What is it that makes one human being so loved and celebrated and another unsung? This is the thought that occurred to me when I witnessed the last journey of the much loved, flamboyant Bala Saheb, known for his provocative speeches and for crossing all political and social boundaries.

No, it was not a skirmish involving young schoolgirls. It was women in their thirties and forties squabbling over breaking up, making up, taking sides and solidarity. Yes, maturity is not a given and people do sometimes become even more childish as they grow up.

A petite young girl makes her foray into Bollywood. And who should be directing the project — Student Of The Year — but the largescale-luxury format film maker Karan Johar? Yet I notice a distinct sense of quiet confidence and a sense of nonchalance towards it all in the young artiste.

Aamir Khan romancing Kajol in Kashmir was one of the more poignant love stories I’ve seen in recent Hindi film land. That was Fanaa, from the Kunal Kohli stable, someone who has explored deeply the themes of love — the interplay and dynamics of a man-woman relationship.

I could hardly understand the rush of words pouring out from the other end of the phone. Renuka was furious with her mother-in-law’s admonishment, delivered in a superior tone of voice. Direction, interference, disapproval, unkindness.

How do we handle a good friend who often pokes us and pricks our self esteem? Prods us to confront ourselves in a manner that we would rather not? How do you handle it — was a question my friend posted as her Facebook status.

A well known Bollywood actor is standing at a party, talking to fawning friends. He is polite, attentive, but it is obvious he is looking for someone else. He is looking for his wife. Rare, don’t you think? Especially in Mumbai’s fast lane where many men post a ‘love you’ note for their wives over blackberry and are having private nookies with sexy young women.

My friend is oblivious to the fact that her husband, who is having dinner with her, is busily BBM-ing her best friend. They are having a torrid affair — the best friend who’s super sweet to her and her husband. But she is most preoccupied with arranging her social life, her kids’ music lessons, their tennis games and tuitions, to even notice.

I had tears in my eyes right through the fight that got Mary Kom the bronze at the London Olympics 2012. Every Indian rooted for her — amidst a shining bevy ofmedals, her’s was the most celebrated.

A close friend recently broke up with a long time boyfriend when they were on the verge of getting engaged. She confided that, among other reasons, the one that upset her the most was his reluctance to part with cash when bills arrived. A woman wants to be looked after — ‘going dutch’ didnt quite work for her.