Community Community Pakistan’s IABJ to host a Federal gala cultural P6Minister for P20 event where Commerce Khurram members will Dastgir Khan is be felicitated for arriving in Doha today various activities on a one-day visit. in the past year.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 Rajab 13, 1437 AH
DOHA 23°C—35°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 13 PUZZLES 14 & 15 Theme for a dream COVER Aqua Park set for bigger and better STORY splash with more features to lift its water-based entertainment. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
Mr Right GENRE: Action, Drama, Romance CAST: Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Anson Mount DIRECTION: Paco Cabezas SYNOPSIS: A woman (Anna Kendrick) comes to a crossroad when she fi nds out that her new beau (Sam Rockwell) is a professional assassin who kills the people PRAYER TIME who hire him instead of the intended targets. Fajr 3.48am Hyperactive at the best Shorooq (sunrise) 5.07am of times, Martha has Zuhr (noon) 11.33am gone full-on manic since Asr (afternoon) 3.02pm her latest breakup. She Maghreb (sunset) 6.01pm babbles, parties like a Isha (night) 7.31pm monster, cooks everything in sight — and is looking USEFUL NUMBERS to do something terrible when she meets Francis. To anyone else, Francis’s approach would come across as creepy, but Martha can’t help but be intrigued.
Emergency 999 THEATRE: Novo, The Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Pearl Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Time 141, 140 Doha International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Medical Commission 44679111 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Weather Forecast 44656590 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444 Qatar University 44033333
ote Unquo u te Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world Q What the GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure, Action wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. CAST: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams caterpillar calls the end DIRECTION: Zack Snyder THEATRES: Villaggio, City Center, Royal Plaza, The SYNOPSIS: Fearing the actions of Superman are left Mall of the world the master calls a butterfl y. Mall Cinema (1): Fan (Hindi) 11am, 1 & 3pm; The Jungle — Richard Bach 11.30am, 2.30, 5.30 & 8.15pm; Book (2D) 5 & 7pm; The The Huntsman Winter's War 3 (2D) 5pm; Kung Fu Panda 3 Huntsman Winter's War (2D) (2D) 11.30pm. (2D) 6.30pm; The Huntsman 9pm; Fan (Hindi) 11pm. Mall Cinema (2): The Jungle Winter's War (2D) 8.30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Book (2D) 11.30am, 1.30pm; Theri (Tamil) 10.45pm. Palace (3): Kung Fu Panda The Jungle Book (2D) 3.30pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace 3 (2D) 11.30am, Batman Vs. Community Editor The Jungle Book (2D) 5.30 & (1): Fan (Hindi) 11am, 2, 5 & Superman (2D) 1pm; Kung Fu Kamran Rehmat 7.30pm; Criminal (2D) 9.30 & 8pm; The Huntsman Winter's Panda 3 (2D) 3.45 & 5.30pm; e-mail: [email protected] 11.30pm. War (2D) 11pm. Criminal (2D) 7 & 11.30 pm; Telephone: 44466405 Mall Cinema (3): Theri (Tamil) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Batman Vs. Superman (2D) Fax: 44350474 11am & 2pm; Kung Fu Panda (2): The Jungle Book (2D) 9pm. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY
EVENTS Meet a designer from IDdesign for spring travelling much more than 500 Miles in renovation ideas and give your home a 2016 as they continue to play to fans all GCC Aspetar Sports Medicine fresh, new look. Face-to-face consultations across the World. IconicEvents proudly Conference are available throughout the month free present Scotland’s most well known DATE: April 23- 24 of charge. Book now! E-mail marcom@ and loved identical twin brothers The VENUE: Aspire Zone equinox.com.qa to secure your spot. Proclaimers. Aspetar will organise the first GCC Sports Medicine Conference, with the ACS Doha Shifting Sands participation of prominent experts DATE: April 23 DATE: Until July 7 from around the world. The conference TIME: 9:30am VENUE: Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim will be held in both Arabic and English. VENUE: ACS Doha International School, Museum, Alsamariyah The conference will include lectures Al Oyoun Street MA students of UCL Qatar are organising on a variety of areas, including: sudden ACS Doha invites you to attend an open and curating an exhibition as part of cardiac death, imaging in sports medicine, morning for families interested in finding UCLQurates. In the very recent past, Qatar Cultural Diversity festival sports injury prevention. Moreover, the out more about the Lower School (Grades has undergone a significant transformation; DATE: Until May 31 conference will include workshops focusing 1-5, children aged 6-11) at ACS Doha through these developments, people have TIME: 7:30-9pm on areas as diverse as athlete nutrition, International School. Come along and meet had to adapt to the changing landscape in VENUE: Katara Beach clinical examination of injuries, and ECG our staff, The Head of School and our Dean which they live. Over 20 countries from all over the of Admissions. world are showcasing their traditions and heritage. Anti-Doping in Humans and Animals DATE: May 31-June 1 Al Gannas TIME: 8am DATE: Until Oct 30 VENUE: Doha Marriott Hotel TIME: 9am -11:30am ADLQatar’s 6th Annual Symposium: VENUE: Al Gannas Society Anti-Doping in Humans and Animals: Al Gannas Association is participating in Parallels and Divergences: As with doping in the ‘Our culture is a school’ programme by humans to enhance sporting performance, organising many activities for the students similar interventions to ensure outcome in every Monday and Wednesday of the week. competition are also apparent in animals These activities include explanations on (horses, dogs, camels). Practices such as hunting and related tools, kinds of falcons administrations of steroids, inorganic and preys, in addition to workshop on interpretation. substances such as cobalt, as well as, gene how to carry a falcon, set a traditional doping may be far more prevalent amongst tent (made of goat & camel hair), prepare Aspire Jam Junior Tournament competing animals. traditional Arabic coffee, etc. DATE: April 22 TIME: 4pm-7pm Summer Music Festival VENUE: Aspire Dome DATE: Until April 29 Aspire Zone Foundation will organise TIME: 2pm the third edition of Aspire Jam Junior VENUE: Marriott Doha Tournament for the age group 13-17 years, Summer Music Festival on April 16-29. from 4pm to 7pm. Registration fees, QR200 Doha’s very own DJ Nev & DJ Audi spinning per team. Teams of five players each will the tunes. Also featuring: Photo booths, compete to win the cup of this basketball amateur photo contest, games, best dressed street tournament. Prizes will be awarded couples and lots more. to the top three places.
