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Everybody loves Sachin
"Cricket lives in my heart. Somewhere still a 16-year-old boy lives within me. I don't have to make an effort to be enthusiastic," Sachin Tendulkar said in one his interviews. You bet, with Master Blaster completing 20 years in International cricket today; his stint with the bat seems to have just started. As sports anchor and television actor Abhinav Chaturvedi says, even if he decides to walk and not run between the wickets, he'll score another 7,000-10,000 runs. He has along way to go. The world hopes for the same. So does our queen of melody Lata Mangeshkar, a gushing fan, who feels that in addition to a fabulous player he is a humble and down to earth human being as well. Die-hard cricket fans and lenient ones share their take on Sachin Tendulkar, his journey so far, countless records he's broken and how he is the most genuine person they've ever come across. The humble Master
It is a privilege to see him play. And I wish him many more years of cricket. He is in the habit of making records, so, this looks like the beginning. He has scored 12,773 Test runs and 17,178 ODI runs, which is an accomplishment to be celebrated. Last but not the least, I think the younger team members have a lot to learn from him. Sachin bhai lagey
raho! — Raza Murad, actor Inspiration and admiration
Actor Simply Sachin
It's a delight to see him play. His achievement indeed is a commendable one. Wow with the willow
Quarter past excellence
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Rahman Live
Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman will headline the world famous "Sydney Festival 2010" in Australia on January 16. Rahman's two-and-a-half hour free and exclusive music-dance performance will also see over 40 Bollywood dancers, singers, and musicians at outdoor Parramatta Park near Sydney, starting 7-30 pm. Festival website says about Rahman, "Sydney Festival is proud to celebrate this inspiring and multidimensional artist". New South Wales Premier and Festival President Nathan Rees reportedly described Rahman as "without doubt one of the world's great talents". Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed has applauded Rahman for creating a bridge between the music of east and west and for strengthening the worldwide market and stature of Indian music. Forty-three Rajasthani musicians from India will also stage during this Festival "The Manganiyar Seduction" concert in a whimsical custom-built 'magic box'. Directed by Roysten Abel, the repertoire ranges from ballads about kings to mystics written Sufi songs and songs marking marriage-birth-feasts-rains; and the ensemble spans three generations. Showing multi-cultural Australia, Festival First Night will include music-dance performances by ‘Bobby Singh & Friends’, including Australia's leading table player Bobby Singh, Sarangan Sriranganathan, The Bollywood Sensations, Rasa Duende. —ANI
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Wishful disaster
Two films released this week and both of them have very little to offer. Aao Wish Karein, Aftab Shivdasani's home production, directed by debutant Glenn Barretto is lacking in the magic that it so incompetently tries to project while Tum Mile directed by the Jannat helmer Kunal Deshmukh appears to have been flooded out by the 26/7 deluge that happens to be the leaky backdrop for this disaster driven love story. The pity (for the filmmakers) is that they hit the screens on the same day as the much awaited disaster flick from Hollywood, 2012 and therefore appears wanting in comparison both in terms of technical proficiency and story-telling ability.
Aao Wish Karein is literally the Hindi version of Big and is driven by nothing but sheer fantasy. Why else would Aftab Shivdasani venture into production with this flaky, unfulfilling and puerile misadventure. The film has nothing to offer the adult audience and even lesser for the kiddie demographic. The story is about 12-year-old Mickey, an adopted child who finds himself attracted to a 23-year-old woman Mitika (Aamna Shareif). He meets up with Hitchkock (Johnny Lever) who asks him to make a wish. Mickey wishes to be 'Big' and it comes true. The rest of the film is devoted to Mickey (Aftab) trying to woo Monika and the complications that arise once his wish loses its power. This is totally confused filmmaking. The entire plotting is extremely vague and unconvincing. The characters have little justification for what they do and the narrative is so devoid of the ethereal that it all becomes exasperating and tedious in the first few minutes itself. The love story itself is so half-baked that you want to throw-up. It's obvious that very little time was spent in developing the characters and to add to that there is zero chemistry between the two leads Aftab and Amana. The central core of the movie that is the transformation of boy to man is so ludicrously handled that you are left unconvinced. Aftab prancing about as a 12-year-old in an adult's body appears more unhinged than lovable. Even the camerawork is amateurish. The director and his cameraman prefer to focus on the faces rather than create a viable setting for forging a convincing story. The dialogues are stilted and the script itself appears too wish-y-washy to be a sturdy vehicle for a wish fulfillment! It is all so shoddy that one wonders why filmmakers attempt such films when they don't want to spend enough on convincing workmanship. Down and damp
