Tuesday, September 8, 2009

EDITORIAL

Some definitions define it as a dish or mix of various oriental spices. The word we are discussing here is "curry". And when we say 'Culture Curry' we would mean a mix of various cultures coming together and forming this cultural platform where people express themselves.
We are fortunate enough to have our offices all across India and what better word to call the Company Newsletter than 'Culture Curry'.
So this time, along with the business article we have in this edition 'an endearing appetiser from the North', 'a tadka from the East', 'some masala to die for from the South' and finally the 'all essential garnishing from the West'.

So, enjoy this season's Culture Curry with an extra tang of Mustard!

LIFE AT MUSTARD

The spice that flavours the curry, has just got more tangier!

Mustardians- the suave, and at times cocky lot, have always been the fun guys @ bluelotus.
Life has always been a roller coaster ride at Mustard, consistent business from clients has eluded the creative minds at Mustard and at times it has also been the other way round. The resultant pressures have taken their toll with the team strength reducing to a six members team. Any other team would have probably imploded given such adversity, but not Mustard.
Charlie had 3 angels (remember the movie “Charlie’s Angels”), we have 4- absolutely dynamic foursome with a “ready to die for Mustard” attitude.
And that’s helping in bringing a change in Mustard. We have always been primarily a print led creative and design unit, but now we are building capabilities to provide complete advertising solutions and implementing strategies. This includes producing Audio-Visuals, designing websites, developing marketing plans, BTL activation amongst others.
Some of our recent work include:
Ÿ Complete brand identity for Encirlce (previously Varun Air Services) and creating their website; Check them out at
www.encircletravels.com
Ÿ Product design for Birla Wellness and Brand identity for Birla Edutech, (we have wowed the head honcos at Yash Birla Group with our work)
Ÿ Brand identity and collaterals for ESS, Just for Hearts
Ÿ Audio Visual for ESS
Ÿ Television commercial for LPU (concept, story board, voice over and animation)
Ÿ Branding collaterals for our ongoing clients- Lapox and Asian Paints
Ÿ Marketing, printing and promotional activities for Lapox
We are entering the exciting field of activation as well, where we are going to promote Oceanic Consultants in 110 colleges and 22 malls in 11 cities across India.
These are thrilling times for Mustard. Most of the clients we have worked on the recent past are referred by Blue Lotus and we hope to receive the continuous support and encouragement from all.
Life is changing in Mustard and we are on a fast lane, having renewed our commitment to deliver quality and on time.

Monday, September 7, 2009

RAINS

Prateek Shah from Blue Flames, Delhi, drenches us with his lyrical ode to the rains...

RAIN RAIN COME AGAIN

After the sun makes everything way too dry,
we crave for drops which will fall from the sky,
and fill our hearts with vigour and joy,
soon enough, the monsoon does come by.

Then its time for jalebi, pakodas, tea and coffee,
not to miss the the love birds that roam the locality,
or the pleasant weather with breezy velocity,
which engulfes the city with scenic beauty.

So far so good, but then the troubles begin,
water logged roads, jams and drenched skin,
to be followed with a lot of sneezing and coughing,
and conked off phones which suddenly stop ringing.

To love it or not is entirely your say,
after all, things are balanced both the ways,
all i can think of is "rain rain go away,
come again another day, little Johnny wants to play"

ENNA RASCALA . . .MIND IT!!

Mind it! says Annie, from Team Diamond, Chennai, as she shares the euphoria surrounding the movies and the movie superstars down South!

The two most popular things that come to the mind of any individual who thinks of India are Cinemas and cricket and the hero worship that goes along with it. People who are crazy about movies and movie stars a
re everywhere in India and maybe in the South fans are a little bit more devoted to movies and movie stars.


