Eastern Eye

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Issue 997 Friday May 29, 2009 Price 70p

signature moves SEE pages 24-25

gurinder chadha ‘I like to mix it up with my films’ SEE pages 22-23

top 20 hip hop albums of all time SEE pages 19-21

Ash’s red carpet style at Cannes SEE pages 28-29

by aditi khanna

Police group rejects need for special headgear

The bitter row between two Sikh groups over bullet-proof turbans for police officers has led to fears of a setback in the community’s fight for equality.

The Metropolitan Police Sikh Association (MPSA) has dismissed the idea of a turban made of special flame-retardant ballistic material as “preposterous,” claiming it is an unnecessary waste of public money.

But the British Sikh Police Association (BSPA), which claims to represent hundreds of Sikhs who ser­ ve in the police, want the Home Office to develop the special protective headgear to ensure they are not excluded from fire-arms training.

The rift worries community leaders, who feel the row may backfire on serving Sikh officers.

Palbinder Singh, chair of the MPSA, told Eastern Eye: “We are unsure Continued on page 2

2

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

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hostel ‘is the best solution’ MP offers alternative in expenses row

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by Aditi Khanna

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LABOUR MP Khalid Mahmood is campaigning for a parliamentary hostel to try and put an end to the second-home expenses scandal.

The Birmingham Perry Barr MP became the latest politician to get embroiled in controversy after his five-star hotel bill claims hit the headlines last weekend.

He is believed to have claimed £1,350 for a nine-night stay over a four-week period in 2004, and £1,225 for a five-night stay in 2008 at The Bentley hotel in London.

Mahmood insists his claims were well within the “additional cost allowance” and worked out cheaper than actually renting or owning a second home.

He told Eastern Eye: “The only positive way to move forward from this is to create a parliamentary hostel where MPs can stay when they are in London for parliamentary work. It would be fully paid for by the government and would do away with the need for any second home allowance.

“That is the best way of creating a more transparent system.

“There is no scandal [in the hotel bills]. It was much cheaper than paying rent. I did not own a property on which I stood to gain benefits from tax-payers’ money.”

Parliament has been rocked in

REVELATIONS: Birmingham Perry Bar MP Khalid Mahmood recent weeks over revelations of unreasonable expenses claimed by MPs. It has led to justice minister Shahid Malik stepping down as investigations continue into his lowrent home. The Dewsbury MP has welcomed the investigation by an independent adviser as an “op­ portunity to clear his name”.

Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz is another Asian MP under the spotlight for claiming over £75,500 in expenses for a flat in Westminster, despite his family home being 12 miles from Parliament. The Leicester East MP insists his claims were within parliamentary rules.

PEACE: Harmander Singh

Sikh violence ‘won’t hit UK’ FEARS that the deadly violence at a Sikh gurdwara in Vienna, Austria, may spill over into Britain as it did in India have been dismissed by Sikh leaders.

Sant Rama Nand, 56, died and 16 other people were injured last Sunday (25) in the Vienna temple attack, which was reportedly over a dispute about the role of castes in the Sikh religion.

Nand’s killing sparked riots in parts of Punjab, where buses and some public buildings were attacked. Three people were reported to have died in the violence as Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, a Sikh himself, appealed for calm.

Harmander Singh, principal advisor to think-tank Sikhs in England, told EE: “It is very surprising. It is unfortunate and regrettable. We don’t see any major impact in Europe, certainly not in England, where all members of the Sikh community live peacefully.”

Dr Rami Ranger MBE, chair of the British Sikh Association, said: “Sikhism teaches tolerance. I am confident people in this country will continue to show restraint because we are a pragmatic, diverse and multicultural society.”

Some orthodox Sikhs do not recognise Nand’s brand of Sikhism which places more emphasis on one of the Sikh Gurus and not the customary 10. *See related story on page 13

bullet-proof turban row divides community Continued from front page

whom the BSPA represent, but they do not have a mandate for representing the Sikh community, or Sikhs within the MPSA. “Sikhism is a pragmatic, sensible, rational and progressive faith.

“There is nothing preventing turbaned Sikh officers from participating in public order training or joining firearm teams, as they have been doing so for the last 30 years.”

The group points to cricketer Monty Panesar as an example of how protective helmets can be worn over a small turban or patka. It also says helmets used by Indian Sikh rulers between 1760 and 1850 are effective and don’t offend the faith.

“A small turban can be worn under NATO-style helmets. Even our ancestors had seen the wisdom in it.

There is no turban that can be designed to withstand fire or offer a screen against missiles. We hope that politically correct policy-makers do not pander to this dangerous idea,” Singh added.

The BSPA, which is currently in consultation with the National Po­ lice Improvement Agency and Home Office, termed the MPSA’s opposition as “obstructive and negative”.

Sgt Kashmira Singh Mann, BSPA chair, said: “Some turban-wearing Sikh officers have been participating in public order policing and firearms duty at the lower level by taking off their turban or wearing a

small turban before wearing the NATO and Kevlar helmet. They have had to compromise their religious duty to do so.

“We have consulted with the Jathedar of the Akal Takht [head priest of the Golden Temple in Amritsar] and he supports our search for a universally acceptable solution to the problem. As the national voice for Sikh police officers and staff, it is incumbent on us to raise the issue.”

The Network of Sikh Organisations has characterised the row a “difference of opinion” that will be resolved amicably in favour of the approximately 80 turbaned Sikh officers in the UK, of which over 26 are believed to be in the Met. Jaspal Singh, spokesperson for

Sikh Federation UK, said: “The turban represents the Sikhs’ crown and to have to cover it up goes against the very principle. We support research into finding a solution.”

But Harmander Singh fears the issue could end up providing an excuse to some police services to discriminate against Sikh officers.

“If Sikhs can ride motorcycles and go on building sites without helmets, there is no reason why it should be an issue within the police force.

There are various levels to firearms and riot training and in the majority of cases, the issue of full body armour does not even arise. This... should not become an excuse to not offer Sikhs the same level of promotion opportunities,” he said.

Spotlight on the best closes this week THERE is only a week to go before entries for the country’s most prestigious ethnic awards ceremony closes.

The GG2 Leadership & Diversity awards is Britain’s largest celebration of ethnic talent.

Unlike other award ceremonies, it recognises all non-white minority achievement and attracts a star-studded audience.

There are eight categories in all, including the top award, the Hammer, given to someone who has smashed through the proverbial glass ceiling, and The Man and Woman of the Year, given for general achievement and leadership.

There are also are awards for Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Award, Achievement Through

Adversity, Young Journalist of the Year and Civil Servant of the Year.

Last year’s chief guest was Sarah Brown, president of Piggy Bank Kids and wife of the prime minister, Gordon Brown. She is part of the high-profile judging panel which also includes Peter Preston, former Guardian newspaper editor; Yasmin Jetha, Financial Times’ chief operating officer; Terry Mansfield CBE, direc­tor of magazine publishers Hearst Corporation; Angad Paul, chief executive of the Caparo Group; Barry Gardiner MP, parliamentary private secretary to Peter Mandelson; and Ramniklal Solanki, editor in chief of the Asian Media and Marketing Group, publishers of Eastern Eye. You can apply on behalf of your-

HIGH-PROFILE JUDGE: Sarah Brown self or others. Fill in an entry form

by June 5 from the www.gg2.net website. Click on the GG2 Leader-

ship & Diversity awards banner.

Or call 020-7928 1234 for a form or other inquiries about the awards.

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009 3

step out of the shadow

Shetty shuns fans with IPL no-show SHILPA Shetty left thousands disappointed with her no-show at the Indian Premier League (IPL) final closing ceremony.

The Bollywood beauty was billed as the star attraction of the event last Sunday (24) in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she was all set to perform alongside American RnB star Akon.

Shetty, who co-owns the IPL team Rajasthan Royals with partner Raj Kundra, claimed she was not fully prepared and preferred being a spectator at the finale of the cricket tournament, which saw Deccan beat Bangalore by six runs.

She claimed: “I was just not prepared. It was an international platform. I had to be fully ready. I just didn’t get time to rehearse. So I regretfully had to say no. I’d rather not give anything less than my best when I’m representing my country.”

Kher gets Allen anniversary gift

Writer wants more female role models

ACTOR Anupam Kher has bagged a role in Woody Allen’s next film as Slumdog Millionaire star Frieda Pinto’s father.

The yet-to-be-named film will begin shooting in London in July and hit cinemas next year.

Other stars in Pinto’s much-hyped Hollywood debut include Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman and Antonio Banderas.

Kher said: “To be in a Woody Allen film is a dream come true for me.

Last year I worked with another international film-making legend, Ang Lee, and now it’s Allen. What more could any actor ask for in his 25th year in the business?

“Even if it is for just one shot, I would be delirious. I’ve grown up and grown older watching Woody Allen’s cinema. It must have been my kismet (destiny).”

BUILDING BRIDGES: Kamila Shamsie is doing it for the ladies PAKISTANI women artists need to break out of their hiding place and make themselves heard more, says one of the country’s most internationally feted authors.

Kamila Shamsie could find herself even more of an icon for Pakistani women artists if she collects the Orange Prize for Fiction next Thursday (4).

Her novel Burnt Shadows edged out literary heavyweights like Toni Morrison’s A Mercy to make it to this year’s shortlist.

The Karachi-born novelist sees the prize, to be announced in London, as a means of getting attention for her book and not so much a sign of Pakistani women making it on the international stage.

The London-based author told Eastern Eye: “It has the very welcome effect of bringing the book to readers’ attention. There are so many novels published each year that it’s easy for most of them to get lost in the crowd.

“Every now and then I encounter someone who

by Aditi Khanna will say, ‘oh, I read your novels and it made me rethink my ideas of Pakistan’.

“But for a really substantial change to take place there need to be far more women artists visible.

One or two writers and filmmakers here and there can always be seen as an exception to the rule.

“I know there are people who assume that it’s living in London and studying in America that allow me to write as I do despite, and not because of, the fact that I’m Pakistani.”

Burnt Shadows, her fifth novel, has received rave reviews for its poignant interweaving of shared histories set in different continents and time zones.

It starts hours before the Nagasaki bombings in August 1945, but Shamsie insists it wasn’t born out of any profound anti-bombing political message.

The winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Literature in Pakistan explained: “A lot of people

seem to assume that because the book takes in politics, the driving force must be a desire to put forward ‘a message’.

“But really, when I start a novel, I don’t know what it’s going to be about.

“I follow the story as it unfolds in my mind to see where it leaves me.

“For years I had been fascinated – in a horrified sort of way – by the bombing of Nagasaki. To drop an atomic bomb and see its effects, as the Americans did in Hiroshima, and then three days later to repeat the action seemed to say so much about the amoral decisions nations make about how to treat each other’s civilians in times of conflict.

“So that led me to read about the atom bomb, and its effects. An image came to my mind of a woman who, at the moment the bomb detonates, is wearing a white kimono with three black cranes swooping across its back – those cranes would then be burned into her skin.”

Dancer wins pageant DANCE coach Snehali Naik was crowned the first-ever Miss Asian Beauty Queen, earning a guaranteed spot in this year’s Miss England contest.

The 23-year-old impressed the judges with her poise and elegance and also won a chance to join the portfolio of Caramel Models agency and star in a Bollywood film at the pageant held in London last Sunday (24).

Naik, who fought off competition from 22 other contestants to scoop the first prize, said: “It will provide an amazing platform for me to pursue my dreams. I hope that my aspirations will be someone else’s inspiration.”

The first runner-up was 23-year-old sales consultant Farah Sattaur, while 19-year-old law student Simran Chadha was crowned the second runner-up.

The shortlisted models went through three final rounds to impress the panel of judges, including Bollywood star Dino Morea, B4U international head of sales and marketing Kevin Rego, Miss

MISS ASIA: The final three England Laura Coleman and event organiser Karan Singh.

“What I’m looking for is that spark, that extra something that stands out,” Morea said in reference to his winning choice.

The highlight of the evening, hosted by actor Ameet Chana and DJ Neev, was a performance by last year’s Britain’s Got Talent runners up Signature, who held the crowd spellbound.

The Michael Jackson tribute act attributed their growing popularity to the support from “Britain’s Asian community”.

The pageant will be aired on B4U next month.

MADAME Tussauds in New York added a new Amitabh Bachchan wax-work to its Bollywood Zone last Friday (22).

The Big B is dressed in a traditional black sherwani suit, similar to the outfit worn by his wax figure at the London museum.

The brightly-coloured, fully-interactive Bollywood Zone includes a replica of the Taj Mahal, videos of authentic Indian dancers and a photo area where visitors can pose as Bollywood stars to recreate the experience of being on a Bollywood film set.

Rahman ready for Hollywood OSCAR-winning composer AR Rahman is all set to buy a property in Los Angeles to set up a full-fledged studio in Hollywood.

The move follows the announcement of his next big international project, to provide the score for Couples Retreat, which is directed by Peter Pelensky and stars Hollywood A-listers such as Kristen Bell and Vince Vaughan.

It is Rahman’s first foray into commercial Hollywood fare since he made waves internationally as the composer of Slumdog Millionaire.

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4 EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

amit

roy

in Cannes

East now becomes West

IN THE KNOW: Hammad Chaudhry

Singh is most definitely kinng

News of the astonishing popularity of Singh Is Kinng, starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, comes from my friend Hammad Chaudhry.

“It’s Punjabi culture connected with Pakistani people,” explains Hammad, a Cannes regular who buys Bollywood movies for Pakistan on behalf of his UK-based family firm HKC Entertainment At the screening in Faisalabad, “the 550 seat cinema was so full that 300 people insisted on sitting on the floor”.

After last November’s Mumbai atrocity, Bollywood business with Pakistan is slowly returning to normal, Hammad explains.

He adds optimistically: “The future lies in collaboration between India and Pakistan.”

The good news is that despite budget cuts, BBC Films are going ahead with West is West, a sequel to Ayub Khan Din’s East is East, managing director Jane Wright announced in Cannes.

The story has moved on five years from East is East. Sajit, the boy who would not be parted from his parka, is now a problem child of 13.

His father, “George” Khan, promply sends him to Pakistan, determined to give him some corrective Islamic therapy.

Sadly, because of the lack of security in Pakistan, the film, with a budget of £2-3m, cannot be shot on location.

“It will be shot in India near Delhi,” says Jane, who will be executive producer, with Andy de

Emmony, who has made several films for television, as director.

Om Puri and the excellent Linda Bassett, as well as Jimi Mistry, are back for West is West, which Jane describes as a “poignant” tale of cultural identity.

It is worth recalling that the film version of East is East in 1999 was preceded by Tamasha’s vastly superior stage play three years previously – I knew it would be a hit when I saw it on the opening night at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on October 8, 1996.

I do hope that the terrible northern accent Puri was forced to adopt when cast as George Khan in the movie will be dropped, though.

Cannes and the healing power

Ooh ah, it’s all about Cantona Ken Loach’s feel good Looking for Eric, starring the former Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona, is bound to be a great hit.

Perhaps one should repeat the story with a cricket fan who manages to put his disorganised life together with the help of another icon like Imran Khan. Actually, Gurinder Chadha can claim she thought of this film genre with Bend It Like Beckham.

Road to Sangam an Indian classic The film that moved me most at Cannes is by western standards a small affair.

Road to Sangam was shot in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, India, on a budget of not even £1 million.

If Cannes wasn’t so obsessed with movies about the Nazis – “for God’s sake, grow up, the war was over in 1945”, you sometimes feel like telling them – Road to Sangam might well have merited consideration for competition.

Instead, there was much fuss about the antichrist, which sought to shock with scenes of genital mutilation.

Another film also shown in competition, Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, though enjoyable, was a “Jewish fantasy” about – what else? – Nazis in which Hitler and his top henchmen are blown up in a Paris cinema.

“I am not an American filmmaker,” Tarantino (pictured right) told a press conference. “I make movies for the planet Earth.”

However, when it comes to touching the human soul, it is actually Indians who sometimes make movies of the kind of which American and European filmmakers appear incapable.

Such a film is Road to Sangam, which was offered to Cannes but was not included for

competition in any category. It is based on real events which followed Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948.

After his cremation, 20 urns containing his ashes were sent to towns and villages across India and dispersal in holy rivers according to Hindu rites. However, one urn ended up in a bank vault in the state of Orissa and lay undiscovered until 1997.

This is the starting for Amit Rai’s fictional story. The central character for Rai, a first time director and scriptwriter, is Hashmatullah (Paresh Rawal, pictured above), a motor mechanic by trade and a devout Muslim in private.

He takes on the job of repairing an old V8 ford engine. But following a bomb blast in Allahabad and the roundup of innocent Muslims, there is a strike by members of the community who shut their shops.

It is then that Hashmatullah discovers that the engine he is repairing is for the truck which had been used

once before to carry Gandhi’s ashes to the confluence (“sangam”) of the holy rivers in Allahabad in 1948, which is due to be rolled out again to transport the urn found in Orissa.

He resolves to go against his fellow Muslims, notably the leader of the community, Mohammad Ali Kasuri (Om Puri), and the local mullah, Maulana Qureshi (Pawan Malhotra).

The latter wants to exploit the situation for his own ends, just as the extremist “Islamic leaders” have been doing in the UK to encourage young British Muslims to become jihadis.

Hashmatullah reopens his shop and sets about repairing the engine, despite serious intimidation and threats of violence.

The fight of one man against the rest recalls such classics as High Noon and Twelve Angry Men, but Hashmatullah raises bigger issues, such as the status of Muslims in India.

“If we cannot honour Gandhi, a man who died for us, then what are we doing here in India?” he ponders.

Indian cinema at its best.

The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper

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The art of being part of history THE London mayor’s office is inviting Eastern Eye readers to be part of One & Other project by Antony Gormley, the next artwork for the Fourth Plinth at Trafalgar Square, which opens on July 6.

Every hour, 24 hours a day for 100 days, a different person will take their place on the empty plinth in a continuous representation of themselves, their families, or their communities. Participants can use their time on the plinth as they like – to perform, to demonstrate, or simply to reflect.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Ever imagined what it’s like to be Nelson, looking down on Trafalgar Square and being stared at by thousands of passers by?

Here’s your chance.”

Applications can be made at www.oneandother.co.uk. At least 2,400 participants will be chosen at random by computer algorithm.

Culture-specific tools for carers

A NEW training manual has been produced to help healthcare professionals and other carers deal with issues such as child abuse, domestic violence and mental health among Asian women.

The Department of Health joined forces with specialist counselling service, EACH, to launch the Asian Women, Domestic Violence and Mental Health tool kit last week.

EACH spokeswoman Foziha Raja said: “The toolkit was developed to disseminate culturallyappropriate best practice. It is... part of our commitment to the counselling and support work we provide for ethnic communities.”

EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Toy soldiers under fire

new action figures range fails to reflect diversity of armed forces

TOY action figures dreamed up

by Army chiefs to fill the gap left

by Action Man don’t include any Asian or female soldiers.

Critics say the omission – which the toy-makers insist is only temporary – shows that the forces are out of touch.

The new HM Armed Forces range, launched by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) earlier this month, comes complete with authentic uniforms, model weapons and equipment.

But despite nine per cent of Army personnel being women and six per cent coming from ethnic minorities, the range fails to truly reflect the diversity of the forces, say critics.

It could undermine the Army’s recruitment drives at a time when the forces are fighting what are seen as unpopular wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some feel that the production of white action figures only also represents a lack of confidence in ethnic minority recruitment.

Ruhul Tarafder of minority rights group 1990 Trust told Eastern Eye: “This shows the Army needs to make more

by Aditi Khanna inroads into different communities.

The biggest obstacle in its recruitment drives is British foreign policy. Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are not representative of the views of the British people as a whole. The message would be to not be part of the forces at the moment.”

The MoD denies that the range, produced by toy-ma­ ker Character Group, is simply a recruitment ploy aimed at the youth. It hopes the toys will fill the gap left by Action Man, discontinued by toy-makers three years ago, and boost the popularity of the military.

“It could give out the wrong message. Britain is made up of diverse communities from different backgrounds. There was a phase when Mus­ lims were put off from joining the Army due to the war in Iraq but there has been a concerted drive in mosques, gurdwaras and temples to encourage the youth

OUT OF TOUCH? The new models (above and top)

to choose a career in the Army. We must be careful about the message we send out [through such toys],” said Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma, who has been encouraging recruitment drives in his constituency.

The 25-cm action figures, including infantry soldiers, royal marine commandos, navy divers and RAF pilots, will sell for between £15 and £25 and vehicles, including tanks and jets, will cost up to £50. The profits from the sales will go towards Army publicity efforts.

An MoD spokesper­son said: “We stres­sed the need for the toys to be representative of today’s UK armed forces, reflecting the multi-cultural and diverse society in which we live. Final decisions about the range of toys... were made by the toy company.”

Character Group says it is planning a wider choice of toys in the future.

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Mayor annoyed at BNP ‘stunt’ THE Mayor of London has accused the British National Party (BNP) of trying to turn a Buckingham Palace garden party into a “political stunt”.

The claim came after BNP London Assembly member Richard Barnbrook said he would take party leader Nick Griffin (pictured above) as his guest to the event, hosted by the Queen.

Boris Johnson wrote to Darren Johnson, chairman of the London Assembly, calling for him to intervene and withdraw Barnbrook’s invitation.

“We cannot tolerate any such abuse of the invitation or any potential embarrassment to Her Majesty. I am writing to call on you to inform Mr Barnbrook – at the earliest opportunity – that he must either bring a guest who will not provoke political controversy, or consider his invitation rescinded,” he said.

Darren Johnson said: “Unless he brings a more acceptable guest along and doesn’t turn it into a political stunt, the invite will be rescinded.”

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family secrets Taskforce to confront abuse and isolation A SPECIALIST service has been set up to tackle issues of izzat (honour) and sharam (shame) that result in a culture of silence around child abuse in Asian families.

Family Group Conferences (FGCs), which bring together members of the extended family, friends and community leaders to determine the future of a child in trouble, have been tailored to Asian needs by the Family Rights Group charity.

Cathy Ashley, chief executive of the charity, told Eastern Eye: “The kind of child protection issues we deal with vary from exclusion from school to at-risk children.

“Asian families tend to avoid tal­ king about such problems. Mothers feel vilified or exposed if their child is found to be in trouble and are very reluctant to get the community involved due to matters of shame. Having co-ordinators who understand the culture and speak their language has really helped us tackle this issue.”

According to child protec-

by Aditi Khanna tion charity NSPCC, only 48 per cent of British Asians surveyed last year would tell the authorities if they suspected a child was being abused. It compares to more than 90 per cent in a similar survey of the population as a whole.

As a result, Family Rights Group got funding from the Big Lottery for a project to increase accessibility of FGCs among black and other ethnic minority families. It also sub-contracted work to other groups that focus on Asian families.

Lakhy Khan, family support team manager at Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre based in Camden, said: “We work on a preventive policy, where the family feels it is in control of the future of the child.

They can choose a date and venue for the conference and we can also involve the local priest or imam.

We have been able to successfully deal with cases of bullying, drug misuse and neglect in the family.

“Among Asian families, the culture of blame puts added pressure

on the mother and we have found the maternal side of the family is very helpful at these conferences.”

FGC manager Andalina Kadri from Slough Borough Council has successfully used the service to protect children from being forced into marriage.

“Asian families are very private and often avoid or minimise certain situations to stop being stigmatised. I have been training student social workers at universities in Buckinghamshire regarding forced marriages and FGCs to prepare them when they are employed as social workers,” she said. n FGC advice line 0808-801 0366.

TINA: A CASE STUDY TINA*, 15, was absconding from school. She was also frequently disappearing for days on end and was often reported as a missing person.

A Family Group Conference (FGC) was convened to look at the the issues behind her behaviour. Tina revealed her behaviour was due to the fact that she was being forced to marry a cousin in Pakistan in the summer holidays.

This was reported to Social Services.

The family were extremely distressed and felt that Tina was exaggerating the story and they believed she was in full agreement to the marriage.

After much discussion, the family agreed that Tina’s decision was final and that she would remain living with them and Social Services would monitor her situation. Tina has now gone to university and her parents are still of the view that she will hopefully marry her cousin one day. (*Name changed to protect identities)

Jury convicts sisters’ killer A MAN has been found guilty of murdering two sisters in their central Birmingham flat.

Mohammed Ali, 29, of Old Snow Hill, had admitted the manslaughter of Yasmine, 22, and Sabrina Labri-Cherif, 19, but had denied murdering them.

Birmingham Crown Court heard last Friday (22) that he had had a relationship with Yasmine, who earlier accused him of rape.

The sisters’ bodies were found in September with multiple stab wounds. The trial, which lasted two weeks, was told that Ali used three knives to stab Yasmine twice and inflict 35 separate knife wounds on her sister, leaving behind a scene of carnage.

Ali claimed in court that he had been provoked. A jury took three hours and 20 minutes to convict him of murder.

The court was told Yasmine had already dropped the rape charges against Ali.

ADVICE: FGC chief Cathy Ashley (far right), pop singer Mica Paris and staff workers at the Hopscotch Centre

KFC in halal chicken row THE largest ha­ lal food trial in the UK by fastfood chain KFC has become mi­ red in controversy over the true definition of halal chicken.

The Halal Food Authority (HFA) and Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) have clashed over whether mechanised slaughter can qualify as halal.

Traditionally, halal meat is killed by hand and must be blessed by the person doing the job.

The HFA worked with Kentucky Fried Chicken for the six-month trial launched at eight outlets across London on May 4.

It argues that advances in technology mean methods have to change and even though a machine does the killing, the meat is still blessed by a Muslim.

But the HMC believes mechanisation contradicts a fundamental principle of halal – that the person who slaughters

the animal is the same person who recites the words over it.

HMC chairman Yunus Dudhwala said: “Halal is a very sacred part of a Muslim’s diet and many Muslims do not even know what they are eating when it’s certified as halal in this way. I think the majority would be very upset to find out that it’s been mechanically killed.”

KFC dismissed the controversy as a row between the HFA and HMC. “We are working with the Halal Food Authority, one of the most widely recognised bodies in the UK and overseas, who have audited and approved our halal suppliers, distribution and our trial store environments,” said a spokesperson for the company.

The eight KFC outlets participating in the trial are located in largely Asiandominated areas of Lea Bridge Road, Beckton, Edmonton, Hounslow West, Upton Park, Forest Gate, Bethnal Green and Tottenham Hale.

All stores have a non-trial store nearby to ensure choice to customers who would prefer non-halal chicken.

Dizaei faces more charges

METROPOLITAN police commander and anti-racism race campaigner Ali Dizaei has been charged with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice last week.

The charges were made in the wake of an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and are linked to an incident at a south west London restaurant in July last year.

Gaon Hart, a solicitor in the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Mr Dizaei, in his capacity as a police officer, arrested a man on allegations including assault. A decision not to charge that individual was made by the CPS in August 2008.”

The president of the National Black Police Association (NBPA) was suspended by the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) last year for allegedly advising a defence team in a Met prosecution.

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colour Of love

EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

IN SILENCE: The problem of mixed-race relationships

Marrying across racial, religious and social boundaries can still put people in danger

by nadeem badshah IT can be one of the most terrifying moments in a British-Asian youth‘s life – introducing your partner to the parents.

And the choice can totally confound their considerable expectations. For a start they are not Asian or from a different background and you appear to your parents to be snubbing them, your family traditions and culture.

This is just what happened to Deepti and the results were devastating. Her mum, a traditional Sikh, disowned Deepti on hearing she wanted to marry a white psychologist with whom she worked.

The 28-year-old from Surrey said: “Mum said I had ‘killed her’. I called her often and would hear silence, or she would put the phone down.

She said I had ‘shamed’ her, the most painful and hated word in any language.

“I kept thinking ‘if I’ve hurt her so much, I don’t deserve to be around anyone’. I ask anyone who is considering [mixed-race marriage] to please think very carefully.

“People may go against you, you may get stared at. You will get abuse from the Indian community, you will be the talking point of your family.”

It isn’t always like this – there are happy mixed race marriages accepted by their families – but for some the sense of isolation and es- TIME FOR SOME ACTION: Campaigner Davinder Prasad wants the stigma surrounding mixed-race couples to stop “The government should preserve the trangement is a much added burden.

Ashley Chisholm, the founder of Mixtogether, discrimination legislation has been introduced.

