Dgang

Buddha image appeared in Anuradhapura - India on 21 June 05

2005-11-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

Acadia National Park

2005-11-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

A Lenticular Cloud Over Hawaii

2005-11-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Ancients Memories of SriLanka

2005-09-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN LCD TV AND A PLASMA TV?

2005-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN LCD TV AND A PLASMA TV?
LCD Television

From Robert Silva,
A.
Outward appearances are definitely deceiving when it comes to LCD and Plasma televisions. Although both types of televisions are flat and thin, they employ different technology in an attempt to deliver similar results.

Plasma TV Overview

Plasma television technology is based loosely on the fluorescent light bulb. The display itself consists of cells. Within each cell two glass panels are separated by a narrow gap in which neon-xenon gas is injected and sealed in plasma form during the manufacturing process. The gas is electrically charged at specific intervals when the Plasma set is in use. The charged gas then strikes red, green, and blue phosphors, thus creating a television image. Each group of red, green, and blue phosphors is called a pixel (picture element).

Although Plasma television technology eliminate the need for the bulky picture tube and electron beam scanning of traditional televisions, because it still employs the burning of phosphors to generate an image, Plasma televisions still suffer from some of the drawbacks of traditional televisions, such as heat generation and screen-burn of static images.

LCD TV Overview

LCD televisions, on the other hand, use a different technology.

Basically, LCD panels are made of two layers of transparent material, which are polarized, and are "glued" together. One of the layers is coated with a special polymer that holds the individual liquid crystals. Current is then passed through individual crystals, which allow the crystals to pass or block light to create images. LCD crystals do not produce their own light, so an external light source, such as florescent bulb is needed for the image created by the LCD to become visible to the viewer.

Unlike standard CRT and Plasma televisions, since there are no phosphors that light up, less power is need for operation and the light source in an LCD television generates less heat than a Plasma or traditional television. Also, because of the nature of LCD technology, there is no radiation emitted from the screen itself.

Plasma vs LCD

The ADVANTAGES of Plasma over LCD are:

1. Larger screen size availability.

2. Better contrast ratio and ability to render deeper blacks.

3. Better color accuracy and saturation.

4. Better motion tracking (little or no motion lag in fast moving images).

The DISADVANTAGES of Plasma vs LCD include:

1. Plasma TVs are more susceptible to burn-in of static images.

2. Plasma TVs generate more heat than LCDs, due to the need to light of phosphors to create the images.

3. Does not perform as well at higher altitudes.

4. Shorter display life spans (about 30,000 hours or 8 hrs of viewing a day for 9 years) than LCD. This can vary according to other environmental and use factors.

LCD television ADVANTAGES over Plasma include:

1. No burn-in of static images.

2. Cooler running temperature.

3. No high altitude use issues.

4. Increased image brightness over Plasma.

5. Longer display life (about 60,000 hours - at which time all you may need to do is replace the light source, not the entire set). This can vary according other environmental and use factors.

DISADVANTAGES of LCD vs Plasma televisions include:

1. Lower contrast ratio, not as good rendering deep blacks.

2. Not as good at tracking motion (fast moving objects may exhibit lag artifacts).

3. Not as available in large screen sizes above 37-inches

4. Although LCD televisions do not suffer from burn-in susceptibility, it is possible that individual pixels on LCD televisions can burn out, causing small, visible, black or white dots to appear on the screen. Individual pixels cannot be repaired; the whole screen would need to be replaced at that point, if the individual pixel burnout becomes annoying to you.

5. LCD televisions are much more expensive than equivalent-sized Plasma televisions.

When the nation failed a martyr

2005-09-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

When the nation failed a martyr

It was the morning of September 1, 1999. Like always, I made myself a cup of tea, picked up the newspaper and sat down to read what all had gone wrong around the world the day before. As I read the headlines, my heart sank. The news report was about 'one Captain and five other ranks of the 3 Rajput Regiment missing from sub-sector Haneef in the Turtuk sector.' My first thoughts -- 3 Rajput! Suneel! God!

Suneel -- Captain Suneel Yadav -- was one of my closest friends. We had been classmates, bench-mates, bus-mates, team-mates, and neighbours from the 8th grade at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Picket (Secunderabad) to the last day of our Bachelors degree at Nizam College, Hyderabad.

Suneel was the eldest son of Subedar Major (later Honorary Captain) Ram Singh Yadav and Shakuntala Devi. Although, Suneel was an average student (Math being his Waterloo!), he was an outstanding sportsman. Be it cricket, kabaddi or football, he always took the honours.
Suneel was always the fauji types. So he joined the National Cadet Corps Air Wing while pursuing his BA at the Nizam College and represented Andhra Pradesh at the NCC Republic Day Camp in New Delhi.

He now had just one aim in life -- to join the Army. Clearing the Combined Defence Services was a little difficult for him, what with his 'command' over Maths. But he had a clear goal in mind and he worked hard and qualified for the OTA (Short Service Commission in the Army).
It was quite a proud moment for all of us but more so for his parents. For his father the equation was simple: He had joined the Army as a jawan, his son would do so as an officer! Nothing gave him more satisfaction. Suneel was commissioned into the 3 Rajput Regiment in 1997.

The newspaper report did not mention any name. It just said 'a Captain.' So many thoughts raced through my mind at that moment. Should I call Suneel's parents? Would they have seen this report? What if they hadn't? I would end up disturbing them too. I just told myself that it couldn't be Suneel. The suspense however didn't linger for long though. I got a call from Suneel's father on the 3rd morning. He told me in Hindi "Beta Suneel nahin rahe." My worst fears had come true.

It all began one June evening in 1999. Suneel called me up from Bareilly and told me that his unit had been asked to move into Kargil to relieve those who took part in Operation Vijay. I wasn't too perturbed because 'officially' Op Vijay had ceased. However, the ground realities were quite different.

Quite a few strategic heights were still under the control of the Pakistanis. The Reshma Post in Haneefuddin Sub-sector was one of them and 3 Rajput was one of the battalions entrusted with the task of re-capturing this post. The attack was planned for the night of 29-30th August 1999. Two groups were made which were to attack Reshma Post from different sides and take the enemy by surprise. Suneel was leading one group.

Sometime during the early hours of 30th August the teams started zeroing in on Reshma post. The time of attack was fixed at 0400 hours. At the fixed hour Suneel along with his party of 5 men scaled the rocky mountain and were waiting for the other party led by a major from the Kumaon Regiment to come into contact. But something unfortunate had happened. The other party got lost in the darkness. By the time they got back on trail and reached the foot of Reshma Post, Suneel and his men were up there already, only silhouettes visible against the skyline.

Suddenly there were gunshots. Suneel and his men had been spotted by the enemy! The gunfire was fast and furious but Suneel and his men decided to go on. He was here to fight.

Suneel got hit on his left palm in the first burst of fire. Two of his men also died. The next burst caught him on his left shoulder. But he did not give up. He lifted his Medium Machine Gun and was placing it on the rock in front of him and taking aim when a bullet hit him on his forehead. It is ironical that Suneel was not carrying a helmet because he found it too heavy and in its place preferred to carry his MMG instead of a lighter weapon!

Suneel collapsed on the spot. Too much for even the bravest of the brave to take I guess. Two of his men were captured by the Pakistan army (and they were amply put on PTV for 17 long days to show that India was violating the Line of Control). None of the bodies could be retrieved. The bodies of Suneel and three of his men lay buried under the snow for the next 11 months before they were recovered and handed over to their respective families.

The Army denied the attack launched on August 29 to recapture a position in sub-sector Haneefuddin. Instead a statement was issued saying that the Indian patrol 'may have inadvertently strayed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir' and that the 'Director General Of Military Operations had contacted his Pakistani counterpart to ask for their return.' Importantly, that statement had made no mention of any casualties.

Suneel was 22 when he died. He had his whole life ahead of him. He could have turned back and maybe lived to fight another day. What prompted him to stay firm at 17,500 feet and fight on in the face of sure death? Was it the lure of a petrol pump, a plot or flat in a big city, a couple of million rupees in compensation? Obviously not! A soldier fights and dies for the honour of his country and the only befitting reward for this supreme sacrifice is a medal. Why then has Suneel been denied this honour by his country and Army, I ask?

Suneel's family is distressed by the treatment meted out to him by the Government of India. Since the past seven years Captain Ram Singh Yadav (himself a Sena Medal awardee) has been running from pillar to post, meeting officers concerned and asking them to recognise his son's bravery and sacrifice.

"Suneel's co-officers in the regiment, the soldiers who fought under his command, the senior most officers of the Rajput Regiment, all personally acknowledge that Suneel fought bravely till the very end. Why then has Suneel been denied a medal?" asks his father.
"Take away everything that has been given to us but give my son the medal he deserves," says a tearful Shakuntala Devi.

"Main ab Yadav nahin Rajput hoon" (a reference to his Unit), Suneel once told me. He stood there, fought like a true warrior till his last breath. Not for a moment did he dither when the nation needed him most. Why then has India failed her martyred son? It's still not too late. I sincerely hope those who matter up there give justice to Captain Suneel Yadav. Till then his soul will not rest in peace.

Salil Kader is a Doctoral Research Scholar in History at the University of Hyderabad.

KBC 2 -- a déja vous of season one?

2005-08-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

KBC 2 -- a déja vous of season one?

At five minutes to nine last Friday night I was scrambling about the house trying to finish off mundane household chores. When the clock strikes nine I could then, turn couch potato at leisure for one hour – and witness the return of India’s most popular cult quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati to Indian television screens.

I switched my mobile phone (in keeping with cellphone etiquette) to silent mode, and at thirty seconds to nine switched on the telly. And what do I see on my television screen? A pixilated blur of black and white!I did a double take. The last time I saw pixels bump and grind on my television screen was a couple of minutes before the blackout on Terrible, Turbulent Tuesday. How could cable television time out at such a crucial moment in Indian television History? I was raving mad! I switched off the idiot box and sulked for a while, then switch it back only to watch the pixels still buzzing.

I repeated this frustrating exercise every five minutes for the next hour or so, and yes, I missed the prized episode, despite turning down umpteen dinner invites, postponing discussions on where to party on this Friday night to post 10 o’clock and other such sacrifices I drowned my sorrows at the local pub in the company of close friends into the wee hours, but was determined to have a contingency plan in place for the next day.

Saturday morning, and the cable was still dysfunctional. So, I invited myself over to my neighbour Sana’s place, to catch the next episode. At ten to nine, we parked ourselves in front of the telly, waiting for the show to begin. We reminisced as we heard the KBC signature tune once again and the Big B’s commandeering baritone as he said the words Kaun Banega Crorepati Dwithiya (the last word with extra panache), with aplomb. The Big B looked simply dashing in a suede jacket and with highlights in his hair, a stark contrast to the white French beard. The main participant in this particular episode was a History teacher from amchi Mumbai. She shared with the audience and the Big B (with slightly less humility than was due), that her hubby was a former IITian and had a doctorate.

It was apparent that this attitude did not go down too well with the quizmaster (or with us either). She was posed a question to the effect of “What key do you need to use on your computer keyboard to type a capital letter?”. The answer is elementary to many, but baffling to the non-computer savvy, and our History teacher fell into the latter category. The Big B raised an eyebrow, and got a bit saucy as he asked her how she possibly couldn’t know the answer, in spite of imparting knowledge to thousands of students. She asked for a lifeline and managed to make it to the next round and ultimately clocked Rs 6,40,000 at the end of her run, but not without some hiccups along the way and more saucy comments from the Big B.

Next, we had a student of engineering who claimed to be a quiz buff and a regular participant of quizzes and debates in school. Was his knowledge was rather bookish? Let’s find out. Question: Which place in Gujarat is also the name of a film by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Is it Surat, Anand, Godhra? I forget the fourth option. Our engineering student who also claimed to be a Bollywood buff besides being very clued in about HM films, was very ‘confident’ and picked Surat. The Big B’s expression grew rather peculiar, a combination of extreme disbelief and a tinge of sympathy. Er…a movie called Surat? Confounding!

The youth’s confidence was slightly shaken, which was good considering that it was only his second question. The Big B further quizzed the chap on whether he had other interests (like movies) besides swotting for his engineering degree.Our chap went in for the audience poll and 94 percent voted for ‘Anand’. He went with the audience’s answer, and lucky for him because it turned out to be correct. Yet another question to the effect of ZIP code is to the US as _______ is to India. Is it STD code, ISD code or PIN code? He took the 50-50 option, to get that one, and pretty soon he had exhausted all his lifelines. But he still split with Rs 20,000 in his kitty, besides an interaction with the doyen of Indian cinema. Not a bad deal at all. Besides, we got to know the full form of ZIP code, which we never would have guessed, stands for Zonal Improvement Plan. The next participant was very serene.

The audience was in for some entertainment though in the guise of his high-strung candidate for the ‘phone-a-friend’ lifeline. The Big B dialed his digits and what we heard at the receiving end was in the very words of the Big B (and said with a tinge of sarcasm), a kalakkar in the making. The chap, who was the participant’s brother, in his opening line effusively proclaimed the Big B as the ‘Shehanshah of Bollywood’. Then he went on to recite, rather dramatically, what seemed like a well-researched eulogy dedicated to the Big B. 15 seconds of fame?

