Raigad Trek - April 28 2013

It was another one of those fine overnight treks to the capital of Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom RAIGAD with WTAC, Pune. Just before the start of the trek it was tasty dinner consisting of homemade chappatis, potato vegetable and amrakhand. We began the climb at around 12 30 am on Sunday in full moonlight which also consists of 1452 steps and took just more than an hour. Then caught some sleep for about 2 hours in the erstwhile Bazar peth and was woken up early in the morning by the beating of the drum in the Nagaarkhana. 2 years ago when I had trekked to this place it gave me the impression that it is an easy trek. But mind it, if you visit all the points on the fort it is one hell of an adventure. It includes Takmak point, Bhavani point, Bara taaki, Wagh darwaza and Hirkani buruz apart from the normal points like, Samadhi, Jagdishwar temple, Rani mahal, etc. After a good lunch it was time to descend in the hot afternoon sun and the best part was running down the steps. A big thank you to the trek leader Prasad Wagh for all the information about the finer details of Raigad and for turning an easy trek into a wild trek. Something which only an expert can do.

Movie Review - Aashiqui 2

Watched " Aashiqui 2 " - A sad love story. One of the most hyped movies in 20013 starring Aaditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in lead roles. The plot involves an alcohol addict yesteryears rockstar who is hell bent on destroying his career and life and a plain Jane, girl next door who is willing to do anything which includes sacrificing her high fledged career for her love. The first half is well made and gives you the impression of a superhit movie but alas there is nothing feel good about the second half. The movie ends on a negative note. The songs are a hit. Shraddha Kapoor has succeeded in recreating the magic created by Anu Agarwal in the first part. She will make you fall in love with her character. Aaditya is just ok types. The script is a mismatch. It would have been apt for the other franchisees of the Bhatt camp movies. This movie is no where close to getting a cult status like the Rahul Roy - Anu Agarwal starrer AASHIQUI.

Movie Review - Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asta

Watched " Prem Mhanje Prem Mhanje Prem Asta " - A light hearted romantic Marathi drama involving married people. It marks the directorial debut of veteran actress Mrunal Kulkarni. The other cast includes Sachin Khedekar, Rahul Barve, Mohan Agashe, Suhas Joshi and Pallavi Joshi. The plot describes how people who are single after marriage long for love. A decent script but fails to do justice to the star cast. Elderly people would be able to relate to the story.

Bhairavgad ( Moroshi ) trek 14th April

Trekked to Bhairavgad(Moroshi) on Sunday. Another one of those great experiences with Trek Mates India. It began with a bumpy ride in the govt red dabba bus from Kalyan to Moroshi. A night trek from Moroshi to the base plateau just before Bhairavgad peak. On the way received darshan of a big black scorpion which posed for a good 5 minutes before disappearing in the dark. After a rest of about 2 hours resumed climb on the rock patch. It was risky at some points and the final frontier where you cannot climb without a harness and support from others. A person weighing 90-95 kgs like me could only complete it bcoz of the efforts, support and motivation received from the leaders at time when my body was just not responding to my mind. And how can I forget the spirit of TMI and untiring efforts of the leaders Vikram Singh O Positive and Vishal Khond and other co-ordinators. Especially the Retrieve Green Bag mission. That was something really a feel good factor for all the trekmates in the end. Cheers !!!

Movie Review - Ek Thi Daayan

Watched " Ek Thi Daayan " - A supernatural thriller revolving around witches. A doubtful murder in the past, a shady building and a magician are a part of the plot. Another horror story with a twist and a turn. There's nothing great about the script, screenplay or direction. Emran, Konkona, Kalki and Huma have done a decent job. This movie is scary in bits but not that impressive. It could make for a good watch this weekend.

Movie Review - COMMANDO - The One Man Army

Watched " COMMANDO - The One Man Army " - Finally Bollywood has a real action hero to boast of in the form of Vidyut Jamwal. The action sequences and stunts are just breath taking and a treat to watch. The plot involves the story of an Indian para commando who is captured by the Chinese and the events that follow after that. The action and cinematography is the USP of this movie. It has been shot in some scenic locales and picturesque forests. To speak of the other cast Jaideep Ahlawat has given a decent performance as the villain. The pretty Puneri girl and Ex Miss India Pooja Chopra adds to your viewing pleasure. There is nothing different about the story. Watch it for the sake of Vidyut Jamwal for pure undiluted action. A must watch for action lovers.

Harishchandragad Trek ( Nalichi Vaat ) 7th April 2013

After a long 2 year wait finally got an opportunity to trek to Harishchandragad ( via Nalichi Vaat), one of the most difficult treks in the Sahyadri Mountains. A dream trek and it's not even been a day after this trek has been completed and I still can't believe I actually completed it. After considering the climb on the loose rocks, the difficult rock patches it was a mind blowing and learning experience, a test of endurance, will power and self motivation.There are about 4 difficult rock patches wherein I completed the 1st and 3rd without any help, the 2nd was done with a rope and the 4th was a chimney climb. The altitude covered in this trek is the highest in any trek, even higher than Kalsubai after considering the fact that this trek began at base village Valivhare or Bailpada which is at 600 metres above sea level. A big confidence booster for future treks. I don't think any trek would sound difficult after this one. Normally this trek is done over two days but here it was completed in one day which involved 6 and a half hour ascend via Nalichi Vaat involving a 18 km climb and 4 hour descend via Tolar Khind/ Khireshwar which involved a 10 km trek . A big thanks to Prasad Wagh and his team at Wild Trek Adventure Club, Pune for all the expertise, support and motivation without which it was impossible for me. Apart from trekking, this trek has also got me hooked to rock climbing now.

Movie Review - Chashme Baddoor

Watched " Chashme Baddoor " - A cheeky, cheesy romantic comedy and it goes by it's tagline Har ek dost kameena hota hain. Ali Zafar plays the main lead aptly supported by Siddharth and Divyendu Sharma ( Liquid from Pyar ka Punchnama ). It is a pleasure to watch Rishi Kapoor as the cool goan dude Joseph Furtado and Lilette Dubey who play's his love interest. Anupam Kher and newbie Taapsee Pannu are the additional packages. I dont think it is anywhere close to the old classic by the same name but could do for a one time watch.