Community Community Bangladesh Volunteers Forum Qatar from Doha P6organises P12 Environmental Children Art Actions Project Competition at MHM celebrate Bangladesh School 100th beach and College. clean-up drive.

Monday, March 25, 2019 Rajab 18, 1440 AH

Doha today: 230 - 270

COVER Inviting trouble STORY Anti-vaccine activists have doctors ‘terrorised into silence’ with online harassment. P4-5

BOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD

Akhtar could have talked Kelly’s attorney backs off request before tweeting: Ssingh. for singer to travel abroad. Page 10 Page 11 2 GULF TIMES Monday, March 25, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.17am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.33am Zuhr (noon) 11.40am Asr (afternoon) 3.07pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.49pm Isha (night) 7.19pm

USEFUL NUMBERS Ulan view of the rain, reminding her of failed life and other DIRECTION: Irene Villamor depressing things. Will the rain ever stop her in her journey to CAST: Nadine Lustre, Carlo Aquino, Marco Gumabao overcome past heartaches? SYNOPSIS: Maya is a girl who has always held a pessimistic THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Five Feet Apart boundaries and self-control, all of which get put to the test Qatar Airways 40253374 DIRECTION: Justin Baldoni when she meets Will, an impossibly charming teen who CAST: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Claire Forlani has the same illness. There’s an instant connection, though SYNOPSIS: A pair of teenagers with life-threatening restrictions dictate that they must maintain a distance illnesses meet in a hospital and develop liking for each other. between them. Seventeen-year-old Stella spends most of her time in the hospital as a cystic fi brosis patient. Her life is full of routines, THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q “Idealism The Mall Cinema (1): 9:15pm; Badla () 11:30pm. increases in direct Captain Marvel (2D) 2:30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Captain Marvel (2D) 5pm; (1): Manou The Swift (2D) proportion to one’s distance Ulan (Tagalog) 7:15pm; Hotel 3pm; Mirai (2D) 5pm; Captain from the problem.” (2D) 9:15pm; Badla Landmark Cinema (1): Marvel (2D) 7pm; Us (2D) (Hindi) 11:30pm. June () 3pm; June 9:15pm; Captain Marvel (2D) — John Galsworthy The Mall Cinema (2): Manou (Malayalam) 5:45pm; June 11:30pm. The Swift (2D) 2pm; Wonder (Malayalam) 8:30pm; June Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Park (2D) 3:45pm; Manou (Malayalam) 11:15pm. (2): Badla (Hindi) 2:30pm; The Swift (2D) 5:15pm; Five Landmark Cinema (2): Badla (Hindi) 4:45pm; Hotel Feet Apart (2D) 7pm; Us (2D) Wonder Park (2D) 3pm; Mumbai (2D) 7pm; Hotel 9:15pm; Mard Ko Dard Nahin Manou The Swift (2D) 5pm; Mumbai (2D) 9:15pm; Badla Hota (Hindi) 11:30pm. Captain Marvel (2D) 7pm; (Hindi) 11:30pm. The Mall Cinema (3): Badla Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Community Editor (Hindi) 2:30pm; The Brand (Hindi) 9:15pm; Captain (3): Captain Marvel (2D) Kamran Rehmat New Adventures of Aladdin Marvel (2D) 11:30pm. 2:30pm; June (Malayalam) e-mail: [email protected] (2D) 5pm; Captain Marvel Landmark Cinema (3): 4:45pm; Five Feet Apart Telephone: 44466405 (2D) 7pm; Captain Marvel Badla (Hindi) 2:30pm; Tolet (2D) 7:15pm; Ulan (Tagalog) Fax: 44350474 (2D) 9:15pm; Tolet (Tamil) (Tamil) 5pm; Hotel Mumbai 9:30pm; Tolet (Tamil) 11:30pm. (2D) 7pm; Hotel Mumbai (2D) 11:30pm. Monday, March 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year anniversary celebrations.

Ballet Lessons WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 4pm – 8pm For more info e-mail at registration@ atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Music and arts activities for students taking place after they finish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and EVENTS 10 years old after school hours. Qatar International Food Festival Hobby Classes WHERE: Oxygen Park Qatar Foundation WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art WHEN: Ongoing till March 30 Centre TIME: 3pm – 12am Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club WHEN:Wednesday – Monday This edition marks 10 successful years of WHERE: Losail Circuit Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is paving the way for opportunities in Qatar’s WHEN: Ongoing a holistic performing arts institution and F&B sector while welcoming visitors and TIME: 5pm a one stop solution for adults as well as residents to enjoy the diverse flavours Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association children looking to explore their talents of the world at the forefront of Qatar’s with Qatar Sports For All Federation, in various art forms. We offer classes in picturesque venues. invites all cyclists, runners and walkers contemporary, , hip hop, indian to train under the floodlights of Losail classical dance, music (Hindustani and MIA Park Bazaar 2019 International Circuit every Wednesdays. Carnatic), arts and craft, karate, yoga, WHERE: Museum Of Islamic Art percussion( Chenda, Thimila, Elathalam WHEN: Ongoing and Madhalam), violin, harmonium, public TIME: 12pm – 8pm speaking. MIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant Additional services include dance mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a Artistic Gymnastic Classes education, choreograph music videos and modern version of the old souq tradition. WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb dance cover albums, choreograph dance The stalls are going to offer a wide range WHEN: Ongoing musical projects, corporate workshops and of gastronomies from all over the world. TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm events, choreograph events for schools, You can also browse and grab handcrafted The olympic sport using horizontal bar, colleges, alumni meets and corporate artefacts, accessories, canvases, fashion rings and floor exercises on mats for the and choreography events. For details, call wears, designer ornaments. children from age 4 till 16. 33897609.

