Ergo December 31

A BYTE OF LIFE

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

10 AFTER SAAWARIYA Sanjay Leela working with Hrithik Vol. 2

FREE CIRCULATION

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Keep the spirits, drive safe

No. 249

here are a lot of ways to remember 2008. There are of course the Mumbai terror attacks, the global economic meltdown and the fear of pink slips on one hand; and on the other, our first unmanned mission to moon, the first Olympic gold medal and the unquestionable surge of Indian cricket team. At Ergo, we would like to remember the year for all the effort we put together in bringing out the tabloid and more importantly the synergy we created with you. Over the past year, we have received more than 14 Gigabytes of photographs for Clickpick. For the relatively new my.ergo pages, we have already received more than 5,000 emails. We have received several article contributions from our readers. And we have managed to feature some of our readers in the news column too. We will remember the year for the first edition of Ergo Blitz inter-corporate culturals held at the Image auditorium in MRC Nagar. On behalf of the entire team, I wish every one of you a very Happy New Year 2009. Keep the spirits, party hard but drive home safe. And await some exciting new columns in the New Year. Thanks and regards, S.Karthik Editor Email [email protected]

02 Mee and my party Your search for party clothes ends here

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008

All new high at 601 The Park has an all-new menu at 601. With the choicest of ingredients sourced from around the world, the cuisine is global in concept. The focus of the menu is Italian, with new flavours from Japanese cuisine. To top it all, wines from across the globe will be served. For reservations call 4267 6000.

Mee and my party Cheque this New Year card

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nail mails, e-cards, SMSes or bouquets… there are many avenues for you to get or send New Year greetings. But for the hundreds of friends of R. Sivakumar it is a greeting card designed like a cheque enclosed in an envelope that is waiting to greet them every year. It’s around three decades since this retired banker started sending this self-designed card with which he surprises friends, doctors and traders on New Year. The Account Payee cheque reads ‘Days 365/-’ (Three hundred and sixty-five days of peace, prosperity and happiness) and is issued by ‘Bank of Almighty’ which is ‘Incorporated in Heaven’. “‘Bank of Almighty’ is to signify that God is universal,” says the former Indian Bank employee, who has also designed currency notes and raffle tickets. Sivakumar, through his unique card, strikes a difference for the 230-odd well-wishers who receive his message. “Every year I print 300 cards, of which I send around 230, and with the remaining I surprise friends during house-warming ceremonies and other functions,” he says. “It has my name and address… enough for people to remember me.” And, if people haven’t received the card, a telephone call comes in saying, “Sivakumar, I haven’t received the cheque this year.” ■ Ergo Correspondent

A little store on Cathedral Road could be housing the party dress you’re hunting for ANUSHA PARTHASARATHY

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f you are a woman looking for party clothes that are you, maybe it’s time you visited Mee, on Cathedral Road. Deepal Dalal and Shivani Shroff, two young girls in their 20s, made Mee all about you. Deepal and Shivani are socialites who found it difficult to get casual party clothes in the city. After strenuous shopping routines, they decided to open a store for party clothes and accessories so that it needn’t be so difficult to shop for that perfect dress anymore. “There aren’t many stores here that offer good casuals for partying and we heard from friends around the country that a lot of other designers are looking for a market in Chennai. We asked ourselves, ‘Why not we bring it here!’ And so it happened,” says Deepal. In early April this year, Mee opened, stocked with western wear, apparel, clothes, accessories, shoes and bags for women. Strategically placed near two women’s colleges, the store does roaring business as the college crowd keeps flocking in every other day. “We get our stuff from all over the country and around it. It requires us to travel a lot but in a way that’s fun, too. Shivani and I take turns travelling every month looking for trendy stuff to pick up. We also outsource some designs.” Deepal (21) and sister-in-law Shivani (26) regularly update themselves with the latest trends and sometimes take custom orders from customers and get it designed from them. But they keep mum when asked where they get their regular clothes from. “Mee’s USP are its clothes because you don’t get them anywhere else in the city. It wouldn’t be so much fun if we told you where we get them from,” she smiles. ■

Deepal and Shivani (below) of Mee. PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Pirates at Ball Room

Correction

The Accord Metropolitan is hosting a ‘Pirates Theme Party’ at the Crystal Ball Room with European Rubies dancer Sunniva Verheij and DJ Ricky. OPM and Zodiac will have some of the best DJs making you shake a leg to Bollywood numbers, Hip Hop and House music. For details call 2816 1000.

In our article “New world order” dated December 29, 2008 we had wrongly referred to Darrel Harper as the second umpire for the Sydney Test match between India and Australia. The two umpires for the game were Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson.

