Desi Express Magazine March 2015 by Desi Express Magazine

MARCH 2015

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ICC Cricket 2015: Sachin Tendulkar pleased about 2015 Cup ... 12

One on One: Russell Peters talks about Comedy and truth ... 14

Fashion Trends: How to look slim and slender in a sari ... 16

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PUBLISHER Shamroze Enterprises Inc. CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF S. Lalani, (404-246-3256) sblalani@yahoo.com DESIGN / LAYOUT Rozina Gadhiya CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Afzal Mithwani Akbar Kassam Chugh Firm Siddharth Jha Indo-Asian News Service CONTRIBUTING IMAGES/PHOTOGRAPHS Shutterstock Photography By Vinod Indo-Asian News Service DISCLAIMER Shamroze Enterprises Inc and/or Desi Express, reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. All prices of advertisement are subject to change and on availability. The publishers of this magazine assume no responsibility for statements made by their advertisers, nor do they assume responsibility for statements/opinions expressed or implied in the columns/articles of the magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the permission from Shamroze Enterprises Inc, Advertising copy, logos, photos, and artwork appearing in the advertisements are the sole responsibility of individual advertisers, not of Shamroze Enterprises Inc/Desi Express Magazine. All editorial photos are licensed under their respective owners.

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contents CRICKET 2015: Sachin Tendulkar talks … 12

LOVE PRESCRIPTION: Social Couples … 20

BEAUTY SECRETS: Benefits of Turmeric … 22

HEALTH & FITNESS: Meditation … 24

FINANCIAL NEWS: Cash or Credit … 28

IMMIGRATION NEWS: H1B Cap Season … 30

AROUND TOWN: GAPI Regional Meeting … 34

AROUND TOWN: GAPI Educational Awards … 36

CHAI LOUNGE: Consul visits Suresh Patel … 42

MOVIE BUZZ: Upcoming Mar releases … 46

ADVERTISE WITH US ASK FOR MATCH / BEAT PRICE 404-246-3256 DISCLAIMER

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ: Latest ASTROLOGY: KNOW Bollywood Gossip… 50 YOUR FORCASTS … 52

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ICC CRICKET 2015 SACHIN TENDULKAR PLEASED WITH THE QUALITY OF CRICKET IN ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 World Cup winner and ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar has predicted that the event will be even more competitive as it progresses after the first 10 days produced exciting and entertaining cricket. Talking to the ICC on the sidelines of India versus South Africa match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, the maestro advised the sides and the players to find and maintain the right balance so that they remain fresh and ready for the big matches and yet maintain any momentum they have established early in the tournament. “It’s been exciting. You’ve already seen a couple of surprises. The teams have played competitive cricket,” Tendulkar, who is the record-holder for most runs and hundreds in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), said. “The standard has been good, and that is what people want to witness. I feel as the tournament progresses it’s going to produce some fantastic cricket and we’re looking forward to it. “I think to have the same successful combination going all the way is going to be the key and to find that balance between staying fresh and not overburdening yourself with additional practice sessions. You just need to find that right balance. “If somebody’s not playing well, then obviously that guy needs to go out and hit as many balls as possible in the nets or bowl as many balls as possible. But if everything is going well, then it’s important to have that energy and peak at the right time.” Tendulkar, who was the player of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, said

ODIs were now producing more runs and centuries due to changes in playing conditions as well as the emergence of the Twenty20 format. “We’ve

been witnessing high scoring games because of two reasons. One is because the rule has changed. There is one less fielder outside the circle. So, that makes a huge difference, which forces you to bowl different lengths and different lines. “The second point is also the introduction of T20 format, which has allowed the batters to play more risky shots, play innovative shots, and the guys regularly practice these shots in the nets. “How many times in the ‘80s or ‘90s did you see someone playing a reverse sweep off a fast bowler, which happens in today's cricket? If batsmen have to chase at eight runs an over, it’s not something beyond their reach,

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because in T20 you play 20 overs with asking run-rate sometimes of nine or even more than that. So it’s just the mental set‑up and the belief that even if it goes to nine runs and over, we can still hit that target,” said the India icon who retired from cricket in November 2013. Speaking about his journey as a 14-year-old ball boy to ICC Cricket World Cup Ambassador and the experience of not being involved in an ICC Cricket World Cup as a player for the first time in 23 years, Tendulkar said: “First of all, I’d like to thank ICC for nominating my name as Ambassador of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and 2015. I remember I was a 14‑year‑old boy and I was sitting outside the dressing room as a ball boy in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1987. So, from there to become the Ambassador of the ICC Cricket World Cup is a special journey and I'm excited. “This is a new experience to me where I’m watching an ICC Cricket World Cup match from the stands. The atmosphere is fantastic. Absolutely, it is something that I have experienced but not sitting in the stands. I was always on the other side of the fence. To be sitting in the stands and to feel this atmosphere is incredible. “Being a World Cup Ambassador I’m supposed to be neutral, but my heart says something and my brain says something. So, I’ve got to stick to my heart and support India.”

