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Eastern Eastern Eastern Eastern Tasneem Hafeez Eastern Eastern British Cyclist dies during an Iron Man Triathlon

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A British cyclist has died after crashing into a wall during an . He has not been named but from sources it is thought to be iron man triathlon in South of France . He skidded on a tight in LONDON . The event compromises a 180 km cycle ride , bend and was taken to hospital where he died of head injuries a 3.9 km swim and a marathon raced without a break .

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LOCAL

Local Insider Mohammed Saleem’s Police Launch new Crime murder to be featured fighting App on Crimewatch A RECONSTRUCTION of the events leading up to the murder of Birmingham pensioner Mohammed Saleem is to be featured on tonight’s Crimewatch show.The film will show an actor reconstructing the last movements of Mohammed Saleem throughout the day, leading up to when he was stabbed just before 10.25pm on Monday 29 April in Little Green Lane, Small Heath.The show will also feature interviews with Mr Saleem’s daughter, a friend from his local mosque and also his cousin, who runs a local grocer’s shop, which Mr Saleem used to pop into daily.The film will build a picture of the 82-year-old victm, showing him to be a peaceful man of routine, who spent his time walking with the aid of his stick to the local temple a number of times each day and who was well-known and loved in the local area.

Detectives working on the inquiry will also be at the show to take any calls that come in and hope the film will jog people’s memories or persuade anyone with

information to come forward and talk to police.Detective Superintendent Mark Payne, who is leading the investigation into the murder, said: “I hope that the Crimewatch film will lead to new information coming to light.“I want to assure the community that the investigation remains a force priority, with senior officers constantly reviewing the investigation’s progress. We will continue to do all we can to identify those responsible. We will not rest until Mohammed Saleem’s killer or killers are behind bars.”

A team of more than 100 police officers and staff are still keen to speak to witnesses and they are trawling CCTV footage as the inquiry continues to gather momentum.Officers are working closely with Crimestoppers in a bid to gather as much information as possible to help crack the case − with the charity offering a £10,000 reward for anything that leads to an arrest and conviction.CCTV footage of a man running along Wyndcliffe Road near to where Mr Sal-

eem was murdered remains on the force’s YouTube channel and continues to be the focus of the inquiry.

Police want to hear from anyone who can identify the man or has suspicions about who may be responsible for Mr Saleem’s death.Det. Supt. Payne added: “I want to reiterate how important it is to come forward with any information you may have. If you are reluctant to contact us, you can speak to us anonymously and we have plans in place to support and protect witnesses through the justice system.“There has been real support from local residents and members of the congregation of Green Lane Mosque and we appreciate the help they have given our investigation so far.“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Saleem and the wider community who have been affected by his murder.”

Warning to Football Fans after smoke bomb puts teenager in hospital

POLICE are warning about the dangers of setting off pyrotechnics at football matches after a teenager was taken to hospital with lung damage from a smoke bomb at an Aston Villa match.

The 15-year-old lad had travelled to Wigan’s DW Stadium to watch Villa’s final game of the season on Sunday 19 May

during which a number of flares and smoke bombs were set off among the away fans.At one point a smoke bomb was even thrown onto the pitch − resulting in a short delay to the match.

The youngster affected was close to where one was set alight and immediately struggled to breathe and felt burning to his

eyes. The following day he continued to feel ill at school and was taken to hospital.

Chest x-rays revealed he was suffering the effect of smoke inhalation and had suffered damage to his lungs. Doctors were also concerned that he could have been affected by toxins in the flares. He was

released from hospital later the same day.Two other Villa fans, women aged 22 and 24, also received treatment having breathed in smoke at the ground.A pair of teenage boys, both aged 16 and from Birmingham, were arrested in the ground after being spotted by police in possession of smoke bombs. They are currently on police bail pending further investigation.

PC Stewart Bladen, from West Midlands Police, said: “The lad was stood in the middle of the stand when someone just behind him set of a smoke bomb − he described not being able to breath, feeling a burning in his chest and became very panicky.“I was in another stand some 200 metres away and when the wind blew smoke towards us it was choking - so to have been stood directly beside it must have been suffocating.”The teenager’s mum added: “My son has followed the Villa away quite a few times this season, he isn’t afraid of the

hustle and bustle and the jostling and the banter that goes with being in an excitable crowd of fellow supporters.“However, this nasty experience has left him very dubious of being surrounded by large numbers of fans.“The panic he felt when he couldn’t breathe; the fact he couldn’t see and his lungs and throat were burning will no doubt stay with him for a long time.“As parents, we want him to continue to enjoy following football however, we want to know that he is safe and isn’t going to be in danger of this happening again.“The fans who − in their minority − need to understand the lasting physical and mental effects that they are putting their fellow supporters through, just for a few minutes of mindless stupidity.”Independent expert Dr Steve Frosdick said: “Pyrotechnics are very dangerous inside a football stadium - especially amongst large crowds of people.“Bengal flares, which are often used, burn at extremely high temperatures, risk serious injury and can easily cause fires. can easily cause

fires.“Smoke bombs give off toxic smoke and can, as in this case, cause respiratory problems and even an arrhythmia.”Earlier in the football season two Chelsea supporters were sent to prison for a month after being arrested for possessing smoke bombs at an away match against Swansea in the Capital One Cup.The pair were banned from attending football games for six years, while a third supporter involved was also banned for the same length of time. Chelsea have also barred the trio from Stamford Bridge for ten years each.PC Bladen continued: “Flares and fireworks at games are banned in the UK for a reason - they have the potential to cause harm and distress, and are a serious fire risk.“We have seen them used on the continent for many years but this is a relatively new trend for English football.“Anyone found trying to smuggle in any pyrotechnic devices can expect lengthy football banning orders keeping them out of all British grounds and from travelling to matches abroad.”

MEMBERS of the public can now help fight crime from their phone thanks to the launch of a new ‘app’ featuring the faces of crime suspects.

The ‘Facewatch’ application allows smart-phone and tablet users to view CCTV of people wanted

by West Midlands Police whilst on the move – and anonymously submit names of people they believe may be involved or other information about the crime.Almost 200 images have been uploaded to Facewatch during a pilot stage – resulting in nine arrests – but the mobile app is expected to be populated with a growing number of wanted faces as more regional businesses embrace the system.That’s because companies can also use Facewatch as an instant crime reporting tool which allows them to electronically provide CCTV pictures of suspects, plus crime details, to detectives within minutes.It’s a development expected to save West Midlands Police countless hours of officer time previously spent visiting businesses,

and securing, processing and formatting security camera footage.West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Garry Forsyth, said: “It’s an exciting development: this new technology helps us save time and money and enables us to offer a better service to local businesses. It’s a very useful tool in our fight against business crime.“In addition, the mobile ID app means members of the public can help us identify crime suspects. The app allows them to search for suspects within a certain radius of a given location, perhaps their home or work address, and view their images.“The system has already proved hugely successful in London where during the first few months of its launch the app had 100,000 downloads and images were viewed more than 8.5 million times!“I’m hoping people will also embrace the system in the West Midlands – taking a moment to look at the app when they have some spare time – and help us combat

crime.”The NEC is already using Facewatch to alert police to criminality within the exhibition halls or car-parks, and it’s expected retail centres, transport providers and entertainment facilities, right through to small corner shops, will also adopt the crime reporting system Crime reports submitted via Facewatch are instantly sent to a police contact centre and passed to the appropriate investigation team; officers can then access full details of the crime from their desktop whilst automatic update emails are sent to the victim.And officers have populated Facewatch with images of thief suspects – including the faces of 38 pick pockets, table ‘surfers’ and purse dippers recently uploaded by Birmingham Police’s dedicated theft team – in the hope app users will recognise them.

West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner Bob Jones, said: “Facewatch is an excellent example of how we can use technology to work more efficiently with business partners and the community. This will free up considerable police officer and staff time currently spent on having to collect CCTV footage from businesses across the West Midlands.”

The application is free to download on iPhones, iPads, BlackBerry and Android devices. It can also be accessed directly via a web browser at www.facewatchid.co.uk.

The use of both the online reporting system and the mobile app is completely free to the force.

LOCAL PC MAGPIE LOCATES STOLEN BOOTY ACROSS NORTH

BIRMINGHAM A BIRMINGHAM officer tasked with tracking down stolen property amongst the region’s jewellers and second-hand shops has been dubbed PC Magpie after locating a treasure trove of booty in the last six months.

Last December PC Jeff Brooks was appointed Birmingham North Police’s ‘ Magpie ’ officer − a new, trial role aimed at building relationships with pawn shops and helping police recover property sold on by thieves.His appointment has seen an array of jewellery, mobile phones, tools, lap tops and electrical items − with a combined total value running into many thousands of pounds − being recovered, nine theft suspects arrested in connection with burglary investigations, and many owners reunited with their goods.PC Brooks, who works at Sutton

Coldfield police station, has built a strong relationship with more than 20 second hand shops and tool hire companies across north Birmingham and visits them regularly to exchange information.