My 2009, My Resolutions Running on the treadmill everyday, being on time for work, quitting smoking… these are some of the most popular New Year resolutions which we said we don’t want to hear one more time. And some of our creative readers did pen something different. Away from the maddening crowd Every day I am bombarded with a million things. Timelines to keep, shrieking phones, sneaky friends, traffic jams, bad air, lack of sleep, unread books... I feel stuck to this reality of mechanical life. My New Year resolution is to break free from all the responsibilities for a week. A week shut from the world with access only to home delivery. No clock to tick-tock through the free reign of my thoughts and no cell phone to dictate terms. The television stays. And every other hour, I’ll order something. Pizza packed with chicken and pepperoni, extra cheesy. Hyderbadi dum biryani gheefull. Chocolate cake, sinful and mean. Everything I was warned against eating by calorie counters. I’ll paint, I’ll dream, I’ll sleep and maybe read the contours of my face all through the days, with some books and 350 channels for company. So if I am off for a week, and not reachable through any medium of communication, don’t fret, I’ll come back to

you, fattened and ready to run the rat race. Namitha Jayanarayanan, Corporate Communication

Say no I have two resolutions for 2009. 1: Don’t make any resolutions for 2009. 2: Do not follow any resolutions made. Nivas Nazeer, Software Engineer, HCL Technologies Ltd.

Risky proposition My resolution is to take risks. Reason: Taking risks helps keep one youthful, as well as prevent his/her life from becoming a yawn-inducing routine. Archana Ramasubbu, Tata Consultancy Services

Love story 2009 To impress my lady love LUKUMU, I will learn my mother tongue (Malayalam) and converse in Malayalam with my in-laws. As a first step, I am buying a tutor book ‘Learn Malayalam in 30 days’ on December 31. Kartikayan, CitiGroup (More New Year resolutions of our readers can be read on www.goergo.in)

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Sun Sign Forecasts for the year 2009 By Bhavesh N. Pattni of Ganeshaspeaks.com, the team led by Bejan Daruwalla Aries Career January to October is the time to do hard work, with Saturn in Virgo. However Arians, the month of June and October are very promising for job and related matters. This year, you can expect to change your job, but think twice before taking any decision, as this is not the right year to take big jumps. Stay where you are and try to remain stable. Unless there is insecurity, don’t take risks. Relationships Love relationships can blossom during 2009, specifically during the first quarter and in the month of September. Avoid being impatient while you are with your beloved, else you may create irritation for your partner. If you are looking for new relationships, Ganesha promises you an interesting encounter – but please ensure that you remain stable thereafter.

Taurus Career Ganesha finds you complaining about one or the other aspects related to your career till the month of July. North Node’s transit through Aquarius is going to keep bothering you, leading to differences with the superiors or uneasiness with the top management too! However, August onwards, the table turns in your favour. Don’t take rash decisions till July, else you may see the days of unemployment too, warns Ganesha. Relationships The year indicates resistance and stress due to the resistance created at your end, in regard to the relationship. You will become more security oriented this year, but the fear of insecurity needs to be kept aside for a while – or at least during the months of June and November to enjoy the relationship. Rest of the months indicate stable relationship, with some amount of dissatisfaction occasionally felt at your end. New relationships may begin but could be short-lived.

Gemini Career The year is slightly positive for career and related matters, but you may often face a dilemma at the moment of decision making. This may elude you from opportunities, out of which actually you should be making the best! Try to be alert and don’t let anything go in vain. Moreover, maintain good interpersonal relations at the office and avoid criticising, advises Ganesha. Relationships If someone starts pulling your heart-strings, you may surely start singing, despite you being in a stable relationship. This is what is going to happen this year. There may be incidences giving air to your fidelity but while you do so, due to Saturn and North Nodes’ adverse transits, old relationships may suffer. Be careful and proceed with caution, advises Ganesha.

Cancer Career You would want to drive your career too fast this year and may also be willing to progress as quickly as possible. However, planetary transits are not so supportive. So patience needs to be cultivated. You are suggested not to react to situations at the workplace, specifically avoid being too emotional while dealing at work. Just keep working honestly, as usual. The third quarter indicates opportunities for the change, but a practical angle to the matter is very much required, as per Ganesha’s view. Relationships This is the year to understand the real meaning of sacrifice and adjustment on the relationship front. You will try to nurture relationships in the best possible way, but may also feel that you are the only one who has to adjust and sacrifice every time! Well, the angle needs to be changed this year and if you will keep the calculations aside, you will be happier. New relationships may not come your way, as you may require a little more time to get deeply involved in the existing relationships this year.

Leo Career Good news, 2009 is a progressive year for you dear Leos! Promotion, perks and satisfactory position at the workplace are waiting for you but beware of ego clashes as you progress, otherwise you may create disliking around! In this year, you might wish to progress faster but beware, there may be tough competition for the position you are heading towards. Ganesha suggests you to avoid changing the job in the first and third quarters. However, the second and fourth quarters are fine for a job change. Relationships Your focus could be much on career progress, the materialistic world, and domestic comforts, so love relationship could become secondary for a while. However, you always love to be loved and in the second quarter, you may also come across someone very interesting. However, if you are already in a relationship, this year you are likely to feel a bit stressed up about it, specifically in the second half of the year.

