Times Arts and Entertainment

GUYANA

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“O

h my God, this is wonderful.

I met him over the August holidays when he came to Guyana to sing at the St George’s Cathedral.

The Anglican Dioceses will be so proud. He told me that he is proud to be a Guyanese and his family is from Plaisance,” Darren Wade said on social network Facebook.

This was one of continued congratulatory messages posted after Guyanese Heritage singer Jermaine Jackman was announced the winner of The Voice UK. Ultimately he became yet another Guyanese heritage youth to take a hold of a title. He beat out the other favourites to win the UK Voice and while social media has gone viral with their rants for and against the decision, one thing is clear. This young man who sang in Guyana last August at the St Georges Cathedral and blew away those in attendance is the 2014 winner!

His father David Forde is actually from the village of Plaisance and many who met with him during his stint in Guyana can attest to

him being proud of his Guyanese heritage even though he was born in London.

Prior Guyanese heritage Leona Lewis became an international hit maker after winning the UK Voice show and has been identified as the daughter of a Londonbased Guyanese. But we have not seen her on local soil to date. According to Shauntel Maloney, “... I heard this guy sing at the St George’s cathedral last year… he has a really good voice.” Alison Barkie states on Facebook “Heard him sing last year at an ordination of deacons at St George’s Cathedral.”

According to reports, Jackman signed up for The Voice after winning a competition in the U.S. to sing at the Apollo Theatre where he also wowed the audience resulting in a standing ovation with his voice that combines the sound of gospel, pop and classical tones.

His range moves from extremely deep to explosive highs, reminiscent of the late Luther Vandross.

Issue No. 008

Friday, April 11, 2014

Page 2

Page 5 Page 8

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friDAY, april 11, 2014

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fter winning the Best Director 2013 Award, and Best Production for two consecutive years with her entries of Ronald Hollingsworth’s plays “83 Million Gees” and “Watch de Ride II; Justice” in the Guyana National Drama Festival, Sheron CadoganTaylor is set to take centre stage as she has written and will be producing her first play “Shattered Dreamz” at the National Cultural Centre on April 19-20.

Taylor has been in the drama field for over 20 years and has featured in many award winning plays under the directorship of Kwesi Oginga, Andre Subryan, Francis Quamina-Farrier, Ronald Hollingsworth and others, and is also the recipient of several personal awards.

She is one of the founding members of Horizon Arts Production under which umbrella she has been producing, directing and writing for the annual “To Dad with

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achgana Academy of Dance – will for the first time host their own stage production entitled “Dancing Enchanters” in commemoration of their first anniversary at the Indian Monument Gardens, Camp and Church Streets, Georgetown.

This majestic masterpiece promises to take its audience back in time to t h e golde n

Love” musical concert.

She recently joined forces with Ronald Hollingsworth to form another production company – H&T Theatre Arts Group.

The devoted wife and mother of four said she was encouraged to do more writing by her good friend and

colleague Jennifer Thomas, whom she says, as a mark of appreciation for giving her the push in that direction, will be directing the play

days and in touch with the present, through an evening of mesmerising and versatile dances, songs and dramatic presentations directed by none other than the former Guyana Sari Queen Devi Ramcharitar.

The highlight for the evening will be the group’s mission to sensitise their audience on the ills of domestic violence and humanitarian practices which they will express through the different forms of the performing arts.

Apart for the dance items, there will be l i v e

“Shattered Dreamz”.

“Shattered Dreamz will be a spectacular production, but don’t take my word for it, come, see and enjoy for yourselves,” the aspiring producer syas.

She added that the actors are currently going through intense rehearsals and their characters are blossoming.

“It is really a joy to be a part of the transformation from script to stage, to watch each actor become consumed and enveloped in another person’s lifestyle. I guess as a director I felt that joy before, but when it’s your work, your creation, the joy multiplies”.

The director added that she found much pleasure in writing her first play and that in itself is a springboard to launch more writings in the future.

“Had I known I would have garnered this much satisfaction I might have started a long time ago, but I have been thought it’s never too late”.

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he Guyana chapter of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network which was revamped earlier last year in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for Nature recently held a Global Earth Hour Gathering and Forum at the WWF office which saw over 40 participants from various organisations contributing to the effort.

Some of those appear-

observance of World Health Day and are in the near future planning to collaborate with the Global Water Partnership preceding World Water Day events of March 21.

