Community Community Indian Ministry of music Education P3maestro P16 and Higher A R Rahman set Education to perform organises National tomorrow at Research Week Khalifa Stadium. at QNCC.

Thursday, March 21, 2019 Rajab 14, 1440 AH

Doha today: 190 - 260

COVER STORY Ma! A Community exclusive — stories from the professional to the personal — to mark Mother’s Day. Pages 4-9

REVIEW SHOWBIZ

A story of rejection Many political biopics to hit that fails to illuminate. screens in India ahead of polls. Page 10 Page 11 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 21, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.22am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.39am Zuhr (noon) 11.42am Asr (afternoon) 3.08pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.47pm Isha (night) 7.17pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

June years of her age until she turns 26, thereby giving an insight DIRECTION: Ahammed Khabeer into those ten years of her life. CAST: Rajisha Vijayan, Sarjano Khalid, Arjun Asokan Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: The life story of a girl named June from 16 THEATRES: Landmark, Royal Plaza 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 Qatar Airways 40253374

Photograph pressured to marry by his grandmother, convinces a shy DIRECTION: Ritesh Batra stranger to pose as his fi ancée. The pair develop a connection CAST: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Akash Sinha that transforms them in ways they could not expect. SYNOPSIS: A struggling street photographer in Mumbai, THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q “A The Mall Cinema (1): Badla Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): gentleman is one who (Hindi) 2:30pm; Badla (Hindi) Wonder Park (3D) 3pm; Wonder 4:45pm; Badla (Hindi) 7pm; Badla Park (2D) 5pm; Captain Marvel never hurts anyone’s feelings (Hindi) 9:15pm; An International (2D) 7pm; Captain Marvel (2D) unintentionally.” Local Story (Malayalam) 11:30pm. (Malayalam) 2:15pm; June 9:15pm; Captain Marvel (2D) — Oscar Wilde The Mall Cinema (2): Captain (Malayalam) 4:30pm; Wonder 11:30pm. Marvel (2D) 2pm; Wonder Park Park (2D) 7pm; June (Malayalam) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2D) 4pm; Wonder Park (2D) 8:45pm; June (Malayalam) (2): An International Local Story 5:30pm; Captain Marvel (2D) 11:15pm. (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Badla (Hindi) 7pm; Captain Marvel (2D) 9:15pm; Landmark Cinema (2): Wonder 4:45pm; Badla (Hindi) 7pm; Captain Marvel (2D) 11:30pm. Park (2D) 3pm; Wonder Park Capharnaum (2D) 9:15pm; Badla The Mall Cinema (3): Wonder (2D) 5pm; Captain Marvel (2D) (Hindi) 11:30pm. Park (2D) 2pm; Captain Marvel 7pm; Badla (Hindi) 9:15pm; Badla Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Community Editor (2D) 3:30pm; Photograph (Hindi) (Hindi) 11:30pm. (3): Ispade Rajavum Idhaya Kamran Rehmat 5:30pm; Capharnaum (2D) Landmark Cinema (3): Badla Raniyum (Tamil) 2:15pm; Captain e-mail: [email protected] 7:30pm; Greta (2D) 9:45pm; Badla (Hindi) 2:30pm; Captain Marvel Marvel (2D) 5pm; The Hole (Hindi) 11:30pm. (2D) 4:45pm; Capharnaum (2D) In The Ground (2D) 7:15pm; Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): An 7pm; Captain Marvel (2D) 9:15pm; June (Malayalam) 9pm; June Fax: 44350474 International Local Story Captain Marvel (2D) 11:30pm. (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Thursday, March 21, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Arts Atelier. The lessons will take place every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact [email protected]

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- Syria Matters Exhibition hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 10 years old after school hours. TIME: 9am – 7pm Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha presents a major exhibition, co-curated by MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year anniversary celebrations.

EVENTS TIME: 7am – 5pm The 2019 Dragon Boat Corporate Cup Championship will take place on March A R Rahman Concert 23 at the Grand Hyatt Doha. Come watch WHERE: Khalifa Stadium hundreds of recreational corporate dragon WHEN: Tomorrow boat teams competing for the coveted gold TIME: 6pm – 11pm cup. Music maestro A R Rahman is going to be performing on the 22nd of March at the Hobby Classes Khalifa Stadium. WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art Centre MIA Park Bazaar 2019 WHEN:Wednesday – Monday WHERE: Museum Of Islamic Art Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is WHEN: Ongoing a holistic performing arts institution and TIME: 12pm – 8pm Ballet Lessons a one stop solution for adults as well as MIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier children looking to explore their talents mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a WHEN: Ongoing in various art forms. We offer classes in modern version of the old souq tradition. TIME: 4pm – 8pm contemporary, Bollywood, hip hop, indian The stalls are going to offer a wide range For more info e-mail at registration@ classical dance, music (Hindustani and of gastronomies from all over the world. atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. Carnatic), arts and craft, karate, yoga, You can also browse and grab handcrafted percussion( Chenda, Thimila, Elathalam artefacts, accessories, canvases, fashion and Madhalam), violin, harmonium, public wears, designer ornaments. speaking. Additional services include dance education, choreograph music videos and dance cover albums, choreograph dance musical projects, corporate workshops and events, choreograph events for schools, Artistic Gymnastic Classes colleges, alumni meets and corporate WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb and choreography events. For details, call WHEN: Ongoing 33897609. TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm The olympic sport using horizontal bar, rings and floor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16. Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club WHERE: Losail Circuit WHEN: Ongoing Mehaseel Festival TIME: 5pm WHERE: Katara Cultural Village Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association WHEN: Ongoing till March 31 with Qatar Sports For All Federation, Mehaseel Souq will be open every invites all cyclists, runners and walkers Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31st of to train under the floodlights of Losail March. It is a perfect market to get amazing International Circuit every Wednesdays. local fresh produce.