Virgo Career During 2009, you may play a vital role in the organization that you may be working for, but career progress may seem slower. This is also the year in which you may feel that you should have actually been earning more out of the current occupation. However, Ganesha assures that if you remain patient, you will be able to earn a little more out of the same occupation as the year progresses, specifically in the second half of the year. Relationships If you are not in a relationship, there are very few probabilities of coming across someone very interesting and matching your dreams this year, at least. However, if you are already in a relationship, this year you may come closer physically, specifically during the first half of the year. This is the year to also cultivate better understanding in conjugal life. Keeping the set-rules aside, you have all the scopes of getting carried away by emotions.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Libra Career Lucky year for fiscal gains through your career, but hardships or hard work may also be there. You might have to keep putting in more and more effort at the work front. You may also receive due appreciation, but you may still feel bit dissatisfied with the position and power that you possess. This is the right time to go for further studies in order to build your career. If you wish to move out of the current job, please think twice as nothing so worthwhile would come across your way at least till first three quarters of the year. Relationships You would be at much ease with your beloved or life partner in this year. New dimensions at the love front will lead the relationship to next level of understanding and your love for your beloved or spouse may become more intense. This year you are likely to enjoy a passionate time together. Ganesha feels that this is the right year to think about marriage and go ahead positively, if you are single and looking.

Scorpio Career The career front may be very progressive because of the positive attitude that you are trying to maintain towards work and related matters. However, you may feel that you should have been progressing faster. Despite this, Ganesha finds the year to be beneficial enough and if you remain patient, you will also be able to hold a better position at work. While you are in this process, ensure that your relations with colleagues and superiors remain cordial, as there are chances of differences with them. Relationships You are likely to develop a better relationship with someone in your friendcircle. Alternatively, someone new and more interesting may also enter you life. If married, well and good, you have all the chances of planning for a baby! If unmarried or in a live-in relationship, you may enjoy good private and passionate time together. Ganesha finds you progressing very faster in case of love relationship this year. Most of the time of the year indicates satisfactory state of relationships

Sagittarius Career Stability is the only factor that you might be thinking this year as hardships may be increasing on the work front. Rather than being worried about the progress, you may start feeling a bit insecure about your position, although that may not be the case. Ganesha suggests you not to fear job insecurity but just keep putting in hard work. You may not get significant fiscal benefits out of the vocation that you may be into, but you will at least be able to have some financial growth this year. Relationships You will want to take the relationship to a better level but you need to be more friendly, patient and understanding while dealing with your beloved or life partner. If you are single and looking, you will have to stop looking this year – meaning you will come across someone with whom you would want to remain stable but but but.... Ganesha wants to indicate something very specific here – in the case of relationships, loyalty matters a lot!

Capricorn Career During this year, you will be a bit concerned about financial progress from the ongoing vocation. You may suddenly feel that things that you did with slight effort, now require more efforts. You may also become very impatient for gains. Ganesha suggests you not to ’push’ matters and let things happen at their own pace – at least by practising patience, you will be able to remain stress free. Progress may be there but along with this, you may also find that the burden at the workplace is increasing. In fact, if you are able to handle increased demand of your talent or work in the committed time, you will win the game. Relationships This year, you will want more comfort at the relationship front and in order to have it, you may add more comforts at home and make the environment better. If single, you may start liking someone. If already in a relationship, this year you may wish to settle down. If in a live-in relationship or married, the year indicates lots of good times with your beloved and there will be a constant stream of love flowing.

Aquarius Career It is a progressive year at the career front as per Ganesha’s view. However, don’t get stuck where you are and keep looking out for better opportunities, as this is the right year to take leaps. This year you will receive lots of acknowledgements and appreciations for your job responsibilities. Financial benefit is also indicated but you are strongly advised not to accept more work than you can actually handle, else you may feel burdened. Due to overload or stress, you will also not be able to justify your work truly. Besides this, no problems are envisaged on the career front. Relationships The time demands modifications and positive changes in the ongoing relationships. If you are single, this year you may start communicating with someone interesting. You may wish to travel with your beloved or life partner to enjoy togetherness. Progressive year for lovers, but you are suggested to think twice before taking decision with regards to marriage.

Pisces Career It’s a gainful year financially so obviously work would be good enough. However, you may be taken for granted by others at the work place and may also feel that you are asked to slog much for insignificant jobs. You are suggested not to get into critical analysis of what others do nor try to be judgemental about your superiors’ decisions. A better job option may also come across. Relationships Ongoing relationships will require a little careful handling during the second quarter but otherwise the year is fine and progressive. It’s the right time to start a family or get engaged. If you are single, Ganesha suggests you to positively look out for friendship, you will surely have someone to fall for! This is also the right time to plan the baby in order to expand the family!

