Bihar

I do not know of many who don't follow the tumultuous politics of this state. For the sheer entertainment value, it is worth keeping an eye or two on. While Nitish Kumar is being showered with much of the credit, the news channels fail to mention Paswan's massive role. He is being projected as the loser (a distant 2nd). Rightly so, but without his resolute obstinacy (resolute being an intentional tautology) , these elections would not have been possible. Before obsessing with the additional idea of a Muslim chief minister, he has had just one goal. To make sure that Laloo does not return to power. Credit must be given that in a land of political opportunists, Paswan did not budge from his stand, whatever his motivations might have been.

So, the media in Delhi (which includes me) and the others who wanted Laloo to go owe this man's obstinacy a largish thank you. His self destruct mode may bring a sea of change in the state that borders with one I often obsess with. Apparently, Nitish Kumar is known as 'Vikas Purush'- Development man.

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I am often transported to Berlin these day through the rather humourless but well written 'Two Lives'. Recognizing the names of the streets where I once was briefly, is the same kind of lowly thrill that you get when you see Indians in an Hollywood movie.(in the background, not NRI movies of course)

Dhananjay

Leeds!

Down 0-3 against the Saints at half time, Leeds scored 4 (FOUR!!!) in a space of 16 minutes. I have to see the look on Niemi's face. And to think that Liam Miller (on loan from Manchester United) scored the winner! We are fourth in the table. If only we dont lose to loser teams from now on....

Dhananjay

This had to be documented.

Being James

James Toni D'Souza, the only male Christan name that Bollywood has known and used. How many movies have we seen in which the Christian guy is called James D'souza?
James Toni D'Souza, the name that Bollywood swears by. Or sometimes, swears at. Almost never, swears in.The henchman, the middleman, and more often than not, the dead man.
He is the quintessential Goanese guy, Feni-drinking, beach-combing, and skirt chasing. At the release of his biography, "Being James", we caught up with him.

Q Congratulations on celebrating your 50th year in the industry! How does it feel?
A (drawing a cigar) Feels fantastic. For years, (lighting a cigar) I have enjoyed the success.

Q What do you think are the reasons for your success ?
A First and foremost, the secular nature of Bollywood. We are an industry which is very representative. Then, again the number of horror movies that are made every year. Since, you need a grave to instill fear, D'souza steps in to die. Also, as a henchman, I have killed my fair share of men.

Q They say you couldn't act to save your life...(I hold back my laughter)
A Well, all actors get their fair share of criticism...(gets the pun and laughs) Haha...

Q On a more serious note, did you ever feel the need for more versatile roles? It must get boring in the grave all the time.
A I would say that I have quite a versatile career. Did you know that each time I was shot with a different gun? Often, the media portrays you in a typical manner. That is, in fact, the main reason, I have written this autobiography.

Q There were always tiffs with your rival Fernandez. Can we expect a patch up soon? Where does it stand now?
A Haha, the media has always raised this issue. Fernandez and I were both in a very competitive industry. Obviously, there was no love lost. In terms of talent, he was no match to me. In fact he was so bad, that he often made me turn in my grave...

Q Favourite dialog?
A Interestingly, it isn't one spoken by me, since I am in the grave most of the time. My mother /wife in the movie says " Jab mera James zinda tha, tab hum bahut feni peeta tha ". I can tell you that is true, haha. Drank a lot of Feni in my time...

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