Jul 14, 2008

INDIA IN KABUL by Manu Pubby


Posted online: Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 1236 hrs.
(click to enlarge image to read more)
THE word 'Hindustani' works like magic in Kabul. It opens welcoming doors, brings out smiles and an odd hug, and even reduces the haggling cab driver to a Bollywood music showoff. For the small Indian community in the Afghan capital—mostly professionals working on major developmental projects—the respected Hindustan tag is reason enough to stick on to Kabul despite an upscale of violence.Of course, the more than comfortable pay packages offered to Indians—more than twice what they would get in the Gulf states—also helps. Kabul is a city being rebuilt from scratch and Indians are deeply involved in its emergence as a democratic capital. Television channels, road construction companies, internet service providers,hotels, civil engineering companies, all have a significant Indian presence.While the embassy blast on Monday sent shockwaves throughout the community, no one is yet thinking of moving back to India. They still feel safe in the capital primarily due to the warmth of the local people. However, most have not brought their families here due to lack of educational facilities or a vibrant social life.Indians employed here are top of the line professionals tasked with setting up new businesses. When a venture capitalist decided to put in the upcoming television sector and take on the leading local network, he was adamant on recruiting an Indian to head it. Afterall, India has the most vibrant television industry in the region andIndian soaps already the rage in Afghanistan.


The bustling market of Kabul...




the famous Chicken Street...

Jun 11, 2008

Bangalore Snapshots...01

Someshwara temple, Ulsoor
.
Bird in Ulsoor Lake...

Sankee Tank...

Cubbon road...

Utility building...



Jun 10, 2008

Guitar


Nithila has her first feel of my old Guitar
09.06.2008

Jan 15, 2008

Ashokism Award 2007 - Paruthiveeran...

The Ashokism award for the best Tamil film 2007 goes to Paruthiveeran.

Ameer Sultan has matured into a complete substance director and has given us an honest, no-nonsense movie. The climax is not for the faint hearted and will be the talk of the movie buffs for quite a while. Priyamani and New comer Karthi along with rest of the cast (almost forgotten Saravanan) are stunning in their roles. Yuvan’s music and Ramji’s camera work complement Ameer’s direction. Ameer has raised the bar of Tamil movie industry by a few notches.

Other movies of 2007 I enjoyed watching are :
2.Chennai 28
3.Mozhi
4.Kalloori
5.Onbadhu Roobai nootu