Ergo February 13

A BYTE OF LIFE

Friday, February 13, 2009

08 POWER OF WHITE Decoding spring/summer 2009’s fascination with white FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

06 SOURAV GANGULY gearing up for IPL

No. 28

» PAGE 4

BEING ’S’

ON V-DAY

If you are one of those singles who have not yet found a date for the big V-Day or have decided to be your own valentine, thoroughly admonishing the stereotypes, Ergo lists the perfect antidotes for you that is guaranteed to make those mushy couples go green instead of red.

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ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

Namma Chennai Saturday polaam varriyaa?

Love Marriage ‘Love Marriage’, the debut novel by Vasugi V. Ganeshananthan, will be read as part of the book reading session at Landmark (Nungambakkam). Drop in at the bookstore today at 6.30 p.m.

night partikku Rs. 500 – Rs. 1,000 ■ Sway your hearts and hold your valentine as Sparks (Savera Hotel) has two promotions – ‘Noon desire on a sunny afternoon’ and ‘Dark desire on a misty night’. Call: 28114700 (extn 1935) / 971094 7363 ■ Dine at Main Street (The Residency Towers) listening to music from Ashley and Heather or take a trip down memory lane at Bike and Barrel with romantic remixes. Call: 28156363 ■ Spend V-Day with your children at Club House (Taj Mount Road) as the restaurant offers a wide display of food keeping in mind your child’s taste buds. Menu includes a special session with your child donning the chef’s hat, decorating their own cookies, making refreshing mocktails or a milk shake, face painting, tattoos, etc. The kid’s valentine package is priced at Rs. 850 + person, Rs. 450 + for kids. Call: 6631 3131 ■ Choose from an an exclusive menu to celebrate V-Day at The Great Kabab Factory (Raddisson GRT) from 7 p.m. to midnight. Also, get pampered with a candle light dinner with chocolates and roses as give away, a complimentary drink and a glass of red wine… . Call: 2231 0101/317 ■ Relish the wine-paired celebrations menu or the traditional Southern Spice (Taj Coromandel) offerings from grandma’s kitchens. At La Patisserie get cakes, exotic gateaux and pastries, and crunchy chocolates besides special valentine individual pastries created by the baker. A special hamper for his and her with miniature liquor bottles, miniature perfumes and colognes, a bunch of roses and a heart-shaped cake handcrafted by the master baker is priced at Rs. 1000 nett. Call: 6600 2827

Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 2,000 ■ Celebrate at ‘1415 The Dinner’

(Taj Mount Road) with a custom created six-course romantic valentines dinner and duet desserts. Plus, become a celebrity bartender or don the chef’s hat and shake refreshing mocktails for your loved one and dine under the stars or inside the Mediterranean style restaurant. The package is priced at Rs. 1415. Call: 6631 3131

Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 2,900 ■ Enjoy a candlelight dinner at The Garden Cafe Poolside (Raddisson GRT) with chocolates, flowers, buffet menu with live grills from 7.30 p.m. onwards. The buffet includes roasted pumpkin and thyme soup, chicken teriyaki, ambada gosht, and vegetarian dishes like subzi ki shammi, and desserts like paan ice-cream and tiramisu. Per couple Rs. 2250 Call: 2231 0101 / 313 ■ Party unlimited at Fort St. George (Taj Coromandel) with unlimited vodka and cocktails by Ciroc – all for Rs. 2,500 for a couple. Call: 6600 2827

Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 ■ Anise (Taj Coromandel) will treat you to an exotic gourmet spread with unlimited cocktails. The aphrodisiac buffet is priced at Rs. 3,000 per couple, which includes a sangria, rimini and bellini bar. Call: 6600 2827 ■ Get a personalised service at ‘Two by the Bay’ with a dreamy ambience at Fisherman’s Cove. Call: 6741 3333

Rs. 50,000 and more ■1415 Opulent and 1415 Magnificent packages at Taj Mount Road promise to make your evening perfect with an overnight stay in one of the luxurious rooms. Call: 6631 3131

How much will you spend to woo your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? City hotels have planned both elaborate and exorbitant celebrations to welcome you. Now make your pick.

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Friday, February 13, 2009

Classic and contemporary

Go Frenzy

Chennai Diamonds has stocked a wide collection of diamond jewellery in emeralds, rubies, sapphires, tourmaline, pearl and other precious stones in white, gold, platinum and yellow gold. Shop at 46, Cathedral Road. Ph: 4210 4050/ 4051

The Frenzy store plays cupid and invites ladies to fall in love with their collection of tops, one-piece dresses, jeans, bags, accessories and footwear at affordable prices. There is a special buy-one-getone offer in store. Shop at G-10, Wellington Estate, Opp. Ethiraj College. Ph: 98400 26086, 98405 00085.

ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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ext time you buy a branded face cream, skin lotion or deodorant, make sure it’s original. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Chennai City Police on Wednesday arrested three men who manufactured fake versions of face cream, moisturiser, lip balm and deodorant of a well-known international brand. Police identified the accused as Ramesh (30), Sanjay (35) and Ashwin Kumar (34). The trio, according to police, were residing in Sowcarpet and are known to have got the fake products from Mumbai and distributed them in Chennai. After

Look before you pick Three men arrested by Central Crime Branch for selling fake cosmetics in city

the company came to know about fake replicas of their brand products thriving in the city market, its Operations Manager Srikanth Gopalakrishnan lodged a complaint with the Chennai City Police. The case was taken up by the Central Crime Branch and investigation proved that the three were distributing the fake products in the city. Police sources reveal that the men had brought duplicate containers of the top brand from Mumbai and filled them with locally-manufactured cosmetics and sold them here for a profit. They were arrested and products worth nearly Rs. two lakh, including lip balm and face cream, were recovered from them. ■

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ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

Music for the valentine

Big Story

Buy your valentine a Nokia 5200/ Nokia 5310 or Nokia 5800 and get a 1 GB memory card free loaded with the latest super hit love songs. The offer is available on all UniverCell store till February 15.