Each morning ‘ Magpie Jeff’ − as he’s known to colleagues − collates any overnight break-ins, robberies or thefts from vehicles and emails an updated list of stolen property to shop staff.

One notable recent success saw a woman reunited with engagement and wedding rings that were stolen during a burglary at her Four Oaks home. PC Brooks recovered the engagement ring and, following an investigation by CID colleagues; a man was arrested who led officers to another shop where the wedding ring was also recovered.PC Brooks, said: “The lady was delighted: clearly these rings were

of huge sentimental value to her so it meant a great deal to get them back − I was happy to help.

“A lot of the time the items we recover, especially the jewellery has more sentimental value than monetary value and having this relationship with the second hand shops and tool hire firms means we get more chance of getting the property back before it is sold on again or melted down for scrap.”“As well as building community relationships, the role of magpie officer allows the police to gather a lot of useful intelligence, such as which suspects sell property at which shop and when they visit.”The role began as a three month trial and has proved so successful that PC Brooks will now be the area’s full-time magpie officer .As well as building up local links, PC Brooks has made

contact with second hand shops in Walsall, other parts of Birmingham and Tamworth, where stolen property has been taken.

Supt Richard Youds From Birmingham North said: “The theft of property, whether as a result of a burglary or other means is unacceptable, and this initiative shows that we will make every effort to identify those responsible and recover stolen property.I’m delighted that the work of PC Brooks and our partners in the industry has been successful, and it is something we shall be looking to build upon in the future.This should be a deterrent to those who are prepared to steal and a warning that it will increase the likelihood of them being arrested and put before the courts.”

Teens face fake savings Scam Charges TWO teenagers have appeared in court accused of trying to dupe elderly residents out of their life savings by claiming their cash was counterfeit.The men – a 19-year-old from Erdington and an 18-year-old from Small Heath – stood before Solihull magistrates on Monday (13 May) to hear claims they posed as police officers offering to carry out authentication checks on bank notes.It’s alleged they tried taking £3,500 from a woman in Perry Barr on May 9 and tricked a Solihull pensioner into handing over £10,000 the following day.

Both are charged with conspiracy to defraud and will next appear at Birmingham Crown Court on August 19; the older suspect was remanded into prison until that date whilst his co-defendant was granted bail.West Midlands Police Acting Detective Sergeant Ian Com-

fort, said: “Our advice to anyone who receives suspicious calls or visitors at their home is to contact police.

The golden rule remains…if in doubt, keep them out and never hand over cash to unsolicited callers.

“The suggestion in this case is that police have asked for money in order to check the bank notes are genuine.

This would never happen in reality and if anyone claims to be acting on behalf of the police always ask for ID – and if you’re still unsure call us on the 101 number to check they are genuine.”

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Police warn Drink Driving is not the worth the risk this SUMMER

WEST Midlands Police are warning drivers not to risk their lives by getting behind the wheel after drinking this summer WEST Midlands Police are warning drivers not to risk their lives by getting behind the wheel after drinking this summer. The force launches its summer drink driving campaign today (Friday 31 May) to crackdown on offenders who put themselves and others on the road at risk.Deaths and serious injuries on roads across the region are predicted to reach a seasonal high in the coming months.Roadside stop-checks will take place night and day throughout June across the region - with police conducting breath tests on suspected drunk drivers and targeting arterial routes and known hot spots.Last year officers conducted more than 1,700 breath tests during the month long campaign and arrested a total of 253 for being over the legal limit.Penalties for a drink or drug drive conviction could include a prison sentence, a fine, losing your licence for at least a year, a criminal record, loss of employment and very high car insurance premiums in the future.

On the region’s motorway network officers from the Central Motorway Policing Group will be carrying out a number of pre-arranged stop checks during the month at different times and locations.

Officers will also be targeting HGV’s in partnership with VOSA following several recent incidents of drivers being found over the limit.ANPR technology will also be used throughout the campaign to target any drivers who police are told may be drink driving. The CMPG activity will be supported by officers from West Midlands Police, West Mercia Police and Staffordshire Police.Inspector Greg Jennings, from West Midlands Police, said: “We know people will be enjoying themselves at BBQs, sports fixtures, music festivals and other events over the summer but it is no excuse for drink driving.“It may be 2013 but incredibly some people still think it is acceptable to drink before getting behind the wheel of their vehicle.“This is reckless and poses a risk not only to themselves but to everyone else on the road.“Our advice is to always plan ahead and make sure you know how you are getting home before you have a drink.“If you think you can’t afford a taxi, can you afford to lose your licence, your job, or possibly kill yourself or someone else? We would ask anyone with information about someone who is intending to drink drive to contact

us or inform Crimestoppers so we can take action against them.”Inspector Sion Hathaway, from CMPG, added: “In addition to carrying out roadside breath tests, CMPG officers are also trained to carry out roadside Field Impairment Tests. These tests enable us to establish if a person is under the influence of any drugs and will play a key part in this campaign.“Drugs and alcohol affect people differently and you can’t calculate your limit, so if you have any doubt, don’t attempt to drive.

“The simple message is never drive if you’ve had a drink or are under the influence of drugs - if you do be prepared to accept the consequences when we catch you.” Advice to drivers: · Avoid temptation − don’t drive to a social venue where you know alcohol will be availableDon’t offer alcohol to someone you know is driving Don’t accept a lift from someone you know has been drinking or taking drugs · With excess alcohol in your system, you may still be over the legal limit the morning after. Walk or use public transport if you need to trave

LOCAL

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Global Insider Former teacher and two others jailed for sexually exploiting teenager

Willenhall Pupils Experience a Different type of Detention PUPILS from Willenhall E-Act Academy and Pool Hayes Arts and Community School were given an insight into policing when they paid a visit to Walsall police station.The year 7 pupils were welcomed

by Chief Inspector Mike O’Hara in the police station gym before the pupils were split into groups and given the chance to explore various departments and learn about policing the busy borough of Walsall.PC Wayne Bennet and PC Ian Skidmore gave a demonstration of how police administer first aid including CPR and the heart defibrillator.

While this demonstration was happening, PC James Emery, dressed in plain clothes, mingled with pupils and “stole” a mobile phone.

As he attempted to leave the gym he was stopped by uniformed officers who carried out a mock arrest, hand cuffed him and led him to the custody block with the suprised youngsters.Officers from the Willenhall North and Short Heath neighbourhood team had taken over the custody block for the day to explain the custody

process.Once in the custody block,pupils were shown the booking in procedure and were taken on a tour of the custody facilities, which included interview rooms, cells and the exercise yard.

Some had their fingerprints taken using the old ink and paper method, which the youngsters took home as a momento of the day.

They were also allowed to walk the tunnel which joins the police station with Walsall Magistrates Court.PC Paul Fisher, said: “The day was organised to forge closer links with the schools on our neighbourhood area, give the youngsters a closer look at police procedures and give them access to police officers, to see and break down barriers, showing that we are just like them and their families.”Chloe, one of the pupils who took part in the event, said: “I enjoyed the police trip because there was lots of activities to do. I think other pupils would enjoy this trip.

The custody block was one of my favourites. The tour around the police station was really interesting and

I really would love to go there again (not for being put in jail!). Thank you for this trip.”Tom Harris, head of year 7 at Pool Hayes Arts and Community School, said: “The kids absolutely loved it. Just from talking to them, they managed to give me a fantastic picture of what they experienced. The girls were telling me about the man stealing the phone and being arrested. Others explained how they were shown how to administer first aid.“The simple fact of being locked up, having finger prints taken and setting off alarms was superb in not only engaging and stimulating the pupils, but it gave them a hugely important insight into the role of the police and how things work behind the scenes.

“We really appreciated the time the police had put in to the day and from my own point of view, I cannot thank you enough. My only problem from a school stance is that now the rest of the kids have heard about it from those who went and keep pestering me to go!”

