Community Community Philippine Filmmaker School Doha Michael P6alumni have P20 Rossato- done well in multiple Bennett and producer professional exams. Four Alix Madigan-Yorkin have excelled in nursing will attend a session on exam and one in dentistry. filmmaking at VCU-Q.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Jumada I 7, 1437 AH

DOHA 17°C—25°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 13 PUZZLES 14 & 15

COVER STORY Busy bee Malaysian ambassador Dato’ Ahmad Jazri Bin Mohamed Johar on his life and times, and the leading role on Doha’s diplomatic circuit. P4-5

HIGH PROFILE: The Malaysian ambassador has been very active on Doha’s diplomatic scene since his arrival in 2011. Photo by Umer Nangiana 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.51am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.08am Zuhr (noon) 11.48am Asr (afternoon) 3.03pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.30pm Isha (night) 7.00pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Time 141, 140 Doha International Airport 40106666 The Pack SYNOPSIS: A farmer and his family are forced into survival mode to make it Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 GENRE: Thriller, Horror must fi ght for survival after a ferocious through the night. Medical Commission 44679111 CAST: Anna Lise Phillips, Jack pack of wild dogs infi ltrates their Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Campbell, Katie Moore isolated farmhouse. Through a series of THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Qatar Airways 44496000 DIRECTION: Nick Robertson frightening and bloody encounters they Landmark Weather Forecast 44656590 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444 Qatar University 44033333

te Unqu uo ot How To Be Single the right match, and what Alice, Robin, Lucy, Meg, Tom and Q e GENRE: Comedy, Romance David all have in common is the need to learn how to be single However CAST: Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann in a world fi lled with ever-evolving defi nitions of love. DIRECTION: Christian Ditter diffi cult life may seem, SYNOPSIS: New York City is full of lonely hearts seeking THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza there is always something you can do and succeed at. Mall Cinema (1): Paavada (Malayalam) (Arabic) 7.45pm; How To Be Single (2D) 2pm; The Choice (2D) 4.30pm; Ocean 14 9.30pm; The Pack (2D) 11.30pm. (Arabic) 6.15pm; The Benefactor (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Alvin & — Stephen Hawking 8pm; The Pack (2D) 9.45pm; Jil Jung Juk The Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2D) 3pm; (Tamil) 11.15pm. (2D) 4.45pm; The Choice (2D) 6.45pm; Navy Seals: The Battle Of New Orleans Mall Cinema (2): Alvin & The Chipmunks: Jil Jung Juk (Tamil) 8.45pm; Paavada (2D) 5pm; Pride & Prejudice & Zombies The Road Chip (2D) 2.30pm; Kung Fu (Malayalam) 11pm. (2D) 7pm; Pride & Prejudice & Zombies Style (2D) 4.15pm; The Finest Hours (2D) Cinema Land Mark (2): Kung Fu Style (2D) 9pm; Navy Seals:The Battle Of New 5.45pm; Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2D) (2D) 2.30pm; Kung Fu Style (2D) 4pm; Orleans (2D) 11pm. 7.45pm; Navy Seals:The Battle Of New Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (2D) 5.30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Fitoor Features Editor Orleans (2D) 9.45pm; Pride & Prejudice & Navy Seals: The Battle Of New Orleans (Hindi) 2.30pm; Kung Fu Style (2D) 5pm; Zombies (2D) 11.30pm. (2D) 7.30pm; Pride & Prejudice & Zombies Sanam Re (Hindi) 6.45pm; The Finest Kamran Rehmat Mall Cinema (3): Fitoor (Hindi) 2.15pm; (2D) 9.30pm; Pride & Prejudice & Zombies Hours (2D) 9pm; Fitoor (Hindi) 11pm. e-mail: [email protected] Sanam Re (Hindi) 4.30pm; How To Be (2D) 11.30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): The Telephone: 44466405 Single (2D) 6.30pm; Fitoor (Hindi) Cinema Land Mark (3): Pride & Prejudice Benefactor (2D) 2.30pm; How To Be 8.30pm; Paavada (Malayalam) 10.45pm. & Zombies (2D) 2.30pm; Alvin & The Single (2D) 4pm; The Choice (2D) 6pm; Fax: 44350474 Cinema Land Mark (1): Paavada Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2D) 4.30pm; The Benefactor (2D) 8pm; Ocean 14 (Malayalam) 2.15pm; The Finest Hours The Benefactor (2D) 6pm; Ocean 14 (Arabic) 9.30pm; The Pack (2D) 11.15pm. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Winter Weekends at Aspire Zone Committed to reviving the Qatari heritage, off ers a comprehensive educational DATE: Until March 24 the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara is programme specifi cally designed for the TIME: 4pm-9pm hosting, for fi fth consecutive year, the Halal Mena region that will have signifi cant VENUE: Aspire Park Qatar Festival for goat and sheep breeding. The emphasis on practical aspects of common Aspire Zone Foundation invites you to festival includes Almzaan, barns and auction, neurological and neurosurgical disorders. come along with your family and friends, and as well as a large number of accompanying The scientifi c programme committee has to bring your kids every Thursday for outdoor activities, such as games, traditional food, the invited world leaders in their fi elds to share sport fun activities, including football, old market and the tent heritage, in addition their knowledge with the attendees. volleyball, competitions and games for boys to many other recreational and educational and girls, from 4pm to 9pm. activities related to Halal and ways to deal with Jewellery and Watches Exhibition them. DATE: February 23-27 Qatari Youth Forum VENUE: Doha Exhibition and Convention DATE: Feb 22-23 Art Exhibition Center VENUE: Sheraton Doha Hotel DATE: Until April 18 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition The Qatari Youth Forum, which will VENUE: Porto Arabia, Pearl (DJWE) is being held once a year in Qatar. be organised by the Ministry of Culture Diff usion by Peter Zimmermann — A This show is one of the most exclusive in the and Sports for the fi rst time in Qatar, mesmerising solo exhibition of colourful, world for wealthy individuals interested in EVENTS aims to enhance communication between futuristic works. Anima Gallery, Parcel 17, fi ne jewellery and unique pieces, watches, the ministry and youth, and provide the Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Contact: gemstones, and diamonds, all represented Panel on US elections appropriate environment that promotes 40027437 by more than 500 exclusive international The American Chamber of Commerce in dialogue and consultation between them brands. Additionally, a number of Qatar (AmCham Qatar) will host a special and those supervising the youth in schools, Aspire Aquathon Series educational seminars will be delivered on edition of its popular Distinguished Speaker clubs and universities. In addition, it aims to DATE: Feb 20 jewellery and watches throughout the week. Series as part of the second annual Discover give young people the chance to present their VENUE: Hamad Aquatics Centre America Week taking place February 15-22 in ideas, participate in examining the issues You can join this popular combination of Doha. A panel of international media experts that concern them, and work out solutions, swimming and running sport race, organised will tackle the upcoming US presidential besides activating new youth initiatives by Aspire Zone Foundation in Hamad FOODIE CHOICE election in a lively debate, ‘Presidential and coming up with recommendations that Aquatics Centre pool facility and around Predictions Forum: Media, Politics and reinforce youth work. the Aspire Zone precinct. Entry fees: QR20. RESTAURANT: Panorama Campaign 2016.’ Entry is open for all ages and talents, aged LOCATION: The Doha Torch The panel will be moderated by Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Summit 8 years and above. Adult groups will run for Celebrate the fi rst day of spring on the Northwestern Qatar Dean and CEO Everette DATE: March 10-12 5km and swim 500m long, while kids will run 21st of March with authentic French cuisine E Dennis and will include three prominent VENUE: Hajar Auditorium between 1.5 - 3 km and swim between 100- surrounded by spectacular panoramic views panelists: Clyde Wilcox, professor of political Hamad Medical Corporation will organise 200m long, according to their age group. of Doha. Our specialty chef Krishnalall science at the Georgetown School of Foreign the Third Qatar International Metabolic Beeharee presents recipes inspired by French Service in Qatar; Jocelyn Mitchell, assistant and Bariatric Surgery Summit with the Neuroscience Conference expertise and emphasises on seasonal professor of liberal arts at Northwestern participation of distinguished keynote speakers DATE: February 18-20 produce, high-quality ingredients that uses University in Qatar; and Yasir Khan, Al and panelists who will share their experiences VENUE: Sheraton Hotel less fat, sugar and salt showing concern for Jazeera English producer and documentary through lectures and discussions on bariatric The 1st Qatar Annual Neuroscience “good food” and the environment. Open from fi lmmaker. and metabolic surgery techniques. The summit Conference, organised by the Neurological Wednesday – Saturday for dinner 6pm to will feature live sessions to provide technical Institute at Hamad Medical Corporation, 11pm. Cultural Diversity festival knowledge from experts around the world and DATE: Until May 31 support specialists to adopt new techniques in TIME: 7:30-9:00pm their practice for revisional and complicated VENUE: Katara Beach bariatric surgeries. Over 20 countries from all over the world are showcasing their traditions and heritage. Second Qatar Nephrology Conference DATE: Feb 25-27 VENUE: Convention Center, Sheraton Hotel The Second Qatar Nephrology Conference, which will be organised by Hamad Medical Corporation, will bring together experts in the fi eld of nephrology to discuss the most important clinical issues that specialists face in their daily practice. The conference’s programme addresses the diff erent aspects of renal and transplantation medicine by a group of highly respected and experienced physicians from all over the world.