Arab Conference on the Role of Civil Yamativo Salsa Classes Society DATE: Every Monday DATE: Today, tomorrow TIME: 7pm VENUE: Qatar National Convention VENUE: Radisson Blu Centre It’s always fun and always challenging. Qatar Foundation for Social Action Let’s meet and learn some moves every is organising the first regional Arab Monday night. You don’t need to do conference on the ‘Role of Civil Society anything, just join us. Level 1 (intermediate in the Arab Region in Implementing 2030 level) 7pm and for beginner level 8pm. Be Qatari Agricultural Product Yards Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ The there are Raddison Blu Hotel Cabana Club. DATE: Until June 30 conference aims to provide a platform to VENUE: Al Mazrooa, Al Zakheera, Al raise a debate at the Arab level on the role Qatar Drift Championship Spring Exhibition MIA Khor, Al Wakrah of civil society in implementing the 2030 DATE: April 22 DATE: Until July 16 The Ministry of Environment has opened agenda for sustainable development, and TIME: 6—11pm TIME: 10:30am- 5pm the 4th season of Qatari agricultural monitoring progress in achieving its goals VENUE: Qatar Racing Club VENUE: QM Gallery Al Riwaq product yards for selling locally produced and objectives. Join us at Qatar Racing Club to watch the An exhibition of 15 contemporary fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish and best drifters from the Middle East Compete Chinese artists, curated by internationally livestock. Work in these yards will continue DFI Cinema presents Fashion in Film for the Drift King Crown. This season Qatar acclaimed New York-based Chinese artist for seven months. The yards will operate DATE: Until April 23 Drift Championship promises you the best Cai Guo-Qiang, will be on view at the three days a week on Thursdays, Fridays and TIME: 5:30pm drifting action from the region. Are you QM Gallery Al Riwaq. The exhibition will Saturdays from 7am to 5pm, with livestock VENUE: Museum of Islamic Art ready for the smoke? be the major highlight presented in the vendors in Al Mazrooa operating at the Auditorium context of the Qatar China 2016 Year of same times throughout the week. In any film, costume can convey Entrepreneurial Success Culture. Artworks exemplifying each and information about character before a DATE: Tomorrow every artist’s unique artistic language and Join in our Walk-in Weekends word of dialogue is spoken –indeed, some TIME: 2:30pm-5pm methodology will be displayed in individual DATE: Every Saturday costumes are so iconic, they come to define VENUE: Concorde Hotel Doha galleries. VENUE: MIA Atrium a particular role in the popular imagination. Do you dream of owning your own MIA art education and calligraphy teams DFI Cinema’s Fashion in Film series business? Chinese Silk Art offer walk-in workshops in MIA’s atrium launches with Costume as Character, a look Have you identified your entrepreneurial DATE: Until May 9 every Saturday. These walk-in workshops at the art of costume design in cinema. The strengths and weaknesses? This will help VENUE: QM Gallery in Katara are for open for all family members. screenings will be followed by a question- you, if you are interested in becoming an The second major exhibition of the and-answer session with Stella Bruzzi, a entrepreneur, to unravel the secrets that Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture, ‘Silks Professor of Film and Television Studies will make you successful! from the Silk Road – Chinese Art of Silk’, FOODIE CHOICE at Warwick University and a Fellow of presents silk as a theme, and as a special the British Academy. Stella is one of the The Proclaimers Live In Qatar local product of Zhejiang that played an RESTAURANT: Z iryab foremost international scholars on costume DATE: April 29 important role in trade along the Silk Road. LOCATION: The Pearl Qatar and fashion in film. TIME: 7pm The exhibition highlights ancient and Ziryab Restaurant is a fi ne dining restaurant VENUE: InterContinental Doha modern Chinese silk works, with around located in Medina Centralle on The Pearl- IDdesign Following a hugely successful 2015 UK 100 pieces due to be showcased at the QM Qatar Doha serving Italian and Mediterranean DATE: Until May 6 and Ireland tour, The Proclaimers are Gallery in Katara over a period of 6 weeks. cuisine in a sophisticated environment.
Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Dash for bigger splash With the addition of Stingray Surf Machine, a hotel complete with residential villas and rooms, and a medical spa facility as well as a number of restaurants, Aqua Park is all set to raise its entertainment benchmark, writes Umer Nangiana
DESTINATION JOY: With more than 14 exhilarating water attractions, Aqua Park is a perfect combo.
ith three more its already available 14 attractions. It is an Aqua Park product but early next year and once that is are planning to make it a unique distinguishing The park is also getting a hotel, it is going to be managed by ready the park will also have a entertainment destination for features soon complete with residential villas a hotel company. It will be an different change in operations. people,” says Raj. to join its fold, and rooms, and a medical spa extension of our project and we They would probably be open As the park opened this April the one-of-its- facility. are going to complement each throughout the year because from for the season, it is all set to Wkind water-based entertainment Up and running most likely other,” Mohamed Firdaus Raj, the hotel, they would have visitors provide its visitors with more food facility in Qatar is all set to by early next year, the hotel will General Manager Aqua Park, told to cater to. facilities, one area where it had enhance its standing as a truly be additional to the Aqua Park Community in an interview after Apart from the surfing machine been lagging behind. By this Eid- unique entertainment destination 2 extension plan which aims at the grand opening of the Aqua this year, they are also considering al-Fitr, the management hopes it in the country. making it an exceptional indoor Park. the Aqua Park 2. would have restaurants offering The Aqua Park, situated on a and outdoor amusement park The hotel will have about “The idea is (to have) outdoor Indian food and that most of 20-minute drive from downtown combined with a shopping mall. 90 villas and about 100 rooms and indoor amusement along the vacant restaurants would be Doha on Salwa Road, is adding a “In line with future expansion, besides the medical spa facilities. with a shopping mall combined operational. giant Stingray Surfing Machine to we are coming up with a hotel. It is going to be operational by with entertainment and F&B. We “We have fast food restaurants Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY
NEW VERVE: The Park is soon going to get a Stingray Surf Machine.
Aqua Park 2 is under consideration. “The idea is (to have) outdoor and indoor amusement along with a shopping mall combined with entertainment and F&B. We are planning to make it a unique entertainment destination for people,” says Mohamed Firdaus Raj, GM Aqua Park and food kiosks. But we know For a theme park, they have that this is one weak point. So all the elements that a theme we are trying to get some new park should generally have. They operators to take over some of have wave pool, a river, a tower the restaurants that are still complex which comprises 6-7 lying vacant. We are also going slides. For children, there are to provide Indian food. We African Village and Kids’ Pirate are hoping to get Retaj, a hotel Boat especially designed for company, to take over the main children and teenagers. restaurant,” says the General Two years ago, the Park also Manager. introduced two more attractions Aqua Park Qatar, the first ever for children which is bumper boat theme park in Qatar is built on and kids’ driving school which is an area of 50,000 sq. metres not a water-based experience and of action-packed water fun. it is for those children who want Featuring a mammoth play area, to experience driving around with GIANT: It features a mammoth play area, the giant 2,000 galloon tipping bucket. the giant 2,000 gallon tipping a complete feel of the roads. It is bucket, enormous 4 storey high an educational activity. market and 10 percent comes from we allow bachelors and families hours indulging themselves in water slides, the full-sized wave The Park operates from April Saudi Arabia. People from Saudi and Saturday is only for families. water activities, having food and pool, and a 200m long lazy to November. The reason they mostly come during Eid breaks Every Tuesday is Ladies day. taking pictures. river, the Aqua Park has all the are close between November and and other special occasions,” Raj These are the peak days. Last The park has a super market and ingredients that would allow you March is that the weather gets reveals. Tuesday on Ladies day, we they provide lockers and other to set the tempo for your day out. colder and even though they heat The Park, he adds, has a very received some 1,500 ladies and safety facilities free of charge. It With more than 14 exhilarating the pool, the response is not great big Filipino audience. Almost 40 last Friday we had 1,800 people. also has 40 life guards deputed water attractions, Aqua Park is a because the environment is still percent of our audience comprises Friday is always the strongest day wherever needed. Raj says they perfect combo where you can ride- cold, says Raj. Filipinos. The other two bigger for us to cover weekdays,” he adds. are also trying to develop a mobile slide, splish-splash and sleep-relax Among their audience, 60 audiences come from the Indian This is a first of its kind water app to get close to the visitors. to make your day a memorable one. percent are adults and 40 community and people from the park in Qatar so everything that “If they have any complaints, “At Aqua Park, we have 14 percent children. There is also GCC countries. they have here is a huge attraction comments or suggestions, they attractions and we are almost a big bachelor market. The park “On average, we get almost for people, says Raj. They tried can use this channel which will be completing our latest attraction also focuses on schools with 1,50,000 visitors in a season. The hosting events, but people are not in addition to the manual channel which is Stingray Surf Machine and special packages for schools and weekdays are not very high. We interested if somebody is singing that we already have in place. The we expect it would be up sometime educational institutions. get almost 100-150 on weekdays on the stage. The mindset, he visitors’ feedback is very important in May. It is going to be very “Forty percent is a very high but the business is always on explains, is that we have paid this to us,” says the GM. The park is now new for Qatar and we are hoping ratio for children in a theme park. the weekends from Thursdays to much so we should enjoy all the 14 taking visitors and the frequency this attraction will provide new Our market is local. For 80 to Saturdays,” says Raj. attractions there. is going to increase in the coming experiences to people,” says Raj. 90 percent, we rely on the local “Friday is open day on which People on average spend 4-5 months. 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY Pakistan’s commerce minister lands in Doha today