Bangladesh Festival Qatar Dance and Instrument Classes WHERE: Katara WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf WHEN: Ongoing till tomorrow Times Building TIME: 4pm onwards WHEN: Wednesday – Monday A 6-day long festival showcasing Learn the movements of dance styles Bangladeshi movie, kids art competition, in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the adult art workshop, food festival, musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, paginating as well as photography Arabic Calligraphy Workshop Keyboard for adults as well kids and move exhibition at Katara Cultural Village. This WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday in the world of music. For details, contact impressive festival will provide a great TIME: 6pm 66523871/ 31326749. opportunity for Bangladeshi people to Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Teddy Bear Mini Hospital get a taste and feel their country’s unique Come and learn the artistic practice of WHERE: Doha Festival City culture. Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at WHEN: Until March 30 Music and Arts Atelier. TIME: 10am – 8pm The lessons will take place every The Teddy Bear Mini Hospital at Festival Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at City is a fun and educational experience 6pm. For more information, contact for children to help them overcome their [email protected] fear of doctors and health checkups, by simulating the process of visiting a hospital or a medical centre.

Mehaseel Festival WHERE: Katara Cultural Village WHEN: Ongoing till March 31 Mehaseel Souq will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31st of March. It is a perfect market to get amazing local fresh produce.

Syria Matters Exhibition WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 TIME: 9am – 7pm Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha presents a major exhibition, co-curated by

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, March 25, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Unsocial welcome Social media platforms facilitate antagonistic behaviour, with doctors facing online harassment and even co-ordinated attacks for promoting vaccines, writes Soumya Karlamangla

HARASSMENT: As measles cases pop up across the United States, public health advocates have blamed social media for allowing misinformation to take root and swiftly spread.

