Fame Shankarnag

The erstwhile Shankarnag Symphony is now completely renovated and named as 'Fame Shankarnag'. Since it opened after renovation, I wanted to visit this theater. Symphony and Rex had been one of my most favorite theaters in Bangalore (I say 'had been' because I am now in that category of movie goers who are pampered by the multiplex cinemas and the comfort that comes along with it).

Still remember my college days when we used to stand in the Q two hours before the show to buy tickets for front stall (Rs. 15). That was way back in late 90s. I never used to like front stall and always preferred back stall. I used to say its just 15 bucks more. But my friends' argument was we could see two for cost of one!! Now, I can't argue more on that. Can I?

I still remember watching the movie 'Six Days Seven Nights' after they renovated Symphony last time. We were in the second row (of course from the screen). With our heads up, we were happy to see the new concave screen. The movie started and oops! the screen is really wide! Well, it was more like watching a tennis match!

Last year when I heard that they are closing Symphony for renovation, I thought they will convert it into a 2-screen multiplex which would kill the charm of Symphony. On the other hand, I liked the idea of Fame to keep it a single screen hall and change the comfort and experience of the movie goer. So, they have four classes of seats - Premier and Silver in place of front and back stall and Jubilee and Gold Class in the balcony.

On Friday I read the review of movie 99 in my friend's blog. Also, found that it is running in Fame Shankarnag. So, I logged on and booked for the movie 99 this Saturday. I booked the Jubilee class (Rs. 170) and I guess I would never book Premier class (almost same as front stall). I must say it was an experience of its kind. A cool lounge for Jubilee and Gold class which will make your wait pleasant. Very comfortable seats, great leg space and good service to the seats. No more running to the counter to be the first in queue to grab some snacks so that you don't run late for second-half.

BTW, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and its a movie worth watching. You can read the movie review in my friend's blog here.

So, dont miss a chance to check out this new cool movie hall in town. Have fun!

A dream come true...

It was Friday, 4th of July, 2008. I put on my costume and as I was walking down the corridor, I was asked to enter the room which was filled with people in various attire. I should actually say that the room was filled with medley of emotions - enthusiasm, anxiety, fear, confidence. I reached the other end of the room and waited for my turn to be seated. I longed for this moment for many months. And here I am, about to be seated - to be made up to look like Aristotle. After the makeup, I looked at myself in mirror for sometime and as I walked out of the room, the character seemed to sink in and the confidence in me grew stronger by the minute.

Vision 2020: Alexander was my first scripted play on stage and I was really afraid of missing out lines on stage as I am not good at memorizing lines. As the rehearsal began I was wishing that I would get a role which has minimal and easier lines. But then God does not grant your wishes all the time. I was to do the role of Aristotle. At one end I was thrilled as it was a great feeling to play Aristotle, but on the other it required memorizing good number of lines :-(

...play looks at dying Alexander on his death bed with his life in flash back. His biggest conflict is whether to follow the teachings of outer world conquest as espoused by his teacher Aristotle or whether to conquer the inner world as taught by his other teacher Leonnidas...

You can read more about play and the theater group here.

There was only a small light in backstage as we waited for curtain to rise. I could hear the rumbling noise behind the screen as the audience settled down. Slowly, the auditorium came to a silence and the director gave an introduction and announced - we present to you The Alexander. Choir began singing and the curtain rose....

Scene 1: Alexander's camp

I continued to wait at backstage and as I closed my eyes, many images flashed across - rehearsals, my near and dear waiting to see me on stage, my first playback performance. Lights went out after Scene 1 and I entered the stage and took my position. I could sense the audience staring at the stage and I could also sense butterflies in my stomach! The lights were turned on and it was time for butterflies in my stomach to leave.

And then, Aristotle spoke - "Are the fish biting?"

Serengeti

The basement looked dingy, gave car for valet parking and headed towards lift. Although the lift made weird sounds we reached 3rd floor safely. Having heard a lot about this restaurant I was quite curious to visit the place but the route to the restaurant wasn't exciting. I looked around and there I spotted the board - Serengeti.

The theme of the restaurant is based on rain forests. But when I looked up on net for Serengeti region in Africa, found that it is not exactly a rain forest region!!! Serengeti actually means - endless plain. You can know more about it here.

Coming back to the restaurant, it is situated in Total Mall, Madiwala, Bangalore. I had been there on Valentine's day. The ambiance was perfect for a valentine dinner and I did not get to chose from menu as they had a set menu in place for that day.

Started off with a Litchi drink and then moved on to starters. Stuffed Aloo and Capsicum, cooked to perfection with a delicious filling followed by fried corn and fried rolls. Fried corn is something new which I never had anywhere before and it was very good. The sad part was there were too many starters.

Then the main course - Aloo palak and Kadai vegetable along with a basket of assorted Indian bread. Though I normally prefer Roti to Naan, I liked Naan very much. Roti was not upto the mark. The service was good and fast. We were already so full, we said no to rice and daal. Jumped directly to dessert which was one of my fav - hot gulab jamoon and vanilla ice-cream.

All in all it was a great restaurant with soothing ambiance, yummy food and a very good service.

I am looking forward for my next visit :-)

PS: Don't EVER order iced tea as it was nowhere close to iced tea

I am back (again)!

So what?
What is the big deal about it?
Did you go anywhere?
Why did you come back?

Well, if these are your questions, then I don't have an answer. Or, may be am beginning to like this phrase - "I am back!".

The only aim now is to have at least one post between these "I am back" posts! I did succeed in that since my last I am back post.

Have a great day and btw, wish me luck with blogging :-)