Australia's Commonwealth Games experience ended on a sour note on Friday with the news an athlete was sent home earlier in the week for bad behaviour and a washing machine was dropped off an eighth-floor balcony at the team's residence.
India's media have slammed the 400-member Australian team for alleged drunken behaviour during the last few days of the Games, when most athletes had finished individual competitions.
Athletes reported that a number of their teammates were drinking alcohol and enjoying themselves on Thursday when the Games concluded in New Delhi and the closing ceremony took place.
But festivities took a turn for the worse when a washing machine was found outside an Australian residence in the village.
Local media reported it was dropped from a balcony on the eighth storey of the ten-storey building but no one was injured.
Perry Crosswhite, chief executive of the Australia Commonwealth Games Association, said athletes in the vicinity were interviewed by police but no one was detained.
On Friday morning, about 300 remaining athletes departed Indira Gandhi International airport on a Qantas charter flight for Sydney. "There certainly was an incident with the washing machine," Crosswhite told journalists at the airport.
"We don't know who did that. Delhi police came around and they've done a report and an investigation and we'll hear about that."
Crosswhite also said there were reports of athletes from other countries being in Australia's area of the village. He also said one un-named Australian team member was sent home "a few days ago" for bad behaviour but would not reveal if alcohol was involved.
"I'm not going to tell you," Crosswhite said.
"It's a matter between our team and ourselves. It's a matter of confidentiality. We'll do a report to their sport (federation)."
He said the person was sent home a few days ago after they finished competing.
Crosswhite has been involved in Olympic and Commonwealth Games since the 1976 Montreal Olympics and said end-of-competition celebrations always result in a few unfortunate incidents.
"At the end of the Games, these things happen," he said.
"When everybody is finished, they're letting their hair down, they do all sorts of things."
"We just sort of manage it and we get on with it."
Champion diver Matthew Mitcham said he witnessed booze-fuelled behaviour in the village.
"As you can imagine, the last couple of nights (there was) a bit of grog around. It's just a free-for all," Mitcham told journalists at the airport.
"That's the problem when a lot of people start celebrating together and alcohol gets involved."
Marathon runner Michael Shelley said he noticed athletes returning to the village from all-night sessions as he sat down for breakfast on Friday.
"There was quite ... some funny people in the morning coming back to breakfast when we were just going to breakfast," Shelley told journalists at the airport.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Magical Laxman seals thrilling one-wicket win
VVS Laxman overcame his sore back to become the hero of a nail-biting one-wicket victory for India, who retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in dramatic fashion in Mohali. In one of the most memorable finishes in recent history, Pragyan Ojha picked up two leg-byes off Mitchell Johnson to seal the result, which until that delivery could also have been a tie or an Australian win.
The match was firmly in Australia's grasp when the No. 10 Ishant Sharma joined Laxman with 92 runs still required, but the pair ground Australia down and left a dejected Ricky Ponting still winless as a Test captain in India. The visitors' hopes were raised again when Ben Hilfenhaus (4 for 57) trapped Ishant lbw - although the ball would have missed leg stump - with 11 runs needed.
In the final, chaotic scenes, Australia continued to attack, desperate for one wicket. They thought they had it two balls before the winning runs were struck, when Mitchell Johnson rapped Ojha on the pads only to have a strong lbw shout denied. Adding to the commotion, Ojha wandered out of his crease and a throw from gully that would have found him short missed the stumps and ran away for four overthrows.
When the winning leg-byes arrived, the Indian players streamed onto the field as the Australians thrust hands on heads. For sheer on-field tension, the finish ranked up there with Australia's last-minute SCG win of 2007-08. But that match was overshadowed by claims of poor sportsmanship; this time there should be no such post-script.
On that occasion Ishant was the last man out as the sun set over Sydney; in Mohali he was every bit as important as Laxman, with a defiant innings of 31 in their partnership of 81. But Laxman was the star. The Australians will wonder how they let such a golden opportunity slip; the answer lies in the hands, or wrists, of one of their chief tormentors of recent years.
Entering the final day, Ponting's men feared Sachin Tendulkar, who went to stumps unbeaten on 10, much more than they were concerned about Laxman. They knew that in the first innings VVS had been very, very sore. He'd batted at No. 10, with a runner, and was hampered in his strokeplay. Two days later, the man with the most unique initials in cricket was very, very stubborn.
Again he had a runner, Suresh Raina, but just as important were the eight boundaries he struck in his 73, which came from 79 deliveries. Had he not started to farm the strike in the dying stages, he would have finished with a strike-rate of more than 100 for only the fourth time in his 188 Test innings.
Laxman flicked the ball through gaps and was always looking to counterattack as Ponting continued to set aggressive fields. His approach was critical, for Australia had all the momentum in the hour before lunch when Doug Bollinger, who did not take the field after lunch due to abdominal stiffness, made two breakthroughs, including the key wicket of Tendulkar for 38.
But try as they might, Australia under Ponting simply haven't been able to close out a victory in India. In 2008 he was over-defensive, failing to push for wickets and grab opportunities when they arose. This time Ponting didn't do much wrong; Laxman was just too good.
India began the day needing 161 runs and for an hour they were cruising, as Tendulkar and Laxman brought the target down with a rapidity that alarmed Ponting. Nathan Hauritz had picked up the night-watchman Zaheer Khan, caught at slip, but was leaking runs and when he conceded 14 off an over, Ponting knew the fast men were his only option.
Cheers went around the ground as Tendulkar passed 1000 Test runs in a calendar year for the sixth time in his career, and it seemed that he was destined to deliver India to victory. But his desire to score quickly brought his undoing, when he tried to cut Bollinger over the cordon to the vacant third-man region.
The ball was too close to his body and he steered it to gully, where Michael Hussey grabbed the sharp chance. Tendulkar was gone, and the atmosphere cooled down slightly as the runs began to dry up. Then came the second big moment of joy for Australia, when the presence of a runner cost MS Dhoni his wicket.
Laxman drove Bollinger to mid-on and his runner Raina took off for what should have been a comfortable single. But Dhoni appeared confused by Laxman remaining in his ground and the hesitation was enough to give hope to the fielder Hilfenhaus, whose superb direct hit at the striker's end finished Dhoni's stay on 2.
When Bollinger's fast, well-directed bouncer had a fending Harbhajan Singh caught at slip two balls later, Australia were in control. Laxman and Ishant had other ideas, and the rest is history. The great shame is that this is only a two-match series
Sunday, August 15, 2010
READ IT IF U R AN INDIAN
How independent we are in reality and whether we are really independent?
• 63 years of freedom, the richer are getting richer, poorer are getting poorer and a common middle class man is a crushed between the two classes.
• We have reached the moon but yet there are many homes where a girl child is not been accepted.
• Women are treated as Sex toys even though they have reached to the status of being Doctor, Engg., astronaut etc. Till today the rapes and molestation of women is increasing every day.
• We are attacked by the people who are threat to our nation
• The corruption, the imbalance of society, political games, and unawareness of rights is dropping one side of our country in a gutter.
• Cruel intentions of external and internal people are because of the injustice, races discrimination, politics and narrow mindedness of the old tradition like sati, dowry, domestic violence, poverty which is exists in our country even today.
• Laws are made by our elected representatives and thrown upon on us. And we call ourselves the largest democracy in the world. Most of our fundamental rights are denied to us. And we are expected to co-operate. India is said to be a secular state. But our secularism goes for a ride whenever there is communal tension in any part of our country.
• Shortage of pure drinking water, Electricity, Food, employement. India may win an Oscar for being the Dirtiest country.
• Youngsters in many parts of India today cannot choose their partners. If they still do and the choice violates arbitrary, extra-legal norms set down by caste panchayats, the consequence can be death. Honour killings in India estimated to be among the highest per capita in the world.
• The word 'dependent' is the core of the word 'independent'. No Indian, no community, no society, no individual is independent in the true sense of the term.
• So, are we really independent? We were under the bondage of British, and now we are under the bondage of poverty and darkness. India , Its high time now… Wake Up. Letz come together and make this place a better place to live. JAI HIND
• 63 years of freedom, the richer are getting richer, poorer are getting poorer and a common middle class man is a crushed between the two classes.
• We have reached the moon but yet there are many homes where a girl child is not been accepted.
• Women are treated as Sex toys even though they have reached to the status of being Doctor, Engg., astronaut etc. Till today the rapes and molestation of women is increasing every day.
• We are attacked by the people who are threat to our nation
• The corruption, the imbalance of society, political games, and unawareness of rights is dropping one side of our country in a gutter.
• Cruel intentions of external and internal people are because of the injustice, races discrimination, politics and narrow mindedness of the old tradition like sati, dowry, domestic violence, poverty which is exists in our country even today.
