Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Rajab 2, 1441 AH

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COVER Winds of change STORY Five things that have changed in Hollywood since the Harvey Weinstein case broke. P4-5

BOLLYWOOD BACK PAGE

For Karisma, MOM means Pak embassy, Diwan AlArab to ‘Master fo Multitasking’. hold Urdu poetry competition. Page 15 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.43am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.01am Zuhr (noon) 11.47am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.33pm Isha (night) 7.03pm

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Emma Woodhouse, who lives in Georgian- and Regency-era England CAST: Josh OConnor, Bill Nighy, Anya Taylor-Joy and occupies herself with matchmaking – in sometimes DIRECTION: Autumn de Wilde misguided, often meddlesome fashion. SYNOPSIS: Following the antics of a young woman, Emma THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 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 Bhoot: Part 1: The Haunted Ship SYNOPSIS: Based on a true accident, the fi lm tells the DIRECTION:Bhanu Pratap Singh story of a couple on an abandoned ship lying static on a beach. CAST: Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Ashutosh Rana THEATRE: Royal Plaza

ote Unquo Qu te “The fairest thing in nature, a fl ower, still has its roots in earth and manure”

– D. H. Lawrence

Community Editor For movie timings and Kamran Rehmat further details please scan e-mail: [email protected] the QR code above with your Telephone: 44466405 mobile phone camera or visit qatarcinemas.com Fax: 44350474 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Ballet Lessons WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 4pm – 8pm For more info e-mail at registration@ atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

Whiskers & Purrs WHERE: Tennis Courts, The Pearl-Qatar WHEN: March 7 Time: 1:00pm-6:00pm MIA Park Bazaar 2020 tickets online on qtickets.com to enjoy this A fun-fi lled event for the family which WHERE: MIA Park lively, and colorful party. will promote responsible pet ownership. The WHEN: Ongoing till April 25 Qatar Food Fest objective is to raise community awareness TIME: 2pm — 8pm WHERE: Sheraton Hotel Park about animal welfare and highlight the plight MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of Metro Street Food WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 the Old Souq tradition with vibrant mix of WHERE: DECC Metro Station TIME: 4pm — 1am around 120 stalls. You can browse and buy WHEN: Ongoing The festival is currently happening at handicrafts, accessories, paintings, clothing, TIME: 12:30pm Sheraton Hotel Park. Qatar Food Fest features food, jewellery, photography and art. Street Food is the ideal venue for a leisure 77 stalls, food trucks, and trolleys, bringing experience for the whole family off ering over culinary and cultural experiences from all 20 dine-in options and 18-hole World Mini- corners of the globe to visitors and residents Golf setup. in Qatar.

Hobby Classes Public Speaking Classes for Adults WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art WHERE: Sharq Capital, C-Ring Road Centre WHEN:Ongoing till July 1 WHEN:Wednesday – Monday TIME: 6:30pm – 9pm Mamangam is an art and performance Get trained by experts to be a good speaker. centre started with a vision of spreading Smedley Toastmasters is conducting a our knowledge, interests and experience in six-month speech-craft programme that various disciplines in arts across different teaches new members to speak confi dently countries for children and adults. and develop leadership skills. For more We offer regular classes in disciplines like information, 66053485, 33232490 or visit of pets that have been abandoned by families. traditional classical dance, art and craft, www.SmedleyToastmasters.org Bollywood and hip-hop styles, Carnatic music, robotics, percussion instruments, keyboard, yoga, zumba and martial arts 2020 Grand Prix – Test and Race like Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Kalari. WHERE: Losail International Circuit For those who wish to register e-mail WHEN: March 6–8 at [email protected] or call on 2020 Grand Prix is set to take place from March 6 till March 8 at the Losail International Circuit. Built-in just under a year, the circuit has been a regular venue of the MotoGP calendar ever since. You can watch the races with friends or family in an open-air setting where you will be surrounded by the uproar of larger crowds.

Holi Festival WHERE: Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort WHEN: March 13 TIME: 2:00pm onwards Get ready to enjoy a day full of fun and euphoria with vibrant colors, foot-stomping Bollywood music, delicious food and more! All these activities will be held on the beach and under a sunny sky! Brace yourselves for one of the most amazing Holi events in Qatar — ‘Beach Holi Festival 2020’. Book your

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Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Anything for granted now out the window egregious things have happened By Ryan Faughnder across multiple parts of this industry and people can see that.” and Stacy Perman Here’s what’s changed.