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ONE ON ONE New Delhi (IANS) Comedy is about telling the truth in a funny way, says world-famous stand-up comedian Russell Peters, ahead of his multi-city tour in India, where a group of humorists are currently facing criticism for showcasing an insult comedy show.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; By Siddharth Jha

Comedy Is About Telling The Truth In A Funny Way : Stand-Up Comedian (Interview) Peters, whose Almost Famous World Tour, will be staged in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru,

Peters often features personal incidents and stories in his comic acts, and says: "I don't think there's anything that I do that would 'hurt' someone's feelings".

Hyderabad and Chennai, as part of the Stage42 Festival organized by Only Much Louder, says he's aware of the "growing comedy scene" in India. "It's great that that's happening.

"Comedy is about telling the truth and people can tell if you're just trying to be mean. They can sense your intent. My intent is just to be funny.

Unfortunately, I'm not really familiar with all the guys that are doing it," Peters told in an email interaction. Born in Toronto to Eric and Maureen Peters, the funnyman is of Anglo-Indian descent. His late father lived in Mumbai and later migrated to Canada.

"Everything I talk about is real and based on things that have happened to me or my friends. The audience always knows when you're lying, so never lie to them," added the 44-year-old entertainer, who has regaled comedy lovers across the globe. When he started performing stage shows back in 1989, Peters was just 18 years old and says he started doing stand-up comedy because he had always wanted to it. And he does it well -- considering the record-setting attendance he draws with his shows.

but the rest of the world as well." Peters is due to perform in the Delhi-NCR on Valentine's Day Feb 14 at Expocentre Noida, and then proceed to Hyderabad Feb 17, followed by Chennai Feb 19, Bengaluru Feb 21, and in Mumbai Feb 22 and 23. When he's not travelling and performing, the humorist loves to spend time with his Crystianna, his four-year-old daughter with his former wife Monica Diaz, thanks to whom he has seen Oscar-winning Hollywood animation film "Frozen" about "two thousand times". Otherwise, he has no time for films -whether Hollywood or Bollywood. "I don't have time to watch Hollywood films, let alone Bollywood films...I never grew up watching Bollywood movies; it just wasn't a thing in our house," he said.

But he says he didn't choose to be a comedian "to set records". "I started doing stand-up because I had to. It was a calling. If you're doing stand-up for fame or to get rich, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. I've been doing this for 26 years now," he said. For now, he's upbeat about enthralling the "energetic" Indian audience. "I love India. I'm not just saying that. It makes me happy just to be there. There's no other place in the world that has the energy that India has. I live in Malibu but would be very happy living in Bombay (Mumbai)," Peters said. He feels his Indian fans "are very smart and aware of the world. They have a good understanding of not just India

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FASHION TRENDS

New Delhi (IANS) A sari is known to be one of the most flattering pieces of clothing and can make you look visibly slender, if worn right and chosen well. Tips on how to step up your style in a sari: * Choose the right material: The fabric of the sari plays a key role in helping you hide your body's flaws. Georgette, chiffon and crepe are the ideal materials to opt for. They stick closer to the body and help you look slimmer. Avoid fabrics like silk, kanjivaram, cotton and tissue as these tend to make you look fuller.

has no border at all. * Choose darker colors: The shade of sari that you choose to wear also has a large part in bringing out the slimming effects of the drape. Go in for darker colors as they camouflage your flaws and attract more attention to your face.