• Laws are made by our elected representatives and thrown upon on us. And we call ourselves the largest democracy in the world. Most of our fundamental rights are denied to us. And we are expected to co-operate. India is said to be a secular state. But our secularism goes for a ride whenever there is communal tension in any part of our country.
• Shortage of pure drinking water, Electricity, Food, employement. India may win an Oscar for being the Dirtiest country.
• Youngsters in many parts of India today cannot choose their partners. If they still do and the choice violates arbitrary, extra-legal norms set down by caste panchayats, the consequence can be death. Honour killings in India estimated to be among the highest per capita in the world.
• The word 'dependent' is the core of the word 'independent'. No Indian, no community, no society, no individual is independent in the true sense of the term.
• So, are we really independent? We were under the bondage of British, and now we are under the bondage of poverty and darkness. India , Its high time now… Wake Up. Letz come together and make this place a better place to live. JAI HIND
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Neil panicked while making love to Priyanka
Neil Nitin Mukesh has a long way to go, when it comes to love making scenes. This was discovered when Neil landed up in Coorg last month to play the first of Priyanka Chopra’s seven husbands in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf. During the love making scene Priyanka had to put all her acting skills into action to get the shy Neil to perform at par with her.
Apparently, there are seven love making sequences in the film with the seven on-screen husbands of the actress, each of different moods and playing time. The love scene with Neil turned out to be somewhat more complicated than he had bargained for. That’s when Neil panicked.
Thorough professional Priyanka sailed through the love scenes with her other onscreen husbands. With Neil there was apparently some awkwardness and after much re-takes the shot was okayed. Neil doesn’t deny the absence of an adequate comfort level with Priyanka. “But that’s because I hardly got to know her before working with her in Coorg. It was like…in and out. We didn’t get to know one another at all. I hardly had time to reach Coorg before we started shooting. There was no time for proper rehearsals”.
Neil couldn’t help but compare his inadequate chemistry with Priyanka to his great rapport with Deepika Padukone during the shooting of Lafangey Parindey, “Oh, with Deepika it was different. It was just the two of us. We had ample time to know one another before we faced the camera. In Saat Khoon Maaf I am just one of the seven men in Priyanka’s life. It was almost like Aadmi musafir hai aata hai jaata hai”.
Having said that Neil is all praise for Priyanka and Vishal Bharadwaj. “She is amazing on camera. I just loved watching her give her shots. As for Vishal Bharadwaj just being directed by him is a learning experience.” Coming back to the love scene in Saat Khoon Maaf Neil protests, “It isn’t as if I was camera shy. I just didn’t get enough time to get comfortable. I’ve done a love making scene earlier with Rimi Sen in my first film Johnny Gaddar.”
Apparently, there are seven love making sequences in the film with the seven on-screen husbands of the actress, each of different moods and playing time. The love scene with Neil turned out to be somewhat more complicated than he had bargained for. That’s when Neil panicked.
Thorough professional Priyanka sailed through the love scenes with her other onscreen husbands. With Neil there was apparently some awkwardness and after much re-takes the shot was okayed. Neil doesn’t deny the absence of an adequate comfort level with Priyanka. “But that’s because I hardly got to know her before working with her in Coorg. It was like…in and out. We didn’t get to know one another at all. I hardly had time to reach Coorg before we started shooting. There was no time for proper rehearsals”.
Neil couldn’t help but compare his inadequate chemistry with Priyanka to his great rapport with Deepika Padukone during the shooting of Lafangey Parindey, “Oh, with Deepika it was different. It was just the two of us. We had ample time to know one another before we faced the camera. In Saat Khoon Maaf I am just one of the seven men in Priyanka’s life. It was almost like Aadmi musafir hai aata hai jaata hai”.
Having said that Neil is all praise for Priyanka and Vishal Bharadwaj. “She is amazing on camera. I just loved watching her give her shots. As for Vishal Bharadwaj just being directed by him is a learning experience.” Coming back to the love scene in Saat Khoon Maaf Neil protests, “It isn’t as if I was camera shy. I just didn’t get enough time to get comfortable. I’ve done a love making scene earlier with Rimi Sen in my first film Johnny Gaddar.”
Emma Watson denies auditioning for TGWDT role
London (ANI): A representative for Harry Potter star Emma Watson has denied reports that the actress is auditioning for the lead role in an upcoming big screen adaptation of ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’. Watson, 20, had sparked speculation she was trying for the role of edgy computer hacker Lisbeth Salander after she debuted a short pixie hairstyle earlier this month, the Daily Express reported.
She was said to be leading the race for the role, fighting off competition from actresses including Ellen Page and Carey Mulligan. But according to GossipCop.com, a spokesperson for Watson has denied the speculation, saying the rumour is “absolutely false on all accounts”.
Peepli Live hit by plagiarism controversy
Aamir Khan might not dream in his wildest dreams that his film Peepli Live, which is about the pledge of the toiling farmers, would get into controversy. But anything can happen in this publicity-hungry world. Surprisingly, Peepli Live has been dragged into controversy for one of its songs.
The film has been caught in a plagiarism row over the use of the song “Chola Maati Ke Ram” composed by Gangaram Siwar from Chattisgarh. However, sources said that the makers of the Peepli Live have got its rights.
“The song “Chola Maati Ke Ram” has been composed by Gangaram Siwar in Chattisgarh, but the Habib Tanvir theatre group has officially purchased rights for the song. So I don't understand why people from Chattisgarh are asking for their due again," The Times of India quoted Nageen Tanwir, the singer of the song in the film, as saying. “Many of these village musicians are financially deprived and you cannot blame them for trying to make the most of this opportunity,” he added.
Aamir’s home production Peepli Live, directed by debutante Anusha Rizvi, is all set for release tomorrow, August 13. It features Omkar Das Manikpuri, Raghuveer Yadav, Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa, Farrukh Jaffer and Vishal O Sharma in the lead roles.
Well, it looks like the controversy will do more good than harm to the film, as it will surely give huge publicity.
Ranbir hoping to start a family?
Yesteryear actor Rishi Kapoor who is a proud father of the actor Ranbir Kapoor, is renovating his Mumbai’s Pali Hill bungalow called Krishna Raj. The bungalow is going to be more spacious than it was and one of the reasons behind the renovation is Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir Kapoor says that as soon as he will get his perfect match, he would settle down. He badly wants to start a family.
Rishi Kapoor has decided to transform his bungalow into a 14 storeyed building since he is sure that his son would get married one day. Ranbir confirms it and says that a bigger family would obviously require a bigger house.
He hopes to settle down soon enough. He adds that he’s all set to create a solid base in the Bollywood motion picture industry. He feels attached to Krishna Raj because his memories are associated with this house.
Rishi Kapoor has decided to transform his bungalow into a 14 storeyed building since he is sure that his son would get married one day. Ranbir confirms it and says that a bigger family would obviously require a bigger house.
He hopes to settle down soon enough. He adds that he’s all set to create a solid base in the Bollywood motion picture industry. He feels attached to Krishna Raj because his memories are associated with this house.
Anjaana Anjaani's trailer rocks
The first look of much awaited Anjaana Anjaani is out and to everyone's high expectations; the teaser has managed to do the trick. In a single minute, it has pretty much managed to convey the fun mood of this Sajid Nadiadwala production which appears to come with a good mix of a new storyline, fresh new pairing (Ranbir Kapoor & Priyanka Chopra), catchy music (Vishal-Shekhar), high production values and a distinct touch of director Siddharth Anand.
"It has just been a day since the teaser came out and the response has been fantastic. I was told that it is a much awaited movie this season but the instant feedback that I have received pretty much reaffirms the strong belief that we all had during the making of Anjaana Anjaani", says Siddharth who is now excited to know how people react to the film's music which is about to be released soon.
For someone who has made three films before - Bachna Ae Haseeno, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Salaam Namaste - Siddharth has managed to create an identity of himself when it comes to young musical entertainers and this appears to be on the cards fourth time over as well with Anjaana Anjaani. Though his earlier films were with Yash Raj Films, it is the first time that he has worked with Sajid Nadiadwala. Is there any difference in approach that he is seeing?
"On the contrary, what is definitely similar is the space that I got from both the banners", says Siddharth, "Thankfully with Sajid also I had the same kind of freedom that I got from Adi. He allowed me to do things exactly the way that I wanted due to which I could go with my instinct."
For someone who has made his last four films with new directors, case in point being Sajid Khan (Housefull, Heyy Babyy), Sabbir Khan (Kambakkht Ishq) and Shirish Kunder (Jaan-E-Mann), did Sajid have any special instructions for Siddharth who came with three films behind him?