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Secret Detroit Santas Two Secret Santas gave away $11,000 (GBP7,500) to unsuspecting Detroit area residents before Christmas to add some happiness to their holidays.

Top ten weirdest things found in UK pets’ stomachs

Brit school teaching kids how to blow their noses!

Kitchen knife, wig, and an underwear-these are some of the things that have made a list of the top ten weirdest items removed from the stomachs of UK pets. The list made by an animal charity’s vets has on its top a 10in tent peg, which made it to a pet’s abdomen. The weirdest items removed from the stomachs of pets are: 10in tent peg, Christmas decoration, Kitchen knife, Fridge magnets, Man’s wig, Ann Summers underwear\, Bell, Fishing hook, Socks, Rubber duck

Pupils at Broad Oak Primary School in Manchester are being taught how to blow their noses! The fiveto 11-year-old kids are being shown a DVD that tells them the right and wrong ways to act when they have a cold. Sheila Marchant, headmistress at the primary school, said she believed the school was being responsible in trying to reduce the spread of colds. “It is in the curriculum to teach children safe hygiene from an early age. And at this time of year, there are many cold and flu bugs around,” the Telegraph quoted her, as saying. However, one parent criticized the exercise as ‘a complete waste of time’. “I send my kids to school to learn, not for someone to show them how to blow their nose,” the parent said.

ANI

Taiwan woman sues neighbour for calling her ‘auntie’ A 35-year-old Taiwan woman is suing her neighbour for insulting her after he called her ‘Auntie,’ a newspaper said on Tuesday. The woman, identified only by her surname Chen, is married and lives in Kaohsiung city, southern Taiwan. She often quarrels with neighbours, the Liberty Times reported. Her neighbour Wang, 30, parked his car near Chen’s door, which prompted her to accuse him of taking advantage of her, the report said. Wang apologised, and said he was parking there for a short time and would move the car soon, but Chen continued to complain. Wang, who was in hurry to leave, said: “Auntie, let’s not quarrel over these trivial matters. It is not worth it.” Chen said she felt aggrieved and sued Wang for “public insult.” “I had a good education, have a good job, earn a good salary, dress elegantly and have good manners.

ANI

Bank robber left pay slip bearing name, address, behind A man allegedly looted a Chicago bank, using his own pay slip, bearing his name and address, to write a threatening note. Thomas Infante of Cary, Illinois, had passed a note to a teller in Fifth Third Bank that read “Be Quick. Give your cash or I’ll shoot,” according to an FBI affidavit. The 40-yearold, after being handed around 400 dollars, had left behind the note penned on a torn pay slip, reports the Age.

DPA

ANI

New Year on hold: leap second makes time stand still

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ager to see the back end of 2008? Be forewarned: the world’s official timekeeper has decided to prolong the year – by one full second, to be precise. Which means a Champagnesoaked countdown to 2009 something like this: “...three, two, one-and-a-half, one, Happy New Year!” The extra second was mandated by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) in Paris, and is not to be taken lightly. Satellites that orbit at speeds calculated in kilometres (miles) per second, the Internet, global positioning systems – all depend on knowing exactly what time it is. IERS head Daniel Gambis announced the time-stretching

measure in July in a letter addressed to “authorities responsible for the measurement and distribution of time”. That would be the white-robed guardians of the 200-odd ultraaccurate atomic clocks scattered in national time temples around the globe. “The last adjustment dates to 2005, and the next could happen in 2012 or 2013,” Gambis told AFP. Leap days occur once every four years because it takes 365 days plus six hours for our planet to complete an orbit around the Sun. But leap seconds are added strictly on a case-bycase basis, depending on need. This year’s will be the 24th bonus second since the practice was initiated in 1972. The sleight-ofclock is necessary to reconcile two different time scales.

One is established by the atomic time pieces, which are accurate to billionth of a second per day. The other is based on Earth’s imperfect rotation on its own axis. The two get out of sync because the planet’s spin is affected by a host of slightly fluctuating variables, including solar and lunar gravity, the movement of the tides, solar wind, space dust and magnetic storms. Even global warming has gotten into the act because melting ice caps have an impact too. And so, at exactly 23:59:59 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), to the scientifically literate – on December 31, the world’s clocks will add a beat to their metronomic tick tick tock. ■ AFP

07

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Plane English lessons

This day, that year

An English primary school is planning to give pupils geography lessons in a 40-seat private jet. The children’s teachers plan to install the GBP35,000 static aircraft in a playing field and use Google Earth images to give them a sensation of flying.

It was on December 31, 1970 that formerBeatle member Paul McCartney began legal actions in London to sever all ties with the other members of the rock group.

Got a hangover?

