Ergo August 19

A BYTE OF LIFE

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

04 DJ YUSUF talks about dropping standards of clubbing FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 2

03 Made in Chennai Currimbhoys and 120 years of crockery

No. 161

THE OTHER GENDER Paal promises to be a brave new attempt in Tamil cinema, exploring the trials and tribulations of transgender » PAGE 10

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Madras Day alert ‘Madras: Impressions 18th to 20th century’ – an exhibition of paintings by art director P. Krishnamurthy – is on display at Gallery Sri Parvati, 28/160, Eldams Road. The collections are on display till August 31.

A promise by fire Puzhal inmate dies in hospital A convict admitted to the Government Royapettah Hospital for treatment died on Monday. Police said the deceased was Marudhanayagam (38) of Tiruchy. He was lodged at Puzhal prison since the past two months in connection with a murder case. Following health complications due to hydrosol, Marudhanayagam was admitted to the hospital on August 8 and was scheduled to undergo an operation. On Monday morning he died at the hospital.

Pharmacy owner murder case: 3 surrender Three persons involved in the murder of a pharmacy owner on R.K. Salai surrendered in a city court on Monday morning. On August 9, one Bhaskara Pandian (36) was stabbed to death inside his pharmacy on R.K. Salai following a long-standing disagreement with the owner of a neighbouring building. One person was arrested soon, but five others involved in the case were absconding. Kannan (33), Anand (32) and Periaswamy (32), who were involved in the case, surrendered at the George Town court on Monday. The three were remanded to custody. The prime accused in the case, Gururaj (55), is still absconding.

Housewife set ablaze by her husband pulls him in ERGO CORRESPONDENT

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homemaker, who was set ablaze by her husband after a quarrel, clung on to the latter, also setting him ablaze in turn. The woman died in hospital while her husband’s condition is critical. The shocking incident occurred on Sunday evening in Choolaimedu and the victim was identified as Manjula (25) of Perumal Kovil Street of the area. Police said Manjula was residing with her husband Saravanan (36), a painter by profession. The couple had been married for the last two years and didn’t have any children. Saravanan’s drinking habits and abstaining from work led to frequent quarrels between the two. On the day of the incident Saravanan came home in an inebriated state and had a heated argument with Manjula. The argument turned violent and Saravanan beat up Manjula, doused her with kerosene and set her on fire. Just when Saravanan was about to step out of the house, an ablaze Manjula caught hold of him. The neighbours who rushed in after hearing their screams found the couple engulfed by flames. They doused the fire and rushed them to the Government Kilpauk Medical College hospital, police said. Before succumbing to her burns, Manjula held her husband responsible for her condition. Police registered a case of murder against Saravanan who is also admitted in the same hospital with third-degree burns. ■

03

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Festival offer SpiceJet offers a discount of 50 per cent on base fare to help travellers plan better for the upcoming festival season. The scheme is applicable for tickets purchased 15 days prior to the date of travel.

FRAGILE

Karim Bhai’s 120-year-old legacy is now in the hands of three brothers

HANDLED WITH CARE I

n an era, when family squabbles cause the run-down of most enterprises, the Currimbhoy brothers have a different story to tell. Navaz, Ishtiaq and Imran Currimbhoy are carrying forward a legacy that was started 120 years ago. The three brothers maintain their own identities with the segments they each specialise in under the same label. Be it crockery, kitchenware or even electrical appliances, the Currimbhoy outlets are the best places to shop.

Time line

Platform to showroom Karim Bhai came to Chennai in the late 1800s to escape the famines of Gujarat. He started selling lanterns and chimneys outside the mosque in Parrys and soon gained popularity. When the First World War broke out, the increasing number of English army officers in the area created a need for fine crockery and cutlery. Karim then diversified to the kitchenware segment and set up a little shop in Evening Bazaar. The shop saw gradual progress over the years and today, five generations later, it is a three-storey building that may seem like a maze of goodies for any homemaker.

Brother Act: Navaz Currimbhoy (left) and Ishtiaq Currimbhoy at their Evening Bazaar Road showroom. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

Keeping with the times How does the enterprise move ahead with the times? “If a customer walks in for a coffee mug, he will also find everything that goes along with it, from coffeemakers to the coffee plungers required for French press coffee,” says Navaz Currimbhoy. The cutlery is also embossed for those who want a particular label or design. They set up their own printing sector in Adyar so

that companies and hotels could get all their crockery and cutlery custom-made. Each printed item comes with a one-year guarantee. “If you can remove a Currimbhoy print within a year we will give you a fresh piece,” says Navaz amidst laughter.

