Only Mumbai

Gabbar Ki Asli Pasand - Britannia Glucose D

2010-08-22T15:31:00.000-04:00

Britannia Glucose D biscuits had employed Sholay's Gabbar Singh to push their product over Parle's Glucose biscuits. Here's that Ad in print. Remember?

How Do Wealthy Indian's invest?

2010-08-22T05:47:00.004-04:00

Indians are getting richer. More than 130,000 people now have net worth more than $1 million. So how do these individuals manage their money?

Bulk of it is in stocks, bonds, mutual funds. But they also avail of wealth management and private banking services that allows them to get the following.

1. Structured Products and Notes

Principal protected notes that allows them to protect from the market downturn without sacrificing the entire upturn if the market soars. Typically, for a fee as a percentage of their assets invested, they can get their principal pack if the market tanks or get about 80% of the market upside.

2. Real Estate

They get these by buying assets directly - a risky approach or by participating in pooled investments such as REITs - real estate investment trusts.

3. Asset backed Debt

They buy bonds with dedicated real assets as collateral. These earn them anywhere from 11 - 16 % in interest. Given current 7 % bank deposit interest in India, this is a good deal if you can stomach the risk.

4. Niche investments

Also called passion investments - currently water and renewable energy being on the top of the list.

Many own 5% gold as well.

So, there you go. How's your portfolio?

Taj Palace - Old Wing reopens

2010-08-22T05:37:00.000-04:00

Following the terrostist attacks by Pakistani cowards, and after 21 months of reconstruction and renovation, Mumbai's The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower is ready to reopen its rooms.

Taj Palace Ballroom - Mumbai

Taj Palace Old Wing Passageway

The stately old rooms and hallways of the hotel will reopen for guests on Sunday,said Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group. While most of the hotel reopened less than a month after the attack, the oldest part of the 107-year old hotel – the palace wing which bore the brunt of the fire, water and bullet damage from the battles in its hallways - has been under reconstruction since the fighting started Nov. 26, 2008.

Taj Palace Old Wing Room

Taj Palace Dolphin Room

Taj Palace Restored to its Old Glory

As a new bonus for guests, some will now be provided with chauffeur-driven Jaguars for transfers to the airport. The Tata Group’s auto arm, Tata Motors Ltd. bought U.K.-based Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion from Ford Motor Co. in 2008.

Where Mumbai Worships.

2010-03-14T05:15:00.001-04:00

Religion is a big deal in Mumbai and given the city's diversity, each day of the week has its popular temple or dargah, or church. Here are those places.

Monday
Balbulnath Temple (Lord Shiva) at Grant Road.

Tuesday
Siddhivinayak Temple (Lord Ganesh), Prabhadevi.

Wednesday
St Michael's Church, Mahim.

Thursday
Mahalaxmi Temple, Mahalaxmi.

Friday
Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai Central

Saturday
Hanuman and shani Dev Temple across the city.

Map of Public Hospitals in Mumbai

2010-03-09T05:53:00.000-05:00

Mumbai has nearly 14 million residents. Given that size, the number of public hospital beds is woefully inadequate. There are top class private hospitals to complement the public hospitals and that combination just might do the trick.

Madhubala, Mohamed Rafi Graves Disposed off in Mumbai

2010-02-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

The remains of Hindi cinema’s finest stalwarts including Madhubala, Mohammed Rafi, Naushad and Sahir Ludhianvi have been disposed of and their tombs demolished to make space for new bodies. Authorities manning the Juhu Muslim cemetery where they are interred say they were forced to take this step, and that it is in consonance with Islamic law.

The Muslim burial ground located opposite Juhu Garden was a paradise of sorts, given that luminous artistes like Rafi, Madhubala, Naseem Bano, Ludhianvi, Naushad, Ali Sardar Jafri, Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, Jan Nisar Akhtar, Talat Mahmood and Parveen Babi were interred there.

In a process that began five years ago, the trust that manages the site began to dismantle the 21 tombstones on site and disposed of the bones and skulls without informing their families or seeking their consent. The ground was levelled by filling in truckloads of soil three-feet high to create another layer of graves. The latest celebrity to be buried in Juhu cemetery was Aamir Khan’s father Tahir Hussain on February 3. Laden with flowers, this fresh grave forms the second tier.

“Islamic law or Sharia does not permit the construction of memorials to the dead,’’ says Asgar Ali, president of the Muslim Majlis, which manages the burial ground. “Moreover, there is an acute shortage of space since the Muslim population in the area is expanding and everyone wants to be buried in our graveyard given how clean and high-profile it is. Poet Ali Sardar Jafri lived near Malabar Hill but was brought here.’’

The families of these artistes are outraged that the trustees did not consult them before doing so. Madhubala’s sister Madhur Bhushan says the actor’s memorial was beautifully carved in pure marble and bore ‘aayats’ from the Koran as well as verses dedicated to her memory. “My father spent weeks and months at the graveyard getting artisans to craft it well,’’ she says. “Why did they allow us to construct it then?’’

“We grant NOCs (no-objection certificates), we don’t take them. Once a corpse enters these gates it becomes our property,’’ retorts Asgar Ali. Trust secretary Qayyum Khan adds, “ Every Muslim is equal before God; no concessions can be made for artistes and celebrities. We are forced to turn over the graves each year due to shortage of space.’’

Eknath Solkar

2010-02-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

In the 1970s, when Indian cricket was hovering near the top of the world, the image of Eknath Solkar diving for a catch was as firmly embedded in the collective consciousness of a nation as Sunil Gavaskar's straight drive or the skills of India's spin quartet. "We would never have been as effective without Solkar at short leg," Bishan Bedi once said.

Eknath Dhondu Solkar, who died of a heart attack aged 57, was sometimes called the `poor man's Garry Sobers' because he could bat anywhere, and bowl both medium-pace and spin. As a fielder, however, he held his own. When India beat West Indies for the first time ever, at Port of Spain in 1970-71, Solkar equalled the then world record of six catches in a Test.

His 53 catches came at almost two a match, the best ratio among fielders with over 50 catches. He toured the Caribbean and New Zealand in 1975-76 on the strength of his fielding alone, for by then Solkar the bowler had virtually ceased to exist, and as a batsman he was no longer `Mr Dependable'.

So assured were Solkar's hands - he made catches where other fielders might have seen barely a half chance - that, like a Bradman zero, a Solkar miss made the headlines when he was in his prime. His best catch was the running, tumbling effort that ended Clive Lloyd's fiery 163 in a Bangalore Test. "The ball was dipping away from me," he explained.

In the 1972-73 home series against England, he caught 12 batsmen in the first three Tests and needed only three more to equal Syd Gregory's long-standing world record. He dropped Graham Roope in the fourth Test, and didn't get another chance. While Lloyd made 242 in the Mumbai Test two years later, he dropped him early. Towards the end the stress of fielding in the `suicide position' unprotected (no helmet or shin guards) began to tell on him.

The stress in the early days, when he shared a single room with his parents and five siblings, was of a different nature. Solkar's father was a groundsman at the P J Hindu Gymkhana in Bombay. The legendary allrounder Vinoo Mankad first encouraged him to play a more organised game. He was a left-arm spinner and a batsman good enough to lead Indian Schoolboys. Four years later, he made his Test debut against New Zealand.

The `Mr Dependable' tag was earned early. In the first Test of that successful 1970-71 West Indies series, India were 75 for 5 before Solkar's 61 helped Dilip Sardesai add 137. Three Tests later India were 70 for 6 when the same pair put on 186. In the next series, Solkar's 67 helped India win at Lord's.

Solkar will also be remembered for the fact that he dismissed Geoff Boycott four times in 1971, infuriating the English opener with inimitable sledges like "I'll get you, bloody". Boycott was so disoriented by his gentle and wobbly medium-pace that he withdrew from the Tests. Earlier, he had the gumption to tell Garry Sobers to mind his business. "You play your game and I'll play mine," Solkar told Sobers who was trying to needle him.

A resident of Sportsfield, the building that houses many prominent Indian cricketers including Sunil Gavaskar, Ajit Wadekar and Ravi Shastri, Solkar will be sorely missed in the Mumbai cricket circles where he was a jovial, and sometimes outspoken, presence.

Solkar was 28 when he played the last of his 27 Tests, ending up with 1,068 runs at 25.42. Better counselling may have extended his career, and better planning might have seen him concentrate on batting alone. But 30 years ago cricket teams did not travel with psychologists and other assorted gurus, and a talented player was allowed to wither away.

Sportsfield - Home of famous Indian cricketers

2010-02-10T10:29:00.001-05:00

Sportsfield Cooperative Housing Society is the first and only housing society of its kind. Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ajit Wadekar live there.

1700 square yards land on lease for 99 years from the Maharashtra Government kicked off the project to build a apartment complex for sportsmen in 1984. It was completed in 1987. Each floor has two flats - except for the eight and ninth which are occupied by Sunil Gavaskar and Ajit Wadekar. The building loverlooks the Wankhede Stadium and the player can watch the proceedings from their homes.

Mumbai Metro - D.N. Nagar will be the intersection station

2010-01-20T20:28:00.000-05:00

Work on Mumbai Metro is moving at full force. Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar line of 11 km will be ready by December 2010 and work will begin soon on 32 km Chrkop-Bandra-Mankhurd line. It will be completed by 2016.

There is a also a plan to create an intersection station at D.N. Nagar. Commuter can switch from one line to another to have seamless connectivity. When the metro stations are located near a suburban railway station, commuters will be able to switch the lines there as well.

Exciting stuff for the commuters, though D.N. Nagar traffic is going to see construction related delays through 2016.

There is also indication of the fare system. Rs 8 for 3km, Rs 10 for 8 km, Rs 12 for 12 km, Rs 14 for 15 km, Rs 18 for 20 km, Rs 20 for 25 km, Rs 24 for 35 km, and Rs 27 for distances beyond.

Moving Wholesale Market out of South Mumbai

2010-01-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

South Mumbai is where business, Government, and commercial and wholesale markets were concentrated. This was a huge boon to the area when the population of the city was manageable. However, the same advantage was a big contributor to the traffic congestion in the city. MMRDA has been relocating wholesale markets from South Mumbai to outside of the Greater Mumbai area - to Thane and Navi Mumbai. Markets for onion, potato, sugar, spices and condiments, dry fruits, iron and steel have already been shifted to Navi Mumbai. Ground Nuts, pulses, edible oil markets is being move to Navi Mumbai along with the fruits and vegetable markets. This will follow the textile markets move to the Bandra-Kurla complex soon.

Cadell Road in Mumbai

2010-01-16T10:20:00.001-05:00

What used to be Cadell Road in Mumbai is now Veer Savarkar Marg. People still refer to the road by Cadell Road.
Who was this person Cadell after whom this road was named?
Colonel Thomas Cadell was born in Scottish family in 1835. He received his commission as an officer in 1854 and joined 2nd European Bengal Fusiliers. Due to exceptional bravery shown during 1857 Great Mutiny in Delhi he received the Victoria Cross. He further served in military campaigns in India as a captain in 1866 and Major in 1874. From 1878 till 1892, he was Chief Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. He died in 1919.
Veer Savarkar whose name succeeded Cadell was an Indian Independence Movement activist. These two men are linked as Savarkar published a document about the Indian rebellian of 1857 under the title - The Indian War of Independence. This document was banned by British Authorities. He was arrested in 1910 in London as a member of India House community. While being transported to Marseilles he escaped and swam ashore only to be turned in to the authorities by French people on shore. He received 50 year sentence and was moved to the Cellular Jain in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Interesting isn't it?

Suresh Bhat and Hridaynath Mangeshkar

2010-01-16T06:53:00.000-05:00

Mendichya Panavar Man Ajun Jhulte Ga is a very popular Marathi song. Lata Mangeshkar has sung to the tune by her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar. The poem is by Suresh Bhat. This song set in motion a lifelong friendship between Hridaynath and Suresh Bhat.

When this song was recorded it was very clear that the wordings and tune were all very modern and at the same time referring to such a perennial emotion. Arun Date who is also a singer asked Hridaynath if he has sought permission from Suresh Bhat to provide tune for his poem. He had not. Arun Date warned Hridaynath to expect a visit from Suresh Bhat on this matter.

Suresh Bhat was an imposing personality. Although his right leg was polio stricken, the person was strong and forceful. Hridaynath was concerned.