`BEING ‘S‘ ON V-DAY If you are one of those singles who have not yet found a date for the big V-Day or have decided to be your own valentine, thoroughly admonishing the stereotypes, these are things that you should do to make those mushy couples go green instead of red. ANUSHA PARTHASARATHY [email protected]

Sleep It is an essential aspect to keep you healthy. While couples battle their sleep and phone bills, you can snuggle up under a cosy blanket and switch yourself off reality. The bonus here will be the many fairy tales you can dream about you and your dream girl/guy. What would you want more? Fairy tales with unbelievable twists that seem real (for a while, at least) or reality where your significant other doesn’t let you get a good night’s sleep just because it’s Valentine’s Day.

Get in touch Remember all those friends who cursed you because you never kept in touch? Well, the time has come for pay back. Make it a point to call everyone up, especially those who are committed and try to engage them in an hour’s conversation, each. This will not only ruin their ‘dates’ but also provide you with non-stop entertainment.

Network socially For all the criticism it gets, social networking is the next best invention to fire. If you are still looking out for dates, then put up good-looking pictures (of yourself and not some random actor/actress) and look out for other singles who will be as bored as you are. But choose wisely, especially girls, since you may get a lot of “I wantings your frianships and loveships” requests.

Scare your parents To have some harmless (I don’t guarantee this, though) fun with your parents make it a point to tell them about your plans for the day, even if they are fictional. Make them as romantic as possible and watch their blood pressure shoot. (Statutory warning: Use the name of someone from the opposite gender, preferably or plan may backfire).

Visit the spa Don’t go there alone. Most spas have special offers for Val-

entine’s Day. So grab or drag a sibling or a friend of the opposite gender and get things cheap, not compromising on the fun.

Wear rainbow-coloured clothes There is a myth that your status is gauged on the colour of your dress on V-Day. To confuse everyone, wear a shirt that has every single colour and walk out with a big smile. Not only will you confuse people, you will also be the reason for a few smiles (well, you’ll look like a clown!). That’ll be your good deed for the day.

Send roses Get into the valentine spirit. Send roses to all your friend’s girlfriends and boyfriends. If that doesn’t bug them, nothing will!

Gang up Get a gang of single friends and go for a movie. Shout, squeal, whistle, laugh and make as much noise as possible. And no, you will not go for a mass entertainer. You will sit through

a boring chick-flick or a romantic comedy, because that’s where all the action happens off-screen.

Test friendship levels You know how they say “A friend in need is a friend indeed”? Put the theory to test. Call your best friend when she’s on a date and talk about how your dog died 10 years ago and its memories are driving you to tears. If possible, try crying! If your friend listens, then either they’re breaking up or being stood up. If they hang up on you, then rest assured their relationship is intact.

Get attention The number one thing you should do on V-Day is to divert attention from all sides to your-

self. How? Don’t take calls from any one, sit in front of a window, your music system tuned to sad sappy love songs, a coffee mug in hand, eyes watery from an overdose of glycerine and paper with a scribbled attempt at poetry in hand. Within an hour, you will become a spectacle. Parents will fuss over you and friends will pay you a visit amidst their busy schedule wondering what is wrong. And when the entire crowd assembles, burst out laughing. ■

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Friday, February 13, 2009

We are seven

Discount Alert

Flame at Le Royal Meridien is celebrating its seventh anniversary this V-Day. DJ Christy from Hyderabad, romantic ambience, cakes and gifts are planned for the day. It is priced at Rs. 2009 per couple. Call: 2231 4343/ 4353 4545.

Uniq’s V-Day special offers you a 40 per cent discount. The collection comprises pretty and elegant designed handbags, clutches, footwear, chains and more. Drop in at 59/28, Kavingar Bharathidasan Road, Teynampet. Ph: 4200 0030.

Say it with a book this Valentine’s Planning to plant a surprise this Valentine’s Day? Let it be through one of these romantic books

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s a run-up to Valentine’s Day, the British Library, London recently introduced the ‘Adopt a Book’ scheme. The initiative encourages you to gift your loved one a romantic book that will last a lifetime, thus “preserving the world’s greatest book collection for future generations.” So, if you want to woo your sweetheart as well as help relive some of the classic books of our times, make a selection from Ergo’s pick. If you don’t find them at the larger bookstore chains, try hunting for them in old bookshops.

Love in the Time of Cholera How long would you wait for love? Months, years, decades… This masterpiece is a profound love story authored by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and a must-read. It talks about the flaws in marriage, infidelity, the squabbles, pain of rejection and the perseverance of the heart. Isn’t love all about that?

The Gift of the Magi If love is happiness, then it also means making sacrifices. And O. Henry’s short story tells the story of a young couple who are in love with each other. They can hardly afford their one-room apartment

due to their poor economic situation, but for Christmas both decide to raise money making some costly sacrifices. We know most of you have read this short story in school, but reading it once more is sure to make your relationship stronger. Go for it!

Pocket Book For some romantic inspiration, try Saint Valentine’s Pocket Book (1867) – a lovely and curious collection of love letters and sonnets. This probably could help you get more expressive.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare still lives on, not only for Literature students but for all you book lovers. This romantic comedy is a perfect pick for adventurous youngsters.

Love Story This 1970 novel, released on February 14, is said to be one of the best love stories ever told. The romantic novel is the story of two college-goers, which an entire generation could identify with. (Do you have better picks to suggest? Please mail us the name of the book, and why you think it is an ideal gift, to [email protected]) Team Ergo

What colour is your V-Day? Choose the colour of your dress or gift carefully, as they speak a thousand words

Ready for roses

We are friends

Green can be the ideal choice for Valentine’s Day, if you are planning to start a relationship. Green denotes that you are waiting for someone to propose. Light or dark, sport a green attire and be ready to meet your dream boy or girl. Gift a bunch of red roses and express your love. But be sure to keep away from your exes.

