Community Community Pioneering Sudanese stand-up author Amir P6comedian P20 Elsir’s novel Nemr Abou Telepathy deals with Nassar is returning a character that to town at Grand leaps to life from a Hyatt on April 17. work of fiction.

Monday, April 11, 2016 Rajab 4, 1437 AH

DOHA 23°C—35°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 13 PUZZLES 14 & 15 Never ever say never! Expatriate Nawal Mohamed Akram defied the odds to take up standup RIGHT OF VOTE FOR FILIPINOS: A large number of voters turned up on the first day of first comedy, model for a fashion label automated polls for Filipino expatriates in Qatar, which ends on May 9 with the national polls. See more on Page 7 and is now eying Paralympics despite muscular dystrophy. P4-5

COVER STORY

MULTI-TASKER: Nawal spends a busy day juggling with diff erent roles. Photo by Umer Nangiana 2 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.58am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.16am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.57pm Isha (night) 7.27pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 The Boss caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 GENRE: Comedy herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she Local Directory 180 CAST: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage scored over is so quick to forgive and forget. International Calls Enquires 150 DIRECTION: Ben Falcone Time 141, 140 SYNOPSIS: A titan of industry is sent to prison after she’s THEATRE: The Mall Doha International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Sardaar Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 GENRE: Action, Drama Qatar Airways 44496000 CAST: , Kajal Weather Forecast 44656590 Aggarwal, Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222 DIRECTION: K S Ravindra 44393333 SYNOPSIS: Sardaar Qatar General Electricity and Gabbar Singh is the sequel to Water Corporation 44845555 the 2012 Telugu hit — Gabbar 44845464 Singh. In the former princely Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 state of Rattanpur, Bhairon 44593363 Singh, a feudal landlord, Qatar Assistive Technology wreaks havoc on the lives of Centre 44594050 villagers when he decides to Qatar News Agency 44450205 usurp their lands by brute 44450333 force. Arshi is a lonesome Q-Post – General Postal princess, who wants to come to Corporation 44464444 their rescue; however, she finds Qatar University 44033333 herself in a helpless situation. Amidst these circumstances, a new police inspector, , takes charge of the Rattanpur Police Station and soon, he falls in love with ote Unquo Arshi and also locks horns with Qu te Bhairon Singh to put an end to If you don’t his atrocities. like something, change it. THEATRE: The Mall If you can’t change it, change Mall Cinema (1): Batman Vs. 10.45pm. your attitude. Superman (2D) 11.30am; Sardaar Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Gabbar Singht (Telugu) 2pm; The The Dead Room (2D) 11.15am; The — Maya Angelou Boss (2D) 5pm; The Boy & The Boy & The Beast (2D) 12.45pm; The Beast (2D) 6.45pm; Mr. Right Parinamam (Malayalam) 12.15pm; Boy & The Beast (2D) 3pm; Ki & (2D) 9pm; Darvinte Parinamam Sardaar Gabbar Singht (Telugu) Ka () 5.15pm; The Boss (2D) (Malayalam) 10.45pm. 5pm; Ki & Ka (Hindi) 8pm; Shaket 7.30pm; Mr. Right (2D) 9.30pm; Mall Cinema (2): Kung Fu Panda 3 Dabous (Arabic) 10.15pm; The Dead Before I Wake (2D) 11.15pm. (2D) 11.30am; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) Room (2D) 11.45pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): 1.15pm; The Boy & The Beast (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): The Boy & The Beast (2D) 11am; Community Editor 2.45pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) 5pm; The Boss (2D) 11am; Mr. Right Shaket Dabous (Arabic) 1.15pm; Kamran Rehmat Batman Vs. Superman (2D) 6.30pm; (2D) 1pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) The Dead Room (2D) 2.45pm; The e-mail: [email protected] Batman Vs. Superman (2D) 9pm; 2.45pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 (2D) Boss (2D) 4.30pm; Mr. Right (2D) Telephone: 44466405 Before I wake (2D) 11.30pm. 4.15pm; Batman Vs. Superman (2D) 6.30pm; Before I Wake (2D) 8.15pm; Mall Cinema (3): Sardaar Gabbar 6pm; Batman Vs. Superman (2D) Shaket Dabous (Arabic) 10pm; The Fax: 44350474 Singht (Telugu) 11.15am; Darvinte 8.30pm; Batman Vs. Superman (2D) Dead Room (2D) 11.30pm. Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Shifting Sands The Proclaimers Live In Qatar 100 pieces due to be showcased at the QM DATE: Until July 7 DATE: April 29 Gallery in Katara over a period of 6 weeks. Poet Festival VENUE: Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim TIME: 7pm DATE: Until April 14 Museum, Alsamariyah VENUE: InterContinental Doha Cultural Diversity festival TIME: 6:30- 8:30pm MA students of UCL Qatar are organising Following a hugely successful 2015 UK and DATE: Until May 31 VENUE: Katara and curating an exhibition as part of Ireland tour, The Proclaimers are travelling TIME: 7:30-9pm The Cultural Village Foundation-Katara UCLQurates. In the very recent past, Qatar much more than 500 Miles in 2016 as they VENUE: Katara Beach is organising the Prophet’s Poet Festival has undergone a signifi cant transformation; continue to play to fans all across the World. Over 20 countries from all over the from April 10 to 14 which will witness the through these developments, people have had IconicEvents proudly present Scotland’s most world are showcasing their traditions and presentation of the ‘Katara Award for the to adapt to the changing landscape in which well known and loved identical twin brothers heritage. Prophet’s Poets’ to the winners. Katara they live. The Proclaimers. announced the fi rst panel which will come Al Gannas up with a shortlist of the best 30 poems after Yamativo Salsa Classes DATE: Until Oct 30 being selected from 828 poems submitted. DATE: Every Monday TIME: 9am -11:30am The fi nal jury will choose the fi ve poets for TIME: 7pm VENUE: Al Gannas Society awards during the festival. VENUE: Radisson Blu Al Gannas Association is participating in It’s always fun and always challenging. the ‘Our culture is a school’ programme by Let’s meet and learn some moves every organising many activities for the students Monday night. You don’t need to do every Monday and Wednesday of the week. anything, just join us. Level 1 (intermediate These activities include explanations on level) 7pm and for beginner level 8pm. Be hunting and related tools, kinds of falcons there are Raddison Blu Hotel Cabana Club. and preys, in addition to workshop on how to carry a falcon, set a traditional Senyar Championship tent (made of goat & camel hair), prepare DATE: Until April 16 traditional Arabic coffee, etc. TIME: 8am-10pm VENUE: Katara Art Exhibition As part of its strategy and in celebration DATE: Until April 18 of our glorious heritage, Cultural Village VENUE: Porto Arabia, Pearl Foundation – Katara is organising for the fi fth Diffusion by Peter Zimmermann — A consecutive year Senyar Championship. This mesmerising solo exhibition of colourful, annual marine competition comprises fi shing futuristic works. Anima Gallery, Parcel 17, and pearl-diving contests for Qatari nationals Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Contact: with valuable prizes allocated to the winning 40027437 contestants. The championship aims to revive ancestral heritage whilst highlighting the Qatari Agricultural Product Yards traditions, customs and values associated DATE: Until June 30 Kalbelia Dance with Qatari marine life. VENUE: Al Mazrooa, Al Zakheera, Al DATE: April 16 Khor, Al Wakrah TIME: 8-10pm The Ministry of Environment has opened VENUE: Opera House & Drama Theater the 4th season of Qatari agricultural Cultural Village Foundation — Katara in product yards for selling locally produced co-operation with the embassy of in fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish and Doha cordially invites you to attend Kalbelia The Merlin Magic Show livestock. Work in these yards will continue Dance. Kalbelia or Kabeliya is one of the most DATE: Until April 17 for seven months. The yards will operate rich dance forms of Rajasthan, performed TIME: 4pm three days a week on Thursdays, Fridays by a tribe of the same name. Both men VENUE: The Magical Festival Village and Saturdays from 7am to 5pm, with and women in the tribe performed in this Witness absurd occurrences; in an livestock vendors in Al Mazrooa operating activity to celebrate any joyful moment in the exclusive 10 days Magic show at The at the same times throughout the week. community. Magical Festival Village. A mind-blowing performance by Cezar Balasoiu, the Ladies day at Beach performance blends amazement and style DATE: Every Monday to create an unbelievable entertainment TIME: 9am-7pm experience like no other. The show is a VENUE: Sheraton Doha combination of close-up magic, appearances For all the ladies in Doha! Do you feel and disappearances. like taking some time off for yourself? Come join us at the Sheraton Resort for an all-day-access to the beach and pool, along with aqua gym aerobics for free. Nestled on the edge of Qatar’s West Bay with an Spring Exhibition MIA unbeatable and uninterrupted views of DATE: Until July 16 the blue sea. Our pool and beach adds an TIME: 10:30am- 5pm exciting experience to enhance your senses VENUE: QM Gallery Al Riwaq of relaxation. Enjoy only for QR100 per An exhibition of 15 contemporary person. Chinese artists, curated by internationally acclaimed New York-based Chinese artist Join in our Walk-in Weekends Cai Guo-Qiang, will be on view at the DATE: Every Saturday QM Gallery Al Riwaq. The exhibition will VENUE: MIA Atrium be the major highlight presented in the MIA art education and calligraphy teams context of the Qatar China 2016 Year of offer walk-in workshops in MIA’s atrium Culture. Artworks exemplifying each and every Saturday. These walk-in workshops every artist’s unique artistic language and are for open for all family members. methodology will be displayed in individual galleries. FOODIE CHOICE Entrepreneurial Success Songkran Festival Chinese Silk Art DATE: April 21 DATE: April 15 DATE: Until May 9 RESTAURANT : Al Batross TIME: 2:30pm-5:00pm VENUE: Grand Hyatt, Doha VENUE: QM Gallery in Katara LOCATION: Al Bustan Hotel, Museum VENUE: Concorde Hotel Doha Get ready to get soaked with Grand Hyatt The second major exhibition of the Street Do you dream of owning your own Doha’s very own Songkran celebration. Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture, ‘Silks Al Batross Restaurant is located in the business? Award-winning Thai restaurant Isaan from the Silk Road – Chinese Art of Silk’, 3-star Al Bustan Doha Hotel. It is a popular Have you identifi ed your entrepreneurial will be commemorating Songkran with a presents silk as a theme, and as a special restaurant for locals and Lebanese expats strengths and weaknesses? This will help Thai New Year Gala Dinner on April 13 and local product of Zhejiang that played an alike. The menu is vast, maybe a little too big, you, if you are interested in becoming an closing with a special Songkran Chatuchak important role in trade along the Silk Road. serving a selection of Lebanese, mezze and entrepreneur, to unravel the secrets that will Brunch on April 15. For details, call The exhibition highlights ancient and continental meals. The décor is traditionally make you successful! 44481250. modern Chinese silk works, with around Arabic.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “Anything is possible if you put your mind to it” — Nawal Mohamed Akram, standup comedian