New guidelines nce known for The Weinstein allegations Oscar winners like sparked much-needed reforms Shakespeare in Love, within Hollywood guilds and disgraced producer agencies — institutions that are Harvey Weinstein’s supposed to protect their members mostO lasting legacy will surely be and clients from being taken the rise of the #MeToo movement advantage of, but instead were triggered by his downfall. criticised for not doing enough to On Monday, a New York jury prevent abuse. convicted Weinstein of two of fi ve Over the last two years, unions counts. Weinstein was found guilty and agencies have taken steps to of one count of rape and one count curb practices that make women of committing a criminal sexual vulnerable to sexual harassment. act, with each crime connected to Performers union SAG-AFTRA an individual allegation made by in 2018 called on producers Mimi Haley or Jessica Mann. He and executives to refrain from was acquitted on the more serious requesting meetings in “high- charges of predatory sexual assault, risk locations” such as private which each carried a potential life homes and hotel rooms as part of a sentence. seven-page code of conduct. Talent More than two years after representatives have increasingly accusations of sexual harassment cautioned clients against taking and assault ended Weinstein’s meetings in such places. career as a movie mogul, the The changes continued this year ripple eff ects of the revelations when SAG-AFTRA released a four- continue in casting meetings, page guide on the use of intimacy executive suites and writers’ coordinators to prevent abuse rooms. Weinstein, who also faces while fi lming intimate scenes. The charges in Los Angeles, denied all use of such specialists has become allegations of nonconsensual sex. more common, with HBO in 2018 The #MeToo movement, announcing it would hire intimacy launched by Tarana Burke years coordinators to monitor sets of its before it became a rallying cry of programmes. hashtag activism, has ended or “These guidelines didn’t exist stalled the careers of powerful before, so they’re incredibly men, including actor Kevin Spacey, meaningful,” Silverstein said. “I former CBS chief Leslie Moonves, think what we need to understand TV host Charlie Rose, producer is that every little piece counts.” Brett Ratner and comedian Louis The Academy of Motion Picture C.K. Industry organisations, Arts and Sciences instituted including trade guilds, the Academy new standards of conduct for its of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members and ejected Weinstein, and talent agencies have taken Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski CONVICT: Harvey Weinstein arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court Monday, in Manhattan, New York. He was found some tangible steps to address from its ranks. guilty of third degree rape and criminal sexual act. The case now moves to Los Angeles. the dangers and discrimination Studios, meanwhile, have women face in Hollywood. Groups become more cautious when like Time’s Up have emerged to hiring directors and actors who transform the energy of #MeToo may have a history of off enses. into practical solutions. Distributors and streaming services Structural problems, such as have increasingly placed “morality Hollywood’s persistent lack of clauses” in contracts that allow women in positions of power them to pull out of projects if and key creative roles, will take people involved are exposed for The bottom line is, the years to adequately address. Still, wrongdoing. Those clauses can on top of the specifi c changes to be very broad, said Akin Gump tectonic plates of the industry practices, advocates say entertainment lawyer Vanessa industry have shifted there’s a strong sense that the Foltyn Roman. “The fi rst drafts underlying standards of behaviour we’re seeing could cover everyone completely toward women in the industry from the lead actor to the makeup have changed in signifi cant ways, artists,” she said. despite rumblings of backlash from people (mostly men) who say the Legal changes — Melissa Silverstein, movement has gone too far. The allegations against Weinstein publisher of Women “The bottom line is, the tectonic have not only changed society, but plates of the industry have also the law. and Hollywood shifted completely,” said Melissa Last year, the National Women’s Silverstein, publisher of Women Law Center published a report and Hollywood. “There is always noting that since 2017, 15 states ‘ going to be this understanding that have passed new laws protecting ’ Wednesday, February 26, 2020 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY employees from sexual harassment Still, activists have kept these and gender discrimination, including issues in the public eye. banning or placing limits on the use Structural problems, “What I do see is a consciousness of nondisclosure agreements and that hadn’t been there before and extending the statute of limitations such as Hollywood’s community building, particularly for victims seeking to fi le civil among women,” said producer and lawsuits against their abusers. persistent lack of former studio executive Amy Baer, “This culture of secrecy board president of Women in Film. and protecting harassers and women in positions “There’s a lack of trepidation about marginalising women once they’ve of power and key speaking up and speaking out for complained is much harder now,” people with powerful voices like said Nancy Erika Smith, a partner at creative roles, actresses and prominent fi lmmakers, the Montclair, N.J., law fi rm Mullin and that’s been an amazing thing.” & Smith, who has represented will take years to former Fox News anchor Gretchen Representation Carlson and Weinstein accuser adequately address. The #MeToo movement resulted Rowena Chiu. Still, on top of the in a broader focus on female California was among the fi rst representation in Hollywood, states to restrict the use of NDAs specific changes to especially the lack of opportunities when outgoing Governor Jerry for women in the director’s chair Brown signed a bill that went industry practices, and in top executive roles. For the into eff ect last year prohibiting second year in a row, no women nondisclosure provisions in advocates say there’s were nominated for best director settlements involving claims a strong sense that the at the Oscars, despite numerous of sexual assault, harassment acclaimed female-helmed movies, or discrimination based on sex. underlying standards including Greta Gerwig’s Little Advocates have held that NDAs, Women and Lulu Wang’s The routinely used in settlement of behaviour Farewell. agreements, helped enable Though disparities remain, predators continue to abuse and toward women in studios are slowly beginning to harass women. the industry have hire more female fi lmmakers. A Weinstein, Cosby and former January study by USC’s Annenberg Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly changed in Inclusion Initiative found that used NDAs when settling claims of 10.6% of the directors of last year’s sexual misconduct. significant ways 100 highest-grossing movies were A number of states have women, up from 4.5% in 2018. expanded statutes of limitations In television, according to the for sex crimes. California passed Directors Guild of America, 31% of legislation in 2018 giving victims of in 2018 brought in Jennifer Salke company based in West Hollywood partnered with several major episodes during the 2018-19 season sexual violence 10 years instead of to run its entertainment studio, called Moon Rise Unlimited. Hollywood organisations including were directed by women, compared two to fi le a civil action against their replacing Roy Price, who left due Amazon, Netfl ix, Paramount and with 25% in the prior year. abusers. Last year, both California to sexual harassment allegations. Social activism ICM. Last year, it initiated a survey The 2020 fi lm schedule includes and New York passed laws, allowing Ann Sarnoff last year became the The hashtag #MeToo became to evaluate workplace culture a handful of female-directed even more time for victims of child fi rst female CEO of the Warner Bros more than a rallying cry, it launched within the entertainment industry. big-budget franchise fi lms. Both sexual abuse to fi le civil lawsuits fi lm and TV studio, replacing Kevin a social movement; leading to the Vowing to fi ght discrimination of this year’s Marvel Studios fi lms against their assailants. Tsujihara, who was pushed out formation of several organisations and sexual harassment and give are directed by women: The long- Advocates and legal experts point following a sex scandal. to address sexual abuse and voice and support to victims, 300 awaited Black Widow, from Cate to the fact that Weinstein stood trial Putting women in positions harassment in the entertainment women came together in January Shortland, and The Eternals, led in Manhattan for multiple sexual of power is key to real change in industry. Outside of raising 2018 to found Times Up. They took by Chloé Zhao. Patty Jenkins is assault charges (he also faces four the entertainment industry and awareness, measurable successes out “Dear Sister” newspaper ads returning for the DC sequel Wonder counts of rape and sexual battery in beyond, Smith said. have been mixed. and enlisted A-list actresses to Woman 1984, and the recent female Los Angeles) as an important shift. “There have been changes, In 2017, a group of powerful dress in black at the Golden Globe villain movie Harley Quinn: Birds of Calling his prosecution, a “sea but nothing has changed until entertainment fi gures launched Awards, where Oprah Winfrey Prey was helmed by Cathy Yan and change,” Debra Katz, a partner at women share power, and I mean the Hollywood Commission for used her speech to slam “a culture written by Christina Hodson. law fi rm Katz, Marshall & Banks, everywhere, in Hollywood and Eliminating Sexual Harassment and broken by brutally powerful men.” “If there’s ever a time for women said: “This is a direct refl ection every other industry,” Smith said. Advancing Equality launched. Led The group says it has raised over to break down doors and for women of societal changes since #MeToo “If they remain male-dominated, by Anita Hill, who ignited sexual $22 million for a legal fund to assist to get female-led stories out there, took place. The New York DA chose men will continue to harass, abuse harassment awareness during the women. But its mission, eff orts and it’s now,” said Once Upon a Time … to bring this case and charge Mr and retaliate against women.” 1991 Senate confi rmation hearings internal dynamics have fallen short in Hollywood producer Shannon Weinstein with the most serious of Some men have begun to wage of Supreme Court Justice Clarence of its stated goals. Last February, McIntosh. McIntosh is currently felonies. As a result of this societal comebacks. Lasseter last year Thomas, its mission is to “tackle Lisa Borders, former president of producing a modern version of reckoning, we are bringing people joined David Ellison’s Skydance the broad culture of abuse and the Women’s National Basketball Cinderella, directed by Kay Cannon to account when they assault Media as head of its growing power disparity.” Association, resigned as Time’s Up (Blockers), for Sony Pictures. women.” animation division. Weeks after The commission, backed by president and chief executive after “Before, it was, ‘Oh, no-one wants In Hollywood, where actresses Moonves’ ouster from CBS, the Lucasfi lm President Kathleen sexual misconduct allegations were that kind of movie,’ and now people are often at the mercy of the embattled executive started a new Kennedy among others, has levied against her son. are saying, ‘You have more of that male-dominated power structure kind of movie? Great!’” for their next job, it’s no longer #MeToo-related stories have business as usual. “What I do see even made it to the big screen, “I think this notion that you can including Bombshell, about the simply invoke the casting couch is a consciousness women of Fox News who took down culture as an excuse for rape, those Roger Ailes, which was nominated days are over,” said Katz. that hadn’t been for two Oscars and won for makeup and hairstyling. On the Record, Corporate upheaval there before and Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering’s new Allegations of harassment and community documentary about the numerous other sexual misbehaviour brought accusations of sexual misconduct corporate upheaval at multiple building, and assault against music mogul major media companies, which Russell Simmons, was picked up became increasingly intolerant of particularly by streaming service HBO Max at questionable workplace behavior among women” Sundance Film Festival after Apple after Weinstein’s implosion. TV+ dropped it. Frozen co-director Jennifer Appropriately enough, the Lee was named chief creative release of writer-director Kitty offi cer of Walt Disney Animation — Amy Baer, producer Green’s The Assistant, a movie with Studios after the ouster of John clear parallel’s to the Weinstein Lasseter, who lost his job after he and board president case, expanded its release to 157 acknowledged “missteps” in his of Women in Film domestic locations last weekend. treatment of employees. Amazon — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY ISL celebrates 7th International Family Fair

