Delhi Auto Expo 2012 (Pics and Awards)

Once again, the mela was set and being a student now, I obviously had the luxury to pay the fair a visit. This time I was with many; the auto expo visit was the first trip with my classmates.

The article also carries some awards as last time. Hope, they are funny (like others)

Special mention: The ticketing seemed better especially with the scanning process in practise (the first time @ Pragati Maidan). It was smooth to get in unlike last time (read here Delhi Auto Expo 2010) where I got in, thanks to the efforts of my brother.

We entered the expo around 1 PM (the start time for general public to witness the sexy beauties inside).
The first pavilion was my all time favourite.

Mercedes-Benz –
They will never disappoint you. Glittering beauties with the three pointed circle (symbol) all around you. Luxury from them is always unadulterated (even though they are behind BMW in competition). Mercedes showcased its ‘wing car’ outside their standalone pavilion (crowd puller; it was the most attractive car in last edition of expo, the AMG SLS). The entry to the pavilion had 2 M-class (standing in quite some pose).
The best car from Merc was their concept ‘Flow’. Majestic…speechless. She looked like a lady wrapped with the sliver silk (seductive). The feel after watching it was ‘nothing can beat a good luxurious Merc’. It therefore gets the ‘style-statement-award’. You will love it.

“Racing is a state of mind” – liked the quote outside Merc pavilion...awesome

BMW –
Didn’t like their display last time around. This time around BMW had a larger pavilion with an elevated view for visitors (quite unique). Mini Cooper was ok (definitely not better than Volkswagen’s Beetle). Can’t say much on it.
BMW in between showed one of their concept visions here in CP, Delhi. It was used in MI4. Really missed that one here. It is a wonder car, the one you drive in fantasy. Pics of that car are here (must watch).
However, they came up with another one. Awesome and speechless. How can you come up with this kind of stuff again? Brilliant. Sadly, I was very far to appreciate it to the full-heart level (mere pass business pass kyu nahi tha - regret).

BMW gets the ‘GAWK-award’ for producing yet another fantasy model after BMW Batmobile.


Volkswagen Das Auto –
Simple, Spacious and display concept similar to that of Expo 2010. Background included their recent blue campaign (likable). Expo 2010 (here) saw very heavy advertising of Polo. This time, it was subtle. Full product line was on display. VW concept car XL1 was also displayed (but didn’t have that pull when compared to offerings from BMW or Merc).Amidst white, the new Beetle in red was their best display. VW gets the ‘naam-bade-darshan-chote-award’ for their showroom like display pavilion.

Audi –
Audi was one of the best pavilions in the last edition (expo 2010). Audi went with a similar way of display (the white Audi sedans and a R8 in front). The only difference this time around was the colour of R8. Shiny Red (in last edition here, it was shiny orange).

Audi wins ‘best-body-colour-award’ for their sense of colour combinations. Crowd loved it, making it one of the most congested and crowdy halls at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012.

Tata Motors –
One of the biggest pavilions at the 2012 expo. Tatas showcased their product line width with the display of trucks, buses (normal as well as elongated), sedans (normal as well as hybrid) and their famous minis (Nano, Iris, Ace and PIXEL). Pixel was the show stealer this time around. Small & Cute (same adjectives used for Nano previously). However, the informative eyes would have appreciated the Indian car giant had the concept Pixel being developed with a right hand drive (the one on display was left hand drive raising speculation whether it was developed indigenously or elsewhere). But still the crowd loved it like they did at the time of Nano. Being a witness of expo 2008 when Nano was launched, it was a similar feel seeing Pixel. But Pixel is a concept car, far from production.
Tatas for their love of producing cute babies is henceforth given the ‘small-innovator-award’ for Pixel.

The other end of their pavilion had J&L series. The white Land Rovers were kept the same way as displayed in last edition. But the highlight was the two Red defender concept cars (open-roof & jeep look). The Jaguar display looked a bit off-coloured when compared to display of other luxurious car makers. The last edition display was better and definitely more luxurious.

