Community Community Noble ‘Labour International Reforms P7School P16 in : organises a workshop Achievements and ‘Refining of Teaching Next Steps’ discusses Methods’ for its measures taken for faculty members. the welfare of workers.

Sunday, April 14, 2019 Sha’baan 9, 1440 AH

Doha today: 230 - 330

Hearing Hurrem

Celebrated Turkish-German actress Meryem Uzerli speaks to Community exclusively on her launching pad Muhteşem Yüzyıl and the journey beyond. P4-6

COVER STORY

QUIZ SHOWBIZ

The sinking of Disney unveils teaser of The Rise of Skywalker. Page 11 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.53am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.14am Zuhr (noon) 11.36am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.57pm Isha (night) 7.27pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Hellboy Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and Emergency 999 DIRECTION:Neil Marshall human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge. Worldwide Emergency Number 112 CAST: David Harbour, Ian McShane, Milla Jovovich Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 SYNOPSIS: Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza 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

Madhura Raja troubles an entire village, the people turn to the only man who DIRECTION: can save them: Raja, the fl amboyant don with a heart of gold. CAST: , , SYNOPSIS: When an illegal hooch baron`s reign of terror THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q The Mall Cinema (1): Masha And Raja (Tamil) 11:30pm. “Good, The Bear The New Adventures Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2D) 2pm; Masha And The (1): Madhura Raja (Malayalam) better, best. Never let it Bear The New Adventures (2D) 2:30pm; Madhura Raja rest. Til your good is better and 3:30pm; Shazam! (2D) 5pm; (Malayalam) 5:15pm; Madhura your better is best.” Shazam! (2D) 7:15pm; Daght A’aly Prince Of Atlantis (2D) 2:15pm; Raja (Malayalam) 8pm; Madhura (Arabic) 9:30pm; Kupathu Raja Shazam! (2D) 4pm; Dumbo (2D) Raja (Malayalam) 11pm. — St. Jerome (Tamil) 11:30pm. 6:30pm; Lucifer (Malayalam) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): The Mall Cinema (2): Dumbo 8:30pm; Hellboy (2D) 11:30pm. Kupathu Raja (Tamil) 30:2pm; (2D) 2pm; Dumbo (2D) 4pm; Landmark Cinema (2): Madhura Masha And The Bear The New Madhura Raja (Malayalam) 6pm; Raja (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Adventures (2D) 5pm; After Madhura Raja (Malayalam) Madhura Raja (Malayalam) (2D) 6:30pm; Dragged Across 8:45pm; Madhura Raja 5:15pm; Madhura Raja Concrete (2D) 8:30pm; Manje (Malayalam) 11:30 (Malayalam) 8pm; Madhura Raja Bistre 2 (Punjabi) 11:15pm. Community Editor The Mall Cinema (3): Madhura (Malayalam) 11pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Kamran Rehmat Raja (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Manje Landmark Cinema (3): (3): Chitralahari (Talugu) 2:30pm; e-mail: [email protected] Bistre 2 (Punjabi) 5:15pm; Little Chitralahari (Telugu) 2pm; The Last Prince Of Atlantis (2D) Telephone: 44466405 (2D) 7:30pm; Hellboy (2D) 9:15pm; Dumbo (2D) 4:45pm; Madhura 5:30pm; Captive State (2D) Fax: 44350474 Captive State (2D) 11:30pm. Raja (Malayalam) 6:45pm; Daght 7:15pm; Hellboy (2D) 9:15pm; The Landmark Cinema (1): The Last A’aly (Arabic) 9:30pm; Kupathu Wind (2D) 11:30pm. Sunday, April 14, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

The Pearl Qatar Triathlon 2019 Arabic Calligraphy Workshop WHERE: Qanat Quartier, The Pearl–Qatar WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday WHEN: April 19 TIME: 6pm TIME: 6:45am – 9am Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Register for the fi nal event of Qatar Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic National Triathlon Series, The Pearl–Qatar handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Triathlon starting in Qanat Quartier of The Arts Atelier. Pearl–Qatar. Event will be having a sprint The lessons will take place every Saturday, distance for individuals and teams. Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact registration@ atelierqatar.com

Hobby Classes EVENTS Artistic Gymnastic Classes WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb Centre Career Guidance WHEN: Ongoing WHEN:Wednesday – Monday WHERE: Right Track Consultants, Al TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is a Sadd The olympic sport using horizontal bar, holistic performing arts institution and a one WHEN: Sunday – Thursday rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the stop solution for adults as well as children TIME: 6pm – 8pm children from age 4 till 16. looking to explore their talents in various Career guidance for course, country, art forms. We off er classes in contemporary, college and entrance for students of Grade Ballet Lessons , hip hop, indian classical dance, IX-XII, of all curriculum. Career assessments WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier music (Hindustani and Carnatic), arts and administered for stream preference, career WHEN: Ongoing craft, karate, yoga, percussion( Chenda, test, branch preference, personality, TIME: 4pm – 8pm Thimila, Elathalam and Madhalam), violin, multiple intelligence and learning styles For more info e-mail at registration@ harmonium, public speaking. and productivity. For more information, atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. Additional services include dance 55448835. education, choreograph music videos and dance cover albums, choreograph dance Master Class of Authentic Indian Yoga musical projects, corporate workshops and (Ladies only) events, choreograph events for schools, WHERE: Oxygen Park, Qatar Foundation colleges, alumni meets and corporate WHEN: April 19 and choreography events. For details, call TIME: 6pm – 7:30pm 33897609. As part of Qatar- 2019 Year of Culture celebration, Qatar Museums and Qatar Foundation are pleased to inform that Indian Sports Centre, under the patronage of Embassy of India, is conducting a Master Dr. Mashoor Gulati Clinic live in Doha class of authentic Indian Yoga. Class is WHERE: Al Dana Club, Doha, Qatar open to all female adult students of all WHEN: April 26 levels. Please wear comfortable and non- TIME: 6pm – 10pm revealing clothes. Bring your own Yoga mat. Witness the genius of Indian stand-up Photography is not permitted. Admission is comedian, Sunil Grover live as he plays his free. To register: www.qf.org.qa/YOCyoga popular characters ‘Dr. Mashoor Gulati’ and ‘Gutthi’ from Kapil Sharma show. Sunil Grover will be performing live at Al Dana Club in Doha.

Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club Syria Matters Exhibition WHERE: Losail Circuit WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 TIME: 5pm TIME: 9am – 7pm Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites presents a major exhibition, co-curated by all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania the fl oodlights of Losail International Circuit Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year every Wednesdays. anniversary celebrations. Dance and Instrument Classes After School Activities WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times WHERE: Atelier Building WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Music and arts activities for students Learn the movements of dance styles in taking place after they fi nish their day in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama for adults as well kids and move in the world Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 of music. For details, contact 66523871/ years old after school hours. 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “Sometimes there can be a lot of strength in a quiet character” — Meryem Uzerli, actress SUNDAY CONVERSATION

When I play a character it’s another journey on a psychological level. I would never say that it changes me as Meryem, but I can say that it enriches me

By Muhammad Asad Ullah series was broadcast in over 40 countries with more than 200 million viewers worldwide. ‘ Viewers watched the show, n the space of a single decade, not only in Turkey but also in Turkey has gone from being Pakistan, Bosnia, Croatia, China, a country with a somewhat United States and other countries, barren television landscape including several in the Arab world, to being one of the largest where it was called The Sultan’s Iexporters of soap operas and Harem and dubbed in Arabic. drama series in the world. Turkish Muhtesem Yüzyıl introduced television — an appealing blend of Meryem Uzerli, Turkish-German social issues and strong cultural actress, to the world as Hurrem themes — is one of the most Sultan, the female lead of the thriving entertainment industries television series. ’ in the world now. With over 25 TV and movie In 2011, it introduced us to awards and nominations, Meryem Muhtesem Yüzyıl (Magnifi cent has climbed the ladder of fame and Century), an epic historical drama has become an unstoppable force. launched, based on the life and During the series, Uzerli’s role court of the Ottoman Sultan managed to develop a love-hate Suleyman the Magnifi cent, the relationship with her audience. longest-reigning Sultan of the Her acting prowess has placed Ottoman Empire, and his wife herself on the cultural map of the Photo by Shaji Thottathil Hurrem Sultan. The television world as one of the best actresses Sunday, April 14, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY to have had come out of Turkish far. Does it bother you as an television industries. From Tüketici actress? Academy Award for Best Female No, not at all! Of course, it was Lead for Muhtesem Yüzyıl in 2011 a huge project and very popular to being adjudged as the Best because it was sold to so many International Actress 2016 at 7th countries. The other characters annual Beirut International Awards or projects I’ve done were not so Festival, Meryem has come a long huge, I mean they were not sold to way, but her popularity has been so many countries like Muhtesem increasing since the fi rst episode of Yüzyıl. It was something totally the television got on air. diff erent. Ah, yes sure it was part of She has captivated the audiences my life and I enjoyed it a lot and it with her talent, warmth and natural is part of myself and that is totally beauty. nice. We’ve all gotten to know and love Meryem Uzerli as Hurrem Sultan but she’s now slowly shedding that “You evolve persona and reinventing herself. with your Meryem was recently in Doha for the launch of a Turkish experiences jewellery brand Atasay, a brand she represents. but I am just Actresses worldwide are notoriously private but Community someone who sat with Meryem Uzerli in a goes to work and candid conversation where she granted permission and access is happy to be to a rarely-before-seen side of herself, delving into her childhood part of different memories including her fi rst acting projects” gig and shunning off rumours that surrounded her once and for all. Meryem sounds a decade wiser, Did playing Hurrem, who too. She talks about growing strong has a legacy of strength and female characters in production infl uence and stepping into her and how she’s not bothered as an shoes, changed you in any way? actress, still being associated with Every person I meet teaches one character she has played; she’s me something. Sometimes it’s a deeply educated on issue of toxic simple sentence that makes you relationships. Meryem might still think or sometimes it’s a deeper have Hurrem Sultan’s glorious hair, conversation that inspires and but she’s developed the kind of out of which I draw something thoughtful attitude that comes only as an experience. When I play a with experience. character it’s another journey on a psychological level. I would never We’ve seen you play say that it changes me as Meryem, such a historical character, but I can say that it enriched me. bombarded with glamour and manipulation, but who is From a girl next door to a diva Meryem Uzerli in personal life? sporting the cover editorials of Sometimes strong, sometimes fashion magazines, was there funny, sometimes serious, a moment when you actually sometimes sensitive, sometimes realised that you’ve just made RECALL: Meryem Uzerli with her co-star Halit Ergenç during the shoot of Muhtesem Yüzyil. tired, sometimes fi t and always it as an actress and a popular believing in the good. Full of vision celebrity? and working towards it and to give I know what you mean but I am everything to be a good mother to not a diva. I was always Meryem and my daughter and raise her in great will always be Meryem — of course, love and security. you evolve with your experiences, grow up , changing your looks, your Sometimes a single style depending on the projects but performance sets the I am just someone who goes to work standards and all subsequent and is happy to be part of diff erent performances pale in projects. That’s all. comparison no matter how hard one tries. Would you be able to You’ve done fi lms, dramas and outdo the Hurrem legacy? then soap opera, how would you Hurrem Sultan is of course, one diff erentiate amongst the three of the strongest female characters mediums as an actress? in history. I am very grateful and I’ve never been a part of soap proud that I had a chance to play opera, but who knows, maybe in the such a powerful character — what future. Or maybe your defi nition of a gift for an actress! In general, a soap opera is diff erent from mine there’s a boom in portrayal of in Germany. I have done lots of strong female characters, which is theatre, cinema and drama serials. great, but each character I played Of course it’s diff erent to perform has its own strengths, weaknesses, live in front of the audience, it’s a diff erences. It would be boring to totally diff erent dynamic. There’s always embody the same dynamics. a time pressure in theatre while Sometimes there can be a lot of in cinema productions there is strength in a quiet character. I never often more time to unfold within a compare my work. It all stands for project. In series also, you build a itself and that’s a good thing. character over a long period of time, step by step. All dynamics can be Even after a decade of diff erent but at the end of the day Muhtesem Yüzyıl, people you develop a character and present worldwide recall you as it no matter where. I like all of them. Hurrem, rather than any other FASHIONISTA: “As a woman I love jewelllery as well. I’m into diamonds and gold – actually everything. It’s all about character you’ve played so Continued on Page 6 emotions for me,” said Meryem Uzerli after inaugurating Atasay in Doha. 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY

PASSIONATE: Meryam is a passionate photographer with a penchant for black and white images. Seen here are two pictures shot by her, the second being her daughter Lara.

