Ergo January 28

A BYTE OF LIFE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

03 FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

05

POWER OF GREEN

WINDOW SHOPPER

E-learning makes inroads

Uniq for accessories

No. 16

New hit on the block Saranya Mohan of Yaaradi Nee Mohini fame on new releases, Nayanthara and Fazil » PAGE 10

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

View from Ladakh Wander Lust – an exhibition of photographs on canvas by Varun Gupta during his travel to Ladakh – will open today at Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan. The exhibition is on view till February 14 at Goethe-Institut, No 4, Rutland Gate 5th Street. Ph: 2833 2343/ 1314

How about some quick lunch? S.R. Foods’ light and tasty meals are a hit with office-goers

1takemedia calls all aspiring filmmakers

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ou love films? And one day aspire to become a filmmaker? Here’s your chance. 1takemedia.com, an entertainment jobs and resource portal, has launched the 1takemedia.com film competition. The competition is open to all aspiring filmmakers who wish to make in-roads in the entertainment industry. The competition will be judged by filmmakers like Ketan Mehta, Vikram Bhatt, John Mathew Matthan, Jabbar Patel and Mike Pandey. There are three categories to the competition: Segment 1 (under 10 minutes), Segment 2(10 to 30 minutes) and Segment 3 (30 to 60 minutes). So if you have a handycam and an idea, just go on. Entries must reach by March 31. For entry forms and details log on to www.1takemedia.com

[email protected]

I

t’s a blessing to have a restaurant around one’s neighbourhood or office, especially more if it serves food that tastes like home food. S.R. Foods at Karpagam Avenue in R.A. Puram is located amidst a residential area. The joint was started in 2005 by Dhayalan Divakar mainly for office goers, where he started by serving only South Indian breakfast, lunch and dinner. “I chose this area because I knew there was a huge potential for corporates and our first client was ICICI Bank (corporate office), which is down the road,” says Divakar. “Within a year’s time, our business picked up and we started getting many North Indian clients too from TVS Infotech, Sundaram Towers, Tripple C Constructions and a few more. So we introduced North Indian thali for lunch.”

Food galore When it comes to breakfast, you have idlis, dosas, vada, pongal, suji kichdi, puri with potato – served with coconut chutney. Plus, chutney made of ginger or onion urud daal and sambar. The breakfast is priced from Rs. 12 to Rs. 25. Divakar says, “The podi dosai

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

Movie mania

DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

and onion dosai are the most preferred.” While the South Indian thali is priced at Rs. 30, the North Indian one is Rs. 35. In the evening, they have snacks like samosa, kachori and boiled chundal (lentils). The dinner is very light when compared to the lunch. Divakar adds, “We change the menu every day to add variety.” What I liked about the food is its preparation – it is not oily or spicy but very light, served in sufficient quantity. Vinod Kumar, relationship manager at ICICI Bank, who has been a regular to the place for the last two

years, says, “The food is tasty and very homely. I liked the dry potato sabji, raw banana chips and payasam. The service is very fast and the price is reasonable.” They also do catering for the British Council library, Judicial Academy and Ashok Leyland. Ask Divakar about his future plans, and he says, “We plan to start cafeterias in offices and venture into outdoor catering soon.” ■ (Too Good for Critics is a weekly column to celebrate Namma Chennai’s ‘Kaiyendi Bhavans’ and small eateries. If you can think of a similar place, mail us at [email protected])

How to get there: Walk straight from ICICI Corporate office, located at R.A. Puram. It is on the 3rd street of Karpagam Avenue Best time to go: From 8 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., they serve breakfast. Although the lunch starts at 12.30 p.m., and you are busy in a meeting, don’t worry as this is one outlet where you get lunch till 3.30 p.m. My favourite: Potato palak and payasam Phone: 4203 5000/ 4210 0551

03

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Green

IS IN LIFFY THOMAS [email protected]

P

icture this: Motorola is launching a new model, before which it wants to train its employees across the world about the nitty-gritty of the new handset. The typical scenario: A team from the company’s headquarters flies down to each of their major locations to take the staff through gruelling hours of Power Point presentations, written notes, discussions and so on. That’s the traditional classroom training each of us has got accustomed to. The new scenario: The mobile major decided to cash in on something more cost-effective. It got an e-learning tool developed, which it installed in its main server whereby all the sales staff were asked to take lessons and also undergo tests after that. While for the staff it was flexi and interactive hours of training that could be taken at one’s pace and convenience, for the company it was channelising money, energy and time on a long-term initiative.

