Ergo April 29

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

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CHIPS DOWN Badshah Khan’s fortunes in IPL season II has been marred with heavy defeats and constant off-field controversies. As the KKR owner heads back home to cast his vote, his boys face fellow backbenchers Bangalore Royal Challengers in a must-win game for both sides.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 79

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ACID FACTORY

WINDOW SHOPPER

is Dia Mirza’s acid test

Sona’s at Kasi Arcade for sarees and salwars

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Raga Chocolat Titan introduces Raga Chocolat collection for women priced between Rs.1995 to Rs.9000. The collections are available at all World of Titan showrooms, leading multi-brand outlets.

Make a difference Arul Nambi C.S. of HCL Technologies invites techies to join him on a project to teach Computer Science to the students of corporation schools in namma Chennai. The techie along with his colleague Nallamaharaj Newbegin is currently teaching at two schools located in Navalur and Velachery. The project is part of a course he is doing under the Landmark Education Forum. “As part of the Self Expression and Leadership course, I am supposed to do this community project, wherein I have to empower the students of corporation schools with basic computer knowledge. My target is to cover at least 75,000 students, says Nambi. Software professionals who are interested in sparing their weekends to teach these students, but who don’t know how to start, can approach Arul Nambi, who has a thorough knowledge on the syllabus of these children. “I studied in a government school in Karaikudi and I had no access to computers in my school days. But my daughter who is studying in a matriculation school in the city has to read portions which I studied in my college days. This made me understand the plight of poor kids from downtrodden families who are put in local schools. So I selected this as my project topic,” says Nambi, who has so far taught 400 children the basics of Computer Science. Interested techies can contact him at 9940176544 or email him at [email protected]

Textile shop owner kidnapped, 3 arrested Kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs. 1.5 crore, of which Rs. 90 lakh was paid for victim’s release

ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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olice, on Tuesday, arrested three men who kidnapped a 24-year-old owner of a well-known clothing store in North Chennai for a ransom of Rs 1.5 crore. A sum of Rs 87 lakh extorted by the culprits for the release of the victim was recovered. According to police sources, Younis Khan, the owner of Kalandar Madeena Textiles on M.C. Road, Washermenpet, went missing on Friday afternoon after he left home for a mosque nearby for prayers. His father Kalandar Nainar Mohammed and family searched for Khan but in vain. Meanwhile, around 7.00 p.m. Mohammed received a phone call from an anonymous person who claimed to have kidnapped Khan and demanded a ransom amount of Rs 1.5 crore for Younis’ release. “The victim’s father had pleaded for his son’s release after promising the culprits a sum of Rs. 90 lakh. The culprits agreed and told him that they would tell him where to deliver the amount,”

said an investigating officer. The caller was Moideen (25) of Washermanpet, who was a former employee of Younis Khan. He had plotted the kidnap plan along with his brother Latif (23) and his aide Chakravarty (29) from Cuddalore. The trio had sought the help of autorickshaw driver Santosh Kumar, who according to polices sources had decided that a secluded location near the High Court premises would be a safer venue to receive the money, as

Younis was taken to Cuddalore in a call taxi after being kidnapped and kept in a room and tortured. He was brought back to a house in Parrys Corner before being released

there wouldn’t be any cops in the area. On Saturday night, Mohammed had given the kidnappers the promised Rs. 90 lakh and his son returned home the next day. “Younis was taken to Cuddalore in a call taxi after being kidnapped and kept in a room and tortured. He was brought back to a house in Parrys Corner before being released,” the officer added. After the incident, Mohammed’s relatives contacted the city police and reported the kidnapping incident. An investigation that followed led to the arrest of the three culprits from various places in the city on Monday night itself. Upon interrogations it was discovered that Moideen and Latif had launched a mobile phone store earlier, but the venture proved unsuccessful. Later, in order to make quick money and settle overseas, the two hatched the kidnap plan along with aides. Moideen, Latif and Chakravarty were remanded to custody and sent to Puzhal Prison. Santosh Kumar’s role is still under investigation. ■

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Har Kadam Par Shaque Watch Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Har Kadam Par Shaque?’ on every Wednesday at 10.00 p.m. only on Sony Entertainment Television.

OLD IS GOLD Sona’s in Kasi Arcade, T. Nagar, is for the saree and salwar lovers

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asi Arcade in T. Nagar is one of those shopping complexes that one might call outdated post the mall onslaught. Somewhere between the elbow-nudging, PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

toe-stamping chaos of Pondy Bazaar and window-shopper-thronged Spencer Plazas and Citi Centres, Kasi Arcade is relatively quiet. The complex, just across the road from The Residency Towers, has a couple of stores that have stuck on to and increased their share of patrons since a very long time, though.