* Drape it tight: If you drape your sari loosely, you will unwittingly add volume to your look. Tie it perfectly and a little tightly for that beautifully thin appearance. * Limit the pleats: Few of us know this, but adding more pleats to your sari can actually nullify the slimming effects of the six-yards of grace. Go in for lesser pleats for a sexier appeal. * Minimize the borders: For shorter or stockier women, it is always recommended to go for saris with minimal borders. Broad borders tend to make you look bigger. If your main objective of wearing a sari is to look thinner then it would be ideal to opt for a sari that 16

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* Pick the perfect prints: For those on the heavier side, it is advisable to steer clear of large prints or motifs. Go for delicate work on the sari for a trimmer and more feminine look. Big prints across the sari may look glam, but they also make you look plumper and put your not-soflattering areas under the spotlight, hich, of course is a complete -no.

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LOVE PRESCRIPTION

As you scroll through your feed of mushy relationship photos and lovebird statuses, you might be rolling your eyes. New research hints that online behaviors may be a manifestation of off-line cognitions. New York (IANS) All those annoyingly gleeful Facebook friends flooding your timeline with declarations of love, adorable embraces, and anniversary announcements really are as in love as their Facebook missives claim, according to recent research. Whether you "like" it or not, couples who flaunt how happy they are with their partners through selfies, pictures, or text messages on Facebook are actually more satisfied with their partners than those who do not, says a study. "Posting about one's relationship on Facebook may be positively related to the quality of the relationship because it symbolises making a public commitment to the relationship," said lead author Mai-Ly Steers from University of Houston. 20

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"In making a public commitment to the relationship, an individual is highlighting to themselves and to others that the relationship is an integral part of his or her self," she added. The study examined the social media habits of 188 students in relationship. Those students who were regularly sharing couple's selfies and checking in at dates were happiest in their current relationship, the findings showed. "Our findings suggest that those high in relationship authenticity may be more intrinsically motivated to express themselves as part of a couple on Facebook, which in turn may affect their global relationship functioning," the researchers said. Recent literature has also provided evidence that online behaviors may be a manifestation of off-line cognitions; furthermore online self-presentations may shape off-line outcomes, they said. The study appeared online in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture. FOR ADVERTISING CALL 404-246-3256

BEAUTY SECRETS Aside from its skin glowing properties, it can be used for many other conditions

Reducing Cracked Heels

Controlling Acne

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing more unsightly and annoying than cracked heels. Instead of layering on a cold cream, try using turmeric as a healing agent. Apply a mixture of three spoons of turmeric with a few drops of coconut or castor oil on your heels for 10 to 15 minutes before your shower. Over time the skin on the heels will soften.

Addresses Hair Loss Hair loss can be due to stress or ageing or illness or deficiencies. Curcumin a component of turmeric inhibits the activity of growth agent beta one known as TGF beta one which causes the death of hair follicles resulting in hair loss. When used as a mixture with honey and

Turmeric contains antiseptic and anti bacterial properties which help keep pimples at bay. One can use a turmeric face mask to reduce oil production and ugly acne scars. Simply mix turmeric and sandal wood powder with some lemon juice. Apply it on your face for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. For scars, apply a mixture of turmeric and plain water on the marks for 15 minutes.

Manages a Flaky Scalp

milk, it can help hair grow back to a healthy state. 22

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Dandruff is a problem faced by millions of people. This scalp condition is often accompanied by an unpleasant itching. Turmeric has antibacterial properties, is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This helps cleanse the scalp and reduces dandruff by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp. Simply mix it with olive oil and massage on the scalp for 20 minutes before a hair wash. FOR ADVERTISING CALL 404-246-3256

HEALTH & FITNESS

The state of your mind can help determine the quality of enjoyment of your lifestyle. The more peaceful the mind, the more the enjoyment. We eat well, sleep well, smile more, make the best of every moment, get quality time on our hands and always look good even in just simple plain outfits.

New York (IANS) Regular meditation may improve sleep quality and also prevent insomnia among the older people, finds new research. Mindfulness meditation practices - in which people learn to pay better attention to what they are feeling physically and mentally from moment to moment resulted in improved sleep quality for older adults with moderate sleep disturbance in a clinical trial. "According to our findings, mindfulness meditation appears to have a role in addressing the prevalent burden of sleep problems among older adults," said David Black from University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Moderate sleep disturbances in older adults are associated with higher levels of fatigue, disturbed mood such as depressive symptoms and a reduced quality of life. The researchers conducted the small clinical trial in Los Angeles in 2012 and their analysis included 49 individuals (average age 66). The trial included 24 individuals who took part in a standardised mindful awareness practices (MAPs) intervention and 25 individuals who participated in a sleep hygiene education (SHE) intervention.