Bangladesh Festival Qatar WHERE: Katara WHEN: Ongoing till March 25 TIME: 4pm onwards Dance and Instrument Classes A 6-day long festival showcasing WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Bangladeshi movie, kids art competition, Times Building adult art workshop, food festival, WHEN: Wednesday – Monday paginating as well as photography Learn the movements of dance styles exhibition at Katara Cultural Village. This in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the impressive festival will provide a great Arabic Calligraphy Workshop musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Dragon Boat Championships opportunity for Bangladeshi people to WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday Keyboard for adults as well kids and move WHERE: Grand Hyatt Doha get a taste and feel their country’s unique TIME: 6pm in the world of music. For details, contact WHEN: March 23 culture. Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. 66523871/ 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 21, 2019 COMMUNITY Focus on MOTHER’S DAY Understanding mothers Mother’s Day is an opportune time to delve into what makes motherhood a journey beyond giving birth that requires understanding, love, and compassion from immediate family — and if need be, mental health outreach, writes Azmat Haroon Thursday, March 21, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 Focus on MOTHER’S DAY COMMUNITY

We see two peaks in terms of age, women in their mid-30s to those in their early 50s. I would say 25 to 32 is one peak while 50s is another we see at the clinic often, but mental health issues are rampant throughout ‘ — Dr Madhu Pahwa, psychiatrist

any of us associate partum depression and obsessive that may trigger psychological issues in her personal life that led demanding and controlling. The mothers with an compulsive disorders to name a few disorders in her patients, Madhu to deteriorating state of mental care needed for the mother was archetypal female among other mental illnesses,” she asserted that there were many, well-being. not present nor was the husband that only fi nds explained. including genetic vulnerability. “It was a series of struggles. The physically present to take care of satisfaction in Madhu specialises in the “We have to understand that couple was fi rst suff ering from the children. On top of that, there takingM care of others. They neglect prevention, diagnosis, and there are external and internal infertility, they had IVF, and then were high expectations from the their own needs by placing the treatment of mental illness for factors at play. There are direct there were other repercussions mother, and it aff ected the lady needs of others before them — the all ages, and said that although biological factors that cause mental afterwards.” tremendously,” she explained. ever forgiving, devoted individuals she sees patients of all age groups illnesses. It’s not just about having The women in this case had When the family approached who are ready to sacrifi ce it all frequently checking in to the clinic, bad in-laws, or an unco-operative twins, and suddenly she had Madhu, she carried out a series of for the sake of their family and there are two peak ages that stand family. Science and research shows to take care of not one but two tests, including blood investigation, children. The idea of a perfect out for women. that it doesn’t always work like children simultaneously, while also and thereafter, necessary measures mother is entrenched deep in our “We see two peaks in terms of age, that. There are cognitive’ factors, resigning from work that placed were taken to ensure the family was minds, and this ideal is just one of women in their mid-30s to those in personal factors, genetics, as well the family under a fi nancial strain. given the help they needed. the many factors that shape our their early 50s. I would say 25 to 32 is as society and the environment. Here was a couple that was at fi rst “We brought the husband into relationship with mothers as much one peak while 50s is another we see Diff erent cases come in with struggling to have children. But the support system, we had CBT as it shapes the way women view at the clinic often, but these issues diff erent scenarios.” things took a completely diff erent (cognitive-behavioural therapy), themselves and build their own are rampant throughout and it’s hard Among her patients, the veteran turn when they had the one thing clear cut guidelines were given, and relationships. to say that one kind of mental illness psychiatrist has seen many they wanted the most in life. touchwood there was signifi cant Even when a mother is is more prevalent among a certain mothers struggling. She recalled “The lady had to let go of her improvement and the lady is doing struggling with a mental issue, her age group.” one recent case of a mother who job, and so they faced fi nancial well now.” instinct is to ignore the problem Asked if she can identify factors was struggling with a series of struggles. The husband was very To Page 6 and carry on as usual — often by putting up a facade, because her mental and physical well-being is at the core of a functioning household. Panic and disorder ensues in a home where mothers fall sick, with the husbands and children struggling with what to “I see so many young eat and random pieces of clothes suddenly disappearing before our girls struggling with eyes. freedom. These are There are some women who learn to cope with these issues with the young educated women help of a strong support system, but then there are also those who who want to work and begin experiencing mood swings. In this case, behavioural pattern travel but they also want of mothers change as they start to to have a family of their appear sad, diffi cult to please and begin complaining about random own. The problem is that pains and aches. These are the early telltale signs of a mental health the society expects them issue that can range from stress, depression or a bipolar disorder to choose one over the among a more serious range of other” issues. But the reality is that as much as it is diffi cult for women to admit and disclose their struggles, it is equally hard for families to cope — Marta Saldaña Martín, with them because of the general lack of awareness as well as the professional counsellor stigma attached with psychological (@martasalmar) disorders. Doha-based psychiatrist Dr Madhu Pahwa says that many women in Qatar suff er from a wide range of mental illnesses. “There is a general prevalence of depression, anxiety, and then there are patients with post- 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 21, 2019 COMMUNITY Focus on MOTHER’S DAY

