Community Community The Doha Renowned Players’ latest Islamic P6production P20 scholar Dr was an exceptional Zakir Naik will deliver testament to the lofty a public lecture at standards that the group Katara Amphitheatre now has set for itself. this weekend.

Monday, May 23, 2016 Sha’baan 16, 1437 AH

DOHA 29°C—41°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 13 PUZZLES 14 & 15 A hope is born Transplant chains let strangers give kidney COVER STORY patients new life. P4-5 FASHION SHOW: The second Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Doha brought together a galaxy of emerging and established fashion designers from the region and Qatar. Details on Page 10

GOOD SAMARITAN: Kidney donor Heather Sherman, of Jacksonville, was the first donor in what is called a kidney transplant chain, where one donation triggers another in a domino reaction that typically travels across the country. 2 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.20am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.46am Zuhr (noon) 11.31am Asr (afternoon) 2.56pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.17pm Isha (night) 7.47pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 Ratchet And Clank nefarious space captain, a mechanic and his newfound robot International Calls Enquires 150 GENRE: Adventure, Animation ally join an elite squad of combatants to save the universe. Hamad International Airport 40106666 CAST: James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye, Jim Ward This movie is based on the iconic PlayStation video game. Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 DIRECTION: Kevin Munroe, Jericca Cleland Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 SYNOPSIS: When the galaxy comes under the threat of a THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and The Correspondence Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 GENRE: Drama, Romance Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 CAST: Jeremy Irons, 44593363 Olga Kurylenko, Shauna Qatar Assistive Technology Macdonald Centre 44594050 DIRECTION: Giuseppe Qatar News Agency 44450205 Tornatore 44450333 SYNOPSIS: The Q-Post – General Postal Correspondence tells the Corporation 44464444 tale of love and loss, a story of Amy (Olga Kurylenko), Humanitarian Services Offi ce a young PhD student who (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) takes excessive risks in her Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, paid work as a stuntwoman. 40253369 Her specialties are the action Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 scenes, the acrobatics full of Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 suspense, the danger that in Qatar Airways 40253374 fiction would typically end with the death of the double. It is through her relationship with an older astrophysics professor (Jeremy Irons) that she learns to reconcile past ote Unquo and present and face life’s u te vicissitudes. Q Music is a moral THEATRES: Royal Plaza, law. It gives soul to the The Mall universe, wings to the mind, fl ight to the imagination, and charm and Mall Cinema (1): This Time (2D) 5pm; This Time (Tagalog) 7pm; (Tagalog) 11.30am; Pettson And Hassan Wa Baqloz (Arabic) 9pm; gaiety to life and to everything. Findus (2D) 1.30pm; Ratchet & Clank Sarbjit (Hindi) 11pm. — Plato (2D) 3.15pm; Wyrmwood: Road Of Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): The Dead (2D) 5pm; Correspondence X-Men Apocalypse (2D) 6pm; X-Men Wyrmwood: Road Of The Dead (2D) 6.30pm; This Time (Tagalog) Apocalypse (2D) 8.30pm; Maruthan (2D) 12noon; Pettson And Findus 8.45pm; King Liar (Malayalam) (Tamil) 11pm. (2D) 1.30pm; The Jungle Book (2D) 10.45pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): 3.15pm; Correspondence (2D) 5pm; Mall Cinema (2): Our Kind Of X-Men Apocalypse (2D) 11.15am; Our Kind Of Traitor (2D) 7.15pm; Traitor (2D) 12noon; King Liar Angry Birds Movie (2D) 2pm; Ratchet Correspondence (2D) 9.15pm; Our Community Editor (Malayalam) 2pm; Angry Birds Movie & Clank (2D) 3.45pm; Captain Kind Of Traitor (2D) 11.30pm. Kamran Rehmat (2D) 5pm; Hassan Wa Baqloz (Arabic) America: Civil War (2D) 5.30pm; Asian Town Cinema: King Liar 7pm; Our Kind Of Traitor (2D) 9pm; X-Men Apocalypse (2D) 8pm; X-Men (Malayalam) 4.30, 6.30, 7.30, 9.30, 10, e-mail: [email protected] X-men Apocalypse (2D) 11pm. Apocalypse (2D) 10.45pm. 10.30pm; Jacobinte Swargarajyam Telephone: 44466405 Mall Cinema (3): X-Men Apocalypse Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): (Malayalam) 7pm; Brahmot Savam Fax: 44350474 (2D) 11.30am; Sarbjit (Hindi) 2pm; Ratchet & Clank (2D) 11.30am; Sarbjit (Telugu) 7pm; Maruthu (Tamil) 10pm The Jungle Book (2D) 4.15pm; (Hindi) 2.30pm; Angry Birds Movie & 12.45am. Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Skydive Qatar Parallels and Divergences: As with doping in highlight presented in the context of the DATE: Until May 31 humans to enhance sporting performance, Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture. Artworks Arabic Calligraphy VENUE: Al Khor Airport similar interventions to ensure outcome in exemplifying each and every artist’s unique DATE: May 26, 27,28 For the fi rst time in Qatar, everyone will competition are also apparent in animals artistic language and methodology will be TIME: 5pm get a chance to experience skydiving with (horses, dogs, camels). Practices such as displayed in individual galleries. VENUE: Katara a team of certifi ed skydivers to jump from administrations of steroids, inorganic Katara organises A Journey to the art of approximately 13,000ft high. Participation substances such as cobalt, as well as, gene Cultural Diversity festival Roqaa Arabic calligraphy workshop by Syrian fees: QR1899 for individuals, including doping may be far more prevalent amongst DATE: Until May 31 calligrapher Nasser al-Hamwi. On the subject photos and a video footage of before, after competing animals. TIME: 7:30-9pm of the workshop, it will provide opportunities and during the jump. Tickets are available VENUE: Katara Beach for beginners who are interested in Arabic online, at Lagoona Mall, Qatar Foundation Al Gannas Over 20 countries from all over the world calligraphy to discover this beautiful art and Virgin Mega Stores. DATE: Until Oct 30 are showcasing their traditions and heritage. through Roqaa Arabic calligraphy. The TIME: 9am -11:30am workshop is based on practical exercises Exhibition for Transport and Logistics VENUE: Al Gannas Society Qatari Agricultural Product Yards aimed at demonstrating how to compose the DATE: May 24-26 Al Gannas Association is participating in DATE: Until June 30 Roqaa clipped letters made of short, straight TIME: 5pm-9pm the ‘Our culture is a school’ programme by VENUE: Al Mazrooa, Al Zakheera, Al Khor, lines and simple curves, as well as its straight VENUE: Doha Exhibition and Conference organising many activities for the students Al Wakrah and even lines of text in a grammatically Center every Monday and Wednesday of the week. The Ministry of Environment has opened correct, beautiful, balanced and co-ordinated Trans4 is a major marketplace for transport These activities include explanations on the 4th season of Qatari agricultural product manner. services, attracting leading professionals hunting and related tools, kinds of falcons yards for selling locally produced fruits, from Qatar, the Middle East and the world. and preys, in addition to workshop on vegetables, poultry, fi sh and livestock. Work It will address issues concerning the how to carry a falcon, set a traditional in these yards will continue for seven months. development of the Qatari transport system, tent (made of goat & camel hair), prepare The yards will operate three days a week on and new information systems for interaction traditional Arabic coffee, etc. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7am among diff erent modes of transport, as to 5pm, with livestock vendors in Al Mazrooa well as addressing the logistics issues in the Shifting Sands operating at the same times throughout the global market for transportation and logistics DATE: Until July 7 week. services. VENUE: Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museum, Alsamariyah Join in our Walk-in Weekends Interpretations Art Exhibition MA students of UCL Qatar are organising DATE: Every Saturday DATE: May 26-June 6 and curating an exhibition as part of VENUE: MIA Atrium TIME: 10am- 9pm UCLQurates. In the very recent past, Qatar MIA art education and calligraphy teams VENUE: Katara Art Center, Building 5 has undergone a signifi cant transformation; off er walk-in workshops in MIA’s atrium The International School of London through these developments, people have had every Saturday. These walk-in workshops are Qatar’s Visual Arts Department inaugural to adapt to the changing landscape in which for open for all family members. exhibition will take place in the Katara Arts they live. Center from May 26– June 6. The works of FOODIE CHOICE Guided Family Art Visits the ‘Interpretation’ exhibition represents Yamativo Salsa Classes DATE: May 28 and June 4 a wide range of ages and stages of artistic DATE: Every Monday RESTAURANT: Taj Rasoi TIME: 3pm development and are selected from the TIME: 7pm LOCATION: Marriott Hotel, Old Airport VENUE: Qatar Museums school’s IB Middle Years and Diploma Years VENUE: Radisson Blu The food on off er is a pleasant blend of Guided family visits are led by the Public Programmes students. It is through sensory It’s always fun and always challenging. Indian recipes. Art education team at Qatar Museums Gallery exploration and interaction that students Let’s meet and learn some moves every ALRIWAQ. Children and parents will explore learn to explore their feelings and confi rm Monday night. You don’t need to do anything, the exhibition together. This will be followed their understanding of the world through the just join us. Level 1 (intermediate level) Corrigendum by an art-making workshop. The children senses. 7pm and for beginner level 8pm. Be there at will make their own clay sculpture. The Raddison Blu Hotel Cabana Club. Richelle Andrade is the third topper in the workshops are being held from 3-5pm every Karting & Mini Moto Track Commerce stream in Ideal Indian School Saturday until June 4. DATE: Until July 1 in the CBSE Class XII results announced TIME: 6:30pm yesterday morning. Andrade’s picture was Equestrian, Camels and Falcons VENUE: Losail International Circuit incorrectly published yesterday. The error is Exhibition Starting tomorrow, the Karting and Mini regretted. DATE: May 25, 26, 27 Moto Track will be open every Thursday and TIME: 10am Friday until July 1 after which the track will VENUE: Doha Exhibition and Convention close until further notice. QR100 per session Center of 15 minutes. Helmet mask QR15 – not Nawasi is the fi rst and only exhibition to refundable. be held in Qatar, focusing on horses, camel and falcon equipment. Poised to be held at Dance Classes with Salsa n Candela the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center VENUE: Hilton Hotel-West Bay (DECC), Nawasi will energise equestrianism, Salsa n Candela off ers variety of dance camel and falconry industries and blaze classes for kids and adults at Hilton Hotel, a trail that carries these arts to a higher Eforea Spa Studio, such as Salsa, Bachata, level of practice enjoyment. The exhibition Kizomba, Swing, Tango and Greek classes. will accommodate more than 150 premier Price at QR60 per class per person. exhibitors with cutting edge technology and equipment from Qatar, GCC, Mena and from QSports Summer Camp all over the world. DATE: June 19-Sept 1 TIME: 8am-1pm VENUE: Al Jazeera Academy Registration for QSports Summer Camp 2016 is now open. QSports summer camps are committed to providing a safe, fun and skill-based experience for kids between the ages of four and 14. We have a dedicated OBIT team of specialist kid’s coaches and classes Another Indian and activities are safe, planned, progressive, found dead active, creative, inclusive and designed to maximise participation of all children by Spring Exhibition MIA A 27-year-old Indian national was found off ering a variety of activities. DATE: Until July 16 hanging in his accommodation a few days TIME: 10:30am- 5pm ago on the northern outskirts of Doha city, a Anti-Doping in Humans and Animals VENUE: QM Gallery Al Riwaq community source said. DATE: May 31-June 1 An exhibition of 15 contemporary Chinese The deceased has been identified as Ravindra TIME: 8am artists, curated by internationally acclaimed Jagadesh Prasad. He is the 20th Indian VENUE: Doha Marriott Hotel New York-based Chinese artist Cai Guo- expatriate to end life in Qatar since the ADLQatar’s 6th Annual Symposium: Qiang, will be on view at the QM Gallery beginning of this year, the source added. Anti-Doping in Humans and Animals: Al Riwaq. The exhibition will be the major