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Participants in the MAPs group showed improvement compared to those in the SHE group. The MAPs group also showed improvement as compared to the SHE group on secondary measures of symptoms of insomnia, depression, fatigue interference and its severity. Quick Tips To Include Meditation In Your Lifestyle −

Do it anytime, anywhere! Morning, before lunch, or evening – it’s your choice. At home, in office, in the garden or in a mall you are sure to find a quiet corner.

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You can choose to meditate alone in privacy or sit with a group of friends. Group meditation is always more effective though.

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Let your mood not be a hindrance in meditation. On days you are happy, you may be all excited to meditate but also do it when things are not so good. It can help get over emotional highs & lows.

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It becomes fairly easy to slip into meditation after chanting, singing or listening to devotional music, or while simply sitting quietly. The article was published online by JAMA Internal Medicine

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FINANCIAL NEWS

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IMMIGRATION NEWS

A friendly reminder that April 1, 2015 - the first day to file H1s. We would appreciate getting the petition paperwork as soon as practical. There has been no sign of an increase in numbers for the April 1, 2015 filings so the quota will remain at 65,000. Please send your cases early so we can start early to ensuring filing by April 1, 2015. Here are a few useful tips for HR personnel to ensure timely completion of the filing process. 1. Set deadlines and be firm with completing tasks within that time. See Parkinson's Law: "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion" 2. Ensure all on boarding procedures (e.g. signing of the employment agreement) are out of the way in February. 3. Make a checklist of the documents necessary for each H-1B candidate. Lots of documents are required, and this small organizational step will help you keep track of them all in an efficient manner. 4. Involve necessary management teams to ensure that you have the necessary information/documents, required to substantiate the H-1B position. 5. Account for the mandatory LCA processing wait time of seven days-this effectively eliminated last minute filings a few years ago. 6. Account for mistakes in LCA processing, so allow time to be able to process a second LCA. Double wait time! 7. Account for computer/printer/copier/scanner malfunction; have a contingency plan (e.g. third party copying service). USCIS does not make exceptions for untimely petitions. 8. Make requisitions for filing fees early; petitions often miss the filing deadline while waiting for checks. 9. Do not rely on the prospective employees to be timely in providing the necessary personal documents. 10. Seek help from other co-workers to double check information, signatures, documents, and other necessary steps to ensure a successful completion of the petition process.

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AROUND TOWN

GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIAN HERITAGE (GAPI) – COLUMBUS Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (GAPI) held its Columbus regional meeting on Feb. 7th, 2015 at the Columbus Georgia convention & trade center. Dr Piyush Patel, past president of GAPI spearheaded the event which was co-hosted by Medical Association of Georgia (MAG), Columbus Fort-Benning Association, Muscogee County Medical Society, and Georgia chapter of Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North of North America (APPNA). More than 150 attendees from Columbus and neighboring cities participated in this meeting which provided ample education and entertainment combined with an Indian Taste. GAPI board meeting was presided by GAPI President Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan and the participants were the executive committee, past presidents & Board of directors – Drs. Manoj Shah, Naresh Parikh, Asha Parikh, Sudha Tata, Piyush Patel, Raghu Lolabattu, P.H. Patel, Vijay Maurya and Mahesh Patel. Upcoming annual convention and the election for the new officers were discussed. Tennent Slack, M.D, a pain management specialist & the co -chair of the Medical Association of Georgia Foundation’s ‘Think About It’ campaign gave an interesting topical presentation titled “Prescription Opioid Overdose Epidemic”. He detailed the attendees about narcotic use in USA and the ways to be familiar with database in Georgia in tracking the patients who use narcotics and schedule II meds.

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The Chief Guest, Congressman Dr. Tom Price, chair of budget committee in Washington D. C., on his key note address elaborated the current difficult issues faced by physicians & the patients under the current healthcare system. Dr. Indrakrishnan presented a book titled ‘Hindu Temples in North America- A celebration life’ to Senator Tom Price on behalf of GAPI. The guest of honor was Dr. Manoj Shah who is the current president of Medical Association of Georgia. He is the first individual of Indian origin to have the leadership role as MAG President and also a past president of GAPI. Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan thanked & congratulated Dr Piuysh Patel for organizing the meeting. He reminded the members about the upcoming Warner Robins Regional meeting on March 7th and GAPI annual convention on May 2nd 2015. Young Sharvil Patel of Columbus High school and a potential future GAPI member did the emceeing to the event. A scrumptious dinner with both American & Indian dishes was served at the end of the meeting. A scintillating live music & entertainment was provided by Harbor Band of Columbus during dinner. In concluding, the event organizer, Dr Piyush Patel thanked the Chief Guest, Guest of honor , speaker, volunteers, sponsors & all the attendees for their contribution in successfully conducting Columbus Regional meeting. FOR ADVERTISING CALL 404-246-3256

