Friends make my world so lovely

I have been lucky to have them in best packages

I lost one due to a folly

Realizing  the void is tough to fill.

I ached to find a friend to hold as dear

God send me a friend realizing my plight

she came with simple steps and lot of cheer

she was not  hep and happening society babe

OH but She has ample dignity and grace

She is frail so I thought but oh my God

She has the power to send me a smile

from miles……

She has the power to make me feel special

She has the power to make me feel so rich

I have tears as I read her card which was the first to reach me

Every word on the card was chosen with utmost care

Every flower drawn was tender to feel

Every glitter was chosen with love

She tried to pack all the happiness for me

She sure succeeded to send it to me.

Her unconditional care for me at times make me wonder

How could a heart be so thoughtful ??

I cannot  think to give love like her

I feel so poor in front of her

I am so frail and small when it comes to thought

Who says she is not rich

Who says she has nothing to give

She gave me that what million riches

could never give me in all these years…

She made me feel so precious and special

Love you Zarine from the bottom of my heart

“Sometimes legends make reality, and become more useful than the facts.” – Salmaan Rushdie

But how legitimate are those facts? The famous Khan trio have been worshipped like idols by their fans for over a decade now. Be it Shah Rukh, Salmaan or Aamir, they remain a voodoo, which works well not only for big production banners but also for other aspects of the entertainment and advertising industry. The Khans have a charisma of their own that creates an echoing euphoria amongst many. Their magnetism attracts the young and the old not only in India, but across global boundaries as well. Individually each one of them have become a brand in themselves and one can guarantee that they are ambassadors of Brand India globally.

Has the brand image raged a war between them, is always a simmering question. There is always speculation among the pundits to know if one Khan has taken on the rejected offer? Or is the King Khan the highest paid?

The journey of the Khans has been truly energized with no dull patch, Shah Rukh has been the ‘badshah’,  who pulls crowds and melts the glaciers with his warm smile. He can turn the direction of the tidal waves with his charm. Salmaan has the charm to make a place in every house on every table in every heart, while Aamir stirs the intellect in a surprising way time and again almost like endorsing it.

No news is complete without the Khans. Be it SRK’s race in reality TV, Salmaan’s never ending love sagas or Aamirs elusiveness to award functions, the trio are hogging the limelight some way or the other.

The influence of the Khans in every household is felt to a great magnitude. Hence every marketing head of any brand wants to have one of the Khans onboard. The result – SRK is seen selling a head oil, the ‘bad boy’ Salmaan convinces the viewers to buy his endorsed shoes and lastly Aamir wants us to use his promoted dish TV.

The trio is more like an investment, like an equity account. Be it a producer or an advertiser or even the ‘aam janta’, a general feeling amongst all is that the Khans are bankable and dependable. However, in today’s world where life moves faster than time, the Khans sustainability is being put to test.

With the urban audiences gaining intellect with times, a saturation point appears to be closing in, could there be a threat to the ‘sultanate’ of the Khans?

It has not gone unnoticed that only one Khan in terms of box office has made huge block busters and meaningful cinema. Aamir, in the recent past, gave India an Oscar nominee in ‘Lagaan’, an emotional ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and a fun-filled ‘3 Idiots’. However, the other two Khans seem to have fallen flat with the box office numbers. Neither Salmaan’s much anticipated ‘Veer’ performed nor SRK’s ‘My Name is Khan’ created the King Khan’s magic on screen.

Does the common man now expect the Khans to do meaningful cinema rather than just endorsing worthless products? Have the audiences’ expectation varied with changing times?

Most filmmakers and brand managers look to capture the mind of the youth, who represent a growing nation. It is exactly this cream of the intelligent society that is attempted to engage first. However, the urban youth today want more meaningful cinema and look forward to brain stimulating content – a clear reason why a Hollywood flick like ‘Inception’ continues to remain housefull on the 3^rd week in Indian metros. The cinegoers want something beyond the usual drama. Hence a doubt has surfaced in our minds as to How long with the Khan effect last in this era?

Though Aamir Khan’s battle for survival seems to be more productive in India, his test globally is yet to be ascertained. The other two Khans continue to create immense euphoria globally and in rural part of the country. However, the urban masses seems to have made a shift to endorse their own statement and not emulate either SRK or Salmaan. Hence the question arises – Is the Khan brand deteriorating? ‘Khan’ they survive?