Earth Hour is a global movement, which began in 2007. This noble event seeks to encourage businesses and private citizens to pledge support for environmentally benign lifestyles, while promoting a path towards

In relation to the recently held Earth Hour event, it was stated that generally the activity was aimed at encouraging an interconnected global community to share the opportunities and challenges of creating a sustainable world.

The first Earth Hour event was held on March 31, 2007. WWF-Australia inspired Sydney-siders to show their support for climate change action and

ing were the Come Alive Network, Rotarac Club of Georgetown, Miss Earth Guyana, and representatives from the WWF, among other NGO’s. The signature event included activities such as the lighting of the global 60+ symbol, brief educational presentations, cultural youth displays among many other items and the launching of the group’s action plan video for 2014.

Recently, CYEN conducted a tree planting exercise with the Health Ministry in

sustainable development by turning off their non essential lights for one hour between 20:30h to 21:30h.

According to the group’s Public Relations Officer Ruqayyah Boyer, this is the first time an activity to this nature has been orchestrated and carried out in Guyana. In a short interview, Boyer stated that the group has much on their 2014 agenda that will be seeing collaborations with many NGO’s locally, regionally and internationally.

more than 2.2 million individuals and 2000 businesses turned their lights out for one hour in the event.

Earth Hour 2014 marked the eighth year of the campaign. For more information on what the Caribbean Youth Environment Network is up to or for persons interested in joining or volunteering with the group, visit the websites: www. cyen.org; www.facebook. cpm/CYENGuyanaChapter or email at guyana@cyen.org

performances by several local artiste including Prince JP, Steven Ramphal, Pooran Seeraj and others.

Front stage tickets cost $2000 while other tickets cost $1000. Showtime is 20:00h.

Tickets are available at Shoppers Paradise – Regent Street, Georgetown; Bhagwans – Water Street, Georgetown; Satnoo Variety Store – Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD); M&M Snackette – Demerara Harbour Bridge, EBD; Cell King – V/Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD); Rays Indian Fashion – Leonora, WCD; Sally and Shanta’s Fashion – De Williams, WCD and the Murti Shop.

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friDAY, april 11, 2014

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wo-time International Chutney Soca Monarch, Kris Persad performed at Club Next last weekend and from the feedback, the show was epic but prior to his performance, Guyana Time Entertainment caught up with the young Trinidadian who was definitely enjoying his title.

“KI”, as he is commonly known, said that on the night of the competition, he had competed with 19 of the most dynamic and talented artistes in the business. He knew that he won the minute he heard that there was a tie.

As the announcement of the tie was made, Persad fell to his knees in jubilation and started to thank God for his mercies. Before, the emcee of the evening could have announced the winner, he recalled his manager, cousin and his entire entourage ran onto the stage and the celebrations started.

His entire team, he posited, had worked extremely hard to put the eight-minute presentation together. He performed his 2014 Chutney entry titled “Runaway”.

As the ambassador for the art form, he disclosed that it was one of the most expensive performances in his competition

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ast year during her reign as Miss Guyana Universe 2012, Ruqayyah Boyer was seen rocking the runways during the Mercedes Benz and Plitz New York fashion week wearing designs by high rollers in the fashion industry such as Calvin Klein, Gucci, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, among many other world renowned names.

Recently, Boyer was handpicked to partake in the Miami Fashion Week to headline for some of the very same fashion icons. The 22-year-old will be celebrating her birthday on April 28 and told this newspaper that this year will be a year of many surprises for her supporters during and before the end of her reign.

The two-time national queen has already been in talks over the past few months with a film company in Los Angeles, U.S.A. of signing a two-year movie contract where the young ambassador is to star, co-star and appear in three movies.

Boyer stated that she is not at liberty to give out much details regarding the deal just yet, but will have a representative do so once the negotiations are complete but has high hopes of the new opportunity. The reigning Miss World Guyana and Former Miss Guyana Universe queen is definitely leaving behind a strong legacy for those to follow come May 26.

Her philanthropic works since returning from Miss World in Indonesia has left many persons smiling, motivated and inspired. Boyer recently concluded her Georgetown

life.

Persad recalled leading up to his presentation; he revisited his performance from the previous year and made some changes, noting that it has definitely done the job. He is extremely happy to be his country’s flag bearer, explaining that it gives him the opportunity to spread his wings and do the things he really wanted to do in the past.

