Some were born loving it, some acquired the passion and some had it thrust on them. We are talking here of the religion most of us share – Cricket, the sport that the pros play big time, and rest from all strata of society, follow and judge them with intense passion ! 

As Indians we rarely meet anyone not familiar with the legends of the game from Sunny ji & Sachin to King Kohli and Hitman and the fluctuating fortunes and vissitudes of our ‘Men in White (in Tests) or Blue (in Limited Overs)’. An India win brings a smile on a billion faces and raucous celebrations follow while a defeat quickly spreads gloom all around. India travels abroad to play an overseas series and there’s more high drama !

The final day of the Lords Test against England had raised hopes of another India win (with 135 runs to get and six wickets in hand) and resolute Rahul & Pant at the crease – but as Jofra got through Rishabh’s defenses, a famous nursery rhyme was playing itself out as three more wickets ‘came tumbling after’ ! There’s nothing more deflating for a die hard Indian fan (watching live telecast armed with celebratory snacks & beverages) to watch our batters fall in a heap and English fielders moving in for the kill.

Furious WhatsApp messages were being exchanged with shell shocked cricket-afflicted friends as to how soon the Barmy’s Army’s cheering would change into victory war cries. My wife who watches matches when India’s likely to win, decided to leave me to witness the debacle-she couldn’t endure the cat & mouse game, she said. A little later I finally changed the channel to watch a crime serial where I expected some real action. After half an hour, curiosity got the better of me. I was to find a great fight back in progress…

The story of Sir Jadeja waging a lone battle against the torrid pace attack lead by Archer and offering relentless resistance by forging partnerships with Nitish, Bumrah and Siraj for good four hours almost taking India home, has become another folklore at Lords. In the end it took an ironical played on from the solid defence of Siraj that sealed our fate. While English celebrated wildly, social media went into a frenzy at this amazing game.  

Next day, the papers/media were full of tributes, reports, articles and analysis but like a beacon of sportsmanship was a pic of the two great all rounders ( Ben Stokes & Jadeja) embracing each other. When I forwarded it to a friend who’s not addicted to cricket as we are, he innocently asked ‘What happened’ ?!. Being inclined to follow geo-political tension that grips the news, he felt it was a likely end to the ‘Middle-East Crises’ !

The wonderful thing about them

Is what they mean to us over time,

Not quite as strict as the daughter

Can often be partners too in crime,

Nieces carry old wisdom of the ages

Have knack of handling things right,

Learning ‘ropes’ from those around

Never giving up without a good fight,

Redefine ‘NIECE’ with no ‘N’ & ‘E’s

They’re warm as fire & cool as ‘ICE’

Steady & resolute in their promises,

Leave out an ‘E’, they’re just ‘NICE’,

We’re fortunate to have great Nieces

Our Nephews no less commendable,

Yet in pampering us Uncles & Aunts

Dear Nieces have been so admirable !

Blessings & Many Happy Returns

Shreya Baksi Sen, Niece No 1 !

What’s in the name ? Well, suddenly a film’s title with ‘Laapata’ attracts aesthetic senses from past experience. If an OTT releases it with rave reviews, better still ! Despite simple earthiness of the film’s trailer, it wouldn’t get overlooked by us, because ‘Small B’ has been Bollywood’s finest actors, without perks of big breaks. It’s monumentally tough for him being under shadows of the living legend ‘Big B’!

Yet on the heels of a stunningly off-beat role as the beleaguered, alcoholic Cricket Coach in‘Ghoomer’ here’s Abhishek as an old, disheveled man, prone to amnesia,  delivering one of his most controlled and thoughtful performances. It ranges from a helpless bewilderment on being abandoned by his own family to the awe and excitement of rediscovering the joy of living with a young amazing new friend. He underplays it without any over-the-top histrionics, aided by a brilliant script, a sparkling child co-star and pithy yet witty one-liners and satirical dialogues.

There’s simplicity, sincerity and depth to the film’s tale that will journey us back to the heartrending short stories we loved in our early years of writers like Guy De Maupassant, Munshi Premchand & Sarat Chandra. It carries the pathos of losing one’s own and  pain of failed relationships but then shifts to the quiet beauty of life that brings out the values of bonding, friendship, compassion and sacrifice. 

One other Small B’s (Boy’s) performance stands out in this masterful film like a beacon of hope and promise. Young Daivik Baghela who plays effervescent ‘Ballu’ is outstanding, wise beyond his years,acting as a perfect foil to reticent Kaalidhar.  His performance is very natural and moving and his scenes give the film whole lot of emotional depth. The bond between him and Abhishek, feels real and touching.