My blog was started  so we read about all those who have the grit and granite to stand against all odds and pave a path.Over the months, many have  expressed a desire to share their  views and write  on various issues  well I thought why not ? my blog can be  the platform to host the guest posts which may lead to  a healthy debate and interaction of minds bringing in  positive impacts. Well, here is the first post for all the readers.

Introduction : Anjum is a  very dear friend whom I admire for reasons more than one.Patience, kindness, empathy rolled neatly is what she is all about. She handles her lows and highs with pronounced dignity. A brilliant home maker and mother to two grown up boys. Battling with emotions and the tide within she has evolved with simple but firm  steps.Professionally  is  teaching  colloquial english to working adults  at  Yashwant Rao Chavan Hall at Nariman Point and also finds time to help the under privileged children to battle with their struggle to understand and do well with their syllabus.An excellent cook she has been holding classes on her favorite mantra ” leftovers can be made interestingly new ”

ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT IN THE NGO                                             Anjum Peerbhoy

Penaz Masani the enamored Gazal Singer  with impeccable Urdu eloquence,  a peerless voice, a soul so untouched ,she  so childlike, having an aura dipped in simplicity. Her striking face outlined with  her golden locks is bewitching, her smile a Rubato…she leaves me  wondering how can one have such a perfect blend of beauty of mind body and soul.

Impromptu Picture

Penaz  leaves a stamp of her unique voice and brand be it Gazals , Peppy Pop, or Bollywood. To quote Penaz “I enjoy singing pop too  Lakeereh  the album where I had worked with Shanatanu Moitre, he is so  brilliant and talented  I loved every moment of it “. Way back in 1981  Jaidev the famous music composer who spotted her talent at a musical participation, well  Penaz has surely  taken his vision beyond imagination. She has received many awards and  performed across the globe since then.

Penaz Born into a Parsi family that had roots in Hindustani classical, “her  father was a disciple of Ustad Faiyaz Khan Sahib of Agra gharana.  She  took lessons in classical music under the tutelage of Ustad Amanat Hussein Khan. Later learning ghazals from Madhurani.  To quote Penaz “Madhurani Ji is the only artist on this planet  who performs for the Gods, who is born for pure music”.

As I sat to chat heart to heart , she poured out  in no hurry, she at her best and me having to catch up every time she  used perfect Urdu words in the conversation, a thought crossed my mind that where we Parsis are at times made fun of our broken Hindi and we enjoy even that,  it felt as if Penaz made up  for the whole community across the Globe.

This one time it is not as easy for me to capture the complete essence of my chat and put it into the right words, my attempt to write about a person whom I have always admired more as a human, as a friend, as a doting and caring daughter that she is, she  who is so devoid of star tantrums and airs.

Q. You have such a lovely voice, how do you maintain it and what efforts you take.

A. Really have I got such a lovely voice? You really think so ? I am so tc.ouched . No regime I am grateful to God, I do my riyaz as often but more than all this am grateful to be blessed that I have the  shade, the blessings  of my guru Madhurani.

Q. Where did you pick up such Chaste Urdu?

I brushed up my language under the guidance of Professor Nizamuddin Ghorekar at St. Xavier College in Mumbai. He taught me chaste Lucknowi Urdu.”Shall I share with you a little secret? It will make you smile when I was a tiny 3 year old Mom took me to Karachi and we stayed for a little over 2 months where we had a Pathan care taker and I picked up a lot of language fluency there for sure  and on return my dad could really feel the difference , and was very pleased.

Q. How would you recall the time in the year 2009 when Condolence messages were mixed with congratulation messages.

A. Yes when we received a call from the Government Office informing that I am one of the recipiants of The  Padma Shree , my mom heard this and was very pleased but sadly  in weeks to come she was no more and I had to finish her 4th day prayers and leave for Delhi, in the ceremony I will not say I was grieved , the events had left me blank , and like in midst of claps echoing I realized that I was happy that mom knew I was getting this award. Everyone who knew me did not know whether to first offer me condolences or congratulations well this is a part of life.

Q. In 2003, a tour organized by the Council for Cultural Relations and the Indian High Commission,  you performed in different countries including some African countries. How u remembers that experience & what was was the response of audience there?

A.When I was away at Ghana and other places I realized that music known’s no Genre.. The audience did not understand the language but they have enjoyed and danced to every tune every beat this left me so touched. When we visited an underprivileged school and I sang for them they were lean , frail but listening to music they had endless energy to dance, they did not tire that moment is so precious and still so very fresh in my memory.

