First three days 20 crore collection of Kill Dil

“KILL DIL” starring Parineeti Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar, Govinda, and directed by Shaad Ali isn’t one of those films that slides after a promising start. It began badly, plodded away the way it began, and ended worse.

A street-side hood picks up a couple of babies from a ‘kachre ka dabba’, raises them to shoot sharp from mouth and barrel, and the boy gang rolls along merrily till it hits a roadblock: the plot is thinner than a wafer, and older than the hills.

Govinda, playing Bhaiyyaji the Goon, goes through the film slitting his eyes and growling his lines, and bantering with his henchmen. Chief henchboys  Dev (Ranveer Singh) and Tutu (Ali Zafar) wear leather and wield guns, surrounded by standard Yashraj designer grunge. Then Dev runs into Disha (Parineeti Chopra), and sees the light. 

Nothing rescues us, however. Because Govinda can dance, he’s given a couple of completely outlandish numbers. But there’s nothing in this that he can save with his still-deft moves. Ali Zafar’s familiar amiable self is hopelessly miscast. Ranveer Singh is given a part that allows him to shoot and scoot, things he can do with ease, and is partnered with Parineeti Chopra: the two are buried under despite their best efforts.

This has steadily and sadly become a Yashraj trademark, the studio that has given Hindi cinema so many of its beloved landmarks, this cannibalizing bits and pieces of its own films without being able to give us a story we can believe in. It’s one thing to have an element or two which is exaggerated, it’s completely another to get through a full film with such few credible moments.

And ‘Kill Dil’ goes one better in the way it gets all its lead characters to spew cringe-inducing, crass dialogue. Released on last Friday Kill Dil total collection 20 crore in box office only first 3 days.

"Kill Dil" is a smaller disaster than "Gunday". Ranveer who played one of the two buddies in the earlier film as well, is far more entertaining here. He's still way over the top. But here he is hammy in a pleasant way.On screen "Kill Dil" is as flat as the midriff that Ranveer loves to flaunt whenever the script permits.

Not that the script here is too particular about what goes and what doesn't. This is a free-for-all guns-and-romance spree where Gulzar Saab's poetry slyly meets Ranveer Singh's buffoonery. Half-way down the narration you realise director Shaad Ali has run out of designer-cool tricks.

Enough of those chic shots of our two heroes riding down busy highways gunning for unsuspecting victims. Yes, our heroes Dev and Tutu are assassins. "Kill Dil" is one of those misfired gun shots of masala cinema that reads like a fun fest on paper.

I am sure everyone must have ROFL (Ranveer's semi-illiterate character doesn't know what ROFL means,) while shooting and enacting the scenes and even before that there must have loads of laughter while reading the script.

Is this the same filmmaker who once made the endearing "Bunty Aur Babli"? Shaad brings down with him some of our very best technicians like cinematographer Aveek Mukhopadhyay and editor Ritesh Soni who have done their most patchy work in this film.

Posted By: Shreya Saraf, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com

HIGHEST EVER 264 RUNS ODI SCORE SMASHED BY ROHIT SHARMA

Rohit Gurunath Sharma an Indian international cricketer, a right-handed batsman and an occasional right-arm off break bowler (with a hat-trick in the Indian Premier League) plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket.

He is the captain of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Having started his international career at the age of 20, Sharma quickly came to be pegged by many analysts as a permanent fixture in the Indian cricket team in the next decade. In 2013, he started playing as an opening batsman for the Indian ODI team, and performed consistently.

He scored consecutive centuries in his first two Test matches against the West Indies in November 2013, scoring 177 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on debut, followed by a score of 111 in the next Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

On 13 November 2014, he scored 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, which is the highest individual score in ODIs. Rohit Sharma's individual 264 runs high score in odi cricket, ODI in 10-weeks began with a touch of nerves. He was even kept scoreless in one Angelo Mathews maiden.

By the end of the innings, his batting had become cartoonish. There was no shot he had not played. No part of the ground he had not exploited. No bowler who escaped his brutality. Rohit amassed 45 more runs than any ODI batsman had ever managed in an innings, finishing on 264 from 173 balls when he was finally caught off the last ball of the innings. India, almost incidentally, had moved to 404 for 5, despite having travelled at a run rate of less than six for the first 32 overs.

