Ergo May 27

A BYTE OF LIFE

FREE CIRCULATION

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Vol. 3

No. 97

Era. Murukan from Chennai and Sameep Kulkarni from Pune are two professionals who seem to be pursuing their passion outside office with reasonable success. Ergo profiles the two IT professionals who have achieved success in the fields of literature and music respectively. » PAGES 03 & 04

TWO OF A KIND 08

SUMMIT CLASH All eyes on Ronaldo and Mesi at Champions League final

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WINDOW SHOPPER First In Town in Besant Nagar

02 NAMMA CHENNAI

ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Buy one, get 50 % discount on the second Emirates Airline has announced its companion offer for all business class passengers travelling from Chennai to any destination on the Emirates network. Passengers booking on the Emirates business class return ticket get 50 per cent discount on the airfare in the same class for a companion of their choice. The offer is valid till August 15.

The Hindu NXg and Konica Colour Lab and Studio opened a five-day workshop titled ‘Shutterbugs’ on Tuesday. Thirty participants were short-listed for the sessions, to be delivered by well-known photographers.

How Aila got its name It was not Sachin Tendulkar fans but Met officials from Maldives who named the cyclone ‘Aila’.

Say cheese. PHOTO: N. SRIDHARAN

AYON SENGUPTA [email protected]

The art of handling the lens.

Have an eye for detail.

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

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hile cyclone Aila pounded West Bengal and Orissa, many wondered how Sachin Tendulkar came into the picture. In fact, Met officials in Maldives, whose chances of being Tendulkar fans or knowing his trademark phrase are remote, came up with the name. But then, Dhivehi, the common language in the island nation, has no such word. So we can never rule out the unlikely. The naming convention for cyclones in the northern Indian Ocean started in Even common 2004 when the India Meteorological Departpeople can ment (IMD) released a suggest names list of names that would serve to identify cyclonof cyclones, ic storms. says Dr. Eight members of ESRamanan. They CAP (Economic and Social Commission for can send their Asia and Pacific) – Bansuggestions to gladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, the Director Oman, Pakistan, ThaiGeneral of the land and Sri Lanka, with coasts along the Indian Arabian Sea or the Bay Meteorological of Bengal — had suggested four names each Department. at the start of the programme. The names are picked in sequence, one name after the other from each country in alphabetical order. The previous cyclone was named Bijli, which lasted from April 14 to 17 this year. Dr. S.R. Ramanan, Director, Ar-

Sachin the ‘Master Blaster’ may have been a cyclone on the cricket field but he has nothing to do with Cyclone ‘Aila’! PHOTO: AFP PHOTO/PHILIP BROWN

ea Cyclone Warning Centre, Chennai, says: “We had submitted the first set of names to WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) in 2004. Aila was the 20th on the list and we have 12 left. The next one is going to be Phyan, coined by Myanmar. The next 32 have also been decided.” Phyan is to be followed by Ward (Oman), Laila (Pakistan), Bandu (Sri Lanka) and Phet (Thailand). Even common people can suggest names of cyclones, says Dr. Ramanan. They can send their suggestions to the Director General of the Indian Meteorological Department.

The convention of naming cyclones dates back to the early 20th century when an Australian forecaster named major storms after politicians he disliked. The US weather office too started naming cyclones in 1953. “Naming cyclones is a good trend and it leaves a lasting impression on the public. People can recall and identify with its magnitude even years later, thus creating a general sense of awareness and preparedness,” Dr. Ramanan says. “Like the US, we have also decided not to repeat names, particularly of cyclones which have caused maximum damage.” ■

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Kartick and Gotham Courtyard by Marriott will play host to the launch of ‘Kartick and Gotham’ – a contemporary electronic music collection on May 29 at 7.30 p.m. The duo will perform a live show fusing world music and electronica.

“I was mesmerised by the way Kamal emoted the scenes before me” HCL employee Murukan Ramasami has been roped in to write dialogues for Unnai Pol Oruvan by Kamal Hassan V.HARIPRIYA [email protected]

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hen Era. Murukan met Kamal Hassan at the condolence meet of his mentor, writer Sujatha, little did he know that he will be summoned to write dialogues for Ulaganagayan’s film very soon. The principal consultant with HCL BPO says he never dreamt of entering tinsel town. “I still remember the day I got myself introduced to Kamal Hassan. I was really surprised when the actor said he was planning to get in touch with me,” says Murukan, the dialogue director for Kamal’s upcoming flick Unnai Pol Oruvan. The movie is inspired from Neeraj Pandey’s A Wednesday, and has Kamal Hassan and Mohanlal playing the roles of Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher respectively.

