Postnoon E-Paper for 28 January 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

Megan Fox P25

not to play Taylor

MURDER-SUICIDE ROCKS MALKAJGIRI In a chilling crime, a son strangled his parents and wife to death before putting the noose around his own neck at RK Nagar in Malkajgiri P3 last night.

David Dhawan proud of

P22

Katrinaʼs

Chikni chameli

Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012 HYDERABAD

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WHITEWASHED & HUNG OUT TO DRY FLASH

MAJOR ACB RAID NETS 12 OFFICIALS An Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB) team arrested 12 Excise officials including an assistant commissioner, two inspectors and a constable in Visakhapatnam.

EQUINE PLEASURES Horseracing is a sport that thrives on speed and adrenaline rush. Watching these majestic creatures race past is like watching beauty and agility in motion. But what does one know about how a horse is trained and the people involved in it? P16&17

CHALLENGING THE NORM He is the guru of designing and customising cars. In fact, it is widely believed that he designed the Aston Martin Vanquish prototype. Dilip Chhabria's cars are anything but ordinary. Postnoon reporter Osama P11 Salman tells us more.

Page Two

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Spirit of Twin Cities

Punjabis bemoan ‘liquor’ politics COMMUNITIES Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com

ith just two days to go for Assembly elections in Punjab, the contestants are using every method to woo voters. Postnoon finds out how Punjabis in the City feel about the elections in their home state. “Excessive liquor consumption is a major problem in many parts of Punjab, especially during elections. During this period, candidates lure voters with alcohol. The free flow of alcohol in rural areas is a major concern. Youths are resorting to selling drugs or alcohol as there are no employment avenues in Punjab,” said Ranjeet Sethi, a business-

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi with party leaders during an election rally at Sirhind in Punjab on Friday. man from the City. “There have been many scan-

PTI

dals and instances of embezzlement; corruption is at its peak in

Punjab. The state has been suffering from acute power shortage. The common man in the state is insecure due to poor law and order situation,” he said. “Candidates contesting the elections need to know and understand the main problems the state is facing. Burning issues such as education, population control, weak law and order, unemployment, drug addiction, corruption, plight of farmers and lack civic amenities, etc. have been conveniently put on the backburner in every election,” said Manu Juneja, a student. “The promise of granting reservations, Atta Daal scheme and free cycles, shagun, laptops, Internet connections, alcohol are not what the public need. Shockingly in many parts of the state, even basic amenities needed for a minimum standard of liv-

Manu Juneja

Ranjit Sethi

ing are not available" says Manu. "Hardly any party is talking about how these freebies will be financed by the already ailing and bankrupt economy of Punjab. Every politician is corrupt there and they do not think of the welfare of their people.Their main objective is to fulfil their selfish needs, so it is better not to choose anybody. I don’t think many people are enthusiastic about casting their votes,” he adds. Elections in Punjab will be held on January 30.

Around the city: Your guide to the Twin Cities

Childhood memory

Shopping blues Goethe-Zentrum presents WalMart - The High Cost of Low Price’.The film features the p stories and everyday lives of families and communities struggling to survive in a Wal-Mart world. Where: Goethe Zentrum, Nampally When: January 28, 5.30pm Contact: (040) 65526443

Visual art An exhibition cum sale of paintings by Hari Srinivas. The exhibition is on display till January 30 2012. Where: VSL Visual Art Gallery, Plot no 100, AP Text Book Colony, Gun Rock Enclave When: Ongoing Contact: 9247175135

Numaish A childhood favourite of every Hyderabadi, The All India Industrial Exhibition is on. Where: Exhibition Grounds, Nampally When: Ongoing

Eat in the dark

Martini ‘n music Enjoy the winter evenings with grey goose martinis and crooner Kelly dishing out your favourite numbers. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: Every Evening Contact: (040) 66662323

Bold world The play deals with three such stories. Each story has a unique female protagonist. Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills When: January 28, 7.30pm Contact: 9642731329

Cognac and Cigar The Seasons Bar opens up again as a Cigar and Cognac lounge with a wide selection of cognac, rare whiskies, single malts and cigars. Where: Taj Krishna,

CINEMAS

Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 66662323

Have you ever wondered how it feels to eat in the dark? Come and experience this. Pay `499 to enjoy a 4-course meal worth `1,000 at Dialogue in the Dark. Where: Dialogue in the Dark, Inorbit Mall, Hitech City When: Ongoing, 12.30pm Contact: (040) 64603341

Flowering delight The annual AP Horticulture expo is being held at People’s Plaza from January 26 to January 30. Where: People’s Plaza, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 10am to 8pm

Arts and craft fun Popular arts and craft guru will be holding a workshop at Oakridge International

‘PINT’ SIZED BEAUTY

PIC:A SUDHEER REDDY

Kites are a childhood memory of carefree life.They have become a metaphor of soaring freedom, of flights sky-high, above the humdrum of life. Artkites are an expression of festivity and vision. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 32411554

School.Children will have an electrifying experience as they get to Rob performing his innovations live. Where: Oakridge International School When: January 29, 10am-12.30pm or 2.30 to 5pm Contact: 9010647111/ 9951122508

One love One Love is an International exhibition by artists from around the world who aim at promoting humanity around the world. Where: State Gallery Of Fine Arts When: Ongoing, 11am Contact: (040) 32913922

1001 nights An exhibition titled 1001 nights featuring drawings and paintings by Santosh Kotagiri. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11am Contact: 9849968797

Bapu in colours A painting exhibition titled, Bapu-Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi by Siva Kesara Rao. Where: Marriott hotel & Convention Centre, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am Contact: (040) 27522999

Lunch treat Come eat n feel our lavish lunch buffet@ `199/Where: Equator Lounge, Jubilee Hills, When: 12 to 3:30pm Contact: (040) 64566161

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally, 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills, 447677770, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 08800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973

Hyper Local

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Cong -TRS busy with poll 4 of a family found dead CRIME strategy for by-elections POLITICS B W Mohd Subhan

mohd.s@postnoon.com

U Srinivas

srinivas.u@postnoon.com

ith the bypolls for seven Assembly constituencies in Telangana region round the corner, the Congress and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are gearing up to meet the challenge. While the Congress is harping on the “development and anti-corruption” mantra, the TRS is banking on the T-sentiment and is confident of winning all the seven seats. While the Congress is yet to finalise its candidates, the TRS has already announced that it would nominate former MLAs who joined it from the other parties as its official candidates for the by-elections. The TDP is busy resolving its own internal bickering from time to time. But

Chandrababu Naidu is now a confident man after making a tour of the Telangana region. The Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy advised the local leaders to lure the opponents of the

candidates into the Congress fold so that they could neutralise the TRS candidates. But by repeatedly announcing that the by-elections are no referendum to the Congress’ governance, the Chief Minister has apparently exposed the weakness of the ruling party. Minister DK Aruna has been drafted to look into the by-polls in the Telangana region, it is learnt. TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao has given a green signal to Jogu Ramanna for the Adilabad Assembly seat, Gampa Goverdhan will contest from Kamareddy, while Jupally Krishna Rao from Kollapur and T Rajaiah from Station Ghanpur are almost certain to contest on behalf of the TRS. These MLAs have recently resigned from the TDP and Congress and joined TRS.

arely a month after a driver’s family of three committed suicide in Jubilee Hills, a family of four was found dead this morning under suspicious circumstances in their house at RK Nagar, Malkajgiri. The deceased were identified as A Nageshwar Rao (60), his wife Vijaya Laxmi (52), their son Balaji (34) and his wife Prasanna (28). A suicide note purportedly written by Balaji says he was killing his family and committing suicide because he was unhappy with his marriage. Incidentally, Prasanna is Balaji’s second wife. The first wife was divorced two years ago. ACP Malkajgiri, G Radha-

krishna told Postnoon that the prima facie look of the situation shows that Rao, Laxmi, and Prasanna were strangled to death on the floor, and Balaji was found hanging by the ceiling. The Rao couple earned a living by selling coconut and joss sticks beside a local temple. The incident came to light when Rao’s brother Prasad went to enquire as to why the store was closed. Inspector A Venkateshwarulu of Malkajgiri said a post mortem report would indicate the manner of death, though it appears that Balaji killed the three before committing suicide. The police are interrogating the house owner too. Neighbours told the police that the Raos appeared to have no great issue except monetary troubles. Why then this extreme step on the part of Balaji remains the question.

Hyper Local

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

KING OF THE COURSE

CRIME FILE Looking back at the crimes and cases that rocked the City

PIC: N SHIVA KUMAR

RACING

Two heroes and one villain

He rode his first horse at age 5 and has been in love with them ever since. And it’s this love that drove him to take HRC to success

Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com

Aishwarya Yerra aishwarya.y@postnoon.com

e’s a man who’s not only highly respected but has also created world records. Chairman of the illustrious Hyderabad Race Club (HRC) for the last 30 years, R Surender Reddy talks to Postnoon on the eve of Golconda Derby. When did you begin your journey with HRC? What have been your major achievements? I became a member 50 years ago. In 1972, I became a steward and was made the chairman in 1975 (after a year he took a break to enter politics and came back to become chairman in 1983 and has been so since). During this time, HRC was just a racing society, operating under the Madras Race Club. But when I was made the chairman, I took it upon myself, and with the help of political clout, to make HRC a separate turf club. Can you compare the state of HRC now and then? Before we became a turf club, we just had a small stand that could seat less than 1,800 people. Now we have a grand stand and state-of-the-art facilities for our horses. We are the

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Surendar Reddy first race club in India to introduce automatic betting — Tote betting. What is your personal equation with horses? It is said that you have created a world record. I love horses and I rode my first horse when I was just five years old. My love for horses ini-

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tiated my relationship with HRC. I am the longest serving race club chairman not just in India but also throughout the world. I have been elected to represent India in the Asian Racing Circulation. In terms of turnover and profits, how has the HRC improved? In 1983, our turnover was `17.5 crore and we had a loan of `53 lakh, incurring a loss of `7 lakh. Today, our turnover is `600 crore and we are making a healthy profit. We owe it to efficient management and strict control over finances. You are a veteran when it comes to horse racing. So what would be your advice to those who want to own horses and enter this world? I say horse racing is ultimately a rich man’s sport. When you are looking to own a horse, first think if you can

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afford it. It is not a moneymaking machine but the king of sports, taken up purely for pleasure. People talk about the monopoly of MAM Ramaswamy’s horses and other biggies in Hyderabad’s races. Some people invest huge amounts and buy many horses and buy the best of the available lot. So they are bound to win many races. But gradually a lot of smaller local owners’ horses have been performing well. HRC is all for giving an impetus to locals. When do you think you can position HRC as the Numero Uno? In terms of profit, HRC is already Numero Uno but it terms of turnover Royal Western India Turf Club ( Mumbai) is the number one. HRC can easily become number one if the government reduces its taxes.

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n this sensational story of the murder of a woman MLA by another woman, there are two Nayaks and one Khalnayak. And the case solved within one month is testimony to the astuteness of a police officer who used accepted methods rather than third-degree to solve a mystery. Former MLA, Grandhi Madhavi of Ankapally (Vizag) lived alone in Jubilee Hills. She had a maid to help her, Veeramula Devi. Grandhi had some jewellery, valuables and some cash to see her through old age. On December 20, 2006, her neighbours woke up to the incessant wails of police sirens. News soon spread that Grandhi was found murdered. Inspector Maddipatti Srinivas Rao (now ACP Task Force) was assigned the case. He found the body in the bedroom and Veeramula cowering with blood and gashes on her body. She claimed that some marauders came at night, attacked her and murdered madam before decamping with the loot. The inspector went through the drill — photographed the scene, took an inventory of things missing and summoned the police dog. The dog sniffed at the body and ran back to the servant. Veeramula screamed but the dog kept barking at her. Rao asked her if she was telling the truth, she said yes. The officer again brought the dog to the scene for a second time to be doubly sure. The animal did exactly as before. The maid was shifted to hospital for treatment and was left in peace to give her a false security before interrogation. She finally admitted that she along with her sister B Guna Pawani had murdered the woman for money. The evidence and breaking down of Pawani helped solve the case. She said she had swooned seeing the blood and did not remember much. The stolen goods were recovered and the maid got life term while her accomplice was acquitted. Recounting the incident, the police say there were two heroes — inspector and the dog. Sure enough, it seems.

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Readers’ views We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222

Spotlight

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

PICS:SRINIVAS SETTY

Ashia and Namita

Madan and Preethi

The Falaknuma Palace

An evening well spent

KEEPING ALIVE THE HERITAGE Members of the FICCI ladies organisation, at the Falaknuma Palace on Friday.

Guests at the screening of Agneepath organised by Bisket Srikanth on Thursday.

Sunita Reddy and Padma Rajgopal

Srisha and Rajini

Usha Krishnan and Shalini

Sumalata and Sharmila

Samya Alam Khan and Anjum Babu Khan

Nikita and Sangeeta

India‑View CLASSIFIEDS FABRICATION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

India unveiled

Polls start amidst security: Manipur IMPHAL: Voting to elect a new 60member assembly began on Saturday morning amid tight security across Manipur. Polling began at 7 am and will be held till 3 pm. Despite serial bomb blasts during the last one week and militant threat, people came out to vote and queued up at the polling booths. Voting is being held at 2,357 polling booths, out of which 875 have been termed hypersensitive. In addition to the State’s police forces, the State election authority is using 350 companies of central paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the polls.