Sana and me shared quite a few laughs with the audience. As for Big B, he was simply astonished. Sadly, for man in the hot seat, such dramatics did not yield the correct answer and he was out of the running. But he walked away with a cheque of over a lakh in prize money and looked very content post his interaction with his screen icon. Contrary to the praises showered upon the Big B by all and sundry in the course of the show, one participant unflinchingly declared that his all-time favourite was Dilip Kumar.

And the Big B took this bit of information in his stride, like a thorough gentleman. In conclusion, I would like to add that the show had all the elements – the perfect host, glamorous sets (a bit like the sets of Crystal Maze), informative snippets based on some of the answers, whopping prize money, the works, but that didn’t stop us from quickly switching loyalties to Pirates of the Caribbean, during the breaks.Maybe the show needs to have a meaty new twist or make allowances for more entertaining moments courtesy our poet in the making. What do you think?

Did KBC 2 seem like a déja vous of season one?

Is the Big B 'trying too hard'?

2005-08-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Is the Big B 'trying too hard'?

" His wardrobe is too young" -- the tabloids, broadsheet dailies and local supplements, have all been debating this issue of national importance ever since the return of Kaun Banega Crorepati, to Indian television screens, two weeks back. (That was the weekend, we plotted our escape from office before sundown and cancelled plans between 9 pm and 10 pm on Friday night, just to catch the debut of KBC2. )

The statement, which has been doing the rounds right from fashion designers to KBC buffs, is now, almost a cliché. The conservatives prefer the doyen of Indian cinema in a formal suit and tie courtesy his age, image and status. But, I rather dig the new look, which has a `clubby' feel about it. It isn't garish or loud. Neither does it give the impression that the Big B is `trying too hard' or plotting to look younger. He's the epitome of poise and grace, even in black leather/ suede jackets.

And who can carry these off better than the icon of style? But, then coming from a party animal, I could be biased. The new wardrobe complements his less traditional new persona. His interactions are chattier, informal, and I detect a saucy streak, which is delightfully engaging. Out, sugar and spice and all that's nice. Aside from the wardrobe, my Muslim buddy Sana and me were pondering over something a little less frivolous, the other day. How does a follower of other religions crack the questions related to Hindu mythology -- unless of course they have a keen interest in the subject?

We usually get stumped at these questions. If we were actually on the show, we'd be one lifeline down. Not, that I'd fare any better with questions related to the ecclesiastical texts. But I say, why not keep it secular?

Snippet: A tid-bit about what's being written on KBC overseas.

2005-08-26T03:55:00.000-07:00

In India, a Cable Industry Is Buoyed by a Quiz Show By SARITHA RAI (NYT) 1082 words Late Edition - Final , Section C , Page 4 , Column 1 ABSTRACT - Hindi version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire has become hugely popular on News Corp's Star India cable and satellite network and underscores promise of cable and satellite television in India; 61 million Indian homes now have satellite and cable television, making it third-highest subscriber base in world after China and US; potential market is huge in country of more than billion people where households without satellite or cable can watch only a few state-run channels whose programming is considered tedious by many Indians; photo (M)

TALKING KBC

2005-08-26T03:47:00.000-07:00

Er ...which lifeline do I choose?

"Confident?""Lock kiya Jaye?"

Ever used these words in conversation? What...you haven't?

Well, the janta definitely got a kick out of using these words colloquially 'for effect' while communicating all sorts of messages -- to tease, to flirt, while signing a contract, during job interviews etc etc etc.

On the show, these words were delivered with a characteristic style. Dialogues were punctuated with pauses and delivered with emphasis, to pack in drama, play up the suspense, make every moment, electric, right up to the countdown.

All this, while the audience fidgeted, chewed nails and contemplated the fate of today's mere mortal in the hot seat. Will s/he, won't s/he hit the jackpot? In the season two, these words are being spewed out with nonchalance and haste in the most criminally lacklustre fashion. The drama, which was so exquisite, is simply missing. Fatigue setting in...eh?What's still very endearing, though, are the common people who feature on the show -- their reactions, expressions, triumphs and most importantly, faux pas.This Sunday, our hearts went out to this poor fellow of a gentleman, who made his demise, almost as soon as he settled snugly into the hot seat. He was all set to take the bull by the horns, but alas, was stumped by the very first question. Being clueless, he chap looked to the audience to bail him out. Bad idea! Now what was the question? It went to the effect of " What do you call a close cropped hair cut?" The options included `navy cut', `crew cut' and two more, which I can't remember. Of course, it's a crew cut, but our man didn't know that, and worse still the audience didn't know either...no, honestly they didn't!

They voted for...ahem, ahem...navy cut!He went with their answer sans any deliberation, and the Big B didn't haggle much either (most merciless, I say). And he was out of the running!

His earnest face fell. His expression, from confident, turned into a queer mix of disappointment, bewilderment and regret. We felt a deep sense of empathy for this person, whose dreams had just turned to dust. Aww!!!!Which brings us to the question -- how do you decide which lifeline to opt for? One chap went for `Phone-a-friend'. Will your friend know the answer, the Big B asked with concern. Er...no, he said! Sure enough the friend was just as clueless.

Next, he opted for the `50-50' lifeline, followed his own intuition and got the right answer. Every participant has a `now or never' moment, sometimes quite a few, when he or she experiences conflict -- should I bail out now, with so much in the kitty or endevour for more, and risk losing a lot more? Cabbages aren't boiled twice, and decisions have to be made in split seconds. Yet another, chap who came all the way from MP approached the game was a mix of strategy and risk-taking. He was asked a question, took the audience poll, seemed unconvinced and then, chose the other option. He was proved right, and is still in the running with Rs 6,40,000 already in the kitty. Let's see how he fares next week.

Moral of the story: You can't always trust the audience. Also, KBC wardrobe update: The Big B looked very glam in a steel grey suit. The intricate embroidery down the front of the jacket added a nice touch, but er...could we do away with the shiny, diagonal stripes lining the jacket pockets?

When Ray talked cinema...

2005-08-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

When Ray talked cinema...

The late Satyajit Ray often expressed regret about the lack of quality writing on cinema by its own practitioners. 'Filmmaking is such a demanding process that directors --especially those who keep up a steady output -- rarely have time to assemble their thoughts,' he said.

Time constraints aren't the only factor; many leading directors tend to be reluctant to discuss their own work at length, much less expound on cinema in general. Ray is one of the exceptions.

Non-Bengali readers might be familiar with his earlier work, Our Films, Their Films, a collection of essays that was first published in 1976. Now we have Speaking Of Films, a translation of a collection known in Bengal as Bishay Chalachitra.

It's taken a puzzlingly long time for the first English version of Bishay Chalachitra to appear, but it was worth the wait: Gopa Majumdar's translation is impeccable, retaining all the qualities we associate with the director -- gentle yet firm, avuncular, instructive but conversational.

In the 18 essays collected here, Ray covers topics ranging from the history of Bengali cinema to the importance of background music in a film ('in India the problem a composer must face is not one of paucity but of abundance').

There are reflections on great directors of the past, personal glimpses into the vicissitudes of the filmmaking process, and anecdotes, like the amusingly incongruous one about Kanu Banerjee -- Pather Panchali's Harihar -- ruining a shot by repeatedly saying 'Mohan Bagan' (the football club) instead of 'mohanbhog' (the sweet).

Ray also uses the scenarios of some of his movies to illuminate the problems in translation from page to screen.

And there are moving personal profiles, based on his experiences with the blind painter Benode Bihari and with the extraordinary Chunnibala Devi, whose performance as the old pishi in Pather Panchali was one of the miracles of screen acting (and of serendipitous casting).

The master director discusses, at some length, the synthesis between form and content: the two qualities must ideally work in unison, he says, but it is possible for some films to aspire to high artistic achievement even with an abundance of one quality relative to the other; the austerity of the Japanese director Ozu (who refused to employ even widely accepted cinematic devices like the dissolve and the pan) can coexist with the joyful experimentation of Nouvelle Wave enfant terribles like Truffaut and Godard.

At the same time, however, Ray sounds a cautionary warning to those who would seek to break established cinematic norms without a clear understanding of them, 'for the creation of new rules requires a thorough knowledge of the old ones'.

This essay, written in the late 1960s, has a strong contemporary resonance, given the dilettantism and the 'anything goes' attitude we see so much of today.

Even Ray's biggest fans sometimes feel alienated by the levels of perfection the man reached (hence the frequently voiced preference for the erratic brilliance of Ritwik Ghatak over the polished finesse of Ray's best films).

This extended to his personal conduct too; he never came across as the sort who would, for instance, deign to participate in a messy verbal scuffle.

In that context, it's fun to see him take on critics who wrote uncharitable things about Apur Sansar and Charulata. The occasional traces of peevishness in Ray's tone here ('I do not know if Mr Rudra understands anything of literature. Of films he understands nothing, but it is not just that. He doesn't understand even when things are explained to him.') are more engaging than his counterarguments (which are brilliantly made anyway).

But these little glimpses of petulance notwithstanding, almost everything Ray did was marked by empathy. His ability to see various sides of a debate (mirrored in the boundless grace of his movies, where even in situations of extreme conflict and turmoil, one can relate to the predicaments of several different characters) brings richness and depth to his writing.

Rarely has a major director been so generous in articulating his thoughts, not only about his own films and the cinema of his country, but also about the history of the medium and how it has been influenced by societal backdrops in different regions. For all this, and for the lucidity and perceptiveness with which he did it, we can continue to be grateful.

Sachin Pilot - I would like India to break free from religious intolerance

2005-08-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sachin Pilot - 27 - Member of Parliament

I would like India to break free from religious intolerance' Every citizen of India feels proud when he calls himself or herself an Indian. I take pride in calling myself an Indian -- a country that is the world's largest democracy, which has people of all religions living harmoniously. The best thing about our nation is that today more then 50 per cent of its population is under the age of 25. As a parliamentarian I have been travelling through the length and breadth of India. Our economy is booming, our trade is increasing. India is a vibrant nation.

Independence means self rule. I would like to see India break free from religious intolerance, caste hatred, poverty, hunger and illiteracy. I would like to see my nation eradicating major diseases like polio etc.

JAI HIND.....INDIAN INDEPENDENCE

2005-08-15T03:38:00.000-07:00

Who was Mangal Pandey?

2005-08-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

For the few who think of Mangal Pandey as just another character role played by Aamir Khan, a quick lesson in history:

So, he's not a fictional character?
Of course not. Born in the village of Nagwa, district Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, Mangal Pandey was introduced to history books as the sepoy who played a major role in the Indian uprising of 1857.

He was a soldier of the 34th Native Infantry whose attack on a superior officer came to be recognised as the event that sparked India's First War of Independence. Little is known of his life before that momentous incident but he has been declared a martyr since.

What happened that day?

Pandey attacked his British sergeant and wounded an adjutant. The office in charge, General Hearsay, noticed that Pandey was in the throes of some sort of 'religious frenzy', and ordered a jamadaar to arrest him. The latter refused.

Surrounded by guards and European officers, Pandey tried to commit suicide by shooting himself. He was seriously wounded, and promptly arrested.

Following a court-martial on April 6, he was hanged at Barrackpore on April 8, 1857. As a collective punishment for his act, the entire regiment was also dismissed.

Was he India's first freedom fighter?

According to records at the Jabalpur Museum, Pandey was to be executed on April 18. But he was hanged 10 days earlier to prevent the regiment from harbouring ill will against superiors.

The English were also aware that news of Pandey's death could spark more unrest.

Going by the date on which he was executed, Mangal Pandey became the first freedom fighter and martyr of 1857.

His name has since been synonymous with revolt.

Has Pandey been in the news before?

Yes. He made an appearance in newspapers not so long ago, with the release of Mangal Pandey: Brave Martyr or Accidental Hero?, a book by Rudranghsu Mukherjee.

The author claimed Pandey was an ordinary sepoy who, under the influence of bhang, committed a reckless act for which he was hanged. Mukherjee's analysis examined whether Pandey really was the heroic figure history had made him out to be, or just a soldier who happened to get lucky.

The book had its share of controversial statements such as: 'Nationalism creates its own myths. Mangal Pandey is part of that imagination of historians. He had no notion of patriotism or even of India. For him, mulk was a small village, Awadh.'

It also went on to claim that Pandey's action was contrary to the spirit of insurgency: 'A rebellion is a collective will to overthrow an oppressive order. Pandey acted alone; he was a rebel without a rebellion. The name Mangal Pandey meant nothing to the sepoys who raised the revolt in 1857.' Luckily for us, no post-publication riots ensued.

Does he ever appear outside history books?

You might want to try the post office. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department has issued four commemorative stamps in the memory of freedom fighters, one of which sports the face of Mangal Pandey. Interestingly, British author Zadie Smith's award-winning novel White Teeth also has a reference, with Pandey cast as the fictional protagonist Samad's great grandfather.

Why did Mangal Pandey do what he did?

There are a number of reasons. To understand his action, one must analyse the religious, social and political milieu in which he operated. In a nutshell, the British already had given the Indians much cause for unhappiness, thanks to the doctrine of Lapse, the forcible introduction of a British system of education, and social reforms that didn't exactly go down well with the higher castes. The sepoys were also dissatisfied with army life. Coupled with low pay, their need to constantly pit themselves against their countrymen also took its toll.

