Top 10 sportspersons of our Generation

Lets venture into the world of sports and what better than paying a tribute to 10 of the most influential sports persons who have been making the news quite repeatedly. They have set examples worth emulating for their fellow players, led from the front when they have been looked upto and they have made lots and lots of money(hardly a criticism when one considers their contribution to the world of sports).
Well the players I would look into are

• Cricket- Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Charles Lara, Shane Warne
• Football - Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo
• Tennis - Pete Sampras, Rodger Federer, Steffi Graff
• Moto Racing - Michael Schumacher
• Golf - Tiger Woods

Well lets get into the thick of things....

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, arguably the finest right handed batsman of his era, has taken the popularity of cricket to an unprecedented high throughout the world. He has been a batsman of character and has often been the lynch pin of Indian batting for close to 2 decades now. Ever since his debut where he batted on after being hit on his head by Waqar Younis, one had a feeling he was a star in the making. Having been around for the time he has been and having played as consistently as he has, he owns virtually each and every batting record to his name. Identified by the Great Donald Bradman as the only player who reminded him of his own green days, the LITLLE MASTER has lived upto all the expectations that his fans have demanded. The only complaint that his critics often have is the fact that he has failed to perform in key matches for India but with back to back match winning innings against the world champions in the recently concluded CB series he seems to be setting the record right.
Records-
39 Test Hundreds
41 ODI Hundreds
16361 ODI runs in 417 ODIs
11782 Test runs in 147 Tests.
Most admirable have been his contributions in the world cups where he has scored a. 523 runs in WC 1996
b. 673 runs in WC 2003.


Brian Charles Lara

B.C.Lara arguably the best southpaw to play in the modern game, has often been the only real competitor to Sachin for the title of the best batsman to play the game. If Shane Warne has advocated Sachin's case as being the batsman who gave him nightmares during tours, none other than Muttiah Murlidharan has publicly admitted that Lara has been more difficult to get around. Whatever it is, Lara has twice held the record for thean Highest Individual Score in T est matches(375 and a mammoth unbeaten 400).
Well many a times he has been the sole survivor or rather the only player who has stood upto opposition attacks in hostile territories. Well the debate I hope will go on forever and it is for the best of the game.

Shane Keith Warne

Success , controversies and doping, Shane Warne has had it all in a hugely successful cricketing career. Being in the news for sex scandals, being thrown out of the squad for doping charges from World Cup 2003 squad and being the only player to be a man of the match in a semi final and final (WC 1999), he has tasted it all. Being successful in a team with a host of fast bowling geniuses and having played most of his cricket on wickets tailored for fast bowling. Known for his sportsmanship on and off the field, Shane Warne has been a true champion . Credited with the Bowl of the Century for the bowl which got Mike Gatting on his Asses debut. Perhaps the only feather missing from his well decorated cap would be the fact that he has never led the all conquering Aussies. Capturing 700 + wickets in a batsman dominated game is never a joke. Being the Wisden Cricketer of the Century is neither. Respected by team mates and oppositions alike, Shane Warne has been a "True Champion of Cricket ..".



We'll now head on to the Beautiful Game - yes I am talking about football and who better to start of with but Zizou..

Zinedine Zidane

Well a perfect gentleman of the Beautiful Game, a real tragedy that the career of such a living legend had to end in such a controversial fashion. Only one of the two players ever to have been voted the FIFA World Player of the year(the other being Ronaldo). A true magician with the ball at his feet, Zizou's migration from Juventus to Real Madrid is one of the highest transfer deals ever finalised in sports entertainment.
Having played for some of the world's best clubs like Marseille, Juventus and Real Madrid, Zizou has been part of the golden era of football. He was one of the famous Les Galacticos which Real Madrid once boasted of.
Perhaps the only moment of controversy in a glittering career came at the World Cup 2006 in final the at Berlin where he was sent of for head butting Italian defender Marco Matterazzi. His swan song was however well decorated with him winning the Golden Ball despite France losing the cup to Italy.


Luis Figo

Talk about the bad boy in football and a name that would pop up pretty often is Luis Figo. The former FIFA player of the year has been no stranger to controversies and ups and downs in his glittering career. The former Portuguese captain who guided them to their first major Cup final at Euro 2004 has been a major force in the world of sports. Being a highly decorated player , Figo once held the record for the most paid footballer during his transfer Barcelona FC to Real Madrid , one of the very few players to have done it. Well this transfer surely didn't make him the most popular figure at the Nou Camp, but he proved his penny by being at the core of Les Galacticos. Beautiful dribbling skills and attacking wing play has made Figo one of the most respected and feared opponents on the football ground.

