Chirag United fails to collect full points against ONGC

Chirag United dominated most of the proceedings but failed to score goal against ONGC in their first match of their II Division I-League campaign.

In the first half, attacking from left to right and playing with the wind, Chirag made some serious moves that tested ONGC's defense. Theodore Sunday's goalmouth attempt at the 25th minute which went wide and a swerving left-footer at the 35th minute saved by the ONGC custodian was the highlight of the first half. In the last five minute, ONGC was truly at the receiving end, when Chirag forced two free kicks and a corner, however, they failed to convert the set-pieces.

In the second half, Chirag added more sharpness in their attack by introducing talented Sankar Oraon. As a cohesive unit, Chirag made many smart attacks but failed to convert any of them, and at the 75th minute Ejike missed an open net. The last four minutes of the injury time definitely belonged to ONGC, when they scared Chirag with Jatin Bisht's dangerously curling corner which beat custodian Arindam Ghosh, however, an alert Kinshuk Debnath proved saviour by clearing on the line.

Chirag United's coach, Anjan Nath said that the open sitters missed by his wards deprived them with a win. ONGC's coach Irinio Vaz, commented that the ground conditions took them some time to settle down, he is concered about the teams weak defence, but promised a better performance in the next match.

Chirag United: 1-Arindam Ghosh, 2-Louis Ebami, 4-Kingshuk Debnath, 5-Dhanrajan, 6-Ejike Chika Chime, 7-Denson Devdas, 11-Lalamjawala (Shankar Oraon), 15-Dulal Biswas, 17-Gouranga Biswas, 24-Theodore Sunday (captain), 27-Lalmalswama ONGC: 30-Bilifang Narzary, 4-Krishna Shirodkar, 5-NC John, 9-C N Henry (19-Dhanesh), 10-Nurudeen, 12-Rongmoi (18-Lalmaun Puia), 14-Kaushik Bose, 22-Amandeep Singh, 23-Kabijit Khotel, 25-Jatin Singh Bist (Captain), 28-Naresh Unused subs - Chirag United: 12-Subhas Singha Roy, 14-Shibram Dey, 16-Arnab Mondal, 20-Barun Oraon, 22-Mojaffar Rahman, 29-Achinta Saha

ONGC: 1-Rajat GhoshDastidar, 6-Debkumar Sashmal, 7-Rakshak Naik, 11-Sanjeeva Rumpi, 16-Gour Naskar Yellow card(s): ONGC - C N Henry, RangMoi

Referee: Pratap Singh

Assistant Referees: Md. Kamil, S K Gupta

4th official: S Sajeesh Kumar

Pune FC starts the II Division I-League campaign with a winning note

Pune FC survived few scary moments in the second half from HAL, but at the end of the day bagged the most valuable 3-points by beating HAL by 2-1. In a usual fashion, Pune FC pressurized opponents defense right from the beginning and meant business. First goal for Pune FC came in the 3rd minute due to a defensive lapse from HAL, later national star Bungo Singh scored the second goal from an excellent cross in 13th minute.

Pune FC dominated first 30-minute of the game with excellent ball possession, however, later in the first half they ran out of steam and gave HAL a chance to come back in the game, Fredrick Okwagbe reduced the margin in the 34th minute.

In the second half, the first 20 minutes was dominated by HAL, where they failed to score the equalizer from many chances. Later PuneFC came back to the game, but failed to increase the margin.

Earlier, All India Football Federation (AIFF) ONGC II Division I-League, phase I (Pune) was inaugurated by the Mayor of Pune, Rajlaxmi Bhosale at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Educational Campus ground, Katraj.

Speaking to the IndianFootball.com, PuneFC coach Bernard McNally said, "Folks turned naïve at times and that almost slipped the match from our grip. Few lads lack experience at this stage, but again there is a steep learning curve for them, and should give them the needed confidence. However, I am glad that we started in a winning note and that would boost our confidence when we meet Vasco, in the next game." Vasco has proved a thorn in the flesh for Pune FC as Vasco defeated Pune FC in last two encounters.

Pune in the Indian football map

Pune in the Indian football map - An interview with Bernard McNally, chief coach, Pune Football Club
- By Subhajyoti Banerjee

The year 2008 must have been a good start for the football scene in Pune. Firstly, the announcement of Pune Football Club (PuneFC), secondly, the team participating in the 2nd division I-League, and finally, Pune being one of the venue for the second division I-League.