Corporate world With the printing solution at hand, they receive a lot of orders from many corporate organisa-

tions in the city. Be it a special occasion at the office or a celebration of a successful project, many organisations like to gift their employees mugs and cups that have the company logo. This is where Currimbhoys comes in. Lift the coffee mug your boss gave you and you might just see the Currimbhoy seal on it. Even the canteen trays that most IT companies use are manufactured by the Currimbhoy enterprise. ■

1899 Karim Bhai started trade in Chennai 1939 The Evening Bazaar shop was built 1991 The enterprise was restructured 2000 Adyar branch was set up 2005 4 kms before Pondicherry, the next outlet was launched 2008 Looking to start an outlet in Coimbatore Currimbhoys 29, Evening Bazaar Road Chennai – 600 003 Ph: 044–42358282

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008

‘‘M

I had an epiphany a few years ago where I was out at a celebrity party and it suddenly dawned on me that I had yet to meet a celebrity who is as smart and interesting as any of my friends.

global snapshot

Moby, American musician

using on usic and ore

DJ Yusuf from Pune wants more from the clubbing junta

Japanese farmer Tsutomu Takemori displays a cluster of recently-developed ‘Ruby Roman’ grapes at his vineyard in Kahoku city in Ishikawa prefecture, northern Japan on August 11, 2008. A Japanese hotel has auctioned a first bunch of ‘dream grapes’ developed over 14 years at 910 dollars, 30 dollars for a grape, to delight customers. The bunch weighed some 700 grammes. As the reddish-skin variety boasts the size of each grape, which can be as big as three centimetres in diametre, the bunch had about 30 grapes. AFP

DJ Yusuf Kapasi performs at OPM at The Accord Metropolitan Hotel

ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

DJ Yusuf, who rocked the Independence Day clubbers at OPM, finds namma Chennai a potential for developing electronic music. The deejay from Pune specialises in electronic music and has been playing for 14 years, before clubbing as a culture actually developed. He has played all over the world, listing continents instead of countries. “And yet, I find that Chennai has huge potential because of niche clubs like Speed and the newer OPM. The crowd is generally growing up,” he says. He played desi mixes for Independence Day at OPM, Accord Metropolitan Hotel where the dancefloor was hot till 1 a.m. While he gave up club residenColombian actor Diego Ramirez performs during the Day of Laziness in Itagui, Antioquia Department, Colombia on August 17, 2008. AFP

cy a year ago, he enjoys playing by demand because crowds these days do not club because they like the music. “The appearance matters more. Frequenting a particular club to be seen or heard is more on the agenda. When the clubbing culture first began in India, I was there. I played tracks by the Scatman and La Bouche and all those techno favourites. And when they listened to those songs, they danced because they liked the music.” One of the biggest draws of Yusuf’s music is that he plays a mixed bag set for an event, appealing to all age groups and music buffs. “I tend to start with 80s rock for the older crowd, move on to the 90s with some pop, then some hip hop because by 9 p.m, the college crowd will come in and

PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

then depending on how drunk the crowd is, I move on to house and trance.” In fact, his stash of Bollywood mixes are only for special events such as Independence Day and weddings. But what Yusuf does like are the local deejays, who he feels are not cut throat. “I like the fact that deejays here chill out by day, discuss their taste in music, and go back to work the next night. No one wants to push anyone out of business here.” Having played a number of times in the city since 2004, he finds that the Chennai crowd is yet to grow up where music is concerned – a mention was made of the Annanagar Boys, who are well-known in the city’s clubs for using their political influence to play koothu music in the midst of a theme night. ■

The appearance matters more. Frequenting a particular club to be seen or heard is more on the agenda

05

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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US $ Pound Euro 100 Yen

ASPIRING FOR THE BEST Product engineers were honoured in this annual day celebrations

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spire Systems went all out to celebrate their 12th anniversary by organising their annual day at Don Bosco Auditiorium. The company which was incorporated in 1996, is a leading name in the outsourced product development space. Every year, early second quarter is when the company’s annual day is celebrated with the employees of Aspire along with their families and friends. This year’s theme, according to Satish Chathanath, Head of Corporate Communications was ‘Producteers – The Kings and the Queens of Product Engineering’. “It is a tribute to the product engineers and their exceptional work in the niche software product engineering space,” he says. Every year, the company day is celebrated inside the campus at Siruseri IT Park but due to uncertain weather conditions this year, the big-day was planned in an indoor auditorium. Aspirians and the invited guests had fun time playing carnival games, all based on royalty, and also treated themselves with the candies, popcorns, drinks and coffee to keep them going on and on. There was a special jukebox corner where people came in to dedicate songs to their loved ones and a photo corner where one posed for pictures on a real chariot, driven by real horses. The evening then started with the CEO of Aspire Systems, Mr. Gowri Shankar Subramanian welcoming the crowd by hitting the gong, as done in ancient times when a king entered the palace. A plethora of activities were handpicked by the directors of ‘Da Vinci’, Aspire’s entertainment club, who helped the performers in getting the appropriate costumes, props; arranging for rehearsals and mock stage shows. The atmosphere was charged with heart gripping tension and excitement as nobody was aware of the winners of the various prestigious awards lined up for the night. The tension eased off and the air resonated with ‘rock and roll’ as Aspire’s Music Band, Rock Darbar strummed and drummed spicy numbers to end the show with a bang. ■