Career criminal jailed after being found hiding under bed Career criminal jailed after being found hiding under bedA CAREER criminal has been jailed for raiding shops across the West Midlands region after police found him hiding under a bed.Paul Johnson was sentenced to three and a half years in prison yesterday (24 May) for 18 offences at convenience stores in Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Stafford, Bromsgrove, Rugeley, Solihull, Redditch and Lichfield.The court heard how the 32-year-old targeted the shops for cigarettes but became increasingly brazen with every successful theft, stealing money from tills as well as tablet computers and games consoles.His spree started on 10 August 2012 when he went into Tesco in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and requested hundreds of cigarettes, which he claimed were to be sold in a pub at which he worked.But the pub did not exist and, when the cigarettes were placed on

the counter, Johnson snatched the packets and ran away.It was a method he would use again and again over the next few months as he targeted convenience stores spanning three counties.Mainstream supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op, Poundworld and Carphone Warehouse were amongst his victims, as Johnson used increasing amounts of aggression and violence to pull off the robberies.In one of the raids at the Co-op on Queensway in Rugeley on 31 August last year, he tried to attack staff with the bag full of stolen cigarettes as they chased him through the car park.In total, Johnson got away with more than £6,500 worth of cigarettes over a period of two months.He was soon identified as a suspect and covert police work led officers to an address on Portland Road in Birmingham on 4 November last year.The house was locked down

and, following a room-by-room search, the 32-year-old was found hiding under a divan bed and was arrested.He pleaded guilty to all 18 charges - as well as two drugs offences - at Wolverhampton Crown Court which included theft, attempted theft and robbery as well as several offences where he drove away from petrol forecourts without paying for fuel.Investigating officer, PC Andy Harman, from Walsall Police, said: “Had he not been arrested when he was, I’m sure he’d still be committing robberies today.“These were serious offences which left staff members, many of whom were young or elderly, extremely shaken − not to mention the financial loss to the companies involved. Johnson now has plenty of time to reflect on his actions and hopefully today’s sentence brings some closure for his many, many victims

Former Teacher and two others jailed for sexually exploiting teenager THREE people including a former teacher have been jailed for a total of 19 years for sexually assaulting a teenage girl from Birmingham.

William Hanna, 63, Dianne Whitehouse, 58, and Ian McGlasson, 47, were all sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court today (17 June).A jury heard how Hanna, of Florence Road, Acocks Green and Whitehouse, of Wellington Drive, Cannock, together repeatedly sexually assaulted the 15-year-old over a six month period in 2010, sometimes broadcasting the abuse live online.

Hanna was convicted of four out of six charges whilst Whitehouse was found guilty of three out of five charges. McGlasson admitted 10 of the 13 charges against him on the second day of a separate trial that took place earlier this year.

The prosecution described how the vulnerable young girl met all three offenders on internet chat rooms but had no idea of the depraved abuse that would be inflicted on her.Hanna and Whitehouse operated together, assaulting the teenager at budget hotels in Birmingham city centre – but neither of the pair knew McGlasson, who committed the offences at his Stratford-upon-Avon home.The offences only came to light when concerns were raised by the victim’s family and she later confided in specially trained police officers to whom she spoke of the horrific crimes.A complex online investigation commenced by detectives who only had vague details about the offenders to go on.McGlasson was the first to be arrested at his home on Brewery Street in Stratford in June 2010.But the arrests of Hanna

and Whitehouse did not come until several months later after officers identified him from painstakingly scrutinising thousands of internet records.Hanna was immediately suspended from his job as a teacher at Frankley Community High School and was subsequently sacked when he was charged by police.The victim did not attend the school and there was no evidence to suggest any pupils at the school were at risk.Inspector Sally Simpson, who led the investigation, said: “This was a vulnerable young girl who had no idea what she was getting herself into.“Tragically, because of her age and the fact she had been on internet chat rooms, she felt she could somehow be to blame for what happened to her.“I hope this case highlights to other young people that action can be taken and it doesn’t matter how much trouble you think you’ve got yourself into, the police will listen to you and take you seriously.“A range of measures are in place to protect anyone who comes forward and speaks to police, in this case the same specially trained officer supported the victim throughout the three year criminal justice process.We also have close relationships with specialist agencies that can provide further support.“I’m pleased with the sentences given today and hope it offers some closure for the victim who can now try to move forward and put this terrible experience behind her.”For further advice and support visit the CEOP website or for information about West Midlands Police’s specially trained officers for victims of serious sexual assault click here.Last month police and

voluntary agencies in Birmingham joined forces to further raise awareness amongst hotel employees about spotting the signs of human trafficking and sexual exploitationFULL DETAILS: HANNA – Convicted of three counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child and one count causing/inciting involvement in pornography.

Sentenced to five years and two years to run concurrently totalling seven years. Given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

WHITEHOUSE - Convicted of two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child and one count of causing/inciting involvement in pornography. Sentenced to four years and two years to run concurrently totalling six years. Given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

McGLASSON – Pleaded guilty to six counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, two counts of meeting a child following sexual grooming, one count of taking indecent photographs of a child and one count of possessing indecent photographs of a child. Sentenced to six years. Given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

LOCAL

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Local Insider Toddler’s Parents admit causing heroin overdose death THE PARENTS of a 23-month-old boy have today admitted causing the child’s death after he suffered a drugs overdose at his Wolverhampton home.

Daniel Jones was found collapsed at the house he shared with his parents on Windsor Avenue on 29 May last year.Paramedics were called to the family home, on a quiet residential street, early in the morning after Daniel could not be roused. The youngster was rushed to New Cross Hospital but he could not be saved.Police immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances of the child’s death - and during a search of the family’s three-bedroom house they found a small cannabis factory in the loft.

Daniel’s death was initially treated as unexplained but following extensive tests it was determined that the toddler had died from a heroin overdose.Daniel’s parents, Emma Bradburn and Simon Jones, were immediately arrested

in connection with the boy’s death.

They were later charged with the offence of manslaughter and appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court. The trial was scheduled to begin at Wolverhampton Crown Court today, however the pair entered guilty pleas before proceedings began.Bradburn, aged 34, admitted the charge of causing or allowing the death of her 23-year-old son, whilst the youngster’s dad, Jones, aged 30, pleaded guilty to the offence of manslaughter.

Detective Inspector John Smith, from the Wolverhampton Public Protection Unit, explained: “This is a tragic case where a young life has so needlessly been lost because of the carelessness of those who should have been there to ensure his safety.“Officers who initially visited the scene reported finding a clean and well maintained house that looked like any ‘normal’ family home - but thenupstairswefound

a very different story.“Away from the areas where people may visit, the main bedroom was untidy and strewn with drug paraphernalia − this is the room in which the family slept.“It seems that during his short life, Daniel became accustomed to living amongst these items and, tragically, consumed a quantity of heroin that ultimately led to his death.“We don’t know exactly how the youngster came to ingest the illegal drug - but we do know that he should never have been exposed to them in any case.“Those who should have been caring him for him ultimately caused his untimely and tragic death.”A serious case review is underway by the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children’s Board into the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death.The pair will be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court in early July.

Missing : 8 - year - old found in Walsall A MISSING 8-year-old boy from Walsall has this afternoon been found safe and well.Romeo Mayhead was reported missing from his Short Heath home by his worried family at 8.30am today (18 June).

Officers from Walsall, assisted by colleagues from the specialist force operations and air operations units, launched a large scale search of the area in a bid to trace the boy.Some four and a half hours later

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Man accused of Christina Edkins murder deemed unfit to plead

A MAN accused of murdering Birmingham schoolgirl, Christina Edkins, earlier this year has been deemed unfit to plead until later this year.

Phillip Simelane, from Walsall, is accused of murdering 16-year-old Christina as she travelled on a bus to her school in Halesowen.Christina was stabbed as she sat on the top deck of a bus travelling along Hagley Road at around 7.30am on March 7. She died at the scene.

Simelane, aged 22, did not appear for the hearing at Birmingham Crown Court today.

The court heard how doctors

deem Simelane unfit to plead or stand trial. The prosecution stated that further psychiatric assessments will be carried out, which could mean that the defendant is in a position to enter a plea in two to four months.A provisional date for a plea and case management hearing was set for September 6 at Birmingham Crown Court. Simelane was remanded back into a secure mental health hospital until his next appearance.Members of Christina’s family and friends were in court for the short hearing.

Romeo was found safe and well on Rough Hay Road in Darlaston. Officers are with the youngster and he will be reunited with his concerned family as soon as possible.The appeal to trace Romeo was retweeted hundreds of times as the police missing person’s inquiry gathered pace.

Superintendent Keith Fraser from Walsall Police thanked the public for their help. “Dozens of officers were involved in

the search to find young Romeo and we are pleased to say that he has been found safe and well,” he said.“We are hugely grateful to the public for their assistance with this appeal and it is encouraging to see how so many people came forward to offer help in the community, as well as on social media.“Thankfully the story has a happy ending.”

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Global Global Insider Anti Graffiti Campaign launched in DUBAI . . .

Dubai Municipality on Wednesday launched a threeweek anti-graffiti campaign under the title “Clean Walls … Beautiful City” in Zayed bin Sultan School, Satwa, Dubai.Abdul Majeed Saifaie, Director of Waste Management Department said the civic body aims, through this initiative, to educate the school students about the need to keep walls of the city clean. “Relatively Dubai is one of the cleanest cities in the world, but some areas are not up to the mark. It is our goal to completely eliminate grafitti

via awareness programmes,’ he said. “The campaign will focus on both government and private school students in Dubai as the studies show that 80 per cent of wall drawings are done by school students. There are several types of writing on walls including artistic graffiti, anti-ethnic writing, indecent writings, graphics, sports zeal, commercials, symbols and flirtatious phrases,” he explained.‘We intend to treat the main causes instead of imposing penalties in the first stage. Penalties will be imposed only after complet-

ing the awareness campaign,’ he said.

