Ergo May 29

A BYTE OF LIFE

Friday, May 29, 2009

03 AIR HOSTESS MURDER CRACKED Neighbour is prime accused FREE CIRCULATION

Vol. 3

06 BARCA TRIUMPHS Sends United to Roman ruins

No. 99

Toll the Alarm Bells Cigarette packs will soon have cancer warning images. But the pictorials approved here are pretty lame in comparison with the ones used by the Arab and some Western countries. Will it succeed in deterring smokers? » PAGE 04 & 05

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ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009

Namma Chennai Movie

Saturday Matinee at American Library

FILM FESTIVAL

Columbian Film Festival

Watch the movies Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams and Abraham Lincoln - Preserving the Union at the American library, U.S. Consulate General on May 30. The movies would be screened at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. Remember to take your ID card to access the Consulate building. Some of the valid IDs are passport, driver’s license, voter ID card, PAN card, government employer issued IDs or college/university issued ID.

The ICAF is organising a Columbian Film Festival from June 3 - June 6 at the South Indian Film Chamber Theatre on Mount Road. The seven movies to be screened are Satana’s, Maria Full Of Grace, El Carro, La Gente De La Univeras, El Embajador De La India, My Grandfather, My Father and I, Confesion A Laurn For details contact : 98401 51956

CONCERT

Food

Osher Moosica

Ecstasy extravagance

Alliance Francaise, in association with Musee Musicals presents an evening of enchanting music with the band ‘Osher Moosica’ at the Alliance Francaise auditorium on Friday, May 29 at 7.30 p.m.

Ecstasy at the Sathyam Cinemas offers new range of ice cream, the rich chocolate ganache and meringue with crunchy sugar bits, the fresh whipped cream, the chocolate sauce, and the macerated red cherries, the soft and spongy juicy cake in neverbefore textures and flavours from 3 pm - 11 pm on weekdays and 12 noon - 11 pm on weekends.

Fashion

Movie

Health & Glow

Best of the World Cinema

Health & Glow, India’s health and beauty retailer, offers 50% off on leading brands of cosmetics, skin care, herbal care, personal care, oral care, medicine, fashion accessories in connection with the launch of their new store at MSR House Bearings, Pondy Bazar, T. Nagar. The offer is available for three days starting May 29 to 31.

UTV World Movies brings the best of World Cinema at the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation located at Gemini Parsn Apartments, Cathedral Garden Road on June 1. The movies to be screened are: The Galindez File at 6.15 p.m. and The Apple at 8.15 p.m. For details call 9840151956 / 04465163866

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Friday, May 29, 2009

Sounds of Music The Earth Sync Festival this Saturday evening at the Lady Andal School on Harrington Road, Chetpet, promises some varied fare with Isreali ‘qawali’ led by Shye Ben-Tzur and Group and electronic world music groove by Kartick n Gotham. Deepa Venkatraman profiles the two groups.

Cross culture tunes At nineteen, he was mesmerised after listening to Pundit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Ustaad Zakir Hussain in a concert held in Israel. This was the turning point for Shye Ben-Tzur who came down to India in the late 1990s to learn the nuances of Indian classical music. “I was new to the country but I soon got in touch with a Drupad artiste who taught me Hindustani music and I also did a course at Benaras. Later after moving to Ajmer, I was exposed to the qawali musicians and I was really inspired by Sufi music. That’s when I collaborated with them and began writing Hebrew

Musical blend They were stranded in an airport’s business lounge for three days without any passport, visa and identity cards and the best thing the musical duo felt was to record sounds of the natural environment in the airport. That was how K n GBusiness Class Refugees was born four years back. The album was the brain child of talented music producer Kartick (aka Patrick Sebag) and sound designer Gotam (aka Yotam Agam) who have fused world music and electronic into a cool groove with global appeal. The band comprises Mahesh Vinayak and Anuraradha Vishwanathan on vocals, Navin Iyer on flute, percussionist Balkrishnan KV, Eyal Mazig (Israeli) on bass and trumpet and many other artistes from all over the globe. The album that has ten tracks is pleasing to the ear and has various instruments like saxophone, mridangam, sitar, sarod and drums from different countries. “The base is very much Indian and we have blended it with world music,” says the

songs and composed them in the folk style. While interacting with them, I also learnt how to speak Hindi and this has really helped me feel the songs I sang.” Shye became popular after his first album – Heeyam in 2003 – and soon performed in Jahan-e-Khusrau, the prestigious international Sufi music festival held in New Delhi and at the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2008. Now he is all set to release his second album – Shosham (‘rose’ in Hebrew) that has collaborations of Hebrew and Indian folk and Hindustani notes. The album has a beautiful blend of his original compositions, Urdu couplets, Hindi poetries, sufi music and even a Meera bhajan – Daras Bin soulfully sung by veteran classical singer Shubha Mudgal. “All songs in this album are devotional. When I composed the music for Daras Bin, I first thought of Shubha ji and when I approached her, she readily accepted to sing. The theme and lyrics of all the songs are inspired by my own life experiences,” sums up the lyricist, flautist, vocalist and composer.