With the winning purse of TT$1 million, he will definitely use some to invest in his culture and more so to take his music beyond the Caribbean and North America. “I want to take our music which is a combination of chutney, soca and other genre to the darkest place on earth with the intention of making them aware of the Caribbean versatility,” the talented artiste said.

One such place, he recalled travelling to in September last year. For the first time, KI made a trip to China and performed before screaming fans. He was first contacted by the Trinidadian Government to represent his country in the foreign land.

Obviously, he stated that there was a language barrier and despite them having

leg of the Miss World Guyana school tour advocating against her platform – bullying and domestic violence – and plans to extend the tour to Berbice and Linden these upcoming

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an interpreter, it was extremely hard to communicate but after a while, he learnt that the trick of the trade was sign language.

He performed before thousands of people who gyrated and partied to his music but with a little giggle, he said, “they didn’t even understand what I was singing”.

However, a week after winning the International Chutney competition, he thought that it had been a while since his band JMC3Veni recorded an Indian song thus he telephoned his colleague, Nishard and encouraged him to bring the group to record a song that will showcase the versatility of the band and he agreed.

After sitting down for some time, they recorded “Tere Naina” which has been creating some stir on the local airwaves and in the Caribbean. “We want to prove that we are indeed a cross over band which is more or less one that performs at least every genre of music”.

He intends to do other collaborations in the near future and more importantly, he is already on the drawing board planning how to defend his International Chutney/Soca Monarch title come February, 2015.

weeks.

Currently Boyer is in the studio working on her first debut song to be released later this April along with the official launch of her

Hope Phoenix Foundation. To follow Ruqayyah’s journey, log on to her website at w w. r u q a y y a h b o y e r. c o m or follow her on twitter @ Ruqayyah21

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friDAY, April 11, 2014

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lans are moving apace for the hosting of Easter Fest 2014 billed for the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara on the night of Easter Sunday.

Hits and Jams Entertainment and McNeil’s Enterprise have teamed up once again to provide the best in reggae, dancehall, chutney and soca music.

The last event that the two entertainment groups teamed up to host was the John Legend concert held at the Guyana National Stadium which was well attended. The event was broadcast live on the BOOM Radio Station which also had a regional and international

Kwasi Ace

following.

Come this Easter Sunday night will be no different as the event is set to sizzle.

Since the announcement of the artistes, there has been buzz everywhere with many wanting to see International Recording artiste Sean Paul perform.

In the line-up there will also be Jamaican Reggae artiste Jah Cure, Trinidadian’s number one Crossover Band, JMC 3Veni led by twotime International Chutney Monarch, Kris Persad (KI). The local cast includes James Bond and Carib Soca Monarch, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson.

Early bird tickets will be available today at various ticketing agents across the country at a reduced price of $2500 for general admission.

hutney fans can brace themselves for one of the biggest Chutney events come June with the Inaugural “I’m KI” which is slated for the Guyana National Stadium.

This will be the first time the concert is brought to Guyana by a Trinidadian artiste who is elated to leave an impression on the minds of Guyanese.

The “I’m KI” concert was held in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2013 and was well received, with

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azarene Youth International, Berbice District will be hosting its annual Glow in the Night march and inaugural “Glow for Jesus” concert. The march starts at the Whim Sideline Dam and will culminate at the Liverpool Community Centre ground for the grand concert.

The event has been held at various locations across Berbice for the past five years. The concept of the glow in the night march is to promote that Christ lives in us and as such we are glowing for the world to see. Also, the event aims to

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he ‘Banks Premium Beer’ Karaoke competition in New Amsterdam hit a high on Wednesday while more action is expected when the remaining competitors return to the stage on Saturday.

Leading competitors in the one month long competition realised that they were not safe when judges gave their reviews after each performance on Wednesday.

The singers were surprised when they turned up at the Harmony Restaurant and Tavern on Republic Road and were told that they will have to perform either a reggae or soca tune along with a song of their choice.

This left some of the competitors searching for songs. However, it was home ground for Noel and Dennis

Onika “diamond” Viera

who gave the audience performances that had them rocking and roaring at the end.

The competition which began with 25 competitors

thousands in attendance.

This year, the concert is billed for June 7 in Trinidad and one week after, Kris Persad and his entire crew for this massive concert will travel to Guyana to thrill their Guyanese supporters.

