Community Community Doha College Indonesian hosts Medical ambassador to P9Review P16 Qatar Air Marshal School Conference (Retired) Muhammad Basri attended by Sidehabi hosts a gathering eight prominent for prominent Muslim scholar schools. Imam Shamsi Ali.

Thursday, March 1, 2018 Jumada II 13, 1439 AH

DOHA 20°C—25°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

Oscars production team

COVER looks back at last year’s STORY snafu and ahead to this year’s show. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.41am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.57am Zuhr (noon) 11.46am Asr (afternoon) 3.07pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.38pm Isha (night) 7.08pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Wolf Warrior 2 begin targeting nearby civilians, he must leave his new- DIRECTION: Jing Wu found peace behind and return to his duties as a soldier and CAST: Jing Wu, Frank Grillo, Celina Jade protector. The Wolf Warrior is back, bigger and worse than Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: China’s deadliest Special Forces operative ever, in this action-packed sequel to the 2015 blockbuster hit. Worldwide Emergency Number 112 settles into a quiet life on the sea. When sadistic mercenaries THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety a perfect woman named Sweety. Titu’s and Romance. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety is DIRECTION: best-friend Sonu doubts Sweety’s a rom-com where the audience got to CAST: Nushrat Bharucha, Kartik character and tries to break the marriage see a war. Aaryan, Nijjar while Sweety tries to do opposite and SYNOPSIS: Titu is going to marry which leads to war between Bromance THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza ote Unquo Qu te Painting The Mall Cinema (1): Gnome (Malayalam) 9pm; The Shadow Alone (2D) 3pm; Death Wish Effect (2D) 11:30pm. is a source of endless (2D) 5pm; Veerey Ki Wedding Royal Plaza Cinema Palace pleasure, but also () 7pm; The Shadow Effect Captain (Malayalam) 2:30pm; (1): Gnome Alone (2D) 3:30pm; (2D) 9:30pm; Death Wish (2D) Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 5pm; Gnome Alone (2D) 5pm; Black of great anguish. 11:15pm. The Shadow Effect (2D) 7:30pm; Panther (2D) 6:30pm; Death Wish The Mall Cinema (2): Captain The Midnight Man (2D) 9:15pm; (2D) 9pm; Death Wish (2D) 11pm. — Balthus (Malayalam) 2pm; Gnome Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 11pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Alone (2D) 4:30pm; Gnome Landmark Cinema (2): (2): Captain (Malayalam) Alone (2D) 6pm; Death Wish Gnome Alone (2D) 2:30pm; 3pm; The Leisure Seeker (2D) (2D) 7:30pm; The Midnight Gnome Alone (2D) 4pm; Gnome 5:30pm; The Midnight Man (2D) Man (2D) 9:30pm; Captain Alone (2D) 5:30pm; Black 7:30pm; I, Tonya (2D) 9:15pm; (Malayalam) 11:15pm. Panther (2D) 7pm; Death Wish Captain (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Community Editor The Mall Cinema (3): Pari (2D) 9:30pm; Death Wish (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Kamran Rehmat (Hindi) 2:30pm; Talq Sena3y 11:30pm. (3): Pari (Hindi) 3pm; Maya e-mail: [email protected] (Arabic) 5pm; The Leisure Landmark Cinema (3): Talq Nadhi (Malayalam) 5:30pm; The Telephone: 44466405 Seeker (2D) 7pm; Black Panther Sena3y (Arabic) 3pm; Black Shadow Effect (2D) 8pm; Talq (2D) 9pm; Pari (Hindi) 11:30pm. Panther (2D) 4:45pm; Talq Sena3y (Arabic) 9:45pm; The Fax: 44350474 Landmark Cinema (1): Sena3y (Arabic) 7:15pm; Captain Midnight Man (2D) 11:30pm. Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Extreme Desert Show Get ready for Qatar Running Series at MIA herbs, and chilies. There are also animal WHEN: From tomorrow onwards Park. The events will take place in Mia Park products such as chicken, milk, cheese and TIME: 1:30pm - 6:30pm and comprise of distances ranging from 3k eggs from Qatari companies like Baladna and Experience the desert in a real traditional to 10k. All events will be run on accurately Al Waha Poultry Company. way. It includes a desert safari, dune bashing measured short courses with multiple laps and a trip to inland sea. Watch a thrilling and will be restricted to a maximum of 130 B.Square Mall Grand Event Extreme Desert Show only for 170QR per participants. WHERE: Al Thumama, Doha person. Call 3339 3323 for more inquiries. WHEN: Ongoing Mall of Qatar Fun Fair TIME: 6:30pm Full Moon BBQ Night WHERE: Mall Of Qatar The only mall in Qatar dedicated to WHERE: Island Sea WHEN: Until April 15 entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy EVENTS WHEN: Tomorrow The Mall of Qatar has expanded to bring a total space of 26,000 sq.m and 250 car TIME: 2:00pm - 10:00pm you “Doha’s best outdoor theme park”. Come parking spaces, as well as provide a range Specialised Master in Strategic Business A Full Moon BBQ night takes place at the with your family and friends to enjoy the new of shopping, services, and entertainment WHERE: 14th Floor, Tornado Tower, West inland sea with desert safari and dune bashing. rides and attractions – Trampoline, Giant options. Bay Enjoy an exciting dune bashing ride of 40 to 50 Slide, Wind Tunnel, Disco Tagada, Meltdown, WHEN: March 6 minutes and dinner at the Inland Sea under the Surfi ng and much more to enjoy with family Torba Farmers Market TIME: 4:30-5:30pm full moon. Delicious and live BBQ of chicken and friends. Come all and enjoy life. WHERE: Education City The aim is for attendees to know more and lamb is for everyone. All inclusive is for WHEN: Ongoing about this World-Class Executive Program 260QR per person. Call 3339 3323 for more Souq Waqif Spring Festival TIME: 9am from the Academic Director and Admissions inquiries. WHERE: Souq Waqif Qatar Foundation (QF) has partnered team, in order to know more about the WHEN: Ongoing with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based programme, the admissions process, and Babies, Pregnancy & Parenting TIME: Evening initiative that aims to deliver organic and fi nancing options. The Information Session for Workshop Souq Waqif is hosting Spring Festival locally-grown food and homemade products, the revamped Specialized Master’s Degree in WHERE: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha events until April 25. The festival is organised to host a weekly market in Education City. Strategic Business Unit Management (SBUM) hotel by the Organizing Committee of the Private Open to the public, the market be held at will take place on 6 March. This part-time WHEN: March 10 Engineering Offi ce. This year’s festival ersoff QF’s Ceremonial Court, accessible from gate degree programme is designed as a practical TIME: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm a range of family-friendly fun including 2, every Thursday from 9am-4pm and every foundation for managing a business. It will give Starfi sh Lane Kids nurseries has joined parades, shows, plays, music featuring top Friday from 8am-11am and 2pm-5pm.The you the opportunity to learn international best forces with HUGGIES and Doha’s maternal stars and children’s entertainment. Spring name ‘Torba’ is derived from Arabic, and practice from world-class faculty. Find out how and paediatric experts to deliver the second Festival will also present fi ne arts events means “the pure soil that feeds, nourishes, it will help you take your career forward. “Babies, Pregnancy & Parenting” event in in the various sections of Souq Waqif Arts and nurtures.” A