I am growing restless again...I need to be doing something more than just writing now. Something a little more pro-active. Something bigger. Something different, yet which allows me to be flex my creativity and writing skills. I want a new challenge.
I have no clue what this new thing would be, especially since I have no intentions of giving up my self-employed status. After four years of doing things at my own terms and in my own time, I just can't envision going back to office routine, or having to wake up, get dressed and leave for office at 8 in the morning every single day. I was never cut out for that kind of life, as the first few years in CNN and Indian Express showed me.
My good friend Tom Alter believes that I should write a book - he says I have a wonderful novel within me. Unfortunately, I just can't find it! I did start outlining the manuscript for a reference book - but I was just too bored and restless to put the final touches and send it off.
Indira Jaising suggested that I go back to law - but I just dont have that sort of viciousness left in me any longer. Neither do I have the sort of patience that anybody wrangling with the Indian judicial system requires. And I do want to continue writing - its just that that's not the only thing I want to do.
What I would really love to do if I had even a fraction of the resources, would be to launch a great international magazine in India - something like Conde Nast Traveller, Marie Claire or Robb Report. That has always been a dream. And I know that one day I will make it come true. But just now is not the time to attempt this sort of venture.
For the moment I am just drifting. If anybody has any suggestions on what career paths suit this kind of craving and skill sets, please let me know!!
August 31, 2004
August 30, 2004
You know what sucks the most about freelancing?? The fact that you can give your all to a magazine, pass up terrific assignments because of your loyalty to one particular editor, work your butt off doing every conceivable thing for them, and in the end if there is a situation where they have to choose between you and a completely incompetant staffer, they will always choose the latter. It hurts - it actually, physically hurts!! I think there are going to be big changes going to be made in my writing portfolio over the coming weeks....
It's been a tumultous weekend - with a lot of old ghosts that keep coming back to haunt at the most unexpected times. I once read somewhere that if someone hurts you and you keep thinking of it and feeling bad about it, you are giving them the power to continue hurting you endlessly. So you should cut them out of your life completely. But that's easier said than done, isn't it?
Right now I just want to escape...want to run away from everything and everyone, because I have realized that the more close you are to people, the more you love them, the more power they have to hurt you. I don't want to meet anybody or deal with the niceties of society. But that's not so easy either.
When I was a kid and somebody would hurt me, my grandmother would assure me by saying my knight in shining armour would come along when I was older and protect me from all the demons. I want to believe in that fairy tale once again....
Right now I just want to escape...want to run away from everything and everyone, because I have realized that the more close you are to people, the more you love them, the more power they have to hurt you. I don't want to meet anybody or deal with the niceties of society. But that's not so easy either.
When I was a kid and somebody would hurt me, my grandmother would assure me by saying my knight in shining armour would come along when I was older and protect me from all the demons. I want to believe in that fairy tale once again....
August 28, 2004
Today has been one of the most shitty days that I have faced in recent memory. Have been surviving on less than three hours of sleep everyday since the past week, finishing this major project for the India Today Group...and then woke up today morning to find that my broadband is not working! Needed broadband desperately because submitting the project required uploading eight pictures of more than 100 MB each, which is just not possible on VSNL connectivity.
With the afternoon deadline looming straight ahead, kept trying to revive it but nothing worked. To cut a long story short, had to call in three engineers (two from my cable guy, one from my computer contract office) and had to spend three hours before it was discovered that there was a problem with the LAN card. Got a new card from Lamington road, then found that its drivers were on a floppy, and my floppy drive was not working (who uses a floppy drive noawadays????)!! Tried connecting to the Net through VSNL to download the drivers, but the VSNL account had too few remaining hours for the purpose. Then mad dash to the VSNL office, where they take absolute ages to get the simplest of things done, came back home, downloaded the drivers and installed the card. After which, of course, the cable guy discovers that the password for the broadband account has been blocked for some strange reason, and the administrative office has shut down for the weekend................got it restored after much begging and pleading, and have finally now been able to get onto the Net eight hours after this nightmare started!!
And I thought computers were supposed to make our life simpler????
