YOUR PAGE, YOUR STAGE!

There’s probably a photographer hidden in each of us, looking out for a platform. Community invites you to grab your chance and send your contributions with contact details and complete description of the images to [email protected] — PHOTO ESSAY, Page 10

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 Shawwal 9, 1440 AH

Doha today: 330 - 470

The last stand

Avicii’s final songs emerge on Tim, with help from many friends. P4-5

COVER STORY

INTERVIEW BACK PAGE

Meera unplugged. Urdu lovers get taste of fresh poetry on Eid. Pages 8-9 Page 16 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.12am Shorooq (sunrise) 4.44am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 2.58pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.26pm Isha (night) 7.56pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Virus outbreak in Kerala, and the courageous fi ght put on by several DIRECTION: Ashiq Abu individuals which helped to contain the epidemic. CAST: Revathy, Kunchacko Boban, Parvathy SYNOPSIS: A real life account of the deadly Nipah virus THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374

Bharat that he will keep his family together no matter what, a promise DIRECTION: Ali Abbas Zafar that he works to keep over the next 60 years of his life. CAST: Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan SYNOPSIS: An 8-year-old boy makes a vow to his father THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza ote Unquo u te Q “Walking The Mall Cinema (1): The Secret Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): with a friend in the dark Life of Pets 2 (2D) 2:15pm; Bharat Bharat (Hindi) 2:30pm; Godzilla is better than walking alone in (Hindi) 4pm; Aladdin (2D) 7pm; II: King of the Monsters (2D) Godzilla II: King of the Monsters 5:30pm; Bharat (Hindi) 8pm; Life of Pets 2 (2D) 5:15pm; the light.” (2D) 9:15pm; Virus (Malayalam) Bharat (Hindi) 11pm. Aladdin (2D) 7pm; Godzilla 11:30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): — Helen Keller II: King of the Monsters (2D) The Mall Cinema (2): Aladdin Virus (Malayalam) 2:15pm; The 9:15pm; Virus (Malayalam) (2D) 2pm; Virus (Malayalam) Secret Life of Pets 2 (2D) 5:15pm; 11:30pm. 4:15pm; X-Men: Dark Phoenix X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2D) 7pm; Landmark Cinema (2): Bharat (2D) 7pm; Bharat (Hindi) 9pm; Godzilla II: King of the Monsters (Hindi) 3pm; X-Men: Dark Kolaigaran (Tamil) 11:45pm. (2D) 9pm; Virus (Malayalam) Phoenix (2D) 6:15pm; Bharat The Mall Cinema (3): Bharat 11:30pm. (Hindi) 8:15pm; Bharat (Hindi) (Hindi) 2pm; Aladdin (2D) 5pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Community Editor 11:15pm. John Wick 3: Parabellum (2D) Aladdin (2D) 2:30pm; Aladdin Landmark Cinema (3): Aladdin Kamran Rehmat 7:15pm; Casablanca (Arabic) (2D) 5pm; Casablanca (Arabic) (2D) 2:30pm; Aladdin (2D) 5pm; e-mail: [email protected] 9:30pm; Bharat (Hindi) 11:30pm. 7:15pm; John Wick 3: Parabellum Casablanca (Arabic) 7:15pm; John Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): Virus (2D) 9:15pm; K Wick 3: Parabellum (2D) 9:15pm; olaigaran (Tamil) Fax: 44350474 (Malayalam) 2:15pm; The Secret Kolaigaran (Tamil) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

Indian Sports Centre under the patronage Career Guidance of Embassy of India is organising Third WHERE: Right Track Consultants, Al edition of ISC Skipping Rope Open Sadd Championship - 2019 for Speed Hop and WHEN: Sunday – Thursday Speed Endurance competitions. Categories, TIME: 6pm – 8pm include Under–12 (Boys and Girls), Under–18 Career guidance for course, country, (Boys and Girls) and Adults (Men and college and entrance for students of Grade Women) - Above 18 years. Entry is free. IX-XII, of all curriculum. Career assessments Championship is open to all Indians and administered for stream preference, career students of any nationality studying in Indian test, branch preference, personality, Schools. For further details, yoga.iscdoha@ multiple intelligence and learning styles gmail.com or 55824194/55956008. and productivity. For more information, 55448835. Ballet Lessons WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier After School Activities WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Atelier TIME: 4pm – 8pm WHEN: Ongoing For more info e-mail at registration@ Music and arts activities for students atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. taking place after they fi nish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

Hobby Classes WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art Centre WHEN:Wednesday – Monday Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is a holistic performing arts institution and a one stop solution for adults as well as children looking to explore their talents in various EVENTS art forms. We off er classes in contemporary, MF Husain: The Horses Of The Sun Bollywood, hip hop, indian classical dance, Creative Writing Workshop Exhibition music (Hindustani and Carnatic), arts and WHERE: Café #999, Fire Station Gallery, WHERE: Mataf: Arab Museum of Modern craft, karate, yoga, percussion( Chenda, Wadi Al Sail, Doha Art Thimila, Elathalam and Madhalam), violin, WHEN: June 20 WHEN: Ongoing till July 31 harmonium, public speaking. TIME: 6pm – 9pm TIME: 9am – 7pm Additional services include dance Sanation Education, in collaboration with The exhibition presents Hussain’s pluralist education, choreograph music videos and Samana Art Movement, brings to you, an approach to the divine and cosmic aspects of Summer Camp for Special Needs dance cover albums, choreograph dance evening of creative writing. Discover your being, articulated through the myths, symbols WHERE: Step by Step Centre for Special musical projects, corporate workshops and inner writer or performer as you learn to and narratives of the world’s religions and Needs events, choreograph events for schools, write poetry for the page and for the stage. philosophies. M. F. Husain: Horses of the Sun WHEN: June 30 – August 1 colleges, alumni meets and corporate Explore writing in new styles, writing in bears witness to a recurrent motif in his art, a TIME: 8:00am – 12:30pm and choreography events. For details, call collaboration, and turning some of your personal symbol of self-renewal and vitality. During this time, all therapists and 33897609. written work into performance. Find your teachers will be working together, running writing style, whether it is poetry, prose, individual, peer and group sessions within Arabic Calligraphy Workshop performance, or a combination of them! With classes. The children will continue learning WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday Gulf Time’s own weekly columnist, get one- age-appropriate concepts, work on social TIME: 6pm on-one time to display your material and gain skills, life skills training, arts and crafts, Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. feedback from an expert. You can also bring music, and fun activities such as water play. Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic any existing material you have and would like handwriting and calligraphy at Music and to work on. Fee is QR200 (includes one drink) Arts Atelier. and payable at venue. For further details, The lessons will take place every Saturday, 55164920. Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact registration@ A Choral Kaleidoscope Concert atelierqatar.com WHERE: Swiss International School WHEN: Tomorrow TIME: 7pm onwards Featuring Qatar Youth Choir and Qatar Junior Choir – their last concert of the season. Qatar Youth Choir has recently returned from workshops and concerts with the Vienna Boys Choir in Austria. Qatar India to Qatar – Symbiosis of Junior Choir will perform their concert Cultures programme in September. Tickets are WHERE: FBQ Museum available from choir members or on the door WHEN: Ongoing till July 31 for QR60. Under the context of cultural exchange, FBQ Museum brings together the treasures of the museum owned collection in order to promote mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between Qatar and India. Composed of five main topics, including community, trade, arts, food and incense, the exhibition takes one on a journey to explore the rich and Dance and Instrument Classes diverse Indian cultures, the long historic WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times links between Qatar and India, and cultural Building similarities between Qatar and India. Artistic Gymnastic Classes WHEN: Wednesday – Monday WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb Learn the movements of dance styles in ISC Skipping Rope Open WHEN: Ongoing Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical Championship TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard WHERE: Ashoka Hall, ICC The olympic sport using horizontal bar, for adults as well kids and move in the world WHEN: June 15 rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the of music. For details, contact 66523871/ TIME: 11.00am—1:30pm children from age 4 till 16. 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Remembering Tim A posthumous album from Bergling, released this week, captures some of the last ideas from a young superstar producer, expanding on his gifts for melody and genre twists, writes August Brown

