talk Volume 1 | Issue 30 | March 7, 2013 | Rs 10
magazine
the intelligent bangalorean’s must-read weekly
RAMESH HUNSUR
AYYOTOONS Choppergate 5 SOCIETY Children find it difficult to cope with step parents 7 MOVIES Crowd-funded films in Bangalore 18 SWEET TOOTH Tarts from fruit, cheese and chocolate 19
MY STORY
Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui, terror-accused Deccan Herald reporter, is back from jail after a six-month ordeal. Here is a full, exclusive account of what happened behind bars, and how the police and the media wronged an innocent 12-15
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team talk
We have no choice but to cut down trees This is in response to the article by Rangaraj Hebbar, who suggests we get rid of the trees lining Bangalore's streets (Cut down the trees, Issue 29). Recently, residents of Koramangala started a campaign against cutting of trees in that locality to make way for the Metro project. I understand their concern, and strongly oppose the cutting of trees. But what alternatives do we have? Let’s look at the ground reality. People are migrating to Bangalore in huge numbers. An increase in population means an increase in the number of vehicles on the road. I have seen homes with three vehicles each, and the banks are keen to provide loans towards cars and SUVs. We need
about three to four hours to travel from one end of the city to the other. The roads are filled with the smoke because of the vehicles. We need wider roads. The Metro is also a necessity. We need trees, but the fact is, we can't help cutting them. We cannot stop the growth of the city. What we need is a solution to the problem of congestion. Those who oppose tree cutting should come up with one. Dr AN Yellappa Reddy Environmentalist and former IFS officer Glad to learn about pet-walkers I pride myself on being a huge animal lover. I have four dogs at home and I have always found
walking them the toughest job in the world. So when I read the feature on pet-walkers (For love and money, Issue 29) by Maria Laveena, I sighed to myself in relief. The article was informative and useful for pet owners like me. I must also say I have never read about them in other newspapers and magazines. That said, it is not easy for a pet lover to hand over his or her children (or dogs, if you will) to others, even if they are qualified professionals. I guess it all depends on how well they treat our wards. But after reading your article, I have decided that if ever I want to give my dogs to a petwalker, I would choose the friendly Dog Daze over the business-like Angel Walkers. Rachel Ramya Bilekahalli Write to letters@talkmag.in
EDITORIAL
EXECUTIVE TEAM
SR Ramakrishna Editor Sridhar K. Chari Consulting Editor Prashanth GN Senior Editor Sajai Jose Chief Copy Editor Savie Karnel Principal Correspondent Basu Megalkeri Principal Correspondent Prachi Sibal Senior Features Writer Sandra Fernandes and Maria Laveena Reporters and Copy Editors Anand Kumar K Chief of Design Shridhar G Kulkarni Graphic Designer Ramesh Hunsur Senior Photographer Vivek Arun Graphics Artist
Sumith Kombra Founder, CEO and Publisher Ralph Fernandez Manager - Marketing Aaron Jones Asst Manager - Marketing Abhay Sebastian Asst Manager - Sales Mithun Sudhakar Asst Manager - Sales Kishore Kumar N Head - Circulation Vinayadathan KV Area Manager - Trade Yadhu Kalyani Sr Executive - Corporate Sales Lokesh KN Sr Executive - Subscriptions Prabhavathi Executive - Circulation Sowmya Kombra Asst Process Manager
Printed and published by Sumith Kombra on behalf of Shakthi Media Ventures India Pvt Ltd - FF70, Gold Towers, Residency Road, Bangalore -560025 and printed at Lavanya Mudranalaya, Chamarajpet, Bangalore-560018. Editor: SR Ramakrishna. Editorial Office: FF70, Gold Towers, Residency Road, Bangalore -560025 Email: info@talkmag.in Phone: 08040926658. Š All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.
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neuro research
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Brain mechanics Bangalore will soon be home to a first-of-itskind brain research centre that will work with leading interdisciplinary institutions in neurosciences
PRASHANTH GN prashanth.gn@talkmag.in
angalore is on the way to becoming a major hub for brain research.
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“The decision to use the word repair was a conThe National Centre for scious one, as restoration of the Biological Sciences (NCBS) is brain to its original self is an objeclaunching a Centre for Brain tive of the centre,” Chattarji said. The colDevelopment and Repair in assolaboration is ciation with Edinburgh University, being supportUnited Kingdom. ed by the Indian Along with the Centre for Department of Neuroscience at the Indian Biotechnology. Institute of Science (IISc), and the Professors from National Institute of Mental Edinburgh and Health and Neurosciences Prof Shona Indian scien(Nimhans), the centre forms a troi- Chattarji, head of the new research tists will work ka where interesting new work is centre at NCBS on joint probeing taken up, particularly in the jects in Bangalore and Edinburgh. field of brain disorders. Prof Shona Chattarji, head of The launch of the centre comes the new Centre at NCBS, told Talk after two years of collaborative the three institutions would use work between inStem, The their respective strengths to cover Institute for Stem Cell Biology and varied ground in brain research Regenerative Medicine of the and work towards creating med- NCBS, and the University of ical solutions for brain-related ail- Edinburgh. To begin with, the NCBS cenments. “The mandate of our centre tre will focus on autism, with three ‘entryis very clear—have points’ into the clinical relevance The Centre will research—the and help develop molecular/genetic medical treatalso look at basis of autism, ment strategies to how brains can the brain circuits reverse brain disbe ‘repaired’ involved, and orders of different behavioural sympkinds,” he said. The centre will also do basic toms and manifestations. “We will research which will look at brain use this three-pronged research development, how disorders strategy to understand other neudevelop and how the brain can be rological disorders like dementia and strokes,” he said. ‘repaired’.
Clinician-scientists The centre will work with Nimhans so that clinicians can be part of the team. “There is a traditional divide between researchers and clinicians. We will bring over batches of clinicians from Nimhans at the Centre and do basic research for defined periods. There is a need to develop teams of clinician-scientists, of which India has a severe lack. The first set of clinician-scientists will be in the area of autism,” he said. Nimhans director Dr P Satishchandra told Talk: “We are very happy that NCBS plans to invite clinicians from our institute as we want to develop clinicians’ research skills.” Nimhans’ Neurobiology Research Centre houses 15 labs under one roof. “From molecular and genetic explorations to tissue imaging and genome analysis, we do everything to understand neurological disorders—particularly the brain. There is no centre with these many labs in any one institution in the country,” he said. Dr Satishchandra said a brain bank, storing some 100 brains at temperatures 80 degrees below zero, made Bangalore and Nimhans a pioneering brain research hub. “Nimhans is the only institution with a brain bank in the coun-
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editor talk On our cover this time is the jail story of Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui, a reporter picked up by the police six months ago and charged with plotting the assassination of fellow-journalists Vishweshwar Bhat and Prathap Simha and media baron Vijay Sankeshwar. Siddiqui spent six months in jail. After prolonged interrogation, the National Investigation Agency found no truth in the charges against him. A day after he walked free, and just before he boarded a train to his home town of Hubli, he spoke at length to Basu Megalkeri and Prashanth GN. With newspapers and TV channels describing him as the mastermind of a terror plot, and the police grilling him day after day, it couldn’t have been easy for the 26-year-old reporter. Yet, he hasn’t turned bitter: he spoke with hope about the Indian Constitution and the judicial system. His reassurance shouldn’t blind us to all that is wrong with how the police and the media treat such cases. Writing stories only on the basis of what the police say can be devastating to the innocent, and that is a practice we in the media must abandon. The police are ever ready to hand out to crime reporters ‘confessions’ of people they have arrested. These are written by ‘writers’—as clerks in the police department are called—who give free rein to their imagination. The police then instruct the accused to sign them. ‘Confessions’ emerging from police custody are mostly fake, and basing newspaper reports on them is certainly not a good practice. Journalists in the West have worked out a way to deal with this problem. They inject enough scepticism into their reports to make the police version look like what it actually is: just a version, and not the absolute truth. The police need to learn fairness, and so do the media. Film-makers are getting their admirers on the Net to invest in their projects. Prachi Sibal tracks the crowdsouring trend. I hope you enjoy this, and the other stories we have lined up for you in this edition. SR Ramakrishna ram@talkmag.in
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try. We store for research purposes brains of people have donated to us. Students from all over India come to the bank to get an actual ‘touch and feel’ of the brain. It ignites their curiosity about neurosciences,” he said. Nimhans also houses the Centre for Cognitive Neurosciences where researchers examine particular regions of the brain — for instance they examDr Satishchandra, ine which part of the Nimhans director brain ‘lights up’ if a person sings. The department of neuropathology (which houses the brain bank), studies diseases of the nervous system.
Kolar study Nimhans has now launched a pioneering study in the state on neurological disorders and mental health conditions with implications for the entire country. Dr Satishchandra said the study, supported by both state and central governments, will take place in Kolar district with the sample size running to a massive two million people. “It is the first of its kind covering such a vast population. A constant complaint is
lack of data. We want to be able to state after this study the numerical degree to which a disorder occurs in a particular population size—like 1 out of 100 or 3 out of 10,000,” he said.
Breakthrough discovery NCBS and Nimhans are working jointly with the Indian Institute of Science to develop a useful ‘clinician-scientist’ module. But IISc’s Centre for Neuroscience, headed by Dr Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath, has already been involved with Nimhans in what many consider a breakthrough discovery. Researchers discovered a gene that causes microcephaly, a disorder in which the brain is of reduced size, affecting mental and intellectual faculties. This discovery could allow detection of such brain defects in foetuses. Dr Ravindranath has worked in Nimhans before, and was the first woman director of the National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, New Delhi. “Our goal is to understand pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders. We need to identify drug targets and therapies,” she told Talk. From the therapeutic angle, she is also looking at traditional medicinal prepara-
tions used in treating neurodegenerative disorders, particularly senile dementia, to see if they can be developed into modern drugs. The microcephaly gene discovery came after nine years of collaboration between teams led by Satish C Girimaji, department of psychiatry, Nimhans, and Arun Kumar, department of molecular reproduction, development and genetics, IISc. The findings have been published in a 2009 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics. The gene, which is otherwise crucial for the normal development of the brain, sometimes behaves abnormally; a particular sequence and mutation Dr Vijyalakshmi of the gene lead to the Ravindranath, disorder. IISc’s Centre for Nimhans identiNeuroscience fied people with microcephaly at its retardation clinic, and after securing their consent, studied them. The teams meticulously recorded clinical data from the afflicted people which was taken up by Arun Kumar and his team at IISc for genetic analysis. This revealed the role of the fifth gene and its mutations in micro-
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cephaly. The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, NBRC and AIIMS in New Delhi and JC Bose University in Kolkata also do brain research in the country. “But in terms of four institutions doing research on a single area within one city and in terms of the unique repository of the brain bank, Bangalore can count as a leading hub of brain research,”Dr Satishchandra said. Prof Chattarji also points to the longstanding work at Nimhans, which trains a quarter of the 1,000 neuroscientists estimated in the country, and treats some 4.5 lakh patients every year. “Nimhans’ complex experience in a variety of disorders is too big to be compared with other centres. AIIMS may come close,” he added. There is also the ecosystem in general. “IISc’s centre has the tremendous advantage of being within a set-up that has a vast number of disciplines that are connected to neuroscience—chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, genetics, bio-chemistry, electronics and more. Such a vast inter-disciplinary set-up under one roof is not available elsewhere in the country with both basic and applied approaches,” Chattarji said.
fun lines
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political exodus
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DESERTERS CLUB? (Right) BJP leaders Venkatramanappa, Sudhakar, Narendraswamy and Shivraj Tangadagi (seen here with BS Yeddyurappa), are among those keen on joining the Congress. SM Krishna completes 50 years in politics.
Aspirants from all parties—the majority from the BJP—are queuing up to join the Congress. But instead of jubilation, it has thrown the party into a state of disarray
Indian National Confusion BASU MEGALKERI basavaraju@talkmag.in
oing by the sheer number of members resigning from the BJP, it seems like the party is losing its hold in the state, a fact said to be confirmed in surveys by private research firms and state intelligence reports. Udupi exMLA Shakunthala Shetty of the BJP has already joined the Congress. Other names doing the rounds include the (recently resigned) ministers CP Yogeshwar and Raju Gowda, current ministers V Somanna, B Bachche Gowda and Anand Asnotikar, MLAs D Sudhakar, Venkatramanappa, CS Putte Gowda, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Narendraswamy and Belur Gopalakrishna. But not everyone in the the Congress is pleased with this. Senior leaders like Veerappa Moily, KH Muniyappa and CK Jaffer Sharief are strongly opposed to taking them in, especially the ‘prodigal children’ among them. Sharief put a lofty spin on their objections when he told Talk, “We have the ability to win elections on our own. We don’t need tainted politicians from other parties.” But then, there’s the party’s own policy to consider. The Congress does not give tickets to those who are above 80 years of age, or who have
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lost elections twice, or lost with a margin of more than 20,000 votes. If the party follows its own policy, that could lead to other troubles. For instance, the party will have to deny a ticket to Kagodu Thimmappa, who intends to contest from Shimoga district’s Sagar constituency. Sensing an opportunity, Belur Gopalakrishna, the current BJP MLA from Sagar, is said to be willing to jump ship. Interestingly, Gopalakrishna is Thimappa’s nephew, and has defeated his uncle twice in the past. But he feels that winning a third time may be be difficult, and therefore wants to join the Congress, but on the condition that he contests the elections and not Thimappa. Reportedly, he has met KPCC chief G Parameshwar and Congress leaders in Delhi to adavance his case. The nephew may have the upper hand, but the uncle is no pushover either. Thimmappa told Talk, “The people of Sagar find Gopalkrishna arrogant and dishonest. He wants to join the Congress even when the party hasn’t invited him. He knows that he cannot win the elections on his own. We have told the high command that we do not need any outsiders to win this election.” But typically for the Congress, there are other leaders who are welcoming the party hoppers. One of them told Talk, “There is nothing wrong in accepting people willing to
believe in the party’s principles. If they have no opposition in their constituencies, there’s no harm in giving them tickets.” If the party were to go by what this leader says, then it must give tickets to the likes of CS Putte Gowda, who won the last elections on a JD(S) ticket from Shravanabelagola constituency, but now wants to join the Congress. He has no strong opponent in the constituency after former minister HC Srikantaiah passed away. If Putte Gowda joins the Congress, the party will gain considerably in the JD(S) stronghold of Hassan district and will be able to confront Deve Gowda and his son Revanna on their home turf. Senior leaders like SM Krishna, Siddaramaiah, G Parameshwar and DK Shivakumar are said to be backing Putte Gowda’s entry into the Congress. Quite contrary to Puttegowda’s case is that of Anand Asnotikar, who left Congress to join the BJP, and became a minister. Now he’s hoping to return—and has the backing of former Union minister Margaret Alva— but is facing a roadblock in the form of senior leader RV Deshpande. Similarly, Layout Krishnappa and his son Priyakrishna are firmly opposed to V Somanna joining the party with the intention of contesting from the Vijayanagar constituency, MTB Nagaraj is opposing Bachche Gowda, and DK Shivakumar is
against CP Yogeshwar joining the Congress. A Congress insider told Talk, “Yogeshwar, Raju Gowda, Somanna, Asnotikar, Gopalakrishna, Bachche Gowda—these are all payment seats. They are the same ones who brought the BJP to power and also pulled it down. We shouldn’t accept them.” When Talk asked KPCC president Parameshwar about the issue, he said, “It is natural for people in the party to object to party hoppers joining the Congress, but we have to win. We will consider the opinion of the majority and take a decision.” Last Saturday, AICC General Secretary Madhusudan Mistry came to Bangalore to address the question. After a night-long discussion, party leaders decided on nine people who will be allowed to join the Congress, but the names haven’t been announced yet.