Stay away from persons wearing yellow on V-Day. Yellow is the colour of friendship and you might get hurt if your crush turns you away saying “We’re just friends”.

Booked yaar

Black beauty Black, a favourite with many, ironically denotes that you are not interested. So if you want to reject someone’s proposal say it with black. If you are already engaged but want to play a prank on your partner, wear black!

If you have already found a partner and want to keep away from all those eying for your attention, make sure you don a red dress to keep them at bay. Red is the colour of energy, love and sexual passion. That is why red roses, red attires and gifts wrapped in red play a dominant role on Valentine’s Day.

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ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

Sport

Hot seat The race between two US aircraft majors to hog the limelight at the Aero show in Bangalore on got intense with Lockheed Martin deciding to fly ace shooter Abhinav Bindra in its F-16 war plane while Boeing will fly India’s cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma in its F/1-18 Super Hornet. European aviation major EADS has joined the race in this edition of the show and is expected to fly Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh in their Eurofighter Typhoon.

Settling for second best

Fast & Furious West Indies are back and that too with a bang and a fast bowler in their ranks who single-handedly can win matches. Although, all cricket lovers will love to believe this news but it is still too premature to go gung-ho about it even after a certain Jerome Taylor vandalised the English batsmen and the West Indies humbled the visitors by an innings and 23 runs at Sabina Park in Jamaica. A Caribbean at heart, Taylor will never forget the day, and he may never bowl a better ball than the late, full out-swinger that castled Kevin Pietersen. It was his first delivery after lunch, but there was no thought of a loosener. The ball began on a path to middle and Pietersen shaped to whip it through midwicket. But then, at the last minute, it straightened and beat his closing face to send the off stump cart wheeling. It was the type of dismissal that lit up the Caribbean during the 1980s and West Indies were finding a new generation of heroes. Taylor kept up the good work and ended with innings figure of five for 11 and the West Indians had something to cheer about after long last. (Each week we feature a player who has defied odds and come out as a winner during the past week. If you have a choice for next week send it to us at [email protected])

After retiring from international cricket, Dada plans to focus on IPL AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

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ents like (Cheteshwar) Pujara, Sunny Singh, Wridhiman Saha and Laxmi Ratan Shukla. The bowling will be spearheaded by Ishant (Sharma) and Ajit Agarkar along with Ashoke Dinda and Murali Kartik. Mendis can play the later games; we shouldn’t let the opposition get used to his trajectory.” However, the 36-year-old admits that playing for the IPL won’t give the adrenaline rush of international cricket. “Turning out in the IPL could not be compared to playing for India. Personally, I think I am still good enough for both forms of cricket. I played my best in my last years. If I had been playing, I could have easily continued for at least one or oneand-a-half years more,” he adds. “But that’s not possible now. One has to accept the fact that retirement is part and parcel of a sportsperson’s life.” ■

ourav Ganguly is all eager to get into his cricketing gear and guard up to face the likes of Dale Steyn, Brett Lee and others. Ganguly, who will be playing the East Zone One-Dayers, is desperately trying to get back in shape ahead of the second edition of the Indian Premier League. “After you give up – stop following the regular routine – and with no pressure you tend to suddenly enjoy the good things in life. I have put on a couple of ounces over the months and it’s time to shed them off,” Ganguly says. The left-hander who retired from international cricket after helping India down Australia in a home series last November has started working in right earnest after enjoying a well-deserved short break. “T20 and IPL have a charm of their own. The crowd, big hits and glamour all add to the entertainment and somehow you gear yourself up to take up the challenge again,” he says. Many have raised an eyebrow over Ganguly’s Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to rope in Bangladesh speedster Mashrafe Mortaza for a whopping US$ 600,000 but the skipper feels otherwise. “We are not running after stars this year. He bowls fast and can also bat a bit. More importantly, he knows the character of wickets in the sub-continent and will easily gel in. We were always going to gun for him to replace the Pakistanis,” Ganguly says. “(Shaun) Tait, Stuart Clark and other heavyweights were there but they wouldn’t have been available for the whole tournament and may have found if difficult to acclimatise quickly to Indian conditions.” Speaking about the balance in his side, Ganguly says: “We will have (Chris) Gayle, Brendon McCullum and Ajantha Mendis for the whole duration and there are also exciting Indian talSourav Ganguly during a practice session at Eden Gardens. PHOTO: PTI

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Friday, February 13, 2009

‘‘Diego’s boys shut Les Bleus To my Chinese friends, as many of you know, I recently engaged in a behaviour which was regrettable and not what people have come to expect from me. The past few days have been tough for me, but I’ve received support and encouragement online from so many Chinese friends. I will learn from these mistakes, train hard, and make you proud again.

Michael Phelps to his Chinese fans after a photograph was published appearing to show him smoking marijuana

Milestone for Beckham

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iego Maradona’s Argentina were impressive 2-0 winners in France on Wednesday as two of world football’s heavyweights squared up for a friendly in Marseille. Goals from Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi gave Maradona his second victory in two games since taking charge of the national team in November after French fans had chanted his name before kickoff. On a hectic day of friendly internationals and a smattering of World Cup qualifiers, David Beckham equalled 1966 World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore’s record of 108 caps for an outfield player when he came on for the second half of England’s 2-0 friendly defeat in Spain. “I’ve always said I would like to be up there with the likes of Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore,” Beckham, currently on loan at AC Milan, said.

