Tandoori Chicken at Cafeteria of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor

Couple of days back Detroit News was reporting that Indians are the largest Asian Population in the Metro Detroit Area (link). This has translated to India related businesses which are opening up in quite a few places in the Metro Detroit Area. For eg:

• Couple of India related Movie Theaters (SR Movies, Detroit Desi Cinema)
• Tons of Indian Grocery Stores
• Indian Restaurants have opened up in quite a few places (link)

Yesterday, I was at St. Joseph Mercy, Ann Arbor (my wife was in surgery). During lunch hour I took a stroll to the cafeteria and guess what I saw as "Chef's Special" - Tandoori Chicken with Basmati Rice (priced at $4.68). Immediate thought was that there must be lot of Indian Doctors at St. Joseph.

I bet in couple of months we will see Bollywood related (24/7) FM station in the Metro Detroit Area. Who knows Blockbuster might rent out Bollywood Movies.

What other changes do you think might take place?

Music review: Jab We Met

Jab We Met, with the real life love duo as reel life love duo, the Shahid-Kareena starrer, is set to be released on October 26th 2007. Shahid and Kareena were seen together in Fida, 36 China Town, which may not have tasted the box office success, but showcased their acting talents very well. I remember this partcular scene in Fida, when Shahid cries his heart out in a train remembering her smiling treachery. The boy has it all and Kareena is a vibrant actress with plenty of screen presence. Be sure to check out our local Novi, Mi theatres for show timings on October 26th 2007.

Music is composed by Pritam and lyrics are penned by Irshad Kamil. The movie is directed by Imtiaz Ali. The album has 6 original tracks, 3 remixes and an instrumental. This album, being young and vibrant as it is, is going to be hummed for long, for sure.

Mauja hi Mauja

The album starts with Mika Singh's Mauja hi Mauja. An instant racer that gets your feet up. The visual is sparkling and is oodles of eye candy with Shahid and Kareena against a lit up backdrop. Shahid is a sharp dancer. Despite being short of a few inches in height (in general, not shorter than Kareena, :-)), he dances like a dream. Modern bhangra and reggae fusion make it stand out in the album. A remix version is presented later.

Tum se hi

We are driven into this velvet flavour with Mohit Chauhan's rendition of Tum se hi. Thanks to some of these music directors, Pritam, ShankEzLoy combo, who keep bringing back melody in the age of head-banging music. Wonderfully penned lyrics, mild score, smooth flute and a lovely voice make this an instant favorite. Could have done without the aa-aa-aa-aa bits. The remix version was so not required. While the vocals retain their pace, beats are just sped up in the remix version.

Yeh ishq hai

Instant deja-vu of Mahiya by Suzanne from Awarapan, which by the way, was also composed by Pritam. While that lass was a funky topper, Shreya Ghosal, falls a few ounces short of the punch, needed for this song. Fused together with Reggae and Middle eastern styles, the song is appealing, in a unique way. The remix version looses a little and sounds confusing at fusion spots. Pritam would have been at risk if, he casted Suzanne again for this song, it would have been totally identical.

Nagada Nagada baja

Back to bhangra fusion. Sonu Nigam renders the vocals for this song, showcasing the Punjabi Shan. The song is passable considering the bhangra beats galore, floating around our world.
Sonu delivers ample energy as demanded by the track and the score.

Aao milo chalo

My favorite singer shows up finally. Smoothly slipped in by Shaan, the song sports lovely guitar work. You can see how masterfully Pritam sways his subdued rock rhythms around the song. The semi classical interlude by Ustad Sultan Khan(of recent Ustad and the Divas fame) adds that distant indi pop touch. Gets my full score.

Aaoge jab tum

It is nice to see Pritam stick to our classical roots once in a while, despite his rock image. His recent composition 'Mere Dholna' from Bhool Bhulaiya is such one. None other than the Padma Shri Ustad Rashid Khan sang this lovely semi-classical track. The sargam at the end is soothing and the track serves right for a pining, waiting lovestruct lad.