It’s not that this sport is very unpopular in Pune. Soccer is played round the year in Pune, there are quite a number of tournaments, Pune District Football Association (PDFA) conducts division league, and also have few academies. So what is it that's going wrong and preventing Pune to prosper in the Indian football scene?

The emergence of PuneFC is what the doctor ordered. Promoted by the Ashok Piramal Group, PuneFC has massive plans for the improvement of football in Pune. www.IndianFootball.com (Subhajyoti) visited their practice session at the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) ground, Khadki and talked with the coach, Irishman Bernard McNally and his assistant Vivek Nagul.

Subhajyoti: Hello coach, thanks for giving time to Subhajyoti. It gives me immense joy to talk to someone who has played with great Pat Jennings in the FIFA World Cup.
Bernard McNally (BM): Yeah, he is a legend!

Subhajyoti: As you start working on a project, you must have some short term and long term goals. What is the short term goal for PuneFC?
BM: Well to be honest, my primary focus is to qualify for the first division of the ONGC I-League.


Subhajyoti: And what about the long term goal?
BM: It's too premature to ask someone who is just few weeks old in PuneFC. I would like Vivek and team management to answer this question. But what I heard from them is that nurturing football talents from Pune and building a football stadium are the two areas that PuneFC is focused.

Subhajyoti: Tell us something about your football life?
BM: I have played for Shrewsbury Town for almost a decade, then moved to West Bromwich and played professional football till 95. Later, joined Hednesford Town and Telford United.

Subhajyoti: How is the team responding to your coaching?
BM: The team is shaping up and responding well. We had a very fruitful tour to Bangalore, played with teams like Hindustan Aeronautics Football Club (HASC), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), and Army XI. Team played excellent football against Army XI. Hopefully, team should perform similarly in the upcoming tourneys.

Second division I-League fixture is out; coach is informed that PuneFC is placed with HASC, ONGC, State Bank of Travancore (SBT), Vasco, and Chirag United.

BM: To be frank, I am not aware of the composition of our opponents. I have to depend on my assistant coach and support staff for the inputs.

Subhajyoti: You have three teams (HASC, SBT, and Vasco) in your group who have experience of playing in the first division.

BM: So, we are placed in a tough group, huh!

Subhajyoti: You team is staying together, how much stress do you give this aspect in the game of football?
BM: Staying together actually works; it is a team building exercise, raises team spirit and bonding. However, all my players are still single, so I am lucky that way! But in 3-4 years time, lads will be married and they will have their families. At that point of time you can’t actually force them to stay together (grins).

Subhajyoti: How is the team shaping up?
BM: The team is very spirited! The lads have gelled together excellently and performing like a cohesive unit. The team is a mixed lot, we have few locals, a few from far north-east, and you can say a mini India. We have two talented players from Nigeria. Local lads look up to them for certain skills and they are also well-built.

I see the Indians are not naturally well-built, physical ability is an important aspect in modern football. However, I have seen few teams from Goa with well-built footballers.

I like to play very attacking football; it’s all about entertaining the crowd!

Saying that I am well aware of the plus and minuses of the team. I don’t want to promise something that I am not aware.

Subhajyoti: You have joined PuneFC for a short stint, provided PuneFC performs well in the second division I-League, do you look forward for a longer association with PuneFC?
BM: Very simple, I need to produce results! A good performance and I will stick with PuneFC.

Subhajyoti: Any comments on the facilities provided to the team?
BM: We have a long way to go as far as facility is concerned. But again, we have to get along with it. The ground is quite hard.
Need to see what develops, watch your space, and hopefully it should work that way we want it.

Subhajyoti: Have you interacted with any other club coaches in India?
BM: Yes, I did meet Karim Bencherifa, coach of Curchill Brothers. His team has consistently done well in the I-League.

Subhajyoti: One final question, Cyd Gray’s injury has forced him out of action, will you miss him?
BM: Cyd’s injury is very unfortunate and has upset my scheme of things. However, injuries are very natural in football. You can’t actually dwell on that, he will be missed, but we have to move on.

Subhajyoti: Thanks coach, it was nice talking to you, and all the very best for the I-League assignment!
MB: Thanks!

At this point of time, assistant coach Vivek Nagul comes in. Vivek hails from Pune and has been a top football player during his days. He is associated with PuneFC since inception. He is the best person to answer the long term plans for PuneFC.


