2012-06 Sydney (2)

EXCLUSIVE MEDIA PARTNERS

INDIAN LINK

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Sheryl Dixit

MELBOURNE

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Sharma, Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Asha Chand, Petra O’Neill, Noel G deSouza, Farzana Shakir, Minnal Khona, Sandip Hor, Sharon Bath

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Vivek Trivedi 02 9262 1766

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

Nitika Sondhi 02 9279 2004

DESIGN Danielle Cairis

Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, maybe reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to Indian Link Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 or GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001

Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005

Email: info@indianlink.com.au

www.indianlink.com.au

The danger within

over $29 billion, the Fairfax group with a market capitalisation of about $1.5 billion, seems like fair play. Gina has so far acquired about 19% of the media group and is expected to demand seats on the board and much to the chagrin of some, editorial input.

With more than 70,000 newspapers, and over 100 million copies sold daily, India is the world’s largest newspaper market in the world.

By contrast, there are only two major newspaper groups in Australia, one dominated by the Murdoch-led News Limited and the other by the Fairfax group who print among other publications, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. While the Indian media industry has been largely resilient and adaptive to changes in the print world, the Fairfax group has recently announced a radical change to their structure.

Its flagship papers will now change from broadsheet to tabloid; two of its printing presses will shut down; over 1,900 employees will lose their jobs over the next three years, and its online content will now have a pay wall. Whether these changes will reverse the trajectory of this once-mighty news empire, only time will tell.

One who believes that there is considerable value in having control of a media outlet is mining magnate Gina Rinehart. For the richest woman in the world with a personal fortune of

The danger however, is that Australians may have their two major newspaper channels largely controlled by private interests who don’t shy away from their preference for the conservative side of politics. The phone hacking inquiry in the UK revealed how the fine line between editorial independence and political interference can be crossed when newspapers get too close to politicians. The mad dash for headline news often ignores basic human values. After having spent millions fighting the original Ruddbacked mining tax, Rinehart’s foray into Fairfax was noted as an investment in her main mining business. Having a greater input in one of the more left newspaper groups can be seen as a prudent longterm investment by her.

The challenge for the Fairfax group and its flagship papers such as SMH and The Age will be to continue garnering the respect of the community. While the shape of the newspaper can change, actual content is what drives respect. Granted that online information has had an impact on the underlying print editions, it is interesting to note that the regional newspapers in the Fairfax stable have been making about $200 million a

year in earnings. Interestingly enough, one of the most respected investors in the world Warren Buffet, only last month bought 63 regional newspapers from Media General in a deal worth $142 million. There must still be some juice in the media world that has this sage of investing so interested.

While nowhere near the scale of the Fairfax group, Indian Link is now in its 19th year of printing for the Indian Australian community. Today it has grown from being a monthly newspaper to a fortnightly in Sydney, and now prints monthly in all capitals - Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. A total of 72 editions per year, distributed free, along with an electronic version of the paper reaching a database of over 30,000 per issue. We believe that the community is hungry for good, balanced reporting and the desire to be connected with each other, especially while living in this, their adopted home. The readers are intelligent enough to discern between fluff and ideas which make them think, while keeping them informed. If you treat readers with respect, they in turn, want to be part of your journey. We have stood by this principle for 19 years, while adapting to all changes in technology.

For Fairfax media though, big changes are afoot, and the new management, wherever they are from, will certainly have their hands full.

Darshak Mehta, Sydney Srinivas, Sunny Cherian, Arveen

PAWAN LUTHRA

SPIRITUAL

Chinmaya Mission events

Tue 3 July Guru Poornima festival celebrations, 7.30pm to 9.00pm

Sat 7 – Sun 8 July Family camp

“Art of Parenting” for adults; “Why God - do we need Him?” for children with Br Gopal Chaitanya

Sat 14 – Sun 15 July Teen mini camp “Why do we......?” with Br Gopal Chaitanya

Sat 21 – Sun 22 July Youth (CHYK) mini camp “Love is…” with Br Gopal Chaitanya

Sat 28 July “Destiny: Who is Incharge?” Talks with Br Gopal Chaitanya, 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

Sanskrit lessons

Chinmaya Mission Australia announces a Beginners’ Sanskrit Course starting 31 May. The 10-session course, to be held weekly on Thursday nights, 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm, will involve Alphabet, Vocabulary, Basic Reading, Basic Grammar, Basic Conversation lessons. Details Br Gopal Chaitanya 02 8850-7400 or 0416 482 149

Durga Oonjal

Sun 15 July Sri Om Adisakthi

Ashram will celebrate Durga Oonjal (Durga Jhoola) festival at Sri Om Adi Sakthi Ashram, 62, Kurrajong Cresc, Blacktown. Day program 10.00am – 12.30pm;

afternoon 2.00pm – 6.30pm. Details Ashram 02 9676-4061; Jay Raman  0410 759 906.

Bhagavad Gita classes by SVT

Learn Chapters 7 to 13 of the Bhagavad Gita as taught by Sri Vasudevacharya, a senior disciple of Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, and a respected Vedanta Guru. Darcy Road Public School Hall, Darcy Road, Wentworthville, 3:00pm to 5:30pm No prior knowledge is required. The course is in English and all materials will be provided. The course is free of charge; donations are accepted. Details at www. srivasudevacharya.org

Shree Ram Sharnam society

The Shree Ram Sharnam society’s Sydney headquarters are located at 23 Sheba Crescent, South Penrith. One-hour prayer sessions featuring the recital of the Shree Amritvaani are held daily between 7:30pm and 8:30pm (except Saturday and Sunday when prayers are held from 6pm to 7:15pm). The society’s next prayer-meditation sessions are scheduled for May 13 and June 3 from 9.00am to 10.00 am at the Woodcroft Community Centre on 65 Woodcroft Drive.

Children’s classes at GOD

The Global Organisation for Divinity announces the start of Gopakuteeram, spiritual educational classes for children aged 4 - 12 years. 4.00 pm - 5.30 pm at the Crestwood Community Centre, Cnr Crestwood Drive & Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills.  Classes are free for all participating children. Parents can join in the devotional lecture by Sri Deepak Vinodji, kirtans and prayers in another room within the centre during the Gopakuteeram classes. Details Jayashree 02 9620 4676

MISC

Hindi studies for high school students

Hindi Language is offered by the Saturday School of Community Languages – DET at Liverpool Girls High School, Hills Sports High School and Strathfield Girls High School. This provides opportunities for high school students to study Hindi language to Higher School Certificate levels as it is not available at their day school. Board of Studies syllabus is followed. The classes are free of charge and are run on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 10.30 am for Years 7 – 10, and 8.30 – 11.45 am for Years 11-12. Enrolment forms can be accessed

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

for glaucoma

It is with great disappointment that I write this letter.

On Friday the 18th of May I went to a poetry recital by Prof Ashok Chakradhar. I’m a great fan of Prof Chakradhar just like many other Hindi lovers. His poems, as always, were heart warming and received a well deserved standing ovation. But I’m extremely sorry to write that the management by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan (the host organisation) was below standard.

The show itself started an hour and a half late with no apologies coming forth till very late. The ambience, hospitality and event management was non-existent (two pathetic plastic tables without tablecloths, no water for guests on stage). The whole event (if you can call it that!) seemed to be put together in haste without any thought or love being put into it.

My personal apologies to Prof. Chakradhar on behalf of his fans. You deserved much better!

Swati Tiwari

Holsworthy, NSW

It pains me to see the rising burden of diseases related to vision loss in Indian community in Sydney. Glaucoma is one such disease of the eye in which the optic nerve is damaged in a particular pattern. The retina and optic nerve start degenerating and there is an increased pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma is also called the “silent thief of sight” because the loss of vision often occurs gradually over a long period of time, and symptoms only occur when the disease is quite advanced. A great number of seniors in northern areas of Sydney live with this chronic eye disorder. The severity of the disease increases with ageing. The estimated cost of Glaucoma in Australia is $3 billion per year.  The numbers are expected to increase further in rich neighbourhoods where the ageing population is expected to increase further.

Sadly once lost, vision cannot normally be recovered and so treatment is exclusively aimed at preventing further loss. Globally, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness after cataracts. Its prevalence can be gauged from the fact that this disease affects one in 200 people aged fifty and younger. Senior citizens above the age of 80 have higher than 10% incidence of glaucoma. If the condition is detected early enough, it is

from the School Principal of the mainstream school of your child or can be downloaded from www.curriculumsupport. education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/ languages/sscl/Details 02 9886 7505 Saturdaycl-h.School@det. nsw.edu.au

Community health forum

Fri 22 Jun A community consultation forum sponsored by NSW Multicultural Health and aimed at building the health, energy and vitality of the Indian community, will be held at Hornsby Library Main Meeting Room, 28 – 44 George Street, Hornsby (Library entrance via Hunter Lane). 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm. All are welcome. Details Shantha Viswanathan 0422 082 608

Sydney Sakhi Sangam

Sun 24 June Sakhi Sangam will be held this year at the Croatian Club. Details Nandini 0423 684 340, Sushma 0411 967 374, Aruna 0410 338 900.

FUNDRAISER

Vision2020 Walkathon

Sun 15 July Sydney-based charity organisation Vision2020 announces a walkathon at the Lane Cove River National Park to raise funds for charity. The walk (Riverside Walking Track) is about

5km from end-to-end and 10km round trip. This is a family event and is suitable for people of all age groups and physical fitness.

It is not a competitive event. People can walk at their own pace. There is no requirement for participants to walk the full or even a minimum distance. The Walkathon is in support of the following charities: Sri Datta Bal Sevashram (home for healthy children of  leprosy patients and the homeless); Nand Gokul (orphanage), and Sandya Deep (old age home  for  the  people - under construction)all three managed by the Swami Vivekanand Kusta Seva Samithi Trust, Gulbarga, Karnataka. Details at www. vision2020.org.au

Light for Life Trivia Night

Sat 18 Aug Come and enjoy a fun filled night of trivia, with singing and dancing too… 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start, at Don Moore Community Centre, North Rocks. Tickets: $20 each, includes dinner. The event is a fundraiser for Lifehouse at RPA, a state-of-the art cancer centre that will incorporate clinical care, research and education into a single organisation. Details Swati Jain 0412 439 596 or swati86@ live.com.au

possible to arrest the development or slow the progression with medical and surgical means. Therefore, my message is clear that-it is very important for the seniors in South Asian community to go for regular eye check ups especially after the age of 50.

Recent research at Macquarie University in North Ryde and other research centres across Australia has shown that flavanoids and their derivatives can prevent the retinal degeneration. Flavanoids are abundant in fruits and vegetables and exert many protective biological effects. Flavanoids are also protective against the detrimental effects of stroke and Parkinsons disease. These are antiinflammatory and also possess antioxidant properties. All these properties of flavanoids are protective for retina against various insults.

Therefore, scientific community is convinced that it is extremely important to have a steady intake of fresh fruits and vegetables which are a rich source of flavanoids and other protective compounds to keep our retina healthy and protect it from damage rendered by glaucoma.

Ashok Chakradhar event sorely disappoints

Concerns

Dr Vivek K Gupta Australian School of Advanced Medicine Macquarie University, Sydney

Plenty of Indian links but…

…the supporting national audience was sadly lacking in numbers at the Sydney Film Festival

hitherto romantic spot is souldestroying.

BY DARSHAK MEHTA

The 59th Sydney Film Festival, for a welcome change, had some representation this year from the world’s largest film industry, a “Focus on India” as the official festival brochure called it. This redresses years of indifference and neglect. But it is now up to the Indian community in particular, to support it strongly. However, given past form, one could be sceptical.

Anand Patwardhan’s documentary Jai Bhim Comrade was a stand-out, at least for this columnist. Patwardhan is a committed and idealistic filmmaker and this doco was about 14 years in the making. It dealt with the powder-keg of race relations in Mumbai, following the unprovoked police firing in which 10 unarmed Dalits lost their lives in Ramabai Nagar, in the city’s north-west in 1997. The deification of Dr B.R. Ambedkar by Dalits in India was a revelation. Patwardhan who was in attendance said in the Q&A following the screening, that he usually had to take the Government to court to ensure they screened his inconvenient films. Of course, India’s mostly mindless and ridiculously shrill 200-odd commercial TV channels wouldn’t touch something so thoughtful!

Another laudable and insightful documentary (a short film) was Unravel, based on the garment recycling industry of Panipat.

The charming, though modest Valley of Saints is set in and around the Dal Lake of Srinagar, Kashmir, by US-based first timer, Musa Syeed. The pollution of that

Another scary look at contemporary India on a collision course is in The World Before Her. It is a story concurrently told, of the Miss India Beauty Pageant much hated by Hindu extremists, in this case the Durga Vahini, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s arm. How some Indians have so much bottled up hate for people and things they are mostly ignorant about, is a topic that never ceases to amaze. In this documentary, the Durga Vahini is shown inculcating and radicalising simple, fertile young minds. Emancipation of the fairer sex is still eons away. After the screening, someone said their camps are not far short of Hindu ‘madrassas’!

And speaking of religion, the Marathi movie Deool (The Temple), trained its focus on the business of religion and the all-pervasive corruption of institutions from the ground up, and from villages to cities. A bit loud and not too subtle, but the message did come across.

The Gangs of Wasseypur was a gruesome, gratuitously violent, tediously long (over five and a half hours spanning two parts) and in the end, a disappointing movie by Anurag Kashyap. It was exhibited at Cannes but for the life of me I cannot believe that other Indian directors are unable or unwilling to successfully market their films as Kashyap seems to have done.

In past years, yours faithfully has despaired at the apathy in the rapidly growing Indian community at their lack of patronage of the art and culture scene in Sydney - even our own! If the Sydney Film Festival is the yardstick, well, nothing much has changed. Brown faces were at a distinct premium at most movies – even Indian ones!

The sole exception was possibly at the Festival Competition entry, The Gangs of Wasseypur

This paper, to its eternal credit,

The Gangs of Wasseypur was a gruesome, gratuitously violent, tediously long (over five and a half hours spanning two parts) and in the end, a disappointing movie by Anurag Kashyap

did its bit in promoting the SFF in general and the Indian flicks in particular. But, it is a shame that the Indian-Australian community again, gave the festival the cold shoulder. At a time when the projection of soft power is one of India’s unstated diplomatic aims, it is not clear how that can happen in a vacuum without the participation

or support of our burgeoning community.