The International School of London Hilton Residence Pearl, Aemakeapp, (ISL) Qatar celebrated its seventh Guerlain Spa Al Fardan, Mad annual International Family Fair Science, Evolution, Lebanese Qatari (IFF) recently. It was a day filled with Dental Speciality Complex, Silkor, celebration of diversity and the spirit Curiocity, Maison De Sushi, Monoprix, of friendship, multiculturalism and International Physiotherapy Center, unity. The exciting event gave visitors Nando’s, Minipolis, KidZania, the chance to travel the world in Doha Sports and Arts, Ikea, Korea a day, where they experienced Taekwondo Center, Jean Louis David delicious food from all over the Nails, La Diva De Quafier, H & F Salon, world and enjoyed games and Chocoginx, Shukran, BE Basketball, performances followed by a prize Plexi Art, BK Sports, Yunus Emre draw. Turkish Institute Doha, Adventure Over 1,000 visitors attended the Rooms, KidzMondo, Bubba Gump, IFF including students, parents, Joe’s Crab Shack, Attila Mongolian staff and the Doha community who Grill, Hollywood Stars and Aura came to enjoy the afternoon. The 70 Hospitality & Food Services. diff erent nationalities represented Prizes included a return ticket in the school came together for a to any of Qatar Airways’ 170 truly international event. Diversity is destinations, 5 star hotel rooms, one of the pillars of ISL Qatar that restaurant vouchers, beauty is exemplified in the school events treatments, a makeover worth such as the IFF. QR900, various gaming centres The event also held a draw with and much more. The school was 135 exciting prizes donated by able to raise QR15,000, which was sponsors: Qatar Airways, Arabian donated to ‘Sponsor A Child’ by Link Travel, Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel, Qatar Charity.

City Exchange wins Banks Sevens Football title

City Exchange’s football team won the title of fifth edition of Banks Sevens Football Tournament for banks and financial institutions recently organised by Qatar Central Bank. The team defeated Qatar National Bank 3-1 in the final. This is the first ever championship title for City Exchange in the tournament and it is the first time in championship history that a money exchange company team has won it. Satheesh was leading the victorious eff ort and Latheef, Shiyas and Mousif scored in the final. Ahmed Rateb scored the consolation goal of Qatar National Bank. Latheef showed strong performance throughout the tournament and was awarded with top scorer title. Shihas of City Exchange earned the best goalkeeper award in the tournament. Captain Satheesh received the trophy from off icials of Qatar Central Bank and Qatar Football Association. The winning team was the finalist of the last edition of the tournament. Sharaf P Hameed, CEO, and other off icials of City Exchange congratulated the players for the victory.

KMCC supports ICBF life insurance scheme

Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre’s (KMCC) Qatar central committee recently announced its full support for the life insurance scheme announced by Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) for the Indian community members staying in Qatar on a valid resident permit. During a meeting held at KMCC off ice, Juttas Paul, ICBF Head of Media & Development, presented the details about the insurance scheme to the KMCC central committee members and sought their support to get maximum Indian expats in Qatar enrolled for the scheme. S A M Basheer, KMCC President, declared support for the ICBF scheme and also promised to conduct campaigns for the same amongst all bodies of KMCC. ICBF life insurance scheme is drawing huge support and response from the Indian community in Qatar. So far some 10,000 people have got enrolled with the scheme. Abdulraoof Kondotty and Jerry Babu Basheer, ICBF development subcommittee members, also attended the meeting and explained the scheme in detail. Jafer Thayyil, KMCC vice president and ICBF advisory council member; Rayeesali Wayanadu, KMCC acting general secretary; O A Kareem, Haris Vadakara, Kunjimon Clari, Mammu Polaravida, Mustafa Elathur, Raees Ali, Koya Kondatty, Raheez Perumba, Ismail Poozhikkal also spoke during the meeting. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