Q. Television programs and your views on them.

A. I love COLOR channel , the programs are good, and I specially like the way they outline the character of women. The shows are entertaining  and plus very meaningful. We need more and more such shows that will ignite awareness and bring about changes in the society and the way we look at certain stigmas.

Q. I do not want you to think of cords,  sur taal music riyaz total unplugged  answer for all my readers …  you looks are awesome you have charm, your voice is mesmerizing hundreds of men must have found you attractive still you missed romancing was it due to your dedication to Gazal ? What you look most for in a man?

The room was filled with her laughter, she found my question amazing and  this is what she said to me

A.  ‘Nwaz brilliant Gazal singers have married not once but twice and thrice , so it is not that my gazals have kept me away from romancing it just did not happen, but who knows if I meet the right person and god has it planned then it shall happen. I think humor is a must , a person who has it can take care of many situations with ease , don’t you think so ?

Yes  I do ….Amen!

I wish to say a big thanks to Yashaswi K Deepak for helping me with the questions and hope I have done well with them.

Exclusive  answers only for the  readers of aspiringpeople.com and fans

Exclusive & Exotic tour from the head to the heart and beyond with Abhijeet Patil   CEO of Raja Rani Travels

PRELUDE: The Late Shri. Raja Patil  founder, established Raja Rani Travels with a vision of providing the common man with an opportunity to explore our beautiful country, dedicated efforts, a spirit of national patriotism and a belief, “Learn to travel & travel to learn. He left his vision and legacy to his sons. This journey of over 50 years has been truly ornate. Evident Business growth, the patrons and their loyalty says it all.

Abhijeet to me is placed high on my list of men I admire. Simply outstanding, emotional, traditional, humble, steadfast and has  percolating charm which all those who know him will instantly agree with.

He is unembellished when it comes to politics the leaders and our nation. He can fearlessly enter a lion’s den and assert his expressions and views, Recently he made headlines when the Marathi papers carried his interview where he said we sure need a Hitler there is no way out, at the same time  he is too shy and humble  to openly discuss the many social obligations which he fulfills this just goes on to endorse my view that he is a perfect gentleman. When it comes to his corporate profile one cant help but just marvel at his brilliance in repertoire.

Well as I sat across his desk, with our youth deputy by my side who were eager to hear him   to see and find out what travels through his heart, to his head ….here is what I have for all to read.

“Since my father passed away I feel like the Peter Pan in me has died” As he voiced this one line when I asked him that what “you miss most in your busy schedule” his eyes his emotions said the story of all the years that he had no time to pause for simple joys as he had the corporate steering and the speed and caution to take care off, the wheels of values, commitments, dreams and a brand.

Q. At times I get a feel that you have mastered to blend virtues with emotions in commercial sector of travel and sustained with matchless pace.

A. After my father died we had a legacy of values, ideals to carry forward plus with the changing times, I could not stagnate my business we were at a crossroads keeping also the business dynamics in mind things were not easy but we have managed to have growth and also feel satisfied that we are happy to come out as a brand that infuses trust and values.

Q. With the Payola and corruption in our country how does it effect the business and the principals one wants to follow.

A.I recall the railway getting computerized still there were ways offered to us to make sure we get our tickets as and when we want, but we refused to be a part of a system and stood on firm ground. We never have a single under the table deal from our travel house. I have followed this legacy till date. When we aimed to propel Marathi and the Maharashtrians on an international platform and we pitched and won the Travel partner contracts for all the three international delegations’ I put my proposals on the table for the patron, and that is transparent  enough for them to decide that we will live up to the high expectations and the products are priced accordingly.

I am proud that the next three are also given to us, and this was unanimously agreed by all without any uproar this it self speaks volumes of the faith of our patrons in us and the quality of our products planned with total dedication and needs.

Q. Kashmir valley and tourism is more an emotional sector than commercial for your travel house

A. Yes after my father we have tried to keep the fire burning I sternly believe that if there are ten terrorists out there we do not want the eleventh one go that way due to poverty. Thus this sector is not just about commerce it is about the valley being green. After my late father we have continued to improve tourism with all the innovative ideas and government help.

I recalls the day when militancy was at its peak in the valley I had gone to Baramulla where some cricket matches were being played locally and the organizers requested me to fly in some actors if I  could manage with no time loss.

