Dhurandhar - Music Album Review

Dhurandhar‘s music has been the sound of the town since the music released. It’s ruling the charts and almost every track is on the top 10/20 list. Let’s learn more about them and see what worked. 

1. Dhurandhar - Title Track (Shashwat Sachdev, Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas) - The album opens with a high energy track. It’s infact, an old Punjabi track “Naa De Dil Pardesi Nu” by Mohammed Sadiq and Ranjit Kaur that’s been reimagined. While retaining the same tune of the original, Shashwat adds electronic elements with HanumanKind adding flair with his rap, Jasmine Sandlas adding some unforgettable lines and peppiness to the track. Full on attitude! 

2. Ishq Jalakar - Karvaan (Shashwat Sachdev, Shahzad Ali, Subhadeep Das Chowdhury) - Another high energy track and again this is reimagined from  a song from the 1960 movie Barsaat Ki Raat. The Original was sung by Manna Dey, Mohd Rafi, Asha Bhosle and others in a slow qawwali style. Irshad Kamil splits in two and uses the first couple of lines for this “Na to caravan ki talaash hai… na to humsafar ki  talaash hai”. This is also high energy and the lyrics are deep given the context. Loved it! 

3. Gehra Hua (Shashwat Sachdev, Arijit Singh, Irshad Kamil, Armaan Khan) - Slow , easy romantic melody with minimal accompaniments - this one is beautifully sung by Arijit Singh. And that one guitar strum that gets the song going - is haunting. 

4. Teri Ni Kararan (Shashwat Sachdev, Diljit Dosanjh, Lal Chand Yamla Jatt) - Another old song reimagined by Shashwat. Those who don’t follow Punjabi songs, this was a song by Lal Chand Yamla Jatt beautifully sung by Diljit. 

5. Run Down The City - Monica (Shashwat Sachdev, Reble, Asha Bhosle, R.D. Burman) - One more old song reimagined. This time its Piya Tu Ab To Aaja from Karwan. Very nicely mixed by Reble. Makes you feel like you are in a pub and a DJ has remixed this song. 

6. Shararat (Shashwat Sachdev, Madhubanti Bagchi, Jasmine Sandlas) - Instantly reminded me of Aaj ki Raat. May be because it is by the same singer Madhubanti Bagchi. Catchy tune with electronic beats. 

7. Ez-Ez (Shashwat Sachdev, Hanumankind, Diljit Dosanjh, Raj Ranjodh) - Diljit and Hanumankind come together for this. Ez song to listen. 

8. Lutt Le Gaya (Shashwat Sachdev, Simran Choudhary) - Very contextual and yet the song is a very good listen even otherwise. I loved the placement of “bhum” sound in the song. 

9. Move - Yeh Ishq Ishq (Shashwat Sachdev, Reble, Sonu Nigam, Roshan) - This is the second part of the qawwali “Na to caravan ki talaash ha” from Barsaat ki Raat where Sonu Nigam sings the hook line along with some 

10. Naal Nachna (Shashwat Sachdev, Afsana Khan, Irshad Kamil, Reble) - Reble’s rap and Afsana Khan’s raw vocals make this a very interesting listen. Can see this also being played in pubs like many of the others in the album. 

11. Ramba Ho (Shashwat Sachdev, Madhubanti Bagchi, Bappi Lahiri) -, this song by Usha Uthup has been reimagined very well for a very specific context in the movie. 

Overall, Shashwat has taken many old songs and reimagined them with electronic beats, good programming and blending them with rap, Punjabi and other kinds of music. Sonu Nigam, Arijit, Diljit, Hanu mankind are the more well known names on the album. The others are upcoming or lesser known artists. But they have done a fabulous job. These songs will continue to rule the roost for some more time. And I can see a lot of them being staples in pubs and being played by DJs on various occasions. Enjoy the soundtrack!

Gajar ka halwa - Ye Mausam Ka Jaadu Hai Mitwa

 

Gajar ka halwa

Ye gaajar ka mausam hai mitwa 

Ab ghar pe banega iska halwa

Doodh aur ghee mein pakaaiye 

Elaichi cheeni daaliye 

Kaju Baadam daal ke khaaiye halwa  

Sardiyon mein khaaiye garam garam halwa

Here is the instagram video link ...

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSF0o1lkyU1/

Chicory Chicory - Parody take on Chikiri Chikiri

 Recently, A R Rahman released the Chikiri Chikiri song from the upcoming movie Peddi. While the song and movie will be released in multiple languages, the original song and movie is in Telugu. The song became an instant hit with it's catchy tune and the choreography that Ram Charan pulled off with elan. 