Green 2009 Welcome to green IT or green 2009 – a mantra most companies are chanting these days to combat recession or as a cost-cutting measure. E-learning has increasingly been found to be an effective training tool companies have resorted to in these tough times. “Green learning has been part of the Indian psyche since years, but what is more interesting is to see companies convert from the traditional Instructor Led Training (ILT) to e-learning, thus saving on the training cost, reducing carbon footprint, among others benefits,” says Dr. Prabal Mall, content head, Expertus Infotech. “On an average, a company spends between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. one lakh on a trainer. In e-learning, around four hours of ILT training is converted into an hour of interactive learning.” BPOs, IT services, technology and pharmaceutical companies have adopted e-learning in a major way. The Tatas have embarked on green learning in a big way. “Almost all major companies have implemented green learning initiatives, but it is still at a nascent stage in India. It has to gather momentum,” says Shailesh Mehta, CEO, Gurukul Online Learning Solutions. “Today, over 15 corporates have adopted green learning enterprise wise or division wise.” Go green seems to be the way ahead! ■

Go Green…

■ It reduces use of paper and manual work as everything is online ■ Reduces cost incurred in classroom training, which requires companies to invest on travel, stay, etc. ■ E-learning content is reusable or can be modified, thus reducing cost of learning material ■ It is fun and interactive. Also, there is no compulsion to sit in a classroom – one can take it according to one’s pace ■ Social networking sites or blogs can also be used for training purpose

At a time when companies are finding it difficult to keep purse strings tight, green learning only promises to show the way

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Cheesecake world record The world’s largest cheesecake has been made in Mexico City. 55 cooks spent 60 hours making the massive two ton cake that contained almost a ton of cream cheese, the same amount of yogurt, 350 kilograms of pastry, 250 kilograms of sugar and 150 kilograms of butter.

World’s only immortal creature I n what is the first case of immortality in a living organism, scientists have recognised Turritopsis nutriculaas as the only known animal that is capable of rejuvenating itself. According to a report in the Times, jellyfish usually die after propagating, but Turritopsis reverts to a sexually immature stage after reaching adulthood and is capable of rejuvenating itself. The 4-5mm diameter creature, technically known as a hydrozoan, is the only known animal that is capable of reverting to its juvenile polyp state. Theoretically, this cycle can repeat indefinitely, rendering it potentially immortal. Found in warm tropical waters, Turritopsis is believed to be spreading across the world as ships’ ballast water is discharged in ports. Though solitary, they are predatory creatures and evolve asexually from a polyp stage. The switching of cell roles is usually seen only when parts of an organ regenerate. However, it appears to occur normally in the life cycle of the Turritopsis. ■ ANI

S2000

Hackers steal details of 4.5 million from Monster job site

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ackers gained access to confidential details provided by 4.5 million people to Monster.co.uk, the online recruitment site. It is the most extensive breach of confidential data since HM Revenue and Customs lost the details of 25 million child benefit recipients in 2007. The victims are mainly professional staff seeking work in the economic downturn. Registrations at the site, which allows employers to browse thousands of CVs online, have soared as redundan-

cies have risen. Monster.com refused to comment on how much information had been taken but The Times understands that the personal details of millions of people can be downloaded in under an hour once a hacker has gained access. Security analysts told that the plundered data from the site would be used by organised gangs to open fake bank accounts or take out loans in the names of unsuspecting customers. ■ ANI

쒀 Customers gaze at Japanese auto giant Honda Motor’s convertible sports car S2000 at the Honda headquarters in Tokyo on Tuesday as Honda announced the company will discontinue production of the S2000. AFP PHOTO

05

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

This exclusive accessory store in Teynampet has an eclectic mix of funky and chic

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he store’s launch saw a lot of fanfare, what with Shilpa Shetty endorsing it on her recent Chennai visit. Uniq, the three-week-old exclusive accessory store of actor Sona Heiden (of Kuselan fame), resists the temptation of becoming an all-under-one-roof clothes and accessories provider and keeps the accessories (for men and women) as centrepiece. Situated bang opposite J.B.A.S. College (S.I.E.T), it cannot be missed. From pretty trinkets like earrings, neckpieces, bangles and rings to wrist watches, glasses, handbags, clutches, shoes, hats, head bands, scarves and boots, it’s all here. So if it is a fuchsia pair of sandals that you pick here, finding a giant tote or a mini clutch of the same shade under the same roof shouldn’t be a problem. Neckpieces range from the bohemian beaded variety to braided leather ones and the more classic ones in silver and gold. Bags are a mix of funky gigantic totes in golden and black to tiny metallic and sequinned purses. We love the footwear. From suede strappy numbers in parrot green and pink to red satin pumps with drama heels, neon peep-toes and court shoes, wedges and kneehigh boots, choice is plenty. It’s a case of Cinderella’s glass slippers though. The size you see is the size that’s available, so you’re either lucky to fit into the pair you like or move on to the next. Also, the tie section, though limited, offers some rather interesting designs (read guitars and smiling suns). The accessories have been handpicked by Sona herself during her travels in India and abroad and the store claims to have no more than one in the same design or colour. So no embarrassing mirror-image moments. Uniq! ■

Address: Uniq 59/28, Kavignar Bharathidasan Road, Teynampet, Chennai - 600 018 Ph: 044 - 4200 0030 Website: www.uniq.co.in Store timings: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Father of 11 at 111 A reptile in New Zealand has become the proud father of eleven at the age of 111, five years after having a cancerous tumour removed.