t the top of the Bird of Avicii’s pulled up: Al Fakir’s There’s so much Streets in West production partner Vincent Pontare; Hollywood, in front of singers Aloe Blacc and Joe Janiak; blank space that’s a Modernist mansion Neil Jacobson, the president of with gobsmacking views Geff en Records, Avicii’s label. unfilled and so Aof the Sunset Strip, Salem Al Fakir Jacobson hugged Blacc as he got out stepped out of his car and felt the loss of his own car. many things left all over again. “Aloe, so good to see you,” unsaid. I think The Swedish producer and Jacobson said. “This is nuts. It’s songwriter, 37, hadn’t been to this the fi rst time we’ve been back here it should be house, sheathed in blue glass and since.” immaculate green hedges, in over “I had created some sort of crust filled by music. a year. Not since he got the news of on the outside of my body,” he added. You want to be what happened last April to his friend “You’re able to escape your own Tim Bergling, the dance music artist emotional moments. But this. … I’m remembered for known as Avicii. having a hard time dealing with this.” Bergling lived and worked here They’d gathered here to start what made you until his suicide in Oman last spring talking about Tim, a posthumous at age 28. Al Fakir wrote and recorded album from Bergling, the star Swedish feel alive with Bergling in this house. New DJ, songwriter and musician, fi nished owners had since moved in, but the by these collaborators based on — Joe Janiak, memories of last year’s grieving his production notes. The album, singer and Tim’s welled up as soon as he saw it. released this week, captures some of ‘ “I might need to take a step back,” the last ideas from a young superstar partner Al Fakir said. “It’s a bit too much.” producer, expanding on his gifts for ’ Other friends and collaborators melody and genre twists. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

It would have an optimistic statement piece from Bergling, who had retired from touring after well documented struggles with “This guy is substance abuse and mental health. But now it’s become an Avicii one of the best album for everyone left behind. “We never expected what melody writers, happened,” Janiak said. “I felt anxious, being a voice for that in naturally from some way. But there’s so much blank space that’s unfi lled and so his soul, I’ve ever many things left unsaid. I think it should be fi lled by music. You want met in my life,” to be remembered for what made you feel alive.” Chic founder