COLOUR SPLASH

‘Watching situation in Manipur’ The Election Commission has said it was keeping a watch on “violent’ and “extremist activities” in Manipur, where militants triggered another bomb blast on Friday, and asked the authorities to take stringent measure to ensure a peaceful assembly poll. “Commission has noticed some violent and extremist activities taking place in certain areas of the state of Manipur in the run up to the polling in that State. This has included attacks on personnel on polling duty,” a statement issued here said. IANS

An Indian farmer Sukhwinder Singh holds a shovel as he walks through his mustard field in a village near Muktsar on the eve AFP of Basant Panchami.

UP: BJP manifesto promises to ‘remodel’ Maya monuments

Five more crib deaths in Bengal

LUCKNOW:

KOLKATA: Five more crib

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised on Friday that if voted to power in Uttar Pradesh it would remodel the multi-billion rupee monuments and parks erected by Chief Minister Mayawati and oppose the UPA government’s move for 4.5 per cent quota for backward minorities. The party also made a passing reference to its all-time favourite theme of a Ram Temple at Ayodhya. Flaying Mayawati for devoting various memorials only to a “particular set of personages”, the BJP manifesto released on Friday made it loud and clear that if the party were to get voted to power, it would re-model the memorials and add statues of several other

great people. The 72-page document was released among others by State BJP president Surya Pratap Shahi, Uma Bharti, Kalraj Mishra and others at the party state headquarters here. “While we too hold Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar in very high esteem and regard him as one of our icons, we surely have reason to regret that Mayawati has systematically ignored a number of other great people including social reformers like Sant Kabir and Sant Ravidas whose statues have not found place in any of the parks created at the cost of the state exchequer,” the manifesto points out. The construction of the much-debated Ram temple in

BSP leader and Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati. AFP

MARCHING TO A REGAL BEAT

Services’ bands perform during full dress rehearsal for the Beating Retreat ceremony in New Delhi PTI on Friday.

Ayodhya, however figures only in a passing reference as just any other issue. While terming Mayawati’s fad for statues and memorials in the name of her party icons as “no different from the Congress party's obsession for naming anything and everything after some of its leaders”, the manifesto makes it loud and clear, “we will add statues of other great leaders and social reformers in the parks and memorials built at a cost of thousands of crores.’ It goes on to add, “after all these memorials and parks have been built with the tax-payer's money and were not private property of any political party.” IANS

deaths were reported in West Bengal’s Malda district, a health official said. The babies, aged between three hours to three months, have died in the last 24 hours in a state-run hospital. “All were brought in a very poor condition,” said chief medical officer S K Jhariat. More than 20 babies had died in the Malda district hospital from January 17-24. “They were born in their homes in unhygienic conditions. The babies which died were brought in a condition when they were terminally ill,” he said. In June last year, 18 babies had died. IANS

Educated girls in flesh trade for money: SC NEW DELHI: Observing that even educated girls from well-off families were entering the flesh trade to fund their lifestyles, the Supreme Court on Friday said rescue and rehabilitation of sex workers was a complex problem and sought to know how the government proposed to tackle it. “It is very complex. It is also a transgender problem and it is not confined to girls alone. It is very complicated problem,” said a bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra. While Justice Misra wanted to block the entry of new workers, Justice Kabir pointed to girls from relatively well-off families and

studying in colleges and universities too taking to the trade with a desire to change their lifestyles.“We find girls from good families even at the university level education entering the profession driven with desire of high lifestyle and going to the malls every second day. If they join it voluntarily, what do you have for them?” he said. “Can you do something that the prevents new sex workers”, he asked senior counsel Pradeep Ghosh and Jayant Bhushan who are amicus curiae and members of the committee for putting a framework for rehabilitation of sex workers. IANS

Around the World

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Beyond Borders

UN eyes resolution as 120 killed in Syria Rescuers retrieve the corpse of one of the victims. AFP

Rio: Missing presumed dead RIO DE JANEIRO: There is no hope of finding survivors from the three high-rise buildings that collapsed in central Rio, authorities said on Friday, with the official toll at 15 dead and 12 missing.Two days after the office buildings crashed down near the municipal theater on the city’s Cinelandia square, officials said 15 bodies had been recovered so far, 11 of them on Friday. “Regrettably I must say that we no longer expect to find survivors,” Sergio Simoes, the state secretary for Civil Defence, said, noting that all the bodies from the rubble so far “were badly crushed.”Many of the missing were believed to be in a classroom on the sixth floor. AFP

DAMASCUS: Syrian forces intensified their crackdown on Friday, with activists reporting 120 people killed in two days, as European and Arab nations pressed the UN Security Council to call on President Bashar al-Assad to stand down. The head of an Arab League monitoring mission said unrest had soared this week in a significant way, especially in the flashpoint central cities of Homs and Hama and in the northern Idlib region. The violence, which on Friday for the first time also cost lives in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, “does not help ... to get all sides to sit at the negotiating table,” General Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi said. For a second day, Syrian forces kept up their attacks on Homs, as Morocco presented a draft UN resolution, drawn up by Britain, France and

GLOBE AT A GLANCE Moderate quake hits Japan TOKYO: An undersea quake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale on Saturday struck near the eastern coast of Honshu island in Japan, the US Geological Survey said. The tremor occurred at 0022 GMT at a depth of 34 km under the seabed. The epicentre was determined at 40.1832 degrees north and 142.2788 degrees east.

Cocaine found in UN headquarters NEW YORK: More than 35 pounds of cocaine was sent in a bag that turned up at the UN headquarters in New York, CNN reported. The narcotics were found on January 16 inside hollowed-out books shipped from Mexico City in a diplomatic pouch a police spokesman said.

Young boys run under a huge Syrian flag during a pro-regime rally in Damascus. Germany with Arab states, seeking to end months of UN deadlock.The text demands an immediate end to a crackdown that the UN says has killed more than 5,400 since March. But an opposition front immediately came

AFP

forward and days of tough talks loom before any vote is held, with Russia saying the proposed resolution went too far. Russia’s UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the text crossed “our red lines, where we cannot go”. AFP.

Members of Seoul-based aid group North Korea Peace prepare to release large balloons. AFP

Romney regains momentum CAPE

CANAVERAL:

White House hopeful Mitt Romney zoomed back into pole position in the volatile Republican race on Friday, opening a nine-point poll lead here

after a blistering attack on Newt Gingrich. With only four days to go until the vital Florida primary, the two rivals barnstormed the huge battleground state which

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Romney attend a campaign rally in Florida. AFP

could prove a make-orbreak stop in their battle for the Republican Party crown. After a shock defeat by Gingrich in South Carolina last weekend and a slew of attacks, Romney’s campaign got a fresh boost as he bids to be the party’s nominee to take on Democratic President Obama in the November elections. A Quinnipiac University survey showed him at 38-29 per cent over former speaker Gingrich in Florida, re-capturing the lead after slipping badly over recent days.The poll of likely Republican voters was taken before the Republican candidates’ televised debate. AFP

Isles of Wonder theme for Olympics

ccording to a report by BBC, Europe’s largest bell will ring to start a £27m Olympic ceremony inspired by Shakespeare and featuring NHS nurses and 900 pupils. The show’s artistic director, Danny Boyle, said that the Isles of Wonder ceremony was inspired by The Tempest . The Oscar winner said it

Olympic memorabilia featuring the 2012 Olympic mascots 'Wenlock' (Orange) and 'Mandeville' (Blue) are pictured in London. AFP

would be about a land recovering from its industrial legacy. One billion people are expected to watch the ceremony in July. Billy Elliot executive director of ceremonies, said the task of putting on “the greatest shows on earth”equated to the task to producing 165 West End musicals together. AFP

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Comment

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

Editorials INFANT METHOD OF cutting red tape

he City was shocked to know about an expatriate woman who left her surrogate child at the passport office because the officials kept delaying papers for him. After much confusion, CCTV footage showed who the mother was and the cops and officials ‘convinced’ her to take the child back. What anger or political influence cannot usually achieve, a baby could do in a matter of few hours. The incident also served as an eyeopener to severe shortcomings that plague our legal system. While we are adopting several high-end technologies to mint money, the legal foundation that is necessary to sustain the same has been ignored. Ironically, it has taken a baby’s bawling to shake the officialdom from their slumber and take a look at the elephant in the room.

RETURN OF THE SWAYAMVARA HARD TALK PK Surendran

hen Novak Djokovic collapsed after beating Andy Murray in a gruelling five-set epic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open he was spent, physically and mentally. But Djokovic, like Murray’s new coach Ivan Lendl, is a fighter. Not as dashing as Federer and Nadal, Djokovic is the Rottweiler that everyone fears, but no one likes to talk about. As he gears up to take on Nadal tomorrow, we can be sure of one thing, win or lose, his status as the strongest player on the men’s tennis circuit is never going to be in doubt. It’s going to be a humdinger.

his one will gladden the hearts of parents having daughters. The sex ratio in India is increasingly loaded against girls. Female foeticide resulting from the rich’s aversion to part with wealth is said to be the main contributing factor to the dwindling of the female population. So, how does it constitute glad news? Because, dowry will be a thing of the past as boys scramble for a mate. How could 1000 boys ask for dowry from 914 girls! Simple, isn’t it? Agreed, this is a dark way of looking at a social tragedy. But how else would one treat this vile social attitude of Indians to go for boys while it’s proved beyond doubt that in the Nature’s scheme of things, it is the female that is crucial to perpetuating species? What captured the issue now is the Prime Minister’ concern that was conveyed to the chief minister of Delhi about the falling sex ratio in the national capital. As per Census 2011 data, Delhi’s sex ratio has dropped to 866 girls per 1,000 boys, much below the national average of 914. I believe the doing away with matriarchal system where wealth remained with the first or the last born daughter is the single most important reason for the current pathetic situation. Because, in whichever angle you look at it, it’s the wealth first and the wealth last that decides the social mores. Make girls an equal partner in parental wealth, the sex ratio would remain intact. But, don’t ask why Kerala, the only state with a favourable female sex ratio, (1084/1000), remains a Fermat’s Last Theorem (most difficult math problem). None of the above theories fits in. It’s overly patriarchal, and barring Hindus, equal

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Wacky games

Postnoon seems to be living up to the expectation it set. It is a great quick, yet interesting read. It truly is a compact newspaper. However I think Postnoon should start having tie ups with organisation where they have detachable fliers or coupons — that we can redeem or use in food or clothing outlets. I also suggest you organise some programmes at popular youth hangouts and award Postnoon merchandise to winners. Nothing like walking around in T-shirts or wearing caps of an uber cool paper. Deepthi Karati Bhoiguda

I really liked the piece in Knowledge central that was there in yesterday's paper. The wild and wacky games was a fun article to read. It was amusing to read the weird games that are there in this world. I would like to see some more of such kind of stuff to read. It makes for an interesting read. Also, I would like to mention about the H factor page, it is an eye opener to many problems that we don't think about that occur from silly postures or food habits. Narayan Rao Chilkalguda

WHY WE LOVE Novak Djokovic

wealth sharing is still a taboo in other faiths. It’s for social scientists to pour over the problem. I haven’t an answer. But what is proven in the pan-Indian scene is this: it’s the rich, educated urban class that is zealously going in for boys through pre-natal selection even though the law bans it. “It is a problem of the small town, middle class and the rich. There is nobody who monitors whether they indulge in selective abortions. We have to recognise that safe abortion (due to emergency) is legal in India but not wanton killing,” says Farah Naqvi, National Advisory Council member. Neela Gangadharan, secretary, Women and Child Welfare says, “This census is a wake-up call for the government. The CSR in India in 2001 for girls versus boys stood at 927:1000. And, it was 972 in 1901. In 2011, ratio stands at 914:1000. The district figures are worse as six districts in

TALK BACK Readers’ views We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222

Uttar Pradesh had a CSR of less than 800 for girls. Apart from female foeticide, malnutrition is also a major cause,” she observed. Demographists calculate that we are killing 6 lakh girls every year. The result of a generation (20 years) would be scary. We are doing a great disservice to our sons. I foresee the following scenario by 2025 n A baby girl’s birth is celebrated as it brings governmental gifts of total free education and assured jobs n A hefty dowry from boys on marriage n A return of Swayamvar where girls get umpteen choices from the rich lineup of boys n State security for girls to prevent their abduction Note: At the time of deluge, however, Andhra Pradesh will be saved. Sex ratio in AP has improved at 992 as against 978 in 2001. Bravo, AP!

Parking problem

Good format

I was glad to see the report titled "Park at your Risk" in your esteemed daily. It is true that parking is becoming much of a hindrance these days with too many shops at every nook and cranny. One needs to secure the parking location before setting up a store or a mall and I see more and more owners faltering in this area. Why doesn't the State government look into the smaller issues which make a huge difference in the bigger picture? RK Swami Banjara Hills

I have just returned from Netherlands and it’s a great relief to find a carry-able newspaper. There we have afternoon, evening and morning compact papers apart from the regular newspapers. With Postnoon it’s a relief as it satiates the need to pick up something interesting to read during the day. I would also want you all to have a qualified counsellor's column who will give solutions for the problems we people may face. Sini Cyriac Mettuguda

Comment

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

Do you really want to know the truth?