From Page 5 But the problem is that it’s not easy to come out in the open about internal struggles for women. Sometimes it takes a lifetime for women to identify the fact that something is just not right with them. It is easy to assume that parenthood comes naturally to women but it doesn’t, and revealing that struggle comes at the cost of being labelled a inept mother, and a woman who is inherently conceited and self-centred. “Sometimes when in a group, one woman would start talking about her diffi culties and struggles and then another would say: “Me too!” And then the third, fourth Pregnancy and and a chain is formed where women start identifying issues depression that lead into deeper discussions about depression and so on,” Marta Saldaña Martín said. Worldwide about 10% of pregnant On her part, Marta struggled with women and 13% of women who depression a few years ago when she have just given birth experience suff ered a life crisis after completing a mental disorder, primarily her PhD in Gulf Socio-Politics. depression. In developing After a period of deep refl ection countries this is even higher, i.e. and inner confl ict with support of 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% a counsellor, she fi nally decided to after child birth. Source: WHO give up academic life to become a counsellor, life coach mindfulness teacher supporting people towards mind and body well-being. Marta quotes American research professor and author Brené Brown as an inspiration and says it’s okay to be vulnerable, share our future or can’t let go of something cultural attitudes towards women, to have a family of their own. The psychological and psychiatric help diffi culties and seek support. that happened in the past. “This is Marta said that during her research problem is that the society expects is widespread and there is still a Brown extensively wrote about the why I encourage people to practice and interaction with women in the them to choose one over the other. long way to go before the shame cultural stereotypes associated with being in the moment. When you’re Gulf during the past 10 years, she Many traditional families still expect related with mental illnesses is emotional vulnerability and the having a cup of coff ee, focus on its often saw a confl ict between the women to give up their careers and eradicated completely but experts feelings of shame and uncertainty smell, its taste and learn to enjoy kind of lives young girls and women many other things along with it if they believe that every 5-10 years, they attached with it. She dispelled the it. Our mind easily wanders off wanted to live versus the kind of life want to get married and have kids and see signifi cant improvement. idea of vulnerability as a weakness, to diff erent places when we are society and families envisioned for that’s not an easy decision to make,” More people are talking about and went on to call it a measure of doing diff erent activities and it’s them. Marta said, stressing that these ideals it now, and with social media joy and courage. important to learn to not be taken “I see so many young girls and expectations attached to women and education, there is a better “This is why I always begin my away from the experience by our struggling with freedom. These are and mothers are rooted in culture and understanding of mental illnesses, fi rst sessions by talking about my worries.” young educated women who want tradition rather than religion. especially among the younger struggles and vulnerabilities, so Speaking about society and to work and travel but they also want The stigma attached with seeking generation. that my clients realise its not only them going through hard times.” Marta has been seeing clients and teaching mindfulness in Qatar and online for the past two years, and notes that most of her clients so far are Muslim women. “There are women who are struggling with their partners, struggling to get pregnant, struggling to raise kids, each case in unique in its own way.” Marta conducts a psycho- educational mindfulness 8-week group programme with weekly sessions where she teaches strategies to deal with stress, which is particularly benefi cial for people suff ering from anxiety and depression. “Based on the MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) and MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive therapy) programmes; in my courses we learn about how the mind works and about the psychological and physiological benefi ts of mindfulness; identify self behavioural patterns; and practice meditation and exercises to be present in the moment rather than worrying about the past and future.” Marta said that one of the reasons why people feel depressed or anxious is because they either can’t stop worrying about the Thursday, March 21, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 Focus on MOTHER’S DAY COMMUNITY Mom: the quintessential muse There’s no denying that your first fashion hero is usually your mother. Isn’t she? Yasmin Mansour and Hissa Haddad tell us. By Muhammad Asad Ullah

hilst in Qatar evolving. Some of us are dependent have all grown up and blossomed and some other on that maternal fi gure from birth, into bona fi de style icons and they countries in the relying on our mother for unceasing accredit you for their success. world celebrating and permanent guidance and Community asked these motherhood is a support, be it mental, emotional or powerhouse trend setters to refl ect Wspring tradition, our other friends professional. It remains the same on how their moms shaped their around the world wait until May to even if you get married, move to lives and careers. Where Yasmin honour their mothers. Our social another place or stay with her, Mansour fi lled her mother’s dream media feed is swarming today with forever and after. Many daughters of becoming a fashion designer, tributes to mothers, grandmothers one day actually realise, that in fact Hissa Haddad followed her and expecting mamas. How about they’ve picked up many traits and mother’s footsteps and glamorous you? Have you gotten your Mom habits of the fi gure they’ve been approach to fashion. some fl owers or a cute little present idealising forever their life, that What is consistent: When it yet and showered her with the love they form their mother’s mirror comes to fashion, moms are the she deserves. After all, she took care image and for sure all of them takes best muses. of you from birth to, well, now… pride in it. Even if you spent your teenage and can you imagine a life without From her sense of humour, to years locked in your bathroom her? her covetable style, to just how in an act of Manic Panic-fuelled Like mother, like daughter much she loves them – these Qatari rebellion, there’s no denying that they say. The unique relationship fashion fi nest have many reasons to your fi rst fashion hero is usually between a mother and daughter love their mothers. Well, mothers, your mother. Isn’t she? Yasmin and is, of course, intricate and ever be proud because these young buds Hissa tell us.