Tum se hi Instrumental

A complete rip off (read 'inspiration' for politically being correct) from the Titanic theme. Pritam is more than capable of producing quality music so, I am little disappointed with this being a copy. Enjoyable however, the track is ice cream glazed with enchanting flute on the lead and mild orchestra to accompany.


Jab we met is refreshingly pleasing to the ear and some tunes will stay among us for a longer time. The sneak peaks are already promising, albeit with the risk of looking similar to Dilwale dulhaniya le jayenge (missing trains, loosing tracks, falling in love, all that good stuff) and numerous others who followed DDLJ religiously later.


The album gets my ***1/2 stars. Write your thoughts to us.

Early Fall Sunrise - Plymouth, Michigan

Early Fall Sunrise as seen from Plymouth, Michigan - 09/25/2007

Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling, India wins INDIAN IDOL 3

Congratulations to Prashant Tamang and Darjeeling, India! Prashant Tamang wins Indian IDOL 3.

Indian Americans in FORBES Richest Americans List

FORBES has come out with a list of 400 richest men in America. There are 4 Indian Americans in the list. Here they are:

Amar Bose, 77
Rank: 271
Net Worth: $1.8 Billion
Source: Manufacturing, Self made
Hometown: Framingham, Massachusetts
Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Arts / Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Doctorate

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Kavitark Shriram, 51
Rank: 271
Net Worth: $1.8 Billion
Source: Google
Hometown: Mountain View, California
Education: University of Madras, Bachelor of Arts / Science
University of Michigan, Master of Business Administration

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Bharat Desai, 54
Rank: 286
Net Worth: $1.7 Billion
Source: Syntel Inc., Software, Self made
Hometown: Fisher Island, Florida
Education: Indian Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Arts / Science
University of Michigan, Master of Business Administration

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Vinod Khosla, 52
Rank: 317
Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Source: Sun Microsystems, Investments, Self made
Hometown: Menlo Park, California
Education: Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Arts / Science
Stanford University, Master of Business Administration

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Reviews of Indian Restaurants in Michigan

Please send in reviews (via comments to this post) of Indian Restaurants you have dined at in and around Michigan. What was your experience:

• Quality of Food
• Was it reasonably priced/or expensive
• Location
• How was the service

For a list of Indian Restaurants in Michigan click here. (If I have missed any please email me or leave a comment).
For a list of Indian Restaurants across United States click here.

Shanti Project launching a campaign of non-violence through the use of Theater and Acting

Shanti Project affiliated with University of Michigan school of Social work is launching a campaign of non-violence through the use of Theater and Acting.

Quote from their Brochure:

In order to promote nonviolence and peace within our homes and community, we are looking for dynamic individuals to join our groundbreaking theater troupe.

Through the use of theater and other interactive performance elements, troupe members will:

* Develop scenes
* Write scripts
* Engage audiences to spark new conversations
* Pave the way for a lasting societal impact
* Take part in community and program-sponsored events
* Perform across the Southeastern Michigan area

If you are interested (no experience necessary and all ages are welcome) and want to make a difference contact the folks at Shanti Project at 1-888-4-SHANTI or email them at shantiproject[at]umich[dot]edu

Music Review: Om Shanti Om

Om Shanti Om, which is due for a release on November 9, 2007 is a Farah Khan film, produced by Shah Rukh Khan himself under Red Chillies entertainment. Music is composed by the two cool cats, the Vishal Shekhar duo, right under the keys of Javed Akhtar's keyboard. A big handful of singers are hired for this album but then, the album has a dozen songs as well. Too many singers is not a problem, better than Himesh Reshammiya's albums where he sings all of them. Not that I dislike Himesh but, I would rather have him sing one or two and let the other songs be sung by other singers, for a variety.