While the names of the crew members have not yet been finalised, patrons can gear themselves for some spectacular performances from a versatile cast including some of the big names in the business.

Julian Caesari

on March 26; now has 14 remaining. Six will make it to the final on April 26.

On Wednesday Noel opened the evening with Berris

“Miss KIm”

Harmond’s “No Good Bye” and then followed it up with ‘This I Promise You” by N-Sync. He won the best male artiste award for the night. Despite two great

Can we see the same cast as last year which included Machel Montano, KI, Neval Chatlal, Nishard, Olatunji, 5 Star and others? We just have to wait and see since Kris Persad promises that he will carefully handpick the artistes that will blow Guyana away.

The line-up will include Guyana’s chutney and soca artistes, but according to words out of the promotion team, the concert will be steaming hot.

Partyholics, remember to set aside June 14 on your calendars.

win souls for Christ.

Those in attendance will be treated to a packed and dynamic concert featuring dances, songs, skits, dramatic displays and many more thrilling presentations.

Those slated to perform are the Nazarene choir, Michelle Ramnauth and others.

There would normally be a talent time after the march but this year, the affair will be grand and is expected to be enjoyed by the young, old and not so old.

Admission to the event is absolutely free.

The march starts at 18:00h sharp.

performances by Renaldo which could be considered his best in the competition he was sent home much to the surprise of many who attended Wednesday night’s action.

“Miss Kim” gave a crowd pleasing performance when she brought a guitar onto the stage dressed in a cultural outfit to perform “I Don’t Want To Wait In Vain”. This brought the crowd to their feet as she took advantage of her costume.

However, some of the leading competitors realised from Wednesday night that they are not safe as they may be called to perform tunes that they may not be comfortable with.

This was the case with Byron Ford who chose Berris Harmond’s “I feel Good” as his first song. He, however, gained

some points when he sang his second song, “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi.

Onika “Diamond” Viera also did not live up to expectations when she preformed “Never did the man with the Angle” which was originally preformed

by Sanchez. Another performer who found himself in the same spot was Julius Caesar who chose UB40’s rendition of “Kingston Town” for his reggae piece.

However, his brother Julian swept the crowd off their feet when he closed the night with Paul McCartney’s “Let Me Roll It To You”. The competition continues on Saturday when the competitors will be expected to perform a duet and a song of their choice. The event is being organised by Matrix Video Production.

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friDAY, april 11, 2014

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Heritage Month in July.

Caribbean Style and Culture is a showcase of Fashion, Music and Art, which will feature 12 of the leading fashion designers from the Caribbean and the diaspora, The Bahamas, B r i t i s h V i r g i n Islands,

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Olympis Small-Sonaram

hen the lights are turned on for the 5th Annual Caribbean Style and Culture Awards and Fashion Showcase at the Samuel

Riggs IV Alumni Centre, University of Maryland Campus, in College Park, Maryland, U.S.A., the Golden Arrowhead will be displayed by two dynamic Guyanese personalities.

Listed among the designers drawn from across the Caribbean is reigning de-

Guyana Times Entertainment

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ll of Me” is all over the charts. The John Legend track remains at the top of the charts this week for a second week in a row.

Last week, it dealt Kranium one to the skull knocking “Nobody Haffi Know” four places down the chart, however, this week it seems to be on the road to recovery, coming in at number two.

The two new songs on the chart this week are Keyshia Cole featuring Sean Kingston and Lil Wayne “Loyal”. This track definitely has number one potential since it is the most talked about track on social media. Everyone is fighting for loyalty.

The other is “Stay With Me” from Sam Smith. This ballad type song is definitely going to go places on the charts. Remember, persons can vote up to 10 times per track and can text the name of their favourite track to 592-654-7804 or 592-687–8893 to votes.

The voting process will conclude each Thursday at 15:00h so make sure you get your votes in before that time.

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Kranium – Nobody haffi know

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Pharrell Williams – Happy

Keyshia Cole featuring Sean Kingston and Lil Wayne – Loyal (remix) 6

Sam Smith – Money on my mind

Eminem featuring Rihanna – Monster 8

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A design by Guyanese Designer, Olympia Small-Sonaram

American Authors – Best day of my life

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signer of the year Olympia Small-Sonaram as a featured designer as well as Barbados based men’s wear designer Andrew Harris.