Tailpiece: Krishna again? Last Sunday, over 300 Congress members gathered at a private hotel to celebrate 50 years of SM Krishna’s political career. The group announced a grand felicitation in Krishna’s honour on March 24, which they said would be attended by over five lakh people. But already, murmurs have started that the party should concentrate on things that benefit it as a whole, rather than glorify an individual leader.
family matters
talk|7 mar 2013|talkmag.in
Step love A second marriage and a new parent in the house is never ideal from a child's perspective—but in spite of the deep sadness in such conflict-ridden homes, it can be made to work MARIA LAVEENA maria.laveena@talkmag.in
or a child, there seems no getting away from a sense of loss, even betrayal, when a new adult arrives in the house as step-parent because of a dissolved marriage or an untimely death. Philip (58) and Anita (49) tied the knot 18 years ago after divorcing their partners from their previous marriages. They have two children each from their first marriages. While Philip stays with his second wife and her children, his biological children continue to live with his first wife. “I was never happy with my first wife. We fought all the time, and she used to doubt me often. I divorced her and married another divorcee,” says Philip. His new partner Anita’s first husband had a drinking problem. “He
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would take away all my things, including my saris, sell them and blow up the money on drinking. He was never responsible. I broke up with him and found a partner who would not just take care of me but my children as well,” she says. Though Anita’s two children Shirley and Kenny are well aware of their biological father’s recklessness, they are not happy about their mother’s remarriage. Shirley considers her stepfather a really good human being. Kenny also agrees his stepfather is affectionate and devoted to the family, but is reluctant to accept him fully. Shirley says: “What troubles me the most is that my mom’s actions are wrong. If my dad had passed away, I would have consoled myself saying it happens in everybody’s life—but he is still alive and lives like an orphan. Both my parents are at fault. They spoiled our lives. They cast us aside and went in pursuit of their own happiness,” she told Talk.
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Kenny plans to live on his own John, who was 21 years older. At the after he gets married. “My biological time of remarriage, she was a widow dad would chase me away whenever I and had a seven-year old daughter ran after him calling him daddy. I was Ria. “Each minute was a struggle raised by my grandmother and haven’t really experienced the love of with my first husband. He used to beat me every day and burn me with a dad,” he says, sobbing. He wants to get his sister mar- cigarettes. I still can’t forget how, ried and help her do well in life, after when I was holding my 10-month-old which he plans to marry his girlfriend baby and crying at his death, the and move away from his stepfather’s priest told me not to shed a single tear as he wasn’t worth it,” she recalls. house. After her first husband’s death, Shirley is troubled by what people might say: “I am going to get mar- Susan and her daughter continued to ried in three months from now. Who live with his family although she knows, my fiancé might ask me what worked and had enough money to guarantee there is that I will live with stay separately. Later, with colleagues mediating, she decided to marry him for ever.” John. At that time, Her mother John was a widower Anita has her own ‘Children often and had no children story: “I lived in hell from his previous for seven years find the new marriage. whereas my second parent a threat,’ Her story: “I husband is a sheer says a counsellor took my daughter to joy to be with. I meet him. The first know my children are not happy with my remarriage but thing I told him was that since we had I have no regrets at all. Only if I do a huge age difference, we couldn’t not live up to my responsibility have any expectations apart from should I feel terrible. We are taking being of help to each other. I also told care of everything, so I don’t feel him that I did not intend to bear any children and my daughter was more guilty.” Such stories seem common- than enough for me. He agreed and place, though there is insufficient said you raise your child the way you data as to whether they are really in want.” He had a steady job and stayed the majority. Sometimes the probtrue to his word for seven years. “I lems get more serious. Susan Mary, a management con- don’t know if my daughter had anysultant, then 33 years old, married thing in her heart against my second
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husband but she always remained nice and there is a death or separation. “The lost polite. To make sure she didn’t miss her parent’s position becomes more hallowed. father’s love, we would buy her everything Children resent the role of a new person and find them a threat. It’s like parents are she wanted,” says Susan. But this pleasant life did not last. After holy places where no one else can step in. Ria’s 10th standard, as John retired, the fam- No matter how much you do for the step children, they always feel the parent is ily moved to his home town. “After moving there, my daughter someone who cannot be replaced.” She added that the only way to complained to me twice that she suspected he was peeking through the key hole. But I improve the relationship with the new parbrushed away her fears, saying he would ent is for children to spend ‘quality time’ never do that. But within days, I realised it with them. As Shirley says: “My step dad has kind was true,” she recalls. One morning when Susan opened the of taken my dad’s place but not in all door from her daughter’s room, John fell aspects. I have never called him ‘dad’ till on her since he was looking through it. He now and I never will. Though he treats us claimed he was just walking and fell like his own children, he will always remain an uncle to me.” unknowingly. It was a difHer brother Kenny ficult moment. “I asked ‘There’s more says: “My mother says it myself, did I make a missocial acceptance is because of us she take by remarrying? I was remarried, but this can torn between my husband for step parents’ never be accepted. and my daughter, not says Dr Khwaja Instead of going through knowing whom to talk difficulties to take care of to,” she says. Susan has completely lost faith in sec- us, she chose to get married.” Ali Khwaja, Chairman of counselling ond marriages. “A step parent can never replace a biological parent,” she now says. firm Banjara Academy says there are Psychologist Basanthi Sadanandan workarounds: “Our children are very feels that it is incorrect to believe that chil- bright. After a divorce or demise of a biodren easily adapt to a new parent when logical parent, they easily get to know what
FILMI TREATMENT We Are Family was based on the Hollywood hit Stepmom
the other parent is up to. When the mother or father is in love with a new partner, they hate that and thus develop resistance. You have to tell them, and ask them if it is okay. Then with their consent, go ahead.” In India, social acceptance of such relationships is getting better. His advice: “Be sure not to impose on the child. Don’t compel the child to call the new parent dad or mom. If children don’t feel like spending time with you when you are with your new partner, try to find separate time.
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“Following the above steps, some 30 per cent of the families who have come to me are living happily today.” Of course, if the new parent poses any threat to the child, “straight away cut off the relationship and make the children inaccessible,” he advises. But are there well-adjusted relationships between children and their step parents? Manidip Sen is doing his master’s degree from St Joseph’s College, Bangalore, while his mother lives with her second husband in Calcutta. “My mum fell in love with him after separating from my biological dad. Keeping my future in mind, they never got married until I completed my schooling. They constantly stayed in touch with each other and tied the knot only when I entered college,” he says. Does he like his stepfather? “With my own biological father, it wasn’t the most pleasant experience. In that way, I am happy that my step father is around showering on us all the love and support we need. What really matters to me is my mother’s happiness, if she is happy I am happy.” Names of affected family members in this story have been changed
flight deals
talk|7 mar 2013|talkmag.in
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Behind the airfare war This is the season of discounts. But are the airlines really giving you worthwhile deals?
SAVIE KARNEL savie.karnel@talkmag.in
ast week, Jet Airways announced promotional fares for bookings done between February 19 to 24 for travel until December 31, 2013. Air India responded by slashing its fares. Jet had put on offer 20 lakh tickets at fares between Rs 2,225 and Rs 3,800. The tickets on domestic sectors were inclusive of all taxes. But was it really a deal that should have got you excited? When Talk checked, the discounted tickets were available only for bookings done well in advance of the flight date. Last minute bookings were as expensive as they usually are. Low cost airlines offer tickets at Airways’ promotional period, makes port,” he said. Fares start at Rs 2,150 fares similar to Jet’s discount fares. similar offers for periods throughout and can go up to around Rs 28,500. The fares of many no-frills air“The deal was nothing great. On the year. “Air India offers discounted advance bookings, you are likely to fares for passengers who book early,” lines are lower all the time. “We had get tickets within the range of Rs said V Chandrashekar, their senior no scheme going on in response to Jet for Corporate Airways. Out fares are typically low,” 2,500 to Rs 4,000 on low cost airlines. manager, said Sakshi Batra, public relations The fares offered by Jet were lower by Communications. The government-owned airline consultant for Indigo Airlines. a few hundreds,” said Basavaraj Travel agents feel fares offered has slabs for bookings done seven, 15, Mudhol of Globe Travel agency. Of course, in comparison to no- 21, and 30 days in advance. “These by SpiceJet in January were a steal. frills airlines, these tickets come with tickets can be bought over the Net, at “SpiceJet had reduced the base fare to Air India booking offices and the air- just Re 1, which meant you paid just the benefit of full-service travel. the taxes. The tickets came up to just When we checked on February Rs 2,013 for distances up to 2,000 23, for a ticket from Bangalore to km,” said Shahbaaz Ali of Travel Delhi for March 11, the low cost and Track Agency. On the other airline fare was Rs 3,690, while hand, the same sector by Jet the promotional Jet ticket cost Rs 3,800 under the promocost Rs 3,800. Bangalore ore tional fare. When we checked on Bangal i to Mumbai “We had offered 10 lakh travel websites after Jet’s to Delh tickets in the Rs 2013 offer. Of offer was over, we found Spicejet et these, seven lakh tickets were Basavaraj was right. The Spicceje s 3,600 Current fares: fares: R t n Rs e r r u sold under this offer,” said tickets for distances C 2,900 onwards s onward Priti Dey, corporate commubetween 1,000 to 2,000 km Jet Airways s y a nications executive at were beginning at Rs 3,700. Jet Airrw res:Rs 5,000 Current fares: fa t SpiceJet. “If you plan your travel Rs 3,000 Curren onwards s d r These offers do ahead, getting a good deal onwa increase traffic to booking is not difficult on any airAir India a ,000 irr India 4 A s R : s sites. “The Jet Airways line,” he explained. Current fares: fare Rs 3,000 Current onwards discounted fare sale that Air India, which cut s onward was followed by other down its fares during Jet
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major airlines led to a five-time increase in the number of visitors to our site. Airline bookings almost doubled compared to the week prior,” said Poonam Thakur, corporate communications manager at Makemytrip.com Some feel that the Jet offer carried other benefits, apart from the fact that it was for full service flights. Deepa D of Air Travel Enterprises India points out that Jet flies to many sectors where low cost airlines don’t. She added: “We mostly do corporate bookings, and so avoid no-frills airlines. Even with Jet, we avoid its low budget arm Jet Konnect, since passengers have to even buy water on it.” Deepa said that many times, even with no promotional schemes, the fares of airlines like Jet and Air India can be lower than what budget airlines offer. “It depends on the time of the year and sectors. If carriers are running empty, they offer discounts on the economy class. They make up for the loss by charging high fares in the executive class,” she said. Fare discounts are routine during the end of the financial year. “These discounts are common before March end, since airlines vie to project maximum sale of tickets in their books,” she explained. Poonam Thakur from Makemytrip too suggests fares in the past months were lower compared to the rest of the year. “These promotional schemes have definitely helped invigorate the market that had been lagging due to inordinately high fares. In fact, India is the only market in the world where the airline industry faced a de-growth last year, shrinking by nine per cent. The fares on offer were among the lowest seen in the market over the full-year period,” she said. Ankit Kumar, who regularly flies to Delhi from Bangalore, says the Jet deal was nothing to get excited about. “I have paid from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 as one-way fare. The promotional fares were not dramatically lower. We may benefit a little if we know the exact dates of travel in the next one year,” he said. Jet’s offer of 20 lakh discounted fares is spread through the year till December 31. Talk repeatedly mailed Jet offices in Delhi and Mumbai for a response to this story, but got no response to its questions.
luxury watches
talk|7 mar 2013|talkmag.in
Status at a flick of the wrist
Maya Chandra Filmmaker
I'm recreating old Bangalore
“Rolex?” “No, Omega”, goes a conversation in a Daniel Craig Bond film. More Bangalore men appear to like the idea of owning a marquee luxury watch—which could cost anywhere between a lakh and a crore
SANDRA M FERNANDES sandramarina.fernandes@ talkmag.in outed as high-end jewellery for men, high-priced marquee watch brands are finding many takers in the city. And the men seem to be outdoing women in this category, considering that these watches primarily function as status symbols, and ladies have a much greater range of accessories to splurge on. International watch brands such as Omega, Rolex, Rado, TAG Heuer, and Longines are selling well, stores here say, with sales steady over the past three years. According to World Watch Report, 2012, Rolex leads the market globally with a 21 per cent market share followed by Omega with 18 per cent. With Cartier, they account for over 40 per cent of the market. On anecdotal evidence, these brands seem to lead in India too. The report also finds that emerging markets in Asia are garnering greater market share. “In addition to the growth witnessed in China (7.8 per cent), countries such as Japan (3.5 per cent), India (0.6 per cent), and Russia (0.5 per cent) saw significant increases over last year. Most western markets remained stable or even saw market share drops, such as in the US,
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which witnessed a market share drop of -9.2 per cent,” the report says. It is not surprising therefore, that watch dealers are reporting greater sales, particularly among men, who are a key clientele for these status-oriented brands. “About 60 per cent of our customers, who walk in to buy these watches, are men,” says a representative in an Omega store. “We sell approximately 30 watches a month,” he adds, declining to be named. Omega watches start at Rs 1 lakh and go Porsche Design up to more than Rs 1 Indicator crore. Tag Heuer watches are priced between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 80 lakh. “People buy these watches because it is a status symbol for them. The brand itself is a good enough reason,” says Abdul Razack, showroomin-charge, Rado, UB Baume & Mercier City. Other than that, Capeland customers might look for some special features. Even online shopping portals like eBay are witnessing a rise in sales. “At least 30 watches in the luxury Tag-Heur watches category are Carrera going off the shelf every Calibre month. The most popular ones are Omega and Rolex,” said a spokesperson from eBay.