And the day was fun for the children of Aspire employees, who were not left out of the day’s celebrations

The DJ’s corner turned out to be quite popular, with song requests constantly pouring in

As part of the carnival, some ’Takeshi’s Castle’ type games were organised

43.23 80.89 63.80 39.26

SOURCE: RBI

Websites of the day

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Buy my stepdad A woman is selling her flat - and has included her stubborn step-father in the sale. The Swedish lawyer inherited the apartment when her mother died a few years ago and now she wants to sell the property. Her stepfather won’t budge from the apartment, despite a court order telling him to do so.

25TH TIME LUCKY IN 23 YEARS Ramachandr Katuwa says he has found true love at last

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t took 25 marriages for Ramchandra Katuwa to finally meet his soul mate, bringing an end to his 23-year-long spree. Katuwa, 49, who married 25 times within a span of 23 years, has now changed his mind to remarry again as his seven-year-old wedlock with current wife Sharada has proved successful, The Kathmandu Post reported. He married for the first time at the age of 26 but his wife eloped shortly following which he married again. The process continued unabated until he married his 25th wife, the report said.

“I married one after another when they left me,” Katuwa, who managed to remember only eight of them, said, adding that his wives left him because of poverty. Katuwa, who earns his living as a porter, said his 25th marriage proved successful and he has been sharing his joy and sorrow with Sharada for the past 7 years. Having ensured a happy married life, Katuwa now wants to focus his attention on the education and wellbeing of his three children and dreams of owning a land. ■ PTI

Extramarital sex during divorce no crime: SKorea court Having sex with a third party during consensual divorce proceedings is not illegal, South Korea’s supreme court has ruled, even though adultery remains a criminal offence in the country. The court on Sunday overruled a lower court’s conviction of a man surnamed Chung who had an affair with a bar hostess during divorce proceedings, a court official told. The lower court had given Chung, 57, and the hostess a suspended six-month prison sentence, a ruling upheld by an appeal court. The supreme court ruled that Chung and his wife “had no intention of continuing their married life” and therefore sex with a new partner did not constitute an offence. AFP

Pay your fine, only then can you play The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has told pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar that he can only play in next month’s Champions Trophy if he pays an outstanding fine. The 33-year-old fast bowler won a court battle in July to temporarily suspend an 18-month ban for disciplinary problems, but a fine of seven million rupees was upheld. “Since the court maintained the fine, the PCB cannot allow him to play for Pakistan as it would be tantamount to flouting the ruling of the court,” said PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi. An original five-year ban, imposed in April for criticising the PCB’s failure to award him a central contract, was reduced by an appeals commission to 18 months but the commission also imposed the fine. ANI

Titanic sailor faced life-long humiliation Relatives of the sailor, who was steering the Titanic when it sank, have revealed about the life-long humiliation he faced following the disaster. The family of Robert Hichens has kept quiet about the 1912 tragedy for 96-years. However, now niece Barbara Clarke, 83, has revealed how Hichens was branded a coward, rejected for jobs, drank heavily and finally jailed for shooting a man. He was ordered to take a lifeboat away from the sinking ship to save the people in it but was later accused of abandoning others in the water. ANI

Britain recruiting gay spies Britain’s domestic intelligence agency is actively recruiting gay spies and wants its staff to be more open about their sexuality, the Financial Times reported on Monday. The chief executive of Stonewall, a gay rights lobby group, told the business daily it had been hired by the Security Service – better known as MI5 – to help the agency encourage more gay applicants for positions. “Historically, public services were delivered by the man from the ministry, who was white and heterosexual and got the 4:30 pm (train) back to Tunbridge Wells every afternoon,” Ben Summerskill said. “This is recognition that the establishment is changing and slowly becoming more reflective of wider society." AFP

07

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Pug marks

This day, that year

A tiger’s paw prints are called pug marks. A tiger’s forefeet have five toes and the hind feet have four toes. All toes have claws. The claws are 80 to 100 mm in length.

It was in August 19, 1934 that Germans voted to give Adolf Hitler the presidency in addition to being Chancellor.