Urban sketches Viswaprasad Raju

Workspaces

Soul Curry Sumaa Tekur

o beat the Monday blues, I went with a couple of friends to a pub after a not-so-busy start to the week. There were not many guests at the pub — some were milling about the bar and a loud office party was rocking on the floor above where we sat. The conversation at our table meandered from work to gossip about common friends and finally came to the inappropriate things people end up saying — to friends, family, acquaintances, romantic partners, etc. My friend told us about how a meeting with his pals over the weekend turned awkward when his friend, a girl, asked a bunch of guys the uncomfortable question: Have I become fat? Now, one A 2010 study doesn’t have to go as reveals that most deep as the subconscious of the female people tend to pay mind to answer that more attention to one. Unable to take someone who her insistent questioning any longer, agrees with them one guy in the group blurted out: “But you look cute.” Stunned silence followed. And we, the next day, were laughing out loud about it — feeling sorry for the guy, and trying to imagine the expression on the girl’s face. But it set me thinking: Do people really want to know the truth? If they can’t handle an honest answer, why do they even bother to ask? Do they ask out of complete ignorance of what the answer might be? Or are they asking the question to reaffirm how they have reached an answer to that in their own minds? The question here, perhaps, is not whether people want to know the truth. They actually already know the truth. They are intuitive enough to sense it. The reason, perhaps, they anyway ask questions is to not clarify any lingering doubt but to fool themselves, at least momentarily, into thinking it need not be what they so dislike. For example, if the guys had decided to lie and tell the girl: “Who told you you’re fat? You look the same.” Or even, “Absolutely not. You look thin and great!”, it might have pleased the girl for that moment. But, deep down, she knows it was a lie. A 2010 study published in the Psychological Bulletin of the American Psychological Association finds that most people generally tend to pay more attention to someone who agrees with them — not necessarily someone who analyses, criticises and points out the harsh and practical realities. Among other things, the study found that those who considered themselves open-minded tend to be more close-minded. They were too close-minded to even admit they’re close-minded! Honesty is not everyone’s cup of tea. It takes great courage to be honest, because honesty means that we make ourselves vulnerable to the truth. We open ourselves to reality. We expose our insecurities, fears and worries and lay them bare before the world. Here’s the irony. Despite people wanting to hear what they think will make them happy, they develop a blind respect for those who can be honest — and brutally so. Being completely honest (and this can be sugar-coated to soften the blow) means exposing your vulnerabilities and insecurities. This is a rare quality. And because it’s so rare, it is attractive. It makes the ‘honest’ ones more approachable and more trustworthy. It is, perhaps, the best policy, after all.

Don’t look back in anger, don’t look back at all Urban Jetsam Dean Williams

“Nostalgia is denial — denial of the painful present... the name for this denial is golden age thinking — the erroneous notion that a different time period is better than the one ones living in — it’s a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.” Paul, in Midnight in Paris

here’s something about a Woody Allen film that gnaws its way under the viewer’s skin. The bite isn’t painful, in fact it’s a slither lick that makes us squirm rather than flinch. The Allen oeuvre is one of candid confessions and human slights that tremble under an intellectual surface, and his latest film, Midnight in Paris, is no different. Owen Wilson’s character Gill is more Alvy Singer than Danny Rose, but his angst is vintage Woody. Torn between pragmatist and ideal romantic, Gill yearns for a more innocent time, in his case the Roaring Twenties. Hanging out with a rather ebullient Zelda Fitzgerald and the clipped tone of Hemmingway is his ideal escape.

His yearning may be escapist, his cravings delusional, but they are HIS furry monkeys, and his back is strong. Looking back in anger may have worked for Jimmy Porter, but for most of us the past serves up comfort food: Fewer responsibilities, less expectation, and a future where death is a mere blip on the horizon rather than the looming reaper it becomes as every birthday counts down to extinction. For this writer the ‘golden generation’ was the ‘70s, for my parents it was probably the ‘50s. We all want to go back, not so much to our past lives, but to a certain time in our existential space. Jamming with Skynyrd, boogying at Studio 54, or as in Gill’s case, getting his book reviewed by Gertrude Stein. Woody has spent so much time in the past, he’s a veritable time-traveller. But through his rose-tinted glasses he has come to understand that while times change, people very rarely do. Will our present neuroses disappear as we turn back the decades? Unlikely, in fact others will emerge. Every generation believes the new one is up to its elbows in slimy indolence wrapped around an intellectual skeleton stripped of sinew. And every generation believes they have the mystery of life solved. Every generation is wrong. The mystery of life is certainly not spiritual, nor for that matter is it

Every generation believes the new one is up to its elbows in slimy indolence wrapped around an intellectual skeleton stripped of sinew. And every generation believes they have the mystery of life solved. Every generation is wrong steeped in science. The mystery is in fact constantly evolving. Every clue leads you deeper into a labyrinth; every footstep towards the light, leaves a piece of your tracks in darkness. There is no answer because there never was a question in the first place. Why are we here? What is our purpose? Who cares! Just live. As Alvy Singer says in Annie Hall: “There's an old joke... two elderly women are at a Catskill mountain resort, and one of 'em says, "Boy, the food at this place is really terrible." The other one says, "Yeah, I know; and such small portions." Well, that's essentially how I feel about life — full of loneliness, and misery, and suffering, and unhappiness, and it's all over much too quickly.

Business

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Matters of saving and spending

PIC: SRINIVAS SETTY

CMR group to enter education Prudhvi Raju K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

amachandra Textiles, a clothing store, launched in Rajahmundry in 1975, has expanded to 55 outlets under CMR group and Chandana Brothers in the State today. The group is in to diverse activities like real-estate, printing and manufacturing. The `1,000crore group intends to expand to education, healthcare and retail food chains, says J Rama Rao, director of CMR group and Chandana Brothers. The CMR group and Chandana Brothers have 15 outlets in textiles and jewellery in twin cities that include Chandana Brothers, CMR exclusive, CMR shopping mall, Chandana Brothers Exclusive and Sri Kuber Jewellers. The Chandana exclusive and CMR exclusive stores cater to upper middle class and the rich, whereas Chandana Brothers caters to all sections. The group is trying to maintain jewellery division in

every cloth store to make it a onestop shop for wedding buyers. According to the Indian tradition, purchase of jewellery goes with clothing. This gives an opportunity for better sales, he says. There is 25 per cent growth in the business year on year. Even though the group has started four outlets last year, the turnover and revenues are not up to the expectations and sales declined by around 10 per cent due to eurozone crisis and less liquidity in the market in last three quarters. The market is picking up in the new year, he said. There is no competition in jewellery and saree segment because of repeat and loyal customers. But the group is facing competition in the readymade segment with numerous branded stores coming up in every street of the city. The CMR group and Chandana Brothers do a single point purchase for all its stores. This gives the group an advantage of buying the stocks at a cost that is less than 25-30 per cent compared to market price.

INDIAFIRST LAUNCHES AUTOLIFE

This enables us to offer the goods at prices a tad less than the competition in the market. The retail jewellery is backed by manufacturing facility located in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad and there is also a manufacturing facility for readymade clothes in the city, Rao said. Talking about the challenges, he said the hike in electricity charges and five per cent VAT would be a burden on the industry. The government is not understanding the words of Mahatma Gandhi that there should never be a tax on clothing which is basic necessarily of life. This will increase the cost to customers by 10 per cent and stores also have to lose out in offering discounts. The Indian retail stores may not face much competition with FDI in singlebrand retail format, but the multi-brand would keep the domestic businesses on tenterhooks. The stores like Wal-Mart would run dis-

counts 365 days and give products at cheaper prices by importing the goods from China.

J Rama Rao, director of CMR group and Chandana Brothers.

SMEs need to upgrade Postnoon News

V Prabhu Kishore, Managing Director, Varun Motors received mandate for AutoLife from MD Mallya, CMD, Bank of Baroda. P Nandagopal, CEO of IndiaFirst Life, BA Prabhakar, CMD, Andhra Bank and Gareth Hoskin, CEO, Legal & General were also present at a function in the City.

Greek debt talks still cloud Davos DAVOS: The global elite had talked itself into an upbeat frame of mind as the Davos forum neared its climax on Saturday, but the Greek debt crisis still hung heavily over proceedings. The annual World Economic Forum, a gathering of powerful figures in global finance and politics, had been overshadowed by Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s woes as leader after leader battled to convince delegates that salvation was in sight.

HYDERABAD: The Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should understand the value of providing quality goods and also the importance of growing massive domestic market. As of now, they could not tap the enormous domestic opportunities and also at times failed to provide quality goods as demanded by the customer. There is a need for SMEs to constantly upgrade their technologies based on the quality demands of the customer, said GK Pillai, former home secretary talking on role of business linkages in the changing SME-SEZ landscape seminar conducted by Indian School of Business in the City. The intellectual property (IP) regime is extremely poor in India. Companies are not registering to IPs because of the slow and lenient process in handling the infringements. This is becoming a problem for innovations in the country, said Vikram Bapat, executive director, tax and regulatory services, Price

WaterhouseCoopers, Bangalore. SMEs in India do a lot of path-breaking innovative work and export to other countries. The work has been exploited by replicating and knocking off the IPs. This will end the opportunities of the Indian companies for optimal use of their innovation. If the SMEs can get the IP, India will become the centre of production for that specific innovation. There is need of decentralisation to create more rural employment opportunities through SMEs, he added. Talking about the power concerns, TS Appa Rao, principal secretary to State government, said the power situation was getting better. There was nothing much to do than to pur-

chase power from other states for immediate industry needs. The State had an installed capacity of 15,000MW of power that included 3,800MW of hydropower. There could be issues with power during summer because of dependence on the large proportion of hydropower. However, the future was quite assuring. What the State built in last 60 years would be built in the coming three years in terms of power capacity. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an addition of 17,000MW capacity in next two to three years. Even if 25 per cent of the MoUs signed during Partnership Summit is implemented another 14,000 MW would be added on top in another five years.

Auto Show

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Where the carʼs the star

Challenging the norm

He is the guru of designing and customising cars. In fact, it is widely believed that he designed the Aston Martin Vanquish prototype. Dilip Chhabria's cars are anything but ordinary. Postnoon reporter Osama Salman tells us more

emember the fantastic car-chase scene in James Bond’s Die Another Day where the Aston Martin Vanquish glides through tough ice but still manages to retain a grip, and perfectly so. That was the very car that Dilip Chhabria had designed, allegedly of course. “I can’t say anything on the Vanquish as the automotive industry is very confidential where sometimes people can’t speak about the car for even upto 10 years after a car has been launched,” Dilip Chhabria, undoubtedly India’s best car designer, clears the mystery for us!

When asked how the designing bug bit him, Dilip tells us, “I drove my first car, a Volkswagen Beetle when I was 14. It was underage driving. The obsession for cars was always within me. I am a qualified automobile designer and have worked in the USA. I wanted to come back to India to combine my experience and expertise. It was a viable option and although it started with an idea, it has grown to where it is now.” “One of the main reasons I succeeded was because I had an inferiority complex. I never had a lot of friends when growing up. This gave me time to concentrate on my passion and develop it into a career,” he continued. Dilip is famous for customising cars and to make even an ordinary car, like the Tata Nano, look desirable. But he says the automobile industry is anything but glamorous. “It is the exact opposite actually. I work 18 hours, 365 days a year. I don’t take a break. You have to be an engineer, mechanic, market your product, plead and fight. It is only the end result that is glamorous,” he says. Ask him if his designs ever overlap considering his company DC Designs has customised thousands of vehicles including vanity vans of the likes of Shah

Rukh Khan and Sanjay Dutt, he says, “We ensure that our designs don’t repeat and attempt different designs all the time. Each time, we discover something new. That is the essence of designing.” “When customers come with an idea, it is left to us to educate them on what would be practical. It is up to us to see if the idea can be incorporated. We have faced situations where we had to persuade the customer or take it up as a challenge; it is an experience in

itself,” said Dilip. With Avanti, India’s first supercar, he has moved on from customising to manufacturing. And it looks fantastic. Speaking about the car, Dilip said, “The luxury car market in India is growing at 60 per cent every year. It is proof enough that there is a market for supercars. We realised that we needed a lower cost supercar to open up a new market. Avanti has a low price tag and all the features of a supercar,” said Dilip. “The response is really good. We are getting orders from smaller towns as well. We will start delivery in the third quarter of 2013. Producing a car is a daunting task, as much as designing a jetliner. I had sleepless nights and many challenges to go through” he added. Surprisingly though, he doesn’t drive his own car. “I am scared of my own cars because I will spot faults in them. Currently, I am driving a BMW 7 series and in terms of designs, I can spot many faults, which I think I can correct. It is only in my mind, of course,” he quipped. When quizzed on what cars come closest to being perfect in design, Dilip immediately answered, “German cars are really good in their design. The new BMW 5 series is a great car that you can look at and adore. Porsche 911, too, is a great car.” A lesser-known fact about Dilip is that he loves to paint and even has his art on sale in the showroom. “My art is born out of automotive infrastructure and is inspired by on-wheel forms. The art is young, vibrant, colourful and in-your-face. You can say that art is like my alterego,” he says signing off. PICS:SRINIVAS SETTY

Technology

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

End of the line for torrents? Osama Salman Salman.o@postnoon.com

nline file-sharing giant Megaupload.com was recently embroiled in a controversy for copyright infringement. But the larger sphere of users who indulge in piracy use torrents, and though illegal, it doesn’t deter them from using it. But there are mixed reactions among users about the future of torrents. Nakul Gupta, founder of The Filmery, and an avid torrent user says that he doesn’t fear torrent websites shutting down. “If these websites are shut, the trend will pick up where users will be forced to go backwards. They will start using Kazaa, B2B and Newsgroups. This is the only way, unless they work towards a new method of file sharing. It is going to be difficult to shut down so many websites,” says Nakul confidently. Even if torrent sites shut down, there is always an open-source network for sharing files online, says Tharun Bhaskar, director, VG Media. “While they may not be particularly user-friendly, there will always be a method to beat the system. But torrents are peer-to-peer based websites and there is no third-party involved. In such a scenario, you can’t hold torrent websites for copyright infringement,” says Tharun. “If at all torrent sites are forced shut, more people will come forward and fund alternate software. It is a domino effect,” adds Tharun. However, a devoted torrentuser, Faiz Rai, director, YellowStudio Works, says that there is always an impending danger that these websites will be forced to close down. “If one shuts down, two more will pop-up,” he comments. Kumail Sadiq, a student, says, “It will take a long time for torrent sites to shut down. But I am

App of the week Super Crossfire HD You've got a ship that travels the bottom of the screen, endlessly firing at waves of enemy fighters intent on doing you harm. To destroy them you simply move back and forth, spraying them with pretty purple space bullets. Bright explosions fill the screen. Enough said.

