KNOCKING OUT PEOPLE WITH HUMOR :)

KNOCKED UP is Knocking People Out with its humor and innocence..... Read here few more reader reviews;

Drive Down the Memory Lane....Review by Vince Chacko
Hi Everyone,
I read Shaiju Mathew's Knocked Up in just one sitting... hours flat I was through with the book becoz I couldnt keep it down...It took me back to my childhood days that were spent in a small town in Kerala...Shaiju Mathew was able to touch my heart with his writing and also took me down to my old days... I went so nostalgic that I searched for my close friends who had lost touch with me on Facebook...This book if made into a serial or movie like Malgudi Days or Swami...will really do good as it has the potential to strike a cord with every age group... The language used is very simple so people searching for Shakespeare will be disappointed but a common average Indian can definitely find the book easy on his brain to read without reffering dictionary....
I am so glad that it is not like the usual IIM or IITian turned graduate to an author saga...its about teenagers, their issues, problems, friendships, love life all put up into a hillarious tale...Every Chapter had something to laugh about... I have already bought 3 books from Reliance Book Store for gifting my long lost friends and have also ordered from flipkart for a author signed copy... Shaiju Mathew U made my day....
Thank you
Vince Chacko

Easy read Review by Smitha Jacob
Just completed reading Knocked up...The plot was good with friends and their mischief's and well written that i could imagine the characters in mind and move with the story..Some chapters are really humorous ..Overall ,It was an easy read and yeah it can be taken as a movie as it has friendship ,love,intimate moments,humour everything which is required for a movie..Did the Author's stint in movie direction influenced the plot??? Need to see the next book in the series..
Instead of making it as chapters , Author can plot it like a diary as the sequences were as if ,it's taken out of authors diary..
Felt a similarity to Chetan Bhagat style of writing as his books also turns around the similar stories and easy read but one time read as well..
I should really appreciate the quality of the printing.Magic Moments Publications too rock..Good quality paper ,big letters and a cute small book with a catchy front cover...Loved the footer image of three friends in bike:)

HILLARIOUS ONE :))) Review by John Mathew

"Simply BRILLIANT...The characters were so believable and the one that took my interest was of Prateik and his girlfriend Rupa they both are funny and cute at the same time... I could sense the gradual growth of the characters from immature teenagers to responsible youngsters...especially Sid & Swati... Swati's transformation from a tomboy to a delicate lady type is noteworthy.... Becky the heroine is smart, sexy and lovable...shez every boy's dream gal... I am waiting for the next in this 3 part series..."

 

Loved it Review by Siddharth Malhotra

I was fortunate enough to buy a premium copy of this book from Rich Bull Marketing in UAE last month. I loved the book and wanted to gift few copies to my cousins in India so I came to flipkart only to be disappointed as they do not have the book in stock although I heard from my friends that the book has released on 18th Sept.
A simple hillarious story of six friends...took me back to my younger days when I was in India... for a first timer its a very good attempt...

 

Nostalgic...Review by Abin George
I just finished the book... its kinda good... feels nostalgic, funny and simple...reminded me of Malgudi days series that used to come on DD. But the end could have been better... maybe a twist in the tale ... but overall a good book...

Wonderful Experience Review by Manu Anand
I loved the book so much that I have ordered 8 more copies from Flipkart today to gift it to my friends who were equally excited about the book. Worth reading if you are a child at heart and if you still miss your teenage days.... not for intellectual types who are searching for Salman Rushdie or Kushwant Singh or Dan Brown... People who like Chetan Bhagat will definitely love Shaiju Mathew's Knocked Up .... I am waiting for the next series of Knocked Up...

Love, Dosti Etc....Review by Avinash K
This Book should have been titled Love, Dosti Etc... or Friends becoz thats what it made me feel after reading this book by Shaiju Mathew. Simple, hillarious and lovable... I loved the love between Rebecca and Sid, funny antics between Prateik and Rupa and the silent love between Swati and Ron... The Mumbai party scene was hillarious so was the scene bike scene and dog bite chapters... Good One...Value for money!!!

Complete Whacked Up...Review by Darshana P
Atlast I laid my hands on Knocked Up yesterday and in one go I finished it as today we are having Ganesh Visarjan holiday....I totally loved it... I was actually sitting and laughing all night and my husband was getting disturbed in his sleep...actually it should be named WHACKED UP not Knocked Up... The ending was hillarious... I can completly understand it as I have gone through such situations in my real life tooo....I could belive the situations and the comedy as I have seen Shaiju and his group in college...they were totally whacked out guyz...You will hear more of Shaiju Mathew in the coming days I am sure of it :)) I recommend it to everyone here...KEEP IT UP SHAIJU and make fellow Wadians proud!!!

I m totally KNOCKED OUT!!!! :)) Review by Mohit

I am not a book reading types... but when I got the first hand opportunity to read 'KNOCKED UP' the edited version I was tempted to read. The cover first caught my imagination and then the chapter names... the synopsis etc... Once I started reading I got involved in the story and I must say it was something of an experience which took... me back to my teenage days and the fun and masti I used to do with my friends back home... The best character I found was of Prateik which was hillarious and his girlfriend Rupa was cute and equally funny... I could sense the gradual growth of the characters from immature teenagers to responsible youngsters...especially Sid & Swati... Swati's transformation from a tomboy to a delicate lady type is noteworthy.... Becky the heroine is smart, sexy and lovable...shez every boy's dream gal... All the instances in the book made me laugh and I couldnt leave the book aside as the curiosity to find out what happens next made me finish the entire book in 4hours flat... GOOD WORK...SHAIJU MATHEW 'U ROCK BOY'... I loved 'KNOCKED UP' and would like to buy it asap it comes on stands.... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....

Ha Ha Ha... I m still Laughing Review by Ashik J P
Lol... I am still laughing my lungs out... and my mother asked me two three times what wrong with me... Shaiju Mathew you are tooo good bro... I never knew you write so well... Its a good comedy proud of u Bro... :))) ha ha ha ha...

