Community Community Hundreds of DFI expatriates announces from the Indian grants for P6subcontinent attended P20 eclectic cinematic the Aalmi Mushaira talent, covering 30 2015 organised by India promising projects Urdu Society-Qatar. from 19 countries.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015 Rabia I 11, 1437 AH

DOHA 18°C—24°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 13 PUZZLES 14 & 15

SHOWSTOPPER: Yousef al-Jasmi, a designer from Kuwait awed the audience with a range of designs.

COVER Élan we can STORY Fashion extravaganza brings the best of GCC, Qatar and South Asia to Doha. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.53am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.15am Zuhr (noon) 11.32am Asr (afternoon) 2.30pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.51pm Isha (night) 6.21pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Star Wars: The Force Awakens actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, GENRE: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter DETAILS: Star Wars: The Force Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Mayhew, and Kenny Baker. Emergency 999 Awakens is directed by J J Abrams from Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Worldwide Emergency Number 112 a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan & Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Abrams, and features a cast including They will join the original stars of the Royal Plaza Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Time 141, 140 Doha International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Weather Forecast 44656590 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 Qatar University 44033333 When Marnie Was There emotions and breathtaking animation the lines between fantasy and reality. GENRE: Animation, Drama, Family as only Ghibli can. When shy, artistic As the days go by, a nearly magnetic CAST: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Anna moves to the seaside to live with pull draws Anna back to the Marsh Arimura, Nanako Matsushima her aunt and uncle, she stumbles House again and again, and she begins DIRECTION: Hiromasa Yonebayashi upon an old mansion surrounded by to piece together the truth surrounding te Unqu SYNOPSIS: The newest feature marshes, and the mysterious young her strange new friend. uo ot from Japan’s famed Studio Ghibli is a girl, Marnie, who lives there. The Q The e sweeping story of friendship, mystery two girls instantly form a unique THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, level of our and discovery that delivers stirring connection and friendship that blurs Royal Plaza success is limited only by our imagination and no Mall Cinema (1): Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) (Hindi) 7.30pm; Dilwale (Hindi) 10.30pm. act of kindness, however 2pm; The Good Dinosaur (2D) 4.45pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Star small, is ever wasted. When Marnie Was There (2D) 6.15pm; Wars. Episode VII – The Force Awakens Loafer (Telugu) 8.15pm; Dilwale (Hindi) (2D) 2pm; The Doraemon Movie (2D) 10.45pm. 2pm; When Marnie Was There (2D) 4.30pm; The Good Dinosaur (2D) 6.15pm; – Aesop Mall Cinema (2): The Doraemon Movie 4.15pm; The Good Dinosaur (2D) 6.15pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 8pm; Dilwale (2D) 2.15pm; Star Wars. Episode VII – The Dilwale (Hindi) 8pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 11pm. Force Awakens (2D) 4pm; Star Wars. (Hindi) 10.45pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): When Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2D) Cinema Land Mark (2): The Doraemon Marinie Was There (2D) 2.15pm; Bajirao 6.30pm; Star Wars. Episode VII – The Movie (2D) 2.15pm; Star Wars. Episode Mastani (Hindi) 4pm; Star Wars. Episode Force Awakens (2D) 9pm; Star Wars. VII – The Force Awakens (2D) 4pm; Star VII – The Force Awakens (2D) 6.45pm; Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2D) Wars. Episode VII – The Force Awakens Star Wars. Episode VII – The Force Features Editor 11.15pm. (2D) 6.15pm; Star Wars. Episode VII – The Awakens (2D) 9.15pm; Star Wars. Episode Kamran Rehmat Mall Cinema (3): Dilwale (Hindi) Force Awakens (2D) 8.45pm; Star Wars. VII – The Force Awakens (2D) 11.30pm; 2.30pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 5.15pm; Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2D) Asian Town Cinema: Dilwale (Hindi) e-mail: [email protected] Dilwale (Hindi) 8pm; Bajirao Mastani 11pm. 4, 5.30, 7, 8.30 & 10pm; Pathemari Telephone: 44466405 (Hindi) 10.45pm. Cinema Land Mark (3): Loafer (Telugu) (Malayalam) 6.30 & 11.15pm, Salt Mango Fax: 44350474 Cinema Land Mark (1): Star Wars. 2.30pm; Star Wars. Episode VII – The Tree (Malayalam) 8.45pm; Bajirao Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2D) Force Awakens (2D) 5pm; Bajirao Mastani Mastani (Hindi) 4, 7 & 10pm. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