One day Suresh Bhat did show up at Hridaynath's home. Banging on the door he demanded to meet Hridaynath. When Hridaynath showed up, he asked him one question.

What do they call you at home?

Baal - said Hridaynath.

Then that's what you are to me from now on - said Suresh Bhat with a hug.

He was so moved by the composition.

Their collaboration is legendary. Both Lata and Asha have sung Suresh Bhat poems composed by Hridaynath.

The only times the two would fight would be when Suresh Bhat would insist on reading out his new poems to Hridaynath in his own tunes. This made it difficult for Hridaynath to break out of the orginal tune and compose music. When asked to just deliver the poems without the tunes, Suresh Bhat would drop the papers and storm out.

Suresh Bhat passed away at the age of 71 in 2003. There are still a lot of his gems there waiting to be composed and sung. Suresh Bhat rejuvenated the Marathi language and Hridaynath Mangeshkar made it accessible by creating popular tunes and composition.

A language needs Bhats and Mangeshkars to thrive - not Thackrey who just impose use of Marathi in Mumbai.

Blue Frog Club

2010-01-10T08:20:00.004-05:00

What can you do with the 6000 sq ft of out of business warehouse in the Lower Parel area of Mumbai? If you said turn it into the best immersive live music performance space in the town, then you are on the same wavelength as the owners of the Blue Frog Club. The address of this place is - D/2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel. Phone 91-22-4033-2300.

Since 2007, has been hosting live performances three to four nights of the week ranging from Zakir Hussain, Anoushka Shankar to blue, jazz, latin, and Electronic.

Blue Frog’s menu is created by Executive Chef Mrigank Singh. The style and presentation is Modern European with underlying Asian textures and subtleties. Many dishes on the menu are influenced by Chef Mrigank's experience in Kerala.

There are premium wines, single malts, and spirits. Not to forget about the Sunday brunch with over 50 dishes to choose from. There is also mini Frog - for kids - from noon to 3:30 on Sundays right along with the brunch. Kids practice arts and crafts conjuring up pirates, fairies, and other magical creatures.

All you need to do is to book a pod which is acoustically treated and surrounded by colored lighting which provides total immersive experience of the show.

A grid of mahogany-panelled dining pods occupy these platforms and seat between 4-10 people and they are circular. These maintains uninterrupted views of the stage with a comfortable distance between diners away from the scattered and standing crowds around the bar. A gently undulating, glowing acrylic resin surface over the pods retains the presence of the architecture amidst a state-of-the-art sound and light show at Blue Frog.

The elevated pods are arranged, amphitheater-style, around a large circular floor that can accommodate standing/dancing patrons. The floor also functions as a 360 degree stage for performances requiring an intimate viewing experience. At one end of the floor is a large, raised stage for main performances.

Visual coherence is established by the propagation and repetition of the circular grid as a design language across a host of details, from dimpled acoustic panels on the walls to the back-bar display.

Working at Mukesh Ambani's Reliance.

2009-12-30T10:52:00.004-05:00

So if you are a western school educated, successful professional and you are considering moving to India for a job.

How would it be to work at Mukesh Ambani's Reliance? What sort of people make to the very top? Are they hired externally?

So if you are a western school educated, successful professional and you are considering moving to India for a job.

Although Reliance is at the forefront of the Indian industries in terms of innovation and growth, it is a hierarchical and old style India enterprise. It is run as a big family Enterprise where the "owner's" word is the law. There will be pictures of Late Dhirubhai Ambani with a garland all over the place. Professional management will be layered away if not on an organizational chart then in decision rights away from the "owner". The layer will be filled with ruling family members and those close to the family. Loyalty will be as important as merit and competency.

Mukesh Abmani has studied in the US - in Stanford. Still the management style might be hierarchical.

Dhirubhai Ambani had made sure that his kids don't get too insulated from the streets - so he had hired a private tutor to take both the kids around the city of Mumbai in public transport - every day for three hours. He knows what it means to be a common Indian.

Mukesh Ambani gets to work at around 11 am and works through the day till midnight. If you are around where he works, then you would be doing the same. Working in India, means working late. You are either on calls with the partners on the western hemisphere or working late because everyone does so.

Managing the Government relationships - Indian Government at federal, state, and local levels is highly sought out. So your business skills will be just about 5-10% of what you bring to the table - the rest would be this relationship management. Reliance grew during the 'license Raj' - the time when the Government decided where the private and public wealth was to be directed, and to whom. That meant getting a license to do something would make you rich due to its exclusivity. Things are a little different now, but the people who run the business and the Government are used to the 'favors' available during the license raj. Outright bribes may be there, but more likely would be the favors bestowed through the network of other businesses and charities or foundations is the way to get ahead.

Can you manage that? Can you get some Government official's son an admission into US school? With full scholarship?

India is wonderful. Mumbai is exciting. There are opportunities for staggering growth. However, it is important to make sure that the downsides of working in Mumbai are taken into consideration.

Voting Finger

2009-12-13T12:51:00.003-05:00

Interesting picture of the Bachchan family displaying the finger with voting ink mark.

Indira, Rajeev, Sanjay Gandhi with Dara Singh

2009-12-05T17:22:00.003-05:00

But who is the boy on the far right - next to Dara Singh?

Sanjay Gandhi, Randhawa, Rajeev Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Dara Singh, Amitabh Bachchan.

Bhagwan - Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote

2009-11-26T15:52:00.005-05:00

A sorry cover of The Illustrated Weekly on India in 1990 - the year of the weekly's demise after 112 years. The top left picture is that of Bhagwan.

Bhagwan, following on suggestion by Raj Kapoor made a film called Albela - staring himself and Geeta Bali. The film had music by C Ramachandra. The songs are still popular and the dance step used by Bhagwan was so popular that it became the default dance step of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

Bhagwan did try to duplicate the success of the movie with the same cast, but failed two times - the movies were called Jhamela and La'Bela.

He fell on really bad times. He had to sell his bungalow in Juhu and seven cars (one for each day of the week) and move to a chawl. Most of his associates left him in his time of need - except for C Ramchandra, Om Prakash, and Rajinder Krishan who used to pay him visit in his chawl apartment. Sadly, Bhagwan outlived them and died a sad man in 2002 at the age of 89.

Mario Miranda's Mumbai

2009-11-26T10:06:00.005-05:00

Mario Miranda is a native of Goa, but he spent time working in Mumbai and capturing city's spirit. He depicted citizens of the city as bug-eyed cosmopolitan community suffering under lazy, ignorant, and self absorbed politicians. He packed people very closely with traffic, shops, and stray dogs. Policeman with protruding tummy and chicken legs, crying babies, pickpocket - the whole Mumbai on a page for you. Then there was a buxom secretary Miss Fonseca, office clerk Godbole (Marathi Manoos) who was bullied by his boss, and a film actress Rajni Nimbupani. They all shared the potholed roads - just like the Mumbai we know.

Mario does not have a formal training in art, but his natural talent saw him freelancing as a cartoonist and illustrator while he was an undergraduate in St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. He got his first break with The Illustrated Weekly of India when it printed few of his cartoons. Then came the rejection when The Times of India rejected his work the first time. However, the paper began to give him assignments a year later. In 1959, he went to Lisbon, and was awarded the Gulbentuan Scholarship. He worked in London for a couple of years, even washing dishes to tide over tough times. After that was a stint in the US, working with Charles Shultz, of ‘Peanuts'. Then it was back to India, sketching for The Times and its sister publications.

He received Padmabhushan in 2002.

Bar Girls, Save Us

2009-11-25T13:19:00.003-05:00

Here's an interesting take on the ban on the Mumbai bar girls and the terrorism of 11/26. Some of Mumbai's citizens believe that bar girls would be better at protecting them than the politicians. Tongue n' cheek - of course.

Thought Provoking Ads regarding 11/26/08

2009-11-25T13:11:00.005-05:00

Thoughtful Ads capturing the essence of Mumbai's response to the 11/26 attacks by 10 terrorists from Pakistan.

Miss International Air Hostess - 1964 - Reeta Roy

2009-11-25T12:28:00.003-05:00

Those were the days when the flight attendants were called Air Hostesses. In 1964, Air India Air Hostess, Miss Reeta Roy of Mumbai competed with other 15 air hostesses at an event held in Brisbane, Australia. She was the winner.

11/26 Anniversary

2009-11-25T04:36:00.003-05:00

A Mural across the Chabad House where six people were killed by the terrorists during the 11/26/2008 attacks on Mumbai.

Lata Mangeshkar's 80th birthday interview

2009-11-13T05:51:00.000-05:00

How do you define the journey? I feel God has sent me to earth to sing. I started singing when I was five, but I don’t think I’ve worked as hard as many other people. Why do you say you that? After 1947 when I started playback singing, the work never stopped. Before that it wasn’t easy. I used to travel by train from Grant Road to Malad and then save money by walking instead of taking a tonga to the recording studios. I thereby saved 50 paise to Re 1 which I used to buy vegetables for my family. I was the sole bread-earner after our father passed away. That must have been really tough on an adolescent girl. I missed out on my childhood. I had to work hard, but I was immediately given a place in playback. One of the earliest composers to support me was Master Ghulam Haider. When he was told that my voice wouldn’t suit the heroine in a Dilip Kumar saab starrer Shaheed, he gave me songs in Majboor. Then other composers like Anil Biswasji, Khemchand Prakashji and Naushad saab came forward to sign me. From 1947 onwards there was no looking back. There has never been a rough patch in your 65-year-long career? I’m blessed. Nowadays I’ve almost stopped singing film songs but I enjoy singing and I continue to do the work I’m comfortable with like the recent Hamuman Chalisa and my forthcoming project with my brother. When I look back I see nothing I’d like to change. What about your infamous rift with Mohd Rafi? I’ll tell you what happened. We had a Musicians’ Association in the 1960s . Mukesh bhaiyya, Talaj Mehmood saab had started a campaign for artistes to get royalty so that they would have a comfortable old age. Main to leti thi royalty but I also wanted other artistes to get it. Rafi saab was instigated into opposing my campaign. In a meeting among musicians he said, ‘We get money for what we sing from producers and that’s the end of what we get.’ When he was asked his opinion Rafi saab turned to Mukesh bhaiyya and said, ‘I guess this Maharani here will say whatever has to be said.’ He meant you? Yes. I said, ‘Of course I am a Maharani. But why are you calling me that?’ He said in front of everyone at the meeting that he won’t sing with me. I turned around and said, ‘Yeh kasht aap kyon kar rahe hain? Main hi nahin gaaongi aapke saath.’ I stormed out of the meeting and called up every music director to inform them that I would thereafter not sing with Rafi saab. We didn’t sing together for almost three years. What about the alleged differences between you and your sister Asha Bhosle? We’re sisters. The fights were because of her husband who was against me. Composers gave all the heroines’ songs to you and all the supporting actresses’ songs to Ashaji ... Not always. What about so many films where only Asha sang all the songs? In fact OP Nayyarji worked only with her. Even some of Burman dada’s scores had only Asha’s vocals. That’s because you and SD Burman had a fight. I didn’t sing for him for 14 years. Someone had caused mischief. Burman dada said, “I won’t have Lata sing my songs.’ I said, ‘I won’t sing for you.’ Asha sang all the songs for Burman dada during that period, even for Waheeda Rehman who insisted on me singing for her. Then one day out of the blue, Burman dada phoned me and said he wanted me to sing Mora gora rang lai le and Jogi jab se aaya tu aaya mere dware in Bandini. It was his son RD who brought us together. I remember Burman dada specifically told me that Mora gora rang was written by a promising new poet, Gulzar. Who was your favourite composer? I liked singing for Salilda (Salil Chowdhury) because his compositions were very challenging. I also loved singing for Sajjad Husain saab, then definitely SD Burman dada and RD. But in my opinion the biggest achievement was by Shankar-Jaikishan. With Raj Kapoor’s Barsaat they changed the way we looked at playback singing. At one time you were accused of indulging in a melodious monopoly? Once I was even asked if I tampered with the equipment during other singers’ recordings. Bataiye main kyon aisa karun? I never bothered with what other singers were doing. When Runa Laila came to India for the first time, I went to her first recording and everybody said I was just indulging in dikhawa, that in fact I had gone to see how she sang. Runa Laila met me with lots of affection. Later she too was poisoned against me. Even some male singers accused me of trying to stop them from singing. Which heroines did you enjoy singing for? Nargis, Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Nutan. I’d modulate my voice according to their personality. Among today’s actresses for whom do you enjoy singing for? I like Rani Mukerji and Kajol but I miss the camaraderie that I shared with the earlier heroines. I miss that mahaul. I really miss Kishore Kumar, also Rafi saab, Mukesh bhaiyya, Shankar-Jaikishan and Madan bhaiyya who fought with me when I couldn’t be with him for raksha bandhan. That sense of apnapan is gone. Any unfulfilled dreams? I wish I had given more time to learning classical singing. Lekin jo hua woh bahut hi achcha hua. What I want is that future generations of Mangeshkars keep my father’s legacy alive. My niece Radha and nephew Baijanth are singing well. I wish they make a name for themselves. Do you miss having your own children Not at all. My siblings’ children are mine.