such as real estate, contracting, By Umer Nangiana interiors & decorators, trading, travel & tourism, hospitality, and entertainment etc. The group has ith the aim to a vibrant and experienced mix of promote business professional managers drawn from opportunities in diff erent industries and diff erent Pakistan and to nationalities. This provided the facilitate enhanced company mixed insights and more co-operationW between the business balanced approach. communities of Pakistan and Qatar, “At Dania Group of Companies, Khurram Dastgir Khan, Pakistan’s we believe in reliability, integrity, Federal Minister for Commerce, is professionalism, total quality arriving here today (Wednesday) on a management, teamwork and showing one-day visit. respect to our clients and associates. Khan, who is also Central Deputy Shahzad Ahmad Mughal, the CEO of Our adherence to the real values of Secretary Information of Pakistan Dania Group. life has been the driving force for Muslim League (N), will address Dania Group’s recognition, not only community gathering at Sapphire Ministry of Commerce has revamped in the construction industry but also Plaza Hotel on April 20 at a dinner national trade defence laws, obtained in the society,” says Mughal. reception hosted by CEO and partner approval for Pakistan’s accession to “As a result of this approach, of Dania Group, Shahzad Ahmad TIR convention, and has successfully Dania Group is proud to be one of Mughal. concluded institutional reforms the few entities in Qatar that seek, “The minister will interact of the ministry itself as well as its achieve and maintain strategic with the Pakistani business attached departments. and individual collaborations with community here in Doha and will He has steered the drive for a reputable clients, consultants, as discuss opportunities available qualitative shift towards value- well as other reliable partners, sub- in Pakistan that businessmen in addition and diversifi cation in contractors and suppliers in Qatar Qatar can explore. Likewise, he Pakistan’s exports. on a long-term basis,” he adds. Its would also discuss the areas where The minister is arriving in Doha on flagship firm Dania Real Estate, Pakistani businessmen can invest the invitation of Dania Group. The followed by diff erent divisions, are in Qatar,” Mughal, who is also the Dania Group was established in 1997 capable of providing a full range of CEO of Sapphire Plaza Hotel, told Khurram Dastgir Khan, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce is arriving in by Sheikh Nasser bin Mohammed services to its clients. Community. Doha today. al-Thani, chairman, and Shahzad “Commitment to excellence and Born in 1970 in Pakistan’s Ahmed Mughal, CEO and partner. appreciation of services permit us to industrial city Gujranwala, Khan Commerce, Khan has revitalised market access for Pakistan and to The group started its operation as off er services which you would find joined the ruling PML (N) in 1997. Pakistan’s trade diplomacy. normalise trade with India. His a real estate firm and over a short of great value. We have every reason Before being elevated to the position He spearheaded the successful vigorous diplomacy led to start of period of time it has grown in length to look forward to our future. We of federal minister in 2014, he served campaign to obtain GSP+ trade Pakistan’s negotiations for free and breadth. know exactly what our customers as the Minister of State in Ministries preferences for Pakistan from the trade agreements with Turkey and It has been evolved as an emerging need and work hard to provide them of Commerce, Textile Industry and European Union. In 2014, he led vital Thailand. business group with well diversified superior services with strong focus Privatisation. At the Ministry of negotiations to obtain reciprocal Under his stewardship, the business activities in industries on quality,” says the CEO.
EMS Wakrah hosts Spelling Bee competition
English Modern School (EMS) Wakrah hosted a Spelling Bee competition against the Doha British School recently. The three- day competition featured multiple students, who got a chance to develop their self-esteem, confidence, and interpersonal skills. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY
SPEECH: Ambassador Ashud Ahmed addressing the audience during the meeting. Bangladesh embassy Qatar observes Mujibnagar Day 2016
he Embassy of Bangladesh few journalists and embassy officials In his speech, ambassador Ashud Ahmed move that paved the way of gaining marked Mujibnagar Day recently participated. recalled the extraordinary role played by global support in favour of Bangladesh’s with a discussion meeting. The speakers paid deep respect to the the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu independence. The meeting began with the memory of the Father of the Nation and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and freedom He also called upon the expatriate participants standing in solemn highlighted his contributions towards fighters in Bangladesh’s emergence as an Bangladesh nationals to work unitedly for silenceT for one minute as a mark of respect the independence of Bangladesh. They independent country. development and welfare of the community to the memories of the freedom fighters of appreciated the vital role played by the Highlighting the significance of historic as well as to make valuable contribution the country. Messages from the president, members of the Mujibnagar government. Mujibnagar Day, he mentioned that the towards the economic development of their prime minister and foreign minister of They also emphasised on the need for formation of Bangladesh’s first home country Bangladesh. A documentary Bangladesh were read out. A large number educating the younger generation about the government on April 17 to lead the War on the life and works of Bangabandhu was of Bangladesh community members, a true history of Bangladesh. of Liberation in 1971 was the significant also screened.
DESS students go on learning trip to sailing academy Fullbright Scholar
The clear skies over Doha made a great backdrop as the Year 5 children at DESS enjoyed a morning on the water with Regatta Sailing Academy to hold leadership as part of their school topic. Later the children said they learnt a number of new skills. clinic
Debashis Chatterjee, a Fullbright Scholar at the Harvard and former Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode will hold a leadership workshop at the Inter Continental The Doha City Hotel on April 20. Chatterjee is arriving on an invitation from the Qatar Alumni of Government Engineering College, Thrissur (QGET), which is organising the workshop as part of its Qatar Engineers Summit (QEST 2016) programme. QEST, an annual event of the QGET, provides an interactive platform for knowledge sharing, enhancement of technical knowledge, development of better work practices and better understanding of work cultures, according to its office-bearers. QEST is held this year to coincide with the silver jubilee celebrations of QGET. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY W Doha and VCUQ Fashion Award winner announced
Doha Hotel & opportunity to showcase her collection “Reach” showcased the work of Residences and Virginia to esteemed VIPs and guests in a fashion VCUQ’s fashion design sophomores, Commonwealth show sponsored by the hotel. “It is truly juniors and seniors, launching graduates University in Qatar an honour for W Doha to be part of the into professional careers. The show (VCUQ) collaborated for judging panel. For the last six years, has presented a line-up of distinct and theW sixth year to give away the prestigious we’ve been a witness to the artistry of individual creative looks that the students “W Doha and VCUQ Fashion Award.” The each student and the dedication of their have researched, experimented with, and recipient of the coveted award, Saadia mentors to impart the best of their skills presented for the audience. Khabab, was declared during the 17th to achieve a truly world-class fashion Rami al-Ali, a Syrian-born fashion Annual VCUQ Fashion Show dubbed show that just keeps getting better. We designer currently based in Dubai was the “Reach”, held recently at Salam, The Gate congratulate everyone, particularly this guest designer, who also showcased his Mall. year’s winner, Saadia; and we look forward most recent ready-to-wear collection. His As part of W Doha’s on-going to supporting her as she launches her designs are popular with celebrities and commitment to supporting emerging career,” said Safak Guvenc, Area Manager athletes around the world and have been local talents across arts, fashion and Qatar and Oman, Starwood Hotels & worn by Beyoncé, Natasha Beddingfi eld, music, the winner will be given the unique Resort and General Manager of W Doha. Kerry Washington and Petra Nemacova.