The plot is tried and tested, the protogonist, a junior artist (played by Shahrukh Khan) in the bling bling industry is madly in love with a superstar (Played by Deepika Padukone, by the way, she looks stunning). Eventually Shah Rukh Khan meets an untimely demise, and is instantly reborn with memories of his ladylove and the lovely lass has already grown to an old woman now, who does not believe that her once loved man is reborn. Spooky re-incarnation theme, just right past Halloweeen. "Chances are" that it is a remake of our classic, "Karz". Hopefully, it will be a success like Karz, we have not had many re-incarnations in Bollywood lately. Check out our local Novi theatres for showtimings in November.

Ajab Si

Sung by KK.

This track is already making waves in all the desi channels and is defintely hitting the strings of a channel surfer's hearts. A lovely composition by Visheker duo and the lyrics are at their best. KK does full justice with his vocals. Did I mention Deepika Padukone looks stunning? Shah Rukh Khan looks geeky but, I bet that was part of being in the 80s backdrop. Mild beats and mellow sounds complete the composition.

Dard-E-Disco

Sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Marianne, Nisha & Caralisa.

Sprint towards thinly coated middle eastern style and we have Dard-E-Disco. Once in a while we come across some unique expressions in Bollywood. Dard-E-Disco anyone? The song is passable but, the interesting part is in the visual. Shah Rukh Khan goes the Salman way, sans the shirt and a forced tan. Only that, while the latter has a great bod, our dear cute Rahul strains himself in the tanned outfit.The song sports a remixed version by DJ Aqueel, which might find its place in head-banging discotheques.

Deewangi Deewangi

Sung by Shaan, Udit Narayan,Shreya Goshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Rahul Saxena

A peppy title track, which makes me think that this is a stage performance with all and sundry dancing. Another passable track in the album which may not have the potential to be a chartbuster, or you may never know. The rainbow remix of this track by DJ Kiran and DJ G, will remind you of Farah Khan's "feeling hot hot" from her earlier "Mein Hoon Na" on the credits roll.

Main Agar Kahoon

Sung by Sonu Nigam, Shreya Goshal

We fall back into a swing and Sonu and Shreya toss us lazily with their makhmali (Satin-esque) voices. A lovely track, albeit with some confusing but, very sweet lyrics. The composition is not a swanky arrangement but, is simplicity at its best. Perfect for a ballroom etiquette, will find its place in the bolly love ballads for sure.

Soona Lage

Sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Richa Sharma

Remember Rahat's smashing track 'Tujhe dekh dekh sona....' from Kalyug? Rahat made an unforgettable impact with that song and cahsed in a lot with desi soaps, playing that track over and over again as well. Richa Sharma has a powerful vocal to match him as well. The song may not be very appealing as it is a sad lovelorn track but, Rahat and Richa honor the track well with their powerful vocals.

Dhoom Tana

Sung by Abhijeet, Shreya Goshal

Abhijeet fits Shah Rukh's background voice perfectly since "Yes Boss" times. You listen to Abhijeet, you see Shah Rukh's face. He is fresh as ever and sings with ease. Although Shreya shrieks a little at "Kaisey..", she joins hands with Abhijeet quite well, in this peppy track. The song however, fits a Jeetendra from Caravan. Trumpets, drums, sargam, you want it, you got it.

Daastaan-E-Om Shanti Om

Sung by Shaan

We said this movie is based on re-incarnation, right? The song I have been waiting for, finally arrives. Smitten and bitten, loved and lost, believed and deceived, the song has it all it needs to bring a re-incarnate mood, and is a perfect match for the yester year's Karz's Ek Haseena thi. Karz was also based on re-incarnation and was a sensational movie. While we hold onto the classic song dearly, this song is not a failure either and we have to give all the props to Shaan. He is magnificient in the track.

And then, we have a dark side mix by Zoheb, DJ Nikhil Chinappa and DJ Nawed. I am a DJ myself and this track makes my aversion towards remixes stronger.

Om Shanti Om (Medley Mix)

There hasn't been another great medley mix after the one in Mujhse Dosti Karoge. Dard-E-Disco dominates this mix while other songs in the album play faithful flunkies around and title track fills in the fag end.