GROUP: A group photo of the gathering at the 11th AGM – IESL Qatar chapter. IESL Qatar holds AGM, ‘Engineers’ Night’

he annual general Sarath Wejisoma, Jagath Perera, election commissioner. meeting 2019/2020 Thilakasiri Ekanayake, Rohana The vision, mission and action and Engineers’ Night Egodagama, Chandralal Mendis plans of the IESL Qatar chapter of the Institution of and Jagath Gunasekera. He were presented by Prasanna Engineers of Sri Lanka also stated that there is need to Janakasiri. Following the speech, (IESL)T – Qatar chapter was recently produce great leaders who can an interactive session with the held at Mercure Grand Hotel – take up the leadership in the engineers was held. The annual Doha. Kohularangan Ratnasingam, future. Further, he requested all general body meeting was Minister/Head of Chancery, selected executive committee concluded with the vote of thanks Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar, members to provide quality time given by Manoj Vellaiyapillai, graced the event as the chief and knowledge for the chapter. secretary. guest. Following the speech ‘A After the completion of AGM, The event was started with the flashback of Qatar Chapter the sponsors namely; Sri Lankan lightening of the traditional oil during last year’ was shown as a Airlines – offi cial airline partner, lamp by the invitees and there presentation which was presented Sampath Bank – offi cial banking was participation of members by Prabuddha Lokuliyanage, partner and Sithula – offi cial with their families to enlighten outgoing secretary of IESL. media partner, presented their the event. Special entertaining The presentation conveyed the organisations and the products events were organised for the kids progress of the Qatar chapter in followed by a raffl e draw in which separately. The biography of the the year 2019. some members won various outgoing executive committee The audited financial valuable prizes. Following that, a members was shared with the statement for the year of 2018 buff et dinner and musical night audience. and draft accounts for 2019 were was organised. There were games New chairman of IESL Qatar chapter Prasanna Janakasiri delivering a speech. The welcome speech was presented by Irfan Mohamad, for gents and ladies also; the best given by Kamil Ariff, outgoing outgoing treasurer. Kohularangan dancer of the night was also chosen. chairman of IESL Qatar Chapter. Ratnasingam also delivered The following members were Manoj Vellaiyapillai, Secretary; M Mohamed Riyas, Saddhathissa He thanked all outgoing members a speech. The new executive inducted as new office bearers: Mohamed Fazil, Treasurer; Janaka Sirisena, and Nareshkumar and previous chairmen namely; committee members were Prasanna Janakasiri, chairman; Samarathunga, Editor; Prabuddha Subramaniam; executive Niyamathulla, Saman Ranjith, inducted by Asoka Jayalath, Chanaka Guruge, Vice Chairman; Lokuliyanage, M A A Rumais, A committee members.

BPS hands over admit cards to Grade-XII students for board exam

Birla Public School (BPS) recently organised a ceremony to hand over admit cards to the students of Grade-XII, who will appear in the board examination as the 11th batch from the school. The chief guest on the occasion was Ankur Miglani, Chartered Accountant with Qatar Investment Authority. The ceremony was also attended by Lukose K Chacko, chairman; Gope Shahani, vice- chairman; Nevile Lukose, management representative; life members, principal, vice-principals, teachers, parents and the students. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY OFF B Why do we cry – and what ca

Weeping is informed by everything from culture and identity to social standing – and studying it could help us better understand ourselves, writes Heather Christle

t is common for people witnesses. Think of the “school to scoff at tears as a resource officer” who was called to behaviour and a subject of the classroom of a crying seven- investigation. Tears are, year-old African American boy they say, feminine, self- and put the child in handcuffs. Iindulgent and melodramatic. It is Think of the white police officer not hard to notice, in those beliefs, who cried in court when she spoke the patriarchal assumptions of killing an African American about what should be valued and man in his home, and the hug she what should be mocked. Writing later received from the African teachers will instruct students not American judge. to show their characters’ sadness Tears often serve as a lubricant through crying, calling it cheap. in the wheels of white supremacy. On the other hand, there are those Many people (including Brittney who proclaim the necessity of Cooper and Ruby Hamad) have “a good cry”, who indignantly written about the harm of white defend weeping of all varieties and women’s tears – how they have who see tearfulness almost as an contributed to a long history of identity. “I’m a crier,” they declare, violence towards black people, praising its soul-cleansing effects. indigenous people and people of “Get over it,” their opponents colour. instruct, demanding the shift Doctors have their own precise toward progress and action that frames in which to interpret they believe crying prevents. people’s tears. They can hang little But rather than looking at tears paper tabs from a patient’s eyes to with a predetermined belief in measure tear production, the slim their value, or away from them in rectangles slowly changing colour embarrassment or disgust, it can as the body does its work. When a be clarifying to look through, into psychiatrist is working to diagnose or around tears, to trace the small depression, she will ask a patient to and large patterns that they create describe his or her crying, offering and reveal. a range of possibilities from: “I do Not all tears are alike. The not cry any more than I used to,” human body produces three kinds: to: “I cry over every little thing,” basal, which form an oily layer before ending in numb dryness: over the eyeball to keep it from “I feel like crying, but I can’t.” drying out; reflex, which appear I am reminded of hypothermia, when an eye is bothered by cutting the growing, shivering pain that onions or a speck of dust and transforms just before death into a needs to flush the irritant away; surprising warmth. and psychogenic, which are shed My depression has yet to reach for emotional reasons. Notably, that dry state. Instead, when an emotional tears have a higher episode is at its worst, I can find protein level than basal and reflex myself shaking with cries for an tears, which makes them thicker hour after something as simple as and causes them to fall more dropping a knife to the floor. I am slowly. learning to say these things with This thickness intrigues me. what I hope is neither pride nor The longer it takes for these shame. But tears have a habit of tears to travel down a cheek, the magnifying and distorting. Their greater the chance that they will very nature – their emotional be noticed by another person and origins – makes it difficult to their message perceived. Tears are express these feelings plainly. a social signal. That is why I try, as much as Some people disagree, arguing possible, to say what tears do. that humans also cry alone. But Tears can form an intimate bond even without a witness, tears between people. They can also streak outwards, seeking care. That create a disgusted separation. message can be socially directed Their effect depends largely on toward the self; sometimes a the degree to which people share solitary crier will wrap their arms common stories about who they around themselves, creating are and how the world works. their own soothing embrace. One I once read the claim that people might, in those moments, think sometimes cry from aesthetic of the poet Arthur Rimbaud’s experience, “such as the birth of a declaration: “I is an other.” child or the unveiling of the latest Sometimes, a person is the sender Lamborghini”. Both examples and the recipient of the crying bewilder me. I have gone through signal. birth twice (once as child, once What the social signal of tears as mother) and I can’t figure out makes happen varies from culture how it falls under the category to culture and depends on the of “aesthetic experience”. I identities, access to power and should admit I have never seen a SHARING: Crying occurs when people have reached the limit of what can be said in words. beliefs of the crier and their Lamborghini – newly unveiled or Wednesday, February 26, 2020 GULF TIMES 9 BEAT COMMUNITY an we learn from our tears?

