Ergo February 27

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

Friday, February 27, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 38

HOME, BUT NOT ALONE PHOTO: S. S. KUMAR

A.R. Rahman returns to Chennai, two shiny Oscars in tow. Ergo follows him around, right from the moment his plane touched ground to the never-ending line of meetings held through the day.

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

» Pages 4 & 5

SHOOT AT SIGHT Ergo takes you to the first paintball arena in Chennai » PAGE 03

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ERGO Friday, February 27, 2009

Namma Chennai

Read On The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon will be read at The Madras Terrace House on February 28 at 6 p.m. The book is a murder mystery. The reading will be followed by a discussion on autism, its awareness, etc.

Food makes the world go round This is for all the Kerala foodies. Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel is hosting the Moplah Food Festival. Fried fish finger, Calicut moplah briyani, Malabar avail and desserts like pal ada and pal pradaman, to name a few, will feature on the menu. The fest is on till March 8. For reservations call 6600 2827.

Rajasthani food is here to delight you. Deccan Plaza is having a Rajasthani food promotion. The fest is open for lunch and dinner on weekends, open till March 8. For reservation call 6677 3333. Taste Bengali cuisine like never before. Daram Tala (Kolkata) Street Food Festival promises to give you a real feast with its exotic mix. The fest is open only for dinner, till March 8. To reserve a table call 2834 3030 (Extn:1827/18230)

All the world’s a stage Stagefright Productions presents A Night at the Musical on February 27, 28 and March 1 at Chinmaya Heritage Center. Directed by Freddy Koikaran, the show features the best of Broadway. Tickets are priced at Rs. 100, Rs. 200 and Rs. 350. For passes call 98409 07755.

Koothu-p-Pattarai presents Arjunan Thapasu in Tamil. The play is scripted by N. Muthuswamy and is inspired by the Mahabharata. The play will be staged on February 27, 28, March 1, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. Donor passes are priced at Rs. 50 and are available at the venue. For details call 65373633/ 9941446543.

ASAP Productions is presenting The Village, a comic fable, on February 27 and 28. The play is directed by Amit Singh and will be staged at the Museum Theatre at 7.30 p.m. For details call 98411 17773.

Shop till you drop Patiala salwars, Rajasthani suits, Hyderabadi tops ... there is lot to choose from at the LePakshi Craft Bazaar. A must-visit for all you shopaholics. The sale is on till March 1 at YMCA Grounds, Royapettah.

There is a women’s shopping festival opening today at Valuvarkottam. So drop in with your wallets full. The sale is on till March 1.

The Crafts Council of India welcomes you to ‘Vishwakarma’, an exhibition-cum-sale of crafts from all over India. Most of the participants are award-winning artistes. The sale is on till March 3 at Apparao Galleries, No 7, Wallace Gardens, Nungambakkam.

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Friday, February 27, 2009

DVD Of the week Rocknrolla Wham! You just got hit in the face by a Guy Ritchie film. You realise this as soon as you walk out the theatre doors and you find that your mouth is still open. Was it the plot? Was it the characters? Was it the slickness of the movie? You may never know. Rocknrolla is yet another example of Ritchie’s brilliance with a great cast and a fantastically complicated plot. The narrative is handled with ease and the actors seem to slip effortlessly into their exaggerated characters. It’s yet another tale in London about an organised criminal who dreams of becoming a crime lord, but there are things that stand in the way. Replete with many storylines such as that of our friend, One-two, who is a small-time hoodlum in big-time trouble, a strangely seductive accountant, and a confused Russian billionaire, the movie does not really stop for even a minute. Then there is the infamous Johnny Quid, a seemingly deranged rock star who never seems to die. His frightening and excessive approach to life accentuates his rock star status. Do not miss performances by Tom Wilkinson, Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong and the inspired Toby Kebbel. There will be a sequel and there is even talk of a trilogy in the making! Ace!

Music of the week Dido Safe Trip Home It’s one thing to be talented and it’s another thing to make the best of it. Now Dido may not seem to be the kind of singer that appeals to everyone, but her talent is undeniable. She is on top of her game right now with this album. Themes of urban pathos seem to fit perfectly well with her velvety albeit slightly soft voice. This album is far more personal and mature with references to her past creeping through. All through she is happy in her comfort zone; she is still extremely good at the music she makes, so there are no complaints here. The queen of chill out has her basic beats down in a wellproduced venture, which includes great songs like Don’t Believe in Love, Grafton Street, It Comes and It Goes and the smashing Let’s Do the Things We Normally Do. However, one song to really look out for is Northern Skies, which encapsulates everything that is truly Dido: it’s vulnerable, expressive, powerful and introspective. Sound advice: Here is something that slows down the pace of life and gives you a breather. Truly relaxing and extremely thought provoking at the same time, Dido has really gotten it right here.

