Friday, May 16, 2008

Bhoot Hotay Hain (Ghosts Exist)





Last Saturday, we took Frito Employees and their families to watch ‘Bhoothnath’. Other than a lots of Bhootiya (scary) scenes, well played by senior AB, there was a lot of Juhi and our very own Kurkure and Pepsi in the movie. In one particular scene, they even show Bhoothnath munching on Kurkure along with the kid ‘Banku’ (played by Aman Siddiqui) and his mother (played by Juhi Chawla). We all simply loved the movie for the fact that kids really laughed their heart out more often than getting scared and along with them parents (our employees) and even the grand parents of a lot of families were part of the laughter. Overall an enjoyable great Indian family moment. My 5 year old too was very excited since morning about the movie and he pulled us out of the house 45 minutes prior to the show. It was a good decision however, to leave early, keeping in view the dearth of parking space in Gurgoan malls which had made us loose first 10 miutes of any movie that we have seen in the past. Ok, let me get out of the cribbing mode and get back to the movie show. The hallway was full of kids of our employees, some running around, some piling on to the snacks counter, some just clinging on to their parents making it difficult for them to stand straight. My own son was also after my life to buy him Lays & Pepsi and after failing to convince with words like, “Beta I will get you once we will move inside the hall”, I had to give in to his demands and found my self at the snacks counter with a jumping jack – My son! Finally we were inside the dark hall and suddenly my son’s loud scream astounded me, “Mamma Bhoothnath !” Well, his preoccupied mind works overtime and he called the PVR hall escort (ticket checker in old terms) a Bhoothnath because he was holding the torch up while looking at our tickets. We all settled and the movie started. First few scenes were a bit scary and my son had no choice but to hide in my lap out of fear. Am sure a lot of parents were thanking the Movie Director to create such a start which settled down the kids quickly. Movie progresses to an interesting plot and there were some rib tickling scenes between the Ghost and Banku which created hysterics. "When the company outing includes the whole family, find something everyone will enjoy and Going to a movie Bhoothnath was just the thing." said Arvinder Singh, (on left with family) one of our senior executives. Everyone enjoyed and it was quite clear from the fact that after the movie, while getting out of the hall, I overheard Shaminder Singh, one of our senior executives telling another colleague, “It was a good movie and enlightened kids to respect elders by projecting some good family values”, who brought his two wives and one son (oops!) two sons and a wife to see the movie. Manisha Arora, (photo on right with husband and two lovely kids) another colleague brought her family to watch the show and said, “Movie was scary initially but turned out to be a good comedy, kids enjoyed a lot. It was a good experience to see all Frito families around while watching movie in the theatre. I look forward to many such fun events in future.” Well, 45 minutes to the movie and my son finished his big glass of Pepsi, (and was ready to go to the loo). “Why can’t they make attached toilets in theatres keeping in mind the age group that turns up now a days to watch movies?” I thought. Am sure the fear factor of Bhoothnath was adding to this and many parents would endorse the same.

Movie however, towards the end, seemed to drag a bit because of which most kids were back in action. Last 45 minutes of the movie one could clearly see little Ghosts running around the hall up and down disturbing the non Frito crowd and we were quietly confined to our seats assuming no ones knows whose kids.

What are your angels doing this summer??

Monday, May 12, 2008

Straight From The Heart

Some of the guys who join us, we do a quick fun interview to know them better. Here's a sneak peak into the lives of our 4 Frito Champs who have joined at 4 different regions of Frito-Lay India Sales team and what they feel about working with Frito! Enjoy.....

"Me" in one word : Energetic

Hobbies : Travelling, watching movies

First Day @ Frito-Lay : At the Corporate Office, skeptical, cautios but a lot of optimism

Most enjoyable moment @ Frito-Lay : Yet to come

Dream : To play an active role in improving the environment be it company/society

What I like about Frito: It allows people to think BIG

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"Me in one word : Target

Hobbies : Playing and watching Cricket. Going for long drives

First day @ Frito-Lay : Was the best day of my life

Most enjoyable moment@ Frito-Lay : Too early to zero on one

Dream : Become a good Manager

What I like about Frito : Sales system

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"Me" in one word : Positive

Hobbies: Adventure sports (Mountaineering)

First day@ Frito-Lay : Good atmosphere to work
Most Enjoyable moment @ Frito-Lay: Yet to come
Dream: To grow my territory in higher double digits and combat competition to less than 10%
What I like about Frito: Exciting product portfolio
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"Me" in one word : Go getter
Hobbies : Watching sports
First Day @ Frito-Lay : Proud to be associated with strong brands
Most enjoyable moment @ Frito-Lay : Placed a second rack at a disputed outlet in Frazer town
Dream : To become an Area Sales Manager
What I like about Frito : Brand strength