Lata would nominate Sachin for Vishwa Ratna

2009-11-13T04:19:00.005-05:00

Q: Like yourself, there seems to be no limit to Tendulkar's genius too. The entire country is celebrating his 20th year in international cricket. How do you look at this monumental achievement?

LATA: My heartiest congratulations to him. I have seen Sachin right from the time he made his debut as a sixteen-year-old. Since then, he has gone on to climb dizzy heights, he's got married, raised a family, and somehow remained the same humble man throughout. It's really amazing to know he has been around for 20 years. I greet him and his family. May God bless him and may he go on for another 40 years!

Q:You have been an ardent admirer of the game, from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin. What do you like about Tendulkar when he graces the crease?

LATA: Like Sunil Gavaskar, there's a comforting thought that Sachin will hold the fort, that Team India is safe. Though each stroke is a stroke of genius, I have a distinct liking for his straight drive. I also admire the way he looks up to the heavens every time he completes a half-century or century. It means he is thanking God for blessing him, and that's a great thing. Who can forget the 1999 World Cup, when he played on even though his father passed away midway through the tournament? Sachin took a break to attend the funeral and returned quickly to score a century, then looked up to the skies to seek his father's blessings. It was a very touching and emotional moment for every Indian. The poignancy of that moment has stayed in the minds of all who watched that knock. I am no exception.

Q: If you were asked to play favourites between Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin, who would you pick?

LATA: To be honest, it's difficult to pick one. They played in different eras and both brought laurels to the country. Sunil had his own distinct style while Sachin is in a class of his own. Both are legends in their own right. Having said that, I think Sunil retired a bit early. And what else can I say about Sachin? The fact that Don Bradman, the greatest batsman ever, was reminded of himself while watching Sachin bat is the best tribute he can ever get.

Q: Talk us through your first meeting with Tendulkar.

LATA: Although I don't remember the first time, I remember having met him once at Raj Thackeray's residence. That was on his birthday, on the 24th of April, which incidentally is also my father's death anniversary. I got a call from Raj requesting me to come over to meet Sachin. Since it was his birthday, I asked Raj what gift I could get for the young batsman. I remember we all sat outside, chatting. I presented Sachin with an idol of Sai Baba. As I did that, Sachin touched my feet and said, 'you are like my mother'. Usne mujhe maa ka darja diya. I was really moved.

Q: He is passionate about your singing, and that of Kishore Kumar's.

LATA: I know he likes to hear my songs and I feel humbled. He has also been to a couple of my concerts. But he never came up to me to say, 'I am here.' That's his greatness. In fact, I didn't notice him the first time he was there to watch me sing. The next time he came with his wife. I think it was in Mumbai or Pune. My brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar informed me that Sachin was in the audience. Then I noticed him and said 'namaste' from the stage.

What I really like about Sachin is that despite being a great player, he is so humble and down to earth. I know he has broken so many records, done the country proud and won so many awards. For doing all that and still conducting himself respectfully all along, I think, he deserves a Bharat Ratna. Why just a Bharat Ratna, I would like to honour Sachin with a 'Vishwa Ratna'!

Anil Ambani's statement seeking truce with Mukesh

2009-10-11T11:10:00.002-04:00

Full text of Anil's statement to settle a family dispute that has resulted in litigation between the two business groups.

In June 2005, with the blessings and approval of my respected mother Kokilaben Ambani, and in line with the vision and value creation philosophy of our beloved founder Chairman, Dhirubhai Ambani, we announced the restructuring of the Reliance Group.

I had sincerely believed then, that we had resolved all issues, and come to an amicable settlement that would create two of India's most dynamic business groups, bring peace and harmony to our family, and generate substantial wealth for millions of shareholders of the Reliance family.

Over the past 4 years, some parts of that promise have been realised.

Unfortunately, the joy of that achievement has been tempered by the sorrow, pain and anguish of continuing disagreement and acrimony with my elder brother, Mukeshbhai.

Over these past 4 years, I have persevered with utmost sincerity, humility and good faith, and left no stone unturned to try and resolve our differences.

To my lasting regret, despite all my well-meaning efforts, I have failed - pushing us even to the extreme step of recourse to litigation to protect the interests of over 11 million shareholders of our Group.

Over the past few weeks, many elder statesmen, trusted family members, and long-standing friends of my father, Dhirubhai Ambani, who have always had the best interests of the nation and the Ambani family at heart, have talked of the need to break the current impasse, and to find a solution that puts an end to this bitterness and rancor; and paves the way for substantial future growth and value creation for the country and millions of our shareholders.

I agree with each one of them. This has been a time of deep sadness and pain for me personally.

Yet, throughout this very trying period, I have maintained the greatest of love, affection and respect for Mukeshbhai - as I have done since my birth.

In that spirit, I have made this pilgrimage today to the holy shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath, in the hope of seeking divine inspiration and blessings, in trying to heal the wounds, and in making a renewed effort to resolve, reconcile and reciprocate.

I sincerely believe that Mukeshbhai and I can, even at this late stage, sort out all our disagreements, in a constructive, cordial and conciliatory manner, if we both commit to getting this done.

The issues are only a handful, and the facts are well known. My judgement says that they can all be resolved in a matter of weeks, and will not require several months of discussions.

Accordingly, with the blessings of my mother, and invoking the power of Lord Shiva from this most sacred of holy places, I am once again reaching out to Mukeshbhai - and hope and pray that my feelings will be reciprocated, and we will arrive at a solution to all outstanding issues, with a generous heart, a willing mind, and an accommodating spirit.

There can be no better gift to my mother, Kokilaben Ambani in her 75th year, and to the legacy of our beloved father, Dhirubhai Ambani, the proud creator of the Reliance Group.

Kata Rute Kunala

2009-09-07T14:07:00.004-04:00

Kata Rute Kunala is a special song for me. Here's something I did not know about it. Perhaps you might enjoy the background.

The song is sung by Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki. The composition is his own and the lyrics are by Shanta Shelke - gifted Marathi poetess. Pandit Abhsheki had his music compostion ready but there were no words. He presented a Hindi song with similar meaning to Shanta Shelke. Shanta Shelke created this song in Marathi almost spontaneously. Shanta Shelke was as good a poetess as she was a songwriter.

She was a graduate in Marathi and Sanskrit, which she did at Bombay University. She stood at the top of her class. She also taught in Dayanad College in Mumbai.

Great Wall of Mumbai

2009-08-16T10:07:00.004-04:00

Mumbai city's longest wall runs from Mahim to Dadar down the length of Tulsi Pipe Road. It is 2.7km long. It was splashed with color and humor on the independence day. From the early hours of the morning, Mumbaikars with their spray can, chalk sticks, color roller brushes painted witty slogans along the length of the wall.

The Wall Project - a group of graffiti artists and BMC had organized the project. The Mumbaikars were mobilized through Facebook and Orkut. This was a wonderful initiative to bring Mumbai together.

Worli exit of Bandra-Worli sealink

2009-07-04T10:13:00.002-04:00

Take a look at the newly opened Bandra-Worli Sealink's Worli side exit. Many believe that this will create a traffic standstill at the exit. hard not to believe it once you look at its layout.

Peddar Road Flyover - On Again

2009-07-04T08:49:00.004-04:00

The Peddar Road flyover is back in the news - after being hit by obstacles over the past nine years. Residents of Peddar road have opposed this project since the flyover would be too close to their homes. Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle being some of those residents who would be affected.

After successful implementation of Worli-Bandra sealink, residents of Mumbai have warmed up to infrastructure projects to help them reduce the traffic delays. Although, work on the later parts of the sealink have not begun, some cost estimates do exist. Worli-Haji Ali sealink would cost around Rs 1,900 crore and Haji Ali to Nariman Point sealink would cost around rs 6,000 crore. Peddar road flyover has arisen as a cheaper and viable alternative to the costly middle leg of this infrastructure.

The Peddar road flyover is expected to begin at Lala Lajpat Rai College and go south towards Peddar road. It will end near the Haji-Ali junction close to wilson College.

Mumbai to get 5000 CCTV to monitor traffic and criminals

2009-07-04T06:50:00.002-04:00

Mumbai will have 5000 closed circuit TV cameras to watch 480 traffic junctions in addition to the government establishments, railway stations, and transportation depots.

The network will help the city law enforcement to keep track of the traffic offenders and suspected terrorism activities. The proposed project will include motion detection, bio-matrix, optical character detection and recognition, night vision, thermal imaging along with pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities.

The project is supposed to fund itself from the revenue generated from the traffic tickets.

They might even catch the Bollywood stars on the go.

Mumbai's version of World Wrestling Entertainment

2009-06-14T09:05:00.004-04:00

The Mumbai version of WWE (World Wrestling

Entertainment) was a rage in the 50s and 60s. Who does not remember Dara Singh?

For Dara, the wrestler-turned-

entertainer, wrestling was a hobby right from his childhood. He used to watch the

muscled wrestlers in his village and aspired to be like them. The

opportunity came when he went on a trip to Singapore, where freestyle wrestling was very p

opular. He there for three years and trained.

Wrestling brought Dara in contact with the best in the world. One of his

finest moments was when he fought Aslam and Anwar, the sons of Gama, the great pehelwan of undivided India, in a match that turned into an India-Pakistan contest and became a money spinner.

If one were to coin a name for that kind of wrestling it could well be ‘Tamasha Wrestling’. Its promoters were Gustad Irani and after his death Peter Patel. There was hardly any sporting entertainment then in the city. Cricket was just Test matches, maybe one in two years. Football was never big. So crowds would flock to the Vallabbhai Patel Stadium at Worli. Everyone knew it was fake, but everyone enjoyed it. For a 7.30 pm bout, people would start queuing at seven in the morning.

The idea was to get hulks into the ring. One remembers the huge cut-outs of wrestlers on the compound walls of the Worli stadium. The walls of the cemetery and crematorium opposite Marine Lines too almost seemed to be held up by pictures of wrestling greats from Dara Singh, his brother Randhawa, legend King Kong and the Pakistanis to foreigners with fancy names like Flash Gordon, Ali Reza Bei, Andre Cotula, Kid Zamboa, Baron Von Hekzi, Tiger Ray Holden and the Russian Bear, George Szybisco.

Of these, the one who captured Mumbai’s imagination was the Sydney-born King Kong. His real name was Emile Czaja. and he weighed 182 kg. He got the name King Kong after playing the part in an Indian movie. His bouts with arch-rival Sheik Ali and Dara Singh were famous. Dara once threw him out of the ring. When King Kong came back into the ring, the referee Wong Bok Lee gave him a drop-kick! Shades of WWE. On another occasion, Dara was thrown out and carried away in an ambulance. There was a call for revenge and a rematch—all mocked up for the pleasure of the audience. King Kong died in Singapore in a car crash in 1970 on his way to a wrestling match. Dara is a ripe 80-plus today.

The public relations of the promoters were excellent. The two afternoon dailies, Evening News of India and Bulletin, were full of wrestling. The bouts would be hyped up: What would Aslam do? Would Dara use the drop-kick, or the aeroplane throw? The popularity of the mock bouts was hurting the real wrestling of the akhadas. Sham recalls how Maharashtra home minister Balasaheb Desai, who was also heading the local wrestling association, decided to oppose it. Matmen from Kolhapur and Satara led a morcha against Mumbai’s WWE. The licence of the promoters wasn’t renewed. But for a decade and more Mumbai had its fill.