Al Gannas Economic Development Forum DATE: Until Oct 30 DATE: March 7-8 TIME: 9am - 11:30am VENUE: Sheraton Doha Hotel VENUE: Al Gannas Society The Entrepreneurship in Economic Al Gannas Association is participating in Development Forum aims to further highlight the ‘Our culture is a school’ programme by the importance of entrepreneurship as a organising many activities for the students vital element in economic development every Monday and Wednesday of the week. and an engine for private sector growth and These activities include explanations on diversity. It will bring together offi cials, policy hunting and related tools, kinds of falcons makers, academics, educational institutions, and preys, in addition to workshop on how to universities, businessmen, bank leaders, carry a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of fi nancial institutions and economists from all goat & camel hair), prepare traditional Arabic over the world. coff ee, etc. Atif Aslam and Shalmali Kholgade in Qatar DATE: Feb 26 TIME: 6pm-10pm VENUE: Asian Town Amphitheater Playback singers Atif Aslam and Shalmali Kholgade will perform live together for the very fi rst time in Qatar.

Halal Qatar Festival DATE: Feb 19-28 VENUE: Katara Southern Area

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY

„ INTERVIEW: Dato’ Ahmad Jazri Bin Mohamed Johar “It was like pulling a rock out of water” — Malaysian ambassador on his prized catch — a 15kg hamour!

BIG CATCH: The Malaysian ambassador makes a fishing statement.

Disarmament of United Nations was “It was like pulling a rock out of partner of Qatar in diff erent fi elds. and I took every opportunity,” By Umer Nangiana one of them. water,” Johar laughs as he sits down Before coming to Qatar on his fi rst recalls Johar. Dato’ Ahmad Jazri Bin Mohamed for a chat with Community at his ambassadorial assignment, Johar This kind of work was the reason Johar, Ambassador of Malaysia to offi ce. “I could hardly believe my had been to Indonesia, Australia he had joined the Foreign Service, he rank, fl uent and witty, he Qatar, h as been right at his job since eyes. Once this fi sh was out there, and Switzerland as a diplomat but says. During the diffi cult times and is a born diplomat. You his arrival here in April, 2011. He all the rest appeared small. It is my he fondly remembers his posting at when “everything had to be ready have to meet him just received the prime minister of his record now,” he smiles as he talks Malaysia’s permanent mission at by yesterday and not tomorrow,” he once to become his friend country in Qatar within just two about his love for fi shing and golf, United Nations in Geneva where he had his wife’s full support. for good. Meeting new weeks of his posting. Since then, he the vibrant Malaysian expatriate believes he contributed the most to “I was lucky that I had a very Fpeople, striking friendships and has been one of the most prominent community in Doha and his long his country. understanding wife. She helped me talking his way into agreement, it all members of Doha’s vibrant diplomatic career spanning almost He was given the task of getting a lot,” says Johar. However, his son comes instinctively to him. diplomatic community. three decades. Malaysia the membership of the who is his only child often hated it Foreign Service was a career of He is seen spearheading cultural Johar joined Foreign Service in Conference of Disarmament for whenever they had to move from choice for him and he has excelled festivals and community gatherings 1988 and will be retiring by June which they had already applied. “It one country to another. at it. During his long diplomatic at one time while in his more casual next year. “I hope I best utilise was thrilling for me. Just a month “He would say, Pa, I just made career, he has played a pivotal moments, he is heading out to whatever time I am left with in before the end of my assignment in friends and now we are moving role in his country’s political the sea catching fi sh. Last month, further strengthening relations Geneva, we got the membership. It again,” Johar says, smiling. Luckily, achievements, both on the national on one such excursion with his between Malaysia and Qatar,” says didn’t come easy though. I had to do he says he was able to send his son and global fronts. Winning the ambassador friend, Johar landed the the ambassador, who would love a lot of lobbying and negotiations to international schools and thus membership of the Conference on biggest catch, a 15kg ‘hamour.’ his country to become a strategic but I only had to be brave and blunt his education did not get disturbed. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

“I was lucky that I had a very understanding wife. She helped me a lot,” says Johar. However, his son who is his only child often hated it whenever they had to move from one country to another. “He would say, Pa, I just made friends and now we are moving again,” Johar

HIS CALLING: Ambassador Johar says he always wanted to be a part of his country’s history. Photo by Umer Nangiana says, smiling

He has done his degree in chemical organise their community badminton, bowling, and table And that is his personal favourite Johar says he has enjoyed every and biomolecular engineering from gatherings, sports and recreation tennis. “I used to be good at table food as well. He loves rice, rendang day of his stay in Qatar. Villaggio the University of Sydney and is now events besides desert safaris. tennis when I was younger but now beef, sweet and sour fi sh and grilled Mall, for its ambiance and eateries, working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “In fact, MAQ (Malaysian I think guys have been beating me. I chicken. Johar says there are plenty is his favourite shopping place Johar recalls the time when he Association of Qatar) is one of the still give them tough time though,” of places in Doha for him to fi nd and whenever he gets a chance, he was the desk offi cer for Eastern most active Malaysian associations Johar laughs. He secured second these dishes. visits it with his wife. Europe and it coincided with the in the world. They organise a position in last year’s badminton Johar also chairs the Asian “When I fi rst arrived here, Qatar fall of Berlin Wall. Eastern Europe set of events every year from competition of the heads of Ambassadors’ Group in Doha and was booming and I think they was changing and in that year alone, sporting events including football, missions. regularly organises gatherings and have done really well with their Johar says, 11 heads of states visited badminton besides treasure hunts, Johar has also been instrumental meetings of the group comprising resources. They have turned Doha Malaysia. He was on his toes but he drives around Qatar and other such in getting Asean Committee in Doha 20 members. into a modern looking city in a enjoyed it. recreational activities,” says Johar. (ACD), a group of Asean countries’ “Qatar has a very active short time,” says the ambassador. “I wanted to be part of the history He often joins them. communities living in Doha, diplomatic community. Almost Malaysia, he says, also attracts of my country. And today, I would He is also the patron of the registered with Asean secretariat every other night, there is an event. a lot of tourists from Qatar. More say I have no regrets. It has been Malaysian Golf group and is the and has chaired ACD for a year. I try my best to be at all of the events than 7,000 Qataris visit it every very exciting,” says the Malaysian chairman of the group of golf He, along with other ACD and represent my country,” says the year and if the expatriates are envoy. He looks after a generally ambassadors. Besides his own member ambassadors, organised an Malaysian ambassador. “It keeps included the fi gure goes higher. very active Malaysian community community, Johar also engages ASEAN festival with Katara Cultural us closely knitted. The wives of He says the tourism friendly here in Doha. other South East Asian and Asian Foundation last year which, Johar ambassadors also enjoy. The Asian infrastructure in Malaysia makes A majority of 4,848 Malaysians communities into cultural activities. says was visited by over 45,000 ladies are very well known for their it possible for everyone to visit the are employed in highly skilled and He helps organise Asean sports people in three days. Visitors selfi es. Whenever they meet, you country and go places easily once professional jobs and regularly events every year where they play particularly loved the Asian cuisine. would see a lot of selfi es,” he laughs. there.