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Kidney with a heart It happens through a transplant chain: a set of surgeries, stacked like dominoes, that depend on people willing to literally give a part of themselves to someone they don’t know, writes Diane C. Lade

eff West, his kidneys failing, can sometimes make better medical kidney that people otherwise might person in Atlanta and fl own to South It was the fi rst time Cleveland was dreading having to matches than through traditional not get,” said Michael Spigler, vice Florida. Clinic Florida — one of nine Florida quit his job and spend one-on-one donations between president of patient services and In between was a tightly hospitals certifi ed to do living years tethered to a dialysis friends or relatives. kidney disease education for the choreographed dance involving kidney transplants, and one of two machine. But shortly before They do it by signing up hundreds American Kidney Fund. fi ve hospitals in fi ve states, eight in the state currently affi liated with treatmentsJ even began, the Boynton of renal patients and their loved ones West’s chain started in December recipients and donors, kidneys being the registry — had participated in Beach man received an unexpected who are willing to donate to them but when Heather Sherman, a 41-year- fl own or driven hundreds of miles a chain. It’s an emerging option for gift — a kidney donated by a are incompatible due to blood type old software support technician — and four lives saved, or even more people with serious renal disease volunteer whom he had never met. or other issues. These programs then from Jacksonville, agreed to donate when you consider those successful who, depending on their blood type It happened through what’s called use sophisticated computer software to anyone in need through the transplants moved other people up and medical condition, could wait a transplant chain: a set of surgeries, to generate new donor-recipient nonprofi t National Kidney Registry. on wait lists. fi ve years or more for a lifesaving stacked like dominoes, that depend pairs between strangers. That person ended up being a “It literally gave me my life back. donation. on people willing to literally give a It’s sort of like medical speed- 47-year-old mother of two who It’s a reaffi rmation that there still West, who loves his job as a part of themselves to someone they dating. The bigger the dating pool, received Sherman’s donation on is good in the world, that we can technical representative for a don’t know. the better the chances for a great December 9 at Cleveland Clinic in impact others in a positive way,” heating and air conditioning A growing trend in kidney match. And chains involve live Ohio. said West, 52, still emotional four manufacturer, said his doctors had donation, the coordinators of kidneys that have a much longer West’s transplant happened a months after his successful surgery told him last spring he would wait transplant chains say they aim to potential life span than a deceased month later, at the end of the chain, at Cleveland Clinic Florida in at least two years for an organ and get kidneys to more renal patients, donation. when he received a kidney removed Weston. Sherman’s kidney also was probably could not work as his and do it faster. They also say they “It can open up an option for a from a 53-year-old anonymous removed there. kidneys deteriorated. Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

“I accepted my career was over, although I thought dialysis would “I accepted be like a death sentence,” said West, my career was who has genetic polycystic kidney disease. “Then suddenly, they said: over, although I ‘We have a donor for you. Are you available in January?’ I was blown thought dialysis away.” would be like a Improving the odds for renal patients is critical, Spigler said. death sentence,” About 100,000 people nationwide are waiting for kidneys, including said West, who 4,500 in Florida. With only about 18,000 transplants done annually, has genetic Spigler said the average wait is about polycystic two years but goes up to fi ve years for patients with rarer blood types. kidney disease. “It’s a remarkable process. People are connecting around it. We are “Then suddenly, seeing a dramatic improvement … in our ability to take patients off they said: ‘We waiting lists and (get) better quality have a donor kidneys,” said Dr. Diego C. Reino, a transplant and hepatobiliary for you. Are you surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic Florida’s transplant center. available in Paired donations, or swaps between strangers, within a single January?’ I was hospital began about 15 years ago. THE LUCKY ONE: Jeff West, of Boynton Beach, received a kidney at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston in January blown away.” Expanding on paired exchanges, from a kidney transplant chain started by a kidney donation from Heather Sherman. the fi rst chains involving multiple hospitals came about six years later. Donors and recipients are not the transplants. Sherman knew little in Ohio in December. Sherman said get a lot out of it, too.” While the The number of good Samaritan, charged, but transplant centres about renal disease and fi rst heard of her recipient had been on dialysis West-Sherman chain began and or non-directed, donors grew 27 pay a fee for the registry’s services, the registry through a news story. for several years but now was able to ended at Cleveland Clinic Florida, percent over the past four years to Sinacore said, which is billed back “It’s the fi rst time it occurred to attend her son’s track meets and go that synergy was largely due to 209 in 2015, according to the United to the recipient’s insurance. He me that I could donate to a stranger,” to church again. chance and logistics. Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), declined to say how much. Sherman said. “It was unbelievable Although Sherman’s kidney is not Transplant chains involve a nonprofi t with a federal contract to The registry generated the that I could make that kind of the one nestled in his body, West bartering, with surgeons having oversee donations and transplants. nation’s longest transplant chain diff erence, that I could give life to said he considers her a lifesaver the right to accept or reject kidneys The number of people involved last year, involving 35 transplants someone.” along with his own anonymous off ered by chain organisers. in chains or paired exchanges has at 25 hospitals in 15 states and the Good Samaritan donors are donor because she started the chain Participating hospitals get changed little during that time, District of Columbia, and spanning carefully screened psychologically that ended with him. Meeting “payback” kidneys for donors UNOS statistics show, with 578 3 1/2 months. Most chains, however, as well as physically, “to make sure Sherman three weeks after his who started chains, allowing renal recipients and donors last year. run about fi ve transplants long, they understand what they are surgery “was very emotional for patients on their internal wait list, Still, anonymous donations Sinacore said. doing, and not just trying to fi ll some me,” he said. “I was very moved by like West, a shot at a transplant. between people who were not All of them start the same hole in their lives,” Sinacore said. her altruism.” Chains also are complicated to related comprised only about way, with what’s called a “good Sherman said her family initially Reino said Sherman’s response organise, as multiple transplant 4 percent of all living kidney Samaritan” donor, someone who questioned why a healthy young is typical among good Samaritan surgeries must be precisely timed transplants last year, according to simply wants to give the gift of life woman would want to give one of donors, who are a variety of ages and often depend on freshly UNOS, which operates the Organ and enters the system alone. In the her organs to someone she didn’t and come from all walks of life. harvested organs being driven or Procurement and Transplantation case of Jeff West, that person was know. “You think the recipients are the fl own in by commercial airlines from Network that also coordinates Heather Sherman. Yet Sherman said she never had winners,” said Reino, the surgeon diff erent states. A patient or donor chains. As per registry protocol, West any doubts — a feeling confi rmed who removed Sherman’s kidney suddenly is sick on transplant day Ruthanne Leishman, director and Sherman were told nothing when she began corresponding with as well as a doctor on West’s and surgery must be scratched? The of the UNOS network, said kidney about anyone in the chain prior to the woman who received her kidney transplant team. “But the donors plane carrying a kidney is delayed? transplant chain registries remain The chain collapses. largely unregulated, although there That fragility is one reason the have been calls for drafting policies Miami Transplant Institute, a joint or forming one national network. eff ort between the University of “This is a new world, and things Miami Health System and Jackson are sorting themselves out,” Memorial Hospital, opts to do Leishman said. “The nice thing internally paired exchanges all at about having competing kidney their own facility rather than chains, paired donation programs is it said Dr. Giselle Guerra, the centre’s fosters innovation.” director of the Living Donor Kidney A year ago, Cleveland Clinic Program. Florida became one of 77 transplant “Logistically, (chains) are more centres nationwide affi liated with challenging. And when you join the Long Island-based National these big programs, you don’t Kidney Registry, one of the three have the same control,” Guerra main US nonprofi ts involved with said. “But the main reason (we transplant chains. It was started don’t participate) is we have been in 2008 by a software and data extremely successful with our paired processing entrepreneur, Garet Hil, exchanges.” after his family struggled to fi nd a One of the largest transplants kidney donor for his 10-year-old centres in the country, Miami does daughter. 300 to 350 transplants annually, In eight years, the registry Guerra said, and last year had 25 has generated more than 1,700 recipients who received kidneys transplants, with 88 percent of them through paired donations with through chains, said Joe Sinacore, strangers. One was a four-way the registry’s director of education kidney exchange last year, a fi rst and development. Most people enter in Florida, between three married the registry as pairs — someone couples, a mother and her son, with who needs a kidney and a friend or all the transplants performed on the relative who did not match with the same day. patient but still is willing to donate ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL: Kidney donor Heather Sherman, left, Cleveland Clinic Florida Transplant and “It’s about fi nding the right — with between 200 to 300 pairs in Hepatobiliary Surgerion Dr.Diego C. Reino, MD., centre, and kidney recipient Jeff West outside of the Cleveland Clinic kidney for the right patient,” Guerra the system. Florida in Weston. said. —Sun Sentinel/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a triumph The Doha Players’ latest production was an exceptional testament to the lofty standards that the group now has set for itself. By Anand Holla Gary Mond and Trish Slade.

