2015 began on a challenging note and ended on a positive note, so that’s something to be thankful for. Also, time seems to be flying by so quickly that before you know it, you’re already in a new year.
My book reading went for a toss, and I barely read any at all. Focus was the main issue.
An enjoyable read
“The Girl with Seven Names” was one heck of a page-turner. This is the story of Hyeonseo Lee. It chronicles her escape from the dictatorial regime in North Korea as a 17 year old. Then, returning 12 years later to reunite with her family and get them to South Korea, overcoming incredible odds. It’s available on Amazon.
Movies that hit the sweet spot
Mad Max: Fury Road
There were some very good movies this year, but for sheer overall entertainment value, nothing tops this wild, adrenaline pumping, chest thumping roller coaster of a movie. The fourth in the Mad Max series, Fury Road has some fantastic stunts and action scenes, and features Charlize Theron in probably one of her best roles ever.
Masaan
A far cry from the staple masala films, I first heard of this movie when it won a couple of awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Set in Varanasi, it tells the story of two separate couples from different strata of society. Poignant and helpless in parts, offering hope in others, it is a brilliant directorial debut by Neeraj Ghaywan, starring Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha.
Earworm of the year
Roy
Not listened to much new music this year, although I did catch a couple of songs from “Tamasha”. There were some other good songs around too, but overall, I think the soundtrack from Roy stayed with me that bit longer, whether randomly humming, or listening to it while driving.
The TV show that had me completely hooked
Narcos
In a year that saw some brilliant new shows like “Better Call Saul” as well as the continuation/end of some all-time popular shows, I’d pick Narcos as my favourite TV show of the year.
The story of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin drug cartel has been told before, but the way it was presented here was a delight to watch. Absolutely riveting, and I’m already looking forward to Season 2. You may need to use a VPN to watch it on Netflix or use “alternate methods” Netflix is now available in India 😉
Favourite meal
Absolutely no doubt about this one. The Guppy pop-up at Olive Bistro in late August and then again towards September-end was easily the highlight of the year, especially because when it comes to Japanese cuisine, Pune really doesn’t have much to offer.
Podcasts – an unexpected part of my life
Sometime last year, the investigative journalism podcast “Serial” went mainstream, and I was hooked onto it. At the time, I assumed it to be something like a one-off fad which would fade away.
By the end of 2015, I had started filling otherwise dead time with podcasts, whether during walks, commutes, chores, and even waiting around at places.