Some navel-gazing by the myriad organisations (and their self-styled leaders) claiming to represent the interests of the community is urgently required.

Alps, a weird Greek movie, won the Official Competition. My wife and I walked out at the 20-minute

mark, as we could not torture ourselves to sit through the surreal BS on offer.

We did sit through and (mostly) enjoy about 35 other movies, though!

And finally, run, don’t walk if you get the chance to see Monsieur Lazhar and El Gusto, in particular.

A scene from Jai Bhim Comrade (Inset, director Anand Patwardhan)

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A Kahani

In defiance of Melbourne’s dreary weather, Bollywood’s best bring warmth, cheer and glitter to fans and movie-buffs at the Indian Film Festival

It was hugs and sunshine for the fans that managed to get up, close and a tad proprietorial with Bollywood

A-listers Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka

Chopra at the opening night of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2012 recently. The star-studded diversion during a dreary Melbourne winter was a great way to wrap up the long weekend.

Every year since 2009, the IFF, under the aegis of Mind Blowing Films, brings its edgy brand of Bollywood glamour to Melbourne, and showcases dozens of innovative, independent films. On offer this year were over 40 affordable films from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, making the festival a multicultural delight.

‘Delight’ was an understatement for fans who went wild, screaming and fawning their pleasure when hunky Shahid and hot Priyanka took centrestage to inaugurate the IFF at Hoyts Melbourne Central. The Q&A was completely taken over by proclamations of love and adulation for the two popular stars. In between the delirious demands for hugs, some people did manage to ask questions on DVD piracy, Shahid’s bachelor status and how the stars cope with failure.

Priyanka’s diet or lack thereof came to the fore with Shahid taking great pleasure in counting all the things Priyanka had already eaten that day. “She loves food and eats everything including burgers and fries so follow Priyanka’s diet at your own risk,” he stated cheekily. Wonder where all that food went because there was not an ounce out of place in the actress’s perfectly toned body, as she sparkled in a white Manish Malhotra saree.

Priyanka and Shahid have previously been linked together as a couple; however according to recent reports they are no longer an item. When a fan asked whether they were having an affair, Priyanka clarified that they are “neighbours, co-actors and friends, and the rest no one needs to know!” The chemistry between the two was interesting to watch as it waxed and waned under public scrutiny at the opening event, as well as the press conference and the myriad interviews that were conducted with them that afternoon. There was an element of comfort in their current relationship as Shahid made several teasing remarks aimed at Priyanka, and she seemed to take them with good humour. On popular demand, the jodi also danced together to hits Mukhtasar and Jabse mere dil ko uff from their latest film release Teri Meri Kahani

The actors were accompanied by writer/ director Kunal Kohli and producer/director Vicky Bahri. They were here to promote the release of their epic time-hopping romance Teri Meri Kahani in cinemas in Melbourne on

June 20 and worldwide on June 22.

“We are all excited about the release of this film. It was a lot of effort to span three different eras during the movie but that’s what makes it unique, the concept of soulmates who meet and fall in love over three eras,” said Kunal. “It is a light-hearted movie and our favourite era is 1910. We hark back to pre-independence period but it’s not all about British rule and patriotism; it is about how people fell in love and led ordinary lives in extraordinary times”.

Also present at the opening were acclaimed designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee and award-winning director Jugal Hansraj, who will be conducting master classes during the festival.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu was chief guest at the opening night, accompanied by his wife Robyn. The Consul General of India in Melbourne Dr. Shubhakanta Behera was also present, with his wife Rajashree. The Hoyts Melbourne Central Theatre was packed to capacity; however it was clearly the stars that attracted the crowd as many of them left after the session with celebrities. Premier Baillieu and his wife stayed back to watch the opening night special Kahani, a wonderfully executed movie featuring Festival Ambassador Vidya Balan.

The award-winning entries for the Western Union Short Film Competition were also presented before the movie. In her introductory speech, Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick said, “The judging panel

of this year’s competition comprised of renowned film-makers and producers like Raj Kumar Hirani, Mick Molloy, Kabir Khan and Kunal Kohli. It was difficult for them to pick a winner amongst the brilliant work that was seen at this competition. The theme of ‘Connections’ was wonderfully explored by all the entrants.”

The star among stars at the glittery opening night was clearly the very youthful, very lovable, very effortless Shahid Kapoor. Add to that very charming, and you get the complete alpha male who flirted unabashedly with the audience. The ‘darlings’ were delirious to see their favourite and they all wanted to hug him. Kunal Kohli had to intervene and save Shahid from having to hug the shrieking youngsters collectively. Buoyed by the success of IIFA awards that he hosted recently in Singapore, Shahid had a humorous comeback for every question posed to him, whether it was good, bad or dumb. He was also game to dance with the Shiamak Indo Jazz Movement dancers who were invited back on stage so that Shahid could shake hands with each of them. Prior to joining the film industry, Shahid was an instructor for the Shiamak Davar Group, and he claimed that the Shiamak dances were ‘very special’ for him.

In true Indian style the Film Festival 2012 opened with colour and vivacity and surely this feast of diversity will continue till it concludes on June 22.

PREETI JABBAL

in the making

When a fan asked whether they were having an affair, Priyanka clarified that they are “neighbours, co-actors and friends, and the rest no one needs to know!”

Left page: Film Festival audience

Winners of the Western Union Short Film Competition: Shaun Thomas from NZ, Soumya Guruprasad from Melbourne, Nilesh from Sydney and Manjari Makijany from India

This page: Shahid and Priyanka are crowd-pullers

Priyanka Chopra with Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Director Jugal Hansraj brings his animation films to Melb

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange at the gala night

Buoyed by the success of IIFA awards that he hosted recently in Singapore, Shahid had a humorous comeback for every question posed to him, whether it was good, bad or dumb.

Photos: Ravinder Singh Jabbal

The Kahani

PREETI JABBAL

This winter, I got converted! I don’t know if it was the endearing laugh lines around his eyes or his devious smile, or the fact that he had a great sense of humour - whatever it was, I am now officially a Shahid Kapoor fan. Maybe not the screaming, swooning variety that came to see him in Hoyts Melbourne Central, but definitely someone who will take an interest in the trajectory of this young man’s career. Sporting very casual clothes, an unkempt look, a sinister stubble and floppy fringe, Shahid was boyishly affable and a delight to interview.

Equally, if not more charming, was Shahid’s ex ‘Piggy Chops’ (what an awful nickname for someone so gorgeous) who accompanied him to promote their upcoming release Teri Meri Kahani at the opening night of the Indian Film Festival (IFF) in Melbourne. There was nothing laidback about actress Priyanka Chopra, from her choice of somewhat inappropriate-for-winter clothes to her carefully applied make-up, to her wellthought-out answers. With a svelte figure to die, for she is hip and happening and she knows it!

Leading the promotional team of TMK was Writer/Director Kunal Kohli accompanied by Producer/Director Vicky Bahri. Obviously the press conference and interviews were predominantly about Teri Meri Kahani and the IFF; however, in what can only be termed as a crazily hectic day, I managed to get some insight into the creative people behind the movie whose tagline is, ‘Thrice upon a love story’.

I started the interview with Shahid who thankfully took his eyes away from his phone to answer my questions, the first one of which related to his penchant for comedy, despite his past roles as a dancer, romantic hero, among others. So what’s stopping Shahid from exploring comedy as his forte? “This has been on my mind for some time now. Earlier I did not realize I was funny, but a lot of people have told me I am. So maybe I should become a ‘funnyman’,” replied the star with a mischievous grin. “It will be an interesting transition to move from grey (roles like Kaminey and Badmash Company) to funny,” he added. “I am more than happy to do something that will make people laugh because that is why we make films - to entertain people and to make them forget the drudgeries of life.”

I took time to delve into Shahid’s lineage, as the maternal side of his family include some renowned literary figures. (His maternal grandfather was Anwar Azeem, a noted Marxist journalist and author. His great great grandfather was the film director, screenwriter, Urdu novelist and journalist Khwaja Ahmad Abbas more popularly known as K. A. Abbas. His mother Neelima is the daughter of Anwar Azeem, one of the greatest Urdu writers. K.A. Abbas in turn was the grandson of Hali, the chief protégé of Urdu poet, Ghalib). Does Shahid feel the urge to write, perhaps share a story in his mind? The talented actor was convincing in his response. “At the moment I do not have the time or inclination to think of writing. There is so much to learn, and I have just begun to discover myself as an actor and as an artist. Unlike acting, writing needs a lot more time and thought. As an actor I have the support of my writers and directors and for now I am happy to speak lines written by others,” Shahid stated candidly.

So why has he been quoted recently as ready to take on more roles and films, rather than being picky about his choice? Why the compromise of quantity over quality? Shahid shared a secretive smile with Kunal Kohli, sitting besides him. “It’s not like that at all,” he explained. “When I said that I had just finished filming for my dad Pankaj Kapoor’s film Mausam, which took about a year and a half to complete. Another project I was to work on got postponed, and I was bored doing nothing. Since the past 8 years I have worked 90% of the time and have been very busy, so I am not used to not working. When Mausam ended, I was happy to consider more work.”

I moved on to Vicky Bahri, the producer of TMK, known for his distinctive visual style. He has helmed over 45 commercials, 6 major tourism films as well as fiction and non-fiction TV. I asked Vicky how he defines a successful film, and how it is different from a hit film.

“A successful film has both box office appeal and critical acclaim. Ideally that’s the kind of film anyone would like to make, whereas hit films may not have critical acclaim and appeal purely to the masses,” Vicky replied.

My next question was for awardwinning director Kunal Kohli, who won deserving accolades for films like Fanaa and Hum Tum. How did Kunal feel about the new type of cinema originating from India, which has critical acclaim and also appeals to an Indian and international audience, for example, Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur. Would he consider this emerging genre of films, or stick to safe commercial movies, I asked. “There

It was a delight interviewing the stars and crew of Teri Meri Kahani, as they rocked Melbourne with their verve and panache

continues...

is nothing like a safe genre, no film is safe to make. If that was the case Mujhse Dosti Karoge would have been a blockbuster: it had all the safe ingredients,” replied Kunal.

“In the past I have dabbled with different films, including a children’s film, but it was not successful. I like to stick to what I believe in. I am versatile and I can make all types of films, but for now I am happy to stick to the ones that are commercially viable. If my belief changes tomorrow, so be it,” he added with disarming candidness.

And finally, it was time to speak to the gorgeous Priyanka Chopra, having saved the best for the last. This talented actress will feature on an upcoming album, so I asked her what songs she would be singing. “Yes, I have recorded a pop album to be launched soon,” admitted Priyanka. “India is a huge community and music is an integral part of our culture; however currently there is a lack of international pop acts from India. This album presented an interesting concept for me and initially I was not sure about it, but I have always wanted to sing and this seemed like the right time to try something different. I am very clear that my music should be reminiscent of where I come from. I want people across the globe say, ‘Hey, that is Indian’. We have so much potential and talent, I am hoping this will encourage

more people to bring out their talent in pop culture”.

Priyanka will soon play a challenging role of an autistic person in upcoming release, Barfi. How did she prepare for this role?

“Barfi is a comic/thriller caper about an autistic girl. Autism has a huge variant, people suffer from various forms of autism. My role is that of a severely autistic girl and that came with its challenges. I did a lot of research for Barfi, I met a lot of parents and went to many schools. It’s almost tragic that the shooting has ended as I loved the role a lot. It is not a serious film with a serious message; it is about hope and love of real people who live with a disability. I think Barfi will be a very different take on people with special needs”.

And what about the additional Chopras making a foray into Bollywood, like her cousin Parineeti Chopra? Do they come to you for guidance? “I am delighted to see youngsters from my family joining the industry in various capacities. We are trying to create the ‘other’ Chopras like the Yash Chopra clan and the Kapoor family,” said Priyanka with a disarming grin.

“I am always there to guide my family if they want to create their niche in the film industry. Eventually, nothing can happen without destiny and they all have their own destinies to follow. It means a lot to me

to be able to be in a position to help and guide them, and I always will,” she added on a more serious note.

So which role would this multi-faceted actress really want to play? “A courtesan movie has everything - music, dance, beauty, glamour, sexiness. I think every actress would like to play the role of a courtesan and I certainly would love to do so,” said Priyanka with a faraway look in her eyes. “I would also like to do a fullon action movie. They are two extremely different roles that I would really want to play, given the opportunity”.

Priyanka and Shahid may deny their relationship; however they had an easy camaraderie that only comes from familiarity. Shahid jumped at any opportunity to pull Priyanka’s leg, and they laughed and joked with each other throughout the interview. Speaking to them made me realize just how mediasavvy these young stars have become. They seemed unfazed by the hours of grilling from various media representatives, but they visibly relaxed when I concluded our chat and they left to get ready for the opening night of the festival. It is admirable how they manage to pack in so much on a tight schedule and still manage to smile. I guess that’s what makes them true stars!

Priyanka and Shahid may deny their relationship; however they had an easy camaraderie that only comes from familiarity. Shahid jumped at any opportunity to pull Priyanka’s leg, and they laughed and joked with each other throughout the interview.

Main pic: Priyanka and Shahid brave the cold to meet Melb fans

At a meet-the-press at the start of the Festival are (clockwise from top) Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange with celebrity designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee; Teri Meri Kahani director Kunal Kohli; Jugal Hansraj, and Priyanka and Shahid

Main photo: News pics Photos: Ravinder Singh Jabbal

Kannada Sangha marks anniversary with folk theatre

Yakshagana performance has spectators glued to their seats

They go round on the stage, they revolve, jump, make great hand and eye gestures; they dance, talk, shout… these actors in rich costumes. In their Yakshagana display, the cast narrates a story from the epics. The narrator Bhagavatha (played here by Divakara Patwardhan) sits at the back of the stage and sings aloud, accompanied by percussionists Chadrasekhara Shende on chende, Karthik Gokhale and Shripad Damle on maddale, Mahadev Shendye on chakratala thala. This percussion is the very soul of Yakshagana and stirs our emotions.