Subhajyoti: Hi Vivek!
VN: Hello!

Subhajyoti: Okay, the obvious question, what are the long term plans for PuneFC?
VN: To nurture footballers from Pune. It is very pleasing to know that the Ashok Piramal Group, has chosen Pune as a base. As the group is based out of Mumbai, Mumbai could have been the obvious choice. But the opportunity is bestowed to Pune, now, it is my duty to respond to the confidence shown by the management.

We would like to build the team through Football in the Community (FITC) program. Traditionally, football is played in few pockets in Pune, Camp, Deccan, Khadki, and Ghorpadi to name a few. We want to spread it across to the entire Pune and its neighboring areas.

Off-late, Pune has produced a national-level player in Paresh Shivalkar, I have seen his career shaping up while playing in Sky Hawks, also, I have mentored him. Pune needs ten more players like Paresh.

We want to generate interest among the parents. Typically, you don’t find parents encouraging kids to take up football as a profession. We want to break the myth. Now, there is enough money in Indian football. A top player earns much more than an IIM graduate!

Football needs to be started at the grass root level, because during this the stage you can develop the technical nuances, and later on you can concentrate on the other aspect of the game.

Our motto is to catch them young. As you know the club is in its nascent stage. In a very short notice period, we participated in the Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) qualifying round and performed well. So we have very high hopes about our under-19 and under-15 team.

Subhajyoti: Thanks Vivek! Great to know that PuneFC is doing a lot in developing football in Pune.
VN: Thanks!

Du likely to return to India

The next season of Indian football is definitely bringing good news! Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda, popularly know as Du is all set to return to India. I was fortunate to get Du online. Du said that he misses India and Indian soccer. He has few offers in hand, from India and from another country. Like a tactful defender, Du averted the obvious question of his club for the next season. Du is coming to India in June to end all speculations.
Du has played four seasons in India. He started of his India campaign by donning the colors of Hindustan Aeronautic Sports Club (HASC) in the year 2003, next year he moved to MohunBagan and stayed there for another 3 years. He was the mainstay of the MohunBagan defense and was the integral part of the team. By displaying sheer commitment and dedication, he carved a niche among the soccer frenzy fans in Kolkata.
However, an injury during the 2006-07 Federation Cup semi-finals against Mahindra United forced Du out of action. But now he is fit as ever, all raring to go, and in his own words, “I just want to fight like I used to and want to make a big name in Indian soccer”.

Du likely to return to India

The next season of Indian football is definitely bringing good news! Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda, popularly know as Du is all set to return to India. I was fortunate to get Du online. Du said that he misses India and Indian soccer. He has few offers in hand, from India and from another country. Like a tactful defender, Du averted the obvious question of his club for the next season. Du is coming to India in June to end all speculations.

Du has played four seasons in India. He started of his India campaign by donning the colors of Hindustan Aeronautic Sports Club (HASC) in the year 2003, next year he moved to MohunBagan and stayed there for another 3 years. He was the mainstay of the MohunBagan defense and was the integral part of the team. By displaying sheer commitment and dedication, he carved a niche among the soccer frenzy fans in Kolkata.

However, an injury during the 2006-07 Federation Cup semi-finals against Mahindra United forced Du out of action. But now he is fit as ever, all raring to go, and in his own words, “I just want to fight like I used to and want to make a big name in Indian soccer”.

Poor Symmo!

Hold on, this is true. After hearing the rumor, I can come up with only one expression, “Poor Symmo!”

So what's the rumor?

Bhajji said, “Teri Maa Ki ...”. And Symmo heard Maa[N]Ki.

Source

Now, did Bhajji sound nasal? Well, that's a million dollar question? I've never read/heard anywhere that he's a great Himesh fan.

But one thing I am sure about is that Symmo is a Bollywood buff! On the day before the incident, he watched a movie with Brett Lee, Dil Dosti etc, took a leaf out of the movie, and saved his mate from Bhajjis racial slur.

The purpose of a nice-juicy gaali went completely haywire and Symmo heard Maa[N]Ki. Now, someone should tell Symmo that Maa[N]Ki is not an abuse, absolutely not. In fact we all respect Maa[N]Ki, opps monkey. In India, we have a monkey god, we have temples, and we do worship him. Should Bhajji called Symmo a monkey, then he was referring to the monkey god, great Symmo-monkey-god.

Everything went wrong, damn!

