houses in Sun TV soap operas.

(excerpts from an architects diary)

poisons!!!

2011-08-02T21:49:00.004+05:30

funny words on a Bengaluru rick!

Hostel days!

2011-05-19T11:46:00.003+05:30

a rare snap with my archi classmates and juniors in hostel. Crazy times!

One boring afternoon some of my archi hostel mates suddenly started to paint each others faces...It soon spread and we ended up looking like beggars , devils , lunatics or aliens or whatever you wish to call!

Family & Time...

2011-02-06T13:03:00.001+05:30

Family & Time ...

Polite police!

2011-01-17T21:26:00.003+05:30

..a casual glance at the number plate and you think that you are following a "POLICE" car.. Look closely...then you reaslize you are following a "POLITE" car! Clever!

Ashokism Award 2010- Angadi Theru...

2011-01-15T01:20:00.006+05:30

The Ashokism award for the best Tamil movie of 2010 goes to Angadi theru. Few Tamil films in recent years have surprised me with some realistic screenplay and down to earth story telling.
Director Vasanthabalan deserves a standing ovation for his bold attempt. New and little known faces do ample justice to the script. Ofcourse, the movie is not for the light hearted...

Other praiseworthy movies were Mynaa and Madrasapattinam

Nandhi Hills...

2011-01-02T22:52:00.002+05:30

The visit to Nandhi hills was a long pending affair. But when i went there today, the holiday crowd had swarmed every inch of the hillock that even the monkeys could'nt come down the trees.

The Yoga nandeeshwara temple atop the hills built by the Cholas...

deteriorating structure...a must visit place for temple architecture lovers.

The infamous Tipu's drop...

Amruth Sarovar - the perennial sweet water pond...

Tipu's summer retreat...

3 stone tablets...

the scenic climb...

the monolithic rock mass from a distance...

Tharangambadi trip...

2011-01-01T20:31:00.007+05:30

Tharangambadi also known earlier as Sadangampadi is an important town in the history of Indian Christian Mission. The Danish East Indian company had set its first foot here.

The Danish fort was built in 1620 by Col. Ove Gjedde with the permission of the Tanjore king Ragunatha Nayakkan.

The Fort from the sea front...

a pink water tank..courtesy ASI !

Cannons towards the sea...

Inside the fort...

Fisherlady collecting shells...

Rampants of the old fort ...

Nithila infront of the memorial stone commemorating the landing of Lutheran missionaries Bartholomaus Ziegenbalg and Heinrich Pluetschau in 1705

28.12.2010

Melvin takes the plunge...

2010-08-31T22:53:00.001+05:30

He is my most favorite humorist. He can crack a joke on anything and everything. I came to know that he is a senior to me at school from one of his rib ripping columns.Melvin Durai finally takes the plunge and writes a book- ‘ Bala takes the Plunge’.

Hairlines Vs Skyline

2010-08-23T12:40:00.003+05:30

hairline vs skyline

Ar.Shahrukh Mistry , Ar.Jaisim & Ar.Ramji - enjoying the view of Natham hills...Demonstrating the 3 styles of an architect's hairline!

Kadambavanam - the temple of Tamil traditions

2010-08-19T00:34:00.005+05:30

with Ar. Ganapathy

Kadambavanam - a Tamil Culture resort is the brainchild of Architect Ganapathy and his wife Chitra. The place is about 25 kms from Madurai towards Natham and set in a scenic and tranquil hillside. Using local materials and local artisans - the place offers an interesting cultural experience.
This is a must visit place for anyone visiting Madurai. Infact the locals from Madurai also should drop in to realize the depth and character of our own heritage.

Kadambavanam is a wonderful beginning....a journey that should go a long way

Folk Art performance

Cottages...

Scenic Setting...

Veera Ayyanar

Music Show...

2010-04-24T23:58:00.003+05:30

Playing the drums after over a decade at our company function! Chellappan was again at the keyboard along side after our last performance at Ecstasy '98.

Ashokism Award 2009 - Pasanga...

2010-01-15T01:23:00.004+05:30

The Ashokism award for the best Tamil film of 2009 goes to Pasanga. Debutant director Pandiraj amazed me with his down to earth story telling and screen play.

Some of the other films worth mentioning are:
1. Vennila kabadi Kuzhu
2.Nadodigal

Chained...