But those are not the only

names slated to fly the Guyana flag at the event. Singing soca sensation Shelly “G” – the lone Guyanese female soca monarch to date and current radio personality is also scheduled to perform.

Caribbean Style and Culture commemorates the 9th anniversary of Caribbean-American

John Legend – All of Me 2

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Andrew Harris

Shelly G

Big Sean featuring Miguel – Ashley

Jumo Primo – Hit the road 10

Sam Smith – Stay with me Keep voting.

Vote: 654- 7804 or 687-8893

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rending reggae artiste Kranium will make his début in Guyana with a live performance at Club Monaco on April 12. The 23-year-old rising star whose real name is Kemar Donaldson, is enjoying much success after releasing hit song “Nobody Haffi know”. Known for his smooth, soulful vocals,

Kranium will entertain his fans with a number of reggae and dancehall songs on Saturday.

The young singer, who has been making waves in the reggae industry is excited about meeting his Guyanese fans for the first time. The event dubbed “Kranium Live” offers a different club experience.

Barbados, G u y a n a , Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago Colombia, and South Africa.

Caribbean Style and Culture captures the flair, glamour, and lavish elegance of the Caribbean region, while spotlighting the dynamic and innovative

Caribbean fashion industry and awarding the significant contributions the designers have made over the years.

An addition this year will be the “Trailblazer Award” signifying the outstanding achievement in print, video and runway modelling.

The featured designers are Erica Appleby, ETA Luxe – (Jamaica/New York), Shaun Griffith-Perez Designs out of Trinidad and Tobago; Edwing D’angelo out of Colombia, South Africa and New York; Kristin Frazer and Trefle Collection out of the British Virgin Islands; Apryl Burrows, Apryl Jasmine Studio of The Bahamas and many others from Jamaica, Netherlands, Barbados, Maryland, St Lucia, Haiti, Montreal, Quebec and Canada.

Apart from the live performance, patrons will also enjoy superior music juggling from Guyana’s leading deejays Gully Ras, Selector Diamond and Entertainer Ryon. Tickets to Kranium Live cost $2000 while VIP tickets cost $4000.

Kranium is one of very few artistes to make an impact in the reggae/dancehall arena while living in the United States. The singer was born in Jamaica but moved to the U.S. in 2005.

Meanwhile, Bad Behaviour Monday featuring Soca Sensation Skinny Fabulous is set for the night o f E a s t e r Monday at Club Monaco.

Remember “what happens in Monaco stays in Monaco”.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, april 11, 2014

Benaka Chesney

Keffon Persaud

Leah Jones

Shellon Benjamin

Anasha Dutchin

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fter several weeks of intense training and several photoshoots, six delegates out of more than 30 were shortlisted to compete in the grand finale as Guyana selects its newest top model.

The delegates are: Anasha Dutchin, 18; Benaka Chesney, 21; Keffon Persaud, 21; Leah Jones, 18; Nkech Vaughn, 18 and Shellon Benjamin, 23. All the contestants are from Georgetown.

The finalists were selected from auditions that were held in Berbice, Demerara, Georgetown, Bartica and the Essequibo Coast. The contestants would have already made a number of public appearances aimed at boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

The initiative is being promoted by private businesswomen, who think that this is an excellent event to stimulate the interest of young people and to get them involved in fashion and modelling.

The next top model will be crowned after the contestants would have gone through rigorous routines in the form of fashion, de-

Nkech Vaughn

signing and other events. This will take the shape of a reality show. As in any reality show, there will be eliminations as the event comes to a climax.

The organisers, Yonette Bacchus and June Ann Ross are optimistic that the event will be one with a difference and will see the winner walking away with at least $1 million in cash and prizes. The winners will also each gain a one-year contract with the Millennium Manor Hotel that will see them becoming spokespersons for the entity and engaging in commercial and other opportunities.

The grand finale is set for Sunday April 20 at Tower Poolside, Main Street, Georgetown. The five females and one male are expected to thrill the audience with their presentations in various wears and costumes.

Those who would like to be a part of the excitement can purchase their tickets at Millennium Manor Hotel, Hadfield Street and Hotel Tower poolside.

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friDAY, april 11, 2014

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Sneak

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urrounded by unruly crowds, Priyanka Chopra stayed put in her van and came out only after a few hours.