Jade Goody in Big Brother India Shilpa shocked and happy on Goody’s decision

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ollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty has expressed shock over her ex-rival Jade Goody’s bid to take part in the Indian version of Britain’s ‘Big Brother’ TV show. Goody was thrown out of ‘Big Brother’ show in Britain last year after she was shown bullying Shetty. The 27-year-old mom of two was also labelled a racist and her effigies were burnt in the streets in India. In fact, Shetty was branded ‘Shilpa Poppadom’ by Goody in last year’s ‘Big Brother’ show. However, she went into the Indian ‘Big Brother’ home this weekend ‘to clear her name and prove to people that she’s not a racist’. But, Shetty was quoted by leading British tabloid ‘The Sun’ as saying: “When I found out Jade was going on Big Brother India I was as shocked as when I first met her. Why go through this again? “But part of me was really happy as it is an opportunity to show how welcoming we are. She’s going in as someone who has had misconceptions about our country. I hope Jade learns first hand about our culture and how wonderful our people are.” As many as 12 celebrities are expected to take part in the show which may last upto three months. ■ PTI

Needed:

Rock in mud

Unattractive women T

he mayor of an Australian out- some 25,000 people. back mining town has come “Well I said beauty disadvanunder fire for urging unattractive taged,” he told national radio. women to move in, assuring “Now beauty is in the eye of the them they will find a man be- beholder. Beauty can be a good cause there is a shortage of wom- set of teeth, beauty is nice wavy en. hair. Beauty can be blue eyes or John Moloney, mayor of Mount green eyes. Isa in northwestern Queensland, “There is such a thing as dispotold a newspaper his town was a sition, temperament, manners, place for ‘ugly ducklings to flour- general attractiveness, attitude ish into beautiful swans’ and and demeanour; all those things called on the ‘beautend to make a ty-disadvantaged’ to Mayor of an person attracflock there. tive.” Mount Isa In the face of out- Australian town city councillor rage over his re- urges unattractive Gary Asmus said marks, Moloney that while there stood by his com- women to move in, was a shortage of ments, saying he did assuring they will women, Molonot mean to cause find man as there ney’s comments offence but wanted were an insult to to highlight the gen- is a shortage of the town’s mender imbalance in the women folk. ■ AFP remote town of

쒀 Music fans enjoy a mud bath during the second international musical festival Be2gether on Sunday in Norviliskes. Rock and techno fans have flocked to this frontier town for the music festival. AFP PHOTO

08 SPORT

ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Hackett may swim on to Delhi Games Grant Hackett may have crossed off the 2012 London Olympics but he may swim on to the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games at the tail-end of his stellar swimming career, Australian head coach Alan Thompson said.

Paddler Neha crashes out

‘I’m very happy to be number one’

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n yet another disappointing day for India in the Olympic Games on Monday, its challenge in the women’s table tennis fizzled out with Neha Aggarwal bowing out in first round. Delhi teenager Neha, making her first appearance in the Olympics, lasted precisely 34 minutes as she went down to 35-year-old Chinese-born Australian Jiang Fang Lay in a five-setter 12-10, 8-11, 11-13, 8-11 and 4-11. Neha, India’s lone woman paddler in the Olympics, looked determined to avenge her previous two defeats against Jiang, and went neck-and-neck in the first game till they were levelled at 8-8. The Indian soon broke loose, much to the surprise of the Australian, to pocket the game in five minutes and go one up in the match. In the second game too, Neha looked sharp as she raced to a 4-2 lead before her opponent turned the table and eventually overtook her. Neha could not withstand the onslaught of Lay and surrendered the game. The third game followed the same script with Neha leading 10-8 before the Australian came from behind to grab the game and go 2-1 up in the match. Neha found it hard to tackle the deceptive returns of her Australian rival and once again lost momentum in the fourth game as Lay ran away with the next three points and the game and the match. It was all over for Neha in the fourth game as the Australian had taken an unassailable 3-1 lead by then, but she had to play the fifth game only for formalities and Lay virtually ambled her way to win the game 11-4. “I think I played a decent match. Of course I could have done better and should have won it, but still I’m carrying a lot of positives,” Neha said after the match. “Having lost to her twice in the past -- both were close matches -- I was determined to make amends this time but towards the end, things didn’t go my way. Her backhand was better than mine and I was missing my smashes as well. “She was hardly missing anything. All of a sudden, she came blazing all guns and I just could not cope with that,” she said. “Still it was overall a great experience and I’m happy that I tried my best,” Neha added.