The Color Run Qatar Contemporary Traditional edge of Qatar’s West Bay with an unbeatable DATE: Jan 9, 2016 DATE: Until Jan 5 and uninterrupted views of the blue sea. Our VENUE: Qatar National Convention TIME: 7pm pool and beach adds a tempting and exciting Center VENUE: Katara experience to enhance your senses of You can join the Color Run this year This exhibition is the result of Johnatan relaxation. Enjoy only for QR100 per person. and enjoy the time of your life. For team Machado’s experience in Qatar, who has runners (4 or more friends): registration produced a series of works inspired by Qatari Swimming lessons for kids will cost QR160 per runner. For solo traditional art forms. In this production, DATE: Saturday to Thursday runners: registration will cost QR170. Kids the artist utilises traditional local materials TIME: 10am-6pm under the age of 4 years run for free. The such as Sedu — Bedouin’s fabrics — and VENUE: H2O Swim club Color Run is a 5km, un-timed fun run in transforms them into great contemporary The Swim Club’s goal off ers a variety which thousands of runners are doused pieces, creating new patterns and building a of swimming programmes for adults and EVENTS from head to toe in different colors at the bridge between past and modern times. kids. They run the following programmes end of each kilometre. It is open to all of from competitive squads, leisure swimming 2016 Ooredoo Marathon Doha’s residents regardless of age and Operation Keep Syrian Children for kids, up to adult swimming. Operating DATE: Jan 8, 2016 ability. Warm hours: Saturday to Thursday between 10am TIME: 10am DATE: Until Dec 31 and 6pm Ooredoo offi cially opened registration for Drawing on Glass Workshop TIME: All day To fi nd out more, please visit their the 2016 Ooredoo Marathon, as the company DATE: Dec 24- 26 VENUE: Al Suhail St, Al Mansoura website: aimed to make next year’s race the biggest and TIME: 5pm-7pm All For One, a community service http://www.h2oswimclub.com. best-ever. Now in its fourth year, the Ooredoo VENUE: Katara Art Studios – Building 19 organization, gives you the motivation you Marathon will take place on Friday, January 8. The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara need to clean out your closets for a good Fitness Training Ooredoo is working with a range of partners will organise Drawing on Glass Workshop cause. Participate anytime throughout the DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday across Qatar to encourage more people to by Zeina Abbara from 5pm to 7pm. The year by donating any items for winter in TIME: 6pm-7pm participate. In particular, the company is workshop is presented in Arabic, and targets the aid of Syrian children refugees! This VENUE: MIA Park looking to encourage more kids to run in the those aged 14 years and above. Workshop campaign runs year round so anytime you There are fi tness classes in the park on children’s races and more people from all fees: QR500. To register, please send your fancy a clear out, bring in a bagful and help Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights walks of life to get involved in their fi rst race. name and phone number to: education@ beat the cold of the winter for our Syrian between 6 and 7pm. Open to all levels of katara.net, or call Katara Education Team on: children sooner. fi tness, Bootcamp is an intensive and fun Mangrove Kayaking 44080233 /44080235 /44080237. way to train and also meet new people in the and Flamingo Beach Pottery workshop for kids open and friendly group atmosphere. More DATE: Dec 25- 26 Arabic Calligraphy DATE: Every Monday information from Bootcamp Qatar or info@ TIME: All day DATE: Today-Tomorrow TIME: 5pm-6pm bootcampqatar.com VENUE: Al Thakira TIME: 5pm-8pm Kids will learn a new hand building The holiday season is a good time to enjoy VENUE: Katara technique for creating and fi nishing artworks The Hunt: Princely Pursuits In kayaking with your family and friends, The workshop will be conducted by in clay. For more, call 44865201. Islamic Lands explore the mangroves and watch the wildlife calligrapher Hassan Ahmed. Limited seats DATE: Until January 9, 2016 in Thakhira Natural Reserve. for only 15 participants and the language is Sketching with pencil and charcoal VENUE: MIA Arabic only. DATE: Sunday and Wednesday The act of hunting, rich with symbolism Harem Al Sultan Exhibition TIME: 5pm-6:30pm and pageantry, was — and in some places DATE: Until Jan 10 Winter Camp If you can hold a pencil, you can draw continues to be — an essential element in VENUE: Katara Bldg 10 DATE: Until Dec 24 … Discover techniques to make your the lifestyle of rulers throughout the Islamic The Magnifi cent Century series has TIME: 7am-3:30pm drawing more realistic. Every Saturday world. As such, images of the hunt are become a television legend, a historical VENUE: Al Seraj Learning Center and Wednesday from 5pm-6:30pm. For commonly found in Islamic art, whether soap opera on the life of the Ottoman Sultan A winter camp for learners from the ages reservation: [email protected]. in lavishly illustrated manuscripts, inlaid Suleiman the Magnifi cent that has now been 5–12 years old that promotes learning through metalwork or colourful ceramics. watched by 300mn viewers in 54 countries. games, arts and crafts, interactive activities Works from Mathaf Collection This unique exhibition brings the costumes, and physical movement. Each day, learners DATE: Until February 14, 2016 Join in our Walk-in Weekends sets and ambience of the series to Doha, will participate in a total of four sessions with TIME: 11am to 6pm DATE: Every Saturday revealing the stories behind the life of the the following themes: Looney Linguistics, VENUE: Arab Museum of Modern Art VENUE: MIA Atrium Turkish conqueror and his love for the humble Dynamic Discovery, Math Madness, Mystery The artworks collection to be exhibited MIA art education and calligraphy teams and beautiful Harem Sultan. Exhibition Mayhem. will refl ect a number of important defi ning off er walk in workshops in MIA’s atrium visitors will be transported back to the moments in Arab history and artistic every Saturday. These walk in workshops are glorious world of Suleiman the Magnifi cent Harrods Doha innovations in the region. for open for all family members. and see the artistry and craftsmanship that DATE: Until Jan 24 went into creating the iconic props and decors TIME: 4pm-1:55pm Hip Hop for kids Qajar Women of the series. VENUE: Katara Cultural Village DATE: Every Sunday DATE: Until January 30, 2016 Harrods celebrates their inaugural launch TIME: 5-6pm VENUE: MIA of the Harrods Doha Village. Be there and VENUE: Hilton This exhibition demonstrates the experience luxury in style. Join our Hip Hop classes instructed by centrality of women in the artistic Beats and Bytes every Sunday at 5pm @ expression of 19th-century Iran and how it Circus Of Sound Hilton Hotel, Efora Spa. For more info, call continues to inspire contemporary artists. DATE: Dec 31 on 33003839 The most popular representations of the TIME: 8pm www.salsancandela.com Qajar era have been of male sovereigns, VENUE: Al Majlis Ballroom whose life-size portraits exaggerate Behold the greatest show on earth: Circus Salsa Beginners masculinity to depict power. Yet this era Of Sound! Join our ringmasters and circus DATE: Tuesday, Friday also saw a period of artistic modernisation party animals for an immersive experience TIME: 8-9pm in Iran, particularly in paintings and under the big top this New Years Eve! VENUE: Hilton Hotel photography, in which depictions of women Witness our spectacular circus performers Whether you’ve danced salsa before or became essential elements of the scenes. and take part in traditional carnival games not, you will fi nd what you want. Diff erent This exhibition explores rarely whilst bringing in the New Year in style with salsa classes with diff erent levels at your told narratives of the Qajar artistic the original superstar DJ Judge Jules and service, taught by the best instructors in tradition. Defected’s leading lady DJ RAE. Doha at Eforea Spa, Hilton Hotel. No need Career development workshop for a partner, no need for reservation, come DATE: Dec 30 IAID Winter Workshop as you are. Prices are QR60 per person per FOODIE CHOICE TIME: 5pm-8pm DATE: Until Dec 31 lesson. Visit: www.salsancandela.com VENUE: Katara TIME: 8am RESTAURAN T: Choices The Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship VENUE: Al Tadamoun Signal, Al Hilal Ladies day at Beach LOCATION: Oryx Rotana, and Career Development is a partnership Street DATE: Every Monday The evening sees all-day dining spot between the Qatar Development Bank and IAID Winter Workshop 2015 off ers an TIME: 9am-7pm Choices throw a Christmas dinner with an Silatech that is closely aligned to their exciting range of courses for Dance, Music, VENUE: Sheraton Doha Indian twist, as this night usually features respective visions. Activities are designed Arts and Fitness for ages 3-18 years. Your kids For all the ladies in Doha! Do you feel like sub-continent cuisine. Don’t worry, the to address the needs of youth (aged 18 - 30) will surely enjoy each class with our highly- taking some time off for yourself? Come join turkey and carving station also make an wishing to develop their skills and capabilities professional Instructors and facilities. Classes us at the Sheraton Resort for an all-day- appearance. The price will fi t all pockets, as entrepreneurs, or their employability and will run from 19-31 December 2015, so hurry access to the beach and pool, along with just at QR180 (food only), and QR260 with work-based skills. and enroll now. aqua gym aerobics for free. Nestled on the beverages.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Glitz, glam on the ramp The show featured Yousef al-Jasmi and Thaher from Kuwait; Reishma Couture from Britain; Shaima Royal from Bahrain; Manal Al Sharhan from UAE; Umer Sayeed from Pakistan; Gazal Mishra from India; and Sckali Design, Brism Couture, Angel Line Abaya and others from Qatar, writes Umer Nangiana

ercedes Benz manifest itself now and we consider Fashion Week Doha ourselves very lucky to have made a (MBFWD), the two- diff erence only in our second year,” day extravaganza, Khalid Shaaban General Manager gathered some of Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles theM biggest names in the industry (NBK), the Mercedes offi cial dealer from the Gulf Co-operation in Qatar, told Community. Council (GCC) countries and South “We had a great turnout at Asia besides showcasing Qatari the event and the response from brands. the community has been very Attracting a large multicultural encouraging. The appreciation audience for an array of designer we have received so far is very wear, the show featured names such motivating,” he added. as Yousef al-Jasmi from Kuwait, Originally from Kuwait, owner Thaher from Kuwait, Reishma of Yousef Al-Jasmi Haute Couture, Couture from London, Shaima began designing at the age of 17. Royal from Bahrain, Manal Al Yousef has dressed Lady Gaga, Sharhan (Dubai), Gazal Mishra from Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Jessie India, Umer Sayeed from Pakistan J, Dita Von Teese, Sharon Stone, and designers from Qatar such Nicole Scherzinger, Kristina Bazan, as Sckali Design, Brism Couture, Kesha and Paris Hilton. Angel Line Abaya and others. Yousef also boasts a long list Yousef al-Jasmi, the Kuwaiti of famous Arab celebrities that designer was the show-stopper. includes Shirine Abdulwahab, With his grande fi nale on the Nawal Alzuhgbi, Madiline Matar, second and fi nal day, al-Jasmi Haleema Boland, Diana Karazone, awed the audience with a range of Hind Bahrinya, Viviane Murad, designs. May Hariri, Amal al-Awadhi, Hessa “Our perseverance and eff orts al-Loghani. in contributing to Qatar’s evolving Celebrated for fashion and design landscape his natural is beginning to ability, the Kuwait-based designer is renowned for his creativity