Next, the actresses present the story in the form of dance and drama at the front of the stage. Bhagavatha offers musical interludes while the percussion heightens the feeling. At times he engages himself in conversation with the actors, which could even be impromptu.

The scene is set at the Bowman Hall in Blacktown on June 2, where the Chitpavana Mahila Yakshagana Mandali from Bangalore performed ‘Garuda Garva Bhanga’ as a part of the thirtieth anniversary of Sydney Kannada Sangha (SKS).

Yakshagana (literally, ‘the song of the ancient tribes’) as a folk-art, is a unique contribution of Karnataka and effectively combines music, dance and drama. An age-old tradition, it is seeing a revival of sorts in recent years, including governmentapproved certificate courses in the art form. In opera-like performances that typically carry on all night long, incidents from the great epics are narrated with song and dance. In this instance it took the spectators to Dvapara Yuga. The great epic characters – Balarama (Sandhya Nerale), Garuda (Poonam Gokhale) and Sathyabhama (Nayana Bhide) have lost themselves in their ego.

It is Krishna (Varsha Khadilkar) that takes upon himself the task of teaching them a lesson and makes them open their eyes with the assistance from Anjaneya (Anupama Marathe) and Narada

(Shuha Bhat).

It is exceptional that all the action in this presentation was provided by women (all housewives), while Yakshagana has traditionally been an all-male endeavour. True to their style, the dance was very masculine, involving rhythmic and brisk footwork and movements. It was great to watch the encounters of Anjaneya with Balarama and Garuda. Shailaja Barve as Chaaraka provided the required humour and entertained the audience. The performance had a total folk outlook which kept the spectators glued to their seats for nearly two hours. The agility and the versatility of the actresses took everyone by surprise.

Today seems to be a day for

mega stars, mega singers and mega performances. People only talk about them and flock together when one such event takes place. But performances simple and straight from the heart are overlooked or are simply low key. Why have we ignored Yakshagana, I asked myself at the end of the evening.

Before the Yakshagana presentation there were some formal proceedings. Present on the occasion were Cr. Alan Pendleton, Mayor of Blacktown City Council; Cr. Nick Tyrrell, representing the NSW Government; the Hon. Dr Geoff Lee, MP, Member for Parramatta and Co-Chair of the Indian Multicultural Committee; the Hon. Amanda Fazio, MP

Upper House representing the Leader of the Opposition; Mr Amarinder Bajwa, President, United Indian Associations Inc; Mr Clary Castrission, CEO, 40K Foundation; and Mrs. Aruna Chandrala, Director, Greater India Radio. Dr Siddalingeswara Orekondy, President of the Sydney Kannada Sangha and Mrs. Geetha Gopinath, Chairperson of the 30th anniversary celebration addressed the audience, while Mr. Vijaya Kumar Halagali proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs Lakshmi Somashekar compered the program which also included a workshop on clay modelling for children, a magic show by Chandrasekhara Shende, part of the Yakshagana troupe, dances and singing by children.

It is exceptional that all the action in this presentation was provided by women, while Yakshagana has traditionally been an all-male endeavour.

SYDNEY SRINIVAS

Bangalore’s Chitpavana Mahila Yakshagana Mandali

Rafi’s dreamy numbers… and a bit of dance too

Watch an old recording of Mohammed Rafi singing, and you will be blown away by how effortless he makes it all seem. Suhaani raat dhal chuki… An easy smile plays on his lips and his eyelids close in bliss.

On a Sydney stage recently, Idea Star singer Zia-Ul-Haq channeled his idol beautifully as he belted out some of the evergreen hits of one of Bollywood’s best-known playback singers.

The occasion was Soorya Australia’s Pranamam 2, a tribute to the legend, the late Padmashree Mohammed Rafi, held at C3 Conference Venue in Sydney suburb Silverwater.

With Sheela Subramani backing him up on female vocals, the ever-smiling Zia transported the audience back to another era when the lyrics mattered as much as the music. Hits such as Chahoonga mein tujhe (Dosti) and Mann re tu kahe na dheer (Chitralekha) won the listeners over. Rafi’s masterpiece O duniya ke rakhwale (Baiju Bawara), under the direction of the maestro

Naushad, must surely be the test of any singer that covers Rafi: here, Zia came out with flying colours, faithfully bringing out the angst as the poet questions God on why he fills the world with sad things. And yet, after appropriately demonstrating his skill, Zia cleverly moved on to a happier mood, with numbers such as Tere mere sapne (Guide), Chaudhvin ka chand from the film of the same name, Deewana hua badal (Kashmir Ki Kali) and Jo wada kiya woh (Taj Mahal).

More modern numbers on the playlist included those such as Kya dekhte ho (Qurbani), Chura liye (Yadon ki baraat) and Vada karle sajana (Hath Ki Safayi).

Most of the songs also depicted the movie clip on screen. This technology helps the younger generation in the audience who have not witnessed some of these masterpieces to appreciate the music of a bygone era.

The delightful event also saw Sydney Malayalee Association partner with Soorya Australia to bring together various linguistic communities of India through not only music but also dance.

A special feature was Samudra Nadanam, a new dance form created by two young dancers from Kerala. Gopi Madhusoodanan and Sajeev Purushothaman combine elements of martial arts with traditional dance in their unique creation. After going through a difficult patch, they are now gaining acclaim for their particular art, having performed in many countries, choreographed award winning dances in movies, even winning a national award.

Kathak dancers Sonia Gupta and Bharati Dang performed in their own style as well. Rajendrakumar Gangani’s magical foot work, also in Kathak format, was a feast to the eyes and brought joy to the heart.

Dakshina Vaidyanathan’s bharathanatyam number went down equally well.

All six artistes had earlier come together on stage to perform a prayer dance to start off with, but the highlight of the evening was surely their ‘second coming’, where all the six artistes together performed to classical vocal and culminated in the song O dunia ke rakhwale. This beautifully

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coordinated presentation brought the house down, with the audience screaming for more.

The program was conceived, designed and directed by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the founderdirector of the Soorya Stage and Film Society based in Thiruvananthapuram, India. It promotes Indian arts and culture and is now renowned for organising the Soorya Festival - the longest and one of the most prestigious cultural events in India. In recognition, he has

been decorated with many awards including President of India’s National Award for Stage Craft and Direction.

Sudhir Das of Soorya Sydney thanked all involved including the audience which included many dignitaries who presented themselves on a weekday for the performance, and the main sponsors State Bank of India and Indian Tourism. The young and lively Swetha Das acted as MC for the evening.

Sunny Cherian

AIC reiterates priority strategies at 20th anniversary celebration

BY ARVEEN SHARMA

On May 31, invited guests and dignitaries gathered at the office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Australia India Council (AIC).

AIC was established on 21 May 1992, in response to a recommendation by the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, following an inquiry into Australia’s relations with India.

The purpose of the AIC is to broaden the relationship between Australia and India by

encouraging and supporting contacts and increasing levels of knowledge and understanding between residents and institutions of the two countries.

AIC promotes a range of activities designed to achieve a greater awareness of Australia in India, and vice versa. This objective is achieved via visits and exchanges between the two countries, development of institutional links, and mutual support of studies of both. The Council also provides funding for projects that are likely to contribute to the development of the relationship

AIC has played a respected role in promoting the relationship between Australia and India and has advanced the Government’s foreign policy and trade objectives. Some of the Council’s current priority strategies are to:

• encourage Australians to take a greater interest in

developments in India and to broaden community knowledge and understanding of India in Australia;

• publicise important developments in the various areas of the relationship between India and Australia;

• encourage young Australians to develop a lifelong interest and involvement in Australia-India relations; and

• expand projects through corporate sponsorship or other partnership arrangements to establish new areas of contact between Australia and India. In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, an exhibition called Kindness/Udarta Australia-India Cultural Exchange was unveiled, including a publication called Kindness/Udarta, which provided a tangible record of 20 years of the AIC-supported cultural exchange program. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Senator Bob Carr and His

Excellency Mr Biren Nanda, Indian High Commissioner, spoke at the reception to launch the exhibition in Canberra on May 31. This exhibition was also launched at the Visual Arts Gallery in New Delhi in March 2012.

At the anniversary celebration, Senator Carr addressed the audience and reflected on his initial experience of India as Premier of NSW. The Senator referred to Indians as great conversationalists and acknowledged his appreciation of the Indian accent. Ms Suzanne Davis, Board Member AIC, talked about the exhibition, which had earlier travelled to India and was now back in Australia. This exhibition attracted artistic input from 117 artists for the purpose of celebration of 20 years of AIC.

Mr Nanda congratulated AIC on its achievements in the past

two decades and acknowledged the Council’s contribution to India in areas such as science and technology, education and medicine. Said Mr Nanda, “On behalf of the Government of India, I honour the work of AIC, which has ensured that the Indo-Australia relationship has developed considerably.”

Mr Deepak Raj-Gupta, President of Australia India Business Council, commented on the hospitable, yet professional relationship shared by Australia and India. Mr Raj-Gupta, who has been actively involved in promoting the Government’s various initiatives, acknowledged the fact that besides common interest such as cricket, India relies on Australia’s industrial knowledge and Australia appreciates that professionals of Indian origin make worthwhile citizens here.

A private glimpse of Transit of Venus

The legendary Captain Cook travelled halfway round the world to witness it, sighting the eastern coastline of Terra Australis in the process. Contemporary astrophysicists and enthusiasts all around the globe were queuing up eagerly for that once-in-a-century event.

But one very lucky group of school children got to witness the rare astronomical phenomenon live, without having to even go to the Observatory.

The Stage 2 students at Strathfield North Primary School (SNPS) experienced first-hand, the much talked about Transit of Venus, thanks to the initiative of erudite hobby astronomer and school parent Michael Richardson.

Richardson’s personal telescope was specially fitted with a customdesigned solar filter to block out 99.99% of the light, thus making it safe to focus directly at the sun. Prior to the viewing, he also spoke to the students about safe observation techniques.

Scientists warn that looking at

the sun with the naked eye can cause instant, irreversible damage, including blindness. For most enthusiasts though, the unique phenomenon was only available through live webcasts.

“Can you see the small black dot? That is Venus against the backdrop of the sun,” Richardson patiently explained to the excited children as each took a turn at viewing our celestial neighbour.

Luckily for these children who will explore space and the solar system next term as part of their academic curriculum, the sun chose not to play spoilsport for a few brief hours.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to view this once in a lifetime event and I would really like to thank Harry’s dad a lot,” said Saakshi.

Solveig felt very special to have seen this extraordinary event, while Dominic was delighted to be looking through such a powerful telescope. “We wouldn’t normally get this chance. The school doesn’t have that kind of equipment,” he said.

“Our class was thrilled to bits peering inside the huge telescope,” stated Saarangan.

“It was amazing how you could see Venus so clearly and I was thankful that Mr Richardson brought in the telescope,” added Dion.

“The sun looked like the moon and we could see a black dot on the bottom half of the sun,” said Isabel describing the phenomenon.

Sachin was pleased to learn more about Venus, because, as he explained, “it will help us when we learn about space next term.” The verdict was unanimous –the experience was awesome and we loved it, said one and all. In fact, other stages also managed a quick peek.

“We will also be visiting the Sydney Observatory next term for a practical learning component, so this is a wonderful opportunity for our kids and ties in with our key learning areas,” added Stage Coordinator Mrs Leanne Heyward.

Rarer than the Halley’s Comet, the seven-hour passage of Venus occurs in pairs, eight years apart, separated in gaps of a little over 100 years, and was seen as a little black dot gliding across the sun’s surface.

Historically, this particular alignment helped scientists configure the size and dimensions of our solar system as well as

measuring the distance between the Earth and the Sun. The phenomenon was visible in Sydney from 8.16 am to 2.44 pm on June 6. The event occurred last on June 8, 2004, and is next scheduled for December 11, 2117. So far only six transits have been observed in 1639, 1761, 1769, 1874, 1882 and 2004.

Usha Ramanujam Arvind

Kshreya of Strathfield North Primary School gets a look at Venus thanks to parent Michael Richardson

People Parties Places

organised by the Cancer Council

Dr Sunder Das and Mrs Shantha Dorothy Das are greeted by friends and family on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary

The fire still burns at 80

BY ASHA CHAND

Harish Sharma, the first Indian to hold top office in Fiji as deputy Prime Minister in the Bavadra government in 1987 – the year that reshaped Fiji’s destiny, celebrated his 80th birthday in Sydney recently with the hope that Fiji will recover from its deep political and social fractures, both direct results of the military coup that ousted his government from office.

Calling Australia his adopted country, Mr Sharma feels liberated living in a country that offers him his basic human rights as well as recognizes his Indian identity. He was also President of Fiji’s largest Hindu organisation, the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha.

Advocating politics of inclusiveness, Mr Sharma said Fiji has turned back a full circle into the doldrums while playing the race card. “Indians who have been feared and accused of taking over the education and economy of the country have been forced to look outside the box,” stated Sharma. “In doing so, they have been exposed to global markets in countries like Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada, and they utilized their education and skills to migrate and establish a better life. The coup was a turning point in this community’s livelihood. They have soldiered on while our indigenous Fijian communities have been left behind, fooled into believing that claiming ownership over land and letting it lie barren would get them something in return”.

“This ideology has been an end in itself,” he continued. “One has to make use of every resource available to survive and indeed flourish in this day of competition and open markets. Any ordinary citizen can zoom into the crisis crippling Fiji to understand that those who played the race card have long deserted the country”.

So what would he do if he were given another chance?

“While Fiji’s constitution is being redrafted, I would ensure that the country has a representative government, voted on Common roll,” said Mr Sharma emphatically. “This would be a good political philosophy which

would bring about political and social integration. Fiji needs fair representation of all its citizens through one man: one vote and one value”.

“I am optimistic and know how resilient the ordinary people of Fiji are,” added Mr Sharma.