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What did you find most striking about Lalith J Rao, the singer about whom you have just made a film? She is very down to earth, and humble for her achievements. She was an engineer and athlete, but gave it all up for music. It was difficult for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II
Kaveri Sinji, culture and style consultant, declares that watches have now become an essential accessory for men. “Earlier, a watch had a functional value to it, with some element of the aspirational, but now it is all about elegance, how minimalistic it is and how it matches the clothes,” she said. She goes on to add that earlier, men were more conservative but now they are willing to experiment more. Since luxury watches, even the non-marquee ones, are priced above Rs 50,000, one assumes that only the affluent would buy it. But Razack demurs: “We get customers from the middle class, say IT professionals, as well as many celebrities such as Kannada actors, politicians and sportspersons.” The watch companies offer a discount that ranges anywhere between eight to 15 per cent. These discounts are not seasonal and a customer can get them at any time. Still, Bangalore lags Delhi and Mumbai in luxury watch sales. “People in Bangalore are more conservative and traditional and are happy with their ordinary watches, though they are slowly opening up to the idea of luxury watches,” says Syed, store manager, Tag Heuer, UB City. Most stores expect substantial growth over the next few years.
woman to achieve what she did, and to experiment with the Agra gharana. Also, the inspiration she got from her husband is remarkable. He has stood by her all through, and they are lovely companions. How many husbands would support a woman who wanted a musical career in that day and age?
How was your Surajkund outing, where you packaged and presented Karnataka as the theme? Surajkund was an amazing experience. We saw a mini Karnataka with all art forms being represented. It was a proud moment for us, especially because north Indians easily term everything southern as 'Madras'. To show them the flavour of Karnataka was good. You could hear Kannada music everywhere! Where do you go from here as a film maker? Any feature film coming up? Apart from a film on the Surajkund mela, I am working on a project titled Bangalore: The City That Was. We are trying to recreate old Bangalore in all its glory through a complex multi-media project. I am also working on a project on the 12th century vachana movement to make it more relevant to a global audience. We have developed a website for it called Wisdom of Good Living (www.wisdomofgood living.com). Some scripts are in the making.
Maya Chandra is a Boston-trained corporate and documentary film maker. After returning to her roots in Bangalore, she has directed a film on Dr Rajkumar and several documentaries for the government, besides patient education films for renowned surgeons
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Questions
Reactions, statements, accusations, complaints, or just straight talk—this is where you get it all, in three brief answers
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echwalk
Look who wants you to code Tech-gurus— and a few others—feature in a new video to promote learning of software coding
Blackberry Z10 smartphone unlimited mobile Internet and local calls on any mobile or fixed-line network across India at a fixed monthly rental of Rs 899. This is a touchscreen smartphone, and a Qwerty one—for long Blackberry's keynote—is on the way.
The new phone from Blackberry is in India, and garnering some good reviews. Operators have launched the device, costing Rs 43,000, with new plans. Tata Docomo, for example, has a special 'Unlimited 899' plan with
Asus Memo Pad Asus India has announced the launch of its 7-inch tablet MeMO Pad ME172V, at Rs 9,999. It comes with a 7-inch screen -- display resolution 1024x600 pixels and 10-point multi-touch. It runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and is powered by VIA WM8950 processor
clocked at 1GHz. There is 1GB of RAM and 8GB internal storage, expandable to 32GB with microSD. There is one front camera, a 1megapixel one with f/2.0 aperture. The tablet comes in Pink, Grey and White colours.
LG Optimus G Handset The LG Optimus G handset is officially now in India, six months after its debut elsewhere, at Rs 34,500. It has a 4.7 inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels. The
So what do you think about working from home? While that is an option still alien to the majority of us, it is what the tech world, and eventually everybody, is supposed to be moving towards. But the said world is now abuzz with the Marissa Mayer-led Yahoo's vote against working from home. "Speed and quality are often sacrificed when we work from home," Yahoo's leaders have reportedly told employees, emphasising the need to be "one Yahoo!, and that starts with physically being together." In office corridors, lifts, and around the water cooler, where bright minds can pow wow and come up with the next big idea, or at least the next small one. As fodder for water-cooler conversations, also interesting is a new video featuring Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and others, promoting an early start in learning software programming, in
The fastest 4G LTE Smartphone
schools and homes. Given how information technology is increasingly dominating our lives, we may not be far from a world where knowing how to code is almost as important as learning how to read and write.
LTE technology is already being tried out in India, and it won't be long before we see a wealth of LTE devices. Chinese telecom behemoth and device maker Huawei has unveiled what it says is the world's fastest 4G smartphone, with a 150 Mbps download speed.
Two Iranian immigrants, Hadi and Ali Partovi, who grew up in the US to not only build and sell companies, but become early investors in star performers, launched the video from their new computer science-education nonprofit, Code.org. Given our genetic penchant for coding, not to mention our own digital divide (yes, this exists in the US too) this is probably something we should seriously think about in India as well. Now, on to our look at interesting new tech devices.
SRIDHAR K CHARI Send feedback to sridhar.chari@talkmag.in
screen is an IPS panel— True HD-IPS Plus at 320 ppi. It is 131.9 mm tall and 68.9 mm wide, but has a 8.5 mm-thin body. This one runs Android Jelly Bean.
The HUAWEI Ascend P2 was shown at the 2013 Mobile World Congress
and it features a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor and LTE Cat 4. At only 8.4 mm with 4.7-inch IPS HD display with secondgeneration gorilla glass, the specs are impressive. It includes a 13 MP BSI rearfacing camera with HDR, and a 1.3 MP front-facing camera. The Ascend P2 will be available globally around the second quarter of 2013.
OK, Glass And can we end without talking about Google Glass? The computer has moved from the room to the desktop, to our lap, to our palm. Now it is in on our face. Wear the Google Glass and the computing device with display and camera will be just above your right eye. Check email, browse the web and
click pictures by issuing voice commands. It starts with saying "Ok, Glass!" Expected to be out soon this year, it will cost more than even some high-end laptops, at around $ 1500 dollars. If the idea clicks, not only will you be working from home, you could very well be working from the loo, too.
Google founder Sergey Brin wearing the protoype of the Google Glass
first person
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A terror-accused reporter's jail diary Six months ago, Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui was rudely woken up, whisked away, and charged with plotting to assassinate prominent Bangalore media persons. A court released the Deccan Herald journalist earlier this week, finding no evidence to back the police’ charges. He narrates to Talk the disturbing experience of his arrest and incarceration
As told to BASU MEGALKERI PRASHANTH GN
had worked on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. On Wednesday, the day we were kidnapped—I describe it only as kidnap—I was to cover an event at Bangalore University. Higher education was my beat. I had worked late on Tuesday, and gone to bed only around 3 am. Three other friends were in the house. It all began between 8.45 and 9 am. One friend, Ejaz, had a holiday and was at home, while another, Yusuf, was about to leave for office. The door was open. I had pulled a blanket over myself and was sleeping. Suddenly, a dozen men barged into the house. They all looked tough. One of them slapped Aijaz. He asked him, “Where
I FREE AT LAST A TV screengrab shows Siddiqui being released from Parappana Agrahara
is your brother? Where is he?” One of the men shook me awake. I removed my blanket and saw all of them. I didn’t know what was happening. I was stunned. I recognised one of them, City Crime Branch officer Jitendranath, and tried to reason with him. I asked him, “Why have you come here?” I told him I was a reporter at Deccan Herald. “What is the matter? What have we done? What crime have we committed?”
They wouldn’t allow me to change Jitendranath gave a sarcastic reply and gave us the impression that he thought we were notorious criminals. The men asked us to go out with them. They didn’t allow me to change. Then, as an afterthought, they gave me two minutes. I put on whatever I could find. I threw some water on my face and wiped myself. I could not brush my teeth. They wouldn’t give me that much time. We immediately began walking out with them. A white Qualis was parked outside and they bundled us into the vehicle. I saw another vehicle by the side of the Qualis. Three others had been picked up. I came to know later they were from a flat in Marappa Garden. We had been picked up from Kempaiah Block, near Palace Grounds. Four of us were made to sit in the Qualis, three in the car. Both vehicles set out towards Palace Grounds. All this was between
9 and 9.15 am. Inside the Qualis, the constables abused us in Kannada, calling us traitors. I was pleading and reasoning with them that we had done nothing wrong. Three of us sat on the back seat with a constable, while another sat in front. The constable was burly and it was a squeeze. One of us sat on the lap of another.
Seven of us were crammed in a small cell
At the centre, they crammed all seven of us into a 4 by 8 ft cell. By late noon, they gave us lunch — some rice. Then they called us, took down our names, and family and work details. They had in the meantime picked up some people from Hubli. By evening they had been put in a cell next to ours. We were caught We were left alone in the room, in a two-hour jam which had an attached bathroom. In about five minutes we reached There were no chairs. We stretched Palace Grounds and drove inside our legs, sat on the ground. We talked through the Krishna Vihar entrance. among ourselves, asking what we had The men abused us again once we got done to suffer this fate. We took cominside. Then one of them offered us fort in our being together. At night, idlis for breakfast. They gave us time they gave us a blanket and mat each. to eat, but kept on saying we were Five of us had to sleep in the cell, side anti-national. After about half an by side. Two were taken hour, we set out to another cell. We again. This time it ‘The constables managed to sleep, was towards the kept abusing us absolutely clueless interrogation cenabout what the next tre in Madiwala. in Kannada, few days would be We got saying we were like. We woke up the caught in a mastraitors’ next morning, August sive traffic jam and 30, and started our had to just sit in the middle of Hosur Road, waiting for daily routine. We did some exercises it to clear. The Qualis stopped at the and then the interrogations began. BP petrol pump next to Fatima’s They took us to a room where senior Bakery, fuelled up, and drove towards police officers were sitting. I stepped Madiwala. Because of the jam, we in and was asked to sit on a chair. took two hours to reach there, and got there only by 12.15 pm. Inside the ‘We found these interrogation centre, Yusuf pleaded daggers in your house’ with the officers to let us make calls to our families. “Detain us if you They asked me, “Tell us, what were want, but please allow us to inform you planning to do? What was on our parents. Just one call is enough,” your mind?” I told them, “Sir, you Yusuf pleaded, saying the families please tell me what I have done. I needed to know where we were. I don’t know what I have done. I have pleaded with Jitendranath, but he not done anything wrong.” Then one didn’t relent. They said no calls. They of the officers brought out two daghad already seized our cell phones. gers and placed them in front of me. My phone was ringing continu- “We found this in your house,” they ously at Palace Grounds and on the said. I was shocked. I said it was not way to Madiwala. As journalists, we possible. Then they asked again if I get calls. But the police didn’t pick up was sure. I said I was. Then they took the calls nor did they allow me to do back the daggers, and asked me to go so. This was all on the very first day, back to the cell. August 29. That night, I heard agonised
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RAMESH HUNSUR
NOT FAIR Addressing reporters after his release, Siddiqui said the media had blindly followed the police version of his arrest. (Below) A news report that called Siddiqui the ‘mastermind’ of the terror ring.
voices from the cell next to ours. We used to talk to each other to keep our morale up, and I got to know some among us had been physically tortured. The next morning (August 31), interrogations began. The interrogations went on for two to three hours every day, with teams of policemen from different parts of the country asking us question after question. This was our routine, living in the crammed cell and going to the interrogation room. We stayed in the cell for 30 days.