With the afternoon deadline looming straight ahead, kept trying to revive it but nothing worked. To cut a long story short, had to call in three engineers (two from my cable guy, one from my computer contract office) and had to spend three hours before it was discovered that there was a problem with the LAN card. Got a new card from Lamington road, then found that its drivers were on a floppy, and my floppy drive was not working (who uses a floppy drive noawadays????)!! Tried connecting to the Net through VSNL to download the drivers, but the VSNL account had too few remaining hours for the purpose. Then mad dash to the VSNL office, where they take absolute ages to get the simplest of things done, came back home, downloaded the drivers and installed the card. After which, of course, the cable guy discovers that the password for the broadband account has been blocked for some strange reason, and the administrative office has shut down for the weekend................got it restored after much begging and pleading, and have finally now been able to get onto the Net eight hours after this nightmare started!!
And I thought computers were supposed to make our life simpler????
August 27, 2004
Opportunities for Freelancers
Two publications are on the lookout for good freelancers. One is a national newspaper based in Southern India, which is basically looking for writers/reporters for their features sections. This is a great opportunity for beginners and those who are freelancing part time or looking to build their portfolios. Pay is decent, approx. Rs. 750-1000 per 800 words.
The other is an international magazine soon to launch in India. This position is for experienced writers who have the time to go into the nitty-gritties and develop extremely well-researched and immaculately written pieces. Pay is among the best in the industry.
Both these positions invite people based all over India. For further details email me on anubha76@anubhacharan.com
The other is an international magazine soon to launch in India. This position is for experienced writers who have the time to go into the nitty-gritties and develop extremely well-researched and immaculately written pieces. Pay is among the best in the industry.
Both these positions invite people based all over India. For further details email me on anubha76@anubhacharan.com
August 25, 2004
Adventure & Community Aid in the Thar Desert
Relief Riders International (RRI) has announced its inaugural adventure ride through the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. Beginning on October 22, 2004, a maximum of 15 riders will travel on horseback through rural India's unforgettable landscape delivering food, medical supplies and medical care, and goats to five remote villages.
Relief Riders International offers participants not only an opportunity to see and visit places of extraordinary beauty, but the chance to make life better for the communities they visit along the way. The 15-day Rajasthan relief adventure ride has been designed to create meaningful interactions between our travelers and local residents.
At the beginning of the journey all participants, based on their life experience and skills, will be assigned certain responsibilities: helping to organize the caravan, volunteering with the medical team, and helping to facilitate the distribution of the supplies. According to Founder and Executive Director Alexander Souri: "Relief Riders International is designed to offer individuals not only an exhilarating journey but the chance to use their skills, enthusiasm and experience to promote positive change. I know from my own travels to Rajasthan that for every gift I have given I have received gifts that have changed my life."
Great care has been taken to conduct a relief assessment of the region, and the program has been designed after discussions with development organizations in Rajasthan in 2003 and early 2004. The mission addresses some critical local needs: the absence of reliable medical care and information; food supplies to counter the effects of drought; delivery of the goats to families to create on-going sustainability; and educational materials for the local schools.
Guided by Relief Riders experienced support team, the riders will bring 10 to 12 camels packed with relief supplies, books, and medicine. Relief Riders International is working with the Indian Red Cross to develop an HIV/AIDS information campaign as well. Red Cross personnel will travel with the team, distribute educational information and hold discussions in all the villages. This is the first HIV education program in the region.
In addition, there is an extensive medical program. RRI has facilitated the funding and organization of medical camps along the journey. Working with a team of Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat specialists, they will be able to treat hundreds of villagers along the way.
They will travel through areas of great natural beauty, with ancient villages and old forts, rich in culture and wildlife. On stops along the way, the riders will experience and enjoy some of the region's unique cultural life, with performances of traditional dance in Kochor and drumming in Pachar, and sample the region's culinary specialties. With the exception of a night's stay at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi, three nights in forts, and a night in a haveli (traditional Rajput villa), the accommodations will consist of tented encampments set up by the support team along the journey route.
Riders will average about three to five hours a day of riding at a comfortable pace, stopping for three meals. There will, of course, be ample water for all. In addition to the Relief Rider crew, their will be a support vehicle carrying two medics and a doctor who will accompany the ride on a parallel itinerary.