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pain’s Rafael Nadal has replaced Roger Federer as the new world number one in the ATP rankings released on Monday. Federer, 27, relinquishes his hold on the top spot after 237 weeks. The Swiss player has struggled all season, while Nadal, 22, has played some of the best tennis of his career, winning eight titles including Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympic gold. Asked about his feelings on becoming number one, the Mallorcan left-hander, said: “I’m very happy to be number one. But the feeling doesn’t change too much because the last years I did

PTI

AFP

very well, too. “I was very happy being the number two. So finally I’m number one. For sure there’s satisfaction, but at the same time ... I don’t know. I don’t have time to celebrate. I play New York in one week.” He is seeking his third Grand Slam in a row after beating Federer in the finals in Paris and Wimbledon. Olympic finalist Fernando Gonzalez of Chile moves up four places to 11th, while Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro, winner of his fourth consecutive title in Washington Sunday after Kitzbuhel, Stuttgart and Los Angeles, moves to 17th. AFP

09

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Ivanovic regains top spot Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic was ousted as world number one by compatriot Ana Ivanovic on Monday after holding the position for just one week. Ivanovic will retain top spot for at least three weeks.

Will

Bolt strike twice in same place? U

sain Bolt won the Olympic 100 meters by so wide a margin that he would have had time to stop for his favourite snack, fried chicken nuggets, and still get to the finish line in worldrecord time. If the Jamaican sprint hero shows the same form in Wednesday’s 200m final, he could probably pause long enough for chips and a drink too, Bolt giving a new spin to the term "fast food" with his 100m prerace meal. Bolt will chase a golden double at the Bird’s Nest on the eve of his 22nd birthday. Not since Carl Lewis in 1984 has anyone swept the 100 and 200 in the same Olympics. Bolt would join a list that also includes Soviet sprinter Valeriy Borzov in 1972, Canada’s Percy Williams in 1928 and Americans Bobby Morrow in 1956, Jesse Owens in 1936, Eddie Tolan in 1932, Ralph Craig in 1912 and Archie Hahn in 1904. Bolt’s victory, breaking his own world record to win in 9.69 seconds, was the first for Jamaica in the Olympic 100 final. But should Bolt win the 200, he would follow in the footsteps of another Jamaican legend, 1976 Olympic champion Don Quarrie. “I’m hoping I made the country proud and I hope to make them proud again in the 200,” Bolt said. American Michael Johnson set the 200m world record of 19.32 seconds at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics on his way to a 200-400 double. “I’m not really worried about the world record,” Bolt said. “I’m just coming here to win. That’s the aim for me.” Bolt has the fastest 200m in the world this year, a 19.67 effort on July 13 at Athens into a slight headwind. AFP

AFP

10 FLICK

ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Tropic Thunder The title of the film Tropic Thunder is a play on ‘Tropic Lightning’, nickname of the 25th Infantry Division which did see action in Vietnam.

The third gender

Paal will see a transgendered playing the lead role, perhaps the first commercial film in India to do so K MALATHI

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Tamil film is attempting a path-breaking portrayal of the transgender. Director D. Shivakumar’s Paal (meaning ‘gender’) has a transgendered playing the protagonist to effectively convey the trials and tribulations of the transgender in society. The movie is set for a September release. “People always blame the film industry for portraying the transgender in poor light,” Shivakumar says. “Paal is my attempt to remove the stigma.” Besides being Shivakumar’s first Tamil film, Paal is also the first ever Indian commercial film to feature a transgendered in the lead role. “It is an emotional appeal to pull the transgendered from the fringes of begging and prostitution that the society pushes them into. I hope people will change their impression about the transgendered once they watch this film.” A disciple of well-known Tamil director Amirjohn and acclaimed Kannada film director Upendra, Shivakumar has already done a directorial venture in Kannada. However, his thirst for his mother tongue brought him to the Tamil industry and he landed a new script. “I always had a nagging feeling as a filmmaker (regarding the portrayal of the transgendered in films). This made me direct Paal.” He began his journey with Paal a year ago. “I studied books on

the subject, travelled to areas in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Bangalore where the transgendered reside and stayed with the communities as part of my homework,” he recalls. Finding the lead actors was a bigger struggle than expected. “The search was heart-rending as most of the leading heroes were reluctant to act except ‘Kaadhal’ Kandas. It was very hard to find a heroine as I was very particular that only a transgendered should play the role.” “The entire script revolves around the heroine, who is an intellectual and a professional filmmaker. She has all the reasons to hide her gender from the society.” Despite her love for the hero, she declines his proposal. A stunning climax puts an end to her turmoil. Is it parallel cinema? “Not at all. The film is composed of all commercial elements – songs, dance sequences, comedy and even action to avoid a documentarylike presentation,” adds Shivakumar. ■

Karpaga, the heroine My native place is Erode. When my parents came to know that I wanted to become a transgendered they didn’t yell at me. But I didn’t want to be with them so I went to Mumbai and stayed there. I worked at a beauty parlour as a beautician after finishing my beautician course. When the director approached me and asked me if I could star in a movie I was scared that they would portray me in poor light. But after I accepted the project they provided me training for half a month to mellow down my dressing sense and gestures. Though I was being myself in the movie I had to prepare myself for the role. After a photo session the director introduced me to the hero and announced that I was to play the heroine of the movie. I was so surprised and happy. Every one in the crew calls me ‘madam’ and I love it. In real life, I don’t want to marry as I prefer staying a transgendered.