I lost hope reading the remand note On August 31, Yusuf and I were taken to some sort of a computer room. I took a peek at the computer and saw a remand notice on it. What I saw left me shaken and flabbergasted. It said we were LeT and HuJI members, planning to kill some people. I was numb, and overcome by hopelessness that minute. The notice was seeking our
custody from a magistrate. We were pro- Madiwala, I told myself, it is God who has duced before the magistrate 36 hours after put me in trouble, it is God who will get me our arrest. The law says it should be done out of it. I lived on hope every day. within 24 hours. No warrant was shown to us at any time. The media went overboard After I saw the notice, I pleaded with the police officers: “Please don’t ruin our In those 30 days, it was a free for all in the lives, we don’t have any such plans. We media. They wrote we were terrorists, LeT have done nothing.” We were told to go members. Some even described me as the back to our cells. The police got our cus- mastermind. While I thank the media for tody till September 13. the support now, they were biased against A policeman told us, “Don’t worry, we us then. Facts were not reported accurately will take care of you. You should have good and stories were written on the basis of food and you should be police sources and charge healthy. We will ensure sheets, charges not ‘I was shocked that all your basic needs are proven. met.” Meanwhile, the to see the I should say they gave police secured our judicial notice; it said us breakfast, lunch and custody. We had survived, we were LeT’ dinner at the right time, thanks to a missing perand a mat and blanket at sons complaint filed by night. Though Yusuf and I were not tor- my family and neighbours and a habeas tured, I cannot say the same of the others. corpus filed on our behalf by the Each of the 30 days I spent at Association for Protection of Civil Rights
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How the lightning telegrams helped Irshad Ahmed Desai, who heads the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, says quick legal intervention saved those detained from being shot in fake encounters
SHOCKED Syed Yusuf Nalaband (second from right), an electrician from Bagalkot, was the only other detainee to be released. (Right) Siddiqui’s house in hometown Hubli
I got to know of the arrest of Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddqui and his friends the same evening (on August 29, 2012). I immediately rushed to the family and got them to file a missing person complaint with the nearest police station. I then dashed off telegrams to the Chief Justice of Karnataka, the InspectorGeneral and Director-General of Police, and the Superintendents of Police. We also called 100, the police control room, and lodged complaints. All this we did simultaneously as a team, without wasting time. I then filed a habeas corpus in the High Court. As soon as the Chief Justice is intimated, especially about a missing person, he is by law required to ask the IG-DGP about his whereabouts. This compelled the IG-DGP to seek information about the missing persons and pressure was built such that the information reached the policemen who had picked up the boys. We were working to ensure the boys were produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. We were told the police were trying to create evidence. If they had had more time, they
would have extracted confessions, and confessions can be the result of physical torture. They were making the boys sign on blank sheets. Siddiqui was forced to sign on 40 sheets. You can write anything on the sheets and pass it off as evidence. But people should know the signature is done under duress. If we hadn’t intervened legally, they would have held on to the boys for we don’t know how long. What would have happened in that time we don’t know. What we do know is that the boys were told they would be shot in an ‘encounter’, in this case a fake one. We had to save the lives of the boys. So we intervened legally with every authority and ensured judicial custody of the boys, which ensures their safety. We intervene for all communities, especially when they face serious charges like terrorism. Not too many people would want to take up such cases. We are confident the other boys too will be set free. Our assessment is that police evidence is zero in their cases too.
(APCR). Some of us were pro- around 4 pm. These two actividuced two to four days after we ties became part of my routine were picked up. That is illegal. for six months. Initially, there was not much talk with neighbours, It was also scambecause we didn’t have many. accused Katta’s cell Ali Khan, an associate of On September 27, all of us were Janardhana Reddy (the mining taken to Parappana Agrahara baron-politician jailed in jail, and we spent the next five Hyderabad) was housed next to months there. We were lodged our barrack, and below was the in a 15 by 30 ft barrack that was corporator Govindaraju, arrestclean and neat. I was told Katta ed for taking a bribe. We were Subramanya Naidu, the minis- housed on the first floor. We badminton with ter arrested in a land scam, had played been in the same room before Govindaraju to keep our spirits us. It had two attached bath- up. Then there was a constable rooms and a ceiling fan. Its gate jailed for shooting dead his senior, and Surendra Babu, murwas locked. We were not allowed to dered actress Hemashree’s hustake walks for two months. band, in the same yard. We used After repeated pleading, they to do a lot of reading. My famiunlocked the gate. Nearly 15 of ly had given us some books. Fortunately, family memus were in the barrack. It was fairly spacious, but we had to bers visited us once in 15 days. walk, do our exercises, and But we had to pay a bribe for sleep within that space. that, and whenever they Breakfast was served at 7.45 am, brought books or non-vegetarilunch at 10.30 am, and dinner an food with them, we had to at 4.30 pm. We were never used pay bribes for those too. If we to such a routine but we gradu- didn’t pay up, they would not ally got used to it. I’m so used to let us enjoy these small comit now that I still eat to that forts. We would ask ourselves schedule. It will take me some when we would be released. time to get out of it. There was hope about coming out, but we were not sure when. Crosswords and Uncertainty gripped us. Only Sudoku every day faith in God kept me and the Every morning we would exer- others going. cise, chat, relax for a while, and eat lunch and supper. Other Some jail officials convicts would bring us tea for were fair Rs 2 in the evenings. Late evenings, I would solve cross- I should say jail official Krishna word puzzles and Sudoku. I Kumar was very nice to us. He used to get Deccan Herald was supportive and assured us
that we would be provided everything as indicated in the law. He was the one who helped us get the barrack gates opened. The jail superintendent was good to us. He was sympathetic to our plight. He had earlier worked at Belgaum jail and come across people accused of terrorism. He knew the charges filed against them were fake, just as the ones against us were, and said we would be free one day. I thank him and some jail officials for the moral support and for looking after us as stipulated by law. My prayers to God have been answered. I pray that the others are also set free quickly. They should not be jailed without evidence. We had developed such a strong bond that I can feel their pain of confinement. I am very fortunate I have come out, and Yusuf, too. People languish for years without trial. After all this, the police have demonstrated some sense of fair play by admitting they have no prosecutable evidence against me. Justice has been done even if it has been delayed. My freedom tells me that despite all its problems, loopholes and weaknesses, the
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legal system is working in India. I have faith in the Indian Constitution and the judiciary. The system works.
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Where did the Bangalore cops go wrong? The National Investigation Authority, a central government body that looks into terror cases spanning more than one state, has not rejected all the work done by the Bangalore police, but suggests not enough diligence went into the investigation.
The police should stop being biased I only plead with the police and security agencies to follow the spirit of the law and do everything lawfully. I urge them not to be biased against the minorities, Dalits and weaker sections, and not to view them with suspicion. It will affect the entire community. I urge the Indian state to look after the minorities well. I believe I was picked up only because I was a Muslim. I plead that this institutional bias against Muslims be eliminated. We are patriotic and we believe in the country. I request the media to be objective and fair and to report facts accurately. The practice of reporting matters from charge sheets is dangerous. They contain unproven charges. I will now relax with my family and rest for a few days. I plan to get back to work. India is a great country. Please do not allow such injustice to pass. Follow the law, be transparent, be fair. This is not just my story. Despite the ordeal, I haven’t lost faith in the Indian system. I would say don’t give anyone a chance to lose faith in the system.
The Bangalore police picked up Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui and 14 others in August 2012. Of the 15 arrested by the Central Crime Branch of the Bangalore police, the NIA has charged 11 with plotting terror attacks, and let off three, including journalist Siddiqui, saying they were not aware of any plot. The NIA has sought more time to investigate Aijaz Ahmed Mirza, roommate of Siddiqui and a DRDO junior scientist. NIA sources told this reporter the CCB had erred
by arresting four friends from their house near Palace Grounds without looking into the involvement of each individual. NIA has found no evidence against three. The NIA has charged Shoaib Ahmed Mirza as the first accused in the case. But they have found no evidence against his elder brother Aijaz, who was Siddiqui's housemate. The kind of diligence exercised by NIA is what was missing with the CCB probe. Within hours of picking up Siddiqui and his friends, the CCB went overboard and charged them with sedition and 'waging war against the state'. In a similar case, the Australian government had apologised and paid a huge sum as compensation to Mohammed Hanif of Bangalore, wrongfully arrested in connection with
GOT THEM DIG of Police Lalrokhuma Pachau (right) and Police Commissioner Jyothiprakash Mirji announce the arrests
the Glasgow airport attack. After his release, Siddiqui has not considered suing any agency for his wrongful arrest and incarceration. The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 may provide a shield to policemen who transgress their brief. Section 18, which deals with 'protection
of action taken in good faith', says no legal proceeding can be initiated in respect of anything done in pursuance of this law. But a good lawyer might still be able to hold the errant policemen to account.
GOWTAM RAJ
The mark of society's rejection
Stigma SAVIE KARNEL savie.karnel@talkmag.in any times innocent people are accused of crimes, only to be acquitted of the charges against them later. They may once again be free and out of jail, but continue to live with the stigma. Society views them with suspicion and keeps its distance from them. In many cases, it is almost as if they were walking around with boards around their necks W saying they have been to jail. The origins of the word stigma can be traced to ancient Greece, where criminals and slaves were branded with hot iron rods, or stigmatised. The resulting mark on their bodies was called stigmata. This was to ensure that they did not run away, and if they The Talk did, to get people to column on easily identify them.
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The Romans too followed this practice. Until the 4th century, the mark was made on their foreheads, but Roman Emperor Constantine stopped the branding of the face. From then on, the mark was etched on the hands or the calves. These marks were of three kinds. The most common was the inscription of the name of the crime on the person’s body. The second was the inscribiption of the name of the emperor under whose rule the crime was committed, and the third was inscription of the punishment. This practice was used in many countries in the Middle Ages. In the late 14th century, the term became stigma in English and continued to be used to indicate branding of criminals. In England, criminals were branded with letters to indicate what they were convicted for. For instance, those convicted of theft were stigmatised with a T, and those held guilty of adultery with an A. Gypsies were branded or stigmatised with a V, which stood for vagabonds. Slaves were marked with an S. The practice was abolished in England in 1829. In the 1610s, the term stigma was also
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word origins
STIGMA A metal brand used to mark slaves in 18th century America, now a museum exhibit
used figuratively to indicate disgrace. Even if someone hadn’t been marked with a hot iron, but had earned a bad reputation, he was said to have a stigma. About two decades later, in the 1630s, the term was used for blemishes on the skin. For instance, if someone had a lesion or a scar, he was said to have a stigma. The term also had a positive connota-
tion among Christians. It was believed that extremely devout Christians miraculously got wounds on their bodies, which were identified with the wounds Christ received after being crucified. These wounds were also called stigmata and later, stigmas. The term stigma continued to be used as a literal mark until recently. The current usage, which is more metaphorical, is attributed to sociologist Erving Goffman. In his 1963 book, Notes on the Management of Spoilt Identity, he defines stigma. He says it is “the phenomenon whereby an individual with an attribute which is deeply discredited by his/her society is rejected as a result of the attribute. Stigma is a process by which the reaction of others spoils normal identity.” Over the years, this meaning has gained popularity and is commonly used. We use stigma to indicate discrimination and rejection. Now, we may not burn skins to stigmatise people, but we do ostracise them with our prejudices and stereotypes. It is not just criminals or the falsely accused that live with a stigma, but also victims of crimes like rape, and people with psychiatric disorders and physical disability, or even HIV.
cotton catch Babu Khadi Bhandar
1st Floor, Safina Plaza This one's for people who know their cotton — not just 'that thing you wear in the summer.' Tucked inside the first floor of the perennially popular Safina Plaza, this well-stocked store boasts clothing in about 10 different varieties of cotton.
6th Main, Gandhinagar, Sajjan Lodge building Fashions come and go, but India's 'national fabric' stays. Or so you would think if you visit Babu Khadi Bhandar which offers a wide range of khadi apparel for men (sorry, no women's clothing here).
Go green
So grey!
This salwar set from Andhra Pradesh uses the ikkat technique for dyeing which is found in countries as varied as Japan and Indonesia. Get that complete look, without sacrificing the coolness quotient. Rs 1,550
This kurta, when paired with blue jeans or a white pyjama, gives you the effortlessly traditional look. Made from 100 per cent cotton. Discount Price: Rs 450
Cotton World
Hello, sunshine
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Desi
Ground floor, Barton Center, MG Road Cotton World offers a wide variety in summer cotton clothing for men and women. Though the emphasis is clearly on the fabric, the fit and cut isn’t completely ignored.
South End Circle, Jayanagar Desi is your answer to casual cotton clothing at a fair price. With options for both men and women, a spree here won't do much harm to your pocket.
Green chic
Feeling the heat already? Nothing lets you cool off in style like cotton. Sandra M Fernandes picks five stores and selections that are elegant yet easy on the pocket RAMESH HUNSUR
Jai Crafts
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Coloured trousers are in, and summer without a colourful pair would hardly be complete. These green ones are light enough for you to spend the day in them. Rs 1,520
Pinstriped This casual kurta for men with brightly coloured pinstripes will keep you from being the dull spot on otherwise bright days. Rs 320
Red red red This red sleeveless top sets the tone for your summer outings. Simple yet classy, it pairs perfectly with a knee-length skirt and strappy footwear. Rs 1,370
Traditionally blue Blue is for cool and this combination of blue and white is sure to make you cool off like no other. Also uses the Ikkat technique. Rs 1,550
Prints in purple
Sunny drapes Recommended for working women, for whom georgette or silk sarees are a strict no-no in the hot weather. Made from Mangalgiri cotton, also from Andhra, this saree is comfortable, and would pair well with your terracotta jewellery. Rs 1,450
This checkered purple short kurta is what you need to brighten up your pair of dull blue jeans. Short sleeves and the easy cut make it perfect for the sunny months. Discount price: Rs 360
Prized peach Easy and grey These straight leg trousers for men are as easy as it can get on a day at work. The fabric complements the comfort of the fit. Rs 1,690
Burst of orange Find solid colours boring? Summer and prints work like wonder. Try out this orange block print kurta with some leggings or a pair of jeans for a day at college or with friends. Rs 335
Simply cream This shirt is as simple as summer wear can get. Pair it with trousers or jeans — it is comfort that matters after all. Discount price: Rs 750
Fabindia Ground Floor, 1 MG Road Mall This was always the store that offered the most variety in summer clothing. Women have many options like kurtas, kaftans, sarees, harem pants, tops and more. The men's section has limited options though.
