So, what's the plan? - Shivom Oza

I hear about acquaintances getting married. I see friends getting settled in their respective careers. I learn about 'FB contacts' traveling around the world. Few folks turned entrepreneurs and are, apparently, doing well.

I went with these people to the same school/college, have had a similar upbringing, and, presumably, am as focused. Yet, I've no clue about where am I headed, as far as these aforementioned aspects are concerned.

I've been asked the 'what's your plan?' question, often. IMO, the best plan is to not have one at all. Nothing wrong in going with the flow! No?

Shivom Oza

Ugly (2014) Film Recommendation Post | Ronit Roy, Rahul Bhat & Vineet Kumar Singh, Dir: Anurag Kashyap - Shivom Oza

Each one of us has an UGLY side. No, it's not the concealed pimple/hidden scar. It's anger/hatred!

When was the last time you took advantage of somebody who was weak/gullible? When was the last time that you plotted to bring somebody down? Have you ever physically/verbally/mentally abused someone? Have you ever gotten angry only to realize later that you shouldn't have?

'Not being able to control oneself' is an excuse that criminals give after they've committed a crime.

Anurag Kashyap's Ugly showed me my UGLY side. Do watch the film and see if you can find yours. Peace!

Shivom Oza

There's a Festival for Everything - Shivom Oza

Watching 28 movies in 7 days at the Mumbai Film Festival was a life-altering experience. I was sold to the magic of cinema. Attending 7 live events in a week at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival got me hooked on to theatre and stand-up comedy.

Going to the Times Literary Carnival gave me better perspective on issues of national/social/global importance. I attended NH7 Weekender, and my respect for music and musicians has grown manifold.

Lesson learnt - If you wish to develop a passion for literature/cinema/theatre/music etc. and don't know where to begin from, give cultural festivals a shot!

Shivom Oza

Kitna Hua? Kitna Baaki Hai? - Shivom Oza

How much am I earning? When is the weekend coming? How many hours to go before I leave for the day? If I plan a trip, how many days' leave should I apply for? How many likes did my FB post get? How much time is it going to take for me to reach my destination? How many words to go before I touch 100?

Invariably, we spend most of our day - and life - keeping a count of everything, and then wonder why we've become so dull. If only, we valued moments as much as we value numbers!

Shivom Oza

Let's celebrate death! - Shivom Oza

Let's nuke the Pakistanis. They killed 5 of our own and we retaliated by killing 15 on the other side. Bravo, crush them!

If this was cricket - I could understand the overt enthusiasm and cheerleading. Never imagined that there would be a day when we would start cheering the fact that the opposition is losing more number of lives than we are, instead of wickets.

Wars never brought peace in Ukraine/Kashmir/Iraq/Afghanistan. Surely, a nation must protect its borders from insurgencies. However, the jingoism must end.

"War can never be ended by war" - Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai

Shivom Oza

I'd love to quit my job and travel, but.. - Shivom Oza

Ever heard of people who quit their corporate jobs to travel around the world? Their blogs feature wondrous stories, photographs & videos that encapsulate their nomadic life. I've daydreamed about resigning, packing my bags and setting off to Romania/Cambodia/Bolivia/Guatemala, while waiting for the Churchgate local.

However, like money makes the world go round, it is what makes you go around the world as well. I wonder how these people manage their expenses.

I can't wait to take the plunge, but looking at the trends in salaries at Indian workplaces - I might have to buy a lottery ticket soon.

Shivom Oza

Sabki Ulti Ginti Chalu! - Shivom Oza

A much-revered CM gets jailed for an 18-year-old corruption case. A superstar, son-sibling to former parliamentarians, is imprisoned for illegal possession of arms. Another superstar awaits trial in multiple court cases. We've had PMs who've wronged the nation, time and again.

These individuals can do no wrong in the eyes of their supporters. The popularity of these individuals has diminished the enormity of their 'alleged' crimes.

These recent big-ticket judgements have been a relief, and it remains to be seen how many more demigods and demigoddesses get convicted.

To quote Bajirao Singham - seedhi baat - sabki ulti ginti chalu!

Shivom Oza