Toyota –
Quite a larger pavilion for them, but it was justified after witnessing their intentions. Bestsellers Innova is reworked (looks more high-end, less like a cab). Fortuner is reworked but looked quite similar to me. The centre of attraction at the Toyota pavilion was the twin ladies at the centre along the racing versions of Etios Liva. Racing cars in red and white are quite standard, nothing exceptional in terms of looks. Toyota gets the ‘most-well-behaved-award’ for best crowd management.

Ford –
After Figo, Ford has geared up to fight in the SUV segment. Ford revealed a new SUV to India – Ford EcoSport. The car had the catchy looks with bright orange and mammoth front grill (trend these days). Liked their blue ambience; distinguished them from others. They are given the ‘big-grill-award’ for EcoSport.

Skoda –
Green and white are there hallmark colours. Very standard pavilion especially when you have the luxury gaint Audi right opposite you. Poor choice of pavilion. The cars were known except RS 2000. Strange looking car; though must admit it was stylish. The front look seems like somebody is stretching the car ears (the idea can be used in the next franchise of animation movie CARS).

Award for Skoda, Not this time. Guys, you need to improve your display (layout).

Chevrolet –
Chevy is all time favourite. Only reason being Bumblebee (Camaro). Expo 2010 (here) had a yellow one, coming right from the Transformers movie. This year, it was in dark orange (yellow was better). It unfortunately will not come to India, because right hand drive is not developed nor the company seems interested in developing one soon. Chevy has some handsome brands with them – Volt , Cruze (racer version in display). Captiva, SUV will be soon launched in a new avatar (earlier version was boring). The flying Beat was a fluke to many eyes (Guys! It was a gas balloon). Chevy pavilion is always impressive but has some standard stuff (this time around - Sail and Tavera).
Chevy gets the ‘Eyeballs’ award. Why? Read on…

DC –
(Disclaimer) I personally don’t like his stuff; it looks over-worked, pricy and lacks the royal classiness in terms of luxury.
Dilip Chhabria franchise is known name (his client list includes many famous stars of Bollywood). He also designed the car for the movie Taarzan (flop). He is introduced Avanti (reminded me of his car in Taarzan) and a modified Jeep (fantastic looks in yellow). Can’t say much on DC.

Aukaat se Bahar (Outside Monetary Reach) – Not surprisingly, the super duper multi Crore cars saw the longest queues. In display were the Porsche 911, Porsche Cayenne S, Ferrari California, Maserati Gran Cabrio, Maserati Quattroporte South Delhi gives you a chance to see these on its roads quite regularly Except Maserati. Maserati Q was best among them.

Bajaj –
Extraordinary pavilion. They came out with a new 4-wheeler (don’t you dare call it a car). RE60. Aisa naam, why RE, why 60? Re is borrowed from REVA (closest competitor in terms of size). 60 because it claims to half CO2 emission to 60gm/km. It is basically a solution to combat pollution (tagline). So, buy only iff you care for environment. Bajaj is the largest manufacturer for 3 wheelers in India. This is a desperate attempt to upgrade them to 4-wheelers. That is the only rational positioning I can understand. Else, it is very small especially with a price of around 2 L (Nano is cheaper than RE60).
The 3 wheeler on the Indian road is quite spacious and can accommodate 6-8 adults (some may call it over-crowding, but it saves you a hell lot of money). Replacing them with this is unlikely. Re60 usage on mass scale is some topic to research upon. Hence, Bajaj gets the curious ‘Y’ award.

Renault –
It has been in India through Logan but has never grown. Once my cab driver complimented Logan with words “lambi deir tak chalti hai, isliye taxi hai”. Logan went the taxi way, which too was limited because of its price and service. Renault here displayed Duster, another SUV attempt. But prices are said to start from 6, which are attractive for high volumes.
Another offering for Indian roads is Pulse. Catchy name but priced on the higher end at above 5 Lakh (above Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20).
Renault has been awarded the ‘fighter-award’.