wide range of fresh, locally- March 2018. Parent education is a key to Center, including workshops directed to all grown items will be on off er, including Special needs Centre building strong families and communities. visitors. organic fruits and vegetables, homemade WHERE: Mind Institute Center “When parents know better, they do better”. preserves, syrups, and butters, as well as WHEN: March 3 This non-profi t community event is only Foodex Qatar 2018 handicrafts and gardening supplies. TIME: 5:00pm - 7:00pm possible through the support of our sponsors WHEN: May 3-5 Mind Institute, a special needs clinic, will be and partners and the speakers who will share WHERE: Doha Exhibition and Convention Breakdance Classes hosting our one-year anniversary celebration their knowledge with parents. Centre WHEN: Sunday-Wednesday this Saturday to raise awareness for the special Qatar is the most urbanised nation among Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop culture needs cause. In addition to partnering with Date festival the GCC states. Urban lifestyles have raised that originated in New York and has since Ghanem Al Muftah for the event, Qatari Artist WHERE: Souq Waqif the standard of living of individuals and spread all over the world. Breakdancing is an Mohammed Al Baker has donated an art piece WHEN: Ongoing till March 15 changed their eating pattern, resulting in a athletic and acrobatic style of dancing, which for an auction at the event, where 100% of the The festival “Souq Al Tumur Al Musami shift in the diet towards protein rich foods as can often appear to defy the laws of physics. funds raised will be used for treatment for a (Seasonal Dates’ Market) started from well as packaged and fast food. Consumption This extreme dance-sport uses tremendous fi nancially struggling family and their child. February 15 and would continue till March 15, of such premium products has contributed to upper-body strength for tricks and poses and 2018, said a release. The registration is free for the growth of the food industry. FOODEX will a great way to get into shape and have fun. Rang Barse Doha local and international companies producing, strengthen the Qatari food industry to meet Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail WHERE: Doha Marriott Hotel importing and supplying dates. The venue of the standards of rising expatriate population, [email protected] WHEN: March 30 the festival, Souq Waqif is a destination for tourism, and developing tastes of Western TIME: 3:00pm-11:00pm visitors and tourists from Qatar and abroad foods. Zumba Session It is that time of the year. When we decide and is highly popular among citizens and WHERE: Bin Omran to colour you up!! Yeah you heard it right Red expatriates, for its activities, exhibitions and Remote-controlled car racing track WHEN: Sundays Apple Events and Media presents you for the festivals throughout the year. The seasonal WHERE: Aspire Park TIME: 7pm - 8pm seventh time in a ROW...RANG BARSE 2018. As market for dates will provide a platform for WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat Participate in Zumba Sessions (Adults) always Doha Marriott outdoors will be turned companies to showcase varieties of dates, and TIME: 4pm-10pm every Sunday. For more information call into a festival Arena. Every year we bring you the products made of dates. Aspire Zone Foundation has created a 33003839 or [email protected] the best in music and a crowd who parties like custom-made track specially designed there is no tomorrow...To take care of Music Halal Qatar Festival for remote-control car racing, for car Salsa Nights as always we are bringing the Badshah of WHERE: Katara Parking Area 01 lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport WHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton Grand DJ AKHTAR, he has already been WHEN: March 2 to 10 enthusiasts can try the race track opposite Doha featured in 3 Rang Barse’s and ensured we The theme of the festival centers on a the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on WHEN: Every Wednesday danced till our feet cant handle more. distinct feature of our heritage, one that is Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. TIME: 9pm drawn from deep within the deserts of Qatar Get ready for some Latin beats every Qatar International Boat Show sheep and goat breeding. The festival will Outdoor and fi ve-a-side football Wednesday night, where all the salseros and WHERE: The Pearl Qatar present specifi c methods that help in breeding pitches salseras in town meet and party all night. WHEN: March 13-17 and raising sheep and will also showcase WHERE: Aspire Zone Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For Qatar International Boat Show is a must numerous traditional events along with WHEN: Daily details call 4485 3000. exhibit event for boaters and anyone thinking educational and recreational activities. Here TIME: 7pm-11pm of getting into boating as it serves as an ideal is an opportunity to revive the Qatari heritage Aspire Zone’s fi ve-a-side football outdoor Off -Road biking tour maritime-industry networking platform and and relive their simple lives amidst the dunes, pitches opposite Al Waab Street are available WHERE: Zekreet a key business driver for the marine sector at Al-Mazain, Al-Mazad Auction, and sheep every day from 7pm until 11pm from Sundays WHEN: Fridays boosting regional marine industry. Each year barns presentation at Katara. to Thursdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is off ering the this event brings the entire recreational boating from 7am-11pm. country’s fi rst off -road biking tour. Ride in industry together ¬ manufacturers, dealers The Katara International Beach the desert on a fat bike to explore the local and boating consumers. Qatar International Volleyball Mahaseel Festival fl ora and fauna spot desert wildlife, hike Boat Show 5th Edition will take place from 13th WHERE: Katara WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat up jebels, chill in the magic of the Richard March to 17th March 2018 at Porto Arabia, The WHEN: March 6-10 WHERE: Katara Serra statues and this unique landscape. Pearl- Qatar. The Katara International Beach Volleyball TIME: 9am-10pm Participants will get to cross the desert Cup 2018 will be held at Amphitheater in Visitors to the festival can expect a variety riding fat bikes from Zekreet to the Richard Katara from 6 to 10 March 2018. Be there and of products from local vegetables, fl owers, Serra statues, on a route of approximately experience the beach volley ball honey and meat, poultry and diary items. 13kms. The route is easy to ride and suitable For those of you looking for traditional for people with average fi tness. You must Qatar Running Series Qatari food, there will also be stalls selling be able to ride. Kids aged 9 and older are WHERE: MIA Park homemade foods such as Machbous. Farm- also welcome. The fee is QR 220 (QR190 WHEN: ongoing till April 13 grown goods include aubergines, peppers, for ages 9-14) and includes bike and safety TIME: 7am cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, caulifl ower, equipment. The activity lasts about 2.5 hours.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY COVER STORY So, how will it be? (Last year’s) best-picture fumble and the nonstop coverage that followed dramatically illustrate the high stakes of mounting one of the most-watched live shows on television