Continued from Page 5 It was rumoured that you me beautiful. That fl atters me. Yes, absolutely. It’s in my head and Qatar, love it to the bones. had a nervous breakdown on Thank you. it’s in my heart. Whenever I spend Was acting something you the night of Antalya Television time in the Middle East, I feel great Any message for your fans? always wanted to do? Awards. Do you think that was You’re representing an happiness in me which I can hardly I’m so happy to be here in When I was fi ve, my best friend’s the moment when you realised heirloom brand of jewellery describe. I don’t know more exactly Qatar. I’m sending greetings to father owned the biggest theatrical you have to take a new path in like Atasay; are you a jewellery at the moment. But it is a dream everyone and whatever you’re production in my hometown. I was life, towards betterment? person yourself? and a longing. I’m trying to make going through in life right now, playing a tree, in the background Oh, there are a lot of rumours As the daughter of a Turkish it possible but my schedule is not even if its sadness, happiness or of course, or something of the sort everywhere. I’ve learned not to father I’m very proud to be the allowing right now to plan it properly. you’re a bit sick, like my flu today, even in that young age. So yes it hear, read or get distracted by face of a Turkish brand, which has There are so many countries in the I’m sending prayers, hugs, kisses happened in a very natural way. them. The media is always creating brought together more than 110 Middle East that are beautiful. Even and love. His father once asked us to do a something. That’s part of the million women worldwide with play — and that’s how it all actually business. its jewellery due to the success in started. It was a step-by-step production since its foundation in thing. I used to go to a private art What would you say to people 1937 with its superb, award-winning kindergarten and then a private caught up in toxic relationships creations, employees, artisans, art school. So I guess this is how it and what advice would you give craftsmen and associates. As a happened. single moms? woman I love jewellery as well. I’m Unhealthy relationships, as we into diamonds and gold — actually And what about all know, are diffi cult to break. everything. It’s all about emotions photography? Often a diff erent feeling like for me. I’m a very emotional person. I love photography. I actually addiction is confused with love. So sometimes I like something gave my camera to somebody here. I think it is important to look at simple and sometimes more I’m sweating a bit because camera is yourself and see what exactly glamorous like every woman I guess. like my baby. I love to take pictures makes you linger in such an of people, interesting faces and unhealthy combination. And as for situations. It’s just about emotions being a single mother, there is no and expressing it via photography. tip that I can share since there are “There is no tip It’s a hobby and a passion. I like so many diff erent constellations that I can share to do pictures in black and white and individual stories — I can only because then it looks more artful say I am proud of every mom in the (as a single and the focus is on the subject and world. situation and you’re not distracted mother) since by the colours. I like to capture How do you fi nd inner peace? there are so weird situations but I don’t post all Is there something that you do of them — because that’ll be weird to get away from all the action many different then. I like characteristic faces. in your life? Spending time with my constellations Tell us something about your daughter. Just watching movies upcoming projects? in my pyjamas at home, eating and individual I just fi nished a movie which I was chocolates, taking a walk through stories — I can shooting at the Turkish/Georgian nature, reading and spending border, The Hive. I was also one of time with the people I love. Well, only say I am the executive producers of the fi lm. sometimes staying alone and I’m more and more interested in listening to music as well. proud of every playing a bigger role in the creative process of the projects. The movie Are there beauty secrets lying mom in the is an intense family drama of somewhere in the corner that world” overcoming your fears and embracing other aspirants could make use change in a lot of ways. A very artful of? In a recent interview, you said fi lm with deep and calm character. A beauty secret? Not really. I you are looking forward to shift Apart from this, I’m also working on don’t know what to say here, but to Middle East. Have you given MOM: Amidst her fame-topping charts, Meryem still prioritises her daughter a series for an Internet platform. the question means that you fi nd it a thought yet? over other commitments. Sunday, April 14, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY NIS organises workshop for staff members

Noble International School recently Abdul Rasheed, Principal of NIS, organised a workshop for its faculty welcomed the gathering. Hussain members at Radisson Blu Hotel. Mohammed, Chairman of NIS, and The workshop was conducted Basheer K P, General Secretary, also by V C Mashood, Secretary at spoke on the occasion. NIS; and Muneer, Director of The event was attended by notable Academics at NIS, on ‘Refining of personalities, including Hussain Teaching Methods’. Shyam Sundar, Mohammed, Basheer K P, Shoukath Project Manager at Qatar Design Ali Taj, V C Mashood, Faris, Abdul Consortium, conducted a quiz on the Kader T K, Moideen R S, Maharoof occasion. A K, Muneer, Noushad and Ahmed The workshops were followed by Ansari. A special recognition was a formal ceremony to felicitate the presented to Shibu Abdul Rasheed. management and staff members of Jayamon Joy, Vice President of NIS for the attainment of the CBSE Academic, proposed a vote of Senior Secondary Aff iliation. Shibu thanks. Georgetown felicitates top achieving students

Georgetown University in Qatar these award winners exemplify the (GU-Q) recently hosted the Dean’s strengths of a liberal arts education Reception for Honors Students and the best of Georgetown.” The to recognise the highest levels of winning students are pursuing academic achievement for the a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Spring 2018 and Fall 2018 semesters. Service degree, an interdisciplinary Every semester, Academic Honors undergraduate programme off ered are earned based on a student’s in four majors and built on an Grade Point Average (GPA) for international aff airs curriculum that semester. And once every rooted in the study of economics, academic year, Honors earned political science, history, philosophy, over the previous semesters are theology, the humanities, and other recognised at a campus reception. disciplines. Academic Honors are printed on all Dr Daniel Westbrook, Associate off icial transcripts, with First Honors Professor at GU-Q, along with indicating the highest level of Dr Christine Schiwietz, Assistant achievement and requiring a grade Dean for Curricular and Academic point average of 3.9 and above, and Advising, took part in recognising the second Honors awarded for a GPA of students at the Dean’s Reception. 3.7 and above. Academic Honors are also totalled Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ahmad over the course of a four year Dallal, Dean of GU-Q,said, “GU-Q education to determine the winners continues to attract and enrol top of the traditional Latin Honors, the tier students from Qatar and around highest marks of distinction for a the world, and we are proud to see university’s graduating class. These these driven and dedicated students include the honorary Latin titles of take on the challenge of our rigorous summa cum laude, magna cum curriculum, and succeed. Truly laude, and cum laude.