South Indian cinemas have broken all norms and stereotypes. Here, heroes don’t wear their underwear over their pants but we still believe they can do anything and everything! For example, in the movie Sivaji, starring Rajnikanth, where the villain tries to shoot our hero and Rajnikanth just stares at the bullet and the bullet stops right in front of his forehead and drops to the ground. Think that’s stupid? Try telling that to one of his fans and be prepared to face the dreadful consequences!
Fan craze is at its heights where Rajnikanth is concerned. A true example of rags to riches story, from a bus conductor who was struggling to make ends meet he went on to become the Superstar. Today before the release of his movie, fans bathe huge cut-outs of Rajni with milk to show that they worship him, and sometimes milk is replaced with beer or whisky as well! Not to forget huge cut-outs of Rajnikanth are made with currency notes. Did anyone say India is a poor country? Think again!
Getting back to breaking norms, South Indian actors have also broken the stereotypes to a large extent. The heroines don’t have to be a size zero to be popular; on the contrary the more voluptuous women have temples built by fans exclusively for them. I mean that. Literally! There are temples built for Kushboo in Tiruchirapalli, and a temple Namitha in Nellai and for Nayantara in a place called Aravakurichi. To add to all this fans have also named white fluffy idlis as Kushboo idlis. You could probably try having some when you visit the south sometime .
Variety is another unique quality of South Indian cinemas; we have young heartthrobs with six packs and heroes who are fifty plus with one pack, a huge one! They still get to be the lover boys and dance with the beautiful young actresses. From old heroes who insist on doing a college student’s role to bus conductors, we welcome them all. If they impress us we worship them. Call us crazy or mad, but our idea of enjoying our superstar’s movie would be to whistle to our heart’s content, scream every time the hero appears on screen, throw pop corn all over the place and dance like there’s no tomorrow.

A CHELLO KABAB AT PETER CAT . . .

Nishant from Blue Flytes, Kolkata, tempts us all our way to Kolkata to relish the Chello!

It is a platter that substitutes a complete meal. A platter upon which lies a bed of finely boiled basmati rice, two sheekh kebabs, a line of soft pieces of chicken, reshmi kebab with the usual ‘kebabed’ onions and bell peppers, a poached egg, half grilled tomato, a sheet of cucumber and on top of it, three cubes of sinful butter which you possibly can't resist, high-maintenance diet notwithstanding. The Chello Kebab has been a speciality of the Peter Cat Restaurant located at the ever bustling and still popularly called the Park Street of Kolkata. The interiors of the restaurant remain the same as they were 40 years ago. Dimly lit lamps hung from the ceiling extending to just a foot above the table, red couches complimented with coffee-table chairs constitute the decor.
Considered as the most elite restaurant of Kolkata, Peter Cat is a personal favourite for all age-groups in Kolkata. The multi-cuisine restaurant specializes in all kinds of sizzlers. The sound of sizzling becomes background music as after every 30 seconds a waiter, attired as a royal Durban, walks out of the kitchen holding a sizzler on his shoulder, ready to be served.
An ideal place for a quiet meal, Peter Cat promises an array of affordable dishes, drinks and desserts, of which the Large Tutty Fruity is a must order. Among the non-alcoholic drinks, one should always go for a fruit blossom. And, when in confusion looking at the huge menu, just close it and order for a Chello which comes at a very wallet-friendly.
They say if you have been in Kolkata and haven't been to Peter Cat, you haven't seen Kolkata. So the next time you are in the city, make sure you pay a visit to this classic restaurant which is sure to make your stay in the city a memorable one.

JOURNEY OF LIFE


Amol from Blue Print takes us through his eventful and inspirational journey of life. An encouragement for all of us here...

I was born in a middle class family. I was the reason for my mother’s constant concern and worry because I was really weak when I was young. When I completed 12th standard I gave up studies to start earning. I had to work because the conditions in my family were not that good. Responsibilities had come early in life and made me know the value of money and time. I know that I can sometime waste my money but not time because time never comes back.
After quitting studies, I decided to become a driver because I liked driving. I joined a transport company (Mhaske and Sons) where they had four trucks. I worked in that company as a cleaner (one who guards the truck and is an associate to the driver). I could get to take bath only twice a week and sometimes thrice because our truck used to travel all over Maharashtra and rarely got time to take bath. I used to sleep on the roof and cook food in the truck. I used to remember my mother and feel sad because I could not go home. In those two years I learned driving. It also taught me to live in any atmosphere. I learned the value of hard work in those days. In my childhood my mother used to work from morning 4 am to midnight 1pm for my education. She wanted to see me well settled. I had decided to fulfill her dream.


