Community Community Bhavan’s Manoj Public Gajurel, P7School hosts P16 a known CBSE Qatar Chess Nepali comedian, Tournament says comedy is one attended by 11 of the best means of Indian schools. bringing social change.
Thursday, May 24, 2018 Ramadan 8, 1439 AH
DOHA 28°C—39°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13
Panacea? COVER STORY First, marijuana. Activists are now pushing toward a psychedelic frontier: magic mushrooms. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.19am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.46am Zuhr (noon) 11.31am Asr (afternoon) 2.56pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.19pm Isha (night) 7.49pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
A Wrinkle in Time Making matters even worse is the baffl ing disappearance of DIRECTION: Ava DuVernay Murry, which torments Meg and has left her mother heart- CAST: Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon broken. Charles Wallace introduces Meg and her fellow Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: Meg Murry is a typical middle school student classmate Calvin to three celestial guides - Which, Whatsit Worldwide Emergency Number 112 struggling with issues of self-worth, who is desperate to fi t and Who - who have journeyed to Earth to help search for Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 in. As the daughter of two world-renowned physicists, she is their father, and together they set off on their formidable Local Directory 180 intelligent and uniquely gifted, as is Meg’s younger brother quest.m. International Calls Enquires 150 Charles Wallace, but she has yet to realise it for herself. THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza 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
Kaali unravel the mystery of his recurring failure. He tries to donate his own te Unqu DIRECTION: Kiruthiga and disturbing dreams as he feels its kidney but fi nds out that he is adopted. uo ot Udhayanidhi associated with his birth and childhood. Thus begins a journey of Bharat trying Q e CAST: Vijay Antony, Sunaina, Anjali Bharat, a successful doctor in the US is to fi nd his biological parents in India. SYNOPSIS: Kaali is the story of faced with adversity when his mother is THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Judge a man by his a young man who travels to India to admitted to his hospital due to kidney Royal Plaza questions rather than his answers. The Mall Cinema (1): 11:15pm. Parmanu (Hindi) 8pm; Kings Royal Plaza Cinema Palace — Voltaire (2D) 10:15pm; Interrogation (1): Solo: A Star Wars Story (2D) 11:45pm. Aravindante Athidhikal (2D) 8:30pm; Solo: A Star Wars The Mall Cinema (2): Solo: A (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Story (2D) 11pm. Star Wars Story (2D) 8:30pm; Aravindante Athidhikal Royal Plaza Cinema Solo: A Star Wars Story (2D) (Malayalam) 11pm. Palace (2): Kings (2D) 9pm; 11pm. Aravindante Athidhikal Community Editor Landmark Cinema (2): The Mall Cinema (3): Solo: A Star Wars Story (2D) (Malayalam) 11pm. Kamran Rehmat Aravindante Athidhikal Royal Plaza Cinema Palace e-mail: 8:30pm; Solo: A Star Wars [email protected] (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Kings (3): Aravindante Athidhikal Telephone: Story (2D) 11pm. 44466405 (2D) 11pm. (Malayalam) 9pm; The Cured Fax: 44350474 Landmark Cinema (3): Kings Landmark Cinema (1): (2D) 9:15pm; Interrogation (2D) (2D) 11:15pm. Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY
Ramadan Camp way. It includes a desert safari, dune bashing Torba Farmers Market WHERE: Education city - Recreation and a trip to inland sea. Watch a thrilling WHERE: Education City Centre Extreme Desert Show only for QR170 per WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Till June 14 person. Call 3339 3323 for more inquiries. TIME: 9am TIME: 1pm - 4pm Qatar Foundation (QF) has partnered This is an academic enrichment with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based programme designed to help children initiative that aims to deliver organic between the ages of 4 –10 years, improve and locally-grown food and homemade their scholastic and interpersonal skills. A products, to host a weekly market in maximum of 30 participants will be accepted. Education City. Open to the public, the Since this camp is for four weeks, please refer market be held at QF’s Ceremonial Court, the advertisement to get the camp schedule. accessible from gate 2, every Thursday from 9am-4pm and every Friday from 8am-11am Meerat Ramadan and 2pm-5pm.The name ‘Torba’ is derived WHERE: Katara from Arabic, and means “the pure soil that EVENTS WHEN: Ongoing till June 20 feeds, nourishes, and nurtures.” A wide TIME: 8pm -11:55pm range of fresh, locally-grown items will MIA Bazaar The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara be on off er, including organic fruits and WHERE: MIA park is inviting the public to Meerat Ramadan at vegetables, homemade preserves, syrups, WHEN: Till May 29 Katara’s Southern Area. and butters, as well as handicrafts and TIME: 7pm- 12am gardening supplies. Join a magical Iftar in the MIA Park. Explore your talent with us During Ramadan, MIA Bazaar will open WHERE: Mystic Arts Centre behind Al Breakdance Classes from 7pm till midnight selling foods and Hilal Focus Medical Centre WHEN: Sunday-Wednesday handicrafts for all the family from over 100 WHEN: Wednesday to Monday Remote-controlled car racing track Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop culture diff erent stalls. Mystic Art Centre, is a holistic performing WHERE: Aspire Park that originated in New York and has since arts institution and a one-stop solution for WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat spread all over the world. Breakdancing is an Ramadan Activities adults as well as children looking to explore TIME: 4pm-10pm athletic and acrobatic style of dancing, which WHERE: Mall Of Qatar their talents in various art forms. We off er Aspire Zone Foundation has created a can often appear to defy the laws of physics. WHEN: Till June 14 classes in Carnatic Music, Hindustani Music, custom-made track specially designed This extreme dance-sport uses tremendous TIME: 7pm - 12am Karate, Yoga, Zumba, Classical Dance, Salsa, for remote-control car racing, for car upper-body strength for tricks and poses and Kids are invited to learn Arabic calligraphy, Hip Hop, contemporary and Bollywood lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport a great way to get into shape and have fun. create prayer pads, lanterns and much dance forms. Personalised lessons, effi cient enthusiasts can try the race track opposite Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail more in a colourful Arts and Crafts area mentoring and exposure to stage helps our the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on [email protected] along with a henna station dedicated to learner to walk out as a confi dent performer creating beautiful designs. In addition, giant at the end of their course. For further details, Zumba Session traditional Dama and X O games will delight call 44723680/33897609. WHERE: Bin Omran the kids while everyone can enjoy hospitality WHEN: Sundays in the modern yet traditional majlis and Dance and instrument classes TIME: 7pm - 8pm participate in a daily broadcast from Qatar WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times Participate in Zumba Sessions (Adults) Radio at 9pm in the Luxury Court. Building every Sunday. For more information call WHEN: Wednesday-Monday 33003839 or [email protected] Women’s Basketball Tournament Come and learn the movements of dance WHERE: Awsaj Academy Recreation styles in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the Salsa Nights Center, Education City musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, WHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton Grand WHEN: May 28 – June 5 Keyboard for adults as well kids and move Doha TIME: 8pm - 12am in the world of music. Classes will run on a WHEN: Every Wednesday This is a women’s basketball tournament regular basis on weekends and weekdays. For Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. TIME: 9pm for QF members and non-QF members, details contact 66523871/ 31326749. Get ready for some Latin beats every organised by Recreation Centre and Qsports. Outdoor and fi ve-a-side football Wednesday night, where all the salseros and The cost is QR1,500 per team. Registered Extreme Desert Show pitches salseras in town meet and party all night. participants should pay a day before the WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Aspire Zone Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For event. For more information and to register, TIME: 1:30pm - 6:30pm WHEN: Daily details call 4485 3000. call 44542549. Experience the desert in a real traditional TIME: 7pm-11pm Aspire Zone’s fi ve-a-side football outdoor Off -Road biking tour pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available WHERE: Zekreet every day from 7pm until 11pm from Sundays WHEN: Fridays to Thursdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is off ering the from 7am-11pm. country’s fi rst off -road biking tour. Ride in the desert on a fat bike to explore the local Mahaseel Festival fl ora and fauna spot desert wildlife, hike WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat up jebels, chill in the magic of the Richard WHERE: Katara Serra statues and this unique landscape. TIME: 9am-10pm Participants will get to cross the desert Visitors to the festival can expect a variety riding fat bikes from Zekreet to the Richard of products from local vegetables, fl owers, Serra statues, on a route of approximately honey and meat, poultry and diary items. 13kms. The route is easy to ride and suitable For those of you looking for traditional for people with average fi tness. You must Qatari food, there will also be stalls selling be able to ride. Kids aged 9 and older are homemade foods such as Machbous. Farm- also welcome. The fee is QR 220 (QR190 grown goods include aubergines, peppers, for ages 9-14) and includes bike and safety cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, caulifl ower, equipment. The activity lasts about 2.5 hours. herbs, and chilies. There are also animal products such as chicken, milk, cheese and Arab and German Tales Exhibition eggs from Qatari companies like Baladna and WHERE: Qatar National Library Al Waha Poultry Company. WHEN: Until August 18 Ramadan Sports Festival The exhibition is organised within the WHERE: Aspire B.Square Mall Grand Event framework of Qatar–Germany Year of WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Al Thumama, Doha Culture and provides an insight into the TIME: 9:30pm onwards WHEN: Ongoing history of Arabic and German fairy and folk Ramadan has its special atmosphere everywhere, and Aspire is no difference. For the TIME: 6:30pm tales, and how the two traditions infl uenced seventh year in a row, ‘Ramadan Sports Festival’ is running at Aspire Zone’s various The only mall in Qatar dedicated to each other. It aims to show the transcultural venues from Monday, May 21, until Saturday, June 2, to pull a large number of participants entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy value of narrative traditions as a shared and partners. The two-week festival features 12 activities in total that range from a total space of 26,000 sq.m and 250 car intangible cultural heritage and highlight sports competitions to physical challenges. These trigger the interest of active leisure parking spaces, as well as provide a range mutual infl uences, shared ideas and cultural enthusiasts, whether they are men, women or juniors. All competitions will be held from of shopping, services, and entertainment transfer between the Arab world and 9:30pm until midnight. options. Germany through storytelling and tales.
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Magic mushrooms Its active ingredient, psilocybin, can cause hallucinations, euphoria and changes in perception. Research shows that psilocybin might be helpful for people suff ering from depression or anxiety, writes Barbara Feder Ostrov
n Oregon and Denver, the supervision of a registered where marijuana is legal for None of the proposed initiatives envisions fully therapist. recreational use, activists legalising psilocybin mushrooms, which would allow None of the proposed initiatives are now pushing toward a envisions fully legalising psychedelic frontier: “magic the government to regulate and tax sales in a similar psilocybin mushrooms, which Imushrooms.” would allow the government Groups in both states are fashion to medical and recreational marijuana. to regulate and tax sales in a sponsoring ballot measures Taking mushrooms can lead to nausea, panic similar fashion to medical and that would eliminate criminal recreational marijuana. penalties for possession of attacks and, rarely, paranoia and psychosis. But they In Oregon, advocates face the mushrooms whose active a steep climb to qualify their ingredient, psilocybin, can cause generally are considered safer and less addictive measure for the ballot, because hallucinations, euphoria and such statewide initiatives changes in perception. They than other illegal street drugs typically require hiring paid point to research showing that signature gatherers, said William psilocybin might be helpful for the campaign director of Denver mushrooms in California may not sales and transportation of magic Lunch, a political analyst for people suffering from depression for Psilocybin, the group portend well for the psilocybin mushrooms, not just possession. Oregon Public Broadcasting and a or anxiety. working to decriminalise magic advocates in Oregon and Denver The proposed Denver measure former political science professor “We don’t want individuals to mushrooms in Colorado’s capital. — though their initiatives are would apply only to that city, at Oregon State University. lose their freedom over something The recent failure of a more limited than California’s. while in Oregon mushroom use Still, familiarity with that’s natural and has health nationally publicised campaign The proposal in the Golden would be allowed only with the recreational marijuana may benefits,” said Kevin Matthews, to decriminalise hallucinogenic State would have decriminalised approval of a physician and under have “softened up” voters Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY
A Monterey County couple leading the decriminalisation campaign managed to collect more than 90,000 signatures for their proposal with the help of volunteers, but they halted their efforts late last month. The initiative would have exempted Californians 21 and over from criminal penalties for possessing, selling, transporting or cultivating psilocybin mushrooms. Possessing them is generally a misdemeanour under California law, but selling them is a felony. State statistics on psilocybin offences are scarce, but few people are jailed for such crimes, according to an analysis by the California attorney general’s office. “It’s not a reckless community,” said Kitty Merchant of Marina, California, who spearheaded the California psilocybin campaign alongside her husband, Kevin Saunders. “It’s experimentation with your mind and your thoughts. There’s a safeness to it. And there’s an intelligence to it.” Merchant said she and Saunders, both medical marijuana advocates, spent about $20,000 of their own money on the campaign. In Denver, Matthews and his pro-psilocybin colleagues want voters to pass a city ordinance eliminating criminal penalties for possessing, using or growing IN THE VANGUARD: Tom and Sheri Eckert are working to decriminalise hallucinogenic mushrooms in Oregon, but only under the supervision of a therapist. magic mushrooms. City officials have cleared the measure for and opponents of drug health benefits of psychedelics, A British company backed by always a long shot — even though signature gathering. Supporters decriminalisation, he said. including mushrooms, LSD Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel the famously liberal state legalised need 5,000 signatures to get it on Oregon legalised marijuana for and MDMA (known as ecstasy). plans clinical studies in eight possession of recreational the ballot in November. Matthews recreational use in 2015, Colorado Two small studies published in European countries to test the marijuana in November 2016 and said he has already lined up in 2012. 2016 by researchers from Johns use of psilocybin for depression. sales starting this year. dozens of volunteer signature The Oregon and Denver Hopkins University and New York Other research has examined California ballot measures gatherers. activists, echoing Lunch, say they University found that a single the effectiveness of psilocybin typically require nearly 366,000 He said he has used mushrooms hope voters who already accepted large dose of psilocybin, combined in treating alcohol and tobacco signatures to qualify, and to help alleviate depression and pot would now feel comfortable with psychotherapy, helped addiction. supporters usually have to spend other mental health problems. A decriminalising personal use of relieve depression and anxiety in In California, the campaign between $1 million and $2 million big part of the decriminalisation magic mushrooms as well. cancer patients. to decriminalise psilocybin was to pay signature gatherers. campaign, he said, is promoting Taking mushrooms can lead to responsible use. nausea, panic attacks and, rarely, Denver, a progressive city in a paranoia and psychosis. But they “We don’t want state that was the first to legalise generally are considered safer and recreational marijuana, “is a good less addictive than other illegal individuals testing place for this initiative street drugs. nationwide,” Matthews said. Just Even so, Paul Hutson, to lose their getting it on the ballot, whether professor of pharmacy at the freedom over or not it passes, would be “a huge University of Wisconsin who has victory,” he added. conducted psilocybin research, something that's In Oregon, activists are says he is wary of the drive for proposing a measure for the 2020 decriminalisation. Psilocybin natural and has ballot that would decriminalise isn’t safe for some people — psilocybin statewide for adults particularly those with paranoia health benefits,” 21 and over who get approval or psychosis, he said. says Kevin from their doctors and agree “I reject the idea that that this to participate in a “psilocybin is a natural progression from Matthews, right, service.” The service would medical marijuana,” Hutson include a preparatory meeting said, noting that the safety of the campaign with a therapist, one session of pot is much better established. supervised mushroom use and a Mushrooms, he added, “are very, director of follow-up visit. Patients would be very potent medicines that are Denver for under the care of state-certified affecting your mind. In the proper “Psilocybin Service Facilitators.” setting, they’re safe, but in an Psilocybin, the Tom Eckert, a Portland, uncontrolled fashion, I have grave Oregon-based therapist who leads concerns.” group working the psilocybin decriminalisation Even psilocybin advocates share campaign with his wife, Sheri, Hutson’s concerns. “It is such to decriminalise said the proposed limitations on a powerful compound. People magic psilocybin use are important. should take it very seriously when “Psilocybin is generally safe, experimenting,” Matthews said. mushrooms but it puts you in a vulnerable These efforts to legitimise state of mind,” he said. “If you hallucinogenic mushrooms in Colorado’s do it in the wrong setting, things come at a time of renewed can go sideways.”— Kaiser Health interest in the potential mental capital News/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY IIS holds investiture ceremony for English Literary Club members
‘Voice Out’, English Literary Club of Ideal Indian School (IIS), recently conducted the investiture honoured with medals and certificates. The annual edition of the in-house magazine Word’s Worth ceremony recently for the academic session 2018-19. Aparna Prema Barani, a member of the was also released. The principal and the heads of sections received the first copy from the head of Literary Club, welcomed the gathering. Asaf Ali, Head of English Department, presented the annual English Department. report of the club for the year 2017-18. The event was attended by the Literary Club members from both the sections. The programme Speaking on the occasion, Syed Shoukath Ali, IIS Principal, emphasised the importance of reading. was compeered by Faiza Abdurahman and Haneenulla Muhammed proposed the vote of thanks. Various cultural programmes were presented by the members of the club. Sarah Shaher of girls’ The off ice- bearers of the girls’ section are namely, Dilshangi Sandusha, Secretary; and Natasha section entertained the gathering with her humorous speech. Maaz Ilyas presented a dramatic Fernandes, Joint Secretary. Huzaifa al-Haddad, Secretary; and Shreyas, Joint Secretary; are monologue. Nosrat gave a speech on how to keep themselves motivated. representatives for the boys’ section. The co-ordinators for the club are namely, Poornima Ramesh The winners of the various competitions, held during the academic session 2017-18, were and Mansi Mehra.
MES wins 2nd position in Diamond League Relay Race 2018
The U-17 athletic team of MES Indian School won the second position in the 4x100mts relay race in Diamond League Athletic Competition conducted by Qatar Athletic Federation at Qatar Sports Club recently. Aspire Sports Academy won the gold medal in the race. The silver medal-winning team of MES included, Abu Russel, Misnad Muneer, Imran Parvez, Omer Salim Ijas, and Mohamed Aaron Abraham. Akbar Ali, Head of Physical Education Department, and Steeson Mathew were the coaches of the team.