Blue bliss This one comes from Rajasthan's Kota district, famous for its cottons and muslins. A cotton salwar ideal for that 'simple yet stylish' look. Rs 1,250
Heading out with friends for a casual lunch? Team up this casual peach kurta with a pair of jeans or trousers. Rs 315
Perfectly pink Pink is for men too, and what better time to experiment than summer. This pale pink shirt is casual yet classy and is sure to drive the blues away, literally. Discount price: Rs 750
No frills This sleeveless light green kurta makes for a simple yet stylish summer statement when teamed with churidars or leggings. Rs 1,890
It's yellow
Stripe magic
This yellow kaftan top could be your ticket to a sunshine-filled season. Perfect for the typical Sunday brunch or a day out with the girls. Rs 1,190
This light blue short kurta with stripes and a Chinese collar is perfect for men. Rs 690
Pullover in pink Not quite the season to cover up, but this jacket in bright pink may work perfectly for the city's unpredictable summer evenings. In soft cotton fabric, this could be the quick fix to an evening look. Rs 890
All in beige This sleeveless jacket for men could complete your summer kurta-pyjama outing. Team it with a pair of Kolhapuri chappals to set heads turning. Rs 1,290
Checkered There is no season without the quintessential checks. Throw in some colour and a formal checkered shirt could be your perfect summer outfit. Rs 890
In short These are typically for the summer weekends. When the meetings are out of sight, unwind in these cool and comfortable long shorts. For men, but who says women can't sport them! Rs 1,190
The colour purple What better way to perk up a hot, tiring day at work than this basic cotton saree in purple block print? They are reasonably priced too. Rs 770
film finance
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PEOPLE’S PICS Software Hardware... Kya Yaaron took five months of crowdfunding to meet its budget. (Right) A still from Lucia, a crowd-funded Kannada film now in post-production
This year, a film funded exclusively by ordinary people—who came together on an online platform—won an Oscar for the first time. Talk speaks to two filmmakers in the city who have used the model to fund their productions
Crowdfunded creativity to crowdfund the project,” says Rabi. “I emailed a proposal to a bunch of prachi.sibal@talkmag.in people I knew, including college batchmates and juniors. It had details t this year’s Academy of the film and invited contributions Awards, a film about a of Rs 10,000 and above to help cover San Diego-based immi- production costs. It helped that I had grant teenager artist already put in money for pre-productitled Inocente came first tion and brought it to a stage where in the Best Documentary Short people would have more confidence Subject category. The film, by Sean in the film.” It was an experiment and Rabi and Andrea Nix, is the first crowdfunded (backed by online platform hardly knew what to expect. But five Kickstarter) film to win an Oscar. months and meetings with over 20 While the endorsement from the investors later, he had the Rs 20 lakh Academy has brought global atten- required for the film. Rabi says the tion to the model, closer home, sever- production followed industry rules in al crowdfunding experiments are every aspect except funding, and professionals in the crew were paid their already in progress. It was last year that IITian regular fee. Crowdfunded successes in turned filmmaker Rabi Kisku screened his urban multi-lingual film Bollywood include Onir’s I Am that went on to win two Software Hardware... National Awards Kya Yaaron in the Pawan Kumar’s and Rajat Kapoor’s city. Having received Lucia got funded critically acclaimed a good response, the Raghu Romeo. But film is now slated for for Rs 1 crore— the model made its nationwide release twice its budget way to Bangalore in April. Being a only last year. small budget and One project currently underway urban-centric film, Rabi was struggling to find a producer when a friend is a Kannada film titled Lucia, by Pawan Kumar of Lifu Ishtene fame. suggested he try ‘crowdfunding’. “I was trying to make an offbeat Says Pawan, “When I started out in film. I knew it wasn’t going to suit February last year, I had no idea about mainstream producers, but the trou- crowdfunding. I was looking for a ble was that it wasn’t anywhere close producer and that didn’t work. I had to being an art film either. That’s heard about crowdfunding and when I took up a friend’s suggestion decided to put up a post calling for
PRACHI SIBAL
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Pawan Kumar
Rabi Kisku
investors for the film on my blog. The post went viral and I got as many as 30,000 hits. I then built a website that detailed the film and the process of funding, and before I realised, I had generated Rs 51 lakh in 27 days. This, when the proposed budget for the film was Rs 50 lakh!” In fact, thanks to his large fan base, Pawan had bookings for funding for as much as Rs 1 crore and had to slow the process down. “I could do with a lot more money for the film, but didn’t want to take more risk,” he says. Lucia, he tells us, is due for release in two and a half months. Both Rabi and Pawan admit that crowdfunding has its disadvantages and can delay the process of production until the requisite budget is met. But for all that, they still see the model as useful, one that can pave the way for more independent and creative cinema. “With more investors, the risk is lower, which automatically enhances your creative freedom,” says Pawan. Rabi agrees, saying that individual producers often make demands that go against creative freedom. “With crowdfunding, you
needn’t compromise on your script,” he says, but adds a word of caution, “If the budget shoots up midway through production — which is common — you have to go back and raise more funds. Also, with people from diverse backgrounds funding a film, the backing of an industry based producer is missing.” While Rabi and Pawan used their methods to crowdfund their films, the process is becoming simpler, thanks to websites that are dedicated to the model. Wishberry.in is one such website that helps individuals gather crowdfunding for events, albums, films and even social causes. The nitty-gritty may vary, but transparency is central to crowdfunded projects. Investors are provided with a breakup of production expenses and become a profit bearer of the percentage they have contributed to the film’s budget. Rabi kept his investors informed through a series of emails while Pawan provides these details on the website of the Lucia project, which also mentions the names of all the funders who came on board. At present, the crowdfunding model seems to be limited to smaller budget and urban films. But these two directors can only see things getting better, and are doing their bit to promote it. “I have already begun building a database and intend to help other independent filmmakers adopt the model,” says Pawan.
food path
talk|7 mar 2013|talkmag.in
Tart time Fruity, cheesy or chocolatey— whatever way you like your tart, we've got one for you. Compiled by Sandra M Fernandes
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Spinach, Feta and Gruyere Tart For the pastry: 160 gm all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting, 5 tbsps (102 gm) unsalted butter chilled and diced, 1 egg yolk For the filling: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 onion finely chopped, sea salt, 2 garlic cloves finely chopped, few sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped, 250 gms Swiss chard/spinach stalks trimmed, 125 gms Gruyere cheese grated, 125 gms feta cheese cubed, freshly ground black pepper, 3/4 cup (175 ml) heavy whipping cream, 2 large eggs Making the pastry: Rub the flour and butter together until the mixture forms into fine crumbs. Push it in with your fingers. The pastry should overlap the sides by at least 3/4 inch (2 cms). Lightly beat the egg yolk with one tablespoon of cold water. Add the beaten egg to the crumbs and bring together to form a soft dough. Add extra water if too dry. Plastic wrap and chill for one hour. Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured work surface, roll the pastry out to a large circle around 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Lift the pastry carefully using the rolling pin and place it into the tart pan. Push it in
with your fingers. The pastry should overlap the sides by at least 3/4 inch (2 cms). Prick the bottom all over with a fork and line with parchment paper. Weigh the parchment down with baking beans. Place the pastry shell on a baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the beans and paper. Bake for 5 more minutes to crisp the bottom. Leave to cool and trim edges with a knife. Making the filling: Heat the oil in a pan over a low flame. Cook the onion with a pinch of salt, until soft. Add the garlic and rosemary and cook for a few seconds. Coarsely chop the Swiss chard and add to the pan. Stir for about five minutes until it wilts. Set the pastry shell on a baking sheet and spoon in the onion and chard mixture. Sprinkle over the Gruyere cheese, and scatter with the feta. Season well. With a fork, mix together the cream and the two eggs until well combined. Carefully pour the cream-and-egg mix over the tart filling. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden. Leave to cool before releasing from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature. Best eaten the same day. Can be chilled overnight.
Tarte Tatin For the pastry: 1 1/3 cups (160 gm) allpurpose flour plus extra for dusting, 2 large egg yolks, 1 1/2 tbsp sugar, pinch of salt, 5 tbsp (102 gm) softened unsalted butter For the filling: 14-16 apples of total weight about 2.4 kg, 1 lemon, 9 tbsp (127.5 gm) unsalted butter, 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar, creme fraiche to serve Making the pastry: Sift the flour into a bowl and make a well in the center. Put the egg yolk, sugar, and salt in the well, and then add the butter and one tablespoon water. Using your fingertips, work the ingredients in the well until thoroughly mixed. Work the flour into the mixture until coarse crumbs form. Press the dough into a ball. Lightly flour the work surface and then knead the dough for 1-2 minutes, until very smooth. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for about 30 minutes, until firm.
Making the filling: With a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the apples, then cut into halves and core them. Cut the lemon in half and rub the apples all over with it to prevent discoloration. Melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the sugar and stir it in. Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, until caramelised to a deep golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool to tepid. Put the apple in concentric circles to fill the pan. Cook the apples over high heat for 1525 minutes, until caramelised. Turn once. Remove from the heat. Cool for 10-15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 190°C.Roll out the pastry to a round, 1 inch larger than the tart pan. Drape it over the pan. Tuck the edges of the pastry around the apples. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool to tepid, then set a plate on top, hold firmly together, and invert. Spoon some caramel over the apples. Serve with crème fraîche.
Chocolate Mousse Tart For the crust: 3/4 cup flour, 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp ice water For the filling: 200 gm dark chocolate, 2 tbsp vanilla extract, 4 tbsp heavy cream and 3 eggs separated Method: Process all ingredients in a food processor until the dough is formed. Cover dough and refrigerate for an hour. Roll out dough to fit a 22
cm pan and blind bake for 25 minutes at 180°C . For the filling, melt the chocolate, vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth over a double boiler. Stir in egg yolks and use a whisk to beat the mixture until thick. Remove from heat. In another bowl whisk egg whites until fluffy and pour into the above mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared tart crust and refrigerate for a few hours.
Recipes provided by Smitha Sujir and Ifrah Tahmid
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Rewind The week that was Titanic again: Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has unveiled blueprints for a replica of the Titanic that could set sail in late 2016 in the original course from Southampton, England, to New York, USA. Swiss killings: Two people were killed and seven others wounded when a gunman opened fire in a Swiss factory. Brit scandal: British deputy PM Nick Clegg admitted that “very serious mistakes” were made, after many female party workers alleged sexual harassment by his former party chief Lord Chris Rennard.
Show off your Indian dog The organisers of The Great Indian Dog Show believe that Indian dogs suffer from discrimination because ‘familiarity breeds contempt.’ The show is an attempt to reverse this trend, and encourage dog lovers to welcome Indian dogs into their homes. True to its mission, the event, which is on its second edition this year, takes pride in not being a run of the mill
dog show. According to the organisers, here “the dog is the master. We love our dogs, the way they are meant to be, not the way they are ‘expected’ to be.” Therefore, the show has ‘no rules, no tricks, and no marks for jumping through a ring or following the master’s orders,” that are the staples of any dog show. On the sidelines of the show, there will also be an adoption drive for
Indian dogs. The show is a completely non-commercial venture organised by a team of dog lovers with help from volunteers, with the sole objective of promoting adoption of Indian dogs. The ultimate goal of the event is to reduce the number of stray dogs in the city, in the best possible way. For more information, log on to www.thegreatindian dogshow.com Susan Sontag with son David Rieff
Susan Sontag's parenting rules
Moon mission: India and Russia will cooperate in the Chandrayaan-2 satellite mission for space research, but without transfer of technology, the PMO’s V Narayanasamy said in the Lok Sabha.
The celebrated American intellectual and novelist Susan Sontag was also a meticulous diarist. Selections from her journals are now being published. In this entry from September 1959, Sontag lists her 10 rules for raising a child, which according to writer Maria Popova, reveals a “subtle but palpable reverence for the precious gift of “childishness.” Interestingly, this volume was edited by none other than Sontag’s writer son, David Rieff.
Swine flu: 254 people have died of swine flu in India in 2013, with the highest toll reported from Rajasthan, according to the union health ministry. Ministers sacked: In a shake-up in her cabinet, Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa sacked three ministers and inducted an equal number, all of them first-time MLAs. Acquitted: BJP leader Varun Gandhi was acquitted in the case of a hate speech made in Pilibhit in UP during the 2009 Lok Sabha election campaign. Journo released: Bangalore journalist Muthiur-Rehman Siddiqui, who was arrested on terror charges, was released from jail following a clean chit from the NIA. More trains: Karnataka and IT City have benefitted from the railway budget. Of the nine new express trains, seven will connect Bangalore.
1. Be consistent.
Re-mix the Enfield thump Royal Enfield ‘Bullets’ are famous for their ‘thump’. Now, the Royal Enfield company wants you to create an original music score inspired by the legendary exhaust beat of the Bullet, and send it to them. The winning entry will not only be widely publicised, but even stands a
chance to make it to the Bacardi NH7 Weekender concert this year. All that, apart from the main attraction — a custom hand-painted Royal Enfield of your own. To make it easier for you, there is an option to download the
thump from the company’s website: www.royalenfield.com/thu mp/. You can also listen to entries posted by participants and vote for them. The results will be announced on March 8.
2. Don’t speak about him to others (e.g., tell funny things) in his presence. (Don’t make him selfconscious.) 3. Don’t praise him for something I wouldn’t always accept as good. 4. Don’t reprimand him harshly for something he’s been allowed to do. 5. Daily routine: eating, homework, bath, teeth, room, story, bed. 6. Don’t allow him to monopolize me when I am with other people. 7.
Always speak well of his pop. (No faces, sighs, impatience, etc.)
8. Do not discourage childish fantasies. 9. Make him aware that there is a grown-up world that’s none of his business. 10. Don’t assume that what I don’t like to do (bath, hairwash) he won’t like either.