Sona’s at Kasi Arcade is 15 years old. And it’s the centre of activity when we visit it on a rather dull weekday afternoon. This salwar suit specialist is a good pace to head to if one is looking for some ornate ethnic wear. Read sequinned and embroidered sarees and salwar/churidar sets, kurtis, anarkalis, fab-

ric, etc. The store even has a separate section for larger sizes. “We’ve had the section since day one,” says Kishore Lakhilal Mirpuri of the store. Rather ahead of its times, one might say, considering plus-sized clothing became popular only five years ago. “We stock clothes size-wise; no free

size concept here,” he adds. Favourite Shop in Pondy Bazaar, well-known for its discounted clothing, is a sister concern of Sona’s. At Sona’s, there are zari sarees with net dupattas, contemporary brasso sarees and those in chiffon and georgette, to mention a few. In the salwar section,

the anarkalis, especially, stand out. In one corner of the store is the store’s own tailoring unit – Sona’s also undertakes tailoring for dress materials purchased at the store. One can even pick designs from the catalogues available here. “Service is our USP,” says Mirpuri. ■

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

MONISHA MOHANDAS

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eyond rose’s heavenly fragrance lie its properties as an antidepressant, astringent, cleanser, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory agent as well as aphrodisiac. This summer, Lakme introduces Free Spirit, a beauty package using roses not only for your face but for your scalp, shoulders, back, hands and feet. According to Lakme, the treatment is designed keeping in mind the desire of modern women’s indulgence in

luxury and bliss. Free Spirit combines the refreshing feel of rose and jasmine (for oily skin) extracts with the rejuvenating effects of special massages. “The essence of the flowers works on the limbic system of the brain, thus conjuring positive feelings and balancing the emotional and physical aspects of an individual.” says Narthaki S, Skin Trainer, Lakme Beauty Salon. This Free Spirit service soothes the senses. All you have to do is lie down on a cushion bed and you will be close to

ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009

asleep for the next two hours. It begins with the cleansing stage to remove dirt and makeup. Toning removes residue of cleanser and makeup. This is followed by steaming, which dilates pores, softens blackheads and deep-cleanses the skin. A floral moulding mask comprising aloe vera and rose water is applied on your face, lending it a tightening effect. Your face, neck, shoulders and back are massaged using rose exotica cream, giving emphasis to acupressure points. Lavender water is mixed in cold and

warm water separately and this solution is again mixed with poultices with rose petals. The aroma of roses balances out the skin. During this, the scalp massage with oil de-stresses and improves circulation, thereby promoting hair growth. Applying sunscreen and shampoo wash is the final stage for the face and hair respectively. The treatment doesn’t end here. This is followed by a hand and foot ‘facial’. “This facial us-

es products made of floral extractions, which provide essential oils to the hands and feet, leaving them relaxed and rejuvenated.” says Narthaki. Lakme uses natural products like rose petals, almond scrub, rose exotica cream, milk, lavender water and grape juice, to name some. This is for dry skin. In case of oily skin, jasmine and tulsi are used instead of rose. ■

The Free Spirit package at Lakme Beauty Salon centres on the rejuvenating effects of rose or jasmine, as your skin type might demand Duration of treatment: 2 hours Cost of treatment: Rs.1,800 Rs.2,000 Manicure: Rs.350 - Rs.400 Pedicure: Rs.400 - Rs.450 This treatment is available at all Lakme Beauty Salons

PHOTOS: S.S. KUMAR

METROSEXUAL

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

It’s different To say ‘hello’ in Sri Lanka, a person must place their palms together under the chin and bow slightly.

DOMESTIC RECORD Economy: President signs $787bn stimulus package of tax cuts and new spending intended to jolt U.S. out of worst recession in 50 years Unveils $3.55 trillion budget – which could drive deficit to record $1.8tn this year and double national debt over next decade

Banking crisis: Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner battles to get to grips with scale of crisis after series of costly and politically unpalatable bailouts Ailing insurer AIG required to pay back hugely controversial bonuses after taking public bailout money Car industry: Obama orders manufacturers to rethink restructuring plans – but hints process may end in bankruptcy for General Motors or Chrysler Guantanamo Bay: Orders closure of prison within year Torture: Orders release of Bush administration memos authorizing harsh interrogation techniques. Does not rule out investigation into who issued legal rulings Stem cells: Lifts restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research

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irl-phone affair has long been known to mankind. And now, a new study has claimed that girls spend more than four years of their lives “on the beloved”. The new UK study has found that women will make or receive an average of 288,000 calls in their lifetime. Those calls last a total of 42,000 hours - or 4.75 years. As far as men are concerned, they are not much of “yappers” - their 277,000 calls in a lifetime take up 28,500 hours or 3.25 years, reports The Sun.