Deepti contacted Mixtogether, a website that will soon meet several charities which tackle But not a lot has been done about [discrimina- freedoms of people and be aware of the risks that young people take. There have been examsupports people who suffer abuse from their forced marriages to try and launch a new cam- tion] within minority communities.” family because their partner is from a different paign creating more awareness of the issues Chisholm, whose work is supported by MPs ples of honour killings. Statutory agencies race or religion. and community organisations such as Karma should be aware that people are in danger.” behind mixed-race relationships.

On top of race and religion, caste can be a The volunteer-run site has got letters of supChisholm, who launched the site after being Nirvana (which supports those fleeing forced port from MPs and the Equality and Human forced to end relationships with Asians girls marriages), is highly critical of the way society major factor for some families in deciding who their child can marry.

Rights Commission (EHRC). About ten per cent due to pressure from their families, told Eastern still views mixed relationships.

CasteWatch UK is campaigning for caste disof Asians have a non-Asian spouse, according Eye: “We get three to four cases a month with He says too much of the time there is a sense to the EHRC’s Ethnicity and Family report. This Asians who are having a relationship with a of conflict and recently wanted the BBC Asian crimination to be included in the Equality Bill. is the lowest rate of inter-ethnic marriage than non-Asian partner. People can feel suicidal and Network to do a show for mixed-race families, Caste was not mentioned in the second reading of the Bill in Parliament last week. As a result, any other minority group. are afraid to go home because of the atmos- which it rejected.

Mixtogether says this is due to the hostility phere. They are taken abroad in extreme cases, Chisholm explained: “There is a resistance to the group wrote to the Equalities Office calling faced by British Asians, mainly those in their or are cut off by the family. talking about this subject which doesn’t involve for a meeting where it will present damning criticism of mixed-race relationships. They pe- evidence of caste discrimination in the UK. Davinder Prasad, general secretary of Casteriodically have talk shows on mixed race marriage and calls for or against. We want a show Watch UK, said: “I was at the Forced Marriages aimed at mixed-race couples, an acceptance website launch in the House of Lords last month rather than people arguing against it.” and raised this issue. We had a case of a BrahAnother group supporting couples who mar- min girl who wanted to marry a boy of a lower ry against their family’s wishes is the Inter-faith caste whom she met at university. When her early 20s, who want to get married to white “It’s like forced marriages where they are pre- Marriage Network. The group holds talks and family found out, they harrassed him.

English partners. vented from leaving the house. We provide workshops for faith and interfaith groups, and “This is the tip of the iceberg. It’s hard to adIn extreme cases, families imprison their moral support, publish people’s experiences to has produced a resource pack for couples. mit for some groups because of the rise of Hinchild or send them abroad to get married to raise awareness and encourage them to conRosalind Birtwistle, spokeswoman for the du fundamentalism and ‘caste being inherited stop the mixed-race relationship from develop- tinue the relationship. The majority of the pop- Inter-faith Marriage Network, said: “It’s as much at birth and something you cannot change’ ing or continuing. ulation accept people of all races, a lot of anti- to do with attitudes as structures. whether you are in the UK or Mars.”

‘You will get abuse from the Asian community.

You will be the talking point of your family’

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

comment editor@easterneye.eu

FAITH AND REASON SIKH police officers are in dispute about the need for specially tailored bullet-proof head-gear which respect their faith practice.

On one side is a group that represents Sikh policemen in the capital and they are opposed to the solution for a special turban – their general argument is that a patka can suffice and does not get either in the way of duty or faith.

Besides, they say there are already Sikh officers who serve in firearms units and other frontline activities where helmets are necessary and they have no problems.

But for the British Police Sikh Association, this is not an acceptable situation. They feel that the standard protective helmet which must be worn for certain operations compromises their faith.

Arguments such as this often boil down to what is acceptable to individuals in the situation. Some Sikhs are content to don a patka and wear a standard helmet, others feel this would be a step too far as practising Sikhs.

The desire to accommodate personal religious practices is a noble one and this paper would never lightly oppose any such move.

However, as with all such sensitive things, there has to be a level of reason and understanding – if many feel the current arrangements are discriminatory they have a right to seek redress. In the end, the Home Office will have to make a considered decision.

Shout loudly

Celebrated author Kamila Shamsie says one or two writers or filmmakers like herself are not enough to change people’s blinkered prejudices about Pakistan. More artists like herself need to express themselves and not be cowered by the establishment, domestic or foreign.

Her own writing should serve as an inspiration to them and not just to the educated elite who know how to work the system. Her comments serve as a reminder that a creative life can have deep social and political consequences and change people’s perceptions of a country which is often the subject of negative press. If she wins the Orange Prize, it will help singe the burnt shadows of long-festering prejudices.

Tell us what you think

of re th vie e w w ee k

Want to say something about the news or sport in Eastern Eye or simply got a viewpoint you think should be heard?

We want to hear from you.

You can write to us and we will consider publishing your response, if it is topical.

Please email editor@easterneye.eu

CHOICE: Nitin Mehta (left) at the event

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HOW COULD our MPs SINK SO LOW? Politicians have let the public down badly

by Sadiq Khan Minister for Community Coheshion and MP for Tooting THE recent expenses scandal is one of the most serious issues to affect the country’s political landscape in my memory, and one which I have been profoundly shaken by.

I have always worked towards building and strengthening relationships with constituents and have promoted the power of politics to bring about positive change. A failure of this magnitude by the political establishment undoes all this work.

I have been angered and deeply embarrassed by the unforgivable behaviour of many of my colleagues on all sides of the House of Commons, and share the public’s anger towards those who have abused the system of allowances available to Members of Parliament.

The political establishment appears to have taken the public for granted. No party can be spared responsibility for where we are now.

Parliament has failed you, the people who pay our wages (and allowances and expenses).

I have lived in Tooting all my life and have the highest respect and admiration for its residents. It is a wonderful place to live and being elected to represent it in the House of Commons was the highest honour and an immense privilege – I have been proud to do it for the past four years.

I entered politics to serve the public, not to enrich myself, or claim unjustifiable allowances and/or expenses. It is a privilege that I am able to do what I do (even if it means getting home after my wife and daughters have gone to sleep, and leaving before they wake up) and I will never forget that.

The day after the expenses scandal broke, I was working until 2am, voting to pass sections of the Budget, and got up the next morning at 6.45am to get to Birmingham for a keynote speech I was delivering at the Fire and Rescue Service conference.

I addressed fire-fighters who risk their lives daily to save others and who receive a fraction of the salary and perks we do.

I believe passionately in public service – as I said, it’s why I went into politics – and I have always held myself to the highest possible standards and been open about my expenses. I am really disappointed that politics and politicians have been brought into such disrepute.

I feel so let down as the recent revelations

SCANDAL: MPs claimed for a duck house (above) and moat cleaning (below) make ordinary people cynical about politics and politicians – apathy can soon turn to cynicism as people think, “They are all in it for themselves.”

A great deal of my time is spent encouraging young people to get involved in politics, and I am worried we may be turning off a generation from participating in politics.

Unfortunately, revelations such as the ones we have seen recently can be manipulated by far-right and fascist groups; recently, I have been encouraging as many people as possible to vote in the European elections, as this will increase the threshold the British National Party (BNP) need to secure seats under the PR system (seats in the European Parliament are allocated according to the percentage of total votes received).

I am determined to bounce back, to remind my colleagues why we all entered politics and begin the long and difficult task of trying to win back the confidence of the British public.

The views expressed in this editorial do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper

COMING TO A VEGGIE NEAR YOU...

VEGETARIAN sausages, cakes and ice creams may sound too over the top, but the proof of the veggie pudding was in the eating.

The Young Indian Vegetarians joined hands with the Vegetarian Society to mark National Vegetarian Week last week (18-24) with the mission of promoting a more animal-friendly world.

The theme at Tibits restaurant in London was to discover the besttasting veggie sausage to rival the meaty option available as part of the staple All English Breakfast.

Nitin Mehta, founder of the Young Indian Vegetarians, described the annual celebration of

by ADITI KHANNA vegetarianism as the western world’s acknowledgement of the Hindu philosophy of respect for all living beings.

“There are absolutely no nutrients or benefits you can’t find in vegetarian food. It is time we got rid of our reliance on animal products,” Mehta insisted.

The week included the launch of The Complete Book of Vegan Cooking by chef Tony Bishop-Weston, with nutrition advice from Tibits nutritionist Yvonne BishopWeston. With celebrity endorsement from the likes of singer Leo-

na Lewis and actress Gina McKee, the vegetarian promotion will continue at restaurants, schools and at special events across the country in the coming weeks. The new sugar and egg-free ice-cream under the brand name Booja Booja, with flavours like Hunky Punky Chocolate and Coconut Hullabaloo, is likely to prove the runaway hit of the season.

And with the Vegetarian Society’s recipe competition for young veggie chefs, a whole new range of non-carnivorous recipes will be worth looking out for. n For more information, visit www.youngveggie.org

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

100 extra international minutes free when you top up £15 Only with a Your Country sim from ø shops or o2.co.uk/yourcountry

We’re better, connected Minimum monthly top up required. Pay & Go on O2 customers only. Extra calls to international mobiles and landlines only. Excludes calls to Solomon Islands, Sao Tome and Principe, Sudan, Norfolk Island, Cuba, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Somalia and Syria, which are charged at the International Caller Bolt On rates, also excludes calls made by or to satellite phones (i.e. Thuraya). Video, premium rate numbers, Inmarasat and mobile Internet calls are excluded. Extra minutes do not rollover to the next month. Terms apply. See o2.co.uk

619056-O2-007_340x260.PP4.pgs 16.04.2009 09:12

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

community news

EPIC project

WARNING: Gareth Thomas

Pilgrims ‘must be wary of scams’ CONSUMER affairs minister Gareth Thomas has reminded British pilgrims about the importance of knowing their rights and being wary of unscrupulous tour operators when booking for Haj and Umrah pilgrimages.

The minister wrote to mosques and community groups last week to highlight the risk of scam artists and urged them to be vigilant. The average cost of a round-trip visit is estimated at £2,500.

Thomas said: “People are entitled to get what they are paying for and this is even more important in the current economic climate.

“Tour operators should have an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL), which means they are covered by industry-wide regulations.

This will ensure that pre-payments are protected and, in the event of a tour operator going bust, flights home are guaranteed.”

Since meeting with tour operators and pilgrims’ groups last year, applications to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) from Haj tour operators seeking an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) have doubled.

Haj takes place toward the end of the year, with most bookings made in the summer.

Blind musician’s tour focuses on Bhagvad Gita

by Aditi Khanna A BLIND musician who has devo­ted his life to the musical interpretation of the Bhagvad Gita is touring the UK to popularise the epic.

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Baluji Shrivastav’s Song Celestial tour, which kicked off in Brighton last week, is the musician’s attempt at expressing the universality of music.

Baluji focuses on the conversation in Chapter 11 between the archer Arjun and Lord Krishna.

He said: “The Bhagvad Gita is the essence of the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic considered one of the most important religious classics of the world. The action takes place on the eve of a terrible war between the 100 Kaurava brothers (sons of the blind king Dhritrashtra), and their cousins – the five Pandava brothers.

“The battlefield itself is a metaphor for the human being and the Kaurava brothers are the many ways in which we delude ourselves. The Pandava brothers represent five virtues of self control, forgiveness, compassion, contentment and patience. Krishna represents inner wisdom and Arjun represents ordinary consciousness.”

Commissioned by St Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in London, the concert will tour Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Leicester and

INSIGHTFUL: Baluji Shrivastav

London, with a grand finale at Plymouth on October 23.

Baluji, best known for his collaborations with the Beatle George Harrison and modern-day musicians such as Annie Lennox and Kaiser Chiefs, was taught at the age of nine to recite the Bhagvad Gita in Sanskrit by his father. Blinded as a baby, he was sent away as a young boy to live at Gwalior and then Ajmer Blind School, where music was a compulsory subject. Baluji toured India playing with the National Ballet Troupe, which exposed

him to the rich variety of regional musical styles which have become a lifelong source of inspiration.

For the Song Celestial tour, he offers a powerful musical insight into the hidden meaning of the Gita through the surbahar (bass sitar) alongside artistes on the kora and violin, with vocals by Linda Shanovitch and spoken word by Giles Abbott. The tour is supported by the Arts Council and PRS Foundation. n For information about the tour and ticket details, visit www.baluji.com

How to be a star on Wedding TV WEDDING TV Asia (Sky channel 267) is looking for people who may have a story to tell.

The newly launched channel (see page 11) begins broadcasting next Monday (1) and is looking both for people who have had weddings in India or are about to do so. The channel already has experience of making programmes about Asian weddings – it featured a programme called My Big Fat Indian Wedding on its parent Wedding TV channel.

If you have had a wedding in India, email researcher Seema Modhavia at seema.modhvadia@weddingtv.com.

If you are planning a wedding in India and would not mind a camera crew following the preparations leading up to your big day, visit www.weddingtv.com/competitions/be-on-weddingtv or email info@weddingtv.co.uk

TELL US YOUR NEWS

GOT a community event to promote, or pictures from a wedding or news of a significant job promotion? Or do you want to let people know you are starting a new business or taking an old one over?

You can tell us about all these things for free. Just email us at community@easterneye. eu. Please send us pictures (between 500k and 5MB in total) if appropriate and always include a daytime contact telephone number.

pride of swindon boy a fund-raising champ

AN INDIAN boy adopted by a British couple from a Delhi orphanage has been declared the Pride of Swindon for his fundraising efforts.

Ali McCallum, now 12, was adopted by Neil and Kauser McCallum when he was four months old.

He was left in a basket outside Palna orphanage in New Delhi.

In the last three years, he has raised £3,000 giving talks, selling plants, baking and selling cakes and organising charity dinners. Swindon council honoured him with the Pride of Swindon MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Ali McCallum award, presented by Mayor Steve care. So I decided to help. It’s my way of helping a few children have Wakefield last week.

Ali recently handed over a cheque a better life.

“People see pictures of India and for Palna to India’s foreign secretary, Shiv Shankar Menon, at the Indian think it’s so terrible and they can’t do anything. But you can make a High Commission in London.

He said: “I wanted to go and see difference in a small way and it’s where I started life. The staff told important to do something good. me that they were doing really well It’s a wonderful country and I’m but always need money for better very proud to come from there.”

silver surfers make waves online INDIAN grandmother Sushila Patel (pictured, second from right) has become an ambassador to highlight the importance of computer skills among the elderly.

Patel presented a calendar, made using her newly developed skills, at the Greenwich Online Centre to minister of state for pensions and the ageing society Rosie Winterton last week.

According to UK Online Centres,

more than nine million older people are believed to be digitally excluded, cannot use the internet and do not have basic IT skills. Using computers and the internet has helped the elderly keep in contact with family and friends, find new hobbies, manage their money and shop online.

The Greenwich facility is at the forefront of the group’s new campaign, It’s never too late to get online,

and includes a series of special dropins and celebrations for the now annual Silver Surfers’ Day, which took place across the country on May 15.

Winterton said: “Whether it is emailing friends abroad, sharing digital pictures of grandchildren, ordering the shopping or looking up pension information on Directgov, older people have as much, if not more, to gain from technology as anyone else.”

JOBS JOBS JOBS • EMPLOYER PROFILES •JOBS www.jobsbuster.com BRITAIN’S BEST ETHNIC RECRUITMENT WEBSITE

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11

business

Protectionism ‘shielded india’ FORUM: Experts debate the current financial downturn

Closed economy deflected effects of global recession PROTECTIONIST policies that were attacked by the western world may have actually saved India from the brunt of the global economic downturn.

Experts analysing the reasons behind India’s relative resilience in the face of a global recession believe that the strategy of keeping major sectors free from foreign influence proved crucial in sustaining economic growth in the last few months.

The Current Global Economic Recession and Impact on South Asian Countries seminar, organised in London last Thursday (21) by the South Asia Forum UK, also delved into future strategies required in the region to survive the credit crunch.

Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, from the Department of Economics at the London School of Economics, said: “India’s macro economic strategy was not tied to the west, which meant protectionism actually saved India.

by Aditi Khanna “The banking structures in Asia are also not as risky as the western hemisphere, where the financial tsunami we witnessed originated.

“But India is still an exporting country and that exposed it to the drop in demand in the manufacturing sector, similar to America and Europe. This, in turn, meant a drop in production, leading to unemployment. The availability of credit is also affecting the Indian economy, which will see its new government dropping interest rates just like the UK has done.”

India has often been criticised for keeping its financial sector closed to foreign companies, with foreign direct investment capped at around 26 per cent in key sectors such as insurance. The pressure from the global banking system to make India open up its banking system will reduce in the wake of the

current crisis, allowing the Congress-led government to put pro-growth policies in place.

“The key to emerging out of this crisis for a country like India will lie in policies that have a re-distributive effect on wealth to help its poor. A larger share of the GDP must go towards education and health,” Dr Bandyopadhyay added.

The contrast with its embattled neighbour, Pakistan, shows India as the strongest economy in the region, with growth expected of more than six per cent this year.

“Pakistan was already in recession before the downturn hit the world. It is facing several crises of state and society, including the current conflict in the north-west. If the government had focused on developing the agricultural sector, the country’s biggest strength, Pakistan may have escaped the impact of the current recession,” said Pakistan expert and reporter Mohammed Ziauddin.

UKIBC: Look beyond Tata Motors’ repayment plan on track India’s major cities BUSINESSES in Britain’s north-west are being urged to look at opportunities in emerging Indian cities rather than in the conventional big cities.

Launched last Thursday (28) by the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC), the event seeks to shine the spotlight on places such as Goa, and Chandigarh in Punjab. A special North West ambassador was introduced to the business community at the launch at the Reebok Stadium, the home of Bolton Wanderers FC. Brian Thorp, north-west regional director, said: “The international business community is not yet fully aware of the vast potential to be found in cities such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Indore. It is little known that there is a thriving graphic design scene in Goa, or that Chandigarh is a rapidly emerging centre for biotechnology.”

Sandra Busby OBE, speaking on behalf of the UK Trade and Investment North West India unit, said research had shown there were significant opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. The UKIBC will also launch a North West Chapter of its Next Generation Network, which brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals interested in India.

ABF’s association with HSBC services to stay THE ASIAN Business Federation (ABF) is to continue its collaboration with HSBC’s multi-cultural banking service for a second year.

The Blackburn-based ABF has organised a number of workshops and benefited from the bank’s specialist advice. It also sponsored the group’s regional awards event.

TOP Indian vehicle maker Tata Motors has raised around $840 million (£400m) in debentures to partly repay a loan taken to finance its purchase of British car icons Jaguar and Land Rover.

Tata took a $3 billion (£1.8b) loan last year to buy the prestige marques but has been struggling to repay the money against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, which has made credit harder to come by.

“The funds raised will be used for part repayment of the three-billion-dollar bridge facility taken for acquiring Jaguar Land Rover,” Tata Motors said in a statement late last week.

Tata Motors, part of the giant tea-to-steel Tata Group, tapped local Indian markets for the funds.

The company had already repaid $1.11 billion

(nearly £700m) dollars of the loan, with the balance due to be paid by next month.

“The (debenture) issue was quite a success and well subscribed,” Tata Motors chief financial officer C Ramakrishnan said in the statement.

The issue drew interest from mutual funds, banks, insurance companies and financial institutions, the company said.

Tata Motors bought the loss-making Jaguar and Land Rover brands from ailing US giant Ford Motor for $2.3 billion (£1.4b). But the worldwide recession has hit sales of the luxury vehicles.

The company has said it plans to begin selling Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in the Indian market later this year. It will import the vehicles from Britain.

Hi-tech innovation the way forward ONE of Britain’s leading manufacturing entrepreneurs has said that the only way out of the current financial crisis is to build on innovation and research.

Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, head of hi-tech firm WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group), criticised the financial excesses of bankers and traders, who he felt had been “chasing a mirage”.

“I have always had faith in engineering, whether digital or mechanical, to find solutions to the real problems facing people.

“This is perhaps a contrast to the chasing of a mirage that seems to have constituted some of the financial excesses of the past.

“I now believe only a future built on practical research and real innovation will have a firm foundation for growth.

“We need to give every company, every individual a chance to innovate and learn,” he said.

Lord Bhattarcharyya, an academic, built WMG from its base at Warwick University in 1980.

‘Colour’ of Asian weddings on TV A NEW TV station being launched this week hopes to capitalise on the £1 billion Asian wedding market.

Wedding TV Asia will be free on Sky channel 267 (Freesat 40) and aims to reflect the colourful variety of Asian weddings.

The station plans to feature wedding planning, provide ideas, information and entertainment as well as celebrity features, reality TV and credit-crunching tips. Part of Wedding TV, launched three years ago, the initiative is response to a perceived gap in the market.

Marc Conneely, co-founder and diector Wedding TV, said: “We believe we are responding to a public demand and looking at a big business opportunity.

“Our research in the UK shows that the Asian wedding market is booming in terms of the amount of money spent on wedding ceremonies each year, and even in a recession, the colourful traditions and culture make for compelling television content.”

Anti-competitive moves targeted INDIA is set to get tough on foreign businesses which engage in anticompetitive practices.

If a company forms a cartel or fixes prices with other producers or indulges in moves which reduce competition, it can expect heavy fines and directors could face criminal charges.

The new competition regime is being modelled on the European system but the fines are potentially much larger – up to 10 per cent of the company’s global turnover, not just an Indian subsidiary’s and the threat of jail sentences.

The changes also aim to reduce the time it takes for a merger to be approved, cutting it from 210 days to just 30.

Indian competition rules are mo­ ving closer to US and European models and mirrors changes introduced by China last year.

Firms to tie up US suit swoop LONDON-based private equity firm Emerisque Brands and Indian textile company S Kumars Nationwide are close to acquiring US-suit maker Hartmarx Corporation.

The companies are expected to pay $119 million (£75 million) for Hartmax, which filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

asia business Satyam looks at massive lay-offs FRAUD-HIT Satyam Computer Ser­ vices has more than 10,000 excess staff, new owner Tech Mahindra said.

Vineet Nayyar, chief executive of Tech Mahindra, which last month won an auction for a controlling stake in Satyam, said there was a need to lower headcount as revenues would continue to slide for a while.

“More than 10,000 people are excess,” Nayyar said.

“Ultimately if the company fails, you have 40,000 people out of a job.

Nobody wants that.”

He said the future for the company was still bright, but there would have to be some “sacrifices”.

However, Kiran Karnik, chairman of the board appointed by the government to salvage the company, said Satyam was looking at costcontrol steps including wage cuts but not lay-offs.

Satyam’s founder Ramalinga Raju revealed earlier this year that he had been inflating the books for years.

Climate change ‘will impact India’ INDIA is likely to be impacted ‘significantly’ by climate change, with the country’s 20 per cent GDP coming from the agricultural sector which is dependent on the monsoon, a World Bank report has said.

“The impact on countries like India are likely to be significant as about 20 per cent of India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is attributable to the agricultural sector,” said the World Bank report.

The study, focusing on the impact of climate change in drought-prone areas in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra has said that India should further its climate change resilience through a combination of measures.

“Although climate change impacts may take decades to manifest, there is a need for action now to avoid higher future costs,” World Bank Lead Environmental Economist Richard Damania said.

Sugarcane yields could fall by about 30 per cent if warnings about climate change were not heeded.

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Bajaj’s Boxers made in China

MOTORCYCLE maker Bajaj Auto has begun production of its bikes in China for exports to Nigeria, a potential market for low-cost and unbranded bikes.

“Earlier this month, we began production in China and have ship­ ped 1,000 made-in-China bikes to Nigeria through India,” Bajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj said.

Nigeria is believed to be a big market for unbranded bikes priced between £175-£325. The Chinese sell their bikes in the Nigerian market at a slightly higher price bracket.

The company is producing a new bike called the Boxer, in association with Kawasaki, and this will initially only be sold in Nigeria but then will be sold in India at a later date.

The company also plans to re-enter the scooter market and has already embarked on a collaboration with Renault-Nissan to produce a budget car by 2011.

‘Whatever the Indian economy needs will be done’

IN CHARGE: India’s new finance minister Pranab Mukherjee

pranab mukherjee declares finance policy INDIA’S new finance minister Pranab Mukherjee says maintaining the country’s growth but paying attention to fiscal prudence will be a top priority for the government.

Speaking to an Indian news channel on Tuesday (26), he said that the new government, voted in following the outcome of last week’s election, would present its 2009/2010 budget in the first week of July.

He said: “What is needed right now is the stimulus to the growth.

But at the same time... we cannot indulge in fiscal profligacy.”

However, he feels India may have

Pipeline plan gets green light PAKISTAN and Iran have cleared up all the outstanding issues impeding a project for laying a gas pipeline between the two countries.

“The contract will be signed between the National Iranian Gas Export Company and Interstate Gas System of Pakistan in three weeks,” said chief executive officer of the National Iranian Gas Company, Reza Kasaizadeh on Monday (26).

“Issues of price, the pricing formula and other questions have been finalised,” he added.

Although a completion date for the multi-billion-dollar pipeline has not been announ­ ced, export to Pakistan could start within four years, Kasaizadeh said.

turned the corner and says the previous administration’s stimulus package in the autumn of last year was beginning to have a positive impact.

“The type of deteriorating situation, which was prevailing after the second half of last year, to some extent it has reversed. We responded immediately after the middle of September when it (the downturn) was visible. Things have started having a good impact on it.”

But he felt growth would be some way off the nine per cent achieved in previous years.

“The growth projection for 2008/09 will be nearer to the assessment

made by CSO (Central Statistical Organisation) – around seven per cent.”

This figure is slightly higher than one quoted by many economists, who believe India will grow by about six per cent. But the surprise election results which handed Congress an almost outright majority has boosted hopes of further reforms and more international investment. The once powerful Communists and Left block do not have the same power as they once did and their parliamentary strength has virtually halved.

Mukherjee said more needed to be done to help exporters and firms operating in international markets.

“There are certain sectors which have been badly hit by the world financial crisis – export sectors particularly textiles, leather, gems and jewellery – their problems have to be addressed. IT (information technology) sector has also been affected.”

Mukherjee believes investment in infrastructure is necessary if India’s growth is to be maintained. He hinted the government will move more decisively to implement proposals to ensure the economy was at the heart of everything it did.

“I would like to move at a faster pace. We are saying that whatever the economy needs, will be done.”

bharti airtel and mtn in talks to create giant telecoms entity

PLANS: Bharti Airtel’s Sunil Mittal

INDIA’S Bharti Airtel and South Africa’s MTN have revived talks to create a $61 billion (£38b) telecoms giant spanning Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Bharti and MTN are mulling an initial merger deal worth over $23 billion (£14b), under which Bharti would pay cash and shares to end up with 49 per cent of MTN, after MTN pays cash and stock for an effective 36 per cent stake in the Indian firm.

They hope that would lead to the world’s third biggest cell phone group by subscribers through the combination of India’s biggest operator and MTN, which runs networks across 21 markets in Africa and the Middle East.

Analysts say trading equity stakes would give both firms exposure to new markets ripe for growth, while a full merger would yield cost savings, allow for technology sharing, and provide the

financial muscle for more expansion.

Just over a third of India’s 1.1 billion population have a cell phone, while MTN operates in virtually untapped markets such as Afghanistan and Sudan, as well as in Africa, where some analysts believe users could almost double to 700 million by 2013.

With 200 million users, a combined entity would be the third biggest based on subscribers, behind China Mobile and Vodafone, although annual sales of $20 billion would be dwarfed by both, with China Mobile at $60 billion and Vodafone at $65 billion.

If the stake-swapping deal goes ahead it would be the world’s biggest non-pharmaceutical transaction so far this year, according to Thomson Reuters data. A deal last year floundered after the two could not agree how the newly merged entity would operate.

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

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asia news x

all change in indian cabinet IN POWER: (From left) Sharad Pawar, AK Anthony, P Chidambaram, Pranab Mukherjee, SM Krishna and Mamata Banerjee get the call

Experienced politicians to lead the new regime Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh distributed key cabinet portfolios after the Congress party’s resounding victory in the national elections.

One of the big posts was for external affairs minister to manage foreign policy, and in particular, relations with neighbouring Pakistan, which have been fraught since a militant attack on Mumbai last year that left 166 dead.

“We would like to live in peace with our neighbour,” said the incoming Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, 77, former chief minister of southern Karnataka state and party veteran, but a new face to the cabinet.

Krishna said New Delhi was ready to extend “the hand of friendship” to Pakistan as long as Islamabad moved to dismantle Islamic militant groups based on its soil.