Hamda Al Murr, one of the coordinators of the campaign said: “The municipality will use the most advanced channels to spread the message of the campaign through awareness lectures in schools, public places, posters and photos in social media sites, news and ads in the press and audio and visual media,’ she said.

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LOCAL Local Insider

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New Residential Phase at Park Central, Birmingham Award-winning developer Crest Nicholson Regeneration is inviting househunters in Birmingham to pay a visit to the latest £15 million phase at its Park Central development in the city centre.Named Central Plaza, the latest phase will deliver 132 new one and two bedroom apartments spread across two residential buildings at the heart of the development, sitting over a 139 space undercroft car park.The homes at Central Plaza are currently available to buy from plan, with prices starting from £117,000 for a spacious one bedroom apartment – or £93,600 when purchased under the Government’s Help to Buy scheme, along with an up-front deposit of just £5,850.Offering contemporary living solutions, all the properties are finished to a high specification, including designer kitchens and contemporary bathrooms. Most apartments benefit from balconies boasting stunning views over the development’s extensive landscaped parkland and the city centre beyond.

For more information, visit the Park Central sales office which is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is located at 61 Mason Way, Birmingham B15 2GE or call 0121 666 4666. www.parkcentral.co.uk

About Crest Nicholson Crest Nicholson is firmly established as a leading developer with a passion for not only building homes, but also for creating vibrant sustainable communities. The Company’s track record over 50 years shows a demonstrable commitment to delivering innovative, design led, residential developments and large scale, mixed use, urban regeneration solutions. Its on-going emphasis on environmentally responsible housing and commitment to deliver truly low carbon sustainable schemes is evident by an ever increasing development portfolio. Crest Nicholson was proudly awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable development category in 2007. The 5 year accolade is proof of a continued commitment to producing high quality developments that champion the very best principles in sustainability and design.The Group is also proud to hold more CABE Building for Life Gold Standards than any other developer. It remains a consistent top performer in the Next Generation industry benchmark and has retained 5 star builder status for customer service from the House Builders Federation for the last three years

For further information about Crest Nicholson contact: Lucie Sissons or Louisa Grocott on 0121 232 5000 or email luciesissons@core-marketing.co.uk / louisagrocott@core-marketing.co.uk

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Global

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Global Insider AMIR KHAN and FARYAL MAKHDOOM

Wed in New York !

The marriage ceremony of Amir Khan and US student Faryal Makhdoom took place few days ago at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on last Friday.

The couple is extremely happy and enjoying their newly married life. .

Amir Khan said in a humorous mood, ‘I had to get in there and tie the knot quickly, before I got beaten up in too many fights and lose my looks.’

ENGAGEMENT PICTURES

Global

ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING PICTURES 2013

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Insider

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS INSIDER

Small Businesses looking to Promote your Company on FACEBOOK ?

By Jessie Danaher

1.Get to know your fansTalking about your business with a couple of friends is a good way to spread the word round.

However if you make a Facebook page or profile you can spread the word round to hundreds of people just by writing down what you would say to your friends. You can use page insights by seeing which posts you have created sparked conversations with different people therefore you can keep sharing and posting ideas similar to that one.

Even though you may be writing really great posts to let people know about your company you need to know that not all

of your friends/fans will see the posts. In this situation to ensure everyone can see it you can make page post ads which are a great way to spread the word round to more people and fans. Because of these ads you can then see who likes your page and it is a more effective way of spreading the social content. Another great way to engage more fans is by clicking the share button.

2. Stand out from the crowdYou need to remember that not everyone is going to be reading all of their news feed especially if it is more complex. Keeping your posts to a minimum is the best way to do

it as they are more likely to read it. Pictures are a very dominant way to catch the reader’s attention, make sure you try and include related pictures to your posts.

3. And the rest you need to make sure that you post regularly so fans can then see how great your company is. Also conversing with people will keep them loyal to your business as they know they have your trust. Treat your customers or potential customers as though you would a friend keep in contact with them so they don’t lose interest. Asking your customers what they think of your company is essential because keeping

CALLING ALL WRITERS Eastern Insider WESTMIDLAND’S famous BRITISH ASIAN NEWSPAPER is looking for talented contributors for its NEXT ISSUE .

Are you passionate about writing , art , poetry ?

Do you know any great story about West Midlands ?

Are you passionate about your community ?

LET US KNOW !!

Contact Us with a Short Piece of example writing to the email below :

E : easterninsidernewspaper@mail.com

the customers happy is key. Also asking for feedback is a great way to make the customers feel involved in the decisions your company is making. The customers will only require minimal effort to give you feedback if you use Facebook’s questions feature. As you know there are so many small businesses out there that are trying to get ‘big’, it is a really good idea to let your customers know that if they like your page you can reward them by sending out special offers or deals they might be interested in. Announcing new products early can make all the difference.

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LIFE & STYLE BOLLYWOOD INSIDER

Bollywood Latest Film Reviews

Veteran Jyotin Goel, who dabbled with an animation film in 2010 [BIRD IDOL], attempts a zany rom-com for the first time.

The film is special for yet another reason... It marks Jyotin’s son Dev’s debut as an actor, besides starring Sanjay Dutt, who has featured in Jyotin’s earlier

ventures INAAM DUS HAZAAR, ZAHREELAY and SAFARI. HUM HAI RAAHI CAR KE has its moments, but, frankly, what could’ve been a comic saga with pulse-pounding adventure and thrills loses its sheen soon after a promising start... sorry, runs out of fuel would be more appropriate for this ‘car’naama...

HUM HAI RAAHI CAR KE narrates the story of two friends [Dev Goel and Adah Sharma], who embark on a road-trip from Mumbai to Pune on New Year’s night. But the journey,

Directed By: Jyotin Goel Starring: Dev Goel, Adah Sharma, Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Dutt, Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey, Rati Agnihotri, Viveck Vaswani, Ganesh Venkatraman, Amit Mistry, Samrat MukerjiAll of a sudden, cars have caught the attention of �ilm makers this side of the Atlantic. Last year, FERRARI KI SAWAARI, more recently MERE DAD KI MARUTI and now HUM HAI RAAHI CAR KE have automobiles playing a signi�icant part.

Strangely, to me and to many others who recall that lovely Aamir - Juhi �ilm, the title of HUM HAI RAAHI CAR KE brings back memories of HUM HAIN RAHI PYAR KE. Needless to add, the similarities end there!

which should’ve taken a couple of hours, ends up being an all-nighter, with bizarre events unfolding on the road and upsetting their plans of reaching the city. Like I stated earlier, the film starts off with gusto, it has a lot going for it since one can relate to the theme, but the barrel of laughs ought to be chock-a-block to sustain audience interest. In this case, the laughs become scarce and sparse after a point and though the makers and the on-screen characters do make a sincere attempt to make you grin or break into a guffaw, you don’t!

In addition, the sequences are stretched for no particular reason and the episodes that thwart the couple’s plans of reaching Pune on time are so ludicrous that it’s unbelievable.

Right from the time the duo encounter a gorilla or goons on a secluded road to the tryst in the hospital to getting even with a politician’s son and his cronies to saving the life of a scientist

by cracking the password, the writing lacks the power to keep you glued. However, there are times when the sequences do bring a smile on your face [the second hour has its moments], but the outcome is way below the mark. The soundtrack has a variety of compositions, which you like as long as you are watching the film. Dev convinces you in a few sequences, but gets overenthusiastic and overzealous at times. Adah, who has proved her credentials in her earlier movies, handles her part well. Sanjay Dutt is just about okay, while Juhi Chawla is wonderful in the lone

sequence. Chunky Pandey gets to portray multiple characters and he tries too hard to make you laugh. Anupam Kher is hardly there. Rati Agnihotri and Viveck Vaswani get limited

scope. Amit Mistry hams. Samrat Mukerji is strictly okay. On the whole, HUM HAI RAAHI CAR KE is below par

17

LIFE & STYLE BOLLYWOOD INSIDER

ISHQ IN PARIS

Romance is the most favored genre in Bollywood, but love stories have undergone a metamorphosis in the recent past. Films like EK MAIN AUR EKK TU, LOVE AAJ KAL, WAKE UP SID, LONDON PARIS NEW YORK and COCKTAIL have redefined romance in our movies. The anguish which germinates from heartbreak, the outburst of emotions when matters of the heart fail and making peace with oneself and the

ISHKQ IN SUNSET films, but he PARIS also makes sure he affixes brings back those delicate touches memories of that appeal to the Indian cineastes. Since LONDON PARIS NEW the film is chatty in nature, there are times YORK, when weariness sets which in and the lines seem released a contrived [the first year ago.