Game of the week Football Manager 2009 PC, MAC, PSP www.footballmanager.com With every player having had a full 3D makeover, this is the best-looking Football Manager yet. Don’t get too excited, though – the crowds have abandoned the stadiums and players of the ball look drunk, even if training and transfer systems have both improved. LOVE: The usual FM things, plus 3D graphics HATE: The usual FM things

Shoot at sight Make paint pellets your bullets at the Paintball Gaming Destination on Kotivakkam beach ERGO CORRESPONDENT [email protected]

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re you one of those thrillseekers who are awestruck in inspiration by Hollywood flicks like Commando, Navy Seals or Rambo? Well, here is your little chance to experience the heat of combat that you were dying for. Paintball, the world-famous combat game of eliminating your opponent with paint-filled pellets to capture a flag, is now here for Chennaiites. Planet Adventure, in association with The Paintball Co, New Delhi, has brought the battle game named Paintball Gaming Destination to the Kotivkkam beach. Spread over an 8,500 sq ft area, the play area beams colourful inflated bunkers to provide cover to the player. A team sport, Paintball features three or more fighters in a team who are all armed with a Paintball gun (also called the ‘Marker’) and guarded by protective gear including a jumpsuit, chest-guard, face mask, gloves and shoes while coming in the line of fire from paint-filled pellets. Craig Dominic, Business Developer of Paintball Gaming Destination, says the game that came to India in 2006 is gradually gaining popularity, especially among youngsters in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. “We introduced the game in Chennai at IIT Saarang as a promotional event and later started it fulltime on January 26, 2009, at our facility in Kotivakkam,” Craig adds. The Paintball arena is open seven days a week, with weekends witnessing the maximum turnout. Games like ‘Capture the Flag’, ‘Centre Flag’ and ‘Zombie’ can be played, out of which the first is advised for beginners. Two officials called Marshalls, for each of the two teams competing, will officiate in the game. “The response for the game has been good so far and we are planning to start the Paintball league and tournaments in the near future,” informs Craig, who also plans to introduce night paintball under lights from mid-March. So all those combat-spirited souls, run to Kotivakkam, grab your gun and hit bull’s eye.

What is Paintball? Paintball is a combat game usually played outdoors, where two teams comprising up to five players each involve in a paintball gun battle against the opponent

A player tries his aim.

PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

team. Players take cover behind inflatables called bunkers. The team that captures the flag planted on the opposite side and brings it to their respective post first wins the game.

When and where to play? Paintball Gaming Destination is at No. 8, Sri Krishna Enclave, Water Land drive, Kotivakkam beach (near Bella Ciao restaurant). Open on weekdays (3 p. m. to 6. 30 p. m.) and weekends (10 a. m. to 6. 30 p. m.), paintball enthusiasts should preferably make

a booking in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Playing fee Anyone above the age of 12 years can play. Players can opt for packages of Rs. 250 for 25 paintballs, Rs. 375 for 50 paintballs and Rs. 500 for 75 paintballs. The amount is for a single player.

For details and bookings Contact Craig Dominic at 96 000 16350 or write to [email protected]

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ERGO Friday, February 27, 2009

Big Story

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PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

The movie for which I expected an Oscar was Aamir Khan-starrer Lagaan.

“Jai Ho was like a release of tremendous energy” Triumphant music wizard sheds his shy image and takes on even tough questions at a press conference in Namma Chennai on life post Oscars V. Haripriya [email protected]

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long with two Oscars and a few Hollywood offers, the Mozart of Chennai A. R. Rahman is back home. Though busy for the past two weeks, the calm and composed Rahman did not show any weariness at all, instead replied to the queries of journalists with a smile at a press meet held at Hotel Green Park on Thursday evening. Crediting Danny Boyle for the success of the movie, Rahman said he was drawn to Slumdog Millionaire because it was a movie about an underdog who

found success in his life amid struggles. “I don’t think the movie degraded India by showing the slums. In fact, the movie has brought the attention of whole world on Dharavi and I heard that it has already become a tourist spot. I liked the subject and accepted the offer. Though the budget allocated for the music was meagre, I wanted to be associated with a legend like Danny Boyle. To tell the truth, there was even no one to buy the movie in the beginning. Now you all know the status of the movie”. On a question about naming the movie Slumdog, Rahman said that though the word dog is of-

fensive for us, for Americans dog is a pet which they adore a lot. “So they didn’t do any wrong in naming like that as the movie is about an underdog.” Admitting that Jai Ho is not a masterpiece, Rahman said that the song appealed to the Americans as “it was a release of extraordinary energy. So the appeal

was greater and it created an impact. But whenever I work for a song, I want it to be my masterpiece. But regarding the Oscars I just had five percent expectation, even on the eve of the award ceremony,” Rahman said. Rahman, who has got a few Hollywood offers, said that he will continue scoring music for