India blamed November’s attack on Pakistan-based militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Another key appointment was outgoing foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee, 73, to the finance minis-

try to steer the revival of the economy, which has slowed as a result of the global financial crisis.

Mukherjee is widely regarded as one of India’s canniest politicians.

“Efforts will be made to insulate the economy from the adverse impact of financial meltdown,” he promised.

Frequently described by colleagues as “Mr Reliable,” Mukherjee has been a regular face in successive Congress governments since 1973.

Palaniappan Chidambaram, seen as having overhauled India’s security

DMK party resolve Congress differences A major ally of India’s ruling Congress party said on Monday (25) it had returned to the coalition after settling differences over ministerial posts, boosting the government's stability.

The DMK party from southern Tamil Nadu state refused to join the government and offered its 18 lawmakers as outside support to the coalition in parliament.

Two killed in Sikh riot storm Towns and cities across the northern Indian state of Pun­ jab were under strict curfew on Tuesday (26) after riots sparked by the shooting of a guru in a clash between rival Sikh communities in Austria.

Army and police patrols enforced orders that shops, offices and schools would remain closed following the violence in which angry mobs torched trains, smashed bus windows and blocked roads.

The protesters were demonstrating against the murder of Sant Rama Nand, who was killed in a temple in the Austrian capital of Vienna as he address­ed 200 worshippers last Sunday (24).

Restrictions would remain in place across Punjab, the home to the majority of the world’s Sikhs, as “the situa-

in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, will continue to head the home ministry. The 63-year-old is known for his sharp mind and efficiency.

“He inspires a lot of confidence as home minister,” said Vinod Mehta, editor of the weekly Outlook magazine. A government statement revealed AK Anthony will retain charge of the defence ministry, which also added the new parliament would convene next Monday (1).

Sharad Pawar will keep the agricultural ministry role, while Mamata

tion is still tense,” a police spokesman told reporters.

Two men died in Monday’s rioting and Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, himself a Sikh, issued an appeal for calm.

Sant Rama Nand, 56, died and 16 other people were injured in the Vienna temple attack, which was reportedly over a dispute about the role of castes in the Sikh religion.

Leaders at the temple, which opened in 2005, have campaigned against the caste system, but their stance has angered other Sikhs in Austria.

DMK chief Karunanidhi said in a statement that prime minister Manmohan Singh had spoken to him and accepted a list of possible ministers from his party.

Officials in the Congress coalition, which has a comfortable majority in parliament, confirmed Singh’s council of ministers would now include a collection of DMK lawmakers.

Banerjee will continue to serve as railway minister.

Both Pawar and Banerjee are key regional allies in the Congress-led coalition which won 262 seats in the 543-member national parliament, just 10 short of the 272 needed for a working majority.

“Portfolios of other ministers will be announced later,” a government spokesman added.

Congress had campaigned hard on a poverty-alleviation platform for India’s rural millions, and voters also responded to the image of 76-yearold Singh, an esteemed economist, as a steady, pragmatic leader capable of steering the country through the financial downturn.

The alliance quickly garnered pledges of support from independents and others to take its voting strength to 322.

But a row over cabinet positions between the Congress and a key southern coalition ally, the DMK, resulted in Singh finalising a shorter list of ministers, with more expected to be sworn in next week.

polls produce mixed results The dreams of BSP supremo Mayawati to occupy the country’s top post appears to have faded with her party faring badly in the recently concluded Indian Lok Sabha polls.

The Bahujan Samaj Party, which fielded the highest number of candidates, 503, among all political parties, only won in 21 constituencies.

This marked a success rate of just 4.17 per cent.

The LJP, headed by Dalit leader Ram Vilas Paswan, was the worst performer among all parties. As many as 80 candidates had contested the Lok Sabha polls, and all, including Paswan himself, bit the dust.

Among the left parties, the CPI, which is on the verge of losing the status of a national party due to its drubbing in the polls, could win just four

seats out of 81 it had contested, showing a poor success rate of only 7.14 per cent.

RJD, headed by Lalu Prasad, which had contested 44 seats mainly in Bihar and Jharkhand, could win just four seats – a sharp fall from the 24 it had held last time. The performance rate of the party is just 9.09 per cent.

The NCP, whose leader Sharad Pawar was another aspirant for the prime ministership, won only in nine constituencies out of the 65 it had contested. The success rate of NCP is 13.85 per cent.

The CPI-M, which too suffered badly in its strongholds of West Bengal and Kerala, had fielded candidates in 81 seats, but could win only in 16 showing a success rate of 19.75 per cent.

Among the best performers, the DMK topped the list as 18 of the 21 candidates it fielded came out with flying colours. The party boasts of a success rate of 85.71 per cent.

The Biju Janata Dal, which dumped BJP ahead of the polls, had a remarkable achievement in Orissa too with 14 of its 18 candidates entering the portals of the Lok Sabha. The success rate for the party is 77.78 per cent.

The Congress, which won the highest number of seats, 206, had fielded candidates in 440 constituencies across the country but its success rate is just 46.81 per cent.

The BJP could only win in 116 constituencies out of the 433 it had contested, displaying a success rate of just over 26 per cent.

All systems go for new IAF deal India on Monday (25) took delivery of its first Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane as part of a deal with Israel worth more than one billion dollars, officials said.

“India is one of the few countries to have inducted the AWACS in their air forces,” Indian air force spokesman wing commander TK Singha said.

The plane, equipped with the sophisticated Phalcon early warning radar surveillance system, is the first of three units that Israel Aerospace Industries agreed to sell to India as part of a 2004 deal.

“The remaining two are expected to be inducted into the Indian air force by 2010,” Singha said. The AWACS involves mounting surveillance equipment on the top of Russian Ilyushin-76 aircraft.

The Phalcon AWACS can simultaneously track nearly 250 flying objects within a radius of 800 kilometres (500 miles) and also has a “look-down” capability allowing it to monitor movements on the ground or at sea.

The planes will be used to reinforce maritime security in the wake of last year's Mumbai attacks, in which 165 people were killed.

40,000 eyes on election process As many as 40,600 digital cameras were used by India’s Election Commission during the just-concluded parliamentary elections to keep a hawk-eyed vigil on the entire polling process.

The cameras were used to videograph the whole polling process in highly-sensitive stations, mostly in Naxal-affected states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

To handle the cameras, the EC also deployed 74,729 videographers, mostly on contract basis, Election Commission officials said.

For transportation of paramilitary forces, services of 119 special trains comprising 3,060 coaches were used.

Deadly cyclone takes heavy toll Bangladesh and India launched major relief operations on Tuesday (26) after Cyclone Aila tore into the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal, killing at least 116 people and leaving thousands homeless.

Bangladesh’s disaster control spokesman, Dalil Uddin, said 81 people in the country were confirmed dead so far.

At least 35 people were also killed in India’s West Bengal when the cyclone hit the city of Kolkata, bringing down trees and electricity pylons, and smashing cars.

In 2007, more than 3,500 people were killed, most of them in Bangladesh, when Cyclone Sidr hit the same districts.

India to star in French parade India will be guest of honour at France’s national day celebrations this year and Indian troops will parade down the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris on July 14, the French presidency said on Monday (25).

“India will be the guest of honour at the July 14 celebrations and Indian regiments will march in front of the French army,” said a French official accomnpanying President Nicolas Sarkozy on a visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, fresh from his election victory, will also be present.

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

asia news Police go girly in crime chase Police officers across the Bangladeshi capital are donning wigs and wearing women’s clothing to catch criminals targeting females on the city’s streets, a senior official said last Tuesday (19).

“We took this unusual move because of rising crime in the city and it is working,” deputy police commissioner Imtiaz Hossain said.

“In the past four days we have arrested 60 wanted muggers who have been targeting our officers thinking they are women civilians.”

The specially formed teams across Dhaka, nicknamed “burka squads” after the Muslim female garment, are helping to catch muggers, bag snatchers and pickpockets, which are on the increase.

Some male officers wear full burkas, while others opt for wigs to disguise themselves as women at busy intersections and crowded places where most of the crimes occur.

Authorities said the special patrol teams would continue to work on the streets in disguise until the law and order situation improved in the Muslim-majority country.

Bangladesh call for death probe Bangladesh has ordered a probe into the deaths in custody of 21 border troops held after a mutiny earlier this year, an official said last week.

Four of the 21 deaths were suicides, while the others resulted from heart attacks and other causes, a Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) spokesman has said.

The probe was ordered after the New York-based Human Rights Watch group questioned the account of how the men died amid torture allegations.

Nearly 3,000 soldiers have been detained for questioning since the two-day revolt in Dhaka in February, when 74 people, including 57 senior officers, were killed by their men.

The BDR had said the soldiers who committed suicide might have failed to cope with the mental pressure involved.

US have faith in Pakistan plan The Obama administration is confident that Pakistan will not use a planned sharp increase in US aid to strengthen its nuclear arsenal, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last Wednesday (20).

The New York Times last week reported US lawmakers were told in confidential briefings that Pakistan is rapidly adding to its nuclear capability while fighting a Taliban insurgency, stoking fears in Congress about diversion of US funds.

The US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs approved tripling US economic aid to Pakistan to about $1.5 billion a year for each of the next five years, including money for Pakistani schools, the judicial system, parliament and law enforcement agencies.

Latest satellite images released have revealed that Pakistan is multiplying its nuclear arsenal beyond its present stable of 60 to 100 weapons and increasing their destructive power and deliverability system.

It now has the fastest nuclear weapons programme and has considerably expanded two sites producing fissile material for nuclear weapons, according to a report by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).

The brand-new, plutonium producing sites are located near the city of Rawalpindi.

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES: Poor conditions in Pakistan refugee camp

CRISIS time Pakistan is struggling to provide relief for the 1.5 million people who have fled its antiTaliban onslaught, admitting the enormity of the challenge.

Pakistan ordered the offensive last month under huge US pressure to crush militants in the northwest, which Washington said threatened the very existence of the Muslim country and posed the greatest terror threat to the West.

As the conflict ploughs on with no end in sight, concerns are mounting about how to cope with the displaced, uprooted in what rights groups have called Pakistan’s biggest movement of people since partition from India in 1947.

Tens of thousands of people are living in government-run camps, crammed into tents in the scorching summer heat with poor sanitation, full of anger against an offensive they say has stripped them of their homes and crops.

“Life in this camp is even worse

than the life of animals,” said Amna Rashid, a business administration student sheltering at a camp near the town of Mardan.

“When I leave my tent, camp staff look at me as if I were a call girl. It is really disgusting and painful.”

Rahim Gul, 80, said he had a small grocery in the northwest Swat valley, but his home was destroyed in the operation and he was forced to flee.

“In the camps the government is killing us... I feel like vomiting because I stink so much. I wouldn’t give food to a stray dog food with these utensils,” Gul said.

More than one million people are now staying with relatives, complicating the international relief effort to reach the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“Neither we nor the government expected this number of refugees of IDPs. They are doing as much as possible to support all the families,” said Rienk Van Velzen, World Vision regional communications director.

Rahul Gandhi (left), his sister Priyanka (second from right) accompanied by her husband Robert Vadra (third from right) during a memorial ceremony for slain former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 18th death anniversary in New Delhi last Thursday (21). Their father was assasinated during campaigning, allegedly by LTTE militants in the south Indian town of Sriperumpudur in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991.

The United Nations said that around 1.5 million people left their homes this month and registered with authorities, joining about 550,000 IDPs who had fled previous bouts of fighting throughout the troubled northwest.

Dominique Frankefort, emergency coordinator with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), said two million people would need food until at least September.

“We are catching up. If you have 200,000 additional IDPs coming in per day you cannot feed them immediately. There are very few nongovernmental organisations and there is very little government assistance,” he said.

Frankefort warned that there was only enough money to feed hungry refugees until mid-July and urged donors to step forward.

“There certainly is not enough... we are struggling, we are currently borrowing from other projects,” he told reporters.

UN’S $540M APPEAL The United Nations launched an appeal last Friday (22) for $543 million for more than 2 million people displaced by fighting in northwest Pakistan who are enduring “incredible suffering”.

The military launched an offensive this month in the picturesque Swat Valley and neighbouring districts to stop the spread of a Taliban insurgency that had raised fears for nuclear-armed Pakistan ‘s future.

The United Nations has warned of a long-term humanitarian crisis and called for massive aid for nearly 1.7 million people displaced by the offensive and about 555,000 people forced from their homes by earlier fighting in the region.

“The scale of this displacement is extraordinary in terms of size and speed. It has caused incredible suffering,” said Martin Mogwanja, the acting UN humanitarian coordinator, in launching the “flash appeal”.

“We require $543 million of assistance until the end of December this year,” he told diplomats and reporters at the launch.

The UN appeal came a day after Pakistan’s allies promised $224 million in aid for the displaced, including $110 million from the United States, after the government warned that the militants could exploit a failure to help.

TAMILS set to be resettled Sri Lanka plans to resettle most of the 250,000 Tamils displaced by the war within six months, two Indian envoys said last Thursday (21) after talks with the island’s president.

Indian foreign secretary Shivshankar Menon and national security advisor MK Narayanan said Sri Lanka intended to take swift action over the civilians, whose fate has been the cause of widespread international concern.

“The government of Sri Lanka indicated that it was their intention to dismantle the relief camps at the earliest and outlined a 180-day plan to resettle the bulk of internally displaced people,” they said in a statement.

About 250,000 civilians who poured out of the island’s war zone are detained in temporary shelters which the government calls “welfare villages.”

International aid agencies have pressed for better access for relief workers to the tightly controlled camps.

The two Indian envoys who held closed-door talks with President Mahinda Rajapakse said both countries “emphasised the urgent necessity of arriving at a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka”.

TALKS: Menon and Rajapakse The Indian statement said that Colombo agreed to implement a devolution plan based on a 1987 constitutional amendment.

Menon told reporters before leaving Colombo that Rajapakse was willing to go beyond the 1987 plan in order to consolidate peace in the ethnically divided nation where up to 100,000 people have been killed in three decades of war with the Tamil Tiger rebels.

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asia news

Q & A AUTHOR talks fame and fortune after slumdog millionaire success story

STILL TOP DOG: Vikas Swarup talks about his life; (inset) with Slumdog director Danny Boyle; and (below) with lead star Dev Patel

BJP leader tops Google search Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) senior leader LK Advani has managed to beat Rahul and Sonia Gandhi as the most searched political leader on internet search engine Google since March this year.

Advani has emerged at the top of the chart for the most searched political leader from the day the Election Commission first announced the election dates until the votes were counted (March 7-May 16, 2009), according to Google’s Insights for Search report.

The list, ranked in the order of popularity, names Varun Gandhi at second place followed by Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, the most searched cricketer on Google was Sachin Tendulkar, followed by MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.

The Mumbai Indians were the most searched Indian Premier League (IPL) team. Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers and Rajasthan Royals were the other teams among the most searched.

Pakistan share India intelligence

vikas swarup: A way with words AUTHOR Vikas Swarup may have penned a small novel that swept the globe, winning accolades and turning out an Oscarwinning film, but the Indian diplomat to South Africa sees his success as a chance windfall.

While the publicity raged around multiple award-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire – the film interpretation of his novel Q & A – Swarup was serving a stint as India’s deputy high commissioner to South Africa.

“I never really thought that I could be a writer. It was only when I was posted in London that I first tried my hand at fiction, so I still call myself a diplomat who writes,” Swarup said.

In two months before leaving London, with his wife and children already gone, he finished the tale of a 18-year-old waiter from an Indian slum who is accused of cheating when he wins a billion rupees on a quiz show styled on the popular Who Wants to be a Millionaire? franchise.

While many authors agonise over the painful process of pushing out a novel and getting it published, Swarup’s fresh and original narrative showing the triumph of what he calls “the ultimate underdog” eased its way into a cultural phenomenon.

“I am a lucky writer. There are writers a million times better than me still trying to find a publisher,” Swarup admitted.

Swarup was speaking on the sidelines of a literary festival in Franschoek, near Cape Town, last Wednesday (20). “It’s my first draft, it has not been rewritten. I found a publisher almost immediately,” he said of his success with Q & A. He sees himself more as a storyteller than a writer who “has a way with words”. His story has since been translated into some 41 languages, as well as a radio play, a stage musical and on audiobooks.

During his posting to Pretoria he finished his second book Six Suspects, for which film rights have already been sold. He will then start work on his third book once he lands in Osaka, Japan, next July.

Six Suspects is similarly a plotdriven story, with a complex construction and a diverse cast of characters – including an American, a politician and an island tribesman – all are suspected of murdering the same man.

“The idea is to push the boundaries of a murder mystery,” Swarup said of the novel which is already gaining acclaim despite his battle with secondbook syndrome.

His third novel is sitting safely in his head until he finds time to write it, but he ad-

mits it “will be a conventional novel for a change”, with a linear narrative.

The book will be set in a fictional country, as opposed to India.

Slumdog Millionaire has drawn attention to the poverty in India’s slums, but Swarup says despite being a diplomat he had to be true to himself as a novelist, and has the full blessing of his government to write.

“I don’t feel defensive at all about what I am writing because I am extremely optimistic about India. Hopefully that comes through in my novels as well.

“Yes, they show people struggling with difficult circumstances, but there is also tales of people triumphing against the odds too.”

Since the movie was released, the media has followed the young child stars who come from the slums themselves, regularly reporting on their lives as they returned home after the glitter of the Oscars.

Faced with reports about the children’s houses being razed, Swarup said he feels sad like any other Indian citizen would.

“But Slumdog Millionaire is not mine, apart from approving the script. In a sense the people who participated in that film were at a distance form me,” he said.

He went on to note that the children’s lives had “been touched by magic” and would never be the same again.

“My only wish for them is that they utilise this break in life to get a decent education. They should not just get mesmerised by the glitter of Bollywood and Hollywood.

“It takes two minutes. Today you can be top dog, tomorrow you are back to being a slumdog.”

Pakistan and India have started sharing intelligence as part of an unprecedented cooperation effort between the longtime nucleararmed foes overseen by the United States, US media reported last Thursday (21).

The Wall Street Journal said the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) arranged for the two South Asian nations to share information on the Pakistan-based militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), widely accused of plotting the November attacks in Mumbai that killed some 166 people.

The arrangement has also applied to intelligence sharing on Taliban commanders who are leading a mounting insurgency against the Pakistani government, the report added, citing US officials.

An official at Pakistan’s InterServices Intelligence (ISI) spy agency said India and Pakistan had shared “a lot” of information about the Mumbai attack and were now working directly with one another, while keeping the CIA informed.

Although Washington is not “under any illusions” about erasing long-standing suspicious between the two countries, it does see some progress, a US official said.

In an effort to stress to Islamabad that the Taliban threat to Pakistan is greater than the Indian threat, the US shares information with Pakistan, and sometimes with India, about the location of Taliban commanders and their training camps, the report concluded.

Yahoo! making a buzz in India Internet search major Yahoo! last Thursday (21) launched its Yahoo! Buzz in the country, making India the first international market outside the US to introduce the new product.

Yahoo! Buzz enables people to vote and comment on the news stories they find most remarkable in order to help shape the headlines on Yahoo!’s homepage.

“Yahoo! Buzz is a great example of how we can combine popular stories with the wisdom of real people to determine what is most engaging and relevant to our millions of users,” Yahoo! India Head of Audience Frazier Miller said.

Yahoo! Buzz in India already features content from publishers including NDTV, India Today Group, Times of India, Zee, A2 Media and One India.

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16 EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

the week in pictures The Indian ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar, presented her credentials to president Barack Obama during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington last Thursday (21).

An Indian Congress party worker walks past a memorial to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 18th death anniversary last Thursday (21) in Sriperambatur, on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Chennai.

Apa Sherpa and his expedition team head towards the Mount Everest summit last Thursday (21).

The 49-year-old Nepali sherpa, carrying a banner reading ‘Stop Climate Change’, climbed Mount Everest for a record 19th time, improving his own record set last year, officials said.

Members of Australia's Tamil community held a memorial service in Sydney last Sunday (24) to mourn the deaths of Tamil civilians killed in Sri Lanka's civil war.

An Indian Air Force MIG-29 (L) lands near the parked, newly-delivered Indian Air Force Il-76 AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft at Jamnagar airbase on Monday (25).

The latest batch of India’s main Arjun battle tanks in the southern Indian city of Chennai on Monday (25). The tanks were built by the Heavy Vehicle Factory and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

A model apartment is displayed at the Games village that is being built for the Commonwealth Games 2010, in New Delhi, last Tuesday (19).

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guide

Sound of music: The Top 20 hip hop albums

Gurinder’s Tandoori frights director chadha talks about her new film

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Music

www.easterneye.eu

guide

guide Contents

the entertainment starts here...

Pages 19-21

All things hip hop, with the Top 20 albums of all time in the genre

Bollywood

Pages 22-23

Gurinder Chadha is experimenting with making a horror film

Eye Spy

Pages 24-25

MenZone

Pages 26-27

by Sukshinder Shinda

Interview

favourite singers

Kuldip Manak: He sang traditional music brilliantly and kept his music con­ nected to its Punjabi roots. He sang folk music in a very real way and inspired a lot of people to follow in his giant footsteps.

Popular dance duo Signature set their sights on Hollywood

How to pull a sexy woman if you are not too great looking

MyTop 10

Lata Mangeshkar: She has the sweet voice of an angel. I don’t think there will ever be anyone like her again and her timeless classics will live on and on. I love so many of her songs that I can’t choose a favourite from among them.

Jagjit Singh: The ghazal maestro is a very good singer.

If you listen to his songs, you will notice that he has genu­ ine emotion and pain in his voice. He has a beautifully de­ livery in brilliant songs like Chithi Na Koi Sandesh.

Page 30

Canadian trio The Bilz and Kashif talk about their kind of music

What’s On Eye Play

Page 31 Page 33

Watch Om Shanti Om on B4U Movies on Sunday at 19.00

Find

toutvwhleisn ytoinur gfasvourite

on programmes are

Page 32

E-Guide contributors: Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry, Halimah A, Asgar, Sneh Joshi, Anjali Mehta, Mr S, DJ Ritu, Pooja Chaudhary, Ifrah Haq

Mohd Rafi: Everyone loves Rafi saab because he is the ul­ timate legend. Just like Lata Mangeshkarji, he has delivered a massive number of timeless classics. It’s amazing to think that he recorded his songs with a live orchestra, and you can feel that when you listen to his songs. The way he expressed inner feelings through his mu­ sic was just immense.

Gurdas Maan: Apart from be­ ing an immensely talented singer and live performer, he always delivers songs with deep and meaningful lyrics. And I admire him for the fact that he never compromises on his lyri­ cal content. There is always a strong message in his music.

Jazzy B: He has a great connection to younger audiences around the world, and a great power in his voice that drives catchy tunes. If you want songs that make you want to get up and dance, then he is your man.

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Though the late great legend was known as the king of qawwali music, he could sing in any genre and still be brilliant.

With folk, classical, ghazal and even film songs, his range was immense and the deliv­ ery always beautiful.

You normally don’t have this much talent in one person – he was like a great gift from God. Sardool Sikander: A technically gifted sin­ ger, his powerful songs have a lot of feeling in them. If you listen to his music, you will notice he has put that little bit extra into the tunes.

Ghulam Ali: I think he is the king of ghazals. He has smooth vocals and never disappoints you. Also a great live perform­ er, he has a fantastic ability to improvise on stage. He forms a strong connection with his audience and has songs that are very real and appeal to a wide range of people.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi: A master of classical music, he has this ability to connect himself to each and every note. Anyone who is interest­ ed in music and singing should listen to this masterful artist. What a great voice.

Collaborations 2 is out now. To find out what Sukshinder Shinda is upto log onto www.sukshindershinda.com

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guide

hip hop hooray

The Top 20 Hip Hop Albums of All Time

by Zekra Rahman RIGHT from the birth of G-funk to the battle between East and West Coast rappers, hip hop has grown and evolved into a global phenomenon.

We’ve heard the politically charged anthems

by NWA, the powerful lyricism of Nas and the heavy influences of jazz, reggae and soul being brought to the genre by groups like A Tribe Called Quest and The Fugees.

With so much going on, it’s not easy to pick your top 20 hip hop albums of all time, but with the help of industry experts, artists and fans, Eastern Eye came up with its very own countdown of some of the greatest hip hop albums ever made...

20. The Game – The Documentary (2005): Arguably the most significant West Coast gangster rapper since Snoop Dogg, The Game reminded everyone that his genre of rap was still relevant when he dropped this album. He introduced himself to the rap game with hi-tech beats, produced by big hitters like Dr Dre and Kanye West, and guest appearances and catchy hooks by Eminem and 50 Cent. He resurrected the true spirit of West Coast rap and has since sold over five million copies worldwide.

19. Lupe Fiasco – The Cool (2007): The second release of his trilogy The Cool saw a just-ashungry Lupe Fiasco delivering a near enough flawless follow-up to his great debut

Food & Liquor. On one of the most intelligent hip hop albums with incomparable lyricism, songs such as Hip-Hop Saved My Life and Little Weapon told fascinating stories and showed off Lupe’s skillful wordplay and rapid-style delivery.

The themes and the sound on The Cool manage to capture a time of loss in Lupe’s life through its lyrical depth and original choice of themes.

18. Kanye West – The College Dropout (2004): Touching on a number of different issues from religion to family, sexuality, materialism and minimum wage labour, The College Dropout ditched the then dominant gangster rap for a more topical and self-conscious style with tracks that would relate to just about anyone. The track Through The Wire became Kanye West’s breakthrough and set the foundation for the album to become a huge commercial success. It was nominated for an Album of the Year Grammy award, and won the event’s Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song for Jesus Walks in 2005.

17. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000): More serious and personal than his debut album, The Slim Shady LP, this album introduced us to the real Eminem, Marshall Mathers. Ragefilled, loud, dangerous, wild, witty, punchy and unsettling, The Marshall Mathers LP had bags of charisma and originality. It became the fastest selling hip-hop album in history, selling more than 1.76 million copies in its first week,

and earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

16. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III (2008): This album catapulted Lil Wayne to the uppermost ranks of hip hop. The first three singles, Lollipop, A Milli and Got Money fast became internationally acclaimed hits and achieved Top 10 success on the Billboard Hot 100. With a number of exciting guest appearances and an impressive production line-up, it features an eclectic mix of classics.The most popular album in recent times, it won Best Rap Album at the 2009 Grammy awards, as well Best Rap Lil Wayne song for Lollipop and Best Rap Solo performance for A Milli.

Continued overleaf

my all time favourite hip hop artist is...

DJ Vix (pictured right): I’ll go with Dr Dre. There is not a lot going on in his music but he is simple and effective. He has a string of hits, which is the hardest thing for a producer to achieve.

Any one can be a one-hit wonder, but to do back-to-back hits requires talent.

Jay Sean: Eminem. He went against all odds – a white guy doing black music in the US, where it is very difficult to cut it as a rapper, let alone a white rapper. But ultimately it was Eminem’s talent and skills that gained him respect from the black community and his fellow black rappers who endorsed him as the real deal. This inspired me, as I too, am up against the odds – a ‘brown boy’ doing black music in a predominantly white country. He is a reminder that music should see no colour, and should transcend all cultural, religious and race barriers.

Sham of Shekie ’n’ Sham: I like Jay-Z because he is unique and has great flow and the same goes for T.i. They both have music which I, as an artist, can relate to.

AG Dolla: Common, because he is very good at his storytelling and he brings a very positive message to his listeners. I think he is very underrated. My favourite album of his is Finding Forever.

Navin Kundra: Notorious B.I.G and Busta Rhymes. They are both innovative, have amazing flow and their music is so heavy that you can’t ignore it when they are playing.

Maz from Bonafide: Notorious B.I.G. His flow, his delivery – he’s just always on point. A truly influential rapper who has inspired me in some of my music and my own rapping. Sky’s The Limit is my favourite track.

Ranidu: Jay-Z. I love the The Black Album because Jay-Z

was at his best on every track. I think the star-studded production line-up of Timberland, Jus blaze, Kanye, the Neptunes, DJ Quick, 9th wonder and the indisputable Rick Rubin also added an amazing array of flavours to the album.

Jaz Dhami (pictured right): Notorious B.I.G because even though he became so successful, he stayed true to where he came from and dictated his story through his music. But my all-time favourite hip hop album is 2001 by Dr Dre.

Blitzkrieg: Nas or Mos Def. I like the content they choose to address within songs. It’s intellectual rap and not just the common "gangster” stuff you hear these days. It’s very similar to spoken word. I highly suggest the albums Illmatic by Nas and Black On Both Sides by Mos Def for any hip hop fan.