Mahindra & Mahindra –
Compliments to them for showing Ssangyong to India. XUV 500, Mahindra’s latest offering was displayed in pale yellow and pale purple colours (fantastic). XUV 500 has stellar looks (both front as well as back). Nice to see Indians producing such stuff. Mahindra acquired Reva and thank God! They changed its look (looks are more sensible now, less kiddish). It deservingly gets the ‘Car-of-the-year’ award for XUV 500.


Nissan –
Nissan revealed Evalia, another SUV attempt for the Indian market. Others on display were GT R and 370 Z.

Missed Maruti –
“jo dil mein ho, usye aakhein kya dekhengi”

Two-Wheelers –
Quite a strangler to these at Auto Expos. Still I visited them (thanks to Saurabh Bakshi, Abhishek Garg). The top brand in superbike segment was Ducati. Dream machines to say the least. Haven’t seen much of them on Delhi roads, but all I can observe is that they are damn classy.
Next chapter of awesome-bikes belongs to Harley Davidson. The length of bikes is an admiration in itself. Awesome. Love the style they carry; unique and speaks loads of attitude (respect to their designers).
Others include Yamaha glittery pinky scooty, Vespa white scooter, sand coloured Royal Enfield, Triumph’s Bonneville, Hero Impulse, Honda’s patient answer to Hero’s Impulse, etc (Somehow can’t generate much interest in bikes).

Trends & Analysis –
1) SUVs are the next big thing
2) Red is the hot colour
3) Sexy girls besides cars does not guarantee a good pull. Eg - Mercedes
4) Increase in presence of local brands and manufacturers (signs of confidence)
5) India is opening to superbikes (and not just splendours)
6) Car manufactures still want to show less of their R&D here, in the form of concept cars & more sellable cars
7) Lucky draw is only for prospective buyers

‘Chicks’ n ‘Girls’
Must thank Bakshi for the drag race and his vision and mission towards identifying the sexier talent. Auto Expo 2012 showcased a much better performance compared to its preceding exhibitions. The Chevy pavilion had the best models if not the cars, it wins the male-magnet award for the having the highest attraction load factor.

Kuch bhi (just anything) – heard people/new reports saying the venue is expected to be shifted. Don’t really agree if any venue can replace Pragati Maidan with the kind of location it has (central Delhi amidst the most affluent newsmakers). However, with whatever operations management I have understood, layout of the expo has the scope to improve.

ps: plan to revive the category ‘college life’ initiated. Cheers

YOU can find all pics at Facebook (here) and on Lafango (here)
Drive safely…incase you need any full pic, leave your email id in comments

EVERREADY - Charge yourself with Salman's Ready

Dhinka Chika Dhinka Chika Dhinka Chika Dhinka Chika Aey Aey Aey Aey! And here I am looking into my good English thesaurus to get the meaning of these so very filmy words. Obviously I cannot find them. They are meaningless, just like the movie BUT works for the Indian public. I do realize that a critical review will be of seldom use, therefore my wisdom says to judge by the fact whether it worked as an entertainer for me or not?

So did READY worked like an ‘EverREADY’ for me? Rating – 3.25/5 (Yes! Partially)

Story –
Story is simply senseless and mingling mindless. Sanjana (Asin) has to find a suitable shelter for a couple weeks and enters as a prospect bride in the Kapoor family. This Kapoor family like Bollywood Kapoor family is full of characters - a trio of Ram-Laxman-Bharat Kapoor (played by Mahesh Manjrekar, Manoj Pahwa and Manoj Joshi respectively) along with their jewellery infested wives. We also have Prem in it (Prem who? Hum Aapke Hain Kaun obviously!). The Salman Khan, son of Ram Kapoor in the movie. After the Kapoor family intro, the first half is about how Prem comes to know about Sanjana’s reality. The first half contains some mindless comic dialogues (thanks to Sudesh Lehri) and they superbly work for audience.
The second half is the time for Chaudhary family. Any bollywood actor would not like to marry a girl without her parivaar ki marzi (family consent). How can Salman be an exception? So now he will only marry Sanjana once her Don-Uncles are satisfied with the couple. The Don-Uncles are hairy, plotting and look rather comedians than villains. But again, it works (mentioning this phrase thrice now). Rest of the story is about how Prem (Salman) manages to get all things in place and also the Parivaar ki marzi from Sanjana’s Don-Family.