DETERMINED: Nawal’s first fashion photoshoot with Fanilla Couture.

And she can talk in even and is training to participate in with Community in a recent best chance to fi ght this problem,” By Umer Nangiana greater detail on how she has Paralympics soon. interview. It was a fi lm about reasons Nawal. been subsuming it with an active And it does not end here. She being imperfectly perfect and Roving around in her electric lifestyle. When you see Nawal has initiated her own organisation, she perfectly enjoyed it. She wheelchair, she spends a busy day. he qualms of her Mohamed Akram, a Pakistani Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Qatar, loved modelling as it showed the She holds meetings with people, crippling disease and expatriate, putting on the mantle to fi nd a support system for people “diversity of beauty.” engaging them with her MD Qatar resolute fi ght against it, of a standup comedian or posing going through the same problem. And Nawal believes while she initiative, through social media. she can talk about both for cameras in her designer clothes Nawal knows there are many in is getting into such activities to She does her training in sports in the same breath. It for a fashion shoot, you know Qatar like her but they are not remain active, she is also doing it and spends time with friends and isT hope that dictates her tone in she is not just talk. Nawal means coming out in the open for some for a bigger cause. family, participating in diff erent it, however. She can talk for hours business. reason. And she wants to inspire “Keeping silent and inactive activities. about her condition — muscular She has been part of a team of them. about your condition is not a good “Anything is possible if you put dystrophy, a genetic disorder standup comedians in town, done “I was not good at acting idea. There are many like me in your mind to it. If you are doing characterised by progressive modelling for a Qatari fashion initially,” she smiles. “But Qatar, but they are not coming the correct thing, you should not muscle degeneration and brand — the fi rst physically now I am getting a hang of it,” out of their homes over certain be afraid of it just because there weakness — that has confi ned her challenged girl to do so — acted Nawal says as she shares acting fears. And this will not help as are negative people around you. to wheelchair. in a short fi lm made on her life, and modelling experiences being active and social is your Otherwise, there will be no way Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Nawal Mohamed Akram has initiated her own organisation, Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Qatar, to find a support system for people going through the same problem. This however, hasn’t stopped her from being part of a team of standup comedians, modelling for a Qatari fashion brand — the first physically challenged girl to do so — acting in a short film made on her life, and training for

FOR A CAUSE: Nawal with bodybuilders from Supplement House supporting her cause. Paralympics to solve the problem. And the suddenly happen, like it did in worth living through. She made but to maintain a good weight fi rst, but it just let me make myself biggest problem is that people do my case, I did not know what to me believe in fi ghting and getting is diffi cult especially when you into a new person,” says Nawal. not reach out for help,” concludes do. I was so confused and a lot of myself through it. You never know cannot be as active as other people In the long term, this disease Nawal. people go through that emotion who is looking up to you in that are,” says Nawal. aff ects every muscle in your body, Through MD Qatar, which she is where it does lead to depression. moment and learning from your Through her initiative, she also your lungs and heart, except your trying to get registered, she plans There may be other people strength,” she recalls. wants to create awareness that if brain, she adds. So in a way you are to provide a support system that around who may be going through Through MD Qatar, she aims to you have the power to move your brain is alive, but your body starts people with MDM can reach out to the same problem, but they just create awareness about the disease muscles, do it. dying. and fi nd help. Besides, she wants feel alone about it and they don’t and also to encourage further “I have been on wheelchair and “I think we are living in a to use it to create awareness and know where to look. Recalling her research on muscular dystrophy what I realise is that more of it generation where we have the encourage research into fi nding a own experience, she says the only in Qatar. comes on a mental level. If I kept knowledge and we have the funds, cure for the disease which is yet support system that she could look For now, people with MDM can thinking, oh, I cannot go out, I so why not do research on it and not curable. to was her family, and her mother. only get through by remaining cannot do this or do that, I would create medicine to help the people “For years, I have been trying She made Nawal realise that it active and healthy by watching not have been at a stage (where) aff ected by this disease to live to fi nd if there is any organisation is not her fault, it is just life. “It their weight. I am today. I took risks which did long, be active and enjoy their lives that helps or supports people with is not going to be easy, but it is “It is not hard to eat healthy, make me feel uncomfortable at like others do,” she suggests. MDM. I didn’t see anyone do it. Some parents were doing it but not a community or organisation,” explains Nawal. She wanted to have a community together where people, teenagers and others, who have MDM, talk to each other and look for a support system. For now, she is focusing on raising awareness about the disease and how to fi ght it through social media initiatives by engaging infl uencers and bloggers. Recently, a bodybuilding team from ‘Supplement House’ supported her cause. Four Seasons helped through a tribute video. Many Qatari multinational bloggers that are known in social media are also coming forward to assist her. Her personal life goal and aim is to create charities that fi nancially fund people with muscular dystrophy for their medical bills “because not everyone can aff ord it.” “There are a lot of medical bills if they are on wheelchairs or have breathing problems and then medicines, it is really expensive at times. And with having a disability, depression does come along,” elaborates Nawal. Disability can happen to anyone at any time and when it does WORD OUT! The country’s influencers and bloggers also help spread the word. 6 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY

Middle East’s very own comedian Nemr due in town

PIONEER: Nemr is credited with establishing and pioneering the stand-up comedy scene throughout the Middle East.