11

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

School of Rock

Sweeney Todd

Stuntmen were used to catch Jack Black at the end for the stage dive (just in case) according to IMDB.

Helena Bonham Carter rehearsed her songs while practicing baking techniques in order to perfect the quick, syncopated rhythm of the music.

‘Ranbir is an ideal co-star’ S

he is only three years old in the industry but has already emerged an actor of substance. For Minissha Lamba, it’s good work that pays. She is romancing Ranbir Kapoor in Bachna Ae Haseeno. The actor on her role, career and future plans:

How have you been? You sound excited. I am good and, yes, I am excited too. You know why.

Perhaps it’s because you are opposite Ranbir in Bachna Ae Haseeno. Well, I play only one of his haseenas. But I am really excited because it’s a big film for me. I have long been waiting for such an offer to come my way and I really feel blessed and honoured.

Is it because the film comes from the Yash Raj banner? Who wouldn’t have been? They are the biggest in India and for an actor like me, who is only three years old in the industry, it’s a big thing. I think my good work has finally paid off for me and I will try and utilise this in the days to come.

confident. Yes, I am confident as well as excited. I am looking forward to a great success story in the form of Bachna Ae Haseeno.

So, are you happy the way you have come up as an actor? Oh yes. So far it has been great. I am really happy.

Do you think this has been by far the biggest thing to have happened in your career?

But you have only one film in hand after this…

(Laughs). I have done quite a few films and whether all have worked or not my performance has been appreciated. That has always been a kind of satisfaction for me. But I have always believed in going slow and not losing patience. And that’s how this film happened.

It’s Kidnap and you are right. That’s it, but I don’t have any problems because I am getting offers and it’s up to me which one I will consider because I only do something I enjoy. My last film, Shaurya, too did pretty well. So, I have that faith in myself. ■ Trans World Features

How was the entire experience of working with Yash Raj? In one word, awesome. The best thing about the film was that it was a young team and we all had a ball. The film is a very sweet romantic film and that is what will draw the audience to the theatres. They are bound to enjoy it.

You play Mahi and that too a 17year-old girl. That was a sweet experience. I don’t play my age…a bit younger, but I enjoyed it a lot. I could relate to the character of Mahi. She is a sweet girl from Amritsar for whom love is a very pure thing. She is a perfect girl who always believes in love and life and wants a perfect married life filled with love. In fact, everyone in this film can relate to his or her own character. It’s a love story but touches upon reality and that is why one would like this film.

And what about Ranbir? This is something I keep on telling. Ranbir is an ideal co-star, someone who despite coming from a family of stars does not throw attitude and that’s because he knows his work and is extremely talented. And, moreover, he is a thorough gentleman. (smiles)

But, at the same time, you also have strict competition, given that Deepika Padukone and Bipasha Basu are also there. I don’t think so and I don’t think even they would think so. It was a great team and we have great friendship. I have worked with Bipasha earlier in Corporate and she is the same, gorgeous and loveable as always. So is Deepika. Though we don’t have much screen time together, we all had great fun during the shoot of the music video. Have you checked that out? You must it. You will see Ranbir getting beaten up by all his haseenas. It was complete fun.

It’s seems that you are really

12 SCAN

ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Battling insomnia According to TV.com, Drew Barrymore has battled insomnia for many years now. She has found that reading helps.

PICK OF THE DAY

SAB

Star Movies

Star World

Travel & Living

Left Right Left

The Rock – 9 pm

Prison Break – 10 pm

The true story of young Sergeant Matt who is assigned to and becomes obsessed with the Zodiac case and the riddle writing murderer, neglecting his wife Laura and son Johnny.

Michael tries to figure out how to tunnel in a building that houses a guards’ break room, Kellerman and Hale attempt to kill Veronica and LJ, and T-Bag tries to dodge responsibility for Bob’s murder.

Nigella Feasts – 10-30 pm Nigella Lawson’s cooking up a delicious bite-sized feast that’s perfect to share with a crowd. On the menu - red kidney bean and roasted eggplant dips.

– 9-30 pm Set in an army school, this story is about confused, disoriented youth on their way to finding their destiny and giving their life a new meaning. Season2 has new cadets, mission and challenges.