Read our simple tips that could keep your New Year spirit alive

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he New Year’s Eve party mood has already set in. And if your idea of saying adieu to 2008 is by indulging in a few pegs, we are not going to play the party popper, this time of the year at least. But some of you might have to get back to work the next day, and overindulgence could mean a bad headache, dizziness or even tie you to the bed. Not something you would like to start New Year’s morning. Yes? Ergo spoke to a few doctors, who have suggested some simple remedies that could help you overcome a hangover. Fresh as water: That’s one golden rule everyone will tell you. Drink plenty of water, preferably water stored in clay pots. Milky way: When was the last time you drank milk? Let it remain a top secret, but drinking milk after a hangover is said to absorb all the alcohol content in the body. Juice it up: Lime, pomegranate, sugarcane juice, or coconut water – each of them is said to have its own nutritive value in soothing the system. Make it at home: According to ayurveda, rice mixed with ghee is a good bet as it lubricates the body. Wheat-based food like chapatti and herbal rice can also be tried. Massage it: A good oil massage after a night of drinking regulates blood circulation. Taking an oil bath in gingely oil should be a good cure. Dates and grapes: Having dates and grape juice or water mixed with sugar and salt has proved effective in many cases. The remedies might sound simple but it also depends on how much you have consumed. Sometimes drinking a little of the night’s leftover the next day could just work wonders, say some regulars. ■

Having grape juice with sugar and salt has proved effective in many cases.

Britain’s most popular baby names of 2008 revealed

AFP PHOTO

Ergo Correspondent

My masterpiece

‘O

livia’ for a girl and ‘Jack’ for a boy have emerged as Britain’s most popular baby names of 2008 in a new survey by the Bounty parenting club. According to researchers who analysed the trends in this year’s baby names, there has been a return to silver screen glamour as names inspired by Hollywood, such as Sofia, Julia, Darcy and Amelie, have all shown a revival, reports Times Online. Meanwhile, the name Amy fell in popularity, possibly due to the declining personal fortunes of the singer Amy Winehouse, who has battled drug and health problems. However, Blake, the first name of Winehouse’s husband Blake Fielder-Civil, has entered the top 100 boys’ names for the first time. Top 10 boys’ and girls’ names: 1. Jack, Olivia, 2. Oliver, Ruby, 3. Harry, Grace, 4. Charlie, Emily,

5. Alfie, Jessica, 6. Thomas, Sophie, 7. Joshua, Chloe, 8. Daniel, Lily, 9. James, Mia, 10. William, Lucy ■ ANI

쒀 Five-year-old sea lion ’Jackie’ writes the word ’Ox’ in Chinese character as part of a preparation to welcome New Year of the Ox at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama suburban Tokyo on Tuesday. AFP PHOTO

Product: ERGO_Imposition

PubDate: 31-12-2008

Zone: Chennai

Edition: CITY Page: A-08.K User: cci

Time: 12-30-2008

19:15 Color: C K Section: A Y M

08 SPORT

GRAPHIC: R. PRATHAP

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Wednesday, December 31, 2008

09

10 FLICK

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008

My wife Hollywood star Tom Cruise feels ‘‘lucky’’ to have Katie Holmes as his wife and says she brings out his romantic side.

‘I can’t bring myself to become the master of sound bytes’ Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali says he always wanted to work with Hrithik Roshan and he’s doing exactly that in his new venture that also stars his favourite actress – Aishwarya Rai. Excerpts from the interview: SUBHASH K. JHA

dience decides what it likes.

Y

So have you met Pakistani actor Imran?

ou seem to have quietly signed a Pakistani actor called Imran Abbas for Heera Mandi.

So quietly that even I don’t know about it. I haven’t signed anyone called Imran Abbas. I’m not making Heera Mandi right now. It may happen much later. I’m now directing another film with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. I’m very excited about the film, and so are they.

You continue to be fearless in spite of Saawariya. This is the time when filmmakers need to be fearless and experiment with themes. Fearlessness is my biggest asset as a filmmaker. I will continue to make films that come from deep within me. My very first film, Khamoshi: The Musical didn’t do well at all. A lot of people think it’s my best work.

Are you as proud of Saawariya as the rest of your films? Of course. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam or Devdas can be made again, but Saawariya cannot. It’s my rarest work in terms of treatment. It had beautiful performances and visuals. I tried to put a stage play on film. Of course, at the end of the day the au-

Moin Beg, who has written Heera Mandi, wanted me to meet Imran. So I met him almost a year ago, but I immediately realised he wasn’t the actor I was looking for. Just because I don’t speak out, people take advantage of my silence.

Why don’t you clarify the misconceptions when they occur? I can’t bring myself to become the master of sound bytes. But beyond a point silence is construed as a sign of acceptance. I don’t even meet new actors, musicians or lyricists. I’ve already decided whom to work with in my next project. And why go to Pakistan to get actors? We’ve very talented people in our own country.

There were reports that some actors, including Ranbir Kapoor, didn’t want to work with you.

me she would’ve agreed to work with me even if I didn’t send her the script.

