P6latest P20 Role of People Exhibition of and Communities in Artwork, ‘What If’ Shaping and Managing Recently Opened at the Built Environment Katara Art Centre

Community Community Ahmed QU workshop al-Bahrani’s looks at the P6latest P20 role of people exhibition of and communities in artwork, ‘What if’ shaping and managing recently opened at the built environment Katara Art Centre. of urban spaces.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Jumada II 14, 1437 AH

DOHA 19°C—28°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 13 PUZZLES 14 & 15 Musical

COVER coup STORY As part of ‘Adios’ farewell world tour, legendary Buena Vista Social Club all set to regale Doha tomorrow. P4-5 FAREWELL: Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Frankenstein GENRE: Horror, Thriller CAST: Carrie-Anne Moss, Xavier Samuel, Danny Huston DIRECTION: Bernard Rose SYNOPSIS: A married couple of scientists PRAYER TIME create a modern-day monster. Frankenstein is Fajr 4.19am a modern-day adaptation Shorooq (sunrise) 5.35am of the classic novel by Zuhr (noon) 11.41am Mary Shelley, set in Asr (afternoon) 3.08pm present day Los Angeles Maghreb (sunset) 5.48pm and told entirely from Isha (night) 7.18pm the perspective of the Monster. USEFUL NUMBERS THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza

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 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Weather Forecast 44656590 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444 Qatar University 44033333 Emelie kids to a series of twisted activities. As lets them do things that break all of their GENRE: Thriller their parents head out for a date in the parents’ rules. But as the night creeps CAST: Sarah Bolger, Carly Adams, city, the three young Thompson children along and Anna’s interactions with them Carl Bailey — Jacob, Christopher and Sally – take on a more sinister tone, the kids DIRECTION: Michael Thelin immediately take to their new babysitter slowly realize that their caretaker may ote Unquo SYNOPSIS: A couple’s replacement Anna (Sarah Bolger, Into the Badlands, not be who she claims to be. u te babysitter turns out to be more than they Once Upon a Time), who seems like a Q Great bargained for when she subjects their dream come true: she’s sweet, fun, and THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall achievement is usually Mall Cinema (1): Emelie (2D) 2.30pm; 5pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) 7pm; Solace born of great sacriﬁ ce, and is The Dressmaker (2D) 4pm; London Has (2D) 9pm; Solace (2D) 11pm. Fallen (2D) 6.15pm; Frankenstein (2D) 8pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): The never the result of selﬁ shness. The Wave (2D) 9.30pm; Pugazh (Tamil) Divergent Series:Allegiant (2D) 2.30pm; 11.15pm. Divergent Series:Allegiant (2D) 7.45pm; Zootropolis: Zootopia (2D) 4.30pm; — Napoleon Hill Mall Cinema (2): Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) The Wave (2D) 9.45pm; Frankenstein (2D) Frankenstein (2D) 6.15pm; London Has 2.30pm; Zootropolis: Zootopia (2D) 4.15pm; 11.30pm. Fallen (2D) 8pm; The Wave (2D) 9.45pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) 6pm; Solace (2D) Cinema Land Mark(2): Zootropolis: The Witch (2D) 11.30pm. 7.45pm; The Witch (2D) 9.45pm; Solace Zootopia (2D) 2.30pm; Kung Fu Panda Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): The (2D) 11.30pm. 3 (2D) 4.15pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) Dressmaker (2D) 2.45pm; The Dressmaker Mall Cinema (3): Maheshinte 6pm; The Witch (2D) 7.45pm; Solace (2D) (2D) 5pm; The Divergent Series:Allegiant Prathikaram (Malayalam) 2.15pm; Kapoor 9.30pm; Solace (2D) 11.15pm. (2D) 7pm; Frankenstein (2D) 9pm; Emelie Community Editor & Sons (Hindi) 4.30pm; Kung Fu Panda Cinema Land Mark(3): Pugazh (Tamil) (2D) 11.15pm. Kamran Rehmat 3 (2D) 7pm; Maheshinte Prathikaram 2.30pm; Maheshinte Prathikaram Asian Town Cinema: Maheshinte e-mail: [email protected] (Malayalam) 8.45pm; Kapoor & Sons (Malayalam) 4.45pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) Prathikaram (Malayalam) 5.45, 6.30,8, (Hindi) 11pm. 7pm; Pugazh (Tamil) 8.45pm; Maheshinte 8.45, 10.15 & 11pm; Puthiya Niyamam Telephone: 44466405 Cinema Land Mark(1): Emelie (2D) Prathikaram (Malayalam) 11pm. (Malayalam) 5.30, 8 & 10.30pm; Pugazh Fax: 44350474 2.30pm; The Dressmaker (2D) 4pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Kung Fu (Tamil) 8.45pm; Kapoor And Sons (Hindi) London Has Fallen (2D) 6pm; The Panda 3 (2D) 3pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) 6.15 & 11.15pm. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Chinese Silk Art DATE: March 24-May 9 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series VENUE: QM Gallery in Katara DATE: Tomorrow The second major exhibition of the Qatar TIME: 5pm China 2016 Year of Culture, ‘Silks from the VENUE: Aspire Dome Silk Road – Chinese Art of Silk’, presents silk A host of top gymnasts will take the centre as a theme, and as a special local product stage at the 9th Artistic Gymnastics World of Zhejiang that played an important role Challenge Cup, which will kick-off at the in trade along the Silk Road. The exhibition Aspire Dome this week. The three-day event, highlights ancient and modern Chinese silk to be held from March 24 to 26 and organised works, with around 100 pieces due to be by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, will showcased at the QM Gallery in Katara over a assume greater importance for the gymnasts, period of 6 weeks. as it will give them an idea about their preparation ahead of this year’s Rio Olympics. Qatar International Food Festival DATE: Until March 28 Aspire Jam Tournament VENUE: MIA Park Cultural Diversity festival DATE: March 26 Qatar Tourism Authority will organise the DATE: Until May 31 TIME: 3pm-7pm seventh edition of Qatar International Food TIME: 7:30-9pm VENUE: Aspire Park Festival under the theme “a diff erent side of VENUE: Katara Beach Aspire Zone Foundation will organise the food”. This year’s festival will be extended to Over 20 countries from all over the world are showcasing their traditions and heritage. ﬁ fth edition of Aspire Jam Tournament from seven days and expanded to other landmarks 3pm to 7pm. Registration fees: QR300 per and eateries, including: the Pearl-Qatar and team. The tournament targets adults aged Katara Cultural Village. Chinese food lovers Al Gannas Art Exhibition 18 years and above. Aspire Jam junior for the will also have plenty to look forward to, with DATE: Until Oct 30 DATE: Until April 18 age group 13-17 years will be held on April 22. Chinese cuisine featuring as part of “Qatar- TIME: 9am - 11:30 am VENUE: Porto Arabia, Pearl Teams of ﬁ ve players will compete to win the China 2016 Year of Culture” celebrations. VENUE: Al Gannas Society Diffusion by Peter Zimmermann — A cup of this basketball street tournament. Al Gannas Association is participating in mesmerising solo exhibition of colourful, the ‘Our culture is a school’ programme by futuristic works. Anima Gallery, Parcel 17, BeHealthy4life organising many activities for the students Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Contact: DATE: March 25 every Monday and Wednesday of the week. 40027437 TIME: All day These activities include explanations on VENUE: Sharq Village & Spa Beach Area hunting and related tools, kinds of falcons Qatari Agricultural Product Yards BeHealthy4life focuses on four elements and preys, in addition to workshop on how to DATE: Until June 30 essential in promoting healthy living. These carry a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of VENUE: Al Mazrooa, Al Zakheera, Al elements include Healthy Eating Habits, Not goat & camel hair), prepare traditional Arabic Khor, Al Wakrah Smoking, Exercise and Physical Activities and coff ee, etc. The Ministry of Environment has opened Handling stress. Beach Volleyball is one of the 4th season of Qatari agricultural the series of F318’s sports events to promote Weekends at Aspire Zone product yards for selling locally produced the BeHealthy4Life campaign as this kind of DATE: Until tomorrow fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish and sport provides the quickest calorie burn of TIME: 4pm-9pm livestock. Work in these yards will any type of volleyball. VENUE: Aspire Park continue for seven months. The yards will Aspire Zone Foundation invites you to operate three days a week on Thursdays, Animal Park come along with your family and friends, and Fridays and Saturdays from 7am to 5pm, DATE: Until April 2 to bring your kids every Thursday for outdoor with livestock vendors in Al Mazrooa TIME: 4pm sport fun activities, including football, operating at the same times throughout the VENUE: Qatar Sports Club volleyball, competitions and games for boys week. Animal Park features animatronic models and girls, from 4pm to 9pm. of dinosaurs and other large animals. The Ladies day at Beach park is located on an empty lot near the Qatar Childhood Cultural Center DATE: Every Monday Sports Club in West Bay. This park is inspired Pakistan Cultural Festival DATE: Until March 31 TIME: 9am-7pm by Jurassic Park and includes; animatronic DATE: March 31-April 3 TIME: 9am-10:30am VENUE: Sheraton Doha Dinosaur, King Kong and Godzilla models VENUE: Katara Cultural Village VENUE: Katara For all the ladies in Doha! Do you feel as tall as 8m. An area for children is also Biggest made in Pakistan expo, ethnic food Childhood Cultural Center participation like taking some time off for yourself? available for fun interactions with smaller street, huge kids zone, live musical concert by in ‘Schools Enrich our Culture’ programme Come join us at the Sheraton Resort for an robotic animal models. Pakistani singers, folk dancers, performances includes a variety of educational and artistic all-day-access to the beach and pool, along and more. workshops. with aqua gym aerobics for free. Nestled Spring Summer 2016 Collection on the edge of Qatar’s West Bay with an DATE: March 31 unbeatable and uninterrupted views of TIME: 7pm-9pm the blue sea. Our pool and beach adds an VENUE: The Gate Mall, West Bay exciting experience to enhance your senses The exciting launch event will be open to of relaxation. Enjoy only for QR100 per the public on March 31 at The Gate Mall, for person. which Salam and Noor have fused art and fashion in a museum-type installation called Join in our Walk-in Weekends ‘The Fashion Dream House’. The exhibition DATE: Every Saturday will feature various spaces from a house VENUE: MIA Atrium setting (living room, garden, bedroom), MIA art education and calligraphy teams using clothing from the latest fashion offer walk-in workshops in MIA’s atrium collections inspired by the season’s focus on every Saturday. These walk-in workshops pastel colours and Noor’s art to bring to life are for open for all family members. everyday living scenes in a playful way.