DPS-MIS wins CBSE Qatar Cluster Table Tennis Tournament
DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) won the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, India) Qatar Cluster Table Tennis Tournament 2018-19, in both boys and girls categories, held recently at Birla Public School. The competition was conducted for three age categories of U-14, U-17 and U-19 for both boys and girls. DPS-MIS teams exhibited their resilience and won the laurels. The U-19 girls’ team got the first place. The U-17 girls secured the second position and the U-14 girls won the third position. As far as the DPS-MIS boys, they got second position in all three categories of U-14, U-17, and U-19. Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY DPS-MIS tops all private schools in Qur’an memorisation contest
DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) participated in the 15th Sheikh Faleh Bin Naser al-Thani Qur’an Memorisation Competition held recently at Doha Academy. Mohammad Fauzan Abbas, a student of Class-III/D, bagged the first position among all the students of private schools in Qatar. He was awarded with a cash prize of QR4,000. Asna Nafees, DPS-MIS Principal, congratulated him on his remarkable feat.
Bhavan’s Public School hosts CBSE Chess Tournament
Bhavan’s Public School recently hosted the The tournament was inaugurated with ‘the battle CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, on board’. M G Jijith, Head of Physical Education India) Qatar Cluster Chess Tournament 2018- Department, proposed vote of thanks. 19 at New Salata campus. At the inaugural Following the inaugural ceremony, the ceremony, M P Philip, Principal of Bhavans competitions in various categories were held. Public School, welcomed the participants from As many as 11 CBSE schools participated in the various schools. The session was inaugurated tournament. The participating teams were from by Jaise Joseph, Indian Cultural Centre Chess Bhavan’s Public School, Ideal Indian School, Birla Coach, and was presided over by Manikandan Public School, DPS-Modern Indian School, Al A P, Board Member Bhavan’s Public School. The Khor School, MES Indian School, Shantinikethan event was also attended by K M Anil, Board Indian School, Rajagiri Public School, Pearl Member Bhavan’s Public School; Anjana Menon, School, Noble International School and Doha Director Administration Bhavan’s Public School; Modern Indian School. The teams contested in and Jayashree Vinod, Academic Co-ordinator the four categories of U-11, U-14, U-17 and U-19 for Bhavan’s Public School. both boys and girls. The Bhavan’s Public School A video presentation on the glimpses of previous boys’ team won bronze medals in U-11 and U-14 year’s tournament energised the participants. categories. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY MARKETING Grand Hyatt’s Ramadanak tent returns in Ramadan
Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel and Villas, in partnership with ADabisc and national airline carrier Qatar Arabian specialties that only appear during the holy month, to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, or Airways, brings back one of the city’s most popular tents; ‘Ramadanak’ for the holy month of for the guests who crave something to celebrate the magnificent traditions of the month. Ramadan, noted a press release. This year, for the first time, the tent is located in the grand Al Silia Also available for guests looking for a late night Suhoor is the Suhoor tray, which gives the feeling ballroom where the true Arabian spirit of Ramadan is showcased. of a home-made meal with a unique Hyatt twist. There will be dishes available to vegetarians The lavishly adorned Ramadanak tent is available for private hire, for corporate events along with and light-eaters and the Suhoor tray includes dishes such as fatouch, shakshouka, houmous and smaller family style gatherings and includes daily live entertainment from a traditional band. labneh. For those who are looking for a la carte dining this year, Middle Eastern restaurant Majlis is serving traditional delights from 7pm onwards with additional seating extending into the Al Maha lounge Timings and Prices for larger groups. This year the Iftar buff et at the Grand Hyatt is a carefully crafted international Iftar – served between 6:30pm-8:30pm QR220 buff et with flavours catering to all tastes. A variety of live stations is set up to provide a mouth- Suhoor – served between 10pm-1:30pm QR220 watering selection of Arabian flavours such as grills and traditional dishes alongside international Suhoor tray – QR111 (available only in Majlis) cuisines. Ramadanak’s buff et is full of its famously extensive dessert selection that includes the For bookings or reservations, please call our Ramadan desk on +974 3029 3748.
Sheraton Grand Doha makes elegant Ramadan off ers
Experience the charm and elegance of a royal mansion reflecting the rich Qatari heritage with “Sheraton Grand is iconic to Doha and it is truly incomparable in every aspect. Sheraton has lavish Turath Ramadan Tent set in Al Majlis Ballroom at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention grown with the nation and will continue to do alongside the advancement of Qatar. The Sheraton Hotel, noted a press release. Designed with the opulent setting of patterned colour scheme of is synonymous with the past as it is with the present. It is the hotel of choice for those wanting burgundy, blue and gold, envisioned to create an aura of traditional charm, Turath Ramadan Tent luxury and those wanting to experience more. Our spirit is to re-kindle old memories and create promises to re-kindle fond Ramadan memories. The exquisitely decked dining areas off er the ideal new ones that enliven the local traditions of Qatar’s heritage while embracing the Holy Month of setting to both a feast-like Iftar and an intimate Suhoor. Ramadan with harmony and compassion,” said Saeid Heidari, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Once the sun sets, the guests can also have the option of two other outlets to enjoy informal Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. Ramadan gatherings. Serving up authentic taste of Italy with calming sea views, La Veranda As one of Qatar’s most iconic hotels, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel off ers provides guests with a relaxed environment to eat and socialise. Moreover, Atrium Lounge, guests a unique heritage element in sublime setting to this year’s Ramadan. renowned in serving the best Um Ali in town, off ers a casual setting to savour freshly roasted For more information and/or reservations, please contact us +974 4485 3000 or visit www. coff ee and a choice of sweet and savoury delicacies. sheratongranddoha.com/ramadan. Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY VoliQ celebrates 10th anniversary
Doha: Volleyball Loving Indians in Qatar (VoliQ) completes its 10th year of sportive presence in Qatar. Dey jointly released a brochure promoting the events. It was followed by the handing over of the The first Indian Cultural Centre aff iliated Indian Sports organisation in Qatar is preparing to enthral its sponsorship agreement from ACDelco-Jaidah motors which has agreed to be the main sponsor. K fans by organising the fifth VoliQ Cup Volleyball Tournament from June 23 till June 28 and a series of T Rao handed over the signed documents to Muhammed Easa, who is chairman of the Organizing India-Qatar exhibition matches in senior level during 24-28 June. Committee of the event titled as ‘Lets Volley’. Ashique Ahammad, Organising Committee General Both India and Qatar are now in the preparation stage for the upcoming Asian Games in Jakarta. In the Convenor, welcomed the gathering. Mohammed Najeeb, President of VoliQ, presided the function. VoliQ Cup tournament, five teams will be participating in the name of leading organisations in Qatar. Mohammed Easa, K M Varghese, K T Rao, Neelangshu Dey, M S Bukhari, Habib Nabi, S A M Basheer, There will be thirty players and nine off icials flying in from India for the event. Sameer Eramala, Adv Jaff er Khan, Rukkaya Pachaisa, Yavir Ali, Suresh Kariyad, Lalu K E and Noufal In a function held recently at Qatar Volleyball Association headquarters , K M Varghese and Nilangshu Mohammed Easa spoke on the occasion. The VoliQ treasurer proposed vote of thanks.