People are writing tragic tales about me every day. They are even deciding what film I’m making and also casting actresses in them... Maybe stories about me sell. But when the misrepresentations go beyond my tolerance, it’s time to speak up. The truth is Ranbir and Sonam would be there for me whenever I need them. However, at the moment I’m making a film with Hrithik and Aishwarya.

Will this Hrithik-Aishwarya film be your first for an international market in English?

What prompted you to sign Hrithik? Hrithik and I wanted to work together for a very long time. I’ve always been impressed by his sincerity as an actor. I was waiting for the right opportunity to sign him. Working with Hrithik would be a new and rewarding experience.

You and Aishwarya created magic in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. Time for a hat-trick? Aishwarya is very special to me. She suits the role in my new film to perfection. When she read the script she was deeply moved. Of course, the true friend that she is, she told

But Black was also in English. The spoken language in our country is as much Hindi as English. I want to capture that feeling of everyday conversations.

2008 was a great year for you. It was the year when an Indian director was invited for the first time to direct an opera in Paris. Yes, I had a wonderful time. I loved directing the opera. It was an exceptional honour and an unforgettable experience. I managed to write the script that I wanted to and got the cast I wanted. It’s been a year of hard and fruitful work. And 2009 will mean even harder work. ■ IANS

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Trisha heads to Australia Trisha is all set to celebrate her New new Year with friends and relatives in Australia.

Hits

&runs

The year 2008 didn’t bode too well for Tamil cinema, there being around 20 flops totally. However, there were many surprise elements too, like Anjathey, Subramaniapuram and Poo. While Kamal Hassan’s Dasavatharam was the major hit of the year, Rajinikanth’s Kuselan, Vishal’s Satyam and Vikram’s Bheema were disappointments. Here’s a look at the major hits and flops of the year: V. HARIPRIYA [email protected]

HITS Subramaniapuram Directed by debutant Sasi Kumar, Subramaniapuram dealt with the exploitation of unemployed youth by politicians. Star-

ring Jai, Sasi Kumar, Swathi and Kanja Karuppu, the movie revolved around love, friendship and betrayal of both. Subramaniapuram also marked the entry of TV personality James Vasanthan into music direction in tinsel town. The song ‘Kangal irandaal’ from the movie became one of the most popular caller tunes.

Dasavatharam The magnum opus of actor Kamal Hassan, Dasavatharam, saw him donning 10 different roles. Directed by K.S. Ravikumar, the story revolved around a research

scientist who loses a biological weapon of mass destruction in USA and how he reaches India in search of the vial. The cast included Asin and Mallika Shera-

wat. The music of the film was composed by Himesh Reshammiya, while Devi Sri Prasad composed the background score.

Yaaradi Nee Mohini

Saroja The directorial venture of Venkat Prabhu after the mega hit Chennai 600028, Saroja had a big opening and was liked by many.

A remake of the superhit Telugu film Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule, Yaaradi Nee Mohini

had Dhanush and Nayanthara playing the lead roles. Directed by A. Jawahar, the movie revolved around the life of a middle-class boy who falls in love with his friend’s fiancée. The music for the film was scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Dubbed a family entertainer, the movie made with a shoestring budget of Rs. 4 crore reportedly earned a total revenue of Rs. 35 crore.

Starring Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Shiva, Charan, Premji Amaran, Vega and Vaibhav, the story revolved around the adventures of four carefree friends who are forced into a life-threatening situation. The soundtrack was taken care of by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Anjathey

FLOPS Kuselan Inspired by the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, the film was directed by P. Vasu and produced by K. Balachandar. Pasupathy and Meena played the lead roles, while Rajinikanth did a cameo. Despite the pre-release hype, the film ended up evoking negative reviews, mainly because it was termed a Rajinikanth-starrer although his was just a guest appearance. Kuselan is one of the biggest flops of the year.

Sathyam Directed by debutante A. Rajasekar, the movie starring Vishal and Nayanthara didn’t go down too well with the audience. The movie had Vishal playing the role of a cop for the first time. Upendra played a prominent role. The music was composed by Harris Jeyaraj.

Bheema Santhosh Subramaniam A romantic film directed and co-written by Raja, Santhosh Subramaniapuram was a remake of Telugu film Bommarillu. Jayam Ravi and Genelia played

the lead roles, while Prakash Raj and Geetha had prominent roles, too. The film revolved around the father-son relationship. It had six songs composed by Devi Sri Prasad with the lyrics penned by Na. Muthukumar and Yugabharathi.

One of the best movies of the year, Anjathey was directed by Mysskin. The cast of the movie included Narain, Prasanna and Ajmal. Though made with a minimum budget, the movie made many take notice. The song ‘Kattazha kannala’ topped the charts for many months. A gangster movie, the story basically dealt with friendship. The movie was wellreceived by both the class and mass. Kuruvi. ■

Starring Vikram and Trisha in lead roles, Bheema, the directorial venture of N. Linguswamy, was a box-office dud. The story was about a tug-of-war between two underworld gangs trying to outsmart each other. The movie took almost two years to hit the screens. The film’s score and soundtrack composed by Harris Jayaraj had quite a few good numbers though.