Rohit's innings was so ludicrous that the first 100 runs, which were hit at a run-a-ball, seemed achingly humdrum in comparison to the 164 that followed. The surge had actually begun before he reached his century, when he plundered 14 runs in four balls, in Nuwan Kulasekara's 30th over. Soon after that, the ball was leaping off the middle of his bat with almost every stroke he offered.

There were many incredible shots, from among his 33 fours and nine sixes, but the most gob smacking was the six off Kulasekara at the end of the 48th over, when he walked across to off stump, took a half volley from about a foot and half away from him and flicked it high over the midwicket boundary. It was the kind of shot, and innings, that seemed in open defiance of physics.

Sri Lanka had played a tour match against Mumbai to warm-up for the series, but little did they know Rohit Sharma was warming-up against them. He hit 145 from 111 in that match - his first competitive game since fracturing a finger in August - and he has now re-embedded himself at the top of the India batting order in the most resounding fashion imaginable.

Another beautifully orchestrated batting Powerplay from India - between the 30th and 34th overs - brought them 67 runs, and was enough to hammer the Sri Lanka bowlers off their rhythm for the rest of the innings. Short, wide deliveries, thigh-high full tosses and rank long hops were presented with alarming regularity, and the fielding was almost as woeful.

Sri Lanka had not expected to begin the series strongly, given their lack of preparation, but in these two disciplines, they have actually worsened significantly through the tour.

By the time Rohit hit Kulasekara down Mahela Jayawardene's throat at long-off, the record for most fours struck in an innings had also tumbled, and Rohit was in possession of half the ODI scores over 200. Kulkarni removed two more from the lower order to finish with 4 for 34, and India completed yet another crushing victory.

Asked if he was tired after his epic knock, a smiling Rohit said, "Not really. I have had a break due to injury and I am not tired at all. I could have continued for another 50 overs." Eden Gardens also holds an emotional place in Rohit's heart as he scored a big hundred on debut at this very venue last year and has now got the highest-ever ODI score.

"It's been a great venue for me as I got my hundred on Test debut at this venue. The crowd were cheering me right through.” said Rohit Sharma.

Posted By: Shreya Saraf, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com

INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE 2014: A MISHIT?

After the grand success of Indian Premier League, one of its kind T20 league in India which sees participation from the legends of the game of cricket.

It was time for Indian Super League to take inception and take football as a sport forward in India. In a country where cricket is considered to be a religion it was expectedly very difficult for football to gain prominence.

But with the support of film stars and even cricketers the Indian Super League kick-started on the 12th of October.

With 8 teams participating, namely, Atletico De Kolkata, Chennayin FC, FC Pune City, Mumbai City FC, Northeast United FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Delhi Dynamos FC and FC Goa. All these teams have enthusiastic owners who have a lot of expectations from their teams.

Even though this entire league has severe backings from famous personalities but it has not been able to garner as much support as Indian Premier League did. Football still needs time to become popular in India.

Even though there are certain sections of the country where the sport is extremely popular but the prominence and popularity which it requires is not fully there. And that is why Indian Super League has not been able to garner much of a support and TRPs.

Football as a sport has tremendous fan following in the north east, the east and even the west in Goa and even the southern region where league matches are played.

But apart from these specific regions other places have football enthusiasts and not good football players, which is the primary reason why Indian Super League 2014 has a lot of retired foreign players playing.

But the advantage of these kinds of tournaments is that it gives chance to a lot of young talent to shine and get out of their shells. It opens doors for kids to start playing the wonderful game of football more and even consider the option of making it their professions.

It is indeed very nice to see new sports getting encouragement from all around. Now it is our responsibility to take it seriously and motivate the young kids around us to opt for this sport or any sport they like.

We should even promote the cause of adding sports as a compulsory subject in all schools so that the kids learn the importance of it at an early stage and it helps them career wise too.

But for that to happen, first of all we need to make sure that leagues like Indian Super League garners support so that encouragement follows and mishit turns into a GOAL!

Posted By: Karan Bhatt, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com

FUTURE OF THE NATION CELEBRATE THEIR DAY

“Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured as they the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

Children’s Day is celebrated on 14th November to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He struggled hard for India’s independence and went on to become the first Prime Minister of independent India.

 

He was extremely fond of children and wanted them to grow, prosper and get highly educated. Nehru was nicknamed as Chacha Nehru by the kids and is mostly remembered by that name. Children’s Day is commemorated with immense joy, enthusiasm and magnificence throughout India in all educational institutions.

