2019-07 Sydney (1)

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

DEPUTY EDITOR

Sneha Khale

SOCIAL MEDIA

Suruchi Sehgal

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Janani

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Shriti Sinha 0410 578 146

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004

Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be 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:

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Ph: 02 9279-2004

Fax: 02 9279-2005

Email: info@indianlink.com.au

So what is your impossible?

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

This month we mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It was on 20 July 1969 that Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on our closest celestial neighbour.

For most of us, that special moment in mankind’s history will be remembered by grainy images appearing on our black and white TV screens, and a crackly audio of Armstrong’s immortal words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” as he tentatively stepped off the ladder of the lunar module onto the surface of the moon.

Of course it was all way more than just flying to the moon, taking a few steps and then flying back. What was achieved on that day was years of work and dedication by teams of brilliant scientists and engineers - and seamstresses (yes, seamstresses).

The US President John F Kennedy

had thrown down the challenge in Feb 1961, articulating the plan in a speech (“We choose to go to the Moon”) that has gone down as one of the best ever by a head of state.

At that point, scientists had yet to figure out how to get the rockets past the atmosphere, and there was no flight path worked out. There was no micro gravity food, and yes, the belief was that upon landing on the moon, the space craft would just sink into the soft ground. And as for the computing power of the entire program, it has been said that the modern day smart phone on which you are probably reading this – is perhaps much more potent. The known unknowns were just too many: it was easy to fail.

Yet, the die was cast, as there was a collective race to achieve a goal. Doing their bit were members of a large team, from the highly skilled engineers and scientists at NASA (including the now-famous “hidden figures”mathematician Katherine Johnson and engineer Mary Jackson) who worked out the pathway to the moon, to the seamstresses who stitched the software of the computer sitting at specialized looms, not with thread, but with wires.

The passion to succeed was ignited by a collective desire to turn the impossible into something possible.

So, what is your impossible?

As migrants in a new country, the first step of turning a dream of settling overseas, by choice, has been fulfilled. Of course, for those who do not consider this a worthwhile goal, the choice to go back home is always there. But for those happy to be here, where to from here? For most, it will be a personal goal. Starting and succeeding in a new venture? Attaining the highest possible results in your academic pursuits? Moving forward to the highest echelons of management in your work place?

These may sound difficult - almost impossible - given your personal circumstances, but lay it out there before friends and family, like JFK did, before the entire world. It will then become more than a mere fantasy; it will become a target to be reached. True friends will keep you accountable and encourage you to succeed.

On the 50th anniversary of what is arguably one of mankind’s most famous achievements, what do you want to do to challenge your energy and skills?

Karthik, Emie Roy, Sydney Srinivas, Jyothsna Rao, Minal Khona, Nury Vittachi

send Money Overseas most reliably and securely within 10 minutes through moneygram send Money to any bank account at the best rate and flat fee of $15 (No Limits applicable on amounts) exchange your currency with us, we give the best rates and do not charge any commission send money to our own branches in all major towns and cities in Fiji and New Zealand Ask us about our commercial business, we do import payments and all international business related remittance at best rate and a flat fee of $15.00 only

A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT!

GURU OF CHAI

In the swirling buzz of a railway station, a young girl is abandoned and brings the place to a standstill with a beautiful song. Among the throng is a poor chai-wallah (tea-seller) and in that sweet moment his life is turned upside down.

Date: Tues 23 July & Wed 24 July 2019

Time: 8.00 pm (both nights)

Cost: Adult $45.00; Concession $40.00; Under 25 $25.00

TO BOOK:

SID SRIRAM: LIVE IN CONCERT

Much acclaimed as a classical vocalist, songwriter, producer and playback singer, Sid Sriram is a household name globally amongst South Asian communities.

Date: Friday 2 August 2019

Time: 7.00 pm

Check website for ticket details

Visit bunjilplace.com.au, call 9707 9700 or drop us an email bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au. Service fees apply to phone and online bookings.

DAWOOD SARKHOSH: LIVE IN CONCERT

Dawood Sarkhosh is a legend of Afghanistan and an inspiration to fans around the world. Don’t miss this exciting concert in the Theatre as Dawood sings a unique selection of new songs and timeless classics.

Date: Saturday 3 August 2019

Time: 7.30 pm

Check website for ticket details

YOUR SAY

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

The microphone switches off for Indian Link Radio presenter ANUP KUMAR after a fifteen-year stint.

Ekta Sharma wrote: We will miss your voice and shows

Sagar Mehrotra wrote: Anupji you’ve always been an inspiration. The listeners are going to miss your soothing voice and those calm and relaxed evenings with you on air.

Charuta Joshi wrote: The IL Radio team is going to miss you. Wish you the best in the next phase of your career.

Priyanka Tater wrote: Your shows were always a delight.

Rajni Anand Luthra wrote: You gave us much joy and won many hearts, Anup. Continue to do the same wherever you go.

Meenakshi Sharma Kalia wrote: Best wishes Anupji and god bless.

Ruchika Mangla wrote: So sad to see RJ Anupji leaving IL. Hard to replace such gems on air. All the best, sir.

Manoj Menon wrote: What a journey, Anup! Our Fijian Indian community will also miss you a lot.

Pawan Luthra wrote: Thank you for your time with us, Anup. You have been a rock and so much joy to work with. I remember well the day you came in for the audition all those years ago, and then of course, you walking the journey with us. Your programmes were always well researched and wonderfully presented, and the gentle tone always a delight to hear. You will be missed by us and the listeners.

Kashif Harrison wrote: It’s been a pleasure knowing the man with the huskiest voice on air – an absolute treat and a delight. Our shows followed back to back and this gave us many opportunities to catch up and chat (sometimes on air). Loved listening to his stories from earlier times and love stories from college during his segment Love Song Dedications. The man just breathes poems and songs! His passion for his homeland Fiji - and his love for Tabu - are indeed eternal! (We hope Tabu realises this!)

Anup Kumar wrote: During my last 15 years, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Indian Link family. It has been a wonderful, golden, memorable journey, and I was fortunate to have interviewed some very well-known Bollywood personalities which will be forever cherished. A huge thank you to you all for the support, the fun times and the laughter. Will continue to be in touch – via random calls on air!

SAY IT AGAIN

Thanks to all who recommended I read (Rohinton Mistry’s) A Fine Balance. But I’m absolutely gutted. Never fallen in love with characters so much only to have my heart broken again and again.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

We brought you reports of our interactions with the Indian-origin AM and OAM honourees in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours

Kaushaliya Vaghela, Gayatri Harinath, Shally Relan, Chandra Kishore, JC Solanki, Sonal Malhotra, Smriti Rangarajan and Ajay Kapoor wrote in notes of congratulations to the accomplished individuals we featured. Ash R. Dev wrote: Congrats to the Fijian born Prof. Dharmendra Prakash Sharma. The descendant of a Girmitiya has been honoured in the Queen's Birthday honours by Canberra. There are tens of thousands of Fiji Indians just like him who had to move to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA because of the brain drain created by Rabuka and his coups in 1987 which were extremely racist and totally against the Fijians of Indian origin. These highly skilled, experienced qualified and talented individuals would have made Fiji a very different and advanced nation compared to what it is today. Fiji would be no less than Singapore or any developed country of a similar size had Rabuka not created the coup culture and destroyed the future of the country. This is a perfect example of how the monster created by Rabuka affected Fiji and will continue to haunt Fiji for many years to come.

WHERE IN INDIA

These caves remind you of Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains, don’t they? No one quite identified this landmark correctly, although Vivek Trivedi got close enough to the region with his answer Cherrapunji. Readers Payel Ray and Raj Saneja suggested these might be the Borra Caves in Andhra Pradesh. The correct answer is Siju caves in Meghalaya.

The picturesque @YorkWinery is a taste of Australian wine in India! Chief Winemaker Kailesh is a graduate of the Uni of Adelaide and is the youngest winemaker in India! A great example of a successful Aus Global Alumni and the deepening connections between our two countries.

Juanita Phillips, ABC broadcaster

Tony Huber, Australian Consul General Mumbai

A LAUGH AND A YARN WITH ASHOK CHAKRADHAR

Hindi poet and writer Padmashri Ashok Chakradhar joined Indian Link Radio host PRIYANKA TATER on a special edition of her morning show recently.

Ruchika Mangla wrote: Thoroughly enjoyed this show on podcast. Ashokji is my personal favourite. Priyanka, keep bringing us such interviews with the masters.

Anju Handa wrote: Bada sa namaskar Ashokji, welcome to Sydney.

Ravi Singh wrote: Ashok Chakradharji, namaskar. I remember seeing you on Doordarshan. Wonderful memories…

Bhanu Kothari wrote: A very good show this morning, Priyanka.

Rajni Luthra wrote: Wonderfully entertaining.

Priyankja Tater wrote: I very much enjoyed Ashokji’s poetry and haazir jawaabi on the show and was pleasantly surprised to see how popular he was with our listeners. Thanks to all those who rang in. Ashokji himself said he loved doing the show (“Bada maza aaya”), and enjoyed the youthful vibe on our channel. Also a secret revealed: the little dibiya from which he regularly takes something out to place in his mouth, is filled with mishri!!

CAPTION CONTEST

What’s the chitchat between Saurav Ganguly and Ranveer Singh?

Amita Randhawa wrote: You might be best in your gully, par iss field mein chalta hai sirf Gang-uly!

Arix Bishnoi wrote: We need your coat to lay out on the outfield to save it from the rain.

Vandana D'souza wrote: Ranveer says, “I have my fans but Saurav, I’m YOUR biggest fan! Just have a look through my coloured glasses.”

Amarinder Singh wrote: Indian players are wearing the logo of a Chinese company Oppo. The Afghanisare wearing Amul, India's best loved brand!

Abby Ragz wrote: Yehi Lords ke ground main first 100 mara tha maine. Inspire hole, taki meri biopic mai acha performance aaye!

Amit Soni wrote: Aage se is tarah ke kapde pehen kar aaya toh yahi par lita kar mukke maronga, samjha...

Rita Dushyant wrote: What are you are doing here??

Leyla Singh wrote: Should’ve gone to Specsavers

Monica Gaur Nagar wrote: Mera Chashma Aapke Chasma se bada hai!

Pallav Tiwari wrote: You may be a Gully boy but when it comes to hitting in the gully I can do it better.

Ritesh Verma wrote: Meri aankhon me dekh, dada. Nahi, tu mere joote dekh, Ranvir.

Hemal A Chauhan wrote: Shaadi wale kapde pehan kar kyun aaya hai?

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

PRIYANKA CHOPRA OR IVANKA

TRUMP IN ALEX PERRY?

50% Priyanka Chopra

WHERE IN OZ

This beautifully shaped landmass is a photographer’s delight from up above Readers Tushar Choudhary and Rishabha Chitalia Nayak correctly identified it as Heart Reef, Whitsundays

Indian driver pointed out that today is a rare occurrence. All of “Old India” (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh) is cheering together for India to beat England due to the points table positions. I mentioned Australia cheered for anyone to beat England.

Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian co-founder

Har har Sco Modi, ghar ghar Sco Modi. Ian Woolford, La Trobe academic and Indophile

50% Ivanka Trump

The global shift away from coal continues: India plans to add 500GW of renewableenergy to its electricity grid by 2030. This is around 20 times more capacity than Australia's entire coal fleet.

Climate Council

Photographer Jarrad

Seng

c/Miss Universe Australia

Embrace your difference

What the Miss Universe Australia title means to Indian-Australian girl Priya Serrao. FRANKEY GERARD FERNANDES and SNEHA KHALE report

The first things that strike you about her are her confidence, her winsome smile and her friendly nature.

To us those could be winning traits in themselves, but clearly Priya Serrao has everything else that it takes to be crowned Australia’s most beautiful woman.

Of course the newly crowned Miss Universe Australia never thought of herself in those terms, we know now.

“I hadn’t done anything like this ever before,” Priya told Indian Link. “This is my first ever pageant, and I don’t model either!”

In fact, she was so sure she wouldn’t make it to the top that she didn’t even invite her family to the event!

It was a post on Instagram by last year’s Miss Universe Australia winner Francesca Hung that prompted Priya Serrao to take part in the 2019 pageant.

In hindsight, it feels like something that was meant to be for the India-born Melbourne-based Serrao. After all, India has a long lineage of beauty pageant winners, including super-famous ones like Sushmita Sen (Miss Universe 1994), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Miss World 1994) and of course

Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Miss World 2000) and Serrao is acutely aware of this fact about her country of birth. Then there’s her inspiringly relatable story itself - the 11-yearold girl who moved with her family from India to Australia (via Oman), didn’t fit in anywhere, and found her initial period of

adjustment in Australia “challenging”. Add to that her credentials as a law graduate and the unwavering support of her family, and you’d think Priya Serrao was destined for the title.

The truth is far different though – turns out, Serrao just wanted to enjoy the event.

“Maybe the fact that I didn’t even think I’d make it to the top ten meant I didn’t put too much pressure on myself. I went in with the intention of giving it my best shot, being completely myself and having fun!”

And so Priya Serrao will continue to have fun, as the reigning Miss Universe Australia 2019.