Antec three hundred two gaming chassis

amers are known for their meticulous attention to detail when it comes to their rig in order to eke out that extra bit of performance. Well, for gamers who prefer to take the DIY route and build a gaming machine that is good enough to pummel your friends’ benchmark scores into submission, Antec might have a decent solution for you in the form of the Antec Three Hundred Two gaming chassis. This is considered as the next generation of gaming chassis with high-performance cooling advantages and extensive expandability, all without breaking your bank account in the process and getting the other half upset at spending“frivolously”.

Rokform Rokbed v3 iPhone case

afraid that it will happen one day. Websites like Filesonic have been pulled-out and it is only a matter of time till more are shut.” “I support the movement on shutting down torrents, though I am myself addicted to torrents and am consciously perpetuating piracy. But these artists work hard and we need to respect that. Instead, there should be another method that will draw people away from things, like iTunes,” says Faiz. Nakul, on the other hand, argues, “If file sharing is wrong,then Youtube must close too. These websites contain user-generated content. This is the reason why SOPA and PIPA were dangerous as they would have put on us on such websites.” Few think that the end of torrents is nearing, others are of the opinion that if not torrents, there are other methods for file sharing.

Website of the week

Videogame review The Good n Tautstop-and-shoot action n Creepy atmosphere n Great visuals,especially in 3D n Entertaining story The Bad

Resident Evil: Revelations

his case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S features outstanding design and engineering, and the first time you lay your eyes on it, you would definitely be surprised at the bright, bold colors and cutting edge form factor. The Rokform intends to make a splash with their unique Rokbed v3 iPhone case, having picked up an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree in the process. Cool? Totally!

nUnengaging new

characters

www.moneysavingexpert.com This year is going to be about minimising costs. One of the very best online resources to help you is this website. The money-saving guides on topics such as travel money, travel insurance, train tickets, flights, car hire and mobile 'roaming' abroad are excellent. They also share tips on saving money.

Animal Kingdom

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

PERFECT PET

NINTH TIME LUCKY

KATRINA

ats are similar in anatomy to the other felines, with strong, flexible bodies, quick reflexes, sharp retractable claws, and teeth adapted to killing small prey. As predators, cats use their acute hearing and ability to see in near darkness to locate prey. Cats have a much better sense of smell than humans. It is widely believed that cats have nine lives, but rarely is any insight given into this idiom’s specific meaning. Theories suggest it dates back to ancient times, when nine was considered a lucky number because it was the Trinity of Trinities, a mystical quantity referred to in folklore and religion alike. In Egypt, where cats were revered, there were nine primary gods. The creator, a sun god named Atum-Ra, embodied nine lives in one entity and would transform into a cat when visiting the underworld. In other cultures, cats may not have been worshipped as divine beings, but they were seen as somehow magical in nature, particularly because of their physical resilience. And indeed, that is why the idea of cats having nine lives continues to be referenced today.

urricane Katrina was a miserable occurrence for everyone down south, but inspiring stories of heroism have helped give victims something to smile about. That's certainly the case with Katrina, the ironically named black labrador who saved a drowning man before rising flood waters claimed his life. The dog, who was later rescued herself by rescue teams, was honoured at that year's Genesis Awards with a standing ovation.

JANET THE GRINCH

anet Jackson has been named PETA's Grinch of 2011 in light of her partnership with a fur fashion company called Blackglama. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called out the ‘animal-unfriendly’ Jackson on their website. When Janet Jackson had her infamous ‘wardrobe malfunction’ during the Super Bowl, PETA wrote, "at least the flesh that popped into view was her own — unlike the stolen animal skins that she drapes herself with, which are as dead as her taste in fashion (not to mention her career). Ms Jackson, you're just plain nasty."

Tell Tale Tails

ats are one of the most expressive domesticated animals. Facially and vocally (cats can make over 100 different vocal sounds) they communicate their pleasures and displeasures to us. But what about their tails? With between 18 and 20 vertebrae, the tail can be used as a barometer into the feline mind. Take a look at your cat’s tail and learn to read its moods. If your cat’s tail is… n A curved, S-shaped tail; signifies relaxation and contentment. n A tail positioned straight up in the air, with a slight curve at the end, shows curiosity and excitement. n A fully erect tail with a slight sway indicates a casual greeting. n A hanging tail, swinging from side to side shows impatience or fury. n A curved tail with a twitching tip means it is annoyed. n A lowered tail that is tucked between the hind legs indicates total submission. n A bristled tail held down shows abject

KNOW YOUR DOG

n n n

terror. A curved tail puffed out to twice its size signifies aggressive fear — if provoked further, it will attack. A fluffed out and erect tail indicates anger, which will likely lead to aggressive behaviour. A tail that stands stiffly in the air signifies the cat is thrilled to see you.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS CATS AND DOGS The Animal Care Clinic 040-23352474 Pet’s World Dog Clinic 9885646259 Blue Cross of Hyderabad 040-32989858, 23544355/5523 Vet-N-Pet 040-65539535, 9346305890

Bluplus Pet Clinic 040-27121739, 27162636 Sri Sai Pet Clinic 040-27797458, 9848645350 Claws & Paws 9866282772 All Creatures Animals Clinic 040-27730885 BIRDS

Govt Veterinary Hospital 040- 23319656, 27535755 Bird Watcher’s Society 040-23556166 Friends Of Birds 841827141854 SNAKES Friends of Snakes 8374233366

he Airedale Terrier is a breed of the terrier type that originated in Airedale, a geographic area in Yorkshire, England. It is traditionally called the ‘King of Terriers’ because it is the largest of the terrier breeds. The breed has also been called the Waterside Terrier, because it was bred originally to hunt otters in and around the valleys of the River Aire, which runs through Airedale. In the United Kingdom this breed has also been used as a police dog.

Literati

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Explore a world without borders

It’s been nine years since his Pulitzer Prize-winning Middlesex, The Marriage Plot carries an inevitable weight of expectation. True to what is expected of Eugenides, the book is now one of the top contenders for the National Book Critics Circle awards announced in New York

This history should not repeat

DECONSTRUCTING LOVE Fleme Varkey fleme.v@postnoon.com

he story revolves around four factors — marriage plot, Madeline, Leonard and Mitchell. According to the author, the marriage plot, which used to be the backbone of many 19th century novels seems to have been forgotten. Eugenides says, the novel is his attempt to violate the marriage plot tradition and its nature. It’s almost a coming-of-age story set in college in the ‘80s. It was a time when new ideas like semiotics and deconstruction began gaining ground and Foccault, Derrida and Barthes, Saussure and Handke were the heroes of the day. Eugenides’ heroine Madeleine Hanna, wants to study English for the purest and dullest reason — her love for reading. She is heartbroken at the shattering of her romantic illusions and she has vowed that she will steer clear from ‘unstable minds’ as far as possible. But this promise is difficult to keep up as she marries a fellow who suffers from manic depression — Leonard

Bankhead. She found love in a literary theory class, and the more she reads, the more she understands how the lovers discourse is extreme solitude. While she chases what she thinks is love, there is another boy, Mitchell, who is completely in love with her. Mitchell, meanwhile, is our guide to how to try and become a saint. Where else to find solace other than India, which is

Name: The Marriage Plot Author: Jefferey Eugenides Pages: 406 Publisher: HarperCollins

like Baskin Robins according to our heroine’s father, primarily because of the number of religions that are practiced here. The rest of the story deals with this love triangle and how the three realise in the end that their choices need not always be right. The book is a puzzle, to be true. Madeleine discovers Roland Barthes’ A Lover’s Discourse, and her growing infatuation with Leonard is punctuated by apt quotations from the book. The heroine in her initial days seems very much relatable but closer to the end after her marriage to Leonard, she becomes more or less boring. Leonard meanwhile sinks deeper into the depression while Mitchell emerges begrudgingly as our hero. All though the book the quest to become someone else than their former selves becomes paramount and it is these factors that make the reader relate to the book. The novel is at its best in its biting satirical picture of the academic climate of the times. The language in The Marriage Plot is heavy with literary figures and allusions, save for the comic moments. For those who are proud of not being a leftbrainer, this one is for you.

Syed Shoaib shoaib.s@postnoon.com

he journey of an outcaste family from the realms of extreme repression to the zeniths of enlightenment has been magnificently portrayed in the ancestral biography, My Father Baliah, by YB Satyanarayana. It is an ardent effort by the author to recount the struggle and trials of an ‘untouchable’ caste. The harsh and inhumane treatment within the Hindu society towards people belonging to lower castes has been narrated from personal experience. It stirs the reader’s empathy as humiliation and discrimination are heaped on the lower castes. The intensity of the social oppression is palpable to the extent whereby Dalits were deprived of the ‘privilege’ of being addressed to with respectful suffixes like ‘aiah’ and ‘amma’ and were conveniently replaced with ‘agudu’ in case of men and ‘i’ in case of women to emphasise the grade of lower castes. That they were forced to use customary greetings such as ‘I am at your mercy’ and ‘I live at your feet’; phrases such as ‘God will punish me’ were regular expressions of apology uttered in the presence of landlords and upper caste people, makes for sad reading. The profession of an individual

Book available at walden bookstores

is predetermined by the caste into which a person was born. Even slaves were better off. Failure to repay debts of the Dora (landlord) would result in perpetual enslavement without wages for generations, the book reveals. Glimpses of the Indian economic and social culture during the British rule are provided. Here too casteism existed with the members of the upper caste being sent abroad for education and training. Only educated upper caste Brahmins were appointed as government officials. The advent of the railway system and other such revolutionary industrial developments makes for interesting reading. The poor working conditions of labour-class workers have been, especially emphasised. The simultaneous struggle of the Indian National Congress for political freedom and the untiring efforts of the Communist party to obtain liberation from feudalism have been presently very vividly. The book is an inspiration for the underprivileged communities to strive for educational enlightenment, as knowledge alone can lead one towards liberation from social evils and superstitious practices. The endeavour of Baliah, Satyanarayana’s semi-literate father, to provide his children with formal education and his persistent striving to achieve this ambition is praiseworthy. This passionate apostle of Babasaheb Ambedkar has made an admirable attempt to pay tribute to the struggle of his ancestors and his caste. A must-read for everyone; not to get depressed by this aspect of history, but so that history does not repeat! Name: My Father Baliah Author: YB Satyanarayana Publisher: HarperCollins India & The India Today Group No of pages: 233

At your nearest bookstore... Title: Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America Author: Mark R Levin ISBN: 978-1439173244 Publisher: Threshold Editions n intellectually stimulating new volume on America’s transformation and the clash between constitutionalism and utopianismfrom the author of Liberty and Tyranny, Mark R Levin. In this most crucial time, this leading conservative thinker explores the psychology, motivations, and history of the utopian movement, its architects, and its modern-day disciples — and how the individual and American society are being devoured by it.

Title: Fairy Tale Interrupted: A memoir of life, love and loss Author: RoseMarie Terenzio ISBN: 978-1439187678 Publisher: Gallery Books o everyone else, John F Kennedy Jr may have been American royalty, but to RoseMarie Terenzio he was an entitled nuisance — and she wasn’t afraid to let him know it. RoseMarie was his personal assistant, his publicist, and one of his closest confidantes during the last five years of his life. Her street-smart ways, paired with her loyalty, candor and relentless work ethic, made her the trusted insider to America’s most famous man.

Title: The Fault in Our Stars Author: John Green ISBN: 978-0525478812 Publisher: Dutton Juvenile n The Fault in Our Stars, John Green has created a soulful novel that tackles big subjects — life, death, love — with the perfect blend of levity and heartswelling emotion. Hazel is 16, with terminal cancer, when she meets Augustus at her kids-with-cancer support group. The two are kindred spirits, and watching them fall in love even as they face universal questions of the human condition — How will I be remembered?

Title: Inside Apple: How America’s Most Admired — and Secretive — Company Really Works Author: Adam Lashinsky ISBN: 978-1455512157 Publisher: Business Plus f Apple is Silicon Valley’s answer to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, then author Adam Lashinsky provides readers with a golden ticket to step inside. In this primer on leadership and innovation, the author will introduce readers to concepts like the ‘DRI’ (Apple’s practice of assigning a Directly Responsible Individual to every task) and the Top 100 (an annual ritual in which 100 up-and-coming executives are tapped for a secret retreat with company founder Steve Jobs).

Title: Taken Author: Robert Crais ISBN: 978-0399158278 Publisher: Putnam Adult hen the police tell a wealthy industrialist that her missing son has faked his own kidnapping, she hires Elvis Cole and Joe Pikeand Cole soon determines that it was no fake. The boy and his secret girlfriend have been taken, and are now lost in the changing world of the professional border kidnappers who prey not only on innocent victims but also on buying, selling, and stealing victims like commodities. Now it is up to Pike to retrace Cole’s steps, burning through the hard and murderous world of human traffickers.