Scripting dialogues Murukan Ramasami, better known as Era. Murukan in the literary world, is kicked about his new status. “After finishing my first draft, I met Kamal Hassan in the conference room of his Alwarpet office,” he exclaims. “Kamal went through the lines and started enacting. I was mesmerised by the way he emoted the scenes before me – the very moment. I was so absorbed that I forgot to note down the corrections he made in the draft.” Besides, authoring a number of short stories, novels and poems, Murukan has also written books on Information Technology in Tamil. His novel Ghosts of Arasur was short-listed for the prestigious Crossword Award. In fact,

Murukan was called to assist Kamal Hassan while he was writing the script for Marmayogi. About juggling his profession and passion, Murukan says, “I did take a couple of days off from work to be at the shooting spot. When the shooting was on in Hyderabad, I dropped in on every weekend to assist the crew members. Now that the crew is in Chennai, I hope things will be easy for me.” Working with Mohanlal? “He is a great actor and a very humble person. Any doubts in dialogues, he would clear it with me sincerely. It was an unforgettable experience to work with the two mega stars.”

Writer Era. Murukan. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sensitive pen Talking about the reason behind changing the title from Thalaivan Irukkiran to Unnai Pol Oruvan, Murukan says, “Kamal is an ardent fan of writer Jayakanthan, whose movie of the same title won the President’s award (third prize) in the Best Regional Film category. Since this film is about a commonman, Kamal Hassan felt that Unnai Pol Oruvan would be more appropriate.” “We are not making a sceneto-scene remake of A Wednesday. Changes have been made in the script to suit the Tamil and Telugu audience,” says Murukan. How important is the role of a dialogue-writer? “The person should be sensitive. He should know where to silence his pen. There will be scenes in a movie that can be more effective without dialogue. This should be accepted by the writer,” says Murukan, who is now flooded with offers to write scripts. ■

Kamal Hassan and Mohanlal at the launch of the Tamil movie Unnaippol Oruvan. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

04 KALEIDOSCOPE

ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Techie Musician Call him a ‘Software Sitarist’, a ‘Corporate Artist’ or a ‘Mathematical Musician’; Sameep Kulkarni remains the maestro who dabbles with embedded software by the day and the sitar strings at night. MONISHA MOHANDAS [email protected]

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he person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.’ The saying of Dale Carnegie goes well for 26-year-old Sameep Kulkarni, a Punebased IT professional who has mastered the art of balancing his profession and passion. Sameep Kulkarni is a well-known sitarist in his city. He had a craze for music from his childhood. This craze might have been in his blood as he hails from a musically-inclined family. His grand parents for whom learning instruments was a hobby; this converted into passion for his parents. “My family members completely devoted themselves to music though their profession was entirely different. My father is a mathematician and a violinist. My mother is a PhD- science teacher and vocalist. My sister is an international artist and often performs with me at juggal bandis.”

First Concert

played tabla for me in my first concert and that was the real motivation for me. But now after doing so many concerts it’s just another show for me.”

At the age of six, Sameep surrounded himself with instruments like tabla, harmonium, sitar, tampura and violin. He was motivated to learn tabla by his par- Passion Vs Profession Sameep who has done more than 500 ents to accompany his elder sister for her concerts. But it was only at the age concerts till now manages his profesof seven, he realised that he was made sion and passion giving equal imporfor sitar. He attended a concert of well- tance for both. Managing the balance known sitarist Ustad Vilayat Khan and between these two streams sounds exfell in love with instrument. From then tremely difficult. But for Sameep it’s a on, he started learning sitar alongside simple thing. “I work in my office for the whole day and then practice sitar from 9 tabla. He is now learning sitar under Ustad in the night till 2 daily. I do concerts Shahid Parvez – a noted sitar player of only on holidays.”He has done more than 30 international Hindusthani music – shows and has also won after he was immensely “I work in my office many awards like ‘The attracted by his style. “I did my first concert at for the whole day and Best Artist In The IT’ award by Computer Sothe age of 8. At that age, then practice sitar ciety of India (2007), I didn’t even know what stage fear was but from 9 in the night till Maestro honour by Aperture India Art galas I grew older and lery (2008) and Orkut started performing 2 a.m. I do concerts Heroes (2009) to name a more shows I was more only on holidays.” few. conscious. My guru

Unforgettable Moment Recalling some of his most memorable moments in life, Sameep says that his performance at Ahmednagar and at a Cancer hospital were unforgettable. “Last year I had a concert at a sports ground in Ahmednagar, a city in Maharashtra. I knew previously that concert is going to be huge but when I went on the stage, I could see that the stadium was filled and there were more than 50,000 people in the stadium. This was the biggest concert I ever did and i learnt that instrumental music is still alive in people. The next was at a Cancer hospital. The patients were critically ill, but they were listening enjoying the concert. I was touched to know that not a single person in the audience will be alive for my next concert there.” Attracted by Sameep’s magic on strings he has build a huge friend-web around him in personal and through online communities like Orkut where he has more than 2500 friends. ■

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Bringing the latest in clothes, shoes and accessories to shelves is the motto of First In Town in Besant Nagar

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estled in Arundale Beach Road in Besant Nagar, the store First in Town, as the name suggests, was started with an aim to bring to town the latest in clothing, shoes and accessories. Almost two years down the line, it looks like a happy journey. Run by Maria D’Souza, First in Town is a good place for one-off pieces in clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. There are click clasp handbags in shocking pink (or grey for the fainthearted), yellow belts with painted floral designs on brass buckles, Roman sandals in red satin or beige leather and velvet handbags with painted deities in all of the above colours. And if you like the parrot green sandals, you’ll find a bag to match just as easily. Clothes include those from Purple, the store’s in-house brand, as well as other designers. Keeping with the season, now is a good time to head there for hal-