Spring Exhibition MIA FOODIE CHOICE DATE: Until July 16 TIME: 10:30am- 5pm RESTAURA NT : Sridan VENUE: QM Gallery Al Riwaq LOCATION: Shangri-La Hotel, West An exhibition of 15 contemporary Chinese Bay artists, curated by internationally acclaimed Sridan Restaurant Doha is reminiscent New York-based Chinese artist Cai Guo- White Night in the Desert of a traditional Arabian souq (market). Qiang, will be on view at the QM Gallery DATE: March 25 Sridan takes its guests on a culinary journey Al Riwaq. The exhibition will be the major TIME: 1:30pm by offering authentic cuisines from the highlight presented in the context of the VENUE: Khor Al Udeid Middle East and across the globe. A first Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture. Artworks Arabian Adventures Qatar (AAQ), the pioneer inland tour company in Qatar, organises of its kind in Doha, it presents outstanding exemplifying each and every artist’s unique White Night in the Desert featuring The Doha String Quartet. After the successful White Night value in an entertaining souq atmosphere artistic language and methodology will be in the Desert a couple of years ago, the group will once again serenade the guests at Arabian with attractive offerings and warm Qatari displayed in individual galleries. Adventures Qatar’s traditional camp in Khor Al Udeid on March 25. hospitality.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “Driven by aim to take Qatar to the next level” —Bilal Taha, CEO of Phoenix Entertainment

By Anand Holla

he mere thought of bringing down to Doha one of world music’s most revered groups, Buena Vista Social TClub, is a little too ambitious. Qatar’s new and upcoming live entertainment company, Phoenix Entertainment, however, appears to have pulled off a major musical coup in style — the legendary ensemble is all set to perform at 7pm tomorrow at Sharq Village & Spa. A heartening testament to the boundlessness of music, the story of a group of retired Cuban musicians becoming super famous as Buena Vista Social Club is one of music’s most inspiring tales. Before bowing out of the scene, the 13-member Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club for the first time — and what is also certain to be the last time — will perform in Doha as part of its ‘Adios’ farewell world tour, which they embarked on last year. The tickets for the show are available for QR350 (Regular) and QR 700 (VIP) at FNAC, Virgin Megastore, and Q-Tickets. The Buena Vista Social Club used to be a members’ club in Havana, Cuba, that shut down in the 1940s, and then later was a 1990s band, a 1997 album, a 1999 film, and an unofficial brand name representing the musical spirit of the original Havana club. The original Club held dances and musical activities, becoming a popular location for musicians to meet and play during the 1940s. As Rolling Stone puts it, Buena Vista Social Club wasn’t actually a proper band “but a conﬂ uence of veteran Cuban musicians brought together for a recording session by American guitarist Ry Cooder after a 1996 trip to Havana.” Rolling Stone, in its biography of the group, points out: “The project became the surprise hit of 1997 when its resulting album, Buena Vista Social Club, wound up selling over ﬁ ve million copies, largely by word of mouth, and won a Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Performance. The Buena Vista Social Club did more internationally for Cuban music than decades of cultural exchanges ever could and simultaneously helped popularise the world music genre in the late-1990s.” COMING SOON: Post-summer, Qatar must brace itself for a very well-known music artiste, says Bilal Taha. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

The unique difference between Qatar and other GCC countries is Qatar’s refreshing development in approach towards events and a notable change in its opening up more for entertainment solutions (G-Unit), Horace Brown and very excited to host this event on others. From 2012 onwards, I Thursday at Sharq Village & Spa. became an entertainment and event consultant for several This will be a very nostalgic concepts and clients and turned concert for the many fans more towards the “entrepreneur” of Buena Vista Social Club. world. Beside the events business, Personally, how significant is I am the co-founder of The this show for Qatar? Gaming Lounge and TGL Toys Personally, it’s a dream come in Qatar, and have been busy true for me to watch them live and establishing on an entrepreneur meet them in person. For a couple level, new business ideas and of years, I used to live on the concepts in Qatar. Canary Islands in Spain and I’ve been a big fan of their music since Why did you feel the need to then. Bringing them to Qatar is an start Phoenix Entertainment absolute honour. To have Qatar as a in Qatar? Is there potential tour date and plan on their ADIOS in the entertainment market Tour, is a historic and special day. here? It will be unforgettable. During 2008-2012, we were very successful and we have seen that Could you share some of the the market needs entertainment upcoming live acts that are and events. Between 2012 being brought down by your and 2016, I noticed that no team over the coming months? international entertainment We have several amazing events company was established in in the pipeline, and we will be Qatar to continue bringing live announcing them very soon. Mostly, entertainment to Qatar. I have these events will be about family decided this year, with Phoenix entertainment. Post-summer, Entertainment, to continue what Qatar must brace itself for a very I have started with a strong team well-known music artiste, details of and good references from world which we shall reveal soon. entertainment, driven by an aim to The iconic album cover of Buena Vista Social Club. take Qatar to the next level. How do you think can Qatar stand out as an entertainment In a chat with Community, including family entertainment, Professionally, have Buena Vista Social Club hub in the region? Bilal Taha, CEO of Phoenix stand-up comedies, music you dealt with such is one of world music’s The unique difference between Entertainment, speaks about concerts, and more to Qatar. responsibilities before? greatest success stories. How Qatar and other GCC countries is everything from the importance Being part of Al Manara Holding I was born and raised in challenging has it been to get Qatar’s refreshing development of roping in such pedigree of serves as a strong backbone that Munich City, Germany, and did them down to Qatar as part of in approach towards events and shows for Doha to what Qatar’s enables us to ﬁ nance all the events my graduation in Spain. In 2008, their ‘Adios’ tour? a notable change in its opening entertainment scene demands. ourselves. This, in turn, gives us the I arrived in Qatar. Ever since, I While every event poses its up more for entertainment freedom to look for international have had the opportunity to bring own set of challenges, in this case solutions. Qatar is asking for As a live entertainment events, artistes, concepts and many events and artistes over with Orquesta Buena Vista Social these events and people need to company, how is Phoenix even entertainment ideas from all the years like Ed Hardy Fashion Club, one of the main challenges de-stress through entertainment. Entertainment different around the world. We choose them, Show, WWE Raw with John Cena for us has been to arrange the While there may not be enough from the event management study them, scout potential venues and others, Qatar Pro Wrestling, visas for the Cuban artistes. entertainment alternatives yet due companies that operate in in Qatar, prepare our own sales and stand-up Comedians like Ahmed Another challenge was to find the to many reasons, people are ready Qatar? marketing strategies, and if we are Ahmed, Dena Edwards, Edwin right venue and fulfil the group’s for this kind of entertainment As a live entertainment company, convinced of all these factors, then San Juan and so on, and even technical requirements. But so options and are craving for high Phoenix Entertainment brings we take up the risk, invest in it and hip hop and R&B artistes like far we have been able to handle quality shows and top-of-the- diff erent kind of live shows execute it from A to Z. Sisqo, Montell Jordan, Hot Rod all potential challenges and are line production.