Images from the 17th Annual VCUQ Fashion Show. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY
GROUP PHOTO: The 52 students who went to Tanzania. ASD students go on trips to Tanzania, Oman by ASD International Baccalaureate By Chi-Yan Shang (IB) student Lama Ahmed who took the point in organising this part of the trip. St. Pius students were offered ver this past Spring workshops in arts and crafts (using Break, nearly one hundred supplies which were donated by the students and staff from ASD Thespians Chapter), music, and the American School of various North American sports. Doha (ASD) participated in ASD also sent one of its faculty, Dr anO overseas service trip. The ASD runs Timothy Coble to provide teacher its service trips over school holidays, training to the St. Pius School relying on faculty and staff volunteers, teachers in the area of gender based to further its mission of fostering differentiation. This was critical to the positive, active global citizenship in St. Pius School as both St. Pius and the students. ASD have identified girl child education Sixty-two students led by ASD as being a high priority in its service teachers Chi-Yan Shang, Marcia initiatives, as ASD strives to align all of Jones, Steven Shantz, Lisa Bastedo, its service learning trips to the United Stephanie Graupmann, Emily Graves, Nations’ Sustainable Development Ryne Harris and Leon Chung worked Goals (SDGs). Dr Coble’s work was UNDERWATER TRAINING: Twenty-one students travelled to Oman to gain their PADI Open Water Dive at the ASD’s new adopted school in fully funded by the ASD Parent Teacher certification. Arusha, Tanzania, the St. Pius School. Association this year. The St. Pius School was started by Pius Twenty-one students led by ASD Kimati who saw a need for a school faculty Trevor Dufresne, Richard in an area where the next nearest Thexton and Alexandra Coehlo elementary school was over a 10km travelled to Oman to gain their PADI walk away. Kimati, operations manager Open Water Dive certification. All for Multichoice Safaris (Tanzania), students successfully completed the developed this project into one of course and participated in several reef Multichoice Safaris’ Corporate Social clean-ups as a part of their open water Responsibility Initiatives. dives in support of Project Aware, a It is with this initiative that the global initiative to clean the oceans of ASD has partnered. Nearly 52 students waste, especially plastic. Plastic has worked to start what will become been called the ocean’s silent killer, a three floor school block that will often entangling many forms of aquatic greatly increase the capacity of the St. life. Pius School, currently hampered by a These two trips cap off this school lack of classrooms. The students also years’ service trips at ASD. Next year, renovated several existing classrooms. students are headed for the Maldives, In addition to this, ten students led Laos, Nepal and Tanzania to work an enrichment “summer camp” type with various non-governmental experience for the St. Pius School organisations and corporate social students. This was an initiative led initiatives with the ASD’s partners. HELPING HAND: ASD student helps build a wall at the St. Pius School. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY NPPF elects working committee at 4th general convention
By Usha Wagle Gautam
he fourth general convention of Nepalese Peoples’ Progressive Front (NPPF) was held on the weekend in the presence of former deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Nepal, Narayan Kaji Shrestha. TThe convention was inaugurated by charge de aff airs at Nepalese Embassy, Mani Ratna Sharma. Foreign secretary of United Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (UCPN-M) Youbraj Chaulagain was also present at the programme. NPPF is a sister organisation of UCPN-M, the third largest political party of the country. The inauguration programme was hosted by Ramesh Bhatta. Representatives of various community organisations attended the event. Former DPM and UCPN-M vice-president Narayan Kaji Charge de aff airs at Nepalese Foreign secretary of UCPN-M, Shrestha requested for Nepalese community to unite and Former deputy prime minister of Nepal, Narayan Embassy, Mani Ratna Sharma speaks Youbraj Chaulagain speaks at the to lobby for better conditions for labourers. “In the current Kaji Shrestha speaking at the convention. at the programme. programme. situation, we can’t stop labour migration,” Shrestha said. “In order to do so we have to become fi nancially independent.” He also talked about the strong relationship between Nepal and Qatar, and urged all the Nepalese to abide by the rules and regulations of Qatar. UCPN-M foreign secretary Chaulagain said his party believes in the rights of women, labourers, indigenous and ethnic communities. Poet Tirtha Sangam Rai recited some of his work, and Ishwar Shahi read some of his latest ghazals. The NPPF also elected a new 25-member working committee led by chairperson Sunny Kumar Oli. Rakam Dwoj Rai was elected as the fi rst vice-chairperson; Karna Limbu as second vice-chairperson; Dip Kala Lamichhane as third vice-chairperson; Jbi Rai as general secretary; Santosh Dagal and Mahesh Dahal as secretary; Buddhi Prasad Bhandari as treasurer; Laxman Kadel as co-treasurer; and Lilamani Basti, Surendar Karki, Laxman Chaulagain, Priti Ghale, Gyan Banadur Neupane, Bimal Neupane, Ghan Bhadur Tamang, Lok Bahadur Pariyar, Dhan Bahadur Sahakari, Birkha Sarki, Iswor Shai, Om Prakash, Bagbat Lila, Balba Lamsal, Bipana Oli, Rashim Tamang, Prakash Bhatta, Prem Rokha, Biknesh Paswon, Ashish Dakal, and Prakash Bhatta as the new members. Homnath Sharma, Ramesh Bhatta, Pream Kumar BK, Prem Lama, Raju Dumre, Tikaram Bhandari and Depandara Dhakal were elected as the advisers of the Nepalese Peoples’ Progressive Front. The guests who attended Nepalese Peoples’ Progressive Front’s 4th general convention.
A cross section of the audience. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 COMMUNITY
Participants at Huawei CEM Elite Club. Huawei starts regional CEM Elite Club
uawei is starting approach within the operator and looking to drive growth faster the products and services in both received 1st place award for two its fi rst CEM Elite more so now as communication while reducing their operational FBB and MBB areas,” added Sun CEM categories for ‘Best Network Club initiative in service providers (CSPs) aspire to expenditure. Adopting an omni- Xiaofeng. Experience’ and ‘Best Contact the Middle East in transform and become players in channel management approach Huawei was also present at the Center’, having deployed Huawei’s response to growing the digital business space. These and persona-based marketing recent IQPC CEM In Telecoms SOC SmartCare Solution, while end-userH demand for more transformations address new strategy ensures that they can Middle East Conference and Huawei accepted 1st place award customer-centric experiences and challenges to ensure that user deliver on the experience promise, shared its latest Smartcare for ‘Most Innovative use of services by telecom operators in an experiences are understood by and reduce customer care costs by solution off erings such as Omni- Technology to Improve Customer increasingly connected world. various players within the CSP up to 70 percent while increasing Channel Management, infl uencing Experience’. The club’s fi rst meeting was organisation. customer satisfaction by 19 operators’ customer satisfaction The CEM Elite Club is a recent held recently and hosted 43 “The event’s focus is on percent. Huawei’s ROADS vision (CEI) via persona-based analytics- initiative by Huawei and creates senior executives from 14 regional building a digital business, encompasses the fi ve fundamental to-action and showcased a profi t- a platform for industry leaders telecom players, analyst fi rms and which is an industry trend and characteristics for the ultimate driven Service Operation Center to discuss their requirements, industry partner organisations undergoing such a transformation user experience: Real-time, (SOC) that demonstrates how to share pain points and investment coming together to exchange views brings signifi cant challenges, On-demand, All-online, DIY, exploit the wealth of data available strategies in the CEM space. The and share experiences across with the pressure being put on and Social. This vision will foster to operators. Huawei’s team also event also serves as a working aspects related with Customer operators and vendors to deliver an open industry ecosystem exhibited capabilities related to platform for analysts, operators Experience Management (CEM) an outstanding user experience that enables agile innovations, FMC (Fixed Mobile Convergent and industry partners looking such as providing holistic solution, at every touch point and placing advancing the ICT industry as well CEM) and CEM Platforms’ to build a CEM ecosystem that expediting ROI towards superior it in at the centre of the CSP as all social sectors in the digital openness to fulfi l ecosystem enables the development of customer experience, use-case organisation,” said Sun Xiaofeng, age. Customers want a consistent implementation, especially long-term strategy for improved sharing, resources and capabilities VP of Huawei Middle East. brand experience each time they for CSP’s with Multi-vendors customer experience and gain the to name a few. “This transformation is vital interact with a company – and environment. skills and capability to break down Huawei has recognised the in today’s increasingly connected they want this experience across During the conference, VIVA cross-functional silos to deliver a need for customer-centricity world and CSPs are constantly all channels delivered through Kuwait, part of the STC Group, seamless customer experience.