Children's Day is celebrated by doing, learning and teaching a lot of activities to them. Schools organize and carry out various events and activities that their students thoroughly enjoy and at the same time are also able to learn from those events.

These activities are carried out in a dramatic way so that it can be adopted by the children easily. On this day the neglecting people get an opportunity to think of the future of their children. The whole society thinks of its duty and responsibility towards the children.

They think of what have been done for the children in the year past and what should be done for them in the year coming. Because children are the future citizens of the country and the future of the country depends upon the present children.

People gather in meetings to discuss over the future of the children. They discuss over how to build children as the ideal citizens. They discuss about how to make the child healthy physically, mentally and morally. Schools and educational institutions all over India mark the occasion as a grand fiesta.

Schools are not closed on this day. Moreover, children attend school not to study but to get involved in numerous activities and events awaiting them out there.

Teachers organize different cultural programs and events for students. Children participate in various activities, such as singing, dancing, painting, drawing, quizzes, storytelling, elocutions, fancy dress, debates, speeches, and so on. The winning students are rewarded generously.

The competitions are not only organized by schools, but also by social and corporate institutions. The best part about Children’s Day in India is that students do not have wear their regular uniforms to school. Instead, they put on colorful and their best dresses. They are treated with sweets and luxurious delicacies as lunch. Excitement and enjoyment lies ahead for kids at school.

Teachers disguise themselves as children and present dramas and dances for their beloved students. Picnics and tours are also planned for them. Recently, different electronic media, such as television and radio, have started airing special programs for children to honor Children’s Day. Numerous movies targeting the young generation are telecasted on television.

But of late the children's Day has gained special importance and besides schools, Institutions like Balbhavans and also Jawahar Balbhavans have special programs for children in the areas of Arts & Crafts, Music, Dance and Science as well. Balbhavans are also well equipped with libraries, games (indoor as well as outdoor facilities), film shows, museum, aquarium, swimming pool, etc. In cities Balbhavans serve the children throughout the year. The schools can become members and make use of the facilities.

Certain schools also step forward and help the poor and needy children in their surroundings or in special homes to make their day special.

Children’s Day is a day to engage in fun and frolic. But it is not just that. This day reminds everyone to renew their commitment towards the welfare of the children and to teach them to live by Chacha Nehru’s ideals. And for grown-up people, it is an occasion to imbibe the qualities of childhood.

Children's Day celebration is all about giving the child the right kind of knowledge and freedom to enjoy, so that they can grow as healthy and educated citizens of the country.

Along with this, if you can teach your child the important values of sharing and caring of what you are lucky to have, respecting others for what they are and learning from others what they do know; then your child will become a responsible human being.

All these values are of great importance for the well-being of your child as he is the future of our country.

Posted By: Shreya Saraf, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com

India won the third ODI match as well as the series

The first ever India vs Sri Lanka cricket test match was played in year 1982, with minnows traveling to neighbors who were an International team for nearly 30 years already. Interestingly, new test entrants pushed experienced Indians to the edge who managed to save the game with 6 wickets in hand.

Three matches, three wins for India = series sealed. The Sri Lankans weren’t offered any fight against India as they lost yet another series here. First India restricted them to a decent total today and then chased down without any difficulty. Rahane and Dhawan gave a good start and then Rayudu was run out for 35.

Set a target of 243 runs, India coasted to the win in 44.1 overs, winning with 35 balls to spare. Opener Shikhar Dhawan played a stellar knock and forged useful partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayadu to lead India to victory.

Skipper Virat Kohli as a caption good contributed with a solid 53. Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 242 in 48.2 overs despite veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene scoring a superb century. Pacer Umesh Yadav wrecked Sri Lanka’s top order to help set up India's triumph.

Man of the Match was Mahela Jayawardene. He was a bit disappointed but happy with the performance overall. He was rather surprised to get this award. He added that India put them into early trouble and after that they just were left to do the repair work and hoped that they come back harder and play for pride in the next two games.

It was indeed a proud moment for India but on the other hand quite a big disappointment for Sri Lanka. The bowling seemed almost entirely devoid of menace past the first 10 overs. The fielding was flatter than the pitches they have played on. The batting sometimes seemed panicked and lethargic. A little rust was expected before the series, but was almost as if Sri Lanka put their best cricket in cryogenic freeze when they visit India.