Boundary pusher Nile Rodgers told Bergling’s death was, in some ways, a valediction for the uplifting, The Times last industry-shaking EDM scene of the 2010s. With his breakout year (high praise single Le7els in 2011, Avicii helped defi ne an era of mega-festivals like from a man who Electric Daisy Carnival, when DJs collaborated suddenly commanded mid-six- fi gures for gigs. with David He was parodied by Andy Samberg as DJ Davvinci on SNL Bowie and Daft (Bergling reportedly loved the skit). But even in that heady era, Bergling Punk). stood out as a restless songwriter who pushed the boundaries EDM placed around him. One of his biggest hits came in 2013 with the folk-tinged Wake Me Up, with soul singer Blacc on lead vocals. began sorting through his hard returns to folk with alt-rockers Two times clean, I’m acting low me,” Blacc said. “But it made me “This guy is one of the best drives and Dropbox accounts. Imagine Dragons taking lead on a pound of weed and a bag of blow humble and I felt the gravity of melody writers, naturally from Bergling would often leave the vocals. Al Fakir and Pontare’s — Blacc on SOS what I was endeavouring to do. his soul, I’ve ever met in my life,” detailed voice notes and sketches production team, Vargas & Lagola, Knowing that he was crafting the Chic founder Nile Rodgers told The about his intentions for the tracks, helm some unexpected Indian On Bad Reputation, Janiak words, and hearing this call for help Times last year (high praise from a which added some clarity. Many string fl ourishes on Tough Love and channels the anxiety around and hearing this affi rmation of ‘I man who collaborated with David were almost complete productions. eerie trip-hop on Excuse Me Mr. Sir. Bergling’s public perception as a don’t need my drugs,’ that all was Bowie and Daft Punk). But even if it promised a fi nal It would have been a major reset hard-partying embodiment of EDM really tough to take.” Bergling was candid about his chance for new Avicii music, it was of Avicii’s sound, one that could decadence. They also reminded everyone in problems with heavy drinking and emotionally trying work. have cemented him in the upper tier Those songs, though dark Bergling’s circle that no-one can mental health. In 2016 he retired “After Tim passed away, Tim’s of contemporary pop producers. and self-critical, were written really know what someone’s going from his relentless touring to focus father asked me, ‘Can you please EDM’s high-energy, four-on-the- at a moment of relative peace through. His management and label on recovery and studio work. go through Tim’s devices and fl oor beat has fallen out of fashion for Bergling, at least as his admit that his death has changed “The next stage will be all see if you fi nd any clues about in pop, and this album would have collaborators saw them. Under the ways they prioritise artists’ about my love of making music the music?’” said Christopher fully left it behind. diff erent circumstances, they might health. “That’s something I’ve to you guys. It is the beginning Thordson, who managed Avicii But it’s also hard not to hear a have been praised for their candour been thinking very much about,” of something new,” he wrote after Bergling retired from touring. dark undercurrent in many of the about his struggles. Now, their Thordson said. in a statement at the time. A “What happened, obviously, it’s so lyrics. singers admit that they’ve taken on “Mental health has been documentary, Avicii: True Stories, sad and tragic. I couldn’t listen to heavier meanings. They felt that overlooked in the industry. It’s the came out on Swedish Netfl ix just his demos for a couple of days after Can you hear me? S.O.S. weight performing them. industry’s responsibility to provide days after his death and captured a his passing. You’d just burst into Help me put my mind to rest “Singing those lyrics really shook a safe work environment. You need deeply troubled star nearly broken tears listening to it. It’s been a lot to have some boundaries when it by the stress of fame. But Bergling of sleepless nights.” comes to touring. For some people, had approved of its candour, and Jacobson said: “We all had “What it’s completely fi ne to handle the he seemed to be rounding a bend a series of some of the hardest stress that comes with that. But not in his recovery. His suicide cut all conversations one can have, happened, everyone.” that reinvention short. talking to a father who buried his For fans, the range on Tim will The news devastated the dance son about his family’s wishes. But obviously, it’s so remind them of the talent and and pop music communities, along we knew the facts. We knew Tim, expansive vision underneath with his family (he was survived and we knew there was music he sad and tragic. Avicii’s EDM ascent. For the by his parents and three siblings). wanted to share.” I couldn’t listen industry, it’s also a stark reminder While Bergling’s struggles were Based on those notes and about of the human costs and pain behind well-known, those who knew him 200 demos, a picture began to to his demos the jet-set Instagrams that drive personally didn’t expect anything emerge for a coherent album. this new era of hyper-visible life as like what happened. Some of Bergling’s ideas came for a couple of an artist. “My conversations with Tim?” as total surprises to his eventual And for those who combed his Jacobson recounted. “‘Hey buddy, collaborators. days after his Dropbox fi les and did their best to what’s going on?’ ‘I’m doing great.’ “Tim hadn’t even mentioned [it] passing. You’d fi nish what Bergling started, it’s a ‘What are you working on? Let’s to me, but he had already started sense of closure. One last session in schedule a time next week for it and fi nished it and already had a just burst into that house in the Bird Streets. other sessions.’ ‘Oh, I can’t do it demo and everything,” Blacc said, “All of our friends are under next week, I’m going to Oman.’ of “SOS,” their latest collaboration. tears listening so much pressure,” Janiak said. ‘What’s in Oman?’ ‘I don’t know “Somewhere in there he had my “You forget to just be a human. I man, I hear it’s beautiful.’” name listed.” to it. It’s been a remember Tim asked me, ‘What Bergling sounded “jovial, lot of sleepless do you do?’ ‘Well, I write songs.’ happy,” Jacobson said. “I had no Toward a new sound ‘No, what do you actually do?’ idea.” Tim, the album gleaned from nights” I said, ‘Well, I like digging holes After the funeral in Sweden, his these sessions, showcases and gardening and stuff ,’ And he closest collaborators were left with Avicii’s wide ambitions and pop — Christopher was like, ‘Yeah! Yeah!’ He was still more than grief. They now had to songwriting prowess beyond EDM. trying to fi gure that out. If you can’t decide what to do with the music. Some singles like Janiak’s Bad Thordson, Avicii exist as a human, it doesn’t mean With the blessing of Bergling’s Reputation have a heavy, humid manager anything.” parents, his management and label dancehall lilt; Heart Upon My Sleeve — Los Angeles Times/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY

BPS students excel in CBSE Board Exam

Pragati Biswal, a student of Grade X at Birla Public School (BPS), recently bagged sixth position in CBSE Board Exam in India and Foreign level. She scored 494 marks out of 500. She topped all the Indian Schools in Qatar. Likewise, Sarthak Behal, a student of Grade XII at BPS, topped in Commerce stream with 96.8% among all Indian schools in Qatar, and Erin Susan Thomas, also a student of Grade XII, in Science Stream with 96.2%. The management of BPS along with the parents of the students appreciated the achievements of the students.

Pragati Biswal Arthak Behal Erin Susan Thomas

PISQ organises Spelling Bee Competition 2019

Pakistan International School Qarar (PISQ) recently organised Spelling Bee Competition 2019 Khalilullah, bagged first position, which was followed by Aruba Asif and Nawal Muhammad, for the students of Senior Boys and Girls Wings. Students of Grade V-VIII from both the wings second, and Abubaker Qureshi, third position. participated in the contest. The competition was organised under the guidance of Nargis Raza The winners in Grade VI, included Mansoor Farhan and Eshal Ali, first position; Laiba Hina and Otho, Principal of PISQ. Husna Khan, second; and Anas Faisal, third. The competition kicked off with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. Students of Grade V-VI In the second and last segment of the competition, the students of Grade VII and VIII participated, participated in the first segment of the competition. First segment included three rounds, giving respectively. The winners in Grade VII, included Mehmooda Shah and Saif Raza, first position; each student four words to spell by the end of which ‘Win the Bee Round’ was played to break Maheen Saghir, second; and Shaan Ahmad, third. The winners in Grade VIII, included Areeba the tie among students who had successfully spelled all the words. In Grade-V, Eman Ejaz and Khalid, first position; Haleema Azhar, second; and Hannan Tahir, third.

IIS observes World Environment Day

Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently marked World Environment Day. In the Junior Section, the Eco Club was inaugurated to create awareness about saving environment to the students. An exhibition was set up featuring decorative and usable things made out of newspaper, ice cream sticks and other waste products. Creative and innovative models made out of clay, including garden scenery and underwater creatures were also displayed. Varieties of plants, including medicinal plants, flowering and non-flowering plants, desert plants and climbers were put on display. A group song ‘Count on Trees’ and a skit on Global Warming was also presented on the occasion. The Eco Club Exhibition was inaugurated by Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal of IIS. Shobana Menon, Vice Principal of IIS, along with Sheikh Shamim, Headmaster, and Riyaz K.R, Head of the Department of Science, also attended the exhibition. Various activities were also organised on the occasion. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