OPENING: The ambassador with other members announcing the Asean Katara Festival in April last year. File photo 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY Making PSD proud Philippine School Doha alumni do well in multiple professional exams. By Anand Holla

ducation is not the fi lling of a pail, but the lighting of a fi re, the great Irish poet William Butler Yeats onceE said. Good schooling then, is the fuel that kindles that fi re – as the heartening results of the Philippine School Doha (PSD) alumni reveal. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 9,114 out of 18,500 candidates have passed the Nurse Licensure Examination held by the Board of Nursing, last November, in the cities of Manila, Bacolod, Baguio, Allysa Mae B Madriaga Joanne Mae A Bondoc Jumela Mica Bautista Ruby Marian C Aguit Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Aguit and Joanne Mae Bondoc Vallesteros said that PSD is very implementation and enforcement School in the Middle East,” Acosta Laoag, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, have also passed the exam. proud to announce that Alyssa of regulatory policies on the had said. Designed with 136 Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Furthermore, Patricia B Profi tana, L Tuviera, batch 2008, landed regulation and licensing of various classrooms (24 for pre-elementary Zamboanga, in the Philippines. Roxxane Lucille Dequina, and as Magna Cum Laude in PATTS professions and occupations under and 112 for primary, secondary Don John A Vallesteros, Dianne Lyka Serrano of PSD College of Aeronautics, and Karl its jurisdiction. and intermediate) and several Researcher and Link Moderator, Batch 2010 succeeded the Ivan V Calingasan, batch 2007, Meanwhile, the construction facilities, the new building will PSD, told Community, “The Civil Engineering Licensure was awarded as Cum Laude in of the new PSD building at Abu also have environment-friendly results have come as yet another Examination which was Far Eastern University. “Sitti Hamour will be completed by features. The school will use a milestone for Philippine School announced last May,” Vallesteros Maeryan Agatha Reyes graduated January 12, 2017, ahead of the technology that supports minimal Doha (PSD) as its alumni are said. Cum Laude in University of the expected deadline of mid-2017, power consumption, working among the toppers in this exam.” Nicole Zebel L Mangilit, batch Philippines and is currently a Principal Alexander Acosta told within the load requirements in In the results released, PSD 2008, passed the tough licensure Certifi ed Public Accountant,” he Gulf Times during a site visit, the building, to save more energy. alumni Allysa Mae B Madriaga, exam in dentistry. “Pursuant to said. last month. Acosta expressed The new building, which University of St. Tomas (fi rst Section 16, of Republic Act No. The PSD administrators, faculty, confi dence that they would be can accommodate more than place) and Jumela Mica Q. 9173, all successful candidates staff , and even the students able to start the academic year 4,000 students, will also have Bautista, University of the in the examination shall be have extended their warmest 2017– 2018 at the new complex, several facilities such as speech, Philippines (fourth place) cracked required to take an oath of congratulations to PSD’s stars in time for PSD’s 25th anniversary chemistry, biology, physics, and one of the most gruelling exams, professional before the Board or for staying true to “the PSD mark celebrations in October. general science laboratories. It secured a spot in the top ten, and any government offi cial authorised of excellence and service to the “Our school is now ‘K-to- will also have a penthouse. The have thereby given PSD reasons to to administer oaths. They are people.” 12’ with Grade 11 and 12 added 1,350-capacity multipurpose cheer. expected to attend the mass The Professional Regulation recently. We also got the approval hall/gym is designed to host “Apart from these two, two oath taking of the successful Commission, in the Philippines, is of the Department of Education cultural events, performances other PSDians, Ruby Marian C examinees,” he said. responsible for the administration, to be the fi rst Philippine Science and shows.

SLMQ marks National Sport Day

The Sri Lankan Majlis Qatar (SLMQ) hosted a full day event to mark the Qatar National Sport SLMQ also organised races and competitions for the children. The participants were divided Day at Al Mebaireek Family Park recently. The event included separate sports activities for into four groups and named as Al Khor Lions, Shamal Strangers, Wakra Warriors and Dukhan ladies, gents and children. The gents’ sport activities included soccer, elle (the Sri Lankan Dophins. The overall winners were Al Khor Lions and the runner-up was Shamal Strangers. The version of Baseball type sport), basketball, volley ball and other traditional Sri Lankan sports. event was attended by more than 500 people. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar Prof. (Dr) WM The ladies’ activities included ball passing, lime & spoon race and other traditional sports. Karunadasa was the chief guest. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

TAMU-Qatar hosts 120 high school students

High school students were given a chance to experience chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical students are expected to become independent learners life as an Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMU-Qatar) engineering and petroleum engineering. Ghada al-Haroon, a who are responsible for their own decisions. The day engineering student recently. Students met professors, staff current Texas A&M at Qatar student, spoke to the audience concluded with Admissions Time during which the applicants and current students during the daylong event. Professors about her experience in transitioning from high school to and prospective students had the chance to meet with presented to students on what it means to be an engineer, college life. She shared her personal account of how she admissions officers to discuss application files. The deadline and about the four degrees the branch campus offers: was able to adjust to the demands of college life in which to apply to the institution is March 1.

UCQ celebrates diversity at its Fourth International Day similarities between cultures, and fi nding and visitors, encouraging them to learn International Day encourage and facilitate. I inspiration, not only for future travels, but more about each other, share ideas and will defi nitely return next year.” The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) for areas of nursing research and practice,” perspectives, and consider approaching Hend Khalid al-Kubaisi, another nursing celebrated its fourth International Day said Dr Kim Critchley, Dean and CEO of UCQ. their coursework and research from diff erent student at UCQ, currently in the Bachelor with students, faculty, staff and the local “Such exchange, which facilitates creative angles. In fact, the diversity found at of Nursing, Regular Track Program, stated: community recently. The public event – and critical thinking, along with the ability International Day is a characteristic of UCQ “International Day is a great day to get to which was organised by the University’s to listen and empathise, is integral to our at large, providing students with a learning know my classmates on another level and it Student Services Department – welcomed approach to education; rather than focusing environment that prepares them for careers in goes to show how diversifi ed the UCQ campus over 500 attendees who took part in the on conveying the relevant knowledge and which they will care for patients from around is. There were also many engaging activities to festivities through dance performances, skills alone, we seek to provide a holistic the globe. observe or take part in, as well plenty of dishes colourful clothing and delicious food from 22 learning experience.” “This event was a great opportunity to to savour.” countries. Also in attendance was Adrian Norfolk, the learn more about the background of peers Continuing to attract a consistently “Though in its fourth year, International ambassador of Canada to Qatar, which speaks I had already known, and meet students I growing number of UCQ students, faculty and Day exposed members of the UCQ community to the signifi cance this event has attained for had not yet come across,” said Muna Hassen staff , International Day has become a popular to perspectives and customs from an even UCQ and the wider community. Alfarhan a UCQ Masters of Nursing student. component of the UCQ learning experience, larger array of countries. Our students, faculty Now in its fourth year, International “Of course, expertise is crucial for the nursing and an opportunity for members of the and staff welcomed the opportunity to learn Day has become a welcome tradition that profession, but so is the ability to listen public to witness the diversity found on the about each other, recognising the many brings together UCQ community members and empathise, an ability that events like University’s Qatar campus fi rst-hand.

UK XI wins QECC cricket tournament

The Qatar Expat Cricket Community organised a cricket tournament to mark the Qatar National Sport Day on February 9. The one-day tournament featured 48 teams. Seen here are UK XI, the winners. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY

DPS-MIS students take part in debate championship in Turkey

DPS-MIS debaters Samiksha Arora, Rohit Vasudevan Chari, Aryan Ahlakha, Fahad Ahmed Khan, Farhan Sakkir Karepilakkiyil, Sarthak Ketanbhai Modi, Sandra V Ramachandran, Kanagambujam V, Ishika Goel participated in the Eurasian Schools Debating Championship 2016 held at Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey recently. They were accompanied by Debate Coordinator Jaya Majumder.

EMS student wins at Doha Dash

English Modern School student Habiba Shallouf finished first in her age group 3- 8 year olds at Doha Dash on National Sport Day. Habiba says running is her passion and she has run in the Doha Dash every National Sport Day since she was 5. She usually runs with her sister.