I thought of something else and managed to get cricket bats and two dozen T shirts autographed by none other than the master “Sachin” Indian Films and cricket are a passion which crosses all barriers I still can feel the echo the electrifying response, uproar the rush and chaos and thrill Sachin’s name brought about I have no words to describe that moment. That too in the valley where militancy was at its peak

Q. This question Devanshi , Krish and Farrhad cornered him with wanting to know his : Patriotic Nostalgia views and disappointments :

A. The Indian Flag flies high on our building all the 365 days, the entire facade of our building is in the colors of he National Flag. I interact with leaders and politicians all the time many I have grown up with in this Shivaji Park area, which is home to me “I may sound pessimistic to you all at this moment but when it comes to our country politics and its ways it is “Either your break or you bend” A minister who was no more than a daily laborer has over 400 crores in his house fleecing the nation, that too in a state like Jharkhand, where there is poverty for all to see.

”Seeing all this even if one of us decides to stand for elections and wins a seat then too what changes can we bring about when the entire system is in the hands of greed and power which is openly misused.

Beyond a point patriotic feeling goes not just to a level of frustration but to a level of actually giving up. Today if my daughter decides to go abroad and study, well I will understand her and surely see her point of view and agree with her decision.

Q. Any new ventures, variance or remodeling  in the pipeline seeing the turn the tourism industry is taking.

A.To change your Doctor, Travel Agent, and Lawyer is a very difficult task The Indian consumer is changing rapidly. Consumers now value convenience and choice on a par with getting value for their hard earned money. A range of modern retailers is attempting to serve the needs of the ‘new’ Indian consumer

Come what may there is not substitute for “Goodwill” “Contacts” & “Experience”

Globe hoppers – roll out We plan to have a launch on the 26^th of January 2010 The concept is to be able to have an Outlet within  arms reach of the target audience. In keeping with this, we have identified a roll out to encapsulate various categories of cities and towns and hope to achieve 100 outlets within three years.

A potential customer on the ‘faceless’ internet highway, gets immediate and personalized attention at the nearest outlet next to him (in a mall Shoppe), boosting convergence

Q. One teaser as we parted…if you are in the Grand Canyon, who would you love to be stranded with? And would you ask your desk to organize an immediate assistance?

A. Demi Moore Grand Canyon and me sounds perfect and  I will make sure my office sends no assistance at all …..

He had made my day as he had given enough food for thought to our youth they were smitten by his multifaceted charming demure personality on coming out they said “Ooff what a Dude he is and we can learn so much from him, we must come again to meet him” yes we have learnt a lot and we will keep learning from all those who live life on firm ground, like our Abhijeet.

Exclusive answers and views  for our readers of aspiringpeople.com

Nwaz

A big thanks to Krish Kapadia for giving us such a  lovely picture

Devanshi Jaiswal and Farrhad for helping me compile the contents

A volcano of talent, mysterious, an electrifying presence and a voice that can ignite an entire forest- is what I believe Manasi Scott is all about……

A woman of many paths, born to a South Indian father and a Punjabi mother she has the blend of brains and beauty. Brilliant in academics, she pursued a degree in software engineering, and a Post Graduation degree in Film and Television Production, somewhere down the path realization dawned that she would feel most happy being a ‘LIVE” performer.

Performing for over four years with close to a 500 shows to her credit. She has worked relentlessly. She is the first Indian singing sensation to be signed on as the brand ambassador for Reebok IIFAA- Bangkok 2008 , Fashion.

Being married with a child may seem barricades for any girl in the glamor or film world, but Manasi does not regret any of her decisions. Manasi is proud of motherhood and believe in giving quality time to her child.

She has been strongly vocal about the casting couch in the industry . At its own pace her hard work and pure dedication brought about her transition into movies with Sanjay Gupta’s Acid Factory, she composed wrote and sang the peppy track “Khatti Meethi” which was voted as the hottest video of 2009 My MSN.com

She is a pillar of strength, multitasking, she is strong enough to not let her voice tremble even if there is a rattling nerve!! This is the Manasi I admire. l like her performances but I admire her as a women too thus I decided to share this talk and her views, that she is a woman of substance will become evident in the following exclusive interview. Cheers!!!!!

Excerpts:

Manasi you are charmingly bewitching with a magical stage persona . Your voice is like the clouds in the sky – holding all the moisture but still gliding smooth. On stage you are like a shower of talent, your voice, your sway, your beauty – the entire ensemble leaves one in total ecstasy.