Needless to hour is strictly okay!], say, ISHKQ but, eventually, this one springs a pleasant IN PARIS surprise! ISHKQ IN is different PARIS narrates the from the above-named story of two strangers, films in terms Ishkq [Preity Zinta] and Aakash [Rheof story development han Malliek], who and execu- meet on a train from tion. When Rome to Paris and an entire film end up spending an evening in Paris. centers on first getting Sparks fly, the two share some wonderful acquainted and then go- moments before they ing separate go separate ways... ways, it puts only to meet again! loved one eventually... enormous pressure on What goes in favor the storytellers are the storyteller to make of ISHKQ IN PARIS in a mood to push the envelope further. every sequence vital. is the vibe and the ISHKQ IN PARIS is He/she needs to glis- chemistry between its yet another addition ten relentlessly. Even lead actors. The love to the new-age, urban accomplished writers/ story has its moments, setting love tale. The directors find it most the humor is subtle demanding to portray and believable and the film is significant writers [Preity Zinta, a couple falling in because, besides its theme, it marks Preity love and drifting apart Prem Soni] make sure Zinta’s tryst with film within a few hours of they spike the narrameeting each other... tive with energetic production, besides signaling her return Prem Soni does have episodes and clever lines. There’s an to the big screen after a tough task on his invigorating shoulders to depict the a hiatus. Bearing an uncanny resemblance wobbly relationship honesty in the way the to the romantic fare between the protago- couple discuss love nists. Prem borrows and the twist in the BEFORE pre-climax saunters in the attitude from SUNRISE [Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy], BEFORE SUNRISE slickly. The buildup to the climax, and BEFORE

the actors catch your coupled with the mature execution of eye in those tiny the written material, little moments that capture their charming keeps you hooked.

On the flip side, the chemistry well. What makes the perforwriting meanders mances work is that from stimulating to wishy-washy. There the characters are bona fide and crediare times when the film tries to be differ- ble. Preity is exquisite ent from movies of its in every frame. Her ilk, but doesn’t really eyes emanate genuine thrive. Sure, it begins warmth and her performance is capwith a bang, but it continues to taper as tivating. It’s great to it moves forward. The see this supremely taldirector uses melodra- ented actress back in ma to depict anxiety top form! Rhehan too infuses energy into his and trauma, but the trouble is, haven’t we role and compliments watched it all in mov- Preity at every level. ies earlier? The DoP He looks perfect for his part and carries [Manush Nandan] endeavors for a cer- his part with poise tain look and feel and and composure. Isawhich he maintains all belle Adjani is good through. The stunning enough in the few sequences she appears locales of Paris and Prague augment the in. Sanjay Lafont doesn’t get scope. visual impact. The soundtrack [Sajid-Wa- Shekhar Kapur shines in the song-sequence. jid] is wholesome, Chunky Pandey is with the composers coming up with tracks up to the mark in a that capture the mood cameo. On the whole, of the love story. ‘It’s ISHKQ IN PARIS is All About Tonight’ is a decent fare, but its racy, while ‘Kudiye fate depends on word Di Kurti’ is foot-tap- of mouth completely, ping and the presence for the film to carve of Salman Khan acts a niche for itself. The delay in release [the as the icing on the promos had been on cake. ‘Saiyaan’ is melodious to the core. air for quite some time] coupled with It’s difficult to take your eyes off Preity lack of strong faceand Rhehan. Whether value might mar its bickering or flirting prospects! with one another,

AURANGZEB Bollywood’s fascination with dual roles dates back to its golden era, when Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor

reigned supreme. Recall HUM DONO [Dev Anand], RAM AUR SHYAM [Dilip Kumar], DO KALIYAN Neetu Singh], ARADHANA [Rajesh

Khanna], SEETA AUR GEETA [Hema Malini], MAUSAM [Sharmila Tagore], DON [Amitabh Bachchan], AAKHREE RAASTA [Amitabh Bachchan],

CHAALBAAZ [Sridevi], KISHEN KANHAIYA [Anil Kapoor], JUDWAA [Salman Khan], KAHO NAA... PYAAR HAI [Hrithik Roshan], DON

[Shah Rukh Khan], ROWDY RATHORE [Akshay Kumar]... the protagonist in those movies left an indelible impression on cineastes. Now Arjun Kapoor

gets to portray a double role very early in his career... in his second film itself -AURANGZEB.

Rumors are rife that AURANGZEB is the present-day version of Yash Chopra’s immensely likable TRISHUL. With modifications of course, to suit the present-day sensibilities. Much earlier, when YRF unveiled the promo of the film, the comparisons with Chandra Barot’s DON had gathered momentum.

So what’s the truth? Well, AURANGZEB does bring back memories of TRISHUL as well as DON, but the premise, setting and execution are poles apart. AURANGZEB, a crime drama, focuses on the land mafia and the enmity between two authoritative factions: Police and mafia. The film marks the big screen debut of Atul Sabharwal, who directed a crime show [POWDER] for Yash Raj’s television unit.

The director knows the technicalities right, but he falters -- and falters big time -- in narrating a gripping story in a concise format. Resultantly, the film tests the patience of the spectator in the second hour and the impact of several brilliant moments gets washed away in the process. A family of policemen...

A family of gangsters...

Under the guise of a respected citizen, Yashwardhan [Jackie Shroff], runs a parallel world, a world where he is the Emperor. To bring down a criminal, the law will have to now think like a criminal! When Vishal [Arjun Kapoor] is planted

in Yashwardhan’s world in place of Ajay [Arjun Kapoor], the lawmakers [Rishi Kapoor and Prithviraj] roll the dice and a sequence of events unravel something much more than what Vishal bargained for, as he finds himself in a predicament that puts him to test!

AURANGZEB catches your eye initially. There are numerous characters in this cat and mouse saga and the storytelling, although slow-paced, keeps the spectator glued to the proceedings. Atul, who has also penned the screenplay,focuses on drama more than action/ violence and the back story of the prominent characters as well as the menacing games they indulge in results in an invigorating first hour. Atul makes sure he packages the narrative well with moments that, although predictable at times, stay with you. Like most Hindi movies, AURANGZEB suffers from the curse of the second hour syndrome, for the film languishes and fumbles soon after the intermission. There are too many issues, frankly. First and foremost, the drama loses sheen as it proceeds. Two, the drama seems never-ending and with too many characters and too many things happening in the movie, what comes across is a hodgepodge.

Even the culmination fails to give you a high.

Adding to the woes is its lethargic pacing! To give the credit where it’s due, Atul handles the

dramatic moments adroitly, but the effort to cram too many characters and episodes in the screenplay hits the second hour of the film hard. Dialogue, so crucial in a film that has drama as its core selling point, is punch-packed at times, but commonplace otherwise.

There’s no scope for music here and the absence of a popular score too is a deterrent. The film is well shot, with the DoP [N. Karthik Ganesh] filming the outdoors with flourish.

Rishi Kapoor is the lifeline of the enterprise. He charms his way into the spectator’s minds with a spectacular performance. It’s a delight to watch Jackie Shroff and Amrita Singh, a popular pair of the 1980s, after a hiatus in dominant parts.

Jackie excels in his role, although he is sidelined subsequently.

Amrita is super in a role that demands a scheming and manipulating woman.

Arjun Kapoor, who impressed critics and moviegoers alike in his debut film, gets to portray dualroles. The wild child is reminiscent of the part he portrayed in ISHAQZAADE, but the second role is sober and subdued. The youngster attempts to balance the dissimilar parts deftly, but falters in emotional moments. Newcomer Sasheh Agha gets to depict several bold scenes in her debut film and the newcomer seems quite comfortable and confident doing those. Prithviraj, who debuted on the Hindi screen with AIYYAA, gets a meatier part this time, but the challenge lies in convincing the spectator that he looks his part of a North Indian. It’s evident that the talented actor has polished his diction and speaks his lines effortlessly. Otherwise too, his performance is effectual. Deepti Naval is wasted. Ditto for Anupam Kher. Tanvi Azmi is efficient. Swara Bhaskar is limited to a few scenes.

Sikander Berry doesn’t get much scope. On the whole, AURANGZEB has a great premise, but great plots don’t, generally, translate into great films. This one’s way too lengthy and mediocre [second hour] to leave any kind of an impression whatsoever.

Disappointing!

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LIFE & STYLE

YEH JAWANI HAI JIAH KHAN COMMITS SUICIDE DEEWANI . . . . . . .

Jiah Khan, best remembered for her film Nishabd opposite Amitabh Bachchan, committed suicide at her Juhu residence on Monday night. Reports suggest that the 25 year old actress hung herself, due to depression.Born and raised in London, Jiah, also known as Nafisa, shifted to India to pursue a career in acting. She also starred in Aamir Khan’s Ghajini and Akshay Kumar’s Housefull. According to police reports, Jiah ended her life around 11 pm; however she did not leave a suicide note.

Like all rom-coms, YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI sparkles with romance, merriment and heartache, is brightly glossy and boasts of crackling chemistry between its lead actors, but Ayan makes sure the heady concoction never waters down.

The best part is, he never borrows from romantic cliches that most love stories depend upon and that, in my opinion, is this film’s biggest strength. Expect no unwanted melodrama, no unwelcome characters, no earsplitting background music to accentuate the proceedings... the best thing about YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI is that it’s refreshingly unique within the conventional Hindi film format.

YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI narrates the story of four characters -- Bunny [Ranbir Kapoor], Naina [Deepika Padukone], Aditi [Kalki Koechlin] and Avi [Aditya Roy Kapur] -- as they navigate through their youth... from

their carefree laughter as they set off on a holiday together in their colleges days, until their bittersweet tears as they watch the first of their bunch get married. It’s pretty

they encounter, the resolution... radiates tremendous maturity. He nurtures his characters well, garnishing the narrative with episodes that have a lot of heart and

towards the middle of the second half.

Nevertheless, notwithstanding the trivial blemish, the writing manages to hit the high notes for most parts of the enterprise.

gyrating to the tunes with delight.

Madhuri’s presence in the ‘Ghagra’ track adds credence too. V. Manikandan’s cinematography is pure art in motion. Every

evident that Ayan wants to offer that something extra beyond a love story.

The conflict in this plot has nothing to do with parental pressures or social disagreements.

The issue that the characters face is very real, extremely relevant and reflects the mindset of those living in a metropolis. But scratch the exterior -- beneath the fun quotient, the song and dance routine -- Ayan takes up some serious issues, albeit in a subtle way, that envelope the human emotions brilliantly.

Ayan exhibits immense growth as a raconteur. His understanding of life, the characters, the road blocks

which capture the energy and silence astoundingly. The message that Ayan attempts to convey is wonderfully real: There’s more to life than conquering peaks and achieving targets. Sharing the precious moments with your loved one is what matters eventually.

Although the film is targeted at youth, the film speaks a universal language and holds appeal for people of all age-groups.

Although the narrative congregates vigor, melodrama and gloss dexterously, the only time it totters is when the pacing slows intermittently.

Besides, the narrative is stretched

Also, it never goes overboard with the drama.

The strings tie up really well towards the resolution and the conclusion is sure to leave you buoyant, grinning from ear to ear.

YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI is embellished with a youthful and crazy score, with Pritam belting out popular, energetic numbers.

‘Badtameez Dil’, ‘Balam Pichkari’ and ‘Ghagra’ are high-on-energy tracks that have already hit the popularity charts.

‘Kabira’ oozes melody and has rich lyrical value.

The choreography of ‘Badtameez Dil’ in particular is super, with Ranbir

frame is simply spectacular, with the DoP capturing the varied colors and landscapes with brilliance.

Dialogue [Hussain Dalal] are unusual, but fascinating and have a lot of clever hilarity entwined in them. The writing is enhanced by the performances!

Ranbir is the show-stopper, the film’s major muscle, the jewel in the crown, no two opinions on that.

He is pitch-perfect, managing to be maddening, exasperating, childish and endearing in a flash. He captivates you with his gaze, his tone of voice, his chuckle and those itsy-bitsy gestures

SHOOTOUT WADALA. . .

Gangster flicks -- especially the ones depicting the underbelly of Mumbai -- aren’t new. Films like DEEWAAR [Yash Chopra], PARINDA [Vidhu Vinod Chopra], AGNEEPATH [Mukul S. Anand], DAYAVAN [Feroz Khan], SATYA [Ramgopal Varma], COMPANY [Ramgopal Varma], VAASTAV [Mahesh Manjrekar], GANGSTER [Anurag Basu], SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA [Apoorva Lakhia] and ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI [Milan Luthria] have left an indelible impression on the minds of cineastes. Now Sanjay Gupta enters the dark alleys of 1970s and 1980s with SHOOTOUT AT WADALA, which is partly based on a book [‘Dongri To Dubai’, penned by Hussain Zaidi]. It chronicles the lives of gangsters, gang wars and also talks of the first encounter killing of a gangster. Not surprisingly, while Gupta retains the essence, he ensures he adapts the book delightfully, adding layers and fictionalized episodes, so that the outcome isn’t dry, dark or depressing.

Nor does it come across as a documentary. SHOOTOUT AT WADALA primarily focuses on that one man [Manya Surve] who took on the powerful gangsters in his prime. Much has been written about the dominance of several gangsters. But not much is known about Manya Surve. SHOOTOUT AT WADALA is his story. His rise to power. His dominance. His death. Although Gupta has attempted volatile subjects in the past, SHOOTOUT AT WADALA is his most accomplished work as a raconteur. He finds his voice with this film. He returns with a vengeance after a sabbatical of almost eight years [after ZINDA in 2005, although he directed a couple of short stories in DUS KAHANIYAAN in 2007, SHOOTOUT AT WADALA is his next full-length feature].

The saying, ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’ holds true for Gupta, as he makes a scathing statement with his newest venture, taking rapid strides as a storyteller, coming up with a fare that balances form and content admirably. SHOOTOUT AT WADALA narrates the story of Manya [John Abraham], who gets implicated in a murder case and is sentenced to life imprisonment. Manya flees the prison, returns to Mumbai and

forms his gang. The cops launch Operation Manya Surve to curb his dominance… Besides encapsulating the rise and fall of Manya Surve, SHOOTOUT AT WADALA talks about the lesser-known aspect of his life: His love interest. And it is this attribute in Manya’s personality that sets it apart from other gangster movies. It brings to the fore the humane aspect of a gangster who sent a chill down the spine in his prime.

While Gupta is synonymous with depicting machismo with flourish, tender moments such as these have been neglected in his movies, post HAMESHAA [Saif, Kajol]. But the sensitivity and ease with which Gupta balances the explosive and hot-tempered attitude of the gangster [with his rivals] and the soft and affectionate persona [with his lady love] gives the film that extra edge. The second half of the film and more specifically, the final moments leave you awe-struck.

The screenwriting [Sanjay Gupta, Abhijeet Deshpande, Sanjay Bhatia] is watertight. Although it takes time to settle down, the solid writing in the second hour keeps you on the edge. In fact, the turn of events in the second half takes the film to its zenith. A large chunk of SHOOTOUT AT WADALA is devoted to high-voltage action sequences. Unlike some recent films, the action here is raw and real, reminiscent of the films of the 1980s. The action -- brutal, unrepressed and energetic -- is clearly a notch above the recent films that depict the hero bashing up rogues like we swat flies and mosquitoes. Unquestionably, it’s one of the highpoints of the movie [Tinu Verma]. Another aspect that stays with you is the dialogue [Milap Milan Zaveri]. The lines leave a remarkable impact without crossing the familial domain. Every dialogue is delivered as a punch and there are times when you cheer and applaud the effort. It won’t be erroneous to state that the dialogue is one of the pillars of this enterprise. Although Gupta and Milap have worked several times in the past, SHOOTOUT AT WADALA is Milap’s best work so far, after KAANTE. Since the gangster flick is set in the 1970s and 1980s, the soundtrack [Anu Malik, Anand Raaj Anand, Meet Brothers Anjaan, Mustafa Zahid] is reminiscent of the music of that era.

However, it’s the items songs that catch your attention. ‘Babli’ [filmed on Priyanka Chopra], ‘Laila’ [filmed on Sunny Leone] and ‘Aala Re Aala’ [filmed on Sophie Choudry] are foot-tapping and the presence of

that make Bunny so so so lovable.

Post COCKTAIL, Deepika nails her part yet again.

The actress makes her character distinctive, blending grit, courage, compassion, sensuality and buoyancy with flourish. Aditya continues to climb the ladder. Post AASHIQUI 2, here’s yet another act that gives ample evidence of his fine talent.

Kalki infuses poise in her part, holding her own despite the film clearly belonging to Ranbir and Deepika.

Farooq Shaikh, as Ranbir’s father, is simply outstanding, more so towards the final stages of the film. Kunal Roy Kapur is competent, as always. Dolly Ahluwalia and Tanvi Azmi are perfect.

Evelyn Sharma is charming. Navin Kaushik is good.

Rana Daggubati sparkles in his cameo. On the whole, YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI is a revitalizing take on romance and relationships.

A wonderful cinematic experience, this one should strike a chord with not just the youth, but cineastes of all age-groups. Watch this celebration of love and get mesmerized!

curvaceous women only acts as an eye candy. Editing [Bunty Nagi] is skillful. Despite a run time of more than 2.30 hours, you never lose the narrative for a second. Background score [Amar Mohile] blends with the on-screen happenings wonderfully. Cinematography [Sameer Arya; additional DoP: Sanjay F. Gupta] is top notch, with the bygone era being depicted with flourish. Gupta is known for extracting inspiring performances! Leading the pack is, without doubt, John Abraham, who makes the character of Manya Surve come alive on screen. It’s a drastic transition for John as he has several heavy-duty scenes to perform and the actor does the switch from an action hero to an able performer with much delight. Call this a coincidence, whenever John has been cast in a negative role, his performance has always stood out [ZINDA, DHOOM and RACE 2]. Now SHOOTOUT AT WADALA will prove to be the talking point. Anil Kapoor reinvents himself yet again. So good is the veteran that you never get enough of him. Watch him lock horns with varied actors in the film and you realize, he’s one of those rare actors who cannot be overpowered. Ever. Manoj Bajpayee glides into his character effortlessly and delivers a magnificent performance. Tusshar Kapoor springs a big surprise, making you believe in the character he’s portraying on screen. He adds tremendous credence to his character.