Zeeshan Ayub in the supporting cast and Nimrat Kaur in a heartwarming cameo, lend credibility to the belief that alongside greed, caprice, selfishness that exists in some people, there are those also, on whom their goodness shines like a halo.  No spoilers on the ending but the film will touch the heart and make us feel good.

Hours, days..time lost its meaning

To her, it hardly seemed to matter,

Head bent, eyes riveted, glasses low

In another zone, like a Mad Hatter !

It reminded of the uncanny characters

Of classics I had read as awe-struck boy,

Madame Defarge first comes to my mind

Knitting, plotting endlessly, was her ploy,

Then were the old village dragon aunts

From earthy stories of great Sarat Babu,

Matriarchal outliers always in command

Stitching away, keeping all in their ‘kabu’,  

Then one day it dawned on my simple soul

Here was a determined lady with a needle,

It was a favoured weapon of mass creation

Tool that helped pacify many a life’s riddle,

Here was a true perfectionist in the house

In everything she sought beauty and order,

If  thing is worth doing, its worth doing well

As our dear Father had taught, I remember,  

Realise I only know Cricket and no ‘Crochet’

Here too in weaving an innings is devotion,

Determination, skill, flair & dogged patience   

All coming into play for a beautiful creation !  

Somnath Sinha

The Father of  the Nation had famously said “Be the change you want to see .. “ but our local Autowalas might have altered it to “Have the change if you want me”. Management gurus have written “The only thing permanent is change’ but it now seems that the only thing permanent is the lack of change or ‘chillar’. Small change is a much sought aspect of life across canvas of lifelines like taxis, autos, buses, shops, stores and even banks !

In Mumbai (and so also in all cities) your travelling and shopping depends not just on your purchasing power but your change management skills ! Offering a 100 note when your fare auto fare is only 26 is not wise & a big no-no because most of the autos have a standard line “Abhi abhi toh gadi nikali hai, chutta do” ! The friendly general store-wala looks apologetic if you fish out a big one but skillfully solves the problem by returning some cough lozenges or candies in exchange. The fact is they want to avoid the trouble of counting small change but ask them and they blame the banks for not providing the requisite coins and change. For soiled notes, they  point out ‘Bank aisa hi note deta hai’ !

So what are the factors contributing to the shortage of small change in India? The public’s need for coins has been growing because of new toll roads, metro stations and malls, which require small non-round figure payments. According to reports while the RBI is meeting this new demand by linking these centers with local banks and has called on local banks to strengthen their distribution systems and procedures to cater better to the needs of citizens but overall supply also doesn’t seem to be keeping pace with the demand. Moreover, despite the huge rise of digital payments, the demand for notes and coins also continues to rise. To top it all, most of the ATMs dispense only 500 Rs. Notes. However, recently to her utter shock, my wife got 2000 all in 100 notes – a real bonanza!    

The concerned authorities have been working (hard not hardly) on digitalizing payment systems and where there’s a will to pay, there’s ‘G Pay’ and other modes ! For me and for most of us, G Pay has become a life-change saver, for there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t boast of this versatile system be it autowalas or bhajiwalas. The catch is to be ready with pin/code and of course some balance in the linked bank account. Yet, ‘yeh dil maange mor’. So whenever you step out some small change in the wallet will makes life easier !

It’s said that you’re not a bonafide Mumbaikar, if you haven’t hopped or clung on to a local train or didn’t relish the ‘Vada-Pav’ of the wayside stalls thronging outside offices and suburban stations. In a similar fashion, almost every metro, city or place has it’s own culinary flavors (notably Kolkata, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur & many others). Call it nostalgia or loyalty to traditions, Lucknow apart for its architecture and culture, must rank high on that count. It’s street food is not for masses, it’s for all classes here !

Top of the list of major attractions has to be the mouth-watering ‘Chat Stalls’ (most big eateries have special counters outside) but addiction to garam ‘Samosa-Chai’ combo for ‘aam’ office-goers, students, lawyers, tourists and shoppers, is the ‘sine qua non’ of true Lucknowites and is most sought after in all the cities of Eastern UP. Till date my love for ‘samosas’ remains strong, yet with age ‘the spirit might be willing but the Mrs isn’t’. Also let’s admit, like all good things that were vintage, the ‘samosas’ are no longer the same.  One must discover the few places in and around Lucknow, that roll out real ‘samosas’ !    