Literati

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Explore a world without borders

POETRY, PLAYS THE VANISHING ACT! ‘Every single soul is a poem’ they say, but does every soul relish poetry these days? Somewhere down the line, does everybody share the love of poetry? Maryam Sultana finds out

iterature at present is placed at the bottom-most rung, when it comes to the numbers, with more and more students taking Engineering and Medicine as their chosen voccation. And merely 50 per cent of the ones who are studying it are actually serious about it. “People in general not just students think poetry is difficult. They find it difficult to connect with. And most of the students of Literature do not have the passion for the subject as we had in our college days. Hence, they only restrict themselves to reading poetry that’s in their syllabus. I have been teaching for 21 yeras now, and I’ve seen only 20 students passionate about poetry,” says Varsha Chelle Prabhavati, a lecturer at Geetam University. For some students it’s all about being in the right mood. Varsha Chelle, an engineering student from Geetam, says, “Personally, I love poetry, and I do like reading them, but only when I’m in a mood to. I like reading between the lines and interpreting it. I looked forward to reading poetry in my English classes at school. But nowadays I hardly find time for it, thanks to the enormous syllabus I have in college.” Some Literature students do find time to read poetry outside their syllabus,“As a literature student, I do read poetry outside my curriculum. I love poetry written in Payal Sharma the Romantic era, I like to see how the language used in poetry has evolved since then. Keats, Wordsworth and William Blake are my favourites. I am also fond of Ogden Nash’s poetry, it’s hilarious! Poetry holds a special place in my heart”, says Payal Sharma, a literture student. “I am not fond of poetry, I love prose. Poetry is not my cup of tea, that’s why I don’t read poetry outside the syllabus”, says Asna Yar Khan, a student of Asna Yar Khan Literature in St. Francis. “Thanks to the Literary Fests and poetry sessions happening in the city, poetry is slowly gaining popularity. But even then you find only Page3 crowd attending these sessions, there are hardly any students present there. We need better festivals wherein more and more students get involved,” says Riddhi Bharwada, a student of Mass Communications.

Riddhi Bharwada

You n I

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Exploring complexities

The Txt Msg Brk-Up! Modern-day relationships dwell in the fast lane; so much so that one doesn't even find the time to end the relationship the traditional way and chooses to announce it via a text message instead

Sana Mirza sana.m@postnoon.com

“I

t's not you, it's me,” or “I need to focus on my career and I don't think I am giving you enough time and it's not fair on you,” or “I think we are just better off being friends.” Does any of this sound familiar? True that it's never easy to tell your partner it's over and a breakup is hard enough as it is, but then reducing the transaction to 140 characters or less seems downright cruel. Some of us run a mile with our tails between our legs rather than have the torturous breakup chat that marks the end of a failing relationship. But what one needs to know is that it happens to the most gorgeous of us: Actress Jennifer Aniston was reportedly sent a breakup message by her then boyfriend, singer John Mayer. The message read: That's it — the end. Of course, sending text

messages has its uses but then breaking important news, calling them or seeing them face-to-face, ending or even beginning a new relationship should not happen via texting, most believe. Psychologist Dr Sujata Raman says that one needs to emphasise more on the nature of relationship before they resort to breaking the news. “Primarily in a relationship when communication fails, one finds another means and ways to end the difficult news. Breaking up over a text message is on the rise because these days, couples tend to take their professional life more seriously than they value their personal relationships. Since they don’t find the time to talk

I decided I couldn't do it face-to-face because it's more about, 'I think I will become weak once I see that face.' I might not be able to make the right decision if I spoke to him as it may really influence the way I feel

and resolve differences, intimate issues end on a text message. A bunch of emoticons fail to define how one really feels, leading to awkwardness,” she says. While some of us may think that texting is the pygmy of communication methods and involves minimum investment and minimum effort, it's often cowardly. Some people want to avoid the unpleasantness of the whole situation opines Lekshmi Nair who also admits to breaking up twice with a text message over the past one year. “I decided I couldn't do it face-to-face because it's more about, 'I think I will become weak once I see that face.' I might not be able to make the right decision if I spoke to him as it may really influence the way I feel.” Jake Tom who was in a steady relationship for a year says, “The important point to be noted here is that the text message comes only after trying to work things out. It also depends on the kind of person you are. Some people are not efficient communicators but communicate better through emails or texts. In case the couple have been in a relationship for quite some time, they are in that comfort zone and probably will be able to talk it out and part amicably.” While many of us old-school romantics still believe that breaking up over a text message is insensitive, in this day and age, technology has very well changed relationship etiquettes.

Pink Tourism in India Loud & Proud Shwetha Pai

ay or Lesbian Tourism in India is new and unheard of by many, but it is quite well known in the West. Being open to Gay Tourism in India is not only a matter of acceptance but also being smart about where the buck lies. Many travel companies across the world know the power of the ‘pink money,’ which is valued at over 350 billion pounds globally. Most gay people in the world have tremendous economic potential, especially considering their Dink (Double Income No Kids) status. They are always known to look for great accommodations and impeccable service. In India, there are few hotels run by gay owners and even fewer midlevel hotels that are gay friendly and this has resulted in tourists having low expectations before they arrive in the country. Tourism in India is the largest service industry in the country and the Delhi High Court has decriminalised homosexuality. But, many popular tourist destinations in the country continue to equate LGBT tourism to sex tourism and consider the whole concept as perverse. Despite all this gay tourists continue to consider India a popular destination. A few gay travel agencies in the country offer customised packages to tourists that include surrogacy tours, spiritual camps, weddings and honeymoon packages. While pointed questions about how they’d like their beds to be positioned in their room to questions about their marital status have made the gay couples vary, they are still drawn to India to experience the varied and exotic locales it has to offer.

I am all ears AGONISING AUNT n

I am facing a lot of trouble from a senior at work. He is always picking on me. This is my first job and am still learning. Thanks to his constant insults, I feel angry and unmotivated. What should I do? Anjum Dhar Srinagar Colony

Dear unmotivated kid,

or god sake, this is your first job, you can't be treated as Queen of know-it-all. This is reality and not some soap opera, where the ever-tormenting senior falls in love with the girl after two months. Presuming he is old enough to be your uncle, I would advise you use some fluff around him. Cotton my dear girl, is a wonderful product. It will not only help you block the negative ranting but also clear the dirt from your ears. Once clean, the insults can pass freely from one ear and exit from the other. As for anger and motivation issues, how about an Art of Living course? I heard they teach you how to become a winner and a not a whiner. It could work for you.

Magic Screen

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

PIC: SRINIVAS SETTY

s e v i l e v a s Pledge to

campaigns to create l ra ve se ite sp de a di In in ht on in a big way ere's a ray of hope for th n, ig Organ donation hasn't caug pa m ca e th g in rs do e celebrities en awareness. Now with mor the country thousands of people across Hemanth Kumar Hemanth.k@postnoon.com

rgan donation is still at a nascent stage in India, despite several campaigns by the Government of India, private hospitals and NGOs. Of late, several celebrities have begun endorsing initiatives across the country aimed at saving patients who desperately need an organ. A few years ago, Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan appealed to people across India to donate their eyes and the campaign was a huge success. In recent times, actors like Kamal Haasan, Sneha, Lakshmi Manchu, Navdeep and Sharwanand pledged to donate their eyes and other organs. On January 26, in an event organised by Mohan Foundation, Amala Akkineni, Arvind Krishna, Harshvardhan Rane, Ramesh Prasad and several others signed up to donate their organs. So what's the motivation behind endorsing such an initiative? “It's a beautiful way to leave the planet. Nagarjuna and I pledged to donate our eyes back in 2004, but it's always nice to announce it pub-

licly because it inspires others also,” Amala Akkineni says. Commercial sale of organs is banned in India and there have been several instances of doctors frantically searching for donors to save lives of patients. “More than 4,000–5,000 people in India battle for their lives due to organ failure every year and it's extremely difficult for us to find donors at the last minute,” says Dr AGK Gokhale an eminent cardiac surgeon. He's very happy with the response from some of the film personalities who are doing their bit to encourage more people to donate organs. “We try to convince people to donate their organs so that they can save lives even after their death. When celebrities endorse such campaigns, people believe what they say. I hope more people come forward to support this cause because one donor can save nine lives,” he reveals. Arvind Krishna's upcoming film Rushi has a subtext of organ donation and as a part of the film's promotion, the entire

cast and crew of the film decided to donate their organs. “I act in films to immortalise myself and I have realised that organ donation is a part of it,” Arvind says on a lighter note. Last year, Lakshmi Manchu had pledged to donate her eyes at the LV Prasad Eye Institute. “Why let anything go waste after your death? You can give someone a chance to see again,” she says adding, “I have always believed in organ donation. In USA, all you have to do is put a tick against the organ donation box while applying for your driver's licence whereas in India, the process seems to be a little complicated.” Another actor Harshvardhan Rane recounts an incident when he lost his father a couple of years ago. “I didn't know about organ donation back then, otherwise we would definitely have donated my father's organs. Maybe a part of him would still have been alive today. If someone's life can be saved, that's the best one could do,” the actor says.

Magic Screen

The glamour behind the glitz

Ravi Teja, Puri’s film is a laugh riot R avi Teja is teaming up with ace director Puri Jagannadh for the fifth time in his career. The duo had earlier worked together for films like Idiot, Amma Nanna O Tamil Ammayi and Neninthe. Their new film has been titled as Devudu Chesina Manushulu and it’ll be formally launched on February 17. Ileana is playing the lead role in this film. BVSN Prasad is producing the film in association with Reliance Entertainment. We hear that the film is going to be a laugh riot and sources close to the film unit says, “Puri Jagannadh has never written a script like this. There’s a lot of comedy in the film and with Ravi Teja in lead role, it’s going to be one of the best films of Puri Jagannadh’s career.” The film’s shooting is expected to be wrapped up by the end of March and the producers are already planning to release the film in June. Sam K Naidu is the cinematographer and Raghu Kunche will be composing the music.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

T-TOWN TWEETIES

@LakshmiManchu It’s pack up for me. Some really difficult shots in the cooldd salt water w debris. Brr. Start shooting day 2mrw. yay! #GundelloGodari

@ramsayz Still shooting...2more hours n it’s a 24hr nonstop shift...but it’s a super fun scene...No complaints...God! I love my Job!

@shrutihaasan Thank you guys for making my birthday so special! Wish I could share my birthday cake with all of you !!!! Xoxo

@richyricha Going to miss being home w my family tomorrow on Saraswati puja. Gotta find a way to have a mini one :)

Lovely’s team goes to Turkey

adi, Shanvi starrer Lovely is in the last leg of shooting. The film’s lead pair is in Turkey to shoot few songs in popular destinations like Istanbul, Pamukkale, Antalya and Cappadocia till February 3. B Jaya is directing the film and BA Raju is producing the film. Rajendra Prasad is playing an important role in the film and it also stars Vennela Kishore and Chinmayi Ghatrazu in lead roles. Anup Rubens is composing the music. “I am quite lucky to get a good subject like this quite early in my career,” Aadi said. He had made his debut last year in Vijayabhaskar’s Prema Kavali. Lovely is touted to be a romantic entertainer.

@shraddhadas43 Crazyyy crowds in the theatre for Agneepath..I actually bought a whistle along with my frds!! This is so much fun! Single screens r awesome!

Love Failure’s audio out on January 28

he audio of Siddharth, Amala Paul starrer Love Failure is going to be launched on January 28 at Prasads Imax in Hyderabad. The film’s promos, especially the song Parvathy Parvathy has become quite popular already. Thaman has composed the music and it’s his first project with Siddharth. The film is based on a short film Kadhalil Sodhapuvadhu Yeppadi directed by Balaji Mohan, who has also directed this film. Siddharth has co-produced the film along with Nirav Shah and Shashikanth. The film is going to release in Telugu and Tamil on Valentine’s Day.

@devakatta It freaks me out to think how cricketing becomes so different from country to country or pitch to pitch with the same players... :((

@sundeepkishan Heard Twitter is going to start censoring tweets based on a country’s religious & political beliefs...so much for freedom of speech #epicfail

@RanaDaggubati Another award for @dummaarodum! Won the Apsara Award for best debut. Too bad couldn’t be there to receive it :-( but I still won!!