Wikipedia may tighten rules on online editing

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ikipedia, an encyclopedia with millions of articles contributed in dozens of languages, may soon tighten rules on online editing after vandals changed entries on two US Senators to wrongly report they are no more. Jimmy Wales, the Founder of the site, proposed the new ‘Flagged Revisions’ policy on who can edit its pages after the vandalism of the entries on US Senators Ted Kennedy and Robert Byrd, the media reported. According to the proposal, which was approved 60-40 by participants in an online poll, first-time or anonymous users wouldn’t be allowed to make instant editing unless approved by the trusted users first. “This nonsense would have been 100 per cent prevented by Flagged Revisions,” Wales wrote on the Wikipedia user forum page, posted online, sparking a heated debate. Wales expressed concern that the new procedure

Airports testing radar that could spot birds

could delay the publication of some items but said he believed it was necessary. However, he gave opponents two weeks to come up with another proposal. “Those who are in the minority who are opposed to this are invited to make an alternative proposal within the next seven days, to be voted upon for the next 14 days after that,” Wales was quoted as saying. Wikipedia prides itself on allowing anyone with an Internet connection to contribute or edit content. It attracts roughly six million visitors a day. Kennedy, who is suffering from brain cancer, collapsed at a luncheon last week after the inauguration of Barack Obama as American President on January 20 and was hospitalised. But he was discharged within hours. However, his Wikipedia entry was changed shortly afterwards to say that he had died, but was corrected within minutes. ■

Some of the busiest US airports will soon begin testing experimental radar systems designed to track flocks of birds and help pilots avoid the type of collision believed to have crippled a US Airways jet nearly two weeks ago. Proponents say air traffic controllers could someday use the technology to delay takeoffs, reroute flights before they leave the ground, and perhaps even radio warnings to pilots to take evasive action. The new technology uses a combination of inexpensive marine radar antennas, much like the kind used on fishing boats, and powerful computer software to monitor birds as they gather and soar as far as 10 kilometers away from an airport. PTI

Apple wins patent for iPhone touch screen controls Apple has won a US patent for touch-screen controls and gained a potential legal weapon against iPhone competitors. US Patent 7,479,949 is awarded to ‘(Steve) Jobs et al’ for a method of “detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display” to command computing devices. A multi-page patent available online at the US Patent and Trade Office on Monday details iPhone or iPod Touch commands such as finger or thumb swiping, twisting, or spreading to flip pages, rotate views, or enlarge images. The patent was issued last week, a day before Apple on January 21 announced record-high quarterly profits. AFP

PTI

Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia. PHOTO: S. GOPAKUMAR

The day when White House emails did not work In less than a week of entering the White House, the technologysavvy team of US President Barack Obama was stuck for major part of the day, with their email was not working. They could neither receive nor send email, thus making them almost dysfunctional. The Obama Team has been used to doing most of its work through emails and blackberries. “There’s only one e-mail system at the White House at a time, and unfortunately, it’s not working,” White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs told reporters during the course of his daily press briefing. PTI

UK report suggests hospitals serve less meat

Jimmy Wales proposed the new ‘Flagged Revisions’ policy on who can edit its pages after the vandalism of the entries on US Senators Ted Kennedy and Robert Byrd

British hospitals will be asked to offer more patients meatfree meals to save the planet’s health, a health official said. A report on the environmental impact of Britain’s publicly funded health service will recommend that hospital menus offer less milk and meat and more locally sourced vegetables, Dr David Pencheon, the head of the National Health Service’s sustainable development unit said on Monday. Pencheon said that less pork, beef, and cheese could be good for patients’ health - and good for the planet, too. “The NHS has a duty to set an example: that it’s perfectly possible to eat healthily without as much meat,” he said. PTI

07

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Plumber saves day

This day, that year

A plumber was called in to retrieve a distraught woman’s $70,000 (GBP50,000) diamond engagement ring after she accidentally flushed it down the toilet.

It was on January 28, 1986 that seven astronauts died after the space shuttle Challenger exploded 72 seconds after lift off from Cape Canaveral.