19

15. The Fugees – The Score (1996): The New Jersey trio broke new boundaries when their album incorporated alternative hip hop influences such as reggae and soul to the genre and graced us with the powerful vocals of Lauryn Hill. Socially conscious lyrics, strong sampled melodies, live instrumentation and DJing on monster hits Killing Me Softly and Fug-gee-la, gave birth to a distinct sound that dominated the hip hop scene in the late 1990s.

14.Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1995): A combination of The Bomb Squad’s dense, sample-heavy production and Chuck D’s politically charged lyrics is what made this hugely influential album so popular.

The fast-paced, razor-sharp raps on the two biggest singles Rebel Without A Pause and Bring The Noise brought the speed of rap music up to match Chuck D’s intensity and gave the album a unique flavour.

13. A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory (1991): The combination of thumping basslines and rich jazz samples featured on A Tribe Called Quest’s second album is what established alternative hip hop as a definable genre. A poetic unity and flow of insightful lyrics from Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, complemented by instrumentation by several pioneering musicians on The Low End Theory bought serious rhythm and groove to the genre. It’s distinct sound went on to pave the way for jazzy pioneers like De La Soul and future artists like Common and The Roots.

12. Outkast – Aquemini (1998): One of the greatest hip hop duos to come out of America’s South, Outkast have continually delivered hit albums but their studio album Aquemini represents the pinnacle of their work. As they produced more material themselves, Big Boi’s flow evolved, Andre’s creativity was at its peak, and their two

e

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styles wove together perfectly to make every single track a hit. It pushed hip hop to a whole new high with influences of soul, trip hop and electro music and a concoction of spirituality, street reality and chunky Southern beats.

11. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

(1995): A timeless classic, the solo debut from Wu-Tang Clan member Raekown repopularised the whole mafia, money-making craze with his originality and creativity. It was loaded with some of the finest production moments from RZA on songs like Rainy Dayz and Incarcerated Scarfaces. Raekwon’s timeless cut with Nas and Ghostface Killah on Verbal Intercourse just rounded this album off, one of the best releases from Wu Tang.

10. Ice Cube – AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990): Another member of NWA to make it big on his own, this album took Ice Cube and his music in a new direction. It mixed the Bomb Squad’s explosive production with the powerful lyrics of a hungrier and angrier Ice Cube, making it one of the the best east-west collaborations made. A large critical and commercial success, it still remains one of the defining hip hop albums of the 1990s.

9. Snoop Doggy Dogg – Doggystyle (1993): Snoop’s debut album Doggy Style helped bring West Coast hip hop to prominence in the 1990s as one of the first G-funk albums ever made. Produced by Dr Dre, it had some of the most mind-blowing, earspitting beats ever made in the G-funk genre.

Snoops’ slurred ‘lazy drawl’, his lyrical realism and laid-back harmonious flow made this album sound so sweet that it actually kicked gangster rap into the mainstream. It gave the music world some of the biggest commercial hits and is a classic, essential album in defining West Coast hip hop.

8. NWA – Straight Outta Compton (1988): A pioneering album in the hip hop world, it had an enormous impact on the evolution of West Coast rap. It introduced some of the most grotesque but exciting music ever made and rap music hasn’t been the same since. Recurring violent and sexual lyrics, vivid,

dangerous and unapologetic, it had songs like F**k Tha Police directed at government organisations, which frightened the whole of middle America. The album spoke for an alienated youth and even crossed over with white teenagers like never before. Dr Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren and Yella, all part of the NWA collective, not only established the genre of gangster rap, but turned it into the primary style for the decade to follow.

7. Wu Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers (1993): This is the album which brought New York City hip hop to prominence and introduced some of the biggest names in hip hop including Method Man, Ol’Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon. Despite having a raw, underground sound, it achieved chart success with the help of its highest-charting single C.R.E.A.M and became one of the most significant albums of its time. Raw beats, simple hooks, evocative samples, humorous and explicit lyrics intertwined with nine rappers’ unique style, it inspired several subsequent artists including Nas, The Notoroious B.I.G, Mobb Deep and Jay-Z. 6. Jay Z – Reasonable Doubt (1996): Although the debut album from Jay-Z didn’t have the radio hits and club bangers like his more recent releases, it had incredible lyrical depth and acrobatic rhymes like no other.

An honest depiction of hustler life, it was instrumental in popularising the hip hop sub genre of manifesto rap, which flourished in the 1990s for its luxurious fantasies of rappers as mobsters. An undisputed classic, there hasn’t been an album from Jay-Z as honest as Reasonable Doubt since its release in 1996.

5. Notorious B.I.G – Ready To Die (1994): Just when the genre was being dominated by West Coast rappers, the Notorious B.I.G released his debut album Ready To Die and

Jay-Z

revitalised East Coast hip hop.

It was packed with emotional highs and lows and show-stopping rhymes from Biggie.

And unlike other, acclaimed albums by Nas and Wu-Tang that were influential in popularising East Coast hip hop, Ready to Die achieved commercial success with singles like Juicy and Big Poppa receiving regular television and radio air play.

4. Dr Dre – The Chronic (1992): A ground-breaking album for the sound of West Coast rap, the debut album from Dr Dre established his patented Gfunk sound.

Heavily influenced by live instrumentation of 1970s and 1980s funk music, The Chronic introduced slower, mellower, funkadelic beats, soulful backing vocals, rolling baselines and whiny synths to create a distinct sound and genre known as G-funk. The sound was so influential that it would be heard in almost every mainstream hip hop track in the years ahead.

3. Tupac – All Eyez on Me (1996): The last album released in Tupac’s lifetime, All Eyez On Me was the first double album CD in hip hop history. Dropped by a fresh-out-of-jail Tupac, it was spontaneous, wild, full of life, and a noholds-barred tribute to the thug lifestyle. With killer collaborations featuring Thug Life, the Outlawz and the Death Row family and top-notch production from DJ Quik, Johnny J, Dr Dre, and Tupac himself, it featured a mix of commercial and rugged hits. A crowning achievement of the West Coast, it was put together in just two weeks.

“The 1990s embraced us with Tupac’s huge All Eyez On Me

www.easterneye.eu

double CD album, all with the biggest beats and tightest verses, each track with heart and soul, selling nine million copies by 1998.

My favourite track has to be Got My Mind Made Up – big beat by Daz Dillinger feat Redman and Method Man. Tupac, our legend, will never die,” said music producer D-Boy. 2. Erik B & Rakim – Paid In Full (1987): This album marked a change of artistic direction in hip hop. It was one of the first albums to fully embrace 1970s funk samples with classics such as I Know You Got Soul. A combination of innovative sampling from Eric B and Rakim’s skillful word play is what made this album so profound and instantly influential with a host of rappers. One of the duo’s biggest and most defining hits was Seven Minutes Of Madness, the remix of Paid In Full, which remains a milestone in hip hop as far as remixes and sample-based music goes.

1. Nas – Illmatic (1994): The debut album from Nas, Illmatic was instrumental in the development of East Coast hip hop as it shifted the emphasis away from the West Coast G-Funk to powerful lyricism. Never superficial and always lyrically on point, Illmatic drew listeners into Nas’s lifestyle with ease and effect. His poetic rhymes, detailed lyrics and controlled tone introduced a whole new style of hip hop which is still influential today.

That is why it remains one of the quintessential hip hop recordings of the 1990s and deserves the top spot on this list.

Sumit Sharma, founder and managing editor of The Hip Hop Chronicle UK, Nas said of Illmatic, “It is the album

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

guide

hip hopping around the world Hip hop is not just a genre, it is a culture that has been embraced around the world...

Latin hip hop: Although the hypnotic sounds of salsa come to mind when you think of Latin music, the hip hop scene has been going strong since the 1970s. A group of like-minded artists set up the Mighty Force Crew and created a Latin hip hop sound that subsequent artists followed. The underground scene went overground in the 1980s with tunes in Spanglish and a generation of Latin and Caribbean DJs spinning the tunes for a wider audience. The sound went mainstream in the 1990s when Latin acts like Cypress Hill reached platinum status and producers including Johnny J started to work with rappers like Tupac Shakur.

The Latin sound has continued to evolve, blend in with other sounds and launch new genres like reggaeton.

French hip hop: The popularity of French hip hop was due to the presence of a large African community in France during the late 70s. Many French rappers came from the poor urban areas on the outskirts of large cities and used music to bring their African heritage to the country by rapping about their identity, upbringing, Africa and the culture of the banlieue (suburbs). Though hip hop in France has been greatly influen­ced by Amer-

that got me into hip hop. It had intricate rhymes, a talented MC and vivid street tales, not to mention classic singles. Illmatic raised the bar in hip hop and it continues to influence the genre almost 15 years since its release. It is truly a timeless classic!”

Rupinder Virdee, of Revolution PR, said: “This has to be my Number 1 album – short but hits the spot. The hottest beats supplied by Primo, Pete Rock and Q-Tip.”

ican hip hop, the lyrics were in French and it was enhanced by recordings of African instruments, such as the kora, the balafon and the ngoni. The first major star of French hip hop, MC Solar (pictured below, left), came to fame in 1991 and was renowned for his strong literary talents. Today, France is the world’s second-largest hip hop market and the fifth-largest global music market, with seven per cent of the world’s music sales.

African hip hop: One of the earliest South African hip hop groups, Black Noise, started out as a graffiti and breakdance crew in Cape Town before they turned to MCing in 1989. By the late 1980s, hip hop was thriving all over Africa, with each region having its own style of hip hop. It even reached as far as Senegal and France and inspired a generation of French rappers. Hip hop played a big part in the struggle for freedom for all races during South Africa’s apartheid movement and was banned by the government as a result. It was only by 1993 that it was made legal, allowing it to be broadcast on radio and television.

Influences of hip hop can be found in Kwaito, a new genre based on house music which emerged in South African in the 1990s.

British hip hop: British hip hop was predominately an underground form of music when it started out in the early 1980s. It was through graffiti and break-dancing, and DJing and rapping at live gigs that it emerged as a scene.

The first UK hip hop label Music Of Life, founded in 1986, was home to Derek B, the first UK rapper to achieve chart success. By the mid-1990s, rappers started to re-define the genre by experimenting with trip hop, UK garage or drum ’n’ bass. Artists like Rodney P of the London Posse deliberately chose to rap in a London accent in an attempt to give it a stronger British identity.

Following the turn of the century, the grime scene emerged in East London with artists like Dizzee Rascal (pictured below), Wiley, Kano and Sway adding UK garage and dancehall to the mix. Though supporters were influenced by American hip hop, British hip hop is unique in that it has crossed racial boundaries right from the beginning.

Islamic hip hop: Music has been used to communicate the message of Islam for centuries – from qawwalis to nasheeds, music has been an important and effective way of connecting with the Islamic faith. In the past few decades, a younger generation of Muslims from different cultures around the world have combined hip hop with their faith and the result has been a thriving scene that exists around the world.

Websites like www.muslimhiphop.com and acts like the Sisterhood Project are bringing Muslim hip hop artists together and making the cuttingedge scene grow.

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Why Karisma enjoys judging Nach Baliye SEE PAGE 22-23

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Interviews, Music, Gossip, What’s On, TV Guide and more

Music producer Panjabi MC makes a comeback

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Man U look for India shirt swap MANCHESTER United’s successful run on the football field may not be enough to save it from a sponsorship crisis unless an Indian group comes to its rescue, writes Aditi Khanna.

The World and European champions approached Indian cricket and hockey sponsors Sahara after it lost its shirt sponsor. Cash-strapped US insurance company, AIG, decided not to renew its sponsorship deal when it expires at the end of the 2009-10 season.

Sahara, which has business interests across the financial, property and media sectors, is considering the £14-million-a-year deal. The Indian company is valued at around £10 billion.

Experts believe it could prove crucial not only to United’s future sources of revenue but also to the expansion of football in the Indian subcontinent.

Sean Hamil, a lecturer at Birbeck Sport Business Centre in Birbeck College, London, told EE: “Football clubs have three main sources of revenue – match-day ticket sales, TV and sponsorship. TV and shirt sponsorship deals are inter-linked and Continued on page 6

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’FAIR MET IS ALL WE ASK’

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Could this be the end of Adnan’s marriage?

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Campaigners vow to oppose government move New chief faces battle to restore confidence

by ADITI KHANNA

ASIAN MPs and activists are furious at the government’s decision to drop a plan ensuring more ethnic minority candidates get into parliament.

They say the move is a major setback for ethnic communities and cannot be dropped.

Campaigning group Operation Black Vote (OBV), which pioneered the proposal, was livid with the apparent change of heart.

The government appeared to be on the verge of making it possible for parties to adopt all non-white shortlists for certain constituencies, thereby making it easier for Asian and black Britons to become MPs.

However, the necessary changes to the law to make it possible have been discarded as part of the Equalities Bill to be presented later this year. It was feared that the measure would not get the support it needed in parliament.

There are currently only 15 ethnic minority MPs in the House of Commons. The number should be at least

60 to reflect the country’s ethnic minority population, according to statisticians. In 1997, the Labour Party introduced all-female shortlists and saw female representation go up to 27 per cent, compared to the Commons overall of 19 per cent.

Keith Vaz, vice-chair of the Labour Party’s Race and Equality Committee, Continued on page 6

NEW Metropolitan police commis- by sioner Sir Paul Stephenson ADITI KHANNA and (NAMP), told Eastern Eye has a that daunting task ahead in still had a long way to go to the Met specialist departments has been poor. restoring NADEEM BADSHAH allay fears The Met must confidence in the force. of discrimination. show a genuine comWith relations at an all-time Highlighting the under-representa- mitment in addressing internal race low restore faith in a fair police between police officers and and faith issues. service for tion of Muslim officers in anti-terrormunity, both critics and the com- the nation’s capital.

“This is the only way forward ism combat units, he said: supporters Zaheer Ahmad, president in say Sir Paul will have to work “Despite winning the trust of the Na- spending and confidence of hard to tional Association of Muslim Police sity units, millions of pounds on diver- the communities it serves.” the actual bums on seats in Continued on page 9

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15. The Fugees – The Score (1996): The New Jersey trio broke new boundaries when their album incorporated alternative hip hop influences such as reggae and soul to the genre and graced us with the powerful vocals of Lauryn Hill. Socially conscious lyrics, strong sampled melodies, live instrumentation and DJing on monster hits Killing Me Softly and Fug-gee-la, gave birth to a distinct sound that dominated the hip hop scene in the late 1990s.

14.Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1995): A combination of The Bomb Squad’s dense, sample-heavy production and Chuck D’s politically charged lyrics is what made this hugely influential album so popular.

The fast-paced, razor-sharp raps on the two biggest singles Rebel Without A Pause and Bring The Noise brought the speed of rap music up to match Chuck D’s intensity and gave the album a unique flavour.

13. A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory (1991): The combination of thumping basslines and rich jazz samples featured on A Tribe Called Quest’s second album is what established alternative hip hop as a definable genre. A poetic unity and flow of insightful lyrics from Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, complemented by instrumentation by several pioneering musicians on The Low End Theory bought serious rhythm and groove to the genre. It’s distinct sound went on to pave the way for jazzy pioneers like De La Soul and future artists like Common and The Roots.

12. Outkast – Aquemini (1998): One of the greatest hip hop duos to come out of America’s South, Outkast have continually delivered hit albums but their studio album Aquemini represents the pinnacle of their work. As they produced more material themselves, Big Boi’s flow evolved, Andre’s creativity was at its peak, and their two

e

www.easterneye.eu

guide

styles wove together perfectly to make every single track a hit. It pushed hip hop to a whole new high with influences of soul, trip hop and electro music and a concoction of spirituality, street reality and chunky Southern beats.

11. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

(1995): A timeless classic, the solo debut from Wu-Tang Clan member Raekown repopularised the whole mafia, money-making craze with his originality and creativity. It was loaded with some of the finest production moments from RZA on songs like Rainy Dayz and Incarcerated Scarfaces. Raekwon’s timeless cut with Nas and Ghostface Killah on Verbal Intercourse just rounded this album off, one of the best releases from Wu Tang.

10. Ice Cube – AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted (1990): Another member of NWA to make it big on his own, this album took Ice Cube and his music in a new direction. It mixed the Bomb Squad’s explosive production with the powerful lyrics of a hungrier and angrier Ice Cube, making it one of the the best east-west collaborations made. A large critical and commercial success, it still remains one of the defining hip hop albums of the 1990s.

9. Snoop Doggy Dogg – Doggystyle (1993): Snoop’s debut album Doggy Style helped bring West Coast hip hop to prominence in the 1990s as one of the first G-funk albums ever made. Produced by Dr Dre, it had some of the most mind-blowing, earspitting beats ever made in the G-funk genre.

Snoops’ slurred ‘lazy drawl’, his lyrical realism and laid-back harmonious flow made this album sound so sweet that it actually kicked gangster rap into the mainstream. It gave the music world some of the biggest commercial hits and is a classic, essential album in defining West Coast hip hop.

8. NWA – Straight Outta Compton (1988): A pioneering album in the hip hop world, it had an enormous impact on the evolution of West Coast rap. It introduced some of the most grotesque but exciting music ever made and rap music hasn’t been the same since. Recurring violent and sexual lyrics, vivid,

dangerous and unapologetic, it had songs like F**k Tha Police directed at government organisations, which frightened the whole of middle America. The album spoke for an alienated youth and even crossed over with white teenagers like never before. Dr Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren and Yella, all part of the NWA collective, not only established the genre of gangster rap, but turned it into the primary style for the decade to follow.

7. Wu Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers (1993): This is the album which brought New York City hip hop to prominence and introduced some of the biggest names in hip hop including Method Man, Ol’Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon. Despite having a raw, underground sound, it achieved chart success with the help of its highest-charting single C.R.E.A.M and became one of the most significant albums of its time. Raw beats, simple hooks, evocative samples, humorous and explicit lyrics intertwined with nine rappers’ unique style, it inspired several subsequent artists including Nas, The Notoroious B.I.G, Mobb Deep and Jay-Z. 6. Jay Z – Reasonable Doubt (1996): Although the debut album from Jay-Z didn’t have the radio hits and club bangers like his more recent releases, it had incredible lyrical depth and acrobatic rhymes like no other.

An honest depiction of hustler life, it was instrumental in popularising the hip hop sub genre of manifesto rap, which flourished in the 1990s for its luxurious fantasies of rappers as mobsters. An undisputed classic, there hasn’t been an album from Jay-Z as honest as Reasonable Doubt since its release in 1996.

5. Notorious B.I.G – Ready To Die (1994): Just when the genre was being dominated by West Coast rappers, the Notorious B.I.G released his debut album Ready To Die and

Jay-Z

revitalised East Coast hip hop.

It was packed with emotional highs and lows and show-stopping rhymes from Biggie.

And unlike other, acclaimed albums by Nas and Wu-Tang that were influential in popularising East Coast hip hop, Ready to Die achieved commercial success with singles like Juicy and Big Poppa receiving regular television and radio air play.

4. Dr Dre – The Chronic (1992): A ground-breaking album for the sound of West Coast rap, the debut album from Dr Dre established his patented Gfunk sound.

Heavily influenced by live instrumentation of 1970s and 1980s funk music, The Chronic introduced slower, mellower, funkadelic beats, soulful backing vocals, rolling baselines and whiny synths to create a distinct sound and genre known as G-funk. The sound was so influential that it would be heard in almost every mainstream hip hop track in the years ahead.

3. Tupac – All Eyez on Me (1996): The last album released in Tupac’s lifetime, All Eyez On Me was the first double album CD in hip hop history. Dropped by a fresh-out-of-jail Tupac, it was spontaneous, wild, full of life, and a noholds-barred tribute to the thug lifestyle. With killer collaborations featuring Thug Life, the Outlawz and the Death Row family and top-notch production from DJ Quik, Johnny J, Dr Dre, and Tupac himself, it featured a mix of commercial and rugged hits. A crowning achievement of the West Coast, it was put together in just two weeks.

“The 1990s embraced us with Tupac’s huge All Eyez On Me

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double CD album, all with the biggest beats and tightest verses, each track with heart and soul, selling nine million copies by 1998.

My favourite track has to be Got My Mind Made Up – big beat by Daz Dillinger feat Redman and Method Man. Tupac, our legend, will never die,” said music producer D-Boy. 2. Erik B & Rakim – Paid In Full (1987): This album marked a change of artistic direction in hip hop. It was one of the first albums to fully embrace 1970s funk samples with classics such as I Know You Got Soul. A combination of innovative sampling from Eric B and Rakim’s skillful word play is what made this album so profound and instantly influential with a host of rappers. One of the duo’s biggest and most defining hits was Seven Minutes Of Madness, the remix of Paid In Full, which remains a milestone in hip hop as far as remixes and sample-based music goes.

1. Nas – Illmatic (1994): The debut album from Nas, Illmatic was instrumental in the development of East Coast hip hop as it shifted the emphasis away from the West Coast G-Funk to powerful lyricism. Never superficial and always lyrically on point, Illmatic drew listeners into Nas’s lifestyle with ease and effect. His poetic rhymes, detailed lyrics and controlled tone introduced a whole new style of hip hop which is still influential today.

That is why it remains one of the quintessential hip hop recordings of the 1990s and deserves the top spot on this list.

Sumit Sharma, founder and managing editor of The Hip Hop Chronicle UK, Nas said of Illmatic, “It is the album

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

guide

hip hopping around the world Hip hop is not just a genre, it is a culture that has been embraced around the world...

Latin hip hop: Although the hypnotic sounds of salsa come to mind when you think of Latin music, the hip hop scene has been going strong since the 1970s. A group of like-minded artists set up the Mighty Force Crew and created a Latin hip hop sound that subsequent artists followed. The underground scene went overground in the 1980s with tunes in Spanglish and a generation of Latin and Caribbean DJs spinning the tunes for a wider audience. The sound went mainstream in the 1990s when Latin acts like Cypress Hill reached platinum status and producers including Johnny J started to work with rappers like Tupac Shakur.

The Latin sound has continued to evolve, blend in with other sounds and launch new genres like reggaeton.

French hip hop: The popularity of French hip hop was due to the presence of a large African community in France during the late 70s. Many French rappers came from the poor urban areas on the outskirts of large cities and used music to bring their African heritage to the country by rapping about their identity, upbringing, Africa and the culture of the banlieue (suburbs). Though hip hop in France has been greatly influen­ced by Amer-

that got me into hip hop. It had intricate rhymes, a talented MC and vivid street tales, not to mention classic singles. Illmatic raised the bar in hip hop and it continues to influence the genre almost 15 years since its release. It is truly a timeless classic!”

Rupinder Virdee, of Revolution PR, said: “This has to be my Number 1 album – short but hits the spot. The hottest beats supplied by Primo, Pete Rock and Q-Tip.”

ican hip hop, the lyrics were in French and it was enhanced by recordings of African instruments, such as the kora, the balafon and the ngoni. The first major star of French hip hop, MC Solar (pictured below, left), came to fame in 1991 and was renowned for his strong literary talents. Today, France is the world’s second-largest hip hop market and the fifth-largest global music market, with seven per cent of the world’s music sales.

African hip hop: One of the earliest South African hip hop groups, Black Noise, started out as a graffiti and breakdance crew in Cape Town before they turned to MCing in 1989. By the late 1980s, hip hop was thriving all over Africa, with each region having its own style of hip hop. It even reached as far as Senegal and France and inspired a generation of French rappers. Hip hop played a big part in the struggle for freedom for all races during South Africa’s apartheid movement and was banned by the government as a result. It was only by 1993 that it was made legal, allowing it to be broadcast on radio and television.

Influences of hip hop can be found in Kwaito, a new genre based on house music which emerged in South African in the 1990s.

British hip hop: British hip hop was predominately an underground form of music when it started out in the early 1980s. It was through graffiti and break-dancing, and DJing and rapping at live gigs that it emerged as a scene.

The first UK hip hop label Music Of Life, founded in 1986, was home to Derek B, the first UK rapper to achieve chart success. By the mid-1990s, rappers started to re-define the genre by experimenting with trip hop, UK garage or drum ’n’ bass. Artists like Rodney P of the London Posse deliberately chose to rap in a London accent in an attempt to give it a stronger British identity.

Following the turn of the century, the grime scene emerged in East London with artists like Dizzee Rascal (pictured below), Wiley, Kano and Sway adding UK garage and dancehall to the mix. Though supporters were influenced by American hip hop, British hip hop is unique in that it has crossed racial boundaries right from the beginning.

Islamic hip hop: Music has been used to communicate the message of Islam for centuries – from qawwalis to nasheeds, music has been an important and effective way of connecting with the Islamic faith. In the past few decades, a younger generation of Muslims from different cultures around the world have combined hip hop with their faith and the result has been a thriving scene that exists around the world.

Websites like www.muslimhiphop.com and acts like the Sisterhood Project are bringing Muslim hip hop artists together and making the cuttingedge scene grow.

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Man U look for India shirt swap MANCHESTER United’s successful run on the football field may not be enough to save it from a sponsorship crisis unless an Indian group comes to its rescue, writes Aditi Khanna.

The World and European champions approached Indian cricket and hockey sponsors Sahara after it lost its shirt sponsor. Cash-strapped US insurance company, AIG, decided not to renew its sponsorship deal when it expires at the end of the 2009-10 season.

Sahara, which has business interests across the financial, property and media sectors, is considering the £14-million-a-year deal. The Indian company is valued at around £10 billion.

Experts believe it could prove crucial not only to United’s future sources of revenue but also to the expansion of football in the Indian subcontinent.

Sean Hamil, a lecturer at Birbeck Sport Business Centre in Birbeck College, London, told EE: “Football clubs have three main sources of revenue – match-day ticket sales, TV and sponsorship. TV and shirt sponsorship deals are inter-linked and Continued on page 6

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’FAIR MET IS ALL WE ASK’

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Campaigners vow to oppose government move New chief faces battle to restore confidence

by ADITI KHANNA

ASIAN MPs and activists are furious at the government’s decision to drop a plan ensuring more ethnic minority candidates get into parliament.

They say the move is a major setback for ethnic communities and cannot be dropped.

Campaigning group Operation Black Vote (OBV), which pioneered the proposal, was livid with the apparent change of heart.

The government appeared to be on the verge of making it possible for parties to adopt all non-white shortlists for certain constituencies, thereby making it easier for Asian and black Britons to become MPs.

However, the necessary changes to the law to make it possible have been discarded as part of the Equalities Bill to be presented later this year. It was feared that the measure would not get the support it needed in parliament.

There are currently only 15 ethnic minority MPs in the House of Commons. The number should be at least

60 to reflect the country’s ethnic minority population, according to statisticians. In 1997, the Labour Party introduced all-female shortlists and saw female representation go up to 27 per cent, compared to the Commons overall of 19 per cent.

Keith Vaz, vice-chair of the Labour Party’s Race and Equality Committee, Continued on page 6

NEW Metropolitan police commis- by sioner Sir Paul Stephenson ADITI KHANNA and (NAMP), told Eastern Eye has a that daunting task ahead in still had a long way to go to the Met specialist departments has been poor. restoring NADEEM BADSHAH allay fears The Met must confidence in the force. of discrimination. show a genuine comWith relations at an all-time Highlighting the under-representa- mitment in addressing internal race low restore faith in a fair police between police officers and and faith issues. service for tion of Muslim officers in anti-terrormunity, both critics and the com- the nation’s capital.

“This is the only way forward ism combat units, he said: supporters Zaheer Ahmad, president in say Sir Paul will have to work “Despite winning the trust of the Na- spending and confidence of hard to tional Association of Muslim Police sity units, millions of pounds on diver- the communities it serves.” the actual bums on seats in Continued on page 9

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The

Prowler u Legendary actress Sharmila Tagore was one of the judges at the recent Cannes film festival. Though she wasn’t hankering to meet any particular star, the 62-year-old said she wouldn’t mind bumping into a certain Hollywood hunk. “I adore Brad Pitt. He is gorgeous,” said Sharmila. u Preity Zinta says she is deliberately being choosy about the roles she does. “I have been in Bollywood for over 10 years and I don’t want to play a college girl or run and dance around trees any more because I have done it so many times. Now I look for something more challenging and/or refreshing.

Something intense like Deepa Mehta’s Heav­ en On Earth, where for the first time I could feel the pain of domestic violence victims.