DPS-MIS tiny tots mark Labour, Mother’s days
To show love and respect to mothers and express solidarity with all the people who help others, the which was followed by an action song in English. Preparatory J also recited a poem on mother’s love tiny tots of Class Preparatory E, F and J sections recently presented a special assembly on occasion and sang songs dedicated to mothers. Children of Preparatory F, dressed up as diff erent community of Mother’s Day and Labour Day in the school auditorium. Asna Nafees, Principal DPS-MIS, also helpers, presented a skit to educate on the role and importance of these helpers. The principal attended the assembly. enlightened the students with importance of saying thanks. Finally, photo frames and heart badges The assembly started with a prayer. Children of Preparatory E recited a poem on mother in Hindi with a beautiful message were presented as souvenirs to the principal and all the teachers. 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY How to keep yourself cool with smart food habits ating the right fruits, vegetables and consumption. Ice creams though tempting in spices can ensure you remain cool this time is rich in sugar and cream but an iced during the summer season, suggest fruit lolly would be a legitimate indulgence. experts. Chef Sudhir Nair, Executive Chef at z Avoid using spices such as mustard, ginger, ECourtyard by Marriott and Fairfi eld by Marriott, and chilli. Avoid vegetables like tomato, peppers Bengaluru and Chef Kasiviswanathan, the and garlic. Executive Chef for Radisson Blu Atria, Bengaluru share fi ve easy tips that will help your body cope z Cook with cooling herbs such as fennel, with the heat: dill, mint, and coriander. Allow use of spices like cumin, cinnamon, green cardamom in your z Eat and enjoy a light breakfast every food. Use vegetables such as white pumpkin, morning comprising of fresh fruits and lots of broccoli, snake gourds, drumstick and madras liquids. Avoid citrus juices and instead opt for cucumber. tender coconut or melon juice. Cucumber juice Milk, coconut, butter and ghee in small or salad would also be a great option. proportions is cooling for the body. Best Try and cut down on a heavy breakfast and methods of cooking these foods would by avoid high starch foods with rice or wheat. boiling, steaming and stewing. It is best to avoid Lunch should be the heaviest meal of the day in fried foods as they would give undue stress to summers. Keep low on yoghurt consumption the digestive tract. instead drink as much as buttermilk as possible. Keep your food low on spices and high on liquid. z Fruits like ice apples, varieties of melons, sugarcane, and varieties of ripe mango, cashew z Do not drink chilled water or aerated apples and jackfruit are found in abundance in beverages as it will disrupt the digestive process this season and the best choice of small meals in the body. Keep a close watch on your sugar throughout the day. — IANS
ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20
Your happiness side is powerfully charged today, Aries. The more you Attend to your duties today, Taurus. There’s a pronounced sense of the Two diff erent sides could be tugging at you, Gemini. It may be that tune into this side of your nature, the happier you’ll be. One thing to passage of time and feeling that the days are slipping quickly by. You neither one is really making a strong case for pulling you one way or the watch out for, however, is that you keep at least one foot on the ground may experience a bit of resistance in this department at first, but that other. Realise that adjustments may have to be made in order for you to at all times. Make sure you have a stable platform of honesty and indicates that this is an area you need to explore and ultimately feel fit in the scheme of things and fulfil your responsibilities. A close freind practicality from which to work. Without it, you’ll be hard-pressed to more comfortable with. may be distracting you in subtle ways. Try not to get too sidetracked if take down walls and put in windows. you can help it. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22
Tension may be a bit high in just about everyone and everything you Remember that you were put here to have fun, Leo, and that happiness You, of all people, will appreciate the need for structure and stability on encounter today, Cancer. Some will feel a strong need for stability and is your true destiny. Keep that in mind today, as forces may tend to a day like this, Virgo. This practical energy could be taking some of the discipline. Others may be calling for fun and carefree frivolity. You pull you away from the fun you’ve been having. There is likely to be fun out of the equation. You may not recognise it at first, but if you aren’t could be caught in the middle. The worst thing is that no side, including a sobering tone to the day that’s stubbornly working to rain on your careful, the fun in your life could be chipped away little by little. Make your own, is going to want to compromise. Try not to take things too parade. Recognise the need for structure and stability, but don’t let it sure you hold tight to the things that give your life passion and purpose. seriously. bring you down. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21
Tension is apt to build to a high level if you aren’t careful about how you Take a look at what’s going on around you today, Scorpio. Do some Watch out for a little jolt in the action as someone close to you puts on use words, Libra. The tricky thing is that forces are going to try to push internal processing before you reach a conclusion about the best way the brakes in your relationship, Sagittarius. Conflicts could arise based you and pull you in diff erent ways. You may encourage a focus on the to proceed. You may find that powerful forces are trying to win you on a need for more structure and stability. The imbalance between collective, while others worry only about themselves. Still another force over to one camp or another. Don’t pigeonhole yourself into one way of having fun and taking care of practical matters is working to slowly calls for outdated remedies and traditional structures that no longer doing things. Keep in mind that the best route is often a combination of destroy the good thing that you have going. Nip this problem in the bud work for you. Blaze your own trail! several diff erent paths. as soon as possible. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20