The National Day theme was visible in a design by Qatari designer Sckali. Qatari designer Angel Line Abaya’s collection. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY to transcend everyday trends into city Jaipur, Gazal showed her vintage works of art. love for Rajasthani designs, fi ne Yousef Haute Couture’s signature embroidery, vivid colours and fl air, using an enchanting mix of various fusions in clothing. rich textures and lavish materials She assembles the ethnic with a heavy emphasis on luxurious clothing which includes traditional detailing and embellishment, silhouettes in some fantastic new refl ects elegance, aesthetics and shapes. She combines signature energy in equal measure. material like Bandhej, Kota Doria, “This season’s show pulled an Chanderi, Laheria, art of block even bigger an audience and people prints and many more with ideal came in good numbers on both blend of vibrant colours. days. The house remained packed The revolutionary fusion of and this is bigger an audience traditional crafts and contemporary then we were expecting,” Rahat haute, mix of vibrant colours and Mansoor, the CEO of MBFWD, said taste of Rajasthani fabric generates at the conclusion of the show. an alluring; one-of-a-kind Anchored by renowned TV handwork which is the signature of host, Ayesha Sana, the show Gazal Mishra. brought before the Doha audience Asma Sckali, Qatari clothing celebrities from the showbiz fashion designer based in Doha, industry, alongside top models started in January 2011 promising walking the ramp for the grand a high quality of fabric and fi nale of the show. material into designed into elegant Pakistan’s top designer Umer pieces mixed between luxury and Sayeed opened the show on the modernity and oriental culture. fi rst day while designer La Boutique Sckali has succeeded to upgrade Blanche collection closed day one. her fame by her creations to become Sayeed has been on the more than a professional fashion Pakistan fashion radar for the designer. last 20 years and has managed to The 18 participating designers enrich the scene through years of showcased Designers’ Prét, Haute extraordinary passion for style. Couture, Kaftan, Abaya and ready- The MBFWD is a platform for to-wears collection. Some of the discovering global excellence in prominent designers participating fashion design. The organisers have were Umer Sayeed (Pakistan), had a clear vision from the start, Sckali Design (Qatar), S. Signature Models adorning Pakistani designer Umer Sayeed’s collection. to make this the premiere fashion (Qatar), Gazal Mishra (India), showcase in Qatar which brings Sakba Mohammed (Kuwait), Jo together established and emerging Lamode (Qatar), Abaya Lounge talents from the region and beyond, (Kuwait) and fi nale by La Boutique said Shaaban. Blanche (Qatar). “We have kept the focus on On the second day, Shaima the local and regional design Royal (Bahrain), Manal Al Sharhan community to start with as we (Dubai), Hamsa Couture (Kuwait), feel it’s important to promote Reishma Couture (London), Les their design aesthetics to a global Amis Boutique (Qatar), Thaher audience. With each edition, the (Kuwait), Brism Couture (Qatar), event is only going to grow stronger Angel Line Abaya (Qatar) and and will feature designers that Yousef al-Jasmi presented their audiences in Qatar know of, but collections. also new names that are making Fashion as an industry off ers a splash internationally,” said tremendous opportunities the NBK GM, adding that at the in Qatar and the future is heart of the fashion week is the defi nitely very promising. The promotion of new talent. Government of Qatar has made Gazal Mishra from India strategic investments within showcased a variety of her the international fashion space Rajasthani designs. Initiating including acquisition of the her fi rst label in 2012 in pink Valentino couture house and stakes

Models presenting Raishma Couture.

in LVMH and Tiff any Jewelry evolve beyond the short term and FashionTV was the offi cial media among others, said Shaaban. strengthen the foundation for a partner of the two-day show. Blue In addition to the business side of strong and sustainable industry, Brush as the offi cial hairstylist, it, he added, Qatar also off ers a range which has expanded greatly in while Nara saloon was the beauty of academic programmes targeting terms of fashion, merchandising, partner. The Mercedes Benz the fashion and design sectors. buying etc. Fashion Week Doha was sponsored “We have seen a growing number “More people are open to & partnered by Damac Properties, of young homegrown talents who shopping at fashion stores for Zai Fashions, The Luxury Network, are confi dently making a mark brands and the customer has VLCC, Evian, Nazih Qatar, Century for themselves locally and within become more discerning and Talent Qatar and What’s going Host Ayesha Sana, second from left, and Rahat Mansoor, CEO of MBFWD, the region,” said Shaaban, adding educated compared to a few years on Qatar & Nasser Bin Khalid second from right. that this trend will continue to ago,” said NBK Manager. (Mercedes-Benz Qatar). 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY The best of Urdu poetry

LAUNCH: Poets along with the chief guest and IUS off icials at the launch of IUS magazine at the start of mushaira.

creator of couplets like ‘Atay atay mera naam here. Born in Bareilly Uttar Pradesh in 1940, Indori, born in 1950 in Indore, India, By Umer Nangiana sa reh gaya, Us ke honton pe kuch kanpta reh Barelvi completed his MA in Urdu literature went to Nutan School Indore from where gaya’ (She was about to utter my name and from Agra University in 1958 and started his he completed his Higher Secondary. He her lips just quivered) did not disappoint an career as an Assistant Professor and later completed his graduation from Islamia ere Maalik teri azmat ka pata audience of more than a thousand people. became an Associate Professor and Head of Karimia College Indore in 1973 and passed deta hai The Giwana Hall at Radisson Blu was Urdu Dept Bareilly college, Bareilly. He has his MA in Urdu literature from Barkatullah Sari duniya ke muqabil jam packed with people, with dozens seen also served as the Vice Chairman of National University Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) in 1975. mera tenha hona standing up or sitting on the fl oor as they Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, Equally competent in prose and (My Lord, your greatness gathered for the love of Urdu poetry, delivered Ministry of Human Resource Development poetry, Rahat was awarded a PhD in Urdu reflM ects in that I have been able to stand alone to them by an array of poets from India and in India. literature from the Bhoj University of Madhya against the whole world) Pakistan. Winner of several national and Pradesh in 1985 for his thesis titled ‘Urdu If you were looking for a perfect conclusion “It was the fi rst time that people in so international awards, Barelvi’s poetry has Main Mushaira.’ to a picture-perfect evening of poetry, it was huge numbers attended a mushaira in Qatar, been published in scores of literary magazines He started teaching Urdu literature in provided by Professor Waseem Barelvi, as as it was planned to coincide with Qatar’s in India, Pakistan and other countries. His IK College, Indore. He became very busy promised by his presence among a galaxy of National Day. Hundreds attended the ghazals and other compositions have been with mushairas and started receiving Urdu poets. hours-long symposium and it shows how sung by prominent singers in India. He has invitations from all over India and abroad. A packed house at the recently concluded big a success it was,” Ateeq Anzar, founding published more than six collections of poetry He quickly became a well-known fi gure in Aalmi Mushaira 2015 (poetry symposium) president of India Urdu Society-Qatar (IUS) in Urdu and two in Hindi. the world of Urdu literature. He recited his organised by India Urdu Society Qatar, which told Community. Some of his important books are fi rst couplet in his college days when he was coincided with Qatar National Day, was Advisor to Qatar’s Ministry of Arts, Culture Tabassum-e-Gham (Urdu), Aansu Mere only 19. In those days his style of writing was swayed by Barelvi presenting some of his and Heritage, Moosa Zainal Moosa, was the Daman Tera (Hindi), Mizaj (Urdu), Aankh surprising, advanced and had a freshness to never-heard-before ghazals (a popular genre guest of honour and he spoke in Arabic about Aansu Hui (Urdu), Mera Kya (Hindi, Urdu), it. of Urdu poetry) in Taranum (a style where the Qatar’s brief history and the National Day. Aankhon Aankhon Rahe (Urdu), and Mausam Other poets at the symposium included Dr poet sings the verses). His speech was translated for the audience at Andar Bahar Ke (Urdu). Tabish Mehdi, Dr Naseem Nikhat, Abrar Barelvi, one of the most eminent the spot. Celebrated names in Urdu poetry, Rahat Kashif, Sohail Usmani, Rashid Alam, Ateeq contemporary Urdu poets, was handed the Barelvi, who presided over the mushaira, Indori and Dr Majid Deobandi were the guests Anzar, Shad Akolvi, Jaleel Nizami, Mahtab responsibility to end the symposium on the has been to Qatar before as well, however, this of honour from India. Poet Abbas Tabish was Alam, Hasan Kazmi, Dr Tarannum Riyaz and same poetic note it started with. And the was by far the largest audience he received the guest of honour from Pakistan. Bedhadak Madrasi.

INTEREST: A large number of expatriates from the Indian sub-continent attended the mushaira. CAPTIVATING: Waseem Barelvi reciting his poetry. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Throwing light on Qatari-British relations