“No, I became great because of laugh you love it and you want him liked having fun and that was his Nemr is an accomplished comic By Umer Nangiana the support of the people here. to do more. Drama is harder to fi nd inspiration. The audience in the with six full feature specials, a Whoever I am, whatever I am, support for, maybe. [But] I have region, Nemr says, has grown and prime time television show A comes from this region,” says Nemr. been supported tremendously,” says the understanding of comedy has Stand Up Comedy Revolution, nce again, stand- The comedian says he has always the Lebanese-American comedian. grown over time. First the word- a movie release of two of his up comedy pioneer received “incredible support” The region is “really dark” of-mouth increased the size of his specials, EPIC and Victorious Nemr Abou Nassar is from the people. “Everybody will and that inspired him to make audience; then the understanding Secret, which, when it played returning to town with support you for making them laugh. it brighter. He wanted people of the material and the medium live movie, sold out to over 3,000 his signature style. I mean if somebody is making you to have a good time. He himself expanded. people in one night and played in a ThisO time, the venue is Grand Hyatt Roman Coliseum. and the date is April 17. He currently holds the record Nemr is a Lebanese-American for the biggest show in every major stand-up comedian who is credited country in the Middle East, with his with establishing and pioneering latest special, Uninterrupted Funny the stand-up comedy scene Observations, selling out to over throughout the Middle East, where 4,000 people in one night in Beirut he performs in English. alone in July 2014. He grew up in San Diego and In May of 2014, he also featured then moved back with his family to on the cover of Rolling Stone Lebanon where he went on to break magazine (Middle East). This down barriers and unite people in a solidifi ed Nemr’s legacy as “the region where bombing on stage can biggest name in stand-up in the have a completely diff erent meaning. Middle East”. “I fi gured if I could create an He is now back in the USA and escape for the people that did not aims to do in America what he involve religion and politics, it will did across the Middle East, bring be good. And I did. I think my work people together through laughter has been a really positive element and merriment. He comes bearing in society since I started till now gifts of myrrh and frankincense. No and I am proud of that,” Nemr told you can’t smoke them. Community in an earlier interview, In his Debut US tour, Nemr will explaining how he started comedy be performing in Houston, Dallas, in the region. San Francisco, Boston, New York, He started from Beirut, Lebanon Florida, Michigan, Cleveland and then expanded. He says he is and before continuing to record very proud of that because he did breaking shows all over the Middle not want people to think that he East and then returning to Los became great in America and then Angeles on May 14 at Club Nokia to came here. Nemr is an accomplished comic with six full feature specials. fi nish this global event. Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Ambassador expects large turn-out

ENTHUSIASTIC: The Filipino expats who showed up on Saturday morning to vote. Photos by Jayan Orma

the Commission on Election’s time that social media networks “The fact that we have started kababayans to perform their civic By Peter Alagos (Comelec) target of 80% voters will have an impact on the elections early and we have a large number duties as a citizen and cast their turnout from OFWs. because it connects our people, of voters coming to the embassy, votes as their contribution to the “The Comelec hopes that 80% especially overseas Filipinos in the even on the fi rst day, is a good sign Philippines. I urge them to vote he Philippine embassy of Overseas Filipinos will vote. The Middle East,” ambassador Santos that Filipinos are more cognizant wisely so that their votes will be in Qatar is optimistic of fact that we were able to register explained. of the importance of this election counted.” a large turnout of voters more than our target of 16,000 new The ambassador said even before to the future of the Philippines, and Asked about the embassy’s from Overseas Filipino registrants (around 17,500) in Qatar 7am, many Filipinos queued outside I welcome that and I welcome our preparations for any technical Workers (OFWs) in Qatar, is a sign that we will expect a large the embassy to participate in the kababayans (compatriots) here to glitches, Santos said a mock Tambassador Wilfredo Santos has turnout this time; in the past, we fi rst absentee voting, which will run continue to go the embassy. election was held at the chancery on said, citing the role of social media have seen a turnout of 20% or less. until May 9. “We will be open every day until April 6, where four Precinct Count networks in the upcoming national “There’s a positive sign that “This is a good start to the May 9. On weekdays, the embassy Optical Scan machines were used. elections on May 9. we will breach that number. And elections; even before 7am, we will be open from 8am to 5pm, while “We did not experience any During Saturday’s fi rst it also shows that perhaps social already had people lining up to cast on weekends they can cast their glitches. We did our fi nal testing automated polls for Filipino media has contributed to this eff ort their votes. We brought them inside votes from 9am to 5pm, and that and ceiling last Wednesday and the expatriates in Qatar, ambassador to encourage more people to cast the embassy so they could just wait includes holidays, too,” he said. machines are working fi ne. So far, Santos reiterated to Gulf Times their votes. I think this is the fi rst inside for us to open the polls. He added: “I encourage our they are okay,” he said.

ASSISTANCE: Embassy off icials assist voters with the procedure. Voters fill in their ballots as Ambassador Wilfredo Santos looks on. 8 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY MARKETING Splash Fashion Xcess brings styles of summer

his season Splash is grunge culture like metal chains embracing the other end set the mood for the show. The of the style spectrum energy was palpable with trap and and celebrating dubstep tunes creating an electric the resurgence of ambiance. Making way into the Maximalism.T Allowing your runway dotted with LED screens, eclectic side to break loose, you one was able to get a glimpse of open up the possibilities to think the theme through a lucid graphic big and experiment with your display. sartorial choices. Titled ‘Splash The collection presented on the Fashion Xcess’, the Summer 2016 runway will be available from April fashion show brought together 15 in stores while most looks from colour, embellishments, textures the catwalk will be available on topped with grunge inspiration. www.landmarkshops.com/splash With two sub stories, Mod Mod Maximalism caters to a set Maximalism and Grunge of sophisticated individuals and Maximalism, taking centre stage, comprises tailored and oversized a little bit of everything seems silhouettes. Fabrics include linen, just about the right way to enter denim and cotton; Key pieces the season. What you get in the include suits, distressed denims collection is a modern hybrid and long tees; Colours range from between neat designs with a pastels to summer darks. maximalist edge. Grunge Maximalism is youth Exploring a new venue with centric with dominant presence of Asateer, Atlantis, the guests were denim, embellishments, biker stud welcomed into a pre-function details. Women can make a strong area that was nothing short of a statement in suits sets, skater feast to the senses. A walk through skirts, asymmetric dresses with the tunnel with multi-coloured eyelet details. This trend will see heart facets, one was immediately colours like gold, gun metal black; transported to an eclectic distressed denim and a grunge dimension. Adorned with mirrors aspect including chain detailing, and raw bulbs on either side, the sequins, studs; fabrics array from replication of things exemplifi ed net, denim and iridescent material; the Maximalism theme. The pre- prints are bigger too, with colour party zone complete with archways blocking, print on print and polka and elements inspired by the dots for women. Looks from the new collection.