Booklet advices Brit school kids about tips on cannabis use

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chool kids in Britain have been given access to a 20-page booklet that provides them with tips on cannabis use. Titled ’Know Cannabis’, the booklet, according to The Telegraph, spells out how the drug can make you feel relaxed and makes music ’sound better’ as well as whether to use bongs or buckets and how to roll a joint. The paper further goes on to say that it is not until page 14 that the document points out that the drug is illegal but is being handed out to young teenagers preparing for their GCSEs at schools in the North East. It comes as the drugs were yesterday reclassified from Class C to Class B. Aimed at youngsters, it includes advice on how best to take the drug. The booklet begins by telling youngsters to ‘Know the effects, how it is used, the risks, and how to avoid them’. The booklet is produced by Merseyside-based HIT, which provides ’social marketing campaigns’ on drugs and alcohol and sexual health, which said it did not mean to encourage drug use and would be happy to listen to any complaints. The Department for Children Schools and Families said it did not dictate what children were taught about drugs and content of drug education are taken at local level. ■

Titled ’Know Cannabis’, the booklet spells out how the drug can make you feel relaxed and makes music ’sound better’ as well as whether to use bongs or buckets and how to roll a joint

ANI

Woman in California gives birth to octuplets

A family matter

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woman gave birth to eight babies in Southern California, the world’s second liveborn set of octuplets. The mother, who was not identified, yesterday gave birth to six girls and two boys weighing between 820 grams and 1.54 kilograms, doctors at Kaiser Permanante hospital said. “It’s a surprise,” Dr Karen Maples said. “Eight newborns are in stable condition and they’re doing quite well.” Doctors estimated the woman’s delivery lasted only five minutes. “They were all screaming and kicking around very vigorously,” Harold Henry told the TV station KCAL9. The first live-born octuplets were born in Houston in 1998, and one baby died about a week later. The surviving si-

blings – girls Ebuka, Gorom, Chidi, Chima and Echerem, and their brothers Ikem and Jioke – celebrated their 10th birthday in December. Their parents, Nkem Chukwu and Iyke Louis Udobi, said they are astonished and grateful that their children have grown up to be healthy and active kids who are now in the fourth grade. ■ PTI

쒀 A lioness and her two cubs play in deep snow on Monday at the Dyreparken zoo in Kristiansand, southern Norway. AFP PHOTO

08 SPORT

ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Arshavin on his way to Arsenal Zenit St. Petersburg says it has agreed with Arsenal on a transfer price for Russia midfielder Andrei Arshavin, but his move to the Premier League club is being delayed by the player’s wage demands. Zenit refused to disclose the price agreed for Arshavin, but club spokesman Alexei Petrov said Monday the price reflects the player’s “real market value”.

Exhausted Djokovic out Bhupathi-Knowles advance On a sweet-sour day for India, Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles cruised into the semi-finals of men’s doubles but the top-seeded mixed doubles pair of Leander Paes and Cara Black were shocked in the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday. The third-seeded Indo-Bahamian duo of Bhupathi and Knowles overcame a second set deficit to beat the Spanish pair of Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in one hour and 28 minutes. The quarterfinal clash saw Bhupathi and Knowles break the Spanish pair thrice while dropping their own serve twice. The winners played a controlled game, committing just four unforced errors to 11 of their opponents. They next play Lukasz Kubot of Poland and Oliver Marach of Austria. However, Paes and Black, the reigning US Open champions, were outplayed 1-6, 5-7 by the unseeded Swiss-South African combine in just 64 minutes. Among the juniors, top seed Yuki Bhambri continued his impressive showing as he reached the pre-quarterfinals of the singles and quarterfinals of the doubles with Chinese Taipei’s Liang-Chi Huang. PTI

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n exhausted Novak Djokovic surrendered his Australian Open title on Tuesday when he withdrew from his quarter-final with Andy Roddick, but it was full steam ahead for ice-cool Vera Zvonareva. The Serbian third seed was trailing 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 2-6, 1-2 in furnace-like conditions on Rod Laver Arena when he turned pale and could not continue, handing Roddick his fourth Australian semi-final appearance. In an Open that has produced plenty of surprises, Djokovic became the fourth player to pull out of the quarter-finals either injured or ill, following in the footsteps of Zheng Jie, Victoria Azarenka and Gael Monfils. He blamed his retirement on cramps and the heat, with the mercury reaching 35 C (95 F). There appears to be little respite in store with forecasters warning the

A hit As befits a man playing the lead role in Shane Warne – The Musical, comedian Eddie Perfect’s first action upon arriving for his interview is to light up a cigarette. After all, his warts-and-all production about the wayward cricketer is billed as “a new breed of Aussie music theatre that smokes, drinks, carries a few extra kilos and still brings home the Ashes”. The musical has been a smash hit since it opened in Warne’s hometown of Melbourne last month, drawing in a blokey audience of sports lovers who Perfect says would not normally be seen dead at a musical. Chants of “Warney, Warney” regularly erupt in the normally sedate Athenaeum Theatre as the crowd watch musical numbers such as “We’re getting guys dragging their girlfriends to the theatre, which is the opposite of how it usually works,” Perfect said. “You see young blokes making their way to their seats carrying armfuls of beers for their mates, just like they do at the cricket. It upset a few of the traditional musical theatre people but I think it’s great. It’s like Reformation theatre when people were buying oranges to throw at the actors – why shouldn’t they have fun?”

city is this week heading for its worst heatwave in 100 years, with 40 C temperatures predicted every day.

