GUYANA
guyanatimesgy.com
Issue No. 012
Friday, May 9, 2014
T
wo years ago, he enthralled thousands with a breathtaking performance, dubbed by many as the concert of concerts by an Indian playback singer. And so it came as no surprise that those who packed the parking lot of the Guyana National Stadium were bubbling with enthusiasm and expectation that the world renowned Sonu Nigam would replicate or even surpass the level of entertainment he offered in 2012. The fact that patrons brought out their umbrellas during two slight passing showers and they sung merrily along, while the VIP section used the space available to them to dance the night away, were clear indicators that the modern-day giant of Bollywood had once again captured the hearts of Guyanese. Appearing on stage at around 20:30h after a dance item from the Dharmic Naujawaan – the youth arm of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha – and two classical renditions from India’s Jonita Ghandi, Nigam proceeded to serenade the audience for close to three hours, belting out tunes that toyed with the emotions. Whether it was soulful, sentimental, reflective or high energy dance rhythms, Nigam was flawless as he combined with his orchestra to sizzle for a second time in two years. An almost perfect impersonator of the late Indian playback legend Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi, Nigam whetted the appetite of his Guyanese fans with a few renditions from the master of yesteryear, even as he looked jaded from performing in Trinidad and Tobago the previous night on his “Klose to my Soul” concert. It didn’t take the present day legend long though before he came into his own, stepping up the tempo with some of his current hits, including an original chutney mix he recently recorded. In 1977, at the tender age of four, Sonu announced himself to the world by singing the popular Rafi song “Kya Huwa Tera Wada” with his father Agam Kumar Nigam. History was repeated on Sunday night as the Nigams wowed the audience when they combined to deliver the evergreen tune to perfection. While all of his renditions were well received, “Suraj Hua Maddham” from the hit movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and popular bhajan “Tum Vinto Suno Sab Ki” were greeted with massive applause. Intermittent showers certainly did not dampen the spirits of the patrons, who had used all conceivable forms to shelter themselves, including umbrellas, chairs and even handkerchiefs, to stay to the end of the show. After a brief break to rehydrate, Sonu returned to loud cheers, as the second segment was laced with “masti” (dance) items, foremost among them was “Yamla Paagla Deewana” to which fans let out their best dance moves. He continued to mesmerise his fans with melodious voice and stage movements. After performing several other wellknown tunes, he invited His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar to accompany him on stage. In his few minutes on stage, the President dished out a one line song that had the audience cheering lustily. He attempted a few other pieces and was commended by the singing sensation. After that, it was full party mode… Nigam started with the hot number songs that had sections of the audience on their feet as they danced to the melodies. The evening’s proceedings were capped minutes before midnight with the title song from Kal Ho Na Ho, much to the delight of the satisfied audience. It was indeed a magical evening that was enjoyed by the thousands who flocked the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday evening last. The event was hosted to commemorate the 176th Anniversary of East Indian Arrival to Guyana and was organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.
Marguerita John-Deen and Tibina
Ruth Busgith & Naomi
Suzanne Plummer and Gennel
2
guyanatimesgy.com
friDAY, may 9, 2014
Fashion icon partners with sickle cell group to promote awareness
T
he Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) and the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts (SNFCA) have collaborated in an effort to raise funds for the awareness and research of sickle cell in Guyana. The GSCA has been in operation for over 15 years lending aid and support to the persons affected by sickle cell disease, seeking to provide services to the community, especially through education and public awareness campaigns. Over the past six years, acclaimed Regional Fashion Designer Sonia Noel has hosted numerous fashion shows in Guyana, through an annual fashion event titled ‘Style Mission’, each year with a different focus on various ailments that have become a threat to the social well-being of our country and the world. This was adopted under the umbrella of the SNFCA, when it was formed three years ago, the most recent mission being focused on breast cancer. She is also resident on the Board of Directors of the Hope Foundation in Bartica, Guyana, another charitable organisation. “I am so happy to be a patron of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association and to be able to assist in the awareness drive. We all can do our part to make our society a better place,” Sonia Noel said. The Chairperson of the SNFCA, Noel has been appointed official ‘patron’ of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association, and through that office has undertaken the use of the SNFCA as a channel to increase the public’s awareness of the causes and prevention of this disease. “The international observance day for sickle cell is June 19, so we are undertaking an entire week of awareness and educational activities, such as appearances on various TV/radio shows, a logo/ slogan competition, and a walk
through the city on the morning of June 21,” the designer said adding that it will all culminate at the Style Mission Fashion Show slated to take place later that afternoon, at the prestigious Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana. The executive and members of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) are extremely grateful and pleased with the support given to the association by Noel, and applauded her hard work and commitment in making the event successful. “This fundraising activity will not only provide much needed funds but also serve as an ‘awareness’ event for those who do not know about sickle cell disorder and the existence of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association,” Grace Bond, Vice President of the GSCA said. The show will feature the exquisite designs of Sonia Noel, Nelsion Nurse, Andy Cummings, Amanda Burgess, and Deborah Mattias. This event is also slated to be replicated at the Marriott in Suriname under the host and collaboration of the Rotarac Club of Suriname. The SNFCA’s main purpose is the development of the creative arts industry in the Caribbean, through creating access for talented individuals to illustrate and demonstrate their skills and be able to contribute to the economy and general growth of their neighbourhoods and by extension, their country, and the wider Caribbean region. “Against this backdrop, we find it incumbent to empower our young creative talent through positive engagement and activities, such as charity functions. We believe that if we can harness that energy into a section of our society that needs immediate attention, then we are working towards our goal,” the SNFCA said.