"Sajid signed me because he trusted me. If he wanted to dictate anything, he would have directed a film himself, which he didn't", smiles Siddharth, "See, people like Sajid and Adi are where they are because they give directors that chance and opportunity to do what they want. Yes, they do express what they feel but eventually, it is a meeting of expressions."
Seems like Siddharth is indeed enjoying all the luck that a director may need!
"It has just been a day since the teaser came out and the response has been fantastic. I was told that it is a much awaited movie this season but the instant feedback that I have received pretty much reaffirms the strong belief that we all had during the making of Anjaana Anjaani", says Siddharth who is now excited to know how people react to the film's music which is about to be released soon.
For someone who has made three films before - Bachna Ae Haseeno, Ta Ra Rum Pum and Salaam Namaste - Siddharth has managed to create an identity of himself when it comes to young musical entertainers and this appears to be on the cards fourth time over as well with Anjaana Anjaani. Though his earlier films were with Yash Raj Films, it is the first time that he has worked with Sajid Nadiadwala. Is there any difference in approach that he is seeing?
"On the contrary, what is definitely similar is the space that I got from both the banners", says Siddharth, "Thankfully with Sajid also I had the same kind of freedom that I got from Adi. He allowed me to do things exactly the way that I wanted due to which I could go with my instinct."
For someone who has made his last four films with new directors, case in point being Sajid Khan (Housefull, Heyy Babyy), Sabbir Khan (Kambakkht Ishq) and Shirish Kunder (Jaan-E-Mann), did Sajid have any special instructions for Siddharth who came with three films behind him?
"Sajid signed me because he trusted me. If he wanted to dictate anything, he would have directed a film himself, which he didn't", smiles Siddharth, "See, people like Sajid and Adi are where they are because they give directors that chance and opportunity to do what they want. Yes, they do express what they feel but eventually, it is a meeting of expressions."
Seems like Siddharth is indeed enjoying all the luck that a director may need!
Aisha - Review
Recall the age-old adage: Marriages are made in heaven. Consummated on earth. But haven't we encountered lots of people in real life who try to set things up between friends/acquaintances? In fact, they take upon themselves to make matches and meddle in other people's affairs. That, in a nutshell, is the plot line of film Aisha.
Let's get one thing straight. You are not exploring virgin territory with Aisha. 'Emma', the Jane Austen novel, has been adapted on film and television in the past. Although first published in 1815, almost 200 years ago, director Rajshree Ojha and writer Devika Bhagat transport the characters from this novel to present-day New Delhi. But the essence remains the same: A simple plot and an equally simplistic love story.
Unlike most love stories that we’ve witnessed on Hindi screen, there’s no heavy-duty 'drame baazi' in Aisha, no major hurdles to cross, no parental opposition to encounter, no major conflicts to solve. The director and writer remain faithful to the novel, which prompts you to ponder, wish the relationships were so uncomplicated in today’s times.
But there's a flip side as well. The film runs a little longer [although the running time is 2 hours] and gets painfully slow in some portions. Besides, Aisha lacks the depth of passion and that could be because the makers were trying to make something lighter and breezier. Sweeping the minor complaints aside, Aisha is watchable for two factors mainly: Neat performances, especially by Sonam Kapoor and Amit Trivedi’s super musical score.
Final word? The romantic buried inside all of us may respond to Aisha well.
Aisha [Sonam Kapoor] is a girl with a simple diktat, 'everyone's business is her business.' Arjun [Abhay Deol] is a boy with even a simpler set of beliefs that, Aisha should mind her own business. Caught in the Delhi upper class world with its own set of social rules, Aisha navigates her world with a great sense of style and even greater optimism.
Caught in her web are her best friend Pinky [Ira Dubey], the small-town girl Shefali [Amrita Puri], the West Delhi boy Randhir [Cyrus Sahukar] and the hunk Dhruv [Arunoday Singh]. Aisha will make sure everyone dances to her tune. And all Arjun wants to do is disentangle that web and get Aisha out of an impending sticky mess.
Director Rajshree Ojha and writer Devika Bhagat introduce the principal characters at the very outset and within minutes, you know their traits as well. The entire first hour is filled with the assorted characters interacting with one another and technically speaking, there's hardly any movement in the story. In fact, the first hour is more of a collage of incidents and moments put together on a beautiful canvas.
But the wheels start moving towards the post-interval portions, when the lead characters [Abhay, Sonam] suffer from pangs of jealousy and the remaining characters find themselves at crossroads as far as relationships are concerned. From this point onwards, Aisha gets more and more engaging. Note the confrontation sequence between Sonam and Amrita, which leads to a bitter outburst by the latter. Note the sequence when Sonam professes love for Abhay at a marriage reception, only to realise later that she had walked into a wrong venue. Note the finale, which is very Mills & Boon type of culmination. Well penned and well executed sequences!
Director Rajshree Ojha has handled several moments well, but how one wishes she would've spruced up the proceedings by coming straight to the point, instead of depicting Abhay and Sonam in sulking moods in several sequences of the second hour. Also, from the writing point of view, Cyrus and Ira Dubey suddenly realise that they are made for each other. Why this sudden pyaar? Didn’t they detest each other? Loving the same musician doesn't imply you are made for each other! There had to be a scene or two to indicate that they are drawn towards each other.
The production design [Shruti Gupte] is impressive. The film bears a striking look all through. The styling of all characters is up to the mark. The costume designers [Pernia Qureshi and Kunal Rawal] deserve full marks for choosing/making the trendy outfits. Diego Rodriguez’s cinematography is appealing. Music composer Amit Trivedi is in form, displaying his versatility in various numbers such as ‘Shaam’, ‘Suno Aisha’ and ‘Gal Mitthi Mitthi Bol’.
Film Aisha is sure to open eyes to the talent of its leading lady Sonam Kapoor, who gives face, form and expression to Aisha. She displays the essential characteristic of an actress who has the ability to shift quickly and effectively from one emotion to another. She can cry, look wistful and deliver a biting line with equal believability. Abhay Deol is a complete natural and the fact comes to the fore yet again as you watch Aisha. Although Sonam has an author-backed role, Abhay underplays his part well and registers a strong impact in several scenes.
The film is supported by a fine [read talented] cast. Also, one of the delights of the film is the cleverly written supporting roles. Ira Dubey is spunky, a damn good actor. Amrita Puri is a revelation, a powerhouse of talent. Cyrus Sahukar is first-rate. Arunoday Singh acts his part well. Lisa Haydon [as Aarti] is underused in a small role. Anuradha Singh is classy. M.K. Raina [Aisha’s father] is efficient. Anand Tiwari [as Saurabh] is competent. Sameer Malhotra and Vidhushi Mehra [Aisha’s brother-in-law and sister, respectively] have nothing substantial to do.
On the whole, Aisha holds appeal for the youth mainly and there’s a strong likelihood that this segment of movie-going audience will fall for its charms. From the business point of view, the makers have recovered a big chunk of their investment from the sale of Satellite Rights and Music Rights and recovering the balance amount from India theatrical, Overseas and Home Video should be a cakewalk.
Director: Rajshree Ojha
Cast: Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh, Ira Dubey, Amrita Puri, Lisa Haydon
Let's get one thing straight. You are not exploring virgin territory with Aisha. 'Emma', the Jane Austen novel, has been adapted on film and television in the past. Although first published in 1815, almost 200 years ago, director Rajshree Ojha and writer Devika Bhagat transport the characters from this novel to present-day New Delhi. But the essence remains the same: A simple plot and an equally simplistic love story.
Unlike most love stories that we’ve witnessed on Hindi screen, there’s no heavy-duty 'drame baazi' in Aisha, no major hurdles to cross, no parental opposition to encounter, no major conflicts to solve. The director and writer remain faithful to the novel, which prompts you to ponder, wish the relationships were so uncomplicated in today’s times.
But there's a flip side as well. The film runs a little longer [although the running time is 2 hours] and gets painfully slow in some portions. Besides, Aisha lacks the depth of passion and that could be because the makers were trying to make something lighter and breezier. Sweeping the minor complaints aside, Aisha is watchable for two factors mainly: Neat performances, especially by Sonam Kapoor and Amit Trivedi’s super musical score.
Final word? The romantic buried inside all of us may respond to Aisha well.
Aisha [Sonam Kapoor] is a girl with a simple diktat, 'everyone's business is her business.' Arjun [Abhay Deol] is a boy with even a simpler set of beliefs that, Aisha should mind her own business. Caught in the Delhi upper class world with its own set of social rules, Aisha navigates her world with a great sense of style and even greater optimism.
Caught in her web are her best friend Pinky [Ira Dubey], the small-town girl Shefali [Amrita Puri], the West Delhi boy Randhir [Cyrus Sahukar] and the hunk Dhruv [Arunoday Singh]. Aisha will make sure everyone dances to her tune. And all Arjun wants to do is disentangle that web and get Aisha out of an impending sticky mess.