Sonu Sood is electrifying. In the post-interval portions specifically, Sonu gets some meaty scenes to sink his teeth into and he grabs the opportunity instantly. Ronit Roy is another actor to watch out for. He makes his presence felt in a noteworthy role. Mahesh Manjrekar doesn’t get much scope, while Akbar Khan, Ranjeet and Jackie Shroff appear in cameos. Kangna delivers a wonderful performance [especially towards the final moments] and stands her own despite the presence of actors with challenging characters. Sanjeev Chadha is effectual in his film debut. Siddhanth Kapoor is confident in his first outing as an actor. Karan Patel makes his presence felt. Arif Zakaria is alright. Raju Mavani is perfect and so is Raju Kher. On the whole, SHOOTOUT AT WADALA is a fire-brand, paisa vasool entertainer. Brutal and electrifying, it is one of those theatre-going experiences that has a plot, is packaged well and has content [drama, action, dialogue, songs, performances] that works big time with the avid moviegoer. Sanjay Gupta delivers a solid punch!

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LIFE & STYLE BOLLYWOOD INSIDER rytellers in Mumbai are geared up to take the genre to an altogether new level, introducing the spectators to zombies. GO GOA GONE, directed by Raj and DK, is India’s first ‘zomcom’. Romance, action and comedy continue to be the most privileged genres in Bollywood, but the past few years have witnessed a number of experiments catching the audience eye. Fear and hilarity are opposite sides of the coin. To amalgamate them in a movie script requires a truly fertile mind because you don’t anticipate humor and horror to go hand-inhand. The expectations from GO GOA GONE are, evidently, colossal, in view of the fact that something like this hasn’t been attempted on the Hindi screen earlier, although cineastes have witnessed zombies in Hollywood films. A zom-com Bollywood has dabbled with ghosts, spirits and can pave the way for movies of similar genre in paranormal movies aplenty. Besides, the supernatural and horror genre is fast gaining popularity times to come, if it finds an audience... GO GOA GONE is looked forward to for varied reasons: with dream merchants, after a hiatus. Now, stoThe zom-com aspect, zany look of the film, Saif’s

It’s a fact... Cinema and cricket are pursued with religious fervor in India. Cinema connects us. Cinema unites us. Cinema is indeed the predominant influence on our lives. Cinema is, without doubt, an integral part of every movie lover... Indian cinema, which completes its 100th year this year [RAJA HARISHCHANDRA, the first full-length feature-film made by Dadasaheb Phalke, was released in 1913], ought to be commemorated. What better way than four avant garde film-makers combining forces to pay respect to cinema -- Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap. Backed

by Viacom18, the four prolific film-makers set out to narrate stories that are unconventional, borrowed from real life, about the common man.

Also, each of those stories has a reference to Indian cinema/stars. The four stories in BOMBAY TALKIES -- made at a stipulated budget of Rs 1.5 cr each, the duration not exceeding 20/25 minutes -- are entwined in one film. Of course, experiments like this, when one or multiple raconteurs join hands to narrate distinctive stories, aren’t new. Recall DARNA MANA HAI [2003; Prawaal Raman narrated a series of six stories in one film], DARNA ZAROORI HAI [2006; seven directors narrating seven different stories], SALAAM-E-ISHQ [2007; six love stories helmed by Nikhil Advani] and DUS KAHANIYAAN [2007; ten stories narrated by six directors]... A film like BOMBAY TALKIES gives an opportunity to film-makers to step out of their comfort zone and try to create something novel. It’s a podium that does not necessarily cater to the box-office or the diaspora alone. Also, it helps the film-maker to tap the latent talent that he/she possesses, but it’s never nurtured due

bleached getup [he plays a zombie killer in the movie], wicked one-liners and enticing music...

But the challenge lies in educating the spectator about zombies, since there’s no zombie folklore to enlighten them thus far. Let’s face it, making a zom-com means treading into untried, alien territory. It’s always a peril if you think out of the box, when you offer something innovative to the spectator. At the same time, a subject like this offers ample opportunity to its maker to break rules.

But Raj and DK pull it off with flourish! A film like GO GOA GONE pushes the envelope and that, without beating around the bush, needs to be lauded! Hardik [Kunal Khemu] and Luv [Vir Das] tag along to Goa with their best buddy, Bunny [Anand Tiwari], on his office trip. Luv comes across Luna [Puja Gupta], who invites him toan exclusive rave party on a remote island. The party is the brainchild of Russian mafioso Boris [Saif Ali Khan] to launch the ultimate party drug. But the party goes horribly wrong... All of a sudden, they are accosted by zombies! GO GOA GONE comes across more as an adventure flick than a conventional horror film. Sure, it has its share of violence and gore, besides some cuss words, rave party et al, but the fun quotient is smartly integrated in the screenplay and what comes across is crazy, madcap amusement. The humor is smart and the factors that have resulted in an ‘A’ certificate have been done aesthetically and don’t come across as distasteful or offensive. Frankly, Raj and DK make a genuine effort to give the viewers something they haven’t watched before.

The aim is to make you giggle and also shriek the next moment. Perhaps, Raj and DK are enthused

by Hollywood movies and there’s no denying that GO GOA GONE is a film with Hollywood sensibilities. But the best part is that the film never gets dark or depressing. The wit and humor,

generously interwoven in the narrative, keeps you smiling all through, despite the blood and gore.

The only time the film loses its balance is towards the middle of the second hour, albeit slightly.

Also, Anand Tiwari’s back story of how he escaped from the clutches of the zombies could’ve been more persuasive, but the final moments bring the narrative back on track. The soundtrack [Sachin-Jigar] is essential to the script and has its place in the proceedings. The film comprises of energetic tracks with some amusing, quirky lyrics. ‘Khoon Choos Le’ and ‘Babaji Ki Booty’ match the theme of the film wonderfully. The background score is electrifying. The music piece at the rave party in particular is trippy. Dialogue, much like the content of the film, are aimed at the youngistaan and if one may say so, make you chuckle on varied occasions. Cinematography is perfect. Saif balances the suave and uncouth persona with effortlessness. Even if the narrative tends to dip at times, Saif makes sure he breathes life into the proceedings. Kunal Khemu, Vir Das and Anand Tiwari are a riot. The youngsters pull off their acts and indulge in dramatics without going overboard. The camaraderie is great!

Kunal is a revelation. He sheds all inhibitions and delivers a punch-packed performance. Vir Das is a complete natural. He essays his part with super conviction. Anand Tiwari is in terrific form. This film should prove a big turnaround in his career.

Puja gets a meaty part to make her presence felt and she does very well. On the whole, GO GOA GONE is experimental since something like this has never been attempted earlier. But it’s fun, witty, amusing and yes, thoroughly entertaining.

The youngistaan is sure to love this mad, mad, mad ride!

``BOMBAY TALKIES``

to commercial constraints. The challenge lies in not merely narrating a story within a budget, but also narrating a tale effectively encompassing

Dibakar attempts to underline the actuality that personal contentment cannot be weighed against monetary incentives. In the end, the contentment on Nawaz’s face, his body language as he narrates a story to his daughter, the cheerfulness he radiates seems so bona fide. You must hand it to Dibakar for transporting to the fore a story that makes you reflect on the various decisions of your past. There are two vital performers in this story -- Nawazuddin and Sadashiv Amrapurkar.

Nawazuddin is brilliant all through, specifically in the sequence when he rushes home to his

myriad emotions...

Karan Johar Plot: All’s well between

an urban couple [Randeep Hooda, Rani Mukerji] till the wife meets a colleague [Saqib Saleem] at work. It changes their lives forever. Think of Karan Johar and you can’t help but recall larger than life movies, music, dances, emotions, drama, grandiose sets, stunning locales, chic outfits…

But Karan does an about-turn with the story in BOMBAY TALKIES. Of course, in films like KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA and MY NAME IS KHAN, Karan did make an attempt to push the envelope, but with the short story in BOMBAY TALKIES, he narrates a story that no film-maker has endeavored to narrate on the Hindi screen. I was in a state of disbelief because I never expected Karan to narrate an account with such flourish in those 20 odd minutes. Karan reinvents himself here! The story revolves around three characters and each of them delivers bravura performances. Rani is efficient, as always. Randeep is finally getting

with brilliance!

Zoya Akhtar Plot: A kid [Naman

Jain] from a middle class family is captivated by an actress [Katrina Kaif]. He decides to break the rules of the society and chase his dreams. Parents who thrust their condescending ambitions on their kids are not new for Bollywood. Zoya tackled a similar plot in LUCK BY CHANCE [recall Dimple Kapadia’s character].