“I don’t think the movie degraded India by showing the slums. In fact, the movie has brought the attention of whole world on Dharavi and I heard that it has already become a tourist spot.”

Indian films but the scripts had to be good. At present Rahman is working on Thirukkural and Kunnankudi Masthan Sahib’s poems. Expressing happiness for the kids from the slum who acted in the movie, Rahman said that the movie has given a new lease of life for them. Rahman also chose not to skip the volatile question on the Sri Lankan Tamil situation. When a vernacular journalist urged him to express his views on the ongoing strife in the island nation, Rahman said: “I am not here to politicise the issue. But I want peace in Sri Lanka and I will pray for that.” ■

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Friday, February 27, 2009

THE HOMECOMING The day’s daily grind began quite early for most Chennaiites. A sea of humanity gathered both at the airport and his home from the wee hours of Thursday to greet the Oscar winner. Here’s a sequence of images our lensmen captured: 2 a.m

4 a.m

The battery of lensmen and journalists accompanied him home to get that "one byte" from him. In true Rahman style, he called them in batches of 10 each and pleased them to their content. PHOTO: S. S. KUMAR

4.45a.m

A.R. Rahman arrives at the Chennai airport on Thursday to be received by fans and well-wishers. PHOTO: R. RAGU

3 a.m

How could the music fraternity not be part of the homecoming. Here you see Srinivas, Benny Dayal, Sujatha Mohan, Swetha Mohan, Dr. Mohan gleeful after the photo session. Others from the film industry including Simbu and Parthiban were also spotted. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

5.30 a.m

If the airpot was crowded then the scene at his home in Kodambakkam was no different. Good friend Sivamani not just played the ’guard of honour’ (if we can say that) at the airport with his drums but also accompanied him home. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

Okay, Rahman did please the journalists, photographers and his friends from the industry. However, half his street was waiting for a glimpse of him. He did not disappoint them. "Carry on with your work. I am here in Chennai and we will meet," he promised the waiting crowd. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

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ERGO Friday, February 27, 2009

Sport Leading from the front Newly appointed Pakistani skipper Younis Khan not only helped himself to a rare triple hundred on a placid track in Karachi but also went home one million Pakistani rupees richer. But more than the money or the sheer number of runs Younis’ Herculean effort put Pakistan cricket back on the world cricket radar and this time for good reasons. With international teams refusing to tour the trouble torn country, Pakistan playing their first Test match in 14 months did well to claw back into the game after the Sri Lankans had posted a mammoth first innings total and the skipper’s 313 is the third highest score by a Pakistani after Hanif Muhammad’s (337 against West Indies at Barbados in 1958), and Inzamam-ul-Haq’s (329 against New Zealand at Lahore in 2002). After reaching the feat, on the fourth day of the match, Younis said that he wanted to break Brian Lara’s record of 400 not out, but missed out on the opportunity. For the time being he wants to build a strong team in the mould of the one put in place by former skipper Imran Khan. (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])

Williams suffers sponsorship blow Williams Formula One team suffered a huge financial blow when one of its major backers pulled the plug on a deal believed to be worth around 10 million pounds (11.2m euros) a year. The ailing Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), which is expected to report today a staggering loss of around 28 billion pounds, said the decision was sparked by the global economic downturn. Team principal Sir Frank Williams, whose group has been a permanent fixture on the grid for 30 years, said they would battle on.