2009-11-26T23:56:00.005+05:30

Ofcourse, India Shines !

But Toilet mugs are still in Chains....

(Photographed in Shatabdi Express)

Pillayarpatti visit...

2009-10-21T19:34:00.002+05:30

My usual interest in temple architecture lead me to Pillayarpatti - a small village about 12 kms from Karaikudi. The Karpaga Vinayagar Koil here has small but well proportioned gopurams and is set beside a beautiful tank. The original shrine inside is a rock cut cave dating back to 4th cent. AD. The vimanas and mandaps were later additions.

Bangalore Snapshot...03

2009-08-25T23:54:00.007+05:30

Bangalore Snapshot...02

2009-08-25T23:50:00.005+05:30

Thrissur...

2009-04-09T20:52:00.020+05:30

For about 2 years I have been travelling to Thrissur and I realize that I have not posted anything worthwhile on this beautiful small town-the cultural capital of kerala...

The wider stream on the left is a treat to sore eyes...

Either side of my project site runs two beautiful streams..so typical of Kerala.

Nesting water birds...

the distant bridge...

boats waiting for eager tourists...

picture postcard...

a boat floating still..

an interesting sculpture on the hilltop...

a view of my project site from the nearby Vilangan hills... Seena, my architect friend took me to this vantage point for a panaromic view of Thrissur...07.04.2009

World Architecture Award...

2009-03-09T21:51:00.006+05:30

"Lalitha Mahal" among the winners of World Architecture Community Award...!

a drive to Idaikattur..01

2009-02-28T21:52:00.003+05:30

Idaikattur is a small village by the river Vaigai, close to Manamadurai. I took a drive to visit the historic "Sacred Heart of Jesus"Shrine - a century old church of architectural significance.

The church was built in 1894 AD by French missionary Fr. Ferdinand Celle SJ with funds donated by Mary Anne- a French Anglican lady.

The church is an attempt to replicate the Rheims Cathedral in France.

The church has its own web site that has interesting info on its history...

a drive to Idaikattur...02

2009-02-28T21:33:00.003+05:30

Idaikattur is the place where Siddhar Idaikattar lived and set the Navagrahas - the pattern followed by later temples...a small temple stands testimony to this important event in the history of temple architecture.
The countryside surrounding the village is green and yet rustic. The place is home to various bird species like kauthari, kadai, maina, karichan kuruvi, etc...

...'sithu pura' (small wild dove)

a pair of wild doves fluttering off at the sight of my car...

.'kana-koli'- a wild type of hen...very fast on its legs..

grazing cows and 'unni kokku' (cattle egretts)...

the scerene countryside...

the road leading to the village...

Happy B'day...

2009-02-12T00:27:00.001+05:30

11.02.09

she turns 3 today...

Her first brush with the brush her dad kept untouched for the past 10 years...

Varity?!!!

2009-01-25T23:45:00.002+05:30

on the walls of a restaurant in Madurai...

Ashokism Award 2008 - Subramaniapuram...

2009-01-15T21:44:00.008+05:30

The Ashokism award for the best Tamil film of 2008 goes to Subramaniapuram.
For a person like me who grew up in Madurai, the film is a nostalgic walk thro’ the 80s. Kudos to director Sasi Kumar .The cast is amazing and the camera work and art direction deserve special mention. James Vasanthan’s songs add value to the movie.
The only thing I missed was Ilayaraja’s music. But the director cleverly overcomes this by the use of Ilayaraja’s 80’s numbers in the romantic scenes.
Well done SasiKumar.
The other 2 films that need a special mention are :
1.Poo
2.Anjathe
Ashokism awards 2005, 2006, 2007

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-01T19:48:00.001+05:30

Bangalore Snapshots...01

2008-06-11T15:06:00.003+05:30

Someshwara temple, Ulsoor

Bird in Ulsoor Lake...

Sankee Tank...

Cubbon road...

Utility building...

Guitar

2008-06-10T21:43:00.001+05:30

Nithila has her first feel of my old Guitar

09.06.2008

Pooram 2008

2008-06-01T19:43:00.001+05:30

Pooram festival @ Thrissur, Kerala

16.04.2008

Ashokism Award 2007 - Paruthiveeran...

2008-01-15T19:08:00.004+05:30

The Ashokism award for the best Tamil film 2007 goes to Paruthiveeran.