y defi nition, an amateur is someone who engages in art or activity as a pastime rather than as a profession. In fact, the root of the word amateur means doing Bsomething you love. To most ears though, the word amateur almost always rings with the more popular and unfl attering defi nition, that of one lacking the skill or experience of a professional. For the past 62 years in Qatar, since their fi rst production, Bird in Hand, in March 1954, amateur theatre group The Doha Players has been harnessing the power and passion of amateur dramatics while altering perceptions that “amateur theatre” can’t hold a candle to the professional heavyweights. For four days at the Qatar National Theatre, last week, The Doha Players’ poised performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was an exceptional testament to the lofty standards that the group now has set for itself. When at the centre of a musical is a fantastic car that fl ies through the air and sails the seas, the viewer’s expectations are understandably high. The Doha Players’ retelling of what has been originally billed as “the most phantasmagorical musical in the history of everything,” triumphed thanks to hearty performances and near-fl awless coordination even in the most exacting musical numbers. The cast and crew of 60 talents have been rehearsing their parts for nearly four months and it showed. Long story short, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, authored by Ian Fleming, follows eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Edward Hake) who, with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima (Stephen Beveridge and Georgia Kendall), their JOB WELL DONE: Some of the cast take a selfie post one of the shows. lovable grandpa (Dave Solomon) and Truly Scrumptious (Lauren Wiese), sets about children Georgia Kendall as Jemima and bunch of ageing inventors broke into a wonky Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ensemble in the saving a former Grand Prix-winning race Stephen Beveridge as Jeremy. Solid acting jig in Vulgaria, the fi ctional European barony Vulgarian castle ballroom, complete with a car from the scrap heap. Soon they discover chops were in no short supply – be it in the that is ruled by the Bombursts. stage full of dancing kids, won the day. Full the car has magical properties, including leapy swagger of Liz van der Merwe as the As a musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang marks to musical director Laura Dziubaniuk, the ability to fl oat and take fl ight. When evil menacing Childcatcher, or the seemingly made delightful use of song and dance and choreographers Elizabeth Hake, Kristina Baron and Baroness Bomburst (Gary Mond harmless vanilla villainy of Baron Bomburst routines to reintroduce some old-school Cheffi n and Lauren Wiese for pulling it .off and Trish Slade) learn about its extraordinary and Baroness Bomburst played by Gary Mond mirth, warm us up to the characters or simply In the end, it’s Angela Walton’s direction abilities, they decide to have it for and Trish Slade, or the sure-footed grandpa take the story forward in enjoyable, melodic that shone all the way through. Treating themselves, launching Caractacus, Jeremy, act by David Solomon. instalments. From Hushabye Mountain a classic tale with just the right dollops Jemima, and Truly on a series of high-fl ying Crisp dialogue kept the smart one-liners to Truly Scrumptious, from Them Three of cheeriness, drama, humour, and song high jinks to save the miraculous motorcar. and jokes coming, while character quirks to Lovely, Lonely Man, there was a lot to and dance, Walton never strays from the The cast set a rather remarkable made way for engaging banter. Fun routinely savour. In terms of technicoloured visual underlying emotion or feel of this classic. benchmark for acting. Hake as Potts and ensued when Boris and Goran, played by sweetness, nothing could beat the Toot There wasn’t a single dull patch in the two- Wiese as Scrumptious were top-notch as Kerry Suek and Peter Cook, discussed their Sweets ensemble number. While in terms hour-long show and that, most likely, can be the driving forces of the narrative, aided in antics to blend in by spouting British English of celebratory grandeur, the Bombie Samba, attributed to the passionate teamwork that no small measure by their adorable on-stage and steal the fl ying car, or when a motley Doll on a Music Box, and ultimately the grand has gone into it. Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Capturing the essence of authentic Qatari food Ritz-Carlton is promising a mix of authentic Arabic and international cuisine at its 1001 Arabian Nights themed Ramadan tent. By Anand Holla

for more than 16 years spanning four continents and currently oversees the culinary team with eight restaurants and lounges as well as catering of the hotel, gives Community insight into the special Ramadan menu.

What is the focus of your Ramadan menu this year? We will offer dishes that are true to the Ramadan tradition and all the varied Arabic cuisines from the region, most importantly from Qatar, of course. What’s most crucial for us is to ensure that our food is authentic so that our Qatari guests and expats get to experience the rich culinary culture of this nation.

Did you take any extra measures to ensure that the Qatari dishes are at their authentic best? Yes. We have Qatari dishes such as Shrimps Jareesh, Chicken Machbous, Vegetable Salona, Lamb Haris, Seafood Sayadiyah, and Chicken Madrouba, which are expected to be enjoyed by the expats as much as the Qataris as the spice levels and the taste are easy to like and appreciate. What we did to ensure authenticity is consult two lady Qatari chefs for our Qatari dishes. In fact, we have been collaborating with them over the years and training our staff under them as well. I cannot reveal the names of these two chefs as everybody will then try and reach them (smiles). In any case, anybody can Google a recipe but to make it the exact right way as it’s meant to be is another story. When one is looking for something authentic, one is usually looking for something that their mother or grandmother used to cook. They are trying to find that same experience. So it’s very important to achieve that feel. For instance, Gael Cruchet I don’t go to a French restaurant that often because I am very likely to be disappointed talk to a lot of people, and try to reinvent when I won’t be able to taste the food that our food. This time, we have a five-menu my mother used to make for me. All of rotation, for instance. So if you come on us, therefore, are trying to strive for that five different nights, you will experience perfection. different menus – a good 40 per cent of the SUMPTUOUS: A glimpse into the Ramadan special at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha. menu would be different, each night. As Apart from Qatari delicacies, how people visit various tents during Ramadan, ith Ramadan right around seating or the main dining area. wide is the spread on the menu? they can visit us more than once and get to the corner, fine dining Starting June 7, the 1001 Nights-inspired We have dishes from GCC countries, taste new dishes each time. restaurants in hotels across Ramadan tent opens; Iftar starts at sunset, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, and Qatar are prepping up for approximately from 6:30 pm to 8:00pm, European food like Italian and French, and From the previous Ramadan the culinary challenges of and Suhoor is set to be served from 8:30pm also Asian food such as Malaysian, Thai, experiences, could you share WIftar and Suhoor with renewed gusto. At to 1am. Iftar and Suhoor are priced at and Indonesian. Each of these cuisines something that you have learnt about the Ritz-Carlton, Doha, the Ramadan tent, QR216 per person, and include Ramadan is handled by chefs who specialise in it what guests like? for the fourth consecutive year, seeks to juices buffet and water service. While it’s because we are interested in authenticity As I mentioned before, people are looking celebrate the regional culture through its 50 per cent off for kids aged between 5 and and not fusion. for authentic cuisine. And it’s not easy to 1001 Arabian Nights theme, and authentic 12, the food is complimentary for kids aged find. Qataris are proud of their culture and Qatari and international food. 4 and under. How challenging has it been for you food. We are in Qatar, and we must make Set apart by its sophisticated ambience With a diverse menu on the cards, the to put out something different this sure that we make excellent Qatari food. and subdued lighting, the regal tent in Al 374-room, five-star hotel turns to a most year? And then there are expats from different Wosail ballroom will pack in everything from suitable man to pull off this feat. Chef Since this will be my third Ramadan in countries, who want their little piece of live carving stations and regional cuisines to Gael Cruchet, executive chef, The Ritz- Qatar, the challenge for me has been to keep culinary story represented as well. So the live music and tanoura dance performances Carlton, Doha, who has been working things interesting. We make sure that every end objective is to enjoy, celebrate and offer that can be enjoyed from the private Majlis with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company year we hear what guests are looking for, good, authentic food. 8 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY Presentation on Third Culture Kids tonight Jen Hammonds from the American School of Doha will talk about the challenges and benefits of being a Third Culture Kid at Starfish Lane Kids