otherwise – but when I imagine one, I feel no inclination to cry. It is hard for me to imagine any possibility of connection with someone whose ideas of aesthetic tears differ so hugely from mine. Honestly, it is hard for me to imagine his tears at all. I have a feeling they are actually tiny Lamborghinis running down his face. The tears that seem most full of potential are those that surprise by breaking out of expected and systemic patterns, revealing the small and strange undercurrents in which people daily resist larger tides. This kind of crying neither confirms what I already find emotionally compelling nor leaves me rolling my eyes. Instead, it points toward new possibilities for “When my child understanding, new combinations was a toddler, of ideas. When my child was a toddler, she cried one day because she cried one the lemon she wanted to eat would not remain whole. Why did this day because move me so? I think because, the lemon looking through the lens of her tears, the lemon became more she wanted to real to me than it had been since my own toddlerhood. It was not a eat would not commodity, not a metaphor from which to extract a lesson about remain whole” sweetness. It was utterly itself, brightly containing its wholeness and its destruction. An impossible lemon – of course she was crying. trusted, but it does signify that a new ways of understanding crying, open. When you try to swallow, in the same way – not as a stopping Perhaps you have noticed that breaking point has been reached. physically and metaphorically. the muscles resist, creating the point, but a passageway? What it is almost impossible to sing and It means that it is time to pay For instance, it turns out that the sensation of an obstruction. Some if we could look through crying cry at the same time. The throat attention to the systems the tears lump in your throat when tears people fi nd relief in this fact – that to understand the abundance of muscles cannot simultaneously point towards. are imminent is not a lump at all. their throat won’t close up, that patterns – of joy, oppression, grief, obey the command to shape The subject rewards that Obeying the imperative to keep their body is taking care of them beauty, violence and transformative notes and the command to hold attention. Years into my research, I breathing through distress, the and bringing them much-needed potential – that tears have the power themselves open to maximise still found myself learning surprising muscles of the throat work to stay air. What if we could look at crying to reveal? – The Guardian oxygen intake (a command that crying provokes unconsciously). This leads me to believe that the opposite of crying is not laughter (those two, I would argue, are sisters), but song. As a poet and as a human living on a planet careering ever more deeply and unevenly into capitalism-induced horrors, I want to attend to both: the moments of singing; the moments when a voice breaks. I have been thinking about breaking points a lot lately, in part because of a conversation with the Iranian-American poet Kaveh Akbar about the limits of the English language and all the violence that has occurred in its tongue. Recently, he sent me a lecture he had just given on this subject, delivered as the US again threatened Iran with war. He wrote that English is “a technology that has been used to promote and protect genocides, chattel slavery, ecological decimation, the building and deployment of nuclear weapons and more. That’s our paint.” Crying occurs when people have reached the limit of what can be said in words and what they are capable of managing on their own. This does not mean that their words up to that moment are necessarily good or true or to be STIGMA: Emotional tears fall more slowly, increasing the chance that they will be noticed. They are a social signal. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Try This Use a black or 1 dark brown pencil It looks old, to draw a map, a message and a but isn’t picture on different pieces of paper Here’s how to make a piece of writing look like it was written long ago. Ask your helper to make dark, strong 2 tea in the bowl, and let it cool You’ll need Put your papers • White copier in the tea, and or printer paper leave them there for three days; • Soft, light colored squeeze and paper, such as white, crush the papers tan or yellow and stir them construction paper each day • Piece torn from Take papers out a brown paper bag 3 of tea, and air dry • Tea bags them in a place • Large bowl where the tea will not cause a stain • Colored pencils • Adult helper

Graphic: Paul Trap What happened?

The papers will look like old, brown documents

Your marks did not dissolve because colored pencils contain wax, which Counterfeiters use is waterproof stains like this to create fake antique Tea contains documents tannin, a dark chemical that Scientists have ways stained your to test documents papers to see whether they are really old or not Graphic: TNS Wednesday, February 26, 2020 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Stress may lead to surprising social benefits: study

hile too much stress can be their stressors and whether they gave or toxic to your health, a new received emotional support on that day. study suggests that despite Stressors included arguments, stressful its negative side eff ects, it events at work or school, and stressful events may also lead to a surprising at home. Wsocial benefi t. The researchers found that on average, The research, published in the journal participants were more than twice as likely to Stress & Health, found that experiencing either give or receive emotional support on stress made people both more likely to give days they experienced a stressor. and receive emotional support from another Additionally, they were 26 per cent more person. likely to give or receive support the following This was true on the day they experienced day. the stressor as well as the following day. The researchers said that while this eff ect, “Our fi ndings suggest that just because we on average, was found across the participants, have a bad day, that doesn’t mean it has to be it diff ered slightly between men and women. completely unhealthy,” said study researcher “Women tended to engage in more giving David Almeida from Penn State University in and receiving emotional support than men,” the US. said study researcher Hye Won Chai. “If stress can actually connect us with “In our study, men were also more likely other people, which I think is absolutely vital to engage in emotional support on days they to the human experience, I think that›s a were stressed, but to a lesser extent than benefi t. Stress could potentially help people women,” Chai added. deal with negative situations by driving them The researchers said they were surprised to be with other people,” Almeida added. that stress was linked to people not just stressor today actually predicted them giving possible that stress helps to drive you to other For the study, the researchers interviewed receiving emotional support, but giving it, emotional support the next day,” Almeida people and allows it to be Ok to talk about 1,622 participants every night for eight as well. said. problems – your problems, my problems,” nights. They asked the participants about “We saw that someone experiencing a “This made me think that it›s actually Almeida added. – IANS

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

Take extra time to tend to your appearance and show off a bit today, You may be called upon to host a gathering in your own home, You feel confident. People can’t help but notice as you radiate a Aries. Keep your shoulders back and head high. Be the proud person Taurus. At first this could throw you into a panic because you loving, peaceful calm, Gemini. Eyes will turn your way, and complete you are. You should feel validated. Your job today is to simply uplift don’t think your house is clean enough. Don’t worry. It’s probably strangers may come up to you and tell you how attractive you are. people with your presence. This is no sweat for you. Happiness is impeccable. You’re the only one who will notice any dust, so don’t Be confident yet humble and you will inspire people just by your right up your alley, so have fun. sweat it. peaceful, glowing presence. Take advantage of this wonderful day by enjoying yourself for the beautiful person you are. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