Priyanka Chopra is busy wrapping up shooting for her forthcoming film, a biopic on boxer Mary Kom. She was shooting for the film in Manali, but a couple of days ago, the unit had to cancel a shoot for some hours due to the crowds swelling around the scene of the shoot.

A unit member says, “We have recreated Darjeeling in Manali and shooting over the past weeks has gone off smoothly. The last leg of the shoot is currently on, and for one of the sequences, we had to shoot in a market place. Since the area is not thickly populated, we thought it wouldn’t be a difficult

task. Accordingly, we had arranged for limited security on the sets.”

But this seems to have backfired when word about the shoot spread among locals. “Soon the situation was out of control. More than 10,000 people gathered on the set and the security could not handle the crowds. When Priyanka stepped out of her van, some fans tried to approach her. Finally, we had to cancel the shoot and move out of the location. After nearly four hours, the area was evacuated and we asked for more security on the sets. Half of the day was wasted due to this chaos,” adds the source. (Santabanta.com)

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felt that he was the only one who could ever dictate her to do things. And she would do them. Jaya remembers how she thought she would do anything to please him. Jaya

also said that it was not love at first sight for both of them.

W h y did Jaya l e a v e films: The constant offers of the same kind of cinema did not interest her and that was the sole reason of her leaving showbiz. Jaya says, the prospect of having a family and spending time with children came across as a much interesting option. She also revealed that she did not even once speak to Amitabh Bachcan about this while taking the decision. She urged that it was totally her decision to leave the industry.

I don’t question Amitabh Bachchan: On the constant link up rumours the Bachchan family faced in the past, Jaya Bachchan says she never questioned Amitabh Bachchan. Jaya said, I totally trust my husband and I know this industry. I have never been threatened or felt insecure about anything he did. Amitabh Bachchan said that he never was bothered by any gossip that surrounded him. And perhaps this was the reason they never came out to agree or disagree to any of the gossip written or said about them.

The best thing our relationship is Shweta and Abhishek: On being asked what is the best part of their relation − they said Abhishek and Shweta are the best part of their relationship. During the making of superhit film “Sholay”, Jaya Bachchan was pregnant with Shweta Bachchan. The entire unit, including Amitabh Bachchan used to take care of the actress. Harsh weather conditions and hectic shooting schedules used to exhaust Jaya. But she recalls how Amitabh, Hema Dharmendra and everyone stood by her throughout the shoot of the film. (Times of India)

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anav and Archana reach the police station and inform about Soham. The inspector says with the given data, they will find Soham, but it will take time. She asks why will he take time. The inspector says it is 20 years since he went missing, so it will take time. Manav asks him to inform him when he finds Soham..

ctress Sonakshi Sinha says if given a chance, she would like to act with Hollywood stars Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The Bollywood actress recently dubbed for the character of Jewel in Hollywood film “Rio 2”, a sequel to the 2011 hit animation film.

‘I am very happy working here. If I get an opportunity to work in Hollywood, I would love to work with George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise,” Sonakshi told reporters at the screening of “Rio 2” that she had organised for underprivileged children of Smile Foundation. The “R...

Rajkumar” star will next be seen in “Holiday” with Akshay Kumar. She is currently shooting for ‘Tevar”. (Santabanta.com)

n a rendezvous with Simili Garewal, star couple Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan opened up about their first meeting and love life. On the day of Jaya Bachchan’s birthday, we present to you five memorble quotes from their interview.

When Amitabh Bachchan saw Jaya Bhaduri on the cover of a magazine: If you thought it was the silver screen where the country’s most celebrated couple met, you’re wrong. Amitabh Bachchan first got a good look at Jaya Bhaduri (then) on the cover of a magazine.

Amitabh Bachchan always wanted a woman who he thought was a perfect blend of traditionalism and someone with a modern outlook, and he thought Jaya Bachchan came across exactly like that in the picture. He also said the thing which really caught his attention was Jaya Bacchhan’s beautiful eyes. It was much later that Hrishikesh Mukherjee came up with the script of ‘Guddi’ and Amitabh was really excited at the prospect of being cast opposite such a versatile star.