iving in cosmopolitan, multi-lingual and multi- cultural Doha off ers many advantages for our children. However, livingL in a foreign country and the transient nature of the expat community has inherent challenges. Our children live in a host country, away from their home country and belong to neither. They are referred to as “Third Culture Kids”. A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a now common term used to describe children who were raised in a culture outside of their parents’ culture for a signifi cant part of their youth. The experience of being a TCK is unique in that these individuals are moving between cultures before they have had the opportunity to fully develop their personal and cultural identity. The fi rst culture of children refers to the culture of the country from which the parents originated, the second culture refers to the culture in which the family currently resides (known as the host country), and the third culture refers to the complex mix of these two cultures, with a variety of other factors infl uencing it and is absolutely unique to each child. Kimberley Sheedy, owner and managing partner of Starfi sh Lane Kids nursery schools in Doha, an early years childhood expert A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a now common term used to describe children who were raised in a culture outside of their parents’ culture for a significant part says, “Today, the population of of their youth. The experience of being a TCK is unique in that these individuals are moving between cultures before they have had the opportunity to fully third culture kids is increasing develop their personal and cultural identity. with globalisation, transnational migration, numerous overseas job national team do they support?), They have a three-dimensional opportunities plus accessibility to patriotism and cultural values. For view of the world, many “hands- excellent international education, some parents, they worry that their on” multi-cultural experiences. from nursery school right up to children are growing up with an Our TCKs have a cross-cultural Grade 12.” ignorance of home country culture intelligence and are able to show Sheedy adds, “Over the last 10 (names of towns, pronunciation, sensitivity and tolerance, more so years, Starfi sh Lane Kids nurseries important people etc). than mono-culture children. have had well over 80 diff erent In the adolescent years, teenagers And, as can be expected, these nationalities come through our are developing their identity and TCKs also have the ability to be doors and we love our multi-cultural are in the process of solidifying that fl exible and adjust well to new classes and staff members. It’s psychologically. It is more diffi cult situations and environments. fantastic for these little ones to see as a part of a family in global Jen Hammonds from the through and beyond cultures and transition for them to consolidate American School of Doha, is develop their own third culture.” and establish that identity. Another a middle-school counsellor, Research has shown there are concern is the documented feeling connector, and communicator. some disadvantages to being a of rootlessness and restlessness. She has been living and working TCK, but these are experienced These can make transition into overseas as an international diff erently and depends on the adulthood a challenge. Adjusting to educator for twenty years, since children’s ages, family fi nances, the a static adult life is harder for TCKs. 1995 and has lived and worked in home environment and culture and On the other hand, there are the USA, Hong-Kong, Egypt and how often they return to what they numerous benefi ts of being a TCK. now Doha for the last seven years. consider “home” country. For many Ask Barack Obama, he was one! Presenting tonight (Monday) on feeling, not a place. Third Culture tonight at 7pm at Starfi sh Lane kids there is a cultural identity These children grow up with the Third Culture Kids, Hammonds kids see life as an adventure.” Kids, Al Markhiya. Register at crisis, they don’t have a sense of privilege of an expanded world believes “Third Culture Kids use Come and learn more about this sf1@starfi shlanekids.com, www. belonging to a culture. Some can view. They realise early in their lives their diff erences to make a diff erence. fascinating subject at a 1-hour starfi shlanekids.com, or call 4487- have confused loyalties (which that diff erent perspectives exist. Third Culture Kids know home is a parent education workshop 5939. Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Qatar Open Youth Public Speaking Contest finale attracts large audience

GROUP PHOTO: The three winners with special guests and the organisers after the finale.

he Grand Finale of the Qatar Open 2016 Chief Co- Sivaprakash and Sheikha Hamed audience with a call to follow Media International as the event 19th edition of Qatar ordinator Azeez Mohammed Sharbak. your convictions no matter what, and branding solutions partner. Open Youth Public opened the contest by explaining Reigning champion Reuben Suju saying that success will eventually Qatar Toastmasters Club, the Speaking Contest the rules and invited contestants Varghese announced this year’s follow. organisers of Qatar Open Youth conducted by Qatar to present their speeches. winner Supprasanna Sivaprakash, Among the dignitaries present Public Speaking Championship, ToastmastersT Club was held at Qatar Open is a public-speaking who’s winning speech ‘Meow’ was were Toastmasters Division is affi liated to Toastmasters the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A packed contest open to Qatar-based hilarious and at the same time Q Director Raghavan Menon, International, the leading US- audience comprising Toastmasters youngsters aged 13 to 18 years. had a beautiful message. Second Division E Director Ravi Kumar, based organisation dedicated to fraternity, contestants, their A total of 181 students from place went to Aashiya Anitha Area 18 Director Surya Narayanan, creating eff ective leaders and family members, teachers and 23 schools participated in the Shaji and third place winner was Speaker’s Bureau Chairman communicators worldwide. well-wishers attended to listen to preliminary round; 45 participants Dhivyashri Ramesh. Winners Virendranath, and past Division The club meets on the fi rst and the ten fi nalists. qualifi ed for the semi-fi nal round, received trophies, certifi cates and Director Rajeshwar Sundareshan. third Sundays of every month Qatar Toastmasters Club of which the top 10 made it to the cash prizes. All fi nalists received The judging panel of senior at the Radisson Blu Hotel. President Krishnamoorthy opened fi nale. The preliminary and semi- trophies, certifi cates and gift Toastmasters was led by Assistant The Toastmasters mission is the event and welcomed the fi nals rounds were held at Birla hampers. Division Director Thayalan. to empower people to fi nd the audience, which included chief Public School. The highlight of the day was Qatar Open 2016 was courage to change, achieve their guest Khalifa Saleh al-Haroon, The fi nalists were Ghanem the thought-provoking keynote supported by Tanween full potential, and ultimately share CEO of Haroon United Group and al-Kebesi, Aashiya Anitha speech by the widely followed Properties, ApplusVelosi, Qatar in the mission of contributing to founder of iloveqatar.net/ILQ Shaji, Dhivyashri Ramesh, Carol youth icon and prominent UAE Exchange, Teyseer Group, the betterment of society. Network, and guest of honour Joseph Ayathil, Dany Sunish, entrepreneur with many accolades Qbake and Dandy as part of their To know more about Qatar George Thomas, former director of John Tomy, Sumaya Adam, Sai to his credit, Khalifa Saleh Corporate Social Responsibility Toastmasters Club, visit www. Toastmasters International. Prajwal Shandilya, Supprasanna al-Haroon, who inspired the initiatives and managed by Trans qatartoastmasters.net

Oxy Qatar hosts annual blood drive

Oxy Qatar held its annual blood donation drive at the Navigation Plaza building in Doha recently. Over 40 employees attended as well as passersby who saw the blood donation unit RV parked outside. Each donation can save the lives of up to three individuals in need of blood. The blood donation unit RV was supplied by Hamad Medical Corporation, which visits many local areas and companies to encourage people to donate blood. Donating blood supports the local community, as there is a shortage of reserves of blood in Qatar. 10 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY Glitz and glitter at second Merce

The show brought together designers from the entire region.