Director Rajshree Ojha and writer Devika Bhagat introduce the principal characters at the very outset and within minutes, you know their traits as well. The entire first hour is filled with the assorted characters interacting with one another and technically speaking, there's hardly any movement in the story. In fact, the first hour is more of a collage of incidents and moments put together on a beautiful canvas.
But the wheels start moving towards the post-interval portions, when the lead characters [Abhay, Sonam] suffer from pangs of jealousy and the remaining characters find themselves at crossroads as far as relationships are concerned. From this point onwards, Aisha gets more and more engaging. Note the confrontation sequence between Sonam and Amrita, which leads to a bitter outburst by the latter. Note the sequence when Sonam professes love for Abhay at a marriage reception, only to realise later that she had walked into a wrong venue. Note the finale, which is very Mills & Boon type of culmination. Well penned and well executed sequences!
Director Rajshree Ojha has handled several moments well, but how one wishes she would've spruced up the proceedings by coming straight to the point, instead of depicting Abhay and Sonam in sulking moods in several sequences of the second hour. Also, from the writing point of view, Cyrus and Ira Dubey suddenly realise that they are made for each other. Why this sudden pyaar? Didn’t they detest each other? Loving the same musician doesn't imply you are made for each other! There had to be a scene or two to indicate that they are drawn towards each other.
The production design [Shruti Gupte] is impressive. The film bears a striking look all through. The styling of all characters is up to the mark. The costume designers [Pernia Qureshi and Kunal Rawal] deserve full marks for choosing/making the trendy outfits. Diego Rodriguez’s cinematography is appealing. Music composer Amit Trivedi is in form, displaying his versatility in various numbers such as ‘Shaam’, ‘Suno Aisha’ and ‘Gal Mitthi Mitthi Bol’.
Film Aisha is sure to open eyes to the talent of its leading lady Sonam Kapoor, who gives face, form and expression to Aisha. She displays the essential characteristic of an actress who has the ability to shift quickly and effectively from one emotion to another. She can cry, look wistful and deliver a biting line with equal believability. Abhay Deol is a complete natural and the fact comes to the fore yet again as you watch Aisha. Although Sonam has an author-backed role, Abhay underplays his part well and registers a strong impact in several scenes.
The film is supported by a fine [read talented] cast. Also, one of the delights of the film is the cleverly written supporting roles. Ira Dubey is spunky, a damn good actor. Amrita Puri is a revelation, a powerhouse of talent. Cyrus Sahukar is first-rate. Arunoday Singh acts his part well. Lisa Haydon [as Aarti] is underused in a small role. Anuradha Singh is classy. M.K. Raina [Aisha’s father] is efficient. Anand Tiwari [as Saurabh] is competent. Sameer Malhotra and Vidhushi Mehra [Aisha’s brother-in-law and sister, respectively] have nothing substantial to do.
On the whole, Aisha holds appeal for the youth mainly and there’s a strong likelihood that this segment of movie-going audience will fall for its charms. From the business point of view, the makers have recovered a big chunk of their investment from the sale of Satellite Rights and Music Rights and recovering the balance amount from India theatrical, Overseas and Home Video should be a cakewalk.
Director: Rajshree Ojha
Cast: Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh, Ira Dubey, Amrita Puri, Lisa Haydon
Shahrukh thinks of his wife Gauri everyday
Bollywood megastar, Shahrukh Khan and his wife Gauri Khan have been married for the last 19 years and yet there is no reported news of domestic discord. In fact, with every passing day, SRK seems to re-fall in love with his wife.
Buzz up!
He claims that he feels a sense of immense privilege of having a fantastic wife like Gauri, who affectionately takes care of him and their kids. He recently, in an interview opened up about his feelings for his wife. He proclaimed that one day doesn’t go without him thinking about his wife and he cannot imagine anytime without her.
He also thanked God for blessing him with an amazing family with whom he can share everything that he has in his mind. He can share and talk about his grief and gladness, failure and accomplishment.
He says that he repeatedly thanks God for blessing him. He adds that success is truly necessary and important for him. However, a success with his family is the most important thing that he can ever imagine. He is a total family guy.
Buzz up!
He claims that he feels a sense of immense privilege of having a fantastic wife like Gauri, who affectionately takes care of him and their kids. He recently, in an interview opened up about his feelings for his wife. He proclaimed that one day doesn’t go without him thinking about his wife and he cannot imagine anytime without her.
He also thanked God for blessing him with an amazing family with whom he can share everything that he has in his mind. He can share and talk about his grief and gladness, failure and accomplishment.
He says that he repeatedly thanks God for blessing him. He adds that success is truly necessary and important for him. However, a success with his family is the most important thing that he can ever imagine. He is a total family guy.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
5 secrets of modern marriages
When two people are dating we often hear about their puppy love, tiffs, both big and small but the moment they get into a serious relationship, we barely get to know what’s really going on in their life. We help you get an insight into the secret of modern marriages!
The unspoken pressure on married couples to present a happy, healthy relationship to the outer world doesn’t let anyone get a peek inside their real world. Admitting that you are unhappy can be seen as failure so people prefer to keep such details to themselves. Also, as soon as we experience a lull in our sex life, we assume that everyone else must be having more sex than we are. We found out five common issues that all married couples face...
Sex can be boring, occasionally
True, sex can occasionally be messy, painful, boring and unwanted. Shares HR consultant Deepika Kapur, “The first time we had boring sex, I was left shaken. I thought our chemistry was over and now our sack sessions would never be good again. But I soon got over the fear. Our next sack session was one of the best that we ever had.”
One partner is always left craving
No two people in a marriage have the same libido. One is always left craving for sex. Modern life has also given way to new sexual pressures and expectations that can not always be met. Says consultant Hemant Sinha, “I have always had a high sex drive. My wife and I have fantabulous sex but there are many times when I am craving for it and she’s not in a mood.”
Sex drive disappears once in a while
The reality is that a large number of couples experience sexual difficulties at some point of time in their marriage. This is when their sex drive drops. Suggest sex therapist Payal Kapoor, “Instead of thinking how badly it reflects your feelings for the partner, concentrate on bigger issues that are making you feel disinterested in sex.” Payal goes on to add, “Sometimes separate beds can reignite the spark! It has helped many couples I have known. It breaks the monotony and makes them long for each other.”
Sexually unfaithful thoughts are common
Some people need constant reminders of how desirable and sexy they still look. When that doesn’t happen, they look for admiration outside. And having sexually unfaithful thoughts are common. Someone rightly said, ‘Sex pulls you away but love gets you back!’ Adds psychologist Seema Hingorani, “It is human tendency to feel wanted. And when couples don’t get it in their marriage, they seek it outside and such thoughts are common.”
Incessant fights are normal
You often wonder seeing a happy couple around you how they manage to be so in love, while you pull the trigger almost every second day. Do not feel guilty thinking you are the only one who does it. All couples fight, and this is the rule!
The unspoken pressure on married couples to present a happy, healthy relationship to the outer world doesn’t let anyone get a peek inside their real world. Admitting that you are unhappy can be seen as failure so people prefer to keep such details to themselves. Also, as soon as we experience a lull in our sex life, we assume that everyone else must be having more sex than we are. We found out five common issues that all married couples face...
Sex can be boring, occasionally
True, sex can occasionally be messy, painful, boring and unwanted. Shares HR consultant Deepika Kapur, “The first time we had boring sex, I was left shaken. I thought our chemistry was over and now our sack sessions would never be good again. But I soon got over the fear. Our next sack session was one of the best that we ever had.”
One partner is always left craving
No two people in a marriage have the same libido. One is always left craving for sex. Modern life has also given way to new sexual pressures and expectations that can not always be met. Says consultant Hemant Sinha, “I have always had a high sex drive. My wife and I have fantabulous sex but there are many times when I am craving for it and she’s not in a mood.”
Sex drive disappears once in a while
The reality is that a large number of couples experience sexual difficulties at some point of time in their marriage. This is when their sex drive drops. Suggest sex therapist Payal Kapoor, “Instead of thinking how badly it reflects your feelings for the partner, concentrate on bigger issues that are making you feel disinterested in sex.” Payal goes on to add, “Sometimes separate beds can reignite the spark! It has helped many couples I have known. It breaks the monotony and makes them long for each other.”
Sexually unfaithful thoughts are common
Some people need constant reminders of how desirable and sexy they still look. When that doesn’t happen, they look for admiration outside. And having sexually unfaithful thoughts are common. Someone rightly said, ‘Sex pulls you away but love gets you back!’ Adds psychologist Seema Hingorani, “It is human tendency to feel wanted. And when couples don’t get it in their marriage, they seek it outside and such thoughts are common.”