UPCOMING EVENT GAPI EDUCATIONAL AWARDS (2015 - 2016)

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AROUND TOWN

Dear Friends .. I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to you all for making the Cupid Calling Valentine Party and Desi Entertainment Awards held on February 13, 2015 a grand success. Special thanks to all the Sponsors. The event was exceptional in the number of special guests and members of the Atlanta community who joined us to celebrate the day of love and relationships. We also had the pleasure and privilege of hosting several out of state people, it was indeed one of the most memorable events so far. An event of this dimension cannot happen without considerable forethought and planning. The wheels start rolling months in advance, and it requires meticulous planning and execution, with an eye for detail. We are very fortunate to have a team of very motivated and dedicated people, who know their job and are results oriented.

I cannot thank everyone enough for their involvement, and their willingness to take on tasks that extend them beyond their comfort zones. I would like to extend sincere and deep appreciation to everyone who has contributed in any way to make this event a great a success. My special thanks to Mr. Zahed Khan of Ashiana Banquet and Restaurant, Mr. Vinod Devlia and Mrs. Sheila Devlia of Photography by Vinod, Mr. Ameet Lilani, Mrs. Shaveta Jain, Mrs Sheetal Corriea, Ms. Sofia Surani, Ms. Janki Panchal and Mr. Rehan Hamrani. Shamsuddin Lalani CEO & Founder Desi Express Magazine

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AROUND TOWN

Photo Credits - Photgraphy By Vinod To view complete album please visit - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152586323841296.1073741911.49050351295&type=1 FOR ADVERTISING CALL 404-246-3256

DESI EXPRESS MAGAZINE 39

CHAI LOUNGE SHRI AJIT KUMAR. CONSUL GENERAL OF INDIA, ATLANTA VISITS SHRI SURESH PATEL In response to a media query on incident involving Mr. Sureshbhai Patel, an Indian national that occurred in Madison, Alabama Shri Ajit Kumar Consul General of India, Atlanta responded that "We are extremely concerned about the incident involving Mr. Sureshbhai Patel, an Indian national. We take the incidents involving an Indian national very seriously. We are pursuing this matter suitably, in Delhi through the U.S. Embassy, in Washington DC through our Embassy as well as in Alabama through our Consulate General. We are in touch with local officials as well as the family of Mr. Sureshbhai Patel and the doctors who are attending to him. Our understanding of the situation is that while there has been some progress, the medical condition of Mr. Sureshbhai Patel is still a matter of concern. The police chief of Madison County has taken action at his level. We understand there is an effort at the federal level also. For us, it is important that the Indian community, which is a peaceful, highly regarded community, which has contributed in immense ways to Indo-US relations, and is a bridge between India and United States, feels safe and secure."

WORLD BANK: INDIA TO BE WORLD'S FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY BY 2017 United Nations (IANS) Fuelled by economic reforms, India is projected to become the world's fastest growing large economy by 2017 with a growth rate of seven percent, overtaking China along the way, a World Bank report said Tuesday. According to the Washington-based World Bank's Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report, India's gross domestic product (GDP) that grew by 5.6 percent last year, is expected to zoom to 6.4 percent this year before reaching the seven percent mark next year and keep that level in 2017 when China decelerates to 6.9 percent. The report also took note of the initiatives in India to open bank accounts for 75 million poor households by next month and to boost youth employment by introducing more community colleges and vocational courses, and promoting entrepreneurship. Although India has identified infrastructure development as a key element for its growth plans, ESCAP said it faces a shortage of government resources. Therefore, ESCAP recommended giving the private sector importance in developing infrastructure in collaboration with government. The World Bank report said that reforms and deregulation in India should boost foreign direct investment. It noted that increases in investments, which account for about 30 percent of the GDP, should help raise the nation's growth rate to seven percent by 2016.