of the earliest and most important His piece cites a telegram from By Anand Holla trading and pearl fi shing ports on the Bahrain Political Agent, to the Gulf,” Hobbs writes, “Very little the Political Resident, dated remains of Zubarah now, having 11 October 1939, which read n light of the recent Qatar been long since abandoned, but its ‘Petroleum Development Qatar National Day, the Qatar Digital relevance to the history of the region have had slight show of oil in their Library (QDL) published an has been recognised by Unesco, test well near Zekrit. Drilling article on the exchanges that which has designated the town as continues’. Later, on 14 January took place between Britain and Qatar’s fi rst World Heritage site.” 1940, the Bahrain Political Agent QatarI over the last three centuries. Documents contained in the wrote to Shaikh Abdullah to The article, based on East India archives of the East India Company personally congratulate him on the Company’s archives, talks about reaffi rm Zubarah’s prominent discovery of oil in Qatar, stating Zubarah’s prominence back in the position in the Gulf at the end of that he ‘earnestly hoped that day and how the discovery of oil the eighteenth century, he further future drilling will prove that Qatar forged the relationship between points out. “Moreover, they off er possesses a valuable oil fi eld’. That Qatar and the British empire. us a rich insight into Qatar’s would turn out to be true. QDL (www.qdl.qa) is a portal development since that time,” he QDL includes archives, maps, that is a result of partnership that says. manuscripts, sound recordings, started in 2012 between Qatar As for Qatar’s coastline, photographs and much more, Foundation for Education, Science throughout the 1820s, Hobbs points complete with contextualised and Community Development, out, Britain’s Indian Navy carried explanatory notes and links, and British Library, and QNL. The out the most comprehensive survey in both English and Arabic. It free-for-all, bilingual (English of the Gulf’s coastal waters to showcases everything from Arabic and Arabic) digital information date, using modern trigonometric Scientifi c Manuscripts from the storehouse covers modern history surveying methods. He, then, British Library’s Manuscripts and culture of the Gulf and wider explores the 1868 agreement Collections, covering topics region, available online for the fi rst between Qatar and the British, such as medicine, mathematics, time ever. before emphasising on how the astronomy and engineering, to In his piece titled “Qatari discovery of oil changed dynamics. 500 maps, charts and plans of the History: Pivotal Moments Revealed “The discovery of oil across the Persian Gulf and the wider region. in India Offi ce Records”, Dr Mark Middle East and Gulf region saw Its sweep spans from a selection Hobbs, Gulf History Specialist at Britain forge closer ties with Qatar. of photographs, postcards British Library, draws attention to In 1935, Shaikh Abdullah bin Jasim and other printed objects as fascinating nuggets of forgotten al-Thani signed an exploratory oil well as sketches, drawings and history. concession with the Anglo-Persian watercolours; etchings, engravings “Extending round a shallow bay Oil Company. Four years later, the and illustrations, to a selection on the sheltered western shores fi rst signifi cant evidence of oil of audio collection materials of the Qatar peninsula, Zubarah deposits in Qatar were found at including 200 shellac discs occupies a special place in Qatari rig number one in the west of the recorded in Bahrain, Kuwait and memory, thanks to its status as one country,” Hobbs writes. Iraq between 1920 and 1940. Letter from the Political Agent, Bahrain, to Shaikh Abdullah bin Jasim al-Thani, dated 14 January 1940. Photo: QDL AMUAAQ honours Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

Bukhari, in his speech, said Sir By Umer Nangiana Syed was a great reformer, who truly believed in educating and empowering the Muslim community he Aligarh Muslim and was successful to a great extent University Alumni in implementing it despite strong Association (AMUAAQ) opposition from a section of the Qatar celebrated the 198th Muslim community that hated the Birth anniversary of Sir British and their language. SyedT Ahmed Khan, a prominent He added: “Today we can see scholar from Indian sub-continent, the products of the Aligarh Muslim recently. University excelling in every fi eld In a ceremony held on December of activities not only in India also in 12 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sir developed countries like USA, UK, Syed’s anniversary was celebrated Middle East.” with great spirit and enthusiasm. They have earned a name for the More than 150 members of AMU community and the country, he said, Alumni Association, well-wishers urging all present to play a role in of AMU, and prominent dignitaries bettering education in the society. from Doha were present besides the Chief guest Tariq Anwar talked President IBPN, President of DPS- about the Aligarh movement and MIS, Group Director of Radisson Blu, stated the benefi ts of education. President AMUHQ, President Goa The Executive Committee of AMUAAQ at the event. A short mushaira session (Urdu Association, President World Bihar poetic session) followed, featuring Organization, school principals, and Bukhari, Chairman of AMUAAQ. Dr Aqueel Ahmad and he also delivered a Sir Syed’s contribution to the society, renowned Qatar-based poets such as many top businessmen. Ibrahim Saleh al-Naimi, President speech on the life of Sir Syed Ahmad while Aqueel Ahmed delivered a Nadeem Mahir, Aziz Nabil, Ahmad Tariq Anwar, Member Parliament Qatar Community College, and Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim speech on Sir Syed’s life, his mission Ashfaq, Anwar Kareem and Amjad and General Secretary of NCP-India, Mohd Habibun Nabi, Chief Patron University. and vision. Ali Sarwar. The programme ended was the chief guest. The programme AMUAA, were the guests of honour. Mahir Nadeem, President of AMU Others applauded Sir Syed’s vision with the singing of the university’s was held under the patronage of M S The programme was conducted by Association, shared his thoughts on for a modern education for society. famous anthem. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY

Education Fiesta among multiple activities at TNG Qatar on National Day

The Next Generation School held an elaborate event over two On December 18, the primary and preparatory grade students An Education Fiesta was also organised by the school days to celebrate the Qatar National Day. went to the Al Wakrah Stadium to participate in the associated management at the TNG Ain Khaled campus in the evening On December 17, students in all the four campuses of the activities organised by the Ministry of Interior. The event featuring food, fashion, traditional clothes and fun-filled games. school turned up in the traditional dresses, Qatari flag muff lers, began with a colourful parade performance. TNG students Injaz Qatar, The Little Engineers, Learning Time, Abu Karbal hats and flags. The students gave speeches about the held the flag of Qatar high up in discipline and showcased Bookshop and Smart It Lego Education participated in the important landmarks of Qatar. There was also a quiz on Qatar’s models depicting the rich Qatari culture, customs, tradition and event. A photo booth allowed children to take photos with the history. heritage. The children performed on two songs at the stadium. traditional items of Qatar.

Defence Attache Commodore Masud Akram with TNG school director Riyaz Ahmed Bakali and the principal.

CELEBRATIONS: The United Bank Limited (UBL) in Doha celebrated Qatar National Day with the cutting of a cake. Seen here is UBL General Manager Shahid Amin Sheikh cutting the cake along with UBL employees. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

MES wins championship in Qatar National Day celebrations

The MES Indian School emerged as the overall champions in the Qatar National Day school level song, general dance, general song and thematic show depicting the rich cultural heritage and competitions organised for communities at the Asian Town. They scored 35 points, securing their the bond between expatriate communities and Qatar. In addition, the MES Indian School became third win in as many years. Around 700 students participated in the competitions and MES Indian champions in the sports competitions as well by winning the football match and clinching first School won the highest score in the cultural performances such as ceremonial parade, thematic three positions in the 400 metres race conducted as part of the celebration.

CAKE CUTTING: Warwick Doha Hotel celebrated the Qatar National Day with a cake-cutting ceremony and multiple promotions off ering guests the chance to taste “real Arabic and Qatari hospitality”. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY

Indian, Sri Lankan communities celebrate National Day

A large number of Indian and Sri Lankan expats attended the On December 18, the Qatar National Day, maroon dominated started at 2pm and kept the audience members entertained till Qatar National Day celebrations at Asian Town organised by at Asian Town, with participants in the multiple activities 11pm. the Ministry of Interior. The Indian Cultural Centre along with celebrating Qatar dressed in its favourite colour. MoI had The celebrations ended with a prize distribution ceremony. its 101 affiliate organisations supported the celebrations with a announced various prizes to ignite the competitive spirit of The prizes were handed over by Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa number of activities. the performers. This resulted in spectacular performances by al-Muftah, Capt. Nasser al-Suwaidi, and ICC President Girish The celebrations on December 17 featured a three-hour-long various schools and organisations. Kumar. cultural show featuring 22 individual and group performances. The morning performances included a thematic parade by The prize winners included Incas, Sanskriti, Traq, KCC, TJSV, The event also featured a Qawwali performance by Sabri Indian community organisations and Indian schools. Other Thirumuttam, Bangiya Parishad, Maharashtra Mandal and Brothers from Rajasthan in India. communities also performed. The afternoon programme wonderful performances by QTS, PSV, TKS, and Bharathi. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 11 COMMUNITY

Schoolchildren clad in traditional Nepalese dresses perform at the event. The Dubai-based Rekha Ghimire performing at the event.