To make things worse, the East India Company introduced the Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle. Its cartridges were covered by greased membrane that, apparently, had to be cut by the teeth before loading. There was a rumour that this membrane was greased by cow or pig fat, which was offensive to Hindu as well as Muslim soldiers.

The British tried reasoning with the sepoys, and even asked them to make their own grease from vegetable oils. The rumour, however, persisted. General George Anson, Commander in Chief in India, reacted by saying, 'I'll never give in to their beastly prejudices.' He refused to compromise.

Then, on March 29, 1857, at Barrackpore near Kolkata, Mangal Pandey started an open mutiny, inviting his comrades to join him.

The Rising had begun.

AMITABH AND ABHISHEK

2005-08-08T02:13:00.000-07:00

Amitabh and Abhishekh

2005-08-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

16th April 1912 HEADLINE

2005-08-01T04:10:00.000-07:00

A giant 255-year-old tortoise in a Calcutta zoo

2005-08-01T03:58:00.000-07:00

MUSIC REVIEW - JAMES

2005-07-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

James

"The Rising Of A New Hero - JAMES"

This is how RGV wishes to announce the arrival of his first ever "package hero", who as per him does everything what a conventional Bollywood super-hero does - act well, dance, emote, fight, romance and everything else. Mohit Ahlawat is the man who has been trusted with this responsibility while Nisha Kothari [who made her debut in the role of a wannabe starlet in 'Sarkar'] is the lead heroine. Rest of the starcast is filled with RGV regulars in this RGV-K Sera Sera production, which is presented by Sahara One Motion Picture.

In the news for around 2 years now, 'James' directed by debutant Rohit Jugraj finally unleashes on 19th August, exactly a week after 'Mangal Pandey - The Rising' opens across globe. Music album of 'James' is out with tracks composed by Nitin Raikwar, Prasanna Shekhar and Bapi Tutul. In addition, there are some HIT bonus tracks from other movies included in the CD as well.

'Yaaron Sun Lo Zara' from Ram Gopal Verma's own 'Rangeela' is revisited as 'Zindagi Jeene Ka Naam Hai'. A perfect carbon copy of Rehman's style, rhythm, music arrangements and rendition, composer-lyricist Nitin Raikwar does a good job in recreating the similar feel and comes up with a peppy track sung quite well by Shweta Pandit. A situational track about a teenage girl dreaming about (what else) living life to the fullest [one of the most contemporary themes in the song and dance world these days], it has Nisha coming up with a holds-no-bar spirited performance. A good-looking song that should appear nice on screen!

Yet another RGV oldie, this time 'Aasmaan Kehta Hai Rab Se' [Mast] is musically recreated as 'Suraj Ki Kirno', again written and composed by Nitin Raikwar. Shweta Pandit sings this romantic number too, this time as a duet with Sonu Nigam. A fair track, it doesn't really ignite the feel of romance in a big way and also finishes off pretty soon due to its short 3-minute duration. Just about passable!

Mandatory item number appears in the form of 'Hero', for which Ria Sen has been roped in for a song'n'dance appearance. Sung by, who else, but Sunidhi Chauhan, 'Hero' is tolerable just because it is a FACTORY product. Otherwise how else would you appreciate lyrics that go as "Woh Hero Hai Hero Hai Woh Hai Hero - Aayega Tumko Karega Zero"? Yawn, but the track written by Nitin Raikwar and composed by Prasanna Shekhar just doesn't work and its only chances are amongst the frontbenchers who may get impressed with the choreography of the track and the action/thrill sequences that may be running while the song is in progress. But otherwise, it is a sub-standard product that was least expected from a RGV movie soundtrack.

Nitin Raikwar comes back to write and compose his final track of the album - "Jaan Hai" and guess what, this time the picturisation of the song is 'inspired' by a RGV movie. The song in question? 'Zehreela Zehreela Pyaar' from 'Daud'! Nevertheless, Sonu Nigam comes up with a heartening rendition in this seductive duet that has decent music enhanced due to haunting arrangements. Shreya Ghoshal gives company to Sonu and plays her part well. Though the only worrying factor about this number is that whether it would actually slow down the pace of the actioner that is believed to be fast paced movie and complete with thrills.

Ditto with 'Sindoori Aasmaan' by Sonu Nigam and Shweta Pandit, which is written by Sandeep Nath and composed by Bapi Tutul. As a stand-alone number, it is good due to soulful music sans any unnecessary orchestra that may dilute the impact of the embedded melody. One likes the number due to its different lyrics and music that has a distinct RGV touch but still the fear of the tracks disrupting the movie's narration continues to loom large.

Thankfully bonus songs are much more interesting to hear as they range from 'Khallas' [Company], 'Love Ke Liye' [Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega], 'Aaja Soniye' [Mujhse Shaadi Karogi] to 'Berang Zindagi' [Naach] and 'Sajna Ve Sajna' [Chameli]. A good assortment this one!

Overall the tracks of 'James' too are just about OK with not enough ammunition to be singled out in particular and calling for a wide spread attention. Still some relief comes from the fact that none of the tracks are absolute failures, hence making the soundtrack bearable.

RGV has always claimed to be using song and dance routine only when absolutely required by the script. It would be interesting to see how his protégée Rohit Jugraj continues the tradition with 5 songs in his actioner that promises to be a complete edge of the seat 'masala' thriller!

MUSIC REVIEW - CHOCOLATE

2005-07-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Chocolate

Bollywood is growing...and how! 5 years back, no one could imagine actors as different as Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Arshad Warsi sharing a same frame in a dark thriller. And that too with a title like 'Chocolate'! But not anymore! With corporate world showing keen interest in Bollywood and the trend catching up as fast as the technology in major 'A' grade projects, it is always possible to come up with newer and better products week after week. 'Chocolate' comes from the Spice Team Entertainments' production house [Vibha-Ragini] - the same team that entered Bollywood with feel good flicks 'Kaun Hai Jo Sappno Mein Aaya' and 'Shukriya'. 'Chocolate' is an obvious evolution from these two products and marks the debut of director Vivek Agnihotri. A thriller based on 'Deep Dark Secrets' with an interesting punch line of 'Sometimes it's best not to ask too many questions', the movie stars Anil Kapoor, Suneil Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Sushma Reddy and introduces former Miss India Tanushree Dutta. Stylishly shot with creative promos resulting in immense buzz, another factor that makes 'Chocolate' exciting is its music, which is composed by Pritam, who appears after a one-year gap since 'Dhoom' that is still creating 'dhoom' all over.

Superb use of western musical instruments begins the opening track of the album - 'Halka Halka Sa Yeh Nasha'. Just like 'Dhoom macha De', this track too has a signature tune accompanying the song, this time as a flute. Mayur Puri makes a great debut as a lyricist and comes up with some never heard before lines that are put to music wonderfully well by Pritam. Sonu Nigam modulates his voice yet again to give something new every time a challenge is thrown on him. The song has been choreographed innovatively on the streets of London with all the characters giving an account of themselves one after another. Groovy feel to the entire track make it immensely likeable and ready to hum. One of the best tracks to arrive this year, its a sure shot hit all the way.

A little bit of Tata Young's version of 'Dhoom Machale' and a little bit of 'Kaal Dhamaal' make the remix of 'Halka Halka' that result in the track turning out to be foot tapping all over again. The way trends are as of now, one won't be surprised to see a promotional video made with this song that may appear during the end credits of the movie. It always pays to go with the tide, isn't it?

K.K. croons 'Zehreeli Raatein', a fast paced foot-tapping track that sounds more like a pop number rather than a Bollywood song. There is a hint of Biddu's style of music coupled with Pakistani pop in this Praveen Bhardwaj written song that is one of the first ever for a Bollywood movie. A unique composition with great musical arrangements and lively rendition by K.K., one looks forward to watching this number onscreen, as it appears quite different from routine.

Pritam continues to deliver a funky tune one after another with 'Jhuki Jhuki' coming up next. Dev Kohli's lyrics catch your attention at the very beginning for this yet another foot-tapping track that is sung by Kailash Kher and Sunidhi Chauhan. The song isn't the next chartbuster in the making but as a follow up to some brilliant numbers like 'Halka Halka' and 'Zehreeli Raatein', it manages to sustain the momentum.

The very beginning of 'Mummy' brings your feet in motion. Written by Mayur Puri, it is again one of the most original numbers to have been incorporated in a Bollywood movie. With lyrics like 'Kehte Hai Sabhi Ke Badi Hot Hoon Main', its about "I know I am hot'n'cool and am painting the town red but my mom doesn't know about this and don't tell her either!" But rather than even slightly hinting of vulgarity, it is more of young and naughty and doesn't fail to bring a smile on your face. Sunidhi Chauhan modulates her voice great deal to come up with a squeaky schoolgirl voice. A fast paced song that fuses western and 'bhangra' beats; this situational track should be a riot on screen due to its theme and picturization.

Your body continues to sway along nicely to the beats of 'Panaahon Mein Mohabbat Ki' that is yet another well-written song by Praveen Bhardwaj. Rendered by Kunal Ganjawala, this heavy on beats and high on pace track is completely based on western music with a bit of reggae thrown in. By now, 'Chocolate' sounds like one party album that can be played on full volume and set on a repeat mode while you dance away to glory. This is yet another track that has a potential to create a space for itself in the charts. A total effort by Pritam, Praveen and Kunal!

'Bheega Bheega Sa Yeh December Hai' - now have you ever heard something like this? Probably not! But this is what the team of 'Chocolate' brings to you in this Ajeet Srivastava number that has Sunidhi Chauhan delivering one of her best. A beautifully composed melodious number that maintains a subtle pace throughout, it is a classy number that sets across the point that the musical score of 'Chocolate' is not one of your run of the mill ones. Another sweet composition that won't go unnoticed!

A good dose of Indi-pop molded to fit into Bollywood scheme of things, 'Khalish Si Hai' continues in the same breath as Pritam's earlier western compositions and does wonders once again. Teamwork once again, it is highly impressive due to inspired effort by Mayur Puri, Pritam and singers Kunal Ganjawala and Suzan.

Bollywood is surely catching up with the Hollywood counterparts and going international. This is pretty evident with the 'Chocolate Theme' that is a brilliant assortment of western instruments coming together with great effect. A track that could be easily played on top volume in a discotheque, it brings the album to a grand finale and hence giving a feeling of complete satisfaction to the listeners of 'Chocolate'.

There were good expectations from the music of 'Chocolate' due to Pritam's name on the credits and the opening song 'Halka Halka' already being popular. But to one's pleasant surprise, 'Chocolate' delivers much more than expected with none of the tracks belonging to a variety where they could be skipped. 'Chocolate' turns out to be one of those 'different from the routine' genre of albums that should work especially with the young.

'Chocolate' is a delicious winner all the away, hence maintaining Emraan Hashmi's string of musical hits after 'Footpath', 'Murder', 'Tumsa Nahi Dekha' and 'Zeher'.

“It was tough to keep hands off her!”

2005-07-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

“It was tough to keep hands off her!”

Candid or corny, you decide that. But this is what Anuj Sawhney said about his Naina costar Urmila Matondkar. Wind has it that you passed a derogatory remark at the actress. “Me?” he exclaims. “You have got the wrong person buddy. I would never say something like that” he cools off.

“I was pretty excited about working with her on Naina. But as luck would have it, beside the mandatory 'Hi' & 'Good morning', there was hardly any interaction between the two of us” he says. “Urmila is an extremely private person. She likes to keep to herself and restricts her colleague talk to studio floors. So it wasn't like we were on black-slapping terms” he says.

“Yes, in a recent interview I did say that Urmila is an extremely sensuous person. She has great oomph and is extremely sexy” he owns up. But he said something else too, we prod. “Okay, stop nosing around. Yes I did say that she is extremely voluptuous and if it weren't for a gentleman like me, it would be tough to keep my hands off her. But that was in good humor. I didn't mean anything offensive. She is my co-star and I have that regard for her” he tries his hand at Mr.Clean image and then adds, “But isn't she sexy?”

Anuj, from what we know of her, we don't think she'll look as sexy when she gets to know what you said!

“I felt cheated”- Dia Mirza

2005-07-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

“I felt cheated”- Dia Mirza

'It will take a while for the stars to fall in line, until then Dia Mirza will have to face a downswing in her personal and professional life' Had that been celebrity clairvoyant Sunita Menon predicting, it would have sure been some comfort talk for the exquisite looker.

“But things aren't as bad as they present themselves” she insists. “I have been appreciated in Parineeta and producers still flock to my door to sign me up but it is me who is keeping caution. I have no time left for bad films. I agree I did make some bad choices but you don't get to debut in a Black, do you?” she asks cryptically.

And her love life? Not long ago, we had seen the 'oh-so-in-love' expression written large on that vulnerable face. “Bunty is history” she declares sternly. But what is it that went wrong? “Bunty and I were seeing each other and suddenly the media broke a story of having spotted him with Neha. That disturbed me somewhere and I immediately got in touch with him. All along, he kept denying it. On a second occasion, I caught him underhand again. More than anger, hurt is what I experienced” she says with utmost honesty.

The least what he could have done is admit to his relationship and return some dignity and respect to our liaison. When that didn't happen, I let go of him. I am a person who values honesty a great deal and Bunty cheated on me” she tells us

Now how does she deal with it when they cross paths? “Well, I can't fake to be nice to Neha but I won't be nasty either, that isn't me. As for Bunty, he no longer exists for me,” she says dryly.