The better wrestlers from abroad were much sought after for stunts in films. One from Poland, Goldstein, did stunts in Jungle Ka Jawahar with the great stunt queen Fearless Nadia. Indeed, those were the golden days of Tamasha Wrestling. Everything wasn’t hunky dory though. There was exploitation. There were injuries, there was penury. The last days of King Kong in Hong Kong are shrouded in melancholy. A far remove from the million dollar revelry of today’s WWE.

Dutt Teri Ki

2009-04-02T08:12:00.002-04:00

India's Supreme Court has denied Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's appeal to contest in upcoming elections sighting his prior convictions under serious anti-terrorism laws. It's a good deal for the Indian politics. Sanjay Dutt possessed no skills or temperament to represent people in the Government. If he wants to serve the people, then he should stick to his craft as an entertainer.

I am sure, this decision has also rendered his new Neta wardrobe useless. Perhaps he can donate it to the people of the constituency from which he was planning to contest.

Dharavi Sports Complex

2009-03-28T21:02:00.004-04:00

Although the global economic slowdown has delayed the Dharavi makeover plans, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning to construct a sports complex in the area. The work of this will begin in July 2009. It is expected that the Dharavi makeover is begin as soon as the builders find it easy to finance in the global markets.

The sport complex will be open to all citizens, but the residents of Dharavi will be offered lower fees.

The plans include lounge areas, swimming pools, restaurants, dorms, and guestrooms. The sports facilities will include field hockey, soccer, volleyball, and of course cricket. The auditorium will be available for cultural events.

This club will be situated on a 12,427 sq meter plot near Dharavi bus station near Mahim Nature Park. Total cost is expected to be Rs. 10 crore. The place is expected to be ready in two years.

Mumbai's Red-Light District is Shrinking

2009-03-25T08:44:00.003-04:00

Mumbai's red light area is located at Kamathipura with history going back as far as 1889. British rulers had encouraged establishment of Anglo-Indian sex workers in this area. The clients came mostly from the garrison area. Each brothel used to hang a red light outside the doors, hence the name red-light district. The red light indicated that the establishment was soliciting patrons.

1928 was licences issued to these workers and the brothels. This continued through 1950 when prostitution was banned in Mumbai, however, it was not eradicated. The area flourished, and around 1991, there were nearly 100,000 sex workers here. Then came the AIDS which over the years has claimed nearly 30,000 sex workers' lives over the past 18 years. It is estimated that there are only about 10,000 sex workers in the region now. The business at the red-light area is shrinking and is spreading over to brothels across the city, in massage parlours, and in dance bars.

Another force squeezing the area is economic. The Kamathipura area is situated between Byculla-Mazgaon and Grant Road regions which are prime real estate areas. Property developers are now making a play for the villas of the red light district. Downturn in the business and prospects of premium pricing for the location is resulting in many long time residents of the area moving out.

Soon, the red light area of Mumbai known as Safed Gully will fade into the history books of the city.

Tendulkar and Kambli Record Stand in Harris Shield Match

2009-02-11T08:48:00.004-05:00

On February 23rd, 1988, Sachin Tendulkar was still a schoolboy. Representing his school - Shardashram Vidyamandir he was having quite a season in the Harris Shield tournament. Having scored a double century in the quarter finals, the expectations were very high from the "star".

On this day in the semi-finals, Tendulkar teamed up with his buddy Vinod kambli to put a stand of 664 runs. When the innings was declared, Tendular was on 326 and Kambli was on 349. St. Xavier's school was at the receiving end. Shardashram had scored 748 runs at the loss of 2 wickets in 120 overs.

People who had watched this game unfold at Azad Maidan must remember this day so vividly.

Arsonist Crow at Shivaji Park

2009-02-10T20:50:00.003-05:00

Is this crow showing arsonist tendencies? Rajendra Gawankar (HT) took this photo of a crow sitting atop a tree at Shivaji Park, Mumbai. It is holding a match in its beak and is trying to strike it.

Reliance Big Entertainment Sets its Sights on Hollywood

2009-02-08T19:44:00.002-05:00

Anil Ambani's Reliance Big Entertainment (RBE) has mega ambitions. Recently in the news for buying the rights of Rakesh Roshan's kites for Rs. 150 crore, the company has got into co-venture deals with Julia Robert's Red Om Films and Brett Ratner's Rat Entertainment.

Reliance Big Entertainment will create a development silo for each production venture and it retains an option to co-finance the projects in addition to the rights in Indian markets.

Movie projects go through three stages - development, production, and distribution. RBE is currently immersed in the development phase.

In addition to these joint ventures, RBE also has creative partnerships with Nicolas Cage, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Chris Columbus, Brad Pitt, and and Jay Roach - not to mention Steven Spielberg.

Anti-Aircraft guns installed in Mumbai

2009-02-04T19:26:00.004-05:00

Perhaps due to increased security after the November 26th attacks or due to the likelihood of the terrorists using aerial attack on targets in Mumbai, the navy is going to install Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft (L-70) guns along the coastline.

First of these guns will be near Mumbai Port Trust at Ballard Pier. The guns come with a Flycatcher radar system and generators. The guns can fire hundreds of shells in seconds. These shells destroy the targets by forming a barrage of high speed objects.

The guns are going to be manned by 20 commandos.

Mumbai's security is by no means any better. Hundreds of ships arrive to the port without proper scanning for dirty bombs or even a fertilizer bomb. It is up to the government and the armed forces to make sure that red tape is never a reason this precious city is left unprotected.

One additional note, although the gun is designed by Bofors, it is manufactured in India by the Ordnance Factory Board.

Mahim Halwa

2009-02-01T16:39:00.001-05:00

Was Mahim Halwa first made in Mahim, Mumbai? According to Ram Joshi - part owner of Joshi Budhakaka Mahim Halwawala, it was first made by his great grandfather in 1780s. Girdhar Mavji had walked all the way from Gurjat to Mumbai in the eighteenth century to set up a shop here.

Mahim Halwa is made in technicolor translucent square pieces by mixing malt, sugar, clarified butter, and dry fruits and stirring them under heat for 30-35 minutes. The creamy liquid is them poured over wooden pads in thin layer to cool. That's really it. The pieces are cut, packed separated by butter paper, and they are ready to go.

Salivating?

Thali on its way out in Mumbai

2009-02-01T15:35:00.001-05:00

How many of you have had Thali on your last visit to an Indian restaurant? Exactly!

It appears that in Mumbai, Thali - which is a selection of dishes served together in small bowls on a round tray - is on its way out. This has to do with the changes in the eating patterns - perhaps due to health reasons. People don't want to consume a large plate of meal; instead they prefer to order their meals through a menu of Punjabi or Chinese dishes.

Patrons are not willing to pay Rs. 30 - 35 for a Thali - instead they prefer mini-meals. So, Thali restaurants have two choices - go out of business or change the menau.

It won't be a while before Thali will be served only on special occasions.

Ambani Family when Anil and Mukesh were boys

2009-02-01T07:18:00.003-05:00

Here's a photograph of Ambani family when Mukesh and Anil were boys - quite likely when their place of residence was this modest apartment.

Here are other articles about this family.

New hospital opened in Andheri (W) - Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani

Mukesh and Anil in Forbes billionaires list

Mukesh Ambai's new residence

Mukesh Ambani gifts a Airbus to his wife

Anil Ambani buys a super luxury yacht for Tina Ambani

Dhirubhai Ambani postage stamp

George Soros invests in Anil's entertainment company

Slumdog Millionaire - Amul Butter Take

2009-01-31T08:58:00.003-05:00

Amul Butter has released their take on Slumdog Millionaire craze. They even have a line about Jai Ho! soundtrack. Here's a link to some other Amul Butter posters.

Residential Property Rates Jan 2009

2009-01-30T21:55:00.006-05:00

Here's an updated chart of Mumbai real-estate prices tabulated by region. Compared to the October 2007, the rates have come down noticeably. Perhaps, this is time to get into the real estate market. However, it is always about location, location, location.

Infrastructure projects such as metro, monorail, sealink can add to the value of the place. Also, it makes sense to keep track of the pollution index and proximity to the landfills. lastly, know about the hospitals, schools in the area. For those buyers who need to know the very last details, learn about the underworld gangs running the area.

All of these tangibles contribute to the stamp duty assessed on the properties.

Here are some links to helpful information,

Mumbai as it stands today was built by taking material for the hills to fill the shallow water between the seven islands. This meant that some of the rivers of Mumbai were redirected. Because the land between the original islands is not as porous, flooding is also a problem.

Lastly, water supply is also a concern.

Hospitals in Mumbai

2009-01-29T09:43:00.001-05:00

Mumabi has nearly 40,000 hospital beds and there are plans to expand this capacity further both at state and private sector level.

Most recently, 730 beds were added by Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital in Four Bungalows, Andheri (w). This will address some of the concerns in the city which has most of the hospital capacity in the south side. The new hospital will have 40 specialities and a helipad.

KEM hospital is going to get a Rs 900 crore upgrade with a 21 storied towers. Hinduja hospital in Mahim will demolish its old building a build a 20 floor new tower in place.

Andheri(w) area is also getting a pediatric heart center in Brahma Kumari Innova Children's Heart Center.

Health care industry has shown resilience to the current slowdown.

Vision Juhu - 10km Walking and Cycling Track

2009-01-29T07:49:00.002-05:00

P. K. Pandit has submitted a plan for a 10km walking and cycling track in Juhu to BMC which will transform Juhu area. The plan is called as Vision Juhu involves a green stretch along Irla nullah. Irla nullah is currently being widened and cleaned. The encroachments around it are also being demolished. This plan will expand the green space and keep the encroachments which add to the pollution and flooding away.

The plan is for BMC to develop it on a build-operate-transfer basis. The proposal is well received by BMC. Slowly but surely, Mumbai is becoming a city that can handle the transportation, quality of life, and infrastructure issues facing it.

Iconic Tower - Tallest Planned Building in Mumbai

2009-01-24T06:06:00.004-05:00

Mumbai town planners have been aiming to build taller buildings to increase the floor space index (FSI) of the city. Simply stated FSI is the ratio of total floor area of the building to the plot area. Currently Mumbai FSI is around 1 - 1.2.

If Mumbai is going to grow, then it needs to grow vertically - thereby increasing the FSI. Newly proposed Iconic Tower in Wadala will have 101 floors and will rise to 526 meters. There will be a 45 meters antenna at the top as well. With a total plot area 1.4 lakh sq meters and a built up area of 5.6 lakh sq meters, the FSI of this building will be 4.

The project is expected to cost Rs. 4128 crore and will be completed by 2014.

Other tall buildings in Mumbai are,

Raheja Platinum, Worli - 80 floors

Waves, Worli - 80 floors

Jupiter Mills Tower, Lower Parel - 75 floors

Dynamix-Balwas, Marine Lines - 65 floors

Tardeo Towers, Tardeo - 60 floors

Shreepati Arcade, Nana Chowk - 45 floors

Stamp Duty Determination Guidelines for Mumbai Properties

2009-01-19T20:56:00.002-05:00

Officials in Mumbai have clarified fifteen criteria in assessing stamp duty on a real estate transaction. Before this, the revenue officials were using arbitrary measures to come up with a number.

Here are those fifteen parameters.

1. Property will be more valuable if it is close to railway station, a bus stop, a market, multiplex.

2. Property close to the sea will cost more - due to cleaner air and sea breeze.

3. If the property is closer to crematoria or other polluting units, then the property will cost less.

4. If the title is disputed, then property value will be lower.

5. If the property is closer to schools or gardens then will cost more.

6. Uninterrupted supply of water, power, proper sewage service would add to the value of the property.

7. Higher the Floor Space Index (FSI), higher the value of the property.

8. The property is more valuable if it on a level land instead of a hilly area.

9. If the property is free of debt then the stamp duty will be higher.

10. If the property is well connected with the approach roads, then the value of the property will be considered higher.

11. Clear view of the surroundings will add to the value of the property.

12. Ownership property will be more valuable that leased.

13. Properties on irregular shaped parcels will cost less.

14. non-agricultural land will cost more.

15. smaller plot will be proportionately cheaper than the larger plot.

Property value determination is important because in Mumbai the stamp duty is nearly 5% of the higher of property value or the market value.