PERFORMERS: Three students of DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently performed at the opening ceremony of Qatar National Museum as part of the choir to present Qatar National Anthem. The students, WALK FOR A CAUSE: Faculty members and students of Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently participated in the included Vidyabala Pathak, Saamarthya Christie and Nikhil Joseph walkathon, organised by Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing (QISH) to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day at Al Abraham. They were dressed in traditional Indian attire. Bidda Park. 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY IIQS-Qatar organises 4th Continuing Professional Development event

Indian Institute of Quantity Surveyors - Qatar Chapter (IIQS- Qatar), associated to Indian Business and Professionals Council, under the aegis of embassy of India in Qatar, recently organised its 4th Continuing Professional Development event at Radisson Blu Hotel. The event was attended by over 50 guests and members. The event featured an interactive lecture on ‘Claims Avoidance’ by Nagarajan Velappan, Head of Contracts at Projacs International Qatar. The lecture covered the concept of various contractual risks involved in a contract and avoiding the claims in the construction industry by selecting the best practices to avoid claims. Narendra Pathak, CPD Committee member, welcomed the gathering. Anshul Gupta, President of IIQS-Qatar, and Kiran, General Secretary of IIQS-Qatar, felicitated Anshul Gupta on the occasion. Kiran proposed a vote of thanks.

Nazakat Ali Khan to perform MUN Team of TNG participates at international venues in 6th Andrew MUN Conference

Nazakat Ali Khan, a known Doha-based Pakistani tabla player, is all set to The Model United Nation’s (MUN) Team of The The team included 22 students of TNG representing six perform in three countries including, Japan, Malaysia and Philippines. He Next General School (TNG) recently participated different countries, including Mexico, India, Zimbabwe, along with other Pakistani artistes will perform songs, ghazals, qawalis, in the 6th Andrew MUN Conference at Carnegie Palestine, China and Kenya in different committees, along with live table performance. Mellon University in Qatar. The team won several including Security Council (SC), United Nations Nazakat is the Chief Organiser of Punjab Music Group (PMG) and has long best delegate awards including the award for ‘Best Human Rights Commission (HRC), Environmental been organising diff erent classical music programmes in Qatar. He said Diplomacy’. Commission (EC), Disarmament and International that he would entertain the audience in Tokyo with qawali with 12 other The Next Generation (TNG) hosts an active MUN Club Security Committee (DISEC), United Nations High artistes coming from Pakistan. for its students to provide students an opportunity Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United In Kuala Lumpur, he will be joined by some classical singers from India. to explore global challenges, take part in critical Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Aliya Niaz They will perform ghazals for the audience in Malaysia. He will then go to conversations and enhance their leadership skills, and Amna Asim, students of Grade XI at TNG, won Manila where he will perform with some Pakistani female artistes. Nazakat public speaking skills, team work, negotiation, research the award for the Best Delegate. The students were left on April 13 and will complete his tour in two weeks. He thanked his and analytical skills. mentored by Thilini Dantanarayana. PMG team and never ending support from the Pakistani and Indian expatriates living in Qatar. He said that the next programme of PMG will be held as part of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Sunday, April 14, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Bollywood celebrities to perform at May Queen Ball 2019

Bollywood celebrities, including Javed Jafri, Naved Jafri, Ehsaan–Loy. Naved Jafri is an Indian actor, writer and Longinus Fernandes and Lorna Cordeiro are all set to director. He is best known for his work as a Television perform at 19th Annual May Queen Ball on April 25 at Host. He is a writer and director, known for Boogie Radisson Blu Doha from 7:30pm onwards. The event Woogie Kids Championship, Oh Darling Yeh Hai India has been organised by Goan Welfare Association (GWA) and C.I.D. He made his debut as a host and judge in TV in collaboration with Orbit Events and Marketing, stated series Boogie Woogie which was aired on Sony Channel. a press release. Longinus Fernandes is an Indian choreographer and “The highlight of the event will be crowning of 19th May dancer and has won Filmfare Best Choreography Queen by the Bollywood celebrities. The winners will be Award in 2009. He is internationally known for his felicitated with various prizes, including gold necklace, choreography for Jai Ho, a dance number in Academy airline tickets, wrist watches, electronic items, five star Award winning film, . Fernandes overnight and meal vouchers, cosmetic sets and many have been teaching dance to many celebrities. He more valuables,” says Simon D’Silva, President of Goan confirms, “Salman Khan, Somi Ali, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Welfare Association. Khan and Bunty Walia have been my students. I have One of the most celebrated bands from the Western also taught Akshay Kumar for a short while.” Indian State of , FOREFRONT, will be performing Lorna Cordeiro, Nightingale of Goa, is travelling all over along with Norman Cardozo, music director, and the world to perform. Apart from being a mesmerising Joaquim De Souza, saxophone maestro. The event will singer, she has several signature moves in her be compered by Updesh Swar. repertoire. She would begin her gig by stretching her Javed Jafri is an Indian actor, voice actor, dancer, arms out wide towards the crowd, tilt her head, in her comedian and impressionist known for his work in inimitable style, and exclaim ‘I am Lorna’. The inspiring several Bollywood films and Indian television shows. journey of Lorna Cordeiro has been immortalised on He is known for donning various hats, including that celluloid by two motion pictures, a Konkani film titled of an actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, VJ, and ad Nachom-ia Kumpasar, which is a fictional account filmmaker among others. He is the son of popular inspired by her life and a Bollywood film called Bombay comedian, Jagdeep. He made his debut in Bollywood Velvet. with Meri Jung in 1985 in a negative role. He has acted May Queen contest will be open to all nationalities in over 40 films, both Indian and international, till date, from the age of 17 to 40 years. Simon D’Silva, President winning various awards, including Star Screen Award of Goan Welfare Association, said that this is an and IIFA. opportunity for the ladies who are always looking Jafri has also hosted and partly hosted various award forward to participate in the contest. shows, including Filmfare, Zee Cine Awards, and IIFA. For further details, 55550491, 55530823, 55529397 and Javed has performed in over 200 live shows in India 55218480. The event has been sponsored by Qatari Longinus Fernandes and abroad, and shared the stage with Michael Jackson, Industrial Equipment. Co-Sponsors, include HUBTOWN, Sting, Spice Girls and Queen and the Bollywood Classic Squares and Capital One, Qatar Airways, Doha celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Bank, Radisson Blu Doha, Lester Morgan Fernandes and Shahrukh Khan, A R Rahman, Anil Kapoor, and Shankar– Gulf Times.

