More performances

Hi, I am glad to say that I had couple of more chances to perform songs. One is in a program organized by local telugu association on the name of a great singer Ghantasala. Other one is a hindustani classical performance organized by Kalanjali. My music class is also going on well. Only thing is that I am not getting more time for practise. So these performances help to keep me on tune and track.
Nothing more to say as there are no major happenings from my side. I hope you are all doing fine.

Movie Reviews

ENDHIRAN(Tamil)


Well, finally I get to see the most awaited picture of the year(should I say decade?). ENDHIRAN. This is my first tamil film I watched straight in a theater. I always loved Shankar who delivers the movies with picture perfect quality. Endhiran is another feather in his cap, however I felt he changed his movie making style with this movie. Moreover, being Rajinikanth as hero Shankar had no limits on the budget and could deliver an awesome entertainer.
However any movie will have likes and dislikes and below are those in my perspective. This is purely my opinion.

Likes

1. Standards are extra-ordinary. Felt like I am seeing an hollywood movie DOT
2. Everyone says that Rajini is a stylish actor, but he is a good artist as well.Liked the ROBO character
3. No over hyped emotions

Dislikes

1. I wish the first song was shot completely with full rhythm. My favourite song
2. Shankar is known to elevate the movie in the first half to the peak. I did not see that in this. He dealt it pretty normal

Anyway, this is a must watch movie to appreciate the advanced technology Indian movies are running towards.

Another interesting rumour is that Chiru-Aishwarya Rai-Shankar combo is going to grace the silver screen. I wish this dream combination works out soon. :)



KHALEJA(Telugu)

Well, this movie also had more hype because of the reason that Mahesh is coming up on screen after 3 years of gap. Cant say anything but this is like a normal story. But Mahesh did a different role with more sense of humor. Most of the time he was able to generate the genuine timing comedy. As usual he looks awesome. But it did not have the complete punch of Trivikram. You cannot compare with Athadu which was picture perfect.

I wish the director concentrated on story line more rather than standard masala elements. Songs are just OK. Fights are typical Trivikram type but need to change eventually for upcoming movies.

I would say that the movie is one time watchable if you go without expectations.

Borugula(Murmura/Puff Rice) Laddu

This is a homemade rice-jaggery crispty sweet from India. Best served as a evening snack.

Items required --

Murmura(Borugulu or Puff Rice)
Jaggery
Water
Cardamom

Preparation --

In a big, sturdy, thick-bottomed vessel, add water and jaggery. Cook on medium-high heat. Jaggery melts and begins to concentrate. Adding cardamom powder as optional. When it starts foaming, it reached the consistency we want for this recipe. To test, add few drops of jaggery syrup to the cold water. When pushed with fingers, if the syrup can be rolled to a round and keeps share without melting in spite of tilting the plate to different directions, it is done and the syrup is ready. This whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Turn off the heat. Remove the pot from the stove. Now take a bowl filled with Murmura. Pour the jaggery syrup prepared on to this murmura proportionately(It will not yeild good results if you do it other way, pouring murmura into jaggery syrup). Mix it well. Now start making laddus(round balls). Keep making your hands wet once every ball is prepared.

Wait for about 5 minutes for murmura-jaggery mixture to cool down and then start making laddus. Take a spoonful of mixture into hands and press gently into round shape. Keep a bowl of cold water on the side. Dip your hands in-between laddu making to keep hands unsticky and cool. Or ladle off the whole mixture into a greased pan. Press firmly and evenly. Cut into squares and let it cool. Break along the lines to separate the pieces. Makes about 12 medium sized laddus or squares.

Hope you enjoy making it...

One word

I just got this from Ria's blog. Thought of doing it.

Rule - Answer should be only in ONE WORD.

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket

2. Your hair? Black

3. Your mother? Lovable

4. Your father? Inspiring

5. Your favorite food? Indian

6. Your dream last night? None

7. Your favorite drink? Buttermilk

8. Your dream/goal? Singer/Singer

9. Where are you? Office

10. Your hobby? Music

11. Your fear? God

12. Where do u want to be in 6 yrs? USA

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. Something that you aren't? Rude

15. Muffins? English

16. Wish list item? Switzerland

17. Where did you grow up? Hyderabad

18. Last thing you did? Blog

19. What are you wearing? Indo-western

20. Your TV? 36''

21. Your pets? None

22. Friends? Valuable

23. Your life? Interesting

24. Your mood? Normal

25. Missing someone? Nephew

26. Car? RAV4

27. Something you're not wearing? Shoe

28. Your favorite store? Daddu's

29. Your favorite music? Anything

30. The last time you laughed? 12:45 PM

31. Last time you cried? Nope

32. You hate? R's

33. One place that you go all the time? Winco :)

34. One person who emails you regularly? Sandeep

35. My favorite place on earth? Hyderabad

I will pass this to few people I know. Please feel free to take it up.

Crater Lake - Again

I hope everyone are doing well. As you know I already went to crater lake long time back. But I have visited it again, but this time with my wife.


It was wonderful experience this time since I went in peak summer and all the lake areas are open. We did the boat tour also which was wonderful. You should really get into the lake to experience how big it is. You cannot estimate by seeing it from outside. And the water is damn blue.


Overall, it was pretty nice trip with hot sun and the lake around. If you are nearby and have a chance to visit it, dont miss it. Below are some pics of it. See you later.

Change of Status

Finally I have changed my status from Single to Married..:)

Yes I got married 2 months back and back to US as well and in settlement mode. Believe me, its a new life altogether with new interests, twists, what not. Anyway life has taken a new turn for me and I am experiencing it. My wife is getting used to the new place, people etc.

No visits till now to any places. I will keep you posted about more updates. I hope you are all doing well and did not forget me.:)

Straight from PDX(Portland)

Friends, I am heading to India today. This time for a big occassion and its my marriage. I was busy last one month in shopping, packing stuff etc. I hope you are all doing well.
I will try to keep in touch and see you all after I settle down. Have fun guys.