Hunt is on for
Miss Guyana Universe delegates
Ruqayyah Boyer
Katherina Roshana
he hunt has commenced for the perfect young lady to replace Katherina Roshana as Miss Guyana Universe to represent Guyana at the international pageant slated for later in the year. Roshana, who did not place at the Miss Universe Pageant, has been promoting Guyana at every level. She has also been making herself known on the international stage. Roshana has been working with autistic children and has made significant contributions to a number of humanitarian projects. This will definitely be a hard shoe to fill but her reign will come to an end this year. However, if you are a young lady and have a passion for modelling, here is your opportunity to make it on the international stage to showcase Guyana. Applicants must be between the ages 18-25 and should be between five and six
feet in height. Applicants must have a copy of their birth certificate, must be in possession of a valid Guyanese passport and all applications must be accompanied by two references. A date for the local leg of the competition has not been finalised but the winner of the pageant will not only get a chance to represent Guyana at the Miss Universe Pageant but will also have a chance to win up to $3 million in cash, a three-week vacation in a foreign country and a four-year tuition at the University of Guyana. Application forms can be uplifted at McNeal Enterprise, Lot A 190 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park or contact can be made with Coordinator Pat Coats on 6091998 or the Artistic Director, Deryck Moore on 663-3213. Interested persons can also contact the office at 2264226.
T
guyanatimesgy.com
friDAY, may 9, 2014
19-year-oldcrowned
KaraokeQueen in NA the competition, she was almost counted out before she started to sing. The bar had been set
Janay Warner
N
ineteen-year-old Janay Warner has won the ‘Banks Premium Beer’ Karaoke Competition in New Amsterdam beating a field of six finalists at the event held last weekend. The one-month long competition commenced with 25 contestants but only six survived to the final. Warner, who was a surprise finalist for many, saved her best for last and captivated the overcrowded Harmony Restaurant and Tavern on Republic Road with two songs. First a country western song “Jambalaya” to a thunderous applause and then returned with the Pointer Sisters “He’s so shy”. The teenager received $25,000, a trophy and a night for two at Comfort Inn on the Corentyne. When the winner made her first appearance in
Carla Johnson
very high by some earlier performers. Shevon Castillo doing an imitation of Whitney Houston’s “Try it on my own” and Carla Johnson delivering a performance that equalled the original “How can I love again” by Mavis John. However, that performance did not put Johnson away from
Julius Caesar in the opinion of many when he equalled her performance with John Legend’s “Stay with me”. Caesar had to settle for third place as he was outdone by Johnson who made no mistakes when she made her second appearance. It took the judges a prolonged period before they came up with the winner. The audience waited patiently as they realised the difficult task that the singers had given the judges. Johnson received $15,000 while Caesar received $10,000. The other three finalists; Shevon Castillo, Yvonne “Desiree” Benners and Julian Caesar each walked away with $5000. The competition was well received and forced singers to learn news songs as they had to perform two new songs weekly for four and one half weeks. The introduction of three judges who offered advice in their comments to the singers was also an aspect of the competition which was appreciated by the many who attended.