Javed Jafri Naved Jafri Lorna Cordeiro

New Range Rover Evoque awarded maximum European safety rating

The new Range Rover Evoque has been awarded a Drive Pack off ers Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Assist maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, confirming its and High Speed Emergency Braking, for convenience and status as one of the most refined, capable and safe luxury safety wherever the road takes you. compact SUVs on the market, stated a press release. In addition, a comprehensive system of airbags and Not only did the luxury compact SUV score 94 percent for restraints throughout the cabin, including a pedestrian adult occupant safety, the highest score of any Jaguar or airbag. Land Rover product to date, but for those with younger FinbarMcFall, Global Product Marketing Director at Jaguar passengers in the back, it also received 87 percent for child Land Rover, said,“The Range Rover Evoque is at home in the occupant safety. It means the Evoque is the latest Land city and the country, so we added the latest technologies Rover to be awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, aimed at preventing accidents and a new vehicle following the most recent Range Rover Velar and Land architecture to protect occupants in the event of an incident. Rover Discovery SUV. The result is another five-star performer from Land Rover.” Built on Land Rover’s new Premium Transverse Architecture The suite of advanced technologies on the new Range Rover to ensure maximum occupant safety, the new Range Rover Evoque includes Land Rover’s ClearSight Rear View Mirror. Evoque comes with the latest advanced driver assistance Transforming into an HD video screen at the flick of a switch, features, including Emergency Braking; Lane Keep Assist; it off ers a wider 50-degree field of vision and superior low Front and Rear Parking Aids; and a Rear Camera as standard, light visibility by displaying a rear-facing camera feed from to help avoid road traff ic accidents. the top of the car. It is ideal when carrying passengers in the Owners can add to this with the addition of two optional second row or bulky items in the rear loadspace obscure the packs. The Park Pack adds Park Assist, 360-degree Parking view behind. Aid, Rear Traff ic Monitor and Clear Exit Monitor, while the ClearSight Ground View technology is also available. 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY

Photos by Bosco Menezes Exploring the pride of Qatar

Traditionally, museums are perceived as places that preserve objects and materials of religious, cultural and historical values pertaining to a people or a country. The art galleries at museums help showcase the creative inclinations of a country – be it in the form of old artefacts, sculptures, paintings or modern objects. But reality is that museums do so much more along the way while preserving a piece of art or history. They become the heart and soul of a country as they sometimes tell tales of the people who inhabited the land on which museums are constructed. The stories told through various elements at museums ultimately become a source of pride and honour for a country. The case of the newly-opened National Museum of Qatar is no diff erent. Spread over an area of 52,000sq m, with a route extending more than 1.5km, the national museum is set out chronologically, beginning with the period before the peninsula of Qatar was inhabited and continuing up to the present day. Conceived by French architect Jean Nouvel, the complex structure of the museum is inspired by desert roses found in the arid desert regions of Qatar. Yet one of the striking aspects of the museum is that the new state-of-the-art structure embraces the restored historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani as its centrepiece. It was during his tenure that the fi rst oil well was drilled in the country and his vision set the country on the path of development. This is one of the many striking aspects of the museum compelling enough to go out and explore the space. I have been there once, but I will be back again. When are you planning your visit? — Text by Azmat Haroon Sunday, April 14, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 QUIZ COMMUNITY The sinking of Titanic

(Ever thus to tyrants!) The South is avenged,” as he jumped onto the stage and fl ed on horseback. Who killed whom? John Wilkes Booth killed Abraham Lincoln.