For the Secunderabad-born Priya, life has come a long way from her roots. What we’ve seen of Priya Serrao in the last week, at the pageant and in media and TV appearances

such as on Have You Been Paying Attention, she comes across as an intelligent young woman, supremely self-composed, who is willing to speak her mind. Which is why it’s surprising to learn that one of the reasons her parents were so supportive of her entering the beauty pageant was so she could improve her public speaking skills. “I think they understood that my rationale wasn’t to enter just for the sake of entering but to use the achievement as an opportunity to do something tangible and for the greater good.

I think they thought it’d be useful to build my public speaking skills (I’m still working on this!),” admitted Serrao.

Being so matter-of-fact about the pageant and her chances in it, also meant that Serrao was able to balance her career, her full-time job and the pageant preparations quite efficiently, and without being overwhelmed. “The commitment wasn’t too difficult to manage and work was accommodating enough to let me take two weeks off for

Bali and the national finals. I also fit in my exercise routine before or after work and tried best to eat healthy,” described Serrao.

Of course, believing she wouldn’t make it to the top ten doesn’t mean Serrao didn’t want to win. It was the reason she entered the pageant in the first place. “I thought it would be a good way to gain a platform to start a conversation on issues I care about.”

Issues that she continues to care about and wants to bring more attention to, now that she has a sizeable platform to do so.

“I intend on making the most out of every second of this precious opportunity to start conversations about issues such as diversity, inclusion and privilege,” she revealed. “I’d also love to partner with local Melbourne organisations as well as UN agencies going forward.”

Serrao has every reason to be optimistic about these issues. Her own life experience is proof of the diverse and inclusive nature of Australian society. Even the traditionally conservative Miss Universe Australia pageant got sufficiently woke in 2019 by crowning two women of colour as the winner and runner-up (besides Serrao, the pageant’s first runner-up was Western Australia’s Ugandan-origin model Bella Kasimba). Gone are the insecurities and “outsider” feelings of the 11-year-old Indian girl fresh off the plane to Australia. “Australia is my home now,” acknowledged Serrao. “I think winning this title is a testament to Australia’s commitment to embrace diversity. I am so

“It will be a good way to gain a platform to start a conversation on issues I care about.”

lucky to live in a country which has provided me with incredible opportunities and I’m so grateful that I get to represent Australia internationally.”

Although she’s a true and proud Australian, her Indian heritage manifests soon enough, when talking about India and the impact her win might have. “I haven’t been to India in recent years unfortunately, but I have some really great memories of India including swinging on Banyan trees, celebrating Holi, visiting family in Mangalore and watching Dhoom 2 in the cinemas. I used to be obsessed with that movie!”

As someone who didn’t fit in when she first moved to Australia and has now gone on to embrace her diverse self, Serrao is in a unique position to impart wisdom to young people who might see themselves reflected in her. “I hope my win can encourage young people to embrace their difference and be proud of it because it’s what makes you unique. I hope it also encourages young people to explore opportunities that they wouldn’t have thought about otherwise.”

There’s also a little something that’s quintessentially Indian, such as pageant winners Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas going on to pursue very successful film careers. Would Serrao also make a similar shift in her career, from law to the movies? A self-professed nerd, Serrao says she’s someone ‘who enjoys being stimulated intellectually’. But while she jokingly chimed the classic beauty queen line about “supporting world peace” on HYBPA earlier this week, Serrao candidly told Indian Link, “I love advocating for issues, so in the long term I think I’d always revert back to working in that capacity. However, I like the idea of having new experiences and would consider it if a suitable opportunity comes my way.”

For now, the Miss Universe Australia 2019 is focused on her next target, the Miss Universe title. Serrao’s excitement was palpable when she said, “The next step is to begin preparation for the international competition. I’m so excited to find out when and where it’ll be held because there hasn’t been a formal announcement yet. I’m also incredibly excited about meeting all the other participants from all over the world!”

“I hope my win can encourage young people to embrace their difference and be proud of it because it’s what makes you unique. I hope it also encourages young people to explore opportunities that they wouldn’t have thought about otherwise.”

Autism parent?

Arm yourself with knowledge

Positive Partnerships is a program that provides current, research-based information on how to allow your autistic child to thrive

BY JANANI KARTHIK

Imet Veena at an autism workshop for parents from Sydney’s Indian community. It was conducted by Positive Partnerships, a national project funded by the Australian Government to support school-aged children on the autism spectrum. Veena, who’s also part of the organising team, told Indian Link, “These workshops show me I’m not alone.”

She recounted her story as the mother of a seven-year-old child with autism. “Three years ago, I was in a really dark phase in my life, shaken emotionally. I wrote a post on Facebook about the challenges my daughter and I were facing in our daily lives. It was a cry for help. I am so glad that someone reached out – a lady who helped me find available services.”

Positive Partnerships provides parents, carers and educators with current, relevant and evidence-based information about the best possible outcomes for the children. It defines autism broadly as a developmental condition marked with social communication issues and repetitive patterns of behaviour. (See more at www. positivepartnerships.com.au)

At the workshop specially designed for South Asian families, Indian Link spoke to many parents about how they stay strong and positive through the ups and downs. What came out loud and clear, is that these parents have cultivated the art of focusing on their children’s strengths rather than their weaknesses.

Sort yourself first

Harsh Aggarwal, father of a three-year-old autistic child, observed, “When flying, in an emergency, you’re asked to help yourself first and then help others. The same principle applies to my situation as well. If I’m depressed about my son being autistic, how can I help him? First I helped myself by calming down and then I started looking for resources to support my son.”

He added, “There are lots of support systems available these days for kids on the autism spectrum, especially in Australia. But there’s no better therapy than parents! After he was diagnosed with autism, I reduced my working hours from 40 hours pw to 20. After spending a lot of time with him, I know his strengths and weaknesses. While I’m proud of his extraordinary memory, I embrace his weaknesses as well. For e.g., he’s very scared of loud cheers, so for his birthday celebration recently, we requested the guests just clap instead of making a loud ‘happy birthday’ cheer. My

son is different, but has his own special skills, so it would be unfair to compare him to other children. I focus only on my son’s extraordinary skills to help him achieve something in life.”

After finding help on the online forum, Veena realised that there must be other mums out there needing guidance and a platform to vent their feelings. She has since started a WhatsApp group called Super Moms of Super Kids. It now has close to 70 members actively sharing their stories and helping each other. “I opened up and got help,” she said. “I’m in a better place now - a strong, positive mother! I urge others to open up and seek help instead of going into their own shell.”

Shift the focus to their skills

Another dad who preferred to remain anonymous said, “While other kids can ride bikes, my son cannot. But unlike them, he can ride a horse. I see his strengths rather than brooding over the things he can’t do. He’s getting professional training for horse riding and he’s very good at it. But I was not this positive a few years ago. Within a few hours of the diagnosis, life turned upside down for me and my wife. We didn’t know anything about autism, so I started researching to understand what

my son was going through. Then we slowly gathered strength to cope with it.”

Be less judgemental

Rashmi, another parent, revealed she has learned many life lessons through her experience. “When my son was threeand-half years old he was diagnosed with autism. That would be a challengefor any parent. I gave up my career for my son. But I’m a better person now. I remember, earlier, I would judge kids who’d misbehave in public places. I was so wrong! I’m not judgemental anymore. I’ve also learned to appreciate the small things in life, e.g. if my son speaksa word.”

Ram told us why he’s proud of his sevenyear-old son. “He doesn’t call out people’s names but he’s very good at naming different types of dinosaurs, something he’s popular in school for. He goes to a normal school, which has a support system for special kids. I attended this workshop to learn more about autism. Otherwise, you’ll be like a frog in a well. You meet likeminded parents and we also fix playdates for our children as we’re comfortable with our community.”

Patience as a virtue

Rajni Chandran said, “I have a 30-year-old

son who is autistic. From my experience, I can tell young parents they have to be more patient. When other kids do things effortlessly at the right age, you shouldn’t expect the same pace from an autistic kid. Their progress may be frustrating, but you have to wait patiently. With my son Siddharth, I’m concerned about who will take care of him after me. But I have put aside those worries and am working to help him build strong relationships and a network of friends.”

Arm yourselves with knowledge

Attending workshops makes a difference in understanding the child’s behaviour.

Lakshmi Ajjampura, Project Officer, Multicultural Program, Positive Partnerships recounted, "We are trying to reach out to parents in our community, as there is a social stigma surrounding this issue. The fear of society restrains them from opening up. The parents have to be open minded to avail the innumerable services that are available. If you observe a significant delay in your child’s speech or impaired social interaction, don’t waste time. Try to get an assessment ASAP."

More lifts for Doonside

"Sydney Metro which connects Western Sydney with Chatswood has commenced action recently. Almost all the stations in the old train lines to Penrith and Richmond have been refurbished. However, there is one station that is still neglected - Doonside”.

These words form the premise for Indu Harikrishna, a social worker and mother of two, who has been campaigning solo for the betterment of the facilities at the station.

“Even though residents of the new suburbs like Bunya and Bungarribee use the Doonside station to commute for work, the station does not even have a lift installed,” Indu told Indian Link . The last big upgrade was way back in 1990. The mature aged and the economically struggling communities that live in Doonside would also benefit out of any potential revamps. However, there has not been any action in this regard”.

It was just weeks ago that Indu took her plea to Stephen Bali, Mayor of Blacktown, only to realise that there is a shortage of about 3000 signatures to get to the requisite 10,000, in order to move a motion in Parliament. She decided to pitch in as a community volunteer.

The first step was an advertisement on social media asking like-minded people to come over to the Bunya Homestead Park on a Sunday morning. She was quite surprised to see that she got 50 signatures that morning; which reinforced the fact

that this initiative has taken a long time coming.

What followed was a community upsurge. People who signed asked if they could bring in friends, colleagues and family. Further to Mayor Bali’s

confirmation that contributions outside the council area were welcome too, the number in signatures saw a significant increase. The volunteers sought the consent of the officials of the Doonside Railway Station to promote the campaign around the premises, which was granted.

It has become a weekend activity of Indu’s to frequent the nearby suburbs, parks, worship places, community gatherings and so forth to collect signatures.

“In a short span of 4 weeks, we have managed to collect about 1000 signatures,” gushed Indu.

A Facebook page was also set up, called “Need for Doonside lifts”, and activities are being updated on it, making the entire process fair and transparent.

“We are more than happy to welcome anyone who would like to volunteer for this campaign. Every single thought, person and signature counts. We are trying to connect with as many people as possible; however, if anyone is willing to help, please reach out on doonsidelifts@gmail.com. Together, we can certainly make a much-needed change happen, which will serve generations to come”.

Emie Roy

Indu Harikrishna with Mayor Stephen Bali (Blacktown) and Ed Husic, MP for Chiefley, at the Doonside Railway station.

Inspiring women one relatable story at a time

Takeaways from Indra Nooyi’s recent Sydney appearance

ONWARD AND UPWARDS

How do women navigate their personal and professional lives to ensure overall effectiveness?

Indra Nooyi, one of the world’s most successful women in business, told us exactly that, in Sydney recently.

At work, she said, know your stuff. Be current with products and megatrends. Hit the textbooks if you have to. As a team leader, model the behaviour you want for your team. Treat team members like family. Try and write hand-written notes to your team, maybe even to their parents. Don’t be bothered by the labels people assign you. Define yourself by the quality of your output instead (this was definitely my top take-home from the night).

At home, organise your schedule, with your spouse if you have one. Six months in advance if needed. Enlist the help of extended family. Always focus on the job at hand, whatever your role may be –professional, daughter, wife, mother. Prioritise.

Oh, and marry the right guy.

At the end of the day, it was all good sense and practical advice that our mums give us. Yet, Indra Nooyi articulated it with so much authenticity – making it all perfectly relatable with anecdotes from her own experiences – that everyone present, including the men, went home with useful life nuggets.

Was there more we would have liked to hear from Indra? As a person of colour myself, I would have liked to know more about how that played out in her (success) story. Seated beside me, Matthew Browne,

CEO of Melanoma Institute Australia would have liked her take on those “5050, 51-49” decisions that CEOs have to routinely take, as well as how she dealt with the loneliness that so frequently

accompanies the C-suite roles.

My second takeaway from the night, was the idea that we’re going to see women stepping up in coming decades. 57% of college graduates in the US are women, Indra noted. It’ll be interesting to see whether women in leadership positions can make a difference to the political, economic and social chaos around us currently. As I look around me, in my own age-group of 50-somethings, I’m emboldened by some outstanding examples of talent and ambition I have begun to see. Only a generation ago, women their age might have started to slow down, but these women are pushing onward and upwards, having found new confidence after successfully wrapping up parenting responsibilities (to a considerable degree), and having built relationships strong enough to tell the men in their lives – like Indra – to ‘be thankful they’re on the list’ when they complain they’re low down on the list of our priorities.

Clearly, women like her are being strong role models.

What will help us, undoubtedly, is a rethink on that core issue of the care equation – child care as well as elder care, as Indra noted, and changing the very nature of work to make it more flexible, perhaps with better use of technology.