Incessant fights are normal
You often wonder seeing a happy couple around you how they manage to be so in love, while you pull the trigger almost every second day. Do not feel guilty thinking you are the only one who does it. All couples fight, and this is the rule!
Hungry for love? Find out
Do you run from serious relationships or do you come across as too hungry for love? Take this quiz to find out ...
Words like commitment, long-term relationships make you squirm? Or do you think you come across as someone who is simply too eager to please? Are you the kind who runs away from commitment or are you someone who just jumps in? What are your commitment levels? Answer these questions to find out...
You partner wants you to meet his/her parents. This is what you feel...
A. Finally! Am elated.
B. Nervous but looking forward to it.
C. I wish it wouldn’t work out. Can’t escape the sense of dread.
When you think of movies where the bride/groom jilts at the last moment and runs away from the mandap, this is what comes to your mind...
A. Only Bollywood can come up with such unrealisticscenes.
B. ...That’s how my last relationship ended.
C. Wow. Bless Bollywood... I always learn the tricks from these scenes.
This is what would happen if your level of interest and your partner’s were placed on either sides of a seesaw...
A. My side would clunk to the ground. I’m more ready to get serious.
B. The scale would settle right in the middle.
C. I’d be way up in the air. My partner’s interest outweighs mine.
You meet this girl/guy and both have a great time hanging out...
A. She/he was just right...I think I’ll get married after all.
B. Wow. Cannot wait to see him/her again!
C. That was good. It can’t be true. Will avoid him/her.
You read through your partner’s loving email...
A. This is just what I needed to make my day!
B. I could never love anyone who uses so many exclamation marks.
C. He/ she loves me...
You have been dating this guy/girl for some weeks and he/she has met:
A. Not just your family, friends, pets, relatives but your colleagues as well.
B. Your roommate and your best friend.
C. No one. It’s better not to involve new people in your life so soon.
Who decides how much time you spend together...
A. My partner. If I had my way, I would be with him/her 24X7!
B. Mutual agreement, based on both our work schedules.
C. Me, mostly.
You visit your happily married friends. Your first thought is:
A. I hope to achieve such peace and harmony with another person.
B. Oh, how nice.
C. Such a boring existence. I hope I never get trapped in such a routine!
Mostly A
You are hungry for love and seem to be over-eager and in a rush to make all your relationships permanent. You may be someone who is just too ready to commit and thereby you probably end up picking partners who are not the right ones.
Mostly B
You are open to love and like keeping a healthy balance by giving yourself truly over to a relationship yet maintaining a life of your own. You know how to appreciate your friends.
Mostly C
You are suffering from commitment phobia and your intense fear of relationships is costing you your happiness. You are scared of long-term relationships and must take concrete steps to break the pattern.
Words like commitment, long-term relationships make you squirm? Or do you think you come across as someone who is simply too eager to please? Are you the kind who runs away from commitment or are you someone who just jumps in? What are your commitment levels? Answer these questions to find out...
You partner wants you to meet his/her parents. This is what you feel...
A. Finally! Am elated.
B. Nervous but looking forward to it.
C. I wish it wouldn’t work out. Can’t escape the sense of dread.
When you think of movies where the bride/groom jilts at the last moment and runs away from the mandap, this is what comes to your mind...
A. Only Bollywood can come up with such unrealisticscenes.
B. ...That’s how my last relationship ended.
C. Wow. Bless Bollywood... I always learn the tricks from these scenes.
This is what would happen if your level of interest and your partner’s were placed on either sides of a seesaw...
A. My side would clunk to the ground. I’m more ready to get serious.
B. The scale would settle right in the middle.
C. I’d be way up in the air. My partner’s interest outweighs mine.
You meet this girl/guy and both have a great time hanging out...
A. She/he was just right...I think I’ll get married after all.
B. Wow. Cannot wait to see him/her again!
C. That was good. It can’t be true. Will avoid him/her.
You read through your partner’s loving email...
A. This is just what I needed to make my day!
B. I could never love anyone who uses so many exclamation marks.
C. He/ she loves me...
You have been dating this guy/girl for some weeks and he/she has met:
A. Not just your family, friends, pets, relatives but your colleagues as well.
B. Your roommate and your best friend.
C. No one. It’s better not to involve new people in your life so soon.
Who decides how much time you spend together...
A. My partner. If I had my way, I would be with him/her 24X7!
B. Mutual agreement, based on both our work schedules.
C. Me, mostly.
You visit your happily married friends. Your first thought is:
A. I hope to achieve such peace and harmony with another person.
B. Oh, how nice.
C. Such a boring existence. I hope I never get trapped in such a routine!
Mostly A
You are hungry for love and seem to be over-eager and in a rush to make all your relationships permanent. You may be someone who is just too ready to commit and thereby you probably end up picking partners who are not the right ones.
Mostly B
You are open to love and like keeping a healthy balance by giving yourself truly over to a relationship yet maintaining a life of your own. You know how to appreciate your friends.
Mostly C
You are suffering from commitment phobia and your intense fear of relationships is costing you your happiness. You are scared of long-term relationships and must take concrete steps to break the pattern.
No budget worries for Youngistan
The latest commercial for Cadbury's Daily Milk chocolate has the tag line 'aaj pehli tareekh hai, kuch meetha ho jaaye'. It claims to capture the moments of happiness on the first of every month - when most salaried people get pay cheques. But unlike in the ad, that has an employee singing and dancing about getting his salary, advertising professional Cherry Batra has mostly bitter moments on the first day of a month. "My salary has come and gone, and it is only the second day of a 31-day month," says the 27-year-old.
Batra spends, on an average, 35% of her salary or about Rs 8,000 on credit card bills, provided she hasn't skipped payment in the previous month. She spends another 30% on everyday expenses like conveyance, food, etc and another 15-20% on entertainment. "Most of my credit-card spending is on socialising, the rest is on shopping," she says.
Batra belongs to the 70% of the country's population of 1.1 billion that is under 35. In urban India, middle and upper-class consumers like Batra are referred to as YUMPIs - Young, Urban, Mobile, Professional Indians. They are the ones who have written the India story about consumer confidence and rarely hesitate, as studies show, to bill the latest cell phones, branded clothes and accessories to their credit card.
According to the latest research in the India Retail Report 2009, retail spending by Indian consumers is expected to rise from Rs 13.3 trillion now to Rs 18.1 trillion by 2010. This huge increase can be put down to the fact that not only are incomes rising but younger people entering the workforce are more prepared to spend money than their parents were, according to Geoff Hiscock, author of 'India's Store Wars: Retail Revolution and the Battle for the Next 500 Million Shoppers'.
Hiscock reportedly said that despite the recent shocks caused by the sub-prime crisis, young Indians are prepared to borrow money and are more aware of the sources of credit available to them.
The Wallet Monitor, a study conducted by IMRB and Henley Centre, had said in December 2005 that the spending patterns of an average Indian household point towards the emergence of an "individualistic, indulgent, happy and confident Indian consumer who enjoys spending money on personal grooming and entertainment". This consumer has also given rise to a new term - 'youngistan', now frequently invoked to describe a generation whose habits in love, life and spending are anything but traditional.
It is unsurprising then that a quarter of Standard Chartered Bank's credit card holders are in the under-30 age group.
"The younger lot spend on retail fashion, eating out, gadgets etc.," says R L Prasad, GM, credit cards and personal loans.
But this should not lead one to believe that the spend mentality has replaced the save mentality. The earn-and-burn generation believes that investment for the future is important. Like banking executive Pranav Raje, who knows that a lot of older people raise their eyebrows at his expenditure of Rs 15,000 a month on socializing. "But I know investments are important and thus have bought a flat. The EMI of Rs 20, 000 is my way of saving for the future," says Raje.
There are also many young Indians like 16-year-old Mirinalini Sinha, who don't earn anything but make sure to dent their anguished mothers' "household budget by impulsive shopping and whimsical demands". Apart from the expenditure on education (she wants to go to a global school now) and general needs, Sinha spends Rs 200-300 on one 'regular outing three times a week' and between Rs 1,000-1,500 on weekend dinners and parties. "It is like she has taken it upon herself to boost the economy," exclaims Sinha's mother.
You would think that this demographically significant age group demands consideration in the Union Budget. But it doesn't. Laveesh Bandari, who heads Indicus Abacus, an economic research firm in New Delhi, says individual spending does not play a significant role in the budget. "The middle and higher income groups in urban India spend mostly on semi-luxury and luxury goods and nobody cares about that in the budget," he says. Arvind Singhal,chairman, Technopak Advisors, says, "Spending patterns of the 18-35 age group don't matter in the larger picture."
And does it matter to them that the budget may not have much in store for them? As Batra says: "If they tell me I can save more taxes on my Rs 1-lakh investment every year, I am interested. Otherwise, who cares?"