Anand falters again World champion Viswanathan Anand suffered a shocked defeat against Norwegian prodigy Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round to slump to joint fourth of Magistral Ciudad de Linares chess tournament in Spain. With his second loss in the first six rounds, Anand has now three points out of a possible six and will have to do a lot of catching up in the remaining eight rounds of the Super Grandmasters tournament.Anand now shares joint fourth spot with Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine while Alexander Grischuk of Russia shot into sole lead on 4.5 points after shocking Levon Aronian of Armenia in another sensational result.Aronian and Carlsen share the second spot on 3.5 points each while Lenier Dominguez of Cuba stands sole sixth on 2.5 points, a half point clear of Wang Yue of China and Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan.Carlsen has been tipped by many experts as the future world champion not without reasons. The Norwegian showed immaculate technique to beat Anand for the first time ever in a Classical game.Anand, who rallied from a hopeless position to score a victory against Ivanchuk in the previous round, had also lost to Aronian in the second round.Clearly the world champion was not at his best form and Carlsen took full advantage of that in the game which lasted 77 moves. PTI

Tendulkar to bat for Kiwis Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik will play in Friday’s International Masters Game, the curtain-raiser to the Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The duo, who are not in India’s Twenty20 squad, were drafted into the New Zealand and Australian Masters’ teams respectively after discussions with the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA). Tendulkar will turn out for NZCPA Masters while Karthik will wear opposition team Australian Cricketers’ Association Masters’ colours in the Twenty20 game which will see retired players of New Zealand and Australia, including Stephen Fleming, Dion Nash, Darren Lehmann and Ian Healy, in action. “This is a great opportunity for Tendulkar and Karthik to have a few hits in the middle. We are happy to work with the Players Association to bring them into the masters teams,” said India coach Gary Kirsten. There was also a proposal of Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Murali Vijay, Laxmipathy Balaji, Amit Mishra and new fast bowling find Dhawal Kulkarni turning out for provincial teams in New Zealand domestic championship to gain match-practice before the three-match Test series starting on March 18. The move had got support from New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan but the NZCPA had refused changing the rule of inclusion of overseas players in provincial teams halfway in the domestic season. PTI

Boxing event falls prey to CWG construction delay Construction delays for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi have caused the Commonwealth boxing championships to be put back until early next year, the Indian Boxing Federation (IABF) said on Thursday. The event was originally scheduled to be held in December this year, but the IABF requested a postponement as the venue might not be ready in time. “The Commonwealth boxing federation has agreed to our request to postpone the Commonwealth boxing championships,” IABF secretary general P.K. Muralidharan Raja said in a statement. “The IABF has now requested the International Boxing Association to allot a suitable date in February-March 2010.” Commonwealth Games organisers are under pressure because of delays in several projects for the games, which are scheduled to take place from October 3-14 next year. Construction delays also forced this year’s world badminton championships to be moved to the southern city of Hyderabad. Reuters

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We feel very confident, and the team wants to emerge the winner. That is our goal. We have been working very hard for it, and we want to give our best in the biggest tournament. India skipper Jhulan Goswami on their chances of winning the World Cup in Australia

Winning ways Victorious Liverpool and Chelsea keep English Champions League hopes on course

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iverpool clinched a 1-0 win at Real Madrid on Wednesday while Chelsea ruined former coach Claudio Ranieri’s return to keep alive English hopes of seeing four clubs in the Champions League last eight. Liverpool, five-time winners, stunned a packed Bernabeu and claimed a valuable away goal to take into the second leg of their last 16 tie when Yossi Benayoun headed home in the 81st minute. At Stamford Bridge, Didier Drogba was on target as Chelsea, runners-up to Manchester United last season, edged Juventus 1-0. Elsewhere on Wednesday, Bayern Munich crushed Sporting Lisbon 5-0 in Portugal while Panathinaikos drew 1-1 at Villearreal.

Matadors humbled Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who was signed from Real’s bitter rivals Atletico, was close to stunning the Ma-

drid crowd with a long-range, dipping drive which was acrobatically saved by Iker Casillas. Xabi Alonso then came close with a cheeky lob from halfway which almost embarrassed Casillas. Torres, who missed six weeks of the season with a hamstring injury, then picked up another knock and was replaced on the hour mark by Ryan Babel although the Spanish striker was far from happy as he trudged off to the bench. Real pressed and Arjen Robben unleashed a fierce drive after 70 minutes which Pepe Reina saved. But Liverpool grabbed the goal they deserved in the 81st minute. Gabriel Heinze gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box. Fabio Aurelio sent over an in-swinger and Benayoun headed past Casillas. “We worked very hard and we scored a very good goal,” said Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez who added that he took off

Torres as a precaution. “He hurt his ankle in the first minute so he wasn’t fully fit. I took him off because he could be at risk for the next few games.” Real coach Juande Ramos said his team were still optimistic for the return leg at Anfield on March 10. “We were unlucky to concede and now we need to win at Anfield. We are behind in the tie but it is far from over,” said Ramos.