Now Zoya drives home a pertinent message through a kid here. The middle class setting, daughter to narrate a new story. It’s indeed a the defenselessness of the kids, the dilemma pleasure to watch the supremely talented Sawhen parents decide what their kids ought to dashiv Amrapurkar after a hiatus. Anurag be when they grow up… Zoya’s handling of the delicate moments stay with you. The usage A young man of ‘My Name Is Sheela’ [from TEES MAAR [Vineet Kumar Singh] arrives in Mumbai from KHAN] is the icing on the cake and the kid’s Allahabad to fulfill his ailing father’s [Sudhir moves are amazing. While Ranvir Shorey enacts Pande] last wish. Anurag is known for pushing the part of the disciplinarian father to perfection, the boundaries, for thinking out of the box, for it’s the performance of the two kids -- Naman swimming against the tide… most importantly, and Khushi Dubey -- that are most rewarding. he’s known for encouraging new, deserving Naman in particular is the star of the story. Kattalent. Anurag too does an about-turn and makes rina Kaif appears in a sparkling cameo. The film a film that’s in sharp contrast to the ‘dark films’ concludes with a tribute to Indian cinema, which he’s synonymous with. The story he narrates brings as many as twenty top stars together on evokes myriad emotions -- it makes you the same platform [choreography: Vaibhavi Merchuckle, it makes you feel sympathetic towards chant].On the whole, BOMBAY TALKIES is the millions of hopeful who arrive in the city, it An one of those infrequent movies wherein you get makes you moist-eyed when something drastic actor [Nawazuddin Siddiqui] is struggling to to eyeball the superior efforts of four top notch transpires during the train journey. With this make a living. While watching a filmshoot one film-makers in less than two hours. This reality day, he gets an opportunity that helps him prove film, Anurag should silence the naysayers who alone makes the film a compelling watch, while himself to his daughter. Based on Satyajit Ray’s feel he restricts himself to confined themes only. the superior performances and absorbing themes Vineet Kumar Singh is a talent to watch out for. short story ‘Patol Babu, Film Star’, Dibakar that the movie prides itself in only serve as an changes the setting from middle class Kolkata to The vulnerability of an outsider when he arrives icing on the cake. This celebration of cinema is in a metropolis like Mumbai is projected radiant- a must watch! middle class Dadar in Mumbai. With this story, ly by this young actor. Sudhir Pande is first-rate.

Kashyap Plot:

the characters that do justice to his talent. But it is Saqib Saleem who stuns you with a dazzling performance. Kudos to Karan for taking a giant leap as a storyteller and depicting a harsh reality

But it is Amitabh Bachchan’s super cameo that adjoins credence to the sequence of events.

Dibakar Banerjee Plot:

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IPL POST FIXING ROW: ANKEET CHAVAN DENIES ANY WRONG DOING awarded if they were found guilty.A Delhi court on May 30 granted Ankeet Chavan conditional bail until June 06 for his wedding, as according to the court there was no threat of the player tampering with evidence in the cricket scam case.

Earlier, Delhi police had invoked the provisions of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, (MCOCA) against Sreesanth and other accused for their alleged nexus with the underworld in the spot fixing case.The act aims to control unlawful elements spreading militancy in the society to a great extent and minimise fear spread in the society by such unlawful elements.

However, currently the court has asked them to surrender their passRajasthan Royals cricketer, Ankeet home. I am happy that I am with ports, as they are not Chavan, a spot-fixing accused in the my family now. I would really like allowed to leave the country.A series Indian Premier League (IPL) has to thank the judicial system,” said of scandals has tarnished the image denied of any wrongdoing“I have Chavan.The 27-year-old accused in of the cash-rich IPL, which boasts a always given my 100%, and I have the spot-fixing scandal surrendered host of celebrity owners including again before the court on June 6.Cha- India’s richest man Mukesh Ambaalways played cricket with a lot of passion. And I just hope and believe van, Sreesanth and 17 others were ni, spirits and airline magnate Vijay that I get a positive result from the released on bail June 11 from the Mallya and Bollywood star Shah judicial system so that I get to play Tihar Jail.The Board of Control for Rukh Khan. cricket again and I get back in my Cricket in India (BCCI) immediately career where I was,” said Chavan“- suspended the players and promised Firstly, I am really happy to be back that stricter punishments would be

IPL SCAM RAJ KUNDRA PERFORM PUJA SHILPA SHETTY TWEETS THANKS MUM X Suspended Rajasthan Royals’ co-owner Raj Kundra performed a puja while his Bollywood actress wife Shilpa Shetty took solace from her mother’s comforting words as the duo dealt with the tough times that have followed the NRI businessman’s questioning by the Delhi Police.“A very holy day for me as spent the day doing an 8 hour long puja at home. It’s all about having faith. #peace #love #prayers,” tweeted Mr Kundra.Mr Kundra has been facing tough times ever since being questioned by the Delhi Police, to whom the NRI businessman admitted to betting in the cash-rich Twenty20 league.

The 37-year-old British Indian businessman was later suspended by BCCI’s all-powerful working committee, pending completion of an inquiry.Mr Kundra is the second team owner, after N Srinivasan’s son-in-law and Chennai Super Kings Team Principal Gurunath Meiyappan, to be suspended from cricketing activities in the wake of the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal.

Shilpa Shetty, on the other hand, turned to her mother for support.“Was Low nd mom said this to me “People will hate you, rate you, shake you, and break you. How strong you stand is what makes you”.“Those words gave me strength immediately. Parents unconditional love and prayers put a smile on my face. Shd never take that fr granted :),” she tweeted.

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Champions Trophy: South Africa, West Indies fight it out for Semi - Final ...

South Africa lost their opening game to India before getting the better of Pakistan, results which are similar to what the West Indies have managed so far in the tournament With the semifinal slot up for grabs, South Africa and the West Indies would be locked in what is a virtual quarterfinal when they take on each other in their last Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Cardiff on Friday.South Africa lost their opening game to India before getting the better of Pakistan, results which are similar to what the West Indies have managed so far in the tournament.India are already through to the semifinals after two wins out of two, while Pakistan are out of contention. That leaves the Proteas and the West Indies locked in a battle for the second semifinal spot.South Africa have got a shot in the arm ahead of the crucial match with pacer Dale Steyn returning to fitness. He bowled in the nets on Wednesday without any discomfort after being laid low by a side strain.“Dale is progressing quite well. He came through his net session today without any discomfort,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, who is also a doctor, said on Wednesday.“We will watch him overnight to see if he wakes up with any stiffness.

If he comes through tomorrow’s practice then he should be available.”As far as the batting prowess goes, both teams seem evenly matched even though the Chris Gayle factor could tilt the scales in the West Indies’ favour if the swashbuckler comes up with one of his hurricane knocks tomorrow.

For South Africa, Hashim Amla’s form remains crucial as he would be expected to play the sheet-an-

chor’s role. The likes of A B de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and J P Duminy are the gamechangers, who can accelerate on a solid start

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RAJ KUNDRA MAKES OFFICICAL STATEMENT ON IPL ACCUSATIONS OF FIXING ‘All those who know me are aware thatsport is my first love. I own a minority 11.7% share in Rajasthan Royals as well as a majority share of the Super Fight League in India......’ in India which has become the largest MMA league in Asia within a year of its launch.I have singlehandedly provided job opportunities and training to 200 Indian fighters who were doing nothing but misusing their strength on the streets or in underground illegal fight clubs. I am currently working on football to develop itspopularity amongst youngsters and also to provide better infrastructure and training to them. It shocks, saddens and hurts me when my integrity towards Sport is questioned, especially knowing that there are very few who have taken the initiative and been successful in the development of sport in India. All sorts of accusations were made against me without proof, by people in powerful positions. It is sad that without accurate facts, I am being made a scapegoat and put under trial by the media based on unproved claims. The most difficult part of the decision to marry Shilpa was the fact that she did not want to leave India. I made the choice of moving to India initially out of love for her, All those who know me are aware thatsport is my first but have over the yearsfallen in love with India and all love. I own a minority 11.7% share in Rajasthan Royals that comes with it. I am afraid that rampant corruption at different levels would serve a deterrent for foreign as well as a majority share of the Super Fight League

investors who may otherwise be willing to invest in India. People need to realise that as a British national and NRI, IF I wanted to bet I could havedone so off-shore on ANY betting website legally. However I did not do so as the IPL contract as per ACSU rules clearly states that owners cannot bet on the IPL. In many BCCI meetings I have often suggested that team-owners be given a seat on the IPL governing board so that owners are involved in decision making, as in many international sports bodies. Us owners are the ones heavily invested in the IPL and should have a voice in its functioning, however till date no team-owner’s body has been welcomed.I am shocked and upset at the unilateral decision taken today by the BCCI and will fight the grounds of suspension.I further clarify that this is my view and is not related to any other share-holders or owners of Rajasthan Royals.

I close by saying I trust in Justice and India Thank you.

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