They had never won an ODI bilateral series in the country, nor a Test. Sri Lanka had hoped to earn small victories on this tour, even if an outright series win seemed far from reach, but so far, they have gleaned only broken spirits and bruised egos.

As for India, even with several second-string players, India hardly broke a sweat. Three batsmen collected hundreds, while bowlers like Ishant Sharma and Akshar Patel made a case for World Cup inclusion. The batting, as usual, was rock-solid in India, but the bowlers remained admirably effective as well.

Beyond the World Cup plans, Virat Kohli  also given a glimpse of the kind of captain he might become. Proactive and instinctive, Kohli's gambles did definitely pay off so far, with the batting-order reshuffles yielding good dividends and bowling changes regularly bringing wickets.

Sri Lanka will have to raise their game substantially to test Kohli and his team. India and Sri Lanka play cricket under similar conditions, spinning, slow and in favour of batsmen most of the time.

Posted By: Shreya Saraf, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com

LOVE JIHAD: FAR FETHCHED REALITY?

This term was first heard in 2009 and it became a widespread concern for everyone, for the political parties to be specific. ‘Love Jihad’ which is also known as ‘Romeo Jihad’ involves the practice of Muslim boys and men to convert girls belonging to non Muslim communities to Islam by faking love.

Recently this issue has got a very strong voice from the governing party of India, BJP. They have been very vocal speculating that is creating an imbalance in our so called “society”. But as every speculated controversy is, this controversy also has doubts over its relevance. Congress and other rival parties have been opposing with full force saying no such movement is happening.

‘Love Jihad’ was first noticed in Kerala. It is speculated that at least 5,000 girls were a target of Love Jihad. It recently all of sudden has alarmed the present Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy who says that this has been going on since 2006.

It is indeed surprising that even though Indians at all point of time, whether it is a debate or a discussion in some foreign country boast about the fact that how diverse is India as a country. But when it comes to being liberal to the whole inter religion/caste marriage issue then they start spilling poison, blood.

Why inter religion marriages is considered to be a curse to the society? Why does it create a ruckus? These questions will never find logical answers.

We seem to be following the foreign countries step by step but we forget to remain human. We forget that we all are humans first and then belong to a particular religion, caste or creed. The riots which we start in the name of our so called “traditions and religions” is utter non sense. Because no religion teaches us to hate each other, to discriminate and on top of all stop acting human, kill each other. 

There are so many cases where there have been inter religion marriages and they have been successful and iconic associations. Sania Mirza got married to Shoaib Mallik, it was an example which will always stand out, an Indian marrying a Pakistani. Kareena Kapoor married Saif Ali Khan and is proudly donning the title ‘Khan’.

We all need to raise above these nonsense issues and introspect. What is more important? Being human or fighting wars of hatred with the other religion. We are not divided by religion; we are divided by our thoughts.

Posted By: Karan Bhatt, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com

God of cricket writes his autobiography

“Playing It My Way” is the autobiography of former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. It was launched on 5 November 2014 in Mumbai.

The book summarizes Tendulkar's early days, his 24 years of international career and aspects of his life that have not been shared publicly. "I knew that if I agreed to write my story, I would have to be completely honest, as that’s the way I have always played the game and that would mean talking about a number of things I have not addressed in public before.

So here I am, at the end of my final innings, having taken that last walk back to the pavilion, ready to recount as many incidents as I can remember since first picking up a cricket bat as a child in Mumbai thirty-five years ago." - Sachin Tendulkar.

The book launch took place on 5th November 2014 in Mumbai, a group of India's cricketing legends, including Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri, remembered their association with Tendulkar and shared anecdotes from the field and outside it.

Tendulkar was present at the event with his wife Anjali and family members. His long-time teammates Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman are also among the guests.

This book was definitely one of the most awaited sports books and the first copy of the book Playing It My Way has been presented to Sachin's mother Rajni Tendulkar. The second copy was given to Sachin's coach Ramakant Achrekar, by Sara Tendulkar - Sachin's daughter.

Ajit, who introduced Sachin to cricket, said he always discussed Sachin's dismissals and never celebrated his hundreds, fearing his brother might feel he has done enough. "Playing It My Way' is a different sort of innings for me, and was in the making for the last three years.