Pete Sampras In the Golden Era of men's tennis, there have been a host a great players like Borris Becker, Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, Jonas Bjorkman etc. But one name that has stood tall among all these great names has been Pete Sampras of the US. The winner of a world record 14 grand slam titles the great man had been a dominant force in the 1990's. His rivalry with fellow American Andre Agassi has often resulted in enthralling contests which Pete led 19-11 at the time he retired. Famously known as "Pistol Pete", the great man was a great advocate of the Serve and volley game. His exploits at the All England Tennis Club at Wimbledon have earned him a record 7 Wimbledon Men's Singles championship. His tally of 14 includes 5 triumphs at the US Open and 2 at the Australian Open. Sadly the only feather missing from his decorated career has been a triumph at the Roland Garros(French Open). This however far from undermines his supremacy at the top of the ATP Men's ranking for 6 consecutive years, a record in the "Open Era".

Rodger Federer

He may be the most entertaining player around the ATP circuit today but his failures make more news than his overwhelming success. His failure to win the French Open has super ceded his overwhelming dominance of the world of men's tennis for the last 5 years. He has played in 10 of the last 12 Grand Slam finals winning a staggering 9 of them. The only player in the Open Era who can dream of breaking Pete Sampras's record tally of 14 Grand Slam titles.
Anyone who watched the 2007 Australian Open semi finals which he played against Andy Roddick and heard the way Roddick reacted after being steam rolled by Fedex will need no clarification about the kind of Tennis Rodger is capable of.
The 28 year old Swiss has a lot of years left till he hangs his boot and I wont be surprised if he sets unthinkable Tennis records by that time.


There is a huge difference in our lifestyle now compared to our life say 2 decades ago.And most of it is attributed to speed. Talking about life in the fast lane there is one name we simply can't fail to notice; Michael Schumacher.According to the formula 1 website, Michael has been the greatest racing driver known. With an outstanding 7 FIA Driver Championships under his belt, achieved largely due to his unprecedented 91 race victories, there is hardly any one to challenge his supremacy in Motorsport. Having driven for Jordan, Benneton and Ferrari the legend has notched up unprecedented success behind the wheels.
However he has often drawn flak from his co drivers for his lack of sportsmanship (apparently evident from incidents like blocking drivers during races and most remarkably his accident with Jacques Villneuve which saw him disqualified.). Whatever it is the stats show a way bigger picture of this German hero who is worshipped by the Tifosi.

One for the Movie freaks... A list of top 10 movie Flicks..

Here is something for the movie freaks, one that I suspect is known to one and all but just that it adds a lot of glamor to a blog. I wouldn't dare to rate them and undermine my love for each one of them, but I would definitely like my audience to rate them on their own and may be drop a couple of comments to help me decide my rating.

TITANIC(1997)

It was the first Hollywood movie I watched, and trust me had it had it not been for TITANIC, I would not have watched another Hollywood flick. This James Cameroon classic depiction of the worst shipping of modern times had left many a people weeping. Be it the classic poor boy & rich girl love affair between James (Leonardo Di Caprio) and Rose (Kate Winslett), or the dramatic sinking of RMS Titanic, this movie really did strike a few emotional cords among its audience. A movie which won 11 Oscars can never be a fluke can it be?? A must watch for one and all.


SCHINDLER's LIST(1993)

Well World War II has certainly been a magnificent plot for Hollywood Classics and who better than Steven Spielberg to exploit such a scenario. A humanitarian side of a mean, greedy businessman Oscar Schindler who uses cheap Jewish labour and makes a fortune. But he ends up penniless after saving a thousand Jewish labourers from being by the Nazis at the Auschwitz concentration camp. He turns his factory into a refuge from the rampaging Nazis. A movie worth each of the 7 Oscars it won. Watch it and live the times we were fortunate not to witness.

The Independence Day(1996)

What would you expect from a movie whose tag lines read

"We've always believed we weren't alone. Pretty soon, we'll wish were."

The alien invasions on earth had neither been so attractive nor had the use of animations ever been so dazzling. The scenes of the alien attack bursting through the buildings and raising cities to dust were fantastic to say the least. The added emotional touch was lent by the First Lady's premature death. The altercations between the President Thomas Whitmore(Bill Pulman),Captain Steven Hiller(Will Smith) and David Levinson(Ian Malcomn) added a pinch of comedy to the otherwise serious environment.

The famous quote by the President before the counter attack could ring in your ears for days after you have watched it. It sounds something like "Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. "Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"

It mayn't have the most number of awards to its credit but it still is a must watch if you ask me.