When Amitabh Bachchan frightened Jaya: In the same interview with Simi, Jaya Bachchan revealed how frightened she was when she first met Amitabh Bachchan in person. Jaya recalls, how she

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alal is in Amer, Bharmal ask, “you here?” Jalal says, “I thought Jodha must have told you everything.” Maasa says, “yes I want to know how is Jodha? Why she didnt come with you? She is getting love in sasural that doesnt mean she will forget us.” Jalal is stunned that Jodha is not in Amer. (Desi-tashan.com)

(Tellyupdates.com)

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r Chohan and everyone at home were sitting in the lounge when the car pulls in. Sanvri was saying that their Avni never did anything false. Avni enters hand in hand with Raj all draped in water.

(Tellyupdates.com)

KT is looking at some designs thinking these are the fashion show’s dress designs. What are they doing in Rachna’s drawers? (Tellyupdates.

com)

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efore Bollywood fans could start imaginning Alia Bhatt as the wife of Ranbir Kapoor, the actress has clarified that all her talk about wanting to marry the Kapoor heartthrob was in jest.

Actress Alia Bhatt, who recently shocked many by confessing on a chat show that she wants to marry actor Ranbir Kapoor, says she didn’t literally mean it and is just his fan.

She and actress Parineeti Chopra recently appeared on the final episode of “Koffee With Karan 4”, hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.

“Firstly, being in this industry if I want to marry someone, I will never say it on the national television, especially on ‘Koffee With Karan’. So, I just said it in jest, I am a fan girl at the end of the day,” the 21-year-old said here Monday at the launch of the new cover of the book “2 States”.

“When I say ‘I want to marry Ranbir Kapoor’, it’s not like I literally want to marry him. It’s just like a fan girl who wants to take a boy home to meet her parents,” she added. (Indiaexpress.

com)

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atrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle has also curiously used Kaif as her second name for her big screen outing.

Shakespeare may have said, `What’s in a name?`, but in Bollywood, a known last name certainly carries more weight. Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle, who features in Salman Khan’s first international production, “Dr Cabbie”, has also added Kaif to her name. The youngster’s name reads as Isabelle Kaif in the film’s first look that has just been released.

A source says, “Isabelle has taken on Katrina’s last name for her big screen outing as well. It offers easier recognition and a higher recall value.”The credits at the end of the first look of Dr Cabbie which features Isabelle Kaif. When Kat started out in Bollywood with Kaizad Gustad’s 2003 film ‘Boom’, she was Katrina Turquotte. The film’s producer, Ayesha Shroff, felt that Kat needed an Indian connect since at that time, Indian audiences preferred stars whose names they were familiar with.

Ayesha had initially thought of Katrina Kazi, but later, it was decided that Kazi had religious undertones to it. As Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif was in the limelight at that time, his name was penciled in.

Incidentally, the initial brochures for Boom had her name as Katrina Kazi, but that was passed off by the makers as a printing error. (Santabanta.com)

8

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, april 11, 2014

The Delegates

F

Jackie Hanover

Gennesiz

Chiney

I

n less than 24 hours, the Mckenzie Sport Club ground will come alive when six beautiful young ladies will take centre stage as they compete for the title of Miss Fantastic 2014. The event is set for this evening commencing at 20:00h.

The six delegates are Auria Tappin of Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School; Teshana Melville of Harmony Secondary School; Josephine Mitchell of New Silver City Secondary; Maisha Khadijah Ibrahim of Linden Technical Institute; Malissa Lin Charles of Linden School of Excellence and Shameka Ashaki Charles of Institute of Distance and Continuing Education.

F

or over 20 years, the Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown has been hosting what has become a major annual event in Guyana that attracts hundreds of visitors each year at the Promenade Gardens. The Annual Hat Show and Garden Party will be held this year on Saturday, April 26.

The main attraction, as the name suggests, is a hat competition for children and adults in three categories: elegant, topical and original.

In the past, the colourful, elegant designs have stood out in particular, but the original

The delegates will compete in the talent segment, professional attire and the evening gown segments of the competition. The evening will end with the question and answer segment.

The delegates were interviewed during the intelligence segments on Wednesday evening on the National Communication Network (NCN) and from the feedback, the delegates from Christiansburg/Wismar Secondary, New Silver City Secondary and School of Excellence are the front runners.

The winning delegate of Miss Fantastic will be crowned and will move on to be the teen representative for Divine

and topical ones make a lasting impression, too.

One year, the theme surrounded was cricket fever.

Hats were displayed in the past to raise awareness about topics such as inadequate housing by volunteers of Habitat for Humanity and one regular contestant when she was in her 80’s depicted the deplorable state of Georgetown due to the garbage.