Good One Review by RAVILA
Good book...we have an answer to Chetan Bhagat atlast... was bored of all those IIM grads writing books on IIM students and their life in IIM... refreshing story...reminded me of 'Three Men in a Boat'... Good work Shaiju Mathew

AMAZING!!! Review by Prasanna
I purchased the book and read through it. The articulation and the way story has gone through was amazing.... Good job done by the entire team again. Shaiju Mathew is here to stay....

FULLY KNOCKED ME UP !!! Review by Swapna
THE BOOK IS AMAZING..TRULY CAPTIVATING..ONE CANT KEEP IT DOWN ONCE YOU START READING...THE SMALL BLUNDERS IN CHILDHOOD AND TEENS IS SOMETIMES SO HILARIOUS!!! GOOD WORK SHAIJU :)

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE...

Rajesh Kolan and I releasing the book

Hello Friends,

I am writing after a few days gap because I was very busy post the release event of 'Knocked Up' in Pune. The most important and best day of my life. The day my dream came true. Exactly one year back I used to dream of having a huge book release function and I used to wonder how I would release it and where I would host the release function. However, with Gods grace and my parents blessings my book 'KNOCKED UP' released to a thunderous response.

Dad,Mom,Mohit and I

I was happy not because my book was launched successfully but because my Mom who has been suffering from Brain Tumor from the past 1.5 years came for my book launch event and she had dared to venture out of our house for the first time after her operation and radiation therapy which had left her bedridden for long.

As per the theme our launch event was also a hillarious experience where my friends and publication team members pitched in and hosted the show. We were also fortunate to have another youngster Rajesh Kolan who is the debutant director of the superhit Marathi Movie 'TARGET' to come in as the Cheif Guest. Being a good friend and colleague Rajesh was more than welcome to oblige us with his presence.

Praveen and Sumeet

My friends Praveen and Sumeet alongwith my team members Jasmin and Shrijit read their favourite chapters from the book which left the audience in splits. I was the last to read my favourite chapter and on finishing the same I could see the entire audience interested to grab a copy of my book. All through the event I could see a satisfied smile plastered on my parents face. Like the hero of my book even I felt that today a 'Good for nothing' boy who was never recognized outside his friends and family circle became a boy with substance who was known and recognized by many.

My business partners headed by Baiju John Mathew of Rich Bull Marketing, Prince Oswal from Talent Hatz Entertainment and Mr. Vasant Kamat of Dolphin Publications were more than happy with my book and praised the same. Reliance was kind enough to launch my book and did all the possible arrangements to get the event smoothly done.



Dad, Mom, I & My Brother
Baiju Mathew-Founder Rich Bull Marketing



Once the question answer session was over I didn't get even a second for myself as I was surrounded by people who wanted me to sign their copies which made me feel more proud of myself and my team who put in a lot of hardwork to get the book out in the market especially Talent Hatz Entertainment and Dolphin.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who came for the event and supported me. I would also want to share a review or feedback I got from a reader that touched my heart.



I signing books



Drive Down the Memory Lane....Review by Vince Chacko

Hi Everyone,

I read Shaiju Mathew's Knocked Up in just one sitting... hours flat I was through with the book becoz I couldnt keep it down...It took me back to my childhood days that were spent in a small town in Kerala...Shaiju Mathew was able to touch my heart with his writing and also took me down to my old days... I went so nostalgic that I searched for my close friends who had lost touch with me on Facebook...This book if made into a serial or movie like Malgudi Days or Swami...will really do good as it has the potential to strike a cord with every age group... The language used is very simple so people searching for Shakespeare will be disappointed but a common average Indian can definitely find the book easy on his brain to read without reffering dictionary....

I am so glad that it is not like the usual IIM or IITian turned graduate to an author saga...its about teenagers, their issues, problems, friendships, love life all put up into a hillarious tale...Every Chapter had something to laugh about... I have already bought 3 books from Reliance Book Store for gifting my long lost friends and have also ordered from flipkart for a author signed copy... Shaiju Mathew U made my day....

Thank you

Vince Chacko

Also see below few more reviews I got from my readers;

Ha Ha Ha... I m still Laughing

Review by Ashik J P

Lol... I am still laughing my lungs out... and my mother asked me two three times what wrong with me... Shaiju Mathew you are tooo good bro... I never knew you write so well... Its a good comedy proud of u Bro... :))) ha ha ha ha...

Good

Review by RAVILA

Good book...we have an answer to Chetan Bhagat atlast... was bored of all those IIM grads writing books on IIM students and their life in IIM... refreshing story...reminded me of 'Three Men in a Boat'... Good work Shaiju Mathew

AMAZING!!!

Review by Prasanna

I purchased the book and read through it. The articulation and the way story has gone through was amazing.... Good job done by the entire team again. Shaiju Mathew is here to stay....

FULLY KNOCKED ME UP !!!

Review by Swapna

THE BOOK IS AMAZING..TRULY CAPTIVATING..ONE CANT KEEP IT DOWN ONCE YOU START READING...THE SMALL BLUNDERS IN CHILDHOOD AND TEENS IS SOMETIMES SO HILARIOUS!!! GOOD WORK SHAIJU :)

Thank you everyone...will post few more feedbacks tomorrow.

Regards

Shaiju Mathew

A Feature on Me that was published in my friends Blog

Courtesy :http://dudoism.blogspot.com/2010/09/shaiju-mathew-feature.html


Shaiju Mathew is the author of the most anticipated novel of the year, ‘Knocked Up.’ Most anticipated because no other book in the recent history has created such curiosity and interest in the minds of the readers. People who got a glimpse of the same on Facebook says its an ultimate story about friendship, love and fulfilling dreams told in a very simple and hillarious way. He has a huge fan following over the social networking site 'Facebook'.