Epic lightsaber challenge marks digital release of Star Wars

o celebrate the digital and became the top grossing film release of Star Wars: of all time in the US, surpassing The Force Awakens, the $760.5mn lifetime gross of two Jedi performers Avatar in a record-shattering 20 ascended to new days of release. heightsT to engage in an epic With assistance from lightsaber challenge on the 152nd twofour54 and the Abu Dhabi floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa in Film Commission, filming for the Dubai City – the world’s tallest movie took place in the Emirate building. Star Wars: The Force in May 2014 with over 650 crew Awakens is available to download working across two locations. from iTunes and broadcaster Abu Dhabi is the location used for OSN. Jakku, a frontier desert planet in Captured on video by an aerial a remote section of the Outer Rim film crew, the two Jedi performers Territories. practised a series of complex As well as becoming the lightsaber battle moves at a height highest grossing film of all time of over 550m above sea level, in the US and crossing the $800m while the sun set over Dubai. mark at the international box Commenting on the Jedi office, Star Wars: The Force performers’ action-packed Awakens has broken a further challenge, Didier Vanneste, series of box office records since SVP & Country Head, The Walt its global debut. Disney Company MENA said: The film stars Harrison Ford, “The Middle East has a strong Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam connection with Star Wars: The Jedi performers engage in lightsaber challenge at the top of the world1s tallest building. Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Force Awakens, with Abu Dhabi , Lupita Nyong’o, featuring as the location for desert Burj Khalifa is a fitting way to The record-breaking release highest grossing global opening Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, planet Jakku. An epic lightsaber celebrate the movie’s release on of Star Wars: The Force Awakens weekend of all time ($528.967mn), Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew challenge at the top of the iconic DVD and digital platforms.” in December 2015 achieved the surpassing $1bn in a record 12 days and Max Von Sydow. Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

Qalco organises its 11th Dealer’s Conference

The Qatar Lubricants Company (Qalco) organised its 11th annual Dealers’ Appreciation performers for their outstanding sales efforts throughout the year. Recognition awards were Conference at the Radisson Blu recently. More than 70 dealers from all over Qatar also handed to the new distributors with excellent results. The proceedings included several participated. Yousaf Bazian, CEO of Aperture Group, was the chief guest and Alister MacLean, recreational activities. Qalco has succeeded in keeping its own distinction and identity in the adviser to Al Alfia Holding, was the special guest. The guest of honour was Khalid Ghanim market by having the only lubricant blending plant in Qatar. Qalco not only meets the local al-Kauwari. After speeches, a prize distribution ceremony was held to honour the best lubricant demands, but also exports to more than 14 countries.

Qatar Detergents Company celebrates 34th Annual Day

The Qatar Detergents Company (QDC) celebrated their 34th Annual Day at the Sealine Beach Resort. The entire workforce was invited to the gathering, where they could play sports and games. Normally an annual day consists of long speeches, buff et lunch and the employees quietly returning to their accommodation. But the QDC fraternity displayed their uniqueness by participating in sports such as cricket, football, volleyball, swimming, chess, sack race and tug-of-war. The employees were appreciating of the opportunity and seized the chance to sit back and relax, taking walks on beaches, swimming, playing, and relaxing in the pool chairs. The entire event was hosted by the company’s general manager, who appreciated and acknowledged all the employees for the performance displayed during the financial year 2015. The activities lasted till late evening, when company managing director Sheikh Nawaf bin Mohammad Jabor al- Thani’s announcement of a bonus salary for all employees was announced. Work on QDC’s new factory in Messaid will start in May, with production capacity set to increase almost 10 folds. 10 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY

Programme to promote brotherhood among Nepalese Muslims in Qatar

The Nepalese Muslim Society-Qatar (NMS) and Association of Noble Families (ANF) organised a The chief guest talked about Qur’an and how it can clear any misconceptions about Islam. ANF “Brotherhood Union Programme” over the weekend. chairperson Muhammad Karki said the objective of the programme was to reduce the distance The programme was chaired by NMS chairperson Abdul Hafiz Miya. Nasser al-Ali, the chairman between Nepalese Muslims in Qatar and enhance the feeling of brotherhood. of Nasser Al Ali Enterprises, was the chief guest. Various social service organisations were felicitated for their respective contributions to Muslim The programme started with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and the Nepalese national unity and brotherhood. ANF distributed a DVD with the Nepalese translation of Qur’an. It also anthem. NMS vice-chairperson Yasin Kharel Mama delivered the welcome speech while guests launched its website on the occasion. The website can be accessed at www.anfnepal.com — Karim Baks Miya, BB Roshan Kharel, Maulana Mohammed Tahar, Moulana Khalik and Moulana NMS also honoured Nasser Ali al-Ali for his support for the society and orphaned and street Abubhakkar — talked about Muslim unity and brotherhood. children in Nepal. Text and photos by Usha Wagle Guatam

National universities compete in CMU-Q Quick Startup 2016

Quick Startup 2016, a competition organised by programme with a concept that they went on to Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) and develop into a viable business plan. At the end sponsored by Qatar National Bank (QNB), saw 60 of the weekend, teams presented their ideas to students from universities across Qatar spending a judging panel that included Yasmeen Hasan the weekend developing business plans and from Bedaya Center, Indica Amarasinghe from being mentored by industry experts, college ictQATAR, Belal Alkadhi from Qatar Business professors and Qatari business incubators. Incubation Center, Peter Moore from College Carnegie Mellon Qatar uses business-focused of the North Atlantic Qatar, Juha Peralampi competitions such as Quick Startup as one of from Qatar University, and Milton Cofield from the avenues to promote entrepreneurial skills Carnegie Mellon University. throughout Qatar. The winning team members were Aisha al- Ilker Baybars, dean and CEO of Carnegie Derhim, College of the North Atlantic Qatar Mellon Qatar, said: “As Qatar progresses, (CNA-Q) and Fatima Alansari and Ruqaya Alsada entrepreneurship and start-ups are crucial for from Qatar University (QU). diversification of the economy. Quick Startup Ibrahim Rehman, Serene Darweesh, Umair uses friendly competition and mentorship Qazi and Pance Ali from CMU-Q were awarded from experts to foster a culture of business second place, and third place went to CNA- innovation.” Q’s Farnaaz Khan, Khadija Salim, Mohammed Students began the three-day training Zameel Zubair and Seham Abuhuzeimah. Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 COMMUNITY Qur’anic Botanic Garden launches educational programme for primary schoolchildren

he Qur’anic Botanic fi rst school to participate in the Garden (QBG) has programme, with students taking launched ‘Fun & part in interactive activities such Learn’, an educational as tree planting, which is aimed programme designed at increasing their awareness of toT teach primary school students tree conservation. An educational in Qatar about plant life and the booklet was created for ‘Fun & environment through various Learn’ to off er students detailed interactive activities. information about plant life and the The initiative is aimed at environment. primary schoolchildren aged 6 QBG is a member of Qatar to 11, and will be delivered in 20 Foundation for Education, Science Unesco associated schools working and Community Development under the supervision of the (QF) and, through ‘Fun & Learn’, Qatar National Commission for QBG aims to encourage student Education, Culture and Science. engagement and strengthen Fatima Saleh al-Khulaifi , agricultural awareness in Project Manager of QBG, said: Qatar, therefore supporting "We look forward to delivering QF›s dedication to sustainable this programme across primary development and environmental schools in Qatar. ‘Fun & Learn’ has responsibility. been designed to teach children The Qur’anic Botanic Garden, about plants and the environment a member of Qatar Foundation in a fun and interactive way. The for Education, Science and curriculum will be delivered in Community Development, the fi rst Arabic, promoting the language of its kind in the world, exhibits while enabling students to learn all the plant species mentioned more about plant life and the in the Holy Qur’an, and those in environment.” the Hadith and Sunnah (Sayings The Al Wafa Model Independent & traditions of the Prophet School for Boys was selected as the Muhammad PBUH). A teacher educating students about the importance of trees.

SMILES: Participants taking part in ‘Fun & Learn’ activities, a programme organised by the Qur’anic Botanic Garden.