and chaotic fi nal moments, in live event — the Super Bowl, the the mechanics of the job, it’s not a wrap,’” says Thomas, who was By Josh Rottenberg which La La Land was mistakenly presidential election — anything the functions that you do every the fi rst woman ever hired by the announced as best picture over can happen. day, it’s the microscope the show academy to announce the Oscars the actual winner, Moonlight. But For a fi lm academy that is under,” said Weiss, who has — and will return this year for her ob Paine, supervising for those who worked behind the had weathered two years of also directed the Tony Awards ninth time. producer of the scenes on the show’s production #OscarsSoWhite controversy and and the Emmys, among other When the show’s key stage Academy Awards, team, that epic snafu wasn’t just a now fi nds itself trying to navigate live broadcasts. “It’s scrutinised. manager Gary Natoli announced remembers an urgent crazy TV moment. It was a four- the #MeToo moment, this was a It’s watched all over the world. over the production’s internal message — one that alarm disaster that played out on singular crisis it could never have Just looking at the red carpet communications system that a Rno-one ever imagined they’d hear one of the world’s biggest stages, seen coming. and how many outlets are here, mistake had been made, it took a — coming over his headset: “It’s and, even as they prepare to turn The show’s director, Glenn it’s something that is focused on moment for some on the crew to wrong! It’s wrong!” the page with the 90th Oscars Weiss, is one of many members and paid attention to within and wrap their heads around what he Derek McLane, the Oscar telecast on Sunday, it remains of that team returning to work without the industry.” was saying. telecast’s production designer, was indelibly seared into their memory. on this year’s telecast, including It’s easy to forget after the most “I couldn’t fi gure out what was seated in the audience at the Dolby The best picture win for producers Michael De Luca and stunning blunder in Oscars history, supposedly wrong,” Paine said. “I Theatre and recalls the “murmur Moonlight, a low-budget, poetic Jennifer Todd. For Weiss, who but as Weiss points out, the show thought Gary had lost his mind. I of confusion” that suddenly swept indie about a gay black boy growing earned a Directors Guild Award had gone off without a hitch up thought he was upset about the fact through the crowd. up in Miami, over the musical earlier this month for his work on until that fi nal envelope was that La La Land had won. Then I Stationed in a production trailer juggernaut La La Land was an last year’s show, the best-picture opened. Indeed, as the producers of looked up and I saw him on camera behind the Dolby, the show’s upset in its own right. But the fumble and the nonstop coverage La La Land took the stage to accept — and, well, I don’t think you can announcer, Randy Thomas, way in which that win unfolded that followed dramatically illustrate what they thought was their best print what we all said in the truck.” remembers simply thinking, “What turned what had otherwise the high stakes of mounting one of picture award, the production team As the reality quickly sank in, the … ?” been an amiable if somewhat the most-watched live shows on was preparing to bring the carefully Weiss knew that he had to let the Few who sat at home watching predictable night into one of the television. choreographed telecast in for a audience see what was happening last year’s Oscars telecast are likely most memorable shows in Oscar “The diff erence between doing smooth landing. in real time with complete to soon forget the show’s shocking history and a reminder that in any the Oscars and other shows is not “I was about to tweet ‘That’s transparency. No matter how Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

THAT SNAFU: La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz holds up the right card showing that Moonlight was indeed the winner. awkward or embarrassing it might is “light and refl ectivity.” be, there would be no cutting to a “The difference “There are things that are both commercial, no breaking away for between doing reminiscent of some of the shows “technical diffi culties.” from the past, but there’s also a lot “In the world of live television, the Oscars and of stuff that I hope will feel very mishaps happen, and refl exively, contemporary and modern and instinctively you go wide, you cut other shows forward-thinking.” away, you do what you can not to is not the This has been no ordinary year show it,” Weiss said. “In this case, it in Hollywood, as the industry has had to play the opposite way. I don’t mechanics of been rocked for months by ongoing care that suddenly there’s a guy in sexual harassment scandals. Earlier a headset onstage now, I don’t care the job, it’s not this year, last year’s lead actor that suddenly the accountants are winner Casey Affl eck, who has on stage. What we need to do is the functions faced allegations of inappropriate make sure that we’re not accused of that you do behaviour toward two women, covering anything up.” withdrew from presenting the When La La Land producer every day, it’s the lead actress award at this year’s Jordan Horowitz held up the right show. (“I’m not really at liberty to card showing that Moonlight was microscope the talk about that one,” Hurd says.) indeed the winner, Weiss had a Beyond that, while there’s no doubt camera ready to zoom in on it, show is under,” the #MeToo movement will be creating an image that became an says show represented in the show, how exactly instant viral meme. that unfolds remains to be seen. “I’ve been joking about the director Glenn “At the end of the day we fact that I’ve spent a whole career can’t control what someone at a staging breathtaking, beautiful Weiss microphone is going to say,” Weiss moments on television, and the said. “But our focus is to celebrate shot that I’ll be remembered for is by a PricewaterhouseCooper been put in place to further guard ceremony milestone, you can expect 90 years of a great industry, and a guy holding a card,” Weiss says. accountant. against such a mix-up, and the the telecast to be steeped in the there is so much to work with that. “But I have to thank Jordan. Not “It broke my heart for them,” said PricewaterhouseCoopers offi cials histories of Hollywood and Oscar We want to keep it positive and stay only did he handle this so graciously Hurd. “Obviously, as we all know who handled last year’s envelopes shows. on that message.” — and I’m not sure everybody now, it had absolutely nothing to do have been replaced. While it’s “When I grew up watching the As for last year’s chaotic would have in this situation — but with them and was not in any way safe to predict that returning host show, and in my early days on the conclusion, Weiss can even see the he gave us the opportunity to get their fault, but they were the faces Jimmy Kimmel will make a joke or show, the musical numbers used to positive in that. that shot.” of it. Once it all unfolded on stage two about it, the hope is that the be very large and extravagant,” said “When people come up to me at Taryn Hurd, who is returning and everyone came back, there was audience can shift its focus back to Paine, who has been a part of the parties and ask the question, the this year for her fi fth time as defi nitely a feel of, like, ‘OK, let’s the movies. Oscars production team for more fi rst thing I say to them is, ‘Can you the show’s talent producer, was take stock.’ All of us were just trying “The most important thing is than 20 years. “I think there will be a tell me right now, without taking seated next to De Luca and Todd to fi gure out how that happened so to remember that it’s about the few of those moments this year.” out your phone, who won best as the shock waves spread. As the we could get ahead of it because we movies,” said returning head writer “We took an extra-careful look at picture three years ago?’” he said. person on the production team knew the kind of story it was going Jon Macks, who is working on his the history of the Oscars as an event, “And nobody can name it. I think responsible for booking and taking to be.” 21st Oscars telecast. really looking at what its roots were Moonlight will be remembered. I care of the show’s presenters, Looking to this year’s show, With the show just days away, as a show to see if there were any don’t wish this on anyone, but the she felt awful for Faye Dunaway the production team is confi dent the production team is intent on ways to honor that on this occasion,” upside for them at least is there’s and Warren Beatty, who had that sort of freak bungle won’t preserving as many surprises said McLane, who says the driving notoriety in some way.” — Los been handed the wrong envelope happen again. New procedures have as possible. But given the 90th visual motif of this year’s set design Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY Young AMIS students make pizzas to learn mathematics

Young students of Al Mahd International School (AMIS) recently went on a field trip to their mathematical skills of subtraction and line of symmetry while they were enjoying their Pizza Express. This trip was integrated with English and mathematics lessons of the Year pizzas. The student even had to write their experiences and the steps for making a pizza at 1 students. The students learnt the steps of how to make a pizza and the vocabulary the school. The students enjoyed their new learning experience with their teachers at Pizza introduced in the school was also practically experienced by them. The students applied Express.