You’re well aware that your happiness doesn’t depend on emotional The mood is one of bustle and change, Aquarius. It’s a good day to clear You may feel a bit of strain today as you try to figure out the best way promises alone. In order to attract your attention, anyone new in your out your wardrobe or other belongings. Out with the old, in with the new! to get to where you need to be, Pisces. On the one hand, the happy life has to make some material off ering as well. That’s exactly what could You may consign the old stuff to the basement or give it to charity. The approach calls for you to let loose, be courageous, and strike out with happen today. You might receive a gift from someone who has been main thing is to make room for your new tastes and new relationships. conviction toward the things that mean the most to you. On the other, buzzing around you for some time. Smile, Capricorn. People are finally A new person is being born in you. Clear the path for this being to come a sense of duty holds you back. Take the best of both worlds. Come up beginning to catch on. through! with your own plan of attack. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe Get Fit
FACELIFT FEMINIST FILLET FACILITY FEROCITY FIRST FAINT FIAT FIST FAITH FICTION FLIGHT FALSITY FIDGET FRICTION FEINT FIESTA FRIGHT FEISTY FIFTH FELICITY FIGHT
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. Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
ACROSS forged notes is a crook (9) 1. How one bequeaths the DOWN trophy that had been so 1. Are they panting to be eaten? easily won? (5,4) (3,4) 8. First I nail it on wrongly 2. It even had a different kind of (7) greenness (7) 9. In utter confusion, give 3. Well, it is audible (5) back double the payment 4. A blanket, an umbrella and (7) something to wear (7) 10. Toss a coin back in the 5. Turn back when there are wood (7) shots (4) 13. Drove awkwardly onto 6. Cracked up from shock (4) the green: you don’t keep 7. The musicians’ team? (4-3) your balance (8) 11. Turn in the bag and give chase 14. It’s true the title has been (6) changed (4) 12. Row about in the river (4) 16. Surprised there’s no 15. Be against, making an address (10) objection (4) 20. They hum the notes for 17. It’s green and not as I said (3) us to hear (4) 18. Stand to the left, to make it 22. Hand back to the better (4) Answers stuttering fool (4) 19. Come about some chap 24. Having possessions and penalised unfairly (6) the right connections (10) 21. It’s almost always a woman (3) Wordsearch Codeword 28. Pop back to the fellow 22. Having a drink and food in the with a whole lot (4) garden (7) 29. Think, myself, the girl- 23. Shoving the pug out a bone (4) friend has hidden it (8) 25. Eggs and forces across (7) 31. Shut up and throw in the 26. Think I mean, somehow, to ornament! (7) capture the soldier (7) 34. The man comes back 27. Disregard, you say the trickery with fish and is in (7) business! (7) 30. See I leave out a certain 35. Proceed to call back at a building (5) quarter past (7) 32. Putting back into goal a 36. The pretty girl with the foreigner (4) 33. Secured for the said season (4)
Yesterday’s Solutions
Across: 3 Family tree; 8 Corona; Down: 1 Foolscap; 2 Morose; 9 Ties; 10 Floor cloth; 11 Too; 3 Farceur; 4 Macon; 5 Lath; 6 13 Ache; 14 Sawdust; 15 Rhea; Rest-cure; 7 Edmonton; 12 Swag; 17 Spout; 20 Green; 22 Moss; 14 Saps; 16 Hams; 17 Sadducee; 24 Douglas; 25 Save; 27 Use; 18 Opulence; 19 Till; 21 Envisage; 28 White House; 29 Nice; 30 23 Shields; 25 Stormy; 26 Mined; Damage; 31 Everglades. 28 Well. 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY REVIEWS Story, style makes the ride too bumpy
inimitable vibe — a cynical, nearly Lawrence Kasdan, is centred By Katie Walsh languid cool. Ehrenreich is a bit too around two major heists of the earnest and smiley and broad as highly-valued, highly unstable fuel Solo, but over the course of the fi lm, source coaxium. The universe is run uch like its we see his inherent faith in others by the Empire and a slew of cruel protagonist, Solo: slowly drained away. crime bosses fi ghting for access to A Star Wars Story The good news is Donald Glover, this precious resource, enslaving has had a crazy as the impeccably suave smuggler, others and draining planets dry. journey. The origin gambler, lover and cape enthusiast Rebellion? It’s barely a whisper. storyM of a young Han Solo was Lando Calrissian, downright But in Solo, “rebellion” becomes initially directed by Phil Lord and channels Billy Dee Williams, a full-throated cry, shouted most Chris Miller, before Lucasfi lm though he grabs ahold of the role entertainingly by the cranky droid president Kathleen Kennedy and wrestles it into submission, L3 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who stepped in to replace the duo with making it his own. A Lando spinoff just about steals Han Solo’s movie the reliable Ron Howard, who will be greenlit by the end of the right out from under him. fi nished shepherding the fi lm to weekend, undoubtedly. But there’s one jarring aspect the screen. The result? Well it’s a We follow young Han as he of Solo that doesn’t match its ACTION: Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, with Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), Star Wars story, but that’s about it. escapes a dismal childhood of crime generally spritely tone: the in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Solo is a minor eff ort in the canon, on Corellia, and as he promises cinematography. Shot by the a well-intentioned but undeniably to return for his sweetheart Qi’ra talented Bradford Young, who the actors to the point where it the style or the narrative, which is troubled eff ort to dive into the (Emilia Clarke). He joins the displayed a detailed sense of can be hard to see. It’s moody, light as air and frantically paced, mysterious past of everyone’s Imperial army and is soon looking tactility and practical lighting in atmospheric and textured, and there’s just something that doesn’t favourite space outlaw. for a way out, so he scams his way, Selma, Arrival and A Most Violent the completely wrong choice gel with Solo. It doesn’t feel like a Alden Ehrenreich takes on the along with new sidekick Chewie Year, he brings this approach to for the fi lm, especially pitched cohesive piece, so while it’s at times unenviable task of stepping into (Joonas Suotamo), onto a crew Solo, and the dim, dusty look just against leading man Ehrenreich’s charming, and does get off the Harrison Ford’s shoes as Han Solo, of thieves led by Beckett and Val doesn’t fi t. Scenes are saturated in performance, which is only a couple ground in the last act, the getting but no fl oppy hairpiece or amount (Woody Harrelson and Thandie blue or yellow, particles fi ltering of notches down from his Hail, there is extremely bumpy. Seems of rakish squinting can every truly Newton). through the air, lit by blown-out Caesar singing cowboy. like that’s a theme for everyone come close to capturing Ford’s The script, by Jonathan and windows off ering backlight to Whether it’s the performances, involved. — TNS Gratuitously sanitising monster creator’s life