Also there’s the common tea-stall’s sweet offering called ‘Gulab jamun’ that sells like hot cakes and is served in ‘donas’. Like it’s quintessential namkeen counterpart (samosa)    ‘Gulab Jamun’ has a colouful history that’s most fascinating. While it’s exact origins are debated, it is widely believed to have been introduced to India during the Mughal era. It’s been most popular dessert in the Indian subcontinent, encompassing countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh & also found in other places like Myanmar and the Maldives. The name “Gulab Jamun” is derived from Persian and Hindi words, referencing the rosewater-scented syrup and the black plum-like shape of the dessert. 

Why the flashback to ‘Samosas’ and ‘Gulab Jamuns’ after all these years, one may ask of us who’ve been out of Lucknow for decades. For one, no one makes them any more, like they used to (in the 70s). Second, Zindagi has become complicated, fast and uncertain. Therefore, in bustling, big cities, we must try to rediscover the ‘choti choti’ khushiyan ! 

It sounds plebeian to talk of rising costs of doing mundane jobs and associated toiletries like shaving every morning that basically entails a functional razor (available in various designer styles), the shaving foam or creams of  various brands and the brush to apply it. This is a ritual office going people must follow along with the dress code unless sporting a macho beard, that’s needs trimming & shaping or parlour styled by the more trendy !

In an interview, famed singer Arijit Singh replete with beard, had confessed that he had initially found shaving in Mumbai very costly. For the uninitiated, men’s parlours that have mushroomed across cities, charge anything around 150 to 600, depending on type of shave (regular or beard styling) & on how high-end the location of the outlet is. Some salons may offer add-ons like hot towel treatment, pre-shave oil or post shave balm. So one may shell out extra bucks but will emerge glowing, as the rich stars & models do.

Which quintessentially reminds us of the young days when even the best shaving creams (remember Kapil’s line ‘Palmolive Da Jawab Nahi’) would cost around 25 bucks but the branded ones (Old Spice, Gilette, Denim etc) now come in the range of 75 to 80. With most of the present trend-setting leaders, celebrities, stars, cricketers, who are role models for our youth, sporting the bearded look, the market for shaving creams has  been dented & prices can’t come down. For us, altering the old clean shaven appearance to one covered with grey-black facial hair might not suit and even create KYC problems.

Apart from the mirror showing us daily signs of aging, even an act like shaving can teach us some life lessons. Recently, my friendly neighborhood kirana merchant said – ‘Dada, why not try this brand – it has more by weight and is much cheaper’. Though my basics of economics told me ‘higher quality dictates higher cost’, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, the cheaper shaving cream felt almost as good as the expensive ones. It’s all due to marketing jazz & fascination with brands, that makes us avoid less costly goods.

When I shared this thought with my wife she nodded with appreciation. That’s why we negotiate with all vendors, they overcharge but we know what’s right, she said ! Yes, we may or mayn’t sport a luxurious beard but let’s remember ‘All that glitters is not gold’ !    

Let’s assume that as veteran students of the game, we also have the right to propound theories as much as the experts as to how and why the young Indian team lead by Gill allowed England to sail to victory without a sweat when defeat was imminent. That India batted like champions to begin with is well documented as also that it was the tail that didn’t wag, the slip fielders who didn’t grab chances and two pace bowlers who didn’t bowl according to plan & the sole spinner who didn’t use the ‘rough’ outside off.

Let’s look at the past history of losing matches on the big stage even with two stalwarts, Virat and Rohit shepherding the team and offie Ashwin & versatile Jadeja in the ranks. In the World Cup Final (2023) that India lost, left handed Travis Head almost single handedly turned the chase into a cakewalk for the Aussies, while in the WC Final (2024) south paw, David Miller almost carried the Kiwis home, till SKY took a real blinder ! In Jun2025, the 371 chase on the 5^th Day of the First Test at Leeds, had lefty Ben Duckett on a roll. We had no answers – his belligerent innings of 148 sealed the fate of Indians.      

Doesn’t India have the right ammunition to defend when attacked by left handed batters as the experience shows ? There’s natural aggression with left handers (we have our own Jaiswal and Pant) but their style of stroke-making also entails risk-taking and affords lot of chances to the slip cordon. The reverse sweeps can fail at times too. The idea should be to get them out early and not settle into a rhythm, that can become mayhem later ! With Ashwin’s prowess against left handers not available, let’s focus on them with the right fields. As someone said, if it’s left than you have to be right (with your strategies) !  