INTERNATIONAL RECORD Russia: Has sought to reset U.S.-Russia relations beginning with negotiations on nuclear reduction treaty to replace START II pact Iraq, Afghanistan: Sets 2011 as end date for U.S. involvement in Iraq war, while increasing troop levels in Afghanistan to fight Al Qaeda and Taliban

Iran: Places American negotiator at table with European nations working to convince Iran it should back away from perceived drive to build nuclear weapon North Korea: Middle Issues reprimand East: over test launch of Invites apparent ballistic Israeli, missile, but determined Palestinian to bring North back and Egyptian leaders to into negotiations to rid White House for separate divided peninsula of talks on peace plan nuclear weapons Cuba: Lifts China: Says China’s poor restrictions human rights record, while on Cubanstill important to Washington, Americans is not defining issue of returning to homeland and U.S.-China relations amount of money they can send back to families Venezuela: Shakes hands with Hugo Chavez, disregarding leftist leader’s vitriolic attacks on U.S. during the Bush years Countries visited: Canada, UK, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Turkey, Iraq, Mexico, Trinidad Number of foreign leaders met face-to-face: 44 Pictures: Getty © GRAPHIC NEWS

The research, for mobile phone recycler phonepiggybank.com, found that women in London are Britain’s biggest gasbags, spending an incredible 14 hours 16 minutes a week talking on either mobile or landline. A spokesman for phonepiggybank.com said: “The figures are remarkable.” “It’s very easy to lose track of time while chatting on the phone and it seems women are more prone to this than blokes.” ■ ANI

Average girl spends 4 years of her life on phone

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Nutty attacker A teacher in Michigan was attacked by a squirrel during a field trip - for trying to help one of its young.

Kylie makes it to UK’s rich list Despite losing money in the ongoing economic crisis, pop princess Kylie Minogue has managed to land a spot in the UK rich list. According to the list compiled by The Sunday Times, Minogue appeared on the 46th spot among the Top 50 wealthiest musicians with a personal fortune of more than 70 million dollars. According to the listing, Kylie was worth 71.25 million dollars, equal to that of Ronnie Wood, Mick Hucknell and Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay, reports News.com.au. ANI

Apple sued for stifling iPod tricks Internet rights champions accused Apple of stifling free speech by bullying OdioWorks into ending online sharing of ways to get iPods to work with music websites other than iTunes. Attorneys from non-profit Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) teamed with OdioWorks lawyers to file a lawsuit against Apple in a US federal court. At the heart of the issue is the BluWiki website that details ways to get Apple’s popular iPhones and iPod MP3 players to synchronize music and video files with media at services such as Songbird, Banshee, Rockbox, and Winamp. BluWiki operates as a ‘public service’ with visitors able to freely edit or modify content on web pages in wiki-style collaborative efforts, according to OdioWorks, which owns the website. BluWiki terminated the forum late last year after Apple attorneys threatened to sue OdioWorks for spreading word of how to circumvent its digital rights management technology. AFP

Man kills mom over TV remote A Taiwan man accidentally killed his mother while fighting with her for the television remote control, a newspaper reported on Tuesday. The incident occurred in Nantou City, the Apple Daily said. Su Peng-sheng, 43, was watching television at home with his mother, Hsiao Ching-chou, 64. While he wanted to watch a documentary, his mother insisted on watching the news. In the ensuing quarrel Su’s mother grabbed a wooden stick to hit him. Su pushed his mother, causing her head first to hit the wall and then the corner of a table. The son then rushed his unconscious, bleeding mother to hospital, where she died. Su was charged with homicide, which carries a minimum two-year jail term. DPA

Amy named ’Pied Piper of St Lucia’ Amy Winehouse is being called the ‘Pied Piper of St Lucia’ after she helped a number of local kids, according to reports. Amy took six kids from near her new island home to the picturesque Cotton Bay to play on the beach. “Amy is happiest when she’s with children - kids love her. The children she took to the beach on Saturday were following her round and all vying for her attention,” the Sun quoted a source as saying. ANI