Star cast –
Salman Khan. Like I mentioned in my review for Dabang (read here), Salman has found that USP in him which will help him to retain the cult status – Body looks (takes off clothes in every movie) and being casually funny (a must for paisa-vasool entertainers). Nice and pleasing to see that works. He sells this movie to you. You go to this movie for him.
Asin is watchable to watch and has a chulbul (naughty) presence. Going by the fact that the makers of Ready was looking for an actresses which could bring resemblance to Ready (Tamil version) actresses Genelia D'Souza, Asin was an apt choice. She works. But her make-up disappoints.
Sudesh Lehri – he rocks. You can laugh at his professionalism everytime you see him on screen.
Paresh Rawal can be seen trying but his dialogues are a bit weak.
An initial shock was received by me when I saw Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Kangna Ranaut in the movie within first 5-10 minutes. Needless to say they were extras (special appearances).

Music of Ready is THE thing which makes you EVERREADY - Peppy, Tipsy, Chichoora (did I said Chichoora) and Lip-exercising. Songs like Dhinka Chika has pure shades of southern touch. Another song like Character Dheela is written for Salman. And what to say about lyrics –

“Ishak ke namm pe karte, sabhi ab raas leela hai
Main karoon toh saala, Character dheela hai”

Chichoora is the best adjective. Go to any disco in New Delhi and the posh people will be dancing on it.

Apart from the music, the situational comedy also works in places. And that is due to high quality of comical artists in Ready. However, the script sometimes tests your tolerance for absurdity and lets you disappoint. Writing scenes where climax has rose fighting, heroine hallucinating and thinking hero taking off his shirt, etc are just not needed.

What works – Salman, Sudesh Lehri, Songs
What not – absurd scenes forcibly put in the movie

Speaking Pictures's verdict – EverReady. Charge yourself now. Paisa Vasool Entertainer

ps: I watched this movie in Amritsar. The crowd loved the show. However, the trailer of Ghayal Returns (starring Sunny Deol) gathered maximum cheekhs (roars) and ceetties (whistles). They still love Sunny Paaji (dil se re). Waiting…

BMW Vision (BMW Batmobile)

In one of my earlier post where I blogged about Delhi Auto Expo 2010 (here) I was quite critical about BMW pavilion and their show of strength. May be BMW read that post and asked their headquarters in Munich (Germany) to send some stuff which has hooking power. Obviously not grass!
So on a Saturday, while I was strolling and rolling in CP (New Delhi), I saw BMW Vision (I call it BMW Batmobile)…
a car with muscular cuts, plenty of neon lights, transparent built, powerful engine, patented technologies, future perspective and I can go on but I have a office to go tomorrow morning…
BMW Vision (BMW Batmobile) here…(click on pic for full view)



Incase you need a higher quality pic of any the posted above, please drop in a comment with your email
ps: I am still a bigger fan of Merc than BMW.

Answer to the biggest question about Commonwealth Games 2010 @ New Delhi

“CWG – source of silly humour thesedays. Prove it” ------- 10 marks

As a Delhi blogger who had this noble thought to invest his hard earned money to buy CWG 2010 tickets on the first day itself, ‘disappointed’ is what I feel now. However, today when you read my write-up, intend is to make you happy; not disappointed.

We have to go back to the important year of 2003, when India was selected to play the host for 2010 edition of Commonwealth Games. India (the land of non-violence) silently paid an acceptable ‘wealth’ to all commonwealth nations to come here and participate. Under the leadership and guidance of our honourable ‘much’ respectable Suresh Kalmadi, CWG 2010 was allotted to India and from then onwards, it was Suresh Kalmadi’s baby.