ATFC Family organises bowling event
Group chairman Jassim al-Mansoori was the chief guest on behalf of Imperial Suites Hotel & Imperial Travels at a bowling event organised the ATFC Family. The large number of participants described the event as “wonderful” and “memorable”. 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Design the perfect deck: 5 must-ask questions before you start
little forethought can go a long way submersion to stay beautiful for to ensuring your deck suits your years to come. family’s lifestyle. How do you want your deck How will you access your to look? deck? To make sure your new addition As you evaluate your deck’s is as big on looks as it is on function, keep transitions in mind. function, spend time dreaming The easier your deck is to access, about how you want your deck to the more you’ll get out of it. Decks look. Whether you favour sleek, positioned near frequently used clean lines or more adventurous openings, such as the kitchen door, deck patterns, the secret to a make it simple to travel from one beautiful backyard deck is to make area to the other and are perfect for sure it ties-in with your home’s entertaining. Additional pathway architecture. features, like decorative stones and ground lighting, can help guests Are you designing a curved transition smoothly between your deck? backyard should be and, best of all, provides a What do you want your deck deck and yard. If you’re still looking for a way enjoyed to its fullest comfortable space for family to do? to set your yard apart, consider extent. But all too and friends to enjoy the great A deck can boost the value of Is your deck near water? incorporating curves into your deck often, homes lack outdoors. your yard, but only if it fi ts the way If you envision lounging design. Curves can add architectural enticing outdoor If you’re ready to build a new you live. So, before tackling a deck waterside, now is the time to think interest by following the contours livingA areas. One way to give your deck and turn your backyard into project, set aside time to think about moisture-resistant decking. of your landscape, encircling hot outdoor space a retreat is to add a your favourite “room” in the house, about how you plan to use your new Decks near pools, hot tubs and tubs and pools, or contrasting the new deck. A well-designed deck here are fi ve must-ask questions space. Whether you’re designing lakes need to withstand frequent straight lines of your house. can extend your living space, to help you design the perfect a multi-level deck for entertaining exposure to waves, splashing make your yard more functional addition. or a small, peaceful getaway, a and, in some instances, full water ©Brandpoint
ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20
Venus is happily ensconced in Pisces, your twelfth house of past Be careful that you don’t take an act of kindness from someone as Mars and Saturn continue their stronghold position on Sagittarius, karma and subconscious, which isn’t the best place for her as she just that ...a random act. They probably want something in return your one on one relationship zone. You could be testing the tends to conjure up exe’s — whether you go stalking them on social and it’s up to you to work out if you feel like returning the favour boundaries of various friendships and even pushing people to be media or not! anytime soon. the best that they can be.
CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22
Avoid heavy duty discussions about things that in the grand scheme Every once in a while you get a glimpse of what’s behind ‘door There’s nothing worse than saying something and 5 seconds later of things aren’t really your business to discuss. Leave well enough number 1’ and you realise that you aren’t living up to your full realising you shouldn’t have said it, right? We’ve all done it and alone today Cancers. potential. Which is extremely annoying to most of you. What are you discovered the repercussions that go with it, so avoid doing it today. going to do about this?
LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21
Uranus the planet of unusual happenings and unexpected Unless you have proof, there is no point trying to pin something on The 2 personal day to day planets Mercury and Venus remain in developments continues to fly through your romance zone. It can someone today. All it will sound like is a case of sour grapes and Pisces, your fourth house of home and family. If there was ever a mean that for single Libras trying to date in this diff icult dating jealousy Scorpios. time to suggest a move or remodel, this is the time. world, the last person you thought you would be attracted to will turn out to be the love of your life! CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20
Don’t delay something today just because you think and or hope If you are having doubts about spending a rather large amount of There is no greater joy for you than to be in love. And with Venus the the situation may swing around back in your favour again. What money on something or someone, think it through a little more. You love maker and Mercury the planet of chitchat both in your sign for happens if it doesn’t, goats? don’t usually concern yourself with money matters, but the fact that most of the month, it really is a romantic time for you. you are today speaks volumes. 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
Salads
BACON CUCUMBER NICOISE CAESAR DRESSING PASTA CARROT EGG POTATO CELERY GARNISH RADISH CHEESE ICEBERG ROCKET COLESLAW ITALIAN ROMAINE CRESS LETTUCE WALDORF CROUTONS MAYONNAISE 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, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Quick Clues Colouring
ACROSS DOWN 4. Thrash (7) 1. Infer (7) 8. Money-lender (6) 2. Halloween fruit (7) 9. Forbear (7) 3. Niche (6) 10. Trees (6) 5. Oratory (8) 11. Rectangular (6) 6. Badly-behaved (6) 12. Unmarried woman (8) 7. Customer (6) 18. Musical instrument (8) 13. Slow-moving creature (8) 20. Unoccupied (6) 14. Go forward (7) 21. English Royal house (6) 15. Dissent (7) 22. Steal (7) 16. Fertiliser (6) 23. Light meals (6) 17. Hit hard (6) 24. Puzzle (7) 19. Excursion (6)
Cryptic Clues
Answers
Wordsearch Codeword
ACROSS DOWN 4. Description that may be current (7) 1. Boxes not put back in vehicles (7) 8. A beast from Manila? (6) 2. He may be told to go to blazes (7) 9. Commonplace when a crop is 3. Hurried to the monk without a set order (6) gathered (7) 5. Revelling of a girl around America (8) 10. Takes steps (6) 6. Possibly used to get thrown out (6) 11. Odd and not on the level (6) 7. Pinned up denial? (6) Yesterday’s Solutions 12. Close to the girl but just off target 13. Like airborne fugitive? (2,6) (4,4) 14. Law concerning country without trade QUICK CRYPTIC 18. The point of publishing! (4,4) union (7) Across: 6 Frontal; 7 Diver; 9 Apt; 10 Interrupt; Across: 6 Stirrup; 7 Bench; 9 Eke; 10 Mysteries; 20. Grain, say, produced in instalments 15. Seems as though Dad returns fruit (7) 12 Non-existent; 15 Benediction; 17 Pestilent; 19 12 Down payment; 15 Stock-taking; 17 (6) 16. Stay a marine, perhaps (6) Lax; 21 Scale; 22 Devious. Acquiesce; 19 Yap; 21 Guise; 22 Trolley. 21. Container that may be blue or 17. O’Neill’s first name? (6) green (in tens)! (6) 19. He’s beaten outside the ring when more Down: 1 Grope; 2 End; 3 Main; 4 Vibration; Down: 1 Stake; 2 Arc; 3 Buoy; 4 Detriment; 5 22. Be concerned about horse relaxed (6) 5 Serpent; 8 Resist; 11 Forestall; 13 Edible; 14 Screens; 8 Attack; 11 Concourse; 13 Nutmeg; 14 slaughter (7) Decency; 16 Vague; 18 Need; 20 Vie. Stick up; 16 Waver; 18 Cure; 20 All. 23. Guide to the folks on the hill (6) 24. Air force may be needed to do it (7) 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY CINEMA Fan, a novel idea scarred by a sloppy script
By Gautaman Bhaskaran
aneesh Sharma’s tries hard in his latest work, Fan, to tell us that star worship can be suicidal. And coincidentally, Fan opened in India on April M15 at the same time when fans of Tamil actor Vijay were celebrating the release of his latest, Theri, by beating drums outside theatres, garlanding huge wooden cut-outs of the star and anointing them with sandal paste. In an important way, Sharma’s work is a warning to all those who feel a crazy sense of attachment to their favourite screen heroes and heroines. Some fans stalk them and send messages of love dipped in desperation. Others want to meet actors in fl esh and blood, and one of them in Fan is Gaurav Chadda (played by Shahrukh Khan) — a young man who runs a cyber cafe in Delhi, but spends all his free time mimicking his cinema hero, Aryan Khanna (also essayed by Khan), dressing up like him and even speaking like him. Helping Chadda is his uncanny resemblance to Khanna. When Chadda wins a look-alike competition, organised by the community where he lives with his parents, he plans to meet Khanna (who lives in Mumbai) with his trophy. Chadda is so obsessed with A poster for Fan. The film is let down by a weak script. Khanna that he travels ticketless like the star once did, and stays at the same hotel and he has made precious little eff ort to narrate Information Technology professional. in the same room the actor did in his early the story with any sense of rooted realism. A shaken and shattered minister vows struggling days of moviedom. Surely, no man can hope to break into a revenge which, as he says in his viciously However, when Chadda fails in his superstar’s cordon of defence through the terrifying voice, will be worse than death. Yes, attempts to meet Khanna, the man from kind of tricks which Chadda adopts. They death to Vijay’s wife — Mithra had by then Delhi tries something foolish to grab the seem at best juvenile, and, worse, appear like married the cop — and his fun-loving mother, star’s attention. Sadly, Khanna reciprocates a do-or-die attempt by Sharma to put Fan portrayed in her characteristic style by Radhika by pushing Chadda into jail for a couple of together. Sarathakumar. The couple’s daughter survives days. Finally, Shahrukh Khan is no actor, for in the bloody onslaught in a kind of incident that A shattered Chadda vows