Tough act “People could see that I was struggling with movement, the main reason is cramping and soreness in the whole body,” said Djokovic, adding that organisers needed to look again at their heat policy. “That’s something we have to discuss in the future. Of course, it’s concerning a lot of players,” he said. “As a tournament or as a tennis fan, you don’t want to see a player retiring. You didn’t pay a ticket to come to see somebody retiring the match.” The seventh seeded Roddick, looking for another Grand Slam title to go with his US Open crown in 2003, was playing high class tennis when Djokovic withdrew and may well have progressed regardless. But he said he still had a hollow feeling. “I feel for Novak because he worked so hard to

win the title and for him not to get a fair chance to defend it, it’s too bad,” Roddick said, but added that he was happy to go through. Roddick’s next opponent will be either 13-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, who has often been the American’s nemesis at major tournaments, or exciting young Argentine Juan Martin del Potro. Like many others here over the past nine days,

Russian surge France’s Marion Bartoli also felt the effects of the searing heat in her match against Russian seventh seed Zvonareva, bending double and sucking for breath. She started strongly but rapidly wilted, crashing 6-3, 6-0 in a onesided drubbing to a player who is in her first Grand Slam semi-final in 25 attempts. Zvonareva declared herself ready to win the tournament. “If I’m coming for the tournament, I’m pretty confident in myself,” she said. Bartoli agreed that Zvonareva could go all the way here, where she is yet to drop a set and has held her opponents to 6-0 in four of the 10 sets she has contested. “She’s almost like a ball machine, she just puts it back at you all the time with interest,” the Frenchwoman said. Zvonareva next plays either third seed Dinara Safina or Australian wildcard Jelena Dokic, who is on the comeback trail after years of depression following the antics of her infamous father Damir. ■ AFP

Roddick, Zvonareva storm into semis

AFP PHOTO: AFP

09

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

‘‘

They’re (South Africa) doing a lot of things well. As I’ve said we’ve been in positions every game to try and capitalise on things and we’ve let them slip. We’ve shown glimpses of some very good cricket but the distance between our good cricket and our bad cricket is too vast. Ricky Ponting

Murali set for record double

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ce Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is poised to complete a record bowling double during the one-day series against India starting on Wednesday. The off-spinner is just three wickets short of surpassing former Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram’s world record of 502 one-day scalps, having grabbed 500 in 324 matches so far. Muralitharan, already the world’s leading bowler in Tests with 769 wickets in 125 matches, will become only the second player after Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar to hold two major cricketing records. Tendulkar is the top run-getter in both Tests (12,429) and One-Day Internationals (16,422). Muralitharan will once again be the focus during the five-match series against India as Sri Lanka pin their hopes on him to avenge their 3-2 defeat against Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men at home last August. The off-spinner appeared in good form in a recent series in Pakistan, taking six wickets in three matches which Sri Lanka 2-1. The spinner said he was focused more on winning matches for his team than the world record. “The milestones are not that important for me. Winning as a team is far more important. If these milestones come along, I am happy,” Muralitharan said in a recent interview.

dis at bay in the Test series, said the team were better prepared this time to counter the Sri Lankan. “We did not know what was coming out of his hand and how much variations he had,” said Gambhir. “But when you play constantly against the same bowler, tackling him becomes easier. This time, we will start on an even platform against him.” Mendis recently became the fastest to complete 50 wickets in one-dayers, achieving the feat in only 19 matches. He has also claimed 19 wickets in six one-Dayers against India. Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene was happy his team’s faltering batting line-up came good in Pakistan where they posted 309 for five in the deciding match in Lahore on Saturday. “The batting has started to click again and this is a good sign before we take on India,” said Jayawardene.