Unbeaten run European champions Spain, the world’s top-ranked nation, extended their unbeaten run to 29 as goals from David Villa and Fernando Llorente emphasised their superiority. There was a shock 0-1 defeat for Germany at home to Norway while next year’s World Cup hosts South Africa were given another reminder of how much work they need to do in the next 18 months when they lost 0-2 at home to Chile. After Brazil’s 2-0 defeat of Italy in London on Tuesday it was Argentina’s turn to put aside their stuttering World Cup qualification progress with a classy display against the World Cup runners-up.

Goal Argentina went ahead in the 41st minute when Gutierrez fired a shot past Steve Mandanda. The South Americans contained France comfortably after the break and Messi sealed the victory late on after good work by substitute Carlos Tevez. Things get more serious for Maradona next month when he faces his first competitive match in charge with a World Cup qualifier at home to Venezuela but, for now, he is content. “After 20 minutes, my players had possession of the ball and when they do, it’s great because we don’t have to defend,” he said. “I have a fantastic squad. All the tactics we had discussed, the players applied them.” ■ Reuters

Argentinean coach Diego Maradona celebrates with his players after they scored during their friendly match against France at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille. PHOTO: AFP

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ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

The height of

white Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Christian Lacroix

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oing back to basics is always a matter of time. After one has done the rounds and experimented, the tendency is always to go back to the pristine. And the most manifest of this has been the spring/ summer 2009 shows’ fascination with white. Not the white of smart suits and summer frocks but that of flowing tulle, lace, frills and flowers, more close to the alter dress variety. More good old romanticism than cruise/resort collection. Most lovable among the white collections has been Karl Lagerfeld’s all-white one for Chanel showcased during the spring/ summer 2009 haute couture collection show in Paris.

Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy

“The idea was a white page,” Lagerfeld told The New York Times days before his show. To realise this objective, 4,000 metres of plain, white paper went into the show. The day dresses, barring an occasional black piping or print, remained chiefly white and stood out like 3D images on white selfprinted paper. At Valentino’s haute couture spring/summer 2009 collection, beside the obvious red dresses and the more new-age colours, white pieces numbered high. John Galliano’s collection for Dior, characterised by billowing skirts, drama headgear and focus on the hourglass shape, was dominated by white again – be it in the form of tulle gowns, crochet tops, fitted dresses with bubble sleeves or off-shoulder dresses offset by black detailing. Stephane Rolland played with the transparent and opaque – in white again. Mixing contrasting

Jean Paul Gaultier

fabrics, the designer played with variations in texture to create a line comprising transparent chiffon bandage skirts, frilly tops and architectural monochromatic white gowns. Despite the amount of detailing that went into hair and makeup in Jean Paul Gaultier’s haute couture collection show in Paris, the focus was on clothes – there was white and black with lace, crochet, tulle, cathedral arches… everything. In comparison, Fendi’s line was casual and stark in its simplicity, coming mostly in the form of shifts and jersey dresses. Other designers who extensively used white in their collections include Tony Ward during Rome fashion week haute couture spring/summer 2009, Alexis Mabille during his spring/summer 2009 haute couture show in Paris and Joseph Font in his collection presented in Paris. ■ With inputs from agencies

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O su n fa w p

John Galliano for Dior

Portfolio The invitation is not in the mail

alentino

On spring/ ummer 2009’s ewfound ascination with the ristine

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Friday, February 13, 2009

Stephane Rolland

That’s the woeful truth for more than half of the fashion-obsessed throngs who typically cram into the bleacher seats at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue for Marc Jacobs’ fashion show, an event that in recent years has escalated from mere hottest ticket in Marc town to Jacobs raucous institution. Robert Duffy, president of Marc Jacobs International, said that for the designer’s fall show on February 16 the guest list is being cut from 2,000 (1,100 seated and 900 standing) – to 700, or 500 seated and 200 standing, virtually all of the latter employees. Asked about the celebrity count, he said, “There may be one or two.” As for the retention of the vast venue, he explained: “It’s a great place to show, and it was booked a year ago. I’m not going to pay a cancellation fee. “Everybody thinks it costs the same money to entertain 500 people as opposed to 2,000 (when you’ve got the space),” Duffy continued. “It doesn’t. All those 2,000 people still need to be seated, they still need to check in, this one needs this, that one needs that, and you know what? It’s very costly.” Re-evaluating show expenditures is part of the process of prioritising in tough times. “You are forced to make choices. I don’t ever want to lay anybody off,” he said. “People say, ‘Do you want to continue to advertise?’ Of course I want to continue to advertise. ‘Do you want to pay benefits to your employees?’ Yes. ‘Do you want to continue to give them a clothing allowance?’ Yes. ... To other people, the heritage of the company is the parties and the extravagant fashion shows. Marc Jacobs for Louis Well, our Vuitton Spring/Summer extravagant 2009 fashion shows only started four years ago. The heritage that Marc and I want to protect is about the people that work here and the business – being responsible to the business. That is more important than to have a party.”■ NYT News Service

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ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

Flick KARTHIK SUBRAMANIAN [email protected]

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Give me a problem, I’ll give you a solution. I just love living. That’s a feeling you can’t fake. I’m glad every single day. I think that even the camera can feel that I’m a happy man. Will Smith

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mong the present crop of Hollywood actors, Will Smith is in a league of his own, balancing a duality at the box office – that of a blockbuster leading man who plays himself in the big-budget movies and also an actor who takes up sensitive portrayals in heartchurning drama in which he transforms into the characters he plays. Seven Pounds is Smith’s follow-up to the critically-acclaimed The Pursuit of Happyness, in which he reunites with director Gabriele Muccino. And so it is quite natural that the expectations are sky high. To give Seven Pounds its due, the premise is interesting enough. Ben Thomas is a “lowly tax collector” belonging to the IRS who is haunted by visions of the past as he goes in search of seven individuals, each one of them in varying stages of distress. And in sharp deviation to the perceived role about his profession, he gives each of them a reward that they don’t deserve. The movie chugs along at a comfortable pace, giving its lead actors, specifically Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, ample scope to perform. Dawson plays Emily Posa, a single woman who struggles with a hopeless heart condition, one of Tim’s seven benefactors.