r Dana Corriel wrote on Facebook in September that the fl u vaccine had arrived and encouraged patients to When paediatric come to her offi ce for a shot. Within hours, the post was fl ooded practices are being Dwith thousands of comments from people … terrorised into opposed to vaccines. Corriel initially decided to allow the postings to continue, hoping to use the silence, it’s going moment to educate people about the importance of immunisations. to create a void in But then she began to feel threatened. People she had never treated gave her one-star ratings the discourse. And online. Commenters called her a “pharma we all know who’s vaccine whore” and a “child killer,” according to screenshots shared with the Los Angeles Times. going to fill that: the Someone looked up her offi ce address in New York City and mailed her an anti-vaccine book. anti-vax folks “That was a little too close to home,” said Corriel, an internal medicine physician. “I ‘ held out for a few days, but I couldn’t take the — Chad Hermann, attention and all the craziness and I deleted the post.” communications As measles cases pop up across the United States, public health advocates have blamed director social media for allowing misinformation to take root and swiftly spread. But the platforms also facilitate far more antagonistic behaviour, ’ with doctors facing online harassment and even Monday, March 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY coordinated attacks for promoting said. the company “removes reviews that vaccines. People who run these groups say violate our policies.” Since late 2017, there have they aren’t responsible for anti- The online furore on Kass’ page been more than 50 of these vaccine campaigns. Larry Cook died down within a week, but he online campaigns against health told The Times that his group, the said he feels hesitant to talk about providers who promote vaccines, 159,000-member Stop Mandatory vaccines on Facebook for fear of some of which have led to threats Vaccinations, is a forum for engendering a similar response. of harm that prompted calls to discussion about immunisations. “The volume of it was really the police, said Chad Hermann, Dr Sherri Tenpenny, an overwhelming and just emotionally communications director for osteopathic physician in Ohio who challenging. It just feels torrential,” Kids Plus Pediatrics, a Pittsburgh runs Vaccine Choices, said she Kass said. practice that faced one of these does not encourage members “to Facebook announced earlier this online attacks in 2017 and then engage in social media harassment month that it will lower the ranking began tracking them. schemes.” of posts that promote vaccine Teaching physicians how “Vaccination has become misinformation, and reject anti- to combat tactics that could a volatile topic and personal, vaccine advertisements. Pinterest otherwise scare them into silence retaliatory words and actions serve decided to block all search results is increasingly important as no-one — on either side,” she said related to vaccines, whether or not millennials become parents and in a statement e-mailed to The they are medically accurate. turn to the Internet to make Times. But doctors hoping to engage decisions about whether to Since their HPV video was directly with patients face a vaccinate their children, Hermann fl ooded with comments, Hermann particular challenge. Highly said. and Dr Todd Wolynn, the charged vaccination foes can often For the fi rst time, the World paediatrician he works for, have drown out physicians in what Health Organisation has named spoken at conferences trying to amounts to an online shouting vaccine hesitancy as one of the top encourage doctors to not back match, experts say. 10 global health threats. down. (Wolynn does vaccine Dr Kristen Stuppy, a Kansas Hermann and his colleagues have research with the Merck and Sanofi paediatrician, blocked anti-vaccine lectured about their experiences pharmaceutical companies.) commenters after they swarmed weathering these attacks, and have They are working on a pro bono a pro-vaccine post she wrote developed a campaign to encourage project to help physicians called last year. Now she chooses not to doctors not to shy away from the “Shots Heard Round the World,” engage with them at all online, she Internet. which includes tips on how to ban said, believing she can’t use logic to “When paediatric practices are commenters, disable Facebook overcome their fears. being … terrorised into silence, ratings and call in reinforcements “Fear is so much stronger than it’s going to create a void in the — people who will post pro-vaccine facts,” Stuppy said. “Even when discourse,” Hermann said. “And we information. all the facts are there, people all know who’s going to fi ll that: the These harmful social media don’t hear the facts, they feel the anti-vax folks.” campaigns can be overwhelming feelings.” Corriel took a few weeks off for small practices to handle alone, Those feelings are often from posting about vaccinations, Wolynn said. More than half the what drive people to harass unsettled by the backlash. doctors he informally surveyed at a physicians who speak out about But on Halloween, a month after recent medical conference run their vaccines, said Dr Paul Offit, a her viral post, she shared a photo on own social media pages. Philadelphia paediatrician who Facebook. In it, she is fl exing, with “They just don’t have the has written books tackling vaccine a Band-Aid on her arm, showing off bandwidth or the resources to deal misinformation. her fl u shot. with it, and it’s quite frightening,” He said he has weathered online That time, hateful comments did he said. and real-life harassment for not appear — perhaps because the Many practices’ online ratings decades, including the time a man post had not been shared in anti- have dropped because of spam called his clinic and said he knew vaccine Facebook groups, some of reviews. Yelp quickly deleted Kids the names of his children and the which have tens of thousands of Plus’ fraudulent reviews, but it took elementary school they attended. members. more than a year for Google to do But he said he feels hopeful In August 2017, Hermann posted the same, Wolynn said. that vaccine sentiment is turning a video on the Kids Plus Pediatrics Still, Wolynn and Hermann are in the right direction — a notion Facebook page that touted the undeterred. Earlier this month driven in part by the recent measles benefi ts of the vaccine that protects was HPV Awareness Day, and outbreaks showing parents how bad against the sexually transmitted on , Hermann reposted the actual disease is. disease HPV, which can cause the HPV video, the one that had “Nothing educates like the virus,” cancer. sparked so much hate. Offi t said. “Nothing educates like For three weeks, the comments Already, the resistance to outbreaks.” on the video were all positive, he vaccines has had signifi cant health —Los Angeles Times/TNS said. Then the video was shared eff ects nationwide. in a closed Facebook group called As of March 14, 268 people had Vaccine Choices — Fact VS been diagnosed with measles this Fiction, which has nearly 42,000 year in the US, with outbreaks Vaccination members. in California, Illinois, New York, Over the next six days, he said, Texas and Washington, according has become a the video drew more than 10,000 to the US Centers for Disease volatile topic anti-vaccine comments. Negative Control and Prevention. reviews dropped the practice’s In 2000, the US declared and personal, Google rating from 4.6 to less than measles eradicated. But it is one star, Hermann said. highly contagious and one of the retaliatory “We’re in WW3,” said one anti- fi rst diseases to come back when vaccine commenter, likening the vaccination rates drop, experts say. words and immunisation debate to a world Elias Kass, a Seattle alternative actions serve war. “The militaries around the medicine practitioner, watched his world need to get together and stop online ratings plummet last month no-one — on this insanity.” after he spoke at a state Senate Hermann said most of the committee hearing in favour of either side commenters didn’t live in vaccinations. Commenters called Pennsylvania, and some didn’t him a “fraud” and a “Nazi pharma even live in the United States. The shill,” according to screenshots he — Dr Sherri biggest concentrations were from shared with The Times. California, the Florida Panhandle, His Google rating fell because of Tenpenny, an Ohio, Texas and Oregon, Hermann fraudulent one-star reviews, not said. all of which Google has deleted, osteopathic “They’re coordinating attacks he said. Google spokeswoman Liz and sending the troops,” Hermann Davidoff said in a statement that physician 6 GULF TIMES Monday, March 25, 2019 COMMUNITY BFQ organises Children Art Competition

Bangladesh Forum Qatar (BFQ), in co-operation The competition was divided into three with Gulf Exchange, recently organised Children categories, including Under 14, Under 10 and Art Competition on the heritage of Bangladesh Under 5 years. and Qatar as part of week-long Bangladesh The winners of the competition, included Festival 2019 at MHM Bangladesh School and Meem Tabassum Noor, Joyal Ishwani and College. Al Kahf Sarim. Ashud Ahmed, Ambassador Ninety-eight students participated in the of Bangladesh, was the chief guest on the competition. The panel of judges, included occasion. Iftekhar Ahmed, President of BFQ, Kalidas Karmakar, expert of viscosity printing and Mohd Anwar Khurshid, Director of MHM and recipient of Shilpakala Padak and Ekushey Bangladesh School and College, also attended Padak, the second highest civilian award the event. in Bangladesh, and Mustafa Arshad Taru, Speaking on the occasion, Raju Ramachandra, photographer. Operations Manager of Gulf Exchange, thanked Top twenty participants were selected to attend BFQ for encouraging community development a workshop conducted by Kalidas Karmakar. work. Monirul Huda also spoke on the occasion.

Nehmeh organises annual reverse walk

Nehmeh recently organised annual Nehmeh Reverse Walk at Al Corniche. “Reverse Walk is an Walking backward forces your leg muscles to work harder and in different ways. Your heart important event in our calendar of activities to promote employee welfare initiatives. Adding rate tends to rise higher than it does when walking forward at the same pace, which suggests a new activity to our regular exercise routine prevents boredom, so this fun activity was getting greater cardiovascular and calorie-burning benefits in a shorter period of time. All well received and our event saw an overwhelming participation from staff across all group participants went through qualifications rounds to reach the grand finals. companies of Nehmeh,” said Fedaa Elharis, Head of Human Capital for Nehmeh. Mohamed Tayeb was the winner, which was followed by Adel Tchina as the runners-up.