Magic Screen

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Mira’s and my happiness doubled with Padma Bhushan: Shabana

habana Azmi and Mira Nair are working together on The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and the veteran actress says her happiness has doubled as both of them have been named to receive the coveted Padma Bhushan together. The two, along with veteran actor Dharmendra, were named for India’s third highest civilian honour this year, for their contribution to Indian cinema. “We have recently completed a film together, The Reluctant Fundamentalist and our happiness has doubled as Mira and I are good friends. I have become taller as I share the award with Mira and Dharamji,” said Shabana. The actress has earlier been

conferred with the National Award for her films Ankur (1975), Arth (1983), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985) and Godmother (1999). She was also given the Padma Shri in 1988. Shabana is happy that after husband Javed Akhtar received the Padma Bhushan four years ago, she too has been named for it, and that the couple can now officially be called “Mr & Mrs Padma Bhushan.” “The year has started splendidly. I am very honoured and humbled by the Padma Bhushan. I am particularly delighted because Javed has received the Padma Bhushan four years ago and now you can safely call us Mr & Mrs Padma Bhushan,” the 61-year-old actress said. Such an honour makes Shabana

recall the day when her father, late writer Kaifi Azmi, reached in time for the premiere of her first film Ankur in 1974. “I remember that day of September 1974 when my film Ankur premiered. My father was in Russia during that time for some treatment but he called up in the morning and said ‘I have reached’. I was delighted that my father and mother were present at my film’s premiere,” said Shabana, who recently launched a compilation of his (Azmi’s) songs. “Today, I want to thank Shyam Benegal and all those directors, co-stars, technicians who have helped me reach this position,” she added. IANS

India’s losing music genres due to Bollywood: SHUBHA MUDGAL

hubha Mudgal has nothing against Bollywood, but the veteran singer with deep roots in Hindustani classical says if everyone keeps running after creating masala songs for the industry, it may prove to be a threat to other genres of music specific to Indian culture. “Today we see Bollywood music being played in every household, mostly because they are easily accessible. I have nothing against Bollywood music as I really enjoy it. But in the process we are losing out on the other genres. It would be very tragic if we lost them, as a lot of it will never come back,” Mudgal said. The 53-year-old is trying to do her bit in popularising and preserving the wide variety of musical styles and genres through her festival Baajaa Gaajaa for the past three years. She is now gearing up for the fourth edition, to be held in Pune on February 10–12. The festival will see as many as 100 artists from all genres of music like rock, blues, jazz, Hindustani vocal and instrumental music, Carnatic vocal and

instrumental music, as well as folk music from different parts of the country, performing on stage. “There’s a huge variety in Indian music, whether old or adapted ones that highlight the diversity. We see a majority of Bollywood music played, but that doesn’t represent the entire Indian music. There is so much to be shared. The whole idea behind the festival is to promote and propagate Indian music,” she said. “I’ve sung for Bollywood occasionally. But whatever I sing, it has to be something that I do justice to. I don’t see myself singing the kind of songs that are being composed nowadays,” she said. “If I try something like this, I would fall flat on my face. I don’t fit into the current crop,” she said. Mudgal has done playback in films like Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Lajja and 1920. A lover of music genres such as khayal, thumri and dadra, Mudgal explored Indian pop music in the 1990s. Her albums Ali More Angana, Ab ke Sawan, Pyaar Ke Geet and Mann Ki

Manjeere went on to become hugely popular. While pop albums have seen a downfall in the Indian music industry lately, Mudgal said, “I don’t agree that pop albums have lost their charm. Just like we have parallel cinema along with commercial cinema, there is alternative music industry that is producing, executing material of all kinds and has a vibrant collection of music. “There are many people who are coming up with albums with their original songs and compositions,” she added. Honoured in 2000 with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, the singer says the music industry is poised for growth thanks to technology. “Technology has powered the way artists distribute online. Although technology has provided a larger distribution channel, the independent avenues of publishing and distributing the product have marginalised and become more expensive,” she added. IANS

Magic Screen

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Farah finds acting funny

horeographer-turned-filmmaker Farah Khan finds it funny that she is now also dabbling in acting. Farah has moved from behind the camera to being in front of it with the film Shirin Farhad ki Nikal Padi, and has been cast opposite Boman Irani. She admits she is amused whenever she says she is acting, but her costar Boman helps her get along with it. “I find it very funny when I say that I am acting in a film. Now that I am

B-TOWN TWEETIES

acting, Boman is my acting coach and he literally holds my hands and tells me what to do and how to do it,” the 47-year-old said . Talking about the film, produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Boman said “The film is a romantic love story of people who are in their mid-40s.” Farah also chipped in with her typical tongue-in-cheek style and said “It is a romantic-comedy as our love story automatically becomes a comedy.” IANS

@RGVzoomin The more u think the more u will think that u can think and so u will think that u can think and then u will think any think.

@bipsluvurself

Can’t even think of comparisons with Big B: Hrithik

If the only prayer you say in your entire life is 'Thank You'that is enough!So Thank You all:) Starting my day with this Simple prayer!

@realprietyzinta

mitabh Bachchan made Vijay Dinanath Chauhan’s character in the 1990 Agneepath iconic, but the film didn’t do wonders at the box office. Almost two decades later now, Hrithik Roshan, who has reprised the role in its remake that has collected `25 crore on the opening day, says it’s unfair to compare the two actors. “You can’t compare (with Amitabh). If you start comparing, I will fail in a second. I feel people are not saying that I have done as well (as Bachchan), but I think what they are saying is I have done well in my way and they are cheering for me,” said Hrithik, who is receiving rave reviews for his performance. “I don’t even want to analyse. There are no comparisons in my head,” added the 38year-old actor. The remake, produced by Karan Johar

and directed by debutant Karan Malhotra, broke recent opening day box office records, garnering `25 crore. The collections have left behind figures of hits like Bodyguard and RA.One, which made `22 crore and `18 crore, respectively. Hrithik feels blessed with the response, but credits the entire team for the success. “I feel blessed. I think this is what we live for. I am on centrestage but it’s a victory for the entire team so I am representing all people —the light boys, the staff, the writers, music directors, the director, everybody is a part of this joy,” he said. “This is a tribute, a homage to the legend of Agneepath,” he added. The handsome hunk has been on a roll after the success of his last film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, for which he has been nominated for the Filmfare best actor award. Hrithik is currently busy shooting for his father Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish 2.

One thing Paris and Mumbai have in common is.... CRAZY TRAFFIC !!! Bhaaaago !!! Phew !!!!

@imarshadwarsi I have thoroughly enjoyed AGNEEPATH. Hrithik n Sanju are outstanding. Film is well directed, well shot n intense with superb performances.

@SrBachchan T 636 - In World War II, much destruction of world heritage, but when Nazi's reached Paris, they never touched its natural beauty !!

David Dhawan proud of Katrina’s ‘Chikni chameli’

irector David Dhawan, who worked with Katrina Kaif in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?, is impressed with the actress’ Chikni Chameli act, and is happy with the success of the song. The director says he is happier because he credits himself for pioneer-

ing not just the trend of raunchy item songs, but also Katrina’s career in commercial cinema. “I started the trend of raunchy item songs with Sarkaiyee lo khatiya jaada lage in Raja Babu. And now look where it has gone,” said Dhawan. “When she did her first major film, it was with me — Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?. Look where she is now! I am

very proud of her and of Karan Johar for getting her to do Chikni chameli,” he added. If the grapevine is to be believed, Dhawan has decided to add a very special item song in his new film, the remake of 1981 film Chashme Buddoor. In the song, three young male leads Siddharth, Ali Zafar and Divyanshu Sharma, together with Rishi Kapoor will shake a leg in the company of a foreign female face, whose identity is being kept a secret.

@udaychopra I think in the future our wealth will be counted by the amount of twitter followers we have. That will be the currency finally #twittollar$

@TheShilpaShetty 2days thought: Unless u let go, unless u forgive urself, unless u forgive d situation, unless u realize that d situation is over, u cannot move fwd.

@priyankachopra Phew.... Loooong day... Shoot for Barfi then press con for #Agneepath now off to rehearse for Filmfare!!! Yiiikes! Hope I can keep up!

Magic Screen

rib c s b Su

! y a Tod

6 Months

` 199/-

1 Year

` 349/-

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Magic Screen

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Drew Carey calls off engagement

t’s over for Drew Carey and his longtime fiancée. The Price Is Right host and Nicole Jaracz have ended their nearly five-year relationship. “He and Nicole still have a great deal of love and affection for one another,” Carey’s rep said in a statement. “He will still be very involved with their son’s life.” Carey, 53, and Jaracz announced their engagement in October 2007. At the

Oscar nominee Octavia clinches ‘Black Women in Hollywood’ award

he accolades and honours just keep rolling in for Octavia Spencer. Essence magazine has named the Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee one of five women who will be honoured at its 5th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on February 23. While Spencer will receive the Breakthrough Award for her role in The Help, other honourees include Pam Grier (Foxy Brown) for the Legend Award, Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy) for the Visionary Award, Kerry Washington (Scandal, Rhimes’ upcoming show) for the Vanguard Award, and Paula Patton (Jumping the Broom) for the Shining Star award. “Black women actors, writers, directors and producers still lack diverse opportunities in Hollywood and, unfortunately, are often overlooked during awards season,” said Essence editor-inchief Constance White in a statement. “The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon exists to

provide a fitting tribute to the brilliant talent and accomplishments of African-American trailblazers like Kerry, Pam, Paula, Octavia and Shonda, and celebrate their collective work as an inspiration for generations to come.”

Cowell teams up with Pinkett-Smith for TV show

usic mogul Simon Cowell is collaborating with actress Jada Pinkett-Smith on a new international TV show, which will

hunt for the world’s greatest DJ. The show will be co-produced by Simon’s Syco Entertainment and Pinkett-Smith and her husband Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment company, as well as Sony Pictures Television. “We have been working on this show for over a year and we wanted to partner with the right people. As soon as I met Jada and Miguel from Overbrook, I knew they would be our ideal partners. DJs are the new rock stars, it feels like the right time to make this show,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted Cowell as saying. Pinkett-Simth is equally as excited to be working with the 52-year-old X Factor boss on the new reality programme. She said, “This show will comb the world to find a new breed of talent. I am happy to be creating it alongside Simon Cowell, the Sony team, and my partner Miguel Melendez, on behalf of the Overbrook family.”

time, Jaracz had recently graduated from culinary school. “They are both very happy and excited about their future together,” Carey’s rep said at the time, adding that no wedding date had been set. In 2010, Carey dropped 80lb, and attributed his significant weight loss to the inspiration of his fiancée and her son, Connor, now 6.

Magic Screen

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Megan Fox

Lindsay Sloane

welcomes a baby girl L

not to play Taylor

ctress Megan Fox has shot down reports that she is in talks to take up the lead role in late actress Elizabeth Taylor's biopic. The Transformers star was said to be the frontrunner to play Taylor in Lifetime network's forthcoming TV biopic Liz & Dick, about Taylor's love affair with Richard Burton. However, Fox has denied it. "Contrary to recent media reports I am not, and have never been in discussions to star in the lifetime biopic Liz and Dick. I do however wish the project well in its television debut," she wrote on her official Facebook page.

indsay Sloane is a new mum! The actress and husband Dar Rollins welcomed their first child, a girl, on January 19, her rep confirmed. "We thought we knew what love was until we met her," the couple say of their newborn, whose name is Maxwell Lue. Rollins and Sloane â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who has appeared on Weeds, Horrible Bosses and Sabrina the Teenage Witch â&#x20AC;&#x201D; wed in 2004.

Robert Hegyes dead: Welcome Back Kotter actor dies at 60

elcome Back Kotter actor Robert Hegyes has died. According to a website, he was

60 .

According to reports he suffered an apparent heart attack in his New Jersey home on Thursday morning. Hegyes is best known for playing Juan Epstein on Welcome Back Kotter, the 1970s sitcom, which starred John Travolta and Gabe Kaplan. He appeared in all four seasons of the sitcom and joined most of his fellow Sweathogs at the Welcome Back Kotter reunion held at the 2011 TV Land Awards. After

In a movie that is filled with nuance and maturity, strangely, it is the young cast that stands out

Lenient and sentimental

he Descendants opens up with Elizabeth King (Patricia Hastie), a carefree, pretty woman jetskiing, who gets into a terrible accident. She is the wife of Matt King (George Clooney) who is a career lawyer residing in Hawaii. Matt is also the sole trustee of a huge plot of land that he has inherited through his family since 1860. Now, Matt and his cousins are in the process of ensuring that they smoothly disinherit their kingdom in return for huge sums of money. Matt then finds himself in a tragic crisis where he is torn between Elizabeth who is in a comatose state after being in a power-boating accident, at the same time trying to handle his 10 and 17 year old daughters, Scottie and Alex. Things at

Kotter, Hegyes went on to co-star in Cagney and Lacey as Detective Manny Esposito. His other TV work includes an episode of The Love Boat, NewsRadio and CHiPS. Hegyes' last credited role was in the 2002 movie Hip, Edgy, Sexy, Cool. His brother Mark said that Robert was retired, but still talked about being involved in local arts efforts. "He always had these great schemes," his brother said, "but last week he said, 'I'm not going to do that anymore.'" Hegyes survived by three siblings, two children and two step-children.

Movie: The Descendants Director: Alexander Payne

Cast: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller Rating:

home get even morose when Alex tells her father that Elizabeth was having an affair with an estate agent and was planning to leave him for someone else. Based on a novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings' of the same name, Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash's screenplay keeps us engaged and entertained at the same time. Even though, the main plot deals with imminent death, the writers of the film have toned down on the depression, simultaneously focussing on Matt's and Elizabeth's relationship with the help of impactful dialogues and intriguing scenes. Payne is a master story teller and with a fantastic background score, the story becomes even the more soulful. The cinematography is eyepleasing as the camera so artistically captures the beauty of Hawaiian beaches. Clooney is a brilliant actor and gels in with his emotional character enough. Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller both deliver some commendable performances. On the whole The Descendants is worth the watch.

KAKURO

KENYA LIBYA EGYPT UGANDA ZAMBIA

Suduko

Number game

SOLUTIONS

How to Play Kakuro Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: “How do you play Kakuro?”, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column referenced by the number. Within each collection of cells - called a run - any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once. Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so on... So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run. Note the second cell in row two - it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.