Al Khor residents launch a new Arabic toastmasters club

The residents of Al Khor will now have one more toastmasters club to develop their Arabic language The launching ceremony was also attended by H P Bhullar Singh, Division E Director, Girish Jain, public speaking skills. A new Club Mahaarat was inaugurated recently by Mohammed Ibrahim al- speaker bureau chair and senior member of Doha Toastmasters Club. The new club was formed under Mohanadi, Brigadier General and Director at the Directorate of Environment. the able leadership of Area 17 Director Balakrishna Karande and senior toastmaster Virendra Nath.

Four toastmaster clubs take part in Area 28 annual contest

Area 28, Division J, District 20 of the contestants.” recently held its annual toastmasters Parvathi Anantha was the champion contest at Radisson Blu. Four clubs in evaluation category contest, In the namely IIEE-SQC, CA, Al Banush and humorous category, Suresh Kumar Pearl participated in the contest. was the champion. In table topic Area 28 Director Singa Raju said, category, Jithu Koshi stood first. In “The main purpose of these contests the international speech contest, is to ensure that the club winners Kamlesh Tiberwal got first position. give their best performance within Contestants winning the first and the area level and the first two winners second positions in each category from each category will proceed to will be competing at the Division J division level contest. Contests of contest to be held on March 23 at such nature foster the learning curve Doha Marriot Hotel Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY ASD organises annual Friendship Festival he American School of the atmosphere their children were by winning prizes and often Doha (ASD) recently held growing up in. dunking teachers into a tank, and its annual Friendship The gleesome event was the adults were intrigued by the Festival celebration, organised by the Parent Teacher market vendor choices. This year which racked in over Association (PTA), a group that is ASD expanded their groundwork 4,000T people, from diff erent led by parents, and teachers who of fun activities into their newest backgrounds, showcasing the true volunteer their time to build such elementary fi eld, which included multicultural state of Qatar. a successful event. Lori, Chair of miniature bouncy castles for the The traditionally enthusiastic The Friendship Festival, stated, young ones. ASD Director Thomas day is for families to bring their “Without the volunteers, and Hawkins stated, “It’s like coming children and friends, to enjoy a day our teachers being able to help us to a giant Souq, where people can fi lled with games, prizes, food, and throughout the planning of the come and buy silent sales.” most importantly fundraising for festival, it would not be possible to Moreover, with such a successful a cause. construct such an event.” event, there was no affl uence to It was a day where children came The Friendship Festival hosted a the event, without raising money into their schools with excitement wide range of games and activities, for a cause. All the money raised in their eyes, to show their parents as well as food stalls for the children during the Friendship Festival is put where their identities and talents and adults to experience. The back into the school, to support the were cherished. It was the day children were excited to come and kids in funding for school projects, where parents came together to feel play games that were accompanied facilities, and service trips.

PSIS students enjoy sports week

Pearling Season International School (PSIS) recently organised sports week. All children of the races, basketball shoot out, long jump, bean bag throw, high jump and shot put. school took part in diff erent sports for four days.The students took part in diff erent kinds of The Physical Education department thanked all the school staff for ensuring the smooth running activities depending on their key stage group. The activities ranged from running, sack, egg, spoon of the sports week and the students for displaying their fantastic skills. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY Banana Island Resort Doha’s classic facilities inspire guests

anana Island Resort relaxation. At our resort, guests can Doha by Anantara, soak in breath-taking views of the recently hosted azure blue waters, enjoy a game of members of the media bowling as well as two-way luxury at a special gathering boat transfers.” Bto reveal the fi ve-star resort’s One of the 2017s highlights for the multitude world-class recreational Resort was being named a ‘Top 100 and entertainment venues that Luxury Resort Worldwide 2017/2018’ make the resort island, a one stop and the ‘Best Luxury Family Island destination for delectable cuisines, Resort Middle-East 2017’ by the one of a kind events and meetings Hotel of the Year Awards. Banana facilities for private parties, Island Resort Doha by Anantara also state-of-the-art wellness and spa took home two highly regarded titles services and recreation facilities for at the World Travel Awards; ‘Qatar’s all ages. Leading Villa Resort 2017’, and During the media tour, the ‘Qatar’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa invitees were taken on an extensive 2017’ for its Three-bedroom Over- trip of the resort, where they were water Villa. introduced to Anantara’s world In addition to being crowned the class facilities with a true Arabian ‘World Luxury Spa Award 2017’, the luxury hideaway with 141 rooms, Resort’s renowned Anantara Spa suites, pool villas and over water walked away with the ‘World’s Best villas. Private Island Spa’ and ‘Qatar’s Enjoying the exceptional Best Hotel Spa’ titles at the 2017 atmosphere of the only Indian World Spa Awards. Moreover, Ocean-like resort in the heart of Anantara Spa earned Ohlala Spa & the Middle-East, the special tour Wellness Award’s 2017 ‘Best Resort off ered visitors an opportunity to The guests then tried their choice of Middle Eastern, Italian Manager for Qatar, said, “The Spa & Weight loss programme’ title. experience the Wellness Centre, sporting skills in the bowling and international cuisines at Banana Island Resort Doha More recently, Banana Island which off ers a holistic approach to alleys and experienced a collection spectacular locations all around the by Anantara stays true to the Resort Doha was given testimonial health and well-being with diverse of culinary specialities on off er island from the marina, poolside, philosophy of absolute luxury, from the Conde Nast US as one of treatment menu that captures at the luxury resort’s fi ve-star by the shoreline and on over water off ering its guests a real privilege the ‘Beautiful Overwater Bungalows the warmth of traditional Qatari dining venues, where they enjoyed decks with tranquil views and soft where one can enjoy the fi ne Around the World’. Condé Nast culture and a truly personalised a sumptuous lunch at Q lounge sea breezes. They also toured the sand and the beautiful sea within praised Banana Island’s blended approach to well-being, including Restaurant. Al Nahham, which off ers a blend of a setting of privacy and the atmosphere as it brings Maldivian- private facial treatments, pedicure Later, the invitees were briefed Arabic Mediterranean cuisine and is comfort of an oasis. The resort inspired bungalows and ornate and manicure, soothing steam and about the eight dining options the fl agship restaurant of the resort. off ers you and your family endless Arabian design together in one bathing experiences. that off er a mouth-watering Thomas Fehlbier, Area General possibilities for recreation and place. W Doha off ers new W2GO take-away service