I joined Bluelotus as a driver to Mouli sir’s car. As his driver, I got to observe him closely. He worked hard and had passion for work. I took inspiration from him and decided to complete my education and learn more things. I studied journalism and decided to become a journalist and join a newspaper. But Mouli Sir noticed me and gave me an opportunity to join Blue Print team which is lead by Archana. I am sure Mouli sir has a six sense to recognize the ability of people. He is one of the best leaders.
BLCC had organized a party at Opera House where my name was announced for entering PR. Everybody had written good wishes on my shirt. I was on cloud nine that moment. I was so glad, I couldn’t sleep the whole night. Mouli sir had given the right direction to my career. He showed me the path to follow. I met such good person first time in my life.
BLCC is not just a PR agency or company, it’s factory- Mouli’s factory- where good people were created by Mouli sir. And each person who goes out from this factory I am sure can face any challenge in the world. I was learning new things in BLCC. I always told myself that this is a school not an office, so I have to keep learning more and more.
Every year there is an award function for at BLCC. There are five categories and my name announced for Best Turnaround of the Year award. I was surprised I had won the award. That was the first award I had won in my life. When I first told my mother about it, her eye’s filled with tears. My mother used to tell me to face the reality in any situation, don’t be afraid and keep learning in failures too. I kept in mind to always learn something different. And therefore I joined dance classes, acting class and gym to help me beat my stress and have a positive outlook to life.
God has given us this life and we should take care of it as if we have got it on rent. Everyone must work hard for make life joyful for them. If Hon.Manmohan Singh can start his day at 5am and finish at 1am, and Amitabh Bacchan can work 5am to midnight, when both of them have crossed their fifties, I am sure, so can we. I know it’s difficult but not impossible. At least we can honestly dedicate 8 hours to our organization I am sure everybody will be capable of achieving their goals and our factory will reach that certain level!

NKOTB

This is a new, improved and innovative lot we have among us in this edition of New Kids on the Blue Blog. Let's get to know them better...
Asad
DOJ: 06/08/2009
Designation: Management Trainee (i9 communication)
Heyy! My name is Asad, and I have recently joined i9 Communications, the entertainment Branch of Blue Lotus. I finished my grads from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai after which I started studying PR. I like reading fiction and watching movies that make sense (and that doesn’t mean I am boring!). I cannot stand people who just go on talking unnecessarily; I mean it’s one thing to talk and another to go on and on aimlessly. I also like hanging out with friends, though, not much into clubbing. Oh yes, I hate tea; cannot even take the smell. And I continue to get terrified by dogs.
My experience so far at Blue Lotus has been amazing. I take my own time to open up, but the Bluelotus family has been very nice, kind and accommodating.

Sushil
DOJ: 20/08/2009
Designation: Account Executive (i9 Communication)
So finally here I am ready to share my experience with all u guys.
I am a very cool, simple, easy going person, who’s always had an appetite to learn things from experience, seniors and the people that I interact.
I never think I am above or beneath anyone.
My Likes : I like going out with my friends, have a good time and enjoy drinks. I am an absolute ‘Cricket fanatic’, I love the battle the between Australia and England. I always like admiring people whenever they achieve some goal and get inspired from them. Also, I am a slightly selfish person with very little ‘EGO’.
Dislikes: I like to stay in calm atmosphere, so whenever I hear people screaming around me, I get slightly irritated.
I am very particular about work at times and the processes involved. So not willing to change what’s working.
Experience at Bluelotus has been good so far, I like working under my bosses.
Mrinal
DOJ: 10/08/2009
Designation: Executive Assistant to the CEO

Hi! This is Rajiv Khandelwal (referred hereto as RK), welcoming you to yet another episode of “An Encounter with Truth”. The guest of honour today is not a celebrity as such, but a well-known person among his friends. So, let me introduce you to Mrinal Kanti Banerjee, working with Blue Lotus Communications Pvt Ltd as an Exec. Asst. to the CEO, Mr. N Chandramouli.
So let’s start the game and in the process know him better…
R.K.- Where do you hail from Mr. Mrinal?
M- From Lucknow
R.K.- And you did your MBA form Mumbai?
M- Yes, From ITM , Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
R.K.- Is it true Mr. Mrinal that before joining Blue Lotus, you had worked with two companies and that too with entirely different roles?
M - Yes, After shuttling in the financial sphere for two years tapping the doors of India Bulls Securities and Caliber point , I finally landed here.
R.K.- Is it true that you joined Blue Lotus because you felt connected?
M- Of Course, my name means Lotus and I like the color blue.
R.K.- Is it true that your favorite past time is sleeping?
M- Well, no it’s not sleeping but while reading a nice novel and listening to music, I do catch a wink or two.
R.K- How has your experience been there?
M- It’s been “Fun” @ “Work”

Mani
DOJ: 14/08/2009
Designation: Account Executive(Print)
What’s in a Name!
Hey, my name is ‘Manikantan’! Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. The name is a bit unusual. I’ve raised quite a few eyebrows while saying my name out before people. I’m asked to repeat the name, repeat it twice and sometimes even spell it out. Finally they get it! Or do they? Last month I got an formal email from a batch mate. And guess what? . . . It said “Dear Moneykantan”. Yeah, a lot of them think my name’s got something to do with ‘money’. How ironic! While schooling in Kuwait, they called me by currency names. You know; Dollar, Dinar, Rupee . . . The list is endless. And then there are those conniving cousins in Kerala, who call me “Kandan Poocha”. No matter what, I’m supposed to take all this sportingly. After all ‘what’s in a name’, they say. But don’t you want to know what ‘Manikantan’ actually means? Well, alright . . . May be some other time!