What is special about Noble Peace Laureates Dag Hammarskjold (Nobel Peace Prize 1961) and Erik Axel Karlfeldt (Nobel Prize in Literature 1931)? They were awarded Noble Prize n April 14, 1912, posthumously. From 1974, the four days into the Statutes of the Nobel Foundation crossing and about stipulate that a Prize cannot be 375 miles south of awarded posthumously, unless Newfoundland in the death has occurred after the NorthO Atlantic Ocean, an iceberg LUXURIOUS: Known as the ‘Ship of Dreams’, Titanic was the most impressive and luxurious ship of its time. It was the announcement of the Nobel was spotted at 11:40pm by lookout biggest too, measuring 28 metres wide, 53 metres tall and 269 metres long. Prize. Yet in 2011 one winner in aboard RMS Physiology or Medicine, Ralph Titanic, on her maiden voyage from would not have sunk if it hit the playing the same role. The fi lm’s ship disappeared under water, but Steinman, actually passed to New York. iceberg head-on. main theme song, My Heart Will Go it wasn’t found until 1985, around away three days earlier without Just 37 seconds elapsed between The ocean liner carried some of On by , was the biggest 12,500 feet below the surface. the awarders’ knowledge. The the sighting of the iceberg and the the wealthiest people in the world. selling single of 1998. More than Foundation decided not to rescind collision. Of what was deemed one John Jacob Astor IV was worth 20 years later, the fi lm is still the Titanic’s full title was RMS his Nobel. of the most luxurious and safest over $90 million. That’s over two second-highest-grossing fi lm of all Titanic. What does RMS means? ships ever built, Titanic broke in billion dollars by today’s standards time. During production of Titanic, It stands for ‘Royal Mail Steamer’. If the eastern end of the earth two at around 2:20am and sunk into when taking infl ation into account. used a decoy title As well as passengers, the ship is called the Orient, what is the the ocean. The temperature would One legend claims that after the and the movie was called Planet Ice. carried nearly 3,500 sacks of letters, western end called? have been -2°C and few would have ship hit the iceberg he quipped to Titanic is the second movie packages and documents. Occident. survived longer than 15 minutes in a a waiter, ‘I asked for ice, but this is about the RMS Titanic to win a Best disaster that resulted in the loss of ridiculous’. Another notable victim Picture Oscar. In 1933, Frank Lloyd’s In James Cameron’s Titanic, Identify the memorial below more than 1,500 lives, almost two- was , an Cavalcade took home the same. who was the skilled artist established to commemorate thirds of the 2,224 people on board. American businessman. Realising Welcome to ‘Nutty’s behind Jack Dawson’s drawing the massacre of peaceful The world was overcome with that the ship was going down, Infotainment. YAYS!’ And your of Rose wearing nothing but the celebrators and is arguably the shock and sorrow. Over a century he and his valet, Victor Giglio, time starts NOW! ‘Heart of the Ocean’? most potent embodiment of later, Titanic is still one of the reputedly changed into their James Cameron himself. In the violence on which British most fascinating stories in history. evening wear while he remarked, How is titanicae 2011, the drawing sold for “at least rule rested on the Indian soil. Titanic has been more a ship than “We’ve dressed up in our best connected to the wrecks of RMS $16,000” at an auction. Yesterday (April 13) marked the anything else. and are prepared to go down like Titanic? is a 100 years of the massacre. The Ritz in London’s Piccadilly gentlemen.” rust-eating that is slowly Which well-known world neighbourhood loosely inspired Just under two hours after consuming the remains of the ship. leader and the founder of a (Answer next week. Answer to the interior of Titanic. It was built Titanic sank, the RMS Carpathia It is expected to be completely gone country in East Asia was born last week’s photo-quiz: Will Keith in Belfast in the Harland and Wolff arrived and brought aboard an by 2030. on the day the Titanic sank? Kellogg, best known as the founder shipyard by the estimated 705 survivors. Only Kim II-Sung, the fi rst leader of of the Kellogg Company, which to company. It didn’t come cheap. The 306 bodies were found and were , professor of North Korea which he ruled from this day produces a wide variety of ship cost $7.5 million to build. taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The oceanography at the University the country’s establishment in 1948 popular breakfast cereals.) Also known as the ‘Ship of youngest survivor of the sinking, of Rhode Island, was hired until his death in 1994. Dreams’, Titanic was the most , aged two months by the US government for a impressive and luxurious ship at the time, died in 2009 at the age top-secret mission to use an Name the digital publishing, of her time! She was the biggest of 97. underwater robot he’d invented e-commerce, entertainment too, measuring 28 metres wide, 53 Dozens of fi lms and to fi nd two nuclear submarines and news company from J K metres tall and 269 metres long documentaries have been that sank in the 1960s. During Rowling which is also a global — that’s about the length of three made about the disaster. James the mission he discovered digital publisher of Harry Potter football fi elds. Facilities on board Cameron’s grossed more than $2bn something for which he is most and the Wizarding World. The included a gym, pool, Turkish bath, and won a whopping 11 Oscars. known. What is that? website was launched this day a kennel, and a squash court. It even Titanic was the fi rst fi lm to have Discoveries of the wrecks of (April 14) in 2012. had its own on-board newspaper – two cast members, the RMS Titanic. Search missions Pottermore Ltd. The Atlantic Daily Bulletin. and Gloria Stuart, nominated for began almost immediately after the Although Titanic had advanced On this day (April 14) in safety features, she carried enough 1865, he sat in Ford’s Theatre lifeboats for 1,178 people—about watching the comedy, Our half the number on board. The American Cousin, when an ship received six warnings about Tribe NI.yays assassin shot in his head and icebergs during the voyage. shouted, “Sic semper tyrannis! The ship’s lookouts, Frederick Fleet and , didn’t have What’s the Good Word? 6. Scintillate: (a) sparkle (b)combine access to binoculars during the 1. Name the Barbie-like fashion doll marketed to children of (c) disturb (d) accomplish journey, and therefore couldn’t see Islamic and Middle-Eastern countries as an alternative to Barbie? 1. Tergiversation: (a) sermon(b) 7. Gloaming: (a) canal (b) leaking out very far. The ship’s second offi cer Fulla equivocation (c) intervention (d) (c) twilight (d) shameful was replaced at the last minute, (Eram Hussain, Indian School, Muscat) established 8. Peripeteia: (a) blatant (b) sudden and forgot to hand over the key to 2. Crapulous: (a) intemperate (b) change of fortune (c) unconscious (d) the locker that housed the ship’s 2. According to the creator Walt Disney, why does Mickey emerging (c) protective (d) posh demonstration binoculars. (Pranksters placed a Mouse has only four fi ngers? 3. Quip: (a) motto (b) miracle (c) 9. Intestine: (a) domestic (b)balance pair of binoculars on his grave in Walt Disney felt that fi ve fi ngers resembled a ‘bunch of bananas’. witticism (d) shout (c) impoverished (d) multitude 2012 with a note saying: ‘Sorry (Sam Doran, Tourist, Capetown) 4. Emblazon: (a) dependent (b) 10. Weltschmerz: (a) halo (b) they’re 100 years too late’). forecast (c) presume (d) celebrate imperialism (c) bias (d) sentimental First Offi cer, William McMaster Do you have some interesting bytes to share? And, does yourvibe 5. Luddite: (a) opponent of innovation sadness Murdoch ordered the ship to turn, attract you to the ‘Tribe NI.yays!’ Every week two of your best questions (b) rabble-rouser (c) treasure (d) Answers: 1 (b); 2 (a); 3 (c); 4 (d); 5 (a); 6 but it was too large to do so in time. will be featured here. Please do write to us at [email protected]. haciendas (a); 7 (c); 8 (b); 9 (a); 10 (d); It has been suggested that the ship 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

BOOKENDS CUFFLINKS LEGGINGS SHOES SNEAKERS EARRINGS BOOTS SKATES MITTENS STOCKINGS SOCKS GLOVES CLOGS SLIPPERS SANDALS SPURS SPATS GATEPOSTS

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Sunday, April 14, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Language involved n her web 1 Sarah’s resolved to annoy (6) (6) 2 Dogs start barking in front of 4 Is saga about tennis star? (6) birds (7) 8 Raises backs (5) 3 Poems misquoted in Surrey? 9 Rail cut may be cut short (7) (5) 10 Sausages from a Greek island 5 A letter from Berlin , perhaps, (7) may be relevant (7) 11 A toff - one who acts for 6 Financial interest in the post? another (5) (5) 12 Glasses needed to see ships? 7 Listen out for openings (6) (9) 9 Scout turning to girl as usual 17 A civic dignitary for a month (9) or more? (5) 13 It’s more difficult holding one 19 A terribly nice part of the bible that’s stronger (7) - very old (7) 14 We enter in style, somehow, in 21 Having any time free is a a charming manner (7) convenience (7) 15 I’m standing by agreement 22 School housing head of Little with striking effect (6) John (5) 16 Made amends for a noted 23 Kings and queens coming error (6) from Stroud (6) 18 Return and surrender (5) 24 Remained sober, so we hear 20 One hundred remaining to be (6) split (5) Answers Yesterday’s Solutions Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Taking short breaks may help learn new skills better f you are in a process of rest for 10 seconds and to repeat learning new skills, then the cycle until they had typed the taking short breaks in numbers 35 more times. between may help you grasp The fi ndings showed the it better, say researchers. volunteers’ speed at which they IThe study, published in the correctly typed numbers improved journal Current Biology, suggests dramatically during the fi rst few our brains probably take short rest trials and then levelled off around periods to strengthen memories. the 11th cycle. This suggested “Everyone thinks you need to volunteers’ performance improved ‘practise, practise and practise’ primarily during the short rests, when learning something new,” and not during typing, the team said co-author Leonardo G Cohen said. from the National Institute of By looking at the brain waves, Neurological Disorders and Stroke researchers also found activity in the US. “We found resting, patterns that suggested the early and often, may be just as brains of participants were critical to learning as practice,” consolidating, or solidifying, Cohen said. memories during the rest. For the study, researchers Specifically, they found the recorded brain waves from a group changes in the size of brain waves, of right-handed volunteers with a called beta rhythms, correlated highly sensitive scanning technique with the improvements the called magnetoencephalography volunteers made during rests. The or MEG. team plans to explore, in detail, They were asked to type numbers the role of these early resting as many times as possible with their periods in learning and memory. left hands for 10 seconds, then take – IANS

