Love marriages around the world are simple:
Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy. They get married.
In India, there are a few more steps:
Boy loves Girl. Girl loves Boy. Girl's family has to love boy. Boy's family has to love girl. Girl's Family has to love Boy's Family. Boy's family has to love girl's family.Girl and Boy still love each other. They get married.
Welcome to 2 States, a story about Krish and Ananya. They are from two different states of India, deeply in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple have a tough battle in front of them. For it is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince. Will they make it? From the author of blockbusters Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center and The 3 Mistakes of My Life, comes another witty tale about inter-community marriages in modern india.
Prologue
“Why am I referred here? I don’t have a problem,” I said.She didn’t react. Just gestured that I remove my shoes and take the couch. She had an office like any other doctor’s, minus the smells and cold, dangerous instruments. She waited for me to talk more. I hesitated and spoke again.“I’m sure people come here with big, insurmountable problems. Girlfriends dump their boyfriends everyday. Hardly the reason to see a shrink, right? What am I, a psycho?”“No, I am the psycho. Psychotherapist to be precise. If you don’t mind, I prefer that to shrink,” she said.”Sorry,” I said.“It’s OK,” she said and reclined on her chair. No more than thirty, she seemed young for a shrink, sorry, psychotherapist. Certificates from top US universities adorned the walls like tiger heads in a hunter’s home. Yes, another South Indian had conquered the world of academics. Dr. Neeta Iyer, Valedictorian, Vassar College.“I charge five hundred rupees per hour,” she said. “Stare at the walls or talk. I’m cool either way.”I had spent twelve minutes, or a hundred bucks, without getting anywhere. I wondered if she would accept a partial payment and let me leave.“Dr. Iyer…”“Neeta is fine,” she said.“OK, Neeta, I don’t think my problem warrants this. I don’t know why Dr. Ramachandran sent me here.”She picked my file from her desk. “Let’s see. This is Dr. Ram’s brief to me – patient has sleep deprivation, has cut off human contact for a week, refuses to eat, has Google-searched on best ways to commit suicide.” She paused and looked at me with raised eyebrows.“I Google for all sorts of stuff,” I mumbled, “don’t you?”“The report says the mere mention of her name, her neighbourhood or any association, like her favourite dish, brings out unpredictable emotions ranging from tears to rage to frustration.”“I had a break-up. What do you expect?” I was irritated.“Sure, with Ananya who stays in Mylapore. What’s her favourite dish? Curd rice?”I sat up straight. “Don’t,” I said weakly and felt a lump in my throat. I fought back tears. “Don’t,” I said again.“Don’t what?” Neeta egged me on, “Minor problem, isn’t it?”“Fuck minor. It’s killing me.” I stood agitatedly. “Do you South Indians even know what emotions are all about?”“I’ll ignore the racist comment. You can stand and talk, but if it is a long story, take the couch. I want it all,” she said.I broke into tears. “Why did this happen to me?” I sobbed.She passed me a tissue.“Where do I begin?” I said and sat gingerly on the couch.“Where all love stories begin. From when you met her the first time,” she said.She drew the curtains and switched on the air-conditioner. I began to talk and get my money’s worth.