Kareena likes real men

Where there is Will, there is a way Udita and I never tried to be a celebrity couple: Mohit Suri

Kareena Kapoor doesn’t fancy pompous guys and says she prefers men who are “real”. “I like guys who are real and who don’t show off. I like men who show their true colours from the beginning,” said Kareena. Talking about her boyfriend, she said: “I love him because he is what he is. That is what really matters to me.”

Despite his over four-year-old relationship with model-actress Udita Goswami, filmmaker Mohit Suri says they have never tried to be a celebrity couple. “Udita and I have been together for nearly four-five years now. It’s like any other normal relationship we fight and then make up for it - but we have never tried to be a celebrity couple or be public about the whole thing,” he said. There were rumours of their split last year. However, all’s well. Suri is currently hogging the limelight for hit film Raaz: The Mystery Continues.

IANS

IANS

She breathes life into possibly the most challenging role of her career so far. The surprise package though is Woody Harrelson as Ezra Turner, the blind pianist looking for a job. Though severely restricted in terms of screen time, he manages to hold his own against Smith with incredible body language and role play. The premise of the film is so darn simple that speaking about the plot any more would make this review a spoiler. The movie is recommended for those who enjoy the drama genre and are willing to allow the movie grow on them. On the downside though, one just wishes that the screenplay was a bit taut. The movie almost sags towards the second half, before picking up speed and unravelling the puzzle towards the end on the fate of Thomas. On the technical side, the cinematography is top-notch. There is a strong Biblical undercurrent to the movie as it speaks about sin and redemption and makes one wonder if these movies are a sort of spiritual exercise, for Will Smith at least (he is also the film’s producer). The African American actor once famously remarked that if he put his mind to it, he could become the American President one day. Whether that comes true or not, one thing is for sure. He can pull off any role with ease, be it the invincible superhero or the average middle-class Joe. ■ Verdict – watch it if you are a Will Smith fan.

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Friday, February 13, 2009

Busy bee Actress Samiksha, who made her debut in Arindhum Ariyamalum, is currently working in a film that is being made simultaneously in English and Hindi.

Mysskin’s new avatar

R. RICHARD MAHESH

in the script, how do dialogues get on with them?

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e made heads turn by casting chocolate hero Prasanna and comedian Pandiarajan in negative shades in Anjathey. Just two movies old, Mysskin is already a distinguished director in Kollywood. With his Nandhalala slated for release soon, Mysskin shares with Ergo his on-screen debut experience.

Silence plays a vital role in the movie. There won’t be any complicated compositions. Each one’s dialogues have been rendered with finesse and the audience will love it.

Earlier, you were quite depressed when leading actors refused to play the lead in Nandhalala. Could you zero down on the exact reason?

This flick centres on a grown-up man with a child-like nature. I nearly spent a month at Kilpauk Medical Hospital for mentally challenged patients to build the character.

Nandhalala is a poignant tale about pragmatic life. As our actors prefer largerthan-life roles, they felt it wasn’t apt for them. Reality really bites and there were no takers for the role. This compelled me to take up the role and now I am thankful to them as they were the reason behind my incarnation as an actor.

You seem quite impressed by Master Ashwath. I haven’t seen a boy with such fantastic potential. His dedication and insatiable passion for acting urged him to complete every shot within a take or two. Ashwath underwent rehearsals for a month and he could grasp everything with ease.

Did Rohini shave her head for this project? Yes. When I narrated the script and her role in the movie, she was keen on performing it to her best. Her role would be one of the highlights of this film.

What magic has maestro Ilayaraja cast for the movie? For the first time, he has used an instrument called Oboe for the background score. I had once heard the instrument in a Hollywood movie called Machine. This musical instrument is so soothing that it’s sure to get everyone transfixed.

Looks like Ilayaraja was upset over your elimination of songs. Ilayaraja had tuned five spellbinding melodies when I narrated my script. But only a couple of songs were suitable for the screenplay. Ilayaraja was quite upset, but he will understand my decision when he sees the movie.

With few characterisations involved

Enacting the role of a dim-witted character isn’t an easy task. What homework did you do?

On Snigitha… The actress was mind-boggling with her performance and deep involvement with her role.

How does the movie define human relationships? The film is about how good people are. An unforeseen touch of motherly affection has been depicted. It would be a big exploration of human relationships and emotions.

Mysskin is a voracious reader. What are the books that inspired you? (Smiles) I am not focused on a particular genre of books. Right from my childhood, I keep glancing through pages of whatever book I get to see. Some of my favourites are David’s On Direction, Art of Dramatic Writing, Three Uses of Knives, Robert Mickey’s The Story, Frank Marshal’s books and Akira Kurusowa’s autobiography. I love reading Fairy Tales, Pancha Thanthiram, Brudo’s Uses of Enchantment.

Do you think Tamil cinema will make it big in the pages of world cinema? The day isn’t so far off when the entire world will yearn to make films like ours.

Coming to world cinema, what are the films you keep watching repeatedly? Akira Kurusowa’s Seven Samurai and Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali inspired me a lot and I keep watching them repeatedly over and over again.