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Today’s planetary energies may put spiritual matters in your mind, You may be thinking about political or social matters today, Taurus, Today is going to present not only a continuation but also an Aries. You may not be thinking in religious terms. Your focus is likely specifically, the deterioration of the planet. You may be worried intensification of the strong energies that have been pushing you to be on the state of humanity and what you can do to help others about your future and that of your children. You might try to bring toward self-discovery. If you’ve put up some resistance, you’re going less fortunate. Make some calls or do some research online. Find out up the subject at a social gathering. Someone you meet there is to be uncomfortable. Try to participate in the task. Question yourself. how you can get involved. If you’re short on time, a monetary gift bound to teach you something about the issue. If you need to get Why do you say and do certain things? If you’re honest, the rewards can help you feel more connected and peaceful. further involved raising people’s awareness of this issue, do it! will outweigh the growing pains. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Today you should be asking yourself a lot of important questions, If you’re feeling unappreciated by the people around you, Leo, try You could be in an uncomfortable situation with friends today, Virgo. Cancer. The Universe is pushing you on your journey of self- going somewhere else. Begging for attention is unattractive, and so There may be gossip going around about a mutual friend and you discovery. If you resist, you aren’t going to be in a very good mood. is strutting around trying to distract everyone with your gorgeous will be tempted to join in. Remember that repeated stories are rarely You might want to facilitate this period with yoga or meditation. You physique or charming wit. Go where you know you’re appreciated, completely true. You would hate to lose a friendship if he or she may start a dream journal. Try to listen to yourself intuitively. You will where your stories will make people laugh, where you feel at home. found out you said something unflattering. Be careful. The people probably find out that you already have the answers. Know that if you stay where you are, nothing you try will work. you’re gossiping with may gossip about you later. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

A close friend or colleague could receive special recognition for You may have heard a juicy story about a friend lately and be just It looks as though your ship is about to come in, Sagittarius. It’s likely good works today. You’re pleased with your friend’s success, Libra, dying to share it with your entourage, Scorpio. Be careful with that you will receive a letter or call alerting you to good financial and grateful for your own good fortune. It seems that you also have this impulse! The party in question would not appreciate hearing news. Your mind may immediately begin to spin with ways to spend achieved a long-term goal. While you may not be acknowledged about what you’re doing. You could unnecessarily harm someone’s this windfall. Take care not to go on any shopping sprees. If invested in public like your friend, you know in your heart that you reputation. Think about how you would feel if the show was on the wisely, this money could last a lifetime. accomplished what you set out to. Your smile says it all. other foot! CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today you may find all your recent eff orts rewarded, Capricorn. Your If you’re a salesperson, Aquarius, expect orders to roll in today. This is a good day to spend with your family, Pisces, as you love quick thinking and astute powers of observation have impressed You’re unusually persuasive, making it virtually impossible for to do. Try to get chores out of the way as quickly as possible and others. Today you’re likely to be recognised in some way. Don’t be anyone to say no to you. All signs indicate you will be successful schedule something fun for the afternoon. Maybe you would enjoy surprised if you end up in the spotlight, blushing at the acclaim. with whatever you undertake. Take advantage of this auspicious an outing to a park or movie. Perhaps it would be fun to bake This is likely to give your confidence a big boost and cause you to time. But be wary if you end up on the receiving end of a sales pitch. cookies. Whatever you decide, warmth and love will permeate the consider other ways to advance your career. Opportunities that seem too good to be true usually are. air and bring you closer together as you create wonderful memories. Sunday, April 14, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

Will fi ght for street kids: Dia Mirza On International Street Children’s Day on Friday, actress-activist Dia Mirza promised to fight for children who are deprived of basic necessities and rights. “I will fight till each one of you have your rights. I think the world needs to wake up to how incredible each one of you is and to how much talent you have. You can shine if given the opportunity. “With Save The Children, we are going to make sure you have the right to education, the right to health care and the right to opportunity. I promise to make each one of the invisible, visible,” Dia said in a statement. As part of the welfare programme, a first-of- its-kind cricket tournament for street children will also take place in London next month. The Street Child Cricket World Cup in London (SCCWC) aims to unite people from various FINALE: Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and John Boyega are among the returning cast for Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. nations through the powerful tool of sports. The tournament will bring together ten teams from nine countries. These include teams from India (Team India North, Team India South), , Tanzania, Bangladesh, South Africa, Disney unveils teaser of Sri Lanka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nepal and Mauritius. – IANS The Rise of Skywalker