Or the hot mujra I am doing in Main Aur Mrs Khanna starring Salman and Kareena – I haven’t done a masala film for long, so this one was pretty refreshing,” said Preity. u Sanjay Leela Bhansali has denied rumours that his latest film Guzaarish is a remake of Hollywood film The Prestige. The award winning director says the film, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, is actually a tribute to his idol Lata Mangeshkar.

Earlier this month Sanjay met Lata for the first time to ask for her blessings. “I would pass by her Mumbai home and hope for a glimpse of my goddess on her balcony. But to actually come face to face with her was a scary thought – one doesn’t hobnob with one’s God. But before (starting) Guzaarish I had to meet her. In person she’s as magical as she is in her singing. There is something other-worldly about her, a quality I haven’t encountered in anyone else,” he said. u Forthcoming film Kites has steamy scenes featuring lead stars Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori. When he was asked about the hot kissing scenes in the film, Hrithik said: “Why are we even talking about kissing? Is that such a big deal? Hasn’t our cinema grown up? Yes, there are kissing scenes in the film, but nothing to make me squirm. In fact, I would be completely comfortable watching those kissing scenes with my wife, son and parents when the film is released.” u Vivek Oberoi spent a lot of time with costars Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan during the shooting of an untitled thriller they have worked on together. A confirmed bachelor, Vivek says Kareena kept telling him to find a nice girl and settle down.

“Every time we go out for dinner, she would shake her head and tell me, ‘Find a nice girl and settle down’ and I would hide behind Saif to dodge the bullet. We had some great laughs,” said Vivek. u Action man Akshay Kumar says he always gives 100 per cent to everything he does.

Right now, acting in big films is his top priority. “Work is the most important thing for me. My job is to keep on running and stay focused. There are times when people have tried to distract me. But I’m too fast and I will not allow anything to distract me,” said Akshay.

The massive tidal wave generated by the amazing success of Bend It Like Beckham carried Gurinder Chadha into the heart of Hollywood.

After some major projects that were, quite frankly, not worthy of her undeniable talent, low-budget British film Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging brought the ace director back home. And if her latest film It’s A Won­ derful Afterlife is anything to go by, co­ming back to doing a small British film is a smart decision. Currently being shot in London, the comedy horror film stars Sendhil Ramamurthy, Shabana Azmi, Goldy Notay, Mark Addy and Jimi Mistry, among others.

Gurinder invited Eastern Eye to the sets in central London to give us the lowdown on the highly anticipated latest film, motherhood and what Bend It Like Beckham still means to her.

Do you feel like you are back in your comfort zone again?

(Laughs) Oh, right, because there is more Indians in this one!

We generally associate you more with small British films?

I don’t know if this one is as intimate beca­ use I have so many people in the film. I mean, today is a quiet day because we only have four actors on set, but there are a lot of people in the film. There are nine main characters, so we are having a holiday with only four today. It is intimate in the sense that it is a closer-to-home story and back in my territory culturally. For instance, in An­ gus, there was a lot of me as a young girl, there was a lot about my school days.

But I like to mix it up. What’s interesting about this film is that it’s very English and a lot like an Ealing comedy. I wanted to make it feel like Ladykillers and Kind Hearts And Coronets. It looks like that because it’s like a caper movie.

Why did you want to do a film like that?

I’m from the school of filmmaking which is British and populist in that I want a lot of people to go see it in the cinema – I want to make a film that people want to see on a Friday night. And I want to make a film that feels English and British when you look at it, but is populated with a lot of Indian British people as well as everyone else.

How did you find the subject?

I don’t know, I just came up with it one day.

I thought I have done quite a few things and different films, and I wouldn’t mind having a go at doing a horror movie. Originally I wan­ ted to do only horror, but it’s too scary and so I came back to comedy. It’s A Wonderful Afterlife is more a supernatural comedy – it has some horror elements and references to films like Aliens and Scream, but it is set in Southall, so it has that fun stuff. It also has the Bend It Like Beckham family stuff.

Were you influenced by the film Shaun Of The Dead?

Yes, absolutely. Shaun Of The Dead and Ame­ rican Werewolf in London were the two main references for this film.

How did you find time to come up with a supernatural film when you were making Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging and being the mother of two young kids?

That is the great thing about being in a writing team with [husband] Paul [Mayeda Berges]. I came up with the idea before I fell preg­ nant, so we had done some work on it well before Angus. Then I left it and Paul worked on the script while I was making Angus.

I like doing things differently and if I had

ENJOYABLE CAPER: (from left) Gurinder Chadha, Mark Addy, Goldy Notay and Sendhil Ramamurthy on the sets of It’s A Wonderful Afterlife done another film like Bend It people would say I am going over old ground and it would compared to that. This film will be different.

But all your films get compared to Bend It Like Beckham. Do you think the success of the film harmed you?

No, it didn’t harm me in any way at all. (Laughs) I live in Primrose Hill now! It is a wonderful film and is on TV a lot. I haven’t seen it in a while – Paul was watching it recently and laughing at the jokes. I said, ‘you can’t sit there and laugh at your own gags seven years on, that’s very sad.’

I am very fond of the film because a lot of it is actually about me and my dad who passed away 10 years ago. A number of the dialogues that Anupam (Kher) says in the film came straight out of my dad’s mouth – he was like that and let me do what I wanted and didn’t care what others said. In that sense, it’s very personal.

What is really moving is that people all over the world took to that film – it shows how everyone relates to everyone regardless of culture or background. I think my new film will also absolutely please the Indian community. They will own it.

Was Shabana Azmi your first choice to play the lead?

Yes, definitely. When I called her to ask if she wanted to be in the film, she said ‘yes absolutely, Gurinder, I’m dying to work with you’.

Then I gave her the script. Now she is here and has changed her look. You should see what we have done to her. If you walked past her in Southall Broadway, you wouldn’t recognise her. We did all the shopping for her in Southall and changed her entire look.

How did you manage to rope in Mark Addy and Sendhil Ramamurthy?

I thought Mark Addy’s [performance] made The Full Monty, and I wanted to work with him. I wasn’t sure I would get him, but he loved the script and wanted to be in the film.

Sendhil (Ramamurthy) is great and all the women love him. Not only is he gorgeous, he is a really lovely bloke as well and came over and met me before I started. I wrote the script with him in mind and exploited the fact he is from Bangalore in the script. He sat down and I said, ‘how much do I have to pay you to do the role?’ It’s great that his parents want to come over because they want to meet me – that means so much.

You have a number of big names in the film but you cast newcomer Goldy Notay in the key leading lady role. Why was that?

I like discovering talent as well as having the big names. Just like with Parminder (Nagra), I saw Goldy on stage in one of those Indian plays and really liked her. Then I saw her in a few shorts by a young Muslim director from Canada. I think she is really good at comedy. I got her and Shabana to eat loads

for the film because I needed them to be chubby. The film has a My Big Fat Greek Wedding element to it. She is a great comedy talent and I think this is a big break for her.

She is great and you want her to get the guy, even though he is handsome.

You have a solid writing partnership with Paul. Do you have any creative differences and how do you get around them?

We do have differences – I mean, this film took two or three years to write. When I was doing Angus and after he had gone away and written it, I said, ‘no, this is not what I want to do.’ My original idea was different. He had gone down a different path, and I really had to battle and had to think about it on my own for two or three weeks. I had a breakthrough and once I had that, I threw out half of the script and he agreed with me.

The central concept is troubling if you don’t know how to work it through. You have to deal with the concept of murder correctly.

Those things take time and that is why you can’t rush these things. You have to do it and walk away, and keep coming back.

You have become a strong role model. What advice would you give aspiring filmmakers?

I would say, make sure you have something to say because no one wants to watch a boring film. No one wants to watch a film that doesn’t have anything to say and isn’t inventive with how it’s being done.

How has being a mother changed you?

I’m here working and the same as I always was. It has only changed me in the choices of what I do so that it balances with the time I give the children – I’m not going to do something abroad unless it fits in with them.

I’m choosing to do smaller British films because I can control them more. I’m the producer and director on this and have raised the finance, so if I want to bring the children on set, I can. I’m not answering to anyone and that makes it easier with the kids and if I need to be a bit late, I can brief the team and be late. Those things aren’t easy when you are not in control. Also, nothing is as important as getting home to the children and getting them to bed, so I’m more relaxed about everything else.

Finally, what is the best and worst thing about being Gurinder Chadha?

The worst thing is I eat too much rubbish, which is bad for me, particularly crisps.

There are so many good things – I feel lucky to be in the right place at the right time culturally and it’s lovely to have a likeminded team around you. I feel we have arrived somewhere culturally, we have role models and I’m part of a community that has established itself.

It’s A Wonderful Afterlife, from Bend It Films and Studio 18, will be out in 2010.

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Gurinder Chadha changes track with comedy horror project EXPERIMENT: Director Gurinder Chadha; with EE’s Asjad Nazir (below); and (below right, from left) with Shabana Azmi, Sally Hawkins and Goldy Notay

EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

BOLLYWOOD

BUZZ

l Director Ram Gopal Varma’s controversial film Rann will be released on October 2. The film, which has drawn flak for ‘tinkering’ with the Indian national anthem, revolves around a big news channel and stars Amitabh Bach­ chan, Riteish Deshmukh, Paresh Rawal, Rajat Kapoor, Gul Panag, Neetu Chandra, Rajpal Ya­ dav and Mohnish Behl. l If you want to see what Mallika Shera­ wat looks like as a snake, log onto YouTube and watch the trailer for her lat­ est film Hissss. Direct­ ed by Jennifer Lynch, the film, which is not recommended to an­ yone with a nervous disposition, also stars Irfan Khan. l There may finally be a title for the terrorist thriller starring Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi. Though director Rensil D’Silva and producer Karan Johar have a num­ ber of titles in mind, they are zeroing in on Qurbaan. Shot in Philadelphia, New York, Del­ hi and Mumbai, the film is almost complete and should be out before the end of the year. l Comedy king Govinda’s beautiful daughter Narmmadaa Ahuja is on the verge of singing her first Bollywood film. She hopes that taking the advice of a numerologist and adding an extra m and a to her name will help her land a plum role in a big film. l Big banner Yash Raj Films has signed Shahid Kapur to star in a come­ dy romance opposite Rab Ne Banadi Jodi ac­ tress Anushka Sharma.

Shahid will also be seen in an as-yet untitled Yash Raj movie opposite Rani Mukerji. l A film that Aamir Khan starred in at the be­ ginning of his career is being re-released 20 years after it first hit cinemas. Originally out in 1989, low-budget thriller Raakh will go on lim­ ited release in India next month. If it does well, it will be distributed around the world. l French filmmaker Jan Kounen wants to cast Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in his film The Secret History Of The Dalai Lamas. Pro­ ducer Manuel de la Roche will be approach the Bachchans before shooting begins later this year. “We are very keen to cast the father and son duo in key roles in the film. Sharon Stone will step in as the narrator, while Holly­ wood star Richard Gere will also be involved with the project. The film will trace the history of the Dalai Lamas from the 14th century. It will blend dramatised re-enactments involving the earlier incarnations with excerpts from an interview with the current Dalai Lama,” said Roche.

scary film’

l Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman was so impressed with Farhan Akhtar’s singing in Rock On that he has asked him to deliver a song in the film Blue. Farhan (pictured), who is currently shoot­ ing for Kartik Calling Kartik, says he is looking for­ ward to the recording. “I am excited about sing­ ing for Rah­ man. I have been a great admirer of his work and have thor­ oughly enjoyed his music. Our meeting was won­ derful,” said Farhan.

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24 EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

When it comes to brilliant bands, Pakistan definitely leads the way. The latest one to emerge from the country is desi rock band Laal. Driven by politically charged lyrics, the band has powerful melodies and songs that have quickly attracted a solid fanbase. You can find out more about the band and hear songs from their debut album by logging onto www.aag.tv/laal

While his Slumdog Millionaire co-stars Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Isof mail faced the turmoil ng bei watching their homes kar bulldozed, Ayush Khede the at walked the red carpet e child Cannes film festival. Th ngest star who played the you arJamal Malik in the Osc the at s wa , film g nin win forthcoming film festival to promote his end the att and ret Sec ’s am Shy Lookscreening of the movie ing For Eric.

‘It didn’t work with Wadia’ Actress Preity Zinta has finally admitted what we have known all along and that is the fact that she has broken up with boyfriend Ness Wadia.

Although she didn’t go into the details of why the split happened, she finally admitted to being single again. A co-owner of IPL cricket team Kings X1 Punjab, Preity denied rumours she was seeing fast bowler Brett Lee and said she would never date a cricketer, married man or an actor.

“One doesn’t go out with people whom one works with, it’s as simple as that,” said Preity.

With Nazir d a j s A BRITAIN’S NUMBER

Dance duo hit the big time with Popular dance duo Signature has been signed up to star in a bigbudget film opposite Hollywood star Ben Stiller (pictured below).

The shooting for the as-yet untitled film will take place next summer.

The Britain’s Got Talent finalists landed the top-secret project after extensive negotiations and announced the deal after a performance in London last weekend.

According to well-placed sources Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh are also set to be one of the supporting acts at Michael Jackson’s highly anticipated series of concerts this summer.

If the deal goes through, they will be performing their popular routine before the king of

Rising star Mumzy Stranger is ready to make an asam sault on the mainstre Dance. re Mo e On gle sin ut with his deb erge from the Rishi The latest singer to em first Bengali solo the be to Rich Project aims hopes he get and rts artist to crack the cha to achieve this. Due s fan an Asi his m fro help 20 and produced by to be released on July nce is taken from Da re Mo e On Rishi Rich, . To find out more his upcoming album and how to preorder a copy of the song, log onto www. mumzy stranger. com

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pop takes to the stage. A lifelong fan of Jackson, it would be a dream come true for Suleman if he gets to share the stage with his hero.

These gigs con­ tinue an impressive run that started after Signature nar­rowly missed out on winning Britain’s Got Talent last year. This month has seen them jetting over to Chicago to perform on the Oprah Winfrey show and then to Las Vegas for a high-profile concert in front of an audience of 12,000. Negotiations are ongoing to land them some more plum projects in the US. For more information and to buy exclusive merchandise, log onto www.sigantureofficial.com

ren A magic carpet ride for ka

Actress Shobna Gulati will be appearing on Celebrity Masterchef later this year. The former Coronation Street is hoping to dazzle the judges with her curry-making skills.

match made in heaven Chelsea football stars Frank Lampard and John Terry are due to jet off to Macau in China for this year’s IIFA awards. Amitabh and son Abhishek Bachchan are huge Chelsea fans so will be looking forward to welcoming the ace footballers. The 10th IIFA Weekend takes place from June 11-June 13.

A leading production house in India is actually toying with the idea of doing an Indian version of adult cartoon South Park. But strict censor laws in the country means that it won’t have the same shock value.

paying guest

The latest Hollywood actor to show an interest in Bollywood is Ewan McGregor. He said that Bollywood was the first thing that comes to his mind when he thinks about India and revealed that he is open to doing a grand song-and-dance number in a big musical.

He said: “I would love to act, sing and dance in a Bollywood movie if I get a chance to work in them. You might have seen my musical Moulin Rouge with Nicole Kidman. That had the Bollywood song Chamma Chamma in it.”

scene stealer

For a long time, talented singer Karen David has been threatening to make it big in the mainstream music industry. The Canadian desi is finally gonna make good on the threat with her new single Magic Carpet Ride. Due to be released on June 15, the single has been produced

by The Bombay Dub Orchestra, has samples from classic Bollywood song Dum Maro Dum and remixes from Nucleya, DJ Shadow and DJ Pathaan.

This is the closest I’ve ever got to a woman

I’ll have more success as a leading lady...

I look more convincing than some of the actresses out there

This feels so right

Thank God no one ever watches my films

The latest Bollywood actors to dress up in drag are Shreyas Talpade and Jaaved Jaffrey. I wonder what they and their co-stars Vatsal Sheth and Ashish Chowdhary thought about it.

Model-turned-actor Rahul Dev was left devastated after his wife Rina lost a long battle with cancer and passed away in Delhi last week. They had been married for 11 years and have a 10-year-old son.

The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Shahid: Mover and shaker

If all goes to plan then Justin Timberlake could be shaking a leg with Bollywood star Shahid Kapur. Top choreographer Marty Kudelka was so impressed with Shahid’s dance skills on the Mumbai sets of Yahoo that he has vowed to ask close pal Justin to do a music video with him.

“Shahid (pictured left) is one of the best dancers I have come across and he picks up the moves really fast,” said Marty.

Shahid is hopeful the deal will go through. “It will be a privilege for me to work with Marty again. He is one of the best dancers in the world. I have seen Justin’s music videos, and I have seen the way he dances. It’s amazing,” said Shahid.

ONE SECRET ASIAN

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Lavigne and Keifer Sut

movie projects and concerts

IMPRESSIVE: Signature’s Suleman Mirza (left) and Madhu Singh

ed

p snap

British actress Parrking on minder Nagra liked wo that she much medical drama ER so o her home afint moved a part of the set gra, who played Na ed. end w sho hit the ter rs k two of the ward doo Dr Neela Rasgotra, too nts to fit them somewa now and irs as souven es home. “I’ve absolutewhere in her Los Angel going to put them in am I ere ly no idea wh going to have to do are we the house and but I guess we’ll ly, cal it really artisti vily find a way,” said the hea pregnant actress.

worried johnny stalls shantaram The rumour doing the rounds is that highly anticipated film Shantaram has been delayed because lead star Johnny Depp is afraid to shoot in the slums of Mumbai. Depp is apparently refusing to give the Mira Nair-directed film the green light, despite the runaway success of Slumdog Millionaire, because he has major security concerns. According to sources Depp requested Nair to recreate Mumbai in Mexico, but she refused to budge and this led to the project being stalled. Based on Gregory David Roberts’ best-selling book of the same name, the film is also due to star Amitabh Bachchan and Irfan Khan.

Actor Dileep Rao (right) shares a light moment with ace director Sam Raimi on the red carpet in Cannes. They were at the festival with other cast members for a glitzy screening of their horror film Drag Me To Hell.

COMMERCIAL RD.

BY MINA MAISURIA 3RD TO 20TH JUNE HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK

rumour of the week

Off-screen romance

Don’t be surprised if you notice a little extra chemistry between EastEnders stars Preeya Kalidas and Marc Elliot. According to reports, the two newcomers to the long-running hit soap have started an off-screen romance. This is not the first time that Preeya has fallen for a co-star – she was secretly seeing her Bombay Dreams co-star Raza Jaffrey many years ago.

ours doing the There are serious rum sman Yuvraj bat g ttin -hi big rounds that romance with Singh is rekindling his rma. The ladies Sha Bollywood babe Kim ically involved man has been romant profile beauwith a number of high ukone ever ties like Deepika Pad Kim a since he split up with few years ago.

If film director Pan Nalin gets his way, Aamir Khan will star opposite an international actress like Kate Winslet in a film based on writer Saadat Hasan Manto’s partition story Toba Tek Singh. Despite being notoriously picky, Aamir is apparently impressed with the story set in a mental asylum during partition and will green light the pro­ject if a big name from Hollywood signs up for the role of a doctor.

ANGLE THEATRE PRESENTS: 1OF 3 NEW PLAYS BY 3 NEW EAST END PLAYWRIGHTS FOR 3 WEEKS IN JUNE AT HACKNEY EMPIRE STUDIO DIRECTED BY: CHARLOTTE GWINNER SET & COSTUMES: GARANCE MARNEUR MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN: ELIZABETH PURNELL LIGHTING DESIGN: KATHARINE WILLIAMS BOX OFFICE 020 8985 2424 SUPPORTED BY THE FOYLE FOUNDATION

“GOD PUT THE DIRTY MAGAZINES ON THE TOP SHELF SO US ASIANS CAN’T REACH THEM”

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

menZone 10 Reasons To Hate the Summer season

www.easterneye.eu

Tactics to use to attract a beautiful women

The warm weather, scantily clad women and holiday season is supposed to put a smile on your face.

But it’s not as simple as that and here are 10 reasons why the summer isn’t as great as it seems: Wedding season: Seeing a spate of marriages does crazy things to your girlfriend, parents and extended relatives. At some point, they will try to persuade you to get married even if you are not ready.

And if you are married, you will get dragged to one boring wedding after another and be forced to buy gifts for people you don’t know and make polite conversation with people you don’t like.

Weather: You expect glorious sunshine but will get rainy days and unexpected cold snaps. The British summer will not only mess up your plans but will inevitably ruin sporting occasions.

Hot girls: One of the main benefits of summer is the scantily clad girls, but you won’t be able to enjoy it because your girlfriend will be keeping a close eye on you. If you are single, it will become depressing because you will start to wonder why you don’t have one of those girls.

Rubbish TV: It’s a fact that all the best programmes go off the air during the summer. So if you do want to spend some quality time in front of the TV, you will have to make do with repeats, not-so-great shows and a bunch of rubbish films.

No football: Let’s face it, no sport is as exciting as football. You’ll be counting the days to the start of the next season, and in the meantime, will have to make do with tennis, cricket and, erm, golf.

Holiday: The credit crunch affecting your finances won’t stop a close friend, girlfriend or family member from persuading you to go on a holiday you can’t afford. To make matters worse, they will make you go during peak season when the prices are high.

Heat: If by some miracle we do get a heat wave, it will work against you. At the best of times you find it hard to motivate yourself to do something useful, but when it’s hot, the task is all the more difficult. The heat will make you hot, sweaty and sap all your strength.

Walks: If you are in a relationship, you can look forward to pointless walks in the park, along the river and any place that has flowers growing in it.

Man boobs: The cold weather and being a couch potato stopped you from getting into shape for the summer. While other guys are walking around with tight T-shirts showing off their chiselled bodies, you are trying to find different ways to hide your man boobs and flabby beer gut.

Visitors: Whether it’s a family member from the sub-continent, a girlfriend who practically moves in with you or a long-lost friend you haven’t seen in ages, the summer significantly increases the number of people who want to come and stay with you.

Hair care

with Asgar

l Galvin Hair Celebrity stylist Asgar is at Danie on W1U 7ET Salon, 58-60 George Street, Lond

hairline?

What shall I do if I have a receding ages and there are all Hair loss is common with men of lem. Though some different ways to deal with the prob weaves or plugs, it is like es edur men opt for surgical proc be considered in exjust one option and should only treme situations. family, then you can If hair loss is not common in your t the cause is. It wha out ing find by tion solu a often find an allergic reacto s stres me extre from hing can be anyt should look at it as an tion to something. Ultimately you and this can be look new d bran opportunity to get a achieved with the right style. b it over as that has Don’t grow your hair long and com will. Either opt for a renever been in fashion and never shape your hair – cut it ally short cut or get the stylist to it slightly longer at the keep and s side the nd short arou me. volu of on ressi imp the top to create

ILL-FATED: Padma Lakshmi with Salman Rushdie in happier times

Beauty An

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

if you are lacking in the good looks department All guys, at some point in time, have looked at a couple and wondered why the smoking hot girl is with the not-sogreat-looking guy.

If you have asked this question yourself or are an ugly bloke who wants that woman for himself, then read on...

Money hai to honey hai: Commonly known as gold diggers, these women just love cash. They love it, love it, love it. For them, money is the great aphrodisiac, something which has the power to make them believe you are Hrithik’s Roshan’s twin brother.

What to do: Make some hard cash quickly. It may be time for you to stop taking those sickies and actually think about your career.

Feel the power: If money is one of the biggest reasons for a hot girl willing to date an ugly bloke, then power is a close second. In fact it is so strong that it can overpower ugliness. Whether it’s politics, being ahead in the business world or the ability to win a fight (verbal or physical), power will enable you to be mistaken for a hero.

What to do: Be more assertive. Leave your job as a flower arranger even if you do love plants.

Be a sugar daddy: They may be attracted to maturity or may have daddy issues, but some really hot women are attracted to older men.

If he has cash and power, it is just a bonus.

What to do: Either grow a moustache to look older or maybe you need a few extra grey hairs to pull off that distinguished look. If that doesn’t work, get a younger girl who is too smitten to realise you’re not really mature and are lying about your age, and are only a few years older than she is.

Red alert: There comes a time in a woman’s life when she hits the panic button and will pretty much marry anyone half-decent. If you really want a hot woman and have exhausted your possibilities, then this is for you. But beware, she will wake up one day and think ‘what the hell have I done’?

What to do: Join a dating site for those women who are looking to get married or tell your aunties to find you someone.

Joke bloke: If you don’t have the will power to be rich, famous, powerful or even mature, then a sense of humour goes a long way.

Women love men who can make them laugh.

True, she will sometimes be laughing at you, but that doesn’t matter because you will have a hot girl and your mates won’t.

What to do: Learn good jokes and use them at the right time. Remember, comic timing is important and you need to deliver your neatly wrapped laughter package at the right time. Also, save your best material when there is a big group present.

by ASJAD NAZIR

Get a divorcee: If you want a hot woman who isn’t after anything and only asks for loyalty, respect and stability, find yourself a divorcee. All you have to be is reliable and willing to treat them right, and they will reciprocate by looking beyond the fact that they are way too good for someone like you.

What to do: Join a dating site or ask a relative to hook you up. Some parents will be so happy that they will give you cash.

Win a beauty with your brains: Women are a lot more intelligent than men and those who find it impossible to lower their IQs find intelligence magnetic enough for them to be attracted to ugly blokes. Single clever men being few and far between means hot women looking for brains will lower their standards on the looks department.

What to do: If you didn’t learn anything at school and want a hot intelligent woman, it’s time to start hitting the books. If you don’t have the brains or patience to read, then find a trivia site and memorise a lot of facts.

Import a bride: Some of the most beautiful women in the world are in the sub-continent.

While some are looking for money, power or, erm, have poor eyesight to be able to igno­ re the appearance of an ugly bloke, for others getting a British passport will do the trick. In the sub-continent that little red book has an amazing power.

What to do: Take that long overdue visit to the homeland and visit those relatives you never knew you had. Get them to find a girl who likes England enough to want to spend the rest of their life with the likes of you.

Get a make-over: If you are the automobile equivalent of an old banger, and want to hook up with a sexy, sleek sports car, then make like those rides on Pimp My Ride and get a much-needed make-over.

What to do: Get a close female friend to advise you on what needs to be done. Actually start using that gym equipment, don’t go there to look at the semi-naked women in the sauna. Invest in good shoes, a decent haircut and clothes that are actually in fashion.

Rebound love: When a hot woman breaks up from a serious boyfriend, she temporarily loses the ability to think straight. That is when she is most likely to date an ugly bloke.

What to do: Look out for women who are newly single and be that shoulder to cry on and make her feel beautiful. Chances are she will run a mile when she regains her senses, but what do you care, you dated a hot chick!

The fame game: Fame-hungry girls who have grown up on a diet of Bollywood movies, glossy magazines and unrealistic expectations, dream of stardom and love the celebrity culture. For them fame is a good enough reason to ignore how a guy looks, because it will help them move in starry circles.

What to do: Become famous for something.

If that doesn’t work then fake it – meet a non desi and tell them you are from Bollywood.

But beware she will dump you when someone more famous comes along.

Star charts: Some parents believe in numerology so much they will agree to their hot daughter to hooking up with a not-so-great looking guy if the numbers match up.

What to do: Find a friendly numerologist and identify family friends with hot daughters.

If they can do it, so can you… u Silver-haired Bollywood director Vikram Bhatt was once involved with former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen u Old bloke Salman Rushdie was actually married to sexy model-turned-TV presenter Padma Lakshmi for three years u Unbelievable but true, Govinda was once romantically linked with Rani Mukerji u Wooden actor Arbaaz Khan is happily married to seriously sexy item girl Malaika Arora u Late great singer and actor Kishore Kumar charmed legendary beauty Madhubala into marrying him u American doctor Sriram Nene hit the jackpot when Madhuri Dixit agreed to marry him.

d The Geek

27

MenZone

Beauty on l a S n MaShop limah A With Ha

Halimah A does hair, henna and make-­up for special occasions. Contact her on www. henna-h.com

Products for men

Skin Supplies for Men Home & Away shave set The shave set contains three of Clinique for Men’s top-selling shaving products that ensure men have a comfortable, clean shave every time, whether at home or away.

It covers all you need with the M Shave Aloe Gel (125ml), a Face Scrub (100ml), and the Post Shave Healer (75ml).

Happy for Men bonus set This set comprises a Happy for Men cologne spray (50 ml, £27.41), a fresh and citrus scent which leaves you feeling refreshed and energised.