Speaking about the Fiji Indian community in Sydney, Mr Sharma lamented that it has not ventured outside its own boundaries to assimilate into the multicultural environment. “The community is keeping to its old cultural and class system of networks within its comfort zone. This is not a healthy way to live, given that we are now in a multicultural space. The concept of operating Ramayan madalis is keeping the community locked in. Our great grandfathers introduced the concept of Ramayan recital to keep the religion and culture alive. We now have the capacity to read and study the teachings espoused in these holy books, but why are we using such excuses not to go out and see the world outside of the Fiji Indian community?”

He said there was a constant struggle in the community to keep abreast of one another. “As an uprooted group, we are always going to live in flux,” he observed. “Competition is good, but only to a point. We live in a cut-throat world of ‘I must be better than the others in my social group’. The competition goes beyond self to include children and our aspirations to educate them for careers they may not even be happy to take up. The extended family unit is fast fading away as we feel the pressures of time and space. Elderly parents and grandparents are lost in this tide of change as they have not been able to adapt their thinking to the new trends of nuclear families. Many migrate through chain migration, only to become a part of another vicious cycle”.

“By socialising within their own Indian networks, the community is unconsciously reinforcing bad habits. I do not believe in isolation - we should not be creating a country within a country. Our isolation in the past (in Fiji) was created by the colonial government. Now we are better educated and exposed to opportunities to learn and grow from the experiences of other communities. We should take on this new challenge and liberate our thinking and behaviour,” added Mr Sharma vehemently.

Mr Sharma occasionally

discourses on the basics of living a well balanced and happy life based on the teachings of the Holy Ramayan, at the Lyn Parade temple in Liverpool. Here he stresses that we must read the holy books as sources of knowledge, rather than organise recitals where the real meaning is lost in excessive socialising (yagona drinking among men) and fashion parades by women decked in finery as if they are at a Bollywood fashion show.

Harish Sharma was born in Nausori, Fiji in 1932. He worked as an insurance agent and a civil servant before taking up studies at the University of Tasmania in 1960, graduating with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) in 1964. Upon returning to Fiji he worked for the country’s two senior most Indian politicians: Sidiq Koya and AD Patel, both of whom had led the Indian-dominated National Federation Party as tough opposition to the Alliance Party which ruled from 1966 to 1987, led by Fijian chief Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the founding father of modern Fiji.

The party was finally toppled by a multi-racial coalition led by Dr

Timoci Bavadra, an ethic Fijian who drew majority support from the Indian communities. However, the Bavadra government in which Sharma was deputy Prime Minister was deposed in a military coup 33 days later, on May 14, 1987. In that year Mara returned to power, the Alliance Party was dissolved and the role of chiefs in Fiji’s politics took a new turning point.

Mr Sharma set up his own law firm in 1969 and continued his involvement in politics, contesting seven elections without losing any. He retired from politics in 1998 and became a life member of the Fiji Law Society in 2007. In August 2001, Mr Sharma was appointed an Officer of the Order of Fiji.

Addressing a small gathering of family and friends at Mr Sharma’s 80th birthday celebrations, former registrar of the high court of Fiji, Moti Rai said Sharma’s greatest assets were his compassion, humility, integrity and modesty.

Mr. Sharma recalled his early years of struggle to get an education and carve a career, claiming he does not have any regrets for the life he had. When a

Speaking about the Fiji Indian community in Sydney, Mr Sharma lamented that it has not ventured outside its own boundaries to assimilate into the multicultural environment.

community elder once passed a snide remark to a young Harish in the late ‘60s: “Paidal chale ho, vakeel sahib, motor nahin hai”, he famously replied, “Ji nahin, Punditji, hamaar paas motor nahin hai”.

In another amusing anecdote, Mr Sharma described how his marriage with his wife Ambika was arranged. The match maker, a woman known to both families, would say to his folks, “Ladki wale taiyaar hai, tum log ke taraf se deri hai ... (the girl’s family is ok with the match, only you are delaying the process)”. To Ambika’s family she would say; “Ladke wale taiyaar hai, tum log ke taraf se deri hai ... the boy’s family is ok with the match, only you are delaying the process.”

Now, Sharma refers to his wife as his “rock of Gibraltar”, claiming he owes his success to her, who stood by through all their challenges of poverty, dealing with grief, the political crises when he was locked away for six days during the military coup, and relocating to Australia.

The couple has three children and several grandchildren.

One of Fiji’s leading past political figures shares his views candidly not only on Fijian politics but also the community settled here in Australia

Photos: Rajshree Chand Photography

Harish Sharma, former deputy PM of Fiji, with his wife Ambika at his 80th birthday celebrations recently.

The presidential election, if it takes place,

Cr Kalam out of presidential fight, BJP, Mamata red-faced

Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam opted out of the presidential election after studying the “totality” of the situation, dealing a blow to the BJP and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee who badly wanted him to take on Pranab Mukherjee.

His decision spiked what could have been a high-profile battle between him and Finance Minister Mukherjee, who appears set to occupy the Rashtrapati Bhavan as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) nominee.

The Bharatiya Janata Party refused to comment on Kalam’s decision, but a meeting of the party’s top leaders decided the party should put up a “symbolic” fight against Mukherjee and discussed former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma as a possible opposition candidate.

Banerjee, though, expressed “hurt” at Kalam’s decision, and said he had “touched our hearts and our spirit.”

Describing the former defence scientist as “people’s president”, Banerjee said she had “unshakeable” faith in the people of the country, who will “rise to cleanse Indian politics and bring back honesty, values and ethics” that the former president represented in public life.

But that decision of Kalam virtually brought the Trinamool to the threshold, and there was all indication that the party would break away from the UPA.

Though Sudip Bandhopadyay, a central minister from Trinamool, denied the six ministers from the party had submitted the resignations from the government to Banerjee, he also claimed that they were “mentally prepared” to quit as and when the party supremo takes an “appropriate decision” at the “appropriate time”.

With Kalam - who was the president in 2002-07, not joining the race, the BJP said it will meet again to decide whether it should back Mukherjee or support Sangma, the joint candidate of the AIADMK and Biju Janata Dal.

Breaking his silence since his name began doing the rounds as a possible presidential candidate, Kalam, 80, said many politicians and others wanted him to contest.

“Though I have never aspired to serve another term or shown interest in contesting, Mamata Banerjee, other political parties wanted me to be their candidate,” he said in a brief statement.

“I am really overwhelmed... This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.

“I have considered the totality of the matter and the present political situation and decided not to contest the presidential election,” he said.

Informed sources said Kalam conveyed his decision first to BJP leader L.K. Advani, who telephoned him twice requesting him to contest in July against Mukherjee.

Sudheendra Kulkarni, a former aide to Advani, met Kalam twice in a bid to persuade him to take the plunge.

But Kalam, who had also consulted close friends, eventually decided not to join the race, perhaps realizing that his chances of winning were near nil.

Unlike in 2002 when he enjoyed near universal support barring the Left, this time even some sections of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance were not eager to field him.

Political observers said the decision was embarrassing for the BJP and Banerjee as they both rooted for Kalam without even consulting him.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was also for Kalam.

In Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (JD-U) said there should be a free and fair discussion in the NDA meeting.

“We are in favour of consensus (on the president poll) but how will there be a consensus unless NDA itself comes up with a consensus? Efforts are on to build a consensus,” he said.

What came as a surprise was BJP MP Maneka Gandhi meeting Mukherjee. After her meet, she said she wants consensus on the president.

cleaning the river in patches all across the country but it feels this is not enough. The entire stretch has to be given a facelift - at one go if possible.

“It will be a hugely challenging task, but this is our dream,” explained Kedar Prasad Dubey, a former State Bank of India officer who is one of the key persons involved in the project.

Dubey said the survey would find out the number of ghats along the river, the extent of pollution and the number of volunteers needed for what would be an unprecedented enterprise.

“We will also create public awareness on the necessity to keep the Ganges clean and litter-free,” Dubey said recently.

The Ganges originates at Gangotri in Uttarakahand, at a height of 12,769 feet above sea level. It passes through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal states in India before entering Bangladesh where it flows into the Bay of Bengal.

The Ganges basin is the most heavily populated river basins across the world, with over 400 million people and a population density of 390 people per square kilometre.

The river is also one of the most polluted in the world, threatening not only humans but also over 100 fish and 90 amphibian species.

The government’s Ganga Action Plan is widely considered a failure, angering many Hindus who worship the river as a goddess and are upset that the authorities do not seem to be bothered.

The Gayatri Parivar, Dubey said, has rich experience in cleaning rivers as well as temples. On June 5, some 2,500 activists joined hands to clean the Ganges at Haridwar. On May 31, more than 2,000 men and women teamed up to clean all 10 ghats in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Earlier that month, about 5,000 people took part in cleaning the river Saryu in Ayodhya, also in Uttar Pradesh.

Thousands of Gayatri Parivar members and others clean the 615-km Tapti river (which flows from Betul in Madhya Pradesh to Surat in Gujarat) every month, Dubey said.

Similarly, while the Narmada river

between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat is cleaned every two months, a similar cleaning operation takes place for the Shivana river in Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh, he said.

In every campaign, out came tonnes of waste and litter that should have never been dumped in the rivers in the first place: old clothes, polythene and plastic, footwear, bottles, rotting food, even animal carcasses.

“It is so sad that people have no respect for our rivers,” Dubey said.

One of the biggest clean-up operations by Gayatri Parivar took place at the famed Rameswaram temple in Tamil Nadu in January 2011 when 650 people from 11 states gave the shrine and its surroundings a thorough wash.

“I too was there,” Dubey said. “We formed human chains and took out 25 tractor-trolley loads of garbage from the temple area and four times more than that from surrounding areas.

“Our people feel that it is high time both the banks of the entire Ganges was cleaned,” he said. “That’s what we want to do.”

Fiji is new hotspot for Indian movies

The Fiji islands are emerging as the latest hotspot for Indian films, with three movies, 3G, Warning and Ammali Tumaali, being shot in the picturesque

South Pacific island locales in less than a year.

Neil Nitin Mukesh’s new film 3G began shooting in Fiji in mid-May. It has been followed by Anubhav Sinha’s new venture titled Warning, which held its muhurat shot earlier this week in Nadi town.

Anubhav Sinha, who directed the Shah Rukh Khan produced movie Ra One, has begun his debut movie as a producer without any major film stars. Warning is billed as a big-budget horror movie, which is being filmed in Fiji and New Zealand. It has already recorded a song by Bangladeshi pop singer James, who had sung the popular number Bheegi bheegi in Gangster - A Love Story

The Fiji Islands have several advantages for film shooting aside from the measures undertaken by the Fiji government to attract film producers. They offer a variety of scenic locations from aquamarine seas, coral reefs and sandy beaches, lush tropical greenery and rocky hills, coconut groves and sugarcane fields together with a population of Indian origin, who number about 37 percent of its 900,000 population, for street scenes.

Captivated by the islands, Sinha tweeted: “Serene morning from my window on the first day of the shoot.”

The scenic beauty of Fiji provides a stark contrast for chilling horror films and both the films being currently shot in Fiji are horror films.

3G is described as a supernatural horror film. It has Neil starring opposite Sonal Chauhan and is co-directed by Sheershak Anand and Shantanu Ray Chibber.

The film is being shot in a 50-day shoot that involves some stunts and spine chilling sequences. Some of the film sequences have been shot in the luxurious Denarau beach resort and in Suva and Sigatoka town. One special scene has been shot on a lake surrounded by thick forest - a location that was made famous by Anaconda, which was shot around that lake.

Longest journey home: India-born Saroo Brierley (30), seen here at his home in Hobart, Tasmania, was reunited with his biological mother Fatima Munshi, in Khandwa, India this year, 25 years after an ill-fated train ride left him an orphan on the streets of Calcutta. He was adopted by an Australian family

Tamil film Ammali Tumaali, produced by Gemini Industries and Imaging, Chennai, was the first Indian film to be shot in Fiji Islands late last year.

Directed by K.S. Adhiyaman, Ammali Tumaali features Swati Reddy, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Nakul Jaidev. A love story involving three friends with a lot of local colour, the film was shot in Coimbatore, Andaman Islands and Fiji.

The producers of Ammali Tumaali were the first film company to utilise the special concessions offered by the government of Fiji for making commercial cinema in Fiji.

The Fiji government provides a 47 percent tax rebate to fully funded overseas film productions as a means to encourage film producers to use the enormous potential of the islands. The government expects that the use of Fiji locales in Bollywood films would generate more tourism for Fiji just as it did for New Zealand and Australia some years ago.

Australia looks at Kerala for collaboration in agro-based services

Australia has welcomed the Kerala government’s ‘Emerging Kerala’ 2012 Global Connect initiative and expressed its desire to partner the state in agri and agrobased services and other sectors.

This was disclosed at a high-level meeting where an Australian diplomatic delegation led by High Commissioner Peter N. Varghese called on Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, senior ministers and officials to discuss the possibility of new trade and business partnerships.

Another sector in which the Australian delegation expressed its desire to cooperate with the state is deep-sea fishing projects.

They have offered services, including in training fishermen and promoting of sustainable, environment-friendly practices, to boost the agriculture industry’s contribution to the state economy.

Varghese told Chandy that he would make the private industries in his country aware of the ‘Emerging Kerala’ programme that will be held in Kochi Sep 12-14 this year.

Kerala Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said the response from Australia to the Kerala government’s efforts has been very positive.

“Our meeting clearly showed the great synergy of ideas we have. There is so much Kerala can offer that Australia wants, and vice versa,” said Kunhalikutty.

Another area where the delegation expressed its wish to collaborate is in improving technical education in schools and ITIs through projects similar to the ones it has already completed in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Among the mega projects that have attracted Australia’s attention are the proposed Oceanarium and LNG terminal at Kochi.

“Australia has some of the world’s best aquaria and oceanaria. It is also a country with very large reserves of natural gas. They are naturally interested in sharing their technology and resources for the projects that leverage their strengths,” said Alkesh Sharma, who is also managing director of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). This is the nodal agency for the mega ‘Emerging Kerala’ event.

Saina wins third Indonesia Open title

India’s Saina Nehwal got a big shot in the arm ahead of the London Olympics as she saved two match points before beating Li Xuerui of China to win her third Indonesia Open title in four years in Jakarta recently.