Hissa Haddad had a very delicate aesthetic taste. For shoes, she used to make sure Hissa, the 29-year-old engineer I have each matching shoe to be turned shoe designer, is the only paired with each dress, so she was Arab footwear designer that very particular about all this.” made her debut with a capsule “When I started my business, collection at Paris Fashion Week she supported and believed in 2017. Her breakout debut is only me throughout although other half the story of her success, the family members were against the other, and more signifi cant half is idea that it might not do well, the fi erce energy and motivation considering the competition in of her mother that has been her the market. I still remember, when bedrock support in the struggling I had my fi rst meeting with the industry. “I have a very strong manufacturers in Italy, she was relationship with my mother. We there with me. She always advised share a sibling bond, rather than me to believe in my ownself.” a typical mother-daughter sort of “The toughest period I had relationship. We go out together, with my mom was when she was travel together, enjoy each other’s diagnosed with cancer. And that company and share real secrets,” was just before I had started my Yasmin Masour them on. I always used to observe as my major, she supported me says Hissa. Masters Degree. It was devastating what she’s wearing at night and like anything. Even during my Talking about her fi rst exposure and I had almost dropped my It won’t be erroneous to say dressing up in, in the morning. university time, I used to share all to fashion as a kid, Hissa says, degree to spend time with her and that Yasmin has become one She has always been about details, my designs and work with her. I “When I was a kid, my mother be around her. But that’s when she of the most-talked-about and carrying so many colours, perfumes remember when I made my fi rst used to stitch my clothes herself. said that if I quit my masters, she’s sought-after luxury fashion name and jewellery. She told me that she dress in the school and how she told She used to take me to designers going to quit taking chemotherapy coming out of Qatar since her loved art and used to draw when she me that she’s proud of me.” from a very young age and even sessions. I used to travel back and fi rst collection, launched in 2014. was young. Well, even created some “She always says me that I’ve sometimes used to draw and get forth between London and Doha Yasmin says, “My mom has always pieces for herself back then. That done something she always wanted some very specifi c stitchings done. to make sure that I’m holding her been my inspiration and muse. is something that pushed me to go to do when she was young. She says She used to add pearls, roses, layers hand as she goes through the tough When I was 10 years old and even for this fi eld. My mother got me my that I’m very happy that I always and crystals to my dresses, to make process. It was a tough journey for younger than that I used to go fi rst sewing machine!” used to dream of having something sure that my dresses are diff erent both of us and we’re happy that we to her closet and steal her heels, Yasmin adds, “When I turned 18 like this and today my daughter from what’s out there. She always both made it,” added Hissa. jackets, dresses and coats and try and went on to pursue designing did it.” 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 21, 2019 COMMUNITY Focus on MOTHER’S DAY Mother — sheet anchor in life, and memory By Mudassir Raja

other’s Day is a little tribute to acknowledge the selfl ess love and compassion that mothers shower on their children. Community talked to fi ve women from diff erent countries to learn what they think about motherhood, their relationship with their mothers, and one memorable thing their mothers hadM done for them that they cherish.

Milan Arun

Milan Arun is an Indian businesswoman and former Zara al-Ansari president of Indian Cultural Centre. She said: “A relationship Zara al-Ansari is a Qatari of reliance formed our bond which businesswoman. She said: “My was mutual. She was the sculptor mother is the anchor of my life. I who chiselled my attitude and learnt a lot from her strength. She approach to life. Motherhood is always advised me to be happy the protective shelter above any no matter the circumstances. child till such time the child in She made lots of sacrifi ces to Precious Gudza, left, with her mother. growing becomes a mother. My raise her children. She is the most arms which always stretched important person in my life. Precious Gudza my dreams and fl y. “When we are out to receive a hug of comfort About the best thing she has together, it’s the most wonderful and confi dence from my mother learnt from her mother, she said: Precious Gudza is a Zimbabwean time. She wants to know about my turned to receiving her into my “From her, I have learnt that hairstylist. She said: “My mother experiences and my dreams. She arms to give her the same. This sacrifi ces and compromises are not is my rock. She has given up her pushes me to be a better person legacy leads on as I now see the only solution to your problems. personal needs and desires for me. and always reminds me to stay myself in my daughter and this is You should have an understanding She is always an ear that is ready to humble.“My mother gave up her motherhood for me. Motherhood of the problems you are facing and listen to me and then advise me any teaching career to take care of my makes a women complete try to bring in a more practical day and time. She is my number children so that I could move to and there is an incomparable solution. She actually made me one fan. I have two children myself Doha and pursue my dreams. That spirituality in this expression of an optimist. I always look at the and my mother decided to be a act of selfl essness and sacrifi ce love which sustains through eons. brighter side of the life and keep full time grandmother to take care changed my whole perception of “Reliance is dependence, Evgeniya Goncharova moving.” of them so that I could pursue life itself.” confi dence, trust and belief. Whilst at collage, I requested my Evgeniya Goncharova is a mother’s permission to go for a Russian artist. She has been living movie a day before my exams. in Qatar for 12 years with her Mala Waseem After faring well in the exams, Syrian husband. She said: “For I asked her how unlike other me, my mother is like a life guide. Mala Waseem is a Pakistani visual parents she chose to say ‘ok’. Her She is the most important thing artist living in Qatar. She said: answer ‘I trust you’ was a simple in my life after God. She was so “My relationship with my mom is but strong incident at a tender age, important for me that I used to do always one of respect, love, care and which installed the confi dence everything just to impress her. understanding. Honestly speaking, and belief that I am dependable “The best thing she taught me it is like working and volunteering which I carry deeply in my heart is to be honest to myself. That is with a fussy boss — a boss who is and practice to this day. When the only way we can be honest to also a perfectionist. you lose such a sheet anchor, you others. That is the only way we “To me motherhood means grapple with memories to move can share our ideas with others. selfl essness, courage and forward in life. Two years ago even Till today, I know no other way confi dence. My mother has always as I mourned her loss I was torn to reach out to others. If you are been a role model, encouraging us to between grief and service. Within honest to yourself, you can have follow the truth no matter how hard a month of her passing away, in better understanding of life.” the truth is. commitment of her memory, She added: “Every day is “Exactly 13 years ago, when I I channelled all my grief with Mother’s Day. For my family, became a mother of a beautiful uncompromising commitment to March is a feminist month in the daughter, I experienced the reality serve at the Indian Cultural Centre real sense. My grandmother’s date of being a mother. So from that as its fi rst female president. A of birth is March 7. We celebrate time onwards, I too become a fussy position — among others — saw International Women’s Day on boss, trying to be a perfectionist. I me essaying the role of a mother March 8 and my mother was born have a huge applause for my shelter, and daughter to many more. Thus on March 9. We have Mother’s my Miss perfectionist; my Ammi I see my beloved Maa [mother] in Day on March 21.” [mother] Mussarat Jabeen. Mala Waseem, left, with her mother. every mother and daughter.” Thursday, March 21, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 Focus on MOTHER’S DAY COMMUNITY