Kishore Kumar - Live

2009-01-18T08:18:00.003-05:00

Kishore Kumar was such an entertainer. However, early in his career, he used to suffer from stage fright. He would kick people out of the studio during recordings. He overcame that eventually. If you look at his live concerts, where he is seen interacting with everyone on and off the stage, it is difficult to imagine a star who would sing on the stage only with is entire body shielded from public view.

Sanjay Gandhi wanted Kishore to sing in a political rally in Mumbai. When Kishore refused, his songs were banned from All India Radio. His income tax troubles also began mysteriously at the same time.

The maestro had to do several public performances to raise money to pay off his income tax debt. He also performed for charities.

Here's kishore.

Mumbai to get a wax museum

2009-01-15T17:29:00.002-05:00

Marie Tussuad used to travel across Europe in late 1700s with her was sculptures is the name associated with wax museums across the world - the most famous being in London. The Baker Street museum was established in 1835. Now Mumbai is going to get its own was museum.

There are three wax museums in India in Goa, Ooty, and Ludhuiana. Mumbai's wax museum will be at Girgaum Chowpatty at Birla Sports Center. The center will have a budget of Rs 30 crore in 2009-10 and it is expected to boost tourism revenue. A wax statue costs Rs 3 - 15 lakhs depending on the size and details and it takes 16 weeks to make one statue.

We can only hope that the place is not filled with statues of Indian politicians.

Gangs of Mumbai - underworld players

2009-01-07T21:28:00.003-05:00

Once upon a time, Dawood Ibrahim controlled entire Mumbai. Now with Chhota Shakil, Chhota Rajan, Arun Gawli, and Ashwin Naik claiming their share on the city, the underworld is decidedly communal with Hindus against Muslims.

The battle has essentially narrowed between Rajan and Shakil with others supporting one of them. Ashwin Naik supports Shakil from London. Rajan has support from Gawli. Here's a current map of Mumbai with the names of the controlling gangsters.

Chota Rajan used to work with Dawood before the 1993 blasts in Mumbai. However, after the blasts Rajan blamed Dawood for being anti-Hindu and anti-national and vowed to kill all 180 considered guilty. Rajan formed his own gang.

In 2000, Dawood tracked down Rajan in Bangkok. Shakil led the hit. In a typical Bollywood style, Shakil's men posed as pizza delivery men. Rajan made a daring escape by running away over the top of Bangkok rooftops. He was shot, but recovered and evaded capture by the authorities.

For a while, the Hindu political parties were supporting the Hindu gangsters. Current relationship is not as overt. State intelligence agencies, however, may be using links with these underworld individuals. Recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai (11/26/08) have brought the relationship between Pakistan's ISI and Dawood to forefront.

RD Burman Chowk at Santacruz

2009-01-04T21:19:00.003-05:00

Rahul Dev Burman passed away fifteen years ago on January 4th, 1994. Today, a chowk at Santacruz (west) near his house was named after him. Attending the ceremony was Singer Asha Bhosle - who was married to him, and lyricist Gulzar. Here's a wonderful song where they collaborated to create magic.

RD has not left us. He is still setting the standards for Bollywood music.

TATA Airlines Route Map 1939

2009-01-02T13:54:00.004-05:00

Here's a route map of Tata Airlines in 1939. It exaggerates regional stereotypes. One of the regions' description is not far from the truth even today. Take a look at the top left of the map. Afghan-Pakistan border is still full of feuds even in 2009.

Tata Airlines became today's Air India.

Amul Butter's take on JRD Tata

2009-01-02T13:27:00.004-05:00

Readers of this blog know that if Amul Butter makes a poster about something, then it is a really important event in India. Here's an old, undated poster about JRD Tata. It's a take on Superman theme. It says - It's aapro (ours in Gujarati) Superman.

Just as Jamsetji Tata was a trailblazer by being the first Indian to own a car, JRD Tata was the first Indian to have civilian pilot license. He also founded Tata Airlines which a precursor to Air-India.

Tata Airlines - a precursor to Air India

2009-01-02T13:15:00.003-05:00

Tata Airlines founded in 1932 by JRD Tata later became the airlines known as Air India.

JRD Tata flew for the first time as a passenger when he was 15 in France and he fell in love with flying. So in 1930's an Englishman named Nevill Vincent suggested to JRD Tata that he should operate India's first airline, he jumped at the suggestion. Nevill was in India to make money by offering joy rides, but he spurred something more meaningful.

On October 15th, 1932 JRD Tata took off from Karachi to Ahmedabad and on to Bombay in a solo flight carrying postage mail. He landed at the Juhu airstrip and India's civil aviation took off. In 1946, Tata Airlines became Air India and in 1953, the company was nationalized by the Government of India.

In 1962, Air India became worlds first airline to fly all-jets fleet.

JRD Tata in the meanwhile re-enacted his solo flight couple of times. Once on the 30th anniversary and then again in 1982 on the 50th anniversary.

They Met In Bombay (1941) Hollywood Movie

2009-01-02T13:00:00.004-05:00

Romantic sparks fly in this whirlwind adventure about two thieves lusting after the same jewel. Clark Gable stars as Gerald Meldrick, a clever scam artist who comes up with a brilliant idea: He'll allow his attractive rival, Anya Von Duren (Rosalind Russell), to do the hard labor of lifting the famous gem from its rightful owner, then swoop in and pluck it out of Anya's unsuspecting hands.

Things don't work out quite as Gerald envisioned, though. Anya gets wind of the plan, and, in no time at all, the two of them are headed to the Far East with the law hot on their trail.

Finally, the hero and heroine team up to outwit a scheming inspector (Matthew Boulton) and a powerful freight captain (Peter Lorre) while questioning their life of crime. This swashbuckling MGM spectacle from Clarence Brown is a dazzling romantic adventure full of thrills and high-seas romance.

Here's a French poster of the movie. Doesn't the plot sound just like any Bollywood masala movie - minus the song sequences? Incidently, you won't see Bombay other than in the title since the movie was shot entirely in California.

Jinnah House in Mumbai

2009-01-01T09:58:00.002-05:00

Jinnah House in Mumbai was the Mumbai residence of founder of Pakistan - Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The house stands on a 2.5 acre property in Malabar Hills area on Bhausaheb Hirey Marg (Mount Pleasant Road) right in front of the official residence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Jinnah had purchased this house in 1917 and had it rebuilt by architect Claude Batley with Italian marble and walnut wood in 1936 at the cost Rs. 200,000. This was the place where at the age of 41 Jinnah fell in love with young Parsi girl Ruttenbai and married her after she turned 18.

This house was the place where discussion regarding partition of India were help. Exactly an year before India gained independence, Jinnah and Nehru met at this house to hold talks that altered the course of Indian history.

Here's a photograph of Jinnah announcing formation of Pakistan from his residence.

Jinnah was extremely attached to this house and had requested Nehru to allot the house to any foreign consulate. British deputy high commissioner occupied this house from 1948 to 1982. Part of this house is now occupied by Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Jinnah's descendants in India, the Wadia family (Bombay Dyeing) have staked a claim on this property. It is currently worth about US $15 million.

Mumbai Chawls

2008-12-30T22:17:00.004-05:00

In the early 1900, Mumbai was growing as an industrial city, and needed workers from Maharashtra and Gujarat. Most of these workers came to the city as single males or after leaving their families back in their villages. Housing needs of these workers were met by chawls. Chawls were built by private builders.

A Chawl is a group of one or two room housing units laid out along two corridors. The corridor in the front of the house provides the entry doors to the units. The corridor in the back provides a passage to common sanitary facilities that are shared by the units on the floor. Chawl buildings are typically 3 to 5 storied. The building can be linear or C shaped.

If a housing unit has two rooms, then the first room is living and sleeping room, and the second room is a kitchen as well as study room. This type of layout suited well for a migrant worker who needed a cheap place to stay so that he could send money back home to the family. However, due to lack of affordable housing at the next level, these workers continued to stay in the chawls even after their families moved in with them. The whole housing unit is around 300 - 400 sq-ft.

Most of the chawls were build before the second world war. They were constructed with teak wood with wooden flooring.

Chawls are disappearing slowly from Mumbai as more options for self contained apartments are becoming available. Due to better transportation, people are willing to stay further away from Mumbai and commute. However, while the Chawls ruled, they contributed to bringing the society closer together. Public festivals were nurtured by these communities.

Famed Marathi author P. L. Deshpande has written a wonderful novel about Chawl living named - Batatyachi Chawl. It's a classic.

Mumbai Art Deco Movement

2008-12-30T13:13:00.003-05:00

The exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes (Industrial and Decorative art exhibition) in 1925 in Paris kicked off the worldwide Art Deco movement. This was a huge break for the past design styles and it mimics machine age. Adopted for buildings, the Art Deco architecture included flat roofs, flowing forms, geometric patterns. It employed glass, steel, and concrete.

Mumbai designers embraced this style wholeheartedly. In 1935 at architects meeting in the city hall it was decided to build new structures in Art Deco style. Marine Drive buildings are testament to this. Eros movie hall at Churchgate is also built in the Art Deco style.

Unfortunately, Mumbai has not kept with the tradition while maintaining or extending these beautiful structures. The most common offenders are floor extensions, balcony closures, drainage pipes on the exterior.

A new book Bombay Deco is now available that studies this movement in detail.

Hills of Mumbai

2008-12-30T08:15:00.002-05:00

Current topography of Mumbai bears no resemblance to how it appeared 300 years ago. Nearly half of the main city areas and about 20% of the suburbs have been reclaimed from the shallow sea by infilling and Backbay reclamation. The raw material for this was obtained from low lying around Sion, Raoli, Sewri, Dongi-Mazgaon, Kulra, Ghatkopar, Andheri, Jogeshwari, and Marol. These hills do not exist anymore. Also, original natural water drainage have been redirected or blocked. This causes monsoon flooding in the city.

Some of the original hills in Mumbai still exist. They are Malabar Hill (Hanging Gardern), Pali Hill (Bandra), Antop Hill (Wadala), Cumbala Hill (Peddar Road), Dongri Hill (Fort). Then there is Gilbert Hill in Andheri (W) which is just a monolith structure of black basalt rock about 60m tall.

The map shows this incremental development of the city.

Poisonous Snakes of Mumbai

2008-12-29T18:49:00.002-05:00

There are areas of Mumbai around Borivli, Goregaon, Malabar Hill, Pali hill, Worli, Sion, Andheri, and Malad where snakes can be found. Here is a list of poisonous snakes of Mumbai.

Naja Naja (Nag). Large snake that can grow upto 150 cm.

Callophis Melanurus. Small coral snake that can grow upto 34 cm.

Russel's Viper. Grows upto 160 cm. Its fangs are nearly 1 cm long and are capable of penetrating flesh. Only 15 mg of venom is enough to kill a grown man.

Echis Carinatus (Phoorsa). This is a small venomous viper that grows up to 40 cm. Its inconspicuous nature, the speed of its strike, and its readiness to bite at the smallest provocation makes it the most dangerous reptiles in Mumbai. The species produces 18 mg of venom and may inject as much as 12 mg per bite. Only 5 mg is a lethal dose. The snake is quite hardy and is out and about even during hot days.

Trimeresurus gramineus (Indian green tree viper). Small green snake grows to about 75 cm. It can be recognized by its triangular head and golden eye balls. It can be found within forest areas of Borivli.

Enhydrina Schistosa (sea snake). Ash colored snake with round body can be seen around Versova after high tides. The snake can not move on land. It is not aggressive and its fangs are located far behind in his mouth and therefore it can not grip to inject poison. However, its poison is 4-8 times as venomous as that of king Cobra. About 1.5 mg is considered to be lethal. These snakes are active during day as well as night.

Hydrophis mamillaries (sea snake). Buff colored sea snake. Its fangs are located far behind as well so it can not grip effectively to deliver venom. The venom is neurotoxin.

Polyvalent Antivenin produced by Haffkine Institute of Mumbai is the only remedy against the snake bites from these species. One note of caution. Haffkine Antivenin is not effective against venom of King Cobra or other snakes not listed above. So, be careful handling exotic species in Mumbai.

Haffkine Institute

2008-12-29T17:08:00.003-05:00

Haffkine Institute in Parel in Mumbai is a research organization focused on vaccine production. It was established in 1899 by Dr. Waldemar Mordecai Haffkine - a Ukrainian scientist. Dr. Haffkine was a bacteriologist who worked mainly in India and developed vaccines against cholera and bubonic plague. He had studied under Louis Pasteur.