Mahnoor Ansari, who earlier this such community celebrations, most celebrated Kaftan designers With a team of over 30 artisans, By Umer Nangiana year won three awards at Virginia in collaboration with our valued in Morocco and the Arab World, she developed a ready to wear line Commonwealth University Qatar partners, we thank all designers Meriem Belkhayat’s exquisite of both Jellaba and Kaftan that she (VCU-Q) fashion show ‘Reach’, and models who fascinated the designs are masterpieces that later exposed in her boutique in n another edition of glitz was also selected to showcase her audiences with their design and embody Moroccan authenticity and downtown Casablanca. Her designs and glamour, the second work at the three-day MBFWD beauty and look forward to meet elegance. are known to be simple yet elegant. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fashion extravaganza that recently again in the coming edition,” the Meriem Belkhayat was born into Saher Dia is a Lebanese fashion Doha brought together a galaxy concluded at Shangri-La hotel. GM added. a family of artists; her father is a designer born in Abu Dhabi and of emerging and established Like its previous edition, the The second edition of Mercedes- famous singer and her mother is a established his atelier in 1997. His Ifashion designers from the region show received a large multi-cultural Benz Fashion Week in Doha had Kaftan designer. Her mother’s atelier start into fashion commenced at and Qatar. audience on all three days with over 20 designers participating from used to be in the family home, and a young age. His inspiration then For the fi rst time featuring at least fashionistas swarming the MBFWD around the world including some Meriem found it hard to imagine her and until today is the “beauty and three fresh graduates from Qatar, the ramp. world known brands. The show future “without needles, scissors, femininity of women.” Dia’s passion MBFWD second edition provided a “The second Mercedes-Benz opened with some premier designers colours and all things related to and approach are expressed in classic platform for emerging local talent Fashion Week in Doha exceeded from Qatar and other countries fashion.” and elegant designs that defi ne his to showcase their prowess to an our expectations and enhanced the in the region presenting their Meriem Belkhayat Atelier has style. international audience. position of the event among the collection. dressed many Moroccan and Arab The premier project of Alsiddiqi Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fashion lovers and fans in Qatar. This These included Meriem Belkhayat celebrities and royalty, which has Holding, Almotahajiba is an upscale, Doha selected young emerging event refl ects Nasser Bin Khaled (Morocco), Saher Dia (Lebanon), brought much attention to the luxury fashion brand for abayas, designers who had recently Automobiles and Mercedes-Benz Gazal Mishra (India), Noor al- brand. jalabiyas, and sheilas. With its graduated with fashion lines based commitment in supporting arts, Mannai (Qatar), Jana (Qatar), The brand was founded by self- start in Souq Waqif, it soon went in Qatar. Noor al-Mannai, Malia culture and beauty,” said Khaled AlMotahajiba (Qatar), Frames. taught fashion designer, Saadia, who on to produce classic and elegant Bennet Henry and Amina al- Sha’aban, General Manager of NBK Fashion (Qatar), and the fi nale by started by sewing for her friends and garments for the modern day woman Malki showcased their collections Automobiles, the exclusive dealer of Kristina Fidelskaya from United Arab sisters simple dresses until she made to wear. With more than thirty-six which were sponsored by McNair Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. Emirates. a discrete entrance to the world of branches operating across the MENA Chambers. “We will continue to support Considered to be one of the the Kaftan. region, Almotahajiba is now one of Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 COMMUNITY edes-Benz Fashion Week Doha

FINALE: Sakba Mohammad Hamada from Kuwait concluded the show with a grand finale.

Milly’s collection at the show.

MBFWD Director Rahat Mansoor, third from left, with Mercedes-Benz off icials and organisers.

the best known names in the fashion Mansoor, the Director of MBFWD, to predict the future trends are the world. Devoted to dressing the told Community. strengths that lead him to success. modern day Arab woman without The second day of the show The brand, he says, is creating them having to compromise their showcased the designs of Lamaz reality. The brand name presents identity, Almotahajiba promises (Saudi Arabia), Keren Millen, Milly, the real meaning of elegance. All stylish, classy, and beautiful Pinko, Sckali (Qatar), Malia Bennet women’s fashion dreams come conservative fashions. Henry (Qatar) and Samant Chuhan true with Sakba. Inspiring fashion The day was closed by Kristina from India. brand with the standards of courage, Fidelskaya who is a contemporary The show concluded with the loyalty and quality quickly made a luxury fashion brand spearheaded designs from Fahad Hussayn clear identity in Middle East. by, designer Kristina Fidelskaya. (Pakistan), Kara (UAE), Salma Musab Salma Musab, also from Kuwait, With its headquarters in Dubai (Kuwait), Yousef Akbar (Australia), refl ects the beauty of the Middle- and production in Italy, the brand Mahnoor Ansari (Qatar), Invee Eastern arts, by blending tradition currently features a range of (Turkey), and Shaima Royal (Bahrain) with modernity. Salma works luxurious designer pieces with plans with a grand fi nale by Sakba with fi ne delicate materials and of expanding to a full collection Mohammad Hamada from Kuwait. embroideries. of ready-to-wear, jewellery and Hamada, a young vibrant The event received the accessories. entrepreneur-cum-designer, sponsorship and support of Shangri- “The MBFWD is getting grander. founded his own company in the La Hotel Doha as Offi cial Hotel This year we had more designers middle of 2013 in niche of Kuwait Partner, Etihad Airways as Offi cial and the show was spread over three market. His passion for fashion and Airline Partner, The Luxury Network days. A majority of our models had experience in the art of application as Strategic Partner, and Makeup come from abroad, especially from of designs and aesthetics are the District & Nazih as Offi cial Beauty Milan (Italy) and the designers backbone of Sakba-Kuwait. A Partners. Media Partners included represented the entire region along well-planned strategy, awareness Fashion TV, Jamila, Hayat Jamila, The MBFWD provided a platform to emerging designers to present their with emerging Qatari talent,” Rahat of customer tastes and effi ciency Harayar and Ohlala. collections. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY 5 easy tips for a stunning summer yard

ummer’s arrival brings longer your soil cool, cut down on weeds and slow days and more sunshine. This the loss of moisture. But be careful not to season also means more of your mulch too deeply, as too much mulch can favourite outdoor activities, such inhibit oxygen from reaching plant roots and as relaxing in the backyard or encourage mold. As a rule of thumb, mulch workingS in the garden. In fact, there is no only two to three inches on top of the soil. better time to refresh your outdoor space. The secret to a well-manicured yard Water wisely is preparation. Once the weather warms A healthy lawn and garden will have deep up, your lawn and garden will need a little roots that can tap reserves of moisture way extra TLC to be ready for outdoor activities down in the soil. Water deeply — but not or entertaining. Having the right tools too often — and you’ll encourage plants to on-hand is essential to making the process develop even deeper roots. The best time simple and enjoyable. to water is between 6am and 10am when Expert offers some tips and tools for the air is cooler and there is less risk of making your yard beautiful and easy to care evaporation from heat and wind. Use tools for all season long: that are easy to manoeuvre and durable to stand up to the elements season after Prune strategically season. If you turn your back for too long, Mother Nature can take over your yard in the spring Enjoy the fruits of your labour growing season. Trim and shape your Remember to spend time outside in your plants by cutting 1/4 inch above a growth yard and garden when the weather is nice bud at a 45 degree angle to promote healthy and enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables growth. High-quality garden tools, make you grow. Use Herb and Veggie Shears taming shrubs and cutting through dead or to make healthy cuts on your plants so overgrown limbs easier. you have fresh and delicious produce throughout the season. Plan your planting With the right tools, yard and garden Summer is a great time to plan your containers to easily move them around, if planting that are easy to grip and will stand work is fun, not frustrating. Use these tips outdoor space and give it a fresh new look. needed. Raised garden beds for herbs and up throughout the season. to keep your yard maintained and beautiful When plotting out your yard or garden, veggies are great for keeping plants in order so you can enjoy it all summer long. be sure to leave extra space around plants and allow you to plant, water and harvest Mulch carefully to account for their growth or plant in more easily. Choose tools to help with Shallow layers of mulch work to keep © Brandpoint

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

If you have been spending way too much lately — money you don’t It’s the last day Venus your ruler spends in your sign before leaving The Sun in your sign is a wonderful thing — it means that you are have and won’t have any time soon, Venus’s move out of your for Gemini tomorrow — and she won’t be back for a year, so do make feeling very much in the front line of Universal givings and receiving self–esteem zone is just the thing you need to stop trying so hard to the most of her grand exit. gifts Gemini’s. This is a really good time for you to shine brightly and impress others and just let your fab personality speak for itself! do whatever it is you want to do.

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

Avoid talking too much about something you don’t really know There is a feeling of deep satisfaction for many of you right now There is nothing like feeling accomplished and knowing that you did that much about today. There’s nothing worse than coming off as regarding your career. Finally with Mercury moving direct and the best possible job you could under what might have been rather ignorant or stupid and that’s how some of you may feel if you don’t Jupiter direct in your career and money zones respectively, things diff icult circumstances. You deserve to bask just a little in your glory keep your opinions to yourself today. are definitely looking up! Virgos!

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

Now that Mercury is moving direct again in your eighth house of On Friday, Mars the planet of initiation, energy and passion moves Unless you are 100% sure about something, wait until later in the joint investments and monies, there is sure to be less concern for backwards into your sign and stays there for a solid month. While week to make your move Sags. Right now, there is a fragility about you about an inheritance, bonus or money coming from other still retrograde, Mars is your co–ruler and remains strong in your the Universe which is warning you to take care. people right now. sign. Soldier on Scorpios!