“We threw eggs at him”- Esha Deol

2005-07-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

“We threw eggs at him”- Esha Deol

“We are a mad bunch of girls” Esha tells me.

Holi is big with the Deols and Esha has an interesting something to tell us. “I was at this Holi bash and we having a blast, drinking bhang, dunking people in water and doing all things mad. Suddenly a cop happened to pass by and my friends dared me to throw some rotten eggs at him” the gorgeous actress recollects.

“Since I am the bullhead who stops at nothing, I took it up. And just as the tubby cop rounded the compound wall of my house, I threw an egg at him. You should have been there to check out his expression; the guy was so bugged! For a moment he didn't realize what had hit him and a minute later, he was screaming is lungs out as he wiped the smelly liquid off his face. It is too hilarious for words” she laughs

So did the pandu get hold of you rogues? “No!” Esha exclaims, bringing a child-like expression to her face. “You must know that we mischief-makers are professionals. So as soon as the egg went flying at our victim, we ducked out of sight. It was such a fun time, while he was hopping mad, shouting and swearing words at pedestrians, we were huddled in the courtyard, holding our stomach, least he hear the giggles” she smiles.

MOVIE REVIEW - YAHAAN

2005-07-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Yahaan

'…YAHAAN'
A love story with Kashmir as the backdrop sounds interesting. And Mani Ratnam's well-crafted ROJA stands tall on the list: A tourist [Arvind Swamy] is kidnapped by a militant [Pankaj Kapoor], while the tourist's wife [Madhoo] runs from pillar to post to get her husband back.

Debutante director Shoojit Sircar also sets a love story in the valley. But this one is different: It talks of an army officer falling in love with a local girl. An interesting concept without doubt, as far as the premise is concerned.

But there's always a slip between the cup and the lip…

…YAHAAN may be well intentioned, but it lacks the punch associated with a genre that tries to amalgamate romance with thrilling moments. The grip, so essential in a film like this, is missing here and that's its biggest undoing.

The problem with …YAHAAN is that it takes its own sweet time to come to the point. After introducing the principal characters, the story doesn't move at a brisk pace in the first hour. You've seen all this and much more -- the insurgency, the role of the armed forces, the plight of the locals in the wake of terror, et al -- in the past.

In a nutshell, it's like any other ordinary love story!

…YAHAAN is the story of an Indian Army Captain, Aman [Jimmy Shergill], who falls in love with a local girl, Adaa [Minissha], while the officer is posted in Kashmir.

The unwritten law debars women of the valley to have any relations with an outsider, but Adaa takes on the risk and faces the consequences.

Aman and Adaa decide to combat the inflexible rules and face strong opposition in the process.

To start with, director Shoojit Sircar is letdown by an uninspiring script. Sircar and his team of writers [Piyush Mishra, Somnath De, Sameer Kohli and Sircar himself] should've come up with a screenplay that would've kept the viewer on the razor's edge, but the writing is so mediocre that one keeps wondering, What really prompted the makers to choose this subject in the first place?

In the second hour, a few sequences are well penned and executed indeed, like the meeting/confrontation between Yashpal Sharma and Jimmy Shergill. A few twists and turns in the post-interval portions also catch you by surprise. But sequences such as these are few and far between.

However, the portions that depict Minissha running from pillar to post to safeguard Jimmy's life and reputation remind you so much of ROJA. The climax, when Minissha approaches the television channel to prove Jimmy's innocence, looks completely far-fetched and is difficult to absorb. Ditto for her speech, which is very melodramatic. Besides, placing the speakers outside the mosque so that the terrorist [Yashpal Sharma] has a change of heart, appears formulaic and filmy.

As a storyteller, one fails to understand why Sircar chose to narrate the story with a hand-held camera [cinematography: Jakob Ihre]. The frames are shaky all the time, which can get quite distracting for the viewer. It also leaves you with a feeling that you're watching a documentary. Even the blue tint throughout the film takes the sheen away from the enterprise.

Where ROJA scored and where …YAHAAN falters, besides a taut screenplay, is in its music [Shantanu Moitra]. Barring a soft number, 'Pooche Jo Koi', the film lacks a melodious score to compliment the love story. Dialogues [Piyush Mishra] are natural at times, but routine/run-of-the-mill at most places.

…YAHAAN rests on Jimmy Shergill's shoulders and the efficient actor enacts his part with utmost conviction. The actor delivers a commendable performance all through. Newcomer Minissha is awkward at places, but quite confident at times. Overall, a decent debut.

Mukesh Tiwari and Yashpal Sharma are alright. The actors playing the roles of Minissha's father and grandmother [Dolly Ahluwalia] stand out with convincing portrayals.

On the whole, …YAHAAN could've been a riveting saga, but turns out to be a bland product. At the box-office, …YAHAAN has limited prospects.

RANI MUKHERJEE'S PUPPY LOVE

2005-07-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Rani Mukherjee's puppy love!

It's official now…

All her denials of a love life is total humbug
Rani is in love and how!
And in this case instead of love bites, it's the paw marks that let out the secret
They lick, lap and love her

Simba and Tintin, the two tyrants that Rani both, scolds and spoils. We had recently been to interview the actor at her Yari Road residence and that's when we caught sight of her paw-pair! Must say, they looked adorable. A huge Labrador named 'Tin Tin' and a spitz who Rani calls, Simba. “I have the most demented dogs anyone could have ever asked for!” exclaims Rani watching the playful Simba fool around.

“Simba is such a devil!” she remarks. “At times all he wants to do is lie in my lap like a floppy. You should watch him do that. He won't move a single muscle in his body, feels like a lump! And then there are times when he will just not rest. He is all over the place. Try getting a hold on him and he crawls and hides under the table. Such a mischief maker, I tell you” she smiles eyeing him follow TinTin around.

She always loved animals? “Absolutely, actually I had this dog of 15 years, Brownie. He died recently and when my family realized that I just couldn't tide over the loss, my sister-in-law Jyoti bought me these twin troubles” she smiles. “TinTin is better behaved. He just wants to be pampered all the time. I will be in and out of the house ten times a day and yet, but each time I ring the door bell, he'll come yelping!”

“And before I know, he is all over me, licking me face, feet, hands, there is just no stopping” the bong actress says fondly. “But I can no longer pick him up. He weighs a good chunk and is a tall dog. So we try doing a little walky, but I don't think that interests him too much. He eventually bullies me into picking him” she says running her hand on him.

“But he is a real badmaash. Simba came in a 2 months after him. And trust me, this guy was so jealous. He didn't eat for 10 days at a length. But now when I see them, I can't help but laugh. They an item together, reminds me of Tom and Jerry!” Rani ends.

MOVIE REVIEW - 7 ½ PHERE

2005-07-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

7 ½ Phere

Post HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN and MONSOON WEDDING, the concept of depicting Indian marriages on celluloid continues to be a favorite for most storytellers.

7 ½ PHERE not only looks at a traditional Indian marriage, it also talks of strategies adopted by television channels to increase their viewership by installing spycams and making public the juiciest details/hidden skeletons concerning individuals/family.

A fascinating concept without doubt, thankfully 7 ½ PHERE is interestingly handled as well. Of course, there's no denying that the film has its share of loose ends, but the light moments and the sequence of events keep you engrossed for most part of the first half mainly.

However, 7 ½ PHERE could've done better with some superior actors and better production values. The absence of known names, barring Irrfan and Juhi, as also the making, which lacks finesse, act as road blocks in the film.

7 ½ PHERE has a novel story to tell. And director Isshaan Trivedi handles the light moments with flourish. The split personality of almost every character is well depicted and like MONSOON WEDDING, the film looks at issues that one comes across in today's modern society.

Asmi [Juhi Chawla] has been entrusted the task by her television channel to cover a reality show. There's a marriage in the Joshi family and when Asmi offers the proposal of covering the event for the TV network, the family stands divided on the issue.

The bride's father is willing to go along with the idea, but a few members in the family find the idea ludicrous. Manoj [Irrfan Khan], the bride-to-be's youngest uncle, develops a soft corner for Asmi.

Getting an inkling of Manoj's feelings, Asmi decides to use him for the project. Asmi gets hidden cameras installed in the house and as the hidden cameras begin to roll, the skeletons begin to tumble out of the Joshis' closet. Chaos and confusion reigns supreme, until Manoj realizes that he has opened up the Pandora's box.

Loosely inspired by Ron Howard's Hollywood film EDTV [1999; starring Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman], 7 ½ PHERE has an interesting premise, a theme that hasn't been attempted in Bollywood earlier. With a novel theme as its USP, the director has packed the narrative with a series of interesting incidents that would bring a smile on your face.

But there's no denying that 7 ½ PHERE would've emerged as a foolproof entertainer had the writing been consistent all through. While the first half has several arresting moments, the pace slackens in the post-interval portions since the focus suddenly shifts to various sub-plots, including Juhi's aspirations of becoming a topnotch director as also the love story of the aged couple [Anang Desai, Neena Kulkarni], besides the long-drawn sequence between the bride and the groom in the penultimate reel. Also, the film would've had a better impact had the length of the second half been concise.

Director Isshaan Trivedi has handled the light moments well, but he could've kept the screenplay in check, besides making the second half as interesting as the first. Cinematography is alright. Dialogues are the highpoint of the enterprise.

Talking of performances, both Irrfan and Juhi vie for top honors. The general perception about Irrfan is that he looks best in roles that demand intensity, but the actor is a delight to watch in a role that requires him to be witty all the while. He is simply adorable!

Juhi is first-rate yet again, although she needs to keep a check on her weight. Among character actors, Sri Vallabh Vyas and Neena Kulkarni are the best.

On the whole, 7 ½ PHERE is a fairly decent entertainer that holds appeal for those who prefer light entertainers. At the box-office, 7 ½ PHERE is more of a big city film that would've fared much better had it released during an open week, backed by more hype.

MOVIE REVIEW - SEHAR

2005-07-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sehar

Depicting realism on the big screen is an effort that needs to be lauded, but getting too technical about it and using jargon/lingo that is difficult to comprehend by the commoner can boomerang. That's the problem with SEHAR, directed by Kabeer Kaushik.

SEHAR has a one-dimensional plot, which may sound interesting on paper, but when translated on celluloid, it just doesn't appeal. The plot and setting may've excited the storytellers [the director, the writer, the producers, the actors], but it may not necessarily excite a moviegoer seeking entertainment-driven content.

Besides, SEHAR may be an honest effort that chronologically documents the life of a heroic cop and his fight against a gangster who spread terror in a state [U.P.], but neither are the incidents well-known to the majority nor the gangster so notorious that it would make the viewer bite his nails to watch the real characters get immortalized on reel.

SEHAR delineates the journey of a newly-appointed 31-year-old S.S.P. of Lucknow, Ajay Kumar [Arshad Warsi], instrumental in bringing together a group of committed police officers under the aegis of Special Task Force.

The Force, bequeathed with a single agenda, succeeds in challenging the might of organized crime in Uttar Pradesh.

And in the process, what unfolds is the ever-changing dynamics of Uttar Pradesh's siyaasat: Railway contracts, ISI involvement, politician-mafia-police-builder nexus, rigid red-tapeizm and criminalization of University students.

The problems with SEHAR are manifold…

One, the cop versus criminal saga has been beaten to death by Bollywood film-makers. KHAKEE, AAN, POLICE FORCE, DEV, KAGAAR, AB TAK 56, SATYA BOL, GARV and ZEHER [the list is endless!], there has been a deluge of 'men in uniform' films in the recent past. The plot and setting may vary, but the essence remains the same.
The director has taken care to present the facts in the most realistic fashion, but the narrative being one-dimensional it gets cumbersome and boring after a point. All you get to see are cops chasing gangsters, spraying bullets and butchering them in the most brutal fashion or gangsters chasing commoners and eliminating them in broad daylight. Sorry, the blood and gore gets on your nerves after a point!
Three, the rise of a gangster, the politician-gangster nexus, the police encounters, SEHAR comes too late in the day. Hasn't the moviegoer witnessed all this and more in the past?

SEHAR disappoints big time as far as the content is concerned. There's not much meat in the narrative to keep the viewer glued to the screen for the next 2.30 hours. Even the execution of the subject caters to a tiny segment of viewers. The local flavor restricts its appeal further.

SEHAR has just one song [the romantic track], but the song and even the romance bit looks forced in the narrative. Perhaps, the director wanted to balance realism with make-believe, but the romantic bit looks completely out of sync.

Any redeeming points? Yes, a few deft strokes, especially the climax, filmed in a moving train. Prior to that, the sequence when the cops rescue a kidnapped kid from the clutches of the gangsters is well executed.

The thrills here are not those involving fisticuffs, but using pistols. Cinematography is up to the mark. The background score is alright. Dialogues gel well with the mood of the film.

Cast in a serious role, Arshad Warsi gets into the skin of the character and proves his versatility as an actor. But post MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. and HULCHUL, the actor's image is more of a funster than a serious cop and that will come as a shocker to his hardcore fans. Mahima Chaudhary has been cast for the glamour bit than taking the story forward. Pankaj Kapoor is noteworthy. Sushant Singh does his part effectively. Suhasini Mulay is first-rate.

