Peepli .. life .. goes .. on
If you have ever lived in a village with similar living situation’s as ‘Peepli’ , the movie ‘Peepli Live’ will entertain, engage and will also infuriate and sadden.
The central narration of the movie that follows the ‘suicide threat’ of an Indian farmer is important, serious and strong but the integration of other issues like the political blame game, TRP friendly journalism, the great urban rural divide, lack of materialistic emotions in the rural context and even the enterprising nature of the nations people make this a unique movie – almost like the movies of yesteryear that found comedy in the middle class plight.
The ‘emotionless’ approach to suicide for gaining money, visuals of the urban brigade departing leaving behind a pile of garbage and the ride from rural to the urban stopping for just a second at the billboard “More space, more luxury” are memorable and hard hitting shots.
Although, the issue of farmer suicide is no news for India, no real reform or relief seems to be in sight. Incidentally I had written about this very same topic in 2006 , the context and content of which are just as relevant 4 years hence.
Entertainment or serious cinema Peepli Live is a must watch, and I hardly ever say that.
Hakims Aalim Revisited
I believe that service should not be judged based on one visit but rather be reviewed after at least three visits, this is true for restaurant’s and Hair and Tattoo Lounges ( in this case for Hakim Aalim, Hyderabad).
Hence, after my fourth visit to this salon, I guess it is time for a re-review.
Despite my first experiences (read post here), I did revisit this place for may reasons not the least of which is lack of options and the fact that a haircut here, somehow seemed to show visible improvement in hair growth.
All the subsequent visits after the first review have met expectations, and despite the steep service charges I would recommend this place for getting your hair styled, as I have yet to come across a better place within Hyderabad in terms of the quality of service.
Herbal Facial – taken to the next level
This weekend I went to the famed ‘spa street’ looking for the much praised foot therapy and rejuvenating massages. I had heard so much about these spas that it was easy to ignore safer options like L’Oréal which were peperred on the way.
The entire spa was fresh with the aroma of rose petals and I could already feel relaxation setting in as I waited for the ‘herbal facial therapy’ to begin.
As the relaxing music of the spa was turned on and the cubes of ice placed on my eyes I was so glad that I choose to finally come here.
A thought too soon – just when I was feeling that the therapy was worth every penny, I got a little more herbal treatment than I had paid for.
The message therapist’s hand reeked of all kinds of spices – almost every pungent kind that I have encountered in my entire life. Definitely not the kind of herbal facial I had in mind, I had to close my nose and run out before I started smelling like meat ready to be barbecued.
Hakim’s Aalim (Hyderabad) haircut review – Two thumbs down
And that’s the lowest rating on my scale.
This hair and tattoo salon was opened in Hyderabad sometime in April 2008 amidst much publicity. After all it has given some of the Bollywood stars their defining locks. They claim- Everyone in the film industry right from Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi and Salman Khan, Adnan Sami, Kajol, Saif Ali Khan, Sunny Deol, Tanushree Datta and Anil Kapoor, have got a snip from Aalims magic scissors. I hope that they meant that literally because more than a snip and the bollywood stars would be reeling with bad hair days and a sure shot dive in their film careers.
With prices as high as this you would expect a brilliant haircut or atleast a superb experience, but do you get that? Nope, not even close.
My experience:
I called up the Hakim’s Aalim salon on 24th of May to fix an appointment for my friend and me, at 6 p.m on the same day. All went as expected, the lady fixed the appointment and told me she would give a call at 5:30 p.m to confirm the appointment.
I received a call at 5:30 p.m from Hakim’s Aalim to confirm the appointment. Nothing .. till then, could be questioned about the brand.
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 1:
After a few minutes of waiting on arrival one of the staff tells me that the stylist that I wanted is unavailable, however a senior stylist is free. This despite my appointment.
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 2:
The fact that I was not informed about the stylists (top, senior etc.) at any point during my call or on arrival. ( The details on the prices and stylists were known to me because I like researching the brands that I use and found out about this from their website, and from a friend who had visited the salon a week ago.)
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 3:
When I informed him that the appointment was with a top stylist, he looked slightly taken aback and mumbled “Yes yes, she is also the top stylist.”
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 4:
All this while they completely forgot that the appointment was for two people - WE had to remind them. Then the arrangements were made for my friend’s haircut!!!!
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 5:
Their so called “Top-Stylist” could only suggest a ‘step-cut’ – The reason given I had curly hair and her imagination couldn’t think beyond a step-cut.
Lady, if I wanted a step-cut I could have gone to Habib’s (which by the way is any day better) or Latitudes , or for that matter any neigbourhood parlour. Why claim yourself to be top-stylist if you offer exactly what the street parlour offers?? I mean what the hell are you the top-stylist for?
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 6:
I still had hope, thinking the execution may be better .. you know the final touches, removal of frizz , magical removal of split ends .. something!!
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 7:
You get a very ordinary haircut for a price that could ensure just the same or even a better haircut and money left for one more haircut!! My super normal haircut cost me a very unjustified Rs. 975/- and my friends cost Rs. 575/- .
Why not to visit Hakim’s Aalim Salon, Hyderabad Reason 8:
Better and more professional outlets available, with less hype and talk and more satisfactory results. Where you ask? Well you could try this , this or even the likes of this ( The first two recommended are from my personal experience, the third does come recommended – just not from me!).
Based on better experience, better hair and all that at a lesser price.
One plus point about the visit : I would have otherwise not known how crappy the place is.
June 15, 2009: The day I revisited Hakim’s Aalim after much thought, did this visit change the way I feel about this place? Read here.
Hakims Aalim Revisited
June 15, 2009
Om Shanti Om
Director Farah Khan
Cast Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Shreyas Talpade, Kiron Kher, Bindu
Plus:
- The movie is enjoyable in the first half.
- Deepika Padukone’s radiance, which lights up the screen.
Minus:
- Doesn’t take too long to know that the film promises much more than it can deliver.
- The film tries to cash too much on the “Dekho Dekho” song.
- Deepika hardly has anything to do post intermission.
- Dard-e-Disco as a part of the movie disappoints – its merely an excuse for song and dance.
Takeaway:
- Deepikas screen presence.
- Dard-e-Disco – Too catchy to be ignored.
So Finally:
Watch it if you are a Shahrukh fan, don’t go looking for a fabulous lovestory that spans two lifetimes.
If you want to watch Deepika perform, the rushes on TV should do - that’s pretty much her role in the movie.
Rating:
3.5/10