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

You have one last day of enjoying Venus the lover in Taurus, your Be honest — to yourself and others — about whatever it is that’s The cosmic energy is changing this week — with the Sun moving into romance and fun zone before she departs tomorrow. If you’re single, bothering you Aquarius. Far too often you are the strong one in Gemini and Mars leaning further back into Scorpio. Both changes are this is a great day for first or second date or to update your online every sense of the word, but sometimes it’s okay to let your guard important for you to recognise and understand Pisces. It’s definitely dating profile. down. time for some soul searching. 14 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Alphabetic

ANVIL HORSE OCEAN VAULT BIBLE INGOT PLATE WAGON CHAIR JEWEL QUEEN XENON DANCE KOALA RADIO YACHT EAGLE LANCE SCARF ZEBRA FLUTE MEDAL TOAST GLASS NOVEL UNCLE 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. Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Competent (4) 1. Stratagem (8) 3. Impartial (8) 2. Big (5) 9. Evict (4,3) 4. Sting (6) 10. Exclude (5) 5. Faux pas (12) 11. Binoculars (5-7) 6. Topic (7) 13. Conscription (4-2) 7. Shadowy (4) 15. Squirm (6) 8. Cheerful (4-8) 17. Mismatched (12) 12. Humble (8) 20. Change (5) 14. Cough syrup (7) 21. Set apart (7) 16. Choice (6) 22. Non-migratory (8) 18. Courageous (5) 23. Quit (4) 19. Couple (4)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. Poke quietly with a stick (4) 1. Look around for a chance of success (8) 3. Broadcasting a race in the capital of 2. See 5 Down Greece (8) 4. Be sure to reform the underworld (6) 9 & 18Dn. A measure not suited to modern 5 & 2Dn. System used initially by trippers (3-4,5) lexicographers (12,5) 10. Irish name for rice (5) 6. They provide means of entrance 11. Conveyance provided for a small sheltered from the weather (7) Yesterday’s Solutions charge (12) 7. Caricatures Americans (4) 13. Barker the mine-worker is nearly 8. One in overall control of the shooting QUICK CRYPTIC finished off (6) (4,8) 15. It’s a problem for one who plays pranks 12. An inclination to be treading all over Across: 6 Vacuous; 7 Set up; 9 Cease; 10 Across: 6 Lucifer; 7 Spool; 9 Suite; 10 Resents; (6) the place (8) Weighty; 12 Repudiation; 14 Proceedings; 18 12 Clothes-line; 14 Accelerator; 18 Pastime; 19 17. Unable to concentrate - inclined to play 14. Does Herculean tasks (7) Candour; 19 Wagon; 21 Quiet; 22 Abridge. Stoat; 21 Acorn; 22 Matelot. truant? (6-6) 16. Still it can adversely affect the Down: 1 Layer; 2 Pursue; 3 Cut; 4 Height; 5 Down: 1 Put up; 2 Pistol; 3 Sea; 4 Appeal; 5 20. Short notice last month for a mature reception (6) person (5) 18. See 9 Across Tuition; 8 Deficit; 11 Tuneful; 13 Break up; 15 Portent; 8 Several; 11 Streams; 13 Scratch; 15 21. I enter a new order as a novice (7) 19. See 23 Across Cudgel; 16 Gratis; 17 Tough; 20 Ebb. Extort; 16 Outset; 17 Major; 20 Man. 22. Divert attention from Sid returning with a pamphlet (8) 23 & 19Dn. In the direction of part of the castle away from the morning sun (8) 16 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD

Ash again

Last week saw the return of Aishwarya Rai Wrong answer Bachchan once again to the big screen in the That the two came together more or less movie Sarabjit, playing confi rmed that they are in a relationship. So, the sister of a man who is have they now decided that it was time to make accused of espionage and it public? And then there were the inevitable terrorism in Pakistan but murmurs that the message was even more who his family insists was sensational — perhaps they were going to just a farmer who strayed marry soon. For about three decades, India has by mistake when drunk been waiting for Salman to tie to the knot. A over a porous border. legion of female fans would go into sorrow but This is her second the vast masses expect someone they love to movie following a settle down like a member of the family. comeback last year after Unfortunately Salman has never made good a long post-motherhood on this expectation. But he is now over 50 hiatus. But Jazbaa had and it is probably just about time. So when he flopped badly and so walked in with Iulia at the reception, it was not Aishwarya has much surprising that tongues got wagging. But the resting on Sarabjit. Like man who unexpectedly found himself getting Jazbaa, this is also a dragged into a controversy because of this was heroine-centric movie, Salman’s younger brother Sohail Khan. He was which meant that the coming out of a club with his father, Salim, late movie revolves around at night when two television reporters asked Aishwarya’s character. the latter about Salman’s marriage plans. But the problem with Salim made a light humorous comment being at the centre is that and moved on but something seemed to you get the responsibility have snapped in Sohail who returned to both for the movie the reporters and let off a fl urry of abuse, becoming a hit as well as castigating them for thrusting a mike against a flop. While it is too early his father’s face. It was all on camera and found to say how Sarabjit will its way online too becoming a big issue about fare, many movie critics his rude behaviour. Obviously there was now haven’t exactly raved fi refi ghting needed to be done to salvage the about Aishwarya’s acting situation and Sohail off ered a qualifi ed apology in it, finding it shrill and COMEBACK: Aishwarya Rai has a lot banking on the box off ice saying that he was only doing his duty as a son. over the top in many performance of her latest film. Salman himself was asked about the incident places. at an event and reiterated what Sohail had said. As it is, a movie like carpet, the newspapers were full of how STATEMENT: Salman Khan decided to attend He said that it was alright if mikes were thrust this has a very limited probability of she had put on purple lipstick. Preity Zinta’s wedding along with Iulia Vantur. against him or his brother because they were being a big hit, so even if the acting falls In some ways Aishwarya continues to young but his father was aged and Sohail would short then Aishwarya will see her demand have a magnetic attraction to the media, t Preity Zinta’s grand wedding naturally be concerned when something like somewhat reduced. Off the screen a mystique that helped considerably in reception in Mumbai, as always, this happened. And that it was absurd that however she continues to retain her making her the leading actress of Bollywood Salman Khan stood out. But it someone should be doing this at 11 o clock in allure. Like when she went to the Cannes for a long time despite not having too many was not his charisma alone. It was the night to ask a question about his marriage. Film Festival and after she walked the red blockbusters to show for it. also because he had by his side There is obviously an exaggeration there about AIulia Vantur, long time speculated to be his the danger that a mike represents but the point girlfriend but with whom he has rarely been about privacy should be well taken by the seen in public. media.

Missing lady

Nargis Fakhri is one of the actresses of Housefull 3, the third edition of the slapstick comedy franchise. The movie is set to release soon and promotions are on. But Nargis is missing from the action and instead is said to have gone to New York. The touted reason was that she was undergoing through a spell of ill health and wanted to recover. But apparently, there is more to it than that. A gossip website said that she had been asked to stay away from the promotions because a dance reality TV show’s producers had blacklisted her because she had been rude and non-participatory when present there to promote Azhar, her last recent release. OPINION: Nawazuddin Siddiqui recently said that you need good agents more than talent to But that might make inroads into Hollywood. be idle speculation because it is hard to see Loose talk Nawazuddin was forced to issue the makers of Housefull a clarification that that was not his 3 banning her over It can be problematic to give an honest intention and obviously talent was such a flimsy reason. opinion if you are in Bollywood. Even necessary to get breaks in Hollywood Instead, the more someone like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who but a strong agent was also needed. plausible explanation generally speaks his heart, can end up in There is also a possibility that his jibe is the recent break-up a tangle. Recently, in an interview he was was in fact meant for Irrfan Khan who that is said to have asked about Indian actors making it in has done many Hollywood movies. It is happened with her Hollywood. He replied that to make it in rumoured that Nawazuddin and Irrfan rumoured boyfriend Hollywood what one needed more than have a rivalry going on even though Uday Chopra. talent was a good agent. The statement was they are probably the two best actors of Something painful like interpreted as him making a snide comment Bollywood. that does make one on the success of Priyanka Chopra and ABSENT: Nargis Fakhri is missing from promotional events for her latest stay away from the Deepika Padukone, who have both had some Send your feedback to film. public eye. pretty good Hollywood projects. [email protected] Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Naseeruddin Shah ‘envious’ of Nawazuddin, Manoj, Irrfan Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, known for his strong performances in content-oriented fi lms, says he is envious of actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee and Irrfan Khan as they are “so skilful”. The Padma Bhushan awardee, who has fi lms like Nishant, Aakrosh, Mandi and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro to his credit, says that our country has a “fantastic crop of actors”. “I am envious of them ... Nawaz, Manoj Bajpayee, Irrfan Khan. They are so skillful. These actors... Arshad Warsi, Vijay Raaz are at par with the best actors in the world,” Naseeruddin, who was promoting his forthcoming fi lm Waiting, told IANS. “Nawazuddin Siddiqui is one of COMMON CAUSE: Om Puri, left, and Nana Patekar the fi nest actors I have ever seen HEAPING PRAISE: Naseeruddin and I envy him. I wish I was that Shah good at his age. But it remains to be seen what our great fi lm even Irrfan was never able to... Om Puri praises Nana for industry does with a talent like to give that kind of a sparkling Nawaz. “We don’t know what it performance in a movie like Kick. will make of him... with talents He (Nawazuddin) stands alone,” like Manoj and Kalki Koechlin. the 66-year-old opined. farmer welfare initiatives But I feel these guys have so much Waiting is about the relationship calibre that they will make an between two people from diff erent ctor Om Puri has and poster launch of the fi lm Project About his preparation for the enduring mark,” he added. walks of life, who befriend each praised fellow actor Marathwada. role, he said: “It’s been 60 years Asked if the actors he named other in a hospital, while nursing Nana Patekar’s It was reported that Patekar had of acting for me. We know about can be called commercial actors their respective comatose spouses. initiatives to help the given fi nancial help to more than the farmers’ issues as you read as well? The story of the fi lm divulges into distressed farmers in 100 drought-aff ected families in about the same in newspapers, see “We can call Nawazuddin a the themes of coping with grief AIndia, but said a lot more needs to Maharashtra in August last year and it on TV... you see farmers talking commercial actor too. He stole and discovering hope. be done for their welfare. “People, later set up his own foundation — about it; so I didn’t have to do any the limelight in Bajrangi Bhaijaan Produced by Priti Gupta and in their personal capacity, have Naam Foundation — for the cause. preparation. My only preparation so, why not. He is the only one Manish Mundra under the banner made a contribution, like Nana The foundation has been working was to grow my beard a bit.” who has done justice to both of Ishka Films and Drishyam Films, Patekar, and there are others hard for the cause since then. He also advocated water kind of movies. I was never able Waiting is set to release on May as well. Nana not just provided Puri plays a farmer in conservation. “We should utilise to. Om (Puri) was never able to, 27. – IANS fi nancial help, he even embraced Marathwada — one of the water better. Where water is the farmers and shed tears with worst drought-aff ected areas more, we should divert it and them, consoled them.” — in the fi lm. He threatens to create small rivers, just like we’re Puri said it is still like putting a commit suicide and catches the making roads to connect villages Bhumika Chawla excited about Luv U Alia drop into the ocean. “This should government’s attention, after and cities.” be thought about very seriously, his son commits suicide due Project Marathwada also stars Tere Naam fame actress Bhumika Chawla says she has never played not just by the government but also to fi nancial troubles caused by Govind Namdeo, Dalip Tailp, Seema any role like the one in her upcoming fi lm Luv U Alia, which has a “good us people,” Puri said at the trailer drought. Biswas among others. — IANS message for the society”. Bhumika told IANS: “I am very happy with the way my character has been written. The role is very powerful and has many layers to it. I have never played any role like this in my career so far. I am What makes Neha Dhupia me angry to be forced to live with speaking up for right and fi nding a very excited about Luv U Alia and I am sure people will love this fi lm. It has seethe with anger? the fact that despite having the right way to channel anger. On the a good message for society.” freedom of speech, we still aren’t same lines, a campaign titled The She plays the role of Bhoomi, a dance teacher and a mother who has Actress Neha Dhupia, who got truly free to speak our minds. Angries has been started wherein frequent arguments with her husband. She feels neglected and separates The Angries award for getting People and situations around us can the birds award celebrities who get from him. Directed by Indrajit Lankesh, Luv U Alia also stars Ravichandran, angry for a good cause, says she is be so restrictive and binding that it angry for a good cause. Sunny Leone, Chandan Kumar, Sangeetha Chauhan and Sayaji Shinde. irked with restriction on freedom challenges the core of free speech,” On getting the award, the Releasing next month, Luv U Alia is produced under the banners Red of speech. Neha said in a statement. former beauty queen said: “This Cherry Films and Magic Cinema Motion Picture Production, and She says it is annoying that The Angries is a special award by award is actually a reminder for distributed by IGI Resonance. — IANS “despite having the freedom of the team of the fi lm The Angry Birds me to never give up on my effort speech, we still aren’t truly free Movie. As the name suggests, the to voice my opinion, no matter to speak our minds”. “It makes fi lm is all about expressing anger, what the odds. Also, it feels good to know that it has registered in someone’s head that I’m here to speak my mind and hopefully one day, I’ll get a chance to do so without any barriers.” The fi rst celebrity to be conferred with The Angries was Bollywood’s “Shotgun Junior” Sonakshi Sinha, and the second went to radio jockey Malishka. Neha, who is known for roles in fi lms like Julie, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, Delhii Heights and Phas Gaye Re Obama, has time and again tweeted about the potholes menace in the city. Taking the basic structure of Rovio Entertainment’s mobile game of the same name, the movie brings the game’s action to the big screen RECOGNITION: Neha Dhupia in a witty manner. — IANS GUNG HO: Bhumika Chawla 18 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD Howards End restored to an all new beginning