Indralogathil Na Azhagappan The success of Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi did not help comedian Vadivelu in Indralogathil Na Azhagappan. A period comedy directed by Thambi Ramiah, the movie was too preachy and consequently dumped by the audience. Other eagerly-awaited films that failed to live up to expectations were Ajithstarrer Aegan and Vijay’s

12

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Tuesday’s Query: What is the one thing you don’t want to do in the coming year? ■ I never want to be lazy. Sandy, HCL

■ I don’t want to love any girls from the coming year because I wasted my so much money and time on them as such. Arun, Sify, Dhayal, Perot Systems

■ Never to trust anyone. Satish, Ramco Systems

Vijayalakshmi Gnanasekar from Infosys Technologies has nominated her gang as Partners in Crime. The pic was clicked at Dolphin Nose in Kodaikanal.

■ Stop worrying for silly things and to be happy. Sundar Narayan, Polaris

■ Postponing the work to the next day. Mahesh Rajamani, Perot Systems

■ Simply wasting the time, No one can buy it back. Mohanraj, TCS

■ Not to torture myself and my family by taking them to watch a Simbu movie. Senthil Kumar P, RR Donnelley

■ T.V Serial Parpathu. B.Murali, L.S Ameen, K.Murali, Radhika, Babitha, PMC

Kalpana Ganesan from HCL has nominated her team mates as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Kodaikanal.

■ I don’t want to drain my bank balance. Meenakshi Mohan, TCS

■ Gain weight. Shruthi Rao, TCS

■ Not to take one more resolution only to break it as usual. Arun Rajan, TCS, Hariprasad T, Sundarapandian, Wipro

■ Going to office. Shobhan, TCS

Today’s Query: What gift would you like to receive from your loved one for New Year and why?

Anandan.T.G from eNoah iSolutions has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at the “Decorative December- Village people” function held at their office.

13

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Senthil of Wipro has been nominated as Office Angel by Wanrawee and his team. He is a very nice person. He’s got a great sense of humour. He makes our team happy and we love him very much

■ Hi Krishna, This year may your birthday be full of fun, luck, wishes, love and may all your dreams come true. If you ever need anything, anytime day or night I promise i will be there to try and make it right, coz a true friend is what you forever will always be. Happy birthday. Cheers, Naresh

■ Hi KK, Many more happy returns of the day. Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.

Best Wishes from Entire OfficeDepot team Wipro - CDC5

■ Hi Padmini Vasudevan, Days pass away leaving beautiful memories, Words remain in the form of stories,But Beautiful relationships always remain in the heart like a heartbeat. BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY

RETURNS OF THE DAY. With Love & Regards FTP GT 2007, Hexaware Technologies

■ Hi Wiproites, Engal iniya Wipro Makkale, Ungal paasathukuriya 3B-Bus Back Seat Guys Sangathinarin iniya puthandu nalvazthukkal. Wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2009. With Warm Wishes from 3B "BACK SEAT BOYS" Wipro Technologies

■ Dear Ibrahim Bhai.... A Very-Very-Very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. May God bless you!!! With love n best wishes, Vivek, Varun n CuDM

■ Hi Davis, You are the best! You are my happiness. A Relaxed Mind, A Peaceful Soul, A Joyful Spirit, A Healthy Body & Heart full of Love. All these are my Prayers for You..Wish a Happy New Year

Hearty wishes from, Friends & Family Members

■ Dear Soni many more happy returns of the day. By MAS Team MasterCard., Wipro

■ Hai Rajee, " Wish u happy new year " Best wishes Prema , Nathiya & Shylu

■ Dear Srini,Tina,Ramesh, Bala,Prasanna,Venkat,Arun,Durga Square,Lakshmi,Anandavalli,Sri,Divya, Binod,Seshu,Vinoth I wish you all very very happy and prosperous New Year -2009

Anisha Shaifu of Wipro doodled this.

With love, Manonmani Kesav, HCL Technologies

■ Hi Neeraja, Wish you Many More Happy Returns Of The Day. Enjoy this birthday in the way you wish... Hearty wishes from , NLEC INVOIVING TEAM

■ Dear Satish Mallampalli, WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY...... With Luv, DBS Team, Polaris.