But while humming Chikiri, I could not help notice the rhyming similarity to Chicory - an ingredient that is added to coffee to reduce it's bitterness. And people add Chicory in different quantities. Some commercial brands add as much as 40% chicory to reduce bitterness and the price of coffee.  So, that led me thinking - is it possible to recreate Chikiri by replacing it with Chicory? And after some thought, it happened. 

So, here is Chicory... Enjoy it! 

Poddunney lechaaka 

Coffee padithey o chukka 

Pani modaletteyachu enchakka

Coffee Cheduga unte pakka 

Nenu Thaagaleno gukka 

Aa coffee thaagaleka kakka

Oho add cheyyi Chicory Chicory
Coffee lo Chicory Chicory
Pedatha Pedatha Pedatha
flavorful coffee Pedatha 

Tasteu daani ruchini batti  

Add chesesesthene keka

Chicory Chicory unte … nenu thaagesta! 

Chedu, ruchini manchiga balance chesesthondhe pilla 

Koncham Chicory tho coffee adirenu ta 

Poddunney lechaaka 

Manchi Coffee padithey pakka 

Pani cheseseyacchu enchakka

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Watch Chicory Chicory Parody Here

Baboi Corona - Parody Take on Oh My God Daddy

When the world came to a standstill due to Coronavirus, and the government announced the first lockdown in March 2020, we all stayed at home (remember?). There was no vaccine back then. Everyone was advised to stay home, maintain social distancing and wash hands when they touched someone or something. The fear was real. Then an idea came to me.  Why not create a song that was as informational/ educational and equally entertaining as well. That is when "Baboi Corona" happened. 

I wrote the below lyrics and sang it to the tune of "Oh My God Daddy" from Ala Vaikuntapuramulo which was a craze at that point. Hope you all can relate to it and enjoy it. 

Naa story cheppalenu
Naa baadhakanthu ledhu
Janaalu andarendhukintha
meedha paduthunnaru
Maata vinipinchukoru
Assalu artham chesukoru
Aalochisthe Corona peru
Raaluthundi naa hairuu

Corona test cheyyamante
Manamemanna rich ah
Vachi muttukomante
Emaina picchaa
Anukuntu daakkuntu
Nenu intikocchaa
Andharinta same scene
Emantaav chicchaa
[RAP ENDS]

Baboi Corona
Dhada putte gundellonaa
Baboi Corona
Undandi illallonaa
Baboi Corona
Dhada putte gundellonaa
Daakkunna intlona
Bayataki ne raalena??

Social distancing antu
Govt cheppindi vintu    

Chetulu kadukkuntu
Chesa ney fight day and night-u
Oh oh oh twenty secondsu
Oh oh oh hand washingu...

Virus ni o chitti
country lo aapaleru
Intha thakku time lo
mandhu kanibettaleru
Swechakemi shortcut
Kanipettaledhu ottu
Kaadhante nannu thittu
Ledha na jattu kattu

Pillalni sanitize
cheyyamani cheppa
peddavaallanee
bayatiki ellamanaku chiccha
serious ga teesukomani
cheppaleka chachaa
unna okka zindagi
jagrathagundu machaa

He isn’t always right
Spy daddy spy daddy
He isn’t always right
Spy daddy spy daddy
Spy daddy spy daddy spy daddy
Spy daddy spy daddy spy daddy

Corona antindante
Care of kashtalunnatte
Ee virus povaalante
Quarantine avvalanthe
Oh oh oh moodu vaaraale
Oh oh oh unchu dooraale

Baboi Corona
Dhada putte gundellonaa
Baboi Corona
Undandi illallonaa
Baboi Corona
Dhada putte gundellonaa
Stay Home ani antunna
Bayataki ne raavadannaa

---------------

Watch the song here

Exploring the Magic of Prague and Vienna - Chapter 1: Prague

After Four Years: Exploring the Magic of Prague and Vienna

Hello, dear readers! It’s been a whopping four years since I last wrote a blog post, and oh, how the world has changed in that time! We’ve settled into our own apartment, I conquered a marathon (yes, it’s true!), our kids have grown up, and I’ve delved into the world of anchoring and emceeing. But today, I’m thrilled to share a recent adventure that took us to the enchanting cities of Prague and Vienna!

A Long-Awaited Journey

Prague and Vienna had long occupied a special spot on our travel wishlist. The moment we laid eyes on those stunning red-roofed buildings of Prague, our hearts melted. Vienna, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and music, was calling us just as loudly. Earlier this year, we secured a Schengen visa while exploring Italy and Switzerland, which felt like winning the lottery given the visa process can be a real headache! With six months to play with, we were determined to make the most of it.

After some back-and-forth, we settled on Prague and Vienna. As music lovers, how could we resist visiting cities so steeped in musical heritage?