Rajni Anand Luthra

A SUPERSTAR CEO, BUT WITHOUT ALL THE ANSWERS

I didn’t quite expect an evening with Indra Nooyi to be a series of empowering revelations. In the Grand Ballroom of the ICC in Darling Harbour, Sydney, the former PepsiCo CEO was like a rock star executive/brilliant geek dropping truth bombs and sage wisdom on an audience that lapped up every word she uttered. There was advice for everyone – the CEOs/aspiring CEOs (“The single biggest skill we have as leaders is the ability to zoom in and zoom out” ), the men (“When women are working mothers, they’re doing 2 full-time jobs…you have to remember that!” ) and the women (“Women shouldn’t define themselves by the labels assigned to them – too emotional or too aggressive – but by the content of their work. I’ve been called ‘Dragon Lady’, but I didn’t care. Because I knew I was the best person for the job” ).

For me personally, as a recent migrant to Australia, in my 30s and with a background in tech and corporate culture, what stood out wasn’t what Nooyi said, but how she said it. Having previously worked at LinkedIn, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and hearing a few (male) CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. I’m not saying Indra Nooyi was more impressive than them… I’m saying Indra Nooyi was far more impressive than them!

There was no corporate jargon, no staged jokes, no dramatic pauses - with Nooyi, it was just a steady stream of articulate responses (“Unconscious bias strips people of their confidence and in doing that, their competence” ) and incredibly engaging personal anecdotes (like the time as CFO when she took on PepsiCo’s IT department by ploughing through 3 fat binders of information and challenging them to explain things to her in “chickie duckie” terms because there was a billion dollar project at stake).

Leaders though, even the superstar ones, aren’t perfect. And between a lack of time and a lack of will, they don’t always have all the answers. I wish Nooyi had elaborated more on her relationship with her mum. I wish she’d talked about what it was like to reconcile her role as CEO of PepsiCo with the harmful effects of aerated drinks and their contribution to obesity worldwide. But most importantly, as a millennial citizen of the world, I wish that Amazon’s newest board-member had expanded on Amazon’s ruthless work culture and the damaging impact its much-lauded same day/ next day deliveries have on our already-fragile environment.

Nooyi talked about Amazon giving us the “gift of time” and helping women shop easily online (contrary to the popular trope, women also use Amazon to build their online businesses…but I digress).

In the end, with someone as impressive and inspiring as Indra Nooyi, is it wrong to ask for even more?

Sneha Khale

At the SCG and MCG (opposite page) in her role as Director of the ICC, campaigning for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Mumbai paralysed by record rainfall

At least 39 persons were killed across Maharashtra as relentless rain created mayhem and left Mumbai paralysed with the country's commercial capital being pounded by record rainfall in late June-early July.

Offering no respite, heavy showers are expected to continue, the weather office said.

Battered with over 375 mm rain, the highest July rainfall within a 24-hour period since July 1974, Mumbai has received around 35 percent of its average annual total rainfall.

As a precautionary measure, the state government declared a public holiday in the city and the city administration ordered all schools and colleges to be shut while the Education Department postponed all scheduled examinations.

Many parts of Mumbai city and its suburbs, as well as towns in adjoining Raigad, Thane and Palghar districts, turned into huge tracts of muddy water, witnessing people struggling to safety in waist-deep water. Small vehicles were submerged, and several tempos, trucks and heavy vehicles stranded on the roads adding to traffic snarls.

Local train services, the financial capital’s lifeline, virtually coming to a standstill.

The Central Railway also had to stop its services as tracks were underwater in many places, especially Sion, Chunabhatti, Kurla, Bhandup and many commuters waded through the flood waters to reach their destinations.

After nearly 15 hours, services resumed but trudged along with delays and cancellations.

Long-distance trains from different parts of India, expected to reach Mumbai, have also been stranded at various locations en route, details of which were awaited.

At least 150 BEST buses in Mumbai were also submerged and stranded at various locations.

Domestic and international flight operations were hit at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport due to heavy rains coupled with a SpiceJet aircraft with 167 passengers overshooting the runway and getting stuck in soft mud.

With the stuck plane blocking the main runway, at least 55 incoming flights including 26 international were diverted, 13 goarounds, 18 incoming flights including four international cancelled and 24 departures including four international cancelled, said a spokesperson for Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL).

A 150-metre long ramp was being built to push the stranded aircraft and clear the runway, but it took another 48 hours before the alternative (shorter) runway became operational.

As parts of Mumbai experienced a lull in rains for a few hours, thousands of harried people rushed out of their homes to buy stocks of vegetables, fruits, groceries, milk from local markets, despite the higher rates being charged.

The Indian Navy's team of divers from INS Tanaji deployed rubber boats, life-jackets, lifebuoys to rescued over 1,000 people stranded in rising waters at Krantinagar slums in Kurla in north-east Mumbai.

The rain also caused a spate of fatalities. The compound wall of a water reservoir at Pimpripada in Malad collapsed on a dozen hutments, leaving 21 killed and another 78 injured.

The National Disaster Response Force, the Mumbai Fire Brigade and other agencies launched a massive rescue effort to remove dig out several others feared trapped in the rubble.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation of Rs 500,000 for each of the deceased, even as agitated Congress and Nationalist Congress Party leaders blamed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena for the mess and demanded action against those responsible for the loss of human lives.

"In the past 12 hours, the city has received an unprecedented 300 to 400 mm rains, the highest in the past decade. The existing drainage systems are unable to cope with such a heavy downpour, coupled with a high tide this afternoon," Fadnavis told media persons.

Two persons - Irfan S. Khan, 38, and Gulshad Sheikh, 37, who were trapped inside a SUV in the flooded Malad subway were later found dead.

Gabri Singh, 45, the security guard of a private building, was killed in a wall crash in Mulund, and 22-year old Gopal V. Jha was electrocuted at Nehru Nagar in Vile Parle.

In adjoining Thane district, three persons were killed when the boundary wall of National Urdu School crashed in Kalyan town and several more were injured, and two persons were washed away in flood waters in an overflowing river in Jawahar.

Also, a 15-feet high compound wall of the Bharatiya Vidyapeeth College in Pune crashed on some hutments beside it, killing at least six persons. NDRF teams were at the site

to extricate those still feared trapped in the debris.

In Nashik, two persons were killed by drowning in a water tank and one woman killed when she was struck by lightning in Buldhana.

Another two persons were killed and 25 were reported missing after a small dam burst near Alore-Shirgaon village. As the water gushed out of the Tivare Dam in a flood-like situation, at least seven villages downstream were inundated and a dozen homes washed away. The dam was built in 2000 and people in the area claim they had informed the district authorities of its leakage two years back but no repairs were carried out.

Kerala diaspora likely to get voting rights

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the Kerala Assembly in early July that his government will initiate discussions on how best the Kerala diaspora could participate in the upcoming local bodies elections.

Vijayan said this after the Deputy Leader of Opposition M.K. Muneer asserted that it's high time that the Kerala diaspora, who has been the backbone of the Kerala economy for several decades, should get their right to exercise their franchise.

Munner said, "The situation today on diaspora voting rights has been cleared by the Lok Sabha and even the judiciary. Today in Canada and the US, their diaspora have the privilege of taking part in elections, even while they are out of the country. So I request the Kerala government to see how best we can allow our diaspora to take part in elections, when the local bodies polls take place next year. We can look into options like proxy or even postal votes for them."

According to the latest figures, there are 2.1 million migrants from Kerala across the world, of which a good majority will be able to exercise their franchise if given opportunity.

Vijayan said, "For this to become a reality, several things have to fall in place, as it requires coordination with various departments. With favourable responses from appropriate bodies, we will definitely begin discussions on this with the various stake holders on how to go about it."

JGU ranked among top 150 global 'young' universities

The OP Jindal Global University (JGU) has featured as the only private university from India in a global list of top 150 'young'

universities released recently.

The QS Young University Ranking 2020 has been compiled for all universities across the world that are less than 50 years old.

The JGU is the only university in the list which focuses exclusively on social sciences, arts and humanities.

Established in 2009, it is also the youngest of the 150 universities established after 1969 that have been ranked.

"As a young, private, not-for-profit and philanthropic university, JGU has the ability to quickly adapt to a modern-changing environment through their strategic initiatives and it has used this advantage to its fullest benefit," said Naveen Jindal, Founding Chancellor of the JGU.

Located in Sonepat in Haryana, the university has more than 4,000 students. It runs 17 different programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.

Speaking on the occasion of the release of the list, Prof. (Dr.) C. Rajkumar, Founding Vice-Chancellor of JGU said, "This is a significant achievement for a university which is less than 10 years old. We have stayed away from pure and natural sciences, engineering and medicine, which makes this achievement even more special and significant."

The JGU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has been accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with the "A" grade.

Two other universities from India that have made it to the list are the Indian Institute of Technology (Guwahati) that was established in 1994 and Anna University that was established in 1978.

“Operation Daredevil” atop Nanda Devi: ITBP

Retrieving bodies of climbers from Nanda Devi was among the toughest operations carried out by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) A.P.S. Nimbadia said recently that “Operation Daredevil” was launched to bring back the bodies of seven climbers. This involved first carrying the bodies to 21,000 feet, and then sliding them down to 19,000 feet in harsh climate and hostile terrain.

"It took our climbers three hours to lift the bodies to 21,000 feet and slide it to the other side," he said. "The bodies had started

A lone taxi moves through a waterlogged street following heavy rains in following heavy rains in Mumbai, India, 2 July 2019.

Photo: AP

Boats sit docked on Asia’s biggest lake Upper Lake (Bhopal Taal or Bhojtal) in Bhopal, 3 June 2019, after it shrunk in the drought that is devastating much of India.

decomposing and we were running out of time. Our climbers had to dig snow and bury the bodies to slow down the decomposition process. Our effort was also to bring the bodies back with dignity," he said.

The leader of the operations team Ratan Singh Sonal said: "The terrain was very difficult and there was soft snow and a wrong step would have meant danger to life."

Sonal, who belongs to Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, said that unlike Mount Everest, Nanda Devi is very difficult. In the case of the latter, one has to open the route and fix it.

The search operation involved 12 expert mountaineers of the force.

With the help of the Pithoragarh district administration, the ITBP began search operations from June 14 by establishing base camps in the direction of the incident site.

The ITBP team managed to recover seven bodies, out of the eight missing mountaineers, near an unnamed peak near Nanda Devi East on June 23.

Over 95K pilgrims undertake Amarnath Yatra in 7 days

95,923 Hindu pilgrims have completed the Amarnath pilgrimage (Yatra) in in the first week of July, it has been reported.

The 45-day long season will end on August 15, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.

Situated at 3,888 metres above the sealevel in Kashmir's Himalayas, the Amarnath cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva, according to the devotees.

The ice stalagmite structure waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said the annual Hindu pilgrimage has been possible with the support and assistance of the local Muslims.

Malik also asked people to bear with the curbs imposed on civilian traffic on the national highway for two hours daily as it concerns the safety and the security of the pilgrims.

"You know what happened on the national highway on February 14 this year," Malik said while he referred to the terror strike on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama district in which 40 troopers were killed. Meanwhile, All India Radio (AIR) is starting an FM radio station in the Baltal base camp to flash weather forecasts, traffic information and devotional content for the information of the pilgrims.

20 years later, brother

pays tribute to Kargil hero atop recaptured Himalayan peak

Twenty years after the Kargil War, martyr Capt Vikram Batra's twin brother has paid tribute to him at the 16,000-foot Himalayan peak from where his brother had led the assault to drive out its Pakistani occupiers.

Capt Batra's daring assault enabled the Indian Army to recapture the crucial peak named Point 4875 in the limited war over the icy heights of Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir in May-July 1999.

"All that I can say is one needs to visit these shrines captured by all our brave Indian soldiers who make it so easy for us to live peacefully," Vishal Batra, a Chandigarh-based banker, tweeted after climbing the hilltop christened 'Batra Top' close to the Line of Control.

"Can't express it in words as one needs to feel what the Indian Army does. Visiting the peak was like (visiting) a shrine."

Various events, including expeditions by units, were organised to mark the day at highaltitude locations like Tololing, Tiger Hill and Point 4875.

Vishal Batra was dropped by helicopter to Point 4875.

Kargil hero Capt Batra was posthumously awarded the ParamVir Chakra, India's highest war-time gallantry award. He used the words "Yeh dil maange more" as a battle slogan, which captured the nation's imagination.

Palampur in Himachal Pradesh is the hometown of Captain Batra.

In late July 1999, India retook control of all the positions that had been occupied by the Pakistan Army and mujahideen irregulars.

India lost 527 soldiers and Pakistan lost upwards of 700 men in the over two-monthlong conflict.

Jaipur named Unesco World Heritage Site, second Indian city in list

'Pink City' Jaipur this month made an official entry in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and leaders across the political spectrum welcomed the signal honour to the historical city.

The UNESCO shared announcement on Twitter. "Just inscribed as @UNESCO #WorldHeritage Site: Jaipur City in Rajasthan, #India. Bravo," the UN body posted.

The decision was taken at the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee,

which took place in Azerbaijan from 20 June to 10 July.