Neighbour killed air hostess

I

n connection with the much sensational case of murder of an air hostess in J.J. Nagar recently, city police arrested a youngster. Police said the accused was the victim’s neighbour who had killed her during a robbery attempt. The deceased was 25-year-old Neeti Kumari, a native of Bihar who was working as an air hostess with Air India Express. Police sources said Neeti, who was residing in a rented house in Golden George Nagar near Mogappair, had returned home from work on May 21 night and wasn’t seen outside her home after that. Later on Saturday evening, Bhaskar Rao (49), Neeti’s house owner, grew suspicious over a foul smell emanating from the block where

Neeti was residing and alerted the police. On Saturday night, J.J. Nagar police reached the house and broke open the door, only to find Neeti’s decomposed body in her room. Following preliminary investigations police registered a case of suspicious death and formed a special team to investigate the case. An investigating officer said the victim’s belongings, including her laptop, two mobile phones and an iPod, were found missing from the crime scene. When police tracked her mobile phone call details they found that the last call was made to a landline number in the neighbourhood. Further investiga-

tions revealed that the number was the residence number of one Sheikh Abdullah (22), who was the victim’s neighbour. During police interrogation Sheikh admitted to have strangulated Neeti to death after being caught red-handed while stealing her belongings from her home on May 21. After this, Sheikh allegedly escaped to his house and found it locked from inside, whereby he dialled the residence landline number using Neeti’s mobile phone to ask his sister to open the front door. J.J. Nagar police booked a case of murder against Sheikh, remanded him to custody and sent him to Puzhal prison. ■

duo. The group’s maiden album will be launched on Friday at the Courtyard by Marriot Hotel. Ask them why they kept their stage names as Kartick n Gotam, “We have settled in India for music and while performing at various parts of the country, we realised that these names are very popular amongst the masses as against our similar sounding names - Patrick and Yotam and hence the change.”

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ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009

World No Tobacco Day Special Cigarette packs will finally start carrying cancer warning images from the World No Tobacco Day. The images are lame though in comparison to similar legislation driven images in other countries. Though it is a beginning here, NGOs and doctors call for stricter norms DEEPA VENKATRAMAN

T

Just the g n i n n i g be

heir previous attempts at implementing the compulsory display of cancer warning images on cigarette packs may have been quelled by the powerful tobacco manufacturers lobby. But the Health and Welfare Ministry is all set to have its way. As per the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, the government would implement pictorial warnings on tobacco product packets including bidi starting May 31, also the World No Tobacco Day. The pictures that are going to be printed are - scorpion, x-ray of a lung and a lung affected with cancer. According to a survey conducted by Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, a research organisation that has been striving towards tobacco control, nearly 99 per cent of the respondents were for pictorial

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Friday, May 29, 2009

China for smoking ban in hospitals China has urged all hospitals to ban smoking by 2011. The order is the latest step by authorities, to get people to kick the habit in a nation that has more than 350 million smokers. The health ministry has asked all “medical agencies, hospitals and disease control centres” to impose total smoking bans by 2011. China is the largest producer and consumer of cigarettes in the world and records a million deaths a year from smoking-related diseases.

Suggestions to consider The content has to be in local language Print levels of three toxic products in tobacco – tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide on the side of packages. All toxic products apart from nicotine has to be regulated Images should be bigger Images should be more disturbing for better effect

Kick it

OUT MONISHA MOHANDAS

W

ith the 20th World No Tobacco Day falling on May 31, CanStop (Cancer Support Therapy to Overcome Pain), a Chennaibased NGO that deals with cancer and cancer-related problems, has come out with various initiatives adhering to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) theme of the year – Tobacco Health Warnings.

Sticker campaign Stickers promoting anti-tobacco slogans will be distributed to motorists, buses, and autos around the city on the day. Stickers that speak of the ill-effects of tobacco and right to clean air will be put on city buses for a month. “We chose buses as a major tool of our campaign because of the distance they ply, thereby providing visibility to the message. Pictorial warning is a very effective way of creating awareness,” says Annapoorni, medical social worker, Can-Stop.