Watch thieves hide behind flu masks

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hree armed thieves wore the blue surgical masks now ubiquitous in flu-hit Mexico City to hide their faces as they robbed watches from a department store, Mexican media said on Monday. Employees and security guards at a branch of the Sanborns department store told the daily Excelsior the thieves were able to slip through the shop on Sunday without attracting attention as they blended into a sea of masked shoppers. One of the robbers threatened store assistants with a gun while another guarded the door and the third helped himself to watches from

the jewellery department.Mexico is in the grip of a new strain of flu that has killed up to 149 people and set off a major global health scare after infecting people in the United States, Canada and Europe, raising fears of a flu pandemic. Banks in the Mexican capital have been forced to abandon normal rules over not letting in customers wearing face coverings as the government took emergency measures over the weekend and advised residents in the crowded city to wear face masks at all times outside their homes. ■ Reuters

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

“He (Pawar) believes that both Congress and Left can be brought together but I do not believe, at this juncture, that this is possible” Pranab Mukherjee

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VOTE, GET A DEMOCRACY DISCOUNT Many feel these offers could make the voting mark a style statement

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t’s raining discounts and other offers this May in Delhi. And all you have to do to avail yourselves of them is to flaunt the ‘black-ink mark’ proof that you have exercised your right to vote. The trend is very new. But it is fast catching up with many stores and shop-owners planning ’democracy discounts’ to catch eager shopaholics. So on election day - May 7 - all those who have voted could get designer clothes, books, mugs

and wristbands. The mugs will have an autograph of Bollywood director Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra. Fashion expert Shaan Thadani, who opened designer boutique WHITE in Hauz Khas village in February, said she is offering 10 percent off on designer clothes. “I got inspired about this idea from various advertisements on television and radio. Discounts on designer collection is something a lot of people look for-

ward to and if this can be done for a cause as good as this, then why not?” Thadani said. Spykar Lifestyles, a teenage apparels brand, is also offering discounts across its stores in India. Spykar Lifestyles director marketing (India) Sanjay Vakharia said: “Considering the fact that youth form a huge chunk of voters, we thought of this as a medium to put across the importance of voting to youth.” "Youngsters prefer to avoid politics, but this way they will re-

alise the importance of their vote," Vakharia said. In all the Spykar stores, mugs and wristbands - imprinted with “I Voted” and having Mehra’s autograph - will be distributed on first come first served basis after people have shown their voting mark. “I think it’s a motivation for people, as now they will get something in lieu of their vote. The voting mark will become a sort of fashion symbol now,” says Teena Jha, who is going to be a first time voter. Sarthak Prakash, an engineering student, said: “The voting mark will surely become a style statement because we plan to call the ones who don’t vote Pappu, so everybody who cares about their image at least would vote,” he added. Karan Dogra, an MBA professional, said: “I am surprised to see the rising potential of marketing in India today. I would love to call these discounts ’democracy discounts’.” He informed that during the US presidential elections, Starbucks, a chain of cafes, had offered free coffee to its customers. “This way no one loses. The customer is happy and the store owner too. Both of them feel they have done a good deed,” Dogra said. ■ IANS

08 SPORT

ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009

NBA to set up base in India Indian basketball is all set for exciting days ahead as the NBA is planning to set up a permanent base in the country. “We are planning to open a permanent office in India later this year, hopefully by six to eight months. But we are yet to finalise the time and location of the office,” Akash Jain, NBA’s Director of International Development (India), said from New York.

V

illagers of Nadwa Sarai in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau District rejoiced the instant success of Kamran Khan, a pace bowler of Rajasthan Royals, in the ongoing Indian Premier League’s Twenty-20 tournament. Left-arm seamer Kamran Khan got instant fame and success after he guided his team to victory in an edge-ofthe-seat thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders. Kamran, son of a poor woodcutter, started playing with a borrowed bat in his initial matches. “From his childhood days, he was passionate about cricket. But due to poverty, he was unable to buy cricket bat and ball. So in order to keep his passion alive, he made a bat from a wooden piece with his own hands. He used to play with borrowed bat offered by his neighbours in outstation matches,” said Iqbal Khan, Kamran’s elder brother. “We are extremely happy. All villagers are happy. Whenever he plays, we cheer for him, celebrate and dance,” said Shamim Khan, the bowler’s childhood friend. The fate of Kamran, who slept on railway platforms in his hometown before his talent was recognised, was changed after Rajasthan Royals picked him for the second season of the IPL on an annual contract of US$ 24,000. ■