First in Town Address: Renata, No. 21, Arundale Beach Road, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600 090 Ph: 044- 4551 1957 Store timings: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Open all days) PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN

ter-necks, white self-embroidered and floral tunics, magenta raw silk trousers, canary yellow kaftan tops and the likes. The footwear is especially likeable, especially if you’re someone with a weakness for strappy numbers – Roman sandals in every shade imaginable, flats with delicate zari work on the straps, sequinned floral wedges, embossed leather slip-ons and four-inch heels with zipper detailing. “When we started in 2007, we were just groping in the dark. Customer support has helped us find our feet,” says Maria. Maria, along with a graphics designer and prints and artwork designer, forms Purple’s design team. In June, the store also plans to launch its own exclusive print collection, which, Maria believes, would go a long way in ensuring exclusivity of the pieces. “We are also looking for designers who want to have their clothes and accessories showcased at the store, as this would also provide customers more variety,” says Maria. ■

06 VILLAGE

ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Drinking on the job Peru’s top court has ruled that workers cannot be fired for being drunk on the job.

Hewitt sparks engagement rumours

Tyson’s daughter critically injured

American actress-singer Jennifer Love Hewitt has sparked rumours that she is marrying boyfriend Jamie Kennedy after the couple was reportedly spotted shopping for engagement rings. The actress, 30, has been dating her Ghost Whisperer co-star since her split from fiancé Ross McCall late last year and is now said to be close to walking down the aisle with the new man in her life, reports contactmusic.com.

Mike Tyson’s four-year-old daughter was hospitalised on life support after getting her neck caught in a cable on an exercise treadmill at home, police said. The girl, identified by local media as Exodus Tyson, was found by her seven-year-old brother on Monday morning. The girl’s mother, summoned from another room, freed her, called emergency services and tried to resuscitate her. “Initial information developed from officers, initial interviews and a preliminary examination of the scene indicate this was a tragic accident,” said police spokesman Andy Hill, who said the girl was in “extremely critical condition” on life support. “Either she slipped or put her head in the loop, but it acted like a noose and she was obviously unable to get herself off of it.” Tyson, who doesn’t live at the house, had been in Las Vegas but travelled to Phoenix upon learning of the accident, Hill said.

IANS

Hefner may sell ‘Playboy’ empire Hugh Hefner is said to be considering selling his Playboy empire to British billionaire Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin firm, media reports in the US said. The 83-year-old owner of America’s best-selling men’s glossy magazine could sell the company he founded more than 56 years ago for some USD 300 million, after its profits slump in the face of free pornography on the Internet. Two companies, Apollo Capital Partners and Providence Equity Partners, have been approached but declined to make an offer. Now, Branson’s Virgin Media is tipped to be a potential buyer, though no official interest has been expressed. “Everyone says that he (Hefner) will never let go, that he’ll take it to his grave,” a source was quoted by the New York Post as saying. PTI

AFP

Cox’s lucky to have Aniston in her life Actress Courteney Cox insists that she’s lucky to have a friend like Jennifer Aniston in her life. The 44-year-old star, who worked with Aniston for almost a decade on the hit TV series Friends, insists that she has been with her has been there for her unconditionally, reports the China Daily. “We’ve known each other nearly 15 years now, we grew up together emotionally,” said Cox. “I lost my father, Jen got divorced, and I had a baby. We have been through huge life changes together.” ANI

‘WAGs a distraction during Ashes’

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resence of wives and girlfriends (WAGs) during the Test matches would act as a distraction and pose a threat to Australia’s Ashes defence, according to former cricketer Michael Slater. Cricket Australia, keeping in mind the long tour, has invited WAGs for the first two Test against England in July. Slater feels that it was important for players to spend quality time together to create bonding, than with WAGs. “There is no doubt that in that

initial phase of a tour you want the blokes to be able to hang around for dinner together and have a few beers, just be in each others pocket to get that team harmony going,” Slater said. Slater railed CA for inviting the WAGs to the Ashes planning camp at Coolum in Queensland. “The WAGs being at a camp when you’re setting up for your next six months of cricket, I don’t know that that’s the way it needs to go, I don’t think it’s right.” “In terms of the preparation,

Michael Clarke with his partner Lara Bingle.

when you’re coming up with your strategy you don’t need the partners there,” Slater was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun. The former opener cited the example of legendary Allan Border, who had barred the entry of WAGs into the team hotel until the series was won. “Now that’s outdated but that was the regime and what he thought was the right way to go and we won the series, they won under the same regime also in the late 1980s,” he said. ■

PHOTO: LUCAS DAWSON/GETTY IMAGES

PTI

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Websites of the day

Officer not a gentleman

Which celebs do you share you day of birth with? Find out here: www.famousbirthdays.com/ The history of the easter egg: www.geocities.com/Heartland/8149/egg.html

An Australian Navy submarine commander has landed in hot water with feminist groups after he suggested female sailors could boost recruitment by wearing bikinis.