OHH FREAK! ! !

So Freaky Friday did live up to it's name. It freaked out our Executive Assistant Mrinal who enjoyed Freaky Friday as much as we all did...

OH Freak!!! It’s Friday again!!! This was the mood on that day, the 28th of August 2009- A FriADy. Design team Mustard had the onus of organizing it and they did a great job. They created and maintained an element of surprise all through.
Usually everybody out here has his/her own dream team with which we participate in the various functions and contests that are organized. But the Design team hated Dream Teams. They pulled us out of our dream teams, our safety corners, reshuffled and rejumbled us. There is a saying: “Get the show going” and Team Musturd did it in its literal sense. They named the teams after Express Trains to set us all rolling. They had out of the world names like: Juinagar Express, Kalamboli Express etc
The show started with a Bang! Bang! at around 2:30pm in the post lunch session, with the grand entry of our judges. I must say that Musturd didn’t leave any stone unturned. They had appointed a very jovial and boisterous panel consisting of “Horlicks Piyush”, because of his energy levels and “Colgate Prathamesh”, because of his ever smiling face. The theme was “The Power of Effective Communication”, wherein all the teams were given a particularly crazy product, to the likes of a dustbin or the team leader’s chair, and we had to SELL it to the judges. Performances were judged on various parameters like Punch line, Script, Acting and Group participation, in short how effectively we could communicate the value of the product.
The whole show was a hit right from the word Go!! There was near-full participation with tons of enthusiasm. I say near-full because one of the Express team had to pull out. Actually due to low passenger traffic the train had to be cancelled. But otherwise, everything was perfect. Fun was the main item on Menus of all the Expresses and everybody savored it in excessive quantities. In all, it was a great journey to be had. All the branches had participated in the event and had loads of fun.
And the Winners is-
“EVERYBODY”
but specifically, for Mumbai-
· Best Team: Juinagar Express (Product: Remote)

· Best Punchline: Chichpokli Express “MACHO GLASS-Because Size does matter”(Product: Large Glass)

· Best Script: Khopoli Express (Product: Office Ladder)

· Best Acting: Pallavi (Product: TV Remote)

Best participations:
Bhyandar express(Product: Mosquito Racquet)
Ulhasnagar(Product: White Balloon)
For Pune
· Punchline - Just put IT IN
· Scripting - Office tension, deadlines tension, hectic work schedule, irritating client work… Just put in all your worries in this dustbin. “Our Multi purpose dustbin with multiple uses”

For Delhi:
Team1
Act: Selling of a termite resistant high quality tablePunch line: Welldone ka Vaada, de aapka saath zyaada se zyaadaScores on following parameters:
- Punch line – 5 out of 10
- Script – 7 /10
- Acting Talent – 9 / 10
- Involvement of the team – 9 / 10
- Total – 30 out of 40

Team2
Act: Selling of a multi – utility dustbinPunch line: Abba Dabba Jabba Chamku Kachre ka DabbaScores on following parameters:
- Punch line – 4 out of 10
- Script – 5 /10
- Acting Talent – 8 / 10
- Involvement of the team – 9 / 10
- Total – 26 out of 40

For Chennai:
Karthik- Concept/Product: Quick penLive ad done by Mr.Karthik about the ink flow in the Quick pen.Convinced on targeting school children.Punch Line : WRITE IT, MIND ITAverage score on all parameters is 5 ( 1 is very good and 10 is bad)
Annie- Concept/Product: Jeans pantConvinced on targeting college studentsPunch Line: IF YOUR GEANS(FROM PARENTS) CAN’T MAKE YOU SMART OUR JEANS CAN MAKE YOU SMARTAverage score on all parameters is 6 (1 is very good and 10 is bad)Got more points for punch line.

Karumbu- Concept/Product: Fairness CreamPartially convinced Punch Line: NO WHITE BY BORN, NO WORRIES CARRY OUR CREAMEARLIER HOW WAS I? NOW HOW AM I?Considering his level, given average score of 5 ( 1 is very good and 10 is bad)

In all, Freaky Friday had come as a great refresher after a month of hectic work and at the end of it only one thing was there on everybody’s lips:“ THREE CHEERS, TEAM DESIGN, HIP- HIP HURRAY TEAM MUSTARD”!!!