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Forward
Rewarding theatre talent The Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META), one of India’s leading recognitions for stage talent, will be given out during the META theatre festival held from March 3 to 8. Award categories cover all aspects of stage craft, including playwriting, set design, costume and light design, direction and performance. Instituted by the Mahindra Group, the awards consist of a specially designed trophy and a cheque of Rs one lakh for the best production, Rs 5,000 for best original playwright and Rs 45,000 for all other award categories. Among the nominations for best play this year are two entries from Karnataka, Gasha directed by Abhishek Mazumdar and produced by Indian Ensemble, Bangalore, and Matte Eklavya directed by Satyabrata Rout and produced by Aadima Ranga Tanda, Kolar. For more information, log on to www.metawards.com
A creative meet in Goa The Goa Project describes itself as a “unique social experiment that brings dreamers across platforms together for an ‘unconference’ and a romantic holiday.” They are inviting entreprenuers, filmmakers, artists, musicians, activists and any one else who has ideas and wishes to meet and collaborate with likeminded people. The event aims to be a creative hybrid of workshops, teach-ins, and roundtables — apart from jam sessions, exhibitions, and show-and-tell acts, in six categories: Performing Arts and Music, Entrepreneurism, Film, Society, Visual Arts and Fringe. You can submit your ideas through their ‘crowdsourced funnel,’ (available on the Project’s website) and actually shape the agenda for the events in these categories. The event will take place on March 28 and 29. Tickets cost Rs 5,000 each (excluding food and accommodation), and there’s an early bird discount available till March 1. Participants will have to register at www.thegoaproject.com
The banyan tree of Agra If you are a connoisseur of Indian classical music, make sure you are at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Saturday for a show on the Agra gharana presented by Lalith J Rao and her disciples. It is called Agra Gharana—Ek Vatavruksh, comparing the musical tradition to a banyan tree. A doyenne of the gharana, Lalith Rao has put together a concert and multi-media show tracing the evolution of the Agra style, using voice recordings of the masters and rare visuals. The Agra gharana is one of the oldest musical traditions in Hindustani classical music and its origins can be traced back to the 14th century. It boasts a long line of
another stalwart of the gharana, Pt Dinkar Kaikini, in Delhi. A top grade artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan, she has performed all over India and abroad. Her albums have been brought out by Lalith J Rao prestigious labels such as Navras of London and musicians and composers Ocora Radio France of Paris. who have nurtured, Before the presentation you embellished and enriched can also watch a this gharana, and faithfully documentary film on Lalith passed it on from one Rao, directed by the generation to the other. Lalith Rao received rigorous talented Maya Chandra, whose documentary on grooming under two of the movie star Dr Rajkumar was greatest teachers of this gharana in the last century - well received. Pt Rama Rao Naik of Agra Gharana-Ek Bangalore and Padma Vatavruksh Bhushan Ustad Khadim Saturday, March 2, 5 pm Hussain Khan of Bombay. Khincha Auditorium, She also received guidance Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, for a short while from Race Course Road
A film fest for documentaries Kolkata-based Kindle magazine is organising a documentary/short film contest called Owlscope: XRays of a Republic. The theme for the contest is ‘The Indian Republic: A Report.’ According to the festival promo, “whoever you may be, a student, a shopkeeper or a housewife, this is your chance to tell the world what the Indian Republic means to you.”
The two judges who will screen the submission are, Q (Qaushiq Mukherjee), renowned director of the cult hit Gandu, and the soon to be released Tasher Desh, and Aamir Bashir, director of internationally acclaimed Harud. Entries should have a duration of three to five
minutes, and participants are free to shoot their films using equipment of their choice — cell phones, spy cams or DSLRs. The winning film will be screened on the inaugural day of the festival. The deadline for submission is March 20, 2013. For more information, log on to www. owlscopefestival.com
I'd like to thank Harvey Weinstein… Rebecca Rolfe, a student of Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, analysed more than 200 Oscar winners’ speeches starting from 1953 and has posted her findings on a website. Here are her key findings:
of tears have been shed since 1995, including 12 of the last 15 best actresses. (Steven Spielberg is the sole director to cry on stage, when he won for Schindler’s List).
Only 40 per cent of award winners actually say “I’d like Nearly half of all the winners thank their family, to thank the Academy” but only 11 have thanked In the 1960s, sppeches God, who finishes a close averaged about 40 second to legendary seconds; now it’s up to two producer Harvey Weinstein, minutes. who at 12, is the single Winners have become most thanked individual in more emotional: 71 per cent Oscar history.
The week ahead Italy govt: A center-left group of parties appears to have the best shot at forming a coalition government in Italy after an inconclusive national election. Salvo at Assad: New US Secretary of State John Kerry on his first foreign visit after taking over office said in London that “President Assad (of Syria) has to go”; this confirms continuing American support to the ongoing insurgency in Syria. No balloons: Egypt will cancel balloon flights after 19 Asian and European tourists died when a hot air balloon crashed near the ancient Egyptian town of Luxor following a mid-air gas explosion. Flogging: A Maldives court has sentenced a 15-year-old alleged rape victim to 100 lashes and eight months under house arrest after she admitted to having had premarital sex in a separate incident. JPC Probe: The Rajya Sabha adopted a motion constituting a 30-member Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe the VVIP chopper deal. Letter probe: Police is expected to unearth the identity of a letter purportedly sent by a terror outfit to the office of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani, threatening to harm him for supporting Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. Witness call: CPM member in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 2G spectrum allocation, Sitaram Yechury, supported calling former telecom minister A Raja as a witness before the panel.
Gwyneth Paltrow at the 1998 Academy Awards for Shakespeare in Love, produced by Harvey Weinstein (left)
More at: www.rebeccarolfe.com/proj ects/thanktheacademy
Cabinet brawls: After a spate of resignations by rebel MLAs, Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar now has to deal with an ugly spat between senior ministers Murugesh Nirani and Govind Karjol.
authorspeak PRACHI SIBAL prachi.sibal@talkmag.in
ilan Vohra became India’s first Mills & Boon author after she won a contest. That’s how we got The Love Asana, the first authentically desi M&B title to hit the shelves. After that, it was the logical next step for her to foray into the ‘chick lit’ genre with her second book, Tick-tock We’re 30. The new book tells the story of Lara, who’s nearing the dreaded 30 mark, and must tackle head on several questions related to her love-life. A reunion planned to mark her birthday brings together the ‘gang’ from Sarva Niketan, the Delhi housing society she grew up in, and throws up the biggest of all questions: who will Lara end up with? Tick-tock is an easy read, but one that’s strictly for lovers of the genre. Excerpts from an e-mail interview:
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talk|7 mar 2013|talkmag.in
‘Chick lit’s like stand-up comedy’ India's first Mills & Boon author Milan Vohra tells Talk about her new novel and her secret potion for inspiration, among other things
Westland Rs 250
perspective and observations into anything you write. And why just writing? Even a piece of art or sculpture you create becomes what it is because it’s your take. What attracts you to ‘chick lit’? What are the challenges of this genre? What makes this genre one of my favourites is that the humour is always drawn from real life, and situations are what you can relate to. It’s not very different from stand-up comedy. There are many good writers in this genre, like Marian Keyes, Jill Mansell, Jane Costello, and Lauren Weisberger (of The Devil wears Prada fame), who have made me literally laugh out loud. To me the biggest challenge is to keep it consistently funny without losing a grip on ‘relatability’ and realism. I want to be able to write about the most angst-causing situations of our lives—depression, infidelity, bad marriages, being jobless, horrible competitive rivals… and still make the reader be able to see the humour in it. What inspires you to write? Also, how do you manage to juggle advertising with fiction writing? I’ve been very curious and am constantly storing away little everyday stuff that I find fascinating. And being exposed to a lot of reading early on probably helps too. My mother taught literature and is a playwright. Reading is a must if at all you ever feel the urge to write. My husband, son, daughter are all born witty too, I think. Maybe I’m getting some of their perspective by osmosis. How do I juggle both kinds of writing? It’s a lucky thing I have a very low sleep quotient.
Did you consider writing for a living before M&B happened? I’ve been writing for a living from the time I was 24. But that was advertising copywriting and this is fiction. Maybe, the two are not that different. I grew up with a big group of friends in Delhi and we’d all planned to meet on New Year’s eve of the millennium. Except, with everybody spread around the world and travel plans needing to be coordinated, it started to look like it would never happen. One frustrated evening, when somebody or the other kept throwing a spanner in the works about the reunion, I decided — this is it. I will create my own fictional set of friends, as kooky as the original ones, maybe even more, and as lovable, and have the reunion they’re all going to wish they’d had! So I guess the genesis of Tick-tock was much earlier than The Love Asana. How did the writing of Tick-tock compare to that of The Love Asana, where you had to stick to a brief? A genre book must live up to the readers’ expectations of that genre. Look how strongly people feel even if a Bond character is allowed to have a ‘more-in-touch-with-his-emotions’ side to him. An M&B is always centred on the hero and heroine and their intense emotional journey to finally find their way to love. It’s what readers want when they pick up an M&B. Tick-tock, on the other hand, is not really a genre book. It’s about twelve characters, six guys and six
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If Tick-tock were to be made into a movie, who would you like to see cast? It would be such a huge casting exercise. They’d need to get a Loveleen Tandon (co-director of Slumdog Millionaire) to do justice to it. But I could see someone like maybe Parineeti Chopra playing Lara.
girls, who make a pact to meet when they all turn 30. It has nothing to do with the biological clock either. The story is about the week of their completely wacko reunion and another pact that gets Lara in a flap. Guys who’ve read it have said that it had them laughing out loud, too. A book like Tick-tock allowed me complete freedom in terms of using my own voice, playing with all kinds of unique Indian situations, people,
language, insider humour and having a huge ensemble of important and secondary characters. Does Tick-tock borrow from your life? How much of Lara is you? Lara is maybe like a younger me who doesn’t have the very sane head on her shoulders that I do now. But then, you can write any kind of plot, create all kinds of characters; likeable or unlikeable, but you always bring your
What are the biggest challenges of writing romance? Do you have quick fixes for inspiration after a hard day’s work? One universal quick fix: listening to some appropriate music. But I have to discipline myself to stop after a song or two, or even that becomes a reason to postpone writing. The second one; I’ll let you into a secret. I always wrap up for the night and use a little perfume before I sit down to write. It helps me switch off from everything else that happened in the day before that.
pop romance
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The much-maligned romance series is still the best bet for a girl who’s looking for a break from boring real life. A tribute from an unabashed fan
In defence of Mills & Boons eader, I married him. By the time Jane Eyre tells you, the reader, this, you are rooting for her and Mr Rochester, for the strands of happiness Jane is trying to hold on to, for love and companionship, and all that. And through the lives of the unlikely couple, you root for the love story that we each secretly hope will be ours, even if not quite in the manner of Bollywood excesses. And that is the clever sales pitch that always works, be it in rom-coms starring American sweethearts, in chick-lit or in that ultimate temple of romance: Mills and Boons. I shall readily admit that I read M&Bs through my teens and even through the conquer-the-world early 20s. On my Kindle device, I still keep a few handy, for long commutes and the lunch hour. After a long day at work or a ‘serious’ book, there’s nothing better for that feel-good factor than an M&B. It’s a bit like ice-cream; you don’t need a reason to have it, and it always makes you happy. But the big realisation for me — and this was struck home during a discussion among friends about the new erotic phenomenon Fifty Shades of Grey (which I’m yet to finish, and unlikely to, ever) — was that the M&B books have helped me with my writing as well. You can bet that is something no freelancer would admit to. It was my school principal who, unwittingly of course, introduced me to M&B when I was in class seven. During a routine PTA meeting, my mother complained to the principal that I stayed up late reading novels instead of my textbooks. Madam principal told my mother that as long as I was not reading Mills and Boons, it was all right. Obviously, this piqued my interest; and as if the universe was conspiring, I found a worn M&B in a bag of second hand books dad bought for me from a distant land. It was titled Set the Stars on Fire or some such
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Deepa Bhasthi Bangalore-based writer. She blogs at dbhasthi.blogspot. com
thing, and told the story of a young actress who comes to the sets as a replacement for another, and ends up having an affair with the director. There is drama and heartbreak and fights before the mandatory happilyever-after ending. In hindsight, it was quite a racy read for a 12-year-old; but all I knew at the time was that I was hooked. Since that fateful day, I must have read several dozens of them; most of them over a summer in high school that I spent in the city house
of an aunt with access to a whole library of M&Bs. It’s only when I started writing professionally that the thorough education I received in The School of M&B came to the fore. For the uninitiated, a sunset in these novels is never just a sunset, it is always a golden caramel yellow light that bursts upon the lovers from behind the island, yet pales before the glow of the heroine’s face. A face isn’t just beautiful, but one capable of competing with the moon and the
sun and the sunset and the flowers in the meadows. For a high-schooler, it does open up many possibilities of using language. Over the top, yes; but no one is telling you it’s literature. What I always skipped were the ‘local colour’ bits, which talked of the history of an island (not always fictitious, mind you), of food and little phrases from the local dialects and so on. Much later, while revisiting some old favourites and picking up new titles, I was struck that those bits thrown in between the heroine’s blush and the hero’s show of all-maleness were something like the travel writing you read in magazines. There were hardly any inspiring sentences and quotable phrases to be found here; but there still was that little bit of history, and pithy intros to the food and clothes and language and culture of exotic places that I had given the miss. After hearing about the Indian versions of M&Bs, launched amidst much hype, I took it up as my duty to try them, but was forced to stop after the first few. For desi fantasy, we always have Bollywood; but in these pages, the charm was the very unrelatable-ness of the foreign characters, complete with blond hair and French accents. I like my clichés in my romance fiction. I like the emerald beaches and TDH (Tall, Dark and Handsome) men and the perfect endings. I might still skip over the sightseeing bits, but like good old vanilla ice-cream, plain and simple, there is nothing like a pop romance when real life gets boring. Plus I get to learn another way to describe a sunset on a beach. What got me thinking about the whole M&B experience was Fifty Shades of Grey. After I read the part in it where the heroine describes her blush as “the colour of the Communist Manifesto,” I laughed out loud, and simply couldn’t go on. If this was erotica, then give me my M&Bs any day.