Star studded

Mendis mania India will have to deal with a pair of quality spinners as Ajantha Mendis has formed a formidable combination with Muralitharan since making his one-day debut in the West Indies last year. Unorthodox spinner Mendis played a major role in his team’s 2-1 Test series victory over India at home last year when he claimed 26 wickets -- the highest by a debutant in a three-match series. India opener Gautam Gambhir, one of the few batsmen to keep Men-

Mendis and Murali offer a potent threat to the famed Indian batting line-up

India’s batting will be boosted by the return of Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar, who both missed the last one-day series in Sri Lanka due to injuries. The tourists also hold an edge in pace bowling with Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan in impressive form. The duo were instrumental in India’s recent home Test series wins against Australia and England. “India is shaping well in both forms of the game,” said Jayawardene. “We beat them in the Tests, but lost the one-day series. Hopefully, we will turn things around this time.” The Sri Lankan captain is himself searching for form with 28 being his top score in the last 12 one-dayers. The series was finalised to partly fill the gap created by India’s cancelled tour of Pakistan in January-February following the Mumbai attacks in November. ■ AFP

10 FLICK

ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Surprise b’day party On the sets of Mahesh, Saranya Mattrum Palar, actor Shakthi had surprised Saranya Mohan by arranging a small birthday party.

‘Nayan, my sister’ Saranya Mohan on Yaaradi Nee Mohini, balancing college and cinema, and playing leading lady V. HARIPRIYA [email protected]

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PHOTO: R.RAVINDRAN

ith plenty of offers in her kitty, Saranya Mohan is on cloud nine. The remix of ‘Paalakattu pakkathile’ from Yaaradi Nee Mohini worked wonders for her. Climbing the success ladder slowly yet carefully, this petite girl from Alleppey reveals Nayanthara was a sister figure for her on the sets of Yaaradi Nee Mohini. “After I was selected for the movie, director Jawahar asked me to come to the sets to get acquainted with the stars. I was so tensed that I just kept myself away from the crowd. Also, I didn’t know a single word of Tamil. I was praying to all gods to give me strength,” she says. “Suddenly, Jawahar sir brought Dhanush and Nayanthara to me. I was really awestruck. To tell the truth, I was seeing Nayanthara for the first time off screen. I thought being such a star she would never talk to me. But, to my surprise, she was so cool and treated me like a little sister. From day one to the end of the schedule, she was my support on the sets,” recalls Saranya, who is also a trained classical dancer. Introduced by director Fazil in Vijay-starrer Kadhalukku Mariyadai to do the role of Shalini’s little niece, Saranya says her introduction to Fazil was an unexpected

one. “After taking part in a dance contest during class III, my family and I were returning home. On the way my dad showed us Fazil uncle’s house and my sister Sukanya wanted to see the director. So my dad took us inside the gate and a discussion for a movie was going on there. We met Fazil uncle and he saw all my certificates and noted down my address. Two days later he sent two of his assistants to book me for his next movie, Aniyaththi Pravu, the Malayalam version of Kadhalukku Mariyadhai.” After donning sister roles in three movies, Saranya has graduated to being the lead lady. In Panchamirtham and A Aa E Ee she played the heroine. Her future projects are Aarumugam, Eeram and Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu. A final-year student of English Literature, Saranya thanks all her friends who help her pass each semester without any arrears. “Without my friends, I can’t juggle college and cinema. In the cine field, my friends are Bhavana and Monica,” says Saranya, adding that the first Tamil word she learnt was “aama (yes)”. On her future plans, Saranya says she would continue doing movies sans glamour till she gets good offers. After that she’d be looking after the YKB Dance Academy run by her parents, Y.K.B. Mohan and Kalamandlam Devi Mohan, in her hometown. ■

Favourites: Stars: Mohanlal, Shobana Colour: Pink Food: Chappathi Movie: Manichitrathazhu Place: Hometown Alleppey

11

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Lindsay Lohan harming herself? Actress Lindsay Lohan has lost an astonishing amount of weight in just a short while after her break-up with girlfriend Samantha Ronson and her friends are now concerned for her because she has got mysterious scratch marks on her body.

‘Thriller’ to be turned into musical

Cine City

Golden mark

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roadway impresario James L. Nederlander has inked a deal with Michael Jacskon to turn the pop star’s classic horror spoof Thriller into a stage musical. According to a press statement issued Monday, the Nederlander Organisation will produce a musical based on the

song’s groundbreaking video, in which the former King of Pop turns into a werewolf while on a date. The production will feature songs from Jackson’s albums Thriller and Off theWall. “This musical will be the exclusive Michael Jackson-authorised version of Thriller and Jackson will participate in every

aspect of the creative process,” said Nederlander in a statement. “I love the idea of making Thriller a musical. Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what?” said Nederlander, whose company owns nine Broadway theatres.

Vijay has just hit a half century. Immediately after announcing his 49th film Vettaikaran, sources say that the ‘Ilaya Thalapathy’ has also decided the director for his 50th movie. If Internet buzz is true, the director would be Raja, brother of Jeyam Ravi. We are yet to hear about the details about the rest of the cast and crew. Meanwhile, Vijay’s Vettaikaran, directed by Babu Sivan and produced by AVM, will go underway in February. Let’s hope that Lady Luck will knock on Vijay’s door with his upcoming releases.