The Indian government saw the navigating capabilities in the wings of pilot Kalmadi and formed an OC (organizing committee) to oversee growth of Kalmadi’s baby (i.e. CWG 2010 games). Kalmadi’s foreign aids were two expensive imported Mikes (Mike Hooper and Mike Fenell). Days went pass. Years went pass. The Indian government forgot about the games. But then came...the Indian media

The Indian media ran a reality check and in process discovered nothing but what was obvious – corruption in OC. CWG mess got the 9 PM slot of news channels thanks to numerous financial frauds investigations and Bang Boom Blast happened in OC. The useful abbreviations (CVC, CBI, ED, PMO, etc) came into scene for a few days but still Kalmadi assured the world that his baby is getting healthier day by day. God heard this lie and directed the rain Gods to give Delhi an over flowing Yamunaji (can you believe that!). Heavy rains collapsed all plans of juggad work for Games and since then the baby is transferred to Cabinet Secretary, Delhi CM, and Minister of Urban Development with Prime Minister of the nation watching its growth (indeed a lucky baby).

Lately there are more negatives attached to these games than positives, but I hope you aren’t feeling disappointed. So what if ‘salt packet sized’ countries like New Zealand, Whales and Scotland pokes you with their hygiene standards and then without any justification complains about dogs using beds and paan stains and dangerous sockets and filth and dengue and security. Man! this complaining is so very imperialistic…so very uncool!! Surely Birmingham is behind this (let special branch of Delhi Police investigate this and submit a report).

And by the way, why are these countries cribbing at all. Haven’t they researched that paan is a flavour of perfume (also condom nowdays). It erases your stress, especially after that lane-designed traffic mess. Somebody please tell them that the strains were to ‘globalify’ paan (one of the cheapest food items which can be quite handy during the times of recession in commonwealth).

And hey, how dare do they complain about dogs using beds. If athletes who run 100 metres deserve a lavish sleep; have a heart for these dogs that run miles on Delhi pot-roads. Animal lovers? PETA? Where are you?

About the more serious security issue. As an Indian I can assure you about foolproof security. Infact you will most probably be getting an individual army soldier as he is now abundant. He is now even making pedestrian bridges for us; a fine example of building the nation (saving the country as usual).

Then there is another very amusing story. South Africa ambassador to India finds a snake! Isn’t South Africans known to love wildlife? Why can’t he arrange a visa for that poor lean flexible specie and rehabilitate him in South Africa? Afterall Delhi is on a mass cleaning mission (say no to authorised species be it snakes or monkeys or migrants).

Oh! I forgot to tell you about my hygiene standards. They are surely different from that of Lalit Bhanot. You see we are diverse in India and we are diverse in everything.

And how can we miss out on our sports minister; CWG is a shaadi for him. For many b-school students, CWG mess is now a case study and a prime example of ‘juggad-theory’ failure. It seems that the preparation of CWG resembles the last minute preparations by a student before his exam. In reality the student might pass but the probability that he will top this way is rationally low.

Lastly, you must be asking what about CWG 2010’s mascot Shera (my friend). I met him yesterday and he told my disappointed soul something by which he is still bearing a smile. As Shera says “bade bade desho mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai”.

Just a second, somebody is there at the door. Oh! It’s the private courier wala with my commonwealth tickets for opening ceremony. See you there and hey! Do spot me in that 40-50 crore Helium balloon.

ps: apologies for not mentioning about athletes. Hope you are not disappointed (and if incase you are, try making a Jaane Bhi Do Yaroon, afterall you won’t get a better opportunity)

SPEAKing PICtures will be back with the review of the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games 2010.
Till then LET US ALL SUPPORT THESE GAMES.

Creative Shoots @ Old Delhi

Old Delhi is not just food. There is no shortage for shooting exciting creative moments there. Some stills I took during my recent trip to old Delhi –

1) Old Delhi curfew look – Chandni Chowk Market is absent on Sundays. A perfect opportunity to take a silent picture there. Nobody will believe it’s actually old Delhi.
2) Count your Pigeons? Observe the different figures of pigeons. (I messed up a perfect set-up, still to learn basics of still photography)
3) Karan Arjun (duplicate) with Red Fort in backdrop. Simply Awesome

Sports Illustrated: Hockey World Cup 2010 @ New Delhi

Top pics of the event.