Doha Hotel & Residences, the fi rst luxury lifestyle hotel in Qatar, has launched a brand new take-away service ‘W2GO’. This unique off ering provides a smart and easy solution for the hotel’s food afi cionados to Wenjoy their favourite meals on the go any day, for lunch and dinner. With the W2GO service, hungry patrons can place their order by calling the hotel’s dedicated number, or simply drop a message through WhatsApp. In addition, the hotel has also teamed up with Qatar-based app Feed (www. feedology.com), providing personalised dining experiences with the press of a button. The app features a user-friendly interface that allows guests to view the hotel’s elaborate food menu with pictures, and order their preferred dishes. Once the order is ready, guests can collect their meals from a designated takeaway desk at the hotel. W2GO is yet another innovative off ering from W Doha, refl ecting the brand’s continuous eff orts in catering to its tech-savvy clientele. The service is currently available for two of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants: Market by Jean-Georges, off ering contemporary European flavours inspired by the “greatest hits” of classic Jean-Georges Vongerichten cuisine; and La Spiga by Paper Moon, featuring a selection of authentic chic eats from the heart of Italy. W Doha Hotel & Residences is home to the most exclusive Michelin star restaurants and lounges in the city, welcoming guests to indulge in extraordinary culinary concepts. For more information about the trendy dining off erings, please visit: http://www.whoteldoha.com/restaurants-in-doha Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

Doha College hosts Medical Review School Conference

ver 20 teams of conference were quite absorbed by secondary level the content presented to them, but students from schools had a diffi cult time scoring them across Qatar impressed apart. a team of independent “The quality of the presentations medicalO experts with their detailed was great. The students were research and presentations during self-assured, confi dent and I hope the fi fth edition of the ‘Medical they all go to medical schools in Review School Conference’ hosted the future,” said Dr Nesrin Ghazi by Doha College recently. Elkhatib from Elite Medical Centre. The eight participating schools “These were high-class researched topics from fi ve areas presentations, all well researched. It of medicine, epidemiology of shows that you can do a lot if you put infectious diseases, pharmacological your mind to it,” noted Eric Amoah, developments, radiological, Hamad Medical Corporation pathological and diagnostic updates, Nazish Khan, chemistry teacher at feto-maternal medicine; hereditary Doha College, said, “It was great to and metabolic diseases, and cancer. see eight schools from across Qatar Some themes presented were making a contribution towards the ground-breaking in terms of medication, thus reducing costs, The coveted fi rst place was all of the teams who participated. Qatar vision in healthcare. We look medical science, such as ‘Organs trial times and animal testing. awarded to research on the Wilson’s “As education practitioners, we forward to welcoming many more in on Chips’ research, prepared by a On the other end of the scale was disease, whose aim was enlighten have a keen interest in the medical the future.” Doha College team Qurratu Aini research on the ‘Epidemiology of and raise awareness that a lack of profession, as both fi elds share the The other participating schools Binti Hasihim and Arij Ahmed, the Black Death’, a topic that most subsidiary ‘workers’ in the human very important aspect of caring for included Al Khor International who were placed second in the people would think belongs safely in body can be just as impactful to the people. For this reason we have a School – British Curriculum, competition. Their presentation the past, but has recently returned system as principal ‘workers’. This close contact with Hamad Medical Al Khor International School – revealed emerging technology in Madagascar. This research earned was presented by Harun Gunes, Corporation and Elite Medical CBSE Curriculum, Doha British based on chips made with advanced Jewel D’souza from Doha British Natália Wazny and Tiago Huber Centre, both of which partnered School, GEMS American Academy, high transparency material and School joint third place, along with from Doha College. with DC to make this event happen.” International School of London, human cells, which could re-create a Doha College team who researched Doha College Principal Dr The independent judges who MES Indian School and Qatar organs’ responses to experimental pre-eclampsia. Steff en Sommer congratulated presided over the fi nal of the International School. NIS hosts talent hunt workshop for students

A teen-inspired talent hunt workshop with the title “Xam relax & Xellent restart” for students was Public School attended the workshop and got motivated by various interactive and integrated recently organised in Noble International School (NIS) at Al Wukair campus. The programme was programmes. Students were inspired and galvanised with the message of “smart and sharp led by Dr C A Razakh, an international mind tuner, business mentor and happy life success coach learning” and expressed their genuine thanks to the organisers for formulating such an artistic and V C Mashood, trainer and success coach. programme. The programme was volunteered by NIS General Secretary Basheer K P and the Students from diff erent reputed schools like MES, Ideal Indian School, Birla Public School and management and co-ordinators of Mind tune Eco waves, Doha. 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Facebook, Twitter not aff ecting face-to-face contact with friends

ebunking a popular could be correlated with increased belief that use of social use of social media. media platforms such as The researchers found no such Facebook and Twitter relationship. alienates people from “It was not the case at all that friendsD and family, a new study social media adoption or use had a claims that this is not the case. consistent eff ect on their direct social The researchers found no evidence interactions with people,” Hall said. for the proposition that social media Direct interactions were defi ned reduces face-to-face communication as getting out of one’s house, visiting with those who ought to matter friends, talking on the phone and most — our close friends and family attending meetings of groups and members. organisations (apart from religious “That’s not to say overuse of groups). social media is good, but it’s not For the second experiment, the bad in the way people think it is,” researchers recruited 116 people and said study co-author Jeff rey Hall texted them fi ve times a day for fi ve from the University of Kansas in consecutive days, querying them the US. each time about their use of social For the study, published in the media and direct social contacts in journal Information, Communication the previous 10 minutes. and Society, the researchers “What we found was that performed two experiments. people’s use of social media had no In the fi rst, they compared data relationship to who they were talking on American youth from 2009 and to later that day and what medium 2011, to see whether there was any they were using to talk to people later decrease in interpersonal contact that that day,” Hall said. — IANS