You have an innate psychic ability that only needs some fine-tuning You surprise yourself by signing up for a group lesson rather than a You may wonder why all the attention isn’t focused on you, Virgo. and strengthening for it to develop into a formidable power. Even private one. This is unlike you; nevertheless, you find you enjoy the Perhaps you feel cheated and irritable. The more annoyed you get, now you sometimes find yourself reading other people’s thoughts. social interaction. Besides, whether you’re learning cooking or rock the more you will drive others away instead of draw them to you. This sensitivity gets you into trouble sometimes, but mostly it works climbing, it’s always much more fun to learn with others. That way, Rather than get upset or angry because attention isn’t coming your to your advantage. In relationships, especially, you’re able to put an you can learn from their mistakes and they from yours. It’s bound to way, join with the prevailing happy-go-lucky mood. You will find that end to hurt feelings before they evolve into something irreparable. be a fun, adventurous day, Leo. Enjoy it. your whole day turns around for the better. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

You’re bubbling over with confidence and enthusiasm, Libra. Get into the spotlight where you belong instead of letting someone Today can be a wonderfully productive day for you, Sagittarius, if Not surprisingly, those around you respond in kind. Your smile is else take credit for something you did, Scorpio. Don’t be shy about you learn how to compromise. If you insist on doing things your contagious, and you have people joking and laughing with you strutting your stuff . You may usually turn away from people who act way only, you will run into diff icult emotional conflicts. Realise that throughout the day. You’ll have much success in whatever you this way because they seem shallow and self-centred. Realise that this can easily be avoided by joining hands with your partner and do today, although group eff orts will likely prove more rewarding. you’re more sensitive. Be proud of who you are. working together toward a common goal. There’s a great deal of Romance figures prominently in the evening, so make the most of it! energy here, so don’t waste it on something insignificant. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You will most likely be hungry for attention today, Capricorn. This is a great day to strut your stuff , Aquarius. You’re on top of the You may feel tense, Pisces, perhaps because someone close to You will look at others who are on centre stage and adjust your world, so enjoy it, your family, and the people around you. You’re at you disregards the way you feel. You feel as if this person is more appearance or attitude in order to be more like them. Be careful the forefront of the action and you don’t miss a beat, regardless of concerned with his or her own issues and not concerned about you. of getting obsessed with attention. The key is to be yourself and the conversation buzzing around you. You’re able to whip out facts Meanwhile, your sensitive, caring heart is well aware of everyone happy, regardless of who’s watching. A flower unseen blooms just as and dates at the drop of a hat. Don’t let anyone bring you down or else. You support others and are thoughtful. It’s time to rearrange beautifully and smells just as sweet. talk you out of your good mood. your priorities. First care about yourself, then others. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

AMUSED BLITHE CONTENT GLAD HAPPY JOCUND JOYFUL MIRTHFUL SPARKLING BEAMING CHEERFUL DELIGHTED GLEEFUL HEARTY JOLLY LAUGHING PLEASED SUNNY BLISSFUL CHEERY EUPHORIC GRATIFIED JAUNTY JOVIAL MERRY SMILING

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. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 7 Unintentional sort of invader 1 Queen of Carthage swindled by gets temporary accommodation love (4) (11) 2 Exit far from correct (3-3) 8 Get on in time for an award (6) 3 More than shy - gloomy! (8) 9 Get to grips with equipment (6) 4 Indomitable courage - King 10 The name of a woman George has it (4) staggering in the bar (6) 5 Be a prisoner or a guiding light 12 Is able to repeat a dance (6) (6) 13 Oberve the diocese (3) 6 Is a Latin translation for 14 Naughty child allowed outside Europeans? (8) for shellfish (6) 11 Gourmets providing us with 16 Cook clouts insect (6) recipe? (8) 18 Transport setback leads to 12 A vegetable Eric and Alec quarrel (4,2) cooked (8) 20 Sporting event has started, so 15 Off ended, having been expelled go away (3,3) (3,3) 22 Mountaineer scrambling list (11) 17 Frank is a little unrealistic and idealistic (6) 19 Look both ways (4) 21 An excellent punishment? (4) Answers

Wordsearch Codeword Solutions 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD Is intermission dead? Many hit musicals, plays skipping them