Wim Wenders’ eponymous documentary about the Cuban music group was nominated for Through the years, Taha has brought down several artistes and events to Qatar, including WWE Raw with Oscar and won great acclaim. John Cena and others, and Qatar Pro Wrestling. 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY ‘What if’ we chose the peaceful path

A bronze piece by al-Bahrani

the connection between people’s humanity has become somewhat detracted and detached from the increasingly atrocious acts that comes from the confl icts of war. People, both as individuals and collectively as a society, have the untapped and limitless potential to impact and make drastic changes needed to heal the world; however, presently this is overlooked and instead we tend to dispute amongst Selfie, a Bronze statue, by al-Bahrani. Photos by Umer Nangiana ourselves and go against each other. “The donkey is a very smart We are at war with each other, By Umer Nangiana animal. It hates violence and war. and the blood of the innocent is I used to live in a farm in Iraq and spilled for the gain of only a few, we had a lot of donkeys there. And says the artist. onkeys are marching I guess that is how it infl uences Al-Bahrani’s refl ection on war their way to peace some of my work,” the artist tells comes as no surprise — growing up while tanks are headed Community. as an Iraqi from Babylon, he sought in the direction of war. He has been away from his an answer that could end war. A donkey is willing to country for 22 years. There have He is one of the many Iraqis Dtread a path to non-violence even been combined factors of war who left their country for a if it means climbing a steep uphill and violence and the economic new beginning and today he road. And Ahmed al-Bahrani wants problems that forced him out of his demonstrates his stands on war, the world to follow this “smart, country and he detests war. portrayed through the distinct peace-loving animal.” “My art pieces are a refl ection aspect of art that has provoked him The animal features prominently of my thoughts and I believe into challenging the audience. in his latest exhibition of artwork, everybody should hate war. Why Al Bahrani uses bronze and metal ‘What if’, recently gone public are people being killed?” says al- to create the unique sculptures at Katara Art Centre (KAC) and Bahrani. that carries out the outspoken open until April 15. Containing his “Art comes to me naturally. I statements, which can be seen from trademark statues of fi breglass, believe I was born an artist. I was his previous exhibition ‘War to War’ metal and bronze, the exhibit destined to do this. My message is in Miami. refl ects the Doha-based Iraqi artist’s that of love for the whole world. In fact, through the ‘What If’ abhorrence for war and violence. Regardless of race, religion, collection of 2015, he illuminates His ideas are profound, executed ethnicities or colour of skin, people the art work as a sense of memory, with artistic majesty that very few from across the world need to love present reminders and future artist can achieve in his medium. each other and live in peace,” says endeavours. One of the collection’s One piece, for instance, is a whole the artist. main sculptures is a piece that MESSAGE: Ahmed al-Bahrani wants the world to shun violence and move army of white fi breglass donkeys Al-Bahrani is internationally speaks on behalf of the suff ering towards peace. marching in one direction with a renowned for having created regions of the world. tank on their back, facing the other thought-provoking large-scale Born in 1965 in Babylon, Iraq, al- he created works out of mud in was prevalent in Middle Eastern direction. sculptures in the past, such as a Bahrani obtained a diploma in art the Euphrates River that were sculpture to attain a minimalistic By placing them in diff erent gun-toting Mother Theresa, and from Fine Arts Institute, Baghdad then dissolved and claimed by the quality that is characterised by directions, the artist is questioning often bases the themes of his works in 1988 and currently lives between river itself. In that way, al-Bahrani both clarity and simplicity. His the human norms and the infl uence on past experiences, such as war Doha, Qatar and Stockholm, proclaims that sculpture chose him, individualistic approach has through authority. He seeks for an and exile. Sweden. and not the other way round. resulted in creating a sense of urgent action, for the world to unite The theme of his exhibition at Ahmed al-Bahrani was inspired His work has departed from the fl exibility and movement to an against confl icts. KAC revolves around the idea that to sculpt from childhood, when traditional scope of structure that otherwise heavy and rigid material. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Turkish embassy supports Qur’anic Botanic Garden

he Qur’anic Botanic Garden were displayed, demonstrating the (QBG) collaborated with affiliation between flora, botanic the Turkish embassy in a terms, and conservation principles recent planting ceremony to mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, Hadith highlight the importance of and Sunnah. greenT conservation initiatives in Qatar. In addition to the ceremony, QBG The ceremony, which was inspired presented an exhibition of tools by QBG’s ‘Ghars’ campaign, took traditionally used to cultivate the date place in the courtyard of the Turkish palm tree, illuminating part of the embassy, and brought together rich horticultural history of the Qatari representatives from Qatar Foundation community. and other local institutions, along Al-Khulaifi said: “We consider with Qatari and Turkish diplomats, the ‘Ghars’ campaign as a literal businessmen, community leaders and translation of efforts made by the executives. Qur’anic Botanic Garden towards the The ‘Ghars’ campaign provides environment by caring, protecting and diverse year-round awareness planting trees in order to rehabilitate activities that engage the local and conserve plant life.” community in an effort to increase QGB continues to identify and awareness about environmental work alongside national institutions sustainability and green issues. in Qatar which conserve and support The event encouraged cross- sustainable development frameworks cultural engagement and raised to ensure the environmental well- awareness of the importance of trees being of the nation. and the preservation of Qatar’s natural The Qur’anic Botanic Garden, a resources. member of Qatar Foundation for The ceremony was attended by Education, Science and Community The Qur’anic Botanic Garden jointly hosted a planting ceremony with the Turkish embassy in Doha. Turkish ambassador Ahmet Demirok Development, the first of its kind and QBG project manager Fatima in the world, exhibits all the plant Saleh al-Khulaifi. The two marked the species mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, event by planting olive, fig and Sidra and those in the Hadith and Sunnah. trees. The Garden exhibits the botanical Ambassador Demirok said: “Islam terms mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, expresses great concern for the explaining the significance of their environment and we should endeavour mention in the Holy Qur’an, as to preserve natural resources, well as the scientific explanations especially trees, within their of composition, application and natural habitats in accordance with usefulness to man. It inspires instructions of our religion.” appreciation of nature by encouraging During the event, a variety of plants respect and responsibility for the The Qatari and Turkish communities came together to raise awareness about environmental consciousness and trees mentioned in Islamic culture environment. and cross cultural co-operation.

Al Khaliji hosts 4th Annual Clay Shooting Competition

Al Khaliji Commercial Bank (Al Khaliji) recently organised its fourth “Annual Clay Shooting “Such events allow us to interact with our clients in an informal environment and develop Competition” at the Lusail Shooting Club, hosting numerous local and international corporate stronger relations with them. Building lasting relationships at Al Khaliji is a fundamental banks and companies. component of our business model, and we believe these strong relationships contribute to This first shooting event took place in late 2012 and was met with great success. At this year’s our overall success as an institution,” said Fahad al-Khalifa, Al Khaliji’s Group Chief Executive event Al Khaliji hosted Woqood, Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC), Qatar Airways, Tasweeq, QGTS Officer. (Nakilat), Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), QDVC, Bank Audi, QNB, Al Majed Jewelry, A total of fourteen teams made up of five members each participated in the competition. The Citi Bank, HSBC, Deutsche Bank as well as having its own team participating in the event. first place was awarded to CCC, followed by Woqood in second place and QVC in third place. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY

AAB supports ‘Plant a Tree’ educational campaign

Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros (AAB) partnered with the Public Parks Department of the Ministry of participated in the educational sessions and provided learning material and activities for the Municipality and Environment (MME) and the Rayyan Municipality for ‘Plant a Tree’ educational students. campaign at the new Al Khor Park recently. The campaign is aimed at educating students in Qatar The company believes in supporting the environment as one of its main corporate social the importance of nurturing a green environment in our community. The country-wide initiative responsibility pillars and have entered into a collaboration with the Public Parks Department to will involve participating schools and their schoolchildren between the ages of 6-13. promote the parks and the environment in Qatar. The first few trips included students from the Cardiff International and Cambridge International AAB has always been in the forefront, not only as the market leader in the automobile sector, School to visit the park and were shown the proper way of tree planting. Children from Newton but also in contributing generously to national and international organisations and events. The International School also shared the experience at the New Slata Park. company always strives to live up to its tradition as a socially responsible institution supporting As part of its commitment to environment protection and the promotion of parks in Qatar, AAB important activities in the country.