Mavado confirmed for
A
s excitement spreads after the announcement of the hosting of Jamzone in New York City, promoters have started revealing details about the event beginning with the announcement that ‘Gully God’ Mavado has been confirmed to perform at the event. Jamzone NYC, which is slated for August 9, at The Village, Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, is promised to be nothing less than adrenaline-charged and plans have definitely kickstarted in this direction with the booking of Mavado. The artiste, whose real name is David Constantine Brooks, is no stranger to Jamzone nor is he to Brooklyn so when those two are brought together, what do you get? – the ultimate Brooklyn shutdown, Guyanese style. Mavado over the years skyrocketed on charts across the Caribbean with hits like “So
Special”, “Settle Down”, “Star Bwoy”, “Hope and Pray”, “Last Night”, “Pepper”, “Caribbean Girls”, “Mr TekWehYuh Gal”, “Delilah”, among many more. Now US based and signed with We the Best Music Group, Mavado was able to expand his fan base and release under this label “Emergency” featuring Ace Hood and “Survivor” featuring Akon. Other popular collaborations are “Give it all to me” with Nicki Minaj and “Take it” with Karian Sang. More acts are yet to be added to the Jamzone NYC line-up. While this will be the first year for Jamzone to be hosted in the US, the event is in its 14 year in Guyana where it is established as the greatest calendar event. Promoters are aiming for Guyana’s most anticipated event to make a similar impact on the international scene.
3
Miss World Guyana 2014 delegates sashed
L-R: Rebekah London, Miss Region Three; Gericia Francis, Miss Region Eight; Cherese James, Miss Region One; Reigning Miss World Guyana Queen Ruqayyah Boyer; Atisha Gaskill, Miss Region Four; Denicia Williams, Miss Region Five and Rafieya Husain, Miss Region Two
S
ix of the eight finalists who are slated to vie for the crown of Miss World Guyana, 2014 were sashed on Sunday last at the Guyana Pegasus during a simple ceremony. Rebekah London, Gericia Francis, Rafieya Husain, Cherese James, Denicia Williams, and Atisha Gaskill were sashed by reigning MWG Queen Ruqayyah Boyer. Tiffany Megnath was sashed at the Guyana Consulate in New York and Ayana Whitehead will be sashed at the Guyana Consulate in St Lucia. The contestants will compete for the MWG title on Independence Day, May 26. The contestants each represent one of the country’s 10 administrative regions. The pageant will see competition in three (3) areas: the interview, a special skills competition, and the grand coronation show. The interview is a 12-15 minute conversation with judges and contestants being required to prepare resumes/curriculum vitaes on the opening job position of Miss World Guyana. The special skills competition will have five specialised segments namely fitness and sport, top model, talent, beach beauty, and humanitarian, which will allow contestants to earn bonus points towards their preliminary scores. The grand coronation show will feature the final talent, swimsuit, and evening
wear. Preliminary scores for the interview and special skills competition will be added to the final round. Training of the contestants continues in various areas inclusive of public speaking, image preparation, runway walking, and the like. MWG 2014 is a platform to enable personal and professional growth of contestants, in addition to the promotion of community service, beauty, fitness and talent. Participation in the pageant affords young women the opportunity to raise awareness on issues and causes affecting their communities, as they serve as Regional Beauty and Goodwill Ambassadors of our great nation. The Miss World Guyana pageant commenced in May 1966 and crowned its first title holder, Umbilita Van Sluytman, who was also known as the Independence Queen and became Guyana’s first placement and semi-finalist in the Miss World 1966 pageant. The Miss World pageant is the first international pageant that Guyana achieved repeated successes in. As a result, Guyana is known for having one of the longest consecutive placements in the history of the Miss World pageant. On May 26, 2013, Natasha Martindale was awarded the franchise from Miss World Chairwoman and CEO, Julia Morley.