'Knocked Up' was released in UAE by Richbull Marketing in a limited authored signed edition of 500 copies to raise funds for a charity and the good news is that the entire lot of 500 was exhausted in 7 days flat and still there are more demands for the book by prospective readers due to word of mouth publicity.

On asking him how does it feel after releasing Knocked Up to such a thunderous response he says, “I am feeling great and honoured that my work has been liked by so many people and we are also able to raise funds for the charity that my mother believes in” with a satisfied smile on his face.

However, the journey of a simple boy from Pune to the most promising author of his generation was not a very easy task for Shaiju. He says about his journey as “the most exciting time of his life.” Shaiju had to face many hurdles before he decided to publish his own work so that he could do maximum justice to the book and also bring about awareness among the general public about his book via extensive promotions for which he chose the social networking site ‘Facebook’. “When I started out promoting my work, I got tremendous response from many people who liked my synopsis and the sample chapters that I circulated to gauge the pulse of the reading crowd” he says with a smile.

Shaiju Mathew says he is a true blue Pune boy who loves Pune and the people out here. He was born and brought up in Pune. He studied in St. Joseph’s Boys High School, Khadki and also did his MBA in HR from the acclaimed Pune University. “Pune is the best place in this world as I have so many beautiful memories of my childhood and growing up years here” he reminisces about his childhood days and also confirms his liking for Pune. He further adds “Pune is the base of my story and all the events that take place in my book are situated in Pune. Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra and has its own unique place in the history books too.”

Shaiju although a Malayali likes to be known as a Punekar and prefers Maharashtrian dishes over South Indian fare he says “Although I respect my own culture I somewhere feel that I am a true Maratha from my heart and soul. My favourite dish is saadi varan and amti bhaath, I even love Puran Poli and my weakness is Shrikhand Puri and Sabudana Wada.”

On asking what he misses the most about Pune as he is based in Bangalore now, he says "I miss Ganesh Chaturthi and all the festivals celebrated here as I have so many memories of these festivals. I still remember that during Ganesh Chaturthi I and my friend Praveen used to decorate the space where we used to keep the idol in his house and also prepare for the puja. I was well versed with all the Ganesh Aarti’s and used to sing them. During Diwali apart from bursting crackers I alongwith my group of friends used to build ‘Killa’ with clay and bricks and decorate it with small idols of Shivaji Maharaj and his soldiers... Oh those were the days” he remembers.

Being an accomplished singer he tried to make his career in singing which took him to the south as there were more opportunities, however, he couldn’t make it big there due to heavy competition and due to a throat injury. However his other passion that was for writing still stuck to him which helped him explore totally another creative field. He says, “ I have no regrets about my failed singing career because I will make a comeback soon and pursue singing with full dedication. However, writing was always there in me as I used to write diaries when I was a kid and also wrote short stories and poems which were my base for writing novels.”

Shaiju has also been writing articles for few magazines and entertainment portals as a freelancer. He also has his own blog where he pens his thoughts and there are many people who like what he writes. “Blogging was something I started and then stopped in the middle but I resumed it again after my friends coerced me to do so. Even my first book was published because of my friend Praveen who encouraged me and forced me to finish the book and get it printed” he laughs loud and continues “I got so many good people who guided me and helped me in accomplishing my dream especially Mr. Aditya Kripalani – author of Backseat and Mr. Vasant Kamat – CEO of Dolphin Publications and also my creative team which comprises of Jasmin, Sakhi, Vikram, Shrijit and Mohit.”

Shaiju’s debut work ‘Knocked Up’ is a simple story of three best friends Sid, Ron and Prateik who are teenagers living in Pune. They are directionless in their life and are trying to find a meaning to their existence. The story is very simple and humorous. The comedy is not forced but situational. Shaiju describes this coming up of age story as a modern version of R.K. Narayan’s ‘Swami and Friends.’ “Anyone and everyone who got a chance to read my book even before its official release in India has compared the book to ‘Malgudi Days’, ‘Swami and Friends,’ ‘3 Idiots’ and Sue Townsends ‘Adrian Mole’ series. There has also been a section of readers who compared it to Chetan Bhagat’s style of writing. All these feedbacks have made me feel proud of my book and I am sure everyone would definitely like it.”

Shaiju has also started his own Publication “Magic Moments” which will promote not only new and old authors but also other creative people who are involved in the process of making a book. He says, “A novel is a team effort. Every book you pick up in the market, will give you information about the author and the publication house but no one knows who edited the book, who designed the cover, who compiled the book etc etc... Magic Moments believes in giving credit to each and every person who has contributed towards the book and we will give equal opportunities to every creative person who wants to work with us.” He is also working on a unique model of business partnership through which more and more authors and creative people will benefit from their work.

“Writers / Authors are the worst paid and the most neglected lot in India. So I want to do something for the benefit of my community in general and gather more recognition for my fellow members. Moreover, publication business has more potential in India as we have the high number of book reading public in the world”, he further emphasizes.

When asked about his future projects he says that he is currently working on few movie scripts and also involved in building the credibility of his publication house in the market. There are few manuscripts he is short listing to be published under his publication.

Shaiju Mathew’s message to the aspiring authors in the country is “Pursue your dreams and do not let it die as dreams do come true” and he points at himself as an example.

His personal site : www.shaijumathew.com
Blog : www.shaiju-mathew.blogspot.com

Response to KNOCKED UP

Hello Friends,

Since morning I am getting a lot of calls and emails congratulating me on 'Knocked Up' and also telling me how they loved the book.

Few of the people told me that it made them go nostalgic and few said they couldn't stop falling of the chair laughing.

Few people felt does love really exist in todays world and does girls like Becky and Swati still exist.

The most common feedback I got was that everyone loved the character of Prateik. They found Prateik to be very funny, cute and lovable. When I was writing this character of Prateik I very well knew that he will definitely leave a mark on the readers minds and hearts.