Though I consider myself educated, the lexicon in today’s newfound vocabulary often outwits me. Some time back I sheepishly learnt that ‘POTUS’ was simply Prez of the US but people smile in being ignorant enough not to know what ‘MAGA’ means till someone sniggered- it’s the Prez’s new brainchild ‘Make America Great Again’! We already have our own ‘RAGA’ (not as in Classical Music) but much to do with the Grand Old Party !

It’s not that when we were in school ( in the 1960-70s) abbreviations were not in vogue. Much of General Studies (or GK) meant learning hundreds of them by heart, but at that time they were mostly related to countries (e,g USSR, GBR), American Presidents (e,g. FDR, JFK), International Organisations (e.g.IBRD,UNESCO,UNICEF), Agreements & Acts (e.g.WTO, GATT). There was also the ominous one with a long name ‘COFEPOSA’ !   However, English teachers loathed it if we used short forms in essays and answers. No way one could start an English composition with IMO (In My Opinion) and humbly end with my POV (Point of View). Time was not of that much essence in our good old days.   

If we think the modern day linguists invented the shorter format then that’s pure fallacy. Research reveals that abbreviations have been used for centuries, but they became more common in the 20th century, especially with the rise of new technologies and the need for faster communication. The so-called “information explosion” of the 20th century, along with increased literacy rates, fueled the widespread adoption of abbreviations in various forms, including initialisms and acronyms. 

For the sake of ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out), seniors should know that the way to the younger generation’s heart & mind today is by confidently throwing at them the lingo that consists not only popular ‘OMG’, ‘BTW’, ‘BFF’ & ‘ASAP’ but iffy ones like TTYL, FWIW, IYKYK, ICYMI or GRWM – it could give an erudite ‘Tharoor’ aura to any of us. Bankers, Analysts & Insurance Advisors now talk in a language only they understand !   With all this, could Hindi films be far behind. SRK’s ‘DDLJ” is the cult film of all times.

TBH (To be honest), advent & extensive use of mobile phones by all classes of society means simple terms are needed to exchange information. SMS and WhatsApp texting has further fueled the use of abbreviations and shortened forms of words, reflecting the need for a concise mode & style. Today, abbreviations are ubiquitous in both formal and informal communication, reflecting the ongoing need for efficient & smart language in a fast-paced world. Join the party,  ‘ICYMI’ (In Case You Missed It) so far !

‘Taare Zameen Par’ (2007) that was a poignant portrayal of the struggle of an autistic child and the parents trying to cope, till a teacher shows the right path, left us deeply moved, tugging at the heartstrings. After two decades, Aamir Khan has again dealt with the similar subject of intellectually challenged young people but this time the experience is joyful, funny and heartwarming and replete with social messaging like the ‘normal’ of persons with such disabilities is different from our ‘normal’ – that we must understand !    

Remarkable is the delightful way the theme and principal characters have been handled with sensitivity yet at no point forcefully evoking the sympathy factor for such disabled persons. It focuses on their spirit of team bonding and uncanny wisdom they show in finding joy in life’s most basic activities. No spoilers on how the plot unfolds and you  join laughing with mirth. Suffice to mention it’s an official remake of the 2018 Spanish film ‘Champions’, and follows a suspended basketball coach who must serve community service by helping a team of players with disabilities prepare for a tournament.

On the performances, one must credit Director RS Prasanna for bringing out sparkingly natural portrayals from the group of young boys and one girl (who’s quite brilliant) who demonstrate startling intelligence along with amusing acts on many occasions that zaps the overconfident Coach, played by Aamir with customary panache. There’s a gradual transformation from a sullen, uncaring  person with a callous attitude to people, into a realization that there’s so much to learn as human beings from one’s who’re challenged.

Special mention must be made of Genelia who as Aamir’s dependable wife is refreshing & charming and brings the right balance to role, if one isn’t too picky about her accent. There are interesting characters like Paaji played by Gurpal Singh who actually lets the Coach into the amazing world of intellectually disabled, all with different backgrounds. Dolly Ahluwalia as Coach’s Mom is fun – irreverently teasing her son about his height.

On a personal note, the film was reminiscent of my all time favourite childhood film – ‘To Sir With Love’ where a black school teacher (Sidney Poitier) fights racial bias as he sets out to reform a bunch of unruly, delinquent white kids into decent human beings. ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ isn’t such a classic – but it’s must see on the big screen for the feel good family values & social awareness. For others, it’s an exciting ‘Sports’ film too !