4
&
friDAY, may 9, 2014
T
guyanatimesgy.com
set for this Saturday at NCC
wenty-two beautiful mother and daughter teams will take centre stage this Saturday evening at the National Cultural Centre when the 23rd annual Mother and Daughter Pageant is held. The Mother and Daughter Pageant is one of Guyana’s oldest and most prestigious beauty and talent events promoted by the “Supa Stylistics” Promotion Group and brings together mothers and their daughters on the one stage to showcase their sense of style and the special bond they share with each other. It is being held under the theme “Love that glitters is gold”. Training has already started with the mothers and their daughters who have entered this year’s event. The show will feature a number of local artistes and entertainers as well as the creative work and designs of local designers. The competition will be divided into three categories: junior category which caters for
daughters four to eight years old and their mothers; the middle category caters for daughters nine to 14 years old and their mothers; and the senior category will cater for those daughters 15 years and older and their mothers. The junior category mother and daughter teams will be dressed in party wear under the theme “Princess party” while the middle category will be dressed as if they were going to an elegant “tea party” and the senior couples will be dress for an “elegant evening” of their choice. Tickets for the event cost $2500; $2000 and $1500 and are available at the National Cultural Centre, Courts, Igloo outlets and the franchise holder, Mrs Ingrid Fung. Last week, Guyana Times Entertainment featured the delegates in the junior category and this week, the delegates in the middle and senior categories are featured.
Meet the delegates in the middle category
Marguerita John-Deen and Tibina
Md 5 Sandra Johnson & Nokasy
Ruth Busgith & Naomi
Md 7 Nathalie Asimova and LaTonia
Odetta Younge & Omaiah
Urva Connel & Quianna
Shelly Caesar and Jushelle
Meet the delegates in the senior category
Bidyawattie Dindyal & Latita
Carmel Williams & Leah
Raquel Vickerie & Carmilita
Felicia Geness & Katusha
Shawana Aterly and Shantel
Jewel Smith and Ocia
Suzanne Plummer and Gennel
guyanatimesgy.com
friDAY, may 9, 2014
5
Mexican chef Michael Griffith is a must for headlines PC cuisine Mother’s Day A portrait by
W
ith popular hangout spot Palm Court Restaurant and Bar buzzing with activities over the past week, well known Mexican Chef Mauro Mendez headlined the activities with his scrumptious Mexican dishes which he prepared using local ingredients. Over the last weekend, Palm Court was packed with events but headlining was the ‘Carona Fest’ over the weekend. Arriving in Guyana on April 30, Chef Mendez had everything he needed at his fingertips; all the meats were seasoned, ingredients and spices sourced, and menus fixed. All that was left for him to do was work his magic and whip up some authentic Mexican delicacies. Chef Mendez’s work began on Friday when Palm Court featured an International Buffet; then Saturday was the
bar-b-que special which lasted throughout the day; the Carona beach party was on Sunday, followed by a Mexican buffet on Wednesday last. Apart from preparing dishes, Chef Mendez created his own special – the Corona Burger – which was popular among patrons. According to Chef Mendez, he has been in the kitchen for the past 12 years. He noted that his family loves to cook and good food is very important to them. He added that he never
Guyana Times Entertainment
Top
W
10
hen people aren’t happy, that’s when we see their true colours and when I say true colours, I mean that’s when the monsters come out. This week “Happy” is dethroned by Eminem and Rihanna’s “Monster” and who could blame the voters? Everyone has a monster under their bed that they would love to be friends with and I am sure even more people are pining to hear what the voices inside of their heads are saying. New on the charts this week are two tracks from Drake, one of which features his young money predecessor Lil Wayne. Remember, persons can vote up to 10 times per track and can text the name of their favourite track to 592-654-7804 or 592-6878893. The voting process will conclude on Wednesday at 15:00h so make sure you get your votes in before that time.
1
Eminem featuring Rihanna – Monster Pharrell Williams – Happy
2
Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga – Loyal remix
3 4 5
Drake – Come thru 6
7
Katy Perry featuring Juicy J – Dark Horse
Jason Derulo – Talk Dirty 8
9
John Legend – All of me
Kranium – Nobody haffi know
Drake and Lil Wayne – Believe me 10
Big Sean featuring Miguel – Ashley Keep voting.