When 'Knocked Up' was launched many people thought it's another 3idiots or 5 point someone. I kept on telling them that it is not at all similar to 3 Idiots or 5 Point Someone but no one believed, now after reading the book they are coming back and saying its definitely not anything similar to the above mentioned movie or book. I am glad that for a first book I received so many good things to hear.

Thank you guyz for all those beautiful emails, phone calls and sms's. I really appreciate your love and support.

Love and regards
Shaiju Mathew

Thank You Everyone :))

Hello Friends,

Today is the final day as my book is out and it is in front of you. From tomorrow I have to make myself strong to face criticism and accolades. Hope everyone likes what I have written and I am sure you would have atleast have one moment to smile in the entire book.

This is also the right moment to thank few people who are responsible for KNOCKED UP reaching out to the world;

1) Dolphin Publications and Mr. Vasant Kamat
2) Talent Hatz Entertainment (Prince Oswal and team)
3) My entire team (Vikram, Jasmin, Shrijit, Sakhi, Mohit and Baiju Mathew)
4) All my dear friends
5) My colleagues and fans on Facebook

Thank you guyz for your support and love without which I wouldn't have been able to bring my book out and live my dream :))

Please do read the book and send me your comments and feedback to me at magicmomentspub@gmail.com

Love and Regards
Shaiju Mathew

National Awards for 2010: Few Surprises here

I was surfing net today when my friend Devansh Patel tweeted saying that Amitabh Bachchan received the Best Actor Award for Paa. It didn't come as a surprise to me as it was a well deserved award for Mr. Bachchan as he played superbly the role of a 13 year old progeria stricken kid in Paa at the age of 67 which is a record as such in the history of world cinema. Another two records set were that of him playing the son of his real life son and also son to a woman who was half his age - Vidya Balan.

I was also happy to note that Arundhati Nag the talented actress from Kannada movies and theatre won the best actress in the supporting role for the same movie, how I wish Vidya too won the award for the best actress for Paa.

For Amitji it is a third award for Best Actor after he won for Agneepath and Black. He had also won an award for best debut for his first movie Saat Hindustani. So that makes four national awards in a four decade long career.

I was also ecstatic to know that my favourite music score for Dev D also won the Best Music Award for the year and I wish all the luck to Amit Trivedi for a well deserved award. Well Done Abba another favourite movie of mine got the best movie award for social issues which was again a well deserving candidate so was 3 Idiots and Kutty Srank. But I still have a doubt why Delhi 6 was given the Best Movie award for National Integration. Delhi 6 was a confusing movie and so the audience had also given it a thumbs down... also giving an award to Nilanjana for Houseful was another surprise whereas there were so many other good candidates like MS Chitra for Pazzhashi Raja and even Yesudas for the same movie....sometimes even awards committee too make few mistakes.

On the whole the awards were full of mixed responses this year...however, my heartfelt congrats to all the winners... Enjoy Maadi :)!!!

KNOCKED UP: Realisation of a Dream

Today I am feeling very happy and satisfied. The feeling is equal to a pregnant lady who has just delievered her child after months and months of wait and anticipation.

When I look back, the entire journey of Knocked Up can be put up as a book itself. It all started one fine day in September 2009 when the writer in me was itching to write something. I wanted to write something very close to my heart, something that I missed about my growing up days with my friends. I took out my old photo album and was going through them when I remembered the funny things that we used to do as a group. Slowly my thoughts and memories got translated into a beautiful manuscripted named 'Knocked Up' which was earlier titled 'Friends Forever'.

After I finished the initial few chapters I gave them to my best friend Praveen who was equally excited and wanted me to publish this book as soon as I complete it. Once I finished the entire story I gave it to other friends of mine to read it without telling them who the author was and the reaction I got from them was equally encouraging. Then I started sending out sample chapters and synopsis of my book to publishers who showed a lot of interest and wanted to publish the book, but at a later date.

I got contracted with one of the leading publishing house in India and the book was announced to be released by April 2010. However, destiny didn't want the book to be released by anyonelse other than me and maybe because of that maybe I faced a lot of problems with the publication house, as the management team kept on changing and so did their terms and conditions. So finally I thought of releasing my book under my own publication "Magic Moments Publications."

In the journey towards publishing my book I came across so many good people who guided me and helped me realise my dreams. I would want to name them here to show my gratitude. Aditya Kripalani, author of the bestselling novel 'Backseat' first guided me in this process and also helped me find an Editor to edit my work. Jasmin Lord my Editor who gave shape to my words and corrected my sentance structure and grammatical mistakes. Then Aditya guided me to Vasant Kamat who helped me understand the publication business as he himself is the CEO of Dolphine Publications. He believed in my work and still promotes it to everyone he meets.

Vikram Nandwani my friend from my school approached me to do the cover design and I agreed. He came up with the best design I could ever imagine off. Anees Palayakodan a friend and colleague of mine introduced me to Sakhi Bansal who helped me compile the book and we both designed the inner pages using Indesign.

Then the best part happened, my brother who is a successful e-Publisher wanted to release my book in a limited edition to check the reaction of the readers and also to raise some funds for a charity that we believe in. He sent emails to his patrons inviting them to purchase the author signed limited edition. Initially we released 100 copies but the demand was so huge we ended up selling 500 in total. The reaction we got from the readers were all positive. Few compared my book with 3 Idiots, few compared it with Malgudi Days and Swami, while few compared my work with Jerome K Jerome and Sue Townsends Adrian Mole series... I am totally floored with all these feedback and reviews that I got directly from the readers.

I was in need of a good website to promote my work and I found Shrijit Nair who not only designed my website but also hosted it successfully. I am also happy that today when the book is on the verge of release I alongwith my friends and creative team are going through the same pangs of anticipation but are totally confident that people will definitely love my simple story and we can acheive what we set out for.

Thank you everyone and thank you for still supporting my work...

Music Review: Crook

Vishesh Films, Emraan Hashmi and Pritam has always guaranteed a hit score, so when the music album of their latest movie 'Crook' was released I was very curious to find out how the music had come up.