Gillespie takes on BCCI Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie claimed the ICC didn’t recognise the “rebel” Indian Cricket League because it didn’t want to rub BCCI the wrong way. “The ICL were hoping for a resolution but the ICC decided to go the other way. They haven’t given a reason but the BCCI runs the game, it’s that simple,” Gillespie said. The former paceman, who has signed to play in a six-team Twenty20 American Premier League tournament, was also baffled by the ICC decision to deny legitimacy to APL to be held from October 6-26 this year. “I am baffled the ICC wouldn’t look to give this APL tournament any credit,” Gillespie was quoted as saying by The Advertiser. “There has long been a desire to crack America, the ICC has a duty to do that and the APL provides that opportunity. We want to spread cricket into places like America. To not make things official just means you fly in the face of it,” added Gillespie, who will play for the APL Premium World XI led by former Test team-mate Damien Martyn. Other players to feature in APL will be ex-Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, South Africa’s Lance Klusener and Kiwi Nathan Astle. PTI

ANI

India takes World Cup charge India will organise a major part of cricket’s World Cup in 2011 after Pakistan were stripped of co-hosting rights, the International Cricket Council said on Tuesday. The showpiece event awarded to South Asia was thrown into turmoil earlier this month after the ICC removed Pakistan as a host nation due to security concerns, following the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in March. The ICC moved swiftly to put the tournament back on track, giving India a majority of matches with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh retained as co-hosts. “We are confident of organising a very successful World Cup,” ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat told reporters after a meeting of the tournament’s organising committee. The World Cup secretariat was shifted from Lahore to Mumbai, while the Indian cricket board official Ratnakar Shetty was appointed the event’s managing director in place of Pakistani banker Salman Butt. India will host 29 matches at eight venues, including one quarter-final, a semi-final and the final, Lorgat said. Sri Lanka will organise 12 matches at three venues, including a quarter-final and semi-final, while Bangladesh gets eight games at two venues.

Son of the soil AFP

AFP

Kamran Khan’s performance in IPL evokes warm response

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Indians move up Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the Euro 2,750,000 Internazionali BNL D’Italia ATP event with their respective partners after getting a bye in the first round. Paes and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy, seeded third, will face either Nicolas Almagro/ David Ferrer pair or Stephen Huss/Frantisek Cermak, who will lock horns in their opener.

Battle of survival KKR, BRC wary of early exit

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igh on star power but low on performance, tournament laggards Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore square off in a battle of survival in the Indian Premier League in Durban on Wednesday. There is an intriguing similarity between the sides, both of whom dumped former India skippers and handed over captaincy reigns to foreign imports before the second edition of the tournament. However, neither Brendon McCullum nor Kevin Pietersen could work wonder and both the Knight Riders and Royal Challengers have just one win against their name from five outings. The Pietersen-led Bangalore, which

was second from bottom the last time around, could end up repeating that performance considering the way things have gone for it so far. The outfit owned by liquor baron Vijay Mallya was off to a flier, beating defending champions Rajasthan Royals in the opening match but its fortunes have nosedived ever since. The side’s US$ 1.55 million buy Pietersen has shown only glimpses of the form that Bangalore so desperately needs, failing to produce a single match-winning knock so far. With the experienced and in-form Rahul Dravid on paternity leave, Bangalore’s batting line-up has been further weakened. Adding to the team’s woes is the poor form of Jesse Ryder and all-

rounder Jacques Kallis, both of whom have not been regulars in the side. In all, the batting of the team has been a huge let down but the problems do not end at that. The bowling has not been much of a success either with veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble being the only exception. The likes of Praveen Kumar and Pankaj Singh have failed to provide the breakthroughs and Pietersen’s leadership itself has not been any impressive. Kolkata, on the other hand, was in turmoil even before it landed in South Africa. The much-debated multiplecaptaincy theory of coach John Buchanan, the subsequent sacking of Sourav Ganguly as captain and the immensely popular mystery blogger

who has been ripping apart the team while claiming to be one of its members, have all added up to make it a turbulent African safari for superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s team. The team’s new captain McCullum has not been able to inspire the side as expected and the management’s decision to send non-performing players like Akash Chopra and Sanjay Bangar back to India in the middle of the tournament has left the Knight Riders a divided house. The off-field drama has expectedly taken a toll on the team’s on-field show and it would quite a task for it to set aside the distractions and come good, even if it is against an equally struggling Bangalore. ■ PTI

10 FLICK

ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Pitt dumped Aniston over lesbian fears Making a rather surprising revelation, an investigative celebrity blogger and biographer has claimed that Brad Pitt dumped Jennifer Aniston because he thought she was a lesbian.