Evergreen Tamil films of your pick… Director Sridhar’s Kadhalika Neramillai and Nenjil or Aalayam. ■

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ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

Thursday’s Query: Which is your all time favourite movie dialogue and why? ■ Andavan nallavangala sothipan ana kaividamattan. Kettavangalukku neraya kudupan ana kaividruvan Prabahar Raj.P - Perot Systems, Mohamed Siddiq.A - TCS, Magesh - Polaris

■ ’Iyyo rama ennai entha kazhisadai koodalam kootu sekura’ it’s nice to say when we are in meeting

Chandrasekar.YC Changepond

■ ’I am back.’ from Billa 2007. It was so apt for Thala, the style king

LM.Kaushik - Infosys, Mike - Cognizant, Anand.K - Infoview Technologies

■ ’Ai yenna vetchu comedy kemedy panaliye’ because of Vadivelu’s slang and body language

Pradeep, Mphasis

■ ’’This is an unwanted statement, irrelevant to the current situation’’ from Anniyan

Suree, Mahesh, PK, Arivu, Saravanan, Saran, Mohan, Simbu, Arun - TCS, Sivasakthivel Caritor, Naripuli, Varun, Subash - CTS

■ "yelunthutain itho varean" from Attakasam. This dialogue meant that thala Ajith is still in race

Sebanto, CTS

■ "Neenga nallavara kettavara?"

Ahalya, Surendran, D.J.Roger - TCS, Sathishboopathy, Christina, Valarmathi, Manju, Sundari Perot Systems, Asif, Srikanth - Ford

■ Narayana intha kosu tholla thangalla

S.Arun - Perot Systems, Bhavani - Patni Computers

■ "Naalu peruku nalladhu nadakumna edhuvum thappilla"

Vengatesh, Sasidharan - TCS, Vivek, Anvar - Wipro, D.Ramki - TCS-eserve

■ "Mappu, vachitanda aapu " because we are experiencing in our daily life

Rajesh.VS - Wipro, Nirosha - Ford

■ "Kidaikarthu kidaikama irukaathu, kidaikama irukarthu kidaikathu"

Kannan.S, TCS

■ "Engala ellam patha pidikadhu, pakka pakka than pidikum."

Gopal, Vijaya Kumar Flsmidth, Pandiyan CSS

■ "Arasiyalla Ithellam Satharnamappa"

Mahesh Rajamani - Perot Systems, Ganesh.M, Saravanan - TCS, Velmurugan.N - Ramco Systems

■ Yeppadi eruntha nan eppadi ayitten

Hari - Wipro, Seenivasan.D - Technip

■ Yenna kooduma sir ithu

Prasanna Chakravarthi - Wipro, Suree TCS

■ Yar sir antha ladies

Shanthi Sunderesan - Perot Systems

■ Varum ana varathu

Idayath, Gururajan, Baskar - Perot System

■ Vadapochey

Shoukath - Perot Systems, anandhi, Mahi, Sangu, Pavi - Wipro

■ Ungala ellam patha enakku pavama iruku

Vijay Shankar - Wipro

■ ’Astalavista baby’-in Terminator 2

Praveen - CGSL

■ Poda aandavane namma pakkam than irukkaen

Krishnakumar, Sudharsan, Jagan, Kathar, Karthik - HCLT GRO

■ Nee azhaga illa un mela enakku kadhal illa, aana ithellam nadandumonu bayama irukku

Mohan Kumar - TCS, Arunshankar - Perot Systems, Jayakumar - Infosys

■ Naan oru thadava sonna nooru thadava sonna madiri because of the power it has and its popularity. It is still famous and used in lot of ads

Jayadeep of TCS has nominated his friends as Partners in Crmie. This pic was clicked at Mamamdur.

Arun Kumar, Beny Raja Allsec, ARS - Perot Systems

■ "Aadhi na pottu vechukittu pongal sapadravannu nenachiya." from Sivaji because that dialogue stamped him as a giant villain

Sundar, Carolyne, Pandian, Vinoth, Rajesh, Durga, Maha, Naresh - HCL

■ "Aanniye pudunga venaam", because in these days that’s the best answer for every opposal, instead of "mudiyadu"

Arunprasad, Yeshwanth, Magesh - Perot Systems, Krishnakumar - Wipro

■ "mudiyala, aludhuduven", we always use it., what a energetic dialogue

Divya Janani - CSS

■ "Betromax light dhan venuma"

Kumar.S - Perot Systems

■ "Oru vatti mudivu panitena en pecha nane ketka maten"

Bathula Banu from Infosys has nominated her team as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Tala Cauvery.

Satish - Ramco Systems, Ganesh - Perot Systems

■ From Mounaragam: Nana viruppa pattu koduthathu onnu neeya virumbi kettathu onnu-it shows the true love of husband to wife even though she dislikes him

Balavignesh of TCS doodled this.

Smith, Wipro

■ “Machi nee kelaen, Machi Nee Kelaen”

Prem Kumar, Salauddin - HCL

■ Anbe Sivam- "indha ulagil adutha vinadigal olithu vaithirukkum aacharyangal earalam". Appadi patta aacharyangalli ondru thaan naan unnai santhithathu

Lingeswaran - TCS (SNR)

Today’s Query: What was your best Valentines Day pick-up line?

Art featured in this column will receive gift coupons from Fruit Shop on Greams Road. Send in your addresses so that we can post the coupons.

13

Friday, February 13, 2009

February 13 ■ Dear Ramya/Ajosh and Menaka/ Gopinath, May your love be forever lasting, And bring with it infinite happiness. Wishing the 2lovely couple a lucky married life :-) Loving Wishes, COAFLS Team, Wipro Technologies.

■ Hi Rami, You are the dare Devil to me and courage angel. Don’t worry you are getting Old still you are a child in your Speech. "Wish you a advance many more Happy Returns of the day".

With Tons of Love,Prem Kumar T.R & Jayashree BGTata Consultancy Services

■ Dear Abirami Seethalai Sathanar, God made the sun, the earth, the moon,the stars , but dear he could not make another one when he made a bud like you. Hope your Birthday gently breezes into your life all the choicest of things and all that your heart holds..