There is also a Happy for Men aftershave balm (50ml, £31.32), a non-greasy, light moisturising lotion which soothes the skin after shaving, making it feel supple and smooth. The balm leaves a film of hydration, making the skin feel velvety and moisturised, a more modern approach than using a plain aftershave.

how to make... a romantic CD The humble CD may be dying as far as music sales are concerned, but it is alive and well when it comes to romance. A love CD is a gift that is thoughtful, romantic and, erm, economical. But creating an album of love songs is not as easy as it seems – there are rules you need to follow when you are recording one. m If you are new to wooing this girl, then it’s not a great idea to have songs with xrated lyrics or really stupid ones with dumb sentiments. It may express how you feel but she won’t appreciate it. m Do your homework and find out which artists and genres of music she likes. It’s no good recording a romantic filmi song for someone who hates Bollywood or, erm, can’t understand the language. m Make sure you keep the music current and up to date. You may think you are recording classics, but she will think you are a horribly out-of-touch old man. m There is a good chance you don’t know a romantic song if it introduced itself to you with a punch in the face. So ask some female friends if the songs are any good, but make sure she doesn’t tell your mates. m Be subtle about communicating how you feel in the songs – that means not putting songs on there like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (Will you marry me). m Make sure the songs are consistently good and don’t put any fillers that she will get bored of on there.

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guide

EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Fashion

Aishwarya rai bachchan at Cannes film festival A regular at the high-profile Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has attracted the camera’s attention for her outfits on the red carpet. As this year’s festival came to an end last weekend, EE looks back at how her style has evolved over the years since she made her debut at the glamorous event in 2002...

2004

GOLDEN GIRL

Brave and certainly not shy, less was obviously more when Ash arrived for the opening of the ceremony on May 12.

SCREEN SIREN RUSTIC BEAUTY

2005

2003

2002

At the opening ceremony in a sexy black number on May 11 and then playing it safe in a pretty summer dress with floral designs for Woody Allen’s film Match Point a day later.

Just check out all that hand-embodied detail and those seriously hot tones of rust she wore to the screening of French film Les Egares on May 16. But the next day, she suddenly turned up wearing this disastrous green sari!

Ash made a stunning debut on the red carpet wearing a show-stopping yellow sari and piles of Indian gold as she attended the screening of Devdas on May 30.

spring fever

2008

Only Ash could make a splash on the red carpet by dressing up like a mermaid to attend the screening of Steven Spielberg’s film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, on May 18.

TRUE BLUES

www.mytheresa.com, £1618.91

MERMAID INSPIRED

HAPPY TIMES

2006 No earrings and hardly any bling. Ash plays it safe with a simple and sophisticated evening look in this navy ballroom gown for the screening of The Wind That Shakes The Barley on May 18.

2007

2006

All loved-up and newly married, Ash turns up with her hot new accessory, her husband Abhishek, on her arm for the screening of Kung Fu Panda on May 15.

Steady on, Ash! It looks like the Bachchans had an exciting family day out at the screening Woody Allen’s film Vicky Cristina Barcelona on May 17.

Glam heels and clutches Coast, £50

www.vanessabruno.com £395

Harvey Nichols, £1,695

All Saints £95

YSL, £820

www.net-a-porter.com £585

River Island, £80

www.boden.co.uk, £79

www.dolcegabbana.it £270

www.givenchy.com, £465

www.marcjacobs.com £387

www.givenchy.com £1,170

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Fever

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

guide

with zekra rahman

Get the look CHOOSE the gown (pictured, bottom of the page), accessorise with these gems and grab yourself a pair of glam heels and a clutch to complete the million-pound look with these jaw-dropping designer items on the market now...

www.net-a-porter.com £90

HOLLYWOOD GLAM www.net-a-porter.com £200

House of Fraser £119 House of Fraser £225

www.brownsfashion.com £150

Harvey Nichols, £998

Harvey Nichols £480

www.brownsfashion.com £495 www.ringseclectic.com £98 www.robertocavalli.com £282

2009

From Bollywood bindis to Hollywood glam, Ash strikes a pose at the world premiere of the Pixar movie Up on May 14. Are we the only ones wondering if it was a wedding dress?

www.net-a-porter.com £635 www.net-a-porter.com £161

www.net-a-porter.com £635

Harrods £380

www.net-a-porter.com £545

www.net-a-porter.com £545

Warehouse £90

www.net-a-porter.com £303.40

www.mytheresa.com £1868.11

www.net-a-porter.com £1,414.26

www.net-a-porter.com £745

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

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guide

three of

Canadian trio The Bilz and Kashif talk music

a kind

DISTINCTIVE: (From left) Master-D, DJ Vicious and Kashif; (inset, right) with Amitabh Bachchan

Whether it’s Jazzy B, DJ Sanj, Raghav or a new wave of singers and producers, Canada has become a serious hotbed for musical talent.

The latest artists to emerge from the country are the interesting looking trio of The Bilz and Kashif – Kashif is a gifted singer and The Bilz consists of talented music producers DJ Vicious and Master-D. They hooked up after Kashif left successful French r’n’b-pop group In Motion, and after recording a number of big tunes together, they found fame on the live circuit.

The trio were chosen to perform at the Unforgettable tour alongside the Bachchans.

If that wasn’t enough, they also beat off tough competition to do a re-mix of Sean Kingston’s song Bollywood Girls and have set up a project that promotes peace.

Eastern Eye spoke to the trio about the Canadian scene, which British artists they would love to work with and hanging out with the Bachchan family.

Growing up, who was your musical hero?

Kashif: I’ve loved music all my life. I remember doing Michael Jackson routines at home and practicing the moonwalk in the kitchen as a six year old. The king of pop has always been a legend, an icon and a musical genius for me. I was also inspired by Boyz II Men. Vicious: I was more into DJing before, so I would say Funkmaster Flex was my turntable hero since he did what he loved and also expanded into various business ventures. I’m also inspired by the success of P Diddy, Jermaine Dupris and Jay-Z. They follow the art of music and at the same time, manage to be successful entrepreneurs.

Master-D: I’m inspired by different genres and composers like Yanni, Phil Collins, RD Bur­ man and my all-time hero, AR Rahman. They have made music that appeals to everyone.

Vicious, what made you guys want to work with Kashif?

Vicious: Kashif is pure talent. We used to take the bus back home from high school and he would tell me how much he loved music. Next thing he’s blowing up with In Motion and having hit singles. When his deal ended, he told me he wanted a solo career so I asked him to come to the studio. The chemistry

by asjad nazir between us was incredible – we dropped a promo mixtape called The Introduction and it received an amazing buzz.

Tell us a little about the music you have produced together?

Vicious: We explore all sorts of sounds as Mas­ ter-D loves to incorporate world elements in his compositions. Our music is universal and very fresh for the industry. It’s the main reason why we broke out of the desi mold and charted on mainstream radio stations against Justin Timberlake and Beyonce.

We started off doing original remixes for national and international artists such as Foxy Brown, Keshia Chante and Chantal Chamandy. With Chantal, the dance remix charted in the Billboard Top 100 and the reggaeton remix charted No 7 on the Latin r’n’b charts.

Then we started doing original tracks for Kashif’s solo album and we also started working on our own compilation album with various artists such as So-D, Jasvir Dhanjal, Drega and Mixsingh. We actually landed a deal for The Bilz album so we just went with the flow.

You also work on separate projects, so how long did it take you guys to find common musical ground?

Kashif: Not long at all. I would say we have been on the same page from the beginning. I guess we were all just really excited about bringing our forces together to write great songs. Putting a DJ, a producer and a singersongwriter in one group is an explosive combination. Our mission is to make universal music, to cross over and take it mainstream, and to make inventive and distinctive music by keeping the quality consistent.

You have different musical influen­ ces, so there must have been creative differences?

Kashif: I think our secret to success is that we have chemistry. It clicks for us. We always have a blast in the studio and honestly, we are fans of each other. We are always experimenting – we want to take music to a new place.

Who is your music aimed at?

Kashif: I call the sound international. A Pakistani dude singing black music with a southAsian touch is not common or typical in the western mainstream music business. Though they say music has no barriers, the reality is that it’s very difficult for major record labels to take Asian talent seriously. When you’re dealing with a situation like this, the music has to be hot, plain and simple. Our musical style is diverse and versatile. It’s about introducing the world to other cultures and mixing them and making a breakthrough.

What was it like performing in front of 15,000 fans at the Unforgettable concert?

Kashif: Going on tour and performing is pro­ bably the best part for us. We love the fans, they are the best. They are our source of inspiration. It was a blessing and an unforgettable experience to perform in front of 15,000 people. It was insane.

Did you hang out with the Bachchans?

Kashif: We got a chance to chill with everybody, which was unreal. Growing up watching these stars in Bollywood movies and then performing on the same stage as them was really cool. The highlight was definitely Abhishek Bachchan – he told us that we rocked and that he wanted an autographed CD. What is the best and worst thing about the music scene in Canada?

Kashif: One of the big­gest disadvantages Canadian artists face is a lack of exposure. Americ­ an stuff

frequently comes with huge marketing budgets and in part because of that, they get a lot of free publicity in the Canadian press. Canadians, on the other hand, tend to have little or no publicity budget and struggle to get media attention. But there’s a lot of talent here and it’s only a matter of time before the Asian talent starts to get recognised.

What do you think of the UK scene?

Vicious: The UK scene is quite dominant and it’s great to have an abundance of media available to cover artists like us who also have fans in Britain. It’s now grown from just a bhangra market to having two industries that co-exist – the bhangra industry and urban desi industry. There are also tons of artists out there, but only the quality ones survive.

The UK has always been ahead of North America because there are generations of Asians who have been born, raised and run successful businesses there. In addition, with all the radio, TV and south Asian population there, you reach a wider audience. In North America, it’s just starting but it’s great to see North American artists like us starting to make waves in the UK. Is there anyone you guys would like to collaborate with?

Vicious: We would love to collaborate with anyone who has talent and a passion for success. We would love to do work with Rishi Rich, he’s an amazing producer. We would love to write a hit for Juggy-D, Jay Sean or Raghav.

What do you think makes a good song?

Master-D: A good song comes from the heart and tickles your soul. It should give you goosebumps listening to it, make you want to sing along or make you want to get on your feet and party.

Lyrics must compliment the composition – you need to make music that makes you happy and is outside the box.

Check out The Bilz & Kashif websites at www.thebilzandkashif.com and www. bilzmusic.com. You can also join the official Facebook group by visiting www.facebook.thebilzandkashif.com. For more about their peace project One Voice, visit www.onevoicefoundation.com

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

guide

What’s on

Call Zekra Rahman on 020-7654 7751 or email listings.easterneye@amg.biz To further promote your event, please contact Dean on 020-7654 7766

Please confirm information with venues before visiting

Club nights Bar Sangeet When & Where? Fridays @ Bar Sangeet, 361-373 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 4QZ. What? DJs play r’n’b, bhangra, Bollywood and hip hop.

Information: Call 07704 279492.

Bollyparty When & Where? Fridays @ Cafe Chai, 34 The Broadway, Ealing, London, W5 2NP. What? DJs San-j Sanj and The DJ With No Name play Bollywood and bombass music.

Information: Call 07976 213899 or email guestlist@bollyparty.co.uk Bombay Funkadelic When & Where? Saturdays @ Ryan’s Bar, 56 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5EA. What? DJ Danny plays 1960-1980 Bollywood, masala funk, disco and desi.

Information: Call 07811 186139.

Coco Blush When & Where? Saturdays @ Arch One Bar and Grill, Waterloo, London, SE1 8RL. What? DJs Mr Mak & Edge and Allstar DJs play r’n’b, funky house, old skool garage, bashment and desi beats.

Information: www.asianatickets.com Coco Night When & Where? Saturdays @ Chi Bar, 61 Newhall St, Birmingham, B3 3RB. What? DJs on rotation include Jags Klimax, Apache Indian, Punjabi MC, Dr Zeus, Tigerstyle and Aman Hayer.

Information: Call 0121-633 3150.

Exclusive Saturdays When & Where? Saturdays @ Tamarai, 167 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5PG. What? DJs play soul, r’n’b, hip hop, funky house and club classics.

Information: www.chillitickets.com FUNKSHAAN When & Where? Fridays @ Dragon Eye, Broad St, Birmingham.

What? Resident DJs play Bollywood.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Glam-R When & Where? Saturdays @ Foggs Bar, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HJ. What? Groundshaker UK DJs play r’n’b, bhangra and dance.

Information: www.asianatickets.com Glamour When & Where? Fridays @ Tamarai, 167 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5PG. What? DJs play a selection of funky house, r’n’b and classics.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Horizons Night When & Where? Fridays @ Horizons Bar, 210 Hanworth Road, Hounslow.

What? Bollywood, desi beats, rare grooves, r’n’b and Arabic tunes.

Information: Call 020-8814 0044.

Kandy Nights When & Where? Saturdays @ Piya Piya, 1 Olivers Yard, City Road, London.

What? DJs play r’n’b, hip hop, gar­age, Bollywood and Arabic tunes.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Kuch Kuch in the City When & Where? Last Saturday of every month @ Alibi, 18 Lime Office Court, Shoe Lane, London, EC4A 3BQ. What? Resident DJ Ritu plays r’n’b, Bollywood, bhangra and Arabic.

Information: Call 07956 801224.

Masti When & Where? Fridays @ Peppers, 5b Bishopgate St, Birmingham, B15 1EJ. What? DJS X Fader, Perfection Soundz, Envy Roadshow and DJ A play bhangra, Bollywood, r’n’b, Arabic and old skool.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Mint When & Where? Saturdays @ IG1 Bar and Restaurant, 115-127 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4PU. What? DJs play club classics, r’n’b, funky house and desi beats.

Information: Visit www.asianeventsonline.com for details.

Mix ’n’ Blend When & Where? Saturdays @ Cafe Chai, 34 The Broadway, Ealing, London, W5 2NP. What? DJ Pinkz, Menis, Xzecutive play music from the 1980s, 90s and 00s.

Information: Call 07870 816549 or email info@thefirmbiz.com

Mumbai Nights When & Where? Fridays @ Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Bath Rd, Hayes, UB3 5BP. What? Calibar Roadshow play Bollywood, bhangra and r’n’b tunes.

Information: www.asianatickets.com nasha When & Where? Saturdays @ Mangos, 110 Pennington St, London, E1W 2BB. What? Resident DJs Dhol’n’Bass Roadshow and DJ Vix play bhangra, r’n’b, hip hop, Bollywood, house and club classics.

Information: Visit www.mangos-london.com for details.

Phat Fridays When & Where? Fridays @ Club Boulevard, 10 High Street, Ealing, London.

What? DJs play r’n’b, hip hop, funky house, bhangra and desi beats.

Information: Call 020-7222 1234.

Sambuca Night When & Where? Fridays @ Chi Bar, 61 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3RB. What? DJs play r’n’b, hip hop and bhangra.

Information: Call 0121-633 3150.

Shaanti When & Where? First Friday of every month @ The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA. What? Future world funk, eastern and western sounds, with resident DJs Manga, Rich Reason and MSC. Information: Call 07968 366876 or 07968 260276 for details.

Sublime When & Where? Fridays @ Bombay Dreams Club, Sevenex Parade, 2-3 London Road, Wembley, HA9 7HQ. What? DJs play r’n’b, club mixes and urban beats.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Tiffinbites When & Where? Fridays @ 23 Russia Row, London EC2V 7PG. What? British-Asian DJs, MCs, singers and other musicians perform.

Information: www.tiffinbeats.com VIP R.A.M.P When & Where? Wednesdays @ Club 49, 49 Greek St, soho, London W1.

What? Resident DJs on rotation include Nihal, Mentor, DJ Krash, Ameet Chana, DJ Kaper, Mr Kay and Middleman, DJ Pinky and Mr Mak. Information: Call 07788 940010.

gigs Love Summer When & Where? Friday May 29 @ Oceana Birmingham, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4AS. What? The official Ed Hardy fashion party and live sets from G Child of BBC 1Xtra, Tigerstyle, Parm Panesar, DJ Essence and Urban Asia.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Bollywood Masti When & Where? Friday May 29 @ The Milestone, 88 Mile End Road, London, E3 4PH. What? DJs play Bollywood and bhangra.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Mumzy Live When & Where? Saturday May 30 @ Piya Piya, 1 Olivers Yard, City Road, London, EC1Y 1HQ. What? Mumzy performs his new single One More Dance. Mr Kay of Club Asia and Yo DJ of Groovemaster play r’n’b, hip hop, funky house and desi beats.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Reminisce at APT When & Where? Saturday May 30 @ Apt Bar, Aldermary House, 10-15 Queen Street, London, EC4N 1TX. What? DJs play hits from the 80s and 90s.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Obsession When & Where? Saturday May 30 @ Pause, 80-84 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 3DH. What? DJs play r’n’b, hip hop, old skool, Bollywood and bhangra.

Information: www.chilltickets.com The London Summer Boat Party When & Where? Saturday May 30 @ River Thames, London, WC2N 6NU. What? DJs play bhangra, r’n’b, hip hop, garage, Bollywood and funky house.

Information: Call 07890 051912.

TB Nights presents Tahseen Haye When & Where? Friday June 5 @ Tiffinbites, 23 Russia Row, Off Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7PG.

What? Performance from up-andcoming artist Tahseen Haye. DJ Krash plays r’n’b, hip hop, bhangra and urban beats.

Information: www.chilltickets.com Desi Cocktail When & Where? Friday June 5 @ Chi Bar, 61 Newhall St, Birmingham, B3 3RB. What? Live performance from Des-C. DJs play r’n’b, funky house, bashment and bassline.

Information: Call 07812 070272.

RDB & Jus Ritz When & Where? Friday June 5 @ Life Nightclub, St Mary St, Cardiff, CF24 1FA. What? Live performances from RDB and Jus Ritz.

Information: Call 07876 340562.

Envy When & Where? Saturday June 6 @ Indulgence, 2-5 Carthusian Street, Smithfield, London, EC1M 6EB. What? DJ Silk & Mantra Musica play club classics, r’n’b, funky house and eastern beats.

Information: www.asianatickets.com Sanpromotions When & Where? Tuesday June 9 @ Middlesbrough Empire, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RS. What? Live performances from Jazzy B, Aman Hayer and DJ Vix. Information: Call 07971 652945.

dinner & dance Aaja Nachle When & Where? Friday May 29 @ London Darbar, 198 Cranbrook Rd, Ilford, IG1 4LU. What? Enjoy a three-course meal while DJs play bhangra, Hindi, Arabic and r’n’b.

Information: www.chillitickets.com

comedy

Taurus (April 21-May 21) You will make your best progress by focusing your mental and physical energies on what you want to achieve. The underlying trend seems to be pulling you into a much wider social circle now. This is bound to enrich your life and give you a deeper sense of purpose.

The World of Manveer Singh When & Where? Friday June 5 @ Old Joint Stock Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Birmingham, B25NY. What? A live performance by musician Manveer Singh and his ensemble Marva.

Information: Call 0121-452 8899.

Kathakitathom When & Where? Saturday June 6 @ Shaw Theatre, 100-110 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AJ. What? A performance by kathak dancers from the Abhinava Dance Company.

Information: www.milapfest.com Baharan (The Spring) When & Where? Sunday June 7 @ The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Sale, M50 3AZ. What? Kathak dance, poetry, Indian and Western classical music and drama.

Information: Call 0870-787 5780.

nehru centre

Fund-Rasing Night In Memory of Sahar Daftary When & Where? Thursday June 4 @ The Crescent, 3A North End Crescent, London, W14 8TG. What? Speeches from family and friends of Sahar Daftary, live performances from H-Dhami and Mumzy, DJ Krash plays r’n’b, hip-hop, funky house, arabic and desi beats. All proceeds go to the Sahar Daftary Trust.

Information: www.chillitickets.com

Untouched: Children of the Himalayas When? Tuesday June 2 What? An exhibition of photographs

by Satyendra Singh.

theatre Wuthering Heights When & Where? Wednesday May 27-Saturday May 30 @ Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NR1 7RH; Tuesday June 9-Saturday June 13 @ Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, CV1 1GS. What? Tamasha Arts’ adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic tale of passion, jealousy and revenge, set in the deserts of Rajasthan.

Information: For details in Newcastle, call 0191-230 5151; for Coventry, call 0247-655 3055.

Commercial Road When & Where? Wednesday June 3-Saturday June 20 @ Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, London, E8 1EJ. What? A play which explores the the struggles and fears of a group of dispossessed Asian petrol station workers in East London.

Information: See www.hackneyempire. co.uk for details.

For a personal appointment, contact Sneh Joshi, vedic astrologer, on 020 8518 5500

asian performances

Where? Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London, W1K 1HF. Information: Call 020-7491 3567.

Legends When & Where? Saturday June 6 @ Second City Suite, 100 Sherlock Street, Birmingham, B5 6LT. What? Enjoy a three-course meal and live performances from Alaap, Heera, Premi, Shaktee, Safri and Sardara Gill.

Information: Call 07834 327576.

Joshi

Sneh Joshi, vedic astrologer, on 020 8518 5500

Aries (March 21-April 20) Love is liable to blow hot and cold rather unpredictably, and you may already be taking too much for granted. Avoid getrich-quick schemes and be cautious about other people’s enthusiasm which is likely to be misplaced. Travel and social life combine to bring a lively time ahead of you.

Apna Sangeet When & Where? Friday May 29 @ Second City Suite, 100 Sherlock Street, Birmingham, B5 6LT. What? Bufffet dinner and performance by bhangra band Apna Sangeet. All pro­ ceeds go to the Bridge of Love charity.

Information: www.chillitickets.com

Charity Dinner and Dance When & Where? Saturday June 6 @ Kohinoor Banqueting Suite, 24 Cotton Brook Road, Derby, DE23 8YJ. What? Enjoy a three-course meal and performances by Navin Kundra, Juz’D, Tru Skool, Jus Ritz, Milan and Infamous Ranj. All proceeds go to Cancer Research UK and Kidney Research UK. Information: www.asianatickets.com

Forwith a personal appointment, contact Stars

The Comedy Couch When & Where? Tuesday June 2 @ B Lo Bar, 76b Marchmont Street, Holborn, London, WC1N 1AG. What? A performance by comedian Kent Valentine, organised by Hyde Panaser of Humili-Asian.

Information: www.chilltickets.com

Daredevas When & Where? Thursday June 4 @ Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1TF. What? Combining kathak, bharatnaty­ am and contemporary dance forms.

Information: Call 020-7691 3210.

Film screening When? Friday May 29 What? See director Ketan Mehta’s awardwinning film Mirch Masala (1985).

events/exhibitions Salisbury Arts Festival When & Where? Until June 6 @ Various venues including Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT. What? Screening of popular Indian films, music and dance performances.

Information: Visit www.salisburyfestival.co.uk or call 0845-241 9651.

Asian Hindu & Sikh Party When & Where? Saturday May 30 @ Revolution, 5 Ways, Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 2HH. What? Meet like-minded Hindus and Sikhs aged between 20-30.

Information: www.chillitickets.com Bamboozle Arts Workshops: Performance Combat When & Where? Saturday May 30 @ Bamboozle Arts Workshops, Burnmoor Street, Leicester, LE2 7JL. What? A workshop on stage combat and martial arts, run by Phizzical.

Information: Call 07958 484858.

Nottingham Mela When & Where? Saturday June 7 @ Old Market Square, Royal Centre, Nottingham, NG1 2DT. What? Performances from Jazzy B, Najma Akhtar, Niraj Chag, Jaz Dhami, Akademi and DJ Kayper.

Information: Call 0115-915 8613.

CINEMA Munde UK De Starring: Jimmy Shergill, Amrinder Gill, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Neeru Bajwa What? Two fun-loving British guys go to the Punjab and find true love.

Information: Out now Shifty Starring: Daniel Mays, Riz Ahmed, Nitin Ganatra What? A semi-autobiographical thriller about friendship and loyalty in the life of a young drug dealer.

Release date: Out now

31

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) The opening up of a more diverse social life is a point in favour of romantic attachments. The domestic scene may prove to be active and harmonious as long as you use tact and diplomacy. You will develop fresh insights into other people and a better understanding of your own unconscious motives.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Co-operative ventures are likely to generate financial success, so it would certainly do no harm to adopt a more pushy and outgoing approach to life. As social life will tend to draw you into a wider circle, the chances of meeting someone attractive are greatly increased.

Leo (July 23-August 23) You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. New beginnings are favoured around now, as long as you do not bite off more than you can chew. This may be a time of expansion and improved opportunity and it would be unwise to let yourself become complacent. Affairs of the heart are likely to flourish.

Virgo (August 24-September 23) The need to push ahead with personal interests and to assert yourself will take precedence over everything else. Mentally you will be in top form, perhaps feeling quite passionate about expressing your ideas and views. Indeed, there is much to suggest that a goal you have been striving towards will at last be reached.

Libra (September 24-October 23) There is an element of disruption or stress which may be hard to avoid, but there is a strong sense of purpose in the background. A certain amount of sheer hard graft will be necessary for a short while, but the final result will be extremely pleasing. An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time.

Scorpio (October 24-November 22) It would be a mistake always to blame the other person if your experience and expectations of love turn out to be disappointing. You now have an excellent opportunity to sort out where things may be going wrong. The hard part is you have to be honest with yourself.

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21) If lately you have had all sorts of demands being placed on you from all sides, don’t despair; take some time out to reflect. Try and work out where you want to make changes in your busy life. A tremendous amount of planetary activity in your chart signals a time of mixed emotions as well as personal issues to be dealt with.

Capricorn (December 22-January 20) You will probably have little cause to complain this week. Expect everything to run smoothly and luck to attend your efforts. However, underneath this positive surface you may be plagued by an uneasy feeling that something is not quite right. Try to strike a balance between material and emotional affairs.

Aquarius (January 21-February 19) The prevailing pattern of planets gives you a marvellous opportunity. Take time out to strengthen close ties of affection, sort out emotional differences and proffer the olive branch to anyone who may have caused you pain in recent months. Venus throws an easy light on affairs of the heart.

Pisces (February 20-March 20) Life appears to be focusing your mind on practical matters. So you will need to organise your time carefully if you are to avoid an “all work and no play” situation. Resist making any hasty moves when it come to finances.

32

e

EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

TV

www.easterneye.eu

guide

all schedules are subject to change

star plus

b4u Movies

FRIDAY

07:00 07:30 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:30 12:30 13:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:15 19:30

Gnan Amrut K for Kishore Biz Week Asia Teleshopping Yeh Shaam Mastani Meet Mila De Rabba Simply Health Film: Vishwanath Yeh Shaam Mastani Boogie Woogie Biz Week Asia Simply Health Teleshopping News View Asia

20:00 21:00 22:30 23:30

00:00 01:00 02:00 04:30 05:00 05:30

06:00 06:30

Boogie Woogie Jhalak Dikhla Ja C.I.D Boogie Woogie Cutdown Aahat 3 C.I.D Film: Jeene Do The Volume Biz Week Asia Comedy Circus Cutdown Simply Health Jai Hanuman

05:00

06:00 07:00 10:00 10:30 11:00

14:30 15:00

18:30

19:00 22:30

Aawaz De Kahan Hai Full On Film: Pocketmaar First Cut Maha Bees Film: Himmat Aur Mehanat Trailor Junction Film: Insaaf: The Justice Bollywood Highlights Film: Bewafaa Trailor Junction

23:00 00:00 03:00 04:00 04:30

Full On Film: Anubhav Hit Mix First Cut Centre Stage/ Crew Story

14:00

14:30 15:00

15:30

16:00

16:30

17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30

Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Chehra Santaan Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat

19:00

19:30

20:00

20:30

21:00 21:30

22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Chehra Kasauti Zindagi Kay Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Khichdi

11:30

12:00

15:00 15:30 16:00

16:30

17:00

17:30

18:00

Saat Phere...

Saloni Ka Safar Film: Khanna & Iyer Ranbir Rano Choti Bahu Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Banoo Main Teri Dulhann Kidzone – Bob The Builder Kidzone – Thomas & Friends Rock The Dhunn

18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00

20:30

21:00

21:30 22:00

22:30

23:30

Zee News Ranbir Rano Chhoti Bahu Saat Phere...