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

You probably aren’t feeling your best today, Aries. No doubt your illness There is such a thing as being too honest, Taurus. You’ve experienced in You want nothing more than to be alone today. For that to happen, Gemini, is a result of recent overindulgence. You can’t blame anyone but yourself the past how your determination to tell the whole truth and nothing but you need to turn off your phone, shut off the computer, and hang a “Do for your crashing headache and queasy stomach. Try not to take your the truth can cause hurt feelings. Today try to exercise a bit of tact and Not Disturb” sign on the door. Even then, your friends are likely to walk bad mood out on the family. Just ask them to close the curtains and shut diplomacy. You will still be able to get your point across, with the added past the sign and ask what’s for dinner. It’s one of those days. People want the door. You will emerge in the early afternoon feeling a bit wobbly but bonus that your audience will still be speaking to you once you’ve done so. to congregate and they want to do it at your house. Order your favourite definitely on the mend. comfort food and enjoy the chaos! CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Don’t be surprised if a lot of uninvited visitors show up today, Cancer. You You can expect to run a lot of errands today, Leo, even though you would You have energy to burn, Virgo, and you intend to use it. Ask friends to join could host an impromptu social event as neighbours stop by to bring probably prefer to stay at home. You have obligations to fulfil for friends you in the park. Or set up a round-robin tennis match for the afternoon. news of changes in the area. You have energy to spare right now, so you’re and family, and you can’t bear to let them down. Try to get everything done Enjoy your day outdoors, but take care not to push too hard. If you strain perfectly able to accommodate your guests. But don’t let yourself get as quickly as possible so that you’ll still have the afternoon free for yourself. muscles today, it could be weeks before you’re fully healed. If you pace overwhelmed. Simply off er whatever refreshments you happen to have on yourself and take plenty of water breaks, then you’ll enjoy the day with no hand and let the party take its course. repercussions. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Today you could receive word of a promotion or exciting new challenge at Money and friendship rarely mix, Scorpio. Keep this in mind today if a This is unlike you, Sagittarius, but today you’re a lean, mean cleaning work. Although this is something you’ve wanted for a long time, you may friend hits you up for a loan. You’d be better off helping her strategise ways machine. You get it in your head that this is the day for putting your house hesitate to accept immediately. Could it be because your self-confidence to earn more money. Much as you like to help the underdog, a temporary in order, and you set about single-handedly doing it. That’s way too much is rather low right now, Libra? Don’t let that stop you! This feeling is only approach often does more harm than good. A quick loan won’t help your cleaning and organising for one person to do. Why not enlist some help? temporary, while the opportunity could develop into something lasting. friend’s fundamental problem of compulsive spending. Off ering to pay for Bribe your partner or kids, play some loud music, and all of you will finish Don’t lose your chance! counseling would be a gift of enduring value. the tasks in no time. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You can’t help but feel a bit frustrated today, Capricorn. There are places If you overindulged last night, you’re likely paying the price today. If your Without a doubt, there’s a lot of work to be done around the house. With to go, people to see, and you can’t seem to get out of the house. Your head is screaming and your blood feels like molasses, you know that too today’s planetary configuration, you feel especially vested in making responsibilities are at home now, and the situation won’t change for a much of a good thing can make you feel rotten! Much as you feel driven your home look its best. But you don’t have to get everything done today, while. You can, however, plan some mini-vacations without too much to get out of bed and get on with your chores, there’s no point, Aquarius. Pisces. Rather than scrubbing floors and dusting furniture, why not invest eff ort. Treat yourself one evening to fantastic take-out food and a sappy You’d be better off resting. You’ll be your old self by afternoon. Your work in a few inexpensive items that will perk the place up a bit? A few area rugs old movie. That might be just the thing to lift your spirits. can wait until then. and scatter pillows could make a big diff erence! 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Blow!

BASSOON HARMONICA PICCOLO BUGLE HORN RECORDER CLARINET KAZOO SAXOPHONE CORNET MOUTH TROMBONE EUPHONIUM ORGAN TRUMPET FIFE OBOE TUBA FLUTE PANPIPE WHISTLE

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

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Tries to get money out of a fish 1. Reasons for man turning drink (4-5) composer (7) 8. He painted one of the 2. Member seen about related archangels (7) disclosure of information (7) 9. Caught like greyhounds 3. Colour appears very good in a before a race (7) shade of green (5) 10. Japanese commander gets 4. He cites crude alteration to an hold of the first weapon (7) advertisement (7) 13. Vacancy for girl in new coven 5. Times are troubled at the start (8) of the slump (4) 14. Emperor is one upset about 6. A child of note? (4) king (4) 7. It’s a big mistake to drop it (7) 16. There’s something on hand 11. An obsession with ending when ten soldiers back call telephone conversations? (4-2) (6,4) 12. Develop into a noted dispute 20. It may hold water the wrong (4) way in severe weather (4) 15. Check in after some soldiers 22. Coin appearing after recent (4) removal of note (4) 17. Right, that is, about the anger 24. The writer is called Pine, it (3) turns out (4,6) 18. The girl is more orderly, it’s 28. Peer obtained organ with a said (4) pound (4) 19. A boat has one, and a 29. Foreigner finds a nicer change cultivator (6) by morning (8) 21. Priest gets article from Answers 31. It has far more potential for essayist (3) smashing wrestlers (7) 22. Study the penalty and shut up 34. It’s unduly high, the French (7) Wordsearch Codeword church tower (7) 23. Not at all generous in the fine 35. What bingo fans look for in the arts (4) Old Testament? (7) 25. A girl in the same old trouble 36. Assist members of teams to (7) find wives (9) 26. Where mine is on tap for the pilot (7) 27. Birds left in traps (7) 30. The rhubarb makes her cook show some hesitation (5) 32. Island home of the Spanish graduate (4) 33. The ham’s prepared, and the potatoes (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Stricken; 5 Adobes; Down: 1 Seldom; 2 Robust; 9 Lebanese; 10 Asleep; 12 3 Conceal; 4 East; 6 Distaff; Ousted; 13 Megastar; 15 Plates 7 Breather; 8 Separate; of meat; 18 Lose interest; 11 Dessert; 14 Stature; 16 23 Mariners; 24 Sparse; 26 Clambake; 17 Esurient; 19 Agents; 27 Minotaur; 28 Entire; Igniter; 20 Support; 21 Ordain; 29 Sentinel. 22 Petrel; 25 File. 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY REVIEW