Ameer Sultan has matured into a complete substance director and has given us an honest, no-nonsense movie. The climax is not for the faint hearted and will be the talk of the movie buffs for quite a while. Priyamani and New comer Karthi along with rest of the cast (almost forgotten Saravanan) are stunning in their roles. Yuvan’s music and Ramji’s camera work complement Ameer’s direction. Ameer has raised the bar of Tamil movie by a few notches.

Other close contestants for the 2007 ashokism award are :
2.Chennai 28
3.Mozhi
4.Kalloori
5.Onbadhu Roobai nootu

Off to school ...

2008-01-14T20:47:00.001+05:30

Nithila's first day at school

10.01.08

INDIA IN KABUL by Manu Pubby

2008-01-03T21:23:00.001+05:30

Posted online: Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 1236 hrs.
(click to enlarge image to read more)
THE word 'Hindustani' works like magic in Kabul. It opens welcoming doors, brings out smiles and an odd hug, and even reduces the haggling cab driver to a Bollywood music showoff. For the small Indian community in the Afghan capital—mostly professionals working on major developmental projects—the respected Hindustan tag is reason enough to stick on to Kabul despite an upscale of violence.Of course, the more than comfortable pay packages offered to Indians—more than twice what they would get in the Gulf states—also helps. Kabul is a city being rebuilt from scratch and Indians are deeply involved in its emergence as a democratic capital. Television channels, road construction companies, internet service providers,hotels, civil engineering companies, all have a significant Indian presence.While the embassy blast on Monday sent shockwaves throughout the community, no one is yet thinking of moving back to India. They still feel safe in the capital primarily due to the warmth of the local people. However, most have not brought their families here due to lack of educational facilities or a vibrant social life.Indians employed here are top of the line professionals tasked with setting up new businesses. When a venture capitalist decided to put in the upcoming television sector and take on the leading local network, he was adamant on recruiting an Indian to head it. Afterall, India has the most vibrant television industry in the region andIndian soaps already the rage in Afghanistan.

The bustling market of Kabul...

the famous Chicken Street...

Dusk at Gurgaon

2007-11-30T21:27:00.001+05:30

Gurgaon 29.11.07

Cochin visit...

2007-11-22T21:39:00.003+05:30

view from my hotel deck...

beautiful backwaters by my hotel...

Jewish Synagogue...

spot the sparrow...

3 crows by the sea...

only here u find
Tamil in the name board!

colorful cartshop...

local architecture...

Shanghai by night...

2007-11-03T22:44:00.001+05:30

Shanghai visit..03

2007-11-03T21:41:00.001+05:30

Crabs at the Restaurant entrance lobby... which one u want to pick?

My Lunch table...Fish soaked in sweet sauce with an array of saltless boiled vegetables and greens...

China is one place that can even rattle a pure non-veggie ...The guy on the next table was having hairy Ox tail and tongue... didnt dare to take a snap.

my dinner plate...chinese puzzle!

It took me 15 minutes and all my dumb charade skills to make the waitress understand that I needed Tomato ketchup...

shuo zhian...

02.11.2007

Shanghai visit...04

2007-11-03T21:38:00.001+05:30

The other side of Shanghai..the quiet neighborhoods of simple life...
Clothes drying across the lane...sunshine atlast!

Traffic police man doing what he does best...very similar to an Indian road scene.

News reading in public bulletins...

Colorful Fruit shops on the way...

Postman at duty...

Shanghai visit..02

2007-11-02T21:34:00.001+05:30

The fruit seller...

the famed Tea ceremony...

chinese kababs...

Shanghai visit..01

2007-11-02T21:16:00.001+05:30

Amazing city...

river front...

The Bund...

Pudong silhouette as seen from the Bund...

Singapore....08

2007-10-31T00:05:00.001+05:30

The lasting image of Singapore...

Amazing Urban planning and Infrastructure ...

Colors of Singapore....07

2007-10-30T23:33:00.001+05:30

Colors of Singapore....06 - Sentosa Island

2007-10-30T23:30:00.001+05:30

The Aquarium @ the Sentosa

Colors of Singapore....05 - Sentosa Island

2007-10-30T23:23:00.001+05:30

Colors of Singapore....04

2007-10-30T23:21:00.001+05:30

Colors of Singapore....03

2007-10-30T23:17:00.001+05:30

Colors of Singapore....02

2007-10-30T23:15:00.001+05:30

"Little India" decorated for Deepavali celebrations...