PWS organises volleyball tournament

Papla Welfare Society (PWS) recently organised Nepali Volleyball Tournament. Shyanja Welfare Society (SWS)-B won the tournament. The winning team bagged a cash prize of QR4,111 along with the medals, trophy and certificate. Other winners, included Baglung Welfare Society, runners up with the cash prize of QR2,511; Kaski Welfare Society, second runners up with the cash prize of QR1,511; and PWS, third runners up with the cash prize of QR511. Iswor Kafle presented the trophy to the winners. Niraj Bikram Shai from Shyanja Welfare Society bagged the title of Best Player. The team players of SWS-B, included Milan Gurung, Dhiraj Bikram Shai, Niraj Bikram Shai, Niraj Dharji, Santosh Basyal, Amar Nepali, Sanju Sunar, Som Thapa and Madan Gurung. Bimal KC, Raju Pariyar and Som Prakash Manander were the team manager, team coach and team co-ordinator of SWS-B, respectively. – Text and photo by Usha Wagle Gautam

EID GET-TOGETHER: The Punjab Music Group (PMG) recently organised Eid Milan Party to mark Eid al-Fitr celebrations at Mr Broast (Hyderabadi) restaurant. Amin Moti Wala was the chief guest on the occasion. The event was attended by all the members of PMG along with other guests. Nazakat Ali Khan, Chief Organiser at PMG, welcomed the gathering. The event was followed by a musical programme the next day. Doha College organises award ceremony

Doha College recently organised an award ceremony to celebrate its most successful sports me to carry on this level of enthusiasm and commitment into my adult life at university. year to date. Doha College presented over 400 medals to over 350 students who represented Representing DC since Year 7 has moulded me into the sportswoman I am today, and I feel the school in 58 teams that competed in regional and national tournaments, in over 300 privileged to receive it at the end of my school career.” matches. Dillon Laubscher said, “I am extremely honoured and privileged to be receiving this award from The school awarded the 2019 Sports Man and Sports Woman of the Year titles to Dillon the college. Sport at Doha College has provided opportunities for many students and has taught Laubscher and Sakshi Mani, respectively, for their contribution and supporting the school with us to work hard, respect all and most importantly, to have fun. Sport has been prominent in my coaching clubs and assisting with event organisation. life and will continue to be so in university and beyond.” Throughout her years at Doha College, Sakshi represented the school 157 times in 10 sports, The ceremony awarded 35 trophies to Dominic Jason, who recently captained Qatar’s U18 proving herself an all-rounded, high-performance athlete. “Winning the Sports Woman of the team at the West Asia Rugby Championship. The school also felicitated 23 students who were Year not only is one of my biggest personal achievements here at Doha College, but also an selected to compete internationally in rugby and fencing. The ‘2019 Team of the Year’ title was absolute honour to receive,” Sakshi said. “Following the footsteps of girls before me is motivating given to U14 netball team (girls) and the U13 basketball team (boys). 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY INTER Meera unplugged The MeeraJee as she is known on Twitter and hence in real life is indomitable. She talks to Muhammad Asad Ullah about the new Pakistani film scene, its players and her new upcoming film Baaji

NOTES FROM A

THE HARSH REALITY DIVA Baaji (Urdu for ‘older sis eera likes to make that a fi lm with an unpopular pitch real life is indomitable. She’s also an impact — and would go on to put her on the path recently been making waves for her she doesn’t seem of becoming one of the renowned witticisms on Twitter, delivered in to care if it’s a Pakistani fi lm actresses of today’s English that is so fl uent that it has good or bad one. time. From Kanta onwards, Meera followers wondering if it really is BeingM politically correct doesn’t has earned quite an acclaim her on the other side. appeal to her, she’d rather deliver for a string of roles portraying Yes, there are fl ights of fantasy punchlines, create controversies many versions of a real Pakistani and many a laugh, but this is a or even allow herself to become ‘heroine’, a phenomenon that is woman who has learned from the target of jokes. If she makes well on its way for a change, for experience. Community skims over an appearance on any red carpet, good. She is unabashedly proud some of her journey and her views there’s no way she won’t be of her acting repertoire; the bold on the new Pakistan fi lm scene, mobbed by media and paparazzi; Punjabi dances and the glossier its players and her new upcoming they want to talk to her and roles. Although Meera didn’t really fi lm Baaji, a Pakistani fi lm of snap her, as she bats her eyelids come forward to be a part of the today’s time in real sense. Before and proceed to pass scathing new age changing Pakistani cinema she got into a conversation with commentaries on others. in full of its form, however she did us, Meera clarifi ed how she charges Deep away from the spotlight, make a couple of cinematic outings PKR5,00,000 for an interview and ‘Meera’ just fades to be her stage that weren’t too great either. From this sitting was just because she name, Irtiza Rubab is just a wonted Ishq Khuda (2013) to Hotal (2016) felt like talking. girl from Lahore – who likes her or Shor Sharaba (2018) badly Two decades in fi lm industry mixed tea just like everybody bombed at the box offi ce, Meera has and Meera has some important else, nothing too extravagant or gone all out in making her silver notions to look for in-order to get pretentious. screen choices carefully now. the fl edgling Pakistan fi lm industry Lollywood starling in real sense, Lover her, hate her, you cannot well on its way to success. “I think Meera made her fi lm debut with ignore her. The MeeraJee as she is the most important thing to do Kanta in 1995. Little did she know known on Twitter and hence in is to give respect to directors and “Age is just a number. Amir, Salman and Shah Rukh Khan in their 50s play a role of a school boy who’s merely 22 years old. If they can, so can we.”

CONTROVERSY’S CHILD: When Meera makes an appearance on any red carpet, there’s no way she won’t be mobbed by media and paparazzi; they want to talk to her and snap her, as she bats her eyelids and proceeds to pass scathing comments on others. THROWBACK: Irtiza Rubab, popularly known as Meera Jee, with Salman Khan. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 RVIEW COMMUNITY

Y: Directed by celebrated Saqib Malik, Baaji has yesteryear’s star Meera playing a fading actress who is now referred to as ster’), and whose existence is threatened by a young and scheming aspirant.