revenge. And fi lm after fi lm, he seems most reluctant to let reminded me of Sholay and Gabbar Singh’s evil Fan takes us to Italy and England on a hit- go his own persona, his own mannerisms and demolition of a happy family. and-chase run in which Chadda, dressed just about everything else that stop him from All this in Theri comes to us in a sequence like Khanna, wrecks the star’s image and being the character he ought to be in the fi rst of fl ashbacks, and the Tamil work’s opening credibility by committing crimes. Chadda place. shots are in Kerala, where Vijay in an takes a young woman hostage at Madame assumed identity as Jacob Kuruvilla is Tussauds in London, and gropes a socialite Theri playing papa, papa to his little daughter, Nivi in an Italian villa party, and everybody When I walk into a Vijay fi lm, I know (Baby Nainika, a brat whose smartness goes presumes that the villain is Khanna. exactly what I would be pounded with. beyond cinematic liberty). Though Fan has an important message Cyclonic action, humungous heroism, And Nivi’s teacher is Annie (Amy Jackson, for all those fans obsessively in love with nobility and syrupy romance. Vijay’s latest in her usual wooden avatar, looking positively stars, Sharma’s script is not only highly Robinhood adventure, Theri, has all of these uncomfortable lisping Malayalam) who fl ips improbable but also plain idiotic. The kind ingredients to make the movie into a masala for Jacob and lets her inquisitiveness get the of acts that Chadda resorts to in order to that Indian cinema terms entertainment. better of her. She fi nds out about Jacob’s past, A poster for Theri. fi rst attract Khanna’s attention, and later to In the fi rst hour of the fi lm’s run time of 158 but director Atlee keeps an important part of destroy him are next to impossible — unless minutes, I counted fi ve songs and dances — the man’s mysterious life for the fi nal frame. However, to be fair to Atlee and his Theri, one is a Phantom or a Superman. Chadda is a one of them with Vijay (playing Indian Police Beyond this, there is little novelty in a plot I must say that he got Vijay into a rare mere mortal from a very modest family, who Service Offi cer, Vijay Kumar) and his lady that only appears rehashed (probably for the emotional mould. The star actually cried transforms himself into the star to fool cops love, Mithra (a Bengali name that Samantha enth time) with some annoying and ethically and emoted a great deal more than what he and security guys at will. A good idea has sports), dressed in Arabian costumes! A questionable police methodology. In this day usually does. He has always had this tendency been thus demolished through a lazy script. curious case of imagination running wilder and age, are we to go home after watching to mask his feelings with a cold, inexpressive As the noted Indian auteur who makes than the movie’s make-believe creation. Theri thinking that all that Vijay Kumar face. This time, Vijay seemed delightfully cinema in his native Kannada, Girish When Vijay is not swaying to the beat does in the movie is virtuous? Given the human, essaying a very diff erent kind of Kasaravalli, said during a discussion in of the drums and the hum of the musical kind of the fan craze one saw at the opening policeman, whose heart beats could be seen Chennai the other day, writers and directors notes, he plays Mr Noble in Khaki, bumping of the movie — which contrary to a couple on his face. give authenticity and realism a go-by in order off a powerful minister’s (Mahendran in his of Vijay’s earlier fi lms — happened without to make a point. debut role, and what a fi ne piece of acting any political interference, thanks to the z Gautaman Bhaskaran has been Sharma has done precisely that. He from a man who once directed classics like upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, cinema writing on Indian and world cinema for more wanted to tell us that obsessive star worship Uthiripookal and Nenjathai Killathey) son, must introspect on the kind of social message than three decades, and may be is nothing but destruction and death. But because he molested and murdered a young it spreads. e-mailed at [email protected] Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 17 BOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY
Bollywood should learn from South Indian scripts: Charan
Actor Ram Charan, who is currently shooting a yet to be titled Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster Thani Oruvan, shared that in terms of movie scripts, Bollywood should learn from the scripts coming from South Indian cinema. Having worked in 10 fi lms till now, out of which only one was Bollywood fi lm titled Zanjeer which was a remake of director Prakash Mehra’s 1973 released fi lm Zanjeer, Ram said that he would want South Indian fi lm industries to adapt the “production values of Bollywood.” “I would adapt the production values of Bollywood and the fi lmmaking, which is very nice in this industry... is far superior. In those terms, we need to buckle BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Ram up here,” Ram told IANS in an Charan interview during his visit to New Delhi. have very few movies that are “In terms of script, Bollywood just for the multiplex ... many should learn from South Indian are unable to watch fi lms on such scripts. Not talking about the fi ghts platforms. In Bollywood, there are and action, I am talking about the more multiplex fi lms. In south, drama bit. It is very strong still,” he whether it is a small fi lm or a big added. fi lm, everybody sees it. So, there is The Magadheera actor also said always something for everybody to that in southern cinema, there come, see and enjoy,” he said. are very few movies which are Ram was last seen in Sreenu just for the multiplexes unlike Vaitla’s Telugu directorial, Bruce in the Bollywood. “In south we Lee — The Fighter. — IANS
Randeep Hooda undergoes surgery Actor Randeep Hooda, who collapsed on the sets of Salman Khan-starrer Sultan on Sunday evening following a severe attack of appendicitis, was scheduled to undergo surgery at Fortis Hospital. “Randeep had been in acute pain for some time, but he is known for his professionalism so he ignored it to complete the shoot on time. Today he will undergo surgery,” said a source close to the actor. POWER PERFORMANCE? M Sasikumar According to the source, he was expected to be discharged soon. Randeep plays Salman Khan’s wrestling coach in Ali Abbas Zafar’s Sasikumar has upcoming fi lm. — IANS reserved his best for Vetrivel: Director
ebutant director Vasanthamani says he had to juggle his hats. “He knows when Vasanthamani says originally written the script for to be an actor and when to behave audiences will get to Sasikumar. “When I narrated the like a director. During the shoot, he see actor-fi lmmaker story to the producer, he suggested would don the hat of an actor and ALL FOR CHARITY: Salman Khan, left, and Jacqueline Fernandez. M Sasikumar’s best that I go meet Sasikumar. However, give me all the freedom to extract Dperformance in the forthcoming he was busy with Bramman shoot, the best out of him. When he sees Salman Khan doesn’t “So much that whenever he is Tamil rural drama Vetrivel, which is and I had to wait for nearly a year. a shot on the monitor, he would accept gift s: Jacqueline given a gift, he says give it to Being slated to hit the screens worldwide It was before he started working on suggest changes from a director’s Fernandez Human. He doesn’t like accepting this week. Tharai Thappattai, things fi nally standpoint,” he said. them. He really helped me regain “As an actor, he has given an fell in place,” he said, adding it Explaining with an example, the Actress Jacqueline Fernandez, my confi dence. He is one of the unbelievable performance. I think was his producer who narrated the director said: “We would shoot a who starred alongside Bollywood best mentors anybody can have. he had reserved the best for this story to Sasikumar. scene and come to the monitor. superstar Salman Khan in 2014 fi lm He makes you believe in yourself project,” Vasanthamani told IANS. “When Sasikumar met the While I look at the artistes and Kick, says the actor doesn’t accept and that’s what he survives on,” she Vetrivel, according to the director, producer for the second time, lock the shot, Sasi sir would look gifts and asks to give it to his Being added. is a rural drama that will instantly he inquired whether he heard at things in the background and Human foundation that supports Jacqueline says she considers strike a chord with the masses. “The any story from me. And when he suggest if any changes have to the underprivileged in India. Salman as her inspiration. “He is story unfolds between two families. learnt I couldn’t even meet him, be made. When I see it from his “Whenever you speak to him, he always there for someone who is in Sasikumar plays the elder son of a he decided to narrate the story perspective, I understand his always brings up Being Human. He need and very approachable. This is family and he does something for and convinced him to bring me on opinion.” is so passionate about it. And mind something that I have learned from his younger brother, earning serious board,” he added. Also starring Mia George, you, it’s not because the cameras him. Because someone helped me repercussion in the process. It’s a On working with Sasikumar, Prabhu and Thambi Ramaiah, the are on. It’s always about Being when I needed it the most, I also try story with heartwarming familial who is also a popular director, fi lm is produced by Trident Arts. Human,” Jacqueline said on TV and help whoever I can,” she said. moments,” he said. Vasanthamani said he knows how — IANS show Yaar Mera Superstar. — IANS 18 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD Creatures of the night After some Le Carre-worthy twists, The Night Manager arrives with Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston. By Meredith Blake
SPY SAGA: Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, right, Hugh Laurie as Richard Onslow Roper, centre, and Elizabeth Debicki as Jed Marshall in The Night Manager.