1) Heart Break- beautiful capture of the Hockey field while it was watered. The credit goes to my 5220's 2 Mpix cam which took this one. Naming this pic as 'Heart-Break' as the water trajectory forms a heart which is cut by the hockey-field plane. Simply breath-taking.


2) Speed of Light - one of best pics ever
Photography is all about moments of importance. Captured this piece with my 2 Mpix. Photographer needs a reward for this one!


3) Top Stand View - Maj Dhyan Chand National Stadium
More than 22 players on the hockey field. This pic was taken before the start of finals of 2010 Hockey world Cup between Aussies and Germans. The players went pass 22 and the cam captured each one of them amidst the picturesque Hockey stadium.
[Highly recommended] View all pics of the final day of the successful 2010 Hockey World Cup at my picasa storespace. All pics courtesy Nokia 5220.

ps: incase you have missed the opportunity to watch these classic hockey matches, just be avialable for 2010 Delhi Commenwealth Games. The venue will be the same.

Sachin Tendulkar – not out after 20 years

Something from my wrist for his wrists.

24th Feb 2010 - the day dedicated to Sachin Tendulkar (God of Cricket he is!). And all those fabulous lines like “form is temporary, class is permanent”…they sound so true once you see Tendulkar. Man! what a knock he had yesterday – 200 not out that too against South Africa.

Left early because the poor office doesn’t have a television. I left my working premises when he was on 126* and by the time the big greeny DTC touched DND expressway, the Nokia tuned to loudspeaker mode and happiness was spread all over the over-crowed vehicle. Cheers n all bliss

ps: for the first time I have put colour to my cartoons. Do you like it...put your thoughts in comments

Delhi Auto-Expo 2010 & some reaally interesting awards

After the much publicized Delhi Auto-Expo in 2008, its version of twenty10 was to be a mega affair. And it was.
Some glimpses and awards given by SpeakingPictures –

click on pictures for enlarged view

1) Mercedes -
I have a special liking towards this luxury, so a slight bias towards it is inevitable. Merc SLS (one with wings) had words like ‘hot’ and ‘sexy’ personified in it. Anybody who is a maniac for “hot wheels” will love it. Merc also had its merchandize stall inside its pavilion with prices comparable to their cars.
Mercedes wins the ‘leave-your-hot-chick-for-me’ award for its SLS.

2) Audi
Audi is the third biggest luxury cars brand after BMW and Merc in India. And it seems they are aggressive about being the numero uno. Their pavilion was situated within the main hall facing the BMW (largest luxury car seller in 2009). Audi showcased their normal white-beauties with attitude living attendants (who were busy flirting within themselves, God bless them). Audi wanted more popularity than its competition and were easily successful in doing so. By bringing vintage Audi 225 Roadster, they celebrated 100 years of Audi. But what stole the show was R8 4.2 Quattro. Flamboyantly displayed in melting shiny orange, it was the face of Audi in 2010 Delhi Auto-Expo. Consequently, Audi got the maximum attendance in 2010 Delhi Auto-Expo.

Audi wins ‘mujhe-na-chhuna-pari-hoon-main’ award for their attendants’ effort in preventing crowd from touching that sexy seducer R8 4.2.

3) Tata Motors
In 2008, these people stole the show. ‘Nano’, the 1L people’s car made India shine on the map of world car market. As a matter of fact, they deserve the credit for the popularity of Indian cars in the outside world. Also, Tata has inorganically expanded its empire in automobiles by acquiring Land Rover and Jaguar. These too were showcased in 2010 Delhi Auto-Expo and I really liked them (except the pricing, why will anyone buy Jaguar for 1.03 crore when it’s just a Jaguar and not a Merc/BMW/Audi). Nano was displayed in different colours (and even though I am not a liker of pink, I have to say pink Nano was very cute). Rest from Tata was boring including its never ending array of indigenous products comprising of various variants of Indica/Vista/Manza/Indigo/etc.

In addition to the above, Tata aggressively showcased their new brand of trucks ‘Prima’. Seeing their marketing for this brand, they might just successfully create a different segment within trucks category – ‘Prima’, the premium movers.