IIS bids farewell to outgoing students

The Ideal Indian School bid farewell to the outgoing students of class XII recently. The evenings were charged with emotions where the outgoing students recounted their days in the school. Principal Syed Shoukath Ali wished the students good luck and reminded them of their responsibilities as future citizens of the world. On this occasion, the names of the students honoured with special awards for their outstanding performance in curricular and extracurricular activities were also announced. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

TNG holds its Annual Sports Day

The Next Generation School organised its Annual Sports Day at all four of its campuses recently. The day was held to coincide with the National Sport Day. The primary section students were grouped into four houses: red, blue, green and yellow and participated in multiple races, including sack race, hurdle race, skipping race, relay race, tug-of-war, lemon spoon race and flat race. TNG Kindergarten students also participated in various fun games. Preparatory school students competed in tug-of-war and orange eating.

Pak Shamaa qualifies for the U-16 QCA Schools Cricket Tournament final The Pak Shamaa team won its semi-final match against the Dukhan team in the U-16 QCA Schools Cricket Tournament recently. Batting first, Pak Shamaa team scored 212 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allowed 20 overs. In response, the Dukhan team was bowled out for 149 runs. Jassim Khan was declared Man of the Match. The Pak Shamaa team will play their final match on February 20 against PEC.

ICC marks National Sport Day

The Indian Cultural Center (ICC) organised a number of sporting activities at Al Arabi Sports Club to mark the National Sport Day. About 4,000 people participated in the activities that included cricket, KhoKho, Kabaddi and tug-of-war. Aff iliated organisations of ICC, Indian schools, ICC members and other Indians participated in the event. Indian ambassador to Qatar Sanjiv Arora was the chief guest. The cricket tournament was won by Friends of Trissur. The Kabaddi tournament was won by Tulukoota. MCC bagged the first place in KhoKho. The tug-of-war winners were QKCA for men and Qatar Tamizhar Sangam for women. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY Detailing historical ties b Nilangshu Dey’s book on Indian history in Qatar launched to great fanfare. By Anand Holla

LAUNCH: Dr Mohan Thomas, Hassan Chougule, Indian ambassador Sanjiv Arora, Nilangshu Dey and his wife Debamita launch the book.

ike a special blend Qatar, and the contribution of Indian Crediting Hassan Chougule, C “Indians have earned great names in microcosm of Qatar’s nationals in Qatar to the development K Menon and Dr Mohan Thomas this great country and we have been largest expat populace, and progress of their host country in for playing an integral part in the accompanying the Qataris in every around 300 Indians diverse sectors. development of the book, Dey said part of their lives, connecting with – guests, dignitaries, Featuring a long line of interviews that the book launch is “a historic their culture and their lives here. We Lcommunity leaders – had fi lled the of highly successful and greatly moment for all the Indians in go with them to the deserts, to the auditorium of the Birla Public School infl uential Indian expats of Qatar Qatar.” seas, to the farms, and they happen to on Saturday evening, both with their conducted by Usha Desai and Nitya Top businessman and be our sponsors, our care-takers. All presence and with their collective Shukla, and elaborate detailing of humanitarian Chougule, who is also of this shows the great amalgamation buzz of excitement. gamechangers in various arenas a patron of several organisations in of two communities into one, and The hall hummed with a palpable and insights into community Qatar, said, “India is very famous for the great faith and trust both the sense of pride, and waves of applause organisations and good samaritans, its unity in diversity. We are all from countries have in all of us.” that rang a little louder than the Dey’s book, in his words, salutes and diff erent parts of India. We belong Indian ambassador to Qatar usual, and understandably so. pays tribute to Qatar and “to all those to diff erent regions, we believe in Sanjeev Arora said, “This is truly The Indian community, currently Indians who have made India proud diff erent religions, we speak diff erent a wonderful and unique initiative. estimated at around 650,000 of the by their deeds in this Gulf nation.” languages, but in the end, we are one I believe this is one book that will nation’s approximately 2.3 million At the launch event, spurred on – we are all Indian. And that’s our enhance the awareness of anyone population, has had a long-standing by an enthusiastic crowd, Dey said, strength.” who wants to know about the bond with Qatar that has only “I began conceptualising this book Dey has put in a lot of hard work phenomenal journey of the Indian strengthened over the years. That’s in 2013. It took us a lot of time to and has spent a massive amount, community over fi ve decades.” perhaps what makes the launch of the interview 150 people.” Indians in Qatar approximately QR75,000, to have this The book traverses sections such as book, a fi rst-of-its-kind chronicle, have prospered and are well placed book published, Chougule pointed Indians in Major Sectors, Prominent The Indian Odyssey in Qatar – A at esteemed positions across various out. “It’s truly a historic record of Indian Achievers, Prominent Voyage of 50 Glorious Years of Great sectors, he pointed out. “We have had the Indian community and the hard Community Activists, Embassy and Indian Convergence with Qatar, so a great record of people who have been work it has put in here for the past 60 Apex Bodies, Indian Schools, Indian special and the entire community’s instrumental in the development of years. We should all support Dey for Professional Bodies, and Prominent response to it so heartfelt. various sectors of Qatar. So I thought this initiative and buy a copy of this Indian Organisations. The book authored by long- why not create something which can book,” Chougule said. The prominent Indian achievers time Qatar resident-engineer- keep this remembrance and these Doctor, educationalist, and profi led at length are Hassan social activist-community leader memories with all the people of Qatar philanthropist, Thomas emphasised Chougule, C K Menon, Mohan Nilangshu Dey highlights the historic for a long time. I found the answer in on the many ways that Qataris are Thomas, R Seetharaman, M S Nilangshu Dey, the author. ties of friendship between India and bringing out this book.” associated with the community. Bukhari, James Chacko, C V Rappai, Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 COMMUNITY between India and Qatar M I Farid, K P Abdul Hameed, One of the profi les of the Nizar Kochary, Hasan Kunhi, prominent achievers, for instance, Azim Abbas, M Rajan, Aboobacker is that of Cheril Krishna Menon, Madappat, Shamsudeen Olakara, popularly known as C K Menon. Devidas Aswani, Sameer Moopan, Hailed among the most popular and Abdul Rehman E P, Sanaullah revered personalities of the Indian Abdul Rehman, Jayashankar Pillai, diaspora in Qatar, the Chairman and George Thomas, Ullatil Achu, Managing Director of Behzad Group M P Shafi , Lukose K Chacko, P P of Companies, is as successful an Faisal, Sony Varghese, Bhupender entrepreneur as a philanthropist. A Singh, N V Kader, K M Varghese, K native of Thrissur in Kerala, Menon Mohammed Essa, Harish Kanjani, headed to Qatar in 1979 in search of a Satish G Pillai, Gope Shahani, Gopal better life. Balasubramanium, and Ganesh “Realising that an Indian law Sreenivasan. While it’s hard to degree won’t be of much use in this handpick just a few interesting Gulf State, he took another law nuggets from an information degree from an Arabic university and database this vast, here are some of joined as a supervisor at a Pakistani them. contracting company engaged in “The oldest Indian restaurant, construction of roads at a salary of Bismillah, was probably set up QR1,500,” an excerpt from the piece in 1960 at Souq Waqif. This was on him reads. followed by a Malabari restaurant. Having gained experience in Both were set up by Keralites who Qatar and fl uency in Arabic, Menon arrived at Doha from the Malabar moved to a transport company and ACCOMPLISHED: C K Menon is one of the Qatar-based Indians featured in Hassan Chougule played an integral Coast in Kerala with plenty of hope then to the Behzad Group, which the book. part in the development of the book. to fi nd work and provide sustenance then was “an ailing company, deeply to their families back in India. All saddled in debt.” “The owner sold the that the brave fortune-seekers company to Menon for QR400,000. possessed were integrity and the Riding on his business acumen, will to work hard in an unfamiliar wealth of knowledge, dexterity, and country,” a piece on Indian cuisine in perseverance, Menon brought the Qatar states, “Qatar now has 45 full- company back in the black and repaid fl edged Indian cuisine restaurants all its out-standings. As Menon says, comprising fi ve-star eating outlets, ‘That was in 1981, and even today, signature restaurants and eateries I operate from the same offi ce on for upper and lower middle-class. Airport Road’,” the piece says. The number goes beyond 90 if one With Menon helming the show, includes single-shutter cafeterias Behzad has been making constant that serve juices, sandwiches, karak progress across diff erent verticals. and coff ee.” Menon says, “I have fi ve decades of As for the hypermarket honchos, experience in this business. From the book says, “From LuLu to Quality buses, cars and excavators, we are Group, from NBK to FFC and Safari now dealing with the vessels. When Group, Indians have revolutionised I took over the company, its turnover the shopping concept in Qatar, was around QR100,000 - 125,000 catering to the daily needs of every a month. Now it is in the range of strata of the society.” Take FFC, or QR4-5 million and if we consider Family Food Centre, for instance. the vessels as well, then it could be Each of its three massive retail around QR14 million.” outlets, measuring more than 50,000 Printed by the Doha Modern sq ft, records a footfall of around Printing Press and priced at QR35, the 8,000 customers a day. book is now out in all book stores. About 300 people attended the launch event.