Many more happy returns of the day Rockers, Accenture

■ Dear Lachu, Hope this day is as special as you are. Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years. I’m so glad you were born, because you brighten my life and fill it with joy. May the years continue to be good to you.wish u many more

Advance Happy Birthday! With LoveYours, Kumudha. Cognizant

■ Dear Smriti, You are always very precious to me in this world. Really very special. Never get frustrated in life. We are born to enjoy our future. Wish you a very Happy Valentines Day :) My hearty advanced wishes to my little child :) Keep Smiling, Eat properly, Sleep well and Walk slowly. Always be Happy and Take care of your health Kid :)

Yours, Ganesh

■ Hi Madhuri, Wishing you a very happy birthday in advance.May you have all prosperity, happiness and good health!!!vayasu aaguthu...seekiram kalyaanam paniko...ippadiku thavaraamal treat kaetkum un CSS nanbarkal.

with luv..Jemima, Thenmozhi, SathyaPriya, Lavanya.CSS corp.Pvt.Ltd.

■ "TRUE LOVE" Valentines Day is a day of love, So mum, I want to say that no-one gives more love than you; You brighten everyday. You deserve my undying love, You earned it from the start. So on Valentines Day I give to you. A very special place in my heart! "Me thumse piyar kartha hoo mmaa"

Thanks & Regards,Ramesh.S &

PraveenKumar.B Changepond technologies Ltd.

■ Sweet Heart... Forget abt the recession, forget abt the stock markets.., Our Love is as good as Fixed deposit which never drops down :)Stepping into the8th year, U hv filled my life with colourful dreams and you hv become my closest friend. Love ya so much Sangee...

With luv, Naresh, HCL

■ Hi Happy birthday my dear friend (Anitha), Grab a board, and hit the sand. On this day, you might have some luck, Like a rolling; bouncing puck. Happy birthday my dear friend, You seek adventure like a trend. With these waves, you must be bold, If you’re not, you’ll catch a cold. Happy birthday my dear friend, Stubborn waves; shores intend. I promise you, they won’t be kind, Wait with patience; look behind. Happy birthday my dear friend, The perfect gift, as you ascend. Try to catch, the biggest wave, Do not become, a corporate slave. Happy birthday my dear friend, Helpful words, I’m here to lend. I wish you freedom with a smile, Along that dangerous looking - mile

Yours, Nirmal

■ Dear Swaminathan, You’re not getting OLDER, you’re getting BETTER.I wish you many more happy returns of the day. Let this birthday bring youlots of JOY, HAPPINESS, SUCCESS and WEALTH in your life.

Greets, M. Hari Kumar – VDSI

■ Dear Shoba, “An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.” Wishing the two of you a very Happy Anniversary and Birthday wishes to your little angel! Enjoy the day’s double treat!

Cheers, Archana, Mahendra, Sunitha

■ Hi sri, Wish u many more happy returns of the day..May this day be very special to u and be ur best birthday so far.. Ur born on this very special day and i think ur really a loveable person..This is a special birthday wish,that comes with love to you.It brings warm and heartfelt thanksfor all the thoughtful things you do,it also comes to let you knowyou mean more to me each dayand to everyone your lives have touchedin such a loving way.

With tol, Arun, HCL.

■ Hi, Ashasantosh,Abimano.. Happy Valentines day in advance.. We Wish u to join hand in hand soon..

Sakthiram.

■ Hi Sindhu Babu (Loose) "Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made." What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. I wish you many more happy returns in this beautiful day. To Santhosh, You are a great friend, brother, patient teacher and a very silent guy (looking wise) May God give his choicest blessings (Like increasing memory power, getting married... he ... he) Anyways... HAPPY BIRTHDAY…. And have a wonderful day!!!

From Vaish, Ranjani, ram, brindha, vinoth, shami, ramya, Rajeev.

■ Dear Rahini, Congrats and wish you a Happy married life. May joys overflow in your life making evreyday a celebration for you both. All the best for a bright beginning.

Best wishes, Bancolombia Team TCS

■ Dear Sargssa Happy Happy Birthday Dearie!! God Bless U!Let this year bring more n more cheers into your life! Wish u long life n gr8 future ahead;)

Friends Gang December 17,2007 oracle batch. Wipro Technologies.

February 14 ■ Dear Archana(Jils) Happy Happy Birthday Dearie!! God Bless U!Let this year bring more n more cheers into your life! We love u n wish u long life;) Fondly Gang December 17,2007 oracle batch. Wipro Technologies.

■ Hi Lipensa Happy Valentine’s Day.

Lukeson Wipro

hhmmm .... Lv U .... chaala .... Nijanga ..... Would You Like to be my valentine ...... ? AKOYFH ... Ur’s Tikkalodu

■ Dear Rubes, Like the roses without fragrancen pearls without their shine,I would’ve been, if u were not mine... Happy Birthday & Happy Valentines day ..

Urs, Sugi

■ Dear Madhu Chakkravarthi, May this day be the beginning of another special year. May god will shower all his blessing on you. Many more happy return of the day.

Vikram & Team TCS.

■ QTP roudy Architect Hema avargaluku SW pavapatta jenmangal sarbaga belated birthday wishes , special wishes from ... ur adimai latha :) Regards, V.Latha ,TCS Sweet Heart... Forget abt the recession, forget abt the stock markets.., Our Love is as good as Fixed deposit which never drops down :)Stepping into the8th year, U hv filled my life with colourful dreams and you hv become my closest friend. Love ya so much Sangee... With luv,Naresh

■ Dear Ramesh, Here comes my lovely Valentines Day wishes deep from my heart just to convey that you are my ultimate love. With Love, Priya Ramesh, TCS Dear Hota, Many Many Many Happy Returns of the Day. Let this Year bring you a great Change in your Personal and Professional life. May God Bless you all your wishes come true :)

Have a Wonderful year ahead.. Wth Luv, Everloving Team.