Saloni Ka Safar Dance India Dance Limelight Banoo Main Teri Dulhann Zee Live Filler Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Pyar Ishq Mohabbat The News

Saturday

07:00 07:30 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:30 11:00 13:00

15:30 16:00

17:00 18:30 19:00

Jai Hanuman Boogie Woogie Simply Health Date Line Punjab Comedy Circus View Asia Hum Ladkiyan Film: Ek Se Badhkar Ek (2004) Teleshopping Boogie Woogie Cutdown Jhalak Dikhla Ja The Volume Biz Week Asia

19:30 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:30 23:00 23:30 00:30 01:00

03:30 04:00

06:00 06:30

Date Line Punjab Boogie Woogie Jhalak Dikhla Ja Comedy Circus Biz Week Asia Date Line Punjab Boogie Woogie View Asia Film: Ek Se Badhkar Ek (2004) Teleshopping Aathvaan Vachan Omnibus Crime Patrol Jai Hanuman

05:00 Aawaz De Kahan

Hai 06:00 Full On 07:00 Film: Bachpan 10:00 First Cut 10:30 Bollywood

Highlights 11:00 Film: Hum To

Mohabbat Karega 14:30 Trailor Junction 15:00 Film: Prateeksha 18:30 Money Talkies 19:00 Film: Mumbai

Meri Jaan 22:30 Trailor Junction

23:00 00:00

03:00 04:00 04:30

Full On Film: Matrubhoomi Hit Mix First Cut Maha Bees

00:00 00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30

03:00

03:30

04:00 04:30 05:30 06:30

Santaan Sabki Laadli Bebo Kasauti Zindagi Kay Chehra Shanti Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Santaan Star Bestsellers Kehta Hai Dil Shaurya Aur Suhani

07:30

08:30 09:30

10:30

13:00 15:30

18:00 19:00 20:00 23:00

Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehcnano Kasturi Sai Baba Tere Hazaron Haath Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Sabki Laadli Bebo Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Star Bestsellers Shaurya Aur Suhani Plus Superhits Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano

06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30

10:00

10:30 11:30 12:00

15:00

Jesus Calls Daily News Yoga For You Rock The Dhunn Shanti Ka Sandesh Yoga For You Kidzone – Bob The Builder Kidzone – Thomas & Friends Zee Once More Khana Khazana Film: Badhaai Ho Badhaai Ranbir Rano

16:30 17:00

17:30

18:00 18:30 19:00

19:30

21:00

Omnibus Out And About Kidzone – Bob The Builder Kidzone – Thomas & Friends Ek Thi Rajkumari Zee News Pyar Ishq Mohabbat Dance India Dance Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2009 Grand Finale

Sunday

07:00 07:30 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00

15:00 17:00 17:30 18:30 19:30

Jai Hanuman K for Kishore View Asia Date Line Punjab Boogie Woogie The Volume Teleshopping Simply Health Film: Humko Deewana Kar Gaye Jhalak Dikhla Ja Biz Week Asia Comedy Circus Chalbaaz No 1 Chicks On Flicks

20:00 22:30

23:00 23:30 00:30 01:30 02:30 03:00 05:30 06:00

Film: Dhoom Boogie Woogie Cutdown The Volume K for Kishore Boogie Woogie C.I.D Crime Patrol Film: Gopalaa The Volume Om Namah Shivay

05:00

06:00 07:00 10:00 10:30 11:00

14:30 15:00

18:30 19:00

22:30

Aawaz De Kahan Hai Full On Film: Do Jasoos First Cut Money Talkies Film: Dil Pardesi Ho Gayaa Trailor Junction Film: Main Aisa Hi Hoon Star Stop Film: Om Shanti Om Trailor Junction

23:00 00:00 03:00 04:00 04:30

Full On Film: Kiss Kis Ko Hit Mix First Cut Bollywood Highlights

00:00

01:00 01:30

02:00 02:30 03:00 05:30 06:30 07:30 08:30 09:30

10:30

Sai Baba Tere Hazaron Haath Shararat Karishma Ka Karishma Ab Tak Ka Safar Khichdi Grihasti Star Bestsellers Shaurya Aur Suhani Kehta Hai Dil Kasturi Sai Baba Tere Hazaron Haath Mirch Masala

11:00 11:30 13:30 16:30

19:00 20:00

20:30

Khichdi Hamari Devrani Star Film Utsav Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Shaurya Aur Suhani Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano Star Event: IIFA Awards 2008

06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30

09:00 09:30

10:00

10:30 11:00 12:00 15:00

Jesus Calls Daily News Yoga For You Rock The Dhunn The Great Chefs Of India Yoga For You Kidzone – Bob The Builder Kidzone – Thomas & Friends Out And About Mahabharat Film: Sur Jhoome Jiiya Re

16:30 17:00

17:30

18:00 18:30 19:00

19:30

21:00 22:30 23:30

Omnibus Zee And You Kidzone – Bob The Builder Kidzone – Thomas & Friends Ek Thi Rajkumari Zee News Pyar Ishq Mohabbat Dance India Dance Shree Omnibus Chart Masala Zee Live Filler

monday

09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00

13:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30

18:30 19:00

Kaajjal Kulvaddhu Ek Ladki Anjaani Si Teleshopping Boogie Woogie Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Jaawani Diwani Sujata Palampur Express Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Bhaskar Bharti Teleshopping

19:15 19:30 20:00

20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

23:00 23:15 23:30 00:30 01:00

News View Asia Chittor Ki Rani Padmini Palampur Express Bhaskar Bharti Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

News Teleshopping CID Virrudh Film: Jaawani Diwani

05:00

06:00 07:00

10:00 10:30 11:00 14:30 15:00 18:30 19:00 22:30 23:00 00:00

Aawaz De Kahan Hai Full On Film: Jai Shakumbhari Maa First Cut Star Stop Film: Insaaf Trailor Junction Film: James Countdown Cafe Film: Achanak Trailor Junction Full On Film: Jalwa: Fun

03:00 04:00 04:30

In Love Hit Mix First Cut Money Talkies

13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00

15:30

16:00

16:30

17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30

Karam Apna Apna Hamari Devrani Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Khichdi Santaan Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat

19:00

19:30

20:00

20:30

21:00 21:30

22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Chehra Kasautii Zindagi Kay Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Hamari Devrani

13:00

13:30 14:00 14:30

15:00 15:30 16:00

16:30

17:00 17:30

Ghar Ki Lakshmi...

Betiyann Jabb Love Hua Jhoome Jiiya Re Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Ranbir Rano Choti Bahu Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Banoo Main Teri Dulhann Kidzone – Kipper Kidzone – Thomas & Friends

18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30

21:00 21:30

22:00

22:30 23:00 23:30

Ek Thi Rajkumari Zee News Ranbir Rano Chhoti Bahu Aap Ki Antra Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Pavitra Rishta Ghar Ki Lakshmi..

Betiyann Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Shree Jhoome Jiiya Re The News

tuesday

09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00

13:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30

18:30 19:00

Kaajjal Kulvaddhu Ek Ladki Anjaani Si Teleshopping Boogie Woogie Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Film: Kasme Vaade Sujata Palampur Express Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Bhaskar Bharti Teleshopping

19:15 19:30 20:00

20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

23:00 23:15 23:30 00:00 00:30 01:00

News Simply Health Chittor Ki Rani Padmini Palampur Express Bhaskar Bharti Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

News Teleshopping Chicks On Flicks The Volume Virrudh Film: Kasme Vaade

05:00

06:00 07:00

10:00 10:30 11:00 14:30 15:00

18:30

19:00

Aawaz De Kahan Hai Full On Film: Shama Parwana First Cut Countdown Cafe Film: Swati Trailor Junction Film: Manoranjan: The Entertainment Bollywood Highlights Film: Gopichand

22:30 23:00 00:00 03:00 04:00 04:30

Jasoos Trailor Junction Full On Film: Shikaar Hit Mix First Cut Star Stop

13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00

15:30

16:00

16:30

17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30

Karam Apna Apna Hamari Devrani Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Chehra Santaan Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat

19:00

19:30

20:00

20:30

21:00 21:30

22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Chehra Kasautii Zindagi Kay Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Hamari Devrani

13:00

13:30 14:00 14:30

15:00 15:30 16:00

16:30 17:00 17:30

18:00

Ghar Ki Lakshmi...

Betiyann Jabb Love Hua Jhoome Jiiya Re Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Ranbir Rano Choti Bahu Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Pavitra Rishta Kidzone – Kipper Kidzone – Thomas & Friends Ek Thi Rajkumari

18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30

21:00 21:30

22:00

22:30 23:00 23:30

Zee News Ranbir Rano Chhoti Bahu Aap Ki Antra Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Pavitra Rishta Ghar Ki Lakshmi..

Betiyann Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Shree Jhoome Jiiya Re The News

wednesday

zee tv

10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00

13:00

16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30

18:30 19:00 19:15

Ek Ladki Anjaani Si Teleshopping Comedy Circus Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Film: Hindustan Ki Kasam Sujata Palampur Express Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Bhaskar Bharti Teleshopping News

19:30 20:00

20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

23:00 23:15 23:30 00:00 00:30 01:00

Date Line Punjab Chittor Ki Rani Padmini Palampur Express Bhaskar Bharti Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

News Teleshopping View Asia Biz Week Asia Virrudh Film: Hindustan Ki Kasam

05:00 Aawaz De Kahan

Hai 06:00 Full On 07:00 Film: Sasural 10:00 First Cut 10:30 Bollywood

Highlights 11:00 Film: Yeh Kaisa

Insaaf 14:30 Trailor Junction 15:00 Film: Umar 18:30 Centrestage/

Crew Story 19:00 Film: Mast 22:30 Trailor Junction

23:00 00:00 03:00 04:00 04:30

Full On Film: Krantiveer Hit Mix First Cut Countdown Café

13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00

15:30

16:00

16:30

17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30

Santaan Hamari Devrani Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Chehra Santaan Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat

19:00

19:30

20:00

20:30

21:00 21:30

22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Chehra Kasautii Zindagi Kay Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Hamari Devrani

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Ghar Ki Lakshmi...

Betiyann Jabb Love Hua Jhoome Jiiya Re Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Ranbir Rano Choti Bahu Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Pavitra Rishta Kidzone – Kipper Kidzone – Thomas & Friends Box Office

18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30

21:00 21:30

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Zee News Ranbir Rano Chhoti Bahu Aap Ki Antra Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Pavitra Rishta Ghar Ki Lakshmi..

Betiyann Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Shree Jhoome Jiiya Re The News

thursday

sony

09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00

13:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30

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Kaajjal Kulvaddhu Ek Ladki Anjaani Si Teleshopping K for Kishore Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Film: Vikram Sujata Palampur Express Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

Bhaskar Bharti Teleshopping

19:15 19:30 20:00

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23:00 23:15 23:30 00:00 00:30 01:00

News Biz Week Asia Chittor Ki Rani Padmini Palampur Express Bhaskar Bharti Saat Chaalis Ki...

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch...

News Teleshopping Date Line Punjab Chicks On Flicks Virrudh Film: Vikram

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Full On Film: Naaka Bandi Hit Mix First Cut Bollywood Highlights

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Santaan Hamari Devrani Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Chehra Santaan Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat

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Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil Tujh Sangh Preet Lagayi Sajna Sapna Babul Ka...

Bidaai Sabki Laadli Bebo Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum Chehra Kasautii Zindagi Kay Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat Hamari Devrani

12:00 13:00

13:30 14:00 14:30

15:00 15:30 16:00

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Ek Thi Rajkumari Ghar Ki Lakshmi...

Betiyann Jabb Love Hua Jhoome Jiiya Re Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Ranbir Rano Choti Bahu Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Pavitra Rishta Kidzone – Kipper Kidzone – Thomas & Friends

18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30

21:00 21:30

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Rock The Dhunn Zee News Ranbir Rano Chhoti Bahu Aap Ki Antra Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo Pavitra Rishta Ghar Ki Lakshmi..

Betiyann Maayka... Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka Shree Jhoome Jiiya Re The News

Aawaz De Kahan Hai Full On Film: Phagun Centre Stage/ Crew Story Countdown Cafe Film: Udhar Ka Sindur Trailor Junction Film: Dahek: A Restless Mind Mahabees Film: Mela Trailor Junction

e

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

guide

33

Bollywood Mastermind Compiled by Asjad Nazir

Give your brain a workout

With Zekra Rahman

Find the missing linking word

Fill in the blanks to find six Bollywood films

1. WHIPPED _ _ _ _ _ CAKE 2. GREEN _ _ _ BAG 3. NIGHT _ _ _ LIGHT 4. CAR _ _ _ _ SHARK 5. CHEESE _ _ _ _ _ HAT 6. MAIN _ _ _ _ TRIP

1. G_A_ _N_ 2. S_O_A_ 3. _H_O_ 4. Y_V_AA_ 5. L_ _ _ A _ 6. _I_ _E

Last week’s answers

Who am I?

I am the eldest son of a screenwriter and my celebrated ste famous yesteryear Bo pmother is a llyw who has co-starred wit ood actress, h ple of my movies. I am me in a couals ed bodybuilder who tra o a dedicatDespite being romant ins every day. ically linked with several actresses ,I featured in the Indian am frequently media as Bollywood’s most eligible bac had two fatwas raised helor. I have against me, one by a Muslim cleric in Ind ing Madame Tussauds ia for allowin make a waxwork of me London to .

SPOT THE differenceS

Find the five changes in these images of Amitabh Bachchan at the IIFAs 2009

------------------------------------2. Who played the lead in Rock On and Luck By Chance?

------------------------------------3. Which actress played Basanti in curry western Sholay?

-------------------------------------4. Who plays the title role in Yash Chopra’s romance Chandni?

-------------------------------------5. How is Akshaye Khanna related to Saif Ali Khan in Race?

-------------------------------------6. Which bhangra legend has a short cameo in Veer Zaara?

-------------------------------------7. Who is Kareena and Karisma Kapoor’s famous father?

Word search: Ten John Abraham films: Dostana, Water, Jism, Paap, Baabul, Zinda, Dhoom, No Smoking, Karam, Elaan

-------------------------------------8. Who plays an angel in Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic?

-------------------------------------9. Which hilarious comedy starred Aamir Khan and Salman Khan?

--------------------------------------10. Which forthcoming film has a cameo appearance from Sylvester Stallone among others?

--------------------------------------11. Which Deol made his debut in Socha Na Tha? ------------------------------------12. Which British bhangra group did the title song of Aloo Chaat?

Answers: In the image on the right, the left arm on his glasses is missing, his tie has fewer stripes, the design on the top of the mask is missing, one of the tassles is missing and his shirt does not have a cufflink

Bollywood Mastermind 17-20 – Bolly Genius 13-16 – Bolly Good 9-12 – Bolly Average 0-8 – Bolly Rubbish 1. Madhubala 2. Saif Ali Khan 3. They are brothers 4. Kylie Minogue 5. Jeetendra 6. The Godfather 7. Madhuri Dixit 8. Salman Khan 9. Miss World 10. Asha Bhosle 11. Vijay Anand 12. Ismail Darbar 13. Dimple Kapadia 14. Apne 15. Deepika Padukone 16. He is an Indian Air Force pilot 17. As a tailor 18. Mr India 19. Rajendra Kumar 20. Mahesh Manjrekar

1. Who directed the 2006 hit film Kabhi Alveda Na Kehna?

Can you unravel the names of these three Hollywood leading men?

-------------------------------------14. What is Aamir Khan’s job in Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin?

1. MADMAN TOTT 2. FALCONER RILL 3. CHARITABLE SIN

Guess who this star is?

-------------------------------------15. Which Aishwarya Rai clone played the lead in Lucky: No Time For Love?

Word Search Find the 10 Kareena Kapoor movies A Q U N Y X L I Y R D M Y

N I O P A N L U H C L U H

U P T I R T A L S A K U R

W H E R Y O V H Y T K Z P

H T Z A A S H O K A A K Y

A R A V U E A D I K V A T T Q A J O A Z O MMU A PW U T D E A A A V R T R Y

K N F C K O C P E R U C U

M E W H K H N I A A K I V

O Y E H A D N D D S G T A

Answers in next week’s issue

O Y E M U U U S N B C B T

A Y E T T T R N A H S A T

------------------------------------13. Who plays Rekha’s husband in Yash Chopra’s Silsila?

X I L R T R T B T B Z T V E L M K E WW T B E A N J

-------------------------------------16. Who plays Amitabh Bachchan’s mum in Deewar?

-------------------------------------17. Who plays Nargis’ tragic husband in Mother India?

-------------------------------------18. In which year did classic films Mahal, Barsaat and Andaaz come out?

-------------------------------------19. Who plays village outcast Rupa opposite Shashi Kapoor in Satyam Shivam Sundaram?

--------------------------------------20. Who directed the classic 1956 cop thriller CID? --------------------------------------Answers in next week’s issue

Answers: Missing Link (1. Cream 2. Tea 3. Sky 4. Pool 5. Straw 6. Road); FILL IN THE BLANKS (1. Ghajini 2. Sholay 3. Dhoom 4. Yuvvraaj 5. Lagaan 6. Dil Se); WHO AM I? (Salman Khan); Anagrams (1. Matt Damon 2. Colin Farrell 3. Christian Bale); GUESS THE ACTOR (H-Dhami)

34

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Recruitment www.jobsbuster.com

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Love & Marriage

35

Place a FREE ad today call 0800 839 165 that’s all it takes To reply to ads on this page Simply call 0905 211 0023

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Advertisers, to collect messages anytime, call 0906 753 4451 CALL COSTS: Calls to 0905 number costs £1.20 per minute at all times. Calls to 09067 number costs 75p per minute at all times. 0800 number is free from BT landline. Mobiles & non BT providers charges may vary.

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women seeking men

0905 211 0023 MAKE IT LONG-TERM Divorced Asian F, 38, Christian, likes cooking, gardening & cinema. WLTM caring M for long-term relationship. Enfield. Box 625773 JUST THE TWO OF US Asian F, 28, size 12, in property business, enjoys staying in & occasionally going out. Seeks Asian M, 30-40, to enjoy time together. London. Box 451109 FIT FOR EACH OTHER Attractive British born Asian F, 41, 5’4”, likes swimming, keep fit, cinema, walking & shopping. WLTM kind, generous, good-looking M. Kingston. Box 470017 NEW BEGINNINGS Asian Christian divorcee, 38, 5’2”, enjoys cooking, movies, music & gardening. Seeks caring, loving M for relationship. Enfield. Box 196771 THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS Indian lady, 45, likes the gym, staying in & going out. WLTM profess Indian or English M for longterm relationship, possibly leading to marriage.

Peterborough.

Box 766425 I AM STILL LOOKING Genuine Ismaili F, 37, enjoys music & travel. WLTM tall, slim, kind, caring, honest, genuine, reliable Ismaili M, 37-42, n/s, nondrinker, for friendship & relationship. Willesden. Box 167332 SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL Kind, intelligent, attractive Asian F, 46, with GSOH. Looking for friendship & outings with smart, good-looking, genuine M. Bucks.

Box 436497 EY 436497 SHOPPING & DINNER DATE Beautiful heart, lovely Muslim lady, 42, needs a truly kind, very generous gentleman with backbone, n/s & clean-shaven, to take her shopping & dining out.

London.

Box 344887 EY 344887 IT MIGHT BE YOU Slim, attractive Asian F, 32, 5’4”, seeks white M, 38+, for friendship, maybe more. Wolves. Box 326010 FIELDS OF GOLD Asian F, 28, GSOH, curvy size 12, enjoys country walks, socialising, cooking, eating out & the gym. Seeks blue-eyed M, 2935, for long-term relationship.

Birmingham.

Box 449972 EY 449972 A MAGICAL TALE Warm, kind, caring, unique Asian gem, 32, just waiting to be discovered by strong Asian M who will provide plenty of TLC, keep her safe & secure. Birmingham.

Box 107055 EY 107055 THE SMART CHOICE Extremely kind, smart, attractive, separated Asian mum, 46, GSOH, seeks smart M for friendship & outings. Herts. Box 571708 EY 571708 THE MISSING INGREDIENT Caring, sociable Asian F, 44, divorced, loves cooking. Seeks M companion, 36-46, who enjoys life, for friendship, maybe more.

Hounslow.

Box 186440 EY 186440 HERE’S TO HAPPINESS Very bubbly, loving, caring, happy Muslim F, 48, n/s, non-drinker, likes music & eating out. WLTM similar M for good friendship & enjoyable times together.

Southall.

Box 344979 EY 344979 VERY ATTRACTIVE OFFER Very attractive lady, 40, Pakistani Muslim, very caring & understanding, WLTM Indian Pakistani Muslim M, 39+, medium build/height, for nights out.

London. Box 821266

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READY FOR LOVE Divorced F, young 52, n/s, nondrinker, seeks Middle Eastern or Muslim M for long-term relationship. Harrow. Box 875842 EAT, DRINK, BE MINE Blonde F, 43, 5’7”, seeks older Asian M for wining & dining.

Vauxhall. Box 765415 BICYCLE MADE FOR TWO British-born Asian F, 40, 5’4”, likes cycling, walking & cinema.

WLTM good-looking M, 6’, GSOH, for friendship, company, maybe more. Kingston. Box 623889 BRAINS & BEAUTY Caring, intelligent, beautiful black F, 30, seeks well-dressed Asian/Caribbean M, 29-40, for commitment.

North London.

Box 765067

DIVE IN! Brown-eyed F, 32, 5’2”, likes swimming, cinema & walks.

Seeks Asian or mixed-race M for friendship & relationship. Ashton.

Box 896124 EY 896124 SENSE & SENSIBILITY Sunni Muslim F, 38, 5’3’’, works, single mum, likes cooking, cinema & family life. Seeks sensible, loving, caring M. Walsall.

Box 972094 EY 972094 GOT MY SIGHT SET ON YOU Slim, attractive Indian F, 40, 5’4’’, likes keeping fit, kick boxing, cycling, walking, sight seeing & everything good in life. Seeks good-looking, solvent M, 6’, with own property.

Weybridge.

Box 657740

men

seeking women 0905 211 0023

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EASTERN INFLUENCED Slim, caring, white profess M, 42, likes gym, Bollywood, theatre, music & travel. Seeks profess Inidan F, late 20s-40s, for friendship & possible romance. Berks.

Box 469434 EY 469434 HE’S IN FASHION Fashionable Muslim M, 39, likes going out, socialising, Bollywood, nice restaurants & shopping.

WLTM similar F for company.

Birmingham. Box 156163 HERE’S HOPING Easy-going, caring Asian M, 44, n/s, teetotal, likes meals out.

WLTM similar F, non-traditional, for hopefully long-term relationship. Birmingham. Box 336688 SINGLE ME OUT Indian M, 45, WLTM Asian lady, 40-50, for fun, friendship & relationship. Birmingham.

EY 644673 Box 644673 DESIGNS ON YOU Home-loving, handsome, sensual black M, 43, 6’2”, enjoys the quiet life, travel, music, interior design & cooking. Seeks like-minded Asian beauty for TLC. London only.

EY 936223 Box 936223 MIND YOUR MANNERS Warm-hearted, honest, kind, caring, romantic Indian M, 62, 5’6”, well-dressed & mannered. Seeks F for outings, holidays, fun & friendship. Harrow. Box 121515 OUT OF THE BLUE White M, 36, 6’, medium build, blue eyes, shaved brown hair, seeks Asian lady for long-term relationship. Chesham. Box 759646 ARE YOU MY KIND? Kind, loving Indian profess M, 40s, n/s & non-drinker, fit & healthy, great personality. WLTM F. Harrow. Box 909874 BACK ON TRACK Asian Punjabi M, 41, recently divorced, successful, WLTM Asian F companion 30-40, in similar situation. Walsall. Box 755525 EY 755525 LET’S GET PHYSICAL British Indian profess M, 44, 5’7”, medium build, great physique & personality, into the gym. Seeks loving F for fun & friendship.

Ruislip. Box 120905 LET’S GET TOGETHER Genuine white M, 50, divorced, exarmy, non-drinker, likes animals, DIY, telly & DVDs. WLTM black, mixed-race or Asian F, 30-50, for long-term relationship. Birmingham.

EY 699923 Box 699923 THAT LOVING FEELING Easy-going, amiable Asian M, 26, loves movies, music & clubbing.

WLTM F, 20-35, to make her laugh & maybe feel loved. Watford.

EY 747561 Box 747561 HYSTERICAL IMPERATIVE White M, 69, n/s, seeks Asian or mixed-race F for friendship & fun.

SOH essential. High Wycombe.

EY 774843 Box 774843 GO ON, DIVE IN! Modern Asian M, 60, 5’6”, up-market, stylish good looks, keen swimmer. Seeks older European or black F to share fun times.

Tottenham. Box 568255 NICE & EASY DOES IT Half Asian M, 40, 5’8”, slim build, easy-going, enjoys pubs, cinema & cosy nights in. WLTM petite, slim F for friendship, possible relationship.

Birmingham.

EY 440148 Box 440148 THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE Honest, reliable, shy Asian M, 44, 5’7”, medium build, GSOH, likes cinema, theatre, bingo & the casino. WLTM F, any age or colour, for friendship. Birmingham.

Box 635207

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IN SWEET HARMONY Indian F, 29, 5’2”, part-time support worker, likes socialising, R’n’B & action films. Seeks white British M, 29-34, for long-term relationship. Chatham. Box 911592 INDIAN, JAMAICAN OR MIXED-RACE? Light-skinned black F, 29, outgoing, down-to-earth, loves music.

WLTM clean M, who smells & dresses nice, for long-term relationship. Willesden. Box 134236 GOOD FRIENDS Attractive Indian F, 60, into exercise, cinema, theatre & red wine.

WLTM M for friendship & fun first, let’s see what happens later.

Hampton. Box 855884 NOT JUST AN ATTRACTIVE FACE Very attractive Pakistani Muslim lady, 55, very good personality, WLTM Pakistani/Indian Muslim M, around 48 & 5’6’’, caring & understanding. No Gujaratis or Bengalis. London. Box 998885 CHEERS TO US Easy-going, cheerful Muslim F, 32, very hard-working, likes family life, socialising, keep-fit, music, dancing & current affairs. WLTM profess M. Glasgow. Box 857228 CAN COOK, WILL COOK Asian F, 58, 5’4”, medium build, loving & caring, likes cooking, dancing, cinema, walks & holidays. WLTM M for friendship/relationship.

Wandsworth. Box 885080 TO HAVE & TO HOLD Divorced Christian Asian F, 38, 5’3”, seeks caring M for long-term relationship, perhaps marriage.

Enfield. Box 994809

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S COOKING Divorced Hindu F, 48, likes cooking, gardening, DIY & walks. WLTM non-Muslim M 4155, for relationship. Leicester.

Box 635505 GOING PLACES Friendly, caring Asian F, 56, medium build, into travel, theatre, cinema, country walks, camping & eating out. Seeks M with similar interests. Hornsey.

Box 887773 SATIRE WAITING FOR YOU Sikh F, 42, 5’5’’, slim build, warmhearted, loving & caring, GSOH, likes satire programmes, music & keep-fit. WLTM profess Hindu/ Sikh M, 38-46, without children. London.

Box 597085 EY 597085 ATTRACTING THE ATTRACTIVE Slim, attractive, sophisticated Asian F, 44, likes travel, cooking & socialising. WLTM tall, dark, attractive, genuine M, 40s, for happy relationship.

Mids.

Box 766663 IN GOOD COMPANY Asian F, 50s, 5’4’’, medium build, likes cinema, theatre, walks, dining out, etc. WLTM gentle, kind, sincere Asian M to share interests, for good company & friendship. London. Box 925934 ANALYTICAL & EMOTIONALLY AWARE Profess black F, 34, practising Christian, Caribbean origin, enjoys deep conversations. Seeks genuine Asian M, 35-40, practising Christian.

London.

Box 164352

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HELLO LADIES! M, 43, 5’3”, WLTM slim, attractive Asian or mixed-raced F, 30-45 for nights in & out together.

Birmingham. Box 102985 YOUR CUE TO CALL Easy-going, British Asian M, 45, enjoys holidays, snooker & leisure time. Seeks nice honest F for friendship, maybe more.

Birmingham. Box 890609 SEEKING ASIAN LADY 38 year-old guy, medium/muscular build, WLTM Asian, Filipino or Thai lady, 25-35, for relationship, possibly more.

Newcastle.

Box 559946 EY 559946 LET’S GO LONG-TERM Attractive Asian profess M, 53, 5’10”, medium build, positive, GSOH, seeks profess F for longterm relationship.

Box 192036 YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED Tall, fit, attractive Asian profess M, young 40, seeks F for occasional fun & friendship.

Birmingham.