Tum Mile is the new offering from the Bhatt stable. All the publicity for the film was generated around it's setting- the 26/7 deluge that devastated Mumbai and it's surrounding areas. But the film has precious little of that to show. Rumour has it that it all got shorn-off at the editing table because the runtime was unwieldy and the sequences were so conspicuously superficial in camparison to 2012 that it was better for the film to be without. Those who bought into the film based solely on its disaster backdrop are bound to feel cheated. It's also a fact that the Soha-Emraan pairing does not really have the power to get the audience into the theatre without the usual Bhatt gimmicks to aid them. This time though, the gimmicks are missing. The story is told in several flashbacks, the lovers Sanjana (Soha) -the muse and Akshay (Emraan) - the artist are at loggerheads and finally unite on the day of the great tragedy. Richie-Rich Sanjana espouses the cause of global warming- she is an activist of sorts before she catches struggling art-student Akshay's eye. They hook-up only to find that money does play major spoilsport after all. With both nursing individual egos, the relationship seems doomed until 26/7 happens and love finally supercedes all the differences between the couple. Kunal Deshmukh manages to fuel an engrossing tone with his inter-cutting flashbacks but the narrative momentum is never maintained. The songs crop up just when the narrative gets interesting and then there is the distinct tendency to foster light moments at a time when tragedy is just The acting is competent enough. Both Soha and Emraan manage middling performances- their pitch may not be in full earnest but they at least manage to stay within character throughout. The dramatic scale though is questionable. It appears a little too lacking in the face of such monumental tragedy as 26/7 was. Kunal Deshmukh's talent is not in question here. It's his ability to maintain conviction amidst commercial considerations that bears questioning!
Johnsont307@gmail.com
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Cyber feud
Bollywood actor Minissha Lamba has lodged a complaint with the police against an unidentified person for allegedly threatening her over phone and sending her vulgar and abusive text messages. An FIR has been registered at the Versova police station against the accused after a complaint by the actress, assistant police commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi said.
The accused sent her several vulgar and abusive SMSes using different mobiles. He also threatened her over the phone. Lamba was troubled for the last three to four days," Suryavanshi added. Initially, she ignored the text messages and phone calls, but later she approached police and lodged the complaint. Minissha Lamba, who stays in Versova area, has worked in acclaimed movies like Yahaan, Honeymoon Travels and Bachna |
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Guests of honour
The film, which was screened Tuesday, is also competing in the 'In Competition' section of the festival that closes Nov 20. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film stars John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh in the lead apart from Irrfan Khan in an important role. Recently screened at the Pusan International Film Festival, New York released in over 900 screens worldwide June 26. It is a contemporary story of three young friends whose lives are turned upside down by post-9/11 prejudices. The jury of the fest is being headed by Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Victor Okhai and Nour El Sherif. Also attending the festival will be Hollywood stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Lucy Liu and Tom Berenger. — IANS
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Bring it on
The Malacca government is planning to rope in Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to perform at a concert organised to mark UN World Assembly of Youths 60th anniversary celebrations. Shah Rukh was conferred a 'Datukship' title by Malacca governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob last December for indirectly promoting the state to the world through six movies. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said that the event will be held at Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong to enable as many fans as possible to catch their Bollywood idol in action. "We are trying to get a private company or maybe several more to sponsor the event," The Star Online quoted the Rustam as saying. "It will be worth their while as they can get international publicity if Shah Rukh Khan endorses their products," he added. He said state representatives had recently met the star in India to discuss how to promote and develop the local film industry. However, Shah Rukh said he was not keen on setting up a studio there due to time constraints, but he said he would be glad to assist the state as an adviser. —ANI
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Now, if diamonds were a girl's best friend then men are sure to have an eye on them. And that's why they should check out the exhibition of diamond rings at Gitanjali jewels, sector -9, Panchkula. With over 300 exclusive designs displayed in city for the first time, it has something for everybody. From designer everyday pieces to exquisite wedding collection, each diamond ring is to be enjoyed. Apart from these designs, the collection also includes Brand Ambassadors designs like Asmi, Nakshatra etc. And not only women, but men too can look out for their kind of style. The men's collection has two designer pieces called the Amitabh Bachchan and King Khan. The two will cost you Rs. 50,000 and Rs.62,000 respectively. While the other pieces come for anything between Rs. 5500-80,000, with a discount of 15 percent till the exhibition is on.. Along with the exhibition, a Diamond club kitty privilege can also be availed by the customers. So you just won't desire but own your favorite piece by the attractive monthly savings scheme. This also gives you a chance to win jewellery upto Rs. 36,000 absolutely free. On till November 22. —TNS
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Matka chowk
We Indians seem to be embroiled in the relentless pursuit of scrambling - scrambling for seats, scrambling for food, scrambling for a place for luggage, scrambling for a movie ticket. The list is endless and the scrambling never ends. It makes all of us edgy, anxious and brings out the worst in us.