Born in New York City to a French mother and Indian father, and growing up and schooled in the US, India and France, Alexander Souri has always had a global perspective on life. He has worked in a variety of ways for the entertainment industry: producing plays in the Berkshires, on the Special Effects team for The Matrix and X-Men, directing commercials and industrial films in China; and as a Special Events producer at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance, and Paul Allen's Millennium party in Venice, Italy.
For more information, you contact Alexander Souri at:
Relief Riders International
304 Main St, Suite 3-B
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Tel: 413.329.5876
Relief Riders International offers participants not only an opportunity to see and visit places of extraordinary beauty, but the chance to make life better for the communities they visit along the way. The 15-day Rajasthan relief adventure ride has been designed to create meaningful interactions between our travelers and local residents.
At the beginning of the journey all participants, based on their life experience and skills, will be assigned certain responsibilities: helping to organize the caravan, volunteering with the medical team, and helping to facilitate the distribution of the supplies. According to Founder and Executive Director Alexander Souri: "Relief Riders International is designed to offer individuals not only an exhilarating journey but the chance to use their skills, enthusiasm and experience to promote positive change. I know from my own travels to Rajasthan that for every gift I have given I have received gifts that have changed my life."
Great care has been taken to conduct a relief assessment of the region, and the program has been designed after discussions with development organizations in Rajasthan in 2003 and early 2004. The mission addresses some critical local needs: the absence of reliable medical care and information; food supplies to counter the effects of drought; delivery of the goats to families to create on-going sustainability; and educational materials for the local schools.
Guided by Relief Riders experienced support team, the riders will bring 10 to 12 camels packed with relief supplies, books, and medicine. Relief Riders International is working with the Indian Red Cross to develop an HIV/AIDS information campaign as well. Red Cross personnel will travel with the team, distribute educational information and hold discussions in all the villages. This is the first HIV education program in the region.
In addition, there is an extensive medical program. RRI has facilitated the funding and organization of medical camps along the journey. Working with a team of Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat specialists, they will be able to treat hundreds of villagers along the way.
They will travel through areas of great natural beauty, with ancient villages and old forts, rich in culture and wildlife. On stops along the way, the riders will experience and enjoy some of the region's unique cultural life, with performances of traditional dance in Kochor and drumming in Pachar, and sample the region's culinary specialties. With the exception of a night's stay at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi, three nights in forts, and a night in a haveli (traditional Rajput villa), the accommodations will consist of tented encampments set up by the support team along the journey route.
Riders will average about three to five hours a day of riding at a comfortable pace, stopping for three meals. There will, of course, be ample water for all. In addition to the Relief Rider crew, their will be a support vehicle carrying two medics and a doctor who will accompany the ride on a parallel itinerary.
Born in New York City to a French mother and Indian father, and growing up and schooled in the US, India and France, Alexander Souri has always had a global perspective on life. He has worked in a variety of ways for the entertainment industry: producing plays in the Berkshires, on the Special Effects team for The Matrix and X-Men, directing commercials and industrial films in China; and as a Special Events producer at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance, and Paul Allen's Millennium party in Venice, Italy.
For more information, you contact Alexander Souri at:
Relief Riders International
304 Main St, Suite 3-B
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Tel: 413.329.5876
Yesterday was one of my closest friend's birthday...she is in the US and I could not call her because all the ISD and STD lines in my area were wrecked after the phone box got waterlogged in the morning rains. And by the time I realized this it was close to midnight, and could not go elsewhere to call. Hope the problem will be sorted out by today....
Lately it seems that all the people I really care about are running off to the US. Dipali went away ages back, Chitra left last month to do her Masters in Writing at the University of Texas and the only cousin sister I am actually close to left to take up a five-year assignment in Wisconsin. And she took Neha and Raghav, my favourite niece and nephew, with her as well!! Guys, I hate all of you :(
Lately it seems that all the people I really care about are running off to the US. Dipali went away ages back, Chitra left last month to do her Masters in Writing at the University of Texas and the only cousin sister I am actually close to left to take up a five-year assignment in Wisconsin. And she took Neha and Raghav, my favourite niece and nephew, with her as well!! Guys, I hate all of you :(
August 24, 2004
It was pouring cats 'n dogs in the morning today...not like the polite 10-minute showers that we have been having for the past couple of weeks, but an all out deluge. And I loved every minute of it. There is just something so special about Bombay in the rains, especially if you are watching it across the seafront.