Nilangshu Dey and ambassador Arora hold a copy of the book, joined by host of the event, Usha Nilangshu Dey takes the mic while Dr Mohan Thomas, Hassan Chougule, ambassador Arora, and host Ravishankar, Dr Mohan Thomas, Hassan Chougule, and Dey’s wife Debamita. of the event, Usha Ravishankar look on. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY 7 steps to allergy relief with dust cleaning

onging for allergy relief? To stop return registers to limit dust recirculating. the endless cycle of sniffl es, sneezes Consider shampooing carpets to remove and wheezes, it’s time to ready your deeply embedded allergens. vacuum and rubber gloves. Cleaning helps eliminate allergens so you can Scrub-a-dub the mold Lrelax, breathe easy and enjoy the season. In bathrooms, basements and tiled spaces, scrub any visible mold and mildew To sleep, perchance to dream — and from surfaces with bleach, or borax mixed breathe with water, then dry completely. The key Start in the bedroom where you spend to reducing mold is moisture control, so eight to 10 hours a day. Dust mites can use bathroom fans and clean any standing fl ourish during cold, dreary months, so wash water immediately. You can also help ward your sheets and comforter regularly. Most off mold by keeping home humidity below mites die by drowning, but if you want to use 50 percent. hot water (which will kill slightly more mites) don’t use water that’s over 120 F because it Change is good — for filters can scald. Keep the air that circulates through Remember to also wash decorative pillows. your home’s ventilation system clean Finish by adding allergy-proof casings to the by using filters with a MERV rating of mattress, box spring and pillows. Keep pets 11 or 12. Change the filter at the change out of the bedroom as their dander can cause of every season, or every three months. symptoms to fl are. (Set a calendar reminder to remember). Additionally, change filters in HEPA Gaze out, but don’t open appliances. This helps eliminate allergens, Window treatments are a magnet for and prohibits mold growth. dust and allergens. Pull them down and dry clean, or vacuum each thoroughly. Don’t protective gloves and a face mask so you don’t Nature abhors a vacuum. You Get out! And about forget to vacuum blinds and windowsills as breathe in microscopic mold spores. Next, shouldn’t Check your home’s exterior for any well. Tempted to open the windows to let the ditch cotton cloths and feather dusters that Move all furniture, and vacuum the concerns that may have emerged due spring breeze in? Don’t. Unwanted pollen can kick up allergens, and instead use microfi bre dust and dander that collects underneath. to cold weather. Chipped paint, roof enter your home and spread everywhere. cleaning cloths which trap and remove Use a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust damage or cracked siding can lead to mold triggers. Wipe down all surfaces including and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum problems. Make repairs as necessary. When the dust settles, wipe it off picture frames, knickknacks, plant saucers with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate © Brandpoint Suit up to win the war on dust by wearing and ceiling fans. air) filter. Additionally, clean vents and

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

Today’s Moon shines in your third house of communication and Use it or lose it Venus lovelies. Venus your ruler and the planet of The Moon in your sign today makes it a great day for you to speak conversation. If you have something to say, work out and deal with, beauty and love spends her last few days in your fellow earth sign up and get something off your chest that has been bothering you. today’s a great day to do so. of Capricorn, your 9th house of spirituality, higher education and Just don’t go overboard in your explanation twins! travel. Enjoy!

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

Venus the lover spends her last few days in your one on one Don’t be too obvious if you are harbouring resentful feelings about Venus the lover of the zodiac spends his last few days in Capricorn relationship zone, in Capricorn for the next few days. It makes for a someone today Leos. Sometimes it’s best for you to be stealthy and this week. If you have someone you’re crushing on, this is the time to very special time following on from Valentine’s Day. silent about your issues rather than in everyone’s faces. let him or her know.

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

Don’t let someone get in the way of you having a good time today, If you don’t think someone is on the same page as you are Scorpios, Be open to making new plans today, even if you had already set Librans. Your happiness is just as important as anyone else’s. work harder to make sure they are understanding whatever it is you plans in motion which you were looking forward to. Remember that. are trying to say to them.

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

Venus the planet of love and relationships spends her final few days If you aren’t sure about something, ask questions. Don’t pretend There is nothing worse than feeling as if you aren’t sure about in your sign before she departs for airy Aquarius. Do something ‘you’ve got it’ and then make a mess of it. Everyone, even you, needs someone whom you previously thought you could trust implicitly. lovely for the one you love today. a little help sometimes. Unfortunately that’s life, Pisces. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

John II

BARBIROLLI DENVER MARQUAND BETJEMAN DONNE MILTON BUNYAN GALSWORTHY RUSKIN CAGE GLENN SYNGE CHEEVER HANCOCK UPDIKE CONSTABLE LANDIS WAYNE Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Coalition (5) 1. Intellect (13) 4. Admit (7) 2. Outcome (5) 8. Hopelessness (7) 3. Close (4) 9. Chubby (5) 4. Cattle-pen (6) 10. Stagger (4) 5. Wedding (8) 11. Metal box (8) 6. Made equal (7) 13. Masticate (4) 7. On the surface (13) 14. Pleased (4) 12. Depreciate (8) 16. Marine (8) 13. Prudence (7) 17. Motor-cab (4) 15. By hand (6) 20. Imbecile (5) 18. Entertain (5) 21. Exceptional (7) 19. Certain (4) 22. Refined (7) 23. Foe (5) Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. Kind of board used for cheap jewellery (5) 1. Derive personal satisfaction? (6,7) 4. He sounds to be a worker who fixes the 2. Go up a succession of notes (5) unions! (7) 3. Wicked and active on return (4) 8. Great pleasure in returning No. 1 account 4. Canal vessel needs a map almost (6) (7) 5. Whole description of a mustang? (8) 9. They may be ridiculed but they can hold a 6. One bird pecked another bird! (7) lot of wine (5) 7. Come up to get hooked (4,2,3,4) 10. Favourites walk the other way (4) 12. In a variety of details nothing is Yesterday’s Solutions 11. Tim upset about fashions being over- detached (8) daring (8) 13. Refuse to do what Latin scholars do (7) QUICK CRYPTIC 13. The first of the dancers has unusual 15. See 19 Down Across: 1 Remote; 4 Spirit; 9 Self-governing; Across: 1 Really; 4 Critic; 9 Spanish onions; vivacity (4) 18. Up to the time of jauntily getting rid of 14. Show an inclination to be wanting in the bird (5) 10 Moisten; 11 Uncle; 12 Couch; 14 Stare; 18 10 Managed; 11 Label; 12 Gnome; 14 Asset; 18 flesh (4) 19 & 15 Dn. The principal and the master Atone; 19 Prevail; 21 Fortification; 22 Lodger; Amass; 19 Leakage; 21 Beaten by a head; 22 16. Let a case somehow grow bigger (8) confused by one source of the river (4-6) 23 Stench. Diners; 23 Censer. 17. This will fill up cracks in an instrument (4) Down: 1 Resume; 2 Multicoloured; 3 Tight; 5 Down: 1 Resume; 2 Again and again; 3 Lying; 20. To live in this complex is terrible (5) 21. Choose an artist for play by Euripides (7) Pursuit; 6 Reincarnation; 7 Tugged; 8 Event; 5 Rankles; 6 Troublemakers; 7 Castle; 8 Chide; 22. Liberated state (7) 13 Crevice; 15 Lawful; 16 Sprig; 17 Clinch; 20 13 Masseur; 15 Barbed; 16 Clubs; 17 Tender; 20 23. The first of the line-engravers in skilful Exalt. Amaze. pottery (5) 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY POP SPOT in brief