Niya Yoga Studio to spearhead wellness revolution in Qatar for Doha, where these ideas of wellness are This international upbringing has given Niya Yoga will off er over 35 classes per only just beginning to permeate popular her the opportunity to experiment with raw week, internationally-led workshops, Qatari entrepreneur Jawaher al-Fardan is consciousness.” food, vegetarianism and veganism, as well holistic therapies, wellness weekends, launching Niya Yoga, a new yoga studio and Al-Fardan is pioneering this positive as exploring a range of fi tness techniques. teacher training courses, as well as women- holistic healing centre, in Qanat Quartier in vision, where you are welcomed at a Having observed fi rst-hand how nutrition, only class options. With two beautiful studio June. The studio will spearhead the wellness yoga class and can enjoy a green juice or yoga and mindfulness have a tangible spaces overlooking the ocean, a room for revolution in Qatar: it will create a vibrant nourishing meal afterwards. It’s a deeper impact on health and happiness, she is private classes, state of the art equipment, community where people can come together way of connecting that will leave you feeling channelling this knowledge and experience and luxurious changing facilities, it’s a to connect, grow, and explore the power of energised and inspired from the inside out. into the studio. Al-Fardan explains: “There’s sanctuary for all things healing. Centred yoga and healthy living. Al-Fardan is well placed to lead the wellness defi nitely no one size fi ts all. At Niya Yoga, around the pillars of mind, body, spirit and Niya Yoga is the fi rst of its kind in Qatar. movement in Qatar. She is an advanced yoga we embrace our diff erences and learn from soul, the name Niya translates from Arabic as Not only is it the fi rst Qatari owned yoga teacher, having undertaken 500 hours of one another, people and cultures. We take meaning ‘intention.’ studio, but it is opening alongside Evergreen training, and has spent extended periods of what works for us, and leave the rest. Most “Everyone is welcome at Niya, where we Organics, Qatar’s fi rst ever fully vegan café, time with luminaries in her fi eld in India, Bali importantly, we are true to ourselves and our can be whatever we are, with simply a new said a statement. “It’s an exciting moment and LA. purest niyas. May it guide us all.” intention,” said the statement. 12 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Five tips for mastering your first phone interview

he path to professional Stay connected with the right interviewer that you don’t just want success often begins device any job, but a long-term career with a phone interview. All of the interview preparation at that company. It’s also a good In fact, 82 percent of HR in the world won’t save you if your opportunity to determine if the job managers and working phone fails, so make sure you’re and the company really are the right Tprofessionals say that phone available with a secure line when fi t for you. skills are key to both landing a the call comes through. job and maintaining a sustainable Send a follow-up thank you career. For those looking to Keep your resume on hand note secure their fi rst professional Often, hiring managers will The phone interview doesn’t end job, rejoin the workforce or climb reference your resume during the when you hang up. One of the most the professional ladder, the phone interview process. Having important steps to career success importance of phone etiquette a copy handy will help you answer is the follow-up. Carefully record cannot be understated. those questions with confidence who you spoke with and send To master the phone interview, and ease. You can even make them a thank you note for taking follow these fi ve tips: a list of “talking points” that the time to speak with you. If you provide more detail about your have their e-mail address already, Speak clearly background to reference during use that, or research their contact Speaking in a clear, confi dent the call. information on sites like LinkedIn. voice eliminates potential for Reiterate your interest in the miscommunication and provides Ask questions position and emphasise why you a positive tone to the call. Be sure The interview is meant to be a are a perfect fi t. It’s an important, to sound upbeat and enthusiastic conversation and two-way process, lasting impression that may help during the interview — you can so it’s important to have a few you secure the job and, ultimately, even smile to help with this and questions of your own about the career success. use your voice to convey your company and position for which excitement about the position. you’re applying. This will show the © Brandpoint

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

With today’s Moon shining in Gemini, your third house of busy Don’t believe everything you hear today bulls. People often ‘blow up The Moon shines in your sign today twins and makes for a good activities and communication and your ruler Mars in your overseas their own spot’ in order to make their lives sound bigger and better time to express something that you may have hard time to express travel zone, it’s the perfect day for you to start thinking about your than they may actually be. Like people do on social media — posting before. Emotionally you are not as open as other signs but every next vacation and who you want to go on vacation with. only the happy pics of their lives! now and again you surprise others with your honesty.

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

There’s nothing like feeling good about yourself, is there? With the Open yourself up to something or someone new today Leos. Mars Unless you really have to, don’t make any sudden moves today Sun, Venus and Uranus all shining on your tenth house of career and the initiator spending time in your self–fulfilment and creativity zone, Virgos. The Sun, Venus and Uranus lining up in your eighth house ambition right now, you should be pushing yourself workwise. you are basically in a very adventurous pattern right now. Enjoy! of joint investments and resources may encourage you to do something impulsive with your finances. With your ruler Mercury getting ready to retrograde (April 28), it’s not the time.

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

If there is any doubt in your mind that you are doing something Even though you aren’t 100% sure about something or someone, Today’s Moon in your opposite sign of Gemini, your one on one the wrong way, stop right now before you waste any more of your as long as you are reasonably sure and trust your instinct/intuition, relationship zone, will have you sharing something with someone precious time Librans. You have great stars today and this week, so move ahead with your plans Scorpios. You don’t want to miss the close to you. Keep in mind that unfortunately, anything you do share why spend any more of your energy on lost causes? cosmic boat, do you? could be up for ‘resharing’ unless you specifically ask that your confidant doesn’t share.

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

Sometimes you simply have to do what feels right and even if it goes Look out for someone trying to trap you into saying something Venus the big spender in your second house of money and self– against your sense of what’s ‘right’ and ’wrong’, it still has to happen. today that could have ‘kickback’ later on in the week or month. As esteem could have some of you reaching for the plastic more than Right now with Pluto, the planet of rebirth in your sign, you are soon as the words leave your mouth, you will realise your mistake usual right now. If you are seeking some shopping therapy, slow experiencing new things every day. too. your roll Pisces. Remember it’s all got to be paid back! 14 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Arm and Leg

ALARM COLLEGE LEGAL ALLEGORY DELEGATE LEGEND ARMADA ELEGY LEGIBLE ARMADILLO FARMER MARMOT BARMAN GARMENT PRIVILEGE CARMINE HARMONY TELEGRAPH CHARM KARMA WARMTH 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. Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Imprison (11) 2. Pinch (3) 9. Dandy (3) 3. Wrath (5) 10. Series of degrees (9) 4. Talkative (6) 11. Deduce (5) 5. More prompt (7) 13. Scintillate (7) 6. Consider (5,4) 14. Apprehend (6) 7. Acting successfully (11) 16. Journey (6) 8. Clever (11) 18. Opening (7) 12. Prohibited (9) 19. Spray (5) 15. Agitated (7) 20. Ruin secretly (9) 17. Floodgate (6) 21. Lair (3) 19. Dulcet (5) 22. Unintentional (11) 21. Row (3)

Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. Bear baiter – or did the bulls bust 2. Char in white apron (3) ‘er? (11) 3. Throws out players? (5) 9. Welcome back the girl (3) 4. Be on tele, crazy little creature (6) 10. Toss caps and elect. What a display! 5. Away team? (7) (9) 6. Hen loses head, has grit, makes egg 11. Loud goings-on and no make- (9) believe (5) 7. How the dumb waiter took without Yesterday’s Solutions 13. The garland is certain to provide asking? (4-7) relaxation (7) 8. In one neat trip you can find QUICK CRYPTIC 14. Portrait of fruit in fey disorder (6) discernment (11) Across: 1 Slay; 3 Accurate; 9 Propose; 10 Across: 1 Huff; 3 Half-time; 9 Louvred; 10 Order; 16. Make good about a couple (6) 12. The company very loudly took a Delve; 11 Highland reel; 13 Refund; 15 Blithe; 11 Brass-rubbing; 13 Crutch; 15 Closer; 17 Tourist- 18. Lookers on were out in force (7) note and rose pink – for this after-dinner 19. He set out as a page (5) container? (6-3) 17 Combinations; 20 Limbo; 21 Erector; 22 class; 20 Tripe; 21 Rounded; 22 Minutely; 23 20. Crest raises search (9) 15. Lubricant boat-worker? (7) Sunshade; 23 Onus. Less. 21. Bookend dropped to give you a 17. Associate with like kind (6) Down: 1 Sapphire; 2 Among; 4 Cleans; 5 Down: 1 Half back; 2 Fauna; 4 Ardour; 5 Football surprise (3) 19. Deranged, bears sword (5) Underclothes; 6 Ailment; 7 Even; 8 Polling club; 6 Indents; 7 Ears; 8 Cross-current; 12 22. Ghost laid low? It’s an even test! 21. Its line is the straightest (3) (6-5) booth; 12 Censures; 14 Footman; 16 Indeed; 18 Presides; 14 Utopian; 16 Astral; 18 Addle; 19 Often; 19 Plus. Stem. 16 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY

Suicide pangs because Pratyusha had hung herself on one. A shocking suicide by a Another Bigg Boss participant, television actress had some unusual Dolly Bindra harangued Pratyusha’s repercussions for Priyanka Chopra. mother about the death and Pratyusha Banerjee had shot to recorded the conversation to make fame in a television serial called it public. She also put out photos of Balika Vadhu but she became Pratyusha’s dead body. known to a larger audience when In this profusion of publicity she participated in the reality show seeking, Priyanka Chopra suddenly Bigg Boss that is hosted by Salman found herself in the middle of it. Khan. She used to have a secretary once On April 1, she hung herself from upon a time with whom there was a the ceiling fan in her home. Since bitter falling out. After Pratyusha’s then, there have been numerous death, he took to Twitter to say speculations on why she took her that Priyanka had also attempted own life and many of Pratyusha’s suicide. He tweeted, ‘PC may look friends blame her boyfriend for very strong now but she was also it. They say that he was living very vulnerable in struggling days, off her fi nances and also abusing tried to commit suicide 2-3 times her. But what also happened was but i managed to stop her.’ that because many of her friends He said that she once tried to are actors of reality shows, the jump off a building after her then tragedy itself became a spectacle boyfriend’s mother, with whom with multiple press conferences she had been very close, passed being called to put forward various away. While Priyanka herself did theories. not respond, her mother took to One actress and former Bigg Twitter to say that he was a liar and Boss participant, that ‘his old mother and father fell demanded a ban of all ceiling fans at PC’s feet begging forgiveness.’

CLEAN: found his name mentioned in a news report on Panana Papers, but was quick to issue a denial of any involvement in any wrongdoing. Panama troubles

mitabh Bachchan is long used to all sorts contacted him. A couple of days later he released a of off -screen controversies hounding statement saying that he had no idea how his name him, ever since his stint in active politics was present in those companies and he had nothing to in the mid-80s. After a corruption scam do with it. at the time around cutbacks dealing with He however also said that it was possible that his name Athe purchase of defence armament saw his name had been misused. His statement said, “I have never being dragged into it, he couldn’t stand the ugliness of been a director of any of the above stated companies. It is politics and opted out. possible that my name has been misused. I have paid all He continued to remain close to politicians and that my taxes including on monies spent by me overseas...” too has made him plenty of enemies. But Amitabh has Another name that fi gured in the Panama Papers survived all of it. Last week he again found himself at was that of his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, who the centre of a controversy when a global investigation was a director of an overseas fi rm along with her by journalists across the world following the leak of father, mother and brother. But whereas Amitabh documents of a tax fi rm in Panama exposed off shore clearly denied his involvement while accepting accounts that had been created in tax havens by the the possibility that his name did feature there, high and mighty across the world. Aishwarya’s response was a bit of a public relations The newspaper that helmed the investigation in debacle. Her media adviser asked what is the India reported that Amitabh’s name also fi gured in it. credibility of the organisation that found out the list He was the director of four off shore shipping rmsfi in with the names and fl at out said that the information British Virgin Islands and Bahamas. No illegality was was completely false. She would have been better off SPECULATIONS: Since Banerjee’s suicide, there have been numerous imputed by the report, just that his name was present. taking tips from her father-in-law on how to deal with speculations on why she took her own life and many of Pratyusha’s friends Amitabh did not respond to the newspaper when they a controversy. blame her boyfriend for it.

Bipasha wedding More murky case lodged in which Hrithik says someone posed as him to send mails to Kangana, the police have It doesn’t seem very far back that The spat between Hrithik Roshan and Kangana asked for Kangana to give her statement. Bipasha Basu split with John Abraham. Ranaut gets murkier and murkier. With a criminal Kangana says his statement is all concocted At the time, it was speculated that and they had a relationship. She is therefore the reason for the decision was John’s reluctant to oblige on the police summons. reluctance to commit to something Hrithik maintains that he does not want to more long lasting. target Kangana, merely the imposter. Kangana As things turned out, after they has now gone on the attack. In a letter to the parted ways John got married to police commissioner, her lawyer has now someone else while Bipasha continued accused Hrithik of misusing private mails and her single status. That is set to change. photographs she mailed to him. It has been confi rmed that she is tying They have charged him with doing this the knot with Karan Singh Grover. deliberately to damage her reputation. Her lawyer Bipasha tweeted, ‘We are happy to also said that they are not seeking Hrithik’s arrest fi nally share the good news with at the moment but wanted preventive action everyone. 30th April 2016 is the big taken to protect her image. Kangana also released day’. a statement which said, ‘ I am not ashamed of The couple has been going around anything, not my past, not my affairs, not my body for two years after they worked and most definitely not my desire.’ She added that together in the sets of Alone. It had attempts to shame her therefore won’t work. been thought for some time that they WEDDING: Bipasha Basu is getting would get married but for a long time DIFFERING ACCOUNTS: The Hrithik, Kangana spat Send your feedback to married on April 30. they had kept denying it. continues to get uglier. [email protected] Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY

Randeep Hooda becomes the high temperature. The actor face of Mumbai fi re brigade even discussed the perils with the men-in-uniform during the shoot. Actor Randeep Hooda has As for getting into their uniform, become the brand ambassador Randeep admitted that it was a of Mumbai’s fi re department. proud moment for him to wear it. Honoured to be the brand’s face, “It’s hot,” he said. the Main Aur Charles actor shared The campaign for the department that the fi refi ghters are not only will begin on April 14, and seeks to fi ghting fi re, but are also involved in rope in volunteers from all walks of “rescue and relief operations which life. On the fi lm front, Randeep is a lot of us are unaware of”. currently fi lming for Sultan and Do Randeep revealed that he is Lafzon Ki Kahani with Laal Rang not afraid of fi re, but knows just and Sarbjit slated to release on April how dangerous it can be given 22 and May 20. — IANS

