Did too ..

Re-Discovered ..
The old Lucky Ali collection from engineering college days, in a long forgotten folder. Along with Khamoshi (the Musical, before Sanjay Leela Bhansali got all totally arty farty), Silk Route and KennyG, the Lucky Ali songs comprised my music listening universe through most of college. Pity he decided to stop after the trilogy – Sunoh, Sifar and Aks. Sifar was always a personal favourite, especially the rambling philosophical songs. Great lyrics – profound, simple words, nice rhythm.

Pehle fursat thi ab hasrat hai samaakar ek aisi uljhan hai meri
Khud chaslke rukta hoon jahan jis jagah par
Ek aisi sarhad hai meri …

The lyrics for the Lucky Ali songs used to be penned by one Aslam, who was apparently his partner in his carpet business (!). Never heard of him since, despite the obvious talent. Takes all sorts, I guess.

Lost ..
Weight. Hehehe .. ya right. Notwithstanding frequent trips to dosa-sambhar land, I need to hit the gym. Soon.

Watched ..
DevD. Half of it actually. Didn’t find it all that good, though nicely random in parts. The music is quite appropriately Floydian and stoned. Check out Nayan Tarse, sung by the music director himself, Amit Trivedi. Same guy who composed the music for Aamir (another not-so-good movie imho but with a tremendous score).

Aamir had very different music – very strong Sufi influence. I especially liked Chhaap Tilak, which is a composition by the 14th century Sufi saint, poet and musician Amir Khusrau. This has been rendered by Kailash Kher, who when it comes to sufi / bhakti music, is beyond compare. Pure heart.

Undertook pilgrimages to ...
Paradise, Hyderabad. Was somewhat disappointing though; the mutton biryani is no longer as good. But Mhen and I made up by landing up at Mahender rocks (Mahender rocks .. slap bang in the middle of Secunderabad .. man, there’s still hope for this country) which had a good view of the sun setting over most parts of Secunderabad. Coupled with DevD psychedelic music, it was quite good, though not completely edible.

Mocambo, Calcutta (NOT Kolkata). The place continues to be the best place for Raj style continental cuisine, bar none.

PS: Err .. I’m back.