Batra spends, on an average, 35% of her salary or about Rs 8,000 on credit card bills, provided she hasn't skipped payment in the previous month. She spends another 30% on everyday expenses like conveyance, food, etc and another 15-20% on entertainment. "Most of my credit-card spending is on socialising, the rest is on shopping," she says.
Batra belongs to the 70% of the country's population of 1.1 billion that is under 35. In urban India, middle and upper-class consumers like Batra are referred to as YUMPIs - Young, Urban, Mobile, Professional Indians. They are the ones who have written the India story about consumer confidence and rarely hesitate, as studies show, to bill the latest cell phones, branded clothes and accessories to their credit card.
According to the latest research in the India Retail Report 2009, retail spending by Indian consumers is expected to rise from Rs 13.3 trillion now to Rs 18.1 trillion by 2010. This huge increase can be put down to the fact that not only are incomes rising but younger people entering the workforce are more prepared to spend money than their parents were, according to Geoff Hiscock, author of 'India's Store Wars: Retail Revolution and the Battle for the Next 500 Million Shoppers'.
Hiscock reportedly said that despite the recent shocks caused by the sub-prime crisis, young Indians are prepared to borrow money and are more aware of the sources of credit available to them.
The Wallet Monitor, a study conducted by IMRB and Henley Centre, had said in December 2005 that the spending patterns of an average Indian household point towards the emergence of an "individualistic, indulgent, happy and confident Indian consumer who enjoys spending money on personal grooming and entertainment". This consumer has also given rise to a new term - 'youngistan', now frequently invoked to describe a generation whose habits in love, life and spending are anything but traditional.
It is unsurprising then that a quarter of Standard Chartered Bank's credit card holders are in the under-30 age group.
"The younger lot spend on retail fashion, eating out, gadgets etc.," says R L Prasad, GM, credit cards and personal loans.
But this should not lead one to believe that the spend mentality has replaced the save mentality. The earn-and-burn generation believes that investment for the future is important. Like banking executive Pranav Raje, who knows that a lot of older people raise their eyebrows at his expenditure of Rs 15,000 a month on socializing. "But I know investments are important and thus have bought a flat. The EMI of Rs 20, 000 is my way of saving for the future," says Raje.
There are also many young Indians like 16-year-old Mirinalini Sinha, who don't earn anything but make sure to dent their anguished mothers' "household budget by impulsive shopping and whimsical demands". Apart from the expenditure on education (she wants to go to a global school now) and general needs, Sinha spends Rs 200-300 on one 'regular outing three times a week' and between Rs 1,000-1,500 on weekend dinners and parties. "It is like she has taken it upon herself to boost the economy," exclaims Sinha's mother.
You would think that this demographically significant age group demands consideration in the Union Budget. But it doesn't. Laveesh Bandari, who heads Indicus Abacus, an economic research firm in New Delhi, says individual spending does not play a significant role in the budget. "The middle and higher income groups in urban India spend mostly on semi-luxury and luxury goods and nobody cares about that in the budget," he says. Arvind Singhal,chairman, Technopak Advisors, says, "Spending patterns of the 18-35 age group don't matter in the larger picture."
And does it matter to them that the budget may not have much in store for them? As Batra says: "If they tell me I can save more taxes on my Rs 1-lakh investment every year, I am interested. Otherwise, who cares?"
Roar of Youngistan, a song penned to fight terrorism
RAJKOT: Tumse nahi darenge, marna hai ek baar to tumse ladke marenge (We will not fear you (terrorists), as we die just once, we will die fighting you (terrorists). These are lines of a song, the latest 'weapon' to fight terrorism a song sung by Anita Sharma, who shot to fame after her Gujarati Shakira song, and Chirag Thakkar, the Obama song maker.
"The urban literate youth is not ready to buy politics of hatred, terrorism and think that time has arrived for them to fight back," says Anita, a singer from Rajkot who had put Gujarati lyrics to famous pop icon Shakira's song 'Hips Don't Lie'. The video is a hit on the internet and was reportedly accepted by the popstar later.
"After the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, we decided to make a song to charge up people who believe that they are helpless before terrorism," she says.
Joining her in the song will be Chirag Thakkar, who made headlines when he wrote and produced a video album praising US President Barack Obama and earned the name the Obama song maker. Togehter they call the song ‘Roar Of Youngistan' (Young Hindustan) against terrorism.
The artists spent over four months perfecting the lyrics, the right tune and synchronising the proper video footage (including clips from the net) with it. "The song is all about condemning cowardly acts of terrorists who deceptively inflict harm on defenceless people and terrorise the world," Anita adds.
Lyricist Amit Adhiya has nowhere tried to seek sympathy in the song. "Each line pierces the heart of the young generation, who are already fed up by meek approach against the terror attacks," says Adhiya. And, while composing the song in a catchy beat, young music directors Tejas-Rushik have captured the reprisal mood quite well.
"The urban literate youth is not ready to buy politics of hatred, terrorism and think that time has arrived for them to fight back," says Anita, a singer from Rajkot who had put Gujarati lyrics to famous pop icon Shakira's song 'Hips Don't Lie'. The video is a hit on the internet and was reportedly accepted by the popstar later.
"After the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, we decided to make a song to charge up people who believe that they are helpless before terrorism," she says.
Joining her in the song will be Chirag Thakkar, who made headlines when he wrote and produced a video album praising US President Barack Obama and earned the name the Obama song maker. Togehter they call the song ‘Roar Of Youngistan' (Young Hindustan) against terrorism.
The artists spent over four months perfecting the lyrics, the right tune and synchronising the proper video footage (including clips from the net) with it. "The song is all about condemning cowardly acts of terrorists who deceptively inflict harm on defenceless people and terrorise the world," Anita adds.
Lyricist Amit Adhiya has nowhere tried to seek sympathy in the song. "Each line pierces the heart of the young generation, who are already fed up by meek approach against the terror attacks," says Adhiya. And, while composing the song in a catchy beat, young music directors Tejas-Rushik have captured the reprisal mood quite well.
Friday, July 2, 2010
SRK's G-string!
Taking a quick break from shooting, Shah Rukh Khan is holidaying in Spain, with Gauri and the kids in tow. And we must say he’s a true romantic at heart.
Not only is he soaking in the flavour of Spain, the man’s making music too. Yeah, he went and bought a fancy guitar, and was so thrilled to own it that he started strumming on the streets of Spain. We’re sure the pretty Spanish ladies weren’t spared of his charm. Well, he might not be a trained musician, but he’s no novice either. Apparently, a few years ago, he learned the basics of the G-string, while son Aryan was being tutored to play the instrument. So, if you think the Spaniards are the real mushballs, well, think again, lovelies. Our dilwala can strum the heartsrings no less.
Not only is he soaking in the flavour of Spain, the man’s making music too. Yeah, he went and bought a fancy guitar, and was so thrilled to own it that he started strumming on the streets of Spain. We’re sure the pretty Spanish ladies weren’t spared of his charm. Well, he might not be a trained musician, but he’s no novice either. Apparently, a few years ago, he learned the basics of the G-string, while son Aryan was being tutored to play the instrument. So, if you think the Spaniards are the real mushballs, well, think again, lovelies. Our dilwala can strum the heartsrings no less.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Young India fails to mix sex and safety
New Delhi: More and more Indians may be shedding their inhibitions about sex and getting more ‘physical’ than generations gone by, but they seem poor at managing libido and protection together.
Despite huge campaigns focusing on safe sex, a majority of Indians engage in unprotected sex. Condom use in premarital sexual relationships is almost non-existent.
According to a study, only 13% of men and 3% of women used condoms during sex. Intriguingly, most of those who were surveyed were aware of the benefits of contraception.
The recklessness could have a reason. The study reveals that a large chunk of the youth surveyed felt uncomfortable buying contraceptives, including condoms, from a healthcare provider or pharmacy.
The study, Youth In India: Situation And Need, by the Mumbai-based International Institute of Population Sciences, says that not only were a substantial number of youngsters getting involved in premarital romance and sexual relationships, most also indulged in high-risk sexual behaviour, including having multiple partners and using condoms inconsistently.
The survey involved 50,848 married and unmarried young men and women.
Incidentally, 25% men had sex with two or more partners while 21% young women reported multiple partners — all this without using condoms. But urban young men were more likely than their rural counterparts to report consistent condom use (21% versus 11%).
Only 43% young men and 59%young women who were sexually experienced before marriage knew that a woman can get pregnant because of just one unprotected sexual encounter. This reveals a pathetic level of awareness about the reproductive system and human anatomy.
This casual and unsafe sex often took place in the shadow of fear as a majority of young women feared pregnancy or infection at the time of first or unprotected sex. As many as 62% of unmarried young women reported fear of both pregnancy and infection, compared to 55% of men. Condoms and contraceptives became part of the sexual encounters only at a subsequent stage as the relationship progressed.