Pritam gave his career best with the Bhatts with films like Gangster, Kalyug, Woh Lamhe, Zeher, Jannat, Awarapan and Tum Mile. Crook unlike their earlier ventures doesn't boast about romantic songs here. The first song is a Punjabi folk number "Challa" sung by Babbu Mann, a top name in Punjabi film and music industry, who keeps the fun going. Suzanne D'mello, the only female singer in the entire album, gets to croon a few interspersing lines in English but it is the 'desi' rhythm fused with Western arrangements that make 'Challa' - also arriving later in a 'remix version' - a track that should find good acceptance, especially up North.

The second song in the album sung by Nikhil D'Souza titled "Mere Bina" is a very soulful song with a light rock base to it. Nikhil is an upcoming singer who has delivered few hits in the recent movies like Aisha, Anjana Anjaani and Udaan.

The third song 'Tujhko jo Paaya' sung by Mohit Chauhan with just a guitar playing in the background. An interesting song in the typical Mohit Chauhan style.

Pritam's favourite singer Neeraj Shridhar gets to sing the fourth song titled 'Kya' which is a fun song. A number where one can well imagine Neeraj to be smiling while crooning this one and a feel good appeal via visuals on screens as well; 'Kya' should find it's way into the charts.

The last song 'Tujhi Mein' carries the kind of sound that Bhatts have pretty much patented over the last couple of decades and one is only thrilled to hear it all over again. KK does a very good job and this song would be another chartbuster for the singer.

Overall a very good album which would need few listenings before it catches onto your lips

Ganesh Chaturthi

Today is Ganesh Chaturthi and it is one of my favourite festivals. I have very good memories of my childhood relating to Ganesh Chaturthi which I would like to share it with you guyz here.

Hailing from Pune which is the cultural city of Maharastra, Ganesh festival holds a special place in every Punekar's heart. This is where years ago Lokmanya Gangadhar Tilak started the 'Samuhik Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration' so that every person irrespective of his caste, religion and creed can take part and enjoy the festival. It was a way of uniting the already divided communities of India who were fighting against eachother in the name of religion, caste and creed.

During Ganesh Festival which is a 10 day celebration, huge 'Pandals' are put up where gigantic Ganesh statues are kept for public display and every evening pujaris do puja and offer 'Prasad' to all the devotees. Ganesh Aarti's and popular film music keep on blarring out of the loud speakers and the entire city is lit with fairy lights.

Every year each pandal displayed a different theme eg: during the Jurrasic Park days every pandal displayed Dinosaurs themes and one can see Lord Ganesha riding Dinosaurs or killing them to save the human race. Entire night the city used to look like a huge fair as nobody slept during those days and went for seeing the Ganesha Pandals in the old city. There are special buses plying too and forth carrying people who wanted to have a dekho of these various Pandals. Street vendors have a good time selling off their wares and food items to the customers.

Ganesh festival is not only celebrated through pandals put in the street or societies but also at home. Days before the arrival of Ganeshji, my best friend Praveen and I used to decorate the space where we intended to keep Ganeshji in his house. Every year I celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi at his place. The day Ganeshji was to arrive we used to take care of every item that would be used for the puja. Coming from a secular household my parents never stopped me from performing Ganesh puja at Praveen's house and it was a regular thing for me for past so many years before I shifted to Bangalore.

I miss each and every fun of Ganesh Puja that I enjoyed with Praveen and his family during my growing up days... How I wish I could rewind and go back to my past atleast during the Ganesh Festival and Diwali Festival seasons.

On this note I would like to end my today's post and Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all my friends and especially to Praveen who also miss me equally during this season....

Salman Khan's Dabangg is this year's Eid Offering. From the day the promos started it clicked really high with the audiences. Dabangg's popularity rose day by day and there was 100% anticipation among the cine goers. There was no one in the public who wanted to miss this biggest movie of the year. Dabangg takes you back to the 1970's and 1980's era of film making where action and dialoguebaazi was the norm, mother-son relationship was at the peak and the villians were typical and how can you forget the gaon ki goris. Well Well... for all Salman Khan fans including me, Dabangg is a celebration... I entered with 100% expectation and returned with 200% gratification... I had a permanent smile plastered on my face and on every dialogue and every fight sequence I roared alongwith the crowded and blowed whistles... I don't know when was the last time I had enjoyed a mass entertainer in this fashion...

Dabangg is the story of Chulbul Pandey [Salman Khan], a totally fearless but corrupt police officer with unorthodox working methods. But even the most fearless at times face a tough fight with their innermost demons. Chulbul has had a bitter childhood. His father passed away when he was very young, after which his mother [Dimple Kapadia] married Prajapati Pandey [Vinod Khanna]. Together, they have a son Makhanchand [Arbaaz Khan].

Prajapati favors Makhanchand, which does not go down well with Chulbul. He decides to take control of his destiny and detaches himself from his step-father and half-brother. His sole attachment is his mother. However, after his mother's demise and an unsuccessful attempt to mend wounds, Chulbul snaps all ties with his step-father and half-brother.

Rajo [Sonakshi Sinha], with her unique perspective of life, enters his world and turns life upside down. Chulbul starts to see life more positively and also gets sensitized to the value of a family. But his detractors, especially the dubious Cheddi Singh [Sonu Sood], have their own vested interests and emerge as spokes in the wheels, putting one brother against the other. Makhanchand ends up carrying out an act oblivious to the consequences. When Makhanchand realizes he has been used, he turns to Chulbul and join forces with him to eliminate the tyranny of Cheddi Singh.