Discovering Prague: The City of a Hundred Spires

Our adventure kicked off in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, famously known as “the City of a Hundred Spires.” Spanning both sides of the Vltava River (pronounced "vol-taa-vuh"), this city is a treasure trove of history and beauty. We chose to stay near the Old Town Square, a perfect base for exploring historic sites, vibrant culture, and the enchanting cobblestone streets that tell stories of medieval times.

One of our first stops was the iconic Astronomical Clock, built in 1410. Can you believe it’s the oldest functioning clock in the world? Every hour, it chimes a symphony of mechanical wonders that draws crowds in awe.

Crossing the Charles Bridge, we felt the magic of Prague seep into our souls. This stunning bridge connects the Old Town to the majestic Prague Castle. Speaking of which, we explored the castle complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s over 1,000 years old! With its sprawling gardens, towering cathedrals, and breathtaking views of the city, it’s truly a must-see.

A Cultural Feast

Prague isn’t just about its history; it’s also a hub of vibrant cultural life. Did you know that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed and premiered some of his most celebrated works here? Our room was adorned with books and artwork about Mozart, including the fascinating fact that his opera "Don Giovanni" premiered at the Estates Theater in 1787 to roaring acclaim from the locals.

And if you think Prague is all about classical music, think again! The city pulses with nightlife—pubs, clubs, and live music venues keep the energy high long after the sun sets.

Navigating the City

While exploring on foot is the best way to absorb the atmosphere, Prague’s efficient tram system makes getting around a breeze. Here’s a quick list of must-see sights and activities to add to your itinerary:

• Old Town Square
• Astronomical Clock (don’t forget to climb the spiral stairs!)
• Charles Bridge
• Prague Castle
• Estates Theater 
• Powder Gate
• Church of Our Lady Before Týn 
• Vltava River Cruise 
• Wander the Old Town Streets 
• Karlova Street for souvenirs 
• Trdelník ( which means a hollowed out log) or Chimney Cake—a must-try street snack 
• Local Czech Beer —sample Pilsner Urquell or Budvar
• Pařížská Street, Nerudova Street, Zlata Ulička for scenic strolls 
• Petrin Tower for panoramic views on a sunny day
• Delicious Vegetarian Options—we found some delightful local dishes
• Dancing House—a modern marvel amidst the historic charm
• V Ungeltu for unique local souvenirs
• Nightlife Hotspots—don’t miss Lokal Dlouhá and DejaVu music bar

While our two and a half days were brisk and the weather a bit chilly, we still covered a lot of ground and made unforgettable memories. Sure, we faced some rain and couldn’t capture all the postcard-perfect moments, but the experience was rich and rewarding nonetheless.

Until Next Time!

I’ll wrap up this post here, but stay tuned for my reflections on Vienna, where the music and magic continue! I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure in Prague. Safe travels!

Digital Schooling in the age of #21daysoflockdown

The country came to a grinding halt since March 25th. Since the older folk and young kids were more prone to the #Coronavirus, it made sense to keep them indoors. And for a country with a population of 120 Crores plus, the risk of the pandemic escalating would have been too much. To #FlattenTheCurve, the country's leadership decided to lockdown the country for 3 weeks (#21daylockdown) from March 25th to April 14th 2020. 

All this meant that schools would be closed, and parents would have to scramble to figure out how to keep kids busy (it felt like an extended summer break). While the reports of #COVID19 spreading rapidly across the globe was keeping everyone in panic mode, some school authorities used the time to devise innovative ways to keep kids engaged. And thus came the time for #DigitalSchooling and #Collaborative Learning. 

With the #21daylockdown , schools like The Shriram Universal School, Hyderabad #tsushyderabad introduced digital learning. #NewAcademicYear 2020-21 began  today (April 1st, 2020). The school is moving content online - creating online videos and PPTs and still enforcing a school time table. Some schools have partnered with mobile app creators to push course content through apps. Kudos to the schools for taking such steps! 

Of course, there is a greater role for parents to play in such circumstances - e.g. ensuring discipline from kids at home - to wake up, follow a routine, watch the videos (under adult supervision), clarify questions and such. Of course, it may strain the eyes a little bit, but it is any day, better than letting the kids watch TV or other digital monitors (Tablets or Phones) for similar lengths of time. 

Digital Schooling during Lockdown

For much younger kids, like my 4 year old daughter, the school opted for #CollaborativeLearning. The school administration has a WhatsApp broadcast group, and they have been using it to send important information. Now with the lockdown enforced, they decided to use it inform parents about how the school will continue to keep kids and parents involved and engaged, and has been sending some activities daily. Parents are encouraged to send pictures after the kids complete the activity. 