GRADUATION: Greenwood International School and Kindergarten recently organised a graduation ceremony for the students of Kindergarten Section. A total of 168 students were felicitated with graduation certificated. Amala James, Managing Director of GISK, addressed the gathering. The event also featured various performances and activities. Monday, March 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY ASS elects new working committee

Arghakhachi Service Society – Qatar (ASS), The new off ice bearers of ASS, include Bishnu a Nepali community organisation, recently Bahadur Kunwar, First Vice Chairman; Bom elected its new working committee chaired by Bahadur Basnet, Second Vice Chairperson; Tekraj Thapa. Rajendra Pandey, Third Vice Chairperson; Bala Narendra Bhat, Nepali community leader, was Ram Pandey, General Secretary; Anil Pariyar, the chief guest on the occasion. The event Secretary; Netra Acharya, Treasurer; and also featured various cultural performances Santosh KC, Sub Treasurer. Other committee by artistes, including Raj Gurung, Saru Gurung, members, include Maniram Basnet, Krish Urmila Gurung, Johnny Aangdembe, Dev Kumar Basnet, Indubar Khanal, Suchitra Ghimire, Ganga Basnet and Dipendra Sunar. Sharma, Baburam Poudel, Arjun KC and Bom The event was hosted by Tekraj Thapa and Anil Bahadur Basnet. Pariyar. – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

GU-Q to organise Planet Georgetown

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is all “Students will learn critical thinking, research, set to organise Planet Georgetown, part of and debating skills they will need when they university’s year-long initiative dedicated to transition to university, or on any path they helping local high school students prosper pursue after high school. Each year, with its academically and prepare to become theme based lectures, simulation exercises and successful lifelong learners. skill-building activities, students are pushed out Under the theme of ‘“Borders, Nationalism, and of their comfort zone to become well-rounded Immigration,’ around 70 students of Grade individuals,” he added. IX-XII from 28 local schools would be taking The faculty members of GU-Q will be part in the programme. The programme would introducing the complexity of the programme’s be led by Jibin George Koshy, Educational theme. Participating students will examine real Enrichment Manager at GU-Q. “Through Planet world case studies, hone their public speaking Georgetown, and a variety of programmes skills in a student debate, and role-play and initiatives, Georgetown demonstrates a stakeholders of global immigration in a crisis firm commitment to extending our substantial simulation exercise. resources to the wider community in Qatar The programme will conclude with student to develop future leaders and diplomats,” said project presentations, and the awarding of Jibin. certificates of completion to participants. Doha College launches plant-based school café

Doha College, in partnership with Superheroes Eat Plants, recently launched a plant-based al-Dorani, Founder of Raw ME, said, “This is a groundbreaking moment for Qatar and the school café. The installation offers a wide variety of nutrient-packed meals, desserts, fruit and region, as the education sector is taking the first step in providing plant-based options for juices, served with minimal and sustainable packaging. students. It opens the dialogue on plant-based nutrition and compassionate, mindful eating, “Our mission is about changing the way the world thinks, eats and lives in one generation. as well as spreading awareness to future generations on the positive impact this has on That might sound fast, but one generation is all we’ve got. Our beautiful planet is experiencing our environment. As the first plant-based company in Qatar, we are proud to be part of this devastating global effects. However, thanks to pioneering leaders in education like Dr initiative and contribute to the overall vision of Qatar for a healthier, brighter future.” Sommer, and trailblazing embracing schools like Doha College, who realise that we need to Dr Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College, added, “It is in the school’s interest that the food start at grass root level, this mission can become a reality,” said Rebekah Gomez, Founder of students eat while in our care is varied, healthy and of high nutritional value. The philosophy SuperHero. of providing plant-based foods in addition to our current offering is in keeping with Doha Superheroes Eat Plants has partnered with Raw Middle East to deliver this new project. Layla College’s ethos as a Green Flag and Eco school, where sustainability matters.” 8 GULF TIMES Monday, March 25, 2019 COMMUNITY IIS organises graduation ceremony

Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently organised a graduation ceremony for the students of Addressing the gathering, Vijay Kumar, appreciated the school management and teachers Kindergarten Section. The students were felicitated with the certificates of promotion. Vijay for their efforts. The event also featured various performances, including welcome dance, Kumar, Third Secretary at the Embassy of , was the chief guest at the event. Dr Hassan blooming flowers, jolly phonics and a skit ‘beti bachao’ . Kunhi MP, President of IIS, presided over the event. The event kicked off with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Mohd. Hassan. Acacia Samantha The event was attended by notable personalities, including Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal of IIS; welcomed the gathering and Salma proposed a vote of thanks. The event was hosted by and Shirley D’Sales, Headmistress of KG Section, along with heads of other sections. Diana Lever.