Actingwise Salman doesn't disappoint he is a total revelation. Public enjoy all his antics and end up being with him totally...when he fights, when he cries, when he romances and when he sings. After 'Wanted' this is another BLOCKBUSTER performance from him. Sonakshi looks pretty and acts well for a debutant, she will go a far way if she chooses her projects well in future. Arbaaz Khan as Makhanchand is okay while Dimple and Vinod Khanna as Salman and Arbaaz's parents are brilliant. Sonu Sood is a very good and he potrays the role of a villian to the hilt. Anupam Kher and Om Puri in brief roles doesn't get much scope. Malaika sets the screen on fire with 'Munni Badnam Hui' song.

The action by S. Vijayan is out of this world. Music is also a big draw as all the songs are top class eg: Teri Mast Mast Nain, Munni Badnam Hui, Udd Udd Dabangg, Chori Kiya re and Humka Peeni Hain. Sajid Wajid are in top form with the music album and Lalit Pandit with 'Munni Badnam' gives yet another chartbuster.

Debutant Director Abhinav Singh Kashyap is in his element. He's made an out and out entertainer with an eye at the masses and he succeeds in his endeavour. Doing justice to vintage formula is no cakewalk, let's not forget. Besides, he stays away from going overdramatic while handling the dramatic and emotional moments. This explains why you don't exit the theatre with a spinning head. Mahesh Limaye's cinematography is perfect. Editing by Pranav V. Dhiwar is super-slick in action scenes. Dialogues are outstanding, especially those delivered by Salman, were greeted with claps and whistles. Especially 'Itne chhed karunga' 'Yahan ke hum Robinhood hai, Robinhood Pandey', 'Policewala agar goli maare toh usse promotion ke saath award bhi milta hai' etc...

Arbaaz Khan succeeds in his first movie as a producer alongwith debutant director Abhinav Kashyap and Salman as the main lead...On the whole Dabang has BLOCKBUSTER written allover it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Reviews and Feedbacks on Knocked Up - Part 3

Hello Friends,

After I finished with the final draft I approched few people from different backgrounds and age category. I wanted to know how people felt about my story and my writing style and does my story appeak to them in totality. So I gave away few sample chapters to these chosen group to read and to get their reaction. I am presenting herewith the reaction I got from that group;

"Malgudi Days meets 3 Idiots .... ha ha ha...Loved it!!!" Rupal Shah, Student

"This is a book for everyone...all age groups...I could literally imagine every situation as I have gone through such similar ones myself when I was young...Shaiju Mathew made me go nostalgic...Good book" Robert Pinto, ex-Principal.

"Love, Dosti etc... should have been the title of the book instead of Knocked Up... A book that really makes you value your friends...:) and makes you believe in the power of love" Rachit Seth, Entreprenuer.

"Knocked Up made me nostalgic... 3 cheers to Shaiju Mathew" R. Dinakaran, Manager - Bank of India.

"SIMBLY OUTSTANDING!!!" Rajesh Gupta, Student.

"The story has songs, dream sequences, humor, friendship, love etc... Knocked Up is an experience as it took me down the cinematic lane as it forced me to close my eyes and envision those moments in my mind... I think the language is so sweet and simple you can literally feel as if the book is being played in front of your eyes like a movie...Awesome is the first word that came into my mind" Rajiv Tandan, Aspiring Movie Maker.

"I was told that KNOCKED UP is a three part series... the first part was so engrossing I am eagerly waiting for the other two parts asap... Mr. Mathew has a good way of narrating a story" Robin Mathew, Student.

"Once this book hits the stands it will be a hurricane... too good to believe... fantastic writing skills, comedy is situational and funny... Characters are real and u dont get lost in the narrative... Chetan Bhagat will have heavy competition in the coming days" Ritesh Deshpande, Accountant.

"Pyar mein kabhi kabhi aisa ho jata hai...choti si baat ka fasana ban jaata hai... thats what I keep on singing whenever I think of the chapter where Sid had to severe ties with Becky becoz of a small misunderstanding... The dog chase chapter was hillarious to the hilt and the chapter where Prateik goes for singing lessons...OUTSTANDING!!! I am in love with each and every character of the book... YEH DIL MANGE MORE!!! Sirji kab doosri book chapoge?" Divakar Yadav, Student.

"Does people like Becky and Sid still exist in this world where reality programs like Emotional Atyachar and Splitsvilla are shown...where people doubt if true love exists... Shaiju Mathew through KNOCKED UP tries to revive the faith in love in a non-romantic girl like me... even I want a love story like Sid and Becky's and a lover like Sid..." Bijal Shah, Student.

"Total filmy... someone should make a movie out of this book... Total BLOCKBUSTER content... Good work from Shaiju Mathew" Rohit Raghav, Jingle Artist.

"I am in love with Rupa and Prateik they are the most hillarious couple I have ever come across in any novel so far in my life....Keep it Up Shaiju" Sachin Hingorani, Student.

"Shaiju Mathew's style of writing is very simple and could be easily understood by any person...basically the story is very simple and uncomplicated and the situations are identifiable...Loved it" Sushma.P, Call Center Exec.

These were few comments I got recently... I am waiting for more after the book releases in a grand way in India on 18th September 2010....

Fantastic Feedback received for KNOCKED UP

Friends, I would like to share this particular email I received from a person who eats, drinks, sleeps & lives on books. Someone who really understands stories and its potential, someone who can not only judge a book by its cover but also by its content. The review/ feedback he gave about Knocked Up is very special to me because he is a dear friend, guide and mentor to me and his opinion always matters. He is Mr. Vasant Kamat - CEO, Dolphin Publications, Mumbai. Here are excrepts from the email he wrote to me personally after reading my book.

Hi Shaiju,

I finished reading the book. It was one of the most hilarious book I read in a long time. Reminded me of Sue Townsend’s Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. The best part is that one doesn’t need to willingly suspend disbelief to enjoy this book, because everything in it is perfectly believable. Some of the scenes are hilariously original and had me in splits. And the simplicity of the narrative is very refreshing.

A simple endearing story till the last scene/chapter. I consider Sid’s hitting back at Mrs. Fernandez’s ‘raping my daughter” ranting as one of the best crafted scenes. I am sure this book will 'Rock' once it hits the market.