TRIBUTE “A mother holds her children’s hands for a while, their hearts forever”

DOWN MEMORY LANE: My mother, Bushra Rehmat, sitting next to Imran Khan, Pakistan’s current prime minister, at our residence in Islamabad following a luncheon. She passed away a few months before his inauguration as the country’s 22nd prime minister. While we take a lot for granted — smug in the comforting thought of being in their long and apparently secure shadows — life does not quite prepare you for losing your parents

my father was hard enough, but her fare that keeps the nation hooked. passing away two decades ago, loss shook the soul and sapped the Until her debilitating condition is hardly any solace. At home, I spirit. Memories are all that one is took over, she used to regularly reminisce over a black and white SELFLESS TO THE MANNER BORN: My mother, and I. left with. read the morning paper, and books, frame and yearn to go back in time Simplicity defi ned Bushra Rehmat. including political works. with my mother clasping me in her A mother to the manner born, she The one refrain in all the condolence arms! Child or man, that will now By Kamran Rehmat occupied my mind, but mostly selfl essly devoted her life to the messages and calls that poured in never happen. feelings of emptiness and profound challenge of raising four of us; three from all over was predicated on her May Allah rest her soul in eternal loss that cannot be described in a boys and a girl, but it couldn’t have unassuming, soft spoken nature. peace. or such a profound million words. been easier with the modest means. One individual after the other spoke conclusion about It took a lot to summon the Despite an early marriage, she used of a woman who was content with motherhood, it is a touch courage to get back to life and every opportunity to learn from her life no matter what it threw at her, sad that the author then, too, because now a bit of the experiences in foreign lands each never complaining or speaking ill of of the above quote is responsibilities that my parents time my diplomat dad was posted — or to — anyone. Fanonymous. In a lot of ways, the selfl essly fulfi lled to raise us four abroad. She did however, face an amusing contributions of a mother belong to siblings are now my call for my own In hindsight, winning a ‘identity’ crisis — thanks to her the same realm: anonymity. family of four. Such is life — no swimming medal in Kuwait as pronounced natural birthmark, a Nimra Bucha, a television respect for feelings, not even decent a schoolgirl must have set it up ‘bindi’ (a coloured dot in the centre artiste and spouse of Pakistan’s time and space for grieving. for a fulfi lling family life later in of the forehead), especially outside internationally celebrated writer My mother was asleep the Tanzania, Sri Lanka and India. Pakistan! and journalist Mohammed Hanif, last time I should have hugged Adept at all household craft, No matter what we accomplish, in her condolence message over my her before departing for Doha, including culinary skills — the we’d never be a patch on what our mother’s demise last year stamped which is now my home away from legendary Imran Khan, Pakistan’s parents did for us, against all odds. this authoritatively. home, but deluded myself with current prime minister, did testify And the greatest favour they did us “What mothers do is not visible the assurance that only this time, to that profusely when he came as Facilitators of Good Hope even to the world,” she wrote. perhaps there was no need to wake to our place for lunch years ago if they didn’t always agree with our While we take a lot for granted — her up for an emotional adieu since (and caused a sensation in the unconventional ideas, was to relent smug in the comforting thought of I was returning home in a matter of neighbourhood), she developed a and let us make our own choices. being in their long and apparently months, for good. taste for music, fi lms, reading and Unbeknownst to many, my mother “What mothers secure shadows — life does not quite It was not to be. cricket. was that primary mover, quietly prepare you for losing your parents. The last time I saw her alive She was also a Steffi Graf fan as making my father agree. do is not visible It’s been just a year, but my heart actually was on a video call on her the life-sized poster of the tennis They say time heals all wounds, reels from an indescribable sorrow, birthday. Birthdays are not always great on her kitchen door proved. but then it also wounds all heels to the world” hollow as an empty shell. While made up of rainbow colours; in fact, The reading included a keen eye for meandering for inner peace. Middle —Nimra Bucha, visiting her last resting place they can be a harbinger of doom. politics and like any other Pakistani, age, and the experience of having recently, a million random thoughts A week later, she was gone. Losing she had an opinion or two about the been here before with my father’s TV artiste 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 21, 2019 COMMUNITY REVIEWS A story of rejection that fails to illuminate to her parents before their untimely she isn’t haplessly stumbling or By Katie Walsh deaths. barging in on her own. This close The story of Sunset is one of follow makes it so we only see the rejection and refusal, as Irisz environment through the immediate n Laszlo Nemes’ 2015 Oscar- spends her time pressing herself physical space she occupies – there winning fi lm Son of Saul, into places she shouldn’t be, are no establishing shots, and the Hungarian fi lmmaker asking questions no one wants to rarely a cutaway. There is a sense followed a hollow-eyed, answer. Someone makes a passing of immediacy, especially with the bewildered protagonist on mention about a brother, and her handheld camera, but physically and Ia chaotic journey. The audience quest moves from employment narratively, it is stifl ing. is plunged into the terrifying to fi nding the relative she never Nemes captures the sense world of Auschwitz as a Jewish knew she had. Stable boys whisper of confusion Irisz