The new Jaguar XE with enhanced design

The new Jaguar XE delivers an enhanced exterior design, all-new luxurious interior and Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said, “XE’s uniqueness is its totality. Customers get a complete advanced technologies, stated a press release. package of progressive design, innovative technology and extraordinary driving dynamics. An updated exterior design gives the XE a more purposeful and assertive stance. Continuing We don’t do ordinary and new XE personifies this. My team and I get huge satisfaction out of on from the beautifully judged proportions of the original car, new XE’s sporting intent has been improving a car we’re all so familiar with; we’ve lived with it, we understand its character and it’s taken up a level, with contemporary design cues inspired by the F-TYPE sportscar. a wonderful opportunity to make a great car even better. With new XE, we’ve done just that in New all-LED headlights with a striking ‘J’ blade daytime running light signature create a more every way imaginable.” purposeful look. For an even more performance-orientated character, R-Dynamic models include Jaguar XE’s lightweight aluminium intensive body structure continues to play a major role in the additional exterior design elements including aircraft winglet-inspired sculpted surfaces, dark car’s agile handling, exceptional safety and eff iciency. mesh detailing to the rear valance and alternative wheel styles. On the interior, the sporting Standard on all XE models, Dynamic mode amplifies the car’s sporting character, with faster gear influences continue with sports-style seats with contrast stitching, Satin Chrome gearshift shifts, sharper throttle response and increased steering weighting. Drivers are able to shape the paddles and R-Dynamic treadplates. driving experience with greater ease thanks to the optional Configurable Dynamics system. This The beautifully-crafted all-new interior features extensive use of soft-touch materials, premium feature allows drivers to set up the vehicle to their personal preference by choosing Comfort or veneers and all-new door trims that improve usability and practicality. New XE’s luxurious and Dynamic settings for the engine, gearbox and steering through the central touchscreen. technology-packed interior delivers more comfort, quality and connectivity for all occupants. The new XE is available with a choice of clean and eff icient Ingenium petrol engines. The Every aspect of the cabin has been enhanced for increased convenience, improved stowage and 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol is available with 250PS and 300PS outputs, badged P250 and P300, better passenger comfort. respectively. The influence of Jaguar’s flagship two-seater sportscar is also evident as both the SportShift XE’s entry-level specification now features an automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels, electric gear selector and JaguarDrive Control switch shared with the F-TYPE are on the revised centre leather seats, all-LED headlights and tail-lights with updated signature graphics, front and rear console. A new steering wheel, shared with the all-electric I-PACE, features hidden-until-lit park aid, rear camera and lane keep assist. Customers can select from S, SE and HSE trim levels, graphics and tactile switches for intuitive control of key functions. with each also available in sporty R-Dynamic guise. Monday, March 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 OFFBEAT COMMUNITY Female conductors on the rise Not too long ago, a female conductor leading a classical orchestra was a rarity. But over the past decade, more and more women have been getting up on the podium

LEADING SCORE: The Bavarian State Opera led by Joana Mallwitz plays a concert marking 100 years of the southern German region being a free state. PROFILE: Marin Alsop, American conductor

In Germany’s music colleges, By Georg Etscheit in the 2016/17 winter semester, 42 percent of those studying conducting were women. Ten years hen Mexican ago, that fi gure was just 27 percent. conductor Alondra However, the proportion of de la Parra made women heading Germany’s 130 her debut at the professional orchestras is still Mozart Week much lower than that. Meanwhile, Wmusic festival in Austria in January big music institutions like the 2019, the critics were full of praise. Salzburg Festival are increasingly Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung being asked to explain why they described her as a ‘charismatic are not showcasing more female conductor’ and wondered how conductors. long it would be before she was When recently faced with this snapped up by a German record question, Markus Hinterhaeuser, label. The 38-year-old, known for general director of the festival, her impulsive, physical conducting said he was sure there would style, is currently music director soon be more women on the of the Queensland Symphony podium. “I must have the feeling Orchestra in Brisbane, Australia. that I have found an ideal artistic And she is one of a growing constellation,” he said. “That is not number of ambitious women something gender-specifi c.” gracing the world’s podiums. The times of ‘active suppression Only a decade ago, examples of of women in creative professions,’ female conductors were few and as Niko Kerber of the Archive of far between, with a few notable VETERAN: Simone Young, former General Music Director at Hamburg State Opera. One of a few female conductors Women in Music in Frankfurt puts exceptions: Australian Simone who were around a decade ago. it, seem to be coming to an end. Young, then general music director And that’s something the old of the Hamburg State Opera; and More recently, as general in September – the fi rst woman to a less hierarchical structure. Early guard are also having to accept, such American Marin Alsop, then head of music director of the Nuremberg hold the position. music groups are often led not by as Mariss Jansons of the Bavarian the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. State Theatre, she conducted And then there’s the American an authoritarian conductor on a Radio Symphony Orchestra, 76, who Since then, women have made a production of Prokofi ev’s Karina Canellakis, soon-to-be podium, but by a fellow player, such was forced to apologise in 2017 after great strides in the music world and monumental operatic drama War chief conductor of the Netherlands’ as the Austrian cellist and conductor he described women on the podium now occupy a signifi cant number and Peace. Radio Filharmonisch Orkest; Nikolaus Harnoncourt, who died in as “not my cup of tea.” of top classical music positions The Wuppertal Symphony Lithuanian Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, 2016. Due to his advanced years, he worldwide. Orchestra also currently has who succeeded Andris Nelsons as Harnoncourt began his career as said, he had merely wished to Is one of the fi nal bastions of a woman at the helm, British music director of the ensemble that a cellist with the Vienna Symphony express that female conductors were masculinity in the music world conductor Julia Jones, as does launched Simon Rattle’s career, Orchestra before founding the something he was unaccustomed to. fi nally starting to fall? the New Lausitz Philharmonic the City of Birmingham Symphony Concentus Musicus Wien chamber He was forgiven. “Can a woman conduct Wagner? Orchestra with Ewa Strusinska from Orchestra; and last but not least, ensemble and later becoming a A lot of water may still have to Isn’t it too tiring?” Joana Mallwitz Poland. American Karen Kamensek, who regular guest conductor at the fl ow through the Blue Danube before has been asked this question Ukrainian Oksana Lyniv, a was general music director of Vienna Philharmonic and the a woman gets the chance to conduct many times. The answer, as she protegee of soon-to-be Berlin the Hanover State Opera until Salzburg Festival. the legendary Vienna Philharmonic has proved, is yes: Mallwitz has Philharmonic chief conductor the 2015/16 season and is now a “Women could do that too,” New Year’s Concert. conducted The Flying Dutchman in Kirill Petrenko, was until recently successful freelance conductor. says Mallwitz, who also worked as But the taboo has already been Copenhagen and Das Rheingold and in charge at the Graz Opera. She’s Things have changed a lot over the leader of her own ensemble, broken at the equally conservative Goetterdaemmerung at the Latvian now decided to carve out a freelance the past 10-20 years, according to Ochsentour, on her path to Vienna State Opera Ball – in 2017, National Opera in Riga. career and is tipped to become a big Mallwitz, especially when it comes becoming a general music director. Italian Speranza Scappucci stood in In the German city of Erfurt, name in the music world. to attitudes. You only have to look at the for an indisposed Semyon Bychkov, where she was the youngest music Alsop, meanwhile, will become One reason for that, she believes, proportion of women studying albeit wearing a conservative black director in Europe, she conducted the new chief conductor of the is the growing infl uence of the early conducting in music conservatoires trouser suit rather than a feminine Die Meistersinger von Nuernberg. Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra music scene, where ensembles have to see that something is changing. ball gown. – DPA 10 GULF TIMES Monday, March 25, 2019 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD Akhtar could have talked before tweeting: Ssingh