The Monkees

The three surviving members of The Monkees are recording a new album to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary. Originally put together for an award-winning TV show about a struggling band who wanted to be The Beatles, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork became almost as popular as the Fab Four. Their first four studio albums all topped the US chart during 1966 and ’67. They also released smash hit singles such as I’m a Believer, A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You, Last Train to Clarksville, Pleasant Valley Sunday and Daydream Believer. But their era of massive success was short-lived. By mid- 1970, both Tork and Nesmith had quit the group. Their continuing popularity was based around re-runs of the TV show which reminded viewers of just how good their music had been. Various reunion tours were performed over the years. Jones and Dolenz were the prime movers behind these tours but they almost never featured all four original band members. Davy’s death from a heart attack in February 2012 saw Mike Nesmith return to the fold. He had not performed with his bandmates since 1997 but wanted to be part of the tour which had been scheduled for later in 2012 to pay tribute to his friend. Mike is also participating in the 50th anniversary album, “Good Times!” The album will feature contemporary songs written by artists such as Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard and Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger. DELIGHTED: Zayn sees his solo success as completely vindicating his decision to leave One Direction. But it will also contain songs written for The Monkees back in the 1960s which were either unreleased or never finished. These include the album title-track by Harry Nilsson and a Neil Diamond song, Love To Love, which features the vocal recorded by Davy Jones nearly 50 years ago. “Good Times!” will be released on June 10. Most of the band’s songs can be found on YouTube. Gain Zayn Malik hits top access by typing their name in the website search box. Alfred Hall

Alfred Hall sounds like the name of an earnest singer/ songwriter. In fact, it is the moniker of a Norwegian indie- with solo career pop duo consisting of singer/guitarist Bjorn Tveit and countries and shot straight to top spot I’d made my mind up. They knew I’d not guitarist Hans Thomas Kiaer. By Geoff rey Rowlands on Billboard’s Hot 100. In so doing, Zayn been happy within the band for some The boys joined forces in 2009 and released their debut has reached a position yet to be achieved time and had tried to incorporate some single, So Bright, two years later. Their first album, by his former bandmates. For all their R&B anthems for me to perform in our “Wilderness,” came out in 2013 and was nominated for a ayn Malik failed as a solo artist enormous success, One Direction have concert set lists. They also knew I’d been Spellemann Award, the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy. on the 2010 series of British never topped the Hot 100. Their peak writing my own material for a while. I Their first international release was 2014’s “The Alfred Hall television’s X Factor. So too did thus far is number two with Best Song think they just wanted me to be happy.” EP.” More tracks have followed, most of which can be found Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Ever in 2013. With Pillowtalk at number one and on YouTube. Payne and Louis Tomlinson. A naturally delighted Zayn sees this his debut album, “Mind of Mine,” set These include the duo’s latest single, Safe and Sound. An ZYet by teaming up these fi ve teenagers as solo success as completely vindicating his for release on March 25, exactly one year old song which was originally released two years ago, it has One Direction, X Factor creator Simon decision to leave One Direction. Indeed, after he announced his departure from now been given a new remix for a 2016 radio edit. The boys Cowell put together one of the most he insists he never actually wanted to be One Direction, Zayn couldn’t be happier say this will soon be posted at (no www.) soundcloud.com/ successful bands in pop music history. in the group. with his solo career. alfred-hall-music. In the meantime, an earlier remix can be Fans were shocked last year by Zayn’s “I was looking for an experience when “I’ve fi nally got to do what I wanted. heard at (no www.) soundcloud.com/thechilllife/alfred-hall- decision to quit. It seemed bizarre that I auditioned for X Factor,” revealed For the fi rst time, I’m releasing music on safe-sound-2 he should turn his back on a band whose 23-year-old Zayn. “That experience my own terms. The build-up to Pillowtalk incredible run of success showed no sign didn’t look like it was going to last too coming out was an exciting but nervous Beyonce/Missy Elliot of waning. But Zayn said he had grown long when I was eliminated. I didn’t time. It was exciting because I was tired of the pop star existence and simply particularly want to join the other guys getting the chance to present the real me The Super Bowl half-time show rarely fails to fuel yet wanted to live an ordinary life. but Simon Cowell was giving us the in musical terms. But it was also nervous another controversy. It was Beyonce this time who caused Sadness at his departure but chance to continue as a group so it would because I obviously wanted people to consternation with a performance of her new song, sympathy for his desire to enjoy a normal have been pretty stupid to turn down the enjoy my music and you can never be sure Formation. lifestyle quickly turned to anger and opportunity. what the reaction will be.” Obvious references by Beyonce and her backing dancers to disillusionment when it became apparent “I got on well enough with the others Zayn believes his solo material should the Black Lives Matter movement and the Black Panthers, a Zayn had actually left One Direction to and we obviously didn’t know what our be totally separated from his work with militant organisation which rejected the non-violent ideals pursue a solo career. music would be like at that stage so I gave One Direction. of Martin Luther King, brought forth a barrage of criticism But time is a great healer of wounds it a go. But it wasn’t long before I realised “It’s like that was then and this is now. from middle America. and emotions. Many One Directioners being in One Direction really wasn’t for I had some fantastic times as part of One Perhaps the Super Bowl show organisers should have asked who felt let down by Zayn leaving the me. I didn’t much care for most of our Direction but I don’t see that I would Missy Elliot to appear for a second successive season. She group now fully support his solo eff orts songs. I didn’t feel like I could give my ever want to perform any of the band’s was a non-controversial guest on Katy Perry’s half-time and have played their part in sending opinion about the music because it didn’t songs as part of my solo concerts. I think concert last year and released a new song, Pep Rally, to his debut single, Pillowtalk, straight to fi t the grain of what we were as a band.” people should understand being in One coincide with Super Bowl 50. number one on the UK chart. The remaining members did not try to Direction is part of my past life. Creating Missy has yet to make an off icial video to accompany the The song has also hit number one talk Zayn out of leaving One Direction. and performing my own songs is what I song but an audio posting of Pep Rally can be found at on the iTunes download chart in 60 “They didn’t want me to go but realised want to do now and in the future.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVS-U7gFi4E Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Tough for me to change anything: Anil Kapoor

Actor-producer Anil Kapoor says he has a lot of things to do so, and it wouldn’t be easy for him to bring about a change in anything. Is Anil, currently busy with 24: Season 2, trying to change the dynamics of television industry with the series? “I am a very singular kind of a person. I believe in singularity. I have lot more things to do so, it would be tough for me to change anything. I can just begin it. I need someone else to take it ahead. I don’t think I am the kind of a person who can really take it ahead,” Anil told IANS. “As far as my children are concerned, they are also very creative. Their intention is not to make money. Money is great, but that’s not the driving force,” added the father of actress Sonam Kapoor, producer Rhea Kapoor and Harshvardhan Kapoor. Any plans of coming up with more seasons of the hit TV show? “I don’t think about that. For me, it’s all about the present,” he said. 24: Season 2 will also feature actors Sakshi Tanwar, Surveen Chawla, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sikandar Kher and Ritu Shivpuri. — IANS