** I would expect ICC to act smart, set them straight, and as a bonding activity, both should go together and watch a Bollywood movie.

I suggest Return of Hanuman.

Two stories of animals making news this week

Tiger - http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071220/jsp/frontpage/story_8690576.jsp
Elephant - http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071220/jsp/calcutta/story_8688595.jsp


Merry Christmas!

Dola Banerjee - champion of champions

He[y] Dola He[y] Dola!

You made us prowd, way to go!

America's answer to Ek Choti Si Love Story!

Here is real-life American version of Ek Choti Si Love Story. Lets hope this incident inspires Hollywood's Shashilal Nair to make a movie.

What would be the title? Bolo-bolo, tell-tell?

Jhulan Goswami - Chak-da India girl!

Ok-ok, this is not a typo. When the entire nation mesmerized by this song, I can’t simply ignore it. :)

So this lanky, 6-feet world's fastest bowler from Chakda (80-odd km away from Kolkata, West Bengal, India), has made us proud by winning Women's Player of 2007 at the ICC Awards.

This is an iconic achievement by a woman cricketer. She represents a country, where the men cricketers are worshipped like god, and catches media attention even after a meager win against minnows. On the contrary, when our women cricket team beats England in their backyard, the news is only mentioned in a corner of the sports page.

I am glad to see Jhulan appearing in the front page of the newspapers. She may lack the glam factor like over-hyped Sania, but she's fast, furious, and an ultimate champion.

Chak de Jhulan!

Messidona = Messi + Maradona

Lionel Messi	Diego Maradona

Lionel Messi is coming up with a Maradona-act every now and then!

Initially, it was his great solo run against Getafe that reminded everyone of Maradona's goal against England in the 86’ World Cup:

And now, a replica of Maradona's Hand of God goal...

is here:

Long live Messidona!

About Art and Politics

The art of bringing people together is sheer politics.

URBAN JUNGLE: Thousands of people pose in the nude for an installation by US photographer Spencer Tunick at the Zocalo square in Mexico City on Sunday. Tunick is known for his photographs that feature large numbers of nude people posed in artistic formations, often situated in urban locations.
Source: May 8, TOI.

The politics of bringing people together is an art.

OPTIMUM UTILITY: The Shiv Sena found an unusual spot — the Mutha riverbed near Bhide bridge — for a rally on the occasion of the inauguration of its Pulachiwadi office in the city on Tuesday. Speaking at the rally, Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray chose to slam the government over James Laine’s controversial book on Shivaji.

Source: May 9, TOI.

Aussies are the best - Analysis by an Indian

Trust (or lack of it) within the team:

• The batsmen dont trust the bowlers, so they play all big shots to win;
• The bowlers dont trust their batting, so they bowl with a fire in their belly; but finally
• The captain trusts the entire team;

Hinglish Chinglish bhai-bhai

You have heard of Hinglish, here is Chinglish for you:

• A store selling tobacco products advertises: “An Excellent Winding Smoke.”
• A sign on the floor at Beijing's Capital Airport reads: “Careful Landslip Attention Security.”
• A mysterious message on the billboard displays: “Shangri-La is in you mind, but your Buffalo is not.”

Source:
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=ap-beijing-chinglish&prov=ap&type=lgns

Little baffled, well that's Chinglish - a blend of the Chinese and English words, and it's just like you saying:

• Hey, time kya hua hai?
• Kiss my hote!
• Darling, slowly chal naa.

N'soy!

Cars, cars, and more cars!

Certainly, swanky imported cars are making news this week.

February 5: Lil Abhisekh Bachhan got the Bently car as a gift from his big dad Amitabh Bachhan on his 31st birthday.

February 7: Just two days after Abhishek Bachchan got his Bentley, came his dad’s turn – a sparking silver Rolls Royce gifted from director Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Seems Chopra got awestruck after watching Bachhan’s acting in his latest film Eklavya and so is this Rolls Royce.

People started rumoring how rich has Big B become, who once
could not afford to pay income tax can now actually afford to gift a Bently car
to his son!

February 8: You know what, actually people were right - Amitabh didn't gift Bentley to his son, it was a rumor!

Then who gifted the Bently car to lil Abhisekh?

Bolo-bolo, tell-tell!

I am sorry, no heads-up on this.

What is found is that Amar Chote-Bhaiya Singh claiming to be the owner of the Bentley car.

Confusion, confusion, and more confusion.