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley at Lord Byron’s (Tom Sturridge) was born ahead of her time. Her Geneva estate, and informed by mother, a writer and women’s her interest in scientifi c displays rights advocate, died when Mary of “galvanism” (or reanimation), was only a few weeks old, and her along with her deep sense of father, philosopher, writer, and loneliness and abandonment, publisher William Godwin (played Mary writes Frankenstein like she’s by Stephen Dillane), educated his working out a lifelong fever. daughter well. At 17, Mary ran away The ethereal Fanning is excellent with her lover, the Romantic poet as always as the fl ushed then fi erce Percy Shelley, and the fraught love Mary. Early on, her father sends aff air becomes the cornerstone of her to Scotland for a spell, to put the script by Emma Jensen. It’s this some space between her and her love that drives to her highest highs stepmother (Joanne Froggatt), and lowest lows. As portrayed by but also, he says, to “fi nd her the beautiful Douglas Booth, it’s own voice.” The fi lm follows that not hard to imagine falling for process, as she discovers her the poet, even though he reveals writer’s voice, and how to use her himself to be an emotionally own to speak up. manipulative narcissist, raving The fi lm is beautiful, a richly about “free love” while cheating designed and photographed on Mary with her stepsister, Claire romantic period drama. But where (Bel Powley), who’s along for the Mary Shelley falters is in its lack ride. of focus and gratuitous need to Although in the fi lm he never overexplain everything. There’s respects her as a partner, Percy very little subtext or details to be STAR-TURN: The ethereal Elle Fanning is excellent as always as the flushed then fierce Mary Shelley. always believes in Mary’s talent gleaned — it’s all on the surface. as a writer. She furtively scribbles And for such a radical woman Frankenstein, was dreamed up most indelible fi ctional creatures wherever and whenever she leading such a radical life, Mansour By Katie Walsh by the teenage Mary Shelley in of all time. With a few careful can, scraps of writing lamenting and Jensen have trimmed too her 1818 horror/fantasy novel, nips and tucks to the real story, her sorrow and her bliss — her much. The reality is much more Frankenstein; or, The Modern the fi lm presents Mary as the frustration with Percy, grief for the fascinating and messy than this he name Mary Shelley Prometheus. very fi rst in a long line of moody, loss of her mother, and devastation sanitised version, which tries conjures up images of a Haifaa al-Mansour’s biopic of macabre young women who have after the death of her baby Clara. As to stick this complicated and lumbering, disfi gured, the writer, Mary Shelley, starring churned their angst into popular Mansour depicts it, the tumultuous unconventional woman into a greenish-skinned Elle Fanning, attempts to make horror and fantasy fi ction. It also stew of emotions inside Mary staid romantic drama. The fi lm monster of a man. That some sense out of Shelley’s seeks to position Frankenstein as grows to a roiling boil before it all celebrates Mary Shelley for the Tmonster, now a cultural icon of remarkable, wild life, tracing the an ultimately feminist text, an comes pouring out. Inspired by a trailblazing woman that she is, but horror fi lms for over a century, upbringing and romantic foibles interesting concept the fi lm tends ghost story competition to while hews far too close to convention to and his mad scientist creator, Dr. that led her to create one of the to aggressively overargue. away the hours during a rainy day truly represent her life. — TNS Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Twinkle’s formula for peace of mind is to ignore the trolls
in the 1995 with Barsaat opposite Arunachalam Muruganantham, and By Durga Chakravarty Bobby Deol. another of my stories Salaam Noni But after leaving the acting Appa was turned into a play. profession in 2001, she ventured “Yet, I have no particular desire frequent target of trolls into interior designing. She is also to write for fi lms. It all depends on and cyber-bullying on the co-founder of the production what the best medium is for that social media platforms, company Grazing Goat Pictures. particular story,” she said. producer-entrepreneur During her journey as an actress The campaign Colours and and author Twinkle to a producer, she says she has seen Finishes focuses on going beyond AKhanna says she does not get a change in Bollywood. just plain old chrome fi nishes much aff ected as she does not pay “The movie industry has become in the bathroom and encourage attention to them. very organised and fi nally, I think the consumers to opt for more Twinkle has been trolled on we are in a place where unusual, unconventional colours. social media several times. The content-driven cinema is being A “thrilled” Twinkle calls it a most recent being just last month appreciated,” said Twinkle, who has “rare opportunity that you get to over the auction of her husband collaborated with Kohler on their work with a brand that you resonate and National Award-winning actor 2018 campaign titled Colours and with and would love to include as a Akshay Kumar’s costume (a naval Finishes. part of your everyday life”. uniform) from the fi lm Rustom. The 43-year-old launched her As someone who understands Asked if she gets aff ected by fi rst book titled Mrs Funnybones, design aesthetics, Twinkle feels social media trolling, Twinkle said which was named as one of the people are gradually embracing in an interview from Mumbai: “I bestsellers in 2015 and later in 2017, change as far as accepting colours don’t pay attention to trolls and she came out with her second The in the bathroom is concerned. that is the best way to deal with Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, which is “I would not say people are them.” inspired by the life of Arunachalam apprehensive to use other colours, A social media user in April Muruganantham, a social activist it’s just that we have seen the white tweeted: “You touch our honour from Tamil Nadu who introduced tiles and the white fi ttings for so and we will give you a bloody nose.” low-cost sanitary pads. She even long now that it’s all we know. I Twinkle responded by saying that went on to produce a fi lm on him believe if given the choice and the she believes in taking legal action titled Padman in 2018. right tools, people would welcome instead of retaliating with “violent Is writing a script on the anvil? the change. While the white and threat” online. “I like telling stories... This is chrome are not a bad choice, having Twinkle, who is also known as something I used to do as a child more options to choose from is Mrs Funnybones, ventured into the as well. The movie Padman was always welcome,” she added. — MRS FUNNYBONES: “I like telling stories,” says Twinkle. world of Hindi cinema as an actress a by-product of the story about IANS