When Rahul Gandhi learnt boxing

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ahul Gandhi may be having many commandos to defend him but the young politician believes in selfdefence and learnt some boxing skills from India’s first Dronacharya awardee Om Prakash Bharadwaj. The veteran coach said that Gandhi learnt techniques of boxing from him for two months last year with the objective of keeping himself physically and psychologically fit for a busy political life. “It was a great opportunity for me to train Rahul Gandhi in boxing for two months last year,” said Bharadwaj. “In the beginning I was also surprised why he wanted to learn boxing because I was sure that he was not going to box in the ring. But later I realised that he was keen to have some knowledge about the art of self-defence,” he added. “I observed that he likes sports. He is a good swimmer, shooter and horse rider. He is interested

to have elementary knowledge in various activities and keep himself busy.” “He believes in making efforts and does not waste a single minute,” Bharadwaj said. The former boxer rated 39year-old Rahul as a great learner, who is physically very fit. “You won’t believe but he was too good and had prior knowledge of a few boxing techniques. He would also discuss about the game’s various techniques.” “I found him physically quite fit. For instance, knowing his busy schedule I kept for him light training and for the warm-up would ask him to run one round of his residence ground. But he would ask me if the drill was enough and run two more rounds.” “During the strenuous workouts on punching pad also I never saw him tired,” Bharadwaj said. The coach was all praise for Rahul’s humility and was complete-

Leopard

ly bowled over by his manners and etiquettes. “One day when I wanted some water to drink, instead of asking any attendant he himself rushed to the kitchen to fetch me water. On another occasion, when he was escorting me to their gate, Soniaji called him but he replied ’let me see sir up to the gate and then I will come’. What better behaviour and etiquette I can expect from such a top youngster of the country?” he said. ■

The 39-year-old MP was also a good shooter, swimmer and horse rider

PTI

Hair power

roams Pak PM’s garden P akistani hunters are trying to catch a wild leopard roaming the grounds of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani’s official residence, an official said. The animal, first spotted on a closed-circuit television camera, slipped into the garden of the well-guarded Islamabad compound late last week, perhaps in search of prey such as wild boar that also roam the area. “It’s a big animal,” said the Prime Minister’s spokesman, Imran Gardezi, adding that Gilani had not left the residence and was carrying on with his duties as usual. Wildlife officials armed with tranquillizer darts have been trying to catch the leopard. They almost had it cornered on Sunday, but it leapt over a six-foot wall topped with barbed wire into another part of the compound, Gardezi said. Islamabad was built in the

1960s up against the forested foothills of the Himalayas and animals including wild boar, foxes, monkeys and porcupines are often seen in the city’s green spaces. But the leopard might not be allowed to roam free for much longer. “If it can’t be caught alive today perhaps orders will be given to shoot it,” Gardezi said. ■ Reuters

쒀 Chinese strongman He Jianma pulls an 8,280-kg bus for 30 metres using his hair in Zhuzhou, in central China’s Hunan province. He succeeded in breaking the previous Guinness World record held by a Malaysian strongman. PHOTO: AFP

08 SPORT

ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Bhagat to lead India charge High on confidence after winning Spanish Open, Sayali Bhagat will look to extend her brilliant run in the international badminton circuit when she takes field at the Open Volant d’Or, commencing in France from Wednesday. Bhagat, who won Spanish Open last week, will launch her campaign against Mariya Diptan of Ukraine.

Transfer talks Now that the IPL is over and the action would gradually shift to Champions League, franchisees will be seen engaged in a keen players transfer game. New South Wales, one of the Australian participants, may lose David Warner, who is likely to stick to Delhi Daredevils in the 12-team tournament to be held in India in October. To retain the services of big hitting Warner, Delhi will have to play around US$ 250,000 to NSW. This money NSW are expected to would offer to Kiwi team Otago to secure the services of explosive Brendon McCullum, who led Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL-II. However it will be interesting to see which side McCullum chooses to represent. The organisers have left it to players to choose the side they wish to play for. McCullum is eligible to play for NSW because he played for the Blues in last season’s domestic final against Victoria. Otago chief executive Ross Dykes hinted that deal could materialise. “Given the fact he has played for them in the last 12 months, I think it could happen. You can’t ignore figures like that. But on the other hand, you have loyalty reasons for which you wouldn’t want to do it. Brendon would have to be involved in these discussions,” he said.