experiences, prisoner attempts to assert a details, vagrants barge into her as a horde of almost identical shred of humanity from within a boarding house to shout mysterious moustachioed men come and go death machine. With his follow- declarations. She gains entry to the in a parade of physical imposition up, Sunset, Nemes once again inner world of the Leiter shop, ruled and near-violence. That confusion follows another hollow-eyed and by the shady Oszkar (Vlad Ivanov) is transferred to the audience, and bewildered individual on a journey and his band of beautiful mean girl sustained for the entirety. Nemes into a heart of darkness, but milliners, and even into the palatial doesn’t clarify Irisz’s intentions or with less context, more plot and estate of an eccentric countess her state of mind, as Jakab steadily unfortunately, greatly diminished (Julia Jakubowska) who may or may performs her role with a silent returns. not have known her brother and is consternation. Sunset takes place in 1913 currently entangled in an abusive Themes, metaphors and messages Budapest, in the world of rich, relationship with a sinister dandy roil under the surface of the fi lm, but powerful... hat-makers? Yes, from Vienna (Christian Harting). rarely emerge fully formed. Below millinery is the name of the game Eventually Irisz’s quest evolves yet the pleasure, fi nery and manners of in this sophisticated city, where again, as she attempts to uncover this world, corruption and rot linger, nefarious characters jockey for what she considers to be a human occasionally bursting forth in riotous royal favours, sow chaos and enjoy a traffi cking conspiracy involving the violence. But Nemes doesn’t explore hedonistic existence in the waning royal family and the young beauties this beyond indicating its existence. A days of peace just before World War of Leiter. single shot that serves as an epilogue is I. At the centre of it all is a young Using a similar cinematic style the closest the fi lm gets to a message. woman, Irisz Leiter (Juli Jakab), to Son of Saul, Nemes’ camera While the stultifying style of Sunset an orphan who has returned to dutifully follows his protagonist expresses urgency and immediacy Budapest to seek employment at as she’s rushed, pushed and from moment to moment, it never, ever the Leiter hat shop, which belonged trundled from place to place, when elucidates or illuminates. – TNS A complicated but touching love story title comes from how Richardson’s work on Riverdale to keep it from By Rick Bentley character, Stella Grant, decides to defy being as fresh and exciting as CF rules that patients must stay 6 feet Richardson’s work. It is tough to apart for their own safety and move a foot play the brooding half of a couple oung love that is closer to Will Newman (Sprouse), the and Sprouse does give the role life. complicated by a young man who has captured her heart. His work is just caught in the acting major medical issue is The victory is small but is one example of shadow Richardson casts. nothing new. It’s been Stella’s courage. The script by Mikki Daughtry and the premise of feature Five Feet Apart certainly will grab Tobias Iaconis does a superb job of Yfi lms such as The Fault in Our Stars, your heart and squeeze every last tear showing the world Stella and Will live Me and Earl and the Dying Girl out of you, but because of Richardson’s in without getting too bogged down and – for those of you no longer in wonderfully energetic and smart in medical jargon. The purpose of Hollywood’s target audience – Love performance, the final result isn’t one the fi lm from director Justin Baldoni Story. The latest is Five Feet Apart, that will leave you feeling sorry for the is to be as honest as possible while where Haley Lu Richardson (Split) pair, but be touched by them as those giving the actors plenty of room to and Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life who must deal with a love that should show the birth and growth of young on Deck) play teenagers who fall in have never happened. love in a deeply contaminated soil. love but can never touch because Richardson has more of a chance That is accomplished through the they are both battling the highly to shine as Stella hosts a daily online solid writing, intimate direction and contagious cystic fi brosis (CF). chat to talk about her battle with CF. strong acting. The one thing all these movies have in The connection to the outside world There’s little that can be said common that kept them from melting becomes even more important when a about the ending without spoiling into a forgettable ooze of sentimentality medical issue keeps her from travelling the wonderful love story. It is just a is the courage, strength and absolute with her friends. That’s when she pleasure that Baldoni, Daughtry and conviction to love that the cast and crew meets Will, a patient who has opted Iaconis never gave in to the necessity bring to the production. If there is even a not to waste time on his hospital of having a predictable ending. The hint that the main thrust is to capitalise procedures but use that time to live life honesty they embrace so deeply from on the tragedy, the film becomes an as much as he can. It’s not surprising the opening moments never waivers insult to the players, viewers and anyone that the opposites attract, but the for some cinematic situation. dealing with the medical condition. connection is what makes the movie It is fair to say that taking tissues to Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening work so well. the theatre is an imperative idea as they genetic disease that makes the body Sprouse gives Richardson a great will be needed while falling for this love produce thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, acting partner, but his performance story that features a young couple but pancreas and other organs. The film’s resonates with just enough of his will touch anyone of any age. – TNS Thursday, March 21, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Many political biopics to hit screens in India ahead of elections