Grand Hyatt’s Isaan participates in QIFF

Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas’ Isaan returns dug into his culinary repertoire to design a once again to the Qatar International Food Festival. carefully selected menu showcasing the Isaan The annual event consists of gastronomic alfresco region’s bold flavours and simple preparation. Chef eating, drinking and cooking, as well as family fun Wachira’s menu includes signature dishes such and entertainment. as the popular grilled whole sea bass in pandan Located on the second floor, Grand Hyatt Doha leaves, which is bound to entice the tastebuds. The Hotel & Villas’ signature restaurant, Isaan, has award-winning restaurant provides guests with become 2015’s leading southeastern restaurant in diff erent off erings to present them with the full Doha. Winning multiple awards, Isaan sets the bar Thai experience. high with its authenticity, exotic flavours and warm Being one of Thailand’s favourite dishes, Isaan service, providing guests with an exceptional Thai invites guests to experience the diff erent types dining experience. and flavours of curry with Isaan’s ‘Curry Nights’ Satisfying the palates of all of his guests, Thai every Monday from 7pm until 11pm, priced at chef de cuisine Somporn Sintawee is an expert at QR95. Diners can appease their appetites with presenting authentic cuisine in a contemporary unlimited curry to share with the choice of fish, style. Specialising in Thai cuisine, Chef Wachira beef, chicken, mussels or vegetables.

Noble Kindergarten’s 9th graduation ceremony

The children at Noble Kindergarten participated in the school’s 9th Graduation Ceremony at its campus recently. The programme featured speeches by the children and an alluring welcome dance. The children also presented the Planet Dance. Later they were given their graduation certificates. The event was attended by parents and school staff members. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY 14 student volunteers inspire their Nepali counterparts

GROUP PHOTO: Volunteer students along with their Nepali counterparts.

total of 14 students went on to disadvantaged communities around workshops that focused on a variety of Ameena Hussain, Director of Student Life a volunteer mission to Nepal the world. Rota also strongly believes in subjects such as Leadership Skills, ICT at Hamad bin Khalifa University remarked recently, funded and guided by the importance of providing conducive Skills, Cultural Exchange as well as Sport “The ‘Not Your Average Spring Break’ trip Reach Out To Asia (Rota) and opportunities which enable youth from and Health. provided our students with an invaluable Hamad bin Khalifa University both Qatar and Nepal to interact, share Commenting on her experience in Nepal, opportunity to contribute to the work of A(HBKU). The aim of the mission was to knowledge and learn from each other, Sahar al-Ansari, a student from Virginia Rota. HBKU is committed to local and develop the capabilities of Nepali youth. thus developing compassionate, socially Commonwealth University in Qatar who international service and I hope the work The joint initiative also known as ‘Not responsible and proactive global citizens.” participated in the trip, said: “It was eye- of our students will further raise awareness Your Average Spring Break’, involved The Rota-HBKU Student Volunteer Trip opening to see young people my age, and in Qatar about the importance of global students from HBKU and other partner is part of Rota’s overarching ‘International with as much ability as me, underestimate volunteering. The participating students universities in Education City visiting the Volunteer Trips Program’, which is themselves. Although we came to teach the have made all of us at HBKU very proud.” Agyauli Community Resource Centre in the sponsored by HSBC Qatar. The trip is also students in Nepal, we also learnt a lot from Reach Out To Asia is a non-proﬁ t Nawalparasi District of western Nepal. part of Rota’s partnership with The Bill them too.” organisation launched in December 2005 The trip utilised peer-to-peer workshops and Melinda Gates Foundation and READ “We tried to create a curriculum that in Doha, Qatar, by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa to help provide opportunities for young Nepal, who are currently collaborating on a would enthuse our students and bring out bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Operating people in the country, aligning with Qatar four-year initiative in Nepal. The initiative their leadership qualities. We also worked under the auspices of the Qatar Foundation, Foundation’s ambition to unlock human aims to establish and upgrade Community on highlighting their beautiful culture and Rota is committed to providing high quality potential and develop knowledge based Resource Centres with the purpose of shared ideas about how to live a healthy and relevant primary and secondary economies, for personal and economic creating educational, social and economic lifestyle. Rota’s Community Resource education, encouraging relationships progression in Qatar and beyond. opportunities through community Centre in Nawalparasi has deﬁ nitely enabled among communities, creating safe learning Mohammed Saleh, Rota Director of engagement. the local Nepali youth to improve their environments and restoring education in National Programs, said: “Rota is committed During the trip, the Education City lives and those of their families,” Sahar crisis aff ected areas across Asia and around to providing educational opportunities student volunteers led daily peer-to-peer continued. the world.

A volunteer interacts with a Nepali woman at Agyauli Community Resource A class in session. Centre. A volunteer helps the local students with an activity at the centre. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY Years later, finding suc Doha-based Pakistani banker Shehzad Bhanji recently launched his solo album to great acc

Shehzad Bhanji says living in Doha helped him produce his music album.

t was Karachi, Pakistan of band and take the industry by storm. Amazon, Tidal, Google Play, Deezer Community in a recent chat about to that level with his fi rst album late 1980s. Taken in by the The reunion did happen. But life and Microsoft Groove. His music the success of his fi rst album and his which took him a year to complete. changing musical aura of his intervened again. Now they were video, Never Say Good Bye, was future plans. From composition to recording and time, Shehzad Bhanji too married and were going places released in February globally and A lot of credit, he says, goes production, Bhanji did everything by picked up a guitar and set following their livelihood. But in India through Hungama Music. to Qatar as well for giving him himself at his home studio. Iout to explore the world of popular Bhanji was still determined to follow Heath Andrews Review gave his inspiration and the opportunity When he restarted his musical music. He was 14 then. Bhanji found his dream of producing music and album 4 out of 5 stars. to reconnect with his dream. journey, he did not want it to three ‘partners in crime’ in his sharing his melodies with the world. For Bhanji, it was his unwavering “The most interesting thing about begin with a one-off single, rather cousins and together they formed a After a hiatus of almost two commitment to pursue his passion Qatar is that it is a multicultural a complete project. So he did 20 rock band. decades, he has fi nally done exactly and his lifelong attachment with his environment with a lot of people tracks, out of which he selected The band was doing well when that. Earlier this year, the Doha- guitar that made it possible. from diff erent backgrounds and 11 for the album. All tracks were life intervened — the music industry based Pakistani expatriate musician “I never left my guitar. I always diff erent musical infl uences and it instrumentals. was still underdeveloped and their released his fi rst album to raving kept playing. And it was my wife, is always interesting to interact with “The challenge was to make parents were not too happy with reviews from fans and critics in the herself an artist, who encouraged them,” the musician observes. people understand that [the album] this as a career choice. So studies industry. me. It was the year 2014 when in However, he feels there is lot to was instrumental, that there were no took priority, they all went their own The full album featuring 11 our New Year’s resolution, we both be done when it comes to producing vocals in it. And producing such an ways, promising to return one day to instrumental tracks was released made a commitment to each other original music and take it a level up. album in itself is very challenging. pursue their passion to form a music globally on Feb 19 on iTunes, to pursue our passions,” Bhanji tells He, however, took his music You have to keep the engagement Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 COMMUNITY ccess in his passion laim. By Umer Nangiana

going with the listener, or else, it becomes too monotonous,” says Bhanji. A banker by profession, he has been living in Doha for four years. He is a completely self-taught artist, learning to play from listening. Bhanji says he has been following diff erent genres but his biggest infl uence has always been Joe Satriani, followed by Eric Clapton and Eric Johnson. “These are guys who are more into melodic rock, which I prefer. My music is not the sort of screaming, shouting thrash metal guitar, it is more melodious,” says the artist. For Bhanji it all started in Karachi with a musical programme called Music 89. It was a source of inspiration for youngsters at that time. He too started playing guitar. He and his three cousins decided to form a band. In 1990 they got their break when Rhythm, the fi rst ever programme launched as a musical chart, launched them. “We had a very good thing going and we had our studio and we were producing our stuff . But then studies took priorities. We all departed but then we had a commitment that we will get back together and will start again,” recalls Bhanji. “We of course did that but it was very diffi cult. We all had our jobs and we were married now as well. And then we went abroad for work and everything just disbanded,” he adds. For him, initially it was strictly a career choice. He acknowledges it was social pressures that prevented it from becoming a reality. SOLO ACT: Bhanji has composed and recorded his first album all by himself. “Our parents obviously were not too keen that we play music and move away from our studies. And there was also a change in our looks at that time. (Laughs). So it was a shock for them. They were freaking out at it,” says Bhanji. But he believes whatever happens, happens for a reason. It was meant to be this way. He is however happy for whatever he has achieved at this stage. Now he has control and he can shape his life whatever way he wants to. “I have resources to do it as well. So I will take that,” Bhanji smiles. Bhanji says he would love facing the audience now as he feels ready. However, by launching the album the idea was to launch Shehzad as a brand and to establish who Shehzad is and what sort of music he plays. In the last two months, he says he has achieved a lot. The kind of recognition he has been looking for has been established. So at this point in time, he feels he is better off working alone, and not with a band. The singer’s video was nominated by Wix Music for SXSW music “In a band, every person has his Heath Andrews Review gave his album, “Never Say Goodbye”, 4 out of 5. festival in Austin, Texas. own mind-set and it gets diffi cult sometimes to gel in all the diff erent his second album, which he has collaborating with other musicians instruments into my music. You He is also doing at least one vocal thoughts into one,” feels Bhanji. already started working on. Three from around the world. There are would listen a bit of violin or track for the album. Working with likeminded instrumentals have already been two musicians from US and UAE fl utes, accordion or Irish pipes, so The rest will be instrumental as an musicians, however, is one of the recorded, waiting to be fi nished. who have already played in his solos. I am trying to give the audience a “instrumental has no boundaries in options that he is considering for His second album will be all about “I am trying to fuse diff erent diff erent fl avour,” says the musician. terms of language.” 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY 5 ways to revamp your run