Who’s the Best? The Champions League final on Wednesday may at last put a rest to all the comparison between (left) Manchester United Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, and Barcelona’s Argentine striker Lionel Messi. PHOTO: AFP

D-Da

PTI

Zaheer in fitness race for World T20 India paceman Zaheer Khan is in a race to regain fitness from a shoulder injury to play in the World Twenty20 starting on June 5. The 30-year-old, India’s lead bowler over the last two seasons, is undergoing rehabilitation in South Africa after he was injured during the Indian Premier League. The IPL wound up on Sunday. “He is working with a South African doctor and an update will be issued soon by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India),” an unnamed member of the Indian team’s support staff said. “(But) let me tell you his recovery is on track and he is expected to play the first game,” he added. Holders India play their first game against Bangladesh on June 6. Reuters

Defensive worries for Barca and United

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or all the talk of their devastating attacking capabilities, Barcelona and Manchester United must sort out defensive worries for Wednesday’s Champions League final. As the teams and hordes of fans arrive in Rome for the 67,000 sell-out, Barca coach Josep Guardiola has much to ponder. The Spanish champions will be without three of their first choice backline for the clash at the Stadio Olimpico, with fullbacks Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal suspended while central defender Rafael Marquez misses out through injury. Guardiola, in his first year in charge, may opt to shift midfielder Seydou Keita to left back ahead of Silvinho, with Yaya Toure continuing to fill in at centre back and captain Carles Puyol possibly shifting to the right. For holders United, centre back Rio

Ferdinand sat out Sunday’s 1-0 win at Hull City along with the rest of the Premier League champions’ first team and coach Alex Ferguson is hopeful he will shake off a calf problem. “Rio is coming along fine. I think he is on course to play on Wednesday,” coach Sir Alex Ferguson said. The silky skills of United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barca’s Lionel Messi have led fans to label the game “the dream final”.

Quick break However, United midfielder Michael Carrick is aware last season’s semi-final between the pair was far from pretty, with the English side prevailing 1-0 in the second leg at Old Trafford. “We thought it would be very open and attacking when we played them last season and in the end there was only one goal over two

legs,” Carrick said. “They can and create chances at any tim we believe we can defend wel attack them.” Carrick’s comments suggest ed may be prepared for an smash-and-grab raid, where nullify Barca’s attacks and hit on the counterattack. The worked to perfection in the sem nal demolition of Arsenal, w world player of the year Ron scored one of the goals of the se in a quick break from United’s box.

Flowing football

The Catalans say they are no terested in United’s tactics and to show off their full array of t which failed to shine in their f nate semi-final victory over Ch “Since I don’t know what so

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

‘‘

People misunderstood what I wanted to say. I never meant any disrespect to Laxman who is a top Test player. His captaincy was one of the reasons for the team not doing well in the first year. One can see the difference that Gilchrist brought to the team as captain. This was more or less the same team that played last year. But the captaincy made a big difference to the team. Shahid Afridi, who played for Chargers in the inaugural edition, had sparked off a big controversy last year with his suggestion that Gilchrist should replace VVS Laxman

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game they’ll play, what we have to do is get hold of the ball, dominate midfield and attack,” midfielder Xavi said before jetting into Italy’s capital. “Winning means we have to impose our own style. The boss has told us to play the way we have all season, to enjoy ourselves and go for it from the off. He also reminded us that we need to control our nerves and emotions.” Barcelona striker Thierry Henry and midfielder Andres Iniesta are both expected to play after training normally following knocks.

Security concerns Rome police will begin a huge security operation later with a partial alcohol ban in force in some areas of the city. Trouble has marred United visits to play AS Roma in recent years. ■ Reuters

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10 FLICK

ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Go home, Mickey Rourke told Freida Pinto Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto says that at the Oscars Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke had told her to go home because he thought she was too young to be there. Rourke approached the actress at the prestigious awards ceremony in February and advised her to head home to bed, reported femalefirst.co.uk.

‘I won’t be kind to poor performers’ Kirron Kher to judge India’s Got Talent, the Indian version of Britain’s Got Talent. Will she do a Simon Cowell?

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fter playing mother to Bollywood superstars like Aamir Khan in Rang De Basanti, Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om and Abhishek Bachchan in Dostana, Kirron Kher is set to play a judge on the new reality show, India’s Got Talent. The actress says she won’t be kind to poor performers. “I am vocal about my opinion on people, but whether I’m sweet or blunt to a performer will depend on his or her performance. I can’t shower praises on someone who makes a fool of himself on stage. I won’t be kind to that person,” Kirron says. India’s Got Talent is a variety talent show and participants from all over the country will showcase what they are best at within two minutes. To be hosted

by video jockeys Nikhil Chinappa and Ayushmaan Khurana, it will be aired on Colors channel soon. India’s Got Talent is the Indian version of popular British reality show Britain’s Got Talent (which recently catapulted Susan Boyle to YouTube fame). Apart from Kirron, actress Sonali Bendre and internationally renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur will share the stage as judges. Asked if they will try to create sparks by fighting and contradicting each other’s opinions like judges of other shows, Kirron said: “We are basically graceful and decent people. We don’t believe in such histrionics. I’m sure we can have different opinions over a performance, but we agree to disagree.” ■ IANS