andeep Ssingh, one of (Oberoi, the fi lm’s lead actor), he the producers of PM knows Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. Narendra Modi, says Before tweeting, he could have that the makers of the contacted us,” the producer replied. forthcoming fi lm had According to a statement from Sacquired the rights of a song Ssingh, “T-Series being the offi cial penned by lyricist Javed Akhtar and music partner of our fi lm...we have that is why he was given a credit. taken the songs Ishwar Allah from The producer also says Akhtar the fi lm 1947: Earth and the song could have discussed it before Suno gaur se duniya walon from the commenting on social media. fi lm Dus, thus we have given the “Javed Akhtar is one of the due credits to respective lyricists highly regarded poets and lyricists Javed Sahab and Sameerji”. of our nation and I have grown up The fi lm is also involved in watching his fi lms and songs. He controversy because of its trailer. knows all of us so, before tweeting Many claimed that the trailer on the matter, he could have just that was shown to the media earlier made a call. this week was diff erent from what “We bought the copyright of the is now available on YouTube for song before using it in our fi lm. Our public viewing. Are the makers music department followed the trying to avoid the projection of the process,” Ssingh said. 2002 Gujarat riots in the fi lm? Akhtar had tweeted on Friday: “I Without speaking much about am shocked to fi nd my name on the the trailer, Ssingh said: “...people poster of this fi lm. Have not written will have to watch the fi lm.” any songs for it.” The movie is releasing on He also posted a snapshot of the April 5, a few days before the trailer’s video in which his name commencement of the Lok Sabha was mentioned among several other elections in India. PRODUCER: Sandeep Ssingh is one of the producers of PM Narendra Modi. artistes in the lyrics category. But a leader of the DMK in But did anyone contact Akhtar? Pollachi in Tamil Nadu has ban on the release of Modi’s biopic think whether it is the DMK or focus on the work they have done “Even he could have done the reportedly written to the Chief till the Lok Sabha polls get over. (other) political party, instead of for the state and for their people.” same thing. He knows Vivek Election Commissioner seeking a Asked about it, Ssingh said: “I talking about the fi lm, they should – IANS

Ranbir, Alia win big at to 64th Awards release on Dec 6

Bollywood superstars Kartik Aaryan starrer Pati Patni Aur Woh, an and won the best actor awards adaptation of BR Chopra’s 1978 fi lm with the for their roles in the fi lms Sanju and same title, will release on December 6. respectively at the 64th Kartik yesterday took to social media to 2019 on Saturday. announce the release date of the fi lm. The fi lm Raazi won fi ve awards including He wrote: “...Pati Patni Aur Woh will release the category of Best Film, Best Director. on December 6.” The lovebirds grabbed the attention on Kartik will be seen sharing screen space with the award ceremony at the star-studded and who is night that was graced by Bollywood stars making her Bollywood debut with the sequel to like Sonam Kapoor, Jahnvi Kapoor, Katrina Student of The Year. Kaif, Sunny Leone, Kajol, Arjun Kapoor, The original fi lm starred late actor Sanjeev Rajkummar Rao, , Kumar, Vidya Sinha and in the – among many others. lead roles. The fi lm is a comical take on extra- After receiving the best actress award, marital aff airs. Alia said, “Meghna for me Raazi is you, Directed by Mudassar Aziz and produced by your blood and sweat. You are my main AWARDED: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt won the awards for their films Sanju and Raazi Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Renu Chopra chick Vicky without u the fi lm wouldn’t be respectively. and Juno Chopra, the fi lm will clash with Arjun complete. Thank u my mentor Karan for Kapoor’s Panipat at the box offi ce. – IANS being my mentor, father and my fashion grandmother, Ranveer said, “I dedicate won the Critics’ Award for Best Film. police. Tonight’s all about love there my this award to my nani as it was my nani as The Best Debutant award has been given special one, I love you (Ranbir Kapoor).” favourite character. One day I called my to for Kedarnath and Ishaan While Meghna won the Best sister and asked what nani is doing, she said Khattar for Beyond The Cloud. Director for the fi lm Raazi, Gulzar won the that nani is on terrace doing her favourite Ishaan said, “I am nervous in between so Best Lyricist award for the song Ae Watan. thing that is watching Padmavaat.” many huge personalities and thank you all.” won the Best singer for lending He was present alongside his wife, the After receiving the award Sara said, “I his voice for the same song. gorgeous actress . remember when I used to come to watch won the Best Actor In The fi lm on the other hand, Filmfare and I had a dream to come on this A Supporting Role for the fi lm Sanju. He also won several awards. stage as an actress.” also made his debut as a performer at Neena Gupta bagged the Critics’ Award Amar Kaushik won the Best Debut the Filmfare stage and paid a tribute to for Best Actor (Female). Gajraj Rao and Director award for the fi lm Stree. the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan Surekha Sikri won the Best Actor In A Hema Malini received The Lifetime his performance was choreographed by Supporting Role awards. Achievement Award for completion of 50 Shiamak Davar. Akshat Ghildial won the Best Dialogue years in the Hindi fi lm industry. won the Critics Awards Award for the fi lm. During the award ceremony, the fi lm NEW PROJECT: Kartik Aaryan starrer Pati Patni for Best Actor for his role in the fi lm Ayushmann Khurana starrer Sriram fraternity paid a shradhanjali to the late Aur Woh is an adaptation of BR Chopra’s 1978 Padmaavat. Dedicating the award to his Raghavan’s directorial venture Andhadhun actress Sridevi. – IANS film. Monday, March 25, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY Kelly’s attorney backs off request for singer to travel abroad