Om Shanti Om Theme Music

Instrumental

A lovely intrumental of Shaan's title track completes the album. Sweet piano and soft beats, only if, it could have been made longer. It just finishes too fast having you wait for more.

The album gets my ***1/2 stars. Write your thoughts and picks from this album.

Indian IDOL 3 vs Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007

I have been following both Indian IDOL 3 and SA RE GA MA PA 2007 very closely. In fact I have mapped out the contestants for both Indian IDOL 3 and SA RE GA MA PA 2007.

After watching last night's performance on Indian IDOL 3, I think the quality of singers in SA RE GA MA PA 2007 is much more superior.

It was the finals last night on Indian IDOL 3. One just cannot afford to make any mistakes. Both Prashant and Amit blew it last night. Prashant's mistake was however not that obvious. He recovered quickly and carried on. However everyone's favorite Amit Paul seemed completely lost after he missed a line. The look on his face along with a stunned look on Bipasha Basu's face said it all. Even the judges (who I felt were rooting for Amit Paul) had a shocked look on their face after Amit Paul's performance.

My pick for this year's Indian IDOL 3 is Prashant Tamang. What do you think?

On SA RE GA MA PA 2007 keep a eye on Aneek Dhar. He is my pick to be the winner. He is just outstanding. When Aneek Dhar sings he sounds better than the original version. Listen to this song "APNE TO APNE HOTE HAI".

Women's Day on September 23rd, 2007 at Novi, MI

Asian Indian Women's Association brings to you their 2nd Annual "Women's Day" on September 23rd, 2007 at Rock Financial Show Place, Novi, MI from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM. Check out their website for more details.

Quote from their brochure

A Power Packed Day of FUN, SEMINARS, MARKETING, SEMINARS and NETWORKING

• Indoor Event
• Explore variety of Exhibits in the main hall
• Free Prize Giveaways and Makeup tips
• Free Chair Massages to ease Stress and tension!
• Free Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol check to stay fit

Note: This is a fun filled event for women only. Children under 16 are discouraged from attending

Vapi, India and Sukinda, India amongst the most polluted cities in the world

Vapi, India and Sukinda, India are ranked in the Top 10 most polluted cities in the World (Source TIME). Check out Google Maps View of the 10 most polluted cities in the World.

Indians are the largest Asian Population in Metro Detroit

Detroit News (09/12/2007) is reporting that Asians have overtaken Hispanics to become the 2nd largest Minority Group in Metro Detroit. Indians make up more than a 3rd of the Asian Population followed by the folks from China, Philippines, Japan and Korea.

Detroit News interviewed Ramana Mudeganti of Rochester Hills a native of Southern India. Quoting Detroit News:

"I never imagined coming to Detroit, if not for the job" said Ramana Mudeganti, a 34-year-old native of southern India who left Raleigh, N.C., for a technology job at Compuware six years ago.

He was comforted by the fact that many classmates and a neighbor from India were already here. Now a contract worker at Chrysler, he settled in Rochester Hills and got married. On Sunday, his son was born.

"When I moved here, it felt good. If you can bear the winter, it's not that expensive here," he said. "It's a very big community. There's Middle Eastern, Asian; all communities here. A very diversified community."

Detroit News also interviewed Vijyesh Saxena who along with his teammates beat a rival team of Chrysler workers in the game of Cricket this past Monday at Auburn Hills. Quoting Detroit News:

Saxena, the tournament MVP and a Chrysler information technology worker, and his fellow cricket players are the flesh and blood behind the influx of Asians.

"The funny thing is, I never played that much cricket in India," Saxon, 33, said Monday, scooping up his MVP trophy before heading home. But he does now, thanks to Chrysler's 12 cricket teams and organized groups like the Detroit Cricket League, which has nearly doubled the number of teams since 2001.

Saxena's immigration story is emblematic of most foreign-born workers moving into Detroit.

The Jaipur, India, native enrolled in a master's degree program at Eastern Michigan University in 2001, got a job at Chrysler and a temporary work visa that expires in 2011. He has applied for a green card and would like to stay, especially since he is now married and his wife is expecting a baby in April.