CANDID: Oscar Isaac denies rumours that he will be the rom Prime Minister next actor to play Batman. Narendra Modi’s biopic to a Isaac speaks up on Batman fi lm on Congress president casting rumours Rahul Gandhi’s life and former prime minister Lal Oscar Isaac has denied rumours that he will be the BahadurF Shastri’s mysterious death, next actor to play Batman, but has hinted that he was fi lmmakers are trying to look through interested in the role. the political prism for their celluloid Following actor Ben Affl eck’s offi cial departure from projects. the role in January, the part of the caped crusader A host of fi lms and web series, has been left wide open for a new star to take up in inspired by the lives of political Matt Reeves’ upcoming The Batman movie, reports personalities, are likely to be released aceshowbiz.com ahead of the 2019 general elections. The 40-year-old star’s name has been linked to the The Lok Sabha elections will be held in role for some time, after he reportedly met with Warner seven phases, from April 11 to May 19. Bros. offi cials in 2018 to discuss a potential part, but Here are some of them, listed for in a chat with British newspaper Metro, he denied all you. knowledge of the rumours. PM Narendra Modi: Helmed by BIOPICS: A scene from PM Narendra Modi, above, and a scene from My Name “No. I have only read it online like everyone else. National Award-winning fi lmmaker RaGa seen below. I have not had any conversations about Batman, Omung Kumar, PM Narendra Modi unfortunately, but I am sure it is going to be great... will showcase the journey of Prime Matt Reeves is such a great director. Yeah, he can get my Minister Narendra Modi from his number,” he said. – IANS humble beginnings to his years as the Gujarat Chief Minister, his landmark victory in the 2014 general elections, to fi nally becoming the Prime Minister. The fi lm is set to be released on April 5. The movie will see actor Vivek Anand Oberoi portraying Modi. It also features Boman Irani, Darshan Kumaar, Waheeda Rahman, Manoj Joshi and Barkha Bisht-Sengupta. Modi: The Journey Of A Common Man: 102 Not Out director Umesh Shukla is making a web series on Modi, which will showcase his life as an inspiring and infl uential leader. The 10-part series will be released in April. According to a source, it will premiere prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s the 1965 India-Pakistan war. NEW PROJECT: Nicolas Cage will star in the upcoming on April 7, fi ve days before the fi rst mysterious death. The investigative My Name RaGa: The fi lm, to be film Jiu Jitsu. phase of voting. thriller, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, released in April, focuses on Congress The series will begin with a 12-year- features veteran actors Naseeruddin president Rahul Gandhi’s life. The Cage to star in martial arts actioner old Modi, and present his life journey Shah and Mithun Chakaraborty, and will movie, helmed by Rupesh Paul, will from teenage to youth to becoming the have two sides to the narrative. allow a glimpse into the inner life of the Actor Nicolas Cage will star in the upcoming martial prime minister. Shastri died in Tashkent, then in Congress party president. arts actioner Jiu Jitsu, based on the comic book of the Tashkent Files: To be released on April Soviet Union’s Uzbekistan, soon after Some more such fi lms, reportedly, are same name. 12, Tashkent Files revolves around former signing a peace pact with Pakistan to end in the pipeline. – IANS The cast will also include Alain Moussi, who stars in the Kickboxer franchise, reports variety.com Dimitri Logothetis is producing with Martin Barab Inshallah is going to be magical journey: Alia 2019 on Tuesday here, when the Raazi actress said: “The and directing from a script he wrote with Jim McGrath. announcement has been out today and the way I mentioned Jiu Jitsu centres on an ancient order of expert Jiu Jitsu Actress Alia Bhatt, who is going to collaborate with in my tweet that it’s a big dream come true to work with fi ghters facing fearsome alien invaders in a battle for fi lmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and superstar Salman Khan Sanjay sir and Salman. Earth every six years. Cage’s character and his team of for Inshallah feels the epic romance drama will be quite a “They are like a magical combination together. I can’t wait Jiu Jitsu fi ghters band together with Moussi’s character magical journey. to get on the journey. It’s going to be quite magical.” to defeat the Brax. She was interacting with the media at Zee Cine Awards Alia joined Salman in Bhansali’s upcoming epic romance Logothetis wrote and directed Kickboxer: Vengeance drama Inshallah, which will also mark Salman-Bhansali and Kickboxer: Retaliation, both starring Moussi. reunion after 19 years since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. “Jiu Jitsu is guaranteed to satisfy the millions of The actress, who is currently gearing up for the release of martial arts and science fi ction lovers across the globe Kalank, shared her feelings on Twitter. with world class martial artists and stunt men go-to A song titled Ghar More Pardesiya from the forthcoming expert Alain Moussi joining superstar Nicolas Cage for fi lm featuring Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Varun Dhawan and some formidable, no-holds-barred fi ght sequences set herself, got 18 million views on YouTube and was trending at in exotic Burma,” Logothetis said. the number 2 on it. Cage won an Academy Award for Leaving Las Vegas Talking about the overwhelming response, Ali said: “Till and was nominated for Adaptation. afternoon, it got 14 millions views and I am very happy that His credits include the horror fi lm Mom and Dad, 211 more and more people are watching the song. and Mandy along with voice work on Spider-Man: Into “I have worked very hard on this song. I was very nervous. the Spider-Verse. He can be seen next in Jason Cabell’s I was feeling like almost 50 per cent of the fi lm is released so, Running With the Devil alongside Laurence Fishburne. now I can calm down a bit when the fi lm releases. I will be – IANS nervous but excited.” UPBEAT: Alia Bhatt says, “It’s a big dream come true to work Inshallah is a co-production between Salman Khan Films with Sanjay sir and Salman”. and Bhansali Productions. – IANS 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 21, 2019 COMMUNITY MEHE and QNRF organise Qatar National Scratch Coding Competition

