The Art of being Politically Correct!

Freedom of Speech and expression is guaranteed to us under the Indian Constitution! Since childhood my parents, my teachers always taught me to express my views freely and voice my opinions without fear.

It was only when i stepped into the professional world that I was taught to be politically correct! Initially in the formative years of my career, i thought that being politically correct meant not having a view point of your own, being a diplomatic moron, not being able to express yourself freely. I am a corporate attorney by profession - well! that's the fancy word for lawyers who work in - house...and it was not only by my natural but also my professional traits and instincts that i am supposed to be outright and speak my mind. Soon i realized that it is not only your professional abilities and capabilities that lead you at the top of the ladder...but the bigger factor is how you conduct yourself, how well you can master the art of putting your point of view in a way which doesn't disregard the point of view of another and end up in a situation where the person at the receiving end  feels that he is hearing what he wants to hear rather than hearing what

We often find ourselves in situations (even in personal life), where we know what we feel and what we have to say but cannot comprehend how to put it forth. There is nothing wrong in being Politically correct, infact today its considered to be a skill. Being politically correct or say diplomatic should not be taken as a negative attribute of a person, it should merely be seen as a strength where one assesses a situation before speaking or acting without being overly rude or bold. It is actually an ability to know how and what to say and when to say. I have tried to put forward 5 things that can help you master the art of being politically correct -

1. Think before you speak / Act - Do not react / respond immediately. You are not playing a quiz where you need to answer in a min or less. Take a moment to evaluate the situation before you act . There are times when you may feel agitated or offended and it may seem extremely difficult in holding back your emotions and your response but always remember that it is in these situations where your character can either be seen as composed or as hot headed.
2. Use decisive language - Communicate clearly yet assertively. Do not end up being misread or misunderstood. It is of utmost importance to use simple language 
3. Use Humor but carefully 
4. Agree to Disagree - A world where everyone agreed is too boring. Respect other's views even if you disagree with them. 
5. Get out of your comfort zone  

The Bar Stock Exchange! No one's losing here!!

I am particularly not so interested in the stock market but i am definitely betting all my money on this one! The Bar Stock Exchange!! This amazing pub has opened in Sakinaka, next to 5 spice, opposite to times square, Andheri east.

We were a little skeptical about going to this place considering it was Monday night and thought it's gonna be too dull and empty.......but God were we surprised! As late as 10.00 PM in the night, we actually had to wait for 10 mins to get a place at the BAR forget about a Table! The place was buzzing with stupendous energy. The music amazing and the ambiance really good. They have a spacious seating arrangement and even have an outdoor seating.

Their concept is just an outcome of one of the most intelligent marketing minds! The lowest price of any hard drink is the MRP and it fluctuates depending upon the Demand! A black dog can cost you as low as Rs. 110 / 30 ml and a Corona for Rs. 80. Thank God for such mercies!! They have Happy Hours from 2 - 5 PM where you get all drinks at MRP!!! OMG!! Yet another reason to bunk office or take that extended lunch break! (Please do not follow this advice..it definitely will lead to serious consequences at work). The cocktails are'nt that great though....I tried the Mojito as well as LIT but did'nt find them up to the mark. 

This place is a complete package with not only great prices for drinks but the food too is amazing. Their paneer bhurji pav is great! It's different in a good way. They have plethora of options for the starters both veg and non veg.

Just download their app and you can view the fluctuating prices. Place your order on your hand held and your order is confirmed. The bar market even crashes! 

This place is value for money. All in all cheap booze, good food and a great place...all ingredients to leave you in high spirits! Life can't get better!!

A restaurant named No. 101!

No. 101 is this new eatery around the corner, in Ventura Building next to Aroma's Cafe in Powai. 

We were attended by a pleasant smiling receptionist. We asked for a table for two. He quickly contacted the restaurant manager through a walkie talkie! well, you must be thinking why a walkie talkie? That's coz the restaurant is actually on the first floor with the Front Desk on the ground floor.

When we entered the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the restaurant was fully occupied even at 20:00 hrs which is not the usual dinner time for most people in Mumbai! 

The place is cosy, done up well giving it a slight vintage feel with lanterns and vintage clocks and frames. It serves primarily North Indian food, however have a few south indian options for people who love the idli dosa for their breakfast. Yes! the place is up and running from 8 AM and serves breakfast until 10 - 10.30 AM. 

The menu was'nt so elaborate and has very limited options especially for the vegetarians . For the starters we ordered the Chilli and herb blasted Potato (Ooh the extra calories :( ) and a Murgh Tandoori both of which were pretty decent. 

Though we were completely full with the starters (i actually had to loosen my belt) and i forgot to mention the beers that we gulped, our greed took over us and to further satiate our appetite we ordered the Chicken Keema Nan, a Lachaa Parantha and the all time punjabi favorite Dal Makhani. When it comes to Dal Makhani, i can say that there isnt one restaurant in Mumbai which cooks and serves it the right way. Ask the Dilliwallas, what dal makhani is! OK OK....when it comes to dal makhani, i tend to get carried away....SILLY ME!! ;)

The main course especially the Dal Makhani was below average, it lacked in taste, appearance, even salt. My taste buds were unable to decipher what was i actually eating. It was horrible and when we highlighted the same to the Manager, he merely apologized without even asking us what was wrong with it and if he could change the dish and bring another one. Oopsie Doopsie, that's not how you do it when you are still so nascent.

So, overall a not so bad...a not so good experience! For those of you who are willing to try....please stick to non vegetarian dishes. For the vegetarians, please enter at your own risk! 

what's so silly about being silly!

Since I was a child, I have been called silly by my teachers, my friends, my parents, even by acquaintances on some occasions....well okay not some but many occasions. 

As a child, I used to feel sad when being called so and often ended up cursing myself for being silly...starting from the spelling mistakes, to the mathematical calculations, the fights with siblings and friends for the most childish reasons, the crushes, the inhibitions, the heartbreaks, the first interviews...anytime something wrong happened...it ended up with me telling myself that 'what I just did was so silly' or someone else telling me 'that was so silly of u' or 'dont be so silly'!

What does silly actually mean?? Well, going by the dictionary meaning it means being foolish, lacking common sense or judgment.  I definitely am none of these adjectives.

Missing a 's' in mississippi wasn't foolish, bunking your exam to drop off a friend who was leaving town wasn't foolish, crying over a partner who cheated on you definitely wasn't lack of judgment!

The point that I am trying to make is that it's by doing those silly things and making those silly mistakes, we are who we are today, the things that we have learnt and the mistakes that we have corrected after committing those so called silly mistakes.

So there's nothing wrong in being silly. Just let your guard down and be what you want to be, do what you want to, don't be afraid to committ mistakes, coz that' how we are meant to be and that's how we enjoy those turns and twists in life. 

Through this blog I want to share the silly things I do, the silly places I visit, the silly food I eat, the silly people I meet coz it's all about being silly!! Be silly be fun!

Stay tuned for all things silly!! ;-)