The World No. 5 upstaged the reigning All England and Asian Champion 13-21, 22-20, 21-19 after a tantalisingly close match for her maiden Super Series Premier crown and second in as many weeks following the victory at the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold event in Bangkok this month. For the Chinese, it was her first loss in five straight finals and first to Saina in two years, making the head-to-head record 4-2 in her favour.

With the win, the Hyderabadi continued her love affair with Indonesia where she won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010 besides reaching the final in 2011.

“I just love coming here. I get great crowd support and I feel like a champion every time I step on the court,” said Sania of the tournament which was awarded Super Series Premier status from Super Series tag last year and is at par with the prestigious All England Championships.

The final lasting 1 hour 5 minutes provided a great spectacle to the badminton fans with both players indulging in long rallies ending with power-packed smashes.

Saina was at the receiving end before pulling off a memorable win.

She looked out of sorts in the first game and posed little resistance against her opponent’s down the line smashes and crafty net play. Li was one game up 15 minutes into the contest.

The Indian, realising the need of a change in strategy, attacked more in the second and gained a 13-8 cushion. That was when Xuerui’s fighting capabilities came to the fore as cut Saina’s lead to 13-12 and then went on to take six straight points from 14-18 to secure two match points. Saina, however, managed to regain her composure to level the match.

The decider had everyone on the edge of their seats with Saina trailing 10-11 at the mid-game break. Saina, however, did manage to maintain a slender lead from there on. Unforced errors started to creep in from Li’s racquet and Saina earned crucial points by attacking more on the body and was ahead 19-16. The 22-year-old did not squander the advantage this time around and shut the door on her opponent with a forehand winner.

A couple of net cords going either way added more excitement towards the finish.

Saina pocketed $48750 as prize money while Xuerui received approximately half of it.

Indian-American businessman joins Georgia Senate race

Indian-American entrepreneur Bikram

Kumar Mohanty has been chosen as the candidate of President Barak Obama’s Democratic Party for Georgia state’s Senate elections slated later this year.

Migrating to the US in 1994 from Chandbali in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, around 110 km from Bhubaneshwar in Orissa, Mohanty, 45, is the founder and chief executive officer of Innovative Rehab Solutions - a health care company based in Georgia’s Valdosta city.

“As a student, I got the opportunity to serve in the Missionaries of Charity as a clinical intern. I truly believe my skills and

commitment would help create jobs in south Georgia,” Mohanty said in an email interview.

The Indian-American entrepreneur said he was appointed to the ‘White House Conference on Aging’ as an alternate delegate from Georgia in 2005. He has also served in Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce from 2002-2003 and as the licensure liaison to the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapist.

Mohanty set up the Mother Teresa

Foundation, a non-profit organisation, to raise awareness about health care and disease prevention issues among lowincome and homeless Americans.

The elections to the Georgia state Senate will be held July 31 and November 6, he said. “Mohanty is the first person from Odhisha to run for a state senate in the US and we are proud of him,” said Dhirendra Kar, former president of the Orissa Society of the Americas.

Saina Nehwal of India beats Li Xuerui of China to win the women’s singles finals at the Djarum Indonesia Open 2012 badminton tournament, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Islands in Sydney

jetty and two large cabbage palms.

BY PETRA O’NEILL

On my first visit to Sydney, I caught a bus to Circular Quay. There were many destinations to which I could choose to travel by ferry, though an island had the most appeal. When I disembarked at Cockatoo Island, a rather gruff man wearing a boilersuit asked, “And where might you be heading for Missy?” “Why, I’ve come to see the cockatoos!” I replied and he and the other workmen standing nearby laughed, for at Cockatoo they built ships. After operations ceased, the island fell into disrepair. Declared a World Heritage site for its convict history and industrial landscape, the island is now under the care of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and provides a venue for concerts, major art exhibitions and the world’s first urban waterfront camping site with remarkable views of the harbour.

Nearby Spectacle Island is historically significant as the oldest naval explosives manufacturing and storage complex in Australia. Now it houses the Naval Repository, a vast uncatalogued cluttered collection of heritage items.

Snapper Island is also located near to Cockatoo Island, with makeshift waterfront buildings constructed of tin and timber, slipways, boat storage facilities, a

Tiny Rodd Island near Drummoyne was named after Brent Clements Rodd who tried unsuccessfully to buy the island in 1859, even paying a deposit of 17 pounds. Long used as a recreation reserve, a dance hall remains along with two summer houses and a gazebo.

The island on which Fort Denison stands was once a rocky outcrop measuring 25 metres high. During the Crimean War between Russia and England (1853-6), 8000 tonnes of sandstone was cut by convict labour and a fort was built to defend Sydney Harbour from possible attack. In 1906, the One O’clock Gun commenced being fired daily so sailors could set their ship’s chronometers correctly, a tradition that still continues today.

Lying further east, Clark Island near Darling Point was named after Lieutenant Ralph Clark of the First Fleet, who in 1789 established a vegetable garden on the island. Sadly, the garden was not a success as the vegetables kept being stolen. Today the island makes for an ideal picnic spot with paths leading through bushland to secluded grassy areas.

Shark Island offshore from Rose Bay was named because its shape resembles a shark. Used as a recreation reserve since 1879, it was also an animal quarantine station and naval storage depot and provides the perfect venue for a picnic with a gazebo and shady trees. I had the island to myself on the day I visited.

islands of sydney harbour INFOR m ATION

GETTING T h ERE

For Cockatoo Island and Garden Island, Sydney Ferries depart regularly from Wharf 5, Circular Quay. On Sundays, families travelling together (at least one adult and one child) pay only $2.50 each for unlimited travel on government buses, trains, ferries and the Light Rail Network. www.131500.com.au Tel: 131-500.

For Shark Island and Fort Denison, Captain Cook Cruises provide transfers from Pier 26 Darling Harbour and Wharf 6 Circular Quay www.captaincook.com.au Tel: 9206-1111 incorporating more sightseeing than Sydney Ferries. For Clark and Rodd Islands prior permission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service is required. Access is by Water Taxi from the Commissioner’s steps, Circular Quay. Spectacle and Snapper are closed to the public.

wh ERE To STAy

Cockatoo Island provides refurbished historic apartments and tented accommodation with an outdoor kitchen and spotless amenities block. While too chilly during winter, on balmy summer nights it is an experience!

wh

ERE To EAT

While there are cafes at Cockatoo Island, Garden Island and Fort Denison, the other islands don’t have food outlets. Green, Shark, Rodd and Cockatoo Islands are perfect for picnics.

F u RT h ER INF o RMATI o N

A self-guided walking map is provided to all visitors at Cockatoo Island. Allow at least 1.5 hours or join a guided tour. www.harbourtrust.gov.au Tel: 8969-2131. Goat Island and Fort Denison may be visited on a guided tour with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Tel: 9253-0888. For information on the RAN Heritage Centre on Garden Island contact www.navy.gov.au/ranhc Tel: 9359 2003 Open Days held in October provide a great family day out.

Berry Island was part of a land grant made by Governor Macquarie to Alexander Berry and Edward Wollstonecraft in 1820. The island is now connected to the mainland by a stone causeway built over mudflats and provides a bushland walking track, playground, picnic area and aboriginal rock carvings.

Goat Island is a rocky island that lies off Balmain. Over the years the island was used as a quarry, convict stockade, explosives store, police station, fire station, boatyard and film set. Due to concern over the quantity of military explosives being stored in The Rocks, an explosive proof storage facility was constructed using convict labour from sandstone quarried on the island. It was during this period that the convict Charles ‘Boney’ Anderson was kept chained to a rock for two years after repeatedly attempting to escape. The stone ledge can still be seen as a sad testament to Australia’s convict past. In 1900, all explosives were removed with the island becoming the depot for the Sydney Harbour Trust’s fleet of tugs and dredgers, slipways and a wharf.

Garden Island is the home port for major fleet units based on the East Coast of Australia and is a major marine engineering and refit centre for the Royal Australian Navy. It is of strategic importance for berthing and maintaining the naval fleet. The RAN Heritage Centre has historic exhibits on ships and naval battles including the Japanese midget submarines that attacked Sydney on May 31, 1942. Visiting the islands of Sydney Harbour provides a fascinating insight into Sydney’s recreational and maritime heritage and is well worth the effort. I take my hat off though to a local Sydneysider Murray Cox, who at age 61 set off to discover the 50km circuit of Sydney Harbour in several chunks, by swimming the entire distance!

Visiting the islands of Sydney Harbour provides a fascinating insight into Sydney’s recreational and maritime heritage

Sydney Harbour

Tiny Rodd Island near Drummoyne was named after Brent Clements Rodd who tried unsuccessfully to buy the island in 1859, even paying a deposit of 17 pounds.

Main pic: Clark island

Clockwise from left: Camping at Cockatoo island Spectacle Island Cockatoo island Shark Island Garden Island Birdlife around the Harbour Fort Denison

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Language lapses

BY NOEL g DE SOUZA

many an Indian who migrates to Australia has a good command of the English language. However, there are times when he might find that he is, in fact, speaking a different language to that which is spoken locally.

Take for instance the word ‘footy’ which is an abbreviation of football. Australians go crazy over footy. It is their main game. But ‘footy’ means something very different to that understood in India just as in Southern Europe and Brazil; it means ‘soccer’. But in Australia, footy and soccer are two distinctly different games.

There are crucial instances when a single word can have a meaning which the reader would do well to comprehend in all its depth. Take the case of the term ‘immediate annuity’.

The only thing ‘immediate’ in such a product in most cases is that when a person who has purchased such an annuity passes away, the annuities immediately stop.

There are cases when such an event has caused heartache and distress to the heirs. They have no more rights. Really that product should be called ‘lifetime annuity’ which would mean annuities as long as the individual lives. Those who see a sinister implication in the term might discern ‘immediate annuity’ as a cover-up term designed to obscure its true meaning.

There are three types of dwellings and the house-seeker must know how to define and understand each of them. The house seeker has three options: a house where the dweller has full rights and responsibilities; a company title unit where all the coowners have veto rights; and in-between lies a popular strata title where the body corporate operates within a given set of rules. Most new home buyers go for the strata title unit where the intending buyer inherits the liabilities that the body corporate carries.

The negotiations with loan givers, banks and co-operative societies is a long drawn out process for the cautious borrower. Such caution includes the interest rate, the establishment fees, understanding the exit fees and so on. The cautious buyer also finds out what liabilities the dwelling has and the physical state of the building, before finalising the purchase.

There are numerous such terms in the financial world such as ‘growth shares’ where ‘growth’ means shares whose value had once increased substantially.

The class structure of Australian society is an important consideration for a young couple who are concerned about good schooling for their children. Indians, for the first time, might hear about ‘Grammar’ schools. They might at first think that those schools give importance to the learning of grammar. In fact, they are elitist schools run by the Anglican Church. A good number of Chinese and Indians have found places in these exclusive citadels of English culture. Getting admission is not easy and once in, the fees can be prohibitive.

There are numerous such terms in the financial world such as ‘growth shares’ where ‘growth’ means shares whose value had once increased substantially. The other is ‘balanced’ portfolio which is made up of a mix of shares, property and cash.

The most important purchase for most middle-class Australians (and most Indians fall into that category) is a dwelling. When Indians begin to learn about housing, they face an uncomfortable fact that Australia is not, contrary to local mythology, a ‘classless society’. They are then cut to size, so to speak, when they find that what they can buy will depend upon their purchasing power and their ability to raise funds.

Reading real estate advertisements is a study in itself. ‘Close to transport’ may not mean a train; ‘close to a railway station’ could well mean a twenty-minute walk. Indians, like some other ethnic groups, might like to live close to other Indians. That could be an attraction, but then one has other preferences and one learns to make compromises.

For those who wish to invest or virtually gamble, there is the share market. The jargon begins at once. There are shares which are called ordinary, preference and partlypaid to name the most common types. Laerning the meaning and implications of each type is very essential. The last named type (partly-paid) could seem extremely cheap (sometimes in cents) and lead to the temptation to purchase many shares. But the buyer must beware as buying such shares can automatically mean that one has acquired a huge, and often crippling, debt.

Finally, there is an endless possibility to find unique, and seemingly illogical meanings, to words that are of common usage in the so-called analysis of equities. The most popular of these is ‘technical analysis’. The word ‘technical’ evokes an idea of accuracy and meticulous precision, however, many consider such analysis to be esoteric. There are many variations and a large number of books on unique ‘technical’ systems. There are also expensive seminars where methods are taught which are often marked as ‘nondisclosable’.

Terminology used in Australia should be clearly understood by migrants, as words could have a different meaning and context

Going green for tea

After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. There are basically three types of teas - black, oolong and green, which all come from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Of these, green tea which is touted as the healthiest drink in the market, is the least processed and hence harbours myriad of healing properties. The Chinese and Indians have known of the many health benefits associated with green tea for thousands of years, and recent studies and research has prompted even the sceptical western world to sit up and take note of this wonderful brew. In a bid to stave off various health problems, millions of people are now consuming green tea on a regular basis. It is fast becoming a popular drink prompting an influx in the market of products like handy green tea bags, green tea ice cream, iced green tea and green tea mixed with other flavours like vanilla and strawberry to make it more palatable. In addition, cosmetic companies are cashing in on the trend and skincare products like moisturizers, hand creams, deodorants and cleansers containing green tea extract are appearing on the supermarket shelves. Here are some of the benefits of green tea.

Anti-ageing

Green tea is different from the black and oolong teas as it is made from unfermented leaves. The green tea leaves are steamed which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized and it thus contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Our body needs antioxidants to fight free radicals which are the culprits causing wrinkles, cell death, damaged DNA and acceleration of the aging process. Drinking green tea regularly keeps our body’s antioxidant reserve well supplied to neutralize free radicals and help reduce and even prevent the damage caused by them.

Cancer inhibitor

The polyphenols found in green tea are mainly responsible for most of its health benefits. These

are considered to be the most powerful and effective of all antioxidants and catechin, which is a subgroup of polyphenols, is found in abundance in green tea. EGCG, one of the four main catechin substance is thought to be much more powerful than vitamin C and E. This miracle element has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and destroy the diseased cells without affecting healthy tissues. It is found to be effective against many forms of cancer including breast, bladder, ovarian, skin and lung cancer to name a few.