By Kenneth Turan

he Cannes Film Festival does more than anoint the triumphs of the present, it also celebrates what’s transcendent in the past. Which is why a crowd of admirers waited patiently in line a few nights ago, a few with autograph books andT posters they hoped would be signed, to both see a new 4K restoration of a modern classic, 1992’s Howards End, and to do so in the presence of its director, James Ivory, and its perhaps most ethereal star, Vanessa Redgrave. Nominated for nine Academy Awards (including best picture as well as nods for Ivory and Redgrave) and winner of three, Howards End is a richly emotional story of families in love and confl ict that, in addition to Redgrave, stars Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter and Oscar winner Emma Thompson. The fi lm is also perhaps the high point of the decades-long Merchant Ivory Productions collaboration of Ivory, vibrant producer Ismail Merchant and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, whose resonant script was also one of those Oscars wins. The reason Howards End was restored with a theatrical release on tap is the passion of producer Charles Cohen, whose Cohen Media Group has not only acquired the Merchant Ivory brand but plans to create fi lms under it. Partly to publicise the fi lm and partly one assumes because they clearly enjoy each other’s company, Ivory and Redgrave sat in an immaculate hotel room the day after the screening, talking about everything from their mutual admiration for Pringles (“You can get them even in the most foreign countries,” Ivory noted) to their memories of and reactions to the fi lm today. For Redgrave, 79, the screening was extraordinary because she had not seen the fi lm in 25 years. And to put it mildly, she liked what she saw. “I was overwhelmed, by which I’m meaning to say I was awe-struck and drawn in totally to the narrative of the fi lm,” the actress says, clearly moved. “Of course, part of my brain knows it’s me, but I believed in the reality of my character. All I can keep saying, stupidly, is it’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.” For director Ivory, 87, the fi lm is special for more practical reasons. “Any fi lm that is a big success is special, because so few are. This was one I wasn’t dying to make, it wasn’t something I’d thought about for years and years, but Ruth (screenwriter Prawer Jhabvala) urged us on, she felt it was a mountain to climb, so we did.” More than that, Ivory says, “we didn’t think Howards End was all that special while we were making it. Ruth was there for the fi nal editing, as she always was with our fi lms, and walking back to our rooms when we were all done she just said, ‘Well, it is what it is.’” — Los Angeles Times

TV chef Rachael cooks up a furniture collection bed under the seat. She said she worked for two years drawing you,” her husband said. “Way better!” she “It looks great in a tiny country place or a designs for kitchen, living room, dining room responded. “These are gifts that keep on For almost two decades, TV personalities city apartment or a giant loft. In a big space, and bedroom furniture. giving and they are not just for me. They are and movie stars have been lending their it’s just a really cool giant settee, but it’s a “I would just doodle in the margins of for everybody.” famous faces and names to clothing lines, bed!” my notebook where I write my recipes,” she Ray said she wanted the furniture made in perfume and home furnishings. Now Emmy Ray calls the Soho and Highline collections explained. America. The upholstery is done in the US, award-winning TV host and celebrity cook “city mouse” with two diff erent looks. “One Pieces in each of the three lines resemble while the case-goods are made in China. The Rachael Ray has joined the fray, extending is a little more feminine and one a little more ones she has in her own home. Some pieces veneers are added in this country and the her lifestyle brand with the Rachael Ray masculine.” in the Upstate collection are based on a hunt pieces assembled here. Home Collection. Manufactured by “I called the country one Upstate instead country style that her mother loved and she The kitchen island holds a special place Legacy Classic Furniture and Craftmaster of Beat-up Italian Country,” she joked. grew up with. in her heart. She designed a cutout that can Upholstery, it debuted during the Spring She designed every piece so it could be “But a lot of the pieces are what I have in be opened to dispose of food scraps after High Point Market. She and her husband, mixed or matched with pieces from the other my home, just made smarter,” she said. Ray chopping and other food prep. “The top had John Cusimano, were on hand last month to collections. Ray is a fan of mid-century became very emotional when she walked to be butcher block. ... The best part is the walk buyers through her three collections, modern and Gio Ponti, but she also loves art through the showroom and saw the entire removable stainless-steel liner. It can be Soho, Upstate and Highline. All will be deco. collection set up in one place for the fi rst removed and put in the dishwasher.” available to consumers this fall. “It is very hard for anyone to pinpoint this time. She said she strove to create furniture “I love design and this is all me,” Ray said, because I am a very eclectic person. I don’t “I was completely overwhelmed,” she that would have lasting value. “I just want looking around the showroom. design in one discipline,” she said. “So many admitted. “This stuff has only lived in my things to be useful and at a fair price and that One piece she calls “a most perfect thing” of these pieces are an amalgamation of all the head.” is what we do.” — By Patricia Sheridan/ is a high-backed banquette with a pull-out things I love.” “It was like Christmas morning for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS Monday, May 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