Box 630497 SOMETHING SERIOUS Handsome mixed-race M, 45, Afro European, kind, GSOH, likes theatre & travel. Seeks attractive F, 25-55, any race, for serious relationship. London. Box 463730 THE JOY OF SHARING Warm-hearted, kind, caring & romantic Asian gentleman, 62, 5’6”, well-dressed. Seeks F for outings, holidays, dining out, fun & friendship. Edgware. Box 374426 BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Attractive, clean-shaven Asian M, 37, 5’7”, n/s, well-educated, own home, likes travel, eating out & nights in. Seeks like-minded F for friendship & possible relationship.

Ealing. Box 509038 UP TO DATE Genuine, modern, attractive, profess, Indian M, 40s, n/s, excellent physique, great personality.

Seeks loving F for fun & friendship. Harrow/Middx. Box 853676 EVERLASTING LOVE Divorced, ex-army, white M, 50, non-drinker. WLTM black, mixedrace, Pakistani or Indian F for long-term relationship.

Birmingham. Box 655091 RESERVED FOR YOU Shy, honest, reliable Asian M, 45, 5’7”, GSOH, enjoys bingo, casinos, cinema & theatre. WLTM F for friendship & relationship. Size/ age/race unimportant. Birmingham.

Box 208857 EY 208857 YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED Tall, fit, attractive Asian profess M, young 40, seeks F for occasional fun & friendship. Birmingham.

Box 630497 MEETING OF MINDS Gorgeous guy, 46, seeks love with black/Asian F, 30-50, who’s mind is colourful & sensually creative.

Liverpool/North West. Box 200247 SEEKING ASIAN LADY Attractive, single white profess dad of two, 47, 5’6”, GSOH, seeks Asian lady for friendship, possible relationship. Oldbury. Box 912646 EY 912646 SEEKS HIS LADY LOVE Slim white M, 38, solvent, seeks Indian or mixed-race F for fun times, friendship+. Stockport.

Box 503171 EY 503171 CHEEKY CHAPPY Asian M, 39, 5’10”, slim build, very outgoing, loves countryside, walks, mountain biking & canoeing. WLTM dead nice looking F for friendship, relationship. North West. Box 520462 EY 520462

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MY KIND OF TOWN M, 49, 5’10”, medium build, seeks local black or Asian F for friendship & fun+. Mancs. Box 455004 HERE’S HOPING Muslim M, 25, well-educated, good job, likes swimming & going out. WLTM happy F for friendship, hopefully leading to marriage.

South Yorks. Box 442868 LAUGHTER & AFTER Attractive Indian profess M, 42, 6’, enjoys sport & socialising. Seeks relaxed, attractive F, GSOH, for fun & friendship, maybe more.

Wolves. Box 991924 SPREAD A LITTLE HAPPINESS Attractive Indian M, 40ish, seeks petite, cuddly, fun-loving lady for friendship, fun & happiness. Age & looks not important.

Lancs area.

Box 619946 PARTNER FOR LIFE White M, 50, divorced, ex-forces, nondrinker, likes telly, DVDs, DIY & animals. WLTM black, mixed-race or Asian F, 25-50, for committed relationship. Birmingham.

Box 257424 EY 257424 YOU’VE TRIED THE COWBOYS Now try a British Asian. Slim M, 55, 5’9”, dad of three, seeks F. Ealing. Box 970340 FUNNY HOW LOVE IS M, young 49, fit, funny, likes books, music, cinema & art.

WLTM attractive, intelligent mixed-race or Asian woman, 2040. Smethwick. Box 171780

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TAKE A CHANCE ON ME Good-looking Asian M, 46, seeks F, 30-35, for friendship, maybe more.

Race & age unimportant. Oldbury.

EY 533334 Box 533334 THESE LOVING ARMS Divorced, white M, 50, ex-army, non-drinker, likes telly, sport, DIY & DVDs. WLTM black, Asian or mixed-race F, 25-50. Birmingham.

EY 771141 Box 771141 AN ATTRACTIVE OFFER Lively, attractive, educated profess Hindu guy, 40s, GSOH, n/s, extremely passionate & sensual.

Seeks similar F. All calls answered. Harrow. Box 276565 DISH OF THE DAY Independent M, 43, dark hair & eyes, own house & car, likes cooking, walks & sports. WLTM Asian or black F, 35-45. Watford. Box 270503 GETTING TO KNOW YOU Asian M seeks F who likes going out & would like to get to know each other. Smethwick. Box 341561

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HERE’S HOPING White M, 43, solvent profess, seeks Asian or African F, 34-44, for romance & hopefully more.

Southend. Box 701609 SOMETHING TO BUILD ON Punjabi M, 34, 5’8’’, builder, speaks little English, seeks sincere F for long-term relationship.

London. Box 915806 LOOKING FOR YOU Amiable white or black lady, 40-55, sought by Indian gent, 57, for friendship & more. Tall, well-built, tanned complexion. All calls answered.

West Norwood. Box 269411 1+ 1 = ME & YOU Slim, white M, 38, likes most things.

Seeks Indian or mixed race F for fun & friendship. Stockport.

Box 272377 EY 272377 HERE COMES THE FUN Indian M, 26, into sport & socialising with friends. WLTM F to share fun times. Kingsbury. Box 336319 SPICE OF LIFE Asian profess M, 35, GSOH, loves sport & travel. Seeking attractive F for relationship.

Tyneside.

Box 663191 EY 663191 MATURITY MATTERS Genuine, caring Asian M, 28, 6’1”, medium build, likes travel & days out. Seeks older F for days out & to pamper. Race unimportant.

Bradford.

Box 735893 EY 735893 FINDING LOVE White M, 50, divorced, likes sports, films, DIY, non-drinker.

WLTM mixed race or Asian F. Birmingham only. Box 770450 BE MY SOULMATE FOR LIFE White M, 50, ex-army, 5’5’’, likes music, sports, films, DIY, nondrinker. WLTM Asian, mixed race or black F, 35-50, for long-term relationship. Birmingham only.

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out of africa

The second Indian Premier League season was a smash hit on foreign soil for Adam Gilchrist’s Deccan Chargers

by Zohaib Rashid The Indian Premier League came, saw, and certainly conquered as its brand of attacking cricket seduced South Africa, leaving a lasting impression with the locals.

Australian star Adam Gilchrist held the trophy high late on Sunday (24) as his Deccan Chargers overcame the Bangalore Royal Challengers by six runs in a tense one-day finale.

It was bittersweet for both teams who contested the final, considering they finished in the bottom two in last year’s competition.

Skipper Gilchrist made sure his boys ran through all opposition to pick up the title but Bangalore, to their credit, deserved their day out having been dismissed as little more than a Test team first time out. At least BRC owner Vijay Mallya could raise a smile.

The IPL was a sure-fire success in the African continent, even though the sceptics lambasted commissioner Lalit Modi for taking effectively a domestic tournament out of India and into another country.

Modi made the decision to relocate his project because the general elections were taking place at the same time and security became an issue. Modi didn’t want to postpone the fun.

While the IPL lacked the passionate support it would have got back in India, the teams were well supported, even though there were some games which didn’t have the fans jumping out of their seats.

Such is the popularity of the IPL that before the tournament had even finished, Modi was announcing plans of hosting two tournaments a year, with one possibly being held in the US. “America throws up challenges, but the format we have developed works,” Modi said. “Apart from watching great cricket they have an enjoyable evening out.

That will work anywhere”.

“Before this tournament we did not know if we could do it. But we do know now. We have to satisfy everyone’s appetite and build a fanbase right around the world.

“The IPL will be based in India, but for the second season (of a year) we are planning on doing something different. It gives us the chance to see if a market exists and we are seriously looking at what we can do with it.”

The next big domestic T20 tournament will be the Champions League, taking place in India this October. It will involve domestic winners from the West Indies, Sri Lanka and New Zealand as well as teams from England, Australia and three sides from this year’s IPL, Deccan Chargers, Bangalore Royal Challengers and the Delhi Daredevils.

The 2009 IPL Hall of Fame: Orange Cap for most runs: Matthew Hayden Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 572 runs Purple Cap for most wickets: RP Singh Deccan Chargers (DC) 23 wickets Highest team total: Rajasthan Royals 211-4 vs Kings XI Punjab Largest victory (by runs): 92 runs CSK vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (BRC) Top individual score: Manish Pandey (BRC) 114 vs DC Highest strike rate: Manpreet Gony (CSK) 185.71 Most sixes: Adam Gilchrist (DC) 29 Best bowling figures in an innings: Anil Kumble (BRC) 5-5 vs RR

eastern eye ’s all-star IPL Team of the tournament There were a number of players who lit up the IPL with moments of individual brilliance and match-winning performances. Here is Eastern Eye’s team of the tournament.

Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers): The former Australia wicketkeeper performed miracles, taking his team from the bottom of the table last year to the top prize. Gilchrist rolled back the years with the bat, hitting 495 runs in 16 matches.

He was also agile with the gloves, taking 18 dismissals throughout in the tournament.

Matthew Hayden (Chennai Super Kings): Australia will be wishing the powerful opener was still available for selection after his exploits with the bat in the IPL. Hayden bludgeoned the opposition to all parts of the ground, notching up 572 runs in all.

Suresh Raina (CSK): India’s batting will be one of their strong points when they kick off their defence of the World T20 next week. And Raina certainly looks in great form ahead of the tournament, smashing nearly 450 runs at an impressive strike rate of 140.90. He also picked up seven wickets with the ball too.

AB de Villiers (Delhi Daredevils): The South African smasher was one of the top scorers in the

tournament as he revelled playing on home turf.

He went run-crazy for the Daredevils, hitting 465 runs, including a hundred and three half-centuries. De Villiers also made his mark in the field, taking the most catches with 13 dismissals.

Yuvraj Singh (Kings XI Punjab): The swashbuckling batsman led the line for Preity Zinta’s team, hitting 340 runs in 14 matches, featuring 25 boundaries and 16 sixes. Singh also played his part with the ball, taking just six wickets, including two hat-tricks, against the Deccan Chargers and Bangalore Royal Challengers.

Dwayne Smith (DC): It is amazing that the West Indies all-rounder has not been selected by his country for the World T20 tournament after his exploits for Deccan. Smith scored runs at a blistering pace, clocking a strike rate of 162.87. He hit 215 runs in eight matches, including 12 fours and 15 sixes.

Rohit Sharma (DC): The youngster had the perfect warm-up ahead of the ICC World T20.

Sharma proved to be a useful middle-order player, putting in useful contributions and scoring at a quick rate. He weighed in heavily with the runs for Deccan, contributing 362 in 16 matches. He also took 11 wickets with the ball and will be one to watch in England.

Yusuf Abdullah (KXIP): There is a reason why Abdullah has a growing reputation as a fearsome limited-overs bowler. He definitely made sure the Punjab didn’t miss Brett Lee too much, taking 14 wickets in nine matches. He could be South Africa’s secret weapon in the World T20.

Anil Kumble (Bangalore Royal Challengers): He showed that spinners can be dangerous in T20 no matter when they bowl in an innings. Kumble took his bunch of merrymen all the way to the final and ended up as the second-highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps. He also bowled the best IPL spell, taking 5-5 against Rajasthan Royals.

RP Singh (DC): The Indian bowler was on fire in the tournament and was vital to Deccan’s success. As well as a winner’s medal, Singh also got the Purple cap for taking 23 wickets.

Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians): The ‘slinger’ had the batsmen bamboozled with his unique delivery action. Malinga showed he was still a dangerous customer despite playing for a poor Mumbai outfit, picking up 18 wickets without giving too many runs away (economy rate 6.30).

EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009 37

Tendulkar: Openers are key to defence

MASTER blaster Sachin Tendulkar (pictured above) believes India’s opening batsmen need to shake off any fatigue if they are to successfully defend their World Twenty20 crown.

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir put in subdued performances for Delhi Daredevils in this year’s Indian Premier League.

Despite the Daredevils reaching the semi-finals, both players were belowpar in the South African tournament, with Sehwag notching up just 198 runs in 11 matches.

Tendulkar believes that while India have a strong leader in MS Dhoni and a competent batting line up, the openers need to be on top form if they are to pose a threat again.

“I think individually the boys are doing well. Look at Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, MS (Mahendra Singh Dhoni),” he said.

“Only our opening combination of Gambhir and Sehwag hasn’t fired,” he added. “I think the key would be how soon they can shed off the whole fatigue factor.

“They have been playing back-toback for a long time now and it would be difficult to keep the tempo up.”

Meanwhile, fears are growing that paceman Zaheer Khan may miss the World T20 tournament due to a nagging injury problem.

The left-arm bowler injured his bowling shoulder while playing for the Mumbai Indians against Bangalore Royal Challengers in the IPL in the first week of May. He has yet to play a match since then after undergoing rehab to recover for the World T20 event in England.

India’s first game is against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge next Saturday (6).

Dhoni: Players will not feel the strain

INDIA captain MS Dhoni (pictured above) believes his players will cope better with the pressure after playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

And he hoped for more of a contribution from his part-time bowlers to keep the opposition at bay.

“The good thing of playing in the IPL that will really help us at the ICC World Twenty20 will be the emergence of part-timers who have done really well,” he said.

“Especially during fielding restrictions, you have Yusuf Pathan bowling at that point, Harbhajan (Singh) has bowled and (Pragyan) Ojha also.

“Most of the spinners are part-timers who are part of the side, they have bowled in that particular time when you as a bowler are under pressure,” Dhoni said, having captained the Chennai Super Kings to the last four.

“Not much of spin, maybe the ball holds on a bit over here (in South Africa). But overall the experience will really count. This tournament in the 5560 games that took place, most of them went really close.

“Most of the Indian batsmen who were part of that winning side or maybe the bowlers who were part of that winning moment, were under pressure. They will handle the pressure well when it comes to an international T20 game also. There are loads of positives that will help the players.”

38

EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

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danish’S desire Kaneria eyes Pakistan recall

by Zohaib Rashid DANISH KANERIA has not given up hope on playing again for Pakistan – despite featuring in only two matches in the past 18 months.

The leg-spinner last turned out for his country during the ill-fated Test series with Sri Lanka back in February.

That was his first game in international cricket since December 2007, when he played in the third Test against India at Bangalore.

Kaneria was also left out of Pakistan’s squad for the World Twenty20 tournament which kicks off next Friday (5) – even though he has been plying his trade in England for the past five seasons.

But the 28-year-old still believes he can do a job for his country – and hopes his form with Essex in the domestic Twenty20 competition will have the selectors watching.

“I always have a belief and will EXPLOSIVE: Kaneria is featured in Big Hitter magazine work hard for that thing,” Kaneria cricket forever, and affected Pakistan’s chances of hosting said. “I have always wanted to play the shorter version of cricket teams for years to come. In fact, the country hasn’t had the because I’ve been a part of Essex for best of times in the past three years. Players have been plagued five years and done well in the limited by disputes and controversies, the loss of well-loved coach Bob Woolmer and accusations of ball-tampering. overs competitions for them.

Kaneria though believes players need to find the strength to “I’m working hard, I have a positive attitude and hopefully things will go carry on no matter what happens. “That shouldn’t be the life of right for me. I hope I get a chance so I an international cricketer but these things happen, they are can prove I can bowl at international part of life and you have to be aware and you have to be bold level in the shorter version of the game. I enough to face these type of things that happen. You just need don’t have any complaints about any- to carry on.

“Life doesn’t stop if something happens – you carry on and body else – if they are doing well they get selected, if they aren’t they might not be.” put those things behind you. At the time it hurts your mind but Kaneria has had a pretty successful in- you have to be a professional, not look back and always think ternational career in Test cricket, notching of the positives.”

Pakistan will be looking to concentrate on performing well up 53 appearances since making his debut against England in 2001. He has picked up in the World Twenty20 tournament, and Kaneria insists his boys can go one better than last time out, when they lost to 225 wickets at an average of 34.87.

His last match in the Test whites was in the India in the final in South Africa in 2007.

“I think my team, Pakistan, are the favourites but India and second Test against Sri Lanka at Lahore in March. Kaneria toiled away on the first two South Africa might cause an upset. Pakistan have not played days, returning figures of 0-183, but it was the much cricket so there is an edge about that – Indians and shocking events on the morning of the third day which other players played in the IPL – which makes India and South Africa contenders too.” made the headlines.

As the two teams made their way to the ground, masked gunmen opened fire, peppering the Sri Lankan team coach. n Read the full interview in this month’s Big Hitter magazine, That incident has changed the landscape of international out on Saturday (30) at all leading retailers.

Mallya: India can be a real force FORCE India owner Vijay Mallya believes the FIA’s proposed budget cap of £40 million could help the smaller teams compete with the sport’s big boys.

The flamboyant Indian billionaire believes it makes sense in the current economic climate to find ways to reduce costs as well as levelling out the playing field.

“As you well know, there are further discussions continuing on how to deal with 2010 and beyond,” Mallya said. “Every single business in the world under the current economic circumstances is being reengineered and restructured with the focus to reduce costs.

“Why should Formula 1 be an exception?

Force India is certainly well in favour of reducing the costs to levels that are affordable, whether it is in the form of a cap or finding progressive initiatives at an acceptable figure for all teams. We are working on it.

“But clearly as far as Force India is concerned, whether you call it a budget cap or a targeted amount to be spent, that is very, very essential or else the small independent teams will never be able to compete with those who have, in comparison, extraordinary budgets.”

Mallya saw both his Force India drivers finish the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend. Italian Giancarlo Fisichella came close to breaking Force India’s duck, finishing in ninth, while Adrian Sutil came home in 14th.

“It was a very encouraging weekend all round,” he said. “We got two cars into Q2 and finished within a whisker of the points – and all on merit. We’ve incremented our performance and raced it well, and we know we have more upgrades in the pipeline, which is a great motivating factor.

“I would like to say thank you to both drivers for keeping focused and pushing so hard,

and to the entire team at the track and at the factory for keeping the momentum going until the end.

“If we continue on the path we have now laid before us, I am certain we’ll achieve the success we all deserve.”

And Mallya was adamant that India’s dream of hosting a F1 race in 2011 is still on track, despite reports that the project was in danger of being scrapped.

“The promoters of the Formula 1 track and associated commercial complex have actually acquired the land and have announced that post the elections we’ve just got over, they are actually going to lay the foundation stone and build that track.

“So I am very optimistic that it will be built in time and that we will have our first Formula 1 grand prix in India in 2011. It is going to be really special.”

OPTIMISTIC: Force India owner Vijay Mallya

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EASTERN EYE May 29, 2009

Fact OF THE WEEK The winners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament were the Deccan Chargers, led by the incomparable Adam Gilchrist.

He succumbed to a third-ball duck in the final, but his 85 in 35 balls in the previous round is certain to be talked about in childish trebles by those fortunate to have witnessed it.

England can thank heavens that Gilchrist has hung up his boots and isn’t part of the Australia’s touring party this summer for the Ashes series.

Like Shane Warne with the Rajasthan Royals last year, Gilchrist led by example and his side deservedly took the trophy. Royal Challengers Bangalore, who finished second from bottom in 2008, were worthy finalists, thanks again to Anil Kumble’s never-say-die spirit. They did die by six runs in the last over, but after a spirited contest in which no quarter was asked and none given.

Nothing succeeds like success: having pulled off a coup in South Africa against the predicted odds, Lalit Modi, in the manner of Alexander the Great, seeks new worlds to conquer, so the IPL may journey to other distant climes if he has his way. More to his enterprising head, heart and elbow. The next Twenty20 roadshow is the World Cup in England, the curtain raiser to the keenly awaited head-to-head between England and Australia.

It needs only the sun to shine for the cricket to glow with a similar light. Ricky Ponting’s 16-man squad bulges with talent and character.

The experience of its seniors should blend well with the exuberance of youth to provide a cocktail that might reduce the feared Molotov confection to a squib.

Opener Phil Hughes made a truly sensational debut to his Test career in the recent rubber against the formidable South Africans at home, which Australia won convincingly 2-1. Stuart Clarke returns to the side with his fast medium swing and seam, while Brett Lee, restored to full fitness, is raring to go at 90 plus mph. But the spearhead of this attack will surely be the fast left-arm pace of Mitchell Johnson, whose late-order contributions with the willow could transform confident bowlers into headless chickens.

All-rounder Andrew Symonds has been dropped but his replacement Shane Watson is sufficiently gifted to step into the breach with devastating effect. Roll on the summer.

Meanwhile, the shambolic West Indians have flattered to deceive.

They held their own at home, if only just,against England at home, but were shamed 2-0 in the return twomatch series in England.

Climate change, not recycled waste, is the answer to West Indies’ woes.

Abbasi blasts PCB over Shoaib snub Continued from back page Former Pakistan Test player Nadeem Abbasi believes Akhtar’s career is under threat but still thinks the controversial bowler can serve a purpose for his country.

“Personally, I think this latest development is the end of Shoaib’s career,” Abbasi told Eastern Eye. “However, knowing him as I do, he will use it to come back harder.

“I feel he still has a place in Pakistan cricket in the short term and shorter formats.

But now we are going to have to rely heavily on Umar Gul as our spearhead.

But Abbasi, who played three Tests for Pakistan, lambasted the PCB for their handling of the case, calling them a “disgrace”.

“No way should this personal information have been announced to the cricketing world. It’s a disgrace to mention whatever ailments he has and a disrespect to him as a cricketer, however good or bad, he is.”

with zohaib rashid

yousuf eyes return

THE cricket world has been going Twenty20 crazy this month with batsmen hammering the opposition to all parts of the ground.

Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq scored a century off just 48 balls for the Lahore Lions against Quetta Bears on Tuesday (26), while Surrey’s Usman Afzaal smashed 98 of 59 balls against Middlesex the day before.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist also got in the mood, hitting 85 off 35 balls for the Deccan Chargers against Delhi Daredevils in the semi-finals of the Indian Premier League.

THERE was some good news for Paplaying in the ODI series with Bangkistan fans this week: Mohammad ladesh back in January.

Yousuf could make a return to interThere was a lot of controversy surnational cricket. rounding the decision, with Yousuf The batsman has not been able to claiming he was disrespected by the play for his country after joining the Pakistan Cricket Board even though unsanctioned Indian Cricket League he was a senior player.

(ICL) last year.

But Yousuf has obtained a No-ObAny player linked to the ICL was jection Certificate (NOC) which banned for playing for their respeccould pave the way for his return: “I tive countries, a move encouraged by have submitted an NOC from the Inthe Indian Cricket Board (BCCI). dian league and it’s now up to the Yousuf was one of the most reauthorities to clear my way to play spected batsmen in world cricket be- international cricket,” Yousuf said. fore joining up with Lahore BadThe likes of Abdul Razzaq, Rana shahs. The 34-year-old averaged Naved-ul-Hasan and Imran Nazir nearly 55 in Test cricket but has not have also expressed their desire to featured for the national team since return to the Pakistan national side.

Ravi Bopara: England’s latest star has proved he can bat anywhere up or down the order after his exploits in the one-day international series with the West Indies.

Bopara followed up his century at Bristol with 49 off 54 balls after opening the batting at Edgbaston on Tuesday (25).

t20 bonaNza is big test

Usman Afzaal: Surrey look up for the Twenty20 cup this year and believe they have the players to reach their first finals day since 2004. Afzaal rolled back the years with a blistering score of 98 off just 59 balls in a crushing win over Middlesex on Monday (25).

Fawad Alam: Pakistan’s allrounder warmed up for the World T20 with a brilliant display with bat and ball for the Karachi Dolphins in a domestic competition in Pakistan. Alam smashed 70 off 36 balls before taking 2-25 to wrap up victory over Abbottabad Rhinos.

TALKING CRICKET: Gerald Majola (left) and Lalit Modi

Owais Shah: England’s batsmen look ready for the World T20 on home turf this week after putting in some commanding performances against the West Indies.

Shah scored 75 off 65 balls in the final ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday (26) to stake his claim for selection.

Danish Kaneria: The legspinner wants to make a return to Pakistan’s limited overs team but his recent performances for Essex haven’t really caused the selectors any concerns. Kaneria was smashed around the park against Lancashire, returning figures of 0-64.

Dimitri Mascarenhas: While the rest of England’s batsmen looked good for the summer ahead, Mascarenhas had a blip against the Windies. The Hampshire player was out first ball at Edgbaston, not ideal form if he wants to keep his place in the squad.

Caption

THERE seems to be absolutely no break in cricket, with one tournament finishing and another major competition kicking off straight away.

While it may be great for cricket fans who just can’t get enough of the gentleman’s game, it will be tough on the players to be on the ball if they are playing week in, week out.

The players will barely get a chance to recover from playing in the Indian Premier League because they will have to be in top form for their countries to play in the ICC World T20 tournament in England next week.

There is a danger that many of the players who featured in the IPL may be suffering from fatigue, a point that has been raised by India’s Sachin Tendulkar.

There is a great leaning towards Twenty20 cricket because it is fun to play in and for players, they will get a hefty payday for a few hours work. Test cricket is in danger of being eclipsed by the quick-fire format of the game, though players still regard it the ultimate honour to play in the five-day format.

More players will be echoing these sentiments and hoping cricket’s administrators will be able to come up with a solution to create a platform for all forms of the game to survive equally.

Gerald Majola, chief executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA), is calling on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make necessary changes to the Future Tours Programme (FTP) so players can represent their countries in all formats of the game and still get time off from the field to recover.

“Cricket remains a dynamic sport and administrators must also be prepared for change if it is needed,” Majola said. “There is room for all forms of this great game. With the advent of the IPL and similar tournaments, the FTP is most likely to adjust accordingly.”

Majola’s country recently held the IPL after it was moved to India by commissioner Lalit Modi. He believed it was a big success and proved T20 will remain popular for some time yet, but Test cricket will still be at the pinnacle of the game.

39

DECCAN Danish DELIGHT Kaneria Gilchrist inspires Chargers‘ IPL win Page 37

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ICC world t20 preview

City sign Verma for Premier push AMAN Verma is looking forward to the new season after signing a one-year deal with Championship new boys Leicester City.

The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Foxes on an initial six-month deal in December after a successful trial with the club.

Verma didn’t play for the first team which won League One but manager Nigel Pearson has put his faith in the youngster.

Verma was originally part of Leicester City’s academy before being released and moving into non-league football. He had a spell with Bedworth United before joining Redditch United at the beginning of last season.

The local lad impressed the club’s scouts and was invited for a trial. He featured for the reserve side last term and will be looking to make the step up to the first team as Leicester City look to get back into the Premier League after six years.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury Town have released goalkeeper Jasbir Singh. The 19-year-old stopper spent much of the season on loan with Hinckley Town and Sutton Coldfield, making only a handful of appearances.

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‘I’m still good enough to play for Pakistan’ Page 38

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private matter?

Next week in EE

AKHT-ING UP: Shoaib’s in trouble again

Pakistan criticised for Akhtar treatment

by Zohaib Rashid PAKISTAN’s cricket board (PCB) has come under fire from fans and former players for revealing Shoaib Akhtar’s problem to the world.

Akhtar was dropped from the Pakistan squad for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament because he was still recovering from contracting genital warts.

The Rawalpindi Express was replaced by Rao Iftikhar Anjum despite saying he was fit to play for Pakistan.

The latest drama is yet another incident which has portrayed Akhtar in a bad light and could finally spell the end of his international cricket career.

The 33-year-old has had his fair share of controversial moments, including testing positive for nandrolone and having an altercation with Mohammad Asif which saw him sent home from the World T20 in 2007.

But some believe that the PCB can not be trusted if they are willing to reveal private information about players. A member of Pakpassion.net, the largest fansite for Pakistan cricket, said: “By exposing Shoaib’s illness, the PCB have made themselves a laughing stock.

“They’ve also shown that they can’t be trusted with private and confidential information.

Shoaib is entitled to his privacy and the PCB have done more damage to their own reputation than to Shoaib’s already ruined one.

“I hope this is the last we see of Shoaib in a Pakistan shirt but the reality is that he’ll be back for the Champions Trophy.”

Legendary batsman and former captain Zaheer Abbas is adamant this latest incident is proof that Akhtar is not fit to play and should

PAYING THE PRICE: Shoaib Akhtar

ISSN

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bow out now: “I have been saying he is not fit for international cricket and he should retire and this has been proven by this latest fitness issue with him.”

Continued on page 39 9

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Eastern Eye newspaper is published by Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd, Garavi Gujarat House, No 1 Silex Street, London, SE1 0DW Tel: 020 7928 1234 Fax: 020 7261 0055 Website: www.easterneye.eu - Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.