‘I sang 3,500 jingles before getting my big break’ Singer KK on life before and after ‘Tadap tadap’

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elhi boy Krishna Kumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, made it big in Bollywood with the song ‘Tadap tadap’ in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. He says he sang 3,500 jingles before getting his big break. He has crooned various chartbusters like ‘Awarapan’ (Jism) and ‘Ajab si’ (Om Shanti Om), but he didn’t want to be a playback singer initially. “I used to sing since childhood but initially I wanted to become a doctor. I had never decided to be a playback singer, but I eventually landed up doing just that. I sang around 3,500 jingles in 11 Indian languages before I got my first break,” says KK. The singer’s first Bollywood song was ‘Chhod aye hum’ from the film Maachis, but it was ‘Tadap tadap’ that brought him into limelight. Later he made his presence felt with songs like ‘Tu aashiqui hai’ (Jhankaar Beats), for which he received a National Award, ‘It’s the time to disco’ (Kal Ho Naa Ho), ‘Tu hi meri shab hai’ (Gangster

- A Love Story), and ‘Khuda jaane’ (Bachna Ae Haseeno) among others. Unlike many composers and singers, who feel reality shows have made it easier for budding artistes to enter Bollywood, KK feels every one still has to struggle to mark one’s presence in the film world. “I don’t think it is easier even now for budding singers to get a chance in the industry. They too have to struggle a great deal. Definitely different sounds and diverse voices are being recognised nowadays, so if someone’s got a unique voice there are more chances for him or her to get a chance in Bollywood,” says KK, who has been a part of Hindi filmdom for 13 years now. KK has his hands full at the moment with songs in John Abraham-starrer New York, Mukhesh Bhatt’s Jashn and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next movie, among others. ■ IANS

Wife wears the pants

3 movies a day keeps boredom away

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ock star Jon Bon Jovi says he is terrified of his wife Dorothy Hurley and credits this fear with keeping their marriage alive for two decades. The couple will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this year, reported contactmusic.com. Explaining the secret to their happiness, the ‘Livin’ On a Prayer’ singer said: “Let’s get that right here, right now. I’m afraid of my wife.” “Trust me, she is the best. I am very happy,” he added. ■ IANS

om Cruise and Katie Holmes have a unique way of relaxing at home – they watch three films in a row. “We like to watch three movies in a row,” People magazine quoted Holmes as saying at the Swarovski and Independent Filmmaker Project’s 30th annual gala Sunday night at Cooper Square Hotel. Cruise and Holmes watch flicks on a giant movie screen in their sprawling 35-million-dollar Beverly Hills home. “It’s pretty big,” said Holmes. “I love to watch movies on the big screen.” Holmes said that the movie marathons keep everyone at home happy, because they combine chick flicks and actions movies. “I love action movies,” adds Holmes, who says there are indeed those times when Tom (46), wants to watch something she’d rather not. “But I’ll watch it anyway, and then we’ll talk about it afterward,” she added. ■ ANI

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Salma Hayek had a ‘beautiful wedding’ Actor Charlize Theron has revealed that Salma Hayek had a “beautiful wedding” to French tycoon Francois-Henri Pinault last weekend. The 33-year-old actress, who was present with beau Stuart Townsend, said that the bride looked “gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.” Hayek and Pinault exchanged wedding vows for the second time in Venice, Italy on April 25. ANI

The film (Acid Factory) is releasing as scheduled – winter 2009. It’s a big release and they (the filmmakers) have a grand plan for the marketing of the film. The shooting of the film is complete and it is in the post-production stage now

les in done bit ro fter having sful films like es not-so-succ zzy 4, actor Dia ra K d n a sh a es on C ins her hop acp w o n F Mirza d ci A rer g multi-star performed forthcomin as h ich she tory in wh wn. ts on her o n u st l y biggest severa o e y is on f m “Acid Factor orked hard for the ly w films. I real see the pro n’t wait to er ca h e ad m film and ho r,” Dia, w ehmos on ai 2001 with R in t u eb d d ad M te si o Bollywoo p Dil Mein op ement. at na Hai Tere st ss re in a p e havan, said Dia is the only femal , lm rfi ve e se th In rmed d has perfo character an er own alongside ac h , n o an h ts K n u rfan al st n Khan, Ir tors Fardee , Dino Morea and Afai Manoj Bajp i. an Varma, the tab Shivdas y Suparn b . d te ec ir D njay Gupta duced by Sa film is pro ports that Dia had dere the makers There were rences with fe if d e delay in veloped th ory due to ct ty a F d ci A of t the beau e film, bu releasing th -actress denies it. ed queen-turn he film is releasing as “T : ig id sa She 09. It’s a b – winter 20 lmmakers) d le u ed h sc e fi d they (th ting release an r the marke fo n la p d an film gr e a th e f o av h ng The shooti poste th of the film. in is and it is complete age now.” ■ st n io IANS ct u prod

A

Cine City

Boys to be dubbed in Hindi After six years of its release in Tamil, director Shankar’s hit movie Boys, starring Siddharth, Genelia, Bharath and Nakul, is being dubbed in Hindi. The reason behind the dubbing of the movie is said to be the success of Rahman at the Oscars and Genelia’s sudden fame in Bollywood after the release of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa.