COMPETITION: A tug-of-war match in progress. A traditional Nepali dance. Over 4,000 Nepalese attend National Day celebrations

Musical band Singing Birds performed hit Sundas performed a contemporary song. Rama Aryal sang Nepalese anthem and her By Usha Wagle Gautam Hindi, Nepalese, Bhojpuri, Punjabi and Iman Singh Thakuri caricatured birds, daughter Rubina Aryal performed a Hindi Arabic songs. Singers Neharshi and Subash animals and machines. After that, NCC movie dance. performed a melodious song. Child artiste artistes performed the traditional Jhyaure A signifi cant draw of the event was ore than 4,000 Nepalese Bishal Nehatma performed an Arabic dance. dance. Miteri Films artiste Puspa BC danced performances by Nepalese fi lm actress expats attended the Qatar The Al Khor International School on a Nepalese fi lm song. Struggle Band Rupa Lama and Dubai-based singer Rekha National Day celebrations at presented fi ve performances. performed a number of hit songs. Nawa Ghimire. Barwa Workers Recreation Members of the Nepalese community Sangeetik performed a thematic show. The thematic parade was won by the Al Complex Industrial Area in Al presented more than 10 performances at the Another bunch of NCC artistes performed a Khor Community organisation. They also MKhor. The programme was organised by the programme. fusion Nepalese and Arabic dance. Kirat Rai won in the general song category. In the Ministry of Interior. The fi rst performance was by Yokha Sakha performed Sakela and Chandi general show category, Al Khor International The celebrations included a cultural schoolchildren clad in traditional Nepalese dances. School stood fi rst. In thematic show category, programme, football, tug-of-war, volleyball dresses. The Nepalese Magar Society Kirat Yakthung Chumlung (KYC) the Nepalese community came fi rst. and a cricket competition. The organisers had performed an ethnic dance called Kauda. performed Chambung and Bijuwo folk The volleyball tournament was by also set up a free health check-up camp. NCC artists performed played a patriotic dances. KYC artists also performed to KMCC. The tug-of-war competition was The fi rst performance at the cultural number on their traditional Nepalese the tunes of Dholak, an ethnic percussion won by IFITNA Qatari Company. The show was by Maharashtra Mandal, a dance instruments, supporting vocalists Birendra instrument. UNI dance group performed a football tournament was won by Med Gulf. sequence with an Arabic twist. Shrestha, Ashish Rijal and Krishna Upreti. dance on a remixed song, Tamang Society The cricket tournament was won by Royal Rajeev Chandi performed a Hindi song. Dhankuta Service Society artiste Saruk artistes performed a Tamang dance, artiste Tigers. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Discover the power of a smartphone with these 5 tips

s with all technology, Communicate easier with move on. Once you get used to this mobile phones have family members you’ll be amazed how fast you can come a long way in a Text messaging has become one type. short amount of time. of the most widely used forms of Gone are the days of communication. Many seniors Access the Internet on the go big,A bulky phones. Today, phones report once they start texting, Being able to access the Internet are sleek and slender and, in most they are able to communicate with from almost anywhere is one of the cases, smart, allowing users to grandchildren more frequently. most useful smartphone features. surf the Internet, watch movies A unique “text” language has Access to the Internet allows you and keep in touch with friends and also developed, and many fi nd it to check and send e-mail, view family. enjoyable to send emojis (small local news, shop online or visit your The potential downside of cartoonish pictures) or abbreviated favourite website. Connecting to smartphones is the assumption that phrases such as “idk” (I don’t know) Wi-Fi, which is available at many they are diffi cult to use. However, or “omg” (oh my gosh!). establishments, allows you to surf with a few simple tips, smartphones the Internet without using your can be easier to operate than Learn to type faster cellular data plan. older cell phone models. Once On fi rst use, typing on the small the basics are mastered, users can touch screen can seem clumsy. The Share your experience with easily take advantage of all the best way to become accustomed to pictures features, giving them a new way typing on a smartphone is to hold Smartphones come with a Find your way and discover unfamiliar area and in need of a cup to communicate with friends and the phone horizontally in landscape powerful camera that takes high more with maps of coff ee, all you need to do is type family — particularly younger mode. Next, learn to love predictive quality pictures that can rival Stopping to ask for directions is a “coff ee” in your map’s search bar, family members. text. While you’re typing out a most digital cameras. With the thing of the past. You can easily fi nd and you’ll see the locations to all If you’re ready to upgrade to a word, the phone will off er several capabilities of sending photos as your way with the highly accurate the nearby coff ee shops. You’ll even smartphone, or already have one options, or predictions, of what texts, you can instantly share your maps smartphones can connect to, get directions on how to get there! but just want to better understand word you want. If the word you’re photos and experiences with loved as well as discover new places to it, here are fi ve tips that can help: typing appears, simply tap on it and ones. visit. For example, if you’re in an ©Brandpoint

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

You could stumble across something today that surprises you — While you enjoy being busy, you definitely need to put your feet up What are you thinking when you have time to let your mind unwind? which isn’t an easy thing to do. However, as long as you take it in now and then. There’s only so much you can do to make sure you The dishes waiting in the sink for you? Your dirty clothes chucked your stride Aries you will be prepped to handle whatever comes help everyone around you before you decide enough is enough and everywhere that aren’t going to wash themselves? Hopefully you’re your way. take some time for yourself. The holiday season can be fun but very thinking about more exciting and important things Gemini’s. stressful as well.

CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

If you feel as if you are being pushed to your absolute limit today, Persevere today Leos — even if you feel you might be barking up However great your desire to play the boss, lay down the law and push back Cancers. If you let other people boss you around, they will the wrong tree — you are very stubborn and won’t be happy until be in charge, save it for another day Virgos. Jupiter the planet of continue doing so. Making sure you do what you want to do without you have made sure it’s the wrong tree. That’s one of your best opportunity and good luck in your sign will bring all the good stuff too much interference from others at this time. characteristics — your unbelievable optimism and self-assurance. your way. Into September of 2016 too.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Being honest with yourself is one of the hardest things to do — While it’s been great how willing your friends and family have been You could have had quite the dust up with a partner — professional because it’s not always easy to admit you’re wrong or you did lately to help you, a lot of empty promises may have been made as or personal — and more than likely it will be about money. If you do something which wasn’t the nicest thing to do. Make amends today well Scorpios. People could suddenly turn into space cadets and feel you need to sit down with your accountant or business partner, Librans as only you can. totally forget a promise they had made you. make sure you do it.

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You are close to achieving one of your goals Capricorns. If you have There is nothing better than feeling as if you have beaten someone Don’t avoid someone or something today if you know you need to one more piece of the puzzle to complete, get it done quickly and at their own game, is there, Aquarians? And that’s precisely how fix things between you or the task ahead. Now is a great time for you move on with your next 2015 plan. Time is of the essence! 2015 is many of you feel right now as you realise that your tenacity and to play catch up and redo those things you missed out on or pick up nearly over. street smarts won the day! on opportunity you missed out on before. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Law and Order

ALIBI DEPUTY JURY PRISON ATTORNEY EVIDENCE MAGISTRATE SENTENCE BAILIFF FELONY MARSHAL SHERIFF COURT FINE PENALTY WARRANT CRIME JAIL PLEA WITNESS CUSTODY JUDGE POLICE WRIT 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. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

Across Down 7. Be united (5,8) 1. Impressive (8) 8. Chaos (8) 2. Wrap (6) 9. Damp (4) 3. Boss (4) 10. Sagacity (6) 4. Distress (8) 12. Flight (6) 5. Atelier (6) 14. Appalled (6) 6. Slender (4) 16. Accompany (6) 11. Deform (8) 18. Flutter (4) 13. Revolt (8) 20. Dead (8) 15. Yearn (6) 22. Exaggeration (13) 17. Pillar (6) 19. Dwell (4) 21. Destiny (4)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

Across Down 7. View of one who should know better? 1. He has the will to settle things (8) (6,7) 2. Threaten males with one (6) 8. A mad rush to make a message 3. Saint joins sailor in an attempt (4) unintelligible (8) 4. A quiet little desire to eat (8) 9. Press club (4) 5. Releases or unites, somehow (6) 10. Master changed for selected pupils (6) 6. A singular performance! (4) Yesterday’s Solutions 12. Fashionable team in prison (6) 11. Hurt film could be jolly (8) 14. Returning Titian paintings for a dealer 13. Find the record has finished (8) QUICK CRYPTIC (6) 15. Delay by putting the date in incorrectly Across: 1 Lout; 8 Invincible; 9 Distinct; 10 Corn; Across: 1 Both; 8 All keyed up; 9 Co-driver; 16. Join up tinsel, perhaps (6) (6) 12 Devote; 14 Levity; 15 10 Imps; 12 Colour; 14 Madcap; 15 Adhere; 17 18. Drink that’s left (4) 17. North African finding nail by resort (6) Patent; 17 Sorrow; 18 Less; 19 Recovery; 21 Pirate; 18 Arms; 19 Turn tail; 21 Take action; 22 20. Guide to palmistry? (8) 19. Has moved the snow (4) 22. He tries to sell old stock (7,6) 21. Out of clothes? (4) Ambassador; 22 Beer. Task. Down: 2 Obliterate; 3 Tilt; 4 Evince; 5 Instil; 6 Down: 2 Out of order; 3 Hair; 4 Clever; 5 Discover; 7 Mean; 11 Megrim; 6 Bewilder; 7 Opus; 11 Play Retrograde; 13 Overseas; 16 Thrust; 17 Secede; tricks; 13 Overseer; 16 Entice; 17 Permit; 18 Asti; 18 Lead; 20 Verb. 20 Tint. 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY POP SPOT in brief