PHOTOS: AFP AND R.RAVINDRAN

warnings. Although specialists and NGOs are happy about the action been taken by the concerned authorities, they not sure about whether it would create an impact. “My client had gone to Thailand and after seeing a cancer-affected patient’s picture on the cigarette packet, he immediately came to me for help to quit smoking. I doubt whether such an impact will be created on the minds of the people over here as the images that will be used in Indian market are

not disturbing enough. However images are any day better than text messages as illiterates will understand it better,” says Dr. E.Vidhubala, head of the Tobacco Cessation Centre, Cancer Institute, Adyar The size of the image is also a matter of concern. Dr Gupta director of Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, a research organisation that has been striving towards tobacco control, says, “For a better impact, ideally warning labels should be large, clear, and cover

at least 50% of the package’s principal areas (front and back of the product package) so that the illiterates can understand. But due to the strong lobby, the image will be placed only on one side and the size has also been considerably reduced.” However according to the clause, the government can review the images and the content after six months confirms Dr Gupta. “We will do a lot of research and try to share our findings to the concerned authorities.” ■

Oral cancer screening camp With the support of Sundaram Medical Foundation and Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation, the NGO also conducted an oral cancer screening camp for bus drivers and conductors at Ayanavaram bus depot last Saturday. Dr. Arjun Rangarajan, co-ordinator of World No Tobacco Day, says the consumption of tobacco products is relatively high among conductors and drivers. “So by creating awareness among them, we are planning to spread the message of major tobacco health risks. We also plan to organise similar camps at Anna Nagar West and Vadapalani bus depots over the coming weekends,” Dr. Rangarajan said. Can-Stop has also set up a helpline for all those who have queries on cancer and the nosmoking campaign. You can contact them at 044-2628 4256. ■

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ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009

Sport

Dream Team: The treble Cup winner Barcelona team of 2009 is ready to challenge Johan Cryuff’s "dream team" of early 90s.

MAXIMUS

PHOTOS: AFP

B

ESSIMUS

Messi led from the front like a Roman emperor, aided by generals Iniesta and Xavi

Even if we had lost I wouldn’t have changed my opinion about him. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, absolutely. I think right now he is adding his name to the Golden Ball.

arcelona stunned holders Manchester United to win their third Champions League crown with a 2-0 victory in eternal Rome. Goals from star forwards Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi gave the Catalans a deserved victory and denied United from becoming the first team to retain the title since the European Cup became the Champions League in 1993. It gave the Spaniards a unique treble having already won their domestic league and cup and meant they repeated a feat United achieved in 1999, which Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson had then

Barca coach Pep Guardiola

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Friday, May 29, 2009

claimed would never be matched.

Everything went wrong. We didn’t control the game and we lost. I think Barcelona played better than us and they deserved to win.

stride and they started to weave the pretty patterns that have been mesmerising opponents all season, carrying them to the remarkable feat of scoring more than 150 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Dream start It crowned a marvellous debut season for his Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola, who at 38 becomes the youngest coach to take European club football’s greatest prize. British newspapers said Manchester were ripped to shreds by a superior Barcelona in the Champions League final, taking Alex Ferguson’s hopes for a place in history down with them.

Humble in defeat Ferguson accepted defeat with good grace. “We started the game brightly but the goal was a killer,” said the 67-year-old Scot, who looked to have had a good omen when one of his horses Last Three Minutes won a race earlier on Wednesday. “However, they are a better team than us. We conceded two bad goals. Our defence has been good all season but those were two shoddy goals to lose.” Barca overcame early jitters to dominate large parts of the game as the English club never managed to get their usual high tempo game into gear. In a clash, billed as the match of the century, pitting the best two teams in the world – with each one boasting one of the best two players in the world – only one played to their full potential. Both sides made a nervy start with Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes and United’s Park – the first ever Asian player to play in a Champions League final – playing passes straight into touch. But United settled quickest and Ronaldo had a purple patch in which he terrorised the Spaniards for 10 minutes. He hit a 25-yard free-kick that Valdes couldn’t hold and former United defender Gerard Pique had to dive in to deflect Park’s follow-up away for a corner. The reigning champions were enjoying all the ball and chances but out of the blue Barca took the lead.

No change of fortune

Not one of us can say we played well tonight. It’s a shame. We created five or six chances, but they were the better team.

At the change of half, Ferguson wasted no time in switching tactics, bringing Manchester united on Carlos Tevez for Anderson defender Rio Ferdinand at the break and reverting to a more regular 4-4-2, the Argentine playing alongside Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs dropping back into a deeper role. But Barca were first to strike on the counter as Henry cut in from the flank and left Ferdinand on the seat of his pants before shooting weakly at van der Sar on 48 minutes. The reigning champions steadied the ship and Ferguson I wanted to play this match and signalled his innow I have done everything I tent when he feel that I could on the pitch threw Berbatov and this was such an important on for Park with victory for everybody. I am very a quarter of the happy and I am honoured if match people say that I was the best on remaining. the field, but the whole team But just as the played well. I dedicate this cup tide seemed to to my family. be turning, Barca Instrumental Barcelona playmaker extended their in the final, Andres Iniesta lead from the most unlikely source as Xavi picked out Messi at the back post on the edge of the six yard box, the Argentine wizard’s looping header arcing into the top corner at the 70th minute. ■

Sky is the limit: Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola enjoys a different joy-ride after their Champions League triumph in Rome.