Vote: 654- 7804 or 687-8893
thought he would be in this profession but noted that after working in a restaurant, he became fond of it since he likes to work with fire and ingredients, particularly spices which are important in preparing Mexican dishes. For the chef, this is his second time in Guyana and using local ingredients to prepare Mexican dishes was easy since most of the ingredients, especially the spices, are similar to those in Mexico and the cuisine are similar also. However,
he said that there is a bit of complexity since there is no gastronomy as most of the local cuisines are influenced mainly by Indian dishes. Nevertheless, Chef Mendez said that there are a lot of local ingredients that he loves working with such as wiri wiri pepper and masala. He also stated that he enjoyed working with the local seafoods. Meanwhile, General Manager of Palm Court Avalon Jagnandan said that Chef Mendez has received excellent reviews from patrons over the week that he was featured at the hangout spot. He noted that the events which
featured the chef’s food was all sold out, as there was a steady flow of patrons. Jagnandan explained that Palm Court held a special Mexican Lunch Buffet on Wednesday for some 30 Diplomats in Guyana. He said that this event was a success as the lunch buffet was also open to patrons, all of whom enjoyed the meal. The General Manager noted that this will be a new feature of Palm Court, as they will be bringing more international chefs in the future. Featuring Chef Mendez was a collaboration with Palm Court and Top Brandz, the official distributor of Carona beer. Wayne James, Managing Director of Top Brandz, said that they decided to bring the renowned chef for last weekend’s activities since the company was given permission to celebrate Mexico’s “Cinco de Mayo” in Guyana. He noted that this event will be celebrated every year here. Both James and Jagnandan said that they could not have brought Chef Mendez here without the help of the Mexican Embassy, which contacted him and made arrangements for his arrival. Cultural Affairs representative of the Mexican Embassy, Alejandro Martínez, said that they were ecstatic to assist with bringing the Mexican chef here since it would allow Guyanese to get a taste of Mexican culture and foods. He pointed out that the UNESCO resolution of 2010 had named traditional Mexican cuisine Intangible World Cultural Heritage.
M
ichael Griffith was born on December 21, 1985 and grew up humbly in South Georgetown. Michael always enjoyed drawing people and faces from a young age. He dropped out of high school and began supporting himself. For years Michael did different jobs but always returned to his desire for drawing. He developed a keen interest in peoples’ faces and portraiture in his spare time. Selling watches on the pavement gave him some flexibility to experiment with his talent. Michael began exhibiting his work on his watch stand and eventually started doing portraits for passersby. In 2009, Michael was featured in the programme Homestretch Magazine, aired on the National Communications Network, and the same year, he enrolled on the Burrowes School of Art for evening classes where he excelled in
painting and drawing. Michael was encouraged to take his love for art to new levels and make it a profession of passion. In 2012, he entered the national drawing competition and won first place. He has recently begun attending the University of Guyana where he is majoring in arts. He continues to work by commission and works from life as well as photographs, although most people prefer to use pictures. He says that his work sells because it is often meaningful and sentimental to his clients. Most people commission drawings to give as gifts for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. However, with Mother’s Day just two days away, a portrait is a widely recommended gift to show your love and affection. It can be one with herself, her children or the entire family. If you wish to have a portrait done, Griffith can be contacted on 691-5357.
6
guyanatimesgy.com
friDAY, may 9, 2014
Ravi B and Nesha B for Club Next this Saturday
T
his Saturday, the place to be is Club Next at the Princess Hotel and Casino when Trinidad’s most loved siblings, Ravi B and Nesha B perform live. The duo is expected to arrive in Guyana on Saturday morning and are already booked to make appearances at several radio and television stations. The siblings are performing for the first time in Club Next and they are hyped and ready to please their fans. The club in an effort to up their game in the entertainment industry has been promoting a number of artistes including six-time chutney monarch Rikki Jai performing before a filled to capacity night club, dishing out some of his popular renditions. There was also two-time chutney soca monarch and reigning International Chutney King, Kris Persad (KI) who performed to the satisfaction of his fans. Now as another month approaches, the entertainment continues and patrons will again be treated to an exciting line-up of performers. Ravi B and Nesha B are known for their versatility and are popular for hyping a crowd. Patrons can enjoy a series of songs ranging from chutney, soca, dancehall and for the ladies a little R&B. The show is expected to be off the hook and with a combination from the brother and sister duo... Club Next is expected to draw a big audience come this Saturday. The management of the club is making all arrangements for the night so it can be as memorable as possible.