Will she get her hit, finally?

Shree to wed Shamitha Noted small-screen actor Shree, son of music director Shankar Ganesh, will tie the knot with actress Shamitha on April 30. Shamitha, who made her debut in Tamil cinema with Cheran’s Pandavar Bhoomi, is currently doing mega serials. Shree is at present acting in serials like Siva Sakthi, Nanal, Ruthra and Mekala. The wedding is scheduled to take place at hotel Accord Metropolitan on April 30.

PTI

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ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Tuesday’s query: Share with us the most humorous moment you faced in your life

Shankar from TCS-eServe has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This picture was clicked at VGP Amusement park.

■When I introduced my girlfriend to my dad, it was such a wonderful moment as he (dad) mingled with her well. Hariharan R, Infoview Technologies

■Once my brother asked me, the meaning of cookie, I explained him about the browser’s memory, and how it stores user preferences everything, at last he asked, y people keep such a technical name for a biscuit Revathi, Inautix

■My marriage Senthil Kumar.P, RR Donnelley

Saravanan Thangavel from HCL Technologies has nominated his Alcatel ODC team mates as Partners in Crime.

■In my school days I was once selected as a school pupil leader and on the first day I forgot the prayer song in the middle in which crowd has to follow but later my principal sang that remaining song and got applause Lexsminarayanan, TCS-eserve

Ergo pick ■When I shamelessly asked my friend to share his urine sample with me as I had very less in my container during a medical examination at Auckland, New Zealand. Prakash Srivatsan, HCL

Today’s query: Give your one-shot solution to Shah Rukh Khan to revive KKR’s fortunes?

Sathish from Mphasis has nominated his team members as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Blue Lagoon.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Aravind from HCL Infosystems has nominated Sukku as their Office Angel. Sukku is our super hero. He has got the capability of ‘delivering the undelivered’. He is the man of words. He always got something to learn, something to share.

■ Dear Revathi (Barbie), Wishing you a lots of happiness On this very special day!!! May every wish you make Be a dream come true. No one’s more deserving than someone special as you Barbie!!! May your birthday remind you of how much it means that you are to us. Of how much your presence enriches the lives of others!!! May God Shower His Blessings On You Forever Friend!!! By Yours Ever Loving Frienz (Viji & Co..), TCS

■ Dear Sangeetha & J.P.Raj, There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.. To live as one till the very end.. Leaning on each other in every bend. Walking on air seeing eye to eye.. Living ur dreams having wings to fly.. In ur own world of true love. We wish u a very happy and wonderful married life together... With Best Compliments from, Bhavani, Hashini, Jo, Venki, Saravana, Sasthan, Dhinesh. R Systems

■ Hi Bhuvanaai, All our words could ever wish you, and ever ! Our tongue would talk away, We wish on the day and many more. Let the blessings pour on you!!! Let health, wealth, love and peace increase every year, Be happy until u stay. :)

Maria Bhoobalan from Infosys Technologies doodled this.

Best Wishes From, RDS,SD,NMS and SP.

■ Hey Birthday Baby Lamminlian, Wish you a Very Happy and Hearty Birthday. May the Almighty showers all happiness and blessings in your life. Muhammad Ashik (HCL), On behalf of All ACCET – GUSTOS

■Husband: Today is Sunday and I have to enjoy it. So i bought three movie tickets. Wife: Why three? Husband: For you and your parents. ■Teacher: What is Newton’s 1st law? Romeo: Law of love. Love neither be created nor be destroyed, only it can be changed frm one girlfriend to another girlfriend. P. Jothikumar, InterglobeTechnologies

■ Oh!! My Dear Bhu... A birthday is a joyous occasion. What could be a better birthday gift than the gift of happiness? You know, you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake! You’re another year older and another year wiser, So atleast now put your brain to work And figure out there ain’t no gift for you.:) Finally, Two tips on your birthday: one is Forget the past, you can’t change it. Second one is Forget the present, I didn’t get you one. Friendly, Prathap...

■ Dear Gayathri, Because today’s so special it really wouldn’t do, to send one simple birthday wish to last the whole year through. So this wishes happy

moments, a day when dreams come true, and a year that’s filled with all the things that mean the most to you. Everloving Friends, R1 :-) TCS

■ Dear Pavi (Panju), Many More Happy Returns of the Day. Wish you luck and happiness today and every day throughout the year. Wishing you success in what ever U do. Wishing you to reach greater heights as you climb up the ladder of career and also awaiting to see you entering all phases in the journey of life as a friend ! Iniya Piranthanaal Nalvazhthukkal Thozhiyae l!!!