“Nwaz, I’m amazed, humbled and a trifle embarrassed by how unabashedly you have piled on the adjectives and compliments surely I am not all this.”

Q: How do you manage to be so electrifying every time you are on stage?

A: I love everything about being the stage – the lights, action, audience… It’s where I truly get to be what I have always dreamt of. The rest I leave it to God.

Q: I find your fashion mantra magical…

A: It’s strange how much I have been trashed for my fashion sense in India, by journalists who really have no idea about what’s in, what’s not, or how something should be worn. And yet I am appreciated where it matters. I love clothes, dolling up, make-up, shoes, bags, great food, good places and I find something magically fashionable in all of it – in all I do. Its just not about buying big brands. I love owning a piece of minds that I respect and admire – Gucci, Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Marni, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu & Nikhil and now even Anand Kabra. I love it so much that to me high-fashion, is enduring and fun to be in.

Q: Where do you derive you strength from?

A: God and my son Zephan. Of course, my parents have always been a huge support system as well.

Q: Has there been any incident in your life that has made a deep impact on you?

A: At times there were incidents and moments which have left me saddened and disillusioned, making me loose faith in what I believed in, but I gathered courage to move forward  and as I reflect back the journey of  rediscovering myself has left a deep impact in my life, leaving me more alive and aware.

Q: It seems post-pregnancy you had a magic wand to get back into shape…

A: Oh, am not still in shape, yet. I’m such a foodie…cannot eat sensibly. My husband spent three months training me this year and that has now inspired me to be regular with my workouts. That is the only way.

Q: How do you deal with stress and peer pressure?

A: Chatting with God, back to back movies, desserts, great wine, food and dumb charades nights with friends.

Q: And what about your omnipresent chic looks?

A: Thank you. I work hard at how I want to look. I dress up for myself. And the process is always exciting.

Q: Are there any childlike dreams you harbor?

A: Winning a Grammy in a mainstream category and an Oscar and all Indian awards in the same year.

Amen!

Nwaz A.

I Am Still The Same Unaltered…….

I am very passionate, and my family always knew that I have my heart on my sleeve and I would flaunt it at the onset be it in friendship, love ,relationships, I wanted to make it work with all effort irrespective of any contribution being there or not the hurry to please was prime.

I recall when we use to make dolls at home, from old rags and I would work to make sure that my doll looks sexy, and ritzy, even then that was my priority .If  I decided to make my doll wear Indian Sari  i would  put a dash of glitter on  and make it look elegant, simple joys but they are reflections. I am still the same, unaltered.

My aunt hurt me as a rule when she gave me the thinnest slice of cake but I was taught that the thought matters thus I ate the cake and thanked her with a smile , she has not changed she still makes sure I get the crumbs and my smile is still consistent, and my nature unaltered to thank her for thinking of me, really I am truly grateful that she still thinks of me before the end.

We use to have our annual fate at school and all would put food stalls, ring the ball and get a biscuit pack and similar stuff. At home I would have romantic plans for the fate ,I would decided on a juke box concept by selecting the records of Hindi movie songs boys were allowed to enter our campus and the thought was pulsating thus I would ply with this idea of a list of romantic songs played on request , my counter use to be the epicenter of fun. And many would play the request for me that would make my day if a guy played four songs for me then he would get a discount even then I knew how to trade I am the same unaltered .

Our principal use to be in a state of shock , but I would try hard and  explanation  that we are doing it for a cause to collect money for the orphan children I could convince her even at that age? I would collect the highest revenue my lessons learnt then that simple charm is enough if you are passionate about the outcome.

I got permission to read my Mills and Boons I would dream of marrying the widower or the Attorney Journal ” he is so lonely and kind and has a lovely villa I want to marry him and take care of his 15 year old daughter who is a brat,” when I decided to marry, I knew what I wanted from my marriage ,I was the same unaltered,

All the roses in our garden were plucked by me to find out “he loves me “he love me not” I am still the same, I  pluck the roses for my son …to find out if “she loves him or loves him not”

I style as my men at home and around appreciate it.

For a cause I still come up with charm mantras’ ……..I am still the same unaltered

Nwaz

“I have believed in being ruthlessly transparent and always argued on grounds of principle. This has upset some “powerful” men from time to time, but truth has invariably prevailed,” says Vivek Jain, Chairman Media and Marketing Committee, of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC,) makes some thought-provoking points in a candid chat with Nwaz A.