ave you ever wished you could Make it memorable just snap your fingers and be Take the time to make some of your runs able to run a marathon? If only a little more interesting. Is there a trail it were that easy. Whether system a short drive from your home or you’re training for a race, want nearest health club? Even if it doesn’t fit toH get in shape or simply enjoy the rhythm into your daily routine, doing some runs of your feet hitting the pavement, running at a more scenic location every so often takes consistency and practice. can make the miles much more enjoyable. No matter where you fall on the running Changing up your routine also helps keep spectrum, there’s always room for your body challenged so you can continue improvement. If you’re striving to become to build strength and endurance. a better runner, you might need to make some changes or switch up your routine. Gather your running buddies Below are five tips from Mayer to help Running with friends is one of the best amp up your run so you can feel great while ways to stay motivated. Running with a making each workout count: buddy on a treadmill is fun as well, but an outdoor running pal or group can help the Ease into your outdoor runs time and miles pass more quickly. If you’ve been hitting the treadmill all winter and are just beginning to run Dress the part outdoors, take it slow. Pavement is harder If you run in the dark, choose reflective on your knees and joints than a treadmill clothing and a headlamp for safety. On belt, and your running form is a little rainy days, add a water resistant jacket different when you’re outside on the and a cap to keep water out of your eyes. ground. Start by taking some easy workouts This will make the weather more tolerable. outdoors, and then progress into harder If temperatures are cool, choose an outer workouts. By then, all the trails will be fully layer you can easily remove if you get too clear and your legs will have a chance to warm. Life Time is a firm believer that the adapt. right pair of shoes can help prevent injury, boredom on a treadmill, many runners headphones, it’s also easier to hear traffic, so make sure you find a pair that works for Ditch the background noise come to enjoy the quiet solitude or group animals or approaching pedestrians. If your running style. Consider leaving your headphones at chatter when running outdoors, especially music is absolutely necessary, try running home. While music is essential to beat when you run with a friend. Without with only one ear bud in. ©Brandpoint

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

Now that the Moon is hanging out in Gemini, your third house of Talking about money is not something you earthlings naturally enjoy The Moon in your sign is just the cosmic ticket you need to get conversation for the next few days, make the most of it by picking however with the Moon transiting your second house of money and up the energy (and maybe the nerve) to do something that needs up the phone and chatting with those people you haven’t spoken to self–worth today, you might feel it necessary to ask for advice from a doing. Venus and Saturn in your relationship zone suggest that a in a while. trusted someone about money today. Sagittarius is a sign that will be happy to help you today.

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

If you are oblivious to something which is pretty much staring right There is nothing worse than feeling as if you have lost some sort There is nothing to be done about those one or two people who at you today, you can be sure someone will be happy to point it out! of bet or competition, is there? You are a very competitive sign by have seemingly nothing better to do than boss you around today. And while you might feel embarrassed or disappointed in yourself, nature and sometimes you get a wakeup call such as many of you Whatever you do, don’t fall into their trap and let them direct you be glad someone at least pointed it out to you. will get today. around. You’re the boss of you!

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

The Moon shines brightly in Gemini today, your fellow air sign and Money is a bit of a tender subject right now for many of you, with Venus the planet of spending and the planet of love in your sign ninth house of spirituality and overseas travel. A phone call from a Venus the big spender and Saturn the planet of restriction both through (January 24) has had many of you overdoing it with the far flung loved one is just the thing to put you in a great mood today transiting your self–esteem and cash flow zone. If you don’t have it plastic of late. If you can take things back great. That’s the beauty and lift your spirits. and you can’t aff ord it, don’t buy it. of going on a shopping spree. As long as you have receipts, you can return it. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

In your sixth house of health and wellbeing, the Moon is the You have options today to do something you want to do or do If you have doubts about something or someone today, listen up. emotional wakeup call many of you need goats. If you haven’t been something others want you to do. What’s it going to be? Luckily with Mercury the planet of clear thinking remains out of phase in your looking after yourself, not eating right or exercising, now is the time the Moon in Gemini, your fun zone, the cosmic money is on you eleventh house of hopes, wishes and friendship. Not everyone is as to do so. getting your way. concerned for your wellbeing as you might think. 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Mon

MONACO MONIKER MONOPOLY MONAD MONITOR MONOTONE MONARCH MONKEY MONROE MONDAY MONKFISH MONSOON MONEY MONOCLE MONSTER MONGOL MONODY MONTE MONGOOSE MONOGAMY MONTH MONGREL MONOGRAM MONTREAL MONICA MONOLITH MONUMENT 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, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Beseech (4) 2. Good name (10) 8. Professed (10) 3. Hindu ascetic (4) 9. Exultant (8) 4. Maroon (6) 10. Tube (4) 5. Grab (6) 12. Frank (6) 6. Scatter (8) 14. Recluse (6) 7. Present (4) 15. Boil (6) 11. Uncultured (10) 17. Clergyman (6) 13. Realm (8) 18. Soon (4) 16. Dwell (6) 19. Calm (8) 17. Vocation (6) 21. Temporary transfer (10) 18. Too (4) 22. Level (4) 20. Observe (4)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. Provides weapons for members (4) 2. Not mistaken concerning an order (5,5) 8. Duplicate of the same type (6,4) 3. A direction to lower a boat (4) 9. Open clash that reveals the strength of 4. First impressions are convincing (6) one’s hand (8) 5. Lines for a child over ten (6) 10. Rounds of drinks (4) 6. Having a row? (8) 12. Rushes off for some soda (6) 7. One may get one’s hooks into them (4) Yesterday’s Solutions 14. It’s enough to drive one to drink (6) 11. Job centre? (4,6) 15. Wave put in the hair (6) 13. There’s a lot of laughter when a girl QUICK CRYPTIC 17. Glutton takes an age to finish a bird (6) swallows it (8) Across: 7 Rough; 8 Epithet; 9 Extinct; 10 Trial; Across: 7 Elite; 8 Evasive; 9 Dogwood; 10 18. Skylight (4) 16. First film shots of stampedes (6) 12 Astringent; 15 Equanimity; 18 Taint; 19 Dialect; Psalm; 12 Spin bowler; 15 Grass roots; 18 Tight; 19. Push the boat out and depart (5,3) 17. A successful film company will make 21 Raucous; 22 Lever. 19 Tunisia; 21 Hanover; 22 Tonic. 21. Not right in front, having been and show it (6) forgotten (4,6) 18. The Italian sun-fish (4) Down: 1 Irreverent; 2 Quote; 3 Thin; 4 Pester; 5 Down: 1 Dead weight; 2 Hinge; 3 Zero; 4 22. Hot dish produces worry (4) 20. Objects and doesn’t go on (4) Distinct; 6 Shrivel; 11 Literature; 13 Sanction; 14 Deaden; 5 Lamppost; 6 Finally; 11 Marble Arch; Furious; 16 Modest; 17 Heavy; 20 Able. 13 Positive; 14 Tangent; 16 Outcry; 17 Using; 20 Note. 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY CINEMA Cannes entry for Jodie Foster’s Clooney-starrer Money Monster