By Jen Yamato

fter eight fi lms, the Skywalker saga will come to a close this December. And now the much anticipated upcoming Star Wars release Ahas an offi cial title: Star Wars — Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. ACTIVIST: Dia Mirza says that she will fight till each Friday morning at the Star Wars child in streets gets his or her rights. Celebration fan convention in Chicago, Disney unveiled the new teaser for the ninth fi lm in the franchise set a long time Pankaj joins Irrfan in Angrezi Medium ago in a galaxy far, far away that will hit theaters Dec. 19. Actor Pankaj Tripathi will be seen in a cameo Directed by The Force Awakens helmer role in Irrfan Khan’s upcoming film Angrezi J.J. Abrams, The Rise of Skywalker picks Medium, the sequel to the widely appreciated up after the events of the Rian Johnson- 2017 entertainer Hindi Medium. directed The Last Jedi, which saw the On his role, Pankaj said, “It’s a cameo emotional death of Jedi master Luke REUNION: General Leia Organa, played by Carrie Fisher, and Rey played by Daisy Ridley appearance. It’s my love and respect for Irrfan Skywalker and left the tenuous alliance seen in the trailer. and my friendship with Dinu (Dinesh) that between Rey and Kylo at an impasse, the made me say yes to it. I always wanted to work balance in the Force decidedly shaken up. The arena exploded in loud cheers “How did I find Lando again?” he with Irrfan and when Dinu offered me this role, Episode IX will pick up sometime at every glimpse and mention of the cooed as a peek at Calrissian in Episode I immediately agreed even if it’s just a cameo after the events of The Last Jedi, teased late Carrie Fisher, who will appear IX flashed onscreen. “Lando never left role.” Abrams during the fi lm’s Celebration posthumously in Episode IX. me.” Produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by panel. “This movie is about this new “We all talked about how to move The Celebration crowd got special Homi Adajania, the film also stars Deepak generation and what they’ve inherited, on,” said Abrams. “She was the best. sneak peeks at character images, new Dobriyal and Radhika Madan. According to the light and the dark, and asking the She was glorious. She was amazing. We creatures and stills from the film, reports, Kareena Kapoor Khan may also join the question as they face this evil – are they all just loved her. … It was impossible. including shots of Finn, Poe, Rey, Rose, star cast. prepared? Are they ready?” There was no way. You don’t recast newcomer Jannah and Chewbacca. Before Angrezi Medium, Pankaj has Producer and Lucasfi lm head Kathleen that part and you don’t suddenly have Naomi Ackie plays Jannah, who may collaborated with Dinesh for horror-comedy Kennedy echoed archival footage of her disappear.” or may not be the daughter of Lando. Stree and Luka Chuppi. George Lucas describing his vision of the Episode IX will feature the late “Listen, Lando is a very charming Irrfan is currently shooting for the sequel in Star Wars saga as a trilogy of trilogies, a Fisher using previously filmed footage, man,” she quipped. “He could have Udaipur. – IANS series of three three-act plays. including scenes opposite her real- children all over this universe.” Thousands of fans packed into the life daughter, Billie Lourd. Abrams But it appears Lando is not the only Wintrust Arena for the anticipated described the discovery that the character from the original trilogy panel event, some holding up glowing footage could be used to continue making his return in The Rise of lightsabers. The entire arena erupted Leia’s story: “What if we could actually Skywalker. as the fi rst of many fi rst-look images write scenes around her?” Familiar laughter was heard as the fl ashed on the jumbotron – featuring The result will be not a CG Leia, but teaser faded to black to reveal the fi lm’s the reunited Force Awakens and Last Jedi Fisher herself onscreen in her iconic title, which seemed to tease the return of squad of Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewbacca, role. “Princess Leia lives in this film in a classic villain. Then, after the footage C3P0 and BB-8. a way that is kind of mind-blowing to was over, Ian McDiarmid himself took Among those joining the panel were me,” said Abrams. the stage to confi rm with his presence continuing franchise cast members Celebration attendees leapt to their that yes, Emperor Palpatine will be back Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, feet to greet returning Star Wars icon in some form for Episode IX. Abrams is Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo Billy Dee Williams with a standing also co-writer with Chris Terrio on the and Anthony Daniels. (Adam Driver, ovation. Williams, who last appeared fi lm that Abrams produced for his Bad RESPECTFUL: Pankaj Tripathi is playing a cameo Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong’o and in the franchise as Lando Calrissian in Robot banner with Lucasfi lm’s Kennedy role to show love and respect for Irrfan Khan. Mark Hamill were among the Episode IX 1983’s Return of the Jedi, will return to and Michelle Rejwan. – Los Angeles cast who couldn’t make it to Chicago.) the galaxy as Calrissian in Episode IX. Times/TNS 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, April 14, 2019 COMMUNITY Qatar praised for reforms in labour laws in the region ‘New rules implemented to abolish kafala (sponsorship) system, exit visa being waived’

By Mudassir Raja

n enlightening presentation on the topic of ‘Labour Reforms in Qatar: Achievements and ANext Steps’ was recently organised to talk about the extraordinary steps taken by the country for the welfare of the workers. Swiss Business Council Qatar in collaboration with the business councils of Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, and Philippines organised the presentation at St. Regis Hotel. The main speakers on the occasion were Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidly, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Aff airs in the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Aff airs, and DRIVEN: Houtan Homayounpour, Head of Project Off ice for Qatar, Houtan Homayounpour, Head of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Doha, speaking at the event. Project Offi ce for the State of Qatar, International Labour Organisation “We have been working with diff erent countries. The centres Qatar. The aim of the fund is to pay (ILO) Doha. are to facilitate the signing of the worker when their employing The presentation was attended our partner – ILO – to make the contracts and carrying out medical company goes bankrupt. The by the ambassadors from checkups of the potential workers. fund will later sue the company Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, procedures easier for the workers The centres can also have biometric afterwards. Further, we have also Netherlands and Philippines, registration of the workers. The set up a committee to combat representatives of the said business to move from one employer partners in the visa centres are human traffi cking. We have also councils, and members of diff erent the Ministry of Administrative promulgated another law for expatriate communities in large to anther and to change their Development, Labour and Social domestic workers which organises numbers. Aff airs, the Ministry of Interior and working hours, weekends, annual In his welcome speech Dr F employment” the Ministry of Health of Qatar. The leave and end of service gratuity.” Samadian, President of Swiss centres have recently been opened Speaking on the occasion, Business Council, said: “On — Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidly, in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Houtan Homayounpour behalf of the participating Sri Lanka.” appreciated the steps being taken business councils, I welcome the Assistant Undersecretary for He said: “There is another law for by Qatar for the workers. ambassadors, the speakers, and establishment of a workers’ fund. He highlighted the steps towards the audience. I am personally very Labour Aff airs in the Ministry of We have formed a governing body abolition of kafala system, having proud to be in a country which for the fund and it is headed by HE minimum wage law, occupational has the largest ILO offi ce in the Administrative Development, the Minister of Administration safety and health of workers. region. The topic will be covered Aff airs, Labour and Social Aff airs. He said that Qatar is fi rst country by the head of the ILO project Labour & Social Aff airs The body has already held diff erent in the region to introduce these offi ce in Doha. The achievements meetings with various partners in laws. in this regard will be shared by have started giving freedom to the the assistant undersecretary for workers to move and the exit visa labour.” is being waived so the workers can A documentary was also run leave the country for holidays. during the presentation about the “We have been working with history, mandate and works of ILO. our partner – ILO – to make the Speaking on the occasion, procedures easier for the workers to Hassan al-Obaidly thanked the move from one employer to anther business councils for organising the and to change their employment. event on the topic of labour reforms We have also introduced laws that in the state of Qatar. “I will speak ensure that the employers pay the about the reforms that emanate workers through bank accounts. from the 2030 National Vision of The companies that do not abide State of Qatar.” He also spoke about by this rule are punished with the fi rst and the second strategies fi nes. We are working with ILO about labour and recruitment of the to improve our wage protection skilled workers for the forthcoming system.” period and also to create working The ministry offi cial further environment that can encourage said: “We have another rule investment and the right of self- regarding having a workers dispute employment. settlement committee that has to Al-Obaidly said: “We have decide a case within three weeks. recently implemented new rules Among other steps, Qatar has AUDIENCE: Guests and off icials seen during the ‘Labour Reforms in Qatar: Achievements and Next Steps’ event. just to abolish kafala system. We recently set up visa centers in Photos by Nassar TK