With Love, Janu, TCS

■ Hi Keerthana... Each year UR Birthday reminds us That V really want 2 say V r very glad v know U; V think of U each day. V hope you enjoy your birthday, All the pleasures it has in store, And because V appreciate you, V hope you have many more Happy returns of the day. With Wishes, Deepa, Mani, Sridevi, Shobhana, Sivaguru & Nirmala, TCS

■ To My Sweetest Enemy In ISoft,Chennai. I’m blessed with an angel, Like heaven might send, And I call her (Mari), My sister and friend, Have a lovely Birthday Gopal, Visteon

■ Hi Preethi, Friendship is about. bringing out the positive when everything seems negative. Being accepted for who you are..being able to pick up right where you left off... sharing, talking, and laughing...Friendship is about us, and for that I’m grateful. And I hope you have the best birthday ever, friend! Regards, Srinivasan, Christopher, Prabhakaran, Srideepa, Fathima, Saranya, Angel, Sankari, Revathy and Abhana, Wipro

■ Hi Sivasu, Belated Birthday Wishes. May each day Of the coming year, Be a perfect gift To be discovered, Enjoyed and remembered. With Love and Regards, CEG-ME-SE.

■ Dear Karthik, Many More Happy Returns Of the Day!.Keep Smiling :-) Priya, Verizon.

■ Dear Senthil Santhanam, Wish you a many many happy returns of the day. May this birthday bring you life’s real gifts, good health, friendship, and love. Happy Birthday from someone who loves you Cheers, Rajesh, Karthick, Jimmy, Vignesh, & Karthik Kumaran (Wipro)

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ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Snappy entrance A Florida woman was surprised to be told that she should probably avoid leaving her house - because there was an 11-foot-long alligator sitting on her doorstep.

sudoku

Amit Aggarwal from Infosys Technologies Limited clicked this picture in namma Chennai using his Canon SX10 camera. Hobbies: Photography

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KAKURO

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Facebook firing

Word’s worth

A Swiss woman has lost her job after her bosses spotted she was using Facebook when she claimed to be too ill to use a computer.

Finifugal (fye-nif-yoo-gul) an adjective meaning ‘shunning the end (of anything).’ Appropriate both for children avoiding bedtime and for those folks who “just don’t want the book to end.”

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 The day brings new projects for you at the work front, as your energy is just about right to take up initiatives. The new turn your love life will take shall amuse you more than ever and you will find yourself in a happy mood.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Today, you are just not in the right mood to make more efforts. Ganesha advises you to be ready to faces challenges at your workplace. With no hassles foreseen at the love front, see your romantic life heat up.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 With things going awesome, you will feel great today. The applaud you will receive from bosses for tasks done shall make you feel proud. Sparks flying between you and your sweetheart will hot things up at the romantic front.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 You will hanker for precision while performing your tasks today. Embrace new responsibilities as a chance to move ahead. Career related issues may occupy you for a while. Avoid running into hot discussions with your beloved.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 On this lucky day, there’s no risk in taking a risk. You will surely be appreciated for the amazing dexterity with which you handle official matters. On the love front, you can expect greater intimacy with your darling.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Want to start something new? Think again, suggests Ganesha. Your dipping confidence levels are due to unresolved issues muddling your brain. Find creative ways to woo your life partner if you desire to bring harmony at the love front.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 It’s a tiring day at work but a fulfilling one at home. You may not be able to prove your point at the workplace, foresees Ganesha. However, the tender, loving care you receive from your partner back home should completely relax you.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Gear up for a busy and hectic day at work, says Ganesha. You will find that the number of hours in the day are just not enough for you to accomplish the tasks you’ve decided to complete. Balance your personal life by devoting time to your dear ones.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 The amazing creative energy you possess today will urge you to hone your professional skills. Your enthusiasm to shoulder more will only increase pressure at work. Chilling out with your sweetheart and basking in romantic bliss is on the cards.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 With things moving at a normal pace, your day shall be free of hassles. Setting rules for yourself and others at the workplace will fill you with a sense of discipline. Love life will move at a usual pace, foresees Ganesha.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 A good day for focusing on conversations. Meet up with service providers as your stars support important communications today. Taking your lover for granted is just not the right way to go about things. Speak and express yourself, buddy!

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 A great day ahead, foresees Ganesha. While you seem emotionally attached to your work, you will have a good time throughout the day. As evening dawns, you might want to relax in the arms of your beloved. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

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ERGO Wednesday, April 29, 2009