Then Governor of Bombay invited Dr. Haffkine to Bombay in 1896 after an epidemic of plague broke out in the city. He found a place to work at the JJ Group of hospitals where he developed a plague vaccine and tested it on himself.

In 1899, the residence of Governor of Bombay in Parel was handed over to Dr. Haffkine to set up his institute.

Haffkine institute has been developing antivenin for the past 56 years. It is the only institute in India where lypophilized Polyvalent Antivenin against the venom of cobra, krait, Russel's viper, and Echis Carinatus snakes is produced. These are the only remedies for snake bites in India. The institute has a snake farm and holds more than 5000 snakes on premise. It also holds a snake awareness public demonstration every week on Thursdays.

Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy (JJ)

2008-12-28T15:17:00.004-05:00

Anyone who has traveled over Mahim Causeway, or have been to JJ group of hospital which also includes the Cama Hospital recently in news due to the terrorist attack of November 26, or has heard of JJ school of arts, architecture must wonder what does JJ stand for. JJ stands for Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy. Here's some information of his splendid benevolence.

Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy was born in Bombay in 1783 in a poor family. His father's profession was to buy and sell old bottles. Jamsetji, at the age of eighteen, entered into partnership with his father in law, and made successful voyages to China - dealing in opium trade. His ships build in shipyards of Bombday trades with all parts of the East. He also dealt in cotton trade.

He was very prosperous after twenty years of business. In winning his fortune, he did not forget how to spend it - because for him responsibilities and duties were never separate from the wealth. Parsi, Christian, Hindu, and Muslims were alike the objects of his benevolence. He funded hospitals, schools, charity homes throughout Mumbai and India. He also financed construction of public works such as wells, reservoirs, bridges, and causeways.

Jamsetji's wife Avabai spent the entire sum of Rs. 155,800 in 1841 to build Mahim Causeway to connect Bombay to the island of Salsette after the British government refused to fund the public works project.

Queen Victoria conferred the knighthood on him in 1842, followed by award of baronetcy in 1858.

Sir JJ passed away in 1859. City of Mumbai has a lot of reasons to be grateful to this great man.

Mumbai Airport Lax Security

2008-12-28T11:12:00.003-05:00

Here is a recent photo of common public accessing the Mumbai Airport landing strip. Granted that these people are just onlookers, shouldn't this area be off limits? There is a lot of awareness related to the security matters in Mumbai after Nov 26th, however, as the photo indicates, there is a lot of work still to done.

Early Bombay Newspapers

2008-12-28T10:22:00.002-05:00

Bombay Herald was the first English newspaper in Bombay. It was started in 1789. Bombay Courier was started in the following year 1790. In 1791, the name of Bombay Herald was changed to Bombay Gazette. Bombay Courier was published on Saturdays and Gazette on Wednesdays.

Bombay Courier continued to exist for fifty-six years, after which it was merged with Bombay Telegraph. Bombay Gazette stopped its operation in 1842.

Both these papers contained almost entirely parts from English papers and occasional law reports. The first native newspaper in Bombay was Bombay Samachar in 1822. This paper was started as a weekly. It became a bi-weekly in 1833 and daily in 1860. Mumbai Karkman was started in 1830.

In 1822, the Government prohibited officers in East India Company from writing any personal matters related to their posts. In 1826, they were prevented from having any relationship with the editors, proprietors, or contributors with any newspaper. Inland postal delivery charges were also exorbitant. Post office controlled by the British government was charging half a Rupee for any inland delivery regardless of the distance. Inspite of this, the press in Bombay continued to grow powerful and influential.

Worli - Haji Ali sealink bidders dry up due to global slowdown

2008-12-27T08:09:00.003-05:00

Bandra - Worli sealink is almost complete. This 5.6 km bridge will be in service around March 2010. The second part of this project is to build a link between Worli and Haji Ali. This bridge will be 3.3 km long, including a 1 km connector to Haji Ali.

The base cost of Worli-Haji Ali bridge is Rs. 1,120 crore. However, the successful bidder will also need to buy the Bandra - Worli sealink for Rs. 1,640 crore. Given the cost of building the bridge and maintaining it, the total cost of the bridge will be Rs 4,100 crore over the next 40 years, wich the bidders will need to recover through tolls.

Current global recession has reduced interest in this project. Among the 17 parties which had purchased the bid documents, only two consortiums have submitted technical bids - Reliance-Hyundai and HCC-John Laing-Samsung. Final bidder will be awarded within the next two weeks. The project is supposed to start in 2010 with the completion date of January 2013.

St Xavier's College, Mumbai

2008-12-26T17:42:00.004-05:00

St. Xavier's College in Mumbai is one of the oldest colleges in India. The college has been affiliated with the University of Bombay since 1869. Women were admitted to college since 1912.

The college is named after St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit saint of the 16th century who had traveled to India.

The college is located in south Mumbai area and is close to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Marine Lines railway stations.

The college has been rated among top 10 colleges. It's famous alumni include Sunil Gavaskar, Zubin Mehta, Alyque Padamsee, Shabana Azmi, Farooq Shaikh, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shobha De, Vidya Balan, Zakir Hussain, Ashok Kamte.

Here's a postal stamp issued by Indian postal service in 1985 to celebrate 125 of the institution.

Madhubala Postage Stamp

2008-12-26T12:06:00.003-05:00

Madhubala was a popular Bollywood actress in the 1950s and 60s. She entered the film industry at the young age of nine. She is regarded as one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of Hindi Cinema and her movies have achieved a cult status.

She died young at the age of 36. However, in this short time she appeared in 70 movies. She was married to Kishore Kumar at the time of her death and is buried at Santacruz Cemetery.

Indian Postal Service has issued a stamp to celebrate this icon of Bollywood.

Here's a recent Marathi song by Avadhut Gupte that refers Madhubala.

Bombay Dockyard - 272 years old

2008-12-26T10:58:00.003-05:00

Bombay was given as dowry by the Portuguese to King Charles II of England when he married Princess Catherine in 1662. Then Portuguese viceroy of Goa was opposed to this. He had written 'I foresee that India will be lost the same day on which the English nation is settled in Bombay'. British shifted their capital from Surat to Bombay in 1686 and Bombay became the naval fortress from which Britain went ahead to build a vast colonial empire.

Lowjee Nusserwanjee Wadia was brought from Surat to Bombay in March 1736 along with his 10 carpenters. Lowjee became the master builder in 1740 and this post remained with his descendants till 1884 when the dockyard was transferred from Bombay government to Indian Government under British rule.

In 1772, shipbuilding with British oak was restricted to protect oak forests as well as due to superiority of teak over oak. Teak was not disposed to splinter as well it did not corrode iron. This brought on golden age of Bombay shipbuilding.

One of ships built in Bombay in year 1813 was HMS Cornwallis. This is the ship on which historic treaty of Nanking, ceding Hong Kong to the British was signed. HMS Trincomalee (1817) is the oldest British ship afloat was built with Malabar teak in Bombay Dockyard.

Indian nationals in Mumbai can participate in a heritage walk to examine glorious history of these yards that are 270+ years old. Heritage walk is conducted on the first Sunday of every month. For details, call 91-222-265-5750.

Here's also a stamp issued on the 250th anniversary of the dockyards in 1986. When built, Bombay Dock was the first dry dock built in Asia.

Current dockyard is spread over 138 acres of land.

Indian Cricket Victories - 1971

2008-12-25T18:23:00.003-05:00

India has beaten Australia and England in test series to end 2008. This brings back the memories of 1971 series wins in Caribbean and England. Ajit Wadekar - a Mumbai native was the captain of the team and Sunil Gavaskar has begun his career with 774 runs in four innings (a double century and three other centuries). Dilip sardesai was also a huge contributor with 642 runs in the series. India won the series 1-0.

India also beat England 1-0 after playing three tests.

Indian Postal Service had issued this stamp to celebrate this feat.

Amul Butter take on Current Events - Dec 2008

2008-12-25T09:11:00.005-05:00

Amul Butter as usual captures the current events and packages them into memorable banners. How can butter be bad for you? Not when its Amul.

Backbay Reclamation Project of Bombay

2008-12-23T16:03:00.002-05:00

Backbay Reclamation project had its genesis in Bombay - Baroda railway. During the cotton bubble, the land prices in Bombay had gone through the roof, and a railway terminal in Bombay needed a large amount of land that was close to the sea routes.

The agreement was that the Backbay Reclamation company will provide the government the land required for the railway terminal and other public purposes, and use the rest for profit -- at the time when land prices had gone through the roof.

This project stopped immediately after the American Civil War ended and a depression set into the land prices. The Backbay reclamation company went bankrupt and was liquidated. Government gave whatever land that was created for the purpose of building a live from Churchgate to the new terminal in Colaba. This terminal does not exist today. The reason for selecting Colaba for the terminal was perhaps the fact that a cotton exchange operated there since 1844.

Premchand Roychand was wiped out in this depression.

The reclamation project started again in 1917 - fifty years after it was initiated. However, again the depression on 1920s slowed the project down. As a part of the project the railway terminal built in Colaba was moved to Bombay Central, which is the current location of terminus of Western Railways.

From the initial plan to reclaim 1500 acres, the plan was reduced to reclaim 1145 acres in 1917. By the time a stage of the project was completed in 1929, only about 440 acres were reclaimed. 235 acres were sold to the military and 17 acres were incorporated into the Marine Drive and its sea wall.

Backbay Reclamation continued after independence of India and the land that was recovered is today's Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade area.

Eventually, Supreme Court injunctions protecting the shoreline and coastal fishermen ground the work to halt in the 1970s.

Bombay University before Backbay Reclamation

2008-12-23T15:54:00.004-05:00

This picture of Rajabai Tower under construction was taken during 1869. It is interesting to note that there is no Oval Maidan in front of the University. That is because the Backbay Reclamation project was not put in place at that time. Much of the today's Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade area was part of the Arabian Sea.

Mumbai and American Civil War Connection

2008-12-23T15:47:00.002-05:00

American Civil War is connected to the growth of Mumbai. Here's how.

Before the 1850s, India used to export cotton to Briton and import textile. However, the the cost of importing textiles ballooned to Rs. 20 millions by 1860. This led Mumbai entrepreneurs to create a cotton mill industry in Mumbai. By 1870, there were 13 cotton mills in Mumbai.

Cotton supplies from the US were interrupted during the American Civil War. Before the Civil War, cotton mills in England used to import only about 20% of their needs for cotton from India. However, with the blockade of the Confederate ports, Indian cotton prices rose. By the time, General Lee's army was defeated (1865), traders in Bombay had earned 70 million Pound Sterling in cotton trade. So much was the haste to make money in cotton that farmers in Gujarat were cutting down grain crop ready to mature to free up land for cotton.

Ambitious projects such as Backbay Reclamation were launched around that time. Dock Yards building also had attracted a lot of money. Premchand Roychand - one of the wealthiest cotton trader made fortune during this time. He donated money to build Rajabai Tower. He also lost considerable fortune in the reclamation projects.

The cotton bubble deflated as soon as the American Civil War ended. Large number of speculators were bankrupt. However, Bombay had launched itself towards industrial growth. Migration of workers from the rest of Maharashtra to Bombay was on and it was the place where fortunes were to be made. It was only a matter of time.

Rajabai Tower - Mumbai University

2008-12-23T15:41:00.002-05:00

The Rajabai Tower is a clock tower in South Mumbai in the fort campus of University of Mumbai. Modelled on Big Ben, the tower was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott - an English architect.

The tower is named after the mother of Premchand Roychand - a prosperous cotton and bullion trader. Premchand came to Bombay in search of work and became one of the most successful traders there by reaping enormous profits from cotton boom. Premchand donated Rs 200,000 in 1869 to defray its construction costs. The tower was completed in 1878.

Premchand's mother was blind and she was of Jain religion. She had to eat her dinner before sundown. The bells of Rajabai tower helped her know the time.

The tower stands 85m tall and was built in a fusion of Venetian and Gothic styles using locally available Kurla stone which is buff in color. Needless to say, at the time is was erected, it stood as the tallest structure in the city.

The tower is closed to the public, as it was being used on occasions by the University students to commit suicide after receiving disappointing grades.