DPA

Too t o o t h y V

ogue editor Anna Wintour considered British actress Sienna Miller for the cover page but felt that the actress is too “toothy” and staffs were worried that she had “too many fillings” and “unruly hair”. Mirror.co.uk reports that these claims were revealed in a behind-the-scenes documentary. The documentary also shows how Miller was airbrushed for the shoot back in 2007 with reputed photographer Mario Testino. They took one photo of her and superimposed it on a separate picture of her body. Miller’s publicist said: “Sienna Miller is the first person to admit that her photos are always retouched - no one is ever that perfect.” Patrick O’Connell, the head of communications, added: “While some retouching is a fact for any cover, no one is more convinced of Ms Miller’s beauty than Vogue. The fact she appeared on the magazine’s September cover, our most important issue of the year, is a testimony to this truth." ■ IANS

Language switch It’s time for Tollywood lovers to rejoice. With Abhiyum Naanum being a blockbuster in Kollywood, Prakash Raj’s Duet Movies plans to remake it in Telugu. Although Trisha will be retained, Jagapathi Babu will replace Prakash Raj. As per hearsay, Trisha has been allotted three days for the movie and the shoots are said to be scheduled in Ooty.

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ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Tuesday’s Question: Is the movie Slumdog Millionaire worth the hype created?

■ Definitely! Because it beautifully portrays the dark side of India in an unseen way. Raghavendran, Prosper, Dinesh Cognizant Technologies

■ It was a very good film but of course not as excellent the hype created. Vimprash, Patni Computers

■ No, Not that much our Indians directed as much good films. But that is not highlighted by the Oscar Prasanna Chakravarthi, Wipro Technologies

■ No, because it’s not realistic. Some parts can be appreciated but certainly not worth the Oscars. Chital, Accenture

Kannan Dharmalinkam from HCL has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. The pic was taken during their trip to Pondicherry.

■ No, The initial part is pacy and promises a lot, but fades later, what disappoints me is, the director has projected India as entirely slum bound in the entire movie, nothing extra ordinary, can watch once. Thouhid, Cognizant Technologies

■ People will accept this hype after Gulzar and Rahman win Oscar on Feb 22. Prasad, TCS

■ Slumdog Millionaire doesn’t deserve 10 Oscar nominations. It was an ordinary flick with some good performances by the child artists. SDM had a measure of all things from rags to riches, lovers from puerility. But one is left flustered of what exactly the movie wants to convey. Though Jai ho isn’t Rahman’s personal best, it still makes me happy. Ramya, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Taare Zameen Par is far better than Slumdog. It’s shocking to see Slumdog getting awards. City of God and Children of Heaven are true world cinemas. A.G. Sivakumar, Athena PA/S1

Anandan T.G from eNoah has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Queensland.

■ Ya. It’s more than that, simply superb. Rajeshkumar, Tata Consultancy Services

■ Yes of course. Rahman has given his best. If we need to compare the score of SM with The Departed then we may need to compare Titanic and Benhar with more films in the past. As well as they’ve just shown the real picture of slums in Mumbai and the happenings there. So Rahman and Danny are worth getting Oscar. Robin M, Wipro

■ Yes definitely. God ARR bgm for the chasing sequences are terrific. Prasad, Thinksoft

Today’s Query: Give a punch dialogue to congratulate Vivek for winning the ‘Padma Shri’ award? Mahesh and Meenakshi from Cognizant have nominated their project mates as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked in Yercaud.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

■ Dear Chandramukhi Charu Sambhar Suvaikanum’na paruppu venum Charu sirikanum’na murukku venum Wish u many more happy returns of the day.... Keep laughing and make others laugh – Vasu of Tata Consultancy Services has been nominated as Office Angel by his friends. He is a person who can be spotted with his bright smile and energizing laughter. Excellent people manager and a great friend who can be approached at any time for any issues.

Team Worldsource Tata Consultancy Services

■ Hi Jana ( Co-Ordi ), We the Sonatans wish you many more happy birthday. All cheers for you buddy. From, Dear friends, Gopi, Arun, Guptha, Srini, Prabhu & Vivek. Wipro Technologis

■ Dear Dan-Team Leader If Wishes come in Rainbow colors........ We would send u the brightest one to say........... Hope you have a "BIRTHDAY" that’s as wonederful as you are !!!!!!!!!!!! We Wish U A Very Happy Birthday....... Keep Roking!!!

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.

Wishes From, Gershome, Srini, Kevin & ATG Rockers Vinoth, Praveen, Arun, Shushma, Serena, Sai, Rafia Allsec tech

■ Hi Thala, We are looking for you birthday treat.enjoy you life and take care. Regards. Treat sangam.Hi Thala, We are looking for you birthday treat.enjoy you life and take care. Regards. Treat sangam.