fi lm-makers like Asim Raza and the fresh entrant. It’s a women- and lie. Why would I lie? I’m the Saqib Malik. They know about centric fi lm through and through, most beautiful and richest woman. fi lmmaking better than anybody with Meera and Ilyas at the heart of People love me. I’m the Meera Jee. else in today’s time in Pakistan. all action. For Meera, the fi lm holds That’s enough.” DEBUT: Meera made her film debut with Kanta in 1995. Filmmaking is not an art, to know a special signifi cance, as she has Meera has word for her fans and how to do it perfectly and engage reached a stage in her career where followers worldwide. “Please go the audience is a task in itself. she can understand the dynamics and support Baaji. I need to raise They’re educated in fi lmmaking and motivations of the character funds for a hospital and support and unless they make 4-5 fi lms she’s playing even better. Pakistan fi lm industry. I need to an year, Pakistan fi lm industry “I’m the biggest movie star in raise around PKR200 crores. Also, is going nowhere,” adds Meera, real life and I’m playing the biggest as a message to people, they’re not “Also, we need budgets for the fi lm. movie star in the fi lm. So yes, going to get Meera again. Meera Bollywood is successful and huge there’s a lot of similarity between is just one in Pakistan. If you’ll because their budgets are huge, Baaji and me in real life. I started stand beside me, then the destiny they’re as glitz and glam as one working when I was extremely of Pakistan fi lm industry will can imagine. So, we need allotted young, I was merely 12, I wasn’t change for good. Follow my foot- budgets for these fi lmmakers to even an adult,” says Meera. steps. Also, I am just not saying make wonders.” It is said that a heroine’s shelf life it randomly but I mean it; stand She particularly feels that local is short. However harsh this might with me and I’ll take this industry cinema’s young crop of actors sound, the fact remains that the beyond success. I’ve sacrifi ced a refuse to show respect. “Today’s entertainment industry anywhere lot for this country, so if you’ve young actors haven’t done much in the world thrives on youth, and fi nally found the right person (me), work but they still consider this is especially true of the ladies. then follow her and avoid all other themselves to be superstars,” she There are no takers for an ageing liars and posers. I left Hollywood, continues. “They may have strong actress, no matter how great she Bollywood and foreign nationalities followings on social media or they is. This isn’t quite the case with for Pakistan. Next, I’m also going may have acted in a few movies but men who are known to set the cash to run for prime minister elections. they are yet to build a body of work registers ringing even when they I’m going to join politics soon just CO-STARS: Meera with Amna Ilyas, co-star of her upcoming film. for themselves.” hit their fi fties — think Tom Cruise to take forward our fi lm industry.” Why did she agree to work in or Brad Pitt or George Clooney Baaji then, co-staring young actors or, closer to home, Salman Khan like Osman Khalid Butt and model- and Aamir Khan. But an actress turned actress Amina Ilyas, in the past her prime isn’t considered “I just say what lead roles? “I signed Baaji because worth putting your money on. of its big production size, script, Meera responds, “I love my age. I feel strongly director and everything in short. I don’t think age is anything. I’m about. I don’t need From stylists to their DOP and playing a role of 16-year-old in as team, everything was top-notch another upcoming fi lm, and you’ll to act, I don’t know and I wanted to be a part of such see what acting is. Hollywood and production, so yes, the director Bollywood has surpassed this age how to do drama. knows his craft and that’s what dilemma, it’s only in Pakistan now. attracted me,” she continues, “I As an example, look at Madhuri I’ve been blessed loved sharing screen-space with Dixit and Rekha Jee, they’re still with everything – Amna and Osman. They both are performing exceptionally well. Age very hard working, fashion savvy is just a number. Amir, Salman and fame, money, what stars!” Shahrukh Khan in their 50s play a Directed by celebrated Saqib role of school boy who’s merely 22 have you ... I’ve Malik, Baaji has yesteryear’s star years old. If they can, so can we.” Meera playing a fading actress Meera Jee is known for her seen everything. who is now referred to as Baaji unbashful statements and tweets. Why would I lie? (Urdu for ‘older sister’), and whose Is it all part of a planned act, or existence is threatened by a young that’s just how she is? Meera People love me. and scheming aspirant who shows clarifi es, “I just say what I feel up at her door in the guise of a fan strongly about. I don’t need to act, I’m the Meera Jee. (played by Amna Ilyas). I don’t know how to do drama. I’ve Osman Khalid Butt is cast as a been blessed with everything – That’s enough.” fi lm director and Baaji’s former fame, money, what have you...I’ve PERFORMANCE: Meera, centre, performing at Lux Style Awards. One of beau, who becomes enchanted with seen everything. Why would I act those moments when the actress came all out to show her talent. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY Iconic outskirts of Doha - II

Being mostly in the city where the main places on the outskirts of Doha, you probably when you visit Qatar. Our starting point will be population lives and works, we tend to forget know what I am talking about and let us agree Hamad International Airport which will be your that there are good places to visit outside Doha here. Not all will be iconic in terms of the photo gateway to Qatar. I will be providing an estimated whether you are a local resident of the country or opportunity and nice to know facts. travel time for each location from the airport. a tourist. To give you a better idea, I have selected some — Text and photos by Ralph Kester For people who already know and have visited places which in my opinion can truly be iconic @Dnameizking

East-West/West-East steel sculptures in Zekreet: If you do not want to see the ruins and film city in Zekreet and just want to visit the famous art installation of Richard Serra, then head directly to East-West/West-East steel sculptures. Travel time from the airport is around an hour and forty minutes via Dukhan highway. This breath-taking sculpture in the Brouq nature reserve spans over a kilometre and comprises four steel plates, each over fourteen metres in height. To guarantee perfect alignment, Serra examined the topography of the land and beautifully enhanced the vast, desolate space in the heart of the desert. The result is spectacular and although modern, timeless. The steel plates that were installed are around 15 metres long precisely at all levels with each other. They were all assembled in Germany and transported to one of Qatar’s deserts. I can imagine how serious are the people involved here in making things possible. As mentioned by Qatar Museums, “Serra’s public art has always been driven by a desire to take sculpture off the pedestal and on to the street – which perfectly aligns with our philosophy at Qatar Museums. To him, the content of the work derives from interaction with the viewer, meaning he always has pedestrians in mind. He acknowledges that he can’t predetermine what people will make of it.”

Inland Sea at Khawr Al Udayd: Khawr Al Udayd is a settlement and inlet of the Arabian Gulf located in the Al Wakrah Municipality in southeast Qatar. People call this the “Inland Sea” and in the past, it accommodated a small town. The travel time from the airport is around two hours via the Sealine Beach road. It has breathtaking views which include deep blue beach and sandy white dunes all around the area. This place is popular for dune bashing, swimming, fishing to catch some barracudas and picnic or camping. The site is a must when it comes to photo opportunity places when you visit Qatar as it consists of nicely shaped dessert dunes. You can even climb to the top and enjoy the scenic view from above. If you are too tired to return down, give yourself a few minutes to enjoy the sunset. Yes, you are right! One of the best time to go to this place is before the sun sets to experience the most peaceful sunset gazing of your life. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Dietary supplements could harm your health