In 2018, then Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma formally announced that Jaipur's name was being proposed for World Heritage City. The Archaeological Survey of India had in 2015 submitted a proposal to UNESCO for the status.

Since then, the city has been in the tentative list while Ahmedabad proved luckier as it bagged the tag of becoming the first World Heritage City from India.

In addition to Jaipur, the Committee examined 36 nominations for inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List during the session.

Welcoming the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Jaipur is a city associated with culture and valour. Elegant and energetic, Jaipur's hospitality draws people from all over. Glad that this city has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO."

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his happiness at the development, terming it a proud moment for the state and a development which will boost tourism.

"It is a matter of great pride that our #PinkCity, #Jaipur has been declared as a #WorldHeritage site by @UNESCO. It will add to the glory of the capital city of #Rajasthan", he said in a tweet.

He added, "#Jaipur listed on the world map as #WorldHeritage site is not only a matter of prestige but it will give a boost to tourism. The local economy will benefit along with improving infrastructure."

Jaipur princess Diya Kumari termed it as a proud moment for the entire state.

"Maharaj Jai Singh II, the founder of the city, was one of my ancestors. He invited the best craftsmen and architects from all over the country to ensure they built the most beautiful and well-planned city in the world. They considered astronomy, planetary movement and Vastu Shastra in their plans to ensure that the city gets the best location and the people are happy, prosperous and safe."

The announcement will ensure the city retains and maintains its originality and beauty: once the UNESCO tags a city as a heritage city, it ensures that its originality is retained. “Hence many unwanted structures and encroachments and buildings coming up in the walled city shall have no place in this premises," Diya Kumari, who is also a MP from the state, told IANS.

Jaipur was founded in 1727 CE under

Sawai Jai Singh II.

The city was proposed to be nominated for its value of being an exemplary development in town planning and architecture that demonstrates an amalgamation and important exchange of ideas in the late medieval period, UNESCO said.

"In town planning, it shows an interchange of ancient Hindu, Mughal and contemporary Western ideas that resulted in the form of the city."

Jaipur City is also an exceptional example of a late medieval trade town in South Asia and defined new concepts for a thriving trade and commercial hub. In addition, the city is associated with living traditions in the form of crafts that have national and international recognition, it added.

Indian-American teen wins $100K quiz show prize

An Indian-American youth has won the 2019 Teen Jeopardy contest taking the $100,000 prize in America's most-watched individual quiz show.

Avi Gupta's victory televised in late June marks a near-clean sweep of popular student contests in the past year by Indian-Americans. He is from Portland, Oregon, and completed high school recently, although he was still a high schooler when the programme was pre-recorded several weeks ago.

He beat out three other Indian-American teens in the contest, which featured a total of 15 students.

During the show, he told the host, Alex Trebek, that people questioned the value of accumulating a trove of trivia when they could be googled. But he said that building a wide range of knowledge was important because arguments and ideas can be built only on facts.

The 2018 College Jeopardy, which also carried a prize of $100,000, was won by Dhruv Gaur.

The 2019 National Geography Bee, which tests knowledge of geography, was won by Nihar Janga.

In the 2019 National Spelling Bee last month seven of the eight co-winners were of Indian descent. For 10 years now, only Indianorigin Americans have been winners.

Indian-Americans have made their mark in science contests also. Sixteen of the 30 finalists in America’s top contest this year, the Regeneron National Science Talent Search, were of Indian descent.

Photo: AP

Spice Angel

Sandeep Pandit looks back at his MasterChef stint, and reveals plans for new adventures

BY SURUCHI SEHGAL

Rick Stein described his Lachcha Paratha as “exquisite”. “There are angels singing somewhere,” host Gary declared as he took a bite of his Masala Lobster, even as his colleague George yelled “You the man! You the man!”

Sandeep Pandit’s dishes on MasterChef Australia have been touted as some of the best Indian dishes the show has ever seen.

Looking back at his time this year on Australia’s leading reality TV show, the 37-year-old from Kashmir muses that it taught him loads about himself.

“I came out of MasterChef a more confident person – thanks to the tight deadlines, the thinking-on-feet required of contestants, and the stress of it all,” he told Indian Link. “But perhaps more importantly, I realised that I am the source of my own creativity. I have the power to create something (beautiful) that can make a difference.”

Such as when he saw his Mystery Box

ingredients, for example. “Nobody in their right mind would cook Indian from there, but I saw basil and tomatoes, and I thought, this could work!” He converted it to a basil lachcha paratha served with a tomato gravy, and Rick Stein, who he holds in great awe, was floored.

“That is my favourite moment from the show,” Sandeep beamed.

Clearly he rates it higher than the perfect score of 30 for his Lemon Rice and Lemon Pepper Chicken which won him an Immunity Pin.

Surprisingly, he was never in an elimination round. Yet his last cook on the show could have been better. (Interestingly, his fateful choice, kheer, is something his compatriots typically cook as an auspicious offering, or a celebratory sweet.) Sandeep apologised profusely for letting his supporters down, but put it all down to a back injury. “I was heavily medicated at that point, and was just not focused. Mind and body were not at tandem for such a fierce competition.”

The Melbourne-based IT professional has been a fan of the show since before he arrived in Australia in 2016, but he has cooking since childhood, he revealed. As an eight-year-old in 1989, his family were

forced to flee the militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. He choked up as he recalled being boarded on to a truck in Srinagar, with his parents following behind on a scooter. Starting a new life from scratch in Bangalore with meagre means, required him to help his mother in the kitchen, and that’s where he found his passion.

“My grandmother tried to kick me out of the kitchen, but once she figured I wanted to stay, she began sharing little tidbits about food.”

The family kitchen is perhaps where Sandeep learned also about the divinity of food and the spirituality of cooking. His conversation is littered with references to his mum and both grandmothers as his real idols when it comes to cooking, even though he lists celebrity Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor and writer Jiggs Kalra who passed away recently, as inspirations

There’s no doubt that family is a big deal for Sandeep. It’s not surprising then that he gave his MasterChef colleagues the same accord.

Recounting the time inside the MasterChef house, Sandeep talked of looking forward to dinner time as there was always somebody trying something new. He shared a particularly close bond with Tati, who he considers a sister. On the day he exited the show, he had said, “If I get to stay in the show at the cost of Tati getting out, I’d rather be eliminated.” About other contestants, he admired how

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SANDEEP PANDIT

Immunity pin or cook for Nigella

Immunity pin

One dish that you’re terrified of cooking Beef

Favourite dishes to cook for family For my son, chicken cooked on coals; for Mum, Muji chatin, a Kashmiri dish of Mooli ki chutney; my wife’s favourite dish is anything I cook!

Comfort food Dal chawal / Rasam rice

Judging Indian MasterChef or winning Indian Idol Judging Indian Masterchef

Biggest inspiration Myself as I learn from my mistakes, and both my divangat (late) grandmothers

That one dish you want ready for you when you get back home to India Tahaer, which is Kashmiri peelay chawal, cooked with mustard oil and spicy potato curry without onions, garlic or tomatoes. I cooked it for the audition on MasterChef.

Three people you’d like to cook for The late Dr. Abdul Kalam, India’s former President (I’d like to cook him his favourite Dum Aloo); and both my grandmothers (I’d cook something traditionally Kashmiri for them, like Roganjosh and Yakhni)

“After a time you forget there’s a camera around you. You are conscious for 3-4 days but then you just get used to it. So, the stuff that you saw, like the judges barging in and announcing something, was real. We never knew what was in store for us till we got to set.”

No prizes for guessing who his favourite judge is. “Gary has play a very important role in bringing Indian cuisine to the forefront,” he observed. “On a personal front, he encouraged me a lot as I battled my back problem.”

Asked whether it’s time we had a woman host, Sandeep noted that Billy and Poh almost co-host the show. “Gender doesn’t matter, as long as the hosts have a demonstrated passion for, and devotion to, the art of cooking.”

strong a contestant Tessa has been, and revealed that Dee would have been tough competition had she stayed on.

The anecdotes from the MasterChef kitchen continued as he spoke about singing Hindi songs to relax, even as nobody understood what he was singing. “Nushi (Anushka) once asked me whether I know the song Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja… and I said of course, Nushi!” he laughed.

Singing is another pet passion for Sandeep, who tried out for Indian Idol 2007. (Yes, he could tell you a thing or two about the differences in reality shows on Indian and Australian TV).

Was reel life different from real life?

Looking to the future, Sandeep discussed his plans for an upcoming website which would be a collection of authentic Kashmiri recipes, as well as introducing his own line of garam masala and blended spices. (“Indian cuisine is such that every dish has a set recipe. But the garam masala is something that differs in every household and it really makes the difference!”) He is also looking for collaborations to host pop-ups across Australia and work on travel and food shows like Netflix’s Street Food or Raja, Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniya. Plans are in the pipeline also for a restaurant Barbeque and Biryani in Melbourne.

WHAT’S ON

DANCE COMPETITION

Nach Le Sydney: A Bollywood style dance competition

Sat 3 Aug (6.00pm onwards) Inviting contestants in three categories: SOLO, DUET, GROUP (max 8 members).

Cash Prizes to be won. PLUS a Popular Choice Award for the entry with most audience support.

PIONEER THEATRE

Pennant St and Castle St, Castle Hill (5-min walk from Castle Hill station)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

n age 16 and above only

n Performance not to exceed 3 minutes.

n For selection, email your 1-minute video entries to nachlesydney@gmail.com

*ENTRIES CLOSE 19 JULY 2019

Details Shriti Sinha on 0410 578 146

SEMINAR

Business Accelerator at Parramatta

Wed 17 July (6:15pm – 8:15pm)

Vision Business organises a dinner event for Parramatta merchants to network. Learn how you can:

n Attract New and Loyal customers to your business at no cost

n Eliminate Visa, Mastercard and all bank charges altogether

n Reward your customers without any cost to your business

n Reduce your business expenses

n Promote and market your business better than ever before

n Leverage technology to improve your business

n Protect your business from the next Global Financial Crisis Venue: Haveli Indian Restaurant and Sweets, 67 Wigram Street, Harris Park.

Business coach Dr Himanshu

Buch

Sat 20 July (8:30am - 5:00pm)

India's top business and success coach Dr Himanshu Buch presents a talk on achieving success in the world of business, at Parravilla Function Centre, Church St, Parramatta.

Details: destinydesign.com.au

Basics of investment

Sun 21 July (12:00noon - 1:00pm)

Community Association Team India presents a seminar to spread awareness about the various types of investment options available to us

in the global markets. Discusses will be various types of deposits, shares, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, Index Funds, Derivatives (Options/Future), Crypto, Real Estate, Hedge Funds

n Private Equity, Commodity etc.

Venue: Franklin Street, Parramatta.

Details: 0470 244 388; 0469 746 076 Email: teamindia.au@gmail.com

Lunch and Learn with one of India's largest Asset Managers

Tue 30 Jul (12.15pm – 1.30pm)

Hear from one of the largest asset managers in India, Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management. Deputy CIO Sailesh Bhan, and Head of International Business Abhijit Singh, share key insights into one of the fastest growing economies in the world and learn how you can invest in India via the first Indian equity ETF launched on the ASX.

Topics

n Outlook on India post-election

n Will India overtake China and the rest of the world?

n Inside the Nifty 50 Index: Is this the best exposure for investors?

n NDIA – the first Indian equity ETF listed on the ASX

Venue: Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, 93 Macquarie Street, Sydney.

Details: 02 8311 3488 or infoAU@etfsecurities.com.au

STAGE

Sonu Nigam

Sat 20 July (7:00 pm onwards)

Bollywood’s most popular playback singer Sonu Nigam at Hillsong Convention Centre, 1-5 Solent Circuit Baulkham Hills, NSW.

Details: 0404 272 412

Shankar Ehsaan Loy

Sat 27 July (6:30pm onwards) Hillsong Convention Centre, Baulkham Hills, NSW.

Details: 02 9191 0638

Guru Randhawa

Sun 11 Aug (7:00 pm onwards)

Punjabi singing sensation Guru Randhawa in concert at Whitlam Leisure Centre, 90A Memorial Ave, Liverpool.

Details: Vishal 0405 656 786

ENTERTAINMENT

Bar Bombay

Sat 3 Aug (9.00pm onwards) Trikone Australasia presents Bar Bombay, queer Bollywood dance party. 105

Victoria Road, Factory Theatre Marrickville.

Details: www.barbombay.com

SPIRITUAL

Chinmaya Mission Australia

Saturdays Family programs (Balvihar classes) at Eastwood (3.00pm - 4.15pm) and at Strathfield (4.45pm - 6.00pm).

Details: Chinmaya Sannidhi 02 8850 7400, 0416 482 149. 17 - 18 July (8.00am - 5.00pm daily)

Swami Shrikarananda presents the program "Be fearless".

Details: Chinmaya Mission 0416 482 149

Sant Nirankari Mission Sydney weekly congregations Sundays (5:30pm - 7:30pm) followed by community meals.

Venue: Sant Nirankari Bhawan, 166 Glendenning Road, Glendenning. Details: Devinder 0403 216 084

COMMUNITY

Team India presents Singing Challenge

Sun 14 July (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Community association Team India presents a singing competition for different age categories and for different varieties of music.