■ Dear Murali Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary in advance!! Enjoy and have a great time with ur lovely kid… Sending you warmest wishes on the upcoming special day!!

Vinothini Pachaiyappan of Infosys has doodled this.

Tons of Luv Sri Infosys

■ Dear Sathiya priya, Many More Returns of This Day! May The Almighty Give U All The Things May Your Good Time Multiply!! Wishing U for the Successful Life!!!

By, Parthi, TCS

Sardar’s Letter to Bill Gates: Dear Mr. Bill Gates, We have bought a computer for our home & we have found some problems, which I want to bring to your notice, 1) There is a button "start" but there is no "Stop" button. We request you to check this.. 2) My Child learnt "Microsoft Word", now he wants to learn "Microsoft Sentence" So when u will provide that? One Personal Question : How is that ur name is Gates but u r selling "windows". Vishum, TCS

■ Dear Adithya, A smile is a curve that sets everything straight and wipes wrinkle away. Hope you share lots and receive lots for days to come. Kick off your shoes; Take a break; Dance and shake; Light the candles; Cut the cake make; It is a day that is simply great. Happy birthday. I know that u will give me treat in a big hotel. With Love Kashish

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

First 3-D porno The world’s first ever pornographic 3-D movie is set to start shooting later this year. Producer Stephen Shiu Jr said his company One Dollar Production will begin work on 3D Sex and Zen in April.

sudoku Manasa from TCS clicked this picture during the Pongal festivities at her home town in Nellore. Hobbies: Painting, singing and photography

Photographs of the harvest festival, rural India and littleknown rituals will be given preference this month. Please send us fresh photographs, preferably those clicked by you on a recent trip, to [email protected] All photos selected for clickpick this month will receive a gift voucher worth Rs.1,000, courtesy Kantilal Diamonds (Ph: 2828 1700). Readers are requested to send their addresses with their entries.

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KAKURO

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Church roof crash

Word’s worth

Emergency services had to rescue a man from his car after he crashed it into a church roof in Limbach-Oberfrohna, Germany on Monday.

“Philostorgy” (fi-luh-stor-jee) natural affection, such as that between parents and children. From a Greek word meaning ‘tenderly loving.’

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 It’s likely to be an average day for professional work. Mundane tasks may consume lot of time and still your concern for quality of work may remain high. In second part, you may be worried about pending work. Handle love with care.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 At the beginning of the day you might have to do a lot of hard work. As the day progresses, you may feel worked up. In second half, you will be more concerned about love life so you may not spend long hours at office.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You will be developing good professional skills in first half of the day and second part is all about putting those skills into practice. The day demands more mental hard work. In second half, you may need to ensure that your love life is not sidelined.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha augurs you enjoying good time at work at the beginning of the day. In second half you have scope of proving your professional skills. Time is good for working on new assignments. Love life may strike better level of understanding.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 Constant thinking process may keep you busy today. In later part of the day, you may be highly concerned about domestic affairs and specifically about relationships. You will be very serious about matters related to heart, feels Ganesha.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

In first half of the day, you may talk more and work less, but in the second half you may work more and talk less. Ganesha finds you exchanging sweet dialogues with sweetheart. Later, you may enjoy nice dinner with your beloved or life partner.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 At the beginning of the day, your focus will be on yourself but as the day progresses, you may start thinking about job security. Your relations with lover may strengthen up because of a positive event. It’s day to count on people you love the most.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Even if the day doesn’t begin with any good news, not to worry, as later part of the day favours you. You may be appreciated by peers and superiors for your decision and understanding. You will be able to share precious time with your beloved.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 Ganesha foresees you keeping very busy with various activities at office. Later part of the day is unfavourable for important professional decisions but at the same time it is a good time for love life. You may spend a good time with life partner.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 You may remain energetic in first part of the day but later your focus may shift to gains. You may want to be more organised in work. If you apply same rules in personal life, they may not work. Your lover may demand lot of attention.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You will be sharing your views about your work with the team members. It might be slightly difficult to convince everyone on each point but you may try hard to prove your points. In love life you will be able to strike perfect balance with your partner.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Ganesha feels that your mood may change in second part of the day. First part is totally uneventful. Ganesha feels that you will share your sentiments with someone very close and if you are in love, you will spend great time with beloved. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

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ERGO Wednesday, January 28, 2009

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Bollywodd actors Nisha Kothari and Punit Rajkumar enacting a scene during shooting of film Raj at the Taj Mahal in Agra on Tuesday. PTI PHOTO

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Miss India Parvathi Omanakuttan meets singer KJ Yesudas at a cultural programme in Kochi on Monday. PTI PHOTO

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Actress Jessica Alba watches the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Monday in Los Angeles, California. AFP PHOTO

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