Orissa, Slap Chap(pel), and the Budhiya story

Q: Set in the backdrop of Orissa, what’s common between Guru Greg and wonder kid Budhiya?

Bolo-bolo, tell-tell!

A: Biranchi

Wondering!

Aare baba, Biranchi is name of the guy who slapped Guru Greg and also, Biranchi is the name of Budhia's coach. Now don’t ask who is Budhia?

Rock bands and their names

Q: Have you ever heard of the following names?

• Pin Drop Violence
• Nursery Crimes

A: They are musical rock bands.

Wish you a rock, rock, rocking weekend!

Racial attack and the Shetty girl

Shilpa Shetty might not be a box-office queen, but she is making news, again!

Last week she created ruckus once she entered into the Big Brother’s house and this week for some alleged racist comments.

Big Brother is the Britain’s popular reality television show, which is aired on Channel4. This reality show has huge UK-based Indian viewers. The producers were smart, to keep the TRP ratings high they roped an Indian celebrity, and in comes the Shetty girl.

However, the Indian government has not taken the racist comments lightly and also this issue was raised in the British House of Commons.

This just reminds me of the mid-nineties, actually 12 years to be specific, when Shilpa was in the limelight. She was excited when she found much-needed admirer in the form of an Election Commissioner and a Supercop.

Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan maybe serious and honest in his job, but he made no pretension when he said that he loved to see Shilpa in the song Chura ke dil mera goriya chali. Ditto with the former Supercop KPS Gill. You may always blame him for the current state of affairs of the Indian Hockey. But hey, he was a great admirer of Shilpa Shetty.

Now what? I am sure she will find few admirers this time. British MP Keith Vaz and PM Tony Blair are my guesses. What’s yours?

Café Mondegar: Salaam Bombay

Nope, this is not a typo, I mean Bombay not Mumbai. Die hard Mumbaikar’s who swear by the name of Mumbai, no offence meant, please!

Café Mondegar is the place that truly lives up to the spirit of the Bombay city - Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan!

Café Mondegar is popularly known as Mondys, is located at Colaba, next to the Reagal theatre.

Beer with garlic chicken is an absolute combination!

Cartoonist Mario Miranda lives in the wall of Mondys

Is your neighbor a cannibal?

If you are keeping a tab on the recent Noida serial killings then you must know by now that the co-accused Surendra Koli consumed human flesh, couldn’t digest it, and finally vomited.
Source: http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jan/09noida2.htm

Have you ever wondered why?

Bolo-bolo, tell-tell.

Because he is a Koli. Surendra belongs to the fishermen community!
How could you expect a Koli to eat human flesh? He’s so bloody used to eat raw fishes.

I am speaking gibberish, sorry.

I am shocked, the recent expose of the Noida serial killings has left me stupefied with disbelief.

Are we living in the era of cannibalism? Do you think your middle-aged sober looking neighbor as a cannibal?

Gosh, I don’t know, I don’t know!

Khalasitola: Story of a country spirit bar in Calcutta

Excerpts of the feature Khalasitola: Story of a country spirit bar in Calcutta written by Amit Ranjan Basu.

In 19th century Calcutta there were bars for country spirit, which only catered to people from the lower orders of the society. Sometimes Babus in dire economic crisis, visited such bars covering them well with a chaddar and quickly gulped down a pint while standing. This style of drinking became known as Darabhog as in Bengali Darano means to stand.

The culture of drinking in a bar had become popular in the city besides great parties stuffed with varieties of alcoholic beverages, opium and ganja, thrown by the Babus in their mansions. But the country spirit culture was mainly limited to the urban subalterns. Prepared from paddy (Dhan in Bengali), this was popularly known as Dheno and sometimes called Dhanyeswari with special affection and regard. According to its potency, country spirit was classified into three categories. To assure the customer of its spirit content of the No.1 variety (which arguably contained 90% of alcohol), even during 1950s, the bar manager used to burn some sample from the bottle and the blue flame of alcohol made the customer sure of buying good stuff!

It is important to note that, drinking country spirit (Karan Bari in chaste Bengali) was strongly associated with the Sakta cult of Kali worshippers. Even the women from Tagore family at Jorasanko drank country spirit during Kali puja. One must remember that, Kali puja is performed around the year on various auspicious nights. Perhaps this association of popular goddess Kali with Karan Bari could be the source of inspiration to print goddess Kali’s image on a red label on the bottles of country spirit produced by the colonial government. It was thus also called Kali marka mod.