Anil Ambani buys a $84 million yacht for his wife

2008-12-22T21:57:00.002-05:00

Less than a year after his older brother Mukesh Ambani presented his wife with Airbus corporate jet, Anil Ambani has gifted his wife Tina a super luxury yacht. The cost is rumored to be around US$84 million.

Named Tian - using first two letters of Tina and Anil, the yacht is anchored at Gateway of India, ready for the couple to usher in 2009.

Tian was built in Genoa, Italy. It is 34 meters long.

Taj Hotel Reopens

2008-12-22T18:15:00.003-05:00

Taj Hotel in Mumbai has reopened. The old wing is still closed for repairs, but the tower is welcoming guests with 60% occupancy.

Ratan Tata - chairman of the TATA group which owns the hotel was critical towards the authorities response to the terrorists as well as the fire in old wing had talked about going the private route to protect the place. I wonder if it in place already.

Here's a look back to the last months events.

Taj Hotel terror activity map

Taj Condition after the attacks

Old glory - Taj Palace Hotel

Pigeons return to their Taj nests

Lata and SD Burman - Dispute

2008-12-20T09:09:00.003-05:00

After singing Chand Phir Nikla (Paying Guest) for S D Burman in 1957, Lata Mangeshkar did not sing for him till 1962. There was a misunderstanding between the two. They were brought together again by SD's son R D Burman for Pawan Diwani (Dr. Vidya).

Both these songs are timeless. Nutan is the actress in the first song and Vaijayinantimala is the dancer in the second.

This long gap in collaboration between Lata and SD Burman allowed Asha Bhosle to flourish. Asha is Lata's younger sister and her main playback singing rival Geeta Dutt was going through a difficult marriage with Guru Dutt who wanted to restrict her singing only to his movies.

Bollywood is such a key part of Mumbai and Lata ruled 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s in Bollywood. Here are more stories about Lata.

Bollywood Playback Singers

Lata Mangeshkar and Mohamed Rafi Fued over Guinness World Record

Lata the trendsetter Vividha Bharti tradition of announcing singer name was started due to Lata.

Lata the composer - Anandghan

Old Woman's Shoe at Pherozshah Mehta Gardens

2008-12-19T21:32:00.003-05:00

For those who grew up in Mumbai, Old Woman's Shoe at Hanging Gardens (now known as Pherozshah Mehta Gardens) brings special memories. Hanging gardens were built on top of a water storage tank at Malabar hills in 1881.

It is interesting to know about the person whose name appears on this Mumbai landmark. Sir Pherozeshah Mehta was born in Bombay on 4th August 1845. He went to England to specialise in law and there he was influenced by Dadabhai Naoraji who became his political guru. On being called to the Bar in 1868 he returned to India and was soon in the forefront of Bombay's legal luminaries. His eloquent plea for muncipal reform was later embodied in the Act of 1872 and Municipal Act of 1888. he became the father of Bombay's Municipal Charter, founder of its glorious civic tradition. He was elected President of the Corporation on no fewer than four occasions 1884, 1885, 1905 and 1911. He is considered the father of Bombay Municipality.

His political ideology was, as was the case with most of the Indian leaders of his time, moderate and was hence not directly opposed to the crown's sovereignty but only demanded more autonomy for Indians to self-rule. He was knighted for his service to the law.

How did Salaskar, Kamate, Karkare die?

2008-12-19T20:25:00.004-05:00

ATS chief Hemant Karkare, DIG Ashok Kamte and Inspector Vijay Salaskar were at their respective homes when they heard of the terrorist attacks. Karkare reached Haj House in his official vehicle where police had blocked the traffic. He put on a bullet-proof vest and helmet and walked towards CST Terminal.

Meanwhile, Salaskar had reached the Taj Palace Hotel. Joint commissioner of police Rakesh Maria, who was at the control room, directed him to the Colaba station where two israelis had been detained at Nariman house. Maria later directed Salaskar to the Cama Hospital. On his way, he met Karkare and they headed towards Special Branch Office at Dhobi Talao, right behind the Cama Hospital. Kamte joined them there.

They got into a Qualis with Salaskar at the wheel while Kamte besides him. Karkare sat behind them and three constables occupied the rear seats.

They intercepted a terrorist behind St. Xavier's College. It was Ajmal Amir Kasab. Salaskar shot at him with his service revolver and hit his hand. He dropped the bad he carrying. As the vehicle closed towards Kasab and slowed down, Ismail, Kasab's associate emerged and took all by surprise. He sprayed bullets from his AK-47 and hit Salaskar, Karkare, and Kamte. Both the the terrorists pulled their bodies out and made away with the vehicle. In the back, lay constable Arun Jadhav with two of his dead colleagues - taken by the terrorists to be dead as well. He survived and was able to tell the whereabouts of the two as they switched the cars.

Both the terrorists were eventually cornered at a blockade near chowpatty. Kasab was captured.

The slain officers are being considered for Ashoka Chakra award. Update: They were awarded Ashok Chakra on an 26th, 2009.

The Ashoka Chakra (AC) is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of all military branches, as well as to civilians, for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice other than in the face of the enemy. It may be awarded posthumously. The AC is the peace-time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC).

Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World 2008 First Runner Up

2008-12-14T11:56:00.002-05:00

Parvathy Omanakuttan, Miss India 2008 is the first runner up Miss World 2008. Born on July 13th, 1987, she is a graduate of Mithibhai College in Mumbai Suburbs near Juhu and Andheri. Her major was English literature.

She is 5' 8.5'' tall with athletic 32-27-36 vital measurements.

Her hobbies include listening to music, dancing, glass paining, and reading. She plays basketball and badminton.

Born in state of Kerala, she now lives in Mumbai. She is open to joining Bollywood if opportunity comes knocking. She admits to having a quick temper "I can lose it in a snap".

Night walks on Mumbai Beaches - No more.

2008-12-13T10:35:00.002-05:00

Night walks on Mumbai beaches is soon going to be just a old memory. BMC is planning to implement international guideline that bans public on the beaches after sunset. The civic body will ban entry to five of city's becahes as Juhu, Marve, Madh, Asksa, and Gorai after sunset in a few months.

As a part of these measures, the visitors will be frisked or even asked to leave after sundown. BMC is also going to set up a security agency to monitor beach safety. This agency will create safe zones at the beaches. Visitors will not be allowed to be at risky zones after 6 pm.

Beaches will also begin to display the danger areas as timings of high and low tides.

Anandghan - Lata Mangeshkar

2008-12-13T08:44:00.002-05:00

Lata Mangeshkar had donned name Anandghan to compose Marathi film music in the 60s. He provided music to the following movies.

Mohityanchi Manjula (1962)

Maratha Tituka Melvava (1964)

Saadhi Manse (1965)

It is not clear why she used this name. Was it to avoid diluting her singer brand? or was it to avoid appearing as a competitor to other music directors of the time?

Hemant Kumar's singing career was impacted the moment he started providing music to the movies. Other music directors dropped him as a singer. Lata was always keenly aware of these things. Perhaps this is the reason we did not see a lot of composing from her.

She had also provided music to a Marathi movie in the 1950 (Raam Raam Pahune) under her real name.

Here's a song from a movie Saadhi Manse.

Badshah Falooda - Crawford Market, Mumbai

2008-12-12T17:56:00.002-05:00

Falooda is Zoroastrian Persia's national drink. Badshah in Crawford Market area is the place for Falooda in Mumbai. About 65% of Badshah's business comes from Faloodas. Falooda is a tall cooling milk-and-rose syrup drink with vermicelli and takmaria seeds (also known as sabjah). It is typically topped with ice-cream.

Badshah store is named after B. A. Badshah. He operated seven fruit juice shops in Mumbai during the early 1900s. He was a kind man and a wonderful employer. He died at a young age of 38 without any kids. In his will he left each of his seven shops with once of his loyal servants. Badshah at Crawford Market was inherited by Merwan Jehangir Irani - then manager of the place. He has employed a 12 year Iranian immigrant for cleaning help. Mr. Irani was impressed with the boy's ethics. When the boy grew up, he married his daughter Yasmin with the boy and handed the shop over to the couple. Aspi passed away in 1996, and Yasimin ran the should with her daughter Behnaz's husband. They also have opened a shop in Pune.

Badshah

152/156 Lokmanya Tilak Marg,

Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400001, India

Ph: 23421943, 23449316, 23425950

Amul Butter's take on Mumbai Politicians

2008-12-05T22:52:00.003-05:00

Amul Butter banners are integral part of Mumbai because they capture the sentiments of the city. Right now mumbaikars are not too thrilled with their political leadership. VIP politicians get commando guards while the common public is left to fend for themselves. This poster is both timely and timeless like any other Amul poster.

Katrina Kaif - Sexiest Asian Woman 2008

2008-12-05T22:05:00.002-05:00

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has been adjudged the sexiest Asian woman in the world in 2008 by a UK-based weekly, with last year's winner Bipasha Basu pushed to the second spot. In the annual round conducted by 'Eastern Eye', a leading British Asian newspaper, Kaif emerged on the top in a shortlist of 10.

The judges included Brianna Ragel, editor of Asian Woman Magazine and the former editor of FHM India, Farhad Dadyburjor. Hamant Verma, editor of Eastern Eye, said: "Katrina Kaif's natural beauty and easy charm has enabled her stock to rise in Bollywood. This has resulted in a number of lucrative offers, and appearances in films that proved to be box-office hits."

Kaif, who was brought up in London, was ranked one place above last year's winner Bipasha Basu and two ahead of 2006 winner Priyanka Chopra. Kareena Kapoor came third in the list.

New entrants to the 'sexiest list' included Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat (nine), Miss India Universe Simran Kaur Mundi (10), former Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez (12) and south Indian actress Asin (22). Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai was at the seventh place.

Pigeons of Taj Mahal Hotel

2008-12-05T21:43:00.005-05:00

During the coverage of the attack on the Taj Mahal hotel you might have noticed hundreds of pigeons flying around the hotel looking for their familiar resting spots. Thousands of these pigeons were scared away due to continuous explosions and fire during the 60 hours of siege. They were also missing out on the grains provided by the tourists.

Animal activists have worked with the police to set around 80kg of bird seeds around the hotel to bring these birds back to the area, and the pigeons are flying back their nests on this magnificent hotel.

As the tourists return to the area so will the pigeons. I hope these birds find an alternate nesting place during the repair work on the hotel.

Mumbai Customs get three new hi-tech patrol boats

2008-12-05T21:12:00.003-05:00

To patrol the waters of Mumbai, the customs department launched three high tech boats, Ila, Chitra and Kaushalya, which sailed off the Ferry Wharf on Friday. The customs boats have the widest range of jurisdiction—from all around Mumbai to Dahanu.

This was the first phase in which the finance ministry had cleared the decks for three out of the 24 ships proposed by the customs early in 2005.

These ships, which have been imported from Malaysia and each costing around Rs 5 crore, will soon replace the existing customs boats that are old and outdated. A customs official said the officers patrolling in these air conditioned facilities would be provided with hi-tech arms such as AK-47 and SLR rifles. Measuring 20x10 m and sailing at a speed of 32 nautical miles per hour, the two-storey boats have a capacity of around 30 officers on board and are equipped with powerful search-lights, long range binoculars as well as emergency sirens. They also have conference rooms, small dinning rooms, kitchens and toilets.

Premier Padmini Taxis Disappearing from Mumbai

2008-12-03T20:59:00.002-05:00

It is time to say goodbye to the age-old Premier Padmini Taxis on Mumbai streets. December 4th is the deadline to phase out taxis that are 25 years or older.

There are nearly 55,000 taxis running on Mumbai streets. This rule, which was approved by the State Transport Authority and Mumbai High Court, will take more than 7000 vehicles off the road.

Maruti Omni and Wagon R are the new favorites.

Premier Padmini was based on 1963 Fiat 1100 design and was built in India from 1968 to 2000.

The old taxis have been fetching just Rs 12000 in Mumbai scrapyards. The replacement cabs -- Omni -- costs upwards of Rs 1.85 lacs.

Taj Mahal Hotel - Old Glory

2008-12-03T20:16:00.005-05:00

Ratan Tata has promised to restore the hotel to its old glory. Here are some of the pictures from the old wing. Tall atrium with sturdy wood construction was credited for protecting the hotel from fire. It is also clear how intricate the layout of this place is. Marine commandos who fought the terrorists before the NSG commandos flew in had no layout maps. Under the cover of darkness the terrorists who had sixth floor position must have tough to defend against.