The Ministry of Education and Higher Kala, Ashish Devan and Kalyana Sundaram, Education (MEHE) and Qatar National mentored by Kala Renganathan, from Noble Research Fund (QNRF) recently organised International School, first position; Albara National Research Week. The 17 winning Ashour and Nizar Ahmed, mentored by teams that participated in the second edition Lubaiba Ismail, Step One School, second of Qatar National Scratch Coding Competition position; and Talel Mohamed Abd El Hamid (QNSCC) were felicitated at the awards and Omar Rachid Baraket, mentored by Fatma ceremony, held at Qatar National Convention Ouerfelli, Al-Manar Primary Model School For Centre. The event was attended by notable Boys, third position. personalities, including off icial guests from The winners in the Open Category Junior, the Ministry of Education, QNRF, Embassy of included Amana Sajid and Alisha Abdul Nasir, France and Unesco Doha Off ice along with mentored by Naresh Kondapuram, from the representatives of sponsors and other Al Khor International School, first position; institutions. Bassam El Merhebi, mentored by Samer El QNSCC targets young innovative talents Merhebi, Lycee Franco-Qatarien Voltaire – and aims to develop youth’s creativity and Salwa, second position; and Jasmine Princess innovation and inspire next generation Boga and Talhah Peerbhai, mentored by to pursue careers in digital professions to Andrew Mendy, Mesaieed International Private prepare them for the future. In second edition School, third position. of Qatar National Scratch Coding Competition The winners in the Open Category Senior, more than 1,547 students from 102 schools in included Richey Mary Jacob and Manal Abdul Qatar registered amongst which more than Jaleel, mentored by Bharati Rameshbhai 800 projects were evaluated by a panel of Patel, from Al Khor International School, first judges from QNRF, Qatar University, College position; Abd-El-Rahman Yasser, mentored by of The North Atlantic, Stevens Institute of Taha Dawam, Al Furqan Secondary School For Technology-USA and IRT System X- France. Boys, second position. For Scrobot Category, Off icial sponsors of the event, included Bassam El Merhebi won the first position, Total, Ooredoo and Supreme Committee for which was followed by Asim Jawahir and Delivery & Legacy. Vyshnav Vijay with second position. The winners in the Open Category All participants, students and coaches were Elementary, included Karnick Elamparithi awarded with the certificates of participation.

Future 318 to organise Forum 2019

As part of Women’s Month celebrations, Future 318, in association with Turkish Airlines and Shangri-La Hotel, is all set to organise Forum 2019 on March 23 at Shangri- La Hotel Doha to highlight the pressing issues faced by women today, gender gap and feminism. The forum will include a debate and panel discussion featuring various speakers. “We will continue to deliver events that make a diff erence and that engender change. We want to achieve transparency and open dialogue between both genders as it is essential on how we can move forward as a society,” said Conchita Ponce, Founder of Future 318. “We are honoured to partner with Future 318 to celebrate Women’s Month by tackling such an important topic. The International community as well as Qatar recognises the link between women’s empowerment, gender equality and progress, and we believe that collective eff orts and constructive partnerships are the best way to achieve sustainable development,” said TJ Joulak, General Manager of Shangri-La Hotel. Carlos Hernandez, Ambassador of Argentina, said, “I’m proud to be a speaker at the Forum 2019 next to just some determined and powerful Qatari women. I also want to be an example to other men out there to get involved and become part of the solution, not simply spectators, taking accountability for our actions, figuring together, both men and women, what should we all do to develop ourselves in accordance to human rights.” The event is being supported by Turkish Airlines, Shangri- RUNNERS UP: Svetlana Mary Shibu, a student of Grade II at Shantiniketan La Hotel Doha, Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Center, Evolve Indian School, recently won second position in drawing and colouring Wellness and WhatsUp Doha. Carlos Hernandez, Ambassador of Argentina. competition ‘Heal the Heart, Heal the World’ organised by Focus Qatar at Noble International School.