Venue: Franklin St, Parramatta Details 0470 130 891; email: teamindia.au@gmail.com

Mateship Fair

Sun 4 Aug United Indian

Associations (Inc) marks the 25th anniversary of its annual IndiaAustralia Fair. Venue Parramatta Foreshores.

Details: 0452 025 666

India Day Dair

Sat 10 Aug (12 \noon – 9pm)

FIAN presents India Day Fair 2019 Parramatta Park

Details: 0413 375 669 or info@fian.org.au

YOGA AND MEDITATION

Lunch-time yoga and meditation

Mondays Art of Living Sydney presents free lunch-time Yoga sessions from 12:30pm - 1:30pm at Level 2, 265 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

Thursdays The Brahma Kumaris Australia present meditation sessions from 12.15pm - 1.00pm at the Indian Cultural Centre, Level 2,

265 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

Details: 02 9223 2702. Register at icc2.sydney@mea.gov.in

Yoga at Spirit of India

Saturdays and Sundays, 15-week Yoga course. Also check out special yoga classes for children (5-12 years), adults and senior citizens (55 plus). Venues at Wentworthville, Quakers Hill, Pennant Hills, Auburn, Epping, Homebush, Ryde.

Free Yoga class every Wednesday (5.30pm - 7.00pm) at Indian Consulate Cultural Centre, Level 2, 265 Castlereagh St, Sydney. Free meditation every Saturday (8.30am - 9.15am) at Wentworthville. Details www.spiritofindia.org or call Suresh 0412 202 182 or Raja 0402 789 109.

Sahaja Yoga: Music and Meditation

Free sessions at multiple venues across Sydney.

Details: www.sahajayoga.com.au

EXHIBITION

Archibald Prize 2019

Until 8 Sep Check outAustralia’s most extraordinary art event that awards the best portrait artists for their paintings. South Asian artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and Young Archie finalists Lakshman Nitish Ramesh and Anupama Pangeni are hung in this year’s event. Also hung is a lovely portrait of iconic restaurateur Anant Singh who opened the famous Jasmin restaurant in Adelaide in 1980. Venue: Art Gallery Rd, Sydney NSW 2000.

Details: 1800 679 278.

MISC

In memory of a beautiful little soul: Blood donation campaign

The Sydney-based Kaushik family are commemorating the brief life of their daughter Vanhi (16 April 2013 - 09 July 2015) who fought bravely against leukaemia by asking the community to join them in their blood donation campaign for Red Cross. Join their campaign ‘Vanhi the Smiling Star’s Red 25’ either by registering online (https://www. donateblood.com.au/red25) or by calling 131 495.

Details: Vishal and Nidhi Kaushik on 0433 823 668.

India-Oz: Student opportunities and research ties

Just as the average Indian migrant faces a mixed bag of experiences - some pleasant and some challenging - it’s a tricky affair for Aussie expats living in India as well. In this series, we speak to such Aussies about their life in India - what took them there, what they do, and what they have learnt about a different culture and a new way of life.

This issue, we chat with SHAUN STAR, Associate Professor at Jindal Global Law School

What do you do in India?

I have been living and working in India since 2010. I first came as a Prime Minister Asia Endeavour Scholar to study at the National Law School of India. Although my wife and I only intended to spend a year in India, we are still here a decade later! Since then, I have co-founded and chaired the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD), worked as a corporate lawyer and worked in operations for the Indian Premier League. I currently work as an Associate Professor at Jindal Global Law School where I also run the Centre for India Australia Studies (CIAS). The CIAS is the first and only centre with a focus on the India-Australia bilateral relationship that is embedded in an

Indian higher education institution. As Executive Director of the CIAS, I work closely with a number of Australian education institutions to create awareness about India as well as pioneer opportunities for student mobility and research collaborations between Australia and India. What challenges have you faced at work?

One of the biggest challenges has been to create an Australian imagination in India. In my experience, the perception of Australia in India has very much revolved around stereotypes such as cricket and kangaroos. Much of my work with the CIASand the AIYD has been to break down these stereotypes and create awareness about Australia in India (and vice versa).

Until recently, Australia has not necessarily been a priority destination for the best and brightest Indian students due to these perceptions. However, as the bilateral relationship between India and Australia grows, and the awareness about Australia increases, this trend is changing. Helping build momentum in this space has been a challenge of CIAS and AIYD over the past decade.

How did you first get to India?

When, in 2010, I was awarded the inaugural Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Award, I could choose to study and work in any country in Asia. Despite the fact that the majority of my cohort selected to go to Australia’s traditional Asian trading partners

China, Indonesia and Japan, I chose to go to India because of the similarities in the legal framework with Australia. Through this scholarship I spent a year studying Indian law at the National Law School of India in Bangalore. It also provided me with the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in a law firm in India at a time when there were very few foreign lawyers in India. My wife and I loved living in India so much that we never went back! India has become our home - so much so that our one-year-old son’s first spoken word was inHindi rather than English! Why aren’t there more Australian companies in India?

This is an important time in the bilateral

Presenting the Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne with a copy of his book.

With Australian university students during the India Immersion Programme 2018, hosted by the CIAS for three weeks and funded by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Programme.

relationship and there seems to be a lot of momentum in favour of increased trade activity. The release of the Peter Varghese report is evidence of this and with strong government support on both sides, this might catalyse stronger trade relations.

However, the reason that I feel that Australian companies are reluctant to come to India is partly due to a lack of awareness - both in terms of the opportunities and the business culture. I have been fortunate enough to have advised a number of Australian companies enter into India over the years and many of them have reaped the rewards of their investments here over time. Unfortunately, if you ask any businessperson in Australia about doing business in India, they have all heard anecdotes about investments or business relationships where something has gone wrong. We don’t publicise the success stories of Australian business in India enough - and there is an increasing number of these. Let’s talk about your personal experiences of India now. What was your first impression?

When I arrived at Bangalore airport in June 2010, I had never been to India before! While there were some initial challenges negotiating the cultural differences, overall, I was struck by the incredible hospitality of strangers and new friends. When we first arrived, we knew no one and had to rely on the kindness of

others to help us settle in and acclimatise. Some of the friends that we made early on remain close friends today.

Adjusting, what was the most difficult bit?

Adjusting to Indian culture, or for any culture for that matter, is all about perceptions. If you keep looking at everything through an Australian lens, and compare things with what you are used to (and what seems normal), you are unlikely to adjust. If you approach a new culture with an open mind, adjustment becomes easier and more enjoyable. In saying that, getting used to masala in Indian cooking took some time and I used to crave simple things like mashed potato or lasagne (I now, however, often find food in Australian quite bland!)

What did you find to be the most strange?

Driving! It took some time to understand that certain road rules are more like “suggestions” and lines on the road are more decoration than guides!

Figured out the head wobble?

Yes, absolutely, I even wobble my head when I am speaking on the phone. My family in Australia think I’m mad…

What was the easiest thing settling in India?

The warmth and hospitality of people. Apart from having developed amazing friendships with Indians from work and other activities, I am part of an expat cricket club in Delhi. Here, I have made some amazing friends

from all over the world and played cricket with them throughout the country. How did your neighbours treat you when you first moved in?

We have had a good relationship with our neighbours across the various apartments we have been in throughout India. We have been regularly invited for chai or a meal and to talk about cricket, politics or Bollywood. Indeed, we have been so warmly welcomed into our community and our son is so well known in the street that everyone, from the presswallah to the chowkidar to the Uncle in the flat next door to the Aunty on the first floor, stop to say hello to him and give him treats.

Apart from family and friends, what do you miss about Australia?

It is difficult not to miss the outdoor lifestyle, climate and infrastructure. In Delhi, the extreme temperatures over summer and pollution over winter make it difficult to play sport outside, or even go for a walk to the market.

What’s your India bucket list?

I have been lucky enough to experience a lot of things in India be it professionally, through travel or in sport. Top of my bucket list would probably be to witness an India-Australia World Cup Final, as the atmosphere in Indian stadiums is always electrifying. Watching the Quarter Final between India and Australia in 2011 was amazing (despite the result).

Professionally, I would like to provide student mobility opportunities that will allow 1,000 Australian university students to experience and engage with India during their studies. A student mobility program to India changed my life, and I want to afford that opportunity to the next generation of Australians.

Do you see yourself long-term in India?

After spending a decade in India, it will be very hard to leave as we have built a life here. Nevertheless, regardless of where we are based, India will always be a place I remain engaged with on a personal and professional level.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Read a book by an Indian writer? My wife and I have quite an extensive India library which includes non-fiction such as works by Shashi Tharoor and fiction such as the writings of Arundhati Roy.

Know any Hindi words? Yes, enough to know what my students are discussing when they think I do not understand.

Favourite local dish? Too many to list here, but having lived in Bangalore for a number of years, I can’t go past a good Set Dosa for breakfast! These days however, we tend to eat more Bengali food, as we live in a Bengali colony in Delhi.

Cook anything Indian? I’m not great in the kitchen, but I can whip up a dish of Poha if required!

Favourite Indian personality? Rahul Dravid.

Seen a Bollywood movie? Yes! Too many to count!

Deepika Padukone or Alia Bhatt?

Deepika Padukone.

SRK or Salman? SRK.

Know any Hindi film songs? A few e.g. All izz well, (3 Idiots).

Any advice to Aussies looking to work in India? If you are given the opportunity to experience India, go for it. Embrace the culture, eat the varying cuisines and travel widely.

With Australian High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu and Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University at the inauguration of the CIAS in 2016.

Presenting at a conference on India-Oz collaboration in legal education and higher education.

With former PM Kevin Rudd.

House of beauty

Beyond 9 to 5: These women built their beauty careers working from home

BY PREETI JABBAL

They chose to be their own bosses and became super-successful beauticians and hairdressers. These women abandoned their 9 to 5 routine, and instead, offered beauty services working from home. Whether as hairdressers or beauticians, the challenges were similar, but their stories diverse and experiences aplenty. Here they reveal some colour, fragrance and textures from their life’s makeup kit.

WORK FROM HOME MUM ZHANKANA JOCHEBED of Zan Salon, Vermont South

As a young mother of two, Zhankana started Zan Salon from home ten years ago after she completed her beauty course and training. She was pregnant with her first child and remembers dropping off pamphlets at local Indian stores to let people know of her new venture.

“Initially, there were days when no one would come and I would worry, but I persisted and today I have no time to rest, thanks to word of mouth,” said Zan. She prefers it that way, as she is not comfortable having completely unknown people walk through her door.

“Trust is a two-way thing. I know my clients and they trust me so I don’t really worry much about competition. Over time we have made personal connections and I have had clients even cry on my shoulder, as they feel free to discuss everything with me. I ensure that I maintain their confidentiality and help them wherever I can,” said Zan.

Her USP according to Zan are her facials and hair treatments. “I had a client who had lost almost all her hair. I started an oil based colour treatment for her and today she has the most wonderful hair and is very grateful”,

said Zan with pride.

Time management can be a challenge but adjustments are made mutually.

“If any of my clients are running a few minutes late I am OK with that if they inform me. On the other hand if my little children demand my attention they are OK with that and often tell me to tend to them first,” she shared.

Her pet peeve, however, is people who do not turn up after making appointments and do not bother to inform her. She also disapproves of chronic latecomers. “What people fail to understand is if they are always late it delays my schedule for the next person who arrives on time and has to wait. It is a basic courtesy that some do not bother with,” she complained.

Other than that, Zan is very happy with her current arrangement that suits her as she can work around her children and be available when they need her. When they grow up she plans to invest in a brick and mortar retail outlet in a location where there is a strong Indian/ Asian population.

“I am very social and love to be around people. This business gives me an outlet for communication, creativity and an income and I love it,” said Zan.

GLAMOCRACY

DIMPLE GUPTA of MUD (MakeUP By Dimple), Clayton

A day in the life of professional makeup artist and hairstylist Dimple Gupta is a balancing act between looking after her little daughter Myra, and her much loved vocation. Specialising in bridal and formal occasions, she has honed her skills in bringing out an individual’s unique beauty and making them shine.

“The best part of my job is when my clients feel that rush of confidence when they look in the mirror after a session, and I know that my mission is accomplished,” said Dimple. She runs a studio from home and takes mobile assignments with photographers, models and commercials.

Dimple came to Australia as a student in 2007 and completed her education in Community Welfare Development. She started working for a not-for-profit and at the same time pursued her interest in fashion and beauty. Counselling became a large part of her role both as a beautician and women’s welfare program manager.

“I worked with refugees and my work kept me grounded,” Dimple recounted. “When I heard their stories my own challenges seemed insignificant in comparison. It gave me enormous pleasure to offer makeup sessions for refugee women and boost their morale and help them feel comfortable in their skin.”

Beauty was never a passing interest for Dimple; it was a lifelong passion.

“I studied Accounting while growing up in India, but I was better suited to aesthetics and should have taken up

Fashion Designing,” said Dimple.

When she migrated to Australia, she worked in Welfare and simultaneously started shaping a career in beauty through training and education. “My friends often asked me why I was working on two extremes but I enjoyed both equally,” shared Dimple.