Weight watch

A lot of research has been done to prompt the conclusion that drinking green tea can play a vital part in weight management.

Green tea extracts may boost our metabolism and aid in burning calories. Again, clinical studies credit catechins for the fat-burning properties of green tea. Some researchers think that the fat-burning characteristics of green tea derive from its caffeine content, but this is debatable as coffee contains more caffeine and yet green tea helps the body burn more fat than coffee.

Cholesterol check

Scientists aren’t sure why, but green tea seems to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol. It is thought that polyphenols in green tea may be responsible for blocking cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine. A population-based clinical study concluded that men who drank green tea were likely to have lower total cholesterol than their non-tea drinking counterparts. Green tea lowers the levels of LDL and prevents blood clots from forming.

Diabetes control

Green tea may help regulate glucose in the bodies of diabetes sufferers. It has been used traditionally to control blood sugar levels and is reputed to help prevent the onset of Type 1 diabetes. Drinking green tea is also said to slow down the progression of diabetes once it has developed. Some clinical studies have determined that taking a daily dose of a green tea extract helped lower the haemoglobin A1c level in borderline diabetics.

Bowel soother

Green tea has been used traditionally as a tummy soother for years. It relieves gastric pains, aids digestion, reduces inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and, provides relief for those suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is also effective in preventing food poisoning.

Dental shield

Drinking green tea is said to help prevent dental cavities and guard against tooth decay. Its bacteria fighting abilities can also kill the bacteria that cause dental plaque.

The health benefits of green tea are countless but on the condition that it should be used regularly. It prevents the symptoms of cold and flu, helps arthritic patients by reducing inflammation and slowing down the breakdown of cartilage. It has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine as a stimulant, to control bleeding, heal wounds, improve heart health and correct mental processes.

Green tea is also credited with being able to help normalize blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

It has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine as a stimulant, to control bleeding, heal wounds, improve heart health and correct mental processes

Cosmetic companies are cashing in on the trend and skincare products like moisturizers, hand creams, deodorants and cleansers containing green tea extract are appearing on the supermarket shelves

It’s an urban fad that is fast growing, but with roots in ancient medicine, green tea has numerous health benefits, writes FARZANA SHAKIR

Colour me red

This warm colour can make a strong glamour and personality statement if worn properly and with flair

earing red lipstick or a red dress is not something every girl can carry off with panache. Red is a sexy, glamorous colour and not all of us have the ability to sizzle in it. But red is a great colour to wear, especially if you want to look and feel like a million dollars. And you can, but all you need to do is follow a few simple guidelines to up your sizzle quotient.

Red letter lips

Let’s start with make-up. Red lipstick is only for the brave or the confident. Or so the myth goes. Agreed, not everyone can wear red lipstick and not be selfconscious, but you can use it to your advantage if:

• You wear red lipstick when going to a pub or a party

• You wear a shade of red that complements your skin.

• You apply it correctly so that it highlights your features and doesn’t look like a red slash across your face.

• You coordinate the right shade of red lipstick with little black dresses, glamorous black sarees with bling. and evening gowns.

• You don’t wear red lipstick to work or in the daytime.

A lot depends on how you wear red lipstick. For a classy look, opt for deep reds that have a touch of burgundy in them. Matte shades of red that don’t look dry and are moisture-rich work better than glossy shades which can make you look tarty.

Tomato and fire engine reds are a strict no-no. Unless of course, you are extremely fair skinned. A deeper shade of red works best with Indian complexions.

Nowadays the trend of wearing a lip-liner is thankfully on the wane. I have seen countless examples of lip-liners in shades way different from the lipstick applied with great pride. What these poor women don’t realize is that the lip-liner needs to blend into the lipstick so it has to be a similar shade. It is essentially used to prevent the lipstick from bleeding.

So if you must use a lip-liner while applying red lipstick, use a red one. Not shades of maroon or brown.

Subtle face

What about the rest of the face

when your lipstick is red? The colour being what it is, red lips will overshadow every other feature. The best thing to do is to be subtle with the rest of your make-up. A thin line of eyeliner or just a coat of mascara would work to highlight the eyes. I personally don’t like to wear eye shadow if the lipstick is red, but there are some bold ones who can carry it off. If you must experiment, go with dull gold or bronze shades for your eye shadow.

For the blusher, use a shade of nude and avoid pink blusher. The nude shade will give your cheeks a slight colour and glow, and will not clash with the red lipstick. If you are one of those lucky ones with big eyes, high cheekbones and a glowing skin, I suggest you don’t wear any other makeup. Just translucent powder should do the trick.

Accessorise avidly

When it comes to jewellery, try and pair it with your outfit and not your make-up. If you are wearing black, you can wear diamond jewellery or oxidized silver. Both would look good and offset the red lipstick.

If you are wearing a red dress, the obvious thing to do is wear nude coloured make-up and let the dress do the talking.

Keep your hairstyle as simple as possible. An elaborate hairdo with blingy accessories will make you look like an over-dressed Christmas tree. A simple ponytail or your hair left loose works best. If you are wearing a nice black saree, a low bun at the nape of your neck will highlight the lipstick. Wearing red lipstick is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you work within certain parameters and don’t make any fashion faux pas, you can carry off a strong shade of red with style.

Matte shades of red that don’t look dry and are moisture-rich work better than glossy shades which can make you look tarty

If you are wearing a red dress, the obvious thing to do is wear nude coloured make-up and let the dress do the talking

INNAL KHONA

Temple trek

Mesmerizing art is to be found at the 30,000 temples in and around Chennai

of the temple, alongside a shrine of Parvati, Shiva’s consort and bronze idols of 63 Saivaite saints, devotees of Shiva who composed many poems in praise of the Lord.

If ancient temple architecture is of interest to you, then Tamil Nadu is the place to explore,” said Narayan, a Tamil friend of mine. Google search echoed the same.

So during my recent visit to India, I decide to spend a few days in the nation’s southernmost state and mainly in and around Chennai, to sample some of the artistic expressions of its religious sanctuaries, celebrated as the epitome of Indian art.

Land of temples

Caged by the Bay of Bengal in the east and Indian Ocean in the south, the state of Tamil Nadu is often referred to as the Land of Temples. Over 30,000 temples studded with majestic artwork and rich inscriptions are sprinkled over its 130,000 sq km area, many dating back to over a thousand years. Most of them showcase identical features like lofty ornamented towers, spacious decorative halls, superb gateway arches, high-walled enclosures, intricately carved monolithic pillars and paved pathways around the shrine. They stand in testimony to the rich Dravidian art and culture that was patronized by the early rulers of the region – the famous Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijaynagar and Nayaka dynasty kings.

Pious Chennai

The sprawling state capital city of Chennai has a few ancient temples to boast of, among which the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is the grandest. Always packed with thousands of pilgrims deeply engulfed by the pious ambiance of the place, it is a ‘must visit’ destination for all first time visitors to the city, irrespective of their religious faith.

Myths reveal that Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, originally had five heads, one of which Lord Shiva cut off to arrest his pride. Following this, Brahma installed a Shiva lingam to do reparation and it is believed that 7th century Pallava kings built this temple on the same site. Obviously a Shiva lingam is the main nucleus

A striking feature of the site are its colorful towers lavishly adorned with myriad figures of known and unknown gods and goddesses, and rich inscriptions from Hindu epics on surrounding walls.

A deep sense of holiness welcomes you the moment you step into the complex, where the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. While gazing at the wave of pilgrims entering or leaving the temple, you will hear bells ringing, drums beating and the worshippers loudly chanting mantras in tune with those from the priests. You can inhale the fragrance of burning incense sticks blended with the smell of sweets and flowers, and face a crowd of the size you may never have negotiated before. The overall effect is very hypnotic; everyone feels some sense of closeness to divinity.

“You would have to have a heart of stone not to feel at least a little in touch with the divine,” wrote an Australian writer after her recent visit to this temple.

Beyond the metropolis

A day trip to nearby Mamallapuram, also called Mahabalipuram, provides a mesmerizing encounter with exquisite temple art that can best be described as poetry on stone. Located 58 km away from Chennai on the edges of Bay of Bengal, the precinct is like an open air art gallery with incredible sculptures sprinkled everywhere, from seashore to hundreds of meters inland.

“And how many more are still buried under the golden sand, is unknown,” says Sridhar, my guide, who has pledged to show me all the important sites in the next couple of hours.

Hewn out of granite rocks, the monuments here were created around the same era as the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, as endeavours of the Pallava dynasty who were great sponsors of art and culture.

Sridhar first guides me to view a brilliant bass relief, 27 metres long and 9 metres high, hailed as one of the major triumphs of Indian art and the largest of its kind in the world. Known as Arjuna’s Penance, this rock-canvas is generously decorated with chisel sketches of the denizens of the triple world of

Gods and demi-Gods, of human beings, birds and animals including elephants, lions, and monkeys – all fitting harmoniously into a thematic representation of life. Sridhar, like a good guide, points out figures of nagas and nymphs, Gandharvas and Apsaras, and I feel like I am watching a mythological movie on stone.

Still captivated by the beauty of the fresco, Sridhar escorts me through some nearby caves, famous among which are the Krishna Mandapam where a childhood episode of Lord Krishna is carved on stone, and the Mahishashurmardhani Cave where scenes from the Goddess Durga’s battle with buffalo-headed demon Ashura have been recreated.

Mamallapuram, now a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, is venerated worldwide for its Shore Temple, a majestic monument which has stood the ravages of sea, sun, wind and rain for over 1200 years, and still stands proudly as a soaring aesthetic aspiration of the Pallavas.

Unlike the quarter’s other monuments, the Shore Temple is not a rock carving, but a selfstanding edifice. Most of the current structure is a reconstruction after the original was razed by several natural calamities. However I come across few statuettes, poorly eroded by the wind and the sea,

that add to its sense of antiquity. The area around the temple is now a landscaped park, with guards keeping the hordes of souvenir hawkers at bay. A Shiva lingam is enshrined in the central monument and the site obviously gets overcrowded with devotees from far and wide, though I noticed no formal arrangement of performing rituals through a priest with offerings of flowers and food. A momentous artistic contribution of the period are its monolithic monuments, and the most praiseworthy ones in Mamallapuram are the Five Rathas which resemble pagodas chiseled out of huge boulders in the form of temple chariots of different styles and shapes. They are named after the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata – Dharmaraja Judhishtir, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakul and Sahadeva and their wife Draupadi. The biggest and the best of the lot is the one of Dharmaraja. Sitting on a square base, this pyramidal monument is a gallery of art showcasing artistic figures from Hindu mythology in different postures.

Silky ending

After savouring Mamallapuram’s extraordinary art and fresh sea breeze, we head off inland to Kanchipuram, which was once the capital of the Pallava,

Chola and Vijayanagar empires. Locally called ‘City of Thousand Temples’, this quaint destination is set at the apex of a triangle, with Mamallapuram and Chennai sitting at the other two corners. Located 67 km from Mamallapuram and 70 km from Chennai, its holy ground is placed by many after Varanasi, based on religious ranking. According to Hindu belief, Kanchipuram is one of the 7 cities in India where one can achieve ‘moksha’ or ultimate spiritual enlightenment. Temples of varying enormity and connotation surface around every corner we pass, but due to time constraints, we only surf the most famous Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar shrines, where once again I am privileged to watch many fascinating rituals of Hindu temple life.

Like tea is to Darjeeling, Chedder to cheese, Kanchipuram is intimately linked with the cultivation of premium silk that’s used to produce high quality outfits, especially saris. There are big stores located outside the temple precincts. So after a soulful religious experience, visitors are rushed into one of these to offload their cash and go home with bagsful of colourful silky items that will keep alive their memories of a supreme religious, artistic and shopping experience.

sandip hor

Over 30,000 temples studded with majestic artwork and rich inscriptions are sprinkled over its 130,000 sq km area, many dating back to over a thousand years.

Main picture: Shore Temple, Mamallapuram

Clockwise from top: Arjuna’s Penance, Mamallapuram

Locals entering a Mahamallapuram Cave

Fortune teller outside a temple

Amazing art of Kanchipuram temples

Temple shop selling art

Buying Kanchipuram silk saris

One of Five Rathas Mamallapuram

Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Winter spice food

Cheesy Bread Pakoras

A crispy treat with the hint of mint and coriander, the goodness of cheese and spicy potato masala.

mentioned under filling with the mashed potatoes, mix well and keep aside.

inter cooking can be a challenge, but not if you add a bit of Indian spice and flavour to your food. India reflects a perfect blend of various cultures and ages, being a diverse region with a tremendous tradition for food and incorporating a very wide diversity of spices in all its cuisine.

Indian cuisine has many ways of combining vegetables and lentils with spices, the most popular of which are cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black peppercorn, cumin, fenugreek, coriander and turmeric. Recipes using these spices could help cope with colds and coughs this winter. But the season instils cravings for hot comfort foods. So here are a few healthy and comfort recipes, all guaranteed to make your mouth water.

W4 slices bread

4 slices of cheese singles

For the potato filling:

2 potatoes

¼ tsp chilli powder

¼ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp salt

For the chutney filling:

10 mint leaves

½ bunch fresh coriander

4 green chillies

For the crust:

½ tsp omam (ajwain)

¾ cup besan

¼ cup rice flour

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp hing

¼ tsp turmeric powder

1½ cups water

Oil for toasting/frying

Cut each slice of bread and cheese diagonally into four pieces and keep aside.

Boil and mash the potatoes. Add the rest of the ingredients

Grind together the ingredients for the chutney filling into a paste. Keep aside.

For the crust, mix together all the ingredients with the water to form a batter of the consistency that is neither too thick nor too thin. On a piece of bread apply green chutney, a layer of the potato mix and a slice of cheese. Cover with another piece of bread. Follow this method until the bread slices are all prepared. Dip each bread with filling into the batter until fully coated. Place each bread piece into a hot tawa and add a drop of oil around. Turn over and toast thoroughly, ensuring that the sides are also well toasted. (Alternately, deep fry each battered bread sandwich in oil, until golden brown on all sides). Serve hot with tomato sauce.

Maggi Dosa

A different dosa made with Maggi noodles, great to have hot on a winter evening.