esearchers have found that 2004 and April 2015 in the US and analysed consumption of dietary the relative risk for severe medical events supplements for weight loss, such as death, disability and hospitalisation muscle building and energy in individuals aged zero and 25 years leads to death, disability and that were linked with the use of dietary Rhospitalisation in kids and young adults, supplements sold for weight loss, muscle compared to vitamins. building, or energy compared to vitamins. The study, published in the Journal of They found that there were 977 single- Adolescent Health, found that these types supplement-related adverse event of supplements were linked to nearly three reports for the target age group. Of those, times as many severe medical outcomes in approximately 40 per cent involved severe young people. medical outcomes, including death and “The FDA has issued countless hospitalisation. warnings about supplements sold for Supplements sold for weight loss, muscle weight loss, muscle building or sport building and energy were associated with performance, sexual function, and energy, almost three times the risk for severe and we know these products are widely medical outcomes compared to vitamins, marketed to and used by young people. said the study. So what are the consequences for their “Many of these products have been health? That’s the question we wanted to found to be adulterated with prescription answer,” said lead author Flora Or from pharmaceuticals, banned substances, heavy Harvard University. metals, pesticides and other dangerous For the study, the researchers looked chemicals” said S. Bryn Austin, Professor at at adverse event reports between January Harvard University. – IANS

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

Your heart should feel quite generous today, Aries. You’re most likely You may feel the urge to get up and go today, Taurus. Follow this You may find that there is some opposition from other people today, feeling the need to keep everyone smiling. Spread your radiant instinct and get to work. You’re anxious to get the ball rolling on Gemini, especially concerning emotions. You may feel threatened sunshine everywhere – it will be appreciated on a day like this. You certain projects. The key for you now is to make sure that the ones in some way. An aggressive attitude could be making you feel can’t go wrong with compliments and positive encouragement. that are already started get done before you tackle the others. Don’t inferior or unworthy of certain attention. Wanting peace, justice, and Focus on the good in all people and you will find that this attitude let people stand in the way of your progress. Grab hold of the reins if harmony doesn’t make you wimpy or inferior, as some people may helps bring out the best in you. you need to. suggest. These qualities are your strengths, not your weaknesses. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

You’re terrific at following through with projects, Cancer, but perhaps Your self-esteem is apt to be quite high today, Leo, and you may feel There may be a bit of tension and conflict in your world today, Virgo. not so great at starting them. Today is the perfect time for you to an extra bit of fire helping you throughout the day. Take the lead on Be prepared for mild contention that could turn into an all-out war prove this theory wrong. There’s a great deal of force out there to projects that seem to be going nowhere. If you want the job done if you aren’t careful. Don’t take things too personally. Think of these help you boost your rocket off the launching pad. Take advantage of right, you may have to do it yourself. Don’t be shy. This is the time to disputes as challenges that will only make you stronger when you this energy and get to work on things you’ve been meaning to start stand up and make use of your talent and skills. overcome them. Don’t get disgruntled or evasive. Running away but haven’t gotten around to yet. won’t do any good. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

There may be tension in your heart today that could be diff icult to Try not to be impatient today, Scorpio. This could be one day in To fight or not to fight may be the question of the day, Sagittarius. shake, Libra. You might find it hard to relate to people or that others which you feel restless, and everything seems to take much longer Your sensitive, feminine side is likely to say one thing while your aren’t hearing you very well. Keep in mind that you may have to than you’d like. Try your best to go with the flow. Don’t get so masculine, combative side says another. The key is to not act hastily translate your thoughts in order to get your message across. Keep wrapped up in making sure things happen by a certain time. Quality in any situation. Make sure you proceed from a neutral platform an open mind as you deal with others on a one-to-one basis. is more important than speed, and a peaceful mind is more eff icient instead of reacting from a point of aggression caused by someone and productive than a stressed one. else. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Be careful that you don’t put your foot in your mouth today, This could be a highly productive day for you if you approach it in You may feel a bit anxious today, Pisces, and it may be hard to settle Capricorn. You may have a tendency to jump the gun, so be the right way. You will find that you have an added burst of energy down. You probably have many irons in the fire right now, and conscious of how you use your energy. A false start is likely to that could help you conquer just about any task you set your mind they’re all starting to heat up at once. Unfortunately, other people get you disqualified. Orient yourself to your surroundings before to, Aquarius. You may feel more aggressive than usual, so use this to may not be especially sensitive to your needs, so beware. It might be you make any major upheaval. It’s important to have a good, solid your advantage by delegating tasks and moving forward on projects best to put up some sort of psychic shield to protect yourself from footing on the day before you proceed. that you’d like to see done. other people’s moods. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

SOAK SONATA SOJOURN SOCKET SOARING SOUL SOLID SOFA SOCCER SOAPBOX SOPRANO SOLACE SODA SOBBING SOYA SOMBRERO SOIREE SOCIAL SOAPSUDS SORROW SOLDER SODIUM SOBER

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, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Old transformer St Michael 2 Clean round in Arundel (7) transformed (9) 3 Lean part of the foot (4) 8 Insulting language from 4 Phone city in Alabama (6) American imprisoned by 5 Saint has restless desire, Lincoln (5) rolling in the aisles in these? (8) 9 Group of soldiers ordered to 6 Infant oddly seen in brambles store kit (7) (4) 10 Current account ideally 7 Big city training more pilots included (4) (10) 11 Everyone understood air raid 8 Heroic task: cooking warden’s signal (3,5) vegetables (10) 13 Making better copper band 12 Animal making insect run (6) away (8) 14 Leave bit of audio kit after 15 Those with a boring interest last month (6) in clothing? (7) 17 Rehabilitated con tried 16 Mum ordered tinsel (6) paying later (2,6) 18 Garment initially covering 19 Lie about endless money (4) primate (4) 21 Be unable to contain one’s 20 Part of a royal seaport in rage - trudge in river (7) Portugal (4) 22 People from Basra? (5) 23 Flat on top? He puts one out (9)

Yesterday’s Solution Answers

Wordsearch Codeword 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY TRAVEL High-class perks of premium travel Even above the clouds, not all airline passengers are equal: Customer who pays the most receives the best service. Are these high-class perks dying out?