DISAPPOINTED: Colin Farrell says it is disappointing to see that his kids are not that easily impressed. Farrell’s kids bored of his star status

Actor Colin Farrell, who stars as Holt Farrier in Disney’s new live-action version of Dumbo, says his children are becoming unimpressed that he is a movie actor. He said that his children Henry, 9, and 15-year- old James aren’t “that easily impressed”, reports femalefi rst.co.uk When asked if his children think it’s cool that he is in Dumbo, Farrell told Bang Showbiz: “I don’t know man, they are not that easily impressed. Massively disappointing. They see the man behind the mask darling; no no no they are bored of me!” The Lobster star went on to praise the fi lm’s “absolutely divine” director Tim Burton and said it was “pure joy” working with the legendary 60-year-old fantasy fi lmmaker. – IANS

Brother in Jussie Smollett case wins Golden Gloves semi-fi nal bout EMBATTLED: R&B star R Kelly’s attorney asked a Cook County judge to hold off on his request to fly by private jet to Dubai next month to perform at several concerts. One of two Chicago brothers at the centre of the high-profi le alleged hate crime hoax involving Empire In a court fi ling earlier this week, Meanwhile, prosecutors said in court star Jussie Smollett is competing in an annual boxing By Megan Crepeau Greenberg said Kelly has been that they do not intend to make a copy tournament in suburban Chicago. struggling fi nancially as his reputation of a videotape at the centre of one of the Abimbola “Abel” Osundairo participated in and has come under increasing attack and indictments. The footage purports to show won a semi-fi nal bout Thursday evening at the 2019 mbattled R&B star R Kelly’s he has been unable to fi nd work in the Kelly abusing a 14-year-old girl – believed Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament at Cicero Stadium attorney asked a Cook US. Some streaming services have to be the same girl at the centre of Kelly’s in the west suburb. County judge recently to removed his songs, and his record 2008 child abuse trial. He was acquitted of The tourney is one of the fi rst public appearances hold off on his request to yfl company has cancelled his contract, those charges. for either of the bodybuilding brothers since they were by private jet to Dubai next the attorney said. The state will make arrangements for linked to what Chicago police and prosecutors called monthE to perform at several concerts. Kelly needs to perform overseas Kelly’s lawyers to view the tape, Assistant a staged attack organised by Smollett to gain national Kelly’s attorney, Steven Greenberg, to pay off his mounting expenses, State’s Attorney Jennifer Gonzalez said, attention. off ered no explanation in court for the including child support, unpaid rent but making a copy would be equivalent to Smollett recently pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of delay other than to say he wanted to and legal fees, according to the fi ling. distributing the objectionable material. disorderly conduct for allegedly staging a phony attack provide additional materials to Judge But attorney Doug Anton, who said Greenberg objected, saying his team where he claimed two men beat him and yelled racial Lawrence Flood. he represents Kelly on entertainment needed its own copy of the video to and homophobic slurs in late January. The judge set the next court hearing matters, told reporters after the prepare a defence. He proposed that a Prosecutors said Smollett, 36, who is African- for Kelly for May 7, well after the singer hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court protective order be put in place. American paid Abel Osundairo and his older brother, wanted to travel to the United Arab Building that the singer has fi elded Flood said he would consider the issue Olabinjo, $3,500 to stage the attack, with a promise of Emirates to perform in three to fi ve dozens of off ers to perform in recent later. an additional $500 later. concerts in April. weeks. The criminal charges are only the Police initially took the brothers into custody but Kelly, 52, was indicted last month on Anton held a thick fi le folder and latest in Kelly’s mounting legal, fi nancial released them nearly two days later without charges 10 counts of aggravated criminal abuse said it contained about 150 e-mails and public relations battles. when they pointed responsibility to Smollett. involving three underage girls and a received by Kelly in the past six weeks A secretive dispute over unpaid child Later, the brothers testifi ed before a grand jury ahead woman over a dozen years. – “off ers to perform in just every place support put him in jail for three days of charges being fi led against Smollett. As a condition of his release on $1 possible you can think of,” he said. earlier this month until an anonymous Osundairo’s attorney, Gloria Schmidt, couldn’t be million bond, he cannot leave Illinois In addition, Kelly has several new donor came up with more than reached for comment. – Chicago Tribune/TNS without permission. recordings “in the can ready to go,” $161,000. Prosecutors have yet to weigh Anton said. “Professionally, it’s One of the alleged abuse victims has in publicly on the request to travel looking up.” recently fi led a lawsuit in Cook County overseas. Anton said he still was confi dent alleging that Kelly began a relationship After the brief hearing, Greenberg that arrangements could be worked out with her when she was 16. remained vague with reporters on so Kelly could travel out of state. And city building inspectors earlier what information he suddenly wanted “We’re going to make sure we do this year found multiple code violations the judge to consider before deciding everything the judge and the state at his Chicago studio – a West Loop whether to allow the trip to the UAE. need for us to do to comply with those building he has since vacated. Court Greenberg suggested he could formalities and then we’ll have Robert records show he owes the studio’s schedule another court date soon to back working,” he said. landlord more than $173,000 in back enable the singer, whose full name is Greenberg later told reporters that rent and other fees. Robert Kelly, to still perform in Dubai since he fi led for permission to travel In addition, a growing social media next month. just two days ago, Kelly has received backlash was heightened when a Lifetime “I think the judge would be in a many additional requests to perform. documentary series, Surviving R Kelly, WINNER: Abimbola Abel Osundairo recently won a better position to rule in our favour “So since that’s been fi led … people aired in January with accusations of semi-final bout at the 2019 Chicago Golden Gloves if we had a little more detail in the know he’s available to do shows,” he predatory and abusive behaviour against Tournament. motion,” he said. “There’s still a said. “They want him to do shows. His him by multiple women. – Chicago chance he could go to Dubai, sure.” fans love him.” Tribune/TNS 12 GULF TIMES Monday, March 25, 2019 COMMUNITY