ACTION: A scene from the film in which Alex Garland has been accused of white-washing the characters. Portman takes the cake in transfixing sci-fi story plastic wrap. Several parties have gone in submerged in a lake. Marvelling at the genetic the cinema of ideas. Garland’s movie has its By Justin Chang to investigate over the years but were never anomalies apparent in the area’s brightly grisly fl ourishes, but unlike so many thrillers heard from again; Kane is the only one who hued vegetation — the Shimmer, it seems, that preoccupy themselves with spectacles of ever made it out alive, and only then just basically makes your DNA drop acid — Lena death, it’s more interested in pondering the nnihilation, a mind-bending barely. With the Shimmer already threatening and her colleagues soon fi nd themselves strange, inextricable link between creation foray into the unknown from to expand, Lena decides the best thing she face to face with a litany of half-concealed and destruction. the British writer-director can do for her deathly ill husband is to fi nd horrors, the scariest aspect of which may All of which makes it even more of a Alex Garland, leaves you in an out the truth for herself. be their curious indiff erence to the group’s pity that although Annihilation is opening entrancingly beautiful daze. And so she joins an expedition led by survival. In the cold, rational, beautifully theatrically in the US, Canada and China, it AThat may be an odd thing to say about a a tetchy, cynical psychologist named Dr decaying world of Annihilation, death isn’t will head straight to Netfl ix queues in other movie with mutant crocodiles, killer bears Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh), along just a violent end; it’s another state of being. territories. No small screen, in particular, and an unfl agging sense of menace, but for with a paramedic, Anya Thorensen (Gina A veteran screenwriter with strong roots in could do justice to the movie’s hypnotic fi nal all its surface perils, the picture also has a Rodriguez); a physicist, Josie Radek (Tessa speculative fi ction (Sunshine, 28 Days Later half-hour, a cosmic brainstorm of indelible disquietingly serene core. Thompson); and an anthropologist, Cass … ), Garland made a knockout directorial images — gnarled branches, spiralling It broods, stalks and sometimes pounces, Sheppard (Tuva Novotny). Together, armed debut with Ex Machina (2014), which gave us staircases, an ecstatic vision of the void — but mostly — not unlike the fi ve intrepid with rifl es, wits, gallows humour and the gift of Alicia Vikander playing a sinuous that earns its near-wordless homage to 2001: women who venture into its heart of darkness unimpeachable credentials, they march into female robot, plus the unforgettable image of A Space Odyssey. — it’s content to observe, almost as though it the Shimmer, where they quickly lose all Isaac tearing it up on the dance fl oor. Isaac is That Stanley Kubrick colossus, you may were studying itself through the lens of the communication with the outside world. sadly immobilised for much of Annihilation, recall, was drawn from an Arthur C. Clarke camera. It gives itself, and the audience, an As the women make their way toward the but that only makes it easier for Garland to novel that later spawned several sequels, the awful lot to see. elusive lighthouse at the Shimmer’s point put women front and centre: Portman’s Lena implications of which scarcely diminished the Freely adapted from the fi rst novel in of origin, Sheppard observes that nearly all shoulders the dramatic burden with ease, but movie’s looming sense of mystery. Garland Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy, of them have endured some life-altering her four formidable colleagues provide their and his collaborators, intent on making Garland’s movie tracks an expedition into trauma, whether it’s a terminal illness or the own invaluable assist. their own stand-alone picture, deliberately a swamp where an enormous translucent loss of a loved one: They have everything to At fi rst, the movie suggests an unusually avoided reading Annihilation’s two sequels — canopy called “the Shimmer” has descended, off er their mission and nothing to lose. Lena, cerebral variation on the doomed-mission a purist approach that resulted in at least one inexplicably warping all plant and animal life for her part, must do her mourning in private, template: Despite the actresses’ variable awkward if unintended departure from the in the vicinity. It’s a story with eerie echoes as only Dr Ventress knows that Kane is her screen time, Rodriguez’s outspoken intensity, source material. of sci-ence-fi ction novels like J.G. Ballard’s husband — a strategic deception that affi rms Novotny’s quiet sensitivity and Thompson’s As a result of VanderMeer’scryptic The Crystal World and Stephen King’s Under Lena’s detached professionalism, even as riveting calm all register so vividly that you play with narrative, it isn’t revealed until the Dome, though I confess that an early shot it adds to the mounting sense of dread and regret knowing some if not all of them will Authority, the second book in the trilogy, that of a meteor crashing into a lighthouse put unease. be eliminated. That’s not a spoiler; nor is it the character who inspired Lena is of Asian me briefl y in mind of a dystopian Nicholas In confronting an extraterrestrial even half the story. With the exception of descent, while the character who inspired Sparks. presence through the gaze of a human one genuinely breathtaking, blood-curdling Dr Ventress is half Native American and half Maybe that’s no accident: This grave, female, emphasising her intelligence and ambush, Annihilation has little interest in white. moody, unapologetically cerebral thriller composure while sneakily teasing out her the conventional mechanics of suspense Given the movie’s own not-insignifi cant is not without its tortured romantic side. emotional history, Annihilation at times and surprise, as evidenced by an array of strides for inclusive casting, it’s all the more At the heart of the story is a Johns Hopkins suggests a more ferocious companion piece fl ashbacks and fl ash-forwards that reveal disappointing to see it become the latest University biologist, Lena (Natalie Portman), to Denis Villeneuve’s 2016 thriller, Arrival. at least one outcome of Lena’s journey (she case study in Hollywood’s ongoing struggle who hasn’t seen her husband, Sgt. Kane It’s a connection that Garland reinforces lives!) in the very fi rst scene. with “whitewashing” — a crude catch-all (Oscar Isaac), since he left on a top-secret aesthetically in the absorbing but unhurried Grounded by the grainy recurring image term for an industry-wide problem with military mission a year earlier. But when Kane pace established by Barney Pilling’s editing, of a cell rapidly dividing, Annihilation is its own endless strains and variations. mysteriously returns one day, coughing up the muted grays and sudden eruptions itself a fl uid exercise in genetic mutation: The representational confusion here blood but no answers, government offi cials of colour in Rob Hardy’s sun-streaked It begins with scenes from a marriage, then scarcely negates the picture’s eff ectiveness, suddenly appear and whisk the couple off to a cinematography, and, above all, the pulsing, quickly evolves into a wilderness adventure, but neither does it exist in a vacuum. research facility in a remote coastal territory otherworldly drone of Ben Salisbury and an environmental horror fl ick and a striking Annihilation is a remarkable movie, a skilful known as Area X. Geoff Barrow’s score. depiction of physical and psychological and ingenious sophistication of a standard The subject under scrutiny is the Shimmer, But Annihilation is very much its own entropy (emphasis on the “trippy”). Its B-thriller template, but it also bears the which hovers ominously in the air nearby, beast, so to speak, as becomes clear when most impressive achievement may be how fl awed genetic imprint of the industry that pulsing iridescently like a fog made from its heroines stumble on an old hut partially easily it welds the mechanics of genre and spawned it. — Los Angeles Times/TNS Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Sridevi ‘had been very unhappy’