Boggle

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 "And so forth ..." 4 Tips one's hat in a gentlemanly manner 9 Collect with a harvester 13 "A clue!" 14 West Indies sorcery 15 Bejeweled headdress 16 No longer on active duty (Abbr.) 17 Concoction fit for Halloween 19 Baloney manufacturer? 21 Boy king of Egypt 22 Capture 23 Some food seasonings 25 Scattered, as seeds 29 Private instructor 30 Cry of discovery 31 Epcot structure 32 Moon lander 33 Walk like Frankenstein 35 Vietnam Veterans Memorial architect Maya 36 Halloween craziness? 40 "The Greatest" of boxing 41 Isn't apathetic 42 Captain Morgan's drink 43 Bowler's domain 45 What a steamroller steamrolls 46 Church of England parish priest 48 Elite clique 50 Place to gamble 51 Spring's first full mo. 52 Onassis, to Jackie 53 Between open and closed 55 Pixar film appropriately titled for Halloween 60 "And now, without further ___ ..." 61 Spring sign 62 Accuser 63 U.S. undercover outfit 64 Bodybuilder's units 65 Impressionist's skill 66 Barbie's boyfriend DOWN 1 Actor James ___ Jones 2 Believer in a Creator

3 Hurling as if with a sling 4 Wall Street barometer (with "the") 5 ___ dictum (passing remark) 6 Womb contents 7 Almanac tidbit 8 "Be quiet!" 9 Like corduroy 10 "In one ___ and out the other" 11 "... how I wonder what you ___" 12 Dog's foot 15 Winter Palace resident 18 Put in a pyramid, e.g. 20 Sacred ceremonies 24 Sunday newspaper feature 25 Bowling rentals 26 Legendary "Midnight Special" host 27 Muslim leader

28 Opposite of admit 30 Wise starter? 33 Football helmet attachment 34 Beautiful fairies of Persian myth 36 Island off Java 37 Sitcom legend Alda 38 Outdoorsman's love 39 Saint ___ (Caribbean island) 44 Clears the blackboard 46 Less humble 47 Amp schlepper 49 Acts on a preference 50 Breaking and entering, e.g. 52 "... and make it

snappy!" 54 Chestnut-colored horse 55 Make less than perfect 56 A load off one's mine? 57 Autumn air quality 58 Messenger molecule 59 Weep PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

SUDOKU

At twenty years of age the will reigns; at SOLUTION ON PAGE 32

Chai Time

thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment. – Benjamin Franklin

Chai Time

post noon

Weekly look into your future

Aries

Gemini

Taurus

Cancer

Page of Swords

King of Swords

Six of Pentacles

The Hermit

ork – The burden of too many jobs to finish is making you nervous. Organize yourself better. Make lists and bring it in order. Romance – Singles need to open up to the idea of sharing your life with someone. Don’t hesitate only because you will get hurt. Keep the faith. Health – Eat right and exercise well. You need to plan your health portfolio like you do your finance portfolio. Money – You have a good plan B and that will hold you in good stead. But don’t be careless with spending. Think before investing in a new area. Tarot message – You have the power to bring your life under control. Plan well and you’ll be sorted.

ork – An old contact will spring a surprise and make you a job offer. Consider it carefully before jumping at the idea of a novel opportunity. Romance – There are many fish in the sea. Don’t be in a hurry to commit to someone just because you feel obligated to. It’s your life, too. Health – You may feel better if you stuck to the familiar. If yoga and meditation is what has worked for you always, just stick to them. Money – There is no dearth of funds for your many novel ideas. Just don’t push it to whimsical levels. Tarot message – Keep an open mind and be open to new ideas. There are many paths before you.

ork – You will have to work alone in order to be more productive. Explain this to your bosses if they think you’re being too aloof and not being a team player. Romance – You’re in search of something, and getting too romantically involved at the moment may distract you from your actual path. Health – Mental anxiety and worry can be kept at bay by understanding the big picture. Everyone has to, at some point, go through a spiritual search for answers. Money – Finances are not your priority at the moment. Yet, you have enough for your needs provided you do not go overboard with daily expenses. Tarot message – You’re at the heart of a spiritual quest. Enjoy the journey.

ork- You have a tough week ahead. You will be required at the office longer than usual. Don’t ignore the details. Romance – You’re approaching a love affair more with your head than your heart. Take some time off by yourself and ask why you want to be with this person. Health – When the mind is too occupied, the body will feel left out. Are you exercising enough at all? Consult a fitness expert. Money – Be stingy if it means you will be at peace knowing you have enough stashed away for a rainy day. Don’t overdo an evening out or shopping trip. Tarot message – In the battle between the head and heart, the head is winning. Create the balance.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Leo Knight of Swords

ork – You may have the best ideas at work but how you present them to your coworkers will determine how they are received. Romance – Spend quality time with your partner. You may need to tone down your aggression. Tell your lover how much you love him/her -- honestly. Health – Your enthusiasm is keeping you on your toes and you find no need yet to focus on building a daily health routine. Think again. Money – Intellectual work is going to open up new avenues through which you can make money. Think of creative freelance ideas. Tarot message – While going about your work, be careful not to trample on the feelings of others. Be sensitive to the needs of others.

Virgo Knight of Cups

ork – You have the perfect combination of ideas and emotions. Use them to your advantage without coming across as too arrogant. Romance – This is a great time for romance. Spend time with your partner. Take them out to movies, dinners and the theatre. Health – You’re feeling good on the inside and it is reflecting on your health. You’re in the mood to start a good health routine. Do it now. Money – Creative satisfaction is more important to you than the monetary returns of the work. Money is not going to be a worry. Tarot message – Your emotional quotient is healthy. Make use of it to balance all areas of your life so you grow spiritually as well.

SUMAA TEKUR tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

Date 29-1-2012

TAROT Libra Justice

The Chariot

ork – Your skills are put to the test and your bosses are watching your every move. Plan your work well and don’t be in a hurry with anything. Romance – If relationships have not worked well for you in the past, do not fret. The bad phase is about to end. Health – How you treat your body is how it will treat you back. Do not be in a hurry to lose weight or get over a health problem. It takes time. Money – Getting overly ambitious about demanding a raise may actually work against you. Wait for the right time before you even suggest it to your bosses. Tarot message – What goes around comes around. You get what’s due to you.

ork – Travel related to work is in the offing. You actually enjoy it despite it being stressful. You get to meet new people. Romance – A weekend trip with your partner will set right more than what a lengthy conversation can. Think differently, and let the romance bloom. Health – You may be experiencing fatigue because of the routine. Take a trip for change of scene. Or at least, bring changes to your daily schedule. Money – There is enough in the bank to make you feel confident about your financial choices. Spend thriftily. Tarot message – You discover yourself in new places and while meeting new people. Be open to the idea of more travel.

Sagittarius

Scorpio

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Knight of Pentacles

Seven of Cups

Nine of Wands

Ten of Wands

ork – You’re motivated, determined and have a specific goal you want to reach. Creativity may be out of question at this point. Romance – You’re approaching a romantic prospect too much from the head. A romance is not the same as cracking a business deal. Health – You realize you need good health to achieve your goals, and are doing what it takes to maintain your health. Money – Finances are looking fantastic. You may be in for another raise soon. Your bosses are happy with your work and reward you well. Tarot message – The material interests you at the moment. Keep an open mind and develop other interests in life.

ork – There may be some confusion about the work roles. It gets clarified soon enough. You’re in for a raise and promotion. Romance – A potential romance may be misleading you. If there is any ambiguity in messages, clear the air right now before you get too emotionally involved. Health – You need to clear your head of all anxiety and depressive thoughts. Take a break and head out by yourself. Money – Material possessions give you the stability that you need right now. It keeps you engaged and involved with your immediate environment. Tarot message – You may be getting carried away with an illusory relationship. Do yourself a favour and clear the air soon.

ork – You’re nearing the completion of an important project and you’re relieved. There is much excitement around you regarding this project. Romance – Distance makes the heart grow fonder. You and your partner benefit from space, and realise why you two need to stick it out together. Health – Emotional and creative happiness spills over and you feel fantastic about yourself. You want to share this happiness with loved ones. Money – A creative project is what is bringing in the money. Think of ways to up your level of creativity. Do not hesitate to ask for help from seniors. Tarot message – You’re at the end of a very crucial stage of life. You will look back fondly at these days.

ork – Delegate. Delegate. Delegate. Your problem is that you’re trying to do it all by yourself. Don’t stress yourself out so much. Romance – You and your partner need some space. Ask for it, but also explain that it doesn’t mean you want out. You only want some time. Health – You feel anxious, stressed out and are on the verge of a burnout. Do not worry about the future. Money – You’re high on creative ideas but may not have been the smartest in protecting your own financial interests. Consult a good finance advisor. Tarot message – Stop worrying and start planning. When you have a concrete plan in hand, it will guide you in the right direction.

Vol: 1, No. 195 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No. 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad–500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad–500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon.com and for subscription, please call 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211

Chai Time 1200 Movie 1530 Movie 1900 Movie - Mallanna 2330 Songs 0700 Silver Screen 0800 Ayurvedam 0900 Movie 1230 Movie

‘Mallanna’ at 1900 Hrs on MAA TV

1400 Abhishekam 1430 Aadade Aadharam 1500 Antahpuram 1530 Aakasa Ganga 1600 Prema Mandiram 1630 Jagadeeswari 1700 Ali 369 1800 Mahaveera Karna 1900 Kumkuma Rekha 1930 Manasu Mamata 2000 Chandra Mukhi 2030 Bharyamani 2100 Etv News 2130 Genes 2245 Movie - Maya Macchindra 0800 Subhamastu 0830 Jeevana Jyothi 0900 Panchatantram 0930 Highlights Of Paaduta Theeyaga 1030 Kudirithe Kappu Coffee 1100 Highlights Of Super

1400 Celebrity Cricket League Live 1800 Movie - Pournami 2130 Movie - Ranam 0700 Gemini Vaarthalu 0730 Subhalagnam - Live 0830 Movie - Naa Alludu 1100 Movie - Don Seenu 1400 Celebrity Cricket League Live

1300 Movie - Aata 1730 Chittam Chittam Prayaschittam 1800 Veera Naari Jhansi Laxmi Bai 1900 Chinna Kodalu 1930 Movie - Adavari Matalaki Ardhalu Verule 2300 Movie - Remo

‘Ranam’ at 2130 Hrs on GEMINI TV

‘A M A V’ at 1930 Hrs on ZEE TELUGU

1400 [V] Steal UR Girlfriend 1500 [V] Vignettes 1530 [V] Trailers 1555 [V] Fresh Songs 1600 [V] Zabardast Hits 1630 [V] My Big Decision 1830 [V] Humse Hai Life 1900 [V] My Big Decision 2030 [V] Humse Hai Life 2100 [V] Speak 2130 [V] Trailers 2155 [V] Fresh Songs 2200 [V] Dare 2 Date 2300 [V] My Big Decision 2355 [V] Fresh Songs 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs 1200 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance

‘[V] Steal Ur Girlfriend’ at 1900 Hrs on CHANNEL [V]

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings

1400 Minute To Win It 1500 Criss Angel Mindfreak 1600 The Challenger Muaythai 1800 Wipeout 2 2000 Criss Angel Mindfreak 2200 Movie - The Librarian 3 0700 Infomercial/30 Min 0725 Sky Teleshopping 0825 Infomercial/30 Min 0900 Sky Teleshopping 0930 Reaper 1020 The Challenger Muaythai 1200 Minute To Win It

‘Baba Aiso Var Dhoondo’ at 2200 Hrs on IMAGINE

‘The Librarian 3’ at 2200 Hrs on AXN

1400 Nach Le Ve With Saroj Khan 1600 Gyan Guru 1830 The Tara Sharma Show 1900 Chandragupt Maurya 2000 Mahima Shani Dev Ki 2100 Chandragupt Maurya 2200 Baba Aiso Var Dhoondo 2230 Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan 0700 Teleshopping 0800 Prannath Ji Maharaj 0900 Dwarkadheesh Bhagwan Shri Krishn 1000 Ramayan 1030 Chandragupt Maurya

1300 Movie - For Love Of The Game 1500 Movie - Snake And Crane Arts Of Shaolin 1700 Frasier 1900 Galileo Extreme 2000 Movie - For Love Of The Game 2200 Big Wheels 2230 Dead Zone 0800 Survivor 1000 Defenders 1100 Galileo Extreme

‘Yaarana’ at 1400 Hrs on SAB TV

‘F L O T G’ at 2000 Hrs only on BIG CBS PRIME

1400 Movie - Yaarana 1700 Gutar Gu 1800 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 2030 Gutar Gu 2130 Lapataganj 2330 FIR 0800 Teleshopping 0900 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma

‘Phir Hera Pheri’ at 1530 Hrs on ZEE TV

‘Ring Ka King’ at 2000 Hrs on COLORS

1300 Afsar Bitiya 1530 Movie - Phir Hera Pheri 1930 Shobha Somnath Ki 2030 Dance India Dance 2200 Afsar Bitiya 0800 Joel Osteen 0900 Namaste Cinema 0930 Shobha Somnath Ki 1030 Jalsa - Music For Soul 1100 Afsar Bitiya 1200 Dance India Dance

‘Lagaan - Once Upon A Time In India’ at 1200 Hrs on SONY

‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?’ at 2000 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1300 Diya Aur Baati Hum 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain 1700 Ruk Jana Nahi 2000 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? 2100 Survivor India 2200 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? 2300 Survivor India 0700 Diya Aur Baati Hum 0730 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 0800 Superstar Preview 0830 Ruk Jana Nahi 1100 Survivor India 1300 Movie - Taqdeerwala

MOVIE OF THE DAY

1240 Dreamcatcher 1520 Scooby-Doo 1705 Bloodsport 1900 Outsourced 2100 Ghost Ship 2245 Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire 0825 Good Morning, Miami 0855 Friends 0925 The New Adventures Of Old Christine 0955 Nikita 1045 Batman - Gotham Knight 1215 Ghost Ship

‘Et Insight’ at 2030 Hrs only on ET NOW 1400 Business Saturday 1430 Brand Equity 1500 The Market Makers 1530 Zigwheels 1600 Brand Equity Special 1630 Starting Up 1700 Business Saturday 1730 Google Enterprise Roadshow 1800 Currency Camp 1830 Leaders Of Tomorrow 1900 Business Saturday 1930 Bollywood This Week 2000 Technoholik 2030 Et Insight 2100 The Market Makers 2130 Talking Technicals 2200 Bollywood This Week 2230 Starting Up 2300 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 2330 Your Trades 0900 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 1000 Starting Up

1230 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1430 CID 1830 Adaalat 1930 Crime Patrol - Dastak 2000 Adaalat 2100 Kahani Comedy Circus Ki 2200 CID 2300 Crime Patrol - Dastak 0700 Telebrands 0730 Wws Sky Shop 0830 Babosa Mere Bhagwan 0900 Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur 1200 Movie - Lagaan - Once Upon A Time In India

1400 Movie 1700 Movie 1900 TBC 2000 Ring Ka King 0700 Veer Shivaji 0800 TBC 0900 Movie 1200 Mallika-E-Kitchen 1230 Movie

1445 Bko - Bangkok Knockout 1700 A Nightmare On Elm Street 1900 Romy And Michele's High School Reunion 2100 Red 2320 Crank 2 - High Voltage

Ring Ka King

CID

Storyline - When the action in the ring gets wilder, wrestling enthusiast and cricketer Harbhajan Singh, goodwill ambassador for the show will walk in to ease the tension and make peace.