Wishing you all the luck...

Thanks & Regards,

Vasant Kamat
C.E.O.
Dolphin Publications Pvt Ltd.

I will be posting more reviews and feedback from more readers as soon as possible as my mailbox is already flooded with so many mails. However, I am very touched and also encouraged to give my best in my future books too.

Thank you everyone for all your love and support.

KNOCKED UP: Few Reader Reviews on my first book

KNOCKED UP, my first baby that got released in a limited edition in UAE. It was an experiment to test reader reactions and also to raise funds for a charity.

Distributed by RICH BULL Marketing, it was only given to the members and patrons of the company by invitation and also to few people who showed interest in the book after they got to know about it from their friends.

Rich Bull Marketing had done extensive promotions and sent out invites to their client network. Initially they thought of releasing 100 premium copies but the kind of response they got motivated them to put up another 400 copies on sale and all the 500 copies were 'sold out' within a week and they are still getting more orders from prospective buyers who got to know about 'Knocked Up' through their friends - word of mouth publicity worked for us.

Here are few comments I got from the readers which I wanted to share here;
"It reminded me of my childhood days" Minal Salarpuria - Housewife

"It reminded me of Malgudi Days in a modern time period" Praveen Tyagi - Talent Manager

"I am not a book reading types... but when I got the first hand opportunity to read 'KNOCKED UP' the premium version I was tempted to read. The cover first caught my imagination and then the chapter names... the synopsis etc... Once I started reading I got involved in the story and I must say it was something of an experience which took... me back to my teenage days and the fun and masti I used to do with my friends back home... All the instances in the book made me laugh and I couldnt leave the book aside as the curiosity to find out what happens next made me finish the entire book in 4hours flat... GOOD WORK...SHAIJU MATHEW 'U ROCK BOY'... I loved 'KNOCKED UP' and would wait for your next book eagerly.... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...." Mohit Malukani - Finance Analyst

"Simply BRILLIANT...The characters were so believable and the one that took my interest was of Prateik and his girlfriend Rupa they both are funny and cute at the same time... I could sense the gradual growth of the characters from immature teenagers to responsible youngsters...especially Sid & Swati... Swati's transformation from a tomboy to a delicate lady type is noteworthy.... Becky the heroine is smart, sexy and lovable...shez every boy's dream gal... I am waiting for the next in this 3 part series..." Simi B. John - Physiotherapist

"Knocked Up!!! really Knocked me Out.... hehehe... awesome comedy, simple language and believable situations...I Like, I Like" Brian Reynolds - Investment Banker

"I loved it but I felt that the ending should have been slightly different...but overall I loved it" John Mathew - Sr. Accountant

"Chetan Bhagat has got competition here...After a long time some interesting, light hearted book has released that will be a bestseller in the coming days...Good Work Shaiju" Vinod Lalwani - Book Distributor

"We need more authors like Shaiju and need more such books like Knocked Up in the market and most of the books present in the market are written by few jobless IIM & IIT students describing their life in such colleges which common man like me are bored and least interested in...Chetan Bhagat already did that with 5 point someone...we dont need more CB clones... However, Knocked Up by Shaiju Mathew takes you on a different tangent... A simple, funny, lovable story of six friends..." Darshan Jhunjhunwala - Student

Thank you guys for your valuable feedback and comments... there are few more emails which I am reading right now. I will upload them shortly...

I would also like to answer all my friends and fans who keep on asking me when 'Knocked Up' will release in India and why it is taking so much time... To tell you frankly book publishing is a very meticulous and time consuming job. Moreover, there are so many situations and problems that are not in one's control. I will definitely write my tryst with the publishing industry very soon so that upcoming self publishers and authors can take some help and guidance from y experiences....Till then I am keeping my fingers crossed for the India release which is happening this month....

Employee's don't leave Companies, they leave Managers

I once heard someone saying in a motivational session that 'Employees don't leave companies but they simply leave Managers.' I didn't understand this phrase as I had just stepped into my first job and I had never experienced the politics and management tactics present in an organization.

The training period went fine and I was the topper in my batch. People in the company always smiled, HR staff always said that the company was the best place to work and they took great care of their employees. Managers and Senior Managers repeatedly said that the company is an equal opportunity company and they have a open door policy, so incase you have any issues or problems you can always drop in and discuss your issues.

I was all charged up and hit the floor. We were told our SLA's (Service Level Agreement) which simply meant the performance metrics on the basis of which I would be evaluated in the company appraisals. The Appraisals were the deciding factor for our promotions, bonuses and our increments. I understood every metric and put my best into my performance. In the the half yearly appraisals I was in the top 10 list and I got my bonus and also few incentives. Now my target was to grow in the company.

As per the rules I would be eligible for promotions once I complete nine months in my present role and if I was in the top 25% on the stack rank (decided by the performance metrics). I put in my entire self into my performance and built a sky castle about how I would be promoted after the nine months. However, when the time arrived for me to apply for the promotions I was told by my Manager that I shouldn't apply as I was not eligible. I went back to him and showed the rules and also my stacks but I was sent back. Instead of me another person from our team was chosen for the promotion interview and the biggest surprise was that he was an under performer and was not even eligible for the promotion.

I was upset and wanted to voice out my concerns but didn't know how? Then suddenly I remembered our induction day presentation that was presented to us by the HR staff and also the assurances we got from our Senior Managers about the open door policy and how I should approach them for finding a resolution in similar situations.

I went to my Area Manager and told him about my concern. My Area Manager heard me out and told me that he will speak to my Manager, which he did and later I had an extensive meeting with my Manager where he vent out his frustration on me. I was demotivated and was forced to loose focus on my work and my growth. It started affecting my work and I couldn't do much. I was told by one of my colleagues to approach our HR Generalist and voice out my concern. I went and met my HRG who in turn arranged a joint meeting to resolve the issue with my Manager.