GROUP: Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) volunteers during their 100th beach clean-up activity at As Salwa beach. DEAP volunteers complete beach clean-up century

and littering in general has on the By Mudassir Raja environment, marine life in Qatar, and around the world. “In nearly two years, DEAP has ne of the ways humans completed 100 clean-ups across the are harming the country. We have taken over 4,000 environment every day volunteers on clean-ups, and have is through pollution. removed over 50,000 KG of trash Plastic pollution, from the beaches and sand dunes inO particular, is the worst kind of of Qatar.” pollution that is contaminating Speaking about their future food, water, animals, and fi sh. goals, he said: “Our Mission is to There are, however, people who restore the natural beauty of the have chosen to prevent harm beaches, sand dunes and promote being caused to the earth and Qatar’s natural landscapes. We environment. They continue to take are also working to educate our small steps in cleaning diff erent youth and the public and positively beach areas around Qatar. infl uence behavioural change Doha Environmental Actions on behalf of the environment. Project (DEAP) is a group that has Our vision is to allow Qatar’s been active in Qatar for about two natural landscapes to remain a years in carrying out clean-up beautiful source of pride and a drives every weekend. The group litter-free space for generations to recently celebrated its 100th come. Further, we have three key beach clean-up drive with over 70 objectives and that are to promote devoted volunteers. the creation of a national day for During their 100th beach clean- beach and sand dune clean-up, ACTION: Volunteers make a 100 sign using tyres and a shovel. up activity at As Salwa beach, the continue the work we are doing in volunteers managed to collect collaboration with local schools, regularly takes part in the clean- drive, they take food together. They clean-up drive with the group. As about 1,000 kilograms of trash and promote the replacement of plastic up drives. He said: “It has been six keep meeting. I also get a chance a woman, like other women, I like six huge truck tires. Besides the bags with a more sustainable month since I am with the group. I to meet so many new people at the cleaning my house. We need to regular members of the group, there option.” learnt about them from Facebook. platform. clean our country as well. More and were volunteers who joined the He added: “Be a part of the When I read about their activities, “What I have really learnt from more women need to join our group 100th drive from the Community solution and not a part of the I got attracted. For the fi rst I joined this exercise is to reduce the use as the activity not only works as College of Qatar, Ferrand pollution. I would ask the residents them just to see what they do. I was of plastic items in my everyday a stress releaser it also provides a Training Center, and Parsons – a of Qatar to join us in our eff orts amazed to see how dedicated the routine. I have started avoiding use good physical exercise. technology-driven company. as we do clean-ups every Friday volunteers are in cleaning diff erent of plastic bottles. I have instead “Women need to be aware of how Talking to Community, Jose afternoon. The clean-up activity is beaches of Qatar. I join them every started using glass bottles. I would important it is not to use plastic Saucedo, Director of DEAP, always kid and family friendly.” Friday.” urge other people to join us. It is a items. We should be cognizant said: “DEAP is a volunteering Danny Luke is an Indian Regarding his experience with fun activity. You also get a chance of the fact that the plastic is not organisation determined to fi ght expatriate and has been working the group, he said: “So far it has to see many beautiful corners and degradable and it is consumed by plastic pollution in Qatar, and is with a company dealing in been a very interesting and learning beaches of Qatar.” animals and fi sh. The plastic comes working hard to educate the public biodegradable products. He experience. All the people are very Shreya Suraj, an active volunteer back to human stomach when one on the impact that plastic pollution volunteers with the group and friendly. After every clean-up with DEAP, said: “It was my 70th eats the fi sh or meat.”