The Cobra Dance
One of the most entertaining and hilarious dance scenes that I’ve seen is the Cobra dance from the movie Bride and Prejudice starring Aishwarya Rai. The dance features her on screen sister entertaining the guests who are potential suitors for Lolita (Aishwarya) and Jaya (Namrata Shirodkar).
I always break into laughing fits when I see this, so I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do. :) Behold…the Cobra Dance!
Bond…James Bond
Yup, I saw Quantum of Solace, the new James Bond movie on opening night. Did you really think I would wait a few days to see it?!? Please! :) Daniel Craig has to be the hottest James Bond ever. He fits the true essence of what the James Bond persona is supposed to be.
You have to see the first Bond movie, Casino Royale, to really appreciate Quantum of Solace. That is the only way the viewer can understand why particular things are happening. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch the DVD of Casino Royale before you go and see Quantum of Solace.
Sniffles
I have been ill for the past week and a half and haven’t blogged as much as I would have liked to. Hope your weekend went well. I was locked in my house so I could recuperate 
I know, I know…that was a good thing to do. Hopefully this week will be better.
My cat Baadal always cheers me up so I am posting a picture of him for Monday Evening Inspiration. 
I think he knows I’m sick so he sits by my bedroom door and keeps a watchful eye on me. When I’m sitting, he comes right up to me and looks at me with such an adorable look…it is so endearing!
The Sexualization of the “Dark Skinned Woman”
Continuing the discussion of the politics of skin colour, I wanted to share with DesiGupShup readers a further analysis of the sexualization of the dark skinned woman. I will be using Bollywood films as an example to illustrate the what I am talking about.
We have established in earlier posts that the white/black dichotomy traces its roots back to colonialism and the justification of the supposed ’superiority’ of white over black. Now we know that this is NOT true, but it is interesting to note that previous colonies, such as India and Pakistan (because I am focusing on the South Asian context) have adopted these ideologies.
It is a generally accepted that if a girl is fair skinned, she will get better marriage proposals as her skin colour will be the dominant reason for the proposal. Yes, it still happens. You might argue that things have changed, but at the core these issues still exist.
Dark skin is looked upon as ‘vampy’, and this idea is propagated in Bollywood and Lollywood films. The fair girl is portrayed as ’sweet and innocent’, thus automatically creating a link between skin colour and perceived characteristics. The dark skinned woman is portrayed as promiscuous, forward, bold, and independent. The fair skinned woman is portrayed as demure, homely, sweet, and dependant.
Take the example of Bipasha Basu, a successful Bollywood actress. Bipasha is dark skinned and is a very beautiful woman. Unfortunately, her most successful ventures have been those where she has portrayed the stereotypical dark skinned, highly sexualized woman.
Monday Morning Inspiration
Good Morning DesiGupShup readers! I hope your weekend went well, and you indulged in some R & R.
Time for some Monday Morning Inspiration. I have a lovely picture to share with you from this fall’s season. The change of colours reminds me of how things are changing, developing, and evolving.
Adrak ka pani
It’s that time of year people when the sniffles attack! So I thought I would provide my desi gup shup readers with a desi totka (remedy) for when you have a nasty cold/cough.
Take some fresh ginger (about a 3cm cube) and crush it slightly, so that it comes apart a little bit. In about 6 to 7 cups of water add the ginger, a stick of cinnamon, and about 3-4 cardamon pods (ilaichi). Let that concoction boil until the water turns a yukky yellow colour.
Canada’s Federal Election 2008
Get out there and vote! Today is Canada’s federal election and you still have over an hour to get to your polling station to cast your vote.
Even if you feel like it won’t make a difference…it really does. Every vote cast is an indication of the desire to make a difference.
Get political: go and cast your vote!
Monday Evening Inspiration
I had to change the title of “Monday Morning Inspiration” to “Monday Evening Inspiration” because I didn’t get a chance to post to my blog this morning. My apologies to those of you who were waiting this morning. One of you very nicely told me that your day felt incomplete. :) Thanks for the support, and I hope you will enjoy the evening inspiration just as much. Just to warn you that it could happen again, but I will try my best. Always.
I always wonder why people are scared of wearing bright and bold colours. Is it the need to conform, or does it reflect an inhibited personality? Well, I’m not sure of the answer. It’s one of those things that always puzzles me.
This flower really attracted me because of its beautiful and bright hue.
Taking kids to desi movies
It seriously astounds me when desi parents take their children to see Bollywood movies that are completely inappropriate for young eyes. If the film is not designated ‘General viewing audience’ or it’s not specifically a children’s movie, then you should not be taking your kids to see it!
Films can have a lot of frightening or inappropriate scenes for young viewing eyes. Movies have a rating for a reason! Common sense might go a long way as well…use it.
Britain’s Got ‘Desi’ Talent
There is an enormous amount of desi talent out there, and one such dynamic duo appeared on the show “Britain’s Got Talent.”
The duo calls themselves “Dynamic” which is a very befitting name because they are definitely versatile, talented, and full of surprises.
Check out their audition dance - You will LOVE it!!! Goes to show you what two ordinary people with a dream can achieve.
