Great Business Implication of Innovation!

We, as human beings, always crave for something substantial. We don’t want to settle for mediocrity. Things start to look odd and monotonous if we don’t innovate or accept new style of doing the same things. Same is the case with most business.

Business, actually, have to keep on challenging themselves and keep moving forward, from the last point they achieved. Innovation is thus, the only solution. A new way to do business or a simple approach can work wonders when you are terribly pondering over something, or stuck at a particular not-so-happening thing.

We have so many examples of businesses that changed their approach for target customers, which in turn changed the perception of the people. Take for Instance, Vodafone. It was all going good for them when they had an ad featuring a child and a pug (dog). The message was good, ‘Vodafone reaches everywhere’. 

Still, halfway they lost it. When other companies like airtel, Docomo and even Idea, were innovating and capturing audience’s interest, Vodafone, continued with the same theme. It was only when they switched to Zoo-zoo concept they grabbed some eye-balls and their loyal customers back.

Thus, thriving hard and constantly asking yourself ‘how can I improve my services/working style? How can I better my outputs? Will help you get the most needed answer for change. Small steps taken towards goals, towards betterment, will definitely yield in to success. 

While some one may argue, why change when we are at top and doing well? The answer is, ‘you need to innovate and perhaps keep changing, so that you continue to be on top’. Stability only comes to stable things and while we are moving, we have the opportunity to innovate.

Let me list 3 positives and 3 negatives of not innovating.

Negatives of Not Innovating:

1)      Same Old approach: Same old approach may definitely have done good to you in the past, but it is not necessary that it would also do good in the future. Everything around us is changing. The people, the way we do businesses, so you have to be smart and innovative.

2)      Taking Things Easy: It is human behavior, to settle down with something that you are convenient with, but this is where we start taking things for granted. Businesses can’t afford to lose any of their clients or any project. They have to be on their toe to seal every opportunity that comes their way. Taking things granted means, taking even customers for granted, something not acceptable in this competitive business environment.

3)      Inconsistency: When doing business, it is very important that we have an eye on growth and one thing that deters growth is our inconsistency. Inconsistency is the by-product of neglecting important things, unreceptive to taking risks. Thus, taking calculated risk and venturing in to new ideas will mark a journey towards growth.

 Positives of Innovation:

1)      Novelty: Novelty always attracts customers. If you are different and promising to do things differently you are sure to get new clients. Obviously, the core of producing quality while inventing a new strategy is very important.

2)      Driving Force: Innovation surely drives you. It is the passion of doing things in a new a way that keeps your interest intact. This is a great driving force. Even the customers that approach you will feel good because you are feeling good for them and the business.

3)      Profit: When inconsistency and lack of innovation deters your growth, certainly innovating the way you work will help you be on your toes and be alert of the changes around you. It is bound to lead you to profit and thus help you grow as a business entity.

 Innovation thus has powerful implications on the way you work and the way you lead your business. Innovation is therefore, mandatory!

Actors who missed on the 'Super stardom'

Everybody strives for that one in a billion identity, that distinctive image. In a country of billion people, reaching that position, when the stakes are high, obviously is difficult. But once you attain that stage, holding to that special position is even more difficult. I feel heart broken seeing such people who got all the love, all the fanfare and all the stardom in their career, but on the way lost their charm, their grip. Let's have a look at those few lucky one's in the Hindi Film Industry- who missed it all halfway- while the race is still on!




5. Suniel Shetty: Suniel Shetty debuted with Balwan in 1992 and tasted moderate success. His first big success came in with Waqt Hamara Hai and Mohra. Both, However, featuring Akshay Kumar with him. Akshay for his better dancing skills and a mischievous look gained all the spot light and thus Shetty, who had an equal acting ability, remained under his shadow.


The only time he could have capitalized and rose to fame was, when he gave 3 back to back hits in Dilwale, Gopi Kishan and Bhai. He should have taken some risk with more solo films trying different genres. Instead he gave amazing performances in some supporting roles like Border, Hera Pheri, Refugee, Dhadkan Main Hoon Na, to name a few but could never come out of it.



4. Jackie Shroff: He debuted in Heera Panna in a villanious role and then did Swami Dada with Dev Anand. But his time turned, when he was casted by Subhas Ghai in 1983's Hero, which went on to become Super Hit. He tasted success with yet another film Andar Bahar with Anil Kapoor (that was beginning of his association with Anil) He gave several hits with Anil Kapoor in the coming years from Karma, Ram Lakhan, Parinda, Kaala Baazar to 1942 - A love story. He also gave powerful performances in 100 days, Saudagar, King Uncle, Rangeela

But somehow, when Anil Kapoor was still going strong and emerged as strong solo hero in years that followed, Jackie started accepting roles as supporting actors. Though he was brilliant in Khalnayak, Rangeela, Saudagar, Agni Shaksi, Devdas, he never remained the actor most talked. Also because, the country had accepted and was moving towards more romantic and chocolate type heroes like SRK, Aamir and Salman. Thus he got sidelined and was considered actor of an older generation. He grew as an actor with performances in Mission Kashmir,  Devdas, Yaadein, but never was able to experience that star status that Khan trio and even Hrithik and Akshay are experiencing.  