CANDID: Anil Kapoor

Karan Mehra desires to direct wife again MAKING HER WISH: Parineeti Chopra Television actor Karan Mehra says directing his wife and actress-turned-singer Nisha Rawal is always a fun experience for him, and adds that he would “love to do it Parineeti would again and again”. Karan, who has become a household name with his on- screen character Naitik Singhannia in Star Plus show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has directed his wife on several occasions. love to be part Karan also points out that picking up the camera gives him a break from his “daily soap” life. “Well, of course, it’s so much fun shooting with her. She’s so full of energy, dedicated and professional. Shooting with her is also very nostalgic as that’s how it all began eight years of a biopic back when we started dating where I was the stylist of the fi lm and she was playing the lead actress.” “I am completely enjoying this experience where she’s the ctress Parineeti Chopra silver screen. “I have not thought main girl again and I am doing the running around. I would says she wants to be a about who would I like to play. love to do this again and again,” Karan said in a statement. part of a biopic. If I would’ve (thought), I would Karan has directed Nisha’s fourth cover song, in which she Asked if she would have become a script writer...” the has blended in the romantic track Meherbani with Love me like to act in a biopic, 27-year-old quipped. like you do. AParineeti told IANS over phone She says she would “wait for a The actor is all praise for his wife as he says “she’s also very from Mumbai: “Of course, I would nice and good off er (on biopic) to involved in what she’s doing.” “It’s always fun to sit down like to be a part of a biopic. It is come” to her. On the big screen, and ideate with the team and it’s a good break for me from my a great idea and if the person is Parineeti will next be seen in the daily soap as well. There was also someone who mentioned inspirational, I would love to (be a upcoming movie Meri Pyaari this when I directed the fi rst cover that ‘Karan projects Nisha part)...” Bindu, with debutant Akshay exactly the way he perceives her so, it’s like seeing Nisha The Ishaqzaade actress, who Roy. She will be seen playing an through Karan’s eyes when he’s directing her’.” made her Bollywood debut in 2011 aspiring singer in the Maneesh “I would like to believe that’s true and she does bring with Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, says Sharma production, which will out the best of me,” he added. On the small screen front, she has not thought about whom also star Ayushmann Khurrana. — speculations are rife that Karan might bid adieu to the TV she would like to portray on the IANS ALL IN THE FAMILY: Karan Mehra with wife Nisha. show after seven years. — IANS

Losing weight doesn’t require a lot of struggle, for everyone across age groups, Saawariya in 2007. Now, the between Max India Limited says Sonam be it young or old. People daughter of actor-producer Anil (business corporate with expertise now understand the value of Kapoor has made a name for herself in life insurance and health care) Bollywood actress Sonam maintaining a healthier lifestyle by not just as an actress, but as a and Bupa (a global health and care Kapoor, known for her successful exercising and eating right.” fashion icon also. company), hosted a 33-day walking weight loss story, says losing “What a lot of people don’t “Walking regularly for 30 event touching fi ve Indian cities — weight is not a big struggle as one know is that losing weight or minutes can rejuvenate your body, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad can take the fi rst step towards a getting fi tter doesn’t necessarily mind and soul. It helps you battle and Jaipur. healthier lifestyle by walking on a require a lot of investment and diseases like cancer, depression The initiative was an attempt to daily basis. Sonam, who is awaiting struggle. You can take the fi rst step obesity and even stress. I strongly build a healthier India and encourage the release of Neerja, shared her towards health and wellness with believe that walking is a great citizens across the country to fi tness mantra after she fl agged off something as simple as walking,” workout for children, men, women discover multiple benefi ts of the last leg of the fourth edition of Sonam said. and the elderly and we need to walking. The 33-day intercity walk Max Bupa Walk for Health event. It is a known fact that Sonam create awareness around it,” said was fl agged off by actors Akshay “I think it’s great that health had to shed oodles of weight the Khoobsurat star. Kumar and Nimrat Kaur in Mumbai and fi tness are on top of mind before entering the showbiz with Max Bupa, a joint venture on January 10. — IANS HEALTHY OUTLOOK: Sonam Kapoor 18 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD Evil in the woods The Witch writer-director Robert Eggers sets the scene for horror in his debut feature

By Michael Phillips

pening this week, a year after its rapturous premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, American writer- Odirector Robert Eggers’ debut feature The Witch joins a very short list of recent horror fi lms — The Conjuring, The Babadook, two or three others — that are truly frightening, as well as insidiously assured in their style, tactics and storytelling. The Witch may well be a modern classic. It is exquisite period fi lmmaking made on a tight budget ($3.5mn), and just as the old late ’70s Superman marketing campaign promised that we would believe a man could fl y, The Witch makes one believe that witches are among us. Or, rather, that they were a natural, inevitable result of early 17th century Puritanical selves. Married to a psychologist, which “comes in handy,” he says, smiling, the 32-year-old Brooklyn fi lmmaker tells a tale of disarming simplicity in The Witch. For reasons left tantalisingly ambiguous, a farmer (Ralph Ineson), his wife (Kate Dickie) and their fi ve children (Anya Taylor- REVISITING THE PAST: Writer-director Robert Eggers poses for a portrait at The Four Seasons in Chicago. Joy plays the oldest) are banished from their community. accused women of something quite so much time hand-stitching They set up a harsh new life for abstract and demonstrably fake.” the costumes. The advice went themselves at the edge of a placid- But the supernatural world and unheeded. seeming patch of woods, a long the real world existed in proximity For a fi rst-time feature, The way from anyone else, with their then. “In order for that time and Witch boasts some exceptionally goat, Black Phillip, and a grim place to be real for an audience,” elegant and complicated camera determination to forget all they have Eggers says, “we had to get totally work, and like the production design left behind in their community, and into this mindset, the religious elements, you don’t notice it until in England before that. values, the way people spoke, all the cumulative eff ect takes hold. What they fi nd there, on the the physical specifi cs.” Eggers cites Ingmar Bergman as an wood’s edge, is pretty damned Eggers made The Witch in inspiration; his more fl amboyant scary. Like any horror story that northern Ontario (Canada’s tax inspirations, he says, include Stanley sticks, The Witch realises true credits brought the costs down by Kubrick and F W Murnau. fright comes from within, as well as nearly half). The oak clapboards “With Bergman, you’re just into without. Eggers focuses intently on for the farmhouse needed to be the story, and it’s only afterward you the family members in crisis, and hand-riven. They couldn’t fi nd the realise: My God, that scene, that was in the throes of physical urges they trees they wanted, so they located an one shot, seamlessly weaving from associate, fi ercely, with sin, and the expert in Massachusetts to source one person’s subjective experience devil. Comparisons have been made and ship them to the set. to another,” Eggers says. “Obviously since Sundance to The Shining and A roof thatcher, who knew how I’m not there yet. There’s certainly a The Crucible but Eggers, who came roofs looked in the 1630s, travelled bit of ‘look at my technique!’ in this to directing from a background in north from Virginia and did a lovely movie that’s a little embarrassing. theatrical and fi lm production and job on the set. Nothing in the design Whatever, I’m a fi rst-time costume design, also pulled imagery and realisation of The Witch jumps director. But the way Murnau, in his and atmosphere from his own New out at you, because everything works fi lm theory, talks about the moving England childhood. together, subtly. camera and how shot composition “I mean, look: I wore costumes The years leading up to the shoot is emotional composition ... it’s all to school until I got beat up for were long, and hard: four years of common sense.” it,” Eggers says. Theatre and research, writing and looking for Witches, he says before we wrap transformation was in his blood. fi nancing “in between design gigs,” up the conversation over coff ee, He visited Salem, Massachusetts, Eggers says. “There was a year in “have shaped and rattled our culture early and often. “I’ve always had there where there was, like, no since the early modern period. The nightmares about witches, well movement. We had people interested witch in that period of our history into adulthood. If you grow up in right away in making the fi lm for half was the embodiment of men’s fears a small New England town, New of what we needed. But we knew and ambivalence and fantasies about England’s past becomes a part of what we needed to make it right.” women and female power. And in your consciousness.” A more experienced director this male-dominated society, a witch In school, he says, “you’re (Eggers won’t say who) urged him also meant women’s fears and desires taught about the Salem witch to take the smaller pot of money and fantasies about themselves.” The trials in a way that seems vague and make the thing in a backyard results provoke the highest quality and unrelatable. The idea was somewhere, and not worry so much anxiety of the new moviegoing year. that superstitious, simple people about casting British actors, or spend — Chicago Tribune/TNS Tuesday, February 16, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Daniel Craig to Netfl ix, FX and at least three other star in TV series? platforms in search of a straight- to-series order. Online video streaming According to industry sources, platforms like Netfl ix and producers were seeking a Showtime are in talks to have actor 20-episode order. Purity, published Daniel Craig star in an adaptation of in September, tells the story of Jonathan Franzen’s novel Purity. an aimless young woman named Purity, which will be produced Purity, known as Pip. She was by Scott Rudin and written by Todd raised in unusual circumstances in Field and Franzen, might star Craig, California and ends up travelling marking it as his fi rst TV series in from Oakland to Bolivia to Denver US, reports variety.com. in a series of jobs and relationships Rudin is said to have held a with equally off beat characters. — round of meetings with Showtime, IANS