Dimple’s experience in the industry is varied but she never forgets an inspirational young woman she met on a modelling shoot who was an unfortunate victim of rape. She still turned up for her shoot the day after the incident and Dimple was asked to do her makeup. “I had never come across such a situation before but I handled it with sensitivity and care,” she revealed. “It was inspiring to see someone so young show such remarkable resilience. I can never forget her.”

Dimple particularly enjoys working for avant-garde shows, fashion events and has worked with many high-end brands. She eventually opened her own studio at home so she could look after her child. Her clientele is predominantly from an Indian background and she regularly utilises social media to promote her business. She attends regular online master classes and courses to update herself on latest trends.

“It takes time to get established and at the moment I am not free to network extensively. But I am living breathing proof that it is possible to follow a dream and I hope to inspire others to go after what sets their soul on fire,” declared Dimple.

FROM ART TO HEART SUNEETI MISHRA of Indian Herbal Beauty, Rowville

generously let them pick vegetables and seeds from her large veggie garden. They also got to sample the delicious food that Suneeti enjoyed preparing when she had the time. Clients became connections and then friends and Suneeti saw her role change gradually.

Her clients felt comfortable pouring their hearts out to her, discussing health issues, family concerns, relationship conflicts and everyday problems. She listened and offered advice where possible. She leveraged her large number of contacts to help her clients. Doctors were referred for ailments, caterers for weddings and guidance offered, free, along with beauty treatment.

A THING OF BEAUTY, A JOY FOREVER RACHNA MITTAL of Makeover By

Rachna, Sydneham

analysis. She is currently completing her Certificate III in hairdressing.

She started a home-based salon in 2017 and used Facebook to promote her work. Small advertisements here and there helped to spread the word and her business commenced with the support of friends and family. She found that many Indian women preferred to get their beauty treatment in a relaxed home atmosphere. It was more flexible and economical and catered to their specific skin type.

From beautician to counsellor, Suneeti’s journey has been very fulfilling both personally and professionally. She started her salon from home, at a time when there were not many around in Melbourne and her USP was a threading technique that is almost painless. She never looked back as people found out and word of mouth got her clients from far and wide. Her use of herbal products for treatment and care proved to be a winner with Indians. Working from home offered her and the clients a flexibility that was not possible in a salon with regular hours. Clients could drop in on the way to work or on the way back and Suneeti was able to accommodate their bookings. On their visits, Suneeti

Keeping her clients’ identities confidential, Suneeti disclosed how she connected clients who suffered domestic violence to the social services that could provide assistance. She shared how she helped a lady who had no family support and was suffering from a terminal illness. Suneeti spent a lot of time giving her moral support and even had to bathe her body after she passed away as no one else was prepared to, an experience that Suneeti can never forget. Her involvement with the community became more than just offering skin treatments.

Her own strength was the support of her family, particularly her husband Alok who would ensure she would eat a nutritious meal on days when her appointments were back to back or help her by cooking and taking care of the home and kids.

“I feel blessed that I can make so many people look beautiful and feel good; I wouldn’t trade this for any other profession,” said Suneeti.

Rachna feels all women are beautiful and makeup just helps to enhance their features. She is more than happy to provide that little magic touch as a qualified makeup artist and hairstylist with specialisation in makeovers. She personally believes in botanical and organic products and loves to promote a good healthy skin.

Rachna migrated to Australia in 2009 and initially struggled to find a job. She did a Government funded course in childcare and worked in the industry for some time but her heart was not in it. Her creative side was attracted to the beauty industry. As soon as she could afford the fees, she enrolled in a Diploma of Beauty Therapy and updated her knowledge through courses in makeup, hairstyling and skin

While most of her experiences were positive, she remembers working for a local beauty pageant in Melbourne where she was treated badly and not paid for hours of work. Despite that, she enjoys participating in community events and often offers voluntary makeup or free vouchers for her services as a way of paying back.

According to Rachna, every woman has the right to look her best. Her favourite moment is when her clients get up from the facial bed and see their acne treated and skin rejuvenated. “The happiness and blessing I get from them is worth every minute I spent on acquiring the knowledge, practising it and implementing it,” claimed Rachna.

Today she works 7 days a week, 6 days in a newly acquired partnership at a beauty room located in Fitzroy and one day from home.

“It’s a very exciting time for me and I am glad I pursued my passion to get here. I particularly like working with events, fashion shows and photographers. I no longer need to look at the clock when I work as time just flies when you are having fun. I get a great sense of achievement and satisfaction when I can make people feel relaxed, beautiful and happy,” said Rachna.

Kiran migrated from India 30 years ago and was offered two jobs, one at an Estee Lauder beauty counter and another at ANZ bank. She chose to work for the bank and did so for 11 years. When her first child was born, she decided to decline a senior position offered at the bank and look after her child instead. A couple of people she knew were aware that she was a trained beautician, so they started visiting her.

Kiran was one of the few people who offered threading, at that time, and her home business took off very well, mainly from word of mouth. She did not need to advertise as she was booked out 6 days of the week and had clients travel from Sydney, Ballarat, and Geelong etc. to see her.

“The secret of my work is honesty and passion. I have a great rapport with my clients and I ensure that I am consistent with the quality of my work,” said Kiran.

Kiran said she was head hunted by Shahnaz Hussain, the world-renowned Indian beautician and trainer. Kiran had

completed a 2-year diploma with Hussain and proved to be a great student. Back then, due to the time and investment required to open a Shahnaz Hussain salon, it was not feasible for Kiran to do so. Instead, she started operating from home.

Kiran finds many positives working from home especially when there’s a young family. “Flexible work hours, house chores can be accomplished, and most importantly, your children have their mother around 24/7. There are no overheads and clients get a more relaxed atmosphere. I have hardly any bad experiences but plenty of good ones,” she said.

Kiran is currently an educator in beauty therapy. She also teaches art at Holmesglen TAFE. She still operates from her home-based studio but works restricted hours, by appointment only. She is also guiding new immigrants to set up their salons or home studios and providing them skills and knowledge by sharing her experiences.

“The sky is the limit in the beauty business,” said Kiran. “Our Indian community has increased enormously in Melbourne; so has the demand for good hair, beauty and makeup artists. My advice is, if you have the aptitude, passion

and commitment, then go for it. It’s a very rewarding profession, making others feel good about themselves. When they leave your salon with a spring in their step, you receive that positive energy back,” said Kiran.

PASSION AND POSITIVE ENERGY

KIRAN SEKHON GAILLARD of Belle De Jour, Mitcham

Celebrating Karnad

Much of his works continue to have an all-time relevance, even those that seem to be historical or mythological. Examples from Thuglaq as well as Thaledanda, which I quoted, have long resonated with me.

BY SYDNEY SRINIVAS

"Girish Karnad was a man of versatile talents which were not limited to acting as the hero in the movie Samskara,” Tom Cowan told a Sydney gathering recently.

He has known Girish Karnad since 1968 when he acted as cinematographer for the movie Samskara which won many awards and became a trend setter in Indian cinema.

Cowan went on to describe the circumstances under which he met Karnad in Madras and traced his long friendship with him. He also narrated the hardship they underwent in making the movie.

He was speaking at a tribute event organised in memory of the multitalented Girish Karnad who passed away on 10 June this year, aged 81. Organised by the Sydney-based Anivaasi Arts Collective, the event brought together people who had felt the Karnad flame ignite a love for the arts. It became an evening of nostalgia, tales of inspiration, and a revisit of some of the legendary man’s creative works.

The program started with an invocation from Karnad’s iconic 1971 play

Hayavadana which looked at the themes of personal identity and female emancipation.

To conclude, Anivaasi artists chose the same play again, this time performing its songs, led by Sudarshan.

In my own tribute to the great writer, director and actor, I focussed on him as a playwright, not only because he influenced my own reading to such a great extent, but also because the theatre scene evolved so strongly with him. The legacy of the man has left an indelible mark upon Kannada theatre in particular, the new directions given by him taking it to a level on par with that in Marathi and Bengali languages. His plays left the audience deeply thoughtful, even disturbed.

Video messages from Sukanya Kanarallyin Wellington NZ and Vinathe Sharma in Brisbane were played out. Sukanya admired his ability and craftsmanship in translating from past into present. Vinathe observed that he was a strategist and excelled in whatever he did.

We heard from Vinaya Rai of Adelaide, whose tribute on Indian Link Radio was replayed on this occasion: Karnad was a bold and daring playwright, she described.

Sudarshan narrated a poetic work, his own composition about how Karnad brought out the activist in him.

Shashikanth presented a reading of some interesting passages from Karnad’s autobiography Adadta Aayushya (The Play of Life).

A team of actors read an act from the play Benda Kalu on Toast.

The audience also enjoyed clips from Kannada movies featuring KarnadSamskara, Vamshavriksha and Kadu.

It was amazing to see and hear from so many people who have been touched by the great Girish Karnad’s life and works, and continue to be so even as they live so far from India.

Indeed, as MC Bhavani Rao observed later, it was a fitting tribute to the multisided talent of Girish Karnad.

Sydney tribute brings together those for whom Karnad ignited a love of the arts

Sudarshan Narayan Dr Srinivas

Anivaasi group

Tom Cowan

All about keto

Is a low-carb diet good for you?

BY JYOTHSNA RAO

“I AM DOING KETO.”

This is a familiar phrase I hear at social gatherings and, invariably, the reason for ‘doing keto’ is to lose weight. Once people figure out that I am a nutritionist, I get asked more and more questions on the keto diet. Here are some basics on what a keto diet is, and whether it does in factwork.

HISTORY OF KETO

Essentially, a ketogenic diet is a way of eating where you limit your carb intake, eat moderate protein and add more fats. Instead of the traditional diet of using carbs as an energy source, the keto way of eating uses fats as a primary source of energy.

It all actually began way back in 1924, when Dr Russell Wilder, a medical practitioner at the Mayo Clinic USA, developed this diet as a means to treat epilepsy in children. He rationalised that the brain would use ketones as a primary source of energy. Interestingly, this diet proved to be effective in some cases of epilepsy in children.

What is even more interesting is that, nowhere in its development did Dr Wilder see this as becoming a ‘weight-loss’ diet.

HOW DOES KETO WORK?

A quick recap of human metabolism tells us how ‘keto’ works. Essentially, our body is primed to use glucose as the primary source of energy, which is why we crave yummy potatoes when hungry! But the body can also use fat as fuel if it has to, and it does this by breaking fats into ketones. Ketones are produced when we intentionally fast or eat less carbs. The state of ketone production is called ketosis. Now, ketosis is incredibly challenging to maintain: any small increase in carbs will switch the energy source to carbs and not fats leading to noncompliance. If small amounts of carbs can throw you off ketosis, how does ‘keto’ cause weight loss? The initial loss you see on the scales is water loss, however motivating it might be to see! Our muscles store glycogen which is bound to water - in fact, loads of water - something like a ratio of 1-part muscle to 4-parts water, so what you lose is that water! The trick to succeed is to persist with this way of eating, which is eating loads of fat. In fact, within 72 hours your body goes into ketosis and maintaining that may see a significant loss of weight.

WHAT IS THE KETO WAY OF EATING?

Maintaining ketosis is the main goal and the level of carbs needed to do that differs from person to person. A meal of 85% fat, 15% protein and 5% carbs is a typical example. What does that then translate to in a day? Think a breakfast of egg bhurji with some spinach, a lunch of chicken

tikkas and an avocado and a dinner of shahi paneer, tomato soup and maybe some cauliflower. This, of course, also means no accompanying naans, or garam rotis! Snacks tend to be nuts such as cashews, almonds and pistas. Low carb vegetables such as asparagus, eggplants, spinach and cauliflower are allowed. Some dairy is ok mainly in the form of cheese, butter and cream, but sadly, no pindi chhole, rajma or dal makhani. While this type of eating is possible with extensive planning, it is not sustainable. It can be socially isolating, and cannot be adapted to celebrations where typically the tables are loaded with mithais, pakodas, samosas and chaat. Your own birthday cake is not permitted. A bit harsh, eh?!

ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS OF KETO?

Of course, there are studies that show an improvement in blood cholesterol levels. Again, this depends on the individual and more importantly on the ethnicity. Most

do lose weight as eating high-fat foods at every meal keeps you full for longer, so you don’t snack as much. I have heard people say they feel energetic and motivated, an excellent outcome. Eating whole, minimally processed foods is way better than eating ultra-processed foods and it is whole foods that are allowed on ‘keto’.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE AWARE OF THEN?

This way of eating is low in fibre and carbs but high in fats. This does not help the healthy gut bacteria to thrive. Recent research published in the journal Gut has also shown that moving to a high fat diet decreases the number and variety of good gut bacteria. Now, that is a worry because we need high numbers and a variety of good gut bacteria to stay healthy. In fact, what is more concerning is that high-fat diets allow inflammatory proteins associated with diabetes and obesity to enter the bloodstream, and these diseases have been linked to poor gut health. What we also

know is that carbs and fibre from legumes such as rajma, lobia and chana when broken down in the gut produce short chain fatty acids; these fatty acids feed good bacteria and they thrive. Traditional Indian food is heavily plant-based and loaded with fibre and carbs. Is that a good thing then? Absolutely!