and presentations for the Kimmel By Ellen Gray Center. A member of the Broadway League and a Tony voter, Egler f you’ve been to the theatre books the Kimmel’s Broadway lately, you may have noticed Philadelphia series, which in the something missing: the coming months will include the intermission. intermission-free Jesus Christ The musical Come From Superstar (April 7-12, Academy IAway, about what happened in of Music) and Summer: The Gander, Newfoundland, when Donna Summer Musical (June 2-7, 38 planes were stranded there on Academy of Music). September 11, 2001, came and went There was a time when from the Academy of Music this intermissions were social season without a break in its 100 occasions, “but that was a long heartfelt minutes. The Band’s Visit time ago,” she said. “With the was even shorter. In 95 minutes, it rise of other art forms,” things also told a story about extending have changed. “Films can be 90 a warm welcome to accidental minutes with no intermission visitors, running straight through to so why not a theatrical play? … their departure. What’s the length they need to tell Ivo van Hove’s new Broadway their story?” she said. revival of West Side Story, which “We don’t make a decision on runs an hour and 45 minutes, booking based on whether there’s has been streamlined to exclude an intermission or not,” Egler both the song I Feel Pretty and the said. The goal is to make sure that original’s intermission. “I want to “whether it’s three hours or an make a juggernaut,” the Belgian hour-and-a-half, that (audiences director told Vogue. “You feel that are) going to leave satisfied.” these people are running toward Asked about the perception that their death and there’s no escape younger theatregoers might be from it.” SPOTLIGHT: A poster outside the Broadway Theater advertises West Side Story in New York City. West Side Story is attracted to shorter plays, “You Add in intermission-free shows returning to Broadway for the first time in more than a decade, directed by Belgian Ivo Van Hove. don’t want to sound like, ‘Well, like Jacqueline Goldfinger’s new these kids can’t sit still for that,’” 90-minute Babel (through March Egler said. “It’s how you engage 8, Theatre Exile), the 90-minute “Because our brains have evolved and our them.” Once on This Island (May 21- understanding of storytelling has evolved, we are “I chuckle at the idea that like June 21, Arden Theatre Co.), millennials can’t sit still,” said and the 90-minute The Wolves just able to process a lot more. We now can have a Goldfinger. “Are you kidding me? (April 10-May 3, Philadelphia They can sit still for hours and Theatre Company) and it’s clear much wider breadth of diversity in our storytelling play games, and do board games theatregoers can no longer take it and do entire runs of shows on for granted that there will be an .… It’s like Netflix has come along in theatre” Netflix. opportunity to answer nature’s “If you go and see some of call — or visit the bar — before the — Jacqueline Goldfinger, playwright these longer plays like August: curtain call. Osage County, I saw that and On the plus side, going to the And if there were an point we collect, for me to be able engagements in London and New it was almost all a millennial theatre on a weeknight doesn’t intermission? to say, ‘this many productions York’s Park Avenue Armory, has audience and nobody breathed for have to mean a bleary-eyed Goldfinger said her story “relies without intermissions were in the been running three-and-a-half three hours,” she said. “You see morning after. on a building of pressure and season,’” said Leigh Goldenberg, hours, with two intermissions. “Describe the Night,” right now at If you’re a playwright momentum towards a decision. executive director of Theatre Dear Evan Hansen, the Tony- the Wilma, that attracts younger today, “you have to earn … If you’re in a high-pressure Philadelphia. She nevertheless winning musical from Ardmore’s audiences, they’re sitting through that intermission,” said the situation, and you take a break, said she’s seen a trend toward Benj Pasek and his songwriting a three-hour piece and loving it. It Philadelphia-based Goldfinger and you let the pressure dissipate, shorter, intermissionless shows, partner, Justin Paul, is coming has nothing to do with attention (The Arsonists, Skin & Bone), it’s really hard to get it back.” something she thinks is partly to Philadelphia’s Forrest Theatre span.” citing Rajiv Joseph’s Describe the “I love when a show has no driven by finances. “What we’re April 7-19, and runs a more It might, though, have to do Night as an example of a meaty intermission,” said Satchel encouraging our theater makers to traditional two-and-a-half hours, with how attention is paid. enough story to merit one. Williams, who starred in the one- do is to create smaller and smaller with a single intermission. “As our minds evolve, as “There’s so much history where woman play A Hundred Words for works.” On Broadway, The Inheritance, technology evolves, we’re you have to make connections Snow, which also runs 90 minutes And then there’s the time/ Matthew Lopez’s two-part used to gathering in larger and between historical figures and with no intermission. “A good attention span issue (more on reimagining of EM Forster’s larger amounts of information,” what’s happening onstage. It’s not story told concisely is incredible that in a bit). “We just want to Howards End, is running 3 Goldfinger said. “If you go back told chronologically, so your brain to me.” get to the next thing quicker. In hours, 15 minutes, with two and you read like (a Eugene) is working really hard to make Speaking as both “an actor and Shakespeare’s time your whole intermissions, for Part 1, and O’Neill classic,” it might “mention those connections. By the time an audience member,” she said, activity for the night was to 3 hours, 20 minutes, with one pieces of information two or three you get to intermission, your brain “Some stories think they need to enjoy a three-hour play, which intermission and one 5-minute or four times to make sure the is ready for a break,” she said. be long. But they don’t. … I think you would stand up for,” said “pause,” for Part 2. audience gets it.” “And the second act blows your we’ve just gotten used to stories Goldenberg, whose organisation “If you look at what’s opening Today, “because our brains have mind.” taking longer than they need to.” promotes the region’s theater and on Broadway this season, you’ve evolved and our understanding of By contrast, her Babel, a Maybe not for much longer: A oversees the Barrymore Awards. got Moulin Rouge and (the musical storytelling has evolved, we are play about one possible future study of the 2019-20 US theatre For those who still like an about) Tina Turner, which are just able to process a lot more,” driven by prenatal testing, is season found that of 80 new plays evening of theatre to take up the two-plus hours with intermission. she said. “We now can have a set “in a space we understand,” represented in a survey, 62% entire evening, there’s no shortage And then you’ve got a show as much wider breadth of diversity in and without time jumps. “I can were being presented without of longer shows. short as Six, which is … all but 80 our storytelling. … It’s like Netflix tell a satisfying story in the 90 intermissions. The Lehman Trilogy, coming to minutes long,” said Frances Egler, has come along in theatre.” — The minutes.” Locally, “that’s not a data Broadway in March after sold-out senior director of programming Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS Wednesday, February 26, 2020 GULF TIMES 15 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY For Karisma, MOM means ‘Master of Multitasking’

Actress Karisma Kapoor is gearing up for her digital debut with the web series Mentalhood. She says there is meaning and learning in every episode of the show. “I am super-excited and very emotional because there is a meaning behind this show. There is learning behind this show. Each episode has a message and it’s for everyone out there. Even men watching this show will be like, ‘Oh my God! I didn’t realise this’. In this show, we deal with bullying, gender issues, exam fever, surrogacy, health, and various other topics. So, it is actually entertainment but you also learn something at the end of the journey of each episode, which is so beautiful,” said Karisma, at the trailer launch of Mentalhood. She was accompanied by co-actors Sanjay Suri, Sandhya Mridul, Dino Morea, Shilpa Shukla, Shruti Seth and Tillotama Shome. The show’s producer Ekta Kapoor was there, too, as were Aparna Acharekar, programming head, Zee5, and series director Karishma Kohli. The series explores the multitasking nature of mothers and their various eff ort at the best possible upbringing for their children. “I guess I am the seniormost parent over here, with a teenage daughter and a young son, said Karisma, adding: “For me, it’s MOM — Master of Multitasking. A mother is a master of multitasking, so as long as you know your priorities and you can multitask them, you can do everything in the world,” she said. On why she chose to enter the digital space at this stage, Karisma said: “When Ekta (Kapoor) approached me for the show and I heard this story, I just couldn’t say no. I feel this script is relevant today and being a mother has been the most important thing for me. I always said I’d keep all my awards on one side and my children on the other. My entire career is on one side and my kids are on the other. I think it teaches you a lot and it is relevant to so many mothers, and so many women out there. That’s why I just couldn’t say no.” Mentalhood streams on ALT Balaji and Zee5 from March 11. — IANS SUPER-EXCITED: Karisma Kapoor.