Brian Fallon

The Gaslight Anthem frontman Brian Fallon has used the opportunity off ered by his band taking a break from the music scene to create his own solo album. “Painkillers” is scheduled for release on March 11. Available now though is the lead single, A Wonderful Life. The song can be heard at www. youtube.com/watch?v=W9f5PrL7uvA The single, and forthcoming album, will be 35-year- old Brian’s first material released under his own name. Aged just 17, he issued a cassette entitled “The Coff eehouse Sessions.” But it was credited to No Release. All of his subsequent work has been under a band name. Only his 2004 release, “The American Music EP,” featured his name in the credits as Brian Fallon — Cincinnati Rail Tie. The various band names have been entirely appropriate as Brian always had other musicians performing on his songs. But the same is true again now for his solo album. He is joined by bassist Catherine Popper, drummer Mark Stepro and guitarist Butch Walker, who also produced “Painkillers,” so it is a little surprising that no band name has been chosen. City and Colour SUCCESSFUL: Christopher is currently enjoying a UK top three hit as the featured vocalist on Sigala’s track. Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Green is another artist who prefers to release his material under a band name. He chose City and Colour from his own name, the city of Dallas and the colour green. His fifth studio album, “If I Should Go Before You,” Bullied Bryn Christopher was released in October and became City and Colour’s third Canadian chart-topper. Three tracks have so far been released as singles with the last two, Wasted Love and Lover Come Back, covering both sides of the same break-up story. has the last laugh Wasted Love features lyrics from the perspective of the person whose heart has been broken. Lover Come Back is sung from the viewpoint of the disappeared. I suppose it was all about Bryn secured the supporting act slot on heartbreaker who didn’t realise how good things By Geoff rey Rowlands confi dence. I knew I could sing and the Amy Winehouse’s 2007 UK concert tour. had been until it was too late and now wants to bullies couldn’t so this was something they A similar spot on Mary J. Blige’s 2008 rekindle the relationship. couldn’t tease me about.” European tour exposed his music to another The video for Wasted Love is at www.youtube.com/ sn’t it great when someone has the Changing schools following his GCSEs audience. Aided by this promotion, Bryn’s watch?v=8kKx8PneuR8 while the Lover Come last laugh on people who have bullied saw Bryn enter a far better environment. 2008 debut album, “My World,” reached Back video can be seen at www.youtube.com/ them. Step forward English singer/ His new school had a soul band whose number 18 on the UK chart. His singles, The watch?v=DwYaFkHe-5U. songwriter Bryn Christopher. He is members were delighted to be joined by this Quest and Smilin’, also became hits. If I Should Go Before You is available to hear in full currently enjoying a UK top three hit newcomer with the superb voice. It was It seemed like a second album would at www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E7gOluzpo0 Ias the featured vocalist on Sigala’s track, while watching a theatrical production with truly establish him on the UK soul scene. Sweet Lovin’. But life was anything but his schoolmates that Bryn found his musical But instead of building upon a good start Justin Bieber sweet when Birmingham-born Bryn was hero. to his recording career, Bryn eff ectively bullied at school. “I’d sung The Commitments’ version disappeared. His second album has still to If Adele isn’t setting some new chart record then it “I was diff erent from the other kids, the of Try a Little Tenderness with the band at be released. has to be Justin Bieber. classic candidate for a bullying victim. school but heard this other amazing version “I got into other aspects of the business. The Canadian heart-throb singer has set a new I was stick-thin and had long eyelashes as part of the play. I discovered the singer I’ve written some songs for other artists and mark on the UK singles chart. He recently achieved which made me look a bit like a girl. I was was Otis Redding. This started me off on joined the Pegasus production duo to create the rare feat of replacing himself in pole position also much more interested in theatre than trying to hear every song Otis had recorded. drum and bass dance music as Monsta, or when Love Yourself ousted Sorry from top spot. football.” “Listening to his music also led me to I See Monstas as we now call ourselves. As The former chart-topper slipped to number two Ironically, it was Bryn’s enjoyment of other artists such as Al Green, Sam Cooke well as our own stuff , we also produce and with both songs remaining in the same positions theatre which turned his life around. At and Nina Simone. I was on a voyage of remix songs for other performers.” on the chart for the following week. 12, he joined a youth theatre company and discovery fi nding wonderful songs from the 2015 has fi nally seen Bryn recording Replacing yourself at number one has been gained confi dence from being with like- 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. I admired these artists again under his own name. There was just a achieved on several previous occasions. But Justin minded peers who respected his talent. He so much and wanted to try to become as taste last year when he was the uncredited became the first artist to knock himself down to also discovered the kind of music he wanted good as them.” vocalist on Knife Party’s Superstar. This number two and then have both songs hold the to perform and wrote his fi rst songs as part A friend at stage school in London year has seen Bryn record with Kill The first and second spots for two consecutive weeks. of his GCSE music course. encouraged Bryn to follow in her footsteps. Noise and Culture Shock in addition to his “It’s amazing to think what the youth “I already had a management deal but work with I See Monstas. But it is his track Jean Deaux theatre did for me. I couldn’t have got up nothing was happening so going to London with Sigala which has given him by far his and spoken in class because I knew how seemed like a good idea. As it turned out, I biggest hit to date. Jean Deaux has gradually been making a name the bullies would react. But being on stage hated stage school and left after my second “I’ve really enjoyed collaborating with for herself on the music scene. The Chicago- was diff erent. For most people, it would year. But my management had been pushing other artists and it’s terrifi c that Sweet based rapper/singer has collaborated on critically probably be completely the opposite. But my interests and I got a meeting with Colin Lovin’ has become such a big hit. I’m signed acclaimed tracks by a number of other artists but is I found it really easy to get up on stage and Barlow at Polydor Records. He put me in the to Geff en Records now so maybe it’s time ready to find fame in her own right. actually sing in front of the kids who bullied studio to work with some great songwriters I made a solo album for them. A lot more She recently released the three-song “Outer me. and then gave me a record deal about six people know about me now so perhaps it Body EP.” This, along with more of her work, “It felt like being in another world when months later.” won’t be too long before I fi nally release my can be heard at (no www.) soundcloud.com/ I was singing. All the stupid negativity Despite having released no material, second album.” thatsjeandeaux Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 17 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Film Festival, has also taken notice of the change. “Indian films are gaining back the attention which they had somehow lost Reality tales: Indian at the international scene,” Bertolin told IANS. Bollywood also gleamed at the foreign film fest with Salman Khan-starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Baahubali with its stunning stories with universal visuals making an impact abroad. Other Hindi films to find presence were Talvar, Aligarh, Om Shanti Om and Gaur Hari Dastan. And not to forget, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sharing the first appeal go globe-trotting glimpse of her action-packed comeback with Jazbaa in Cannes. Adarsh said the entry of commercial films And so, independent cinema fom the Koot, Tamil dramas Kaaka Muttai and into global fests is a “positive sign”, but By Sugandha Rawal country grabbed the spotlight at places like Visaranai also finding a spot. Chopra mentions that the Bollywood affair Busan, Rome, Cannes, Toronto, Venice and Guneet Monga, who produced Zubaan, dates back to Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas era. Warsaw. mentions it is important to have universal All said and done, there is also a business t has been a big year for small budget, Titli, Dhanak, Parched, Masaan, Angry appeal for international presence. spin to international film fests. “People independent as well as regional Indian Goddesses, Zubaan and Island City Seconding Monga, Tenzing Sonam of think a film festival is just a place to go films, with stories rooted in Indian are some of the films that made a mark at Dharamshala International Film Festival, and get acclaim. But it also means market culture but with universal appeal, foreign shores. While Neeraj Ghaywan’s said it’s all about “good independent films, because a lot of films get sold,” Ghaywan going on a global trail. The growing Masaan bagged two awards at the Cannes and not about selling India”. told IANS, and pointed out how the foreign understandingI of Indian cinema beyond gala, Mozez Singh was feted for his musical The growing visibility of Indian films on stamp translates to good promotion. Bollywood has been the game-changer, say drama Zubaan at the Busan fest. foreign platforms, however, can be credited “Had the film not gone to Cannes at all, I industry experts, adding that the road ahead It was double whammy for Nagesh to constant engagement with international would have had to spend three or four times will only get “better” with time. Kukunoor’s Dhanak, a story about an film festival organisers, said Chopra, the more amount to create buzz,” Ghaywan “Powerful” content stirred up with Indian eight-year-old visually challenged boy’s festival director of the widely followed added. “fl avours” can pave a path to success, but journey to find light, as it won at the Berlin Mumbai Film Festival. What remains a problem is distribution. the idea should be to indulge in “global International Film Festival and Warsaw. “Indian films have been going abroad Chopra questioned: “How do you distribute cinematic language”, believe fi lm experts like Margarita With A Straw, starring Kalki regularly and programmers have understood these movies with the budget of Rs.5 crore Taran Adarsh and Anupama Chopra. Koechlin in a strong role, was honoured at that Indian cinema is not only Bollywood,” or so for marketing when the entire cost of “At international film fests, names a film fest in US; while Pan Nalin’s Angry she said, adding that “young filmmakers the film is Rs.6 crore.” of stars don’t really matter as much as Indian Goddesses was rewarded in Rome. want to speak in a global cinematic But this year turned out to be a ray of powerful content. It has to have a lot of The success story got a regional twist language”. hope with the release of Masaan, Titli, Gaur Indian flavour to make a mark,” Adarsh told with Assamese film Kothanodi getting Paolo Bertolin, the Southeast and Asia Hari Dastaan and Angry Indian Goddesses. IANS. screened in Busan; Punjabi film Chauthi Pacific selector for the Venice International — IANS