A study called DIETFITS, done in early 2018, compared a low-fat high-carb diet to a high-fat low-carb one and found that there was no significant difference in weight loss from following either. What they also recommended is that the best diet is one that you can stick to. Wow, isn’t that incredible!

In conclusion, a keto is not for everyone. See a qualified nutritionist for a personalised plan rather than relying on online advice. Enjoy your food, eat a variety and keep those critters in the gut happy. Dr Jyothsna R Rao is a university-qualified nutritionist with a background and expertise in human physiology, who has studied and lived in Australia for 19 years.

Photo: Keto Diet App

Comparing a lowfat high-carb diet to a high-fat lowcarb diet, one study found no significant difference in weight loss from following either.

MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

Seeking professionally qualified settled match for Sydney-based, never married Aus citizen, Hindu Punjabi Khatri, 46, 5'3" slim, fair,attractive girl. Girl is postgraduate and is working on a good position in government organisation. Please send details with photo to Indsyd2016@gmail.com.

Beautiful, highly educated girl with very good family background, soft spoken, career-oriented 33-year-old vegetarian Brahmin girl, working, well settled in Sydney, seeks an educated, teetotaller match with good family background. Prefer Australian citizen or PR.

Please contact rajsyd83@gmail.com

Looking for a well-qualified and wellsettled Australian citizen match for NRI Indian girl now residing in India. She is 32, height 5’ 4”, B. Tech (aeronautical engineering),running her own business in India. Email banteryshop@yahoo.com, or call +91 9876999296

Seeking professionally qualified, well-settled match from Sydney for ’88-born 5"3" Hindu Punjabi girl, divorced

(concluded) with brief marriage of 1.5 years. Working full time with a leading university in Sydney. Pref teetotaller. Aus PR or citizen only.

Email: matrimonial.ml@gmail.com

Seeking professionally qualified match for attractive girl. Legally separated, no kids, 35 years, 5'3", working as Lead Legal Counsel in reputed investment firm at Gurgaon. Hindu family settled in Gurgaon. Email: satinder.neelam@gmail.com; phone: +91 98188 85477

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking professionally qualified, settled match for Sydney-based, never married Aus citizen, Hindu Punjabi Khatri, 45, 6', athletic built boy. He is a project manager with engineering background and is working in a private organisation. Please send details with photo to Indsyd2016@gmail.com.

Professional match for Punjabi boy, 34, 5'11", fair, B.Com/BBA, Chartered Accountant, Australian citizen andworking as manager with a major bank in Sydney. Girl should be Hindu, 26 to 32, professionally qualified, Australian citizen or PR, and must be Sydney based. Please send photo & details to: sanjdeep6@gmail.com.

Seeking match for educated, divorced, 5’9", 1975 born Sikh boy, self-employed, earning 100k per annum, on bridging visa with full work rights. Looking for PR/citizen match from Australia.

Phone: 0422812939 or email: jas_ghai01@hotmail.com

July 2019

BY MINAL KHONA

Minal Khona has been reading tarot cards for the last two decades. She uses her intuition and connect with the cards mostly to help people.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Tarot sees the presence/influence of a Scorpio type of personality in your life. You are fascinated by the occult, alternate remedies and the usually open Aries might be a bit secretive this month. You could meet someone socially with whom you might want to get romantically involved. Expect adverse conditions or disputes at home or work. If losing weight consult a doctor. A spiritual force is guiding you so be open to signs. Sudden inspiration will give you the answers you seek.

LEO

July 21 - Aug 22

The usually impulsive Leos display some Taurean caution this month. Unexpected developments in love or personal relationships and workable ideas will take up mind space. A positive turnabout in matters of the heart is predicted. Travel plans fall through. Emotional problems interfere with work. You might have problems with your teeth, gums or muscles. Though you might want to break up with a lover, your relationship will continue. Success comes with deliberate effort and future potential.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22 - Dec 21

TAROT

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

If in a serious relationship, marriage could be on the cards. At work, you feel unappreciated and overworked. A negative state of mind leads to depression. Being overworked will cause exhaustion. Take it easy for a while. Financial setbacks and losses are temporary. Use this time to mediate and analyse your situation and for spiritual growth. The end of problems will come as a relief. Avoid taking rash decisions as it can lead to losses on multiple fronts.

VIRGO

Aug 23 - Sep 22

This month is a period of waiting, possibly before taking a decision to utilise a skill or act on an idea. For the self-employed, business will be slow in the beginning, but it will pick up and you will make good money. In a relationship, you will wonder whether you will stay together or part; time will tell. If unwell, you will make a quick recovery. As you take a stand, anything counterproductive or fundamentally wrong will be rejected.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 19

The outdoor loving, blunt speaking Sagittarian is studious and persevering this month; but also unusually fickle, like a Capricorn. You handle issues sensibly in a relationship and can expect some good news from someone who cares. A slump at work ends when someone lifts your spirits. General ill health might plague you; say what you have to and don’t suppress your feelings. Money might be slow in coming in but unexpected financial gains are predicted.

The practical Capricorn behaves like an Aquarian this month and takes interest in the environment and wanting to help mankind. An unusual or striking person catches your fancy and the interest is mutual. A new job offer is on the way. You seek depth in a relationship and will not settle for less. A spiritual cleansing helps to bring good health. Money starts to come in, and things are working out. Eventually, your fondest wishes will be fulfilled.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

If you’ve been planning a new venture, it will show potential, but expect results by autumn. Some of you might move into a new home; a financially rewarding holiday or business trip is in the offing. Those romantically involved could move in together or even get married. Productivity on the work front will increase. New ideas will bring success so be creative. Do something different for a change. You have divine blessings to go ahead and work on the alternatives.

LIBRA

Sep 23 - Oct 22

You need to take some decisions regarding investments, health or career opportunities. Take a break from work or you will have a tough time recouping. Watch what you eat and guard against accidents at home. New elements at work can be unsettling because you have not established yourself yet. Money problems besiege you, but a debt will be paid back and money will also come from multiple sources. Your best success comes from educational resources or a new kind of work.

AQUARIUS

Jan 20 - Feb 18

A slightly passive month for Aquarians, with focus on one’s inner life, feelings, intuition and self-expression; just be and don’t do much. You feel the lack of a connection, or yearn to do something creative. It’s time to meditate and reflect on what it is you seek. An upper back ailment could need attention; avoid stress. Money is delayed but it will come. A stressful period comes to an end. Success comes through a change in attitude and trusting your instincts.

CANCER June 21 - July 20

Not an easy month as disappointments and adversity bog you down. Home improvement projects could keep you busy. A new avenue for work will come by but you won’t take it up. Take a muchneeded break from work; tumultuous situations at home are short-lived. Financial gains through investments are predicted. What looked like a lost cause will lead to a new beginning. Delays work in your favour. Don’t do anything rash, the situation is only temporary.

SCORPIO

Oct 23 - Nov 21

‘What could be’ is your motif this month as you seek meaning and purpose in life. If single, you might meet someone who gives you hope that they could be the love of your life. A property matter could end in a sale. A new opportunity to enhance a skill or your career could come by. Financial prospects improve. You will know what the root cause of a nagging health issue is, and take steps to correct. Spiritual guidance will help you out.

PISCES

Feb 19 - March 20

Financial security is your top priority this month. You want to ensure no effort goes waste. Obstacles like distance or work priorities can impact a relationship but if you want to be together nothing can stop you. A business opportunity lands in your lap. A health issue continues to irk you and going to the doctor is also a painful experience. You will have enough money to pay bills and expenses. A nagging sense of insecurity will keep you on your toes.

cineTALK

THIS BEATLES HOMAGE DOESN'T COME TOGETHER

It’s a surprise to know that Yesterday is penned by the same person who is responsible for working on scripts of classic British TV comedies Black Adder, Mr Bean, The Vicar of Dibley and Not the Nine O’Clock News. Moving from TV to film, Richard Curtis came to be synonymous with British romantic comedies through films like Love Actually and About Time. If Hugh Grant has anyone to thank for in making a career out of playing the male rom-com lead, first on that list must be Curtis. Which is why one of the biggest disappointments of Yesterday, with a screenplay by Curtis, is with its writing. The alternate, surreal universe imagined by Curtis isn't developed beyond the intriguing premise: what would you do if you woke up one day and realised you were the only person who remembers that The Beatles ever existed? It’s such a fascinating concept, the kind of crazy idea that you can do so much with. But the film just lingers along, unsure of what it really wants to do with the exciting premise it’s been given, before landing on a completely unnecessary, bizarre twist.

Singer-songwriter Jack Malik (played by Himesh Patel) wakes up one morning after a worldwide blackout to find that he seems to be the only one with any memory of this little-known, definitely-not-famous band called The Beatles. With his music career going nowhere, Jack decides to perform Beatles’ songs and pass them off as his own as a shortcut to music superstardom.

YESTERDAY

Let me first give credit where credit is due. We don’t get to see people of colour as mainstream rom-com leads in movies all that often. Yes, that trend is slowly and surely changing with box office smash hits like Crazy Rich Asians and the recent Netflix rom-com Always

Be My Maybe. But this is different. This is a film written by Richard Curtis and directed by Danny Boyle, a film that has the stamp of a decidedly ‘British’ sensibility, where Lily James plays the doe-eyed, ‘I’ve been in love with you for twenty years’ type of loveinterest opposite Himesh Patel. Not only does this film present Himesh as a conventional male rom-com lead, it also subverts our expectations through the dynamic between the two leads. You would expect Himesh’s character pining for James – who fits the conventionally attractive image of the rom-com heroine to the T - but no, it’s the other way around here. These small touches show the self-awareness of Curtis and Boyle to update the mainstream romcom template to match contemporary sensibilities, given how mainstream rom-coms as a genre have historically not considered people of colour as lead material.

However, it’s the trappings of the rom-com genre that ultimately prove to be the film’s undoing. Curtis’ screenplay is too preoccupied in hitting all the conventional notes for a formulaic rom-com when the premise never actually limited the narrative to that kind of a story. The film works best in flashes when it is a sincere love letter to The Beatles. That is what this film was meant to be. Unfortunately, the narrative is way too muddled to focus on the story it ultimately wants to tell. There are some surprising cameos by famous faces, but even they can’t save the film.

Though Patel is a decent enough singer, it was such a wasted opportunity to have as talented a singer as James and not give her even a single lead song. But then again, this film is so full of wasted opportunities, it’s hard to keep count.

Virat Nehru

STARRING: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran, Kate McKinnon DIRECTOR: Danny Boyle H H

you have

the whole world”

QUESTIONING, DISTURBING

ARTICLE 15

STARRING: Ayushmann Khurrana, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra

DIRECTOR: Anubhav Sinha

HHHH

Article 15 is thought provoking, questioning, disturbing and ultimately cathartic, because the cop-hero (played with a simmering intensity by Ayushmann Khurrana) succeeds in getting justice for the wronged.

In real life it is different, though. And in giving the underdogs of the film a satisfying closure, director Anubhav Sinha (who has clearly turned a new leaf after Mulk) and his co-writer (Gaurav Solanki) remind us that happy endings are for the movies, and that we are getting one here because, hey, no matter how authentic, Article 15 is a film after all.

Sinha's stunning film says a lot of things we don't really want to hear about social discrimination in the cow-belt areas. The movie takes us to a dusty little town in UP where a sophisticated liberal cop (Khurrana) joins duty and immediately stumbles onto a horrific caste crime whereby two girls are gang raped and hung by a tree. A third girl is gone missing.

Sinha imparts to the search for the girl a 'thriller' element that in no way overdramatizes the film's incessantly grim mood. There are no songs even in the background because there is nothing to sing about. Not here.

In telling this hideously messy tale, Sinha makes no effort to spare the details. The caste system and gender discrimination are so deeply embedded in the social fabric of rural India that men, or at least a section of them, feel entitled to teach women a lesson if they don't comply.

In my favourite sequence of this

KABIR SINGH

STARRING: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi

DIRECTOR: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

HHHH

Remakes, more often than not, disappoint. This one doesn't. Kabir Singh doesn't quite better its precursor, the game-changing Telugu film Arjun Reddy. And really, Shahid Kapoor is no patch on Vijay Deverakonda, who sweated, bled and urinated (literally) into his despicably misogynistic character, investing into this weird, reprehensible child-man a kind of contemporary resonance that makes for a bizarre blend of Devdas, James Dean and all the rebels without a pause that we have encountered before and after Amitabh Bachchan's Angry Young Man.

Shahid Kapoor's Kabir Singh is a troubled man, threatening, swearing, drinking and fornicating his way through life.

It is strange that this thankless, self-absorbed, foul-mouthed and illtempered Kabir is loved and protected by a cordon of family, colleagues and best friend Shiva (Soham

Majumdar) who seem to see some sort of goodness behind the uncouth behaviour which the audience can't.

It's not easy to like Kabir. The character is so flawed and fractured, so fuelled and felled by its own inbuilt anger that every move he makes seems one more step towards selfannihilation.

The writer-director gives his anti-hero the full slow burn treatment. There is no effort to show Kabir in a kind light.