2 single serve Maggi noodles

packs

1½ tsp salt

Marundu Kuzambu

A tangy broth with healthy spices that help with coughs, colds and body aches. Best to have with hot rice and ghee.

1 cup small onions

10-15 garlic cloves

2½ tsp salt

1 tbsp sesame oil

Lemon sized ball of tamarind

½ tsp mustard seeds

¼ tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp omam (ajwain)

1 tsp pepper

2 tsp cumin seeds

3 sitharathai (galangal)

3 arisi thipilli (pippal)

1 inch piece sukku (dried ginger)

1 inch piece athimathuram (mulethi)

3-4 red chillies

Prepare tamarind extract soaking tamarind in 1½ glasses of water. Keep aside. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and allow to splutter. Add garlic cloves and sauté for a minute. Add small onions and sauté till they look transparent. Add tamarind extract, salt, turmeric powder and allow to boil until the raw smell vanishes. Dry grind the omam, pepper, cumin seeds, sitharathai*, arisi thipilli*, sukku*, athimathuram* and red chillies into a powder. Add the ground powder to the mix and allow to boil until the gravy thickens and the oil separates. Serve hot with rice and ghee. Refrigerate the rest of the mix and use for upto a week to10 days.

*Available at Indian grocery stores

½ tsp chilli powder

½ tsp garam masala powder

2 tsp pepper powder

200 gms besan

10 tsp oil

Cook the Maggi noodles with or without tastemaker. Keep aside, allow to cool. Next, add chilli powder, garam masala powder, salt, besan and water (if required) mix thoroughly to a thick consistency. Heat a nonstick dosa tawa, pour the mixture into the shape of a small dosa Sprinkle with pepper powder or freshly crushed peppercorns over dosa when frying. Add a little oil around the dosa so it cooks at the edges. Turn over when the surface cooks, to crisp until light golden brown. Prepare the rest of the dosas until the mix is finished. Serve hot with tomato sauce.

Pepper Rasam

An appetizing soup with a hint of pepper and cumin seeds, perfect to sip and take away the chill of winter.

Lemon sized tamarind ball

2 tsp salt

¼ tsp turmeric powder

¼ tsp hing

1 tsp coriander leaves, finely chopped Roast and grind together

2 tsp channa dal

1 tsp coriander seeds

2 tsp pepper

1 tsp cumin seeds

10 curry leaves

1 red chilli

For the tadka:

1 tsp ghee

½ tsp mustard seeds

Soak tamarind in water for half an hour in two glasses of water to prepare the tamarind extract. Boil tamarind water with turmeric powder, hing and salt, until the raw smell vanishes (about 10 -15 minutes).

Roast and grind the ingredients mentioned to a coarse powder. Add this to the mix and continue to boil for 5 to 7 minutes. Heat ghee in a small pan and add mustard seeds, allow to splutter. Add this tadka to the rasam and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice and ghee, or as an appetizer/soup

My heart grew wings

In

BY sharon Bath

as far back as I can remember I have been in love with Love, and have wanted to attach my heart at some pure place. I have always had an attraction to God and spiritual devotion. As a young person I discovered mystical poetry and other mystical writings, and read about exalted love - the love between the disciple and the Guru, and the love between the devotee and God.

The Guru’s darshan (blessed glance) changed the course of my life. I’ve experienced first-hand a small taste of the magnificence that is the Guru. It’s been my privilege to have served two spiritual Masters, Sant Thakar Singh and Sant Baljit Singh. Ten years ago my Master came from India and I learned the meditation practice on the inner sound and light. He passed away in 2005; but before leaving the physical body he introduced his successor, whose guidance continues to light my way.

With reverence and gratitude I can say emphatically that without the Guru’s grace and guidance I could never have journeyed far. I needed the structure and discipline of the spiritual path. I was like a bird dipping here and there, never finding what I was searching for. As a younger person I possessed the heart for God but little self-restraint, and so my spiritual life suffered. I found self-discipline born out of love and respect for my Guru and a desire for God realisation. With the aid of mystical poetry, here are some thoughts on the significance of the Guru.

The Guru

The Saints speak of their own experience in one distinct voice and it’s that of the lover or devotee. They say God is the only true Beloved – hundreds of lovers, but the Beloved is one for all. Further, the Masters explain that there is only God in all creation, though his forms are many.

When you find yourself with the Beloved, embracing for one breath, In that moment you will find your true destiny.

Alas, don’t spoil this precious moment,

Moments like this are very, very rare.

Maulana Rumi

With great humility the Saints all lovingly revere their own Guru whose guidance and care took them to the feet of the Lord. We’ve been greatly blessed to have had many Saints in the world. The Masters tell us that the form that is drenched in the Lord’s remembrance is truly beautiful; the radiation which comes from the Saint blesses all who come into contact with it.

The language of the Saints is love, and it is dazzling! Hafiz, a great Persian mystic from the 14th century, uses the bird as a metaphor for the soul; he shares a secret with us:

Birds initially had no desire to fly, What really happened was this: God once sat close to them playing music. When He left they missed him so much Their great longing sprouted wings, Needing to search the Sky.

Nothing evolves us like Love.

What a great store of love and compassion the Masters have for not only humankind, but all of creation, each ant, bird, lion, tree and blade of grass. He serves them all. The words of the Saints are precious. They are also extremely practical and meant to be lived each day. We can practice the same form of meditation

they practiced and walk in their footsteps! Maulana Rumi says, “The Saints are the true devotees of God, always listening to the Divine Music within. That infuses life into the lovers of God.”

The Masters come to wake us up! They remind us that we are the soul, eternal beings, a spark of divinity, and the same essence as God. However, we have identified ourselves with the mind and body so much we have forgotten our true Self. We are so enamoured by the material world that we’ve fallen asleep at the level of soul. Each man’s soul is at the mercy of the mind, which is itself at the mercy of the senses, which in turn, are dragged around by the sense-enjoyments. The Masters say we have become lost in the world and have forgotten our true purpose – to become one with the Supreme Soul. Instead we waste this chance and remain engrossed in maya (illusion).

People fancy they are enjoying themselves, but they are really tearing out their wings for the sake of an illusion.

Maulana Rumi

The Masters proclaim that this human birth we accept so casually comes only with great good fortune. Why? Because it is in the human form alone can God be realised. Khalil Gibran, a contemporary mystic-poet paints

this beautiful picture of the daily life of a devoted soul:

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the Beloved in your heart

And a song of praise upon your lips.

On the holy occasion of Guru Purnima, please take some moments to reflect on this prayer from the Upanishads, and consider in which direction your life is taking you.

From ignorance, lead me to truth;

From darkness, lead me to light;

From death, lead me to immortality.

Sharon Bath works on a voluntary basis for Know Thyself as Soul Foundation (Australia), a non-profit incorporated association. The foundation offers programmes and publications on natural living and meditation on the inner light and sound. It offers these services free of charge.

Guru Purnima, a day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to the expression of gratitude towards the teacher, will be marked on July 3 this year

I found selfdiscipline born out of love and respect for my Guru and a desire for God realisation

The Masters tell us that the form that is drenched in the Lord’s remembrance is truly beautiful; the radiation which comes from the Saint blesses all who come into contact with it

one’s quest for self-realisation, the Guru plays a crucial part in guiding, understanding and ultimate enlightenment

The term Guru consists of two words: ‘Gu’ meaning darkness and ‘Ru’ meaning light. ‘Guru’ therefore is one who leads us from darkness to light

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the Buzz

Rowdy party!

o ver rs 100 crore at the box office, and still going strong – so why shouldn’t the cast and crew of Rowdy Rathore celebrate in rowdy style? Black was the colour for the lead pair as akshay Kumar wore a black shirt and Sonakshi Sinha sizzled in a short black dress.

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has produced the movie, and Siddharth roy Kapoor of UTV motion Pictures were also part of the party.

director Prabhu deva, whose Wanted was also a runaway hit was thrilled with the results of the movie saying, “I am very happy that both my films crossed the rs.100 crore mark. Now I am scared of making my third film as people’s expectations have increased.”

But the fans of Rowdy Rathore may well be pleased to hear that the rowdy team are looking at a sequel or prequel, but discussions are yet to take off and indeed, were being discussed at the party, as hinted by Siddharth roy Kapoor.

For young Sonakshi Sinha, Rowdy Rathore is just her second film and her second hit after Dabangg, and she is absolutely ecstatic about the success of both films. “I want all my films to do well, so I keep my fingers crossed,” she said. directed by Prabhu deva, Rowdy Rathore is a remake of the 2006 Telugu hit Vikramarkudu starring ravi Teja. It marked akshay’s comeback to action after seven years. and what a comeback!

Good luck to the winning team of rowdy rathores!

Joker jodi

Exciting news for akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha fans, who enjoyed their performance in Rowdy Rathore. Shirish Kunder’s Joker will star the pair, but unfortunately in 2d, as the business heads backing the movie have scrapped plans to release it in 3d, considering the fate of recent 3d films at the box office. Some recent 3d films in hindi include RA.One, Don 2: The King Is Back and Dangerous Ishq, but they didn’t make the expected impact on the audience. akshay plays a character who returns to his hometown - a place that’s so remote that it’s not even on the map. But a sequence of events puts the little town not just on the country’s map, but makes it the focus of the entire globe. The story also involves aliens. So will the Joker jodi be as successful as their last rowdy release? Well, let’s wait and see!

Items galore for Rani!

When rani mukherji does something, you can be assured that she’ll go all out to do a great job. So is it really surprising that in anurag Kashyap’s Aiyya, she is doing not just one, but three hot item numbers?

“The film is a mixture of reality and dream and rani will be seen doing three item songs in her dream in the film. amit Trivedi has composed six songs for the film and three of them will be rani’s item songs,” said Sachin Kundalkar, director of Aiyya

apparently the movie is about a woman who finds a man desirable because he smells good. rani plays a marathi girl in the movie and is paired opposite southern star Prithvi raj. The director says it is a fresh pairing.

Bollywood diva madhuri dixit has pulled off a first, thanks to her loyal and somewhat astronomical (literally) fans. The Choli Ke Peeche actress now has a star in the orion constellation named after her, tweeted the star recently. So now she is truly a shining star.

a group of 13 members of The Empress Fanpage met the actress recently on the sets of dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which she is judging, to present her the star certificate by Star Foundation which reads: “a celestial body in the sky above has been named in honour of madhuri dixit-Nene and is officially located in the constellation orion.”

For madhuri, it has been a glorious journey since she debuted with Abodh in 1984 and received wider public recognition with hits like Tezaab in 1988 and 1989 release Ram Lakhan. Big hits followed like Saajan, Dil, Beta, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Dil To Pagal Hai, launching her to irrevocable stardom.

The 45-year-old has won five Filmfare awards and holds the record for receiving a maximum number of best actress nominations at the Filmfare awards. In 2008, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by the government of India.

In 1999, the actress married Shriram madhav Nene, a cardiovascular surgeon and relocated to the US. after a sabbatical for almost a decade, madhuri has now shifted base back to mumbai, along with her husband and two sons. madhuri now has Vishal Bhardwaj’s Dedh Ishqiya and anubhav Sinha’s Gulab Gang in her kitty, with more to follow for sure. So all the best to this shining star, may her career never wane!

She may not have hit it big in hindi films but she did a pretty good job in southern films and on TV

(Find the answer under Caption Contest)

Kundalkar is over the moon, as he’s been wanting to work with rani for years. Luckily the script excited her, and rani came on board. The Bengali beauty had to undergo language training to perfect arathi girl, but this was cakewalk for the hardworking actress, who ended up being a complete arathi girl on the sets. rani, last seen No One Killed Jessica, will be in a completely different avatar for this film, and it seems promising. The film will usserah, around the last rani’s fans can relax and enjoy the wait, because when the film releases, it’s sure to sizzle!

From real to reel: Reality inspires more Bollywood films

anya Surve’s death in a gunfight, “bikini killer” charles Sobhraj’s audacious jailbreak or the bloody 26/11 mumbai terror attack, real-life incidents are finding their way on to reel, spurring Indian cinema’s gradual move towards more realistic cinema.

Filmmakers like ram Gopal Varma,

Sonu Sood and Naseeruddin Shah in prominent roles.

Sonu believes the increased number of crimes has propelled the use of reallife incidents in film scripts.

“There were times when people were making films on real subjects and real cinema, but later it faded out. Lately there is a lot of movement in our society, whether it is crime, scams; so filmmakers get more reasons or incidents to make films,” said Sonu.

“People are running short of subjects, they don’t have thousands of subjects; so they hunt for those topics and things that happen around us and they make films on these,” he added.

Filmmaker Kumar is planning to bring Sobhraj’s 1986 Tihar jailbreak saga on celluloid in Jailbreak director Vivek a Buddha in Traffic Jam based on true incidents.

anurag Kashyap’s two-part series Gangs of Wasseypur spotlight on the coal and scrap trade mafia in Wasseypur in Jharkhand, and Zoa morani-Imran Zahid-starrer Marksheet attempts to uncover the scams in India’s education sector.

In the meantime, a number of filmmakers are toying with the idea of making a film on much publicised Bhanwari devi case of a nurse, who had illicit relations with a government minister, was abducted and murdered.

The films come as a difference from the regular Bollywood fare.

acclaimed filmmaker who has presented a hard-hitting account of corruption in the Indian political system in Shanghai is glad to see people opening up to “alternative cinema”.

aKShaYSOnaKShI

n alternative has opened up. Earlier people wanted an alternative, but it wasn’t there. Now because of multiplexes, new studios and more money, because of economic liberalisation, people are willing to make fresh films,” Banerjee said. dds actress Neha dhupia, “It is nice to see that we have some breakthrough directors who have come forward and are willing to make such films. What’s even better is that they have the who have the money and people who have the No One Killed Jessica, Not A Love Story, Ragini Khelein Hum Jee Rakta Charitra have also been inspired by incidents.

welcome move forward

impressive variety of real-life cinema, in addition to Bollywood’s commercial charisma.