3. Akshay Khanna: His debut film flopped. However, his performance in J.P. Dutta's Border was appreciated. The turning point, and also from where he should have picked as a bankable actor, came in 1999. He gave stunning performance in Taal and moderately successful Aa Ab Laut Chalen.

He then took a break and then was seen in 2001 in Farhan Akhtar's cult movie Dil Chahta Hai. But by then, Hrithik mania had gripped the nation and a new fit-fine, heartthrob, dude image of Hindi film hero had become strong and thus Akshaye could never fit in.

However, the only good this film did to him was establish him as strong supportive actor. We saw some really strong performances of his in films like, Humraaz, Hulchul, Hungama, Gandhi My father and Aakrosh. Alas! He too went the Jackie way.

2. Bobby Deol: According to me he is the most veteran star son's to debuted just close to new millennium. His debut movie gained him the Filmfare best debut new comer award for Barsaat in 1995. He could have enjoyed the stardom today, if he would have capitalized on the early success. He did well after his debut, in films like, Gupt, Soldier, Kareeb, Badal and Bichoo. Bearing Kareeb all established him as action hero. A hero who was vulnerable yet powerful.

But, post this, selection of some awful films let to his down fall, from where he could never get back. Series of flops like Dillagi, Hum toh Mohabbat Karega, Aashiq, Chor Machaye Shor, Kismat etc. took him no where! Thus an almost end to what could have been a successful career. He came back in Humraaz and now in Yamla Pagla Deewana, but has missed on the much deserved stardom!

1. Govinda: I feel really sad listing Govinda here. He is one actor that has been not honored his due by the industry. He has had a long inning. His first film was Ilzaam in 1986. Although the movie was a flop, it had a hit song 'Street Dancer'. He later featured in several such films from Love 86, Zulm Ki Hukumatt (an Indian remake of the Godfather) and was more than once paired with Neelam in Hit films like Hatya, Khudgarz, Jeetey Hain Shaan Se, Hum, and even in actions films like Martey Dum Tak, Jung Baaz.

He paired for the first time with David Dhawan in Taaqatwar and went on to give Superhit films with him like Coolie No.1 Hero No. 1, Aankhen, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Shola Aur Shabnam, Saajan Chale Saural, Haseena Maan Jaayegi and many more.

As a result, he widely gained popularity as the king of comedy and dance and as a Hero who could do anything. He had his unique style and approach to every scene that he delievered.

But as the 2000 year approached, his style of humour, his style of cinema began to lose hold in the industry. He failed to achieve the transition that he successfuly did from the late 80's to 90's. He had the opportunity to try that new 'something' post his awful political career. But, alas he chose the same rom-com genre!

Once a visual treat, once a flawless actor was trapped in the same old formula and style. Today, he's trying to successfully comeback in films like Partner, Raavan, but the charm, the undisputed charisma that he had in 90's ( that gave even the Khan power a tough time) is missing!

Love is an art, Art glorifies Love!

Art has always been a fascination for me. Be it painting, music, drama or any attractive vibrant creation. I get pulled into it. Thus writing for Rajesh Nakar- Visual Merchandiser, Interior Designer, Artist and a personal inspiration, also for whom I earlier wrote Aberrant is indeed a pleasure.

Currently in Ghana, West Africa, and lending his services to Melcom, a No. 1 departmental store having more than 15000 products under one roof, Rajesh has come up with yet another pleasing window display for Melcom's Kaneshie branch (Melcom plus) that has instantly evoked a brand image for the company. Brand image is always unique and one that sets them apart from competitors and ignites a positive vibes among the customers.

‘Pamper Your Valentine’, thus seem to be clearly fitting the bill. With the able inputs from Marketing head, Raja and his own creative flow, this concept seems apt for the upcoming Valentine’s Day! When I asked him online, how did he conceptualize the whole thing? How did he manage to express it so easily and in a simple, non-congested way? He said,
“The answer is ‘simplicity’ itself”. I always use one formula for any creation of mine, and that is KISS formula.”KEEP IT SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT”. He continued, “We as humans are always attracted towards beauty. Add simplicity and soothing colours to it & you have your job done. Also, having no restrictions and a clear thought from the department, led me work beautifully”.
As we can see, he clearly has worked wonders. Red, according to me, conjures well on different emotions like love, poetry, beauty and passion. This display has no other colour as magnificent as Red. Thus, the concept of only using red to express love with poetic affection, ‘Pamper Your Valentine’ for your dear girlfriend/wife is simply impressive.
The line ‘Pamper Your Valentine’ against red background convey it best - the message of "I love you"- and for me speaks loud of the care and passionate love that we have for loved ones. Having seen this, I strongly believe that every body’s search for an ultimate surprise this coming season of love should end at this beautiful store. Or May I say the quest for the best, and most enchanting gift begin from this glorifying art work. Love, definitely is an art and art glorifies love! 

Filter your thoughts!