A senior intern in a medical college, he succeeds in bullying the timid, tremulous medical student Preeti into believing he has fallen so passionately in love with her, she must reciprocate in kind. What follows is an embarrassing array of stalking scenes and a stream of smooches and lovemaking, all indicating a very high level of subverted intensity in a man whose morals equal that of an alley cat.

The brilliance of this film about rebellion, love and self-destruction, resides in the rawness of the scenes and the hurtful nature of words that characters use against one another. In the second half, when Preeti has rightly dumped Kabir, he asks a female friend

REBEL WITHOUT A PAUSE

exceptionally relevant drama the criminal tells the cop Ayan Ranjanin a casual almost blasé tone, why the women they raped and killed so brutally had to be a taught a lesson. I heard the same unrepentant tone in the Netflix series Delhi Crime when one of the rapists tells the cop the girl had to be put in her place.

The sequence is chilling for the way the masculine mind works in a maledominated society.

I would have liked to see Khurrana's rage more overtly expressed in this scene. It is the sign of a civilised bureaucrat's struggle with his self to cling to his core of humanism and civility while all around him the world crumbles and collapses into a heap of brutality and incivility.

The film has an exceptionally astute sense of pitch and tone. Though the background score is flashy, Anubhav Sinha never over-punctuates his drama. He is not afraid to let the world he recreates glisten with the sweat of inhuman conduct. The actors are all so clued into the director's kingdom of the damned that they blissfully slip into their roles with no apprehension of tripping over the abyss of self-conscious authenticity.

Besides Khurrana who brings a feeling of bridled indignation to every scene, the film's other hero is Ewan Mulligan's cinematography. It doesn't miss a single detail in the ravage and chaos of the heartland, so unpolished and yet so untouched (don’t miss the butterflies in the moth jar.)

Article 15 is a film that must be seen by every Indian. Not because it tells us something new. But because what it tells us ought to become irrelevant to our society now.

Subhash K Jha

Shahid plays this toxic intoxicated man with a furious flair for seething emotions. But the performance lacks the freshness of what Vijay Deverakonda brought to the character in the original. The venomous emotions, though expressed with a disturbing sincerity, never quite reach Shahid's eyes.

Here is an actor in full control of his character's uncontrollable emotions, not quite able to process those emotions to their fullest. A flawed, but nonetheless remarkable performance. That the character obtains his redemption at the end is only because the screenplay wants to be kind to him. This man deserves no second chance. Making the redemptive moment unbearably undeserved is Kiara Advani, whose emotional outburst at Shahid's reformative whining flies everywhere as though making a last-bid effort to match her co-star's ongoing hysteria.

if she would like to satisfy his "physical needs" with no strings attached. This obnoxious offer is made in the tone of a demi-God bestowing a favour to a subject.

Though at times the film is as flawed as its protagonist, it is nonetheless an important film in divulging what the young urban Indian male thinks of the plans life makes for him.

Subhash K. Jha

The BUZZ

ON WHAT’S HOT AND HAPPENING IN BOLLYWOOD

MATHS MOVIES

Maths for fun? It’s true. Come 12 July, India is going to the theatres to see a maths movie - a regular mainstream Bollywood movie on maths.

Of course it helps that the film, called Super 30, has the hunky Hrithik Roshan as the lead.

Now if only we had Hrithik as our maths teacher…

The film is based on a real life story. Hrithik plays Bihar mathematician Anand Kumar, who trains students for the entrance test for the highly valued Indian Institute of Technology IIT, the nation’s leading educational institution for the sciences. He picks 30 of the most talented students each year, all from disadvantaged backgrounds, and sees most of them through to the best possible university education they can

get. His students, called ‘Super 30’, go on to rewarding professional careers, and raise their standard of living to a level they could not have dreamt of before.

It’s a slightly different maths movie than others that have done well: A Beautiful Mind, The Man Who Knew Infinity, X + Y, The Imitation Game, Hidden Figures, The Oxford Murders, and that golden favourite Good Will Hunting. The nerd in us comes out as we say this: all of these deserve another sitting. Don’t you agree?

Adding to this list, check out 90 to Win (2017), a gem of a film from India,which is hugely topical in another way: a maths genius tries to create an alternative to the Duckworth Lewis method used in cricket. Aha, we hear you say…

FLAWED, LIKE US ALL: SHAHID ON KABIR SINGH

He started out by playing a chocolate boy in Ishq Vishk, but then with films like Kaminey, Haider and Udta Punjab, Shahid Kapoor proved his versatility and talent in carrying off flawed characters with finesse. And with his latest film Kabir Singh, the actor is surprised to see how his most flawed character on-screen has become his most loved.

His role as Kabir has been condemned by a section of the audience and critics, who have tagged it misogynistic and one which perpetuates toxic masculinity. But the film, a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy, has still scored Rs 200 crore and more at the box office.

Shahid thanked his fans for their love, with an Instagram post in which he deconstructed the character. "Thank you for understanding him, forgiving him and loving him with all your heart. We all fall apart. And we all must strive to rise from our faults. To be better... to be wiser and to be kinder… The most flawed character I have ever played has become my most loved."

Shahid feels Indian cinema and the audience have come a long way.

"More power to brave choices. More power to you all for your maturity and humanness. You have given me wings to fly. To not only be burdened by the need to be loved to be a star but to have the courage to be hated in equal measure to be an actor. Here's to cinema mirroring life. To protagonists who don't have to be restricted by their goodness and can be human and imperfect. There is perfection in imperfection and that is the beauty and the challenge of this human life," he wrote.

SAMEER ANJAAN: A SONG FOR KARGIL

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas this month (26 July), lyricist Sameer Anjaan has penned a special song for the martyrs. Shatadru Kabir has sung the number, with music by Raju Singh.

Working on the project took Sameer to the war-torn region. “I learnt the entire story of Kargil, the situations the soldiers faced in the mountains,” said the lyricist of films like Krrish 3, Dhoom 3 and Dabangg 2.

He claimed it gave him the opportunity to “think about and feel” the war, so that his words came straight from the heart. He revealed that he had always wanted to write a patriotic piece for the soldiers, and that thus far, hadn’t found an opportunity.

The Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat released a Kargil Tribute Song in a special ceremony recently to honour, salute and pay homage to the Kargil heroes and war veterans.

The 20th anniversary celebrations are aimed at ‘Remembering their sacrifice', ‘Rejoicing the victory' and ‘Renewing the pledge'.

ANIL KAPOOR IN BINDRA BIOPIC

Father and son will be playing father and son.

Yup, it makes sense. As Harshvardhan Kapoor plays Olympic gold medal winning shooter Abhinav Bindra, who best to play his dad but his dad Anil Kapoor!

We all know the story of Abhinav’s rise to Olympic glory and the special role his father Apjit played in it.

Anil caught up with Apjit recently.

"Great stories deserve to be told,” Anil said afterwards. “We had the pleasure of understanding the family's journey and Abhinav Bindra's career graph. This is a film that we're all really excited to bring to the silver screen."

The biopic will be directed by Kannan Iyer. Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian sportsperson to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics, when he won the 10 m Air Rifle event at the 2008 games held in Beijing.

KANGANA IN 'ONE OF A KIND FEMALE-LED ACTION FILM'

If ever there was a Bollywood star who believes in “female heroes”, it has to be Kangana Ranaut.

She has been in the news very recently getting all judgemental during a presser for her upcoming Judgementall Hai Kya, but she’s already signed up a dhaakad new role.

Oh wait, apparently it’s called exactly that - Dhaakad.

She describes it herself as a "one of a kind female-led action film".

"After the success of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, it has been proven that audiences are loving larger than life films with a female hero,” she said recently.

"Being an army kid myself, I've always

U P-TO-DATE NEWS

SHAHID KAPOOR

KANGANA

wanted to start off with an action film,” director Razneesh "Razy" Ghai said. “This is a great time for a film of this genre and I'm looking to push the boundaries on this project with my visual style.”

The makers are looking to rope in a leading action director from Hollywood to choreograph the elaborate sequences. Filming will take place across India, South East Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The film is set for a Diwali release.

BOTTLE CAP HUNGAMA

So we’ve had Ice Bucket, Kiki and the 10-Year Challenge. Now it’s Bottle Caps, and celebrities from Hollywood as well as Bollywood are all jumping on the bandwagon.

Kickstarted, literally, by taekwondo instructor and fighter Farabi Davletchin on Instagram, the Bottle Cap Challenge expects participants to knock the cap off a bottle with a kick. No hands, thank you.

Actor Jason Statham, who is known for his action thriller roles, attempted the challenge spinning and kicking the cap of a bottle with near perfection.

If Jason Statham is in on it, can our very own khilari Akshay Kumar be far behind?

"I couldn't resist Bottle Cap challenge,” Akshay wrote on Insta after executing a perfect kick. “Inspired by my action idol

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

PARINEETI CHOPRA OR CHINESE SUPERMODEL

IN

Jason Statham. I will repost/retweet the best I see. Come on guys and girls, get your bottles out and your legs in the air, let's do this."

If Akshay is in on it, can Tiger Shroff be far behind? And Vidyut Jammwal. And Sidharth Malhotra, Sunil Grover and Abhimanyu Dassani. Kudos to Kunal Khemu for his inventive approach to it all, though (google it, guys).

And of course now we have ladies joining in – Sushmita Sen with her daughters Renee and Alysa (and partner Rohman), and model-actress Sherlyn Chopra.

All we can say is, we’re impressed by these super-fit people…

WORTH WAITING FOR? YOU DECIDE!

Shah Rukh Khan's action-packed production Bard Of Blood will be launching on Netflix on 27 September.

Actor Emraan Hashmi is making his debut in the web series space with the show. The multi-lingual series will tell the story of an expelled spy Kabir Anand, who is recalled from his new life as a professor in Panchgani to save his country and long-lost love.

Meanwhile, get set for Ramayana in 3-D. Filmmakers Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame and Ravi Udyawar, who directed

Mom, are set to helm this modern version of the of the ancient epic. With an estimated budget of Rs 500 crore, this will be a live-action trilogy in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The project has been a work in progress for the past three years.

ON TWITTER THIS WEEK

Match the following stars to their tweets that follow:

Shahid Kapoor, SRK, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone

To my husband, my friend, my lover, my confidante... but more often than not, my child, my infant, my toddler, my dot, my pineapple, my sunshine, my rainbow... May you forever and always be this way. I love you.

27th September, get ready for the action-packed series #BardOfBlood on @NetflixIndia!

Happy birthday to the most beautiful soul @neetu54!! May you have the best day full of love, laughter and CAKE. Sending you the biggest & tightest hug possible.

You didn't judge him, you experienced him. You understood him.

KANGANA RANAUT

ANIL KAPOOR

SUSHMITA SEN

The trouble with our tech-driven lives

On the many ways in which modern life can be oh-so-annoying

your floors in the middle of the night.

BY NURY VITTACHI

Aman raised by wolves in a forest says he misses his old life. Living as a wolf cub in a Spanish wilderness was much less stressful than modern life, Marcos Rodríguez Pantoja told the BBC recently. Journalists expressed surprise at his declaration, but I totally get his point. Last week, my book ran out of batteries!

I know Socrates is looking down at me from heaven and laughing, waving his "always on" scroll.

Meanwhile, at home, my child is outraged. Why? "My snacks are so crunchy I can't hear the TV," she complains, furious.

This is literally the worst thing that has ever happened to this child. I mean, how is she going to cope with real life, during which massively tragic things happen, like

they forget to put mayo in your sandwich, a devastating incident that totally spoiled this columnist's day yesterday?

I told her that in my day, the only TV was a window facing a brick wall and the only snacks our fingers. She said brick walls are better than what is on TV these days…she's probably right.

Back at work, I was moaning about my dead e-book when a colleague told me about another tech problem. The trend spreading across Asia is to have a robot vacuum cleaner, a wheeled disc that quietly vacuums

Unfortunately no one told these machines that a) Koreans and Japanese people often sleep on thin mattresses on the floor; and b) sucking up hair on the floor is not a good thing to do if it is still attached to a human's head. On one recent occasion, firefighters had to be called to remove a ravenous disc vacuum cleaner from its Korean owner's head.

East Asian owners are junking their cleaning robots for superior technology: broomsticks.

Police officers in the Indian state of Odisha recently demonstrated how they use pigeons to get messages across a vast portion of the state in just 20 minutes. During floods and power cuts the police pigeon service is the only functioning communications system.

So, basically, if their conversations are

anything like mine, you send a bird across the state with your message, such as "LOL" and 40 minutes later, you get the bird back with a message saying "LMAO" (Laughing My Ass Off).

Oh well, at least no one can complain about information overload.

A colleague showed me an angry text that had been sent by a young person from an aircraft recently. "There's so much leg room in business class that I can barely reach the touch screen TV," she complained. Shock horror, such suffering!

The odd thing is her inability to realise how the rest of us, sitting in economy class seats with our noses mere millimetres away from the seat in front, will take her message. Where's her brain?

Uh-oh. I would canvass readers, contributors and colleagues for more examples to fill this column with, but the main functional section of my own brain - which is housed in a smartphone in my right hand - is about to run out of batteries. So I have to stop here.

Stop laughing, Socrates.

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