On the whole, SEHAR is a dull and dry subject that will appeal to a very thin segment of moviegoers. At the box-office, however, it will be a non-starter.

Who Am I? - Rodney Yee

2005-07-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Who Am I?

Dear all,

Sitting, having lunch with my great longtime friend, Richard Rosen, who is a wonderful yogi full of wisdom and knowledge, we talked about our current concerns and suffering. I asked him what he thought the axis of his suffering is, and he said, "Ignorance." He said that the basic question of the yogis continues to be, "Who am I?" Because we don't know who we are, we imagine our isolated and discontent lives full of fear and misunderstanding.

Yoga can help us gain insight on our true nature. Here is a Japanese haiku that moves us to greater understanding:

I raise the mirror of my life up to my face: sixty years.With a swing I smash the reflectionThe world as usualAll in its place.

Today see yourself as part of the whole dance. Relax your own definition of yourself by asking where in your body you identify as your center. Relax that center and let it spread throughout your body as you breathe with ease.

Return to the whole,
Rodney Yee

Exploring Yoga Postures - Rodney Yee

2005-07-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Exploring Yoga Postures

Hey people,

The "Yoga Sutras," codified by Patangali, says very little about the physical asanas (postures). The little that it does say states that the asanas should be done with ease and steadiness.

Most of us look at what initially appears to be contortionist-like body movements and postures with a grimace, responding "Why?" and "That's not for me."

Consider approaching these postures with curiosity and playfulness. With most things that we try for the first time, we can feel excitement and a delight. If we look at the posture with a sense of exploration instead of trying to perfect or conquer it, there will be a different attitude from the start.

Remember that the asana practice is a personal tool to help you to know yourself. Along the way, you will improve your health and build a wonderful relationship with your body -- the ultimate entertainment center.

If you are not going to a yoga class yet, I encourage you to check one out. The Yoga Journal has an extensive list of yoga teachers in the United States. Go to class and try to look for a teacher that you relate to and that inspires you. There are so many different styles and personalities that it might take some shopping around before you land in the appropriate class. Whether or not you find the right class, I hope that you begin exploring your posture, your breath, and your mind today. Take responsibility and take this moment in your life to relax, serve, and observe.

Asana: Savasana

Lie on your back with your arms out to your sides about 8 inches away from your hips, palms up, legs straight, and feet 8 inches apart.
Let all of your muscular effort go.
Let yourself continue to be completely supported by the floor.
If your lower back hurts, bend your legs and place a rolled up blanket under your knees.
Watch your breath and relax your sense organs as deeply as you can -- eyes closed. No need to push away or avoid anything. Let it all in and let it all run through you.

Peace and relaxation,
Rodney Yee

Explore Instead of Achieving - Rodney Yee

2005-07-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Explore Instead of Achieving

Hi everyone,During most physical endeavors, I realize that I am working too much -- whether I’m doing yoga poses, conversing, holding on to the steering wheel too tight, walking, etc. I've been trying to learn to swim the butterfly stroke on my own and am starting to realize that I need to feel the coordination and the rhythm. Initially, I tried to muscle my way through it, with little success. Taking small movements, feeling the water, feeling how my body moves through the water, trying different rhythms and coordination created many surprising breakthroughs for me.

This is my suggestion to you in trying new yoga poses: relax, play, make small movements, breathe, feel your body, feel the pulse and coordination of the present moment. Explore, instead of achieving. Relaxation and listening are the two main components to learning something new.

Relaxing and listening will not guarantee that you will feel good; many times we feel big shifts inside our gut as we change our patterns and the matrix that we identify with on a daily basis. The ability to listen and relax with changes is key to our freedom.

Try a new yoga pose by flipping through a book, imitating a pose that you have seen, or by making one up. Fiddle around, have fun, approach it with ease -- and then scream and yell too.

Be happy!!!
Rodney Yee

Downsize and Relax - Rodney Yee

2005-07-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Downsize and Relax

I make so many plans even in a single day. My mind travels at the speed of light, and my body walks on the earth. I am thankful that my body demands the timing of the turtle. Step by step, I look around, and if I am able to harness my mind to my heart and my feet, then there is a feeling of awe that runs through my veins.

The world really is a miracle, everything in it. How do I lose my gratitude and appreciation of this miracle? It is so easy to be cynical and angry. My mind whirls and spins with vertigo when I try to make logical sense of this ever-changing river of light. Can I sit in meditation in the center of this whirlwind?

Subtraction -- didn't I learn how to subtract? Everything in my life seems like an addition game. I really believe less is more and that less is necessary for the sustainability of the planet. As Americans, we are 5 percent of the population of the earth, and we use 33 percent of the natural resources. Maybe as a responsible citizen of the world, I need to downsize. This may be the source of my anger and frustration. Gandhi said that the battle was in our own heart.

Take a moment to be responsible, which Krishnamurti called the ability to respond, and sit in sitting meditation and receive the abundance of your life as it is. Try to subtract one thing on your to-do list and relax by taking a couple of conscious breaths. Go at the pace of your feet today and let your mind be in awe.

Peace,

Rodney Yee

Breathing in Life - Rodney Yee

2005-07-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

Breathing in Life

Dear all, I've just come back from my Colleen's family reunion in the heart of Arkansas. I have to say that I was a little skeptical about Arkansas even though I have always loved the South. One of the highlights was the incredible caves we hiked through, nature's cathedral with divine air from Mother Earth. As soon as we entered the caves we both had the same thought, let's meditate and do pranayama here. The college guide was sweet and adequate, but we would have paid big money to be in silence and maybe in darkness with only candles.

It is easy to forget how sweet the breath can be. Sometimes the scent of a flower reminds us, sometimes it is the succulent smell of food. This afternoon, it was the ridiculous freshness of the air straight from the belly of the earth. Maybe I have forgotten what pure air can do to me. Is this why I'm happy at the ocean?

There are so many difficulties in life, and I have restricted my inhalation and my exhalation. I am scared to freely absorb all the world has to offer me right now. I am scared to feel pain and maybe I am scared to feel joy, so I hold my breath in habitual patterns trying to stay in control by living in my head.

But a single breath cuts through this illusion. And it is on a single breath that I fly into the world that is alive with both birth and death. Wake up with the breath and let the breath wake you up. When you have a moment today, feel your inhalation, be completely absorbed into your mind and body, and let your exhalation be a complete giving back.

Breathe,
Rodney Yee

Why Mealtimes Matter

2005-07-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Why Mealtimes Matter

Soccer practice, music lessons, hectic work schedules -- all manner of the real world are competing priorities and reasons why families may not be eating regular meals together.
While this may seem to be inconsequential, in the reality there are very good and well-documented reasons to make mealtime a family affair.

Nutritionally there is a correlation between family mealtime and food choices. For example, when children are required to participate in family mealtimes, they automatically increase the number of fruits and vegetables they'll eat and decrease their intake of soft drinks.

From an environmental standpoint, when families eat together there are positive academic and behavioral impacts. Research has shown that children who participate regularly in family mealtimes do better in school, achieve higher scores on academic achievement tests, and are less likely to abuse drugs and to be depressed.

So next time you're eating on the run, ask yourself what you and your family are sacrificing by not sitting down to a family meal together.

Mealtimes do matter!

Mediterranean Diets

2005-07-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Mediterranean Diets

I know you frequently have questions about the different types of diets and diet pyramids you hear about through the media, and the Mediterranean diet pyramid is one that receives a lot of attention.

“Mediterranean diet” best describes the dietary patterns that are found in the olive-growing areas of the world and where these patterns were established more than 30 years ago. Though the Mediterranean pyramid may appear similar to the old U.S. food guide pyramid, the Mediterranean pyramid promotes several different recommendations:

Increased consumption of plant-based foods, especially beans, legumes, and nuts
Use of olive oil instead of butter, margarine, and other oils
Avoidance of processed foods
Limited consumption of saturated fats and sweets
Daily consumption of cheese and yogurt
Limits on the consumption of red meat (once per month) as well as fish and poultry (once per week)

Many of the suggested diet guidelines may sound challenging to a person following the traditional American diet, where many meals are planned around meat and there is a high intake of sweets. However, research shows that Mediterranean diets may be beneficial in reducing the risks of many different health-related problems. Decreased risks of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer are the most strongly recognized of these benefits

You Are What You Eat

2005-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

You Are What You Eat

What you eat affects your risk for a multitude of health problems including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and anemia. If I could suggest one thing -- a magic bullet -- to include in your diet, what would it be? A supplement? A pill?

In actuality, it would be the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in your everyday diet.

That’s right. If you ate the recommended minimum five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, you’d get the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that will assist with disease prevention.

For example, did you know that a diet containing carrots, cantaloupe, and squash is rich in vitamin A? And diets that include adequate amounts of vitamin A have been directly linked with reducing the risk of certain cancers. In addition to their disease prevention qualities, fruits and vegetables can be both filling and low-calorie, fitting well into most diet patterns.

So pick up some fruits you like and get started on a healthier diet.

Calcium and Vitamin D: The Key to Healthy Bones

2005-07-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Calcium and Vitamin D: The Key to Healthy Bones

By the age of 30, both men and women experience the loss of minerals from their bones, which leads to bone loss. Initially, men are less affected. However, by the time they reach their mid-70s, both men and women are equally at risk for osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become thinner, weaker, and more likely to break.

Calcium in your daily diet works to slow bone loss, potentially staving off osteoporosis. The National Academy of Sciences and the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend that adults consume 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams of calcium each day. Adolescents (ages 9-18) should be consuming 1,300 mg/day of calcium, which will decrease to 1,000 mg/day for adults, then rise again to 1,200 mg/day for people aged 51 and older.

Dairy products are the best form of calcium, but research has shown that consuming this much calcium on a routine basis is a tremendous challenge for most Americans, who don’t get enough calcium in their diets from dairy alone. If milk is the sole source of calcium in your diet, you should drink 3½ to 4½ cups of milk daily. Fortunately, calcium-fortified foods and calcium supplements can help you meet your target, but remember the amount needed from the supplement depends on how much calcium you’re getting from the foods you eat.

Vitamin D is another key to minimizing bone loss. Vitamin D helps maintain bone strength by helping the body absorb calcium. These two nutrients must work together: Once calcium is absorbed, it fills in empty spaces in the bones to keep them strong. But calcium alone will not maintain bone if not enough vitamin D is consumed.

Vitamin D can be found in milk, egg yolks, and some types of fish. Your body also makes its own vitamin D when skin is exposed to the sun. To get more calcium and vitamin D:

Choose items fortified with calcium
Consume more milk, cheese, yogurt, and green vegetables
Cook up side dishes higher in calcium, such as spinach and broccoli
Spend more time outdoors

MUSIC REVIEW - MANGAL PANDEY - THE RISING

2005-07-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Mangal Pandey - The Rising

A producer who believes in creating nothing BUT original....

A director, who brings alive a chapter from history NEVER told before on the silver screen....

A musician who is FAMED across the globe....

A lyricist who believes in delivering nothing BUT the best....

A distributor whose production house is the BUSIEST and MOST successful today.....

An actor who would be seen on BIG screen after 4 years.....

An actress who is at an enviable numero uno position this year....

And a movie that is touted to be the BIGGEST on this side of the millennium.

Mangal Pandey - The Rising.

One expects spectacular experience from the celluloid dream called 'Mangal Pandey - The Rising', a Bobby Bedi - Deepa Sahi production directed by Ketan Mehta and distributed by Yashraj Films. With Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Amisha Patel and Toby Stephens in the lead, 'Mangal Pandey - The Rising' has music by maestro A.R. Rehman and lyrics by Javed Akhtar saab. From a movie produced at such a large scale, one expects nothing but a grandeur musical score that would transcends all boundaries.

Kailash Kher begins the album with the explosive title song 'Mangal Mangal' that is played while the title sequence is on. A song picturised on a group of four men atop an elephant while chanting the song across the 'galis' and 'mohallas', it is a lively track that brings alive India of the 19th century. For this short track, Kailash Kher goes completely rustic in approach and renders with full conviction. Get ready for the 'taalis' and 'seetis' in the auditoriums when this number heralds the beginning of an Aamir Khan movie after an endless wait for years.

Kailash sings two more versions of this track - 'Agni' and 'Aatma'[with Sukhwinder Singh]. The rhythm and overall musical arrangements are still the same [with 'Aatma' being a slower version] but the lyrics are different. With the look of things one assumes that all these three versions would be picturised on the same set of men atop an elephant at different situations in the movie, hence taking the story forward.

In the first ever 'mujra' of her career, Rani Mukherjee appears in 'Main Vari Vari', a highly rhythmic track that is easy on ears and extremely foot tapping. Set as a 'private mujra' for the Englishmen during their rule, it is sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy and Reena Bharadwaj. Kavita, who is heard lesser and lesser these years, is good yet again in this 'mujra' that is choreographed more as a mischievous track rather than a class appealing one, a la 'Umrao Jaan'. Tantalizing and inviting, this track brings to screen yet another facet of Rani Mukherjee!

The opening music of 'Holi Re' appears to be an amalgamation of the base rhythm from the title songs of Rehman's own 'Daud' and Shankar Ehsaan Loy's 'Bunty Aur Babli'. Since the base color of the movie is 'yellow', the holi in this track too primarily revolves around the yellow color, unlike more traditional red and green. The song is picturised well but it doesn't appear to be of the kind that would add on to the list of most memorable holi tracks ever churned in Bollywood. Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Srinivas and Chinmaye sing the number with Aamir Khan too chipping in a little intermittently.