Spare a thought for the vanquished: Manchester United’s players (front) watch Barcelona players celebrating after the Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.

AFP

At the start of the season, you never knew what kind of results will be produced. But what we all knew was that Barca were always going to play good football and here on, they would be able to go very far. All the titles they have won are fully deserved.

Head of God: Diminutive Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (left) out jumps Manchester United defenders to score past goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar (centre).

Barcelona and Dutch legend Johan Cruyff

Spanish magic Andres Iniesta played in Eto’o who beat Nemanja Vidic inside the box and although This is the most important Michael Carwin of my life. I am the haprick slid in to piest man alive and I am try to block happy for myself, for my his shot, he family and for my country. succeeded Lionel Messi only in helping it past Edwin van der Sar. That goal settled Barca into their usual

Fountain of joy: Barcelona supporters celebrate at the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.

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ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009

Lace is mo Lace’s has been the most remarkable and sustained fashion comeback

I

Tilda Swinton in Christian Lacroix dress with lace sleeves

t’s been a lace overdose of late. For some months now actually — at Cannes recently, at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute Gala, at Karl Lagerfeld’s 20092010 resort collection for Chanel, at the London Milan, New York and Paris fashion weeks and events in-between. So far labelled a significant part of the wardrobes of Victorian ladies, lace’s comeback has been the most persistent and conspicuous among all articles of fashion – more than high-waisted trousers, polks dots, pumps or Wayfarers. The silhouettes where lace is now accommodated are vastly different from those of yonder years – LBDs and day dresses and jumpsuits as opposed to floor-sweeping gowns. Nevertheless, the function of lace has always been to add a dash of mystery and feminity to severe tailoring. Stella McCartney comes across as lace’s biggest fan. While her autumn/ winter 2009-2010 collection saw an extensive use of lace (sometimes even paired with houndstooth fabrics), the

designer has been attending recent fashion events in her own lace creations. Last seen, McCartney (in a lace jumpsuit) was having a girls’ night out with muses Kate Bosworth (also in a lace outfit from Stella McCartney), Liv Tyler and Kate Hudson at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute Gala. At the same event, Mary-Kate Olsen stood out in a grey metallic lace gown from Christian Lacroix, aptly matched with a Goth makeup palette. Penelope Cruz accepted her Best Actress award at Spain’s Goya Cinema Awards 2009 for Vicky Cristina Barcelona in a black lace floor-length dress from Chanel. Coming to Chanel, the label’s resort 2009-2010 collection that showcased on the sands of the French Riviera saw an exclusive lace sequence beside the striped suspects that characterise resort collections. Lace found its way to Cannes’ red carpet through Rachel Weisz (in Dior), jury head Isabelle Huppert (Armani Prive) and Loreal face Evangeline Lily (Valentino), to name just a fraction. Also, spring/summer 2009-2010 collections of Christian Lacroix, JeanPaul Gaultier and John Galliano were a mix of lace and other diaphanous material. ■

Stella McCartney (secon from her own label

Mary-Kate Olsen in metallic lace Christian Lacroix gown

Chanel Resort collection 2009-2010

Jean-Paul Gaultier spring/ summer 2009-2010

Rachel We

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Friday, May 29, 2009

ore d right) in lace jumpsuit

eisz in lace Dior dress

Penelope Cruz in lace Chanel

Portfolio BULLETIN Amy Winehouse to launch own clothing line Amy Winehouse has teamed up with the Brit fashion house PPQ to launch her own clothing line. Winehouse’s line will be based on her very own signature retro style, and PPQ’s designer Amy Molyneaux is overzealous about working with her. “Yes, there have been talks with Amy and we are now in the first stages of the project. The range will be all about high-end statement pieces, inspired by Amy’s style. For example, maybe a dress or an amazing piece of jewellery like a bracelet,” Contactmusic quoted Molyneaux, as saying. “It’s going to be distributed online, we are going to be providing all materials and doing the design, but Amy will definitely be involved in the creative process,” Molyneaux added. ANI