Best moment of The Tonight Show

Johnny and Belly

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ugh Grant’s first TV chat after his headlinemaking arrest in 1995 has bagged the top prize in a new magazine poll of the best moments of The Tonight Show, during comedian Jay Leno’s tenure as its host. Entertainment Weekly magazine has put together the best bits of comedian Leno, who is set to end his 17-year tenure with the late-night show on May 29. And Grant’s interview, after he was taken into custody for misdemeanour lewd conduct in a public place with Hollywood prostitute Divine Brown, has taken the cake in the survey, reports Contactmusic. The Mickey Blue Eyes’ actor’s infamous episode went on to beat President Barack Obama’s historical appearance in March, along with Leno’s tête-à-tête with Arnold Schwarzenegger when he announced his candidacy for California Governor in 2003. The chat show king had sent the crowd into laughter when he began his interview with Grant in July, 1995, asking, “What the hell were you thinking?” ■

ohnny Depp knows what he wants to do after retiring from his acting career, and that is to grow some grey hair and a beer belly. The Pirates of the Caribbean star said that he was looking forward to soaking up the sun with couple of pints in hand, reports the China Daily. The 45-year-old said: “I just want to become a traditional old man with a beer belly. I’d like to be sitting on the veranda of our place in France, just staring out over the lawns.” The Hollywood heartthrob is not the only one thinking about expanding his stomach, for Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin too has his fears of the ‘Belly Day’. “I feel like you’ve got to write as many songs as you can between the ages of 28 and 33 because those are your last few years before you get a belly,” he said. “I couldn’t possibly write a hit record when I’ve got a beer belly, so we’re just going to try to write as many songs as possible before that D-Day, or B-Day it should be – for Belly Day!” he added. ■

ANI

ANI

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Michael Jackson spent $6 mn on statues Pop legend Michael Jackson had spent nearly $6 million on statues of Peter Pan and children and most of them are now being auctioned to raise cash for the star. The singer crammed his Neverland ranch with the artworks including life-size bronze statues of kids playing on slides or dancing while holding hands, reported the sun.co.uk.

Cine City All for acting’s sake Jaya Prada on balancing both worlds and her upcoming movie

DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

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lthough she plunged into politics more than a decade ago and engaged herself in social work, besides winning the recent Lok Sabha elections, the beautiful yesteryear-actor-turned-politician makes time for her all-time passion – acting. She will soon be seen in K.C. Bokadia’s upcoming untitled project, after a string of movies like Ghar Grihasti, Khakee, Tathastu and recent Kamal Hassan blockbuster Dasavatharam in the last three years. Jaya confesses that she does not want to do any film that comes her way just to be seen in the glam world. Ask her how she could manage the time for movies and she says, “Bokadia offered me the role, and the story as well as the character was so very exciting that I just couldn’t reject it. Further, my earlier movies with Bokadia, like Aaj Ka Arjun with Amitabh Bachchan, Kundan, Ganga Tere Desh Mein, Zulm-o-Sitam and Maidane Jung with Dharmendra and Tyaagi with Rajinikanth were all hits.” We hear that her role in the movie has been tailor-made to project her true off-screen persona. Jaya says, “I am playing the role of a woman who is very strong-willed in nature, stands on her convictions and fights for what is right. The story is centred on my character, and it is after a long gap that I have received such an interesting offer.” Besides Bokadia’s project, Jaya will also be seen in Budha Saheb Dasgupta’s untitled Bengali movie and Sharad Hegde’s The Desire: Journey of a Woman starring Shilpa Shetty. Jaya reveals, “Budha Saheb’s project is completed in Bengali and Hindi. In Hegde’s movie, I am an Odissi dancer and mother of Shilpa, who also turns out to be a world-class dancer.” ■

Maddy refuses to dub Naan Aval Adhu, starring Madhavan, Sada and Shamita Shetty in the lead roles, will see a dubbing artiste lending his voice for Madhavan. Apparently, Madhavan refused to dub since the producer did not pay him. The actor had clearly stated that he would only cooperate for the dubbing session if the dues are settled. Sources said the producer did not oblige to Maddy’s demand and opted for a dubbing artiste. The movie is all set to release this weekend and is a remake of Hindi film Darling. Titled Leelai earlier, the movie is supposed to be a horror flick.

Sherin in Kandein Kadhalai

Actor Sherin, who made her debut in Tamil with Kasturi Raja’s Thulluvatho Ilamai, did not shine much in Kollywood due to the insignificant roles she was offered. Sherin was last seen in Bheema as an item girl. Reportedly the actor has resigned herself to playing sister roles. She will be seen as Tamannah’s elder sister in Kandein Kadhalai, the remake of Jab We Met. Interestingly, in the original Kareena Kapoor had a younger sister. Since Sherin is older than Tamannah, the script has been altered.

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ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Today’s Query:

Which Tamil actor can pass off as an Indian James Bond and why? ■ Vikram. He changes as the character itself. Sugan IBM, A.Maithily Cybernet Slash Support Corporation

■ Vijayakanth, because no one else can do stunts like him with one leg on wall and other on air. Arunachalam, T.S.J.Praveen Cognizant Technology Solutions, Thameem RR Donnelley, Thirumalai, Rajkumar, Saravanan, Allsec Technologies, Hariharan.R, Infoview Technology, Raghav, Tata Consultancy Solutions, Jothikumar, IGT, Vasanth, Prabhurajan, Softeon Sathiya, Servion

■ Vijay because he can only fly without wings and has that Bond smartness. Pugazh Cognizant Technology Solutions, Balaji, Ramesh Wipro Technologies, Naren, FBSC

■ Venniradai Moorthi for he has won many girls’ hearts by calling them bbbrrrr prraapa Padma Gopal Cognizant Technologies