Similarly, in-depth awareness of contraceptive methods was limited among youngsters as 15% men and 39% women did not know that one condom can be used for only one sexual act. Awareness of HIV/Aids was also limited among such sexually experienced youth.
The study was commissioned by the Union ministry of health and family welfare. Its findings break the widespread perception that the youth in India do not find opportunities to mix and form romantic relationships and that the incidence of premarital sex is negligible.
It found that 23% of young men and 21% of young women had either been approached by or had approached a person of the opposite sex for a romantic liaison and it happened before marriage for many.
The study, for the first time, looked at key transitions experienced by young people in six states — Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. These states were selected to represent the different geographic and socio-cultural regions within the country, and they together represent two-fifths of the country’s population.
Despite huge campaigns focusing on safe sex, a majority of Indians engage in unprotected sex. Condom use in premarital sexual relationships is almost non-existent.
According to a study, only 13% of men and 3% of women used condoms during sex. Intriguingly, most of those who were surveyed were aware of the benefits of contraception.
The recklessness could have a reason. The study reveals that a large chunk of the youth surveyed felt uncomfortable buying contraceptives, including condoms, from a healthcare provider or pharmacy.
The study, Youth In India: Situation And Need, by the Mumbai-based International Institute of Population Sciences, says that not only were a substantial number of youngsters getting involved in premarital romance and sexual relationships, most also indulged in high-risk sexual behaviour, including having multiple partners and using condoms inconsistently.
The survey involved 50,848 married and unmarried young men and women.
Incidentally, 25% men had sex with two or more partners while 21% young women reported multiple partners — all this without using condoms. But urban young men were more likely than their rural counterparts to report consistent condom use (21% versus 11%).
Only 43% young men and 59%young women who were sexually experienced before marriage knew that a woman can get pregnant because of just one unprotected sexual encounter. This reveals a pathetic level of awareness about the reproductive system and human anatomy.
This casual and unsafe sex often took place in the shadow of fear as a majority of young women feared pregnancy or infection at the time of first or unprotected sex. As many as 62% of unmarried young women reported fear of both pregnancy and infection, compared to 55% of men. Condoms and contraceptives became part of the sexual encounters only at a subsequent stage as the relationship progressed.
Similarly, in-depth awareness of contraceptive methods was limited among youngsters as 15% men and 39% women did not know that one condom can be used for only one sexual act. Awareness of HIV/Aids was also limited among such sexually experienced youth.
The study was commissioned by the Union ministry of health and family welfare. Its findings break the widespread perception that the youth in India do not find opportunities to mix and form romantic relationships and that the incidence of premarital sex is negligible.
It found that 23% of young men and 21% of young women had either been approached by or had approached a person of the opposite sex for a romantic liaison and it happened before marriage for many.
The study, for the first time, looked at key transitions experienced by young people in six states — Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. These states were selected to represent the different geographic and socio-cultural regions within the country, and they together represent two-fifths of the country’s population.
Young India falling prey to party drugs: UN official
NEW DELHI: Youth in India and China face huge risks from party drugs like Ecstasy and Adam because of their large populations and increasing disposable income, a senior UN official has warned.
Besides, these synthetic drugs are easily available as they can be produced in the kitchen unlike heroine or cocaine, says Christina Albertin, who heads the UN Office on Drugs and Crime for South Asia.
"If we look at the ATS (amphetamine-type stimulants) situation, the world drugs report points out that there are fears the ATS has become a bigger problem in the developing world, including India and China," Albertin said.
Synthetic drugs or ATS like Ephedrine, amphetamines and Methaqualone are known by many names such as Ecstasy, MDMA, Adam, XTC, love drug and hug. They are often abused at parties.
India and China are particularly vulnerable to ATS owing to their large populations and increasing disposable incomes, says the recently released world drugs report.
Albertin says making these drugs is not rocket science, as you can go to internet sites and download recipes on how to produce them.
"If you want to produce heroine or cocaine, you need to have poppy plantations in some parts of the world. You need to have contact with the farmers and need to get the whole production done on the basis of the plants," says Albertin.
"Then you have the whole chemical process, you need to go near the poppy fields, get all the chemicals there, put up the laboratories there at great risk, making yourself vulnerable to the discovery.
"That does not happen with ATS because synthetic drugs can be produced in the kitchen, they're just chemicals. There are a lot of chemicals that you can buy easily because they may not be under control or they are being deeply neglected," she says.
According to the world drugs report, there are no prevalent estimates of ATS consumption in India or China. These gaps are major, given the size of the population aged 15-65 years in these countries - 0.73 billion and 0.95 billion respectively in India and China.
"Furthermore, with an increase in both the population and disposable income, their position next to several significant manufacturing countries and expanding domestic manufacture, both countries face substantial risks related to growing ATS use," says the report.
The last study in India was in 2001 and published in 2004.
"We don't know the actual position and magnitude of the ATS problems in India, which had last performed a household survey in 2001 and it did not include questions specific to various types of ATS consumed," says Albertin.
According to official sources, the Indian government would be conducting a household survey on the subject next year.
The saddest impact of these drugs is on users who start using them to help cope with life's problems - to do a job better, appear more cheerful, stay awake longer or lose weight quickly - only to find themselves overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, hyper stimulation and paranoia.
These go-go drugs are now consumed in practically every region of the world, posing a significant problem in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia.
According to experts, India is more vulnerable to the threat posed by the synthetic drugs because key ATS precursors are readily available here and significant manufacturing is also taking place.
"The region is home to a large youth population and potential consumers with increasing disposable income. Plus, prevention and treatment are largely focused on other drug types," said a senior law enforcement official.
"The geographic location between the significant ATS markets in Southeast Asia make the country more vulnerable," the official added.
According to highly placed sources, most ATS flow into India from Myanmar. The Narcotics Control Bureau recently busted several clandestine ATS laboratories in various parts of the country.
Besides, these synthetic drugs are easily available as they can be produced in the kitchen unlike heroine or cocaine, says Christina Albertin, who heads the UN Office on Drugs and Crime for South Asia.
"If we look at the ATS (amphetamine-type stimulants) situation, the world drugs report points out that there are fears the ATS has become a bigger problem in the developing world, including India and China," Albertin said.
Synthetic drugs or ATS like Ephedrine, amphetamines and Methaqualone are known by many names such as Ecstasy, MDMA, Adam, XTC, love drug and hug. They are often abused at parties.
India and China are particularly vulnerable to ATS owing to their large populations and increasing disposable incomes, says the recently released world drugs report.
Albertin says making these drugs is not rocket science, as you can go to internet sites and download recipes on how to produce them.
"If you want to produce heroine or cocaine, you need to have poppy plantations in some parts of the world. You need to have contact with the farmers and need to get the whole production done on the basis of the plants," says Albertin.
"Then you have the whole chemical process, you need to go near the poppy fields, get all the chemicals there, put up the laboratories there at great risk, making yourself vulnerable to the discovery.
"That does not happen with ATS because synthetic drugs can be produced in the kitchen, they're just chemicals. There are a lot of chemicals that you can buy easily because they may not be under control or they are being deeply neglected," she says.
According to the world drugs report, there are no prevalent estimates of ATS consumption in India or China. These gaps are major, given the size of the population aged 15-65 years in these countries - 0.73 billion and 0.95 billion respectively in India and China.
"Furthermore, with an increase in both the population and disposable income, their position next to several significant manufacturing countries and expanding domestic manufacture, both countries face substantial risks related to growing ATS use," says the report.
The last study in India was in 2001 and published in 2004.
"We don't know the actual position and magnitude of the ATS problems in India, which had last performed a household survey in 2001 and it did not include questions specific to various types of ATS consumed," says Albertin.
According to official sources, the Indian government would be conducting a household survey on the subject next year.
The saddest impact of these drugs is on users who start using them to help cope with life's problems - to do a job better, appear more cheerful, stay awake longer or lose weight quickly - only to find themselves overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, hyper stimulation and paranoia.
These go-go drugs are now consumed in practically every region of the world, posing a significant problem in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia.
According to experts, India is more vulnerable to the threat posed by the synthetic drugs because key ATS precursors are readily available here and significant manufacturing is also taking place.
"The region is home to a large youth population and potential consumers with increasing disposable income. Plus, prevention and treatment are largely focused on other drug types," said a senior law enforcement official.
"The geographic location between the significant ATS markets in Southeast Asia make the country more vulnerable," the official added.