The Godfather(1972)

A strong storyline by a well renowned writer(Mario Puzo), an impressive star casting Hollywood biggies like Marlon Brando,Al Paccino and Robert Duval and a collection of cool dialogs and a lot of strong voices to deliver them.
THE GODFATHER had it all to deliver a memorable box office hit and it didnt disappoint. Its success can be gauged by an IMDB rating of 1. Gangwars, dialogs, romance & action; the Godfather has it all. Watch it and I doubt you will find something more interesting.


Terminator 2- The Judgement Day(1991)

In the days where Sci-fi movies had not yet used the advances of technology, James Cameroon came forward with the ultimate sci fi extravaganza. Starring muscle man Arnold Schwarzeneger and erstwhile heart throb Linda Hamilton, the movie has scenes to freeze the blood in your veins.The movie has it all; style(the incredible firing style of the shot gun), flair , time travel and most importantly a positive ending. Terminator surely did live upto its tag line which read "I am back". The cyborg who had been sent to kill Sarah Connor in T1 returns to save her and help her prevent the war between man and machines. A perfect Paisa Vasool!!!


Lord of the Rings Trilogy(2001,2002,2003)

The story of the middle earth epitomizes the oldest philosophy known to mankind: Good triumphs over Evil. Exotic sets, magic, war cries, archaic dialogs, contemporary costumes, incredible animations and incomparable cinematography have made this series a must watch. The actors have made justice to the epic by JRR Tolkien and no doubt it has turned out to be one of the biggest money crunchers Hollywood has ever produced. Having gobbled up 17 Oscars between themselves, the LOTR trilogy surely is a mouth watering treat for audience of all ages.



Hotel Rwanda(2005)

Hotel Rwanda is a historical drama about the hotelier Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle) during the genocide in Rwanda in which about 800,000 people (militants and civilians alike). Shot almost completely in South Africa and Kigali(capital of Rwanda), Hotel Rwanda highlights the true story of hotel manager Paul who fights the resurgent Tutsi rebels (with cash, beer and bribes ; not ammunition ), who repeatedly wish to ransack the refuges at the hotel. With repeated negligence by foreign superpowers and complete inaction by the United Nations clearly evident, Rusesabagina takes it upon himself to protect the refuges in his hotel. Ranked 73 on the list of IMDB's best movies; HOTEL RWANDA is a must watch.

Forrest Gump(1994)

A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events - in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. Yet, despite all the things he has attained, his one true love eludes him. "Forrest Gump" is the story of a man who rose above his challenges, and who proved that determination, courage, and love are more important than ability.
"Forrest Gump" played by Tom Hanks, has an ordinary IQ 75 has been at some of the world's defining moments but is too stupid to realise their significance. Being helped around by his "Mama" and only childhood friend Jenny(Robin Wright Penn), Gump limps through the highs and lows of life.
A movie for which Tom Hanks won the Oscar for the Best Actor (Male) , Best Director (Robert Zemeckis) inclusive of a total of 6 Oscars. An IMDB rating of 53 is a true tribute to this wonderful movie.

Gladiator(2000)

An action,adventure filled drama centered in the later Roman era.The movies protagonist is Maximus(Rusell Crowe) , the Roman general who thumped the supremacy of aging king Marcus Aurelius. With the kingdom at stake the unworthy, corrupt prince Commodus (Joaqim Phoenix) kills the bedridden emperor and frames Maximus for the conspiracy. Expecting retaliation from the general, he burns his family and waits for the general to come home. He captures him and orders his execution, but Maximus escapes.
Maximus is rescued by nomads who take him in as a Gladiator. Magnificient fights and action sequences featuring Roman chariot fighters and tigers add the extra spice to an enthralling script. Superior fighting skills end up taking Maximus and his gladiators to the Colloseum at Rome where he kills the Champ.
The movie ends with a fight to death between the Emperor Commodus and Maximus where the later prevails only to succumb to a poisonous wound.
Overall the movie makes a thorough entertaining and emotional viewing. The movie ended up with 5 Oscars including the Best Actor's Award to Rusell Crowe for a scintillating performance.


The Shawshank Redemption(1994)

Well this movie is the tenth one I would suggest but it is the most fitting climax to this amazing collection. A movie about two convicts in the Shawsank prison who bond and find hope in the most dire of situations. Andy Dufresne(Tim Robbins) and Ellis Redding(Morgan Freeman) meet at Shawsank and and give each other hope of the unprecedented. Immaculate planning by an erstwhile successful banker and the resourcefulness of the prison "fixer" lead to an unprecedented escape from the depths of the dungeons.


An IMDB ranking of 2 sings lots about the credentials of this movie and I personally feel the reason it has no Oscars to its name is not because it doesn't deserve one , but there was a movie named Forrest Gump which simply swept through the awards.

Well this was my list of top 10 Hollywood flicks. How about suggesting your own? Do leave me your choices as well...