What is ‘2 States’ about? 2 States is about a boy and girl from two different states of India, who fall in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. What happens next is what the book is about.
The tagline says ‘The story fo my marriage’. Is it inspired by real events?Well, like my first book, this book draws a lot of inspiration from my own life. I am Punjabi and my wife is Tamilian, same as the protagonists in the story. Rest, I leave it for the reader to figure it out.
Love and Marriage – why did you decide to write this book after the relatively intense ‘3 mistakes of my life’ Writing 3 mistakes became too heavy for me. A story about riots, manipulative politics and the impact on the younger generation made me quite disturbed after writing the novel. Also, my strength is humour and many of my readers felt the books becoming more serious. So, I am back do doing something light and fun – but still has a message.
What is the message?I’d like the people to read the book to find it out for themselves. However, the message is simple – if India is one country, why can’t we marry a boy/girl from another state? A modern India will never emerge with so many differences between people.
Are you nervous before the release given the extraordinary expectations? Of course I am nervous as the size of the print runs is unheard of Indian publishing. The book has to deliver to these expectations. However, two things make me more relaxed. One, the initial feedback from editors is highly positive and two, I feel secure about my reader’s love for me. If I won’t let them down, they won’t either.
You moved to India, you quit your banking job. Apart from such irresponsible behavior, what else have you been upto? Quiting the bank was indeed a tough decision, as I didn’t actually dislike my banking career. I was reasonably senior, had a lot of perks and of course investment banks pay well. However, I found it difficult to invest the required amount of time in my writing.
I wanted to write beyond the novels and take on youth based issues, something I have done since leaving the bank. I have op-ed columns in Dainik Bhaskar, one of the biggest Hindi newspapers and Hindustan Times, a leading English daily. These columns allow me to bring out important issues and my take on what will make a progressive Indian nation. The main purpose of the books and films is to entertain, but the columns allow me to give my views on how the nation should be run.
I also do several events/talks across the country – with the aim to motivate and inspire youngsters in smaller towns. These have given me a terrific response.
Most importantly, I am at home more now so I can look after the twins better, as my wife still works in the bank.
How are the films based on the books coming along? What is your involvement with these films and Bollywood in general. My involvement in Bollywood is related to writing projects, mostly related to the adaptations of my books so far. I will do a pure screenplay next after 2 States.
I am currently involved with two films:
‘3 diots’, starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, set for release in December 2009. Inspired by ‘Five Point Someone’, this will be directed and scripted by Rajkumar Hirani who has also added his own take on the story.
Abhishek Kapoor’s untitled film based on “The 3 mistakes of my life”, produced by Farhan Akhtar/ Ritesh Sindhwani. Abhishek directed Rock On, and he, myself and Pubali Chaudhri are currently working on the script. Hello, the film based on ‘one night @ the call center’, as many may know, released in October 2008.
What is your next project? To take a break! I’ve had a hectic two years with the new book, film adaptations, columns, talks and taking a decision to quit my job. It has taken a lot of emotional energy and I want to rejuvenate myself, maybe get back to yoga. After that, it is possibly a screenplay.
Any message for your readers? More than anything, thanks a lot. Most of my readers are young and I’ll say, always try to look at the brighter side of life, even in the toughest of times. This attitude makes us surmount the biggest challenges, just as the characters do in my books. And keep love above everything else in life.

I don’t bother much about the hero’s market value: Sadaa

The slim and svelte Sadaa Sayed alias Sada (to Tamil audience) is back. The actress, one of the very few actresses with a near-perfect figure, is making a comeback of sorts in Tamil by starring opposite RK in P. Vasu’s ‘Pulivesham’ in which Karthick plays an important role. Sadaa was spotted in Chennai on the other day shooting non-stop for the film. She has acted in Telugu and Malayalam films besides debuting in Hindi film recently. Speaking to newsmen, Sadaa said that a few years back, she was offered the role in Rajni’s ‘Chandramukhi’, which eventually went to Jyothika and a role which almost changed the latter’s life. Due to her commitments, she couldn’t agree to the role at that time. Again, Vasu sounded her for playing the lead role in ‘Aaptarakshaka’ (a Kannada film meant to be a sequel to Chandramukhi) but she couldn’t agree as she was busy shooting for her debut film in Hindi. “When Vasu Sir approached me for the third time for the role in Puli Vesham, I immediately agreed to it as the role has scope for me to perform. “I decided that I shouldn’t be rejecting such a wonderful offer and started shooting straight away. Once this film releases, I shall continue to act in Tamil films non-stop,” says the Anniyan girl. She adds that she doesn’t differentiate between newcomers and established heroes as today’s newcomer might make it big tomorrow. Good policy, of course!

