Gurumurti Natarajan

DECOUPLED is a well-made serial; Arya and Shruti pull it off beautifully. Enjoyed most of the 8 part serial released this far; Chetan is portrayed as the bigot that he is in real life; suits him very well; perhaps the director-story writer combine chose it that way, making it easy for Chetan, for his patchy presence in many parts of the serial comes off naturally! they probably didn't want to test his nonexistent histrionic skills. Madhawan comes off as the smart, intelligent, couldn't-care-less, on-your-face character who yet has an undercurrent of caring and lovable personality. Shruti is the personification of the current generation woman who is never satisfied with her wealth, family, success; seeks the mirage of higher limits and is willing to sacrifice anything, including her morality to achieve them; she's also petty and vindictive and never loses an opportunity to exhibit her inflated persona. The repartees between Arya and Shruti, between Arya and Chetan are brilliant. The creators could have avoided the caste tag of Arya; The serial would have been just as good without it...hope they limit their mischief and offense only to this and do not fancy dragging in Arya's caste to peddle a few more inane episodes. The development of Rohini is awaited as a child growing in a troubled family situation but has shown enough promise to hold her own even in trying circumstances. Arya can improve his articulations in the English language to slant towards a well heeled, intelligent and creative person that he is with a better accent and more modern expressions than the present Ghaati touch to it; Shruti's is consummate, and delivered brilliantly! Good luck to the entire cast, crew and team for more interesting episodes soon!

I found JVC Sreeram's 'No reference point' informative and useful amidst the global pandemonium that CO19 has triggered amongst humanity. The Co19 impact has been unprecedented and unleashed with such violent fury that no one at any level - be it the layman, civil society, corporate leaders, governments, whoever, had an inkling of anticipation or an iota of preparation to recognise its enormity to deal with it pragmatically. The book written in neat paragraphs and assembled in concise headings has been written in a simple style for all to read and appreciate. Being a seasoned corporate trainer, Sreeram has channeled all his years of understanding and exposure to create a balanced amalgam of thoughts, experiences, suggestions and recommendations, abundantly sprinkled with case studies specific to the pandemic drawn across multiple domains and geographies, which makes it relevant now and here. The three chapters on 'Elements of Leadership', 'Power of Resilience' and 'Power to Anticipate and Change Swiftly' are olden goldies, evergreen and relevant under every era and therefore make for compulsive reading and adoption, if they are yet to be internalised. The boxed summary statements throughout the narrative are commendable for its concept as well as its content. The author is to be complimented for this lucid, clear and succinct essay. All in all, an enjoyable read with high levels of learning across the spectrum for both the novice as well as the pro.