As with the game, I have been honest and sincere in putting together various aspects of my life, and the book is something I hope readers will enjoy," he said.

Posted By: Shreya Saraf, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com

Brand value: SRK first and Dhoni in third position

Shah Rukh khan an Indian actor, producer, television personality and philanthropist is referred to in the media as "Baadshah of Bollywood", "King of Bollywood" or "King Khan", he has appeared in over 80 Hindi films in genres including romance, action and comedy.

He is often labelled as "Brand SRK" because of his brand endorsement and entrepreneurship ventures. He is considered to be one of the biggest film stars in India and has a massive fan following; the Los Angeles Times described him as perhaps the world's biggest movie star.

He regularly features in listings of the most influential people in Indian culture and in 2008, Newsweek named him one of the 50 most powerful people in the world. This Matinee idol Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as the second richest actor in both Hollywood and Bollywood combined list. Also he has been the onky actor on whom a biography has been made after Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.

Bollywood’s king khan may be the number one in brand value but cricketers like Dhoni are worth more than many other celebrities including Salman Khan and Amir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor also. Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s brand value has seen a rise of almost 60% in the last 4 months taking over Virat Kohli and many other superstars.

MS Dhoni has tremendous growth both in his career and in reaching the hearts of cricket fans throughout the world. He is the ”Baaji Rao Singham” of Indian cricket in tackling the opponent by his aggressive batting skills and true leader in leading the Indian team to the Himalayan Victory in 2011 world cup, not only winning everyone’s hearts but also proving his worth over and over again.

In an article, his market value was compared to that of Tiger Woods.

Both Shah Rukh Khan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are malleable personalities, who cope with challenges, are willing to change, firmly rooted to the fierce desire of winning, respect the seniors, giving others enough breathing space in dressing room and have a heart to admit mistakes.

This is the reason they are among the top Indian Brand Icons. They are the prized brand ambassadors that companies chase after. From cars to chewing gum, they have sold it all.

The society as well as the industry we live in is a very male driven industry. This is something not many people are comfortable with but these people have a booming success because of the common masses. All in the end it is just their hard work, dedication, wisdom and their connection with people that matters the most.

Therefore people like to see them in movies, in cricket fields, endorsing advertisements and as brand icons making Shah Rukh Khan and M.S. Dhoni the most popular brand icons in the country.

Posted By: Shreya Saraf, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com 

BLACK MONEY: AN OVERCOOKED ISSUE IN INDIA

Time and again politicians have come to the podium before and after elections and raised this overcooked issue.

The issue of bringing back black money to India and give it to the poor people. It is not a new phenomenon for politicians to use this issue in order to give mileage to their political prominence.

 

Black money has always been a point of debate everywhere. Swiss bank account holders from India wanting to avoid taxes hold their account in Switzerland.

The amount culminates to more than thousand crores. It is actually surprising that how it can take so long to penalize people who have been evading tax regularly. It doesn’t take very long when a common middle class man tries to evade tax and the IT department nails them within no time.

So it is only unfortunate and worrisome that powerful and rich people in this country can get away from anything. They can commit all sorts of crimes and still not get penalized for it.

The Modi government had been chosen into power with a strong mandate and full majority. They had a list of promises to make to the people of this country, which included bringing back all black money.

Now that the BJP government has managed to get the list of all black money holders in Swiss bank account and submitted to the Supreme Court, all Indians remain hopeful for a change which is waited to be welcomed for more than twenty years now. Government after government have come to power and played with the emotions of people, providing no results.

The SIT has been handed over the list of all the people who hold Swiss bank accounts. However the three names which have been revealed so far are Pradip Burman, director of the Dabur group, Pankaj Chimanlal Lodya, Rajkot based Bullion trader and Radha S. Timblo a Goa based miner and owner of Timblo Pvt. Ltd. Further investigations needs to be carried out and the SIT has been given a deadline of March 2015 by the Supreme Court to wind up this entire case.

We, the common middle class Indian, which comprises of the majority of population, can just switch channels and follow this story and hope for a change to come. A change, which has been due for long. We can only do our part and be less corrupt.

Value the money which we have and spend sensibly. At the end of it, all we can hope for is that we are not fooled again. The common man clings to this hope provided and will cling on to it for the rest of his life.

Posted By: Karan Bhatt, Campus brand ambassador Intern at: http://pickyouropinion.com