And finally... (Memoirs From Bengal 10)

A colourful picture to commemorate a colourful state. This is what happens when a tram conductor meets Maha Shakti cement!

It’s insane, the amount of colour this one state holds. And sometimes, shooting it in B/W seems almost criminal.

Lock kiya jaaye? (Memoirs From Bengal 9)

I don’t know much about the Presi college kids, but looking at these locks, I don’t think the authorities consider them too seedha. Like really! TWO locks? Plus, if you are a student, wouldn’t it be easier to simply break the hinges!? :p

Need Space? (Memoirs From Bengal 8)

Another thing to love about Calcutta – empty spaces. Yes, some parts of Calcutta might be burgeoning with headcount, but then, there are also patches that give the much-needed breathing space. And the best part – you can just lie down and go to sleep wherever, whenever you want! Just find a shady spot and bliss! And especially if it’s winter, the sun doesn’t hurt one bit!

Personal reco: For a lazy afternoon nap, try the gardens of Victoria Memorial. It’s quite something to see the marble wonder every time you open your eyes.

Tram power (Memoirs From Bengal 7)

If you are new to Kolkata, trams are perfect. Just perfect. Firstly, they are slow and hence, allow you to SEE the city. Like really, what is the fun if you are in a cab and the new buildings and shops just zoom by? Also, if you don’t like where you are going and want to go some place else, you can just get off!

Then, they are sort of rickety and hence, give you the old-world feel.

And MOST important factor: They are so freaking cheap! Your tram ride might just cover half the city, but won’t cost you more than 5 rupees! It does something to the Sindhi in me. Something nice, I say.

A suggestion: Sit on the last corner seat for the best view. You will not only have the window to look outside but also a front view of who’s getting in and getting out. Perfect!

Bhaiyaji ISMYLE!!! (Memoirs From Bengal 6)

During the Sundarban safari (details on it later), I met this gang of teenage boys. And boy, do they LOVE posing for the camera! They were four of them. One of them took charge of the digicam (he is standing on the lower deck taking their pics). The other three assumed the Godfather and Titanic poses! (Yes, Titanic also!)

The photo session lasted two days! With buttons open, buttons shut, different shirts, with glares, without glares, smiling, frowning, hugging, hanging, every fucking thing!

After they had run out of poses, they turned to me and said, “Bhaiya, koi accha pose batao naa.” (Could you please suggest a nice pose?)

I didn’t know what to say. So I just smiled sheepishly and said, “Naah! What you are doing is just perfect!” And so they continued.

Most importantly, the pictures made them so happy that I don't think it really matters even if it looked comic. A small price to pay, isn't it?

I wish I had access to their FB accounts. I know it’s all going up there. Damn!

Balance Hona Mangta! (Memoirs From Bengal 5)

When life has balance, nothing is difficult. NOTHING!
Don't believe me? Ask this guy who I saw at Mayapur.

HAPPYness (Memoirs From Bengal 4)

Find me a boy with a bigger grin and I will give you what you want.

PS:
Met him at a chaiwallah in Calcutta. The dude got fascinated with the camera and asked if I can oblige him with a picture. I was more than happy. How can anyone say no to such a happy face? He is now my pin-up model for happiness.

PPS: I am serious about the first point. Find me a boy with a bigger (and happier) grin. Cause I bet you cant.

FREE Internet but... (Memoirs From Bengal 3)

At Mayapur, a board outside a shop reads, "Free E-mail and Internet for Sanyasis".

Which means the day you renounce the world and give up all material pleasures, Internet becomes FREE!
Imagine. Like, just IMAGINE! 

Pee amidst the plants! (Memoirs from Bengal 2)

We all love peeing outdoors. Don’t we? Of course we do. But since we need to pee in the loo (for the sake of being decent), we ‘create’ that outdoor feeling INSIDE. Like this public loo that I saw at Nabadweep station. I don’t know how helpful they are in getting rid of the odour, but they sure help create that foresty feel! What an idea!

Change this! (Memoirs from Bengal 1)

In Mumbai, I am yet to come across someone who picked up a fight because somebody tried to shortchange him of 50 paise! What’s a 50-paise coin worth anyway?

But that same 50-paise coin can help you cross this river at Kalighat (Calcutta). Because the river is quite narrow, the boat guys have simply tied four boats in a row and anyone wanting to cross can simply hop through. And on the other side, you shell out 50 paise to the guy sitting on the other side.

And you thought that coin won’t get you anywhere, eh?