Storyline - A reporter finds out about a plan to bomb a school republic day program. But before he can go to the cid he gets killed. A race against time for cid as they try to catch the criminals.

‘Ring Ka King’ at 2000 Hrs on COLORS

‘CID’ at 2200 Hrs on SONY

1400 Discovery Biggest Shows 1600 Swords 1700 Discovery Showcase 1800 Wild Discovery 1900 Man Woman Wild 2000 Stan Lee Super Humans 2100 Man Vs Wild 2200 Swords 2300 Desire & Pleasure Decoded 1000 Stan Lee Super Humans 1100 Man Vs Wild 1200 I Should'nt Be Alive 1300 Wild Encounters

1400 Cougar Town 1500 The Big Bang Theory 1600 Outsourced 1700 In Plain Sight 1800 Parenthood 2000 No Ordinary Family 2100 Private Practice 2200 The Fashionista Diaries 2300 Outsourced 0700 Slot 0800 Parenthood 1000 Just For Laughs 1100 Less Than Perfect 1200 Better With You 1300 Slot 1330 America's Funniest Home Videos

‘Page 3’ at 1930 Hrs on ZOOM

‘Charlie’s Angels’ at 2100 Hrs on STAR WORLD

‘No Ordinary Family’ at 2000 Hrs on ZEE CAFE

1400 Charlie’s Angels 1500 Love2 Hate U 1600 Supernatural 1900 Combat Hospital 2000 Achievers' Club 2100 Charlie’s Angels 2200 Combat Hospital 2300 Dexter 0700 Dexter 0800 The Shield 1000 Combat Hospital 1100 Friends 1200 Two And A Half Men

‘Swords’ at 2200 Hrs on DISCOVERY CHANNEL

1400 Movie 1730 Top 20 - Zoom Barabar Jhoom 1830 Let'z Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood 1930 Page 3 2000 Let'z Go! 2130 My Playlist 2230 Let'z Go! 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Let'z Go! 0800 Red Carpet 0805 Let'z Go! 1000 Link'D 1021 Let'z Go! 1100 Zoom Box 1200 My Playlist 1300 Let's Design 1330 Garama Garam

‘Red’ at 2100 Hrs on HBO

1430 Some Assembly Required 1530 Discovery Science Classics 1630 Through The Wormhole 1730 Weaponology 1830 Best Of Discovery Science 1930 Into The Unknown With Josh Berstein 2030 Ultimate Cars 2100 Deconstructed 2130 Discovery Science Presents 2230 Ultimate Weapons 2330 Industrial Revelations 1030 Through The Wormhole 1130 Some Assembly Required 1230 Best Of Discovery Science 1330 Into The Unknown With Josh Berstein

‘Ultimate Weapons’ at 2230 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE

‘The Foodie’ at 1730 Hrs only on TIMES NOW 1400 News Now 1430 Enow Spice 1500 News Now 1530 Amazing Indians 1600 News Now 1630 Times Drive 1700 News Now 1730 The Foodie 1800 News Now 1830 Titans Cup 1900 News Now 1930 Times Now Sport Weekend 2000 Total Recall 2100 9 Pm 2130 Total Recall Greatest Hits 2200 10 Pm 2230 Amazing Indians 2300 News Now Overnight 2330 Enow Spice 0800 Morning News 0830 Times Now Sport Weekend 0900 News Now 0930 Amazing Indians 1000 News Now 1030 Times Drive

Playing Field

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

The games people play

Milan’s Maxi ends Tevez’s dream

#1 ranking up for grabs

ROME: AC Milan’s signing of Argentine striker Maxi Lopez on a loan deal on Friday effectively ended the Serie A side’s pursuit of compatriot Carlos Tevez from Manchester City. Lopez, who has scored three goals in 14 league appearances for Serie A rivals Catania this season, joins Milan on loan with the option to make the move permanent in the summer. “We were very near concluding with Tevez,” said AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, who indicated that the English Premier League club were in the end looking for more than they were willing to pay. “But I gave my word to

Catania and to Maxi. He’s a very strong player, ready straight away and who can play Champions League.” Lopez, 27, has been at Catania for a year and a half and has scored 23 goals in 58 matches. Milan had already reached agreement for Lopez last month but had not given up hope of signing Tevez. Tevez’s advisor Kia Joorabchian said earlier Friday in an interview with talkSPORT that his client could remain at City until the next transfer window. “We’ve been in negotiations with three big clubs,” said Joorabchian. “I don’t think anyone has reached the numbers City were hoping for.

Gabon, Tunisia join E Guinea in quarters Nick Reeves Andrew Dent

MELBOURNE: Former champion Maria Sharapova will take on Belarus’s Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Open women’s singles final on Saturday, with the world number one ranking also at stake. Russia’s Sharapova, 24, is playing her sixth grand slam final and bidding for her fourth major title after wins at Wimbledon (2004), the US Open (2006) and the Australian Open (2008). But Azarenka, 22, who emerged three years ago when she won her first WTA tournament in Brisbane, will be playing in a major final for the first time. She has now claimed nine titles on the women’s tour but her previous best at a grand slam was reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon last year. The Belarusian has a reputation for breaking down emotionally during tight matches but said

Spurs triumph LONDON:

Harry Redknapp took his place on the Tottenham bench as his Premier League side squeezed past Watford 1-0 to advance to the last 16 of the FA Cup on Friday. Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart scored the only goal at Vicarage Road as Redknapp was given cause to smile after a demanding week which has seen him in the dock of a London court on trial for tax evasion. In Friday’s other fourth round game, Everton came from behind to defeat Fulham 2-1 in a hardfought battle at Goodison Park.

those problems are now in the past. “I had, how do you call it, meltdowns?” Azarenka said. “Yeah, I had some. For sure you can see some on YouTube. But, you know, I grow as a player, I

January 16 – January 29

grow as a person, and I try to learn from my mistakes and make it better.” Sharapova burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old when she won Wimbledon. But in August 2008 she needed major shoulder surgery, which kept her out of the sport for almost a year.

It took the glamorous Russian just over two years to get back into serious contention at a grand slam, reaching the final four at last year’s French Open and then the Wimbledon final, where she fell to Czech Petra Kvitova. Sharapova and Azarenka play a similar aggressive game, full of powerful ground strokes and quick movement across the baseline. The Russian has the edge in experience but she remained wary of the threat from her opponent. “I played Petra in her first grand slam final,” Sharapova said, referring to Wimbledon last year. “She played really high-quality tennis out there on the grass, and she went out there and it didn’t really affect her.” The final, which starts at 2pm IST, will also decide who takes the world number one ranking from defeated quarter-finalist Caroline Wozniacki, who held the position for a total of 67 weeks.

LIBREVILLE: Gabon and Tunisia became the latest teams to seal their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final places on Friday as Morocco and newcomers Niger were knocked out. Day seven at the 2012 Nations Cup delivered up a Group C double bill in Libreville. The first leg saw Tunisia, champions in 2004,

down Niger 2-1 to put one foot in the last eight. Next on the menu at the L’Amitie Stadium came Gabon, who faced a Morocco side fighting for their Cup lives after an opening loss to Tunisia. Not one of the 40,000 crowd spurring on their national team will ever forget this tie which erupted in the final quarter of an hour with four goals, two of them in stoppage time.

‘Trophy hunt not a distraction’ Steve Griffiths

LONDON: Arsene Wenger insists the growing frustration about his failure to end Arsenal’s seven-year trophy drought will not distract him from finding a way to get the club back on track. Wenger, whose side host Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday, was subjected to a rare show of dissent during last weekend’s home defeat by Manchester United when he opted to replace lively winger

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with the lacklustre Andrey Arshavin. Angry fans chanted “You don’t know what you’re doing” at Wenger, while even Arsenal captain Robin van Persie was seen shouting “No” towards the Frenchman. With Arsenal currently languishing in fifth place, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the race for a Champions League spot, Wenger could be forgiven for fearing another hostile reaction if Arsenal lose to Villa in the FA

Cup fourth round. But Wenger is steadfast in his belief that he can turn the tide, regardless of the opinions of his own supporters. Asked about last week’s jeers, he said: “I can live with that. I do not think about the fans’ reaction, I think about how we can win our games. “I will live forever by the values I think are right in football. One or two lost games, or one or two bad reactions, will not change that. I always believe the fans’ reaction depends on us.”

INDIA VS AUSTRALIA SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Twelfth Man Babu Kalyanpur

n India were whitewashed under an hour on the fifth day as expected. The only consolation was they managed to drag the Test into the last day. n The relentless Australian bowling attack had already sealed the obvious overnight by picking up the Indian top order. Peter Siddle deserved the Man of the Match award for a fiery spell in the match. Nathan Lyon used the conditions well with four second inning wickets. n Man of the Series Michael Clarke not only batted well but captained superbly. India should learn a thing or two on how to place the field from him. His partnership with Ricky Ponting in the first innings put the match firmly in Australia’s favour. n As in every Test, India’s batting lacked intent and the bowling was directionless at crucial junctures. Unfortunately India’s stalwart batsmen repeated the same mistakes and the writing was on the wall from the second day itself. The only good news to come out of Adelaide was that Virat Kohli delivered on his promise. He started to blossom in the third Test in Perth and finally established himself in Adelaide. n The time has come for some serious retrospection from both the players and the selectors. This was one of the most embarrassing series defeat in recent times. Drastic action may well be on the cards.

OZIFIED!

INDIA VS AUSTRALIA SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

Travel sickness makes us ill

ADELAIDE: Australia wrapped

up a 298-run win over India to sweep the series 4-0 early on the final day of the fourth Test at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. The end was swift with the Australians snapping up the final four wickets in an hour to dismiss India for 201 and inflict a fourth heavy defeat on the demoralised tourists. It was India’s eighth consecutive away Test loss after a 4-0 series loss in England last year and the Indians have not won a series in Australia in 10 visits. Australia’s dominance over India comes a year after their

Ashes series humiliation at home to England and their significant improvement under new skipper Michael Clarke, who replaced Ricky Ponting. Australia won by 122 runs in Melbourne, an innings an 68 runs in Sydney and an innings and 37 runs in Perth before their final Adelaide annihilation. Australia’s bowlers, led by pacemen Ben Hilfenhaus (27 wickets) and Peter Siddle (23), dented the reputations of India’s decorated batting lineup with the eight-Test youngster Virat Kohli topping the side’s batting averages with 37.50.

Sachin Tendulkar, who failed to bring up his 100th international century, has now gone without a century for 25 Test and one-day innings. His last hundred (111) was in the World Cup last March. Tendulkar finished the series with 287 runs at 35.87, but it was sorry reading for the other batting luminaries. Test cricket’s second all-time highest runscorer Rahul Dravid finished with 194 runs at 24.25, Virender Sehwag 198 at 24.75 and VVS Laxman just 155 at 19.37. India were set an improbable

500-run target for victory in the Adelaide Test off 146 overs after Clarke’s second declaration of the match at 167 for five in their second innings shortly after Friday’s lunch. The highest winning chase at the Adelaide Oval is Australia’s 315 against England in 1902, while India’s highest-ever run hunt was 406 against the West Indies in Trinidad in 1976. But the beleaguered tourists never got close and crashed to 166 for six by stumps leaving the final day’s outcome as a formality under sunny skies. Nightwatchman Ishant Shar-

ma was out on the eighth ball of the last day, caught behind off Ryan Harris for two and he was followed in the next over by Wriddhiman Saha also caught behind off Siddle for three. Zaheer Khan hit out lustily for three fours before he was caught by David Warner at short cover off Hilfenhaus for 15. The final wicket came when Umesh Yadav (1) was caught behind by Haddin for spinner Nathan Lyon’s fourth wicket of the innings. Ravi Ashwin remained 15 not out. Siddle was announced manof-the-match for his six wickets.