or eight seasons on Debicki). “Pine, as an errant knight a scene depicting Hiddleston’s trepidation, fearing what the end with people and when, and why. It the Fox medical drama wandering the Earth in search of a bare body to the stylish decor in of the Cold War might mean for was ready formed.” House, Hugh Laurie cause, has always been looking for Roper’s Mallorcan villa. Besides an author who’d dramatised the Unfortunately for Laurie, the played a misanthropic, someone as a mentor,” Hiddleston Laurie and Hiddleston — one of the confl ict so memorably in such rights had already been scooped pill-popping doctor. said. “And in some respects, Roper busiest actors around these days, he novels as The Spy Who Came in up by Paramount for a top-of- InF the new miniseries The Night is that man, in manner, in wit, in also portrays country singer Hank From the Cold. the-line project with Sydney Manager, he plays someone a lot bearing, in sophistication. The only Williams in the just-released I Saw “I feared that not only would Pollack directing from a script by worse — a character described as diff erence between them is their the Light — the cast is a panoply of spies be out a job, but spy writers Robert Towne. That project went “the worst man in the world.” moral compass.” esteemed British character actors, would too,” Laurie said. “I nowhere, as did a more recent That would be Richard Directed by Oscar-winning including Tobias Menzies, Tom immediately saw that Le Carre version developed by Brad Pitt’s Roper, a billionaire arms dealer fi lmmaker Susanne Bier (In a Hollander, David Harewood and had found a subject matter that Plan B. The Night Manager was who peddles nerve gas, rocket Better World), The Night Manager Olivia Colman. if anything had more meat on the eventually rescued by Ink Factory launchers and all manner of odious is AMC’s fi rst scripted miniseries The Night Manager is also the bone.” — a production company that just weaponry to militants in the since Broken Trail in 2006. It’s fi rst television adaptation of a so happens to have been founded by Middle East, all while posing as a debuting in the midst of a creative Le Carre novel in more than two SHADOWY GROUPS Le Carre’s sons, Stephen and Simon philanthropist working on behalf revival of the format led by Fargo decades (since A Murder of Quality, Published at a time when the Cornwell, and that oversaw recent of refugees. and The People v. OJ Simpson on FX which aired on PBS’ Masterpiece Iran-Contra scandal remained adaptations including A Most “He has a pretty broad streak and Olive Kitteridge, True Detective in 1991). And like seemingly fresh in the public imagination, Wanted Man and the upcoming Our of the psychopath in him, “Laurie and Show Me a Hero on HBO. everything on cable these days, The Night Manager shifted focus Kind of Traitor. said of his character in the six-part Co-produced with the BBC at a it wound up on the small screen away from the East-West binary Writer-director David Farr, miniseries that premieres on AMC. reported cost of $5mn an episode, after several thwarted attempts at of the Cold War to explore the known for his work with the Royal Adapted from John le Carre’s 1993 the lush series was fi lmed in a fi lm adaptation. Though Le Carre murkier relationship between the Shakespeare Company, wrote the novel, The Night Manager follows picturesque locations in England, (real name: David Cornwell) has established powers and the Third teleplay, relocating Le Carre’s the cat-and-mouse game between Spain, Switzerland and Morocco. been one of Hollywood’s favourite World. In the novel, Roper sells story to present-day Europe and Roper and the enigmatic Jonathan Ambitious, pedigreed and timely, authors for 50 years (his books have his deadly wares to a Colombian the Middle East while leaving the Pine, a luxury hotel employee The Night Manager could help AMC been made into more than a dozen drug cartel; in the miniseries, it’s Oedpial struggle between Roper played by Tom Hiddleston who is regain some of the luster of its Mad fi lms and television shows), The shadowy groups in Syria and Egypt. and Pine intact. recruited in an undercover plot by Men and Breaking Bad days. Night Manager, with its globe- “That character just stood up off At six hours that play out British intelligence. After a high-profi le premiere at trotting storyline, proved a tough the page and was real as real could over as many nights, The Night Pine gradually ingratiates himself the Berlin Film Festival in February, nut to crack. be,” Laurie recalled. “Even though Manager is not a minute too long, to Roper, becoming his most it began airing in Britain that Laurie, 56, a longtime Le Carre I never met anyone like that, I felt said executive producer Stephen trusted confi dant even as he fi ghts month. The series was a ratings fanatic, looked into optioning the like I could see and hear how he Garrett, whose series Spooks an obvious attraction to Roper’s smash and sparked breathless book after he read it in the ’90s. talked, and moved, and dressed, (known in the US as MI-5) was alluring young girlfriend (Elizabeth media coverage of everything from He’d approached it with some and how much eye contact he made inspired by the author. “It certainly Wednesday, April 20, 2016 GULF TIMES 19 HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY
To that end, the fi lmmakers Kim Kardashian calls made her daughter so uncomfortable switched the gender of the idealistic Kanye ‘annoying dad’ with his acts, reports aceshowbiz. intelligence offi cer who recruits com. Pine. In the book, the offi cer is Reality TV star Kim Kardashian In the image which was taken Leonard Burr; in the miniseries, it’s has called her husband and rapper during the Kardashian family’s Angela Burr, played by Colman of Kanye West an “annoying dad” over trip to Vail, West wrapped his arms Broadchurch fame, who with her social media. around Nori and seemingly gave her Northern accent and down-to- Kim took to Instagram to share a tickles. Unlike Kanye who can be seen earth bearing is the polar opposite photograph of her daughter North smiling, Nori looked frustrated. The of the upper-crust Roper. and West. In the caption of the two-year-old child appeared to be Bier had been impressed by image, Kim called West an “annoying bothered and wanted to free herself Colman’s performance in the dad”, and that might be because he from her father’s grip. — IANS 2011 film Tyrannosaur and was determined to cast her as Burr. “She can be quite rough and tough and still be incredibly endearing,” Bier said. There was just one small problem: Colman was pregnant and would be quite far along by the time production began. Bier and her collaborators saw the actress’ condition as an exciting creative opportunity, a way of emphasising Burr’s vulnerability in a ruthless, male-dominated world. Like Marge Gunderson in the original Fargo, Burr emerges as the story’s (heavily pregnant) Hugh Laurie as Richard Onslow Roper in The Night Manager. moral center. Even Le Carre, known for being can’t be shorter. This happens so Hiddleston quotes a passage from protective and often dismissive of much with the adaptations — you the novel (cue swooning English adaptations of his work, has praised end up with just plot beats, none of majors) in which Le Carre describes the series and its contemporary FAMILY QUIBBLES: Kim Kardashian, left, and Kanye West. that emotional and psychological Pine as a “perpetual escapee from revisions. “With all those changes, complexity, which is what emotional entanglement” and a what’s left of (my novel)?” he wrote distinguishes Le Carre from people “self-exiled creature of the night.” in a column for the Guardian. “And Mariah Carey makes pizza with daughter who write airport novels.” The 35-year-old observed of his the answer, surprisingly, is: a great Laurie said he “babbled character: “He does a very brave deal is left, more than I dared hope.” Singer Mariah Carey took time off from her “Sweet Sweet Fantasy” tour incoherently” when he was thing, which is to be willing to live The success of The Night to make a pizza with the help of her daughter Monroe Cannon. approached about the possibility outside the system, to eradicate his Manager has perhaps inevitably Carey shared several photographs on Instagram, giving a peek into the of