HEALTHY AND HAPPY: Ben Stiller Ben Stiller has a ‘simple life’ ctor Ben Stiller feels his The Zoolander 2 actor and his star as I imagine it would be great for us life gets simpler as he wife Christine Taylor have spent all to move to Italy for six months, gets older because now a lot of time in Rome shooting the the reality is I have a daughter who all he wants is to be fi lm, but their children — Ella and has just started a new school. “healthy and happy”. Quinlin — didn’t spend the whole “For her, it would have been A“That’s life, life happens to you. I shoot in Europe as the couple harder to have had to make new think as you get older, you just want felt it important not to disrupt friends for just a few months. So, to feel good about yourself. For me, their education, especially as Ella we fi gured out a balance — a really as I get older, I think about my life recently started High School. important thing because it’s family and I feel it gets much simpler. I He said: “On this one, they went — and ended up making a lot of just want to be healthy and happy,” back and forth to Rome. My kids are trips backwards and forwards.” — Stiller said. in school in New York and, as much IANS SMALL SCREEN, BIG STAR: Daniel Craig

Karlie Kloss has “I will totally shut off and not I want more children, Emma Roberts to return regular tech breaks post Instagrams or answer my says Kimberley Walsh for season 2 of Scream Queens emails. I think it’s important Model Karlie Kloss has a digital to step away for a minute and Singer Kimberley Walsh, who married former Actress Emma Roberts will be returning for upcoming detox every week. The 23-year- actually reconnect with people and Triple 8 member Justin Scott last month, says second season of popular TV series Scream Queens. “Yeah, old, who has been dating digital reconnect with yourself,” Kloss she wants to have more children with him. Chanel is back! I’m so excited for season two of Scream entrepreneur Joshua Kushner said. “We live at a very fast pace and Walsh is keen to give her and Scott’s 16-month- Queens because I can only imagine what the writers have for four years, thinks it is very sometimes you can lose priorities old son Bobby a younger sibling soon, reports in store for Chanel,” Roberts, who plays the role of Chanel important to “totally shut off ” from and perspectives,” she added. But mirror.co.uk. Oberlin in the show, told eonline.com. technology on a regular basis in Kloss says she and Kushner don’t “I defi nitely want more children... Bobby The show’s second season will move off the college order to connect with both herself have a “no phones in the bedroom” is so sociable, he loves other kids so he’d campus and to a hospital, with four cast members and those around her, reports rule. “I keep my phone pretty close defi nitely enjoy it,” Walsh told HELLO! reportedly set to return from season one. After the show femalefi rst.co.uk. to me,” she said. — IANS magazine. “For him to grow up with a sibling was offi cially picked up for a second season, Scream Queens close in age to him would be lovely, so yes was said to be introducing four new male cast members, fi ngers crossed,” she added. who will all play doctors, when it returns. These actors Walsh even says that Bobby has been hinting will be in their late 20s, early 30s, and the casting search is at wanting a new baby in the family. currently underway. She said: “Bobby has started rocking his arms “I mean I hope there’s four hot doctors because I feel like like a cradle and saying, ‘Baaaaybee’.” — IANS if there is anything season two needs it’s four hot doctors,” Roberts said. – IANS

Motherhood gave “My main thing is mum, then me ‘purpose’: Adele it’s me, then it’s work. I think I had to take the right amount of Singer Adele says becoming a time off to let people miss me. I mother gave her “purpose” and just didn’t really know what I was taught her to feel as though she going on about. How could I ever was “truly living”. Adele took some try and fool anyone by putting the time out of the music industry record out and expect them to get to welcome her three-year-old it if I didn’t get it? It seemed a bit son Angelo, who she has with her lazy,” Adele told Vogue magazine. partner Simon Konecki, into the The 27-year-old also spoke world. She says her son makes her about her weight loss, saying feel “proud”, reports femalefi rst. it has had one bad effect — she co.uk. spends more money on clothes. “I “I can’t have any other junk in was trying to get some stamina for my head to worry about as well. my tour, so I lost a bit of weight. (Angelo) makes me very proud of Now I fit into normal, off-the- myself. When I became a parent, shelf clothes — which is really a I felt like I was truly living. I had a big problem for me,” she said. — SWITCHING OFF: Karlie Kloss purpose, where before I didn’t ... IANS PROUD MAMA: Adele 20 GULF TIMES Tuesday, February 16, 2016 COMMUNITY Top American helmers to speak at VCU-Q seminar Award-winning filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett and acclaimed producer Alix Madigan-Yorkin will attend a session on filmmaking as part of Discover America Week in Doha

inspired by Rossato-Bennett’s dedication to the collective well- being of society and progressive human change towards the greater good. Alix Madigan-Yorkin produced Winter’s Bone, directed by Debra Granik and starring Jennifer Lawrence, which was the winner of the Grand Jury Prize for best dramatic feature at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010. The fi lm tells the story of an unfl inching Ozark Mountain girl that hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact. Written by Granik, the fi lm stars Jennifer Lawrence as a teenaged girl in the rural Ozarks of the central United States who, to protect her family from eviction, must locate her missing father. The fi lm explores the interrelated themes of close and distant family ties, the power and speed of gossip, self-suffi ciency, and poverty as they are changed by the pervasive underworld of illegal methamphetamine labs. Winter’s Bone won several AWARDS HAUL: Jennifer Lawrence from the film Winter’s Bone by Alix Madigan-Yorkin. The film won several prizes and nominations. awards, including the Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic Film at the 2010 At present, Michael Rossato- fi lm deals with the subject of people fi lm, Rossato-Bennett strives Sundance Film Festival. It also By Umer Nangiana Bennett’s production company is suff ering from Alzheimer’s disease to incite conversations that received four 2011 Academy Award working on four documentaries. His and how music therapy can help interrogate issues related to cultural nominations: Best Picture, Best fi lm Alive Inside: A Story of Music and ease their suff ering consciousness. Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress s part of the ongoing and Memory is a 2014 documentary Alive Inside looks at the lack of In addition to Alive Inside, his and Best Supporting Actor. Discover America fi lm that premiered in competition music in nursing homes and asks fi rst feature length documentary The fi lm also won The Gotham Week 2016 in Doha, category of US Documentary questions about how we care for off ering, Rossato-Bennett has Award for Best Picture and won two award-winning Competition programme at the elders. This fi lm will be available to several documentaries in various two Independent Spirit Awards. directors are coming 2014 Sundance Film Festival. screen as part of his programming stages of development, through Currently, Alix is a staff producer Ato town for a lecture on fi lmmaking It won the Audience Award: US of the Discover America Week. his production company, Projector for Anonymous Content, a at the Virginia Commonwealth Documentary at the festival. The Documentary and through Media. Each of those projects is multimedia company based in Los University-Qatar (VCU-Q). Angeles. Award-winning documentary Discover America Week 2016 fi lmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett is an annual series of events and acclaimed fi lm producer Alix celebrating the US-Qatar Madigan-Yorkin will talk about their partnership. Currently underway, passion, achievements, journey thus until February 22, this joint eff ort far and inspirations at the lecture between the Embassy of the United to be held on February 21 at VCU-Q States and the American Chamber Atrium during the lunch break at of Commerce in Qatar will highlight 12. The session will be moderated by American business and innovation, Assistant Professor at VCU-Q Jesse travel, food, music, fashion, art, Ulmer. education and culture. “The two speakers will talk The week-long series of about their careers, sharing their events will offer information on inspirations and experiences investing in the United States, with the audience,” Isabelle St- revive nostalgic memories about Louis, Manager of Exhibitions the pop legend Elvis Presley, and Lectures at VCU-Q told showcase authentic US arts and Community. It is an open-for- fashion, encourage travel and all lecture session, followed by a education in the United States question-and-answer session with and highlight American brands in the speakers. A still from the film Alive Inside by Michael Rossato-Bennett. Qatar.