NEW PERSPECTIVE: Neha Dhupia

We shouldn’t make INSIGHT: Randeep Hooda

Gautham Menon to shoot songs from a source from the fi lm’s unit told big deal about women two projects in Turkey IANS. Gautham is currently working Filmmaker Gautham Vasudev with Dhanush on the song from Menon, who is currently shooting Enai Nokki Paayum Thota, a song sequence from his which marks their fi rst-time empowerment: Dhupia upcoming Tamil action thriller collaboration. Enai Nokki Paayum Thota in The work on Dhanush’s project Turkey, will also fi lm a song from is expected to be fi nished by this ctress Neha added: “I am an independent late 1990s, and now exploring his other Tamil project Achcham weekend. Early next week, Simbu Dhupia says she single woman and I don’t need to the non-fi ction TV space MTV Enbathu Madamaiyada in the same will join the team of Achcham doesn’t understand be empowered by anything, except Roadies X4. place. Enbathu Madamaiyada for the the hue and cry that drive to do better everyday in She is best remembered for “We are currently shooting in song shoot. “The team is expected around women’s life. So, I really don’t understand her roles in fi lms like Julie, Kyaa the port city of Bodrum, where a to shoot across places like Istanbul, empowermentA in showbiz as what the hue and cry is about.” Kool Hai Hum, Delhii Heights and song from Enai Nokki... is being Ankara, Izmir and Alanaya. The change has already seeped in. The Pointing out a positive change, Phas Gaye Re Obama. Neha, who shot. As soon as it’s wrapped, work on this song will be wrapped former beauty queen feels that the actress shared: “If you are joined hands with beauty brand we will shoot one of the pending up by next weekend,” the source “the more we talk about it, the talking about roles, then it is all Kiehl’s and Teach For India to songs from Achcham Enbathu...,” said. – IANS more we sound like we need it.” changing. Now, there are so many educate underprivileged children, “I really don’t think that we author-backed roles for women. emphasises that women “have should make a big deal about And there are some scripts where privilege to do whatever they need women empowerment because the women fi t in a diff erent way and to do, whatever they want to do”. Kangana Ranaut shoots time she is on set,” the source said. more we talk about it the more we there are some scripts where But she rued that women “only with Dhoni, Kohli for ad fi lm Hirani shot the commercial in a sound like we need it and we don’t women fi t in a certain way.” lack safety”. “As a citizen of the single day, and Kangana even made need it. I think it (demand for The actress has explored country, the one thing that I would Bollywood’s “Queen” Kangana them dance to her London thumakda empowerment) is just something diff erent creative fi elds — be it pledge or want people to provide Ranaut had a “fun riot” while track. The actress will be seen in her that is used by a certain set of winning a beauty pageant, starring us with is safety and nothing else. shooting with cricket stars Mahendra Queen avatar in the commercial. people,” Neha told IANS. in fi lms, working on television Women are at par as to men.” — Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli for “It was a fun riot, and the three Talking about herself, she with fi ction series Rajdhani in IANS Rajkumar Hirani’s advertisement got along really well. The vibes are fi lm. very fresh and exciting. It was a treat Hirani has brought together to see them in one frame,” said the Shah Rukh, kids and so are my kids. They do come Kangana with Dhoni and Kohli for source. — IANS supportive of my to the store and want to look at a recently shot commercial which work: Gauri Khan every piece what I have designed, will air during the IPL T20 cricket what I am doing and they are very league. According to a source, getting Gauri Khan, wife of Bollywood involved,” Gauri said at the launch Kangana’s dates was a challenge superstar Shah Rukh Khan, says of her new collection of saris titled since the actress has been busy with her husband and her children are Cocktails and Dreams for Satya Paul. Vishal Bhardwaj’s Rangoon. very supportive, when it comes “Yes they totally support me,” “Since she was shooting for the to her career as a designer. The added the mother of three. last schedule of Rangoon, it was quite 45-year-old entrepreneur owns Shah Rukh, who married Gauri hectic. So Hirani spoke to Vishal ji home decor line of her own and has in 1991, have a son named Aryan requesting him for a single day of also collaborated with Satya Paul, and a daughter named Suhana. The Kangana from the fi lm schedule. where she has co-designed three duo also welcomed their third child Knowing how professional Kangana collections for the label. Abram, born through a surrogate is, Vishal ji obliged, as he knew that IN GOOD COMPANY: Kangana ALL IN THE FAMILY: Gauri Khan “Shah Rukh is very supportive mother in 2013. — IANS she gives in her 100 per cent every Ranaut 18 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD

BACK IN TIME: Lionel Lingselser as King Louis XV in Outlander.