There are many books published during the middle of 19th century till early 20th century that bore elaborate descriptions of the urban culture of country spirit drinking, though not much of these bars. However, presence of middle class educated drinkers in the country spirit bars was a rare phenomenon. But from 1950s onwards a visible and daunted presence of educated middle class can be noticed in the country spirit bars (Bangla moder thek)! I suspect it was more an effect of a new culture practiced by poets and other creative personalities, who questioned the existing norms of being a Bhadralok. One of these bars, known as Khalasitola had become a talk of the town as many such people started gathering there over glasses of Bangla mod.

Kamal Kumar Majumdar, the famous writer whose style of Bengali prose-writing was not only full of experiments with the language, but also captured the complexities of modern life in a poetic prose, and it was very distinct from all his contemporaries. Around him this adda or regular meetings at Khalasitola grew up and we have a strong presence of this group for two decades. Majumdar taught art in a school and visited this bar from morning (it used to open at 11 am) in between his classes and continued till it closed in the night. It is said that Majumdar, after getting attracted to Ramkrishna’s philosophy not only changed his attitude to literature but also gave up drinking foreign liquour - Whisky, Rum, Gin, Vodka, Wine etc., and took to the desi - Bangla mod. Many non-drinkers came to meet him here for professional purposes. In the literary history of Bengali from 1950-1970 the contextual space provided by Khalasitola remains crucial. Many great poetries were written, famous little magazines like Krittibas and Kaurab came out, many anthologies of poetry were published with screenplays, and other creative products generated from this Bangla moder thek.

Khalasitola and later on some other country spirit bars in the city became a symbol of anti-establishment culture and a pilgrimage for many avant-garde writers who affectionately described themselves as Khalasis! Kamal Kumar Majumdar used to say that, Khalasitola started somewhere around the II World War and it probably has derived its name for being frequented by the loaders from the nearby port.

Many memoirs and anecdotes talk about an environment, which acknowledged the difference with the majority of the Khalsitola drinkers. But this difference never came in the way of negotiating two cultures. Many listened to poetries, songs presented by the Khalasis and yes, appreciated them. Conviction of the poets grew strong that good poetry indeed has a universal appeal. Besides Khalasitola two other Bangla moder thek had also seen this sort of gathering taking place:

• Baroduari at Rani Rashmoni Road and not very far from Khalsitola. This is a double storied old house, which probably derived its name for having twelve doors
• Ganja Park in Bhawanipore, South Calcutta, near Jadu Babur Bazar.

Not much of these great Khalasis are alive now. A significant number of them have even given up drinking! Still every one of them, when talked about Khalsitola asserted that more than a drinking joint it was a space of creative inspiration for them. Defying norms and giving birth to new urban expressions in poetry, prose, painting, and film - Khalasitola is beyond history. It is a myth of our new urbanity, timeless in its creative context, and rapturous in its radical implosion.

Yet this culture is seen to be fading by late seventies. It can be a research agenda to explore how it happened, but what seems obvious is Kamal Kumar Majumdar’s death followed by a spreading decentralized gathering in other joints including foreign liquor bars could be a factor. Also much of the famous Khalasis had died or became too old by late seventies, and a section of Khalasis had identified themselves with the elite and established literary institutions. By eighties only curious, rebellious youngsters dropped in to cherish their senior poets’ nostalgia and in general young middle class educated showed more attraction toward addas that happened in the foreign liquour joints. Also, the air of defiance that the seventies had brought were no more.

What remains still unexplored is the culture of the subaltern customers in these urban country spirit bars. This perhaps may take us to the world of a different urbanity experienced by the city subalterns, and their history of altered consciousness.

This story is extensively based on following sources:

• Arun Nag (1999) Sekaler Nesha in CHITRITA PADME, Calcutta: Subarnarekha, pp.14-462.
• Khalasitola Special Issue, KAURAB 92, Nov.2002, Pp.280, paperback, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.Kaurab@email.com

Happy New Year 2007!

Hola!

Wish you all a rocking and kick ass New Year!

Opps, ignore those adjectives, simply ignore it, and “Wish you and your family a peaceful and fruitful New Year!”

Last Saturday, December 31, 2006 was an inspirational day for me - did not consume a drop of alcohol on that day. Though, never a regular drinker, I like to drink on the social gatherings - New Year party, birthday bash, bachelor party, office party, you name it!