L I S T I NGS
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food
performance grilled Mediterranean vegetables and more. Persian Terrace and Bene Sheraton Hotel, 26/1, Dr Rajkumar Road, Rajajinagar Malleshwaram, March 2 42521000 Small bites: This weekend vegetarians can try some dumplings like zucchini and coriander root dumpling, celery and pepper mushroom dumpling, spinach and corn dumpling whereas the nonvegetarians can feast on yellow curry chicken dumpling, prawns wrapped in Chinese cabbage and steamed black bean pork ribs. Shiro, 2nd Floor , UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, till March 3 41738864
Weekday buffet: Enjoy a main course of pizza, pasta or meat and choose from three vegetarian or two non-vegetarian salads complimented with dessert. The buffet is available only on Thursday and Friday and is priced at Rs 500 plus tax. Toscano, Second Floor, Forum Value Mall, Whitefield
25939224
Gastronomical weekend: Treat your taste buds to some Italian and Persian cuisine. Choose from Persian exotic grilled variety of kebabs, chicken, lamb, vegetarian or Italian dishes like herb marinated seafood skewer, cottage cheese with Italian herbs,
Treat for your pet: If you love spending time with your pet and love continental food, head here this Sunday and have a relaxed breakfast with your pets. While the pet owners can feast on some continental breakfast, the pets can have the doggie platter that consists of steamed chicken dim sums, ragi balls, mince meat balls and biscuits. Under The Mango Tree, #3, Laurel Lane, Richmond Town, March 3 9686601021
Test your taste buds: This weekend learn the art of tasting wine, serving it, methods of storing it and more. You will get to taste different varieties like sparkling, white and red. The fee for this wine tasting event is Rs 499. Spaghetti Kitchen, No. 1, SJR Primus, 1st Floor Adjacent to Raheja Arcade, Koramangala, March 3 41160500
Cilantro, 4th Block, 4th Main, Kormangala, March 3 41102200
Cooking fun: Bring out the chef in you as you learn how to prepare pizza at this workshop. Learn to make fresh sauces, pizza dough and baking it. At the end of the class you will receive recipes and combinations of pizzas and the sauces that go along with it.
Get curried: Love Indian food? Then head here and choose from kebabs, delicious kormas, curries and an assortment of Indian breads. GAD, Gateway Hotel Residency Road, March 5 onwards 66604545
Flavours of Thailand: Try out some authentic Thai dishes at the ongoing Chiang Mai food festival. Here you can choose from a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fares. Benjarong, 1/3 Road, Ulsoor, starts from March 1 32217201
Norah unplugged: Performing for the very first time in India is American jazz singer-songwriter Norah Jones. Daughter of late Pandit Ravi Shankar, Norah has won the Grammy and other awards for her album Come Away with Me in 2002. Her subsequent album was also nominated for the Best Album category. Watch her perform as she croons some of her popular numbers Come Away with Me, Don't Know Why, Sunrise, Chasing Pirates and more. Manpho Convention Centre Grounds, BEL Corporate office, March 8, 7 pm For tickets, log onto www.bookmyshow.com
retail therapy
music Marina Xavier
Europe. Performing with her are Gerard Machado on guitar, Joshua Costa on keyboards, Colin d'Cruz on bass and Lester Godinho on drums. bFlat , 100 Feet Road, Above ING Bank, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, March 2 , 8.30 pm 41739250 Quartet magic: Watch Sky Rabbit from Mumbai, perform in the city. The band members are Raxit on vocals, Rahul on guitar, Siddharth on bass and Harsh on drums. CounterCulture, 2D2, 4th Cross Dyavasandra Industrial Area, Whitefield, March 2, 8.30 pm 41400794
Grey only in name: All the way from Chennai performing in the city is Grey Shack, a four member band. Their music is rock and roll and they will perform songs from their debut album Step Outside. Watch Rohan Sen on vocals, Vikram Vivekanand on guitar, Conrad Simmons on bass and Vinay Ramakrishnan on bass.
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bFlat , 100 Feet Road, Above ING Bank, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, March 1, 8.30 pm 41739250 Jazzy evenings: Watch Marina Xavier perform in the city this weekend. One of the most well known voices in South East Asia, Marina has spun her magic not just in Singapore but also in
Groovy beats: All music lovers are in for a treat as world's number 34 DJ is here to spin to some groovy tunes. DJ Chuckie has toured across the world and will be performing in the country for the first time. Pebble, Princess Academy, No. 3, Ramanamaharishi Road Bellary Road, Near Palace Grounds,Sadashivnagar, March 2, 5 pm 23614109
The time is yours: Gift your friend or loved one a watch over a piece of jewellery this time. Chrono watch introduces Rose Gold watches, in gold rich alloy The collection boasts of many designs and offers colours as well. Prices start at Rs 10,000. Available at www.chronowatch company.com Simply traditional: This season ditch the western for cool and light traditional outfits. The spring 2013 collection by Fusion boasts of the bohemian that has big floral and geometric prints and gives the 70s look. The range offers printed chiffon tops, tunics, kurtis and skirts in varied lengths. Available at all Max retail outlets Bottles in your jean: Ever thought of jeans made from bottles? Here is the proof. Levis introduces the Spring 2013 collection made from recycled bottles, which means that the plastic is melted and
converted to polyester fibers which is then incorporated in the fabric. The collection is priced between Rs. 2,299 to Rs 6,500. Available at all Levis outlets In a kaleidoscopic world: Revamp your house with the Kaleidoscope collection by Fabindia. The designs are inspired by artist Trishla Jain's work and consist of furniture pieces, giftware, home, bath, table and bed linen. Available at all Fabindia outlets For your little ones: Choose from a variety of books on colouring, drawing, stories, art and craft, sticker book, story books, interactive books with black boards, jigsaw puzzle books, comics, novels, Tamil and phonetics books at this exhibition cum sale. Jollykids Pre-Primary School, No. 31, 7th Cross, 1st Main, ISRO Layout, March 1 9632931401
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theatre Yashodhare Awakens
Yashodhare Awakens: The play depicts the events that took place in Buddha's life. Some of the events covered are the pre departure scene at the palace,Yashodhare's turmoil, Siddhartha’s exit from the kingdom, the Kisa-Gowthami episode and Buddhadeva's visit to Kapilavastu. It will shed light on Buddha's teachings. Directed by Harish Sheshadri,
the play has Sushmitha Sridhara, Deepti Prabhakar, Abhijit Revathi and Shilpa Rudrappa. Jagriti theatre , Varthur Road, Ramagondanahalli, Whitefield, March 1 and 2, 8 pm and March 3, 3 pm and 6.30 pm 41248298 2 Idiots: While most love stories begin
with love and end with marriage, the play begins with marriage and then comes love. The play is about the love story of a married couple of four months. The couple being newly married are discovering each other’s qualities, some of which are pleasant and some are not. This is a must watch for all newly married couples. Directed by Kamlesh Oza, it
has Ninad Limaye, Bhakti Rathod, Dimple Asher and Kamlesh Oza. Chowdiah Memorial Hall, 16th Cross, Malleshwaram, March 3, 2.45 pm and 6.30 pm 23445810
Ravindran it has Anjali Nair, Anshul Pathak, Rency Philip and Swetanshu Bora. Ranga Shankara, #36/2, 8th Cross, 2nd Phase, JP Nagar, March 5 to 7, 7.30 pm 26592777
Pinocchio: This all-time favourite fairytale is now adapted in a play. Pinocchio is the story of a wooden carved doll. He is innocent yet naughty and his nose becomes longer when he tells lies. The play is a must watch for children as it not only shares an age old children’s tale but also comes with a lot of lessons. KH Kala Soudha, Hanumanthanagar, Ramanjaneya Temple Compound, March 3, 6.30 pm 42064969
Gun-Jha: The basis of this play is the aspirations of the young. The play is about young scientists who are fresh out of college. They are out in the world to change a lot of things and leave no stone unturned and make sure the change happens. The play will put these scientists in the most bizarre situation. Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, # 16 GMT Road, Vasanthnagar, March 3, 7.45 pm 41231340
Somewhat like a Balloon: The play is about a boy who ventures out in the world to look for his missing father. During the course of his journey he meets a lot of people and encounters many situations which make the play interesting. Directed by Vinod
Yelli Jaritho Manavu: The play is about an extra-marital relationship. The main protagonist, Anagha and Ravi, are married. Ravi is a freelance journalist and he is married to Keerthi. Anagha works as a sub editor and is married to Girish. Ravi and Anagha meet and fall in love with each
other despite being married. Ravi feels that Anagha is sensuous, sensitive, intelligent and mature and Anagha thinks that Ravi is intense, passionate and romantic. Directed by Ganesh Yadav, it has Nandita Yadav, Mico Manju, Nagesh Yadav, Alak Nanda, Vidya Venkatram and Surabhi Arvind. KH Kala Soudha, Hanumanthanagar, Ramanjaneya Temple Compound, March 6, 7 pm 42064969 Hone your acting skills: Imbroglio, a Bangalore based production house provides a forum to youngsters who want to hone their acting skills. The course titled 'Broadway Bangalore' aims to cover all the aspects of theatre which include singing, acting and dancing along with the basics of light, sound, stage and set design. The fee for the course is Rs 1,200 for professionals and Rs 1,000 for students. 644, 2nd floor, 4th block, 11th main, 80 feet road, Koramangala, March 2 and 3 9535567480
To get your event listed, write to us at listings@talkmag.in
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film I, Me Aur Main 5.20 pm, 9.50 INOX, Mantri Mall, Malleswaram10 am, 2.40 pm, 7.20 Fame Shankarnag, MG Road- 12.15 pm Fame Lido Off MG Road- 10.10 am, 12.20 pm, 4.50, 9.50 Fame Forum Value Mall, Whitefield- 10.20 am, 12.20 pm, 5, 9.20 PVR, Koramangala- 10 am, 12 pm, 2.05, 7.30, 9.40 PVR, Orion Mall, Rajajinagar- 10 am, 2.25 pm, 4.45, 7.05
I, Me Aur Main Hindi The movie is about Ishaan, a music producer from Mumbai. He lives with his girlfriend Anushka. One day, his life falls apart as his girlfriend throws him out of her apartment and he loses his job. He moves into a new place and becomes friendly with his neighbour Gauri. She teaches him all about relationships and he soon falls in love with her. Now he's in a fix and doesn't know
whom to choose. Directed by Kapil Sharma the movie stars John Abraham, Chitrangda Singh and Prachi Desai in the lead. Innovative Multiplex, Marathahalli- 11.30 am, 3.45 pm, 8 Urvashi Digital 4K Cinemas- 11.30 am, 9.45 pm Gopalan Cinemas, Bannerghatta Road- 12.05 pm, 3.55, 8 Cinepolis, Bannerghatta Road- 10 am, 2.40 pm, 5.25, 7.20 Rex Theater- 3.20 pm Gopalan
Mall, Sirisi Circle- 10 am, 8 pm CineMAX, Central Mall, Bellandur- 3 pm, 7.45, 10 Gopalan Cinemas, Arch Mall, Mysore Road- 10 am, 5.25 pm Gopalan Grand Mall, Old Madras Road12.15 pm, 7.40 , 9.45 Rockline Cinemas, Jalahalli Cross- 10.45 am, 5.30 pm INOX, Central Mall, JP Nagar- 10.05 am, 2.45 pm, 7.25 INOX, Garuda Mall10.15 am, 3.05 pm, 7.25, 9.55 INOX, Swagath Garuda Mall, Jayanagar-
The Attacks of 26/11 Hindi Based on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the film has been in the news ever since its conception. It stars Sanjeev Jaiswal who plays the role of terrorist Ajmal Kasab. The movie is a portrayal of the tragic night of 26/11 and tries to provide a clear picture of what transpired during the attacks. Directed by Ram Gopal Verma, it stars Nana Patekar, Sanjiv Jaiswal and Ganesh Yadav in the lead. Innovative Multiplex, Marathahalli- 1.30 pm, 5.45, 10 Urvashi Digital 4K cinemas- 2.30 pm Cinepolis, Bannerghatta Road- 12.15 pm, 3, 4.45,
7.40, 9.35 CineMAX, Central Mall, Bellandur12.30 pm, 5.15, 7.45, 10 Gopalan Cinemas, Mysore Road- 2.50 pm, 10 Q Cinemas, ITPL, Whitefield10 am, 2.40 pm, 9.30 INOX, Central, JP Nagar12.20 pm, 5, 9.40 INOX, Garuda Mall, Magrath Road- 10.05 am, 2.35 pm, 7.30 , 9.40 INOX, Swagath Garuda Mall, Jayanagar- 10 am, 3 pm, 7.30 INOX, Mantri Mall, Malleswaram10.05 am, 12.15 pm, 4.55, 9.35 Fame Shankarnag, MG Road- 4.55 pm Fame Lido, off MG Road- 10.05 am, 2.30 pm, 7.25, 9.05 Fame Forum Value Mall, Whitefield- 10 am, 2.35 pm, 7.15, 9.40 Jack and the Giant Slayer 3D English The movie is based on a fairytale. It is about the peace that is disturbed between human and giants as a young farmer leads an expedition into the giants’ kingdom in hope of rescuing a kidnapped princess. Directed by Bryan Singer it stars Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Bill Nighy, Ewen Bremner and Warwick Davis in the
lead. Innovative Multiplex, Marathahalli - 7.15 PM, 9.45 Urvashi Digital 4K cinemas- 6.30 Cinepolis, Bannerghatta Road- 10 am, 2.30 pm, 7.30 Rex Theater- 10.55 am, 5.20 pm INOX, JP Nagar- 10 am, 4.55 pm, 9.55 INOX, Garuda Mall, Magrath Road- 10.15 am, 12.30 pm, 5.20, 7.35, 9.50 INOX, Swagath Garuda Mall, Jayanagar- 1.15 pm, 6.30 INOX, Mantri Mall, Malleswaram- 12.55 pm, 2.35, 7.40, 9.55 Fame Shankarnag, MG Road- 10 am, 9.55 pm Fame Lido, off MG Road- 12.35 pm, 2.50, 5.05, 9.50 Fame Forum Value Mall, Whitefield- 10
am, 12.15 pm, 5.25, 7.40, 9.50 PVR, Koramangala9.50 pm PVR, Orion Mall, Rajajinagar- 10 am, 12 pm, 2.25, 7.20, 9.45 Topiwalla Kannada The movie has a lot of elements of fun and frolic. Directed by MG Srinivas, it stars Upendra and Bhavana in the lead roles. Music has been composed by V Harikrishna. Nartaki- 10.30am, 1.30pm , 4.30, 7.30, Navarang10.30am, 1.30pm , 4.30, 7.30, Uma- 10.30am, 1.30pm , 4.30, 7.30, Siddeshwara- 10.30am, 1.30pm , 4.30, 7.30
Topiwalla
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DEMONSTRATED BY PRIYA CRASTA. PHOTOS BY RAMESH HUNSUR. TRANSCRIBED BY RADHIKA P
Train regularly and break free Way of Budo 23 Budo is about constant growth, and not winning, says Sensei Avinash Subramanyam
o how can budo transform you? I have seen remarkable changes among my students. Many have changed from hating stray dogs to genuinely loving them. A brilliant software engineer, who might otherwise have worried himself sick about hygiene, today picks up chicken from the floor and eats it without hesitation. He cleans dog poop or vomit with his bare hands, and without a thought. His mind is so free. Another student who only saw work and career as his prime goal now takes time off for a notso-remarkable lunch with me. In different ways people have given up their sense of self-importance. How to train? The most important way is the application of love with the five senses, as we have discussed earlier. Let’s take the example of anger. Ideally, you
S
shouldn’t merely give up anger but should reach a state when you don’t get angry at all. If you are a person with a hot temper, practise your budo techniques when you get angry, and return to being a happy, loving person. On the rare occasion when I have to ‘show’ anger at someone, I remain perfectly happy inside, and laugh with the rest. And mind you, this is not pretence. Train to treat the anger as a thought and feeling that can be left behind. Don’t let it engulf your entire self. Learn to switch off your brain from the anger. It’s like relieving someone from a hiccup by effecting a change of thought—you can surprise him with a splash of cold water. Of course, switching off a thought is not easy. Practise it in small doses. If a friend shouts at you because she has had a bad day at
work, work around her anger. I would have such a conversation that she doesn’t subsequently feel bad for her actions. Learn to veer the person towards a thought that makes her happy, or where her ego does not come into play. Don’t react to provocations. When you don’t react, how can a person continue a fight? Slowly learn to wind down the body. Give up your temper, the need to prove a point, the need to say you are right. Say your wife orders a dish that you have said tastes bad. If she subsequently doesn’t like the dish, don’t say “I told you so.” Instead ask her not to eat it as it might upset her stomach. Or ask her to give it to a hungry street dog. Be magnanimous, save the situation. When you are right about something, concern yourself with only what is right, not that YOU
were right. Truth and not ego is important. Never want to be right. Neither is regret a desirable emotion when you are wrong. Never lament or brood; only correct yourself. Kaizen, or continuous improvement, is the key. Never use the power you possess. If you hold 70 per cent of a company’s share, be humble. Don’t let your subordinates feel insecure. If a friend borrows my car, I never say, “Don’t rev up the engine too much”. Rather, he should feel comfortable enough to ask me to repair the car if he damages it. Budo is constant growth, not winning. It is a very simple path, difficult, but one of true joy. In practising budo every moment of your life, you will be amazed at the vast changes it can bring. So practise it. For it is not enough only to read and understand the path — it is important to live it.