I left my job in August 2010. Since, then I have changed! YES. I have a confession to make. I was little more lazy then. I was little less organised compared to what I am today. (Yes, I have my schedule and a diary today that I don't simply carry, but also make entries into it, or simply save it as a note in my draft SMS messages)

I almost have a planned day. Sure, things go off sometimes, and there are uncertain times, but mostly I know what I am going to do. Most of the times either I am reading (Yes, I have been reading a lot, I have read more books in the last 6 months than I had ever read in the last 23 years) or I am thinking (not day dreaming) about my next move. (I think a lot, may be that's were all the protein I consume goes)


All these changes didn't 'just' happen. I made conscious effort a deliberate decision to change for the better. I knew this change is very simple and effective. Though I mentioned a few bad elements in me above, that I am changing, I was never unreceptive to things that were generally good. The reason I made mistakes and didn't realize it was only because of the fact that I was just not 'aware' in and out of it! Even then, I had this 'respect the speaker' manners that I had learned early in my life and most of the times accepted the good points, the most suitable thing, for a given situation.

Thus, when I meet people who are just so locked in their own zone, not willing to 'accept' other's view point, not willing to listen and then react, not open to new ideas and have their 'narrowed' view point on every thing you say (they have reasons or justification even to your most valid and generally accepted point) I feel sad and pity for their ignorance and such awful state.

"Agyani manyusha aur pathar dono saman hain! Chahey jitna sar phodlo dono apney gunon ko nahi chodtey!"

All I am trying to say in this post is, stick to your point or opinion when you know it is generally acceptable and a right behavior or a manner, but never averse to something that is going to make a long lasting impact on you and the thing which is right! Never 'just' oppose something because you are unaware of it and have never experienced. You never know, the point or view you are so dearly holding to yourself is actually a misconception or just your unselfconsciousness!

Micro to Macro- Back in Style!

The last time I wrote, in May, was about the Khoi Hui Zindagi, about the turmoil in my heart. Which way to chose, how to follow my heart, about the consequences of the path and all that a person running behind dreams; experiences with the relationships he shares with the people around.

There were thoughts, that I could have posted, but rather I chose to post it on micro blogging site from time to time. The larger, macro thoughts, I better kept reserved to my blog here. But of what little I posted on the sites like www.ionisee.com, www.facebook.com kept me alive and connected with the so called socially virtual world.

Today, when I am at the brink of very happening, fascinating acting career that coincides with the release of the much loved film 'the social network', that could shape the real world (me in terms of where I go from my first performance, and more real films like this may come) this seemed to me as an apt time to write on this most loved space of mine.

The Social Network, directed by David Fincher and starring Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg founder of widely popular facebook.com is an amazing and 'most' real film in these times. The movie traces the journey of Mark, a Harvard student, who invented facebook.com with fellow students.

Based on the non-fiction book 'The Accidental Billionaire' which comprises the narration given by Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of facebook.com and his lawsuit against his friend and founder Mark, the film holds you from the scene one and establishes Mark as a very smart, ambitious person who went social about his girlfriend ditching him and thus tries hard to seek social acceptance.

Film cuts sleekly between the lawsuit and the flashback story, leaving on you to decide, whether whatever Mark does is right or wrong. Although you know what's the end of the film gonna be, your anticipation just builds with every razor sharp defense that Mark puts forward. Surely, this one is the movie of the year!

Spiral Bound-The play in which I got to recently act, has been a beautiful experience. With every line and with every word uttered, I just learned and enjoyed my most passionate craft - acting! The play, addresses the eternal question of identity, of self and society yet again, through a group of characters that lose and gain themselves in different stage of reality. I am glad that I happened to be a part of this and now the joy has just got even bigger as, we have been shortlisted to perform!

The journey, the pehla padav to my most desired path is set and I know there is miles to go before I sleep. But this feeling of joy and the experience and learning that I am carrying will help me to sustain in the difficult things to come in this beautiful fascinating journey.

Patriyon ki khoj main (c)

Mumbai jo Sapno Ka Shehar hai, har vyakti har mazhab ke logon ko paalta hai unke sapno ko sinchta hai... Par jab kuch mutthi bhar log apni taakat dikhane ke liye, hazarron lakhon logon ke sapne, mehnat or ummedon ko patri se uttar dete hain toh, toh vaise hi apni ummedon ka bojh dhonewale vyakti ke dil main shayad aise hi kisi dard ka ehsaas hota hoga....

Kho gayi zindaagi
Patriyon ki khoj main
Kho gaye rishtey bhi
Patriyon ke beech main

Apne hi hain sabhi
Par patri par nahi…
Chalte kuch saath par fir bhi hain dur sabhi…
Tham gayi aas hai milne ki ab kabhi
Kho gayi zindagi patriyon ki khoj main
Kho gaye rishtey bhi patriyon ke beech main

Milkar wo judtey hain…
Par fir alag wahi
Saathi sab saath hai
Par dil bilkul nahi
Jhoot ka milna hai…
Par doori ab bhi wahi

Kho gayi zindagi
Patriyon ki khoj main
Kho gaye rishtey bhi
Patriyon ke beech main...