By Christian Ebner

Travelling fi rst class means always being able to expect the extraordinary”: Lufthansa isn’t afraid to be bold when advertising its fi rst-class seats. “Whether on board or on the ground, the German airline strictly separates its four booking classes. The same is true for its rivals. While economy-class passengers sit in cramped rows at the back of the plane, in the front, it’s all about individualised luxury for the best-paying clientele. In between comes premium economy and business. With Lufthansa, anyone who travels often can accumulate “status miles” to earn the rank of Frequent Traveller or Senator, or they become a member of the “Honorary Circle,” or “HON.” These valued customers can use the facilities on the ground that Lufthansa maintains for its first-class passengers in various cities. But in the air, only first-class ticket holders get that level of service. In Frankfurt Airport’s first-class terminal, passengers can avail of Michelin- star cuisine, the finest cigars and a variety of drinks. In addition, there are facilities for working, day beds and bathrooms, all discreet and luxurious. FIRST CLASS: A Lufthansa flight attendant prepares a plane for boarding in first class on a Boeing 747-800. Frequent flyer Torsten Gruender enjoys the advantages of his HON Gerd Pontius assumes that a first-class status, especially in crisis situations or passenger can bring the same profit as when there’s very little time between four business customers or 20 economy connections. Gates that were already closed seats – that doesn’t include the special have been reopened several times for him, offers for first-class seats that have or the connecting plane has waited until started appearing more often. he reaches it by limousine shuttle before However, the great economic importance taking off. of this small group of customers has Exclusive snacks, fresh exotic fruits or the increasingly become a risk for the airlines. almost endless choice of drinks in the lounges “In the case of smaller aircraft, the sale of are just minor perks. the fi rst-class seats could decide whether an “While many things are no longer possible individual fl ight made a profi t or a loss,” says for everyone else, for us those things are still Pontius. “The airlines have become more possible,” he says. cautious and now only off er the product The HON customer appreciates the on routes where they can expect steady attention paid to his concerns and things like demand.” the convenience of a shower after a long-haul According to Lufthansa, fi rst-class seats fl ight. can still be booked on every third long-haul On the other hand, the IT outsourcing route, while other companies such as the Dutch expert is increasingly dissatisfied with fl agship carrier airline KLM have long since the performance of the Lufthansa booking abolished the top class. “There’s the question of software, which collapses more and more where all the sheikhs have actually gone,” says frequently following a recent update. Hamburg aviation expert Cord Schellenberg, His biggest gripe is that he would like referring to the large fi rst-class providers to see Bundesliga football on his flights; Emirates and Etihad Airways from the United at the moment, he can only watch Premier Arab Emirates. Very wealthy customers are League. The German league is not offered increasingly fl ying their own or leased private by programme providers, says Lufthansa. jets, even over long distances. Premium guests are very valued by the “This is true in all regions of the world and airlines. According to analyses by the also for top celebrities, who have always been airline association IATA, ticket prices in an important target group for the airlines’ fi rst- CABIN: Qatar Airways Airbus A380 first class cabin. the premium classes, including business, class service,” says Schellenberg. have come under significantly less And for senior executives, booking fi rst class Pontius believes that fi rst class will seats feel almost the same,” Schellenberg pressure than the cheaper tickets since is becoming more and more diffi cult due to survive in some niche markets. But things says. 2011. their companies’ travel guidelines. To fl y in fi rst are certainly shifting: “The competition for Qatar is heading in the right direction Although premium customers account class is not only simply too expensive for many quality is being held in business class. This is with its flexible offer of combining two or for only 5.2 per cent of all passengers companies, but also no longer makes sense where the biggest investment is taking place four business seats into small cabins, he globally, they account for 30 per cent because of the bad image it projects. by individualising the product and increasing says. of revenues. Airlines won’t reveal the Is fi rst class dying out? Lufthansa certainly comfort.” “More privacy is something that people exact price ratio between the individual intends to maintain its fl agship product, and it “You needn’t lament the demise of first in business class are certainly willing to pay booking classes. Aviation consultant points to a growing demand in recent years. class, because today good business class for.” – DPA Wednesday, June 12, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

Capital punishment no inhuman and barbaric act have been Akhtar, however, said the accused deterrent to crime: Akhtar given life sentence. I also heard that shouldn’t walk out free after two or some people were disappointed with three years after being sentenced to life Capital punishment does not deter the verdict because they thought imprisonment. crime, veteran writer-lyricist Javed that these people deserve capital “I have no idea whether they should Akhtar said after six people were punishment. But honestly speaking, I have been given capital punishment or convicted for the assault and murder don’t have clear cut ideas about capital life imprisonment is good enough, but of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and punishment and whether it is right or at the same time, I must express my Kashmir’s Kathua last year. wrong.” apprehension that we have seen many A Special Court in Pathankot on He said the debate over capital times in our society that somebody who Monday convicted six people in the case punishment is going on all over the has committed a heinous crime gets life and awarded life imprisonment running world. imprisonment and after two or three to 25 years to three – temple priest and “One thing I am sure about is that years, you realise the person has been mastermind Sanji Ram, Deepak Khajuria capital punishment is not a deterrent released on one ground or the other and and Parvesh Kumar. of crime because where people have then he or she lives happily ever after. Akhtar spoke about it at the launch of banned capital punishment, the crime “So, I hope life imprisonment is good CANDID: Javed Akhtar was reacting to the author Sonal Sonkavde’s book titled So has not increased and in countries where enough but they shouldn’t be having decision where six people were convicted What on Monday. provision of capital punishment is there, these privileges where the same person for the assault and murder of an eight-year- “I heard it on television that those the crime hasn’t reduced. So, it is not a will be walking out freely after two or old girl. people who are responsible for that deterrent.” three years.” – IANS De Shields wins first Tony at 73