Meet young Guyanese designer
Sasha Castello
Sasha Catello
S
asha Castello was born and raised in Guyana where she received both her primary and secondary education. She completed her secondary education at the West Demerara Secondary School located on the West Bank of Demerara where she graduated in the year 2012 with passes in 11 subjects at the Caribbean Examinations Council CSEC examinations. She is the younger of two children and resides in Hague on the West Coast of Demerara. She describes herself as a selfmotivated individual. She enjoys
being a role model to her peers and younger persons she meets on a day-to-day basis. Castello finds pleasure in listening to music, reading magazines, attending to her pet cat [named Kangaroo] and is very interested in science and art. She is a devoted Christian who is also very actively involved in a club that is affiliated with her church. She is 18 years of age and is most passionate about creating garments. It is her desire to become a designer in the fashion industry in the very near future. This desire began during her childhood days when she realised that her interest was heavily based in arts and she was always captivated by fashion shows, both local and international. As she grew, she began dedicating more time towards perfecting her art skills and received supportive advice and encouragement from her family members to seek a career in the fashion industry. Her road to becoming a designer initially started when she entered and fully participated in the Guyana Fashion Weekend hosted in October 2013, where she gained her first experience in
designing. After this event, she has since moved on to conducting other shows where she had the opportunity to showcase her designs at two fashion shows hosted by the Hand in Hand Insurance Company Ltd. Most of the inspiration and motivation behind her designs comes from the element of water. Her current clothing line is titled ‘Shorsha’ which is a depiction of colours and flowing fabric of the rich brown Atlantic Ocean and shores. Her pieces are mainly short and flowing, with a touch of elegance. Her encouragement to young aspiring designers is to always surround yourself with positive people who are very supportive of your pursuits; they should also have confidence in themselves, being fully determined and extremely hard working. It is her belief that as a designer, she will be able to make a creative impact on the world’s view of local fashion, showcasing to her native people and foreigners alike, the qualities of beauty and creativity in the form of arts and culture through apparel.
Sammy Baksh for live pre Mother’s Day show at Cody’s Bar
F
resh from NY, the melodious voices of Sammy Baksh and the Prodigal Sons as well as Prince Ally and Beverly Smith alongside the Pepper Band are carded to invade Cody’s Palace at 344-45 Middle and East Streets, Georgetown.
The pre-Mother’s Day event carded for Saturday May 10 starts at 23:00h and admission is $1000. For reservations call 643-8236. Sammy Baksh is not a much talked-about artiste but has actually over the years, escalated to high forums in the music world and has held his own, even among the
world’s most rated and elite entertainers. Baksh’s vocal abilities as a singer are known in countries such as Brazil, USA, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Canada and many others. He has produced in excess of six CD’s that feature songs such as “Who’s gonna Love you”, “Look out for Judy”, and “The sun won’t shine on me”. Baksh promises a performance laced with Indian and English ballads for lovers and more so mothers. The Prodigal Sons reggearock band was formed as a
live backup band for Sammy Baksh. The band originated in the United States and has done numerous live performances and many studio recordings. Currently, they are in the studio getting ready for upcoming shows and a new CD due to be released soon. Band members are lead vocal/ rhythm guitar – Sammy Baksh; lead guitar/rhythm guitar – Danny Knapp; bass guitar/ back vocals – Stefan Lange; drums/perc – Steve Ferreri; and congas/backing vocals – Tony Iram.
guyanatimesgy.com
friDAY, may 9, 2014
7
Sneak
Shocking:
Are Vidya and Siddharth parting ways?