Blues hit back At Stamford Bridge, Drogba, back in the starting line-up under new coach Guus Hiddick, after his stormy relationship with Luiz Felipe Scolari, scored the only goal in the 12th minute. Salomon Kalou’s pass found Drogba who took one touch and scored in the corner past Gianluigi Buffon in the Juventus goal. Pavel Nedved came close for the Italians in the dying moments with a long-range drive which was deflected past Petr Cech’s post.

Liverpool and Chelsea made it two good evenings for English sides after Arsenal had defeated Roma 1-0 on Tuesday while Manchester United drew 0-0 at Inter Milan. “We created enough chances to score more but it’s very important we keep a clean sheet at home,” said Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. French international Franck Ribery scored twice as Bayern Munich beat Sporting Lisbon 5-0 to virtually guarantee a quarter-final place. Ribery opened the scoring in the 42nd minute and added a second from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute after Philipp Lahm was chopped down by Fabio Rochemback. In between, Miroslav Klose scored from a Luca Toni flick to register his sixth goal in this season’s tournament. Toni added two late strikes for Jurgen Klinsmann’s men. “Everything just slotted together for us tonight,” said Bayern team manager Uli Hoeness. Villarreal, semi-finalists in 2006, fell behind at home to Panathinaikos when Giorgios Karagounis found the target after 59 minutes, but the Spaniards were level eight minutes later when Giuseppe Rossi converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Robert Pires by Jakub Wawrzyniak. ■ AFP

Liverpool’s Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun (left) celebrates after scoring against Real Madrid during their Champions League match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Wednesday. PHOTO: AFP

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ERGO Friday, February 27, 2009

Portfolio

Cut, join

Colour-blocking, most famously used by YSL in 196

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t’s fashion’s answer to the Rubik cube. Or, perhaps, the geometric stained glass paintings that adorn cathedral windows. Colour-blocking is the technique of adding a new colour to a fabric by cutting it where the new colour is required and sewing the other fabric to it to create a uniform flow between them, giving an appearance of different hues on a colour palette – something akin to a collage of fabrics. One of Yves Saint-Laurent’s most memorable items of clothing is the Mondrian-inspired shift dress, which drew inspiration from the Dutch artist’s grid-based paintings in blue, red and yellow on a white background. The YSL Mondrian dress, with black seams separating the colours, has been declared iconic enough to win a place in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Diane von Furstenberg had her own version of the Mondrian dress, with black, white and beige replacing blue, red and yellow. Also, the Mondrian dress, which

Christopher Shannon

YSL’s iconic Mondrian dress

Narciso Rodriguez

first made its recognised ex Recent runw frequent basi show at Lond to colour-blo Prada’s line p edition of Cib the clothes, were colourAt the Hau Baptista used blocking. Dep usually the ca tertag colour tle illusion. Narciso Ro saw white an colour-blocki and Isaac Miz Not leaving at menswear on the penul colour-blocki the latter wa

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Friday, February 27, 2009

Marcel Ostertag

PRICETAG

n, sew

65 in the Mondrian dress, has many fans

s appearance in 1965, is probably the most xample of colour-blocking. way shows have used colour-blocking on a is. House of Holland’s Autumn/Winter 2009 don Fashion Week almost entirely resorted ocking. So did designer Agatha Ruiz de la presented at the Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 beles Madrid Fashion Week in Spain. Forget even accessories like boots and clutches blocked. ute Couture Week in Paris, Felipe Oliveira d a clever mix of digital prints and colourparting from primary and neon shades, as is ase in colour-blocked garments, Marcel Osr-blocked jewel tones to create a more sub-

Nirvana Temptations Nirvana’s Temptations line of diamond jewellery is an interplay of black stones and diamonds. Contemporary and chic, Temptations features a range of diamond earrings, pendants and rings set in white gold. Available at all leading outlets. Price: Rs. 8,000 onwards.

driguez’s line at New York Fashion Week nd black colour-blocked. Other labels to use ng in recent days are Chado Ralph Rucci zrahi. g the men out, Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, r week in Paris, and Christopher Shannon ltimate day of London Fashion week used ng, too. Only, while the former was subtle, as anything but that. ■

Givenchy

House of Holland

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

Red Door Shimmer from Elizabeth Arden

Isaac Mizrahi

Red Door Shimmer from Elizabeth Arden is a modern floriental fragrance that celebrates the spirit of the season with sparkling fruits, shimmering florals and warming woods. Infused with notes of Japanese pear, Yuzu leaf, blackberry, pink pepper, gardenia, Casablanca lily, peony Tonka bean, red amber, musk, sandalwood and vetiver roots, Red Door Shimmer has been created by master perfumer Clement Gavarry. Available at leading departmental stores. Price: Eau de toilette spray (100 ml) – Rs. 3,200 Eau de toilette spray (50 ml) – Rs. 2,600

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ERGO Friday, February 27, 2009

Flick Cannes honours

Spider-Man’s Broadway debut in 2010 Bono and The Edge’s musical based on the Marvel comic book hero Spider-Man will open on Broadway in 2010, according to reports. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark will include the story of the superhero’s origins and will feature music and lyrics by U2 members, reports Contactmusic. The show is reportedly the most expensive Broadway production ever, costing $40 million.