■ Dear Polarities, WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.... Nama adicha athu mottai, Athuva vilundha athu sottai! ’Dye’ ! na mandayila podurathu, ’Die’ na mandaya podurathu Lover’s day annaiki lover a kiss pannalam.. Ana Teacher’s day annaiki teacher a kiss panna mudiyuma? Karthikeyan.I , TCS

Cheers, M P Ganesan

■ Hi Mani, The innocence of this day brings back all the fond memories of childhood and laughter’s of gatherings on this day. The day is special and so are you. MANY MANY MORE HAPPY

Love, Anitha

■ Dear 5minutes, When We call u for. Tea-Break ,u say" 5 mins", LunchBreak, u say "5 mins", Treat, u will start immediately. B’day wishes in advance... From M-24 Team, FSS

■ Dear Friends, Wish you a happy NEW YEAR. By THALA & DADA groups

■ Hi Lipenza, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009. Lukeson, Wipro

■ Dear Sarasa Wishing you many more happy returns of the day. May all your dreams come true in your life. Wishes from KLMNR

■ Hi Soni Hey! It’s your Birthday & I’ve pecked up a little message, just for ya! Wishing u a day packed with loads of gifts. Sunny smiles and lots of love Hope u have a very happy birthday By MAS TeamMasterCard Wipro Ltd

■ Dear Harini, Happy birthday, and have a great year! Enjoy your life and the dance of life. Keep on shining like the sun, Spread the pleasure like moon light. Happy birthday & many more to come. Love N Wishes, Sales Tool Team HCL Technologies Friends

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Man blown into a tree A Chinese man fixing his roof had to be rescued by firefighters after he was reportedly blown onto a nearby tree by a strong gust of wind.

sudoku

Joseph S from Perot Systems clicked this photograph at a village in Pudukottai district. He says the picture is an image of joy and happiness children share. Hobbies: Photography, listening to music

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15

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Merry Christmas

Word’s worth

A Florida woman is claiming that a vacation rental company fired her because she said Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays when she greeted callers.

"Carphology" (kar-fah-luh-jee) the movements of delirious patients, especially pulling at sheets or blankets, or movements that seem to suggest a search for imaginary objects. This word comes from a Greek word meaning ‘collecting straw.’

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Miscommunication might happen today. Be extra careful with words. Nevertheless, being straightforward might not help as well. The best way is to learn diplomacy. You may share incidents about your professional life to your beloved.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 You may review all your pending work today. If you work with added efforts, all the pending work will get done by the end of the day. However, Ganesha wants you to work with strong determination. Less attention to love life may result into discontentment.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Targets and deadlines will be very strict today. You may have to focus a lot. However, you will be able to complete everything on time, assures Ganesha. In the evening, you may feel mystical and may discuss things like occult with your beloved.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 At work, you will feel highly satisfied today. Ganesha feels that work will be appreciated by your superiors. On the relationship front, you will be able to take practical decision which will impress your beloved to no end.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You may feel as if fate is against you today. However, focusing on the right targets will help you regain your confidence. Once you gain your confidence back, nothing will be able to stop you. You will spend wonderful time with your partner.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may feel over burdened in the morning. Criticism for own work or others will be fortunately not seen today. Ganesha feels you will be only focussing on your targets. Love life may strike a better understanding between lovers.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Ganesha applauds your hard work and notes that you will earn great respect from your colleagues. This impact will be beneficial in the long run. Couples might face a rough time in the relationship. The easiest way to sort this out is compromise.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 There will be a heavy stress, both mentally and emotionally. Due to this, you may lose your temper over petty issues. Ganesha advises you to keep your cool. On the love front, life will smooth and you are very closely attached to your beloved.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 You might face competition at work today. Ganesha wants you to be alert or you might land up in huge mess. Alertness and carefulness will have to be practised in your personal life as well as Ganesha finds scopes for conflicts with your beloved.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Ganesha finds you a bit confused at decision making. Although work seems demanding, it is a good day for analysis. On the personal front, your beloved might respond positively as you may win his/her heart with your charming looks.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Other than your routine work, you might want to make some changes in the office atmosphere. All said and done, but don’t ignore your prime responsibilities. Love is smooth in general, except for a few emotional moments with your beloved.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 You might be inspired by someone today. This may motivate you to improve your basic skills. Ganesha finds your communication skills to be at their best. Even on the love front, you will find your sweetheart to be very considerate and kind. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Wednesday, December 31, 2008

One look is all it takes News and newsmakers in pictures Quote of the day Tomoko Mtasuda, an animal trainer dressed in a traditional kimono, rides belugas as she trains for a New Year event, at the Hakkijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama in Kanagawa prefecture, suburban Tokyo on Tuesday. AFP PHOTO

Members of Nepal’s indigenous Gurung community adjust their traditional dress as they prepare to take part in a ceremony in Kathmandu on Tuesday held to celebrate their New Year or Lhosar. AFP PHOTO

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For Christmas, Sandip or Sandy as Britney calls him presented her with a traditional Indian sari. She wore it during a candlelit dinner” British newspaper says Bollywood dance instructor Sandip Soparrkar is reportedly the current love interest of pop singer Britney Spears

Turkeys for sale at the wholesale market in Pudupet. According to shop owners sale of turkeys have taken a dip during the festive season due to the economic crisis. Whereas shops at Pudupet had sold around 2,000 birds last year, numbers have drastically fallen down to around 750 this year. PHOTO : R. RAVINDRAN