Gangs of Wasseypur nurag Kashyap decided to treat himself and mazing humility in these materialistic times. “So got my first vehicle that I bought ahindra XUV, super and 100 percent Indian. Proud,” Kashyap

The filmmaker, who is known for making critically acclaimed movies revealed that it took him nearly two decades f course, he could afford it thanks to the release of his new film which is about the coal and scrap trade mafia in Wasseypur in Jharkhand. It features an ensemble cast anoj Bajpai, hadda. was screened at the just-concluded 2012 Sydney Film Festival

independently-curated, non-competitive annes International Film Festival. The movie is making waves within the industry, for its gritty, realistic and hard-hitting take on the coal mafia. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but certainly nurag, and he

lka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu in assan lka Yagnik and

assan’s death marked MehDI haSSan

What’s the chitchat between Uday Chopra and parineeti Chopra here?

Uday: Yeah right, at least you won’t have to change your surname if you get hitched with me!

Mohit Malhotra Stanmore NSW

Mohit wins a double pass to new hindi film Shanghai

an end of an epoch in the subcontinent’s music history, they said. No one will ever be able to fill the vacuum created by his demise.

alka said she had grown up listening to his ballads and was in love with his songs Dono jahan teri mohabbat main har kay and Woh ja raha hay koi. The India-born singer died of breathing complications at a private nursing home in Karachi June 13. hassan, who has a huge fan following around the world, had been suffering from lung, chest and urinary tract ailments for the past many years. The singers had gone to Pakistan to attend the last rites of the legendary singer but could not do so, as they could not obtain a security clearance.

anuRaG KaShYaP

RanI MuKheRJee

Cine Talk

One tender sweet sawaari

this is Lage Raho Munnabhai without Munna, though there are plenty of low brow Bhais zipping around in firsttime director Rajesh Mapuskar’s blithe frames in search of that elusive feeling of innocence we seem to have lost in our cinema ever since Hrihikesh Mukherjee passed away.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Raj Kumar Hirani and now their associate, the debutant director Rajesh Mapuskar try to keep the tradition of Mukherjee’s mellowmirth alive. Ferrari succeeds in parts. The dialogues here lack the punch of Hirani’s Munnabhai films. Yup, the heart is still in the right place. And the first 25 minutes of the film where we see the women-less Parsi family of three generations of grandfather (Boman Irani), father (Sharman Joshi) and son (Ritvick Sahore) trying hard to smile through their dysfunctionality, seems so well co-ordinated in texture, mood and emotions that you are kind of lulled into believing you are

watching another fine Vindhu Vinod Chopra film on the absence of humanism and redemption of the soul.

Sharman Joshi as the clerical father trying to create an even balance between his eccentric father (Boman, crabbily credible) and his young cricketer son, reminded me in a strange way of Raj Kapoor in Kal Aaj Aur Kal where three generations of Kapoors had played grandfather, father and son.

In Ferarri Ki Sawaari the three actors are unrelated in real life. And yet they look so much like a family together that you start believing in the power and magic of pop-art to create a world where human emotions can be generated through sheer evocation of authentic emotions in a cinematic language.

Mapuskar gets the actors to pitch in believable performances. But after a point the actors are lost in a maze of scenes that must have appeared humorous on paper. On screen they just about make you smile feebly.

Sharman Joshi, a very fine actor

who in one brilliantly-written sequence in 3 Idiots had scored over all his distinguished co-stars, here uses his bovine smile to cover all the pain of being a single parent with no support system, certainly not from his father who seems to enjoy sitting around at home making snide comments. You know the annoying octogenarian type.

You know these people. This family, its problems, mainly moneyrelated, are real. And when Kayoze’s cricket coach (Satyadeep Mishra, credible) announces a trip to England for cricket coaching your heart sinks for Sharman’s character. This is where the film’s wellintended satire on middleclass desperation begins to go seriously wrong. The hare-brained scheme of stealing Sachin Tendulkar’s Ferrari for a gangster’s wedding goes as wrong within the characters’ lives as it does on the level of the screenplay.

Most of the purported giggles regarding the inglorious under belly of gangsterism is sadly more wonky than whimsical. Here too there is a redemptive factor.

Veteran television actress Seema

Bhargava (remember her on the legendary Doordarshan soap Humlog?) as the loud-mouthed wedding planner is squirmy in her cheesy machinations. You just can’t help falling in love with the character’s excessive exuberance.

Honestly, the film is hard to dislike. It has moments of immense warmth and humour. Ironically the plot betrays its own interests when it tries to blend bourgeois aspirations with a Walt Disney brand of fantasy. So we have one song devoted to a flying Ferrari where father and son ride the clouds. Equally uninspired is Vidya Balan’s lavni item song. Either she didn’t practice her dance steps, or the choreographer didn’t turn up on the day of the shoot.

Vidya’s has got to be the worst item song in living history.

FiLm: Ferrari Ki Sawaari

You tend to forgive the omissions and the sagging passages in the narration. What stays with you is the muted expressions of workingclass dynamics shot and edited with a precision that makes domesticity acquire its own unique rhythm.

This is one sweet tender sawaari, a journey into the hopes, dreams and heart breaks of a family of cricket-centric Parsis. You may miss that jadoo ki jhappi here that made Munnabhai a household name, but you can’t miss the noble intentions that underline the work’s most precious moments when the Parsi family interacts in its quaint house. Wish they never stepped out.

In a way Balan’s item song symbolizes what goes wrong with the film. Too much faith in the USPs.

subhash K. Jha

CaSt: Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Ritvik Sahore

DireCtOr: Rajesh Mapuskar

A slice of today’s India

Watching Shanghai is revisiting your daily local newspaper, full of scams, conspiracies and crime stories. In short, the film is a slice of today’s India. adapted from Z, a 1966 novel by Vassilis Vassilikos, dibakar Banerjeer brilliantly exposes the reality behind the irony of India Shining.

The scenes are verbatim daily newspaper briefs.

Set in present day nondescript shanty called Bharatnagar, it sees dr. ahmedi (Prosenjeet chatterjee), a USbased professor and activist, visiting Bharatnagar to enlighten its inhabitants about pragati (progress).

he opposes the transformation of the shanty town into a zany township, a la Shanghai. But he is murdered by the opposition who try to pass off his death as an accident.

after that the story moves ahead with Shalini Sahay (Kalki Koechlin), ahmedi’s besotted student and daughter of an exarmy general who is involved in a scam, IaS officer T.a. Krishnan (abhay deol), videographer Joginder Parmar (Emraan hashmi), ahmedia’s wife aruna (Tillotama Shome), chief minister (Supriya Patak) and her Pa (Farooque Sheikh).

While the film grips you, it’s the system that gets to you.

“Why did you do commit the murder, when you knew it is wrong,” Shalini asks the murderer.

another dialogue Jeene se haraam lagta hai, par marne se darr bhi lagta hai... clearly shows the hunger for survival. It’s a sorry state of affairs, where the common denominator is the victim. There is a simplistic nature to the narrative and archetype.

The performance of every character is realistic and matter-of-fact. Emraan impresses with his rustic portrayal, quite different from his usual flamboyant characters. abhay deol, as the IaS officer, bowls over the audience with his grit and, of course, unmistakable Tamil accent. Kalki slips effortlessly into the character, yet again, revealing her versatility.

however, what you take home is not the memories of a character well-performed, but the story.

The film is frighteningly true.

The strength of Shanghai is its tight

screenplay by Urmi Juvekar and dibakar Banerjee

and the meticulous details leave no scope for arguments.

What adds to the flavour is excellent cinematography by Nikos andritsakis and the marvellous use of sound, both ambient and otherwise, to build up the tension in the political drama.

The controversial song Bharat Mata Ki Jai and the item number Imported Kamariyaa are wellpicturised and the latter is on the way to become the next favourite numbers at all basti celebrations. despite its simplistic and downto-earth locations, Shanghai has a nice hard-boiled vibe and a sense of semi-exotic danger. definitely gives you a lot to ponder about. don’t miss this one. troy ribeiro

FiLm: Shanghai

CaSt: Prosenjeet Chatterjee, abhay Deol, emraan hashmi, Kalki Koechlin, Supriya Pathak and Farooque Shaikh

DireCtOr: Dibakar Banerjee

Ask AuntyjiAsk Auntyji

Smarter than my husband

Dear Auntyji

help me, na, aunty! I have a question on which you could enlighten me. my husband and I were born in Fiji, but we have been here for quite a few years. my husband is 35 years old with only a high school education, and he does studio production work in an advertising agency. he has worked in this industry for 12 years. he doesn’t love his work, but every now and again, he likes it. Unfortunately, the advertising industry is not very family-friendly, but the worst past is that each time the agency loses a big client, the agency downsizes. Last week, the agency lost a big client and my husband is nervous about his job. This happens every six months, it seems. In contrast, I am a middle manager in a large organisation with a masters in management. I am fairly ambitious and want to do well, and all signs point towards me going places in my organisation. my problem, aunty, is that my husband never feels he has job security. he does not love what he does and at 35, he still has no idea about what he would like to do with the rest of his life. I am concerned that one day he will wake up at 45 with lots of experience, but no education that could move him into a better, client-facing role. he feels that education will not get him anywhere and he has a lot of experience to compensate. consequently, he feels that there is no need for him to do anything different, but every time we have this discussion, he says that it’s difficult to find jobs in his industry and he can’t really change roles. auntyji, can you please tell me what I should be thinking in this situation - as I really don’t want a middle-aged husband who hates his job and his life because he feels that he was somehow cheated - when the reality is that he could have taken control of his life and made a difference. What should I be thinking, auntyji?

Auntyji says

oh dear, this is indeed a perplexing question and I can totally understand why you are bothered. I certainly hope you love your husband for who he is, rather than because you’re hoping that one day he will become as ambitious and as driven as you. The solution for your husband is quite simple. Unfortunately for him as much as he tries to deny it or ignore it, the truth is that he is competing for jobs where the base level is at least a university degree. Even though his experience is important, the truth is, if he was to apply for a job and the manager in charge had an option from two candidates with the same experience but one had a qualification, the qualified candidate would be chosen, even if the degree might be in religious Studies from the University of Ballarat. This is the sad truth of the situation. Further, your husband, God bless his soul, seems to be the kind of person who lets things happen to him, rather than controlling part of his destiny. and by this I simply mean that instead of being nervous about his job, your husband should be taking charge and ensuring he either up skills himself to have more options, or move to an industry where there are more job opportunities. But unfortunately it seems to me that you can’t make him understand the situation from your point of view. So, in this sad situation, my dear anarkali, my discontented phoolon ki rani, there is only one solution. You need to change your mind. accept the fact that you are driven and ambitious, and you will be the one in the family potentially earning the moolah. and that your chota-mota chand ka tukda husband is neither ambitious nor driven. Let your husband be, and give him advice when he asks for it; but other than that, leave him alone. Why else did you fall in love with him than because of his easy-going nature?! This is your only solution and the salvation of your marriage. Be an understanding wife as much as you can be, but don’t judge him or try to control what he does with his career. a good supportive wife will do the right thing. of course, if you can see a future where your unhappy, middle-aged husband sits at home all day and no-one wants to hire him because of his lack of education or dull nature because he does not have the drive, and you begin to develop a revulsion to your husband as result, then you need to do something. Leave him now. It’s obvious you two are mismatched. Why waste your time with a bekaroo? Go find yourself a lawyer or a doctor or an engineer. These professions will always be in demand - unless of course they do something unethical, in which case the consequences will be much worse. Let me know how you go. I am most interested to hear of your plans.

Dear Auntyji

oh my goodness, aunty, I am a right mess! I have found out some information and I am dying slowly, slowly on the inside! I am really, really hoping ke aap madat karengi mujhko. oh, aunty! Mai bilkul pareshaan hoon, ye sharmindagi, yeh bekhudi, what to do? anyway, here is my sad, sad, pagaal si kahani, my bemisal story. I am 50 years old. my 75-year-old mother lives with me. all my saari zindagi, I have felt that I did not belong to my family. I look completely alag from them - my aankhein, my baatein, my samajeverything is too different! Then two weeks ago, my maaji was going through all her old suitcases and we came across old chitthis and photos. and in the photos of my nani, maasi, kaki, kaka, uncle, aunty and pets, etc., there was a photo of robert, or raabart, as my mother called him, same way that yesteryear actor ajit used to call his best buddy while he was stroking mona’s hair. In any case, saawal yeh hai, ki yeh Raabart kaun tha, and most important, mai kyu is Raabart ki thara lagthi hoon? The same neeli-neeli aankhen, the same skin colour, the same features. In fact, I seem to be a female version of raabart the mysterious, na?  When my mother saw me gazing with confusion, then apprehension, then sudden realisation at raabart’s chhaapa, she grabbed it from my haath and quickly put it inside her blouse. her safed choli. But her choli only was safed, her chalan was kaala. my own mataji! The besharam! The behaiya! how could she do this to me! I have refused to speak to my mother from that day when I insisted that she tell me who raabart was, and why I look like him. Thank God my dad is dead, otherwise he would be absolutely gobsmacked, even though I am sure he is spinning in his grave now (we’re anglo-Indians so he is buried).  What shall I do, aunty? how do I find out who raabart was? and shall I tell my badchalan maa exactly what I think of her?

Auntyji says oh, you shaitaan! Arre akl ke dushman! oh you kulachchini - have you no sharam saying such gandi baatein about your own mataji? how do you know what happened in your mother’s life that you stand there judging her? The possibilities for what might have happened 51 years before your birth are immense, and your fertile imagination should be running wild, but why bring your mother into all this tamasha? What do you hope to achieve by bringing up the past, which you can’t change anyway. chances are that this raabart is too old to care, and so are you. at your age, what difference does it make whether it was raabart or raman who sired you? You have your neeli-neeli aankhein, your fair complexion and your chhoti si samajh and that’s all you should care about. I could provide you with three good reasons for why you look like raabart, but what difference does it make? Nothing changes, except what you know. Let these bhooli bisri baatein be. and what will you do with this information anyway? Let your mother enjoy her twilight years without you causing her grief. do not judge her, for you are not Bhagwan. and be grateful for your life. Your mother could have strangled you or fed you salt at the moment of your birth, but she raised you, no doubt through much hardship because you seem like hard work anyway. So be grateful for your life, keep calm and carry on. If raabart was around, that’s what he would be saying too.

Mata pita ki kahani