J
alal says, “I hope, Jodha, when you will get this news you will be happy, you forgot me but this will make you remind of me.” Jodha says to Bharmal that, “I want to rectify my mistake, I want to go back to Agra.” (Tellyupdates.com)
T
hese days, weather in tinsel-town for some of the most sought after couples of Bollywood seems to be quite subversive. Earlier it was a sort of relationship-rupture between SRK and Gauri due to the former’s proximity with Priyanka Chopra which rocked the grapevine then it was Sussane and
Hrithik’s separation which shocked everyone. But now the rotten luck seems to have turned towards actress Vidya Balan and UTV’s headman Siddharth Roy Kapoor’s abode. If recent reports from tinsel town are to be believed, then these days Vidya’s marital life has hit a rough patch. And the reason which
has surfaced as the root-cause of disaster is Siddarth’s alleged
proximity with one of the budding newbies, which has infuriated voluptuousness icon Vidya. Reports further suggest that, it was only last year when Vidya was travelling very frequently, that UTV honcho’s friendship with this budding starlet evolved. (Santabanta)
Celina Jaitley’s mid-air trouble in the plane A ctress Celina Jaitly files a complaint against A cabin crew that allegedly misbehaved with her on a US bound flight when she bumped into friends Anna Singh and Farah Khan Ali in the airplane. Actress Celina Jaitly was in for a shock when the cabin crew of an airline apparently misbehaved with her. The actress was recently travelling to Dubai and then to the US when she bumped into friends, designer Anna Singh and jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, in the airplane. Soon after, a steward apparently misbehaved with the actress. Describing in the incident, Anna says, `We were meeting Celina after a long time, so we
“
were busy chatting with her. We were seated in the business class, in the first row between the washroom and the first class. When Celina got up to go to a washroom, a steward stopped her from doing so. Moreover, his tone was extremely rude. The washroom was just four steps away from her seat, but he refused to listen to her. It was really embarrassing because he could have spoken gently instead of being rude to her.” After the three of them got off from the aircraft, Anna confronted him. She recounts that she made it a point to tell him that this wasn’t the way to speak to a lady. To this, he turned around and said that we were free to complain
against him; he even gave his card to us.” A source close to Celina says that the actress was on her way to New York to promote a UN campaign aimed at creating awareness about the rights of the LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders) community. “This cabin crew attendant insisted on communicating in a disrespectful manner. He was loud
‘Lakshmi’ to open 16th London Asian Film Festival
L
akshmi” – Nagesh Kukunoor’s hardhitting drama on child trafficking in the country – will open the 2014 edition of the London Asian Film Festival (LAFF). “Lakshmi” will have its European premiere at LAFF, a celebration of independent South Asian arts and cinema across London as the gala returns for its 16th year; June 1-14.” The film is based on the real-life story of an impoverished 14-year-old girl kidnapped from her village in Andra Pradesh, and forced into prostitution, who eventually testifies in court against her traffickers. Kukunoor, an acclaimed writer and Director, will travel to London for the event,
and will be part of a tete-a-tete following the film’s screening on June 1 at the capital’s Tricycle Theatre. “Lakshmi” stars newcomer Monali Thakur in the central role, with Ram Kapoor and veteran Satish Kaushik in key roles. The film had its world premiere in January at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2014, where it won the Audience Award for best narrative feature. Among the other highlights of this year’s LAFF are an appearance by filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj; Pam Chopra, the wife of the late filmmaker Yash Chopra; and Indian-American comedian Nadia P Mansoor as well as films from Pakistan, India and Britain. (Times of India)
S
oham goes into flashback about time spent as Vishnu Lala and his boss warning him that he will inform about him Manav. (Desi-tashan.com)
R
aj says to Avni “I…’. Avni holds his hands and tells him excitedly she said yes to Samarth.” (Tellyupdates.com)
R
ithvik and Asha come to the wedding and are dancing on the ‘pujabi wedding song’. Pihu is running to save her life. She comes there and shouts please save me. Kamla and shayl are shocked.
(Tellyupdates.com)
for no apparent reason and when Celina asked him to keep it down, his tone and language grew worse,” says this source. When contacted, Celina, who is currently in the US, said, “It was a strange and unfortunate event. My office has already reported the matter to the airline in keeping with the protocol and we are awaiting an answer from the airline.” (Santabanta)
Shah Rukh Khan says no to negative role in Race 3
D
espite getting rave reviews for his performance as a villain in ‘Baazigar’ and ‘Darr’, superstar Shah Rukh Khan is not in a mood to play a baddie again. Reports suggest that the actor was approached by Abbas Mustan to star in a negative role in their next action thriller ‘Race 3’. However, the actor refused to be a part of the movie. A DNA report says the Director duo met King Khan and shared the script of their film with him. They compared SRK’s role with Aamir Khan’s in Dhoom 3. Though SRK found the role interesting, he was not convinced by it. He politely refused the directors and said that the audience would not accept him as a villain. (Times of India)
Bipasha’s getting exclusives from Shilpa Shetty
N
ow that Shilpa Shetty has become a jewellery designer, the actress has been designing some exclusive baubles for co-actress Bipasha Basu. So is Bips planning her trousseau jewellery? Incidentally, her beau Harman Baweja starred in Shilpa’s Dishkyaoon – so there is another connect to the Shilpa-Bips bonding. (Santabanta)
8
friDAY, may 9, 2014
guyanatimesgy.com
“As Old and as New” ignites the National Gallery