■ Hi sri, Wish u many more happy returns of the day..May this day be very special to u and be ur best birthday so far.. Ur born on this very special day and i think ur really a lovable person..This is a special birthday wish,that comes with love to you.It brings warm and heartfelt thanksfor all the thoughtful things you do,it also comes to let you knowyou mean more to me each dayand to everyone your lives have touchedin such a loving way.

With tol,Arunkumar, HCL.

■ Hi Lavanya, Love is a dream shared by two. Marriage is the joy of the dream come true. May married life fulfill your dreams. Congratulations! Hearty Wishes from Abhirami, Archana, Bhavna, Deepa, Deepan, Deepika, Sandhya, Sweety Pradeepa Tata Consultancy Services, Siruseri.

■ Dear Rubes, Like the roses without fragrance, and Pearls without their shine... I would have been, if u were not mine...Happy Birthday & Happy Valentines day..

Ever Urs, Sugi

February 15 ■ Dear Deepa Venugopal, What a joy it is to send these Birthday greetings to someone like you; May life shower on you special happiness and grant you all the things you desire. You turn not older with years but newer everyday :-) With Loads of Love, Kavitha Tata Consultancy Services

14

ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

Traffic Jam

Bitter 911 caller A Florida man has been charged with wasting police time - after he called the emergency services to complain a Burger King had run out of lemonade.

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15

Friday, February 13, 2009

Oh Deer

Word’s worth

A vet in America was left dumbstruck after an injured deer turned up to his clinic. The creature was outside the building and quickly limped in to the surgery after a staff member opened the door

‘Balistraria’ (ba-liss-trair-ee-uh) the proper name of those cross-shaped holes in the walls of fortresses and castles, through which weapons (usually crossbows, or arbalests) could be fired.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Ganesha foresees you as someone practical, calculative and analytical at work today. This will help you in handling routine activities.Your practical and analytical self might appear in your love life as well, leaving your beloved astonished.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Today you will be able to judge things in advance which will help you quicken routine work. Overall, you will be very decisive and confident today. Matters related to the heart may have to be treated with a practical perspective.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 The day may require special attention on the domestic front. But your logical and practical self will be easily able to manage two things equally well with your office work. Do not try to get into arguments or conflicts with your superiors.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha finds your mind to be active and completely focused on work today. Hence you might be in a mood for research related to work. Work is heavy so you might not be able to pay due attention to your love life.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You may be very verbal and talkative today. Be careful that you are not hurt in case your suggestions are given a deaf ear. As far as you are in advising mood, please keep a check that you don’t hurt your beloved through over-criticism.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Time management may bother you. You may wish to establish a balanced schedule between your work routine and your personal life. The grace of Ganesha will create positive turning points in the lives of lovers.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Being a Libran, problem solving comes naturally to you. Ganesha finds you investing a lot of time for problem solving today. Office work may keep you too occupied to keep your sweetheart happy. Try to make all possible amendments.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Your colleagues might be let off early today, but that will prove favourable for you. Due to this, you will be able to get your work done very fast today. The favourable day continues as your superiors may encourage you to finish off a long pending issue.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Today you will be aware of pending activities and that they have to be given high priority. Hence, you might be less enthusiastic and more practical at work. Ganesha suggests you create a harmonious balance between your work and personal life.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Doors of opportunities are opening wide for you as you are seen calling for or attending meetings. You might depend on luck and also be in a mood to give due importance to other people’s opinions. You may devote due time to your love life.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 A perfect day to get rid of those pending files and to finish off social engagements. At office, interaction with colleagues is higher in order to solve pending issues. There is no spice in love life today, unless you go ahead and add some.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Your emotion might take over your rational self. Do not feel hurt if someone points out your mistakes. On the love front, it’s time to celebrate. Love life is smoother than ever and you may receive ample affection from the one you love the most. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16

ERGO Friday, February 13, 2009

Bye-bye Bush

!

South African TV viewers were stunned when the country’s ETV news announced that George Bush had died - only to be told it was a technical glitch.

Bank robbed by masked “Berlusconi” Carnival time is approaching in Italy, but in a new twist to the custom of wearing disguises, a robber has held up a bank wearing a mask resembling Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, news reports said on Wednesday. The man, together with two accomplices, all armed with toy pistols, broke into a branch of the Unicredit bank in the north-western city of Turin. Police intervened and arrested two of the robbers, including the false “Berlusconi” and another man who was wearing a mask resembling one of Berlusconi’s close aides, Marcello Dell’Utri. The third suspect managed to escape. The pair arrested turned out to be brothers, both with criminal records, the reports said. For centuries in Roman Catholic countries carnival celebrations have involved people, traditionally wearing disguise, indulging in revelry in the two weeks ahead of Lent - the period of penance and fasting before Easter. DPA

Blast away bad luck with fireworks ritual Being burned by fireworks is considered a stroke of bad luck, but for Taiwanese who willingly subject themselves to an explosive barrage, it’s all about good fortune. In one of Taiwan’s wildest but least-known rituals to mark the Lunar New Year, five men in the southern city of Taitung asked that they be showered with fireworks, and were burned by them. Reuters

Koala love story wins hearts after deadly fires A love story between two badly burned koalas rescued from Australia’s deadliest bushfires has provided some heart-warming relief after days of devastation and the loss of over 180 lives. The story of Sam and her new boyfriend Bob emerged after volunteer fire fighter, Dave Tree, used a mobile phone to film the rescue of the bewildered female found cowering in a burned out forest at Mirboo North, 150 km (90 miles) southeast of Melbourne. Reuters