He is far from home, but doesn't always feel that way because several friends also live and work in Metro Detroit.

"I never really felt out of country," he said.

Rich Indian Families can pay to choose the gender of their baby

I came across this bizarre story yesterday. A Los Angeles Fertility clinic is advertising in Indian American media that "A $18,000 procedure can help you choose the gender of your baby". This clinic is claiming a 100% success rate and has been featured in Newsweek, CNN, 60 Minutes, Good Morning America.

Of all the Indian patients visiting this clinic 25% travel from India.

(Source: Hyphen Blog)

This is the guy who can change the gender balance of our community.

Indian IDOL 3 Finals - Darjeeling vs Shillong

Prashant Tamang of Darjeeling, India will face off Amit Paul of Shillong, India in the finals of Indian IDOL 3.

With the voting pattern of last couple of weeks the results of last night were predictable (Emon Chatterjee was voted out after last night's flawless performance. No worries Emon! you will go places and make your millions and who knows sometime in the near future Javed Saheb might even pen a song for you).
Indian IDOL 3 Contestants on Google Maps

Music review: Bhool Bhulaiya

You might have had a sneak peak of the trailers sailing across several desi channels. Bhool Bhulaiya is a remake of a malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu, which brought the very talented actress and dancer Shobhana, a national award. Incidentally, Shobhana is in the USA, at this moment on a tour and is performing a dance item named "MAYA" in the classical Bharatanatyam style. She just finished her program in Seattle, during Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday)/Labor day weekend. The movie Manichitrathazhu was so successful that it apparently ran straight for more than 600 days. It was remade in Telugu and Kannada as well in the following years. Bollywood is catching up with it and voila, we have Bhool Bhulaiya.

OK, I got a little lost in the Bhool Bhulaiya and almost went into Shobana's biography but, coming back to the album review for Bhool Bhulaiya. The album, composed by Pritam, whisked in with Sameer's lyrics, has 7 original compositions and 4 remixes. The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Shiney Ahuja, Vidya Balan, Amisha Patel, Paresh Rawal and is directed by Priyadarshan. The group is promising. Bhool Bhulaiya is set to be released on October 12, 2007.

Bhool Bhulaiya

Sung by Neeraj Sridhar. Neeraj Sridhar is the Bombay Vikings lead. This track definetely stands out in the album, albiet with the risk of sounding similar to the Bhagambhag title song. Exact same beats and bears a similar composition. However, Pritam scores an A with this very peppy track. Hare Raam Hare Krishna, modern day hippies anyone? The visual has plenty of boot scootin' boogie in it, with chartbuster written all over. The remix sounds almost the same except for few rap lyrics, and is equally enjoyed.

Labon ko

Picturised on Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan. KK smoothly slips into the song and takes you with him effortlessly. A very hearty and passionate love song and it is a signature Shiney song. It was a feast to watch his infectious smile in this song. The lead guitar work is amazing and the track offers absolut-honeydew appeal in the interludes. Vocals are subdued in the remix version and it killed the soul of the song.

Sajda

KK comes back with a little pep but, the song is a beaten up bush. The composition neither has any first time impact nor, the potential to grow with you after. KK however, puts up a sincere show. DJ Suketu's remix is annoying and hurts your ear in the first few seconds.

Lets rock soniye

Whether you rock a soniye or roll a soniye or balle balle with a soniye, all the soniyes look the same to me. Surprisingly, Shaan gets to croon only one song and that too the very standard dhinchik dhinchik bolly track in the album. Tulsi Kumar joins him with her thinly stretched vocals which definetely do not match Shaan's punch poured passion. Well, the song will sure find its place in weddings, as folks get bored with the soniyes rocking earlier. A remix version with some background noise added, is also in.

Sakhiya

Tulsi Kumar confronts us, with apparently a love song. A very disappointing, last millenium sounding track with some forced beats into it. Tulsi struggles to bring her vocals up to the volume. You may safely skip it.