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CHAI LOUNGE FACEBOOK TO LET USERS NOMINATE ONLINE HEIRS San Francisco (IANS/EFE) Facebook has announced that it will allow users to designate a family member as their online "heir" to manage their account and make comments in their name after their death. According to the announcement, the heir will also be able to respond to requests from the deceased person's friends or relatives, who are not connected on Facebook, update the photo in the person's profile and file comments and photos of the deceased person on the social network. The service initially will be available only in the US, although Facebook is planning to expand it to other countries. If the users prefer, they will also be able to inform Facebook to close the deceased person's account. Google in 2013 became the first large Internet firm to allow users to select online heirs for Gmail accounts and cloud storage services, among other things.

LONDON-BASED INDIAN CHEF MAY APPEAR ON 'MASTERCHEF INDIA' The fourth season of "MasterChef India" has come up with a unique vegetarian format and is judged by star chefs Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar. Dipna Anand, Indian chef based in London, says she is in talks with “MasterChef India” producers and if the deal closes, she will appear on the fourth season of the popular cooking-based reality show. Anand, who has mastered Punjabi food, was recently in India to promote her recipe book “Beyond Brilliant” and if things work out, she will be heading back to India soon.

TRASHED LAPTOP BATTERIES TO POWER HOMES New York (IANS) Researchers, including an Indian-origin scientist, from IBM have used discarded laptop batteries to create an emergency lighting system called UrJar for street vendors and houses located in slums in Bengaluru. The team, along with a hardware firm RadioStudio, tested three-year-old batteries discarded by an IT company and found that they had enough capacity to power LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights, a small fan or even a mobile charger. Cutting open the battery packs, and extracting individual cells that could still work, the team reconnected them to make new power units. Using these battery packs, three UrJar prototypes were created which were handed out to participants to test for some time.

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MOVIE BUZZ

Dirty Politics RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2015 STARRING: MALLIKA SHERAWAT, JACKIE SHROFF, ASHUTOSH RANA, ANUPAM KHER, OM PURI, NASEERUDDIN SHAH Mumbai (IANS) The bold and beautiful Mallika Sherawat was apprehensive about filming bold scenes with an actor as senior as Om Puri for "Dirty Politics". But she says he made the experience "comfortable". "Everybody has to struggle if you don't have a godfather. I am still struggling. My fans have supported me a lot," said the girl who belongs to Haryana. "I do have some bold scenes with Om Puri in the film and since he is a senior actor, it was very difficult for me to do the bold scenes with him. But I must say he made me very comfortable and he was very professional," Mallika said here.

Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend RELEASE DATE: MARCH 20, 2015 STARRING: DIVYENDU SHARMA, JACKIE SHROFF, KADER KHAN, IRA DUBEY, PRADHUMAN SINGH, PRACHI MISHRA It is the story of two innocent friends, an aspirant IAS officer and Happy, who is a happy go lucky fun guy. Life becomes a depressing mess for them from the time one takes a private loan from a company where Sakshi, the girl one loves, works for Mr. Dhansukh. He in fact buys a car from the loan just to woo her too and starts their encounter right from today's super materialistic girls (where money comes above love).

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Dharam Sankat Mein RELEASE DATE: MARCH 13, 2015 STARRING: PARESH RAWAL, NASEERUDDIN SHAH, ANNU KAPOOR Mumbai (IANS) "Dharam Sankat Mein", the official Hindi adaptation of British satire "The Infidel" which stars the powerhouse trio of Paresh Rawal, Annu Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah. The Viacom18 Motion Pictures film, which is said to challenge stereotypes from a humorous eyeglass, is produced by Sajjad Chunawala and Shariq Patel from Trigno Media and directed by Fuwad Khan. Paresh Rawal who had earlier worked in the satire OMG: Oh My God! said that, “a satirical comedy gives an actor an opportunity to experiment.” The Infidel which is about a British Muslim who goes through an identity crisis when he discovers he was born to a Jewish family and was adopted as a child.