Jain is passionate about horse racing. And if there is one thing he would like to change it is the mindset of the masses that horse racing is a gambling. He appreciates the power of the media and wants it educate and enlighten the people that horse racing is a fun-filled sport and not a means of gambling.

He has a point. There are official betting kiosks in cricket grounds in England, but then cricket is not perceived as a gambling. These betting kiosks are above board and functioning openly – not clandestinely.

My association with horse racing has helped me brush shoulder with the who’s who horse racing over the decades. Without sounding like an expert, I can say with a degree of conviction that Jain’s ability to attract lucrative sponsorships has been responsible in a plethora of joyous afternoons at the turf.

The Jains

Racing is a megabuck fraternity – an industry with huge involvement of breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys and punters. Brand-conscious corporates have been quick to be associated with a sport that has attracted the crème de la crème of the society. There cannot be a better place for high-powered brands to parade their products than this playground of the swish society.

I have, for long, been a silent admirer of Jain and his marketing genius, dedication to the sport and, not the least, for being one of the kindest human beings and a perfect gentleman. And it’s these qualities that have helped him score thumping victories year after year, so much so that it seems like a birthright! It’s a tradition since the time of his father and the victories are an acknowledgement of the popularity and confidence he enjoys among the members for his unflagging commitment to the sport.

Excerpts from an interview with Vivek Jain:

Education: “I did my schooling at the Cathedral and John Conon, Mumbai. I got my B.Com. from Sydenham College, University of Bombay. I hold two Masters’ degrees – an M.M.S. from Bajaj Institute, Mumbai and an M.B.A, from Babson College, USA.”

Corporate life: “I joined the family business in the mid 1980s. DCW is a publicly-listed company primarily in the business of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. I head the company’s PVC division.”

Inspiration: “My grandfather was a great inspiration in my formative years. A self-made man, he endeared himself to leaders and people from all walks of life. His finest qualities were his humility, approachability and hospitality to one and all. You don’t find people like him anymore.”

Guiding light: ”Yes, my father has provided me the foundation in my business life, and continues to be a support and advisor.”

Family: “My wife and kids are a great support and we are a close-knit family. My wife has stood by me in good and difficult times and is a good judge of people. She always inspires me to bring out my best. My kids are still young but are loving and respectful always.”

Passion: “I have been very involved with the turf club. It is a passion, and in life one must find a passion outside work. The objective would be to take it to greater heights and make the sport more acceptable to larger sections of society.”

RWITC elections: “I have contested several RWITC elections. I have done well and there is a sense of pride and satisfaction that my work is appreciated and recognized by the members.”

Disharmony: “I am not going to fight Poonawalla for the Chairman’s post as I am not desperate to become the club chairman.”

“It is unfortunate that committee members have to fall in line with the party diktat to ensure their positions and those who stand up to their conscience are seen as a threat or obstructive. It’s destroying the very fabric of this great club.”

Principles: “I have never been dissuaded from giving my 100%, even if people have worked against me. The RWITC is a public body, and there is bound to be politics. I have believed in being ruthlessly transparent and always argued on grounds of principle. This has upset some “powerful” men from time to time, but truth has invariably prevailed.”

Marketing mantra: “Horse-racing could get a huge boost in our country only if the government casts a more benevolent look at it and allows the telecast of races in its sport programs. That will help the sport attract more corporate sponsorship as the corporates can look forward to their brands getting nationwide visibility.”

Thoughts: “We would like to see the government allow foreign horses race on Indian Turf to make the sport more interesting.”

Dreams: “My dream for the racing fraternity is to make it more of a sport to be enjoyed by the family, by bringing in elements of leisure and recreation. The dream is to see a quantum change in the mindset the sport is perceived by the general public.”

I ended the interview by throwing a teaser at him: “What if you and Katrina Kaif were to bid for the same horse at an auction?”

Jain’s laughed before replying: “I will let her have the philly. In fact, I may ask her to be the brand ambassador for the RWITC. And pushing my luck further I may ask her for a one leg partnership (25%)! If wishes were horses…!!!” (laughs)

Global Warming and its consequences  is not a matter of concern only for the scientists or the government,  today we all are worried and are taking positive steps to contribute.Research departments are working round the clock ,there are groups fighting for this cause. Schools have projects revolving this concern , we hear  long speeches by concerned citizens all over the globe at every given opportunity.