You never learn acting genres,” he said. The Chennai Express star, till you die: Shah Rukh who is fondly called Badshah and King Khan by his fans, says that during his childhood Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who days his parents never thought of giving him has been entertaining fans with his versatile a nickname. roles in fi lms for over two decades now, says “My parents never gave me a nickname. there is no specifi c “formula” to be an actor. Maybe, they knew I will get so many when I He feels one never learns acting “till you die”. grow up. So like them all,” he tweeted. In a live interaction with his fans on When asked by a fan as to why his lectures Twitter, the 50-year-old, whose latest fi lm at various prestigious institutes including Dilwale raked in Rs.21 crore in India on its University of Edinburgh don’t conform to opening day on Friday, was asked when he the standards of excellence in his fi lms, Shah will learn acting. Rukh said: “My lectures are to motivate, my Shah Rukh replied: “You never learn acting fi lms are for entertainment. The mix of the till you die. It’s not multiples and formulae.” two happens seldom.” Also, he feels that being an actor, one Dilwale, which released on Friday, also should be open to do roles in diff erent genres. features Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti “As an actor or star, I like doing all kind of Sanon, among others. — IANS TRADE SECRETS: Shah Rukh Khan 18 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD The big leap Adam McKay moves beyond funny business in The Big Short. By Nina Metz

hen Adam McKay underground bunker’s worth of see himself giving The Big Short was in Chicago shady business right under their treatment to a movie about climate recently with his noses. change. latest fi lm, The Big Here’s McKay: “With the “You know, we (McKay and his Short, I asked what (Catholic) Church, giant coverups company, Gary Sanchez Productions) itW felt like to return to town. McKay were going on all over the place. But have talked about, maybe, these spent the bulk of his 20s here, honing with this housing bubble, no one comedies becoming more overtly his comedy chops on the city’s was covering it up. All the math was political. I think when we started improv scene before landing a job at right in front of you the whole time, doing them, they always had a Saturday Night Live in 1995. so it’s a cultural critique as well: political message hidden within “It’s always weird because all Why are these people seeing it, but them.” (See: Talladega Nights and its the people you knew aren’t there no one else is? That fascinates me to satire of American exceptionalism, anymore,” he said, stretching his legs no end.” and the cinematic noogie to male at the restaurant booth where we Before we left, I asked McKay what chauvinism that is Anchorman.) were sitting. kind of things have been keeping him “But we were being a little sly “The fi rst few times you come up at night. with what we were doing with those back, you kind of have your hands in “I am a maniac about climate movies. Whereas, now I just feel your pockets, and the Welcome Back, change, I can’t stop talking about it. like things are so out of control, Kotter theme song is playing as you I’m going crazy right now that this the time for being sly and clever is walk down the street. But now it’s climate change conference is maybe over with. I don’t think you can do a just, ‘Aaah, it’s Chicago.’ It’s a great the biggest event in human history, didactic climate change movie; it’s town.” and everybody’s like, ‘Yeah, oh that just not going to work. It should be McKay logged time onstage in thing?’ If we don’t make any changes, entertaining. So, yes. I have an idea Chicago at both iO Theater and in the long term we’re going to pay I’m kicking around for a climate Second City, but once he joined a thousand times more money, and change movie that’s gut-driven and, SNL, his focus shifted to writing we’re gonna die. My wife is so bored hopefully, a fi lm that is — well, I’m almost exclusively, as well as with me talking about it. That’s what not sure I would call it enjoyable, but directing the show’s digital shorts. keeps me up at night.” watchable is a great way of putting His career since has followed a I wondered if McKay could it.” — Chicago Tribune/TNS similar trajectory, as the writer- director of movies such as Anchorman and Talladega Nights, which are big, doofy comedies peppered with jokes within jokes. The Big Short is a departure from that. Adapted from Michael Lewis’ nonfi ction chronicle of the 2008 fi nancial meltdown, the fi lm’s subject is anything but funny. And yet. Part absurdist caper, part true-life horror show, the movie generates laughs as it hitches a careening ride with a small clutch of men — seasoned Wall Streeters and a couple of rogue players among them — who saw the housing market crisis coming and found a way to profi t from it, queasy-making as the prospect eventually became. McKay picked up the Lewis book initially after hearing about it on This American Life: “I thought, Ira Glass is no dope — I’ll read that. And by the end, I was like, ‘This is a movie. This is an amazing movie.’ But of course, I’m a comedy guy; no one’s going to let me do it. So I kind of let it go for a couple of years. And then, lo and behold, my agent asked me, ‘If you could do anything, what would you do?’ And I said The Big Short before I even thought about it.” Here’s something I didn’t expect: The movie has a lot in common with Spotlight. Both centre on recent events no one wants to revisit (the housing bubble and paedophile priests respectively), and both are entirely watchable because they are, at their core, procedurals — movies that track a few key players as they piece together clues, fi nding an DIRECTOR’S CUT: Adam McKay attends a premiere at Beacon Theatre in New York City. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Taylor Swift visits fan battling cancer Clements has developed quite the following on social media. Less than a week ahead of In fact, thousands shared Eva Longoria takes #DelaneyMeetTaylor on Twitter Christmas, singer Taylor Swift has decided to spread holiday cheer by to grab the Grammy winner’s meeting a fan battling with cancer. attention. While travelling home for the Unfortunately, Clements’s holidays, Swift made it a priority mother Wendy Campbell to surprise her fan Delaney delivered a somber update a tour of golden earlier this month where she told Clements. “Literally speechless right now! My new best friend (as followers that hospice care was I call her now ) made a special stop imminent. from going home to Tennessee “We are so blessed to be and surprised me and gave me the surrounded with so many best present/hug ever!” Clements wonderful people who love and triangle in India wrote on Instagram while posing care for us and forever grateful for for a photograph with Swift, all the support we have received ’m in heaven,” reports eonline.com. over the past fi ve years,” she Hollywood actress “Thank you! I love you! Happy shared on Facebook. Eva Longoria holidays!” she added. “Our goal now is to keep has exclaimed in “Merry Christmas Baby @ Delaney as comfortable as possible reference to her India delaneyy.bugg,” Swift wrote. and keep her spirits uplifted as she “Itrip! Right from relishing Indian Ever since she was diagnosed travels on a journey we fought so cuisines, exploring the wildlife with neuroblastoma in 2010, hard to avoid.” — IANS of India to falling in love with the historical side of the nation, the Desperate Housewives star is smitten by the country’s culture Kate Moss launches and beauty. interior design career Longoria, who was in India to celebrate her recent engagement to Supermodel Kate Moss is television professional Jose Antonio launching her career in interior Baston, started her trip with Delhi, design. The 41-year-old — who has went to Agra and then to Rajasthan, a 13-year-old daughter, Lila, with where she visited Ranthambore ex-boyfriend Jeff erson Hack — has and Jaipur — thereby, completing been looking for new challenges the golden triangle of the country’s and has now registered her new tourism map. venture with Companies House, In Jaipur, the actress enjoyed the reports femalefi rst.co.uk. fl avours of south India by savouring “Kate is always looking for new idli, dosa and uttapam. “I can’t PASSAGE TO INDIA: Eva Longoria projects away from modelling. She stop eating! #IndianBreakfast,” she loved doing her fashion line and tweeted with an image. “Yep. That’s a tiger. Right in union, so how can they not go to is really getting into acting after During her sojourn in the Pink front of us just chillin’ #India the symbol of love — Taj Mahal. fi lming for the Absolutely Fabulous City — a frequented spot for foreign #RanthambhoreTigerReserve.” The duo also visited the iconic movie,” a source visitors — Longoria explored In the photographs, Longoria monument of love in Agra and said. the Hawa Mahal. She called it can be seen sans make-up, and posed for some mushy images “But to start an interior design “beautiful”. she seems well covered in a black earlier this week. company shows she’s serious. She Well, it’s not only the food and jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and Longoria, who got engaged last loves it and puts a lot of time, eff ort, ancient buildings that caught black buckled ankle boots to beat week in Dubai, announced her thought and money into design,” Longoria’s fancy. She also found a the winter chill. arrival in India via Twitter. she added. Moss will be advised by friend in an Indian elephant, and In a string of tweets, She even posted images from her her good friend Katie Grove, who also had goosebumps after seeing she shared: “I found more visit to Harmony House India, an already runs her own company, an Indian tiger at the Ranthambore ‘Mother’s Recipe’ tea! I love it! NGO which takes care of the basic Grove Interiors, according to The National Park. #TasteLikeAHottyToddy #India needs of under-privileged children, Sun newspaper. Meanwhile, the “My new friend! #India #FightingTheCold”; and in another and wrote: “Thank you Harmony British beauty has been thinking #Elephants. I want to take him message, she wrote: “Bonfi re in House for letting us visit! You’re about some simpler resolutions home with me! #India #Reserve,” India with my California Cabernet! doing amazing things.” According for 2016. When asked about her she tweeted. I’m in heaven!. to reports, Longoria will be in India resolutions for the New Year, she In another post she shared: The couple is celebrating their till Christmas. — IANS said: “Peace and love.” — IANS NEW VISTAS: Kate Moss