Taj Mahal Full Page Ad in Paper

2008-12-03T20:03:00.002-05:00

TATA which owns Mumbai Taj Hotel has taken a full page ad announcing that it will be back.

Jyoti Kalash Chhalke

2008-12-02T20:03:00.004-05:00

Song -Jyoti Kalash chhalke (bhabhi ki choodiyan 1961)

Singer -Lata Mangeshkar

Lyrics - Pt.Narendra Sharma,

Music -Sudhir Phadke

Lyrics

Aaa aaa aaa aaa

jyoti kalash chhalke jyoti kalash chhalke

huye gulaabi, laal sunahare

rang dal baadal ke

jyoti kalash chhalke

ghar aangan van upvan upvan

karti jyoti amrit ke sinchan

mangal ghat dhalke

jyoti kalash chhalke

ambar kumkum kan barsaaye

phool pankhuriyon par muskaaye

bindu tuhin jal ke bindu tuhin jal ke

jyoti kalash chhalke

jyoti kalash chhalke jyoti kalash chhalke

paat paat birva hariyaalaa

dharati kaa mukh hua ujaalaa

sach sapne kal ke

jyoti kalash chhalke

Usha ne aanchal phailaayaa

phaili sukh ki sheetal chhaayaa

neeche aanchal ke

jyoti kalash chhalke

jyoti kalash chhalke jyoti kalash chhlake

jyoti Yashodaa dharati gaiyyaa

neel gagan Gopal Kanhaiyyaa

jyoti Yashodaa dharati gaiyyaa

neel gagan Gopal Kanhaiyyaa

shyaamal chhavi jhalke

jyoti kalash chhalake

jyoti kalash chhalke jyoti kalash chhalke

Dawood Ibrahim - US Fact Sheet

2008-12-02T17:36:00.003-05:00

India has asked Pakistan to surrender Dawood Ibrahim. He is one of the suspects in 1993 bombing as well as in the current Mumbai attacks. Officials in India belive that Dawood is under protection from Pakistan's ISI agency which has been engaging in shadow war with the much mightier neighbour. Here's his US Fact sheet.

Dawood Ibrahim, the son of a police constable, has reigned as one of the pre-eminent criminals in the Indian underworld for most of the past two decades.

Ibrahim's syndicate is involved in large-scale shipments of narcotics in the U.K. and Western Europe. The syndicate's smuggling routes from South Asia, the Middle East and Africa are shared with Usama bin Laden and his terrorist network. Successful routes established over recent years by Ibrahim's syndicate have been subsequently utilized by bin Laden. A financial arrangement was reportedly brokered to facilitate the latter's usage of these routes. In the late 1990's, Ibrahim traveled in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban.

Ibrahim's syndicate has consistently aimed to destabilize the Indian government through inciting riots, acts of terrorism, and civil disobedience. He is currently wanted by India for the March 12, 1993 Bombay Exchange bombings, which killed hundreds of Indians and injured over a thousand more.

Information, from as recent as Fall 2002, indicates that Ibrahim has financially supported Islamic militant groups working against India, such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). For example, this information indicates that Ibrahim has been helping finance increasing attacks in Gujarat by LeT. Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (Army of the Righteous) is the armed wing of Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irsha (MDI) – a Sunni anti-US missionary organization formed in 1989. The United States added LeT to the list of designated terrorists in October 2001. The group was banned by the Pakistani government, and its assets frozen, in January 2002.

Timeline of the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks

2008-11-30T11:39:00.003-05:00

[nytimes]

Taj Mahal Hotel condition after The attacks

2008-11-30T09:33:00.005-05:00

The famed Harbour Bar at the Taj was the first licensed bar in Mumbai and a favourite watering hole of the city, is charred beyond recognition. Nothing’s left of the hotel’s Japanese restaurant Wasabi either. The 1st and 6th floors are badly gutted, the 4th and 5th partially burnt.

1. THE LOBBY: This section of the 105-year-old building was lined with artifacts and antiques is not badly damaged. Unlike some of the other sections, no explosions or fires occurred here. There are few bullets lodged in the walls.

2. SHAMIANA: The all-day dining restaurant’s flooring was wrecked by grenade blasts, which left a huge hole. Glass pieces and bags lay scattered all over the floor on Saturday night. The section overlooking the poolside is in a mess.

3. HARBOUR BAR: Facing the Colaba seafront on the ground floor was India’s first licensed bar. Reputed for its rare selection of whiskey, cognacs and Cuban cigars, the Harbour bar has been badly damaged in the attack.

4. WASABI: Japanese restaurant Wasabi is located in the old wing on a level above the ground floor has been gutted. Featured in the prestigious Conde-Nast Traveller List of eateries, the restaurant was known for its sakes and sushi bar.

5. SECOND, THIRD FLOORS: The status of these floors is relatively okay.

6. FOURTH, FIFTH FLOORS: These floors are partially burned and have minor smoke damage.

7. SIXTH FLOOR: The headquarters of the terrorists is completely charred. The woodwork is smashed. All sea-facing rooms including the presidential suites — which have hosted heads of state — are in a shambles. Valuable paintings, period furniture and hand-woven silk carpets are believed to have been destroyed.

8. SIXTH FLOOR OCCUPANTS: The terrorists had two rooms on the sixth floor; so did the general manager’s family which perished in the fire.

9. DOME: One of the domes with Moorish and Oriental influence has been damaged in the fire.

10. TERRORISTS ENTRY: Two entered from the poolside at the rear; two others came in from the side entrance. They had already penetrated the hotel via Housekeeping, the only service to be outsourced. They had an intimate knowledge of the layout, the back entrances, the storage

rooms. They also knew of the passage between the old and the new wings, from the banqueting section. Old kitchen staff use this passage.

11. TERRORISTS: One was found dead in the Harbour Bar and one on the staircase between Harbour Bar and Wasabi.

Mumbai Policeman Lack Proper Firearms

2008-11-28T23:13:00.005-05:00

The tenacious team of terrorists were well trained and armed with fully loaded magazines for AK class weapons, spare rounds for AK-class weapons, Chinese-made grenades, and Plastic Explosives (PE). The magazines and spare rounds made it clear that the terrorists were using AK-

47s and were prepared for a long haul.

Before the Marine Commandos and later NSG Commandos arrived on the scene, these highly equipped terrorists were met by Mumbai's finest. They were woefully underarmed.The eight member police team that confronted the terrorists were armed with a revolver with six chambers and six bullets. There have been reports that their bullet proof helmets were faulty and not all of them wearing bullet-proof jackets.

Only when highly trained Commandos came to the scene, the operation started to move in Mumbai's favor. Marine Commandos use 7.64mm AK-47 assault rifles and 9mm MP-5 sub-machine guns. They also have fiberglass crossbows to fire cyanide tipped arrows for stealth operation. The NSG Commandos carry 9mm Uzi sub-machine guns and Glock 17 pistols.

Mumbai Police officers - Karkare, Salaskar died partly because they were underarmed. We need to fix that. If Mumbai is going to feel safe again, then Police charged with the mandate of protection should be armed adequately.

Azam Amir Kasav - Captured Mumbai Terrorist

2008-11-28T19:26:00.003-05:00

This is Azam Amir Kasav, a 21 year old from Faridkot in Pakistan. The only terrorist who has been captured alive.

Azam and his colleague attacked CST (victoria terminus) and then moving to Girgaum Chowpatty in a stolen Skoda. Here they were intercepted by team of police from Gamdevi station. Here his partner was killed and Azam was shot on his hand.

He pretended to be dead and was taken to Nair hospital when a cop figured out he was breathing. Tight lipped initially, Azam cracked in front of anti-terror squad.

Ammunition, a satellite phone and a map of CST was found on him. According to him, chief planner of the plot had come to Mumbai a month before and had scoped the locations. The group was instructed to keep killing till the very last breath.

The group of ten left Karachi, Pakistan in one boat and upon reaching Gujarat they asked for help from a coast guard ship. Two Indian coast guard officers intercepted the team at Porbandar. The terrorists overpowered one of the officers and slit his throat. The other officer was coerced into helping the team. However, as they arrived within 3-4 miles of Mumbai, the remaining officer was killed and thrown overboard.

Three speedboats were waiting for the terrorists. The team broke up into separate groups. Four left for Taj Mahal Hotel. Two went to Trident Hotel. Two went to Nariman House and two including Azam went to CST.

Azam is now at undisclosed location where he has confessed to killing Mr. Karkare and Mr. Salaskar.

The account of Ajmal also strengthens the doubt of the complicity of powerful elements in the Pakistani establishment. According to him, the group set off on November 21 from an isolated creek near Karachi without the deadly cargo of arms and ammunition they were to use against the innocents in Mumbai. The group received arms and ammunition on board a large Pakistani vessel which picked them up the following day. The vessel, whose ownership is now the subject of an international probe, had four Pakistanis apart from the crew.

Mumbai - Where India comes together

2008-11-28T11:17:00.004-05:00

Mumbai is the target of terrorism directed at India because in Mumbai you find all of India. Mumbai will get back into stride and flourish. It will again be the place where all of India looks at when they dream of making it in life. Here's a map of Indian delicacies by region - all of them you can enjoy in Mumbai.

South Indian Food Joints

Punjabi Dhabas

Taj Hotel Terror Activity Map

2008-11-28T09:04:00.002-05:00

1. Terrorists arrived via boats as witnesses had observed first boat approaching Gateway of India.

2. First shots were heard in Taj Hotel around 9:30 pm. Grenades were thrown near swimming pool. Terrorists enter the old wing of the hotel.

3. Eight member team of Colaba police armed with service pistols arrive and are confronted by the terrorists coming down from the fifth floor.

4. First confrontation between the police team took place at the second floor. Grenades force the police team back. They take and return fire. One constable is missing from the team.

5. Terrorists resort to random firing across floors and start taking hostages. Additional police reinforcements arrive.

6. Terrorists confront the cops and take the staircase. They reenter the old wing around midnight.

7. A grenade is lobbed at the dome atop the old wing around 2:30 am. Fire breaks out. Firemen begin work to douse the fire.

8. First hostage is rescued from the new wing around 2:45 am. 60 people in all. 30 more visitors are brought to safety around 5 am.

9. Terrorists lob grenades at the lobby connecting old and new wings of the hotel. Still stops the rescue operation for some time.

10. Rescue operation restarts around 7 am, moving floor by floor. 100 more visitors get out.

11. Another encounter starts in the old building around 11 am. New grenades are thrown on the lobby and a second grenade is thrown at the dome around 12:50 pm. Sixth floor room catches fire due to grenades. These fires are put out. Eight more guests are rescued around 2:30 pm. Two terrorists are dead and one is captured alive.

12. Hotel general manager's family - wife and two kids (age 14, 5) charred to death are found on the sixth floor by 5:30 pm.

CCTV Picture of Mumbai Terrorist

2008-11-27T22:55:00.005-05:00

This is CCTV image of a suspected terrorist gunman near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus railway station.

This picture fits the profile of terrorists described by the witnesses. Automatic rifle carrying young south Asian people, with shoulder bags to hold ammunition and grenades. These terrorists arrived via sea. Authorities have found a sea craft named Kuber abandoned near Mumbai coast. Satellite phones were found in the craft.

A link to Pakistan and Saudi sources is appearing stronger based on early evidence. Intercom and mobile phone communication amongst the terrorists is in Punjabi language, which points to Pakistan.

This terrorist was captured and has been talking to the authorities. More here.

Nariman House of Mumbai

2008-11-27T21:35:00.004-05:00

Nariman House is the place for Chabad of India - a Jewish organization that provides social, educational, and religious programming for all. Mainly a Jewish outreach program. The building also houses a hostel.

The center is run by Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg - a young Rabbi who grew up in Brooklyn, NY. It is a home away from home where all backpackers,Business man, tourist and visitors socialize in a comfortable home-like setting with great friends, great food and great discussion. Plenty of young tourists from Israel stop by here before leaving for Goa or Rajastan.

Nariman House was seized and attacked during the recent terrorist attacks on Mumbai. This has to be a planned attack on the building as it is a difficult building to locate. Terrorists did not just stumble into this place. It appears that the Rabbi and his wife have fallen victims to this this cowardly act.