Eastwood C

lint Eastwood accepted a special award for his storied career from the Cannes film fest Wednesday, saying he was “flattered” while being sure to correct the presenter on the kind of gun Dirty Harry used. “I’m very, very flattered,” the 78-yearold actor and filmmaker said during a brief ceremony in Paris where he received the special Palme d’Or from festival organisers. After Cannes fest president Gilles Jacob presented the award

with a glowing tribute to Eastwood’s career, the Dirty Harry star said: “Though you did diminish the size of the Magnum I used from a .44 down to a .38, it seems like everything else was pretty accurate.” Eastwood had never won the prestigious Palme d’Or for best film during the annual festival, but last year’s jury led by actor Sean Penn also presented him with a lifetime achievement award. The California native was in Paris for Wednesday’s release of his lat-

Slumdog child actors to get new homes The two main child actors from Slumdog Millionaire are to receive new homes from the Indian authorities after the small-budget movie swept the Oscars, winning eight Academy Awards. The Mumbai homes will go to Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Ismail, who played the young roles of the movie’s central characters, Latika and Salim, in the rags-to-riches romance about a poor Indian boy competing for love and money on a TV game show. Reuters

est movie Gran Torino, which he directs and also stars in the leading role. In his first return to acting since the Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby, Eastwood plays a prejudiced Korean War veteran who befriends a troubled Hmong youth who tried to steal his car, a Ford Gran Torino. Eastwood reminisced Wednesday about his first time in Paris in the 1960s for his film A Fistful of Dollars, which he called “a very small film with an unknown director and an unknown actor.... Fortunately, it went over.” With his wife and two of his children nearby, he thanked the French film community for supporting him early on, saying the same appreciation was not always apparent in the United

Final Harry Potter film slated for release in 2011 The magic had to come to an end sometime. The eighth and final movie in the Harry Potter series is to be released July 15, 2011, the Hollywood Reporter trade newspaper reported Wednesday, citing Warner Bros studio. The studio is splitting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final book in the series about the boy wizard, into two movies because of its length. Part I is to debut Nov 19, 2010, while the final movie comes out eight months later. If the final film keeps to its release date, it would have to compete with The Avengers, a superhero action movie starring Robert Downey Jr that is also to debut that weekend. DPA

States. “When I first directed a film in 1970, 39 years ago, critics encouraged me to go on, where in my own country people were much more reticent.... Everybody was saying we’re not sure we even like this guy as an actor, much less as a director.” His directorial debut was the thriller Play Misty For Me. He went on to receive widespread acclaim, particularly with Unforgiven in 1992. In the coming days, Eastwood will begin filming his next project in South Africa, a movie based on Nelson Mandela and his appearance at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, seen as a turning point in the country’s post-apartheid history. Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman will star in the film. AFP

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Friday, February 27, 2009

Samuel L. Jackson to be part of Iron Man 2 Samuel L. Jackson is set to reprise the role of Nick Fury in as many as nine films for Marvel Studios, including Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers and The Shield as well as potential sequels. Jackson made a brief appearance at the end of the first film when Fury asked Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) to join his espionage unit the Shield.

Cine City Simbu as Slumdog Naanum Kodeeshwaran, the Tamil version of multiple-Oscar-winner movie Slumdog Millionaire, is scheduled to hit the screens Friday. The film will open in the state with 100 prints, said its distributors Falcon Films in a press statement Thursday. The Tamil version of the movie will be screened for the benefit of prisoners before Saturday, according to Director General of Police (Prisons) R. Natraj. “We also expect Rahman to pay the high security Puzhal Prison a visit to inspire the underprivileged section of society,” Natraj told IANS. Actors Silambarasan, Radha Ravi and singer-actor S.P. Balasubramanian have lent their voices to the characters played by Dev Patel, Irrfan Khan and Anil Kapoor respectively, the press statement added. ■ IANS