The only terrible thing was that somehow the traffic got choked all across the city. It took me 45 minutes to get from Pizzeria to Fountain, a drive that normally takes only five minutes!!!!
Am thinking of joining some classes at Alliance Francaise....want to try something new for a while now. And I have always loved learning a new language. Its just that I dont know whether I will be able to spare the time for two-hour classes, five days a week for six weeks...but it would be so much fun :)
The only terrible thing was that somehow the traffic got choked all across the city. It took me 45 minutes to get from Pizzeria to Fountain, a drive that normally takes only five minutes!!!!
Am thinking of joining some classes at Alliance Francaise....want to try something new for a while now. And I have always loved learning a new language. Its just that I dont know whether I will be able to spare the time for two-hour classes, five days a week for six weeks...but it would be so much fun :)
August 23, 2004
Am sourcing houses for the interior design section of Good Housekeeping, which is to be launched in India in September 2004. This is not about the designer houses - will be showcasing warm, do-able, "real" houses, which have not been done up by designers, but by the residents themselves. Not looking for grand mansions either. Just well put together houses, that look good and show aesthetic use of space. If you know such places please do email me on anubha76@anubhacharan.com
Have you been to Bollywood Dhaba yet? It's in Colaba, just a little further down from Indigo and Busaba. Have gone there for the last two weekends in a row, and just love the kebabs and Butter Chicken. And the old movie posters and other memorabilia make for great conversation pieces if you run short of things to talk about with your dinner companion. Just wish they played more Hindi movie oldies...the music there tends to be sporadic. But the place is a definite must-visit nevertheless. And its not too expensive. A three-course dinner should cost you approximately Rs. 400 per head.
Been reading up on the "two big time industrialist brothers who can't be named, but who have fallen apart" saga with great interest. The world knows who they are but nobody is taking names because of the threat of being sued. Then there is also this whole new emerging question of whether Mohnish Bahl's father died a natural death, or whether he was murdered because of his alleged property disputes with his son and daughter-in-law?? Amisha Patel is suing her parents for misappropriating crores of Rupees from her account...makes me really relieved and happy that neither me nor my parents have the monies or properties to ever cause these kind of rifts. Both my brother and I were always told by our parents that the education we were receiving is all the legacy that we are likely to get, so its upto us to capitalise on that and make something of ourselves. And that was quite enough for us...thank you!!
Incidentally, am also hearing that one of the abovementioned cant-be-named brothers is the rich, married indsutrialist who is Sushmita Sen's newest beau, and he recently gave her the huge diaomnd ring that she is sporting nowadays. The plot thickens :)
Have you been to Bollywood Dhaba yet? It's in Colaba, just a little further down from Indigo and Busaba. Have gone there for the last two weekends in a row, and just love the kebabs and Butter Chicken. And the old movie posters and other memorabilia make for great conversation pieces if you run short of things to talk about with your dinner companion. Just wish they played more Hindi movie oldies...the music there tends to be sporadic. But the place is a definite must-visit nevertheless. And its not too expensive. A three-course dinner should cost you approximately Rs. 400 per head.
Been reading up on the "two big time industrialist brothers who can't be named, but who have fallen apart" saga with great interest. The world knows who they are but nobody is taking names because of the threat of being sued. Then there is also this whole new emerging question of whether Mohnish Bahl's father died a natural death, or whether he was murdered because of his alleged property disputes with his son and daughter-in-law?? Amisha Patel is suing her parents for misappropriating crores of Rupees from her account...makes me really relieved and happy that neither me nor my parents have the monies or properties to ever cause these kind of rifts. Both my brother and I were always told by our parents that the education we were receiving is all the legacy that we are likely to get, so its upto us to capitalise on that and make something of ourselves. And that was quite enough for us...thank you!!