Christian Lacroix near bankruptcy The French fashion house of Christian Lacroix, considered one of the country’s most creative contemporary designers, is near bankruptcy, the daily Le Figaro reported Thursday. Management of the fashion house said last Friday the business could no longer pay its bills, according to Le Figaro. A commercial court is to decide next week whether to declare the company bankrupt and liquidate it to pay off its debts. However, shareholders have said they want to keep the fashion house afloat and will present a rescue plan to the court. Christian Lacroix spring/ Lacroix lost 10 million euros in 2008 summer 2009 haute on a turnover of 30 million euros. couture AFP PHOTO/ And business was even worse this year. Sales of Lacroix’s ready-to-wear PATRICK KOVARIK summer collection for women are down 35 per cent. It remains unclear if the next scheduled ready-to-wear fashion show, set for July, will be held. DPA

Roberto Cavalli, Marks & Spencer at war over Myleene Klass Veteran Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has apparently gone on war with British high street giant Marks & Spencer, for he has reportedly determined to increase his offer to rope in model Myleene Klass to be the face of his fashion ranges next year. Cavalli fell for the 31-year-old model while she was a guest on his yacht in Cannes last week, and offered her the chance to be the face of his fashion ranges. However, Myleene turned it down because of her work with Marks & Spencer. Sources now say that Cavalli is determined to get his own way, and is ready to up his offer to Myleene. “Myleene blew Roberto away. They had dinner together in Cannes before he invited her on to his yacht,” the Daily Star quoted a Cannes insider as saying. “He made the offer almost as soon as he’d clapped eyes on her. But the M&S thing is a problem.” ANI

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ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009

Flick

Danny Boyle buys new home for Azharuddin Ismail Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle has come to the rescue of childstars Azharuddin Ismail and Rubina Ali after they were left homeless following a slum clearing drive by Mumbai authorities. Boyle has bought a new home for Ismail, who played young Salim in the Oscar winning film, and is planning to do the same for Rubina.

Elvis Presley’s pill bottles, Marilyn Monroe’s mirror up for sale E

lvis Presley’s pill bottles, Marilyn Monroe’s mirror, and a store card owned by Marlon Brando are set to go under the hammer. Rare items of showbiz memorabilia will be auctioned in June at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The variety will include more than 150 items belonging to Monroe, such as furniture, clothing, and rare photographs, reports Contactmusic. The Some Like It Hot star’s dining room table has been predic-

ted to gather 10,000 dollars while a blouse worn by the actress would see a bid starting at 7,000 dollars, along with her umbrella that is expected to fetch 16,000 dollars. The auction would further feature Presley’s gifts to his personal physician George Nichopoulos, including jewellery, books, guns. Bottles of The King’s prescription drugs, such as sedative Benadryl and vitamin replacement pills Vicon-C, have been valued at 800 dollars each. ■ ANI

Dev Patel to play baddie in new film

My friendship with Farah is for real: Annu Malek

After playing an underdog in Slumdog Millionaire, Dev Patel is all set to play a negative role in his new film The Last Airbender. The 19-year-old has gone for a mean look quite opposite to his character in the multiple-oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire, reported thesun.co.uk. In the film, which is based on an animated TV series about warring elements of Air, Water, Earth and Fire, Dev will essay the role of a character called Zuko.

Music director Annu Malek, who has teamed up with choreographer-director Farah Khan yet again as a reality show judge after ‘Indian Idol’, dismisses rumours of a rift between them. He says their camaraderie on screen is for real and that they connect well. “I was very happy to know that Farah will be with me on the show. We have worked before in ‘Indian Idol’. I also composed music for her Main Hoon Na and and it’s always been fun working with her. We connect well, we think alike and spread a lot of positive energy. Our friendship is real and honest, it is not planned or scripted,” Malek told IANS over phone from Mumbai. The two are judging a new show “Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega”, which went on air Monday on Sony Entertainment Television.

IANS

IANS

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Friday, May 29, 2009

Scarlett Johansson to become new face of Mango Actress Scarlett Johansson is set to replace Penelope Cruz as the new face of Spanish clothing line Mango. The ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ star will be seen promoting firm’s 2009 Fall/Winter campaign. Fashion bosses insist that Johansson embodies the “chic, independent, and cosmopolitan” qualities of the Mango woman, reports Contactmusic.

Actress Kareena Kapoor and actor Jackky Bhagnani performing at a promotional event of film Kal Kissne Dekha in Ahmedabad. PTI PHOTO

Cine City

‘When Kareena held my hand’

Shobhana to do Ravana choreography Actress Shobana, who quit the film industry some time back to concentrate on her dance school Kalarpana, has been reportedly roped in by director Mani Rathnam to do choreography for his upcoming film Ravana. An exceptional dancer, Shobana will be teaching the dance steps to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the film.