playing Roper. After so many own identity, to take on another led to speculation that Hiddleston pizza making process, reports aceshowbiz.com. costume dramas and superhero identity, and live without the might take over the role of James In the fi rst image Carey posted, she rocked white with a matching outer fi lms, Hiddleston — he’s Loki in privilege of intimate relationships.” Bond. There’s also been talk of which she teamed with a pair of white high heels. Carey smiled at the The Avengers and the Thor movies Garrett noted that another a second season, even though camera as she put the pizza into the oven. “Making #pizza #Italy,” she — was similarly excited about the challenge with Le Carre — and Le Carre has written only one captioned the photograph. possibility of a contemporary role spy stories in general — is that Jonathan Pine novel. She later posted some other images, including the ones featuring her with political resonance. “It felt characters are often lying or masking For now, those hungry for more daughter rolling the pizza dough. There’s also a photograph of Carey new for me as an actor,” he said. their true emotions. So it was tales of nefarious international hugging a friend in a room as they appeared to throw a pajama party. — Both actors looked to Le Carre’s important to fi nd a director who was dealings will just have to follow IANS writing as their gospel. “Really, “a master of the spaces between the real-life drama of the Panama my biggest problem was just not words.” Enter Bier, who as a Danish Papers. “Le Carre probably right messing it up,” Laurie said. “It’s like woman also brought an outsider’s now is kicking himself for never someone’s given you a Faberge egg perspective to the material. having thought of the name and all you have to do is walk across “One of the things that in Mossack Fonseca,” Laurie joked. a stone fl oor without dropping it.” updating this, was moving away “Roper, of course, would have been Explaining how he tapped into from the white, public school- a platinum member of that club.” — his elusive character’s psyche, educated male world,” she said. Los Angeles Times/TNS
IN THE DOCK: Amber Heard Amber pleads guilty in dog smuggling case
Actress Amber Heard appeared in an Australian court after being accused of smuggling her two Yorkshire dogs, Piston and Boo, when she and her husband Johnny Depp entered the country last year. Accompanied by the Pirates of the Caribbean star, she pleaded guilty to falsifying border protection documents, reports aceshowbiz.com. Jeremy Kirk, lawyer for Heard, told the Southport Magistrate’s Court on Queensland state’s Gold Coast that his client never meant to lie on her incoming passenger card by failing to declare she had animals with her. He blamed jet lag for it and claimed that Heard assumed her assistants had sorted out the paperwork. Prosecutor Peter Callaghan said ignorance and fatigue were no excuse, stressing “the laws apply to everyone.” Heard was also charged with two counts of illegally importing her two pet dogs into Australia on a private jet. However, prosecutors have dropped those two charges. The 29-year-old actress faces up to one year in jail and a fi ne of more than 10,000 Australian dollars ($7,650) if found guilty for Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine in the series. falsifying the documents. — IANS 20 GULF TIMES Wednesday, April 20, 2016 COMMUNITY Indian expat forum set for annual Bihar Diwas Indian Association of Bihar and Jharkhand (IABJ) to host gala cultural event where members will be felicitated for various activities in the past year. By Anand Holla
ore the occasions to addresses the community’s needs. meet and greet, the For instance, within the limits of the better it is for the law, we have helped workers leave community to bond. the country for emergency reasons To wrap up the past back home.” Myear’s spree of activities and to Earlier this month, on April bring their community together one 7, IABJ organised the First more time, the Indian Association International Mushaira on the of Bihar and Jharkhand (IABJ), occasion of Bihar Diwas 2016 to Doha, will celebrate the Bihar and a great response. At the poetry Jharkhand Diwas 2016 on Friday. symposium, IABJ feted Urdu poets The fi ve-hour-long cultural Nomaan Shouque and M R Chishti programme will fl ag off at 5pm at Al with the Shad Azimabadi Award Maha Boys Academy, Ain Khalid. and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Award The event is expected to draw an respectively, for their services in the audience of around 400 and the fi eld of literature. Chief Guest of the evening is the In addition to socio-cultural Finance Minister of the Government and community welfare activities, of Bihar, Abdul Bari Siddiqui. IABJ has a history of organising IABJ President Sajjad Alam told literary programmes. Syed Shakeb Community, “Throughout the Ayaz, chief patron of IABJ, took past year, we had held a series of up the initiative of organising the activities such as Qur’an reciting symposium this year and all IABJ competition, New Year’s Eve executive committee members and gathering, Qatar Sport Day, Eid Mushaira coordinators worked in Milan, Diwali, and Holi. Several unison to execute the plan, and children and members of IABJ won showcase to the larger community prizes in various competitions held of Qatar the delights of Urdu poetry. during those events. In view of a considerable number CELEBRATING POETRY: The audience at the Mushaira, organised by IABJ earlier this month. So Bihar and Jharkhand Diwas of Biharis and Jharkhandis working is the day when we felicitate the in Qatar, IABJ was founded by cricket matches and blood donation work into spotlight was its help to become members of the advisory winners with prizes, and also fete Shakil Ahmed Kakvi, Mirza Hamid drives, IABJ covers a wide array of the victims of the 2008 Kosi Flood. board and they honoured IABJ’s the executive members of the Ali, Aslam Parvez, Zafar Khan community work. Its many community developmental request – Hassan Chougule, Azim organisation, who have worked and many others at CCC Camp, It also participates in the Health programmes including Mushairah, Abbas, M S Bukhari, Syed Abdul so hard throughout the year, with Messaieed in May 2000. IABJ camp of Indian Community which involves bringing down Hye, Habibunnabi and Nilangshu tokens of appreciation.” describes itself as a socio-cultural Benevolent Forum (ICBF) and to Doha poets from Bihar and Dey. At the gathering, there will be non-profi t organisation in Qatar community developmental Jharkhand, and celebrating “The highlight of community a kids’ fashion show featuring for community development and programmes in collaboration with Bihar Diwas in Qatar is a regular organisations such as IABJ is how it the funkiest of children’s clothes. welfare of the people, of other ICC-affi liated organisations and feature in collaboration with Bihar brings the people of our community “Apart from performing the state community at large and people of their own programmes. “We have Foundation, Qatar Chapter. together so that they get to share anthem and the Indian national Bihar and Jharkhand in particular. around 400 members and most The functional committee has their troubles and concerns with anthem, the programme will From carrying out regular of them actively participate in our gone through changes from time others, and thereby feel stronger witness some folk songs of Bihar consultation in diff erent camps events,” Alam said, “For the New to time as per the requirements to face the challenges away from and Jharkhand. There will be to increase awareness among the Year’s eve gathering, for instance, for better functioning of IABJ. home. At every event, people get to speeches and a recounting of some people of Bihar and Jharkhand more than 300 of us gathered at Interestingly, the functional meet others and understand each interesting community work done about local laws, their rights and Wakrah.” committee invited various other’s happiness and pain, and by members of IABJ and how IABJ responsibilities, to organising What perhaps brought IABJ’s community leaders of Qatar to learn something from it,” Alam said.
Children making a dash at an IABJ community meet earlier this year. The Mushaira celebrating Bihar and Jharkhand Diwas 2016.