Chandigarh can win a medal in the scrambling race. People scramble so doggedly here that any situation is a reason for push and conquer. I have been pushed violently in the Shatabdi Express although there was enough space for two people to pass. Every inch of empty space is instantly filled by a moving body in a nervous jerk, as if going forward is the only option. Even while waiting, people are bracing to get in, jump up or push forward - for a great calamity might befall them if they took it easy and relaxed. Somehow, the Indian air is pungent with this scramble and score scent and nowhere is it more manifested than when you travel with fellow Indian passengers. Even when you are boarding an international flight and your seat is guaranteed (one hopes) people are leaping over your backs to stow their luggage and get to the seat. Why are we such a frenzied lot? Are we forever in fear of losing out - something, to somebody else? Or are we always labouring under the notion that somehow if we don't hustle and score, something will be amiss? Is that a mark of a nation that seems to be doing extremely well in industrial growth and finance? What is it about the air of India that makes us leap up and push like the last train to a safe place is departing in a minute? Strangely, enough, as soon as you enter the western hemisphere, the same people slow down, take turns, form queues and exercise patience and civility in public places. We entered the aircraft as a harried lot, bursting with vitriolic verve, scowling furiously, pulling napkins close to us and keeping a strong eye on our belongings. By the time we reached Washington or Seattle, we emerged from the plane - a tired and sleep lot - but, breathing slowly, walking along others, waiting at the immigration line, with restraint over our limbs and mind. There is a phrase in America - "Do right by us." I think - we are afraid that no one will do right by us. Somehow, in the way we do things in India, we all feel that we will be cheated if we are not vigilant, we will be left behind if we don't run, we will go hungry if we don't cut lines. Maybe, it's just a matter of time. The future generation will be able to trust the printed words, have faith in bookings and take their privileges for granted. We will then not only be many and mighty, but also be contained with the knowledge that we have arrived, as a nation. |
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Tarot Talk
TAURUS: Princes of cups says you don't want anything rough edged, or gritty, unpleasant or stretching. There will be moments of leisure and romance with person you love on Sunday. Don't get bogged by joint family pressures. Competitions bring out the best of you and a change of guard may get you a profitable deal. Tip: Money matters and health may also, need some looking after in this week. Lucky Colour: Turquoise. GEMINI: Your card Knight of pentacles says it's a great week for travel and romance, but where business interests are concerned, don't force issues. Exercise tact. A new relationship has a spiritual effect on your attitudes. There is no substitute for hard work. You make an adversary nervous by circumventing plan or coming up with a better one. Tip: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky Colour: Citric green. CANCER: You draw Nine of Wands. Yoga & walking are great for you. Over investment in the best idea will be a bad move. A wish may come true on Monday. A close family member backs you up. High blood pressure and sluggishness will bother some. Avoid travelling too far on Wednesday. Tip: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky Colour: Cherry red. LEO: The Tower says your lazy streak will be more obvious than usual on Sunday. You will reap great benefits if are dealing in stocks and shares. Your spouse pulls in a contrary direction that affects property interests. Overseas travel and fine arts augur well. A trip near by will be therapeutic. Tip: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky Colour: Cream. VIRGO: The Ace of Pentacles is a little stand-offish on social occasions. A financial wish comes true with strategy. Delays in personal relationships force you to seek alternatives. Your wallet will be full of easy money; don't spent all in one go on Saturday. Lot of new opportunities will come your way, which will make you feel positive about your future. Tip: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky Colour: Red. LIBRA: The Wheel of Fortune reveals a romantic infatuation from your past, which may surface if you frequently visit places that you both used to go. Change your attitude and take your life back into your own hands. Reason and passion pull you in different directions but you get ahead in life. Tip: Keep a close watch on any niggling health problems. Lucky Colour: Baze. SCORPIO: The Hanged Man shows that your feelings and sensitivity are heightened. You are prone to seek out a safe heaven or to shy away from public life. You feel moody and easily moved by whatever is happening in your