Newcomer Jackky Bhagnani recalls the special moment he shared with childhood friend Kareena Kapoor

H

e may be disappointed with his debut film Kal Kissne Dekha being delayed, but newcomer Jackky Bhagnani perks up when he recalls the special moment he shared with childhood friend Kareena Kapoor last week. In Ahmedabad for a concert to promote his upcoming film, Jackky was nervous until Kareena assured him that everything would be all right. “I couldn’t have been more thankful to her that particular evening when I had to step up on stage in front of a 25,000strong crowd. I was extremely nervous and was wondering whether I would be able to crack the show till Kareena gave me a helping hand,” Jackky told IANS. He is currently on a six-city tour to promote his debut film,

which is a musical thriller. “She supported me at every step that evening. She calmed me down even as I openly told her that I was very nervous. She simply told me that ‘Jackky, you are a nice dancer, just go with the flow and leave yourself to the beats’,” he said. “It was especially sweet of her when she held my hand after the show and introduced me to the public. I will cherish that moment forever because Kareena has been a great friend during my growing up years. However, now it was a superstar actress bringing a newcomer in front of the audience. It couldn’t have been bigger,” said Jackky, who admits that during the last three years he wasn’t really in touch with Kareena. “We grew up together as kids.

Her sister Karisma has worked in a number of movies with dad (Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1). We all share a great relationship personally as well as professionally. However, even though we were not in touch, she was sweet enough to be just a call away when we requested her to make it for the show,” said Jackky. ." The release date of the film, which was to open in theatres May 29, has not yet been finalised because of the tiff between producers and multiplex owners over revenue sharing. Starring debutant Vaishali Desai as the leading lady, Kal Kissne Dekha also features Rishi Kapoor and Akshay Kapoor in principal roles with Sanjay Dutt in a special appearance. ■ IANS

Viishnu flooded with offers Actor Viishnu, who made his debut in Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu, has quite a few offers from Kollywood. He will be next seen in Sidharth Chandrasekar’s Bale Pandiya, where he is pairing up with Piyaa of Poi Solla Porom fame. He has also been committed to do a double hero subject in Droha with actor Srikanth.

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ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009

Thursday’s query: Any funny moment you experienced during your first flight journey. ■ 2 kids were there in my back seat. They were hitting my back in entire journey Aakash, CSS

■ When our daily bus expenses itself a big deal in this recession period, where to go for a flight journey Arunachalam, Cognizant

■ Trip was to Andaman and I was looking at the air hostess keenly and my dad saw that and I too saw my dad looking at them Dhivahar.R, Wipro

■ They asked veg or non veg. I ordered non veg, they gave boiled meat and bread. My neighbour ordered veg, he got dosa with sambar. I was staring at him

Jeevanandh from HCL Technologies Ltd. has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked during their team outing to Ooty.

Karthik, Indusind

■ Soru tharuvangalu matangalunu bynthu puliyotharai thair satham elam pack panikitu poiten Punitha Devi, Hexaware

■ Sorry not even has got a chance to enter air port Lexsminarayanan, TCS-eserve

■ I received the juice from the air hostess, looking at her I spilt it on the passenger sitting next to me (he was a old man), was so funny, did not even look at him till I got down from the flight Pradeep Rajan, CTS

■ I travelled in Air Deccan and took water given by hostess after that she asked for 20 RS Karthikeyan, Wipro

■ Air hostess told us 2 us 2 occupy from the 1st seat. What our fellow passengers did was sat at the back seat as soon as they entered. The front part lifted. All the other passengers fell down

Prabodh from Aspire System has nominates his friends as Partners in Crime. This Photos was taken during the Ethnic Week Celebration at our campus.

Ranjith R Menon IBM

■ Begged the airlines guy in the airport to give me an aisle seat, fear for height Partha, Wipro

Today’s Query: Where does Man U go from here? Is it time for them to shunt their old warhorses Giggs, Scholes and Sir Alex too? Maheshkumar from HCL has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This photo was taken in Putrajaya at Malaysia.

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Friday, May 29, 2009

Belated Wishes ■ Dear Laalu, Many more happy returns of the day. Enjoy the day.Have fun:) with love, tamil CTS,Vijay & Infosys friends

■ Dear Reddy, Wishing you a belated Happy birthday. We didn’t forgot your birthday, We’re just fashionably late. Regards, SSNS-DEV Team, Royal chlngrs, ST, Verizon

May 29 ■ Hi Sandiya, For all the wishes you make, may every candle on your cake you get a wonderful surprise. Advance Happy Birthday. Greetings & wishes from Team – GIT, Cognizant Technology Solutions