Tata wins the ‘hum-nahi-sudhrenge’ award for their chota haathi- Iris (leftmost in pic). It symbolizes their attempt and effort to create every car nano-sized.

4) Chevrolet (Chevy)
GM may be bankrupt in US but they are reeaallly trying to break into Hyundai and Maruti’s market share through Ritz’s looking Chevy Beat (shockingly priced at 3.34 L, it's a steal). Unfortunately, GM disappointed with their merchandize instore. Unlike Merc, which had merchandize of world level, GM had localized ones; No convertible transformer (Camaro->Bumblebee) – a big disappointment.
Chevy wins ‘I-really-really-want-that-Indian-guy’ award as they are the only ones who have contacted me for a test-drive post Auto-Expo.

Chevy Indian cars lacks flamboyance. Hence they brought Camaro from Transformers ‘Bumblebee’ fame. It’s huge yet subtle, it’s not fancy yet an eye-candy.

Chevy Camaro ‘Bumblebee’ wins the ‘lovable’ award.

5) Volkswagen (VW)
VW really need to revise their marketing basics. At exhibitions of this size, apart from publicizing your country specific models, you also need to show fancy flamboyance stuff which gets you attention especially when you are a new player. Sadly, VW played a contrary game with displaying there B+ segment car Polo 4 times. The cartoonist instincts saw Polo as a mini Lancer from some angles. There was Beetle, Jetta and others (seen earlier in VW ad). VW’s Sports Polo was cool, Beetle was girlie; rest just ok.

Given the fact that VW had one of the biggest pavilions in 2010 Expo, they were a disappointment. VW had non-Indian highly technical attendants (makes any sense??); some were frustrated to see Indians using exit door for entry and knew they were in a crowded market with zero localized knowledge. Another incident happened at reception, where I was filling my test-drive form; Indian girls at reception gossiping and teaching their foreign saheliyas about words like toota, etc (professionalism anybody!!).
VW wins the ‘i-mean-business’ award.

6) BMW
Wow, another luxury brand. BMW surprisingly overtook Merc in 2009 as the largest luxury car seller as they sold some 3600+ cars. But surprisingly, their 2010 Expo pavilion had none of their flamboyance and being in front of Audi, they were easily outshined. There new entrant ‘BMW Gran Turismo’ in pale blue was devoid of any lustre and hence is awarded the ‘sleeping-dodo’ award.

7) Yamaha
Anybody who loves speed loves sports bikes. And Yamaha was the best when considering sports bike in 2010 Expo. Also, Rossi was here and so was his bike (comparatively sober than its earlier version). Harley Davidson also made its debut but frankly, at the price at which they sell, it is difficult to choose a HD over a speedstar, that too when you are just 23.

They easily wins the 'vroom-dhoom-aur-ghoom' award

Drive safely…incase you need any full pic, leave your email in comments

Rendezvous @ IIT Delhi

Rendezvous is the annual cultureal fest of IIT Delhi. It is known to be one of the grandest fests across Northern India colleges and has a footfall running into lakhs.

I was fortunate to attend all days of this mega extravaganza with my friends - Sandy, BVS, VJ and Jeetu (from Videokaun). There were more than 70 events spread over 4 days (24th Sept 2009 to 27th Sept 2009), however due to some limitations like working hours and inability to create multiple physical entities of our bodies at a given instant of time, we weren’t able to attend all the events.
Our dedication and efforts made our presence possible for the mega event on each day. Details:

Day 1 - 24th September 2009
Event – SPECTRUM (inter college dance competition)
Value of our efforts – Our friend, Jeetu (from Videokaun) is doing a non-B.Tech course from IIT D. He loves taking risks and has therefore daring risk management skills, which got us all inside the OAT (open air theater). Kudos to him! Dance competition was among 9 colleges - IIT D, IIT K, NIEC (Delhi), Murthal (Haryana), LSR (Delhi) and more. Winner – NIEC which had 9/11 and third umpiring as there themes were the clear winners. Crowd appreciated the pelvic thrusts by the girls and the foolish movements by the boys. Choreography was highly innovative and movements of limbs were in sync. Henceforth they were the clear winners and took 56k as the 1st prize.
(due to the explicitness, more pics are not being uploaded)

