Pink Floyd - The Greatest

It was not a conventional rainy Sunday or a cloudy Saturday or anything. I don't remember what day it was. This was during the time when I had quit a job and had not joined elsewhere. I was happy like any other lazy pig that didn't have to do much apart from reading something and sleeping. The 25 day break between two jobs seemed exciting, but not for long. I had force myself out of the last few days.

It so happened that, as usual I was at home and suddenly a friend called asking me 'Kya karra?'. Then I gave the standard reply, 'Kuch bhi nai...kaiku?. Then he blurted out something which still excites me. I was mad. He, in a soft voice said, "Tereku Malum, Roger Waters India ku aara katey". I almost fell out of my chair and said, "Kya phekra? Sach me aara ki mereku ch***** banara?". He said, "Mai kaiku mazaak kartu bhai?. Kabhi bhi dekho un logon ke baare me bol bol ke g**** me dum karta na, isiliye tereku pailey phone karaa.''

Both my close friends knew the history of Pink Floyd though neither of them ever heard their music. I keep telling them about Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, etc. In spite of their lack of interest in rock music, they had to bear with my Saturday late night discussion (only i spoke) on rock bands, stars and their lifestyle. They never make any excuses. I love them a lot.

Here began my plans for a second visit to Mumbai. The first one was for TATA Crucible Quiz National Finals in 2005. I arrived in Mumbai on 17th Feb, Saturday and was on cloud 9 for I knew I shall see god the next day.

On 18th Feb., After waiting in a long queue to exchange the online booking e-mail with the actual tickets, I finally got the entry pass. I could see a few new things which generally don't happen in Hyderabad, or at least not to my knowledge. I saw 20 something girls selling grass and I saw 40 something men asking for company for the show. I saw guys zooming into the venue on their Kawasaki Ninjas and Yamaha R1s and the Enefield 550ccs. Well, for a middle class guy like me who hasn't seen much of all this, it made me feel.....I dunno what to say, but I was surprised.

Then came the moment. Cometh the hour, cometh the man on stage. Yes, the legend himself. It was not any pin-up art or animation. There he was, Roger Waters in the flesh. Live in Mumbai. And what happened after that has provoked me to write this post.

Why isn't the drummer the No. 1 member of the band?

I have always wondered why isn't a drummer of any rock band, the most famous member? This question has been in my mind for a long time now. All the greatest bands have had great drummers like Pink Floyd - Nick Mason, Led Zeppelin - John Bonham, The Doors - John Densmore, Nirvana - David Grohl, Metallica - Lars Ulrich and so on. They have been superb performers for their respective bands. But why is it that the members like Jimmy Page, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, James Hetfield etc. have always basked in more limelight than their respective drummers?

Is it because their contribution to the band is limited only to the background in most cases? or is it that they are expected to maintain a low profile? I haven't come across any kind of explanation for this tradition. I have always thought that the drummer is equally responsible for making any performance a success or a failure. I cant give you better examples than songs like Time by Pink Floyd and Fade to Black by Metallica. These songs cannot be performed without significant or for that matter any kind of contribution by the drummer.

I have been a fan of Nick Mason, Lars Ulrich and David Grohl. I think they have created some magic in the past. The best example for this is the drum piece played by Nick Mason in their song Echoes from their album Meddle. The same song was pictured in their album, Live at Pompeii. The energy displayed by Nick Mason while playing that extremely vibrant and terrific piece of music in that video is a spectacle. Another example is the song Whole lotta love by Led Zeppelin. Amazing song. Supreme drumming. Spectacular video.

Keeping all this in mind, I think, a drummer is as important as any other member and I think he deserves the same kind of respect. If not more.

A legend called 'The Angrez'

When I watched this movie for the first time, I forgot about it as soon as I walked out of the theater. After 6 months, when I was at a friend's place and had nothing better to do, I watched it again. After that day, in my opinion, the movie became a legend. I watch it everyday now.

The cutting edge of the movie is the observation. Superb attention to detail. The life in the city of Hyderabad has been depicted with matchless clarity. The way they pass time in cafes, the way they take pride in everything they do, the way some people boast, their high levels of self-respect, they cant take insults and so on. These traits have been magnificently displayed by the characters in the movie Salim Pheku, Ismail Bhai and Jahangir.

The most remarkable thing about this movie is that, you will not get bored of it. I have watched the movie for 100 times and have lost count after that. I still watch at least one scene everyday. What a classic.

The attitude displayed by Salim Pheku is amazing. He is an unemployed around - 30 guy.He wouldn't listen to anyone. Has no penny in his pocket, loves to boast about his achievements in his dreams and thinks he is English Filmon ka Hero.

I love this guy called Jahangir. A loose mouthed, irresponsible 20 - something guy. I loved his dialogue, 'Kya hua boleto, Mai, Risal, Gabbar, Khaleel, Patel, Mallesh,...............khaali laton se diye, ghap ghip ghap ghip......mere baju mein circle thaireva tha,mai kaisa maarun? '
It took a long time for me to by heart that.

Ismail Bhai, again a fake identity crisis victim. He thinks he is a Bhot bada aadmi. Has two wives and loves to boast about his personlity.

The movie, all in all provides superb entertainment value along with faadu laughter riots. I would say, the movie is the best low-budget movie anyone made. Producers in Mumbai, please have a look. You have a lot to learn. I recommend everyone to own the VCD/DVD and place it alongside BENHUR, THE GODFATHER, etc. in your shelf.

I happened to meet Salim Pheku when I had gone for an interview in Banjara Hills. I loved the movie and I am proud to be a Hyderabadi. If you feel the same, please leave your comments.