October 22, 2009

Assured return on Investement at 12% in Gurgaon?

Sounded too good to be true after speaking to a couple of Marketing and Sales people from different developers. My mom has sold off a small piece of property and thus I am on a land shopping mission in Gurgaon.

It's crazy out there. A consumer is bombarded with so much information that most of them go with who advertises the loudest.

So what's wrong with the advertised schemes. As usual the answers are in fine-print that never get advertised.

How it works is - lets suppose you have 50 lakhs to invest. You give it to a developer who is constructing an IT park in the SEZ. You will receive 50,000 Rs per month (1% per month or 12% annually) till the time the property construction is done. Then you become the owner of the property.

There is a catch though. You are locked in for a long period where you can only rent your property through the developer. The developer signs you up for the difference in present market rent and the future market rent. Which means that if the rent today is x Rs per sq. ft. and in future since its projected to rise to y Rs. per sq. ft. you are supposed to get a portion of (y-x) Rs. per sq. ft. I say portion because most of the builders will take a percentage out (usually 30-35%) for taking care of the developed property and finding you the party to rent out your property.

How the scheme works in favor of Developer(s)

1. They essentially get money for 12% annual rate while if they go outside, it will be easy double of that.
2. They have you locked in for at least 9-10 years. Your balls are owned by them.
3. They wont be honest with the rent they will get from the companies. So they will tell you 'y' as less. The contract will be signed for less and the actual rent will be more.

So be very cautious of the assurances. You have been warned.

August 13, 2009

February 02, 2009

August 25, 2008

Russel Peters in Malmo Sweden

For the first time Russel Peters is touring Sweden and I am going to be there! For those who don't know him, he is the most celebrated Indian (yes with that name!) stand up comic. He is a viral marketing phenomenon who has made it to Hollywood through his jokes on racism. Yes, he makes he most politically incorrect statements, something that people are scared to laugh at in public but laugh their asses off in private. No wonder You Tube made him big.
I have been his fan for a while now and am looking forward to see him perform in public. He promises new material. If you fancy to join give me a shout. Here or on Facebook.

August 23, 2008

Svenska

Jag heter Sumeet.
Jag kommer fran Los Angeles.
Nu bor jag har i Lund och laser ekonomi. 

August 14, 2008

Sweden - Lund

As I wait in the LAX International Lounge for my delayed flight, it has given me time to look back at the last one year at Pepperdine and to think about what lies ahead on my adventure. It should be interesting to say the least since Sweden would have been the last place accessible to my otherwise straight-jacketed life. 

Here are few of the things that worked for me to prepare for an exchange semester abroad.

Working out and then trying to stick to a time-line. The school will provide the initial framework but quite a bit of the research will go in by you. From getting the papers ready (insurance, bank statements, etc.) to buying tickets and arranging for accommodation requires a lot of careful execution. 
Be prepared for the roadblocks. There will be some and they will be unique but things have a way of working out. 
Get your credit cards opened so that they are not blocked if you use them for the second time outside the country. 
Get your phone unlocked so that you can put another sim card in it.
Plan on buying what you would need the most and try to travel light. Since Scandinavia is relatively expensive, have generals with you if you are traveling there. 
Connect with people over Facebook. And if possible try to attend the orientation week as it helps a lot to make friends.
Be open to new experiences and people while traveling.

Will update more in the coming next few months.   
    

June 21, 2008

Three Sheets

The best travel show I have seen since Lonely Planet. Go to Hulu.com to watch it under Fashion & Lifestyle genre. 
Zane Lamprey goes to different countries exploring their drinking culture and alcoholic beverages. He travels to remote places in search of genuine alcohol, meets the most interesting drunkards, and of course has a hilarious time doing all this. 
Zane Lamprey has taken the show to another level with his comic timing. Having made travelogues and worked for a Travel Channel, I can tell the show is great because of the solid research that goes into it. Even if you have been to the places before Three sheets will  amaze you with new info and more importantly, entertain you. 

June 10, 2008

Voice to Die for - Frida Öhrn - Oh Laura - Release me

Although I have mentioned about this voice before but the more I hear it, the more it gets to me. It has a certain degree of pain and compassion that is heartbreaking. Their new video of well-deserved hit - Release Me. And it's not just the voice, the words make as much sense.  


June 01, 2008

May 28, 2008

I seek therefore I am.

Posting the script for the video. Fought a bit to get it approved and tie it to a travel brand, etc.


"MARATHON"

SOUND OF PANTING

FADE IN:
SLOW MUSIC

Lots of feet covered with colorful shoes working their way ahead in tandem with THE BEATS OF PERCUSSION. Tightened fists cutting air. A pair of eyes looking straight on.

GRAPHIC
I seek the challenge

A sea of people running next to the Arabian Sea. From far we smash zoom in to different faces in the crowd. They have different colours and expressions on them.

GRAPHIC
I seek the unknown

More images like tightened jaws. Calves straining, Biceps flexing, chests jumping, wind through hair. A man comes running towards us and stops, gathering his breath. He leans with his hands on his knees, coughs and breathes deeply. He starts again.

GRAPHIC
I seek the truth

Chest crossing the ribbon. (Optional- If we get the permission)
GRAPHIC
The needle on the compass vacillates before settling in one direction and then leaves Voyages Logo on screen.

The following text comes under the logo and fades.

I seek therefore I am.