Raja spends Rs.50 lakhs for a song in ‘Thillalangadi’

Director ‘Jayam’ Raja continues his successful association with his actor brother ‘Jayam’ Ravi for the fifth consecutive time in ‘Thillalangadi’ after delivering four super-duper hits in ‘Jayam’, ‘M. Kumaran S/o Mahalaxmi’, ‘Unakkum Enakkum’ and ‘Santosh Subramaniam’. Typical of Raja’s style, ‘Thillalangadi’ is a remake of the Telugu film titled ‘Kick’ and pairs the beautiful Tamannaah opposite the talented Ravi.

For a particular song in the film, said to be pivotal in the film’s script, Raja is said to have spent a sum as huge as Rs.50 lakhs. For this song, Raja reportedly brought in a group of female dancers from Russia and had eight different and huge sets erected, all in a span of just five days. To top it all, the song in question was recorded last week in Simbu’s voice, who was crooning for the first time for ‘Jeyam’ Ravi.
Check Out : Thillalangadi Movie Gallery
Said to be a perfectionist, Raja says that his crew had been working day in and day out for erecting these sets. Some 150,000 lights had also been used in these sets to shoot the song, he informs and assures us that whoever gets to watch the song would never forget it in their life time!

Angadi Theru

Vasanthabalan, who gave a powerful movie Veyil a few years ago, is back with Angadi Theru (the bazaar road). Te movie has all the ingredients that one would associate with good movies. It has a realistic backdrop, adequate homework, strong storyline, an engaging screenplay and the artistes that could deliver what the director needs. So the movie is surely a winner despite the length and cinematic liberties mar the impact.

The way the director exposes the inhuman conditions prevailing in some of the huge business centers is astonishing. The portrayal of the plight of the workers and the cruelty of the employers may look exaggerated but it definitely underlines the hitherto unspokenconditions of these poor youngsters that flock to Chennai to find livelihood.
Check Out: Angadi Theru Movie Gallery Trailer
Angadi Theru is set in the famous market place Ranganathan Street in T.Nagar. Vasanthabalan dares to portray the cruelty that lies beneath the shining and imposing walls of a huge show room. He depicts the horrible environment in which the hapless workers are forced to live in. They live like almost animals or bonded labours. They don’t have the freedom to eat with dignity. They don’t have a good place to sleep. They don’t even have the right to fall in love.Take Sundarapandi’s case. When his love gets exposed he refuses to accept the truth fearing of losing his job. The poor girl, exposed and insulted has no other go than killing herself. The shop is closed for sometime and the life moves on from the next day. This is the reality of the life within the glitzy show room. Jyothi Lingam (Mahesh) is a bright student studying with a dream to make his family rich. He is forced to come to Ranganathan Stereet as a sales boy, as his father, the sole breadwinner of the family, dies unexpectedly. He comes to Chennai along with his friend Marimuthu and joins Senthil Murugan Stores, the huge shop in the street, run by the big Annachi. The sales boys and girls have to work in pitiable conditions from early in the morning to late night. Jyothi Lingam (Lingu in short) meets Kani (Anjali) a fiery independent girl. They get attracted to each other amidst the horribleconditions. They get to work under a cruel and lustful store supervisor Karungali (director A Venkatesh), who beats up the boys and molests the girls when they are found guilty according to the bizarre standards set by him. The lovers get into trouble and become the target of the torturous treatment of the management. The movie however, ends with a positive note where the leading characters takes on the life with self confidence and hard work. Angadi Theru tells you some disturbing truths about how young people are put under prison like conditions for survival. The scene where a love struck sales girl jumping out of the fourth floor of the shop will surely give you a shock. It is heartening to see that despite all hardships and plights themovie ends with a positive note. The director , who depicts the cruelty of life without any compromise, doesn’t shun away from showing the positive characters like the visually impaired old man and the youngster, who takes up the job of maintaining the public toilet. The slow pace and too many sub plots make a negative impact on the impact movie. Kadaigalai Pesum (tune by GV Prakash) and Aval Appadi Ondrum Azhagillai (Vijay Antony) are quite melodious.Jayamohan’s dialogues are sharp, poignant and satirical. Richard M Nathan’s camera work is brilliant. The shots taken in during nights are awesome. Muthuraj’s art work beautifully recreates themarket place and the interiors of the textile shop. Mahesh as Lingu and Anjali as Kani have done remarkably well. Mahesh, who makes his debut, doesn’t show any shades of a newcomer. He handles the role with ease and comes up with triumph colours. Anjali looks beautiful without make up and handles her role with amazing command. She adds colour to the otherwise disturbingmovie. Director Venkatesh as the cruel supervisor has done a neat job. Vasanthabalan must be applauded for courageously presenting us a film that looks into the darker side of the glittery world of massive show rooms. Themovie has some flaws that mar the impact but the overall impression is as positive as the message of the movie itself.