Incidentally, am also hearing that one of the abovementioned cant-be-named brothers is the rich, married indsutrialist who is Sushmita Sen's newest beau, and he recently gave her the huge diaomnd ring that she is sporting nowadays. The plot thickens :)
August 13, 2004
Just finished reading the latest novel in the Shopaholic series - Shopaholic & Sister - and totally loved it like all of Sophie Kinsella's other books. Totally identify myself with Becky Bloomwood, whose ideal lifestyle and love of designer labels is so far in excess of her earning capacity that she is perpetually overdrawn on her bank account and has these humungous credit card outstandings...and then she goes about making the funniest excuses to her bank managers to extend her deadlines, while at the same time hiding the bills from her family and boyfriend. Guess who else does all that :)
I especially love Becky's candid acceptance of her reliance on shopping as an emotional crutch...like when she has this huge row with her husband-of-10-months about her excessive shopping during their honeymoon (only two lorries full of things) and leaves the house with a new resolve to improve her spending habits, heading straight to Fortnums & Masons gloriously- overpriced luxury chocolate section to celebrate turning over a new leaf...!! Now that really sounds like something that I would do...I mean, whats the fun of turning over a new leaf if it doesn't make you happy ;)
I especially love Becky's candid acceptance of her reliance on shopping as an emotional crutch...like when she has this huge row with her husband-of-10-months about her excessive shopping during their honeymoon (only two lorries full of things) and leaves the house with a new resolve to improve her spending habits, heading straight to Fortnums & Masons gloriously- overpriced luxury chocolate section to celebrate turning over a new leaf...!! Now that really sounds like something that I would do...I mean, whats the fun of turning over a new leaf if it doesn't make you happy ;)
August 09, 2004
August 08, 2004
Was driving down to Worli late in the night a couple of days ago, and almost hit this madwomen who was walking right in the middle of the Kemps Corner bridge, twirling her hair. It was pouring cats and dogs and she was strolling along, completely regardless of all the cars speeding by in practically no-visibility conditions, just managing to miss hitting her by mere millimeters. She was so obviously insane, but what shocked me the most was that not one car stopped and not one person took her hand and guided her to the safety of the sidewalk. Is this what Bombay has become??
August 06, 2004
Rajasthani Food Festival at the Nawab Saheb
Nawab Saheb – the Indian speciality restaurant at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel - celebrates Rajasthan, the barren desert land known for its gay abandon, vibrant colours and renowned cuisine. Experience the irresistible food saga and an enchanting live entertainment from 6th to 22nd August, 2004 from 7 pm to 11 pm.
Rajasthani cuisine is a gastronomical confluence of two different eras. While the erstwhile Maharajas (kings) known for their obsessive love for hunting feasted on game, it was Maheshwaris, the trading community, who later created the most awesome delicacies using whatever vegetation the barren land had to offer combining it with subtle spices and liberal dollops of ghee.
The chef will showcase delicious Dal bati Choorma, Mangodi ki wadi, Laal Maans, Murg ke Suley and equally tantalizing Malpuas, Jalebis and Ghewar. Enhancing the ambience are live Rajasthani folk dances. The Rajasthani Experience Meal is priced at Rs. 699 per person all-inclusive, with a child rate of Rs. 399.
For a reservation please call 5692 7550.
Rajasthani cuisine is a gastronomical confluence of two different eras. While the erstwhile Maharajas (kings) known for their obsessive love for hunting feasted on game, it was Maheshwaris, the trading community, who later created the most awesome delicacies using whatever vegetation the barren land had to offer combining it with subtle spices and liberal dollops of ghee.
The chef will showcase delicious Dal bati Choorma, Mangodi ki wadi, Laal Maans, Murg ke Suley and equally tantalizing Malpuas, Jalebis and Ghewar. Enhancing the ambience are live Rajasthani folk dances. The Rajasthani Experience Meal is priced at Rs. 699 per person all-inclusive, with a child rate of Rs. 399.
For a reservation please call 5692 7550.
August 03, 2004
Am back in Bombay and it feels great. Its been pouring cats, dogs 'n elephants and the weather is just so beautiful and romantic and refreshing :) I love being back in my bedroom, right on the edge of the sea when the waters are so stormy and gray.
The loveliest part of Singapore was staying at the legendary Raffles Hotel, but more on that later...have to go unpack just now before everything gets damp and wet....I love travelling but just hate the packing and unpacking parts!!!!!
The loveliest part of Singapore was staying at the legendary Raffles Hotel, but more on that later...have to go unpack just now before everything gets damp and wet....I love travelling but just hate the packing and unpacking parts!!!!!
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