While these are not long term solutions, and cannot replace classroom learning and/or human interaction, these are great steps forward. It will mean that Teachers and administrators have to breach the digital barrier faster and adopt technology in a way that was not prevalent before. With the digital classroom, teachers will have to hone new skillsets - namely, better presentation and communication/ articulation skills. It is indeed a challenge for some, as they have to prepare the content much in advance. Indeed, it will further strain the internet bandwidth. Indeed there are very limited resources available at our disposal right now (e.g. lack of Printers, or craft paper or geographical map of India) and they may not be available for some more time. 

However, one cannot dispute the swiftness of action by schools, appreciate what they are trying to do in these unusual and turbulent circumstances, and encourage the adoption of digital means to further education. This is what we can call #SchoolFromHome (SFH) - just like WFH. This will provide a lot of confidence to try out such innovative ways in the times to come. A lot of other activities have moved online, and really the pace of digital transformation has gone up, thanks to #COVID19. Indeed, every cloud has a silver lining!

Christmas of 2018 - A trip to Kakinada!

For Xmas 2018, we planned to visit our cousins in Kakinada. Kakinada is a coastal town right by the sea. It was a 4 day trip, and my first to Kakinada. Ideally, had it not been to visit my cousins, this could easily have been a 2 day weekend trip. We left by train (Cocanada Express) from Hyderabad, and reached Kakinada in the morning. As stay was at our cousin's place, we did not incur stay cost. Having said that, there are plenty of good stay options in/ around Kakinada.

Places to see, and things to do in/ around Kakinada (directions link):

There are lot of places worth seeing in and around Kakinada

Kakinada is a port town - it is one of the smart cities in Andhra Pradesh. Visit the beaches (albeit the beaches have black sand and not the cleanest). Go to the recently built Beach Park for some attractions. Eat the Madatha Kaja and Gottam Kaja (must try), and try the unending veg thali at iconic Subbayya gari hotel (go to the original and oldest branch) while here.

Uppada village which is 30 kms from Kakinada is famous for it's silk sarees, and the drive to the village is beautiful. You can visit some of the handloom weavers, see how they weave the sarees and also buy directly from them instead of paying a higher showroom prices in the city.

Yanam, a small town, and surprisingly (to me), part of the Union Territory of Pondicherry - this is where river Godavari merges in to the Bay of Bengal close to the coast of Yanam.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: 18 kms from Kakinada - famous for the largest mangrove in the country, and for the migratory birds that come here in winter.

Day 1 & 2:

While we spent relaxing and catching up on Day 1, on Day 2, we went to Yanam, a small village. Godavari merges in to the sea close to the Yanam coast. There is a huge Shiva linga on the banks of Godavari, and the docking area next to it. We all went on a boat ride on the Govadari river to an island where finally the river merges in to the sea. We put on life jackets as the ride was bumpy. We had to carry water, snacks and lunch as this is a remote island with no people or amenities. This island is not even on the map, and has no phone signal.

After about 2 hours, and a 40 kms boat ride in to the sea, we reached a small unknown island. There was no one on the island except us. The boatman told us that here, the Godavari river met the Bay of Bengal sea. There was water everywhere! We played in the sand. Due to how isolated this place is, we came back to Yanam before dark, and returned home.

This unknown island is not even there on the map - pristine beaches, clear water, and not crowded at all!

Day 3:

We all went to Annavaram in the morning. It is 60 kms from Kakinada, and has a very famous temple on the hill dedicated to Sri Satyanarayana Swamy. This was a half-day trip and we came back to Kakinada by lunch time. We had meals at the iconic Subbayya Gari Hotel (which now has branches in Hyderabad too). It's a small location, but the friendly service, the tradition, the scale of cooking, the utensils they use, and overall hospitality left a lasting memory.

In the early hours of the evening, we drove to Uppada and helped the ladies shop sarees. The road to Uppada village is right by the sea, and the drive is beautiful. One can see and hear the waves splashing against the rocks along the way. Several movies have shot some sequences along this coastal road.

Uppada is a short 30 mins drive from Kakinada

Day 4:

The next day was Christmas. That was the last day we stayed in Kakinada. We spent time at home, exchanging some gifts and playing with one another. We bought Kakinada Kajas (famous sweets). We took the train that evening and reached home the day after Christmas. I did not want the vacation to end. It was a memorable trip. I just can’t wait for the next such trip!

Though I was looking forward to, we could not visit Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary as there was not enough momentum within the family. I will be back again some day and try to spot the fishing cat, and to click some of the migratory birds that come there.

Reference articles that helped us plan our trip (thanks to some of the Tripoto community members too):

• https://www.tripoto.com/trip/on-the-trail-of-the-elusive-fishing-cat-5b5d8dee1a905
• https://www.tripoto.com/trip/a-day-in-kakinada-57d778219457c
• https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g1584832-d5787981-Reviews-Coringa_Wildlife_Sanctuary-Kakinada_East_Godavari_District_Andhra_Pradesh.html
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/2-day-bird-festival-in-coringa/articleshow/67019927.cms