STRETCHING EXERCISE 1
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4
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Pic 5 & 6: Run palm through the length of the body sidewards and bring it parallel to your shoes. Touch the instep of the leg.
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Starting posture: Stand erect and relaxed with feet shoulder width apart and parallel to each other
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Bring feet together. Make fists and bring hands to waist.
Stretch right hand upwards in line with the body. Right palm faces the sky and fingers point backwards. Do not move your neck unnecessarily.
Turn your body slightly and bring right palm to the side of body.
Pic 7 & 8: Draw across instep, turn palm to face the front, make a fist again and slowly come back to starting posture.
Perform the same technique with left hand. Repeat both sides once more. The technique helps relax and stretch lower part of body, shoulder, waist, chest and extremities.
memoir
A lawyer's dilemma
VIVEK ARUN
Should he drop the case of a politician accused of murdering a crusading lawyerjournalist, or argue for the defence, risking the anger of his fraternity?
Shankare Gowda stood up to ask the f I don’t talk about what happened at the Mandya Lawyers’ Association, I gathering, “Can Hanumantharaya speak would be losing an opportunity to now?” When I rose, I observed that my coltalk about one of the most special experiences of my life. The questions league Prof Basavaraju was getting tense. I I encountered there are questions every suspected he was feeling guilty that I had lawyer faces at least once in his lifetime. The landed in trouble because of him, after takanswers may depend on one’s experience, ing up the case on his insistence. I noticed ideology, likes and dislikes. The dilemmas many known faces in the audience. They we face are not uncommon in other profes- seemed confident I would understand their sentiments and drop the case. Newspaper sions either. After facing the legal community’s ire reporters were assiduously noting down the proceedings. I was for taking up the case of a confident I would Congress leader accused of ‘Have you ever make my point, and murdering lawyer-journalist convince them. Gangadharamurthy, I was called dropped a case As I was about to to the association for an open out of social begin my speech, one debate, and given a prominent concern?’ I asked of the reporters stood seat on the dais. Senior lawyer up and asked me loudKC Shankare Gowda sat next to me. BJP leader Ramalingaiah, also a practis- ly, “You are not just a lawyer but also a citizen known for your social concerns. Isn’t it ing advocate, sat next to us. The opening remarks were delivered by important how you choose your cases? It is the lawyer Somashekhar. Addressing me, he better not to accept certain cases in the pubsaid: “You have earned enough name, fame, lic interest. I know you are embarrassed by and money because of your profession. Your my question, but it is a relevant question. practice is at its peak. You wouldn’t have lost Please answer.” This is what I said, cautiously, keeping anything by declining LR Shivarame Gowda’s case. On the contrary, you would in mind that the audience was keen to hear have earned the admiration of your fellow my every word: “I have taken up this case in accordance lawyers. Given our concerns, you must declare right now that you will not appear with the oath I took, like all lawyers, before for Shivarame Gowda.” As he concluded, the entering the legal profession. It is not proplawyers in the audience applauded in er for a lawyer to decide whether his client is guilty or innocent before accepting a case. If endorsement. Ramalingaiah paid a rich tribute to the lawyer makes such a judgment, then the Gangadharamurthy, saying he felt like a justice delivery system would be ruined, and bereaved brother. He glanced at me as if to the courts would lose relevance. Prima facie suggest, “He was a brother to you, too.” evidence may have stacked up against the Srinivas, vice-president of the Raitha Sangha client, but that does not mean he is guilty. If and a lawyer, said: “Many lawyers’ associa- we look at the Shivarame Gowda case from a tions, including the Bangalore Lawyers’ moral perspective, we would be prejudiced, Association, have passed resolutions that no and could end up committing an unforgivlawyer should argue for Shivarame Gowda, able mistake. The case is a legal issue. Only Hanumantharaya has insulted the lawyer when we realise this can we set out to find community by defying their resolutions.” the truth. As long as we treat this as a moral issue, we remain vulnerable to emotional His speech received resounding applause. pressure. I appeal to you to come out of this wrong perception. The morality we desired has spawned the law. It is an irony that we are out to deny the justice delivery
I
crime folio
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Fabled ranconteur and Bangalore’s top-notch criminal lawyer brings you moving, sensational and bizarre stories from 40 years of his practice
CH HANUMANTHARAYA
system after accepting the supremacy of law under the Constitution. Unless we realise this truth, we can never be honest lawyers. Into the accepted judicial system, we cannot insert moral principles defined on our own terms. I am not just trying to exercise my right. While I am free to prove my client innocent, you are free to prove him guilty. No one has the right to subvert this process. “If I don’t take up this case, someone else will. If no lawyer comes forward, the court will offer the services of a counsel to the accused, free of cost. We must not be distracted from the noble principle that allows the system to punish an accused if he is guilty, and protect him if he is innocent. In the legal system, you have an opportunity to prove Shivarame Gowda guilty. You must fight the legal battle. But, going by the statements you made just now, I see a plan to shirk your responsibility. “Senior lawyers among you will have handled thousands of cases. Has there ever been a single instance when you dropped a case because of your social concerns? If your brother is framed in a murder case, wouldn’t you scout for a lawyer who goes about his work without talking about social concern?” As I spoke, the audience was visibly embarrassed. Shankare Gowda interrupted me to ask them, “Is that enough? Or do you want more?” I could see many lawyers leaving the meeting, unsatisfied. (To be continued) Translated by BV Shivashankar
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talk the intelligent bangalorean’s must-read weekly
How do advertisers talk to Bangalore’s most intelligent readers? They call these numbers Abhay 95388 92618 Mithun 98864 69787
T I M E P A SS 1st Cross
talk|7 mar 2013|talkmag.in
Talk’s weekly crossword for Bangaloreans who know their way about town capital of Belarus (5) 12 BBMP recently carried out a ___ immunization programme (5) 13 Proposed road whose width has been reduced from 100 metres to 70 metres to compensate farmers (10,4) 15 According to a recent survey Bangalore has the highest incidence of this disease among Indian cities (6) 16 Theatre at Banashankari (7) 17 A mob torched KSRTC buses here after a teenager was run over by one (6)
1 3
DOWN Gulbarga City Corporation commissioner who was recently suspended (1,7) From 31st March you will need one to
Last week’s solution Across: 1 Bowring, 4 Surajkund, 8 Soulmate, 9 Chola, 10 Rcb, 11 Koduguraki, 14 Gunre, 15 Bidar, 16 Garden, 17 Hansraj.
1
2 4
ACROSS Environment and forest minister who recently handed in his resignation (1,1,9) Autonomous car race held at Chowdiah Memorial Hall (9,3) Engineering college which recently held a seminar on entrepreneur-
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ship skills (3) Alert night cops foiled a burglary attempt at the Vidyanagar branch of this bank (6) 7 Village in the news when an elephant chased a car (7) 10 Popular pub in Indira Nagar (4) 11 Bangalore square named after the 6
Down: 2 Indonesia, 3 Passport, 5 Kailash, 6 Tavarekere, 7 Ansari, 9 Chungwah, 12 ULB, 13 Aadhar, 18 Six.
watch TV (3-3,3) ___ Layout: Bangalore suburb home to many temples (11) 5 University which held a walkathon against drugs, alcohol and cigarettes (7) 8 Karnataka town home to the Vidyashankara Temple (8) 9 Two students from BMS College of Engineering have been selected for this prestigious fellowship (5,5) 10 The place for Oriental food on Richmond road (6) 14 ___ Buildings: Bangalore has 39 of these environmentally friendly constructions (5) 4
Prof Good Sense I have a crush on my close friend's husband. He is extremely handsome and likes me a lot. He makes sure that we have a pleasant time whenever we go out. My friend will murder me if she finds out about us. I know you will find this silly, but I'm also feeling guilty. Can you help? Anonymous, Bangalore You are caught been propriety and fun. I don't see why you can't have a harmless crush. But since it is your best friend's husband in question, I suggest you distance yourself from both of them for some time. Try to enhance your social circle, and who knows, you might even find a better and more handsome man to be interested in. Your friend is unlikely to remain your friend if you don't stay within your limits. So, tread carefully or better still, don't tread in that direction at all.
Prof M Sreedhara Murthy teaches psychology at NMKRV First Grade College. He is also a well-known photographer. Mail queries to prof@talkmag.in
talk|7 mar 2013|talkmag.in
Why’s Canada scared of asteroids? Last Monday, an Indian rocket carried Canada’s first military satellite into space. The Canadian Space Agency’s NearEarth Object Surveillance Satellite, or NEOSSat is the size of a suitcase, and will be the first spacecraft specifically designed to search for large asteroids. It will also look out for space junk and satellites still in service in Earth's orbit, splitting time between its two missions. We agree that’s a good thing,
considering how the recent meteor shower in Russia, spectacular as it was, injured 1,000 people. But we can’t help noticing the irony of it though. Canada, an icy desert for the most part, is so tense about asteroids that it has sent a satellite to look for them. Whereas the governments of thickly populated India and China seem oblivious to any such threat. Er, hello? Shouldn’t it be the other way round?
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So sick it’s trendy It’s over for the wizards, vampires and werewolves. The hottest selling Young Adult fiction in the UK or US now features death, fatal diseases, hospitals, and suchlike, things you thought even teenage girls would keep off. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear yet, ‘sick-lit’ has emerged one of the fastest growing genres in publishing. The Fault in Our Stars, one of the biggest hits in the genre, is a typical example. It’s about Hazel, a 16-
When goldfish go wild Imagine getting eaten by a goldfish. Well, it hasn’t got there yet, but it’s certainly headed in that direction. Tourists at Lake Tahoe, one of the US’s biggest freshwater lakes, recently found goldfish that have grown up to 1.5 ft in length. Experts believe the fish—which is alien to the place, but has survived harsh winters and is multiplying rapidly— were dumped there by aquarium owners. In other words, it is the same goldfish you could have bought from a
pet store, except it has gone mutant. But this is mild stuff compared to what’s happening closer home. The lethal Piranha—a native of the Amazon with a legendary appetite for meat—has been found on the loose in places like the Kaptai Lake in south-east Bangladesh, and Chalakudy River in Kerala. Call us paranoid, but one of these days, we expect to hear about porky weekend tourists who took a cool little dip and came up weighing a lot less.
year-old cancer patient who meets a really cute guy in a cancer support group. He is an amputee and also dying. They fall in love, he dies, she survives. After his death she finds notes the boy had been writing for her own eulogy. The story ends with her saying to the absent lover, “I do.” Other best-selling titles include Before I Die, Red Tears and Zoe Letting Go (you get the picture). Going by the titles, we’re sick already, thank you.