In the meeting it was decided that my team would be changed as I was not comfortable working with my Manager. I was put into a team which didn't require the kind of expertise and my liking. I was given a shift that was one of the worst - graveyard shift. I was burdened with more work. I was not enjoying my work in that department. I went back to my Area Manager and told him how I was not happy with the new team. I felt I was indirectly punished for raising my concerns to the seniors.

My Area Manager said he will look into the matter and he didn't do anything. Being dissatisfied with the entire matter I approached our Process Head and raised my concern. Now the entire thing was a ego tussle between the Area Manager, my ex-Manager and me. In all this drama my performance was affected as I was not able to concentrate on my work and the entire mental trauma was making me more frustrated. I was told by my Area Manager that I was not concentrating on my work and my stats were screwed up so anyways I couldn't apply for the next IJP interviews.

I was totally demotivated. I felt I had chosen the wrong company and the company didn't care for me. To teach a lesson to the managers I decided to quit the company and join another. I attended interviews and in few days time I got a job in another prestigious brand. I thought now my problems were over and I will begin a new chapter here and grow in the company. Alas, my delusion was broken again. Soon I realised that companies changed, managers changed but the situations were still similar...

I left 5 companies in the last 10 years not because the companies I worked were bad but the people who managed us were bad. Names changed, positions changed but the situations and the politics were always the same....Don't know when such things will come to an end.....!!!

Review: We R Family

I have been an ardent fan of Chris Columbus's 1998 superhit English movie 'Stepmom' starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. I would have watched the movie more than 30 times and still like to catch up whenever the movie is shown on television. When Karan Johar announced that he is going to remake 'Stepmom' in Hindi, I was very curious to find out the outcome. I wanted to see how Kajol and Kareena would have potrayed the same role that Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts had already immortalized in the history of world cinema. My wait ended when I got to watch the movie today.

Karan Johar alongwith Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan has always spelt success and the hindi version of 'Stepmom' i.e. 'We R Family' starring Kajol, Kareena and Arjun Rampal was something to look forward to. Although KJo was not the director and it was newbie Siddharth Malhotra who has been an assistant to KJo on several projects. Surprisingly I was impressed with whatever I saw.

'We R Family' has its own positives and flaws as it is normally seen whenever an English movie is remade into Hindi. The restrainted and flawless performances of Susan and Julia is replaced by the over dramatic and loud acting of Kajol and Kareena (so synonimous of Hindi movies). The premise is the same as the original with little alterations done to suit the tastes of our Hindi movie audiences.

Maya [Kajol] is the perfect mother. Her life revolves around her three children, Aleya [Aanchal Munjal], Ankush [Nominath Ginsberg] and Anjali [Diya Sonecha]. Despite being divorced from her husband Aman [Arjun Rampal], Maya has ensured that everything runs smoothly in her house, under her watch, and that they continue to remain a happy family unit.

When Aman introduces his girlfriend, Shreya [Kareena Kapoor], a career-oriented woman, the situation takes an unexpected turn. However, Maya is diagnosed with a terminal illness and circumstances bring the two women under the same roof. Can two mothers make a home?

With a plot like this, you expect 'We R Family' to be an out-and-out serious outing. However, the film has its serious moments, but the director ensures that it doesn't come across as a gloomy and serious fare. In fact, the generous dose of light moments in the narrative keeps the drama fluid. There's an inherent sensitivity that the director brings in, which keeps you involved for most parts.

On the flip side, the film tends to stagnate in the middle of the second hour. One expects the story to move forward, but there's not much movement here. Thankfully, the film picks up wonderfully towards the penultimate reels.

Kajol as usual is first rate while Kareena is able to match up to the towering presence of Kajol. After Rock On, Housefull and Raajneeti we see another brilliant act by Arjun Rampal. The three children are aptly cast and perform well.

The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is a big let down especially because Dharma Productions is always associated with chartbuster music and all their movies since KJo took over the reins has always been 'Musical Blockbusters' from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to the recent I Hate Luv Storys.

Mohanan's cinematography, Niranjan Iyer's dialogues and Raju Singh's background music is first rate. Director Siddharth Malhotra shows promise as he has handled the dramatic scenes between Kajol and Kareena brilliantly.

This movie will appeal to the female audiences who in turn will bring their spouses and children to watch the movie with them ensuring good returns for the movie. On the whole I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND the movie to everyone....

Stories that inspired me...

When I was a kid I was first introduced to books by my elder brother. The first book I ever read was 'Famous Five Series' written by Enid Blyton. Once I started reading my first book I couldn't stop myself from reading more of the series and once I exhausted them I went onto other stories and books written by Enid Blyton.

When I grew a year older I got hooked onto detective series like 'Hardy Boys', 'Nancy Drew', 'The Secret Seven' etc. Mysteries were more interesting according to me and untill I finished the entire book at one go I couldn't sleep.

At every stage of my life my likes in books changed. Once I got into college I got hooked to English Classics like the books written by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, The Bronte Sisters, William Thackrey, Thomas Hardy etc...

Jane Austen opened me to a totally new world where every story of hers were a slice from her life. 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Emma','Persuasion','Northager Abbey','Sense and Sensibility' and 'Mansfield Park' showed the bonding that she shared with her siblings and her family.

In Indian writers Rabindranath Tagore and Ruskin Bond had a huge influence on me. Every story they wrote were simple and were even simpler to understand and imagine (I always tend to imagine the story in my head after every chapter I have read). Chetan Bhagat was another contemprory writer who brought back the book readers to the book shops with his stories inspired mostly from his life.

When I started writing my own books I always took inspiration from my life and from my surroundings. KNOCKED UP my debut novel is another case in point where I took heavy inspirations from my teenage days. It didn't take me long to write the book as I already had it in my head and I was just waiting to put it on paper.

My relationship with books that was established by my brother still continues to be and I think when I die I still will have a book in my hand.... So happy reading :) Books are indeed your best friend....