Day 2 – 25th September 2009
Event – KALIEDOSCOPE (fashion parade)
Competition was among 7 colleges – IIT D, Insitute of Home Economics (Delhi), PEC (Chandigarh), Hansraj (DU, Delhi), Hindu (DU, Delhi), NIFT (Delhi), Lady Irwin (DU, Delhi), etc.
Value of our efforts – This talented event always attracts more specialized talent than needed. Sandy had this intuition and arranged for our entry to heaven. Kudos to him!
Fashion when seen live looks like fashion. We saw gender of both denomination dressed in various geometrical shapes, sizes, curves and cuts. NIFT team dressed themselves in materials which can be recycled (innovative). Surprise package was Institute of Home Economics, which had an all girls team dressed up in circus style (nicely compiled). Also, with the help of IITians, we were able to draw a very important conclusion i.e. size zero is not charming (matter of concern). The event ended without any wardrobe malfunction.
(due to the explicitness, more pics are not being uploaded)

Day 3 – 26th September 2009
Event – SAAZ (instrumental music)
Value of efforts – This event saw low representation from our side. BVS decided to sleep after the event which happened the day before. VJ skipped the event to get a piece of paper, which looked liked a post-graduation degree. Jeetu (from Videokaun) was attending his non-B.Tech course at IIT D. However, I decided to utilize my free time by getting some peace and went to see the performances by the twin duo of Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan with appropriate persons (again thanks to Sandy for arrangement). The duo took time to get into form and after a while started juggalbandi sessions. Towards the end they played songs of Bengali and Assamese genre. One of Bengali songs they played was ‘Ekala chalo’, which was a pleasant surprise for me.

Day 4 – 27th September 2009
Event – DHOOM (feat. a totally manic lady, rock band – ‘Faridkot’, Mohit Chauhan)
Value of our efforts – All of us made ourselves available for this mega event. All of us even skipped our evening sleep for this. Reason - Mohit Chauhan (former lead singer of band ‘Silk Route’). After our successful entry, we were terrorized by a girl who wanted to ruin the evening by her voice. She was distorting famous bollywood songs by her voice and was doing her best in that. Even after the best efforts from crowd to boo her down, she was adamant to perform. The more crowd shouted, the louder she shouted. They call themselves ‘Groove Adda’; beware of this for the sake of your welfare!
Next in line was Faridkot, a band which got fame from channel [V]’s ‘Launchpad’. They brought energy onto the terrorizied faces of crowd. They are a mature band and look experienced and professional than their precedessor. Band lead vocals is a sardarji who has a great long standing voice…you will like it. Do listen to ‘Laila’ and ‘Mahi Ve’.
Finally was the turn of Mohit Chauhan. He has emerged as a hit-number-giving-singer in the world of popular Indian music with some fabulous songs to his name. He sings effortlessly and has a gifted voice best suited of blues music. The OAT at IIT was packed to see him perform. The footfall must be around 10 000 plus. His performance included his old ones to new ones. Namely- Dosti, Dama Dum Mast Kalander, Boodein, Dooba Dooba, Khoon Chala (from RDB), Sabse Peeche Hum Khade (from Let’s Enjoy), Tum Se Hi (from Jab We Met), Dooriyan (from Love Aajkal), Masakali (from Dilli6), Pheli Baar Mohabbat (from Kaminey), etc. Spectacular stuff!!

yEpPiE
Last weekend was a bit off for me, but this whole weekend went fabulously and it proved as an inevitable evidence for one my philosophies. Life is like a sine curve. You have a low point, you got to have a high point. You touch the lowest point, you will touch the highest too. You see rock bottom, you will see the tip of iceberg. You see dusk, you will see dawn. You sleep sad, you wake happy.
That’s the ‘Law of Equilibrium’*, which brings life to stability.

* Same law prevails in Chemistry.

Cheers and Keep Rocking
AG