Mere dholna

Just when you decide to christen Pritam as a rock genre composer, he takes you by awe. Wow ! I must say it has been a long long time since I heard something classical in Bollywood films and that too, this well made. I have not been a Shreya Ghosal fan ever, although I sincerely agree that she has a very sweet voice. Not only taken in by surprise, one can't help, but admire the challenge she takes on with this track and proves her talent with every word. Music maestro MG Shree Kumar compliments her vocals with his Sargam and there aren't enough words to describe his performance. His sargam at the end of the song, the speed in its superlative degree, just leaves you with a gasp.

MG Shree Kumar is a very talented vocalist from South Indian cinema who won many many state and national awards for Best Play back singer.

Alla Hafiz

KK swings back with this zesty track. This track is mildly accented middle eastern and Pritam goes back to his pop style. This song is perfect for a road trip, very groovy. I was a little concerned to play anything after Mere Dholna just to keep that lingering effect but, the track did not disappoint me. Encore is promised.

The album had 4 appealing tracks to me (Title, Labon ko, Alla Hafiz and Mere Dholna) and I almost forgave the few mediocre tracks and uninspiring remixes after listening to Mere Dholna. The album has my ***1/2 stars while Mere Dholna gets my full score for the pure artwork.

Write your opinions to us.

Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag being pulled out of cinemas in India

Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (remake of Sholay) has been dubbed as "Biggest flop of our generation." It is estimated that the filmmakers will lose about $3 million.

The Distributors have decided that instead of paying rent to the theater owners and getting nothing in return its better to pull the movie out of the theater (yes just after a week of it being released). (Source: BBC)

So have you seen Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. Is it that bad?. I have not seen it yet. Will wait and watch it on video.

Note: In Michigan Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is being screened at SR Movies, Novi. For show times check out MIMANTRA

Indian Beauty - Padmashree Shobana coming to Ann Arbor, MI

Association of India Development brings to you "MAYA" a dance performance by the Indian beauty Padmashree Shobana on October 6th, 2007 from 6-9 PM at 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor MI, 48109. Contact Deepa Pendse at 517-214-0584 or email at deepa[at]umich[dot]edu.

Ticket Prices: $55,$35,$20 (Children under 10 free). All proceeds will benefit Association of India Development projects.

Note: This event co-sponsored by University of Michigan Center for South Asian Studies

Michigan has 26.8% of its population who are obese

Michigan has 26.8% of its adult population (Body mass index of 30 or higher) who are obese. (Source TIME Magazine dated September 10th, 2007).

See how Michigan compares with the rest of the states in this Google Maps View.

Ajay Murthi of Oakland Township, MI killed in a car crash with a Street Sweeper

Detroit Free Press is reporting that Ajay Murthi, 38 of Oakland Township who was driving a Porsche, died from injuries sustained in a car crash at Livernois, south of Walton, in Rochester Hills late Thursday (August 30, 2007).

Quoting Detroit Free Press:

Ajay Murthy was driving a 2004 Porsche northbound on Livernois just before 11 p.m. when he ran into the back of a street sweeper truck, according to the sheriff’s office. Murthy was transported to Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

A passenger in the Porsche — Jayabalan Kunjunni, 62, of Canton — was taken to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, where he is listed in critical condition, according to the sheriff’s office.

Police say they believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Tearjerker at SA RE GA MA PA 2007

Aneek Dhar of Kolkata, India sang "Apne to Apne Hote Hai..." at SA RE GA MA PA 2007 (August 31st episode) which was one the best so far I have seen in both SA RE GA MA PA 2007 and Indian IDOL 3. Couple of judges became emotional (Vishal Shekhar, Himesh Reshammiya). I would be lying if I said it did not affect me.

Ankita Mishra gets voted out of Indian IDOL 3 after an outstanding performance

The Indian IDOL this year will not be a female. The last remaining female contestant Ankita Mishra got voted out after what I thought was an outstanding performance. All 3 judges had given her great feedback.

Related:
Indian IDOL 3 Contestants on Google Maps
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2007 Contestants on Google Maps