Celebrated Japanese director Naomi Kawase will chair the Cinefondation and Short Films Jury at the 69th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

latest work, untitled as yet, will be part of the in Japanese) opened the A Certain Regard, Cannes’ offi cial selections. It is a romantic the most important sidebar of the Festival. comedy set in the 1930s, and stars Jeannie Here she focusses on those marginalised by Berlin, Steve Carell, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake society and how they struggle to fi nd a place Lively, Parker Posey, Kristen Stewart, Corey under the sun. The work is based on Durian Stoll and Ken Stott. Sukegawa’s novel with the same title and A website has this to say about the plot: it tells the bitter-sweet story of a 76-year- “A girl and a boy in the most classy years of old woman who fi nds it diffi cult to get a job New York. A father of a girl and a mother of a because she once had leprosy. However, one boy in the deep America”. Enough to seduce fi ne day, luck smiles and she is employed by critics and others to troop into the Cannes’ a small eatery that specialises in bean paste screening. goodies, and the old woman’s recipe is so hot In any case, Allen is a delightful storyteller, that the shop becomes a great favourite of the and I have been an avid fan of his cinema, locals. though I have had some problem accepting Unlike most of her other movies that were his sense of justice and fair play. Look at set in Kawase’s native Nara, Sweet Bean Match Point, where the protagonist, a tennis unfolds in Tokyo. coach, murders his mistress when he fi nds The helmer, who grew up in rural Nara, her inconvenient for his marital happiness had an unhappy childhood. Her parents split, and fi nancial status. And the man goes scot her father abandoned her, and she was raised free! by an aunt with whom she had a love-hate Well, be that as it may, Allen has been a real relationship. Two of her documentaries talk regular at the Riviera. His Vicky Christina about her father and her aunt, who suff ered Barcelona, You Will Meet A Tall Dark from dementia in her old age. Stranger, Midnight in Paris, To Rome with Even Kawase’s features are pretty Love and Irrational Man — among a host of autobiographical and they have been heavily others — have been at Cannes. inspired by the rural landscape of the hilly So, one presumes that Cannes will invite Nara and the attitude of the simple folks The film's poster. Woody this year too. there. In 2013, Kawase was part of the Steven American studios, but rightly or wrongly, it is * * * Spielberg-chaired international jury at By Gautaman Bhaskaran they who bring in the top stars and the much Cannes. needed glamour. Every festival needs these Naomi Kawase Kawase’s work goes beyond direction. as much as they must have in their selections The celebrated Japanese director, Naomi In 2010, she opened the International Nara he buzz about the Cannes Film a good package of meaningful titles. Cannes Kawase, will chair the Cinefondation and Film School, which helps promote the work Festival has begun. With the has managed to do this with splendid ease. Short Films Jury at the 69th edition of the of young moviemakers — a commitment Festival, undoubtedly the queen Money Monster may not be the opening Cannes Film Festival. that she will be keen to uphold during her of all, set to roll on May 11, some night movie, but is most likely to screen on Kawase is one of those helmers whose presidency of the Cinefondation and Short of the titles that will or may play May 12, because the Foster thriller will hit the career has been closely intertwined with the Films Jury. thereT are being tossed around. cinemas in North America on May 13. Festival. In 1997, when she was barely 27 years As she said in a note soon after she was Jodie Foster’s Money Monster with that Foster — whose Beaver also debuted at old, she became the youngest winner of the selected by Cannes this year, “short movies irresistible George Clooney (last seen in the Cannes in 2011 — has worked out a gripping Festival’s Camera d’Or for her movie, Suzaku are exceptionally diffi cult, facing the question Berlin opener, Hail! Cesar) and Julia Roberts piece of narrative in Money Monster where — which sketches the despair of a family of how much of a story can be experienced (best known for her earlier Pretty Woman, Clooney portrays a television personality, in the mountainous region of Nara after a in their short duration, while they also Sleeping with the Enemy and Erin Brockovich), Lee Gates, (reminded me of Clooney’s 2005 railroad project that was to have employed contain myriad possibilities yet unseen. And has got a berth at Cannes, according to The historical drama, Good Night, and Good Luck the father is cancelled leaving him and his among fi lms created by students there will Hollywood Reporter. Also, for Roberts, this where he essays a co-producer of a television dependants in economic depravation. be the discovery of hidden brilliance like a will be her fi rst ever trip to the Festival with show during the early days of broadcast Kawase’s early accolade at Cannes led gemstone, which makes me very much look a movie. journalism in the 1950s). Gates runs into to still greater recognition. Four of her forward to participating in this jury, a journey Money Monster from the Sony stable trouble when he is taken hostage by a viewer subsequent fi lms went on to compete for the of adventure.” will ensure that there is at least one major (Jack O’Connell), who alleges that he has been top Palm d’Or at the Festival: Shara in 2003, Hollywood studio in attendance at the French ruined fi nancially. Roberts is the executive The Mourning Forest in 2007, Hanezu in 2011 z Gautaman Bhaskaran has covered the Riviera. Now, arthouse fans will grumble producer of Gates’ show and his lover. and Still the Water in 2014. Cannes Film Festival for over 25 years and may about major fi lm festivals’ obsession with big And, it is quite probable that Woody Allen’s Last year, Kawase’s Sweet Bean (or An be e-mailed at [email protected] Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Each fi lm a great learning experience: Will not bind myself to Sidharth Malhotra Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who is basking in all the positive response language: Huma Qureshi coming his way for Kapoor & Sons, says he is still a ‘student’ in showbiz as “each and every ﬁ lm has been a great learning experience” for him. “I have been fortunate enough that diff erent kind of roles are coming my way. Each and every ﬁ lm has been a great learning experience for me as an actor,” Sidharth said in a statement. Sidharth entered Bollywood with Student of the Year in 2012, and since then he has explored various roles like a lover out for vengeance in Ek Villain, guy- next-door in Hasee Toh Phasee and a boxer in Brothers. The latest is family drama Kapoor & Sons. Directed by Shakun Batra, Kapoor & Sons also stars Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor and Fawad Khan. Sidharth will be seen next in Baar Baar Dekho opposite Katrina Kaif in a love story which spans over 60 years. — IANS ACCOLADES: Sidharth Malhotra

Karisma Kapoor likely to make a comeback next year Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, who has been missing from the LANGUAGE NO BAR: Huma Qureshi, left, and Mammootty. silver screen since 2012, has hinted that she may make a comeback in 2017. “I do a lot of endorsements and stuff like that, but a movie ctress Huma Qureshi, who will be seen the fi lm is releasing, Huma said: “We have fi nished is a big commitment. Maybe sometime soon. Maybe next year, who sharing screen space with southern the fi lm. It is releasing this Vishu in April. I am very knows? Haven’t decided anything,” Karisma said on the sidelines of superstar Mammootty in Malayalam fi lm excited.” the second edition of TOIFA. The actress is currently in the midst of a White, says she will not confi ne her movie Talking about her co-star Mammootty, Huma said: legal battle with her estranged husband Sunjay Kapur. When reporters repertoire to one language, and will instead “Mammootty is a huge star, amazing human being questioned her about her divorce, Karisma just said “thank you” and Afocus on quality scripts. and a thorough gentleman. He really helped me with walked off. “I haven’t really thought about completely going language ... I really have to thank him.” Karisma separated from Sunjay over five years ago, and has now down south. I think wherever there is a good script, The actress also has two more fi lms in her kitty. She filed a dowry harassment case against him and her mother-in-law I think I’ll just go there. I will not bind myself to will be starring with her brother Saqib Saleem in the Rani Surinder Kapur. a language. I am an actor. As long as a script is Hindi remake of American supernatural psychological The Biwi No. 1 actress and Sunjay tied the knot in 2003 and share interesting, I will just follow my heart,” Huma said here horror fi lm Oculus and Gurinder Chadha’s Viceroy’s two children — daughter Samaira and son Kiaan. — IANS on the sidelines of an awards ceremony. Asked when House. — IANS