■ Vadivel because he will create comedy in action and romantic scenes Balaji Mohan Inautix, Benin IBM

■ Kamalhasan, let him do this avatharam also Ramya Jayaseelan, Saranya.M Cognizant, Prem HCL, Jagan Infosys, Jai Allsec, Shamu IBM

■ Thala Ajith. Because he only has that look and style Francis Raj.S, Perot Systems, TA.Krishna, Sudhar.KM, HCL Technologies, Murali Hov Services, Dhananjayan, Scope International, Harish RBS, Kannan.NS Financial Software Solutions, Mohan Sridharan, Tata Consultancy Solutions, Shantha Infosys

Gajendran K. from Wipro Technologies has nominated Cairn Team and Family members as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Wipro Campus during their one day team outing to Shelters Beach Resort in OMR.

■ Surya, his physique n dedication to his role in a movie would make him the best choice Amit Faizan, Nasurudeen, Allsec, Kavitha, Rosetta, Apollo Cognizant Satheesh Trimble Navigation Ltd

■ Ramarajan James Bond na ’brain’ use pannanum. Enga Ramarajan annan dhan kaala matta pattu padie adakidivaru Sheeba.J, Mohanapriya.S, Deepa.M, Praba.R HCL Technologies

■ JK.Rithish He would be apt to take up the role. You can confirm this if you watch Nayagan Sofiya Ambrose, Mamta Wipro, Anand Cognizant

Sivanath N. from Perot Systems has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This picture was clicked at one of his team-mate’s house.

■ Rajinikanth bcoz he is the one and only boss for all of us Mari Allsec, S.Gowrishankar IHM Mak, WiproTechnologies

Today’s Query:

If you were to start part time business, what would it be and why?

Kalidash from Tata Consultancy Services has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at Kodaikanal.

13

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Nigel Chacko from Citi Groups has nominated his friend Archan Jyoti Karmakar as Office Angel. Archan is a very jovial, cheerful person. He is the role model for our entire team because of his dedication and sincerity towards work.

■ Hi Neena, Wish you many more happy returns of the day. May you acquire all that you desire and each passing year be filled with joy. A birth day is just the first day of another 365-day journey. Enjoy the trip! Be happy. Hope for Heights, And will to have flights, Petals spread in your ways, Plotted with the dreams whites, You May then enjoy days and nights! ninaku ishtampole aan kuttikal kuttukaraittu undaakatte ennu aasamsikkunnu. Regards, Alcatel 5620 Team, Wipro Technologies

■ Babu Garoo "Nee siricha un kannathula vizhudhu kuzhi... PURGE panna unmela vizhudhu pazhi... Liftla sandhichadhu rendu vizhi... Inimay ellam jadhagam vitta vazhi...!!! Jokes apart..... we r waiting for ur treat... oh... we r supposed to wish u rite... Happy B’day SarathKumar...!!! Cheers, Fiserv Team, FSS

Vasanthi Mahesh from Sify Technologies Limited doodled this.

■ Hi Sharmila May this special day be filled with sweet memories and happy hours. Wishing you all the fun and excitement that only birthdays can bring! With Cheers, Human Resources, Coastal Training Technologies India (P) Ltd, Chennai

■ Krish, Wish You a Many More Happy Returns of the Day Krish. Un Valkai Nalamaai Irukka En valthukkal. WelWisher.. Adventnet

■ Dear Visu, Smiles and laughter, joy and cheer, New happiness that stays throughout the year. Hope your birthday brings all these and more filling life with surprise and joys galore! Happy Birthday! Nokia CCMS, Tata Consultancy Solutions

■ Swesh S Save Tiger, Save Forest ASE-T, Nokia-CCMS Tata Consultancy Services

A guy phones up his Boss, but gets the boss’ wife instead. "I’m afraid he died last week." she explains. The next day the man calls again and asks for the boss. "I told you" the wife replies, "he died last week." The next day he calls again and once more asks to speak to his boss. By this time the wife is getting upset and shouts, "I’ve already told you twice, my husband, your boss, died last week! Why do you keep calling?" He replied laughing, "I just love hearing it..." Gowtham Sanjeev R. TCS, Chennai

■ Dear Ravi, Just like fine wine, you grow better with the years. May today be filled with sunshine and smiles, laughter and love. Happy Birthday to someone who is forever young. Happy Birthday to someone who deserves a truly happy day. You think you’re special because its your birthday today. That’s complete nonsense... you’re special every day. Hope you have the greatest Birthday ever! May

all your dreams and wishes come true! :) Wit luv, Bhu, Suvi, GG, Gayu, Gowri, Jesi, Pros, Saran, Johny, Raj, Prem, Marjook, PV, Srini, Bala, Paul, Senthil

■ Dear Lawrance Annan, Wish you a very happy Wedding Anniversary. We always happy to have you with us to make fun. We dont have age to bless you, so we pray to god for your happiness, health and wealth. "Periannan Lawrance Vazgha valamudan". We are expecting a big treat from you in "Le Royal Meredian" With lots of love Saajiv, Namitha Nattu, Youth, Friday Freaky, Velu Bhai, Laddu Kumar, Manguni, Subash M.L.A, Motta Muthu, Pappu Harish, Bantha Jai. Hewitt Associates

■ Hi Bhagya, Once a year I get the chance to wish you birthday cheer. It pleases me no end to say, I wish you another great year. So happy birthday to you BhaKi. Regards, Balaji & Friends, Wipro

■ Dear Thambi, A birthday is just the first day of another 365 days journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.I hope all your birthday dreams and wishes come true. Wishing you another wonderful year of happiness and joy. May God bless you. Anbudan, Your sister V.Jesmine Angel, DSM Soft.