musical adapted from the British film about By Makeda Easter unemployed steel workers who make money with an unlikely strip-tease act. Among his co- stars: Patrick Wilson. ndré De Shields capped a 50-year De Shields’ other Broadway credits include acting career by scoring his first 2009’s Impressionism and the short-lived Tony Award last Sunday, winning Prymate in 2004. best featured actor in a musical for his role as Hermes in Hadestown. He’s worked off-broadway and in AIt’s been a long time coming. The 73-year- regional theatres too old performer has worked on Broadway, off- De Shields’ other New York-area shows have Broadway, in regional theatre and on film and included a Melting Pot Theatre production of television. Neil Simon’s The Good Doctor and Let Me Sing In accepting his award, De Shields shared at the George Street Playhouse. His regional his three cardinal rules for longevity: One, theatre work includes The Fortress of Solitude in surround yourself with people whose eyes light Dallas and King Hedley II in Washington, DC. up when they see you coming. Two, slowly is the fastest way to get where you want to He does more than act be. And three, the top of one mountain is the De Shields is a director, choreographer and bottom of the next, so keep climbing, he said. educator. He choreographed two Bette Midler De Shields’ two prior Tony nominations were musicals in New York – her Christmas show in in 1997 for Play On! and in 2001 for The Full 1973 and 1975’s Clams on the Half Shell Revue. Monty. In 2007, De Shields won an Obie Award During the 1970s, De Shields was also for sustained excellence in performance. something of a cabaret king, creating six But there’s much, much more to De Shields’ theatrical concerts including Have You Ever storied career. Some highlights. Been Kissed by Lightning? and Black by Popular Demand, a show he brought back in 2012. His break came with the wiz He has taught at New York University, De Shields grew up in Baltimore, the ninth University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and of 11 children. After graduating from the Southern Methodist University in Texas. University of Wisconsin at Madison, he made his professional debut in the 1969 Chicago He also has an Emmy award production of Hair.” In 1982 De Shields picked up an Emmy for his In 1975, De Shields starred in his breakout performance as the Viper in the NBC special role: the title character in The Wiz, the Ain’t Misbehavin. Broadway black retelling of L. Frank Baum’s The Other TV and movie appearances include the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The Wiz ran for more NBC comedy Lipstick Jungle in 2008, HBO’s Sex than 1,600 performances and won seven Tony and the City in 2002 and the Michael Apted film Awards, including best musical. De Shields’ Extreme Measures in 1996. role was later reprised by Richard Pryor in the But it will be his Tony and his work in theatre 1978 film and Queen Latifah in the live NBC TV for which De Shields likely will always be best special in 2015. known. In an interview with the Daily Beast, De Shields described the subtle yet rampant racism His work on broadway spans five he faced as a black performer in the industry. decades “Broadway has come around to diversity, De Shields starred in the original cast of the equity, and inclusion, but it’s come around after Fats Waller musical Ain’t Misbehavin, a tribute we dragged them screaming and kicking,” he to black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance, said. which premiered on Broadway in 1978. It’s a “The Great White Way is not called that for role he revived in 1988, and in 2018 De Shields racial reasons, but because many years ago it directed and choreographed the show for a 30th was electrified and it appeared as if it were anniversary run in New Jersey. daylight all the time. The performer’s first Tony nomination But it’s a marvellous metaphor if you was for Play On! – a musical adaptation of want to discuss racism, because for so many Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night featuring Duke generations we of colour have been taught this Ellington’s music. He received another Tony is an inhospitable environment.” – Los Angeles RECOGNITION: Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actor in a musical Andre De nomination in 2001 for The Full Monty, the Times/TNS Shields attends the 2019 Tony Awards in New York on Sunday. 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 12, 2019 COMMUNITY Urdu lovers get taste of fresh poetry on Eid

GROUP: Poets and organisers pose for a group photo. RECITAL: A poet reciting his work during the poetic symposium (mushaira).

Ali Sadat, Sanwal Abbasi, Mushfiq many people who take interest in By Mudassir Raja Raza Naqvi, Shahid Sultan Azmi, writing Urdu poetry and prose. “One among the many Abulwakeel Noor, and Ittifaq We have been trying to provide a Anmol. good platform to these writers. We achievements of AMUH is that id is always a time of Shafeeque Akhtar was sadr-e- want to highlight their works and celebrations. In Qatar, nashist (president of mushaira) encourage other Urdu speakers. there are many people who started different Muslim and Shakeel Ahmad was guest Such kinds of sittings also provide communities organise of honour. Aziz Nabeel was the an opportunity to those who love listening to the poetry at our different festivities to comperer. to listen to Urdu poetry,” he said. celebrateE Eid. Before the start of the mushaira, “One among the many gatherings and now they have The number of Urdu speaking Nadeem Mahir, an active member achievements of AMUH is that expatriates from India and of AMUH, and a poet, while there are many people who started started writing poetry themselves. Pakistan are very strong in Qatar. talking to Community, said: listening to the poetry at our The Urdu speaking community “AMUH was established in 2005. gatherings and now they have Many of them have got their is known for organising poetic We aim at organising poetic and started writing poetry themselves. symposiums (mushaira) for a long literary meetings. We also work Many of them have got their anthologies published. We try to time. towards publishing different anthologies published. We try There are a good number of books in Urdu. We also hold to motivate the dormant talents. motivate the dormant talent” literary groups that regularly programmes to honour men of Our organisation provides a organise Urdu related activities. letter visiting Qatar from both in convenient platform to the young – Muhammad Ibrahim Khan Kamal, Anjuman Muhibban-e-Urdu Hind India and Pakistan. writers,” he added. (AMUH) is one such group that “Every year, we organise two Ibrahim, however, does not one of the founders of Anjuman has been involved in different major events – one in February agree that only holding of Urdu activities to promote Urdu in and the other in August or poetic symposiums are enough to Muhibban-e-Urdu Hind (AMUH) Qatar since 2005. September. Today we are having promote the language. Most recently, AMUH organised our Eid Millan mushaira. This is “I think that teaching of Urdu a poetic symposium called “Eid an auspicious occasion to have a in schools is the main process words of English in their daily people are not ready to use Millan Mushaira” where poets get-together for the Urdu lovers. of promoting and keeping the discourse. The real pain is that the Urdu terms for different from India, Pakistan and Qatar We have a great variety of poets language alive. We need to have they feel pride in using English technologies.” recited their fresh poetry and coming from India and Pakistan. more and more efforts to improve phrases or words.” He added: “It is also the cheered those who attended the We want to convey a message to quality of Urdu teaching at Ibrahim lays more stress responsibility of main stream gathering. the world that the literature has schools.” on enhancement of Urdu news media to use and propagate The poets who participated no boundaries or countries. we “Nonetheless, one should do vocabulary, particularly in the Urdu terminologies. We and recited their poetry in the are doing all this only to promote what one can to help promote connection with the modern need to do a lot of work and the gathering were namely; Shafeeq Urdu.” the cause of Urdu. I try my technologies. He said: “The responsible people need to give a Akhatar, Shakeel Ahmad, Ateeq Muhammad Ibrahim Khan best in my capacity to keep Nizams of Hyderabad had set serious thought to it. We need to Anzar, Shaukat Ali Naz, Aziz Kamal is from Hyderabad Deccan the Urdu poetry alive in Qatar. up a department called Darul keep alive the values, traditions Nabeel, Nadeem Mahir, Ahmad in India has been in Qatar for 32 There are serious questions Tarjama for translating modern and culture associated with Urdu Ashfaque, Asif Shafi, Syed Zawar years. He is one of the founders of about the existence of Urdu. An technological terminology into language. A language is not simply hussain, Reyaz Ahmad Mansoori, the organisation. overwhelming majority of Urdu- Urdu. The department has done a way of communication. It is a Raza Hussain, Athar Azmi, Saadat “Actually in Doha, we have speaking people use too many a great work but the common way of lifestyle also. ”