B-Town teams up to the brand donated twenty-fi ve Looks have become important to support senior citizens bed sheets to non- governmental everybody, says Arjun Kapoor organisations like Help Age India Bollywood celebrities have and Silver Inning Foundation. Actor Arjun Kapoor, who is gearing up for the signed up for a cause to donate Celebrities like Javed Akthar, promotion of his fi lm Ki and Ka, says today looks have bed sheets to senior citizens. Sonam Kapoor, Kabir Bedi, become important to everybody. “If you are a good Tangerine, a designer brand for Sidharth Malhotra, Sushant Singh actor, all these pressures doesn’t matter. I feel this home solutions, has got on board a Rajput, Kalki Koechlin, Malaika society has created this pressure. Looks have become string of Bollywood celebrities to Arora Khan, Govinda, Bhoomi important to everybody. I think, for an actor, you autograph on its bedroom makeover Pednekar, Athiya Shetty, Urvashi should look the way your character needs you to look. accessories as a corporate-social- Rautela, Kanika Kapoor, Talat It should not be more or less than that,” Arjun said. responsibility initiative. Aziz, Mouni Roy, Jennifer Winget, Arjun will be seen playing an IIT graduate and a For every one celebrity signature, Makarand Deshpande, Rahul house husband in the R Balki directorial. Asked about Sharma, Sanjeev Kapoor and Neeraj his comparison with his uncle and actor Anil Kapoor, Kabi are among the actors who have he said: “When you start, you don’t have a reference signed up for the cause. point. Suddenly, I came as an actor. Comparisons Tangerine donated a total of with Anil stopped after one fi lm.” 650 bed sheets to the NGOs, “There was no similarity to my performance. I have which are expected to signifi cantly got fl ashes of the Kapoors, but then thank God there improve the quality of life of its was no comparison.” – IANS Arjun Kapoor benefi ciaries. Talking about the initiative, Rajiv Merchant, co- founder of Tangerine, said: “Our Kaaka Muttai fame oriented role, and the team had with the opportunity. Aishwarya has products beautify the homes of Aishwarya Rajesh is originally cast someone else. a little over a month before she joins thousands of Indians. But we were Bollywood bound However, when Arjun saw my the sets of Daddy, and in the interim, keen on using our brand to make performance in Kaaka Muttai, he she will brush up her Hindi skills. “As a diff erence to people in need. By Actress Aishwarya Rajesh, who roped me in,” Aishwarya told IANS. much as I’m happy, I know it’s not donating we got the chance to help impressed critics and audiences alike It was one of the girls from the going to be easy in Bollywood. But India’s disadvantaged elderly rest with her performance in National production team who suggested this is a big opportunity and I want to with comfort, dignity, and a smile Award-winning Tamil drama Kaaka Aishwarya’s name to Arjun. “This make the best use of it,” she said. on their faces”. Muttai, has landed the leading role girl recommended my name after she In Daddy, Arjun will be essaying “We are thankful to our opposite actor Arjun Rampal in her watched Kaaka Muttai. Arjun was the role of gangster-turned- Bollywood fraternity to help us Bollywood debut. thrilled with my performance and politician Arun Gawli. Aishwarya is PITCHING IN: Javed Akhtar signs bring this initiative to life, and “I play the leading lady in Arjun immediately got me on board, and currently shooting for a yet-untitled for a CSR initiative by Tangerine to lending their names for the cause,” Rampal’s latest production Daddy. didn’t mind my language barrier,” Tamil project with actor Sibiraj. — donate bedsheets to old age homes. he added. — IANS It’s a very bold, performance- she said, and added that she’s elated IANS 18 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD Joan Allen is still a Midwesterner at heart

By Meredith Blake

oan Allen still lives in the same one-bedroom Upper West Side apartment she moved into in 1983, shortly after arriving in New York fromJ Chicago, but her career has been anything but static. She’s a Tony Award winner and three-time Oscar nominee who’s appeared in ﬁ lms as wide-ranging as the stylish action thriller Face/Off and last year’s Room. Like many of her acting peers, Allen, 59, has migrated to the small screen in recent years. She can be seen in ABC’s The Family playing Claire Warren, the Republican mayor of a small town in Maine whose son suddenly reappears 10 years after he went missing. Over a leisurely lunch at a Manhattan cafe, she talked about the role and why she’ll always be a Midwesterner at heart.

What made you want to do The Family? There’s better writing happening in television these days. I wouldn’t get to play this character in a feature ﬁ lm. The in-between ﬁ lm, which I did so many of — Pleasantville, The Upside of Anger, The Ice Storm — those are fewer and further between.

Between this and Room, you’ve done two projects in a row about abducted children returning to their families. That was a crazy coincidence. We fi nished shooting Room a year STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART: Joan Allen ago last December and a year ago in January I got the script for The You grew up in small-town that was as close to performing as who was in purple platform Are there any fi lms that you Family, and my initial gut response Illinois. How did that infl uence you could get, and I didn’t become shoes and had this beard and are particularly proud of? was, “Oh, my God, I just shot those you? a cheerleader in high school, this Romeo shirt on and I’m in There are lots of fi lms I scenes. Can’t we just take the scenes I think my approach to life, my which actually really devastated my Midwestern blue jeans with haven’t seen in 20, 25 years. But I from Room and splice them into the attitude, I credit to my parents, me. But then I auditioned for a a kerchief on my head. We did remember watching The Ice Storm story?” It was uncanny. But after and it really hasn’t changed. They play and I was like, that’s what a scene study from an Arthur in a screening room at Fox in Los I’d read the script for The Family, I were such good parents. It kind of I wanted anyway. From then on, Miller play together. And he Angeles. From the opening credits, realised the abduction is kind of the makes me cry. They gave me the that was it. transferred to Illinois State and the way the train whistle sounded, launching pad. Room is more of a best foundation that I could ever met all the other Steppenwolf Tobey Maguire taking the train microscopic study of a relationship want: Work hard, don’t complain, Was your family supportive? people. I was really lucky that from New Canaan into the city, it between a mother and a son. treat everybody equally, pull your Yes, but they did say, “Always one of their actresses left after a felt so perfect. weight, appreciate the simple have something to fall back on.” year and John called me up and How does Claire diff er things in life. I think that’s also why The whole time I was working with asked, “Do you want to come and The narrative about your fi lm from your character in The I’m in the same apartment and so Steppenwolf Theatre company in do a play this summer?” I said career is that you started out Contender, who was also a happy since 1983. I just don’t need my 20s, I had a full-time day job yes. doing a lot of wife parts in fi lms politician? tonnes of homes and cars. I’ve just at an educational fi lm company like Nixon, The Crucible and The My character’s not a seasoned kept my lifestyle so simple, which in Evanston, and I’d come and do You’ve done little theatre very Ice Storm. politician. She’s in some ways more gives me freedom to do the things plays at night. It was one of the best since moving into fi lm in the Every character was the moral Sarah Palin than Hillary Clinton. that I want to do. times for my life. ’90s. Why is that? compass. I didn’t really have an She was a stay-at-home mom and Even though it’s only in the awareness at the time, it was only she got into local politics once her When did you feel the pull of Tell me about how you got nighttime, I fi nd the whole day is kind of in retrospect, but I think it kids reached a certain age, and she acting? involved with the Steppenwolf calibrated toward that event — I’m also speaks to the industry. There found that she was good at it. The I would say since I was six or Theatre Company — and what making choices about what I do are just more fi lms where you’re a trauma of the kidnapping propelled seven, but I didn’t know what John Malkovich was like in when based on knowing that that wife and mother than heading up her into that world. Some people in it was because I was in this college. has to happen that night. You just the story. But I found variations the face of trauma fall apart. Some little cornfield town. I was a Oh, my God, he was so exotic. know you gotta be on your game all in each of those characters. — Los become activists. cheerleader in middle school, and I went to college and I met John, the time. Angeles Times/TNS Wednesday, March 23, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Paul Adelstein returning be-dead Michael (Miller) may be to Prison Break revival alive. Lincoln (Purcell) and Sara TV actor Paul Adelstein, who (Callies) will be reuniting to essayed Paul Kellerman in the TV engineer the escape as three of series Prison Break, which was aired Fox River State Penitentiary’s from 2005 to 2009 will reprise most notorious escapees, T-Bag his role in the upcoming revival of (Knepper), C-Note (Dunbar) and the series. Adelstein will join the Sucre (Nolasco), are pulled back original cast members of the series, into the action. who are returning which includes Adelstein appeared in all four actors Wentworth Miller (Michael seasons of the original drama, 46 Scoﬁ eld), Dominic Purcell (Lincoln episodes in total. He has starred Burrows), Sarah Wayne Callies (Dr. in Private Practice, had a long- Sara Tancredi), Robert Knepper running recurring role in Scandal (T-Bag), Amaury Nolasco (Sucre) and currently stars in Bravo’s and Rockmond Dunbar (C-Note), Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce reports variety.com. opposite actress Lisa Edelstein. The new Prison Break will be a The revived Prison Break will SEPARATION WOES: Chris Martin, left, and Gwyneth Paltrow sequel to the ﬁ rst four seasons. The premiere during the 2016-17 next chapter shall pick up when television season, though no clues surface in the TV series, that premiere date has been announced. Chris Martin opens suggest a previously thought-to- — IANS up on split with Gwyneth Paltrow

oldplay singer Chris Martin has given an wonderful separation-divorce. I’ve lived a lot since insight into the state of his mind following then. It’s a divorce, but it’s a weird one,” Martin was his split from actress Gwyneth Paltrow, quoted as saying by The Sunday Times Magazine. admitting he experienced “a year of The pair share daughter Apple, 15, and nine-year-old depression”. son Moses. Martin, 39, said that soon after splitting, CThe Paradise singer separated from the actress in they decided to focus on their family instead of trying 2014 after almost 10 years of marriage but they have to place blame. “You can come at it very aggressively remained close friends. and blame and blame. Or you can put yourself in the Speaking for the ﬁ rst time about the split, Martin garage, so to speak. Take yourself apart and clean off explained it was “weird”, reports mirror.co.uk. the bits. Reassemble,” he said, while adding that he read “It’s always out there in the media, but I have a very literature to get him through tough times. — IANS NEXT CHAPTER: Paul Adelstein