I am not single: Katy Perry “Yes, I’ll give you all my roses,” Charlize Theron to play the reality star responded as Perry Megyn Kelly in new fi lm Singer Katy Perry, who is remarked, “I’m not single but I still reportedly dating Orlando like you.” Actress Charlize Theron will reportedly star as Bloom again, admitted that she Though she did not specifi cally Megyn Kelly in a new movie about the women who is not single during the fi nale of reveal her boyfriend’s name, she worked at Fox News under its former chairman Roger American Idol. and Bloom have been spotted Ailes. During Tuesday’s fi nale of on numerous occasions of late, The presently untitled project was written by American Idol, the singer, 33, reports people.com. The Big Short screenwriter Charles Rudolph and is revealed she is no longer on the Just last month, the Roar singer being produced by Annapurna, the same production market when she hilariously and Bloom, 41, travelled to Rome company currently fi lming a Dick Cheney biopic professed her love to special guest, together, where they met Pope starring Christian Bale, reports thehollywoodreporter. Bachelorette star Becca Kufrin. Francis in Vatican City. com. “Can I be in the running?” Perry Also in April, the father of one Theron, 42, is reportedly set to play Kelly, 47, a jokingly asked as she got down on let the world know about the former lawyer who worked at Fox News for 10 years and her knees and gave Kufrin a kiss on strength of his feelings for Perry. became a superstar at the network hosting the hit series her hand. — IANS The Kelly Files. In her memoir Settle for More, Kelly detailed the sexual harassment she said she endured while working for Ailes. Ailes was accused of similar behaviour by numerous women at Fox News, which he vehemently denied until his death in May 2017. Kelly claimed in her book that after months of harassment, the media tycoon “crossed a new line” in January 2006 when he grabbed her and repeatedly tried to kiss her. Upon shoving him away, Kelly alleged that Ailes asked her the “ominous question” of “When is NEW ROLE: Charlize Theron. your contract up?” before trying to kiss her for a third time. When Carlson’s lawsuit went public, Kelly wrote Kelly said she never succumbed to any of his that she was pressured to put out a positive statement advances that she claimed stopped after six months about Ailes but refused. Greta Van Susteren defended once she reported Ailes’ behaviour to her supervisor. Ailes in the wake of the lawsuit but went back on her She left Fox News in 2017 and signed a deal with NBC support of Ailes after her departure from the network News. in September. Her accusation came just months after former Ailes resigned from Fox News in July 2016 and Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson fi led a sexual received $40 million in an exit agreement. He died harassment suit against Ailes. He denied all accusations just three days after his 77th birthday last year after he CANDID: Katy Perry. of harassment against Carlson as well. accidentally fell and hit his head at home. — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, May 24, 2018 COMMUNITY ‘Comedy best means of bringing social change’
a-days, the working environment is very By Usha Wagle Gautam good in Nepal. He targets diff erent political fi gures in the country. Gajurel admited that impersonating political leaders was the most anoj Gajurel, a known Nepali diffi cult part of his acts. stand-up comedian, has For this purpose, he has had to study impersonated and mimicked the lip movements, walking styles and countless international mannerisms of certain people watching figures in his long career. television constantly. Having wanted to MRecently, he was in Qatar and entertained become a politician himself, Gajurel said, his Nepali audience with his comedy “Being a politician is less diffi cult than being and caricatures. The comedian’s shows an actor.” have earned him a lot of recognition and He said that comedy was one of the best popularity. means of creating social transformation During his recent visit, the Community and infl uencing academicians, researchers, caught up with him and talked about his policy-makers, governments, donors and work and life. civil society activists. Gajurel belongs to a group of comedians He does not only poke public fi gures called Sisnu Paani. The group often but also brings serious discourse to the present satrical work about political and mainstream. His acts are mixed with deep social misdoings in Nepal. Gajurel has so humour and the sense of socio-political far performed several times in over 60 awareness. countries. In Qatar, he recently performed About the threats he had received, the for the fifth time. comedian said, “The most number of threats Dilating on his early life, he said that came when I was imitating a high profi le he was born in a middle class family. He fi gure that ruled the roost in 2006.” At that obtained a degree in Mass Communication. times, there was huge censorship in Nepal. His father died when he was only 20 days He added, “During that time, I moved from old. He started his career when he was just one place to another to hide. On the other 15. Satire brought fame for him. hand, I smell success whenever people feel He started working with Radio Nepal my acts are real and appear threatening to when he was in Class-VIII. Some years the person I am impersonating.” later, he started presenting a comic show in Gajurel has millions of fans across the the radio which became a hit. Thereafter, he country and abroad. He has received many started showing his skills on television. honours, medals and appreciations. Gajurel humbly gave all credit to his “They [comedian] refl ect who you are. mother, who provided him with love and Comedians are indirect activists of the care single-handedly. COMEDIAN: Manoj Gajurel society whose wisecracks shake you a “All that I have achieved is because of my little and you are forced to come out of the mother,” he said. Gajurel also got appreciation from Pushpa threats from the supporters of high profi le cocoon.” Gajurel said he had also penned five Kamal Dahal, Supremo of Nepal Communist fi gures he made fun of. “I enjoyed the threats Gajurel sums up his philosophy and says, books namely, Lukhasta, Hanuman, Brain, Party (Maoist) and former prime minister because if someone threatens me, it means I “I always want people across the world to Jokes Sastra and Sisnu Paani. All of his of Nepal. The caricaturing of the ex-prime am on the right track,” Gajurel said. be happy. I request all Nepali expatriates in books stress on the need for social and minister was applauded by the people. He Gajurel said he always took care of his Qatar to be happy, love their families back political awareness. also faced criticism and sometimes received hairstyle and make-up personally. Now- home and crack jokes sometimes”.
MIMICRY: Gajurel performing in a programme in Nepal. ACTING: Gajurel reprising Puspa Kamal Dahal, a former PM of Nepal.