Colors of Singapore....01

2007-10-30T23:12:00.002+05:30

Malaysia....3

2007-10-28T00:30:00.001+05:30

The reflection of the Petronas Twin Towers on the shallow pool... One of the lasting images of my KL trip...

Malaysia....2

2007-10-28T00:29:00.001+05:30

The Petronas towers ...This beautiful skyscrapper is every architects pilgrimage place. Even though its not the tallest building on Earth anymore, it still is the most elegant. A truly outstanding highrise architecture...The building sits in a beautifully landscaped setting...

The shallow pool is the biggest attraction for kids..The care and attention to detail for public spaces by the urban designers of KL is laudable.

The most common site in front of the towers...

The landscape around the towers from the skybridge...

the sky bridge...

Malaysia ... 1

2007-10-28T00:26:00.001+05:30

My visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was very brief and with the sole purpose of seeing the master piece of Cesar Pelli - the Petronas twin tower. However, these are just a few snap shots that remain in my memory of KL... a truly beautiful city.

sunrise at KL airport...

the monorail...the spine of KL

rush hour...

Time square...

stunning fishes at the Aquarium...

beautiful highrises...

beautifully landscaped public spaces...

colorful nightlife...

the window...

2007-07-15T15:40:00.000+05:30

15.07.07

Kilakarai

a house in ruins by the sea...

I was standing in front of this ruin and wondering how it would have looked like once and why it had come to this state...and then this goat climbs up the wall and bleats...I clicked immediately as I did'nt have much time to compose the frame...

butterfly...

2007-06-30T21:38:00.001+05:30

Jaipur 1996

2007-06-30T20:58:00.001+05:30

Step well...1996

2007-06-30T19:50:00.001+05:30

Looking up from the depth of the Step wells of Ahmedabad, 1996

Gods own country...

2007-06-29T20:43:00.001+05:30

Galle..the beautiful southern tip of Sri Lanka

Pinnawala..the Elephant Santuary

a colonial villa near Hambantota...

Church at Kandy...

Buddist temple at Kandy...

the river at Katargama...

Lake at Nuwara Eliya...

...treaked a few miles to reach "the World's End"..no words can describe the beauty of this place....

sunset at nuwara eliya...

File photos taken from my trip to Sri Lanka in 2004

Darasuram...

2007-06-24T20:56:00.001+05:30

Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram near Kumbakonam built by Raja raja Cholan- II during 1146 - 1163 AD...a marvel in Stone...

Old snaps (1994) taken during my college days when I went on an Architectural study tour to Kumbakonam...

Hogenakkal ...smoke that thunders!

2007-06-16T20:02:00.001+05:30

Last month I went to Dharmapuri to visit my friend Sasi...and it is by now a tradition for Dharmapuriites to take their guests to Hogenakkal , a riverside spa some 25kms away. So off we rode to Hogenakkal.
The main Falls is a sight for sore eyes...

Coracles - small circular basket boats covered in buffalo hide- ... a must ride

the rocky gorges sculpted by the water...

line of boatmen waiting to take their customers for a 'ride'...Their charges are day time robbery ! Another common sight here is untrained 'masseurs' giving crude body massages to boozed pot bellyed customers . Tourists are crazed about eating the fishes freshly caught and cooked along the waters - but beware if you have a weak tummy- they are cooked in re re reused oil...

meandering waters...

my boatman...

maddening crowds...May is the worst month to visit this place I guess ... mad rush of tourists dirty the waters... the water thats supposed to heal is actually a potential threat to your health...with dead fishes , plastic bags and bottles floating and garbage and beer bottles tossed around...

beating the summer heat...Sasi and his wife somehow convinced me and my wife to enter the murky waters - It was great fun and ofcourse both of us were down with viral infection for the next 3 days :(

The place is great and has greater potential to become a classy tourist spot if only the tourism department is run by people with atleast average

brains.

Got Booed !

2007-06-15T22:35:00.002+05:30

Thanks Boo for the " award "

and I pass it on to all the wonderful people I have listed as my 'blogmates'...

The last ride...

2007-03-31T22:42:00.001+05:30

Cows crammed and transported to slaughter houses in Kerala...Snap taken near Cochin

31.03.07