an insider has revealed that their Cara uses water guns to relationship is hanging by a thread. keep paparazzi at bay “He broke down in tears and begged Kylie to tell him the truth Model-turned-actress Cara about where they stand ... because he Delevingne decided to use an has no idea,” the source said. innovative way to keep paparazzi at “In the space of a week she’s bay — water guns! dumped him, got back with him, told She came up with the idea after the world they’re getting married and a photographer attempted to take then decided to ‘cool things off ’ and inappropriate images of her. threw him out of her house,” added “Some disgusting so-called the source. ‘human’ with a camera tried to take The insider also claimed that the a picture up my skirt. Welcome 26-year-old is “really, really scared” home. Any suggestions? Eggs,” because the Keeping Up with the the 23-year-old had posted on her Kardashians star funds him and he Twitter page after the incident. “needs the cash bad”. And then, after just a few days, ON THE ROCKS: Tyga, left, and Kylie Jenner “Some of his friends, including Delevingne seized the opportunity Blac Chyna, are convinced he’s being and headed out with a friend, with Tyga gets mushy over The Hookah hitmaker broke down toyed with for storylines on the show. water pistols to attack anyone who rocky bond with Kylie in tears because of his uncertainty He’s in a whole world of paranoia was trying to invade their privacy. over whether they’ll make it for the right now, especially after hearing Announcing her victory, Delevingne Rapper Tyga’s cheating scandal long haul, reports radaronline.com. that her mom wants him out and has shared an image of her attack with has only made his tumultuous As previously reported, this week’s been showing her pictures of other her followers on photo-sharing relationship with reality TV star Kylie OK magazine exposed Tyga’s fl irty guys to date,” the insider added. — MODEL TECHNIQUE? Cara website, Instagram, captioning it as : Jenner even more volatile. texts to an underage girl and now IANS Delevingne “Pay back”. — IANS 20 GULF TIMES Tuesday, December 22, 2015 COMMUNITY DFI announces grants for eclectic cinematic talent Apart from projects in the Middle East and Mena region, for the first time, filmmakers from Chile, Peru and Spain will receive funding from the programme. By Anand Holla

Argentinian fi lm The Idea of a Lake is about a photographer who undergoes a personal exploration of her past and the absence of her father while creating a book of her work, while Maximiliano Schonfeld’s The Black Frost is a drama set on a plantation where a pernicious black frost threatens to devastate the countryside until a mysterious woman arrives. Extending the environmental theme, Heidi Brandenburg and Mathew Orzel’s When Two Worlds Collide is the story of an indigenous Peruvian man and his people, and of the fate of one of our planet’s most valuable natural resources – the Amazon rainforest. Fatma al-Remaihi, CEO of the DFI, said: “Our Fall grantees cover a broad range of subjects and represent some powerful new voices in cinema, especially from Qatar and North Africa with several projects supported from Morocco and Algeria. Animated fi lms are very popular in our region so it is very encouraging to see an acclaimed fi lmmaker like Haifaa al-Mansour turn her skills to this important genre.” Al-Remaihi further added, “We have supported more than 255 fi lms MIXED BAG: A still from Searching for Janitou. since the inception of the grants programme and we continue to seek n Iraqi fi lmmaker Mohanad On Monday, the Doha Film and sets sail with three teenaged Karima Zoubir, a short fi lm set in a out projects with a strong directorial Hayal’s Death Street, Tariq, Institute (DFI) announced recipients friends in search of it; Hamida al- Casablanca slum. vision that are challenging, creative the sniper of Haifa Street in of the Fall 2015 session of its grants Kawari’s To the Ends of the Earth – To enhance the mix, there are and thought-provoking.” Baghdad, kills Ahmed on his programme following the Dubai the fi rst Qatari feature documentary three animation projects – noted Submissions for the next funding wedding day. While Tariq International Film Festival, where 15 to receive a grant from the Institute fi lmmaker Haifaa al-Mansour’s round open January 6 and close Iprevents anyone from approaching of the Institute’s previous grantees, – which follows a Qatari woman Miss Camel; Hafi z Ali Abdullah’s January 19, 2016. Funding is available the corpse in the street, an intimate four of which are world premieres, on an environmental expedition The Search for the Star Pearl; and to projects by fi lmmakers from and telling drama unfolds. were showcased. The Fall 2015 to Antarctica in search of hope; A J Mortada Gzar’s Language, about a around the world, with an emphasis Saudi Arabia’s Haifaa al- session marks the eleventh session al-Thani’s Kashta, a family drama blind man on the streets of Baghdad on support for fi lmmakers from the Mansour’s animation fi lm titled of the grants programme, which about a father who takes his sons out who wakes up as a giant and reads the Mena region. Certain categories Miss Camel follows the story is dedicated to supporting new into the desert to teach them about devastation of the city by touch. of funding are reserved for Mena of a teenaged Saudi camel that cinematic talent, with a focus on hunting and survival; and Hend Argentina once again emerges and Qatari fi lmmakers. The fund is challenges the deep-rooted fi rst- and second-time fi lmmakers. Fakhroo’s The Waiting Room, about with a couple of fascinating projects. primarily for fi rst- and second-time restrictions of her culture by Twenty-four of the projects are an Arab and a Western family who Milagros Mumenthaler’s Swiss/ fi lmmakers. travelling across the kingdom to from the Middle East and North fi nd themselves sharing a hospital compete in the Miss Camel beauty Africa (Mena) region, while six are room. pageant in Doha. from the rest of the world. For the Among the 30 projects selected Algerian fi lmmaker Mohamed El fi rst time, fi lmmakers from Chile, for funding, fi ve are from Morocco – Amine Hattou’s Searching for Janitou Peru and Spain will receive funding Fyzal Boulifa’s Pagan Magic, the story takes a wistful journey to unravel love from the programme. of a poor youngster working as a maid in past and contemporary Algeria by The DFI said, “Stories of for a middle-class family; second- exploring the unique phenomenon displacement, physical or spiritual time grantee Uda Benyamina’s of a Bollywood fi lm that swept the journeys, tales of family life, the Bastard, about a 15-year-old girl country in the 1980s. power of nature and the importance who lives with her mother in a rough These are just three of the of protecting the environment are Parisian suburb; Yakout Elhababi’s interesting premises among the highlighted in the selections this Behind the Doors, which looks at 30 promising projects from 19 Fall.” family life and childhood set high countries – comprising 16 feature- Four projects from Qatar-based in the Rif mountains of Morocco; length narrative fi lms, 10 feature fi lmmakers were awarded grants – Hind Bensari’s Weight Throwers, a documentaries and four short fi lms Hafi z Ali Abdullah’s The Search for documentary look at the struggles of – which will receive funding for the Star Pearl, about a young pearl two young athletes as they train for development, production or post- diver from Doha who discovers a map the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio production. to the most valuable gem on Earth, de Janeiro; and Behind The Wall, by A still from When Two Worlds Collide.