ilmmaker Ram Gopal from a very young age that never Varma, who directed gave her a chance to be independent Sridevi in fi lms like Great and be what she could really be and Robbery, Govindhaa... really wanted to be. She had to put Govindhaa... and on the make up and be somebody HairaanF, says that the late actress else not just in front of the camera, has been a “very unhappy woman” but also behind the camera,” he said. and her life was a “classic case of Varma says that she was scared how each person’s actual life is whether her daughters — elder completely diff erent from how the one Janhvi who is set to make her world perceives it”. Bollywood debut with Dhadak Sridevi, 54, died on Saturday in a and younger one Khushi, would be Dubai hotel bathroom. The autopsy accepted. report called it an “accidental “I could see in her eyes the drowning” in the bathtub. pain she was going through deep In a personal note on her, Varma inside her and that’s because she says that she was the most desirable is actually a child trapped in a woman and the biggest superstar of woman’s body...she is naive as a the country but that’s just a part of person, but suspicious because of the story. her bitter experiences, which is He wrote: “For many, Sridevi’s not a very good combination...,” life was perfect. Beautiful face, he said. great talent, seemingly stable “Coming to her death, it is most family with two beautiful likely a combination of heart stroke daughters. From outside everything induced accidental drowning death looked so enviable and desirable... in the tub. But medications might But was Sridevi a very happy person have played a huge role,” added and did she lead a very happy life?” Verma. Varma says that he was aware He also states that many suicides about her life from the time he and accidental deaths happen after fi rst met her for his fi lm Kshana big parties or weddings. Kshanam. “That’s because people with “I saw with my own eyes how depression and insecurities can’t her life was like a bird in the sky understand why the whole world till her father’s death and then is so happy and enjoying, but they became like a bird in a cage due to are not able to feel the happiness in her overprotective mother. In those spite of all the glitter and spotlight. days, actors used to be only paid That reminds them that they are in mostly black money and due to deeply sad and that there is nothing fear of tax raids her father used to wrong with the world and the fault trust friends and relatives who all is with just them that they are not betrayed her the moment the father able to feel anything,” said the died,” he wrote. fi lmmaker. “Coupled with this the ignorant “Some people who are very mother made many wrong SAD: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Verma says Sridevi went through so much in life and due to her early entry, life never deeply depressed commit suicide. investments in litigated properties gave her time to grow up at a normal pace. Others, just to control their and all those mistakes combined depression and anxiety, take extra made her penny-less by the time property claiming that her mother went through so much in her life For the fi lmmaker, Sridevi pills not knowing that it can be Boney Kapoor came into her life. was insane and not in her senses and due to her early career entry, “always came across as very shy, dangerous in certain doses and Boney himself was in huge debt,” when she signed the will due to life never gave her time to grow up insecure and low on confi dence.” conditions,” he added. he said. the brain surgery...So in eff ect at a normal pace,” he said. He said that she was “panicky “Keeping the speculations on her Once the mother died, he added, the woman desired by millions “More than the external peace, about anybody knowing what her death aside and coming back to the her younger sister Shri Latha in the world was all alone in the her internal mental state was of psychological insecurities were.” point of her life, I generally don’t eloped and got married to their world except for one Boney,” added a high degree of concern and this She was “very uptight, who built a say ‘Rest In Peace’ after people die, neighbour’s son.” Verma. caused her to look at her own psychological wall around her” as but in her case I want to really say it He said that before dying, the Verma said that except for a short self. She was the most beautiful she was scared of anybody to really because I very strongly believe that mother had put all properties in glimmer of English Vinglish (her woman for so many people. But see what’s going on within her. she would fi nally and really rest in Sridevi’s name. “But her sister put comeback fi lm), Sridevi had been did she think she was beautiful, the “Not because of her fault, but peace now for the fi rst time in her a case on her demanding half the pretty much very unhappy. “She fi lmmaker asked rhetorically. because she was thrust with fame life, or shall I say death?” — IANS

Batti Gul is entertaining, her Passengers co-star. has substance: Yami In an interview with FM channel KISS, the Oscar-winning actress talked about Actress Yami Gautam says her next fi lm Batti Gul the weirdest rumours she had heard Meter Chalu is entertaining and has a lot of substance. about herself. She also commented on “Batti Gul Meter Chalu is a social drama on the speculation about her love life, reports electricity issue faced by people in the country, dailymail.co.uk. especially in small towns,” Yami said. “I never had an aff air with Chris Pratt “And given the kind of fi lms that producer Prernaa on Passengers. That’s a good one…I Arora (KriArj Entertainment) has been doing and what mean they got a divorce like two years Shree Narayan Singh (director) has done with Toilet: Ek later and everybody was like (shouting) Prem Katha”... you can expect a very fi ne amalgamation Jennifer Lawrence! And I was like what of entertainment and a relevant social issue which has the … ‘what I’m in Montreal two years been talked about for the very fi rst time,” she added. DENIAL: Jennifer Lawrence. later’,” Lawrence said. The actress is excited to play a lawyer for the fi rst There were rumours in 2016 that Pratt time. Never had aff air with and Lawrence got into a relationship “I think it is very interesting, quirky, entertaining and Pratt, says Lawrence fi lming their sci-fi fi lm Passengers, has a lot of substance at the same time. I am extremely which will air in on Sony PIX on happy to be working with the team. I play a lawyer in a Actress Jennifer Lawrence was widely March 6. fi lm for the fi rst time. So, I am very happy,” she said. blamed by fans for actor Chris Pratt’s Pratt announced the news of his split The fi lm also features actors Shahid Kapoor and split from wife Anna Faris. But Lawrence from his wife of eight years Faris last EXCITED: Yami Gautam. Shraddha Kapoor. — IANS says she was never in a relationship with year. — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, March 1, 2018 COMMUNITY Indonesian envoy meets prominent Muslim scholar

ndonesian Ambassador to thoughts and expression, and other Honour Award. Qatar Air Marshal (Retired) liberties. In inter-faith organisations, Muhammad Basri Sidehabi In New York City, Imam Ali is Imam Ali serves as a board member recently held a gathering by well known for promoting inter- for the Partnership of Faith in inviting Imam Shamsi Ali, faith dialogue among Abrahamic NYC, and co-founder of the UNCC Iprominent moderate Indonesian religions in United States. He was (Universal Clergy Coalition- Muslim scholar, along with also appointed Ambassador for International). Furthermore, he expatriate Indonesian community Peace by the International Religious is a Board member of the Muslim at his residence. The envoy Federation in 2002, and received Foundation of America, Inc., and welcomed and appreciated the role the 2008 ICLI (Islamic Center of Chairman of the annual Muslim being played by Imam Ali who is Long Island ) Interfaith Award. Day Parade in NYC. known for promoting inter-faith According to the Indonesian Shamsi Ali is also the chairman dialogue. Embassy offi cial Boy Dharmawan, of the Board of Trustees for the Imam Ali was invited by Doha Imam Ali has received the ASEAN Muslim Federation of International Centre for Inter-faith prestigious non-military gold North America. He also serves as Dialogue (DICID) to represent medal which is one of the the Vice President of the Asian- America in the 13th Doha Inter- highest awards recognised by US American Coalition USA (AAC- faith Dialogue Conference under government to native-born and USA) and its UN Representative and the title “Religion and Human naturalised US citizens. He plays as an advisory board member to Rights”, attended by as many as 500 important role for his endless numerous interfaith organisations, participants from 70 countries. contribution and dedication in including the Tanenbaum Centre Speaking at the gathering building bridges between religious and Federation for Middle East Imam Ali said that Indonesia had communities in American society Peace. a responsibility to address the and in the world. In 2006, he The occasion was used by the misunderstandings about Islam in was named one of seven most ambassador to present Indonesia’s the west and in America. He also infl uential religious leaders in New socio-political situation updates promotes the establishment of York City by New York Magazine. including the role of embassy GROUP: Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Air Marshal (Retired) Muhammad the fundamental freedoms such He is also one of the 100 recipients in serving and protecting the Basri Sidehabi (second right) is seen with Imam Shamsi Ali (second left) in a as freedom of belief, freedom of of the 2009 Ellis Island Medal of Indonesian community aboard. group photo.

SCHOLAR: Imam Shamsi Ali speaks to members of Indonesia community at the ambassador’s residence.

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