According to highly placed sources, most ATS flow into India from Myanmar. The Narcotics Control Bureau recently busted several clandestine ATS laboratories in various parts of the country.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
GoM favours fresh efforts to extradite Anderson
NEW DELHI: The Group of Ministers (GOM) on Bhopal decided on Saturday to recommend that the Centre file afresh for extradition of the former Union Carbide chairman, Warren Anderson.
However, a point that emerged during the GoM's deliberations may limit the legal options available to the government, sources told The Hindu. There is apparently some ambiguity over who owns the UCIL plant in Bhopal today, since the land on which its shell stands has reverted to the Madhya Pradesh government. Clarity on this point is crucial, sources said, in establishing the liability of Dow Chemicals, which bought out Union Carbide.
Meanwhile, government sources told The Hindu that the GoM was of the view that even though previous attempts to extradite Mr. Anderson had failed, advantage should be taken of the new evidence that had been recorded in the recently delivered Bhopal trial court judgment, as well as in the testimonies of witnesses who had said Union Carbide's parent company in the U.S. had prior knowledge of both the faulty design as well as the shortcomings in the maintenance and operations of the Bhopal plant that had led to the December 3, 1984 gas leak. Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, who was present at the meeting, read out a factual note explaining the background of the previous attempts to extradite Mr. Anderson. In response to a question put to her at the GoM whether there was any truth in the former Foreign Secretary, M.K. Rasgotra's statement that the decision to give safe passage to Mr. Anderson was taken by the then Union Home Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, she said there was nothing on the records which could either “corroborate or contradict” Mr. Rasgotra's claim, sources added.
At its morning session, the GoM focussed on the legal options available to the government. “We discussed all pending legal issues and legal options available to the government after the judgement of the trial court,” Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who heads to the reconstituted GoM, told journalists.
Apart from the discussion on extradition, the GoM decided to recommend that a curative petition be filed in the Supreme Court to try and reverse its 1996 judgment that had extinguished criminal liability against the accused , so that the punishment could be enhanced; the case against Dow Chemicals pending in the Jabalpur High Court be pursued vigorously; and the government appeal against the trial court judgment, seeking a greater degree of punishment for those convicted.
At the end of the second session, sources said, the GoM decided to recommend strengthening the existing medical facilities: currently, there are seven dedicated hospitals for the victims (two super speciality, two speciality and three general hospitals), nine day-care units and three Ayurvedic, three homoeopathic and three Unani dispensaries operating in the affected areas. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which has collated reports on the impact of the gas leak on pregnant women and children and established a population-based cancer registry in Bhopal, would also be asked to invite more proposals for further research among the affected population.
The Ministers will meet again on Sunday to look at the environmental issues, especially what needs to be done for the remediation of the plant and to ensure safe supply of drinking water. On Monday, the GoM will take a comprehensive look before making its final recommendations to the Cabinet.
However, a point that emerged during the GoM's deliberations may limit the legal options available to the government, sources told The Hindu. There is apparently some ambiguity over who owns the UCIL plant in Bhopal today, since the land on which its shell stands has reverted to the Madhya Pradesh government. Clarity on this point is crucial, sources said, in establishing the liability of Dow Chemicals, which bought out Union Carbide.
Meanwhile, government sources told The Hindu that the GoM was of the view that even though previous attempts to extradite Mr. Anderson had failed, advantage should be taken of the new evidence that had been recorded in the recently delivered Bhopal trial court judgment, as well as in the testimonies of witnesses who had said Union Carbide's parent company in the U.S. had prior knowledge of both the faulty design as well as the shortcomings in the maintenance and operations of the Bhopal plant that had led to the December 3, 1984 gas leak. Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, who was present at the meeting, read out a factual note explaining the background of the previous attempts to extradite Mr. Anderson. In response to a question put to her at the GoM whether there was any truth in the former Foreign Secretary, M.K. Rasgotra's statement that the decision to give safe passage to Mr. Anderson was taken by the then Union Home Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, she said there was nothing on the records which could either “corroborate or contradict” Mr. Rasgotra's claim, sources added.
At its morning session, the GoM focussed on the legal options available to the government. “We discussed all pending legal issues and legal options available to the government after the judgement of the trial court,” Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who heads to the reconstituted GoM, told journalists.
Apart from the discussion on extradition, the GoM decided to recommend that a curative petition be filed in the Supreme Court to try and reverse its 1996 judgment that had extinguished criminal liability against the accused , so that the punishment could be enhanced; the case against Dow Chemicals pending in the Jabalpur High Court be pursued vigorously; and the government appeal against the trial court judgment, seeking a greater degree of punishment for those convicted.
At the end of the second session, sources said, the GoM decided to recommend strengthening the existing medical facilities: currently, there are seven dedicated hospitals for the victims (two super speciality, two speciality and three general hospitals), nine day-care units and three Ayurvedic, three homoeopathic and three Unani dispensaries operating in the affected areas. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which has collated reports on the impact of the gas leak on pregnant women and children and established a population-based cancer registry in Bhopal, would also be asked to invite more proposals for further research among the affected population.
The Ministers will meet again on Sunday to look at the environmental issues, especially what needs to be done for the remediation of the plant and to ensure safe supply of drinking water. On Monday, the GoM will take a comprehensive look before making its final recommendations to the Cabinet.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Sanju, Jacky: Cola ho!
Here comes Madhu my Mottu Maid, with my Oolong green tea and with the news that Sanjay Dutt will be seen in the next Pepsi commercial, with Ranbir Kapoor and Jaqueline Fernandez. Now that’s surprising, for I didn’t expect Sanju baba to appear in a cola ad, after endorsing some tobacco product.
Mots then says, that producer Sunil Manchanda was looking for an appropriate girl to feature with Kapoor and Dutt, and Nikhil Advani recommended Jacky. Seems Manchanda promptly called her for the cola commercial. But this doesn’t say explain why Dutt’s agreed to do the ad. How did the brand, which is swearing by ‘Youngistan’ these days, got almost-50-year-old Dutt to sign up for them?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Youngistan focus shifts from money
So you thought fancy workplaces and fat pay packets were enough to keep young employees? Think again. Corporate India is realising that putting more responsibilities on those tender shoulders and giving them a hard-nosed perspective on long-term prospects could be a better way to go.
“Youthification” of the country’s work-force, the bulk of them under 25 and very, very restless, is now a major challenge for human resource manager, a survey by HR services firm TeamLease said this week. Managers are still coping with this regime change.
It seems that in the mindset of Youngistan, an expression popularized by Pepsi’s youth-charged advertising, with more jobs chasing people, the rules have changed. For instance, big companies may not entice them as much as a growing one.
“Today’s youth has higher aspirations, is more impatient, has more choices and does not view employment as a relationship but as a transaction,” Surabhi Mathur, General Manager, Permanent Staffing, TeamLease Services, said in a statement.
The survey said a clearly charted out job profile and long-term career planning are bigger motivators than money for those under 25 to take up a job.
Some think a wider engagement is necessary.
“Many organisations rely on inflated salaries but in the long run, organisation attractiveness moves from monetary advantage per se to work environment, the quality of the work, the culture and work-life balance,” said Vikram Karayi, Senior Vice President (HR) at Steria India.
Companies holding themselves back from handing over responsibilities to a young worker might need to change their ways.
“Young people are very ambitious and they want to be CEOs as of yesterday. They want to handle responsibilities and take up challenging tasks,” said Yasho V Verma, Director of Human Resources at consumer electronics firm LG.
Shah Rukh may not endorse Pepsi
SRK, the biggest brand of India, maybe the king of Bollywood but right now it seem he is certainly not the king of enorsements. Maybe age is catching up with the youth icon.
According to the buzz, Pepsi has not renewed the contract with Shah Rukh but have replaced him with Ranbir. The soft drink giant's new 'Youngistan' campaign targets the youth and has Ranbir Kapoor endorsing the brand.
Shah Rukh was the only star who had the longest relationship with Pepsi, other stars like Kajol and Rani couldn't continue for long and even cricket stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly were replaced some time ago by Ishant Sharma, MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag.
Pepsico to air first international TVC from tomorrow
Soft drink major Pepsico India on Thursday said it will air its first international television commercial under the existing 'Youngistan' campaign from Friday during the ICC T20 World Cup tournament.
"The new ‘The Rising’ TVC has been created by PepsiCo’s international advertising agency CLM BBDO, Paris for Pepsi markets globally outside of North America," Pepsico said in a statement.
India is the one of first countries which has used the adapted version of the film targetting the youth, the company said.
Commenting on the latest campaign, PepsiCo India Executive Director (Marketing) Punita Lal said, "The new TVC, celebrates the 'Youngistaan' attitude wherein they believe anything is possible. We are confident that this film will connect with the Indian youth, thanks to the core thought and scale execution."
The company said the new commercial, also called 'I Can' campaign, will be aired during the ICC World Twenty 20, England 2009 tournament starting from Friday.
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