“I will never stick to one particular role” SWETHA GANESAN

Y

ou know him as Baskar, the menacing husband in the hit Tamil serial Kolangal. Meet Abhishek – one of the favourite villains of the small screen. The actor made his debut with the film Mogamul, for which he won the Best Actor award from the State. Later, he plunged into the small screen with many memorable characters. Would you continue to do such negative roles like Baskar in Kolangal? I am the only actor who has experimented with different roles. I played a comic role in Kudumbum, a loving husband in Malargal and a father for Venu Arvind and Chetan in Aadugiran Kannan. I will never stick on to one particular role. I am happy that people still talk about my character in Kolangal. How was it working with Ekta Kapoor in Kudumbum? We hardly met during shootings. She is a very shrewd business woman who knows how to make her serials a hit. You directed a short film named Kathal. More plans into direction. I am interested in directing and there is a

My favourites Actress- Tamanna and Rani Mukherjee Actor- Rajinikanth ● Food- Anything made by my mom ● Attire- Kavi Veshti (orange robes) ● ●

feature film of mine which will be coming soon. It has all the ingredients of a commercial movie yet with a different story line. Apart from the characters you been donning, what is that one role you would love to see yourself? I would like to play the character of a deaf or dumb man. It is challenging to play a role where only your emotions speak. Both Sanjeev Kapoor and Nana Patekar have essayed such roles, which have been applauded. If not acting…. I would have become a cricketer. I have played for the Mumbai team and also at the Ranji Trophy. I love teaching, especially about media and communication. Was getting the Best Actor award for Malargal special? It was very special as I did not realise it till I got it from the Chief Minister, Dr. Karunanidhi. I was nominated for three other serials, apart from Malargal. Upcoming serials or movies? I have not accepted any serials or movies lately. I just play a 20-minute role in the climax of the movie Azhagana Ponnu Dan with Namitha.

I would like to play a character of a deaf or dumb. It is challenging to play a role where only your emotions speak

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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Cologne fact Cologne water, a mildly perfumed toilet water also known as eau de Cologne, has been made in Cologne, West Germany since 1709.

Hi Sudha, May this birthday be just the beginning of a year filled with happy memories, wonderful moments and shining dreams. From, Saranya,Mahendra, Siva,Sravanthi,Uday Tata Consultancy Services,

Hello Vidhya, Wish you many more happy returns of the day. May GOD bless you and your dreams come true with your efforts. Regards, Team GIT – Cognizant, Chennai

Dear B, WISH U MANY MORE HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY MAY THIS DAY BRING U LOADS OF HAPPINESS

Look cool Titan Eye+ has opened a new eyewear showroom in Adayar and Spencer plaza. With contemporary designs and style that matches international trends, the stores will carry frames bearing the brands Titan, Eye+ and Dash (for children). Titan Eye+ stores also sells frames and sunglasses of international brands. The stores also offers a warranty of up to one year. Where: Gandhinagar, Adayar & Spencer Plaza

Photo Walks

Spoken Word and Open Mic A poetry reading session will be held at Vanilla Children Place on two themes - Sins and Cities. The show will be hosted by Sharanya Manivannan. The session will feature three poets discussing and debate on the topic. An open mic session where audience can read their poems will also be part of the event. Where: Vanilla Children Place, Mylapore. When: Till August 24, 7.30 p.m.

As the Madras week is being celebrated all over the city, Madras Musings together with various other organisations will feature a series of talks relating to Madras. G.Chandrachoodan, a copywriter and photographer, will do a presentation on the subject “Walking with a camera in Madras”, where you can see photos taken at different pockets of the city. Where: Goethe-Institute Max Mueller Bhavan Rutland Gate Nungambakkam When: August 19, 7.00 p.m.

WITH LOVE PADDI, TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Hi Soumya, Today’s the day We get to say We’re happy you were born. Many more happy returns of the day!!!! Wishes from Dhivya.N, Naveen.NP, Balasubramanian.R (Wipro Technologies)

Dear Ravi, Wish you a very happy birthday.Waiting for your treat. Love Pavan PV, IBM.

Dear Lalitha, We wish you all your dreams come true and another wonderful year of happiness and joy. Happy Birthday! Friends, Wipro Technologies

Dear Birahadish, Wish You Many more Happy Returns of the day. Happy Birthday Dear!! May God Bless UJ Thanks, Gayathri.N Wipro Technologies

TOP 5 EASY DISHES 1. Maggi The Maggi noodle cake and seasoning is added into boiling water for two minutes and it is ready for consumption. Egg, seaweed or lemon can also be added to the noodles for a better flavour.