Kajol tutors Kamal ‘should say sorry to Ajay on selfies Bollywood actress Kajol has Rekha for unplanned kiss’ been tutoring her actor-fi lmmaker husband Ajay Devgn on how to click selfi es! I wouldn’t have agreed to it. But Kajol yesterday morning took they told me to think of it as a big to Instagram, where she shared a king kissing a small child. They photograph of herself sitting on a told me it wouldn’t be passed by stair case. According to the caption, the Censor. I asked them what the it seemed that the actress wanted Censor was!” her hubby to feature in the photo Rekha says nobody believes her with her. when she says the kiss happened She captioned the image: “Me: without her consent and that Baby let’s take a selfi e na... Hubby: Kamal Haasan is aware of it. Go sit there I will take it... Me: She said: “Only he and the unit Selfi e means both of us together that was there can confirm what and someone in the pic clicks it. I’ve said. Balachander sir is no His answer: pointing fi nger.. laugh more. Only those who were there emojis.” at the shoot know that the kiss Ajay shared the same image and happened without my consent.” said it was his version of a selfi e. According to the portal, she “My version of the selfi e is also said that neither Balachander usually myself behind the camera,” nor Kamal Haasan apologised to he said. — IANS her after the scene. “Why would they apologise? The film was a superhit! I got many films after that, too, with Ramarajan and Ilaiyaraaja, like ‘Namma Ooru Pattukaran’. We were all so busy in those days, going from one schedule to BLAST FROM THE PAST: Kamal Hasan, left, and Rekha. another,” Rekha recalled. She added that she would never amil actress Rekha’s up of answering it,” Rekha told we had to jump when he said 1, 2, have agreed to kiss if she was shocking revelation The News Minute according to 3... we kissed and then jumped. aware of the same in advance. about the “unplanned bollywoodlife.com, insisting It was only when I watched it in Rekha never demanded an kiss” by actor Kamal Kamal Haasan and the late Tamil theatres that I realised it had such apology from either Kamal Haasan in filmmaker K cinema doyen Balachander a huge impact,” she said. Haasan or the late Balachander Balachander’sT 1986 film Punnagai tricked her into doing the scene. Rekha was only 16 when she did for the incident but, as the news Mannan has raised a storm on She added that kiss helped the film after completing Class spread, sections of social media social media. Many netizens have the film in totality to bring out 10. said the actor should say sorry, said that the veteran superstar certain needed emotions. She also talked about being told reports sify.com. Kamal Haasan should apologise to “The kiss didn’t look ugly or that the Censor Board would not “I don’t know about getting the actress for the kiss that, she aggressive on screen. There was a approve of the kiss. an apology but it is a fact that I added, was filmed on her without need for it, but I was a very young She claimed: “They continued wouldn’t have said yes to the kiss her consent when she was just 16. girl and I didn’t know about it. after that shot also, we had a at that time. They just did the “I’ve said this a hundred times. He (director K Balachander) said, location shift. Suresh Krissna scene suddenly. It’s over now and They shot the scene without me ‘Kamal, close your eyes! You and Vasanth were the associate I don’t want to revisit it,” said knowing about it. People ask me remember what I told you, right?’ directors, and I told them I wasn’t Rekha. the same question and I’m fed and Kamal said that he did. Then informed about the kiss and that — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMUNITY Pakistan embassy, Diwan AlArab to hold online Urdu poetry competition

By Mudassir Raja

Poetry is the spontaneous overfl ow of powerful “I am very pleased feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected to announce that in tranquility.” These are the“ famous words by the English the embassy in Romantic era poet William Wordsworth. collaboration One of the best expressions of emotions and feelings comes in the with Diwan form of poetry, which uses words in a rhythm to express a sublime AlArab, Ministry thought in a given language. Urdu is known for its poetic expressions, of Culture and and there have been a number of Urdu poets who made their mark in Sports is going to world literature for their skill and originality in thought. organise an online Qatar has always been a hub where Urdu literary activities Urdu poetry have consistently been organised by expatriates who speak and competition” understand the language. There are numerous annual and monthly — Syed Ahsan Raza poetic sessions that are organised by Urdu speaking expatriates. Shah, Ambassador Keeping in mind the interest of people in Urdu poetry, Embassy of Pakistan to Qatar of Pakistan in Qatar is going to organise an online Urdu poetry competition for the Pakistanis in collaboration with Diwan AlArab (Qatar Poetry Center). According to the information available on the website of the embassy, poets interested in the competition can send in their creative pieces from subjects or words. A panel of highly part in the competition. He said: “I the embassy’s website, Facebook to promote literary mobility March 1 to 10. The winner will reputed Urdu poets will judge the am very pleased to announce that and Twitter account. The poetry regarding poetry, its templates, be announced in Doha on March competition and their decision will the embassy in collaboration with will be examined by the panel of and its methods, launching it in 21 coinciding with World Poetry be fi nal. Diwan AlArab, Ministry of Culture distinguished Urdu poets. I will a free creative space according to Day. The winner will be awarded In a video message, Syed Ahsan and Sports is going to organise an urge on all interested people to take standards that take into account QR10,000 in cash. Raza Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan online Urdu poetry competition. up a pen and test their creative the literary heritage of the Qatari The topic for the competition to Qatar, invited all those who are We have shared the rules and skills.” society and its cultural depth and is a line from the famous couplet interested in Urdu poetry to take regulations for the competition on The Qatar Poetry Center works to create the right climate for of Dr Muhammad Iqbal, national the Qatari poet and contribute poet of Pakistan, which is: “Jahan to the development of his or her Hai Tere Liye, Tu Nahin Jahan capabilities. Ke Liye” (Universe is for your Commenting on the [human beings], you are not for announcement of the competition, the universe). The participants can Mohamed Atiq, Chairman Majlis- upload their poetry on the offi cial e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab Qatar Instagram of Diwan alArab – (MFUA), congratulated the embassy diwanalarab_qa and appreciated the ambassador As per the terms and conditions for taking the initiative. MFUA has of the contest shared by the regularly been organising a large Pakistani embassy on its website, annual Urdu mushaira in Doha for the organisers will not accept 25 years. plagiarism or use of poetic Atiq, a long time Qatar resident, expression of other poets. The said: “Urdu is not only the national poetry and the details of the but also the offi cial language of participants such as the poet’s Pakistan. Promotion of Urdu poetry name, city name, national identity and language means promotion of number, and phone number should Pakistani culture and traditions. be written in legible way at the end The competition will urge the of the poetry. creative Pakistani writers to express The competition that is meant themselves on the interesting only for the residents of Pakistan subject. and Pakistanis living in Qatar asks “I congratulate Ambassador the participants to share minimum Syed Ahsan Raza Shah for taking four and maximum fi ve couplets. the step and hope that competition One poet can share only one poem will become a regular feature to or one ghazal. The organiser will promote and appreciate Urdu exclude the poetry containing NATIONAL POET: The topic for the competition is chosen from the line of a famous couplet of Dr Muhammad Iqbal, poets.” religious, political, unethical the national poet of Pakistan.