■ Dear Vibha, Best wishes on your birthday and throughout the coming year! We wish you good health and happiness in life…May God showers his blessings on you! Wish you a great birthday Vibha! Enjoy your day… Cbeyonders, Cognizant Technology Solutions.

Belated Wishes ■ Hi Nantha, Many more happy returns of the day. May all your wishes come true for the upcoming years... Let your smiles and joys increases miles, We wish you the happiest of birthdays. Wishes from Santosh, Vijay, Faisal, Rajaram, Mumtaz, Ashok, Ganesh, Bala and All B&CPR TEAM(SCB)HCL Technologies

■ Dear Sivakumar S. May the good lord bless you with excellent health and defend your life from the evil one! See many more years happy birthday. By ZS, ZC, ZCS, AdventNet.

14 TRAFFIC JAM

ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Witchcraft-y debt collection A debt collecting firm in Lithuania is offering to conduct witchcraft for clients looking to retrieve arrears. The company has hired self-styled witch Vilija Lobaciuviene to hunt down companies failing to pay their debts.

sudoku

Pradheep Ayyanar from Elnet Technologies has captured this bunch of carrots near a lake in Coorg using Canon A95 camera. Hobbies: Photography, drawing, painting & cooking Entries to the column will get gift vouchers from Bubbles Spa worth Rs.1,000. Winners can send their mailing address to [email protected]. Vouchers will be posted within a week.

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15

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Survivor poodle

Word’s worth

A poodle mistakenly left inside a van in a Vermont airport parking garage managed to survive for nearly three weeks. The 12-year-old pup lost half its body weight and endured subzero temperatures.

Finnesko (fins-koh) a boot made of reindeer skin tanned with birch, with the hair left on the outside. A fashion statement made on early polar expeditions and trips across Greenland.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Till noon, your mind will remain preoccupied by family issues. During the latter half of the day, your mind will return to its creative self, and you will be able to negotiate technically complex tasks easily.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 A number of issues will be nagging you during the earlier part of the day. However, by the end of the day, you will have found a way to address most of these issues. Conflicts over petty issues could leave you feel irritable. Play it cool.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 Today, you will need to use your written and verbal skills to their max. You may have to spend an insane amount of time talking over the phone or corresponding through email. Tempers may flare up between you and your partner due to ego issues.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Today, a favour from your superiors may bring a smile on your face. You will be able to use your skill set to get work done at a rapid pace. You will, however, play diplomatic with your family members, says Ganesha.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You may not begin the day in a positive frame of mind, but you will transform into an enthusiastic workhorse as the day progresses. You will accomplish the day’s target with great dexterity, which will amaze everyone around you.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

Though the day will begin on a positive note, you may feel a bit jittery about the way things are going, by dusk. Your love life will take a backseat and your day will be all crisis management, Ganesha says.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Since you are in a contagiously brilliant mood today, others around you will also benefit from your happy disposition. Your boss will be happy with your productivity. And, this is probably the best time to plan a trip.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 The first half of your day will be all about your emotional bond with your work. However, during the second half, you will be driven by your ambitions. You may not be able to pay the required attention to your partner.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 The first half of your day will be extremely busy and chaotic. But as the day progresses, things will start getting clearer and under control. Today, you will make yourself proud by easily accomplishing a complicated task.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 There will be a lot to do today. More than you bargained for. But, your traits of working diligently and patiently will help you end the day on a positive note. You will see good results and certain confusions regarding work will be cleared.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 Ganesha says that the day may demand a lot of hard work. You need to guard yourself against jealous co-workers. Ganesha’s advice to you is that you need to handle everything as discreetly as possible.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 Busy! Busy! Busy! That’s what you will be today. You will be extremely worked up and will be engaged doing something related to computers, for instance software designing. To avoid stress, you may seek comfort in the arms of your partner. Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

16 !

ERGO Wednesday, May 27, 2009

A woman holds a giant tennis ball signed by Rafael Nadal at the French Open in Paris. AFP PHOTO / JACQUES DEMARTHON

A ferry (below) moves past as the Sydney Opera House (top) is illuminated on all sides with a light art work designed by legendary musician and multimedia artist Brian Eno in Sydney. AFP PHOTO / GREG WOOD

A dolphin follows a ferry linking two Greek islands, Samos and Agathonisi, in the south-east Aegean Sea, a few miles from the west coast of Turkey. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS

Thunderbolts light the sky above Rotterdam, as a heavy storm raged over the Netherlands. AFP PHOTO/ MARCO DE SWART