My work

Just one of the projects I recently produced...no its not the best of my producer's capabilities but what the heck, its a 'buzz' creating film so the clients happy

It aint over...yet

Its been awhile but I'm back in the saddle again. Apart from the v airy happy feeling in my head after an admit decision, there's a whole other tornado going on in my humble little cranium.
So here's my updated list of all that I must accomplish before getting on a flight to France

• Pay the deposit. The ulcer this 10% deposit is causing me is making me wonder what the state of my digestion system will be when in debt of close to $90,000!
• Learn French. Though I'm still confused if I should make Spanish my 3rd language...may help with the Latam course and the entire emerging markets scenario. Any suggestions which would help more?
• Get the International Drivers license, even though I doubt I can afford renting a car for the whole year. But it may help on short trips across the French country side :) though my bank balance loudly lets me know that any holidays from now to July 08 are just a fantasy
  
• Figure out the list of visas I'll be needing - French, Shengen, Swizz & UK. Maybe I can get to Wharton on my tourist?
  
• Start on the pre MBA reading list. Its only about 5 books but Where's the time?
• Start an accounts 101 and a finance 101 course. Want to wiggle out of the foundation course in hopes of saving some moolah but Shall I repeat - where is the #%^& time?
• Find a house & house mates. No problem here except where is the money?
• Write all the scholarship essays. Well here is the money but guess what? I pay the deposit & then just wait & hope I get to be the lucky 20% who gets any money out at all.
• Figure out an education loan, though most of the one's on offer fall woefully short of what I really need.
  
• Shop for winter, shop for college, shop for fun. But what about that money, honey?

And some wise soul had advised that from now to August was just R&R.... no hopes on that happening. So this is the next leg of this long road, so all say Hail Mary( or whatever religious/ quasi religious/philosophical/theological expression that helps) and hop on for the ride.

Business & Politics

The latest news in the business dailies -
ThePawar family to buy 49% in UB breweries. Sharad Pawar is the Union agriculture minister and responsible for reducing duties on wines in Maharashtra.
Apparently this all above board. Are there no laws in this country to protect against vested interests?

Reverse Outsourcing

So while I patiently twiddle my thumbs till Jan 19th (INSEAD deadline), a little report on Reverse Outsourcing

Lately every India glossie, item song, ad commercial, print work is being adorned by foreign beauties. Coming from far away places, mostly from developed yet not economically strong nations of East Europe, Mexico and Brazil, these girls are giving the Indian models a run for their money.

Time was when a few genetically blessed chicas would rule the ramp and make hay while the sun shone on them a little more brightly than it did for the less endowed mortals.
But not any more - the foreign invation is a strong challenge - they are younger, better bodies, taller, less inhibitions and far more affordable.

So its no surprise that from small stores like Seasons & Benzer to big brands like Himalaya Aryuveda, Colgate, John Player etc have them grace their commercials. Only condition is to dye their manes black - apparently the Indian audience loves to salivate over the 'imported' talent but not if they are blonds - something about aspirations!