An item song set in the 19th century! Well don't be surprised as this is what you get in 'Rasiya', a song of 'seduction, love and wait' choreographed as a 'banjara' song on two women who leave nothing to imagination. Richa Sharma and Bonnie Chakraborty render this medium paced number that also has passing shots of passion getting ignited between Toby Stephens and Amisha Patel while Rani Mukerjee is shown dancing and falling all out in love in her own private world. All this while Aamir Khan looks on the dance while letting his hair down and joining the proceedings towards the end. Surprisingly, it is one of the most lukewarm tracks ever by Rehman as it neither excites, nor titillates with the visuals too being just about passable.

This world is a 'bazaar' where you have everything for a 'price'. This is the theme of the philosophical track 'Takey Takey', a brilliantly written song by Javed Akhtar saab that is sung with a punch by Sukhwinder Singh. There is an emphasis on the terms 'Takey Takey' throughout the song hence emphasizing on the fact that everything from friends to honesty to righteous virtues are available for just a 'taka'! Kailash Kher and Kartick Das Baul join in this rhythmic fast paced number set in the outdoors, but it is Sukhwinder who walks away with all the honors.

A.R.Rehman, Kailash Kher, Murtaza and Kadir get together for 'Al Maddath Maula', a situational track set in a mosque. While the track is on, Aamir Khan along with some other characters are shown exchanging glances with each other as if preparing to execute a plan. In the movie's narrative, it may sound exciting but as a standalone devotional track, it is hardly of a kind that one would want to play repeatedly either at home or on drive.

A different album by all means due to the demand of the subject, it obviously didn't require any love songs or any other typical situations that form the basis for a Bollywood music album. 'Main Vari Vari' is the only track that caters to all segments of audiences and hence succeeds the most. 'Takey Takey' is another track that could get popular, mainly with children. Rest of the numbers are mainly situational tracks that should take the story forward, but do not appear exciting enough while being just played on. Effort of A.R.Rehman and Javed Akhtar saab shows in each and every note and word, but the tracks are of the kind that appeal more with the visuals.

With just about four weeks to go before the movie hits the screens, extensive promotion of the album would be required to notch up good sales figures that otherwise appear only average for now.

Low-Carbohydrate Diets

2005-07-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Low-Carbohydrate Diets

Doesn’t it seem like everyone is on a low-carb diet?

Contrary to current recommendations by the American Dietetic Association, the U.S. Surgeon General, and the American Medical Association encouraging people to eat a diet based on the Food Guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, low-carbohydrate diets seem to be the latest dieting fad. What’s this all about?

There is no magic number of carbohydrates that qualify a diet as “low-carb.” That’s because the effect of consuming a very low amount of carbohydrates is specific to an individual. Many diets that are very low in carbohydrates may accelerate weight loss through ketosis, the process in which the body breaks down its fat stores to fuel the activities of everyday living. But what’s sacrificed is a ready source of fuel your body needs to function, like the fuel in your car. When you limit your intake of carbohydrates, your body turns to fat stores as an alternative fuel source.

One of the greatest challenges I face when I counsel people interested in low-carb diets is cutting through the hype in countless books and magazines that tout customized diet plans. Though these diets can be effective in producing short-term weight loss, there is very little research that suggests to us that any of these custom plans will actually work for long-term weight maintenance and health.

Here’s what we do know from research: Eating a lot of fat and limiting carbohydrates will increase the fat in the bloodstream, often building to levels that are considered harmful. We also know that high-fat diets have been linked to increased incidence of heart disease and cancer and that diets high in protein can cause the body to lose calcium, which increases the risk for osteoporosis.

Is there a nutritional place for low-carbohydrate diets?

Until we have an opportunity to study the long-term effects of limiting carbohydrates in the diet, the best advice for people who choose to follow a carbohydrate-limiting diet is to do so under the supervision of a physician and registered dietitian who can closely monitor the short- and long-term health effects. This is one situation where I recommend getting the help of the professionals and not doing it yourself!

Ghazal Maestro Ghulam Ali Sings for Bekaraar

2005-07-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Ghazal Maestro Ghulam Ali Sings for Bekaraar

It's friendly breeze blowing between India and Pakistan. Building up the relationship further, the veteran ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali from Pakistan has been specially roped in to sing an original ghazal for the forthcoming flick, 'Bekaraar - Restless in Love'.

This is the first time in the history of Hindi cinema that Ghulam Ali has rendered an original ghazal number with original lyrics by Irshad Kameel and original composition by the duo of Nikhil-Vinay. Earlier he has intoned many songs for Bollywood flicks most recent being 'Teri Yaad Yaad' for Boney Kapoor's 'Bewafaa'.

Safdar Abbas directs this enterprise. Produced by SB Rana, the movie stars Meghna Naidu, Shawar Ali and Irfan Mir in the lead. The movie is 85 percent complete and is slated for this August release.

Traveling with arthritis: Plan, pack and enjoy

2005-07-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Traveling with arthritis: Plan, pack and enjoy

Carrying luggage, changing planes and walking long distances are hassles that most travelers must face. If you have arthritis, inflamed joints can turn these minor inconveniences into painful struggles. But arthritis doesn't have to keep you at home.

Choosing appropriate destinations, activities and modes of transportation can make a big difference in your ability to travel free from some of the painful pitfalls of arthritis. Use this article as a guide to help you research and prepare for your next trip.

Plan your trip: Tips to get started
As you prepare for your trip, keep the following points in mind:
Do research. Seek out travel resources and destinations that accommodate people with mobility restrictions. Many travel guides are written for travelers with disabilities and often can be found in the travel section of bookstores. The Internet is another valuable resource.
Be realistic. Plan activities that are within your capabilities. Rock climbing may be too strenuous for aching joints. A mountaintop helicopter excursion or tram ride, though, can allow you to enjoy the same views with less stress on your body.

Get advice. Talk to people with arthritis who have taken similar trips. They likely have tips and recommendations.
Stay flexible. Consider how you might spend time alone if your travel companions plan strenuous activities or extensive sightseeing.
Pace yourself. If you're accustomed to having a rest period during the day, schedule one into your daily travel itinerary. Taking time to rest may be the most important ingredient for a satisfying trip.

Consider professional services
You don't need to have all of the answers when it comes to planning your trip. Travel professionals can help. Consider the services of:
Travel agents. Travel agents can help you find accommodations that meet any needs you have. They also can tell you about tours designed for people with mobility limitations. To select a travel agent, ask friends and relatives for referrals. Or call travel agencies and ask about their experience in arranging trips for travelers with arthritis.

Group tour operators. Tour operators often combine several travel components — such as airfare, hotel accommodations and ground transportation — into one package. Purchasing a package may cost less than if you purchase each of the components separately. If you have arthritis, you may find group tours convenient and enjoyable. Hotel arrangements are generally handled for you, as are your bags, meals and transportation. And you may find yourself traveling with individuals who have similar levels of mobility.

Insurance agents. In case of an emergency, consider buying trip insurance, including health insurance and medical evacuation insurance.
Review your medical insurance coverage before you go. Insurance policies sometimes cover costs of medical illness while you're away from home — including return travel if you become ill. But many plans don't offer this coverage. Also, your policy may not cover claims relating to pre-existing conditions such as arthritis.
Some hotels and airlines refund your money if you become ill. You typically need to send a doctor's statement along with your refund request. Still, consider buying trip-cancellation insurance for costly trips.

Travel insurance policies may be available from your travel agent or tour operator.
Your doctor. Talk to your doctor about preventive and self-help procedures that are specific to your condition. These may include protective clothing if you're sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive), topical agents to treat sore muscles or plastic bags to make ice packs.

Choose suitable accommodations
Getting a good night's sleep can help to control your pain, and it gives your body a chance to prepare for the next day's adventures. So where you sleep at night is important. Specify what you require, and do so well in advance. Get written confirmation of any special arrangements, such as a wheelchair-accessible room or a room that's on the ground floor or close to an elevator.

You may want to ask:

How close you'll be to a convention center, restaurant, pool or beach
Where the elevators are located
Whether bathrooms have handrails
Whether the hotel shuttle accommodates someone with physical limitations
Whether the doors and faucets have levers instead of hard-to-grasp knobs
Whether laundry and room services are available
Whether the hotel has handicapped parking, fire exits and access ramps
Whether porters and taxicabs will be available
Whether the hotel offers amenities and services, such as tours in vans that are accessible to people with wheelchairs and walkers, heating pads for unexpected flares of joint or muscle pain, and in-house whirlpools

Remember that you're not limited to the major hotel chains. An increasing number of bed-and-breakfasts, inns and other alternative accommodations host travelers with physical limitations.

Pack appropriately
There's a fine line between bringing what you need to be comfortable and lugging around too many bags. Follow these guidelines as you decide what to pack:

Pack light. It's a good rule for any traveler, but this can be especially important if you have arthritis. Carrying heavy luggage can put extra stress on your joints.

Use comfortable luggage. Use lightweight luggage with wheels or with shoulder straps that can be placed across your chest to better distribute the weight. In airports and train stations, use luggage carts to transport your bags. Fanny packs, backpacks or bags with straps that can be worn across the chest are good for day trips.

Include commonly used aids. Pack devices you use regularly, such as raised toilet seats, long-handled reachers or heating pads. If you have electrical appliances or aids and are traveling to a foreign country, you may need to pack a special plug or voltage adapter.

Consider the weather. Always check the climate of your destination to decide what types of clothing are most appropriate. Anything that can be layered allows you to adapt easily to weather changes. Pack loosefitting clothing for maximum freedom of movement. For warm weather destinations, include sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Be sure to take comfortable shoes. Limiting your packing to clothing that is appropriate for the local conditions saves space and keeps you comfortable.

Manage your medications
Losing or running out of your medications can decrease your ability to control your symptoms and may increase the pain you experience. Follow these guidelines:
Pack more than enough medications to last throughout your trip, and carry them in their original, labeled containers in case your bags are searched.
Transport medicines in carry-on luggage in case you're separated from your checked bags. Or pack duplicates in your luggage.
Ask train or airline personnel to refrigerate medications that need to be kept cool. Another option is to carry medications in a vacuum flask or similar container.

To ensure that you can replace lost or delayed medications as quickly and easily as possible, bring the following information:

Copies of your prescriptions
Your doctor's name and telephone and fax numbers
A summary of your medical history
A list of your medications
Leave a copy of this information with a friend or relative in case your bags are stolen or misplaced. If you have other medical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace. This can help ensure that you receive proper medical treatment even if you're unconscious.

Select your transportation
Planes, trains and automobiles — as well as buses and ships — can all be enjoyable ways to travel. Take these steps to further enhance your trip:

State your needs. When making your reservations, let the booking agent know about any special needs you have. Consider your diet and seating preferences. For example, you may have an easier time getting in and out of an aisle seat, and bulkhead seats may have more legroom. Make sure that your chosen mode of transportation is accessible for you and any assistive devices you may use. Also ask about storage capacity for medical equipment. Make your reservations as far in advance as you can when requesting special arrangements, as some services — such as accessible sleeping accommodations — may be in limited supply.

Ask for help. If getting around is difficult, request a wheelchair or other terminal transport, such as a shuttle at an airport. Protect your joints by asking others to help you with your baggage. Ask porters and taxicab drivers to carry your luggage whenever possible. At the airport, check your bags at the curb. Consider carrying small bills for tipping people who assist you. When possible, check your luggage through to your final destination so that you won't have to carry it as much.

Consider assistive devices. Traveling often involves waiting in long lines. If standing for long periods of time is difficult for you, try using a rolling walker or a cane that has a folding seat attached.

Plan your meals. Pack a light snack to save yourself a trip to the dining car when traveling by train or the need to get off the bus at food stops. Airlines and cruise ships may be able to accommodate special diets.

Travel during off-peak times. Consider scheduling trips during midweek, when fewer people travel. For airlines, peak travel times to avoid include morning and afternoon flights. Fewer passengers can result in more space and time for you to move about. Also avoid trips with multiple transfers.

Keep moving. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, prevent stiff joints by stretching and walking periodically throughout your journey.

Various modes of transportation have specific advantages and occasional challenges for travelers with disabilities. Explore your options to find the best mode for you.

Airplane
With the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines and terminals in the United States became far friendlier for people with arthritis. The rules offer benefits including terminal parking that's accessible to those with disabilities, restrooms that are accessible to those who use wheelchairs and other assistive devices, and more time to board. However, it's still a good idea to allow plenty of time to get through the airport. Other tips include:

Travel direct. Book nonstop direct flights to avoid having to transfer planes. If you have to take connecting flights, plan enough time to travel between gates.

Take your time. Request pre-boarding if you need extra time to get on the plane.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, most U.S. airports have increased security measures. Changes such as parking restrictions and increased security searches may cause some additional challenges if you use a wheelchair or other assistive devices. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can help to ensure that your trip proceeds smoothly.

Train
Trains provide another good transportation option. In the U.S., Amtrak offers special assistance and reduced fares for passengers with disabilities. Ask about complimentary porter (redcap) service at major stations. Porters can help you carry your bags, find the correct platform and assist you on and off the train. Tipping is up to you.