Jamie, especially in dealing with what happened to him at the end of the first season. There’s also a pregnancy. These elements are giving Balfe Outlander moves to more avenues to pursue. Expect to see Balfe pushed to the edge emotionally because of all that has happened to her since being ripped out of her own time period. The 36-year-old Irish actress has been looking for good roles France for season II most of her life. After starting her “The second half of the season dark scenes, lest they end up end of Scottish life. career as a model, she made the By Rick Bentley was very intense,” Balfe says, exhausted or crazy. Instead of the wilderness world leap to acting in 2011 with a role “especially with what they are Those dark scenes were played of the first season, the couple find in Super 8. She’s also appeared calling the ‘punishment scene.’ so strongly that Balfe picked themselves in the lavish world of in Crush, Now You See Me and aitriona Balfe’s character It was a very traumatic thing for up a Golden Globe nomination. French society. Escape Plan. went through emotional her to go through as a woman but She was able to handle the scene “Claire gets to stay in one place Outlander has given her a very hell during season one also in the framework of this man because of the smart writing done for an extended period of time and complex role to play. Despite all of Outlander. Claire she loves and trusts. It was a very under the guidance of Ronald D even though they have this goal that has happened, Balfe says Randall is sent back deep psychic wound for them, but Moore, executive producer of the of changing the course of history, she has always seen Claire as Cin time, marries a man she barely they get through it. series, and the strong cast. Both there is some semblance of a a very hopeful character. “You knows, is accused of being a witch “It was very difficult for her to will be tested again this season as normalcy in life,” Balfe says. But, couldn’t bounce back from all of and is sexually assaulted. watch the man that she loves go the relationship between Claire “as with all of Diana’s writing, those things if you didn’t have And that was all in the first through that and know on some and Jamie faces more challenges. nothing stays solid for very long.” an enormous well of hope, if you half of the season. Later came level it was because of her.” Claire must put aside her 20th Balfe says the biggest didn’t have an understanding an unforgettable episode with The brutal assault of Jamie century thinking to face her new difference between seasons is of the goodness in humanity,” her 18th century husband, Jamie created an emotionally draining world. The second season opens Claire’s perspective. In season Balfe says. “That’s a very strong (Sam Heughan). All of it will serve scene to perform and watch. with Claire and Jamie arriving in one, Claire was mostly a passive characteristic of her. as a jumping-off point as the Balfe says she learned a long France. Their task is to infiltrate observer to events in her life. “It will never be completely second season of the series based time ago that actors have to the Jacobite rebellion so they This year, Claire will become extinguished in her but it on the books by Diana Gabaldon be very careful with exposing can stop the battle of Culloden. more active in trying to maneuvre definitely takes a knocking in this launches on Starz. their own emotions when doing Failure to do so could mean the through her relationship with season.” — The Fresno Bee/TNS Monday, April 11, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY Oscars is like prom now, says Michael Shannon MONEY TALKS: Taylor Swift ctor Michael Shannon says that the Oscars Taylor Swift earned more through her sold-out world tour is nothing more than than DiCaprio last year and numerous business deals. The the world’s most pop star even has her own mobile exclusive “prom” Singer Taylor Swift has emerged game in the works, which will be now.A The 41-year-old actor as the highest paid celebrity of 2015 launched later this year. believes that Hollywood and the leaving behind Oscar-winning star Songstress Lady Gaga also got an movie-making business is more Leonardo DiCaprio and rapper Jay impressive paycheck last year with obsessed with beauty now, reports Z. Swift, 26, has topped Parade an estimated $59mn in the bank. femalefirst.co.uk. magazine’s annual What People Jay Z raked in $56mn in a year full “Filmmaking is a visual Earn issue’s list of stars, reports of various business ventures (but medium. It’s motion pictures. So usmagazine.com. no album), including his streaming basically you’re just a model that The Wildest dream singer made service Tidal. DiCaprio, 41, made talks. Look at any actor nowadays, an estimated $80mn last year an estimated $29mn. — IANS they’re just models. Going to the Oscars is like going to the prom. Everybody dressed up. Melissa McCarthy to return “It used to be that when you for Gilmore Girls revival went to the Oscars, you’d pick up something nice from the mall. Actress Melissa McCarthy will Now it’s this big hoo-ha. It’s off return in the upcoming revival of the %%^&# rails,” The Guardian comedy-drama TV series Gilmore newspaper quoted Shannon as Girls as Sookie. The actress saying. “Even with me, when I announced the news on TV show do some press conference, some The Ellen DeGeneres Show, reports designer will say they want to put variety.com. their suit on me. Put their suit on “Literally about an hour and half me! I never in my wildest dreams ago, we fi gured out that I’m gonna thought I would be hearing that go back and do it and I am so excited. phrase,” he added. The Pearl And they are gonna be amazing,” she Harbor actor also shared that said. Hollywood lifestyle is a world McCarthy is one of the last series away from his humble beginnings originals to be announced for the growing up in Lexington, show revival. Previously, showrunner Kentucky. — IANS LAMENT: Michael Shannon Amy Sherman-Palladino pointed to McCarthy’s “really $******% busy” schedule as the reason she wouldn’t ‘Jon Snow is dead’ on be appearing in the show. A release Game of Thrones season 6 is actually dead, but instead hold fate at the hands of Castle Black date for the new Gilmore Girls series MAKING A COMEBACK: Melissa that he will come back to life. mutineers, Daenerys’ near-demise is yet to be announced. — IANS McCarthy HBO’s hit fantasy drama series The notion is only heightened at the fi ghting pits of Meereen Game of Thrones will return with when paired with the episode’s title, and Cersei’s public humiliation this month sans popular character as many fans believe Melisandre in the streets of King’s Landing, I’m a bit of wild mom, Kate Hudson Jon Snow, according to the offi cial (Carice van Houten) — very likely survivors from all parts of Westeros description of the fi rst episode of the red woman in question — will be and Essos regroup to press Actress Kate Hudson, who has two sons Ryder the sixth season, titled The Red the one who brings Jon back from forward, inexorably, towards their and Bingham, says she is a “bit of a wild mom”. Woman. the dead. uncertain individual fates,” read The Rock the Kasbah actress has written an essay “Jon Snow is dead. Daenerys The description also hints at the description. titled Sometimes I Feel Like a Bad Mom for InStyle meets a strong man. Cersei sees the drama to come in season six, “Familiar faces will forge new magazine, wherein she explains how hard it is to be her daughter again,” reads the revealing the “bloody fate” of alliances to bolster their strategic a working single mother of two, reports aceshowbiz. description. Snow among others. “Following chances at survival, while new com. Few argue against the notion the shocking developments at characters will emerge to challenge The 36-year-old actress admits that she has that Kit Harington’s Lord the conclusion of season fi ve, the balance of power in the east, a strange bond with Ryder, her son with former Commander of the Night’s Watch including Jon Snow’s bloody west, north and south.” — IANS husband Chris Robinson, because she was so young at the time she gave birth to him. “I was really young, like, 23, when I had Ryder. So, our relationship has always been (a little Scarlett Johansson fi nds “I think every woman has (been underpaid), but unusual). I mean, we’re close, and I am his mom. wage gap talks ‘obnoxious’ unless I’m addressing it as a larger problem, for me to I’m big on manners. I’m big on politeness. I’m big talk about my own personal experience with it feels a on gratitude. But I’m a bit of a wild mom,” Hudson Actress Scarlett Johansson says she feels little obnoxious. It’s part of a larger conversation about said. “obnoxious” discussing her “personal experience” feminism in general,” she added. She said she loves to spend her time with her little regarding the wage gap in Hollywood. “There’s Earlier it was reported that Johansson, who has ones, help them with their homework and listen to something icky about me having that conversation starred as Black Widow in four Marvel fi lm adaptations, their ideas, but at one point she just needs time for unless it applies to a greater whole... I am very earned nearly the same compensation from The herself. “Some days I feel like I should win Best Mom fortunate, I make a really good living, and I’m proud Avenger series as her male co-stars Chris Evans and of the Day award, and some days I fi nd myself doing to be an actress who’s making as much as many Chris Hemsworth. strange things that don’t have any real purpose, of my male peers at this stage,” Johansson told She will reprise her role as Black Widow in Captain in faraway corners in my house, and I realise I am Cosmopolitan magazine in its May issue, reports America: Civil War, which is slated to release on May PARENTING BLUES: literally and deliberately hiding from my children,” variety.com. 6. — IANS Kate Hudson she said. — IANS 20 GULF TIMES Monday, April 11, 2016 COMMUNITY Sleepless in Khartoum hat happens when a writer, to Acclaimed Sudanese author Amir Tag Elsir’s latest his utter horror, begins to suspect that one of his novel Telepathy deals with a character that leaps mostW idiosyncratic characters from a recent novel resembles a real person he has never met? Top to life from a work of fiction. By Anand Holla Sudanese author Amir Tag Elsir delves into this bizarre mystery in his compelling psychological thriller Telepathy. Fortunately for literature lovers in Doha, Elsir himself will be present at the Qatar National Library’s (QNL) book discussion of Telepathy on Wednesday from 7pm to 8.30pm at TV Lounge, HBKU Student Center, Education City. The book discussion will be conducted in English. ensconced in a fashionable part of Elsir, who is regarded as a giant town. Nishan learned how to read among Arab fiction writers, has and write at an advanced age and published 16 books, including lives in a marginal, poor section novels, biographies and poetry. of the city. Yet slum-dwelling In his latest book Telepathy, the Nishan, with brown teeth and author grapples to make sense of traditional djellaba and turban, a seemingly unusual situation. appears to be attuned to the self- As the author condemned this consciously cultured narrator’s character to an untimely death stream of consciousness.” in the novel, he asks himself a Born in 1960, Elsir studied question – should he save this medicine in Egypt and at the character from death? British Royal College of Medicine. “Set in both sides of Khartoum Some of his most important the bustling capital city and the works are: The Dowry of Cries neglected, poverty–stricken (2004), The Crawling of the Ants underbelly, this novel takes the (2008), The Copt’s Worries (2009) readers to the worlds of insane and The French Perfume (2009). asylums, and the suspicious His novel The Grub Hunter relationship between imagination (2010) was shortlisted for the and reality,” says a note by the International Prize for Arabic QNL. Fiction in 2011 and translated into In Telepathy, the writer learns English and Italian. that the novel he had recently The Grub Hunter is a satirical published is based on a real novel which tells the story of a person who happens to live in the former secret service agent who same city of Khartoum. The novel tries to write a novel and finds himself the subject of scrutiny by the bureau for which he used to The novel work. takes up the Jane Housham wrote in The Guardian, last June, in her review line of inquiry: of Elsir’s Ebola ’76, “In this bleak “comedy”, translated by to what extent Chris Bredin and Emily Danby, about the first outbreak of Ebola are authors in Sudan in 1976, he perhaps accountable for demonstrates the capacity of doctors to protect themselves their body of from the harsher aspects of the job by resorting to humour. work after it is Empathy isn’t the only possible published? approach to such horror, but it’s the natural response for titled Hunger’s Hopes turns out many readers and we may feel 'to be a biography, a literary work uncomfortable without it.” based on real-life events, which When asked about where he presumes were telepathically he begins when writing, the conveyed by Nishan Hamza Sudanese writer-doctor said, Nishan – who turns out to be the “Usually I start out from a name of his novel's protagonist. BETWEEN FACT AND FICTION: Author Amir Tag Elsir will be present at the Qatar National Library’s (QNL) book specific event or sudden idea. “Since his protagonist in discussion of Telepathy on Wednesday at HBKU Student Center in Education City. Then I search for an appropriate Hunger’s Hopes has cancer with beginning and when I find it, ‘no hope of a cure’, the narrator authors accountable for their story was conveyed to him by a events that blur the boundaries the text moves forward without feels responsible in equipping the body of work after it is published? man he had never met,” explains between reality and imagination, obstacles. As for those novels real-life Nishan – schizophrenic, Are they responsible for its social Nahrain al-Mousawi in her review al-Mousawi points out. “The inspired by history, they are poor and loveless – with ‘a impact? of the book for Qantara.de. two men – the author and the usually a re-working of a better destiny than the one (the The narrator spends the rest of In fact, the narrator is torn authored – come from different particular historical period or an narrator) had granted him in the the novel trying both to evade and between focusing on his writing, worlds: the narrator is highly imagined history in which I place text.’ The novel takes up the line save his real-life protagonist and caring for Nishan and pursuing educated, safely lodged in the characters I have known in my of inquiry: to what extent are discover the details of how this the thread of a myriad of strange middle class and comfortably life.”