environment. Defend against clashes. Watch out for power games, again comes from home. Introspection will be only solution. Tip: Resolve conflicts through discussion. Lucky Colour: Crimson. SAGITTARIUS: Two of Swords card asserts that there could be opportunities to start new assignments. Romantic relationships could get strained if your partner feels alienated due to your inability to spend time together. Concentrate on sports as need to have a healthy mind and body. Science and technology hold promise for you. Tip: You need to cultivate understanding & humility. Lucky Colour: Black. Capricorn: Four of Swords reveals an excellent week to set off on a new course, one which may eventually involve overseas connections. Avoid verbal battles, and try to make compromise. Life continues on a smooth path in the same old hunky-dory manner. Have a more steady approach to things without losing your head. Tip: Thursday and Friday are not the best days to spend a lot of money. Lucky Colour: Orange. AQUARIUS: The card The Universe reveals that you can make money if you're willing to push your ideas in a position to support your efforts. You must continue working at a good pace as you are nearly there at the top. Interesting people bob up when you least expect it and offer you fantastic options. Tip: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky Colour: Brown. PISCES: The Empress card says avoid confrontations with your beloved. Meditation, physical exercise or dancing can be therapeutic. Alternatively, your current state of bliss could even come from being single! You'll have to go easy on the excitement Tip: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power and determination. Lucky colour: Saffron. |
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I was waiting at the reception of Hotel Le Meridien, Delhi and I see Sachin Tendulkar coming with 10-12 security men. I was skeptical whether he would say hello to me or not. Then he sees me, and immediately walks up to me to and says, "Sir, I am a great fan of yours." I was over whelmed with this short and the sweet gesture. This is Sachin Tendulkar. On many other occasions I have observed that Sachin does not believe in unbashed display of his emotions, whether he is on field or off the field.
Everybody loves Sachin. He is a role model for all, and a simple human being. I find him down to earth, with no ego issues at all. And, I appreciate how he lets his bat speak for him, and how gets back at the critics with his ultimate performance. The entire world admires him for this. No wonder he is the most loved batsman. I also admire his dedication and sincerity towards the game.
— Sonu Sood,
Sachin Tendulkar is an icon world over, a legend, a player with never-say-die attitude, a simple next-door kind of a man. 
Two decades of International Cricket- only Sachin Tendulkar can do this. This is a commendable job that is respected by everybody. To me, Sachin is the God of Indian cricket and a role model for millions. He is powerhouse of energy, and his dedication towards the game cannot be described in words. Only yesterday, I read an article by Sourav Ganguly on Sachin Tendulkar, where he wrote that there is no better sight in cricket than Sachin in full flow. Indeed. Whether I am shooting or at home, I always have time to watch the batsman in action. Seeing him play with focus reminds me of the fact that I need to do the same with my career as well. I wish him all the best, and many more years of success.
— Jonita Doda, actor
Our generation is blessed to have had a chance to witness the marvelous feats of Sachin Tendulkar. Firstly, I'd like to congratulate him on completing 20 years in International Cricket. This is no joke. He has excelled and improvised on his skills to the fullest .I have met him many a times, but I remember meeting him with Sunil Gavaskar in Delhi, when he had started his career. He is a simple man who knows his job well. I want to tell people who are talking about his retirement, wait and watch to see Sachin celebrate 25 glorious years.
Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan will be honoured at the ongoing 33rd Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) 2009. The duo will be honoured along with model-turned-actor Arfie Lamba, among the stars of the multiple Oscar-award winning movie Slumdog Millionaire at the fest that commenced Tuesday, according to the official website of the film festival. With India being the special guest of honour at the gala, around 25 Indian movies will be screened during the festival that opened with Yash Raj Films' New York.
ARIES: Your card The Hermit says change and travel are on the cards. Introspection and withdrawal are imperative. Unexpected responsibilities burn your problems figuratively. At work you're on a tight leash and people are vicious. There are financial delays but progress is guaranteed if you pull the right strings on Tuesday. TIP OF THE WEEK: Wait & watch Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky Colour: Fiery red.