Last few month of 2011 have been, well, very Artistic!
No! No! No! I didn't display my creativity and torture people. (Did take some pretty cool shots though! And got praised by a lot of people too! CHEERS..)
- The Hindu Metroplus Theater Fest 2011
- The Interview -
After Kiran Madam left, didn't go for any plays. This was the first. Thanks to Abhishek for the company.
And what a story.
The story of a fresher being interviewed by a part-eccentric part-innocent rotund balding boss, who's sleeping with his sexy Assistant on the side, and by another employee who sees himself as the next to ascend the throne.
Starts with a lot of funnies, but as we end the performance, the darkness from the corporate corridors suddenly looms larger, and scarier.
But most of all, the contrast of the first and the last scene, left me spellbound.
- Quadir Ali Baig Theater Fest
- Adhe Adhure -
Disturbing, very disturbing. Lilette Dubey, Mohan Agashe and the rest of the cast play a family in the 60s, struggling through the joblessness of the father and the son, a runaway elder daughter, and a misbehaving school-going daughter.
From time to time, you feel like you understand the characters, and just when you are about to close their file, there's a new chapter that emerges. You feel sympathetic towards the struggling mother for some time, and then suddenly she transforms. As the shock of the transformation subsided, I was left with a nagging question.
"Is it unfair, for a mother of 3, to seek some comfort, some solace, some independence, from the life she creates for herself and her family, over a couple of decades? Will it be wrong if she flies off, leaving everything behind, to have a better life?"
Commendable performances by the cast, especially Dr.Agashe in a multitude of characters portrayed with brilliance.
- Noti Binodini -
Beautiful use of screens, lights, projections and music, along with multiple actresses playing the same character - made this a memorable performance.
The sometimes-painful story of one of India's foremost professional actresses from the theater world in early 1900s, based on her autobiography, was performed by a talented cast in front of a spellbound audience. The standout moments of the performance were the transformations/transfer of Binodini's character to the various actresses, pulled off with precision between astonishing lighting, music and set-changes with an ease that only comes accompanied with talent.
- Hyderabad Children Theater Fest
- A special Bond -
Based on short stories by Ruskin bond, a fun story about a small child sent to holiday in the seclusion and quiet life of the mountains, only to find out it's not that secluded, nor is it very quiet. Railway tunnel guard, Leopard, Monkey, Ghost, genial grandad, New crazy-ass friends, Gardener, Aunt, her friend, and the husband. Filled with wacky interesting characters that made the duration of the play look too small.
- The Hindu November Fest
- Zeb and Haniya -
Breathtaking songs in languages I don't know. They enjoyed the singing, and the crowd had loads of fans, someone wanted to take the flutist home with her. The melodies, fusing world music with sufi tunes, and some very strong messages left us all wanting more.
- Adrishta -
Fusing Carnatic with Hindustani, and fusing instrumental sounds from both genres, creating magic. Heard some new instruments and fell in love all over again with classical music.
- Remembering Panchamda -
A decent concert, covering a truckload of Pancham-Hits. But the most I liked was the instru--mental medley, the crazy chanting for the bassist, and when the singers did their own unplugged interpretations of some tracks(not something the purists liked a lot, but hey, Pancham wasn't a purist, was he?)
- The Times Fest
- Indian Ocean Live -
Any description needed for the music?
Made even more special by the open air venue, closeness of the stage, rough-stone-cut stage, and presense of by sweet brother with me. The pics taken at this concert put me in touch with one member of the band, so hopefully next time around, i get to take some closer shots :-)
- Zakir Hussain Live
At Choumahala Palace, tucked away inside a non-descriptive doorway near Charminar. Beautiful ambiance, lights, and evening. The opening was a little too much to handle (went on for too long, had loooooooooooong tracks to play), but they were a good bunch of performers. But all was forgotten and forgiven when the master came on stage. Now I know why he's so famous. Not oonly does he play the Tabla like magic, he has an attitude. Funny, Familiar, and yet Tough. Waiting for my refill during the Shakti concert now.
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Office Events and Photography
- Photography class and Photowalk
Saurabh and Mahesh taught us some nuances about photography, and then took us out for a morning shoot. great experience.
- Independence Day Celebration
My first official office shoot. Well, didn't go that well. Pics came out bad. But then, that's how we learn.
- Documentary and Talk on CONSERVATION by Bikram Grewal
- Jhankaar 2011
Second time shooting in the office, great moments, great performances, and if I may say so myself, great pics. People loved them.
I did too. :-)
- End Year Party 2011
Dance Dance, Click Click, Fun Fun. :-)
- Family Day 2011
The last fun filled time of the year at work, all colleagues, with their families, showing off the office. Some clicks. Was loads of fun.
- Glimpses of Suburbia
My new project. Lets see how it pans out.
2012 awaits.