Emma Stone to star in Rosemary Kennedy biopic Armani pledges over the years allows us to have valid Kim, Khloe, to go 100 % fur-free alternatives at our disposition that Kourtney sued Actress Emma Stone has render the use of cruel practices over beauty line been signed up to star in a Renowned Italian fashion designer unnecessary as regards animals. biopic based on Rose Marie Giorgio Armani has pledged to go Pursuing the positive process Reality TV celebrities Kim, “Rosemary” Kennedy, who 100% fur-free across all his labels from undertaken long ago, my company Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian was the eldest sister of US the Autumn-Winter 2016 collection is now taking a major step ahead, are reportedly being sued over President John F Kennedy. onwards. Armani’s no-fur promise refl ecting our attention to the critical their beauty line. A new lawsuit The fi lm titled Letters from follows similar commitment by fashion issues of protecting and caring for the alleges that the trio could be liable Rosemary Kennedy, which brand Hugo Boss last year, and comes environment and animals,” Armani said. for up to $190mn for not tweeting will explore the life and fi nal after the designer worked closely with HSI recently exposed the suff ering of about their beauty line, reports days of its title character, an Humane Society International (HSI) rabbits, as well as foxes, raccoons, dogs tmz.com. intellectually disabled young and The Fur Free Alliance, which was which were confi ned in small, bare, wire The lawsuit claims that Hillair woman who was subjected a coalition of 40 animal protection cages on Chinese fur farms. The video Capital Management put up more to a disastrous lobotomy at organisations in 28 countries working to made by the society also exposed the than $10mn to save the make-up age 23 that left her unable end the fur trade. brutal methods used to kill foxes and line after their former business to care for herself, will have “Armani is the fi rst word in luxury raccoon dogs. — IANS partner went bankrupt. The trio Stone portraying Rosemary, fashion, and so it is hugely signifi cant for teamed up with a company in 2012 reports ew.com. the global fashion industry that Armani to make their Khroma Beauty line. Written by newcomer has pledged to remove animal fur from A year later they were then blocked Nick Yarborough, the fi lm all his new collections going forward,” from using Khroma Beauty and will explore the time when Claire Bass, executive director of HSI in changed it to Kardashian Beauty. Rosemary Kennedy was Britain, said in a statement. But then the company they abandoned by her parents “Those designers such as Prada, had partnered with allegedly after the procedure of Fendi and Michael Kors who continue started tanking and Hillair Capital lobotomy, hidden away from to put animal suff ering on the catwalk Management stepped in to buy the her siblings and the public are looking increasingly isolated, company and also inject $10mn for decades at an institution with this move by Armani probably into the business. in Wisconsin. She died of ROPED IN: Emma Stone the most powerful message yet that Reportedly, Kim, Kourtney and natural causes in 2005. killing animals for their fur is never Khloe didn’t hold up their end of Allard Cantor and Jarrod fashionable,” Bass added. the agreement, which was to tweet Murray are co-producing with Steve Golin, Doug Wald, and Pleased to announce the move, about the brand. Richard Arlook. Stone was last seen in Aloha and Irrational Man. Armani says that the “Armani Group has They now reportedly want Her other upcoming movies include the musical romance La La made a fi rm commitment to abolish the their $10mn back as well as up to Land and the Billie Jean King biopic Battle of the Sexes. — IANS use of animal fur in its collections”. $180mn, which is what they say “Technological progress made COMMITMENT: Giorgio Armani they would have made. — IANS 20 GULF TIMES Wednesday, March 23, 2016 COMMUNITY Urbanism of the future ustainable urbanism is not merely about smart cities, QU workshop looks at the role of people and communities in shaping technology, urban design form and ecological infrastructure. It is also and managing the built environment of urban spaces. By Anand Holla aboutS people and communities and their participative role in shaping and managing the built communities that live in the urban environment. areas, which should include both This was the simple premise that human and natural species – fl ora powered an enlightening workshop and fauna. Planning also begins titled ‘Sustainable Urbanism, New with people and we are witnessing Directions’ at the Qatar National the co-creation of urban projects Convention Centre on Monday. by communities, NGOs, planners, Organised by Department of and authorities. A healthy city Architecture and Urban Planning, requires healthy populations and College of Engineering, Qatar communities – both in physical and University (QU), the gathering mental health. Areas of research featured a great variety of speakers that address people and species are – international researchers, emerging through interdisciplinary academics, and professionals – research and practices,” she said. and has somewhere helped create Meanwhile, as part of the international networks for research Sustainable Urbanism event, projects and has also brought new there was also a permaculture knowledge to Qatar. workshop called Soul to Soil at QU The presence of such a robust on Saturday. “As urbanists we often array of voices along with students look at the ground as a fl at surface – helped create a space “to share whereas the ground is made of soil knowledge, to provide a fertile – which has many layers and living ground for future research, and organisms which are essential to our to identify new directions, new well-being and that of the planet. fi elds, new topics that research in Everything we ingest in our bodies social sciences can or should take,” comes from the soil and is aff ected believes Dr Anna Grichting Solder, INSIGHT: A glimpse into the QU workshop that hosted a variety of researchers, academics and professionals. by the quality of the soil,” Grichting Assistant Professor, Department of explained, “Also, the soil workshop Architecture and Urban Planning, “While much knowledge, tools our permaculture and Soul to When asked about why a holistic is important as we need to at Qatar University, College of and technologies have been created Soil workshop. And of course to sustainable urbanism approach is reconnect to the ground and the soil Engineering. to construct sustainable cities, in all the people who have helped the way ahead for Qatar, Grichting as a precious and living substance, In her speech, Grichting, who is many cases we are still lacking a to make this happen,” she said at told Community, “It is imperative not merely as a real estate value.” one of the main organisers of the holistic and integrated approach the outset, adding that Dr David that we work with, and not against The workshop leader, event, elaborated on the signifi cance to urban design that includes Reksulak and Dr Julia Lane helped nature in shaping our cities and Nance Klehm, seeks to engage of the subject of the workshop. “The all biological species, human her conceptualise and organise the environments. It is important to communities to reclaim and aim of this workshop is to discuss communities, urban systems – workshop. approach sustainability in urbanism produce their soil by recycling new directions in the sustainable transportation, water, solid waste, Of the three topics up for not just from a technological point all their organic and inorganic urbanism in the social sciences. air quality,” said a note on the discussion, the fi rst was Sustainable of view, but also from the social materials to create fertile compost Architecture and Urbanism workshop’s objectives. Urbanism: New Paradigms which sciences. It is people’s behaviour, to grow food and plants. are between disciplines, across Education and awareness are dealt with new approaches to the structures of society, the values “By understanding how the disciplines. Being in the border is important factors to contribute to physical planning of the built of culture and environment that, soil is made and how organisms what contemporary philosophy these objectives, and it is important environment, in particular ones too, shape a city’s sustainability.” and minerals interact, people are describes as the spaces where most to engage students in the workshop that integrate landscape, ecology Grichting pointed out that more attached and engaged to creative things happen,” she said. and discussions, Grichting pointed and urban planning, as well as this requires a shift in the the soil. Additionally, we had a Throughout the workshop, out. “I would like to thank Qatar urban design that considers the conceptualisation of urban plans, students’ session on Blue Planet the experts explained how new National Research Fund for making city as a system. The second topic and ones that begin with natural Design which looks at urban design paradigms for sustainable urbanism this workshop possible and to Qatar was Sustainable Urbanism and the systems and integrate technological related to water and to the oceans. are emerging and will play a key University for their support. I am Social Sciences which focused on solutions, with the aim to give back Both soil and water are essential role in the health of the city and the also deeply grateful to The Swiss people and communities in the city, to nature and to the biosphere. elements to consider in urban planet, including urban biodiversity, Embassy in Qatar for hosting the and their role in the sustainability “Smart cities are often designed design and transformations can food urbanism, water-sensitive dinner reception, to Al Nakheel for of a healthy, safe and liveable city. and discussed from a technological be brought about through design urban design, systems thinking the beautiful urban forest landscape The third topic was about Urban point of view, they propose effi cient and technology, but also through in urban planning, ecological they have created for us, and to Data and Urban Indicators for systems to build and operate a community engagement, education, urbanism, etc. Al Sulaiteen for their support of Sustainability. city. Yet they often overlook the and empowerment.”

Dr Anna Grichting Solder, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Speakers and participants, after the end of the event, at the Urban Forest created by Al Nakheel Landscapes in QNCC. Urban Planning, at Qatar University, College of Engineering, at the event.