Visitors can also look

Entertainment for a year, aside fromthis she will be awarded a laptop, gift certificates and a one year study scholarship. The winning school will receive paid Internet access, desktop computers and textbooks.

Runner up schools will benefit from study hampers inclusive of textbooks, stationary, tablets, and more.

Apart from the competition, there will be live performances by Jackie Hanover, Diana Chapman, Kemmy Garnette, Travis Bowen, Genesiz, Chiney and Guyana’s number one comedian Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine.

forward to indulging in some of the delicious tea that is served at the Tea Stall.

As usual there will be various other stalls, including a Book Stall, Games Stall and a Sweet and Savoury Stall providing tasty home-made snacks, pastries and cakes.

Many of the patrons look forward to the music which is provided by the Guyana Police Force Band in the Promenade Garden’s Bandstand around which the hat competition takes place.

The Inner Wheel Club of

Georgetown is a charitable organisation that raises funds in order to make an impact in the lives of the less fortunate through scholarships for young adults seeking training in the fields of education and medicine; by participating in community development activities that benefit children and the elderly; as well as by spreading cheer on festive occasions.

The Annual Hat Show and Garden Party held at the Promenade Gardens on Easter Saturday is the club’s largest fundraiser.

Tickets for the Hat Show cost $200 and children less than eight years old will be admitted free. Tea is also available at a contribution of $1500 which includes the entrance fee.

rom winning the Star Guyana show some time ago, Lisa Mary Johanna Punch has become a celebrated Guyanese artiste under the DP Records Label and is no stranger to the local music scene.

In fact, she has a new song set for release on Monday and eventually an entire album featuring 12 songs to be released incrementally under the DP Records Label. That album will be available on over 40 online music stores including amazon.com, itunes, cd baby and rhapsody to name a few.

But if she has her way, Lisa Punch will soon prove that dreams do come through at any level. In fact, Lisa who got her grounding as host of The Caribbean Music Box Talk show and Hard Vibes under the wings of Mondale Smith on BTV, before branching into radio on NCN and Hits and Jams. She has migrated to the United States of America with her eyes set on the prize of being the first Guyanese to win “The Voice”.

After years at the local level, she wooed the audience at the Barbados Music awards and got rave reviews in that nation’s main publications and now she is spreading her wings all the way to the Apollo Theatre.

After migrating to the United States in December of 2013, she graduated from the American Bartenders’ School two weeks ago and as such, is a qualified and certified bartender.

That apart, Lisa is presently taking GED classes to further her qualifications. But that’s just a side track to what her goals are. “I’m aiming to complete my GED to get into the Manhattan College to major in communication and minor in music.”

Recently she auditioned for Amateur Night at the Apollo singing the late Etta James’ “Rather go blind” and made it to the next round.

The judges only listened to 300 persons on the day Lisa auditioned and she was listed as number 83 listed to audition. “When I started they started cheering like they loved me right away.”

There is another project that is even bigger than Amateur Night at the Apollo that Lisa is working towards packing that Guyanese punch but she is not permitted to speak about it just yet as she says “I have to be absolutely discreet about it but I’ll let you know before the end of the month.”

Getting back to her first experience at the Apollo, she admitted that despite all the experience she has had, she was nervous because she was not on home soil and had no idea how an American would feel about her singing but she got herself together because she channelled the Guyanese love in that whole new environment and proved herself a worthy contender.

Though Lisa is an experienced singer, songwriter and one time television/ radio personality who is committed to the arts, admittedly said “After singing I was still nervous and they told me I got through and I felt a sense of relief.”

Punch, who is popular for hits such as “One last Cry”, “Secret admirer”, and “Momma” has several recordings and videos to her name and aspires to one day be an international artiste as well as a media mogul.

Mostly easygoing with an outgoing personality, she also likes her quiet time. However, she says this should not be misconstrued to mean that “I’m a walkover... I have great interest in listening to people and helping others so I guess some may say I can be selfcentred at times which is not a bad quality when you think of ‘loving your neighbour as you would yourself’.”

Stating that she is most at ease when singing, Lisa becomes playful especially when in the company of her little brother. Coming from a third world country to the U.S., Lisa says “it’s but a dream for many but for me I see myself as being able to rise above the opportunity given to truly live and achieve the American dream yet r e m a i n a proud Guyanese.”