Chennai’s 24-hour Coffee Shops

Coffee shops are ideal for first dates, or just catching up with friends after a hard day’s work. Even better are 24-hour coffee shops that are perfect for those cravings that creep post a club night, or extending a date night. The city is home to several such coffee haunts, and asklaila gives you the low-down of some of the many that dot the city.Enter the orange-looking environs of Barista (Khader Nawaz Khan Road). This delightfully cosy coffee-shop has magazines, board-games, and a guitar to strum along whilst indulging in some impromptu jam sessions, perhaps. Coupled with some tasty sandwiches, desserts and beverages make this a much sought-after place. Though, this doesn’t typically fall under the 24-hour range, it does shut shop at 1:00am.Similarly, Café Mocha (Khader Nawaz Khan Road), who has revolutionized the concept of coffee shops, has its doors open till the wee hours. A popular hangout for college students, and young professionals, this Café provides a perfect ambience to quench your thirst and whet your appetite. The Verandah, at Taj Connemara (Binny Road) is another popular destination to grab a midnight bite or two, as the pianist or the guitarist for the evening plays on in the background. Their sandwiches and desserts are scrumptious to say the very least. Other haunts include The Garden Café at The Radisson Hotel and The Right Place at The Residency. The vanilla smoothie is one of the signature items at The Right Place. Most 24-hour coffee shops can be found at 5-star hotels. Popular ones can be found at The Radha Park Inn, The Park , The Raintree, Le Royal Merdien and GRT Grand to name a few.So now you know where to head to, when you have those midnight cravings!

Tendulkar, Harbhajan lead MI to good score

Mumbai, Mar 28: Sachin Tendulkar continued his sublime form with his fourth Indian Premier League III half century but Mumbai Indians needed a quickfire 18-ball unbeaten 49 from Harbhajan Singh to post a competitive 172 for 7 against Deccan Chargers here today.
Captain Tendulkar, who hit nine fours in his 43-ball 55, stood tall to make his fourth half-century in six matches after his team was asked to take first strike by the defending champions at the D Y Patil Stadium in NaviMumbai.
A determined and reshuffled Deccan Chargers bowling attack chipped away relentlessly to trigger a collapse before Harbhajan Singh's 18-ball cameo which had eight fours and two sixes helpedMumbai Indians reached a competitive total. -

Today was probably my day, says Harbhajan

Mumbai, Mar 28 After his whirlwind knock of 49 not out followed by a three-wicket haul helped Mumbai Indians crush Deccan Chargers by 41 runs in their Indian Premier League clash today, Harbhajan Singh said everything fell in place for him, save for not crossing the 50-run mark."Yes ten minutes can change the course of a match. It was probably my day. Every shot came off the middle. I know I can hit a ball and have played a few knocks for India, including one innings at Baroda against the Australians where I made 49.Probably I have to do some Pooja (to get past it and complete 50," said the feisty off-spinner at the post-match press conference.Harbhajan revealed that he played with a bat gifted to him by team captain Sachin Tendulkar."I thank Sachin for giving me his bat to play with," he said. - (Agencies)