Life imitates Art

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ev Patel, the Slumdog Millionaire star, will appear on the quiz show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” to raise money for street kids. Thesun.co.uk reports that the 18-year-old Dev will appear on the show along with director Danny Boyle. They will raise money for Britain’s children charity - Railway Children. A spokesperson for the show said: “We were approached by Railway Children about doing the special and we think it would be fantastic. Danny and Dev would play together, as with all

our celebrity specials, but filming depends on their availability.” A source added: “Danny and Dev are keen to keep on giving back to the street kids and have been talking to Railway Children about appearing on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ Filming of the special depends on when both are available, as they are in huge demand following their Oscar success. But we hope it will happen later this year. To have Dev back in the Millionaire hotseat would be brilliant, and would do a lot for the charity.” ■

Slumdog Millionaire’s Dev Patel to appear on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ for a cause

IANS

Myskkin’s next, a horror flick? Grapevine is abuzz with rumours that director Myskkin, who is slated to do a film with Suriya, might pull off a quickie with his staple Narain. Said to be a low-budget horror flick, the movie is expected to roll and finish before he starts filming his big budget Suriya-starrer Mugamoodi. The director’s Nandhalaala, which features maestro Illayaraja’s music, meanwhile is ready for release and if all goes well could well hit the theatres next month.

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Thursday’s Question: Your biggest goof up on stage at a cultural event. ■ At the end of the dance show myself and my friend were about to lift a girl but unfortunately she fell down from our hands. Then she lost her conscious Sunil, TCS-eServe

■ Forgot the actual dialogue when I was acting in a drama and just managed it with different dialogue and it has become a big laughter at the end Arunkumar, TCS

■ Fell inside the stage in my college as one of the wooden blocks came off Raj, CSS

■ Performed in MITaFEST’03 in my first year. Sung a duet song leaving my co-singer in the centre stage and taking a corner place in band event. Listening my goofed up offbeat cracky singing, the listeners formed a train and came near the stage requesting to stop. I continued still. After I performed the event team displayed a slide "Why blood? Same blood!

Karthik from Caliber Point Business Solution has nominated VVS team & friends as Partners in Crime.

Mukund, SCB Scope International

■ It was my school annual day and me giving a welcome speech where in between I made a mistake and said ‘chi chi’ Senthil, Wipro

■ When I sang a mixture of 4 hit songs in my previous company cultural event where people never stopped from whistling and the claps sound hit the sky Lavanya, Wipro

■ For the first time I participated in dance competition and danced with more mistakes but that is a memorable moment in my college life Sindu, Ford

■ I was playing a saint in a school annual function and my wig dropped off midway. I played the balance as a saint with a nice haircut Sridhar.R, STG

Santhosh from TEMENOS has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime..They clicked this pic at Kodaikanal.

■ During our group dance at college culturals our friend Goki threw a dandiya stick (by mistake) at the judges who were sitting in front of us. But she managed well even after that Nivi, Sumi Wipro

■ I danced like a devil in my college and jumped from the stage were I fell on my lady professor Dinesh Rajan, Wipro

■ My friend read Tamil news in assembly, instead of reading ’nooru per bali (hundred people killed)’ he read it as ’hundred per bali’ Ram, HCL

■ It was on the freshers day party when I was asked to perform a group dance.I had completely forgotten the steps the minute stepped on stage.I had to cut a sorry figure. Priya Soundar, Tata Consultancy Services

Today’s Query: Your favourite childhood fairytale and why?

Maria from Infosys has nominated her freinds as Partners in Crime. They clicked this pic at Kodaikanal.

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Friday, February 27, 2009

Sethupiran from Wipro Technologies has been nominated as Office Angel by his team mates. He is a much talented and a helpful person. He is the energy icon of our team. His commitment to work is unmatchable and asset to our concern. Despite of his work load, he will share others burden too. We always have good time with him.

■Hi Balaji (Swaminathan)... On this special day, I just want to say ’Happy Birthday Thambi’... Wishing you good health and happiness in life. With love, Urs Akka : )

■ Dear Sundari, From the beginning, Of our childhood years. You stood by my side, Like a shorelines high tide. You loved me ever so much, That I always knew. And I couldn’t have asked for a better older sister, Than you. Happy Birthday My dear Sister. With loads of love, Srimathy.

■ Hey Bismi, I’m so blessed 2 have a friend like u this comes with many loving thoughts & warm wishes i send 2o may ur day be filled with laughter on this ur special day & may the finest things in life always come ur way happy birthday! Wishes From Prem

■ Dear Eshwari, How thankful I am to have you in my life. Every year is another year filled with the special joys you bring just by being yourself. Happy Birthday To You My Sweeeeeeet heart

With Luv, Shakthee :-)(-:

■ Dear Chaithanya, May God shower his blessings on you, today and for evermore!!! Wishing you a beautiful married life ahead!!! Have a fun-filled wedded life!!!