■ Hiiiii Sandaikozhi, Sandaigal illatha Saanthamaana Valkhai Amaiya Valthukkal. Sandaiku Payanthu Silent ah wish pannum. Big SandaiKozhi HCL Technologies

■ Dear Sumathi(Wipro)..., A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. The real contest is always between what you’ve done and what you’re capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else. You made it... From lovely.., PriyaBoopathy Lavaya Technologies

■ Hey SenDil (TCS) My Advance Wishes!!! On your birthday, I wish u much pleasure and joy; I hope all of your wishes and dreams come true. May each hour and minute be filled with delight, and your birthday be perfect for you!... Friends Forever... Regards Friends...(from TCS)

■ My Dear Friend, Neril Wish panna mudiyathathaal ’Ergo’ vil Wish Seiykiren. Thanks Ergo. Happy Birthday to My Friend "Sathya". Nanban, Wipro

■ Happy Bday Nasrin, Lovely wishes for a Lovely person from ur Lovely friends 4 a Lovely reason at a Lovely time in a Lovely mood with a Lovely style. Have a

Lovely Birthday… Wishing you making us infinite happy, then y to restrict only on this beautiful day… We will wish you daily (treat also daily J) Greetings, PraveenTSJ, Yoga, Chandy, ArigaPrav, STR15A Cognizant

■ Dear Arun, Wish u many more happy returns of the day. I wish your dreams come true in this year. Small poem for u... Fact Its Ur b’day today… You are a year older… … So am I Nobody is getting any younger… Life is a journey… You are not a year older… You are just a year wiser… Happy birthday!!!!!! From one wise person to another… With love, Rams, Wipro Technologies

■ Dear Haripriya, Have a day as sweet and chirpy as you. Wishing you a fantabulous year filled with all the happiness of the world. Heartfelt wishes from your Infy Gang

■ I Wish For You Happiness, Deep down within. Serenity. With each sunrise. Success. In each facet of your life. Close and caring friends. Love. That never ends. Special memories. Of all the yesterdays. A bright today. With much to be thankful for. A path. That leads to beautiful tomorrows. Dreams. That do their best to come true. And appreciation. Of all the wonderful things about you. Mukul Sify Technologies Limited

■ Dear Sathika, Happy Birthday pa.. May this special day be filled with sweet memories and happy hours. Wishing you all the fun and excitement than only birthdays can bring!!! Friend, AdventNet

■ Hiiiii Sathya, Wish You a Many More Happy Returns of the Day Sathya. Un Valkai Nalamaai Irukka En valthukkal...

And as year come and go May your happiness grow and your dreams be fulfilled" Many more happy returns of the day (PuttinaRoju Subhakankshalu) to Subhasini . From, Steria India ltd Freshers

■ Dear Subha (Sales) On ur Birthday we wish u much pleasure and joy; We hope all of your wishes come true. May each hour and minute be filled with delight And your birthday be perfect for you! Wish u A happy Birthday and success n ur Endeavours too......... "Happy Birhday" Keep Smiling!!! Wishes from, Team ATG (Rockerzzzzzzzz), Allsec tech

■ Dear Viki, Wish you many many more happy returns of today. May all your dreams come true and let this be another fantastic year for you... May God shower his blessings upon you, Loving Wife, Gayatri, CTS

■ Dear (Pada Pada) Devi, Happy Birth Day to U. May this day be the beginning of another special year. Let this birthday bring you lot of joy and happiness in your life! A Warm Birthday Wishes from All of us! Keep smiling alwaysJ With lots of love, Bhavani Ananthan. Team-Beacon. HCL Technologies Ltd.

■ Dear Moorthi (MKM), A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun!!! A Special person like you deserves the best that each day can bring!!! All of us are joining in to say, that May the year which your birthday begins, brings all the special things, that mean the most to you! We pray for you to achieve great things in Ur life… By Ur lovable frenz Anisha, Dhivya, Faridha, Indhu, Paritha, Rose, Senthil, & Siva HCL Technologies Ltd, Navalur

WelWisher., Adventnet

■ Dear Subhasini From morning till night...may your birthday be bright And nicer than ever before...

May 30 ■ Hi Krishna, Many more happy returns of the day. Whatever dreams you are

dreaming , may they all come true and may you have all the happiness not only on your Birthday but all year through ":-) Wishing you always, Hema, Bhaskar, Meena & Guru Wipro Technologies

■ Hi Nithya, Wishing you a very Happy Birthday. Let this day bring you lots of happiness and success in future. may this special day be filled with sweet memories and happy hours. Hearty wishes from Chithra, Vishnu & Kutti.