2. Omelette Mix eggs, water, salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Beat with a fork until combined but not too frothy. Melt a little butter (1 or 2 tsp.) over medium-high to high heat. When the butter stops foaming, pour the egg mixture into the skillet, and without moving the skillet, allow the eggs to set on the bottom. When eggs are set but still shiny, remove the omelette from the heat.

3. Potato Sandwich Wash pre-boiled potatoes; take care to have them half cooked Peel potatoes. Cut 2-3 cm long slices. In a non stick

pan melt butter. When a little hot fry potatoes to golden brown taking care that they don’t break. Grate cheese. Beat cream lightly. Thinly cut cabbage after washing. Now add cheese to the already beaten cream. Mix in salt and pepper, mustard powder sauce and vinegar. Mix well. Now on each potato slice put some cut cabbage, a spoon of this mixture. Place another fried potato slice on the top. Serve with tooth pick, tomato sauce.

4. Pasta Savour summer in Italy with every delectable mouthful of homemade pasta flavoured with freshly chopped basil leaves. Toss with butter or olive oil and a grating of Parmesan cheese.

5. Fruit Salads Take yogurt in a bowl, add sugar and beat nicely. Add cream and mix to form a uniform mixture. Add all the fruits one by one while mixing well. Lastly, add salt & pepper and mix well

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Actors and presidents Bruce Willis, Bette Midler, George Clooney, and John Ritter were all elected and served as the class presidents of their high school student councils.

sudoku

Praveesh Chandran, working as a hardware engineer with SCM Microsystems, clicked this picture in Singapore Zoo with his Nikon D40.

KAKURO So you think you would make a terrific photographer but never really had the platform? Mail us your best work and we’ll publish it in this space, with credit. E-mail: [email protected]

TEAM Editor: Karthik Subramanian [email protected]

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Printed and Published by S. Karthik on behalf of KASTURI & SONS LTD., at Plot B-6 & B-7, CMDA Industrial Complex, Maraimalai Nagar, Chengleput Taluk, Kancheepuram Dist., Pin: 603209 & at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002. Editor: S. Karthik (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act). RNI No. TNENG/2007/24553

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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Word’s worth

Fish trip

"Vagarious" (vuh-gare-ee-uhs) a rare word meaning ’erratic and unpredictable in behavior or direction.’ Its ultimate origin is a Latin verb meaning ’to wander,’ and this also gave rise to the English word vagary, an unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone’s behavior.

A couple have travelled 60 miles for fish and chips in their favourite seaside town every day for the past 10 years.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 If you don’t pay attention on work, you may end up losing some precious moments at work. Not only will you waste time, but you may also end up losing interest in activities at work. Relax and take it easy. On the love front, life will be very mushy.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 You may regret hasty decisions later. Hence, Ganesha suggests that you should be careful while taking decisions. The best solution to this is to handle one thing at a time. In the evening you will have a grand time with your beloved.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 It may have been a long time since you are trying to solve a few problems, but things may not work out so soon. Ganesha advises you to focus on positive things in life. There is no harm in being careful. Love life may remain uneventful.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha feels that you may waste a lot of time today over fruitless discussions. However things might start happening in your favour after lunch. Ganesha advises you not to be hasty. It is advisable to understand your partner’s emotions.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 The day may make you dance to its tunes. While there nothing you can do about it, you will still remain busy at work. Ganesha thinks your love life will be full of action. Lovers might feel like venturing out to some unknown place.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may be very verbal while at work so Ganesha finds you giving suggestions to everyone around you. Ensure that you are not hurt if your suggestions are not accepted. Ensure that overcriticism doesn’t hurt your beloved one or spouse.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Relax as much as you want before you leave for work. . You will have to take care of important communication along with work. The best part of the day will be the evening when your beloved will come up with wonderful ways to charge you up.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 You will feel enthusiastic and will be full of vigour. Ganesha feels you will feel like achieving everything in one day. Obviously being hasty might cause harm and also attention not paid to personal life may create troubles. On the personal front, get creative.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Without many ups and downs, the day will end in a normal manner. You will be able to manage work and office well, and deadlines will be met. In such circumstances, this is the best time to spend with family. Try to arrange a small get-together.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You might face conflict in dividing your attention for domestic and professional front. This might confuse you at the start of the day. The day will be favourable for you. Ganesha feels you will spend a wonderful time with your beloved today.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Ganesha feels that this will be an astounding day for you. Progress and success will come easily today. Love life will be so wonderful that you will be confused as to which is better, work or love life. Enjoy this day to the fullest, smiles Ganesha.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Ganesha feels you will get new opportunities to learn and adapt new things. You may feel like developing new skills at personal level to embellish your domestic life. Ganesha finds you in an upbeat mood throughout the day. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

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ERGO Tuesday, August 19, 2008