Bus
Bus travel has become easier. Some cities have modified their terminals to make them more accessible to people with disabilities. Changes include convenient restrooms, additional seats and handrails.
Most bus aisles aren't wide enough for wheelchairs. If you use a wheelchair or have trouble using stairs, make arrangements with customer service. Ask for help in getting on and off the bus.

Automobile
Car travel allows the most freedom. You can stop whenever you want. You have more room to stretch out. And you can bring anything that fits in, on or behind your vehicle. Remember these tips:

Park conveniently. Bring your handicapped parking permit, if you have one.
Be prepared. Keep medications, water, snacks, maps, an emergency kit and first-aid supplies in the vehicle.
Treat yourself. When renting, ask for amenities that make driving more comfortable and easier on your joints. These include power steering, power brakes and windows, cruise control, lift-up door handles, power side-view mirrors on both sides and an easily reachable ignition. To rent a car with special features, reserve your vehicle in advance.

Ship
You may find cruise travel particularly relaxing. Passageways, doorways and elevators are often wider than they used to be. Accessible staterooms for wheelchair travelers have been added. Additional tips include:

Look before you book. Before booking with a particular cruise line, ask plenty of questions about the ship's design and whether it's accessible for people with disabilities. Make sure the ship can meet your needs.

Plan to relax. If you anticipate difficulty in getting on and off the ship, book a cruise with fewer stops. Or plan to stay onboard and soak up the ship's ambience while others go ashore.

No matter where you're headed, whether it's New England or New Zealand, plan ahead to ensure your health and well-being. When you've done your homework, you can relax.

Mealtime Matters, Revisited

2005-07-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Mealtime Matters, Revisited

Two weeks ago I wrote about the importance of making mealtimes matter for child development and improving family nutrition. But what about for adults, generally? Is there research showing that adults benefit when they limit their eating on the run?

There is less research discussing the importance of structured mealtimes on adult behaviors and nutrition, but there are some things that we know and can apply. Here are a number of reasons why family mealtimes matter at any age:

If we eat in front of the television, we tend to eat in greater quantities and more rapidly than if we were seated at a table with others in a social mealtime environment.

When we eat on the run, we don’t always make healthy selections. Convenience foods are not always healthy foods and frequently contain more fat, more calories, and more simple sugars.
When we eat on the run, we cannot always pay as much attention to portion control as we would like. It’s easy to stand in the kitchen, eat several cookies out of the box, and not realize how much you have eaten.

Eating on the run may cause us to have less regard for food safety and hand-washing. When you gulp your burger after going through the drive-in and exchanging money, do you have an opportunity to wash your hands before eating?

So my message to you is that we should all be paying closer attention to the foods we eat and where we eat them. In today’s environment, we’re all challenged to make time for traditional meals. It’s OK to eat on the run, but you need to pay attention to your food selections, food safety, and making your mealtimes matter to you!

PREVIEW - BARSAAT

2005-07-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Barsaat

"Barsaat" is the sublime love story of three young people caught in a vortex of love they have no control over. Their love story is like the rain… unpredictable yet welcome, torrential yet life giving.

"Barsaat" is the story of Arav (Bobby Deol) who is ambitious enough to leave home and hearth to seek his fortune abroad but sentimental enough to drop everything and rush back on hearing his father is unwell."Barsaat" is the story of Kajal (Priyanka Chopra) who believes that love is a gentle shower of emotions. Her love is about cashing the rainbows of memories and she knows that her faith in love will stand the test of time.

"Barsaat" is the story of Anna (Bipasha Basu) who believes that love strikes like lightning. Her love is a sudden and passionate downpour that she knows will carry away all obstacles that come in the way.

And however overcast the skies may be there is always the hope of finding a rainbow beyond the clouds. That's what Arav, Anna and Kajal must believe in. For that's what will see them through the stormiest of circumstances... their belief and faith that sunshine and happiness lie on the other side of the darkest of nights.

REVIEW - MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA

2005-07-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya

With MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, David Dhawan decided to turn a new leaf. He decided to reinvent the formula that was the hallmark of his movies for almost two decades. MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI looked more colorful, it had style and attitude, the actors were made to look ultra-glamorous, the packaging was just perfect…The essence of David Dhawan films, however, continued to remain the same: Entertainment, minus double-entendres.Riding high on the success of MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, DD now attempts yet another light entertainer that is targeted at the common man, with tremendous appeal not just for the youth but also for the family audiences. Like all DD films, MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA throws logic to the winds. So, when you saunter into a movieplex screening MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA, make sure you leave your thinking caps back at home.

Love triangles have always fascinated DD and MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA is no exception. This one also revolves around two women falling in love with one man, but it borrows heavily from a hit Broadway play, which director Gene Saks adapted brilliantly on the big screen and called it CACTUS FLOWER [1969; starring Walter Matthau, Goldie Hawn, Ingrid Bergman].MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA is high on substance and more importantly, very high on entertainment. You expect to watch a breezy entertainer in those 2.15 hours, a film that doesn't test your intelligence and sure, the film lives up to the expectations.

Comedy is serious business. The moviegoer has to laugh at the right places and situations and DD has mastered the art over and over again. In a nutshell, MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA is a chill pill, a film that puts a smile on your face and yes, paisa vasool entertainment at its best!There's no doctor like Samir [Salman Khan]. He mends broken bones, but there's no remedy for the hearts he breaks. That's because this orthopaedic surgeon just can't resist women. Neither can women stay away from this charming casanova.But there's one exception: His work-obsessed, dutiful nurse Naina [Sushmita Sen].She has no life except the doctor's clinic and she's always busy making sure that the doctor keeps his appointments with his many patients and his as many girlfriends.To make sure none of his affairs become serious, Dr. Samir has one instant cure. He tells all his besotted girlfriends that he is already married. Most of them swallow this bitter dose and leave him alone.But there's one exception: His latest love Sonia [Katrina Kaif]. She is beautiful, bright and sensitive. Samir is finally in love and tells her he wants to marry her. But she has one condition: She will marry him only after she has met his wife! Now Samir is stuck. Because he has no wife!To make his lie true, Samir has to tell one more lie. Then another. And yet another… Helping Samir cover the truth with his lies is the reluctant but loyal Naina. Helping Sonia discover the truth behind the lies is her besotted neighbor Pyaare [Sohail Khan].Into this jamboree drops Samir's mom [Bina Kak], who slaps before speaking and Samir's best friend Vicky [Arshad Warsi] and his fake patient Thapa [Rajpal Yadav], who have their own lies to protect.DD has always chosen actors who've a flair for comedy, their timing is bang-on and MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA gets it right in that department.

The Salman-DD magic, starting with JUDWAA, right till MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, is on display in MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA as well. Sushmita, Sohail, Katrina, Arshad, Bina Kak… everyone lets their hair down and combine their energies for this joyride.A love triangle is a much-used-and-abused genre in Bollywood, but DD and screenplay writer Rumi Jafry rise to the occasion to assure you laughter unlimited. A few sequences involving Salman, Katrina and Sohail as well as those involving Salman, Sush and Arshad are truly hilarious.But that doesn't mean that the film is devoid of loose ends. The post-interval portions are very lengthy and the promise evident in the first half gets diluted in the next one hour. Also, the pace slackens in the post-interval portions. The editor could've used the scissors far more judiciously and trimming the film would've only helped. Even the writing in the second half could've been better! David Dhawan keeps the interests of the masses in mind and that's pretty evident this time as well. For any light entertainer to strike a chord, it ought to be laced with gags and punches and most importantly, actors who can carry off the characters with élan.

MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA has enough rib-tickling moments that can really drive you nuts and the pacing is so fast generally, it doesn't leave room for the moviegoer to blink an eyelid.Himesh Reshammiya's music is in keeping with the mood of the film. 'Just Chill', 'Laga Prem Rog' and 'Dil Di Nazar' are peppy numbers that have been promoted extensively and also look good on screen. The choreography of 'Just Chill' and 'Laga Prem Rog' in particular is very energetic. The film bears a striking look throughout, courtesy Vikas Shivraman's cinematography. A film of this genre relies heavily on wit and humor and the repartees/witty retorts [dialogues: Sanjay Chhel] are superb.MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA is a Salman Khan film all the way. The good looking actor has specialized at aimed-at-gallery roles and his performance plus charisma is what makes the goings-on so pleasurable.

Besides, the terrific rapport that DD and Salman share translates beautifully on the big screen.Sohail Khan is back and how! MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA showcases the youngest Khan's talent to the optimum and as the nosey Pyaare, he is truly pyaara. He tends to go over the top at places, but that's what the film demands! Sushmita Sen is so perfect, so natural and yes, eye-candy for those looking for the glamour quotient. Katrina Kaif is a complete revelation. The pretty lass, who showed improvement in SARKAR two weeks ago, finally gets the right role to showcase her talent. Arshad Warsi is a major force to reckon with when it comes to comic roles and under DD's direction, the actor explodes big time. He is simply superb! Isha Koppikar gets no scope. Rajpal Yadav isn't in form this time. Bina Kak, as Salman's brash mother, is another actor to watch. She excels! Arbaaz Khan is there for just one scene in the penultimate reel.

On the whole, MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA is a breezy entertainer that will keep the viewers smiling, which in turn will make its distributors laugh all the way to the bank!

The Non-Diet Approach to Healthy Living

2005-07-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

The Non-Diet Approach to Healthy Living

Are you a lifelong dieter? Do you restrict food from your diet because you want to be healthier? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be interested to know that researchers at the University of California, Davis have just found that a healthy lifestyle is better for individual health than food restriction.

In the study, participants were evaluated for improvements in a number of areas, including blood pressure, depression, physical activity, and weight. Researchers found that the participants who were told to focus less on what they ate and more on how they felt had better long-term outcomes. For example, the non-dieting participants almost quadrupled their moderate physical activity by the end of the study, in contrast to the dieting participants, who had an initial improvement in activity levels but were back to baseline by the study’s conclusion. Similarly, both groups demonstrated blood pressure improvements at first, but only the non-dieters were able to sustain the improvements through total lifestyle modification.

This is only one study, but based on its results you should be able to improve your overall health and risk of future health problems such as diabetes and stroke without dieting. The keys are to learn to recognize and follow your internal hunger cues, to follow guidelines for healthy food choices, to increase your physical activity levels, and to worry less about shape and size.

Healthy Meals for a Hectic Lifestyle

2005-07-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

Healthy Meals for a Hectic Lifestyle

As a busy mother and wife, I am frequently guilty of taking the easy way out. Between a demanding job, volunteer activities, and taking care of my family, healthy, home-cooked meals have become a low priority. Did you know there are now a large number of products in the grocery store that are not only timesavers but also healthy options?
In the produce section look for fruits that have been cleaned and cut. Many grocery stores sell fruit that’s been cut, cleaned, and is ready to serve. You can enjoy a healthy fruit salad without all the work.

In the produce section look for prewashed and precut vegetables. There are many timesavers available such as beans that are washed and ready to microwave in the packaging. One of my family’s favorites is the triple-prewashed spinach.
Consider how you can incorporate items such as precooked chicken and turkey slices. These poultry items are now available with an array of seasonings and are great additions to salads and stir-fried or pasta dishes.

Look in the freezer section for items like fish fillets that are marinated and precooked. All you have to do is heat and serve with some fresh vegetables.

These are just a few examples of healthier selections that aren’t always a lot of work. Though some of these products may cost a little extra, or you may need to shop at a different store to find many of these convenience items, this busy wife and mother thinks it is well worth it!

Vegetarian Diets

2005-07-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian Diets

Have you or someone in your family been trying to follow a vegetarian diet? Well, you may be interested to learn that vegetarian diets are an increasing trend among American teenagers and college students. It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that vegetarian diets are “healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits” if they are well planned.

All vegetarian diets exclude all forms of meat, poultry, and fish but include grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, and nuts as the basis of the diet. Varying restrictions on other foods characterize different types of vegetarian diets. The least restrictive vegetarian diet is the lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which also allows consumption of milk, dairy products, and eggs. The next least restrictive is the lacto-vegetarian diet, which permits consumption of milk and other dairy foods. Finally, the most restrictive vegetarian diet is a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including eggs and dairy products.

Many of the health claims associated with vegetarian diets stem from the reduction or elimination of animal products from the diet, thus reducing saturated fats and cholesterol. In addition, the abundance of plants in all types of vegetarian diets provides many benefits. But what are the challenges that face vegetarians, especially vegans, in making sure their diet is balanced and nutritionally adequate?

Make sure you eat enough protein. The protein found in plants is a lower “quality” protein than the protein found in animal products. As long as your diet is varied, plant sources alone can provide an adequate amount of protein.

Make sure your calcium consumption meets the recommended daily intake. This can be achieved through consuming calcium-rich plant foods or calcium-fortified foods. Examples of calcium-rich plant foods include navy beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans.
In conjunction with calcium, monitor your vitamin D intake closely. The best sources of vitamin D are fortified foods such as cereals, cow’s milk, some kinds of soymilk, and margarine. You can also get vitamin D by exposure to sunlight.
Iron is abundant in meat, and it may be difficult for vegetarians to consume enough iron in their diets. Good sources of iron in the vegetarian diet are soybeans and soy products, navy beans, pinto beans, and lentils.