■ Hi Kichu, Nanmayilum Snehathilum Eishwaryathilum niranja Pirannal asamsakal!!! In this moment I pray to God for your happiness,health & wealth. Ninde swantham, Makkri:-) Wipro Technologies

■ Dear Rajasekar (ARICEL) Wish You Many More Happy returns of the day. To the world, you may be one person. But to me, you are the world. I am so lucky to have a husband like you. Because you’re the gift in my life, I give you my gift of love. Happy Birthday my love!!!!!! Loving Wishes from ( R.K )

■ Dear Ranju Many more happy returns of the day and have a kewl life ahead [Advance Wishes]. May this year be filled with happy hours and sweet memories. Friendz Applied Development, Chennai

■ Dear Blessy, Iniya piranthanal Valthukkal… Indru pol endrum valla valthukkal… Wish you a Happy Birthday With luv & prayer Dot Net Spiders, Financial Software & Systems (P) Ltd

May 31 ■ Hi Preethi, Many more happy returns of the day. We wish you good health & happiness in life. May God shower all blessings on you!!! May all your dreams and wishes come true:) Cheers, Asa & Lakshmy Wipro Technologies

14

ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009

Traffic Jam

Monkey waiters draw in crowds A Japanese restaurant is getting booked out weeks in advance because everyone wants to visit its two new waiters - a pair of monkeys that seat guests and bring them hot towels.

sudoku

Shannu from Infosys Technologies Ltd. shot this picture on the terrace of a resort in Coonoor using Canon 8015 camera. Hobbies: Travelling. 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.

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

TEAM Editor: Karthik Subramanian [email protected]

Sr Dy Chief Designer: J.A. Prem Kumar Dy Chief Designer: R. Ravi Kannan Illustrator: R. Venugopal Technical Support: V.R. Vasudevan, K.G. Gurumurthy N. Ravichandran, E. Baskar

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Printed and Published by S. Karthik on behalf of KASTURI & SONS LTD., at Plot B-6 & B-7, CMDA Industrial Complex, Maraimalai Nagar, Chengleput Taluk, Kancheepuram Dist., Pin: 603209 & at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002. Editor: S. Karthik (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act). RNI No. TNENG/2007/24553

KAKURO

15

Friday, May 29, 2009

Bacon-flavoured vodka hits shelves

Word’s worth

Party-goers in Seattle have been enjoying a new drink bacon-flavoured vodka. Recipes include a bacon Bloody Mary and a bacon and chocolate Martini.

Heinsby (haynz-bee) an obsolete word defined in the OED as ‘a mean wretch.’ Possibly related to the verb hain, ‘to keep from spending or consuming.

B.C ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Inattentiveness at work will make you lose some valuable time. This excessive wastage of time will affect your concentration in professional activities. Things will be on the upswing in the latter half of the day.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 Haste makes waste. Hence, Ganesha suggests that you should look before you leap while taking decisions. The best way out is to tackle things one by one. However, in the evening you will enjoy magnificent time with your darling.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20 You may have been attempting to resolve a few inconveniences, but will have to wait for a solution that is in your favor. Ganesha advises you to discontinue thinking about the troubles on hand and look at the brighter side of life.

BORN LOSER

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20 Ganesha observes that you will while away precious moments on pointless debates and conversations. Things will take a turn for the good after lunch. Empathising with your partner’s feelings will create better understanding between both of you.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20 You will be on your toes the whole day today. There’s not much you can do about it and you will still remain occupied with work. Lovers will feel like venturing out to some mysterious destination or go for a long drive.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You may be very vocal at office so Ganesha finds you offering suggestions to all those around you. Make certain inacceptance of your view point by others does not upset you. Be attentive to your duties and finish them off as per the schedule.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20 Ganesha envisions a demanding and frenzied day today for you. Relax before you leave for work. Not only will you be laden with work, you will also have to think about pertinent communication and other related activities.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20 Throughout the day you will feel lively and full of exhilaration. Ganesha notes that you will experience a strong desire to excel in all spheres of life. Clearly rushing things may cause damage and you also need to pay attention to your personal life.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20 You have an uneventful day ahead. You performance will be at its zenith at work and deadlines will be met. Ganesha considers this as the most excellent time to spend with family and friends. You may even throw a small party.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20 Work and personal life both call for your attention today. You may feel pressured with the demands of both. However being practical and prioritizing will solve most of your problems. Peace and calm will be your constant companions.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20 You have a wonderful day ahead of you. Growth and an amazing sense of fulfilment await you. You will succeed as well as excel in everything that you take up today. Romance is highlighted and you will enjoy yourself personally as well as professionally.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20 You will be able to avail new opportunities to expand your knowledge and familiarize yourself with novel things. Coincidentally, your will be full of energy. You will be motivated to enhance your skills and apply them to your personal life! Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni

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ERGO Friday, May 29, 2009