What did I do on that evening? Took out Sonia and Diego for a small drive, ate the delicious Mughlai Parathas and Egg Rolls prepared by my mom, plunged into a tub of pineapple-flavored ice-cream, watched television till 12, and then wished everyone HNY.

On January 1, 2007, 12.05 am, went to my friends place, which is like 30 minutes drive from my home, drank a nip of Bacardi White Rum and two pegs of Smirinoff Vodka, and returned home around 5 am.

Wish you a very happy 2007!!

New age of Bengali cinema

This is definitely for the Bengali viewers.

Saw the promo of a bangla movie named Aamra, here's a hilarious one-on-one between two very popular actors Parambrata and Rudranil:

R: Kotodin eksonge sush-ni bol to?

P: Taa pray 6 months hobe.

R: Ohhh, tahole eto din-e Chitkini-te jong dhore geche aar Lyangcha-gulo shukiye bNode hoye geche!

Ufff, that’s too much for a language, which always boasted of transpiring literary subjects in the movies. But, in the era of crossover films, I think such raunchy double meaning dialogs are the order of the day, and perhaps this is the dawning of a new age of Bengali cinema.

url: http://banglatalkies.net/film.html

I was nearly rolling in the floor laughing and it took some time for my wife to understand. Later
she uttered only one word, “Oshovvo”.

It took no time for me to mail few *highly eligible* bachelor friends about this promo and also wickedly questioned about how appropriately applicable are these terms Jong and Shukiye jaoya in their life.

Reply from a friend was very quick, “No worries. Bachelor or married, *those* are always juicy; Langcha and Pantua both are healthy. Chitkini-s opening is also intact, no Jong out there.”

Welcome to Chota Bristol - a bar for the serious drinkers

Continuing the bar hopping session. Three seasons later – same friend, same weather, same time, and most significantly same city.

Chota Bristol is located behind the Metro theatre and next to the (in)famous Metro lane. Wondering about the unique name Chota? Well that’s because our Chota Bristol is located within the premises of Bristol hotel and strategically just behind Bristol hotel. Ironically, Bristol hotel was ceased quite some time ago.

In a walking distance, you will find couple of famous print media houses. These media houses are very strong in the Eastern part of India. Also, it is rumored that the famous and inspiring editorials are drafted here with a peg of Whisky. And that's how the name serious drinkers bar originated.

Chota Bristol is probably the only bar where a price-list board would welcome you. Once you get past the entrance, you will find this huge board on your right side. On the left side is the Chota Bristol testimonials, Chota Bristol “in news type” paper cutouts - a la graffiti.

Seating arrangements are simple, no designer lights, no table-top candles, no cozy chairs - just what a serious drinker want! Once you place your order, you need to look out for the snacks. Sorry, no freebies here. But no worries, the snack vendors would hawk around in your vicinity, take you pick, and pay him straightaway. Snacks are not added in the liquor bill as the vendors are outsourced, very unique! This procedure is practised much before the outsourcing boom hit the Indian subcontinent.

Chota Bristol is realistic, down to earth, and a character by itself. It's worth a visit of you want to capture the spirit of the city in a bar.

Chung Wah: Taste of the oriental cuisine

This is what happens when two old friend meets in their hometown – Calcutta on a soggy
Sunday afternoon. They watch a movie on a nostalgic theatre named Globe and then go out for bar hopping in the in the Esplanade area.

Chung Wah came as the third and probably the last bar in the chronological order. Located in Chittaranjan Avenue, this placed rocked in the decade of 50’s and 60’s. Armed with two ageing Anglo-Indian musician at the entrance, Chung Wah would always greet you with a classic western number.

But hey, this is four-decade later, so no strumming guitar and mandolin, not even a stoutly built security person passing you a royal salute, well it’s only you and your “push-hard” ability that would enable you to get pass the massive door, and get into the bar.

Chung Wah is suffocating and the liquor costs more here. In same price, you can get same liquor with better ambience and service in Pune. Ambience got the good-old touch of the British Raaj days. I felt it’s ideal for the oldies and their families; hmmm very nostalgic.

Food is very good, alright. The mixed fried rice was awesome in taste; comes with lotta quantity of chicken, prawns, eggs, and pork (optional). With 4 bottles of Kingfisher strong, I thought I couldn’t do much justice with the food. But the food rocks!