NH10 RELEASE DATE: MARCH 06, 2015 STARRING: ANUSHKA SHARMA, NEIL BHOOPALAM Mumbai (IANS) Actress Anushka Sharma, who has donned the producer's hat with forthcoming thriller "NH10", says becoming a producer was never on her mind - but the film's content helped her take the plunge. "As an actor, I have always tried to do good films and stories. I want to work with good directors. So I don't think this format is going to change ever if I am going to involve in movies in any other way as a producer," said Anushka Sharma, who made her acting debut with Yash Raj Films' "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" FOR ADVERTISING CALL 404-246-3256

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ

THEY'RE JUST JOKES: TEAM AIB OPENS UP

Mumbai (IANS) The team of All India Bakchod (AIB) a group of standup comedians under attack by the Maharashtra government for its controversial video featuring offensive language used by Bollywood personalities in it has broken its silence over the issue, and said "they're just jokes". A three-part edited version of the 'Roast', titled AIB Knockout a December 2014 charity comic event where actors Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor were poked fun at were posted on online video-sharing platform YouTube Jan 28. But the clips were pulled down, after the Maharashtra government initiated a probe into the below-the-belt content of the program. "AIB Knockout was another such attempt to try something new and bring the roast format to a country where celebrities aren't often known to laugh at themselves." AIB's message "to everyone railing against us and against the stars that were present, to everyone who's decided we're destroying the fabric of our culture, to everyone who's called us seditious pornographers while plotting the downfall of Indian Values and Civilization As We Know It", is: "We would like to reiterate that we are just a bunch of comedians who work, and have always worked, without any malicious intent whatsoever". I MISS BEING IN A BAND: MOHIT CHAUHAN New Delhi (IANS) Before he emerged as a popular playback singer, Mohit Chauhan had tasted success with his band Silk Route, which dissolved in the early 2000s. Now, the “Tum ho” hitmaker says he sometimes misses having his own gang of musicians. “Kishore Kumar was multi-talented and original, so I really respect him,” said Chauhan, who has worked with great Indian musicians including Grammy-winning music maestro A.R.Rahman. IRRFAN KHAN CAST IN TOM HANKS-STARRER 'INFERNO' Los Angeles (IANS) Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has been roped in for yet another Hollywood project -- this time he will share screen space with Tom Hanks and Felicity Jones in the upcoming mystery thriller film "Inferno". Apart from the 48-year-old, "Inferno", the third film in the franchise that launched with "The Da Vinci Code" in 2006 and continued with "Angels & Demons" in 2009 will also star French actor Omar Sy, reports hollywoodreporter.com. Irrfan will portray Provost, the head of a shadowy group that becomes involved with Langdon, while Sy will play the leader of a disease prevention team.

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TWO INDIANS WIN HONOURS AT GRAMMY AWARDS Los Angeles (IANS) Two Indians Ricky Kej and Neela Vaswani took home a Grammy Award each at the 57th edition of the musical extravaganza held here Sunday night. The latter's narration of the audio of the book "I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World" won her the trophy. The story relates Malala's bravery and determination in the face of extremism, detailing the daily challenges of growing up in a world transformed by terror. The Grammy Awards were dominated this year by Sam Smith and Pharrell Williams , and saw a string of performances by popular names, adding to the glitz and glamour of the annual gala.

PASSION FOR ACTING SAVED ME FROM CASTING COUCH: VIDYA BALAN

Mumbai (IANS) Actress Vidya Balan says it is thanks to her passion for acting that she didn't fall prey to the casting couch in the Hindi film industry. "I'm very fortunate that I never came across anything like casting couch or exploitation. This was all because I was very passionate about acting, but not desperate about work," the National Award winning actress revealed here at casting director Mukesh Chhabra's studio. "In all these years, nobody said any such thing that would hurt me. Most importantly, I didn't let anybody do anything wrong to me," she added. "...No role and no film is the end of the world. It could be the beginning, but it is never the end," Vidya said.

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WHAT’S YOUR RASHI? Taurus: April 21 to May 20.

Over the last couple of months, you have had to deal with some romantic, financial, and/or trust related issues involving friends, committees, teams, professional associations, and/or Internet entities. You were able to socialize and enjoy these groups of people, but not mix financial or romantic aspects of your life with them. Now, you are given an opportunity to work through various romantic, financial, emotional, and/or spiritual trust issues you might have. This is a good time for evaluating your views and looking for ways to heal so that these issues do not hold you back in the future.

Gemini: May 21 to June 20. All three of your people oriented sectors are lit up with positive energy at various points this month and they are often working together. You and a partner are able to socialize with friends and family. You are also able to negotiate excellent business deals, persuade others to see your point of view, and you can bond with all kinds of different people. And yet somehow with all of this lovely social energy going on you manage to complete a big project at home and launch a new one at work. Just be careful when mixing these social relationships with any kind of romantic or financial activities.