UNCOMMON CHARACTER: Colin Farrell The Lobster’s surreal vision olin Farrell’s matinee idol looks deadpan dialogue, Farrell may be the most found it funny-ish. I also found it horrifi c ages fall into long-running scenes of comic enclose the soul of a character unrecognisable famous actor since Heath at times and ultimately moving in a bizarre awkwardness. Nevertheless, Farrell said, he actor, a combination twisted to Ledger’s caky Joker makeup in The Dark way,” a darkly comic allegorical comment felt that the cool, enigmatic fantasy is at heart impressive eff ect in The Lobster. Knight. about modern life and love in the age of a love story. The fi rst English-language In a phone conversation, Farrell said that Tinder. “It feels true and accurate about the Farrell enjoys movies that are diffi cult yet featureC by celebrated Greek auteur Yorgos what drew him to be an uncommon character way the world is portrayed,” though it paints accessible. “I appreciate fi lms that are pure Lanthimos is a macabre romantic satire of in an unusual tale was his admiration for that portrait of our culture to ridicule its vice escapism. I pay money to go see those fi lms dating rituals and personal prejudices. The the Oscar-nominated Lanthimos’ work. “I and folly. And occasionally, its moments of in the theatre myself. It’s also great to go see dense, weird fi lm envisions a world where the don’t think I’ve ever used the term, but he’s shocking violence. fi lms that have a little more observation to pressure to serve as a “breeder” off ers stark a visionary director,” the star said. “He has “It references patriarchal society, class them and are a little more peculiar.” choices. such a very clear and perceptive opinion on rule, diff erent ideologies that confl ict with As Lanthimos digs into questions about Either live emotionally cold and pretending life and love. He tackles some very absurd each other,” Farrell said. Under the rules of human behaviour and the human condition, to love, or defend your independence through ideas on family and community and social the fi lm’s oppressive dystopia, authoritarian “his fi lms are a little mythological though loneliness in hiding. Farrell plays a pudgy, systems,” without off ering specifi c advice on controls are inescapable. Our hero escapes they’re without dinosaurs and aren’t set mustachioed schlump living in this oddball how to live or couple. from his confi nement and joins “the loners” in the distant past. It’s very distant from Kafka-esque society. Newly divorced, he is The fi lm’s focus is “the nature of love and hiding in the woods, only to learn that their our world, but he’s holding up a mirror in required to fi nd a mate with traits akin to his what it is or isn’t,” Farrell said. “Anytime scary leader, played by Lea Seydoux, enforced which we recognise our behaviours and own during a 45-day stay at a dismal hotel. you get a writer and director who is creating systems of control that are just as repressive. relationships, fears and hopes and responses Otherwise the sinister culture will transform something that is unusual but also as valid Rachel Weisz plays a good-hearted woman to things. I knew it would be an adventure him into the animal of his choice and set him as his work seems to be, it’s an amazing among the anti-romantic loners who may or that didn’t refl ect anything before, and in the loose in the wilderness. With his hefty, softly opportunity to take part of.” may not off er him a successful relationship. future couldn’t be replicated.” — By Colin sculpted physique, fl at aff ect and monotone He continued: “I read the script and I The pair who have been far from passion for Covert/Star Tribune/TNS

Vin Diesel remembers Eva Longoria ties the knot in Mexico Paul Walker while shooting Fast 8 Actress Eva Longoria got married to her fi ance Jose Antonio ‘Pepe’ Baston in a hush-hush ceremony in Mexico. According to people.com, the couple Actor Vin Diesel paid tribute to exchanged vows in a sunset ceremony in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, a lakeside his late friend Paul Walker in an town roughly 88 miles from Mexico City. Instagram post as Fast 8, the latest “They married on an altar under lots of little lights. It was very romantic. instalment of their hit Fast and the Eva wore her hair down and smiled during the whole ceremony. He was in a Furious franchise, started fi lming. grey suit,” said a source. Diesel shared an image of himself In photographs posted by Al Rojo Vivo, a Telemundo news programme, and Walker, who died in a car Longoria and Baston can be seen exchanging their vows in front of a giant accident in November 2013 at the age white cross overlooking the lake. of 40, reports hollywoodreporter. Longoria is seen wearing a sleeveless white gown with a long white veil. com. Ahead of the ceremony, a source had told people.com that the star-studded Along with the photograph, guest list was expected to include David and Victoria Beckham, Penélope Diesel wrote: “Many of the crew Cruz, Ricky Martin, Katy Perry, and Mario Lopez amongst others. members who have worked on TRIBUTE: Vin Diesel, left, and Paul Walker In another image posted by Al Rojo Vivo, Victoria and David are seen several of the past Fast fi lms are here mingling with guests on an outdoor again to help us make something fi lming the latest Fast and Furious balance my emotions, so that I can be terrace. The Desperate Housewives star, special. “One of them at the end of instalment without Walker. eff ective but try not to take the pain 41, and Baston, 47, fi rst stepped out as the week came up to me and said “Coming into shooting Fast 8, I with me,” he added. a couple in November 2013. Baston, wow what we are capturing on fi lm knew that it was going to be a darker Scott Eastwood and Charlize president of Latin American media brand is excellent... And then looked at road,” he said. “It’s amazing how Theron, newcomers to the franchise, Televisa, proposed during a vacation in me and said Paul would be proud. regardless of how successful you are, will join Diesel and original cast Dubai last year. This is the third marriage #wemakethemwithourhearts.” that you have to go into a dark place members Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese for Longoria, who was previously married Two days prior, Diesel also posted to channel a character — to feel a Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez and to actor Tyler Christopher and NBA star a video on his Instagram account, character. So, I’m grateful that I have Ludacris. The fi lm will release in HITCHED: Eva Longoria Tony Parker. – IANS in which he shared his thoughts on this gym here to escape and kind of 2017. — IANS 20 GULF TIMES Monday, May 23, 2016 COMMUNITY Stage set for Dr Zakir Naik The renowned Islamic scholar will deliver a public lecture at Katara Amphitheatre this weekend, followed by an extensive Q&A session. By Umer Nangiana

enowned Islamic scholar from India, Muslims at a global level in Media, Education Dr Zakir Naik, is coming to Doha to and Philanthropy, to Dr Naik, along with a cash deliver a public lecture on ‘Does God reward of UAE Dirhams 1mn, which Dr Naik Exist’ later this week. Dr Naik will promptly donated to start a Waqf (endowment) speak at Katara Amphitheatre on May fund for Peace TV Network. Dr Naik, at 47, was R26 (Thursday) at 8pm for two hours. the youngest recipient of the award. A medical doctor by training, Dr Naik is a Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, dynamic international orator on Islam and the king and head of state of Malaysia, conferred Comparative Religion. He is also the president of Dr Naik the highest award of Malaysia the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) in Mumbai, ‘Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah Distinguished International India. “Dr Zakir Naik will take questions from Personality Award for the Year 2013’ for his the public for about 30 minutes after his lecture significant service and contribution to the which is scheduled to be an hour-and-half long,” development of Islam in 2013. Manzoor Shaikh, Administration Manager at IRF- Dr Naik was also presented a citation plaque Mumbai told Community. signed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Dr Naik is popular for his critical analysis and Seri Mohd Najib Razak. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin convincing answers to challenging questions Mohammed al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme posed by audiences after his public talks. In his Council of UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, presented lectures, Dr Naik clarifies Islamic viewpoints, Dr Naik the ‘Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work’ and misconceptions about Islam, using the Holy for the year 2013. Qur’an, Hadith and other religious scriptures In 2014, Dr Zakir Naik was conferred with two as a basis, in conjunction with reason, logic and prestigious accolades at a special event in Gambia, scientific facts. the Insignia of the Commander of the National In the last 18 years, Dr Zakir Naik has delivered Order of the Republic of The Gambia (the highest over 2,000 public talks in the USA, Canada, UK, national award in Gambia) by the President of Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, The Gambia Dr Yahya Abdul Aziz Jammeh as well Oman, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, South as The Honorary ‘Doctor of Humane Letters’ Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, (Honoris Causa), by the Governing Council of the Algeria, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Malaysia and University of The Gambia (UTG). many other countries, in addition to numerous The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King public lectures in India. Salman Ibn Abd al-Aziz al-Saud, presented the In April 2012, his public talk in Kishanganj, prestigious ‘2015 King Faisal International Prize’ Bihar, in India was attended by over 1mn people for ‘Service to Islam’ to Dr Naik at a glittering being one of the largest gatherings in the world for ceremony in Riyadh. any religious lecture by a single orator. The prize consisted of a certificate indicating Amongst the vast billion-plus population the laureate’s achievements, a commemorative of India, Dr Naik was ranked No 82 in the ‘100 24-carat 200g gold medal and Saudi Riyals Most Influential People in India’ list published 750,000. The entire prize money was donated to by Indian Express in the year 2009 and ranked the Waqf for Peace TV Network by Dr Naik. No 89 in 2010. He was ranked No. 3 in the ‘Top With more than 6mn likes on his Facebook in 10 Spiritual Gurus of India in 2009’ and topped less than 18 months, Dr Naik is not only one of the this list in 2010. He is ranked in the top 70 list of highest amongst the Muslim Religious English the ‘500 Most Influential Muslims in the World’ Speakers but also one of the highest amongst any published by George Washington University in the Religious English Speaker in the world. year 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Dr Naik appears regularly on many Dr Naik has participated in several symposia international TV channels in more than 150 and dialogues with prominent personalities countries of the world. He is regularly invited for of other faiths. Shaikh Ahmed Deedat, the TV and radio interviews. world famous orator on Islam and Comparative The idealogue and driving force behind Peace Religion, who had called Dr Zakir “Deedat Plus” TV Network is Dr Zakir Naik. He launched Peace in 1994, presented a plaque in May 2000 with the TV English, in January 2006, it being the largest engraving “Awarded to Dr Zakir Abdul-Karim watched ‘Islamic’ as well as ‘any Religious’ Naik for his achievement in the field of Da’wah Satellite TV channel presently in the world, with and the study of Comparative Religion”. over 100mn viewership of which 5% are non- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Muslims. Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, In its footsteps, he launched Peace TV Urdu in bestowed the prestigious Dubai International June 2009 and Peace TV Bangla in April 2011. And Holy Qur’an Award’s ‘Islamic Personality of 2013’, InshaAllah, he plans to expand Peace TV network for providing outstanding services to Islam and to cover the 10 major languages of the world. DOHA-BOUND: Dr Zakir Naik