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.

Friends, New Age Software and Solutions

■ Dear Dadhu, Wish you many more Happy returns of the day….!!! May your Birthday be filled with lots of Love,joy and Happiness Best Wishes, JM

Sangeetha.C from Thinksoft Global Services has doodled this. ■ Dear Manju (Karakattakari) To love is nothing. To be loved is something. To love, and be loved, is everything Happy birthday to lovable Kovai sarala

Regards, Fun committe WIPRO

■ Dear Nishchala, Wish you all the very Best! Hope you have a rocking time and a memorable stay! Cheers! From All We Friends! Regards, Shaheena

Type Writing institute ponaa type writing varum… Aanaa, Cancer institute ponaa cancer varuma? Mohamed Yusufdeen, HCL

Bus driverku license iruku, Car driverku license iruku, Aanal Screw driverku license irukkaa??

■ Hi Divi, Wishing U Advance Happy Birthday . Have A Successful Year Ahead!!! We cherish every moment spent with you....Have A Blast...Keep Rocking!!!! :) With Luv, Sow,Sugan,Mano

Deepan.N, TCS.

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ERGO Friday, February 27, 2009

Traffic Jam

Worm causes PC crash A British man was stunned when his computer crashed after a real worm crawled into the machine

sudoku

Senthil of Hewlett Packard clicked this flower at the small rose garden in Munnar with his Cannon SD1000. Hobbies: Reading, travelling and music.

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

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Friday, February 27, 2009

Unusual sighting

Word’s worth

A “flying saucer” spotted in Romania on a Google Earth map turned out to be an abandoned water facility.

“Ravigote” (rah-vee-gawt) the herbs tarragon, chervil, chives, and burnet, which, when used together, were supposed to have the power of resuscitation. From a French word meaning ‘to inviograte.’

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 You might have high expectations from your superiors and colleagues. Don’t let these expectations lead to disappointment. Finish off pending work rather than dealing with other important projects. Beware of emotional distress.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Today Ganesha finds you relying heavily on luck factor. You seem to be ready for compromises to achieve desired results in matters related to work. On the love front as well, you will have a soft and sacrificing attitude.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You might encounter confusions at work today. Even if you expect perfection at work, it might seem difficult to achieve. Personal life is pleasantly perfect and you might spend a wonderful evening with your beloved.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Your mind will be active and full of ideas; hence you will excel in creative tasks. You may take life as it comes and this will help you to maintain good relations with close ones. You will be able to maintain good relations with everyone around you.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You may spend your time in good company, but more or less you will feel like keep a low profile at work today. The day does not seem very good for developing good relations with the opposite sex. For married couples though, the day will be pleasant.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

In spite of domestic affairs bothering you, you may not let your work suffer due to this. Your office work will keep you busy throughout the day. In official meetings, you might have to agree to the view points of other people.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 For those handling technical and developmental work, the day is favourable for growth. However, for people in the administrative sector might find the day to be average. You may remain active and full of life at work today.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 A lucky day for new things. New ventures may achieve success and new projects will rapidly progress towards completion. On the romantic front, Ganesha feels you will be more intense and may express possessiveness.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 You are usually a go-getter at work who is full of energy, but today something might spoil your mood. Ganesha advises you to balance your emotions and focus on work. You will experience a strong current of emotions with your beloved one.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Ganesha finds your thoughts wagging rapidly and hence creating an ‘intellectual conflict’ in your mind. You may start thinking about contradictory things. Do not worry as this won’t last till evening. You may spend a wonderful evening with your friends.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 The day may begin with routine activities but later in the day you might have to take up more important tasks. Ganesha feels you will be able to carry out all the tasks perfectly. Your life partner’s moral support will keep your spirits high.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Ganesha encourages you to revitalize yourself. You may think of doing something new but the way ahead might become very confusing and difficult. You might try to balance you personal and professional life to please your beloved. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16

!

ERGO Friday, February 27, 2009

Oscar celebrations have just begun back home. Some snapshots from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, where the award-winning team landed on Wednesday night.

My Daddy Strongest! Resul Pookutty’s son looks surprised seeing the reception his father gets. Actor Irrfan Khan is on his right. PHOTO: PTI

ONE LOOK IS ALL TAKES

Cradle Song Child actor Rubina Ali is carried by her father into a waiting car. PHOTO: AFP

Enough of this, I am tired! Mohammed Azharuddin is lifted by relatives and well-wishers. PHOTO: AFP