Cancer: June 21 to July 22.

Your professional life is still bursting with all kinds of positive energy and excellent opportunities for leadership and advancement. However, your partner or an adversary is still unhappy with what is happening in your career. They may be upset that you are spending so much time focusing on climbing the Ladder of Success, they could be jealous, or they could feel that you are doing it all wrong. Either way, you are still having a great time and managing to find your way without too much trouble. You do need to be careful when conducting financial transactions online or within social or group context though. Things could end up costing you personally a lot more than you expected.

Leo: July 23 to August 22.

As much as you love learning new things, traveling, and broadening your horizons, by mid-month your focus is moving back towards work and your financial and professional goals. You have some excellent opportunities to begin making progress in this direction by either taking on a leadership role in which you come across as kind but firm, or you find a way to talk your boss or a high profile client into seeing things from your perspective. Either way, you are happy about the way you are able to work your way up the Ladder of Success without having to be mean or vindictive.

MARCH 2015 Libra: September 23 to October 22. Social partnerships, business partnerships, and romantic partnerships are all receiving a lot of positive attention this month. You may be involved in a number of partnerships or just one really important one, but either way you are enjoying and succeeding at social, business, and romantic activities within those partnerships. You or someone in your social circles or community could also find a way to turn a rival or competitor into an ally.

Scorpio: October 23 to November 22. You are still in the midst of a very productive and positive time when you can work hard towards accomplishing your financial, professional, leadership, and fitness related goals. Towards the end of this month, a partner begins to complain about how much you are focusing on your career, but the two of you are able to negotiate and work things out between you. Despite the fact that your budget still cannot handle all of the fun and playtime spending that you would like to enjoy, you are able to create some lovely moments and launch some fun new projects. Do not let it be said that something like money could hold a Scorpio back when their mind is set on having fun.

Sagittarius : November 23 to December 21.

You are getting a lot done around the house and you are also highly productive at work. However, you are still finding plenty of time to focus on your hobbies, playtime activities, and having fun. If you can afford the time off, you might want to consider traveling now because your “fun” and “travel” sectors are getting along extremely well.

Capricorn – December 22 through January 20. You are able to work on your residential, retirement, and home related topics this month. You can also put some time into bringing more love, forgiveness, and/or peace of mind into relationships involving your parents, houseguests, and/or roommates. Once your private life seems to be in a better place, you will be ready to begin focusing on your hobbies, vacations, and playtime activities.

Aquarius: January 20 to February 20.

Virgo: August 23 to September 22.

You are quite social, entertaining, and persuasive this month. You are getting along wonderfully with friends, family, colleagues, partners, and even your rivals like you. You are able to conduct profitable business meetings and to get your point across with ease. Towards the end of the month, you are beginning to switch your focus towards your home and private life. Your household budget is in good shape, but something in your home is annoying one of your partners or rivals.

Despite ongoing financial, romantic, and/or trust issues making it difficult for you to have fun, you still have a lot of positive energy helping you to bring more romantic and financial security into your home and private life. Maybe it is because of these trust issues that you are in the mood to create more security. Regardless, you have a lot of skills, motivation, and ideas to help you figure out how to create the life that you want despite the lack of playtime funds and/or romantic compatibility in your life at the moment.

You are still blessed with some good luck blending your financial and professional activities. You are beginning to also find that you are in a more social mood too. You are still getting along wonderfully with friends and colleagues. And now you are also beginning to enjoy spending time with neighbors, extended family, and those in your local community as well. This is a good time for bargain hunting and sales negotiations. You are able to come across as a smart and fair negotiator.

Pisces – February 19 through March 20

* All astrological predictions are to be considered friendly advice based on the author’s personal opinions and used for entertainment purposes only. These are not to be considered as promises, guarantees, or psychic predictions. They are simply potentials to be used at the reader’s own discretion. For important decisions, consult your personal intuition, doctor, accountant, lawyer, educator, or clergy as needed. It is best to be informed on all levels.

Aries: March 21 to April 20. As a handful of planets move through Aries this month, you are in the mood for adventures and for following your bliss. At the same time, you have some excellent events happening in your professional life. You do not appear to have any trouble juggling work and playtime activities. You seem to be able to schedule both in a way that offers you the best of both worlds. You do have some financial struggles involving paying for the playtime activities. It looks like you could easily blow your budget if you are not paying attention.

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