Finally, because vitamin B12 is found most commonly in animal foods, it is challenging to ensure adequate intake in all vegetarians. Lacto- and lacto-ovo-vegetarians may be able to consume enough B12 as part of their daily diet, but taking a B12 supplement is frequently recommended to those on a vegan diet.

If you are trying to follow a vegetarian diet, you should eat a wide variety of foods from different food groups. Vegetarians also should stay on the lookout for many of the new convenience foods and meat substitutes that target the vegetarian consumer and are now available in grocery stores. These foods are usually fortified to complement a healthy balanced diet.

'Will U B My Jodha?'

2005-07-14T03:05:00.000-07:00

'Will U B My Jodha?'

this is how Ashutosh offered Ash 'Jodha-Akbar'. Ever noticed, Aishwarya is always a tad bit partial to scripts and characters that are ingrained in Indian values and ethos. Be it Bhansali's extravaganza, Devdas or Ritu's Chokher Bali from the bygone era, the actress has her loyalties there. She has also signaled Rajkumar's ambitious venture, 'Prithviraj-Samyukta' as well as J P Dutta's biopic on Maharani Gayatri Devi.So when Ashutosh Gowarikar thought of the epic 'Jodha-Akbar' for this forthcoming film, he didn't have to try too hard. All he had to do was to dash across an SMS to Ash, 'Will U B My Jodha?' Pat came the reply, 'Yes, I will' accompanied by a smiley. So if Ash is all set to play the defiant and volatile Jodha, Hrithik will be seen playing 'Akbar'. The only time the two were seen together was in a Coke commercial. Now that Ashutosh has managed the coup, the awesome twosome will also be seen in Yashraj's Dhoom II. Backtracking to 'Jodha-Akbar', cynics are already rolling eyes at the spate of epics & historical that Ash has under her wing, hinting that such a bulk signup could hurt her performance. Aishwarya not being the one to be perturbed, retorts, “What is this spate that people are talking about? I agree that they have similar ambience as they are drawn from history. But that's where the sameness ends. Every single film I am doing has a unique story to tell and the looks are just as distinct. I know my films better than anybody else, think media should respect that” she volleys back.

Aamir sings for The Rising

2005-07-14T02:57:00.000-07:00

Aamir sings for The Rising

After rendering his vocal chords and making an anthem out of 'aye kya bolti tu', Mr. Perfectionist Khan does it again. In The Rising, we hear this Mangal Pandey sing a Holi song, titled Holi Re along with Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Srinivas and Chinmaye. Whether he is a part of the full-fledged song or just the prelude is yet to be confirmed.

National honours pour on Bollywood

2005-07-14T02:47:00.000-07:00

National honours pour on Bollywood

The annual National Film Awards have been announced today.

The honour of Best Actor goes to Saif Ali Khan for last year's superhit Hum Tum.

Madhur Bhandarkar's critically acclaimed and first superhit film of 2005, Page 3, starring Konkona Sen-Sharma, won the Best Film Award.

Rituparno Ghosh's Raincoat won the Best Feature Film in Hindi award.

While, Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara shared the Most Popular Film award with Tamil superhit, Autograph.

Shyam Benegal's Bose: The Forgotten Hero bagged the Nargis Dutt Award for National Integration.

Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades won Udit Narayan

The Best Male Playback singer award for his song, Yeh tara. It also won Mahesh Aney the Best Cinematographer's award.

Sahil divorces Negar

2005-07-14T02:36:00.000-07:00

Sahil divorces Negar

Actor Sahil Khan and his Norwegian wife Negar Khan have been in news ever since Negar has been deported in February. Many surprises came in during that incident, one was the fact that the couple had actually married in September 2004. It's hardly been a year to the marriage; the couple has decided on a mutual divorce. A lot of factors have lead Sahil to file for divorce. The main thing, emphasizes the actor, is the cultural difference between the two. Secondly, the distance is affecting their relationship. Sahil is also upset with the recent topless pictures of Negar that have been splashed over the world media. He isn't sure whether the fashion show fiasco was a mistake or a publicity stunt. “I cannot stand my wife being shown naked in public”, says an infuriated Sahil. The marriage according to Sahil is also affected due to Negar's mom's constant interference in the relationship.

REVIEW - FAREB

2005-07-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

Fareb

First AITRAAZ. Then ZEHER. Now FAREB. Love triangles and relationships in Hindi cinema have become bolder and volatile. The third angle in the triangle [woman] is not the type to take things lying down. She's not sugar-coated or docile anymore, but spits acid and breathes fire if provoked.FAREB is not just a love triangle, revolving around a man torn between love [wife] and lust [the other woman], but also a murder mystery. And the women in this story go to extremes to get the man they desire.After OOPS! [based on the life of strippers] and KHAMOSHH - KHAUFF KI RAAT [a slasher film], Deepak Tijori attempts FAREB, thereby emphasizing on the fact that he's ready to experiment with diverse genres. If Tijori showed a flair for treading the uncharted path in OOPS!, but went wrong in KHAMOSHH, he gets it right in his third attempt, FAREB.Not that FAREB is path-breaking cinema. In fact, FAREB is too ordinary a fare as far as the script is concerned, but it's Tijori's execution that holds your interest at several points in the film.In a nutshell, FAREB could've been a thoroughly engrossing fare, but the script curtails its prospects to a major extent.

Aditya [Manoj Bajpai] works as a creative director in an advertising agency. His wife Neha [Shilpa Shetty], a medical practitioner, is devoted to her husband and kid.Riya [Shamita Shetty] was married to a corporate honcho [Bakul Thakker], who happened to be a client of Aditya's ad-agency. Riya and Aditya meet at a presentation and she gets attracted to him. Riya is completely smitten by Aditya and tries to seduce him time and again. He spurns her initially, but succumbs to her charms eventually. This leads to a rift between Aditya and Neha.And then the unthinkable happens: Riya is murdered. The needle of suspicion points towards Aditya and being the prime suspect, the cops [Kelly Dorji, Hemant Pande] arrest him. Someone is also watching Aditya and blackmailing him for his affair with Riya. Who killed Riya?FAREB isn't an original subject. A theme like this has been witnessed with regularity in Bollywood. A dash of AITRAAZ [Shamita's characterization is similar to Priyanka's], a bit of ZEHER [sexcapades outside marriage] and a tinge of BEZUBAAN [the blackmailer angle] -- mix them, shake them and FAREB is ready to be served.From the writing point of view, screenplay writers Brijesh Jayarajan and Girish Dhamija open the cards at the very outset. A happily-married couple, a young entrepreneur who has just lost her husband, the woman seducing the man she wants to possess, the blackmailer, the rift between husband-wife... So much is packed in the first hour. While Tijori handles the plot convincingly, the pace slows down time and again in this half. The slow pacing can still be overlooked thanks to the twists and turns in the story, which genuinely keep you involved. The intermission point, when Manoj and Shamita have an ugly confrontation, only raises the expectations from the second half.But problems seep in during the post-interval portions…The story becomes one of those routine murder-mysteries in this half. From the motive and identity of the blackmailer to the actual culprit in the finale, the sequence of events that lead to the climax are plain mediocre. The identity of the killer does come as a surprise, but not as a jolt. That nail-biting finish is clearly lacking here!

Deepak Tijori takes two steps forward as a storyteller. He gets the grammar of film-making right this time, but the writers don't match up to his enthusiasm. Tijori has also filmed a few sequences with flourish. The courtroom sequence for instance, when Manoj bears his heart out, is well executed. Also, the sequences between Manoj and Shamita, from the time they meet to the spat at the interval point, remain with you.Writers Brijesh Jayarajan and Girish Dhamija could've thought of a far more imaginative and innovative way to take the story to the finale. Anu Malik's music is in sync with the film and thankfully, the songs don't pop up every fifteen minutes. 'Pehle Se Ab Woh Din Hain' and 'Barasja Ae Badal Barasja' [two versions, at the start and end credits] are tracks that come easy on your lips. Cinematography [Manoj Soni] is of standard. Dialogues [Girish Dhamija] are okay. Editing [Asif Khan] could've been sharper.Manoj Bajpai handles his role with amazing ease. He is superb in two sequences mainly, his angry outburst [with Shamita] and the courtroom sequence in the pre-climax. Shilpa Shetty maintains the studied silence part with grace and maturity. Shamita Shetty is getting better with every film. First ZEHER and now FAREB, she has evolved into a fine actor. Also, she exhibits her anatomy without any inhibitions. Kelly Dorji is expressionless. Milind Gunaji and Parmeet Sethi are okay.On the whole, FAREB is an average fare. At the box-office, the not-too-happening star cast coupled with ordinary merits and a super-strong opposition [DUS] will result in FAREB going unnoticed.

REVIEW - MATRUBHOOMI

2005-07-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Matrubhoomi - A Nation Without Women

Cinema is an extremely powerful medium. And certain films can really change the way you cogitate about an issue. Manisha Jha's directorial debut MATRUBHOOMI - A NATION WITHOUT WOMEN is one such film.The issue that this film tackles evokes a wide variety of emotions at the same time -- anger, rage, antipathy, disgust, abhorrence, revulsion, anxiety…In a nutshell, MATRUBHOOMI will come across as a shocker to those traditional Indian audiences who have grown up on the staple diet of sugar-coated romances and feel-good/sunshine/escapist cinema. You ought to have a strong stomach to absorb a film like MATRUBHOOMI.MATRUBHOOMI explores a futuristic rural India wherein due to rampant female infanticide, women are practically extinct. In fact, the villagers are so frustrated that they are ready to give dowry to the girls' parents -- a custom that is in sharp contrast to the existing norms.A village priest [Piyush Mishra] sets his eyes on a girl [Tulip Joshi, who was introduced in Yash Chopra's MERE YAAR KI SHAADI HAI] and gets a marriage proposal from an affluent family for her. The girl's father agrees -- he is paid Rs. 5 lacs and the girl is married off to five brothers.

The story doesn't end here…On the wedding night, the brothers divide the nights they plan to spend with their common wife, but their father [Sudhir Pandey] flares up. Reason: Since he has raised the five sons after their mother's demise and has now even paid a dowry to the girl's father, he should be included in the list. Meaning, he also wants to exercise his conjugal rights.The young girl is forced to spend night after night with her father-in-law and her five husbands.She starts getting closer to the youngest brother [Sushant Singh], the only one who treats her like a human being, much to the chagrin of the father and other brothers. The eldest brother has him killed.The hapless girl turns to her father for refuge, but the father, blinded with money, also lets her down. After her attempt to escape with the low caste servant-boy, she is clamped in iron chains in a cowshed and raped repeatedly by her family.In the meanwhile, the villagers, who hold the girl responsible for the death of the servant-boy, decide to 'avenge' the murder by raping the woman one after another. Practically the entire village rapes her one night! When she finally becomes pregnant, everyone claims paternity…Shocking though it may sound, director Manish Jha's interpretation of this story jolts the viewer. The film shakes you up completely, making you sit up to the harsh realities of life.

The performances are spellbinding. Tulip Joshi, Sudhir Pandey, Sushant Singh and Piyush Mishra top the list. Ditto for the other actors, who succeed in making the proceedings life-like.On the whole, the Indian cinegoer has witnessed escapist cinema for years now. But along side comes a film that makes you think. MATRUBHOOMI is one such film. At the box-office, the film will appeal to the thinking audience mainly. The idea to dub the film in various Indian languages will ensure its reach to the remote areas, but in the wake of tough oppositions week after week as also the fact that a film like MATRUBHOOMI may not be everyone's idea of entertainment, will limit its prospects to connoisseurs of thought-provoking cinema.

REVIEW - DUS

2005-07-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dus

Terrorists, bombs n bullets, anti-terrorist squads… Haven't we seen all this and more before? Post 9/11, film-makers across the globe have tried to depict mass-killings and atrocities by terrorist groups and how anti-terrorist squads put up a fight to diffuse the crisis.After attempting love stories in the past [TUM BIN, AAPKO PEHLE BHI KAHIN DEKHA HAI], Anubhav Sinha's third outing DUS ventures on a different path altogether. DUS is different from films of its ilk because the story takes place in a span of ten days, with the conspiracy being hatched in faraway Canada. The key conspirator plans to wreck havoc when the Indian Prime Minister undertakes a goodwill visit to Canada…An interesting idea without doubt, but interesting ideas don't necessarily translate into interesting, gripping, riveting, spellbinding 2-hour films.What could've been an exhilarating thriller, with pulse-pounding moments, ends up being a run of the mill saga, courtesy a half-baked screenplay. Terrorism is a global issue and since DUS goes beyond the shores of India, the writers could've used their imagination and packed the film with moments that would've made your jaws fall on your knees.The problem here is, every person talks about the much-dreaded terrorist [who is holed up in Canada], the terror associated with his name, his vast syndicate, his evil intentions, his nefarious activities… but when a lone member of the anti-terrorist squad corners the kingpin in the end, he comes across as a ordinary gangster, with no empire, no henchmen, no support-system to back him. So, what was this hullabaloo all about?

Director Anubhav Sinha tries to camouflage the defect [lackluster screenplay] with stylish execution, great music, hair-raising stunts, eye-filling visuals, but let's not forget that the moviegoer wants to listen to a captivating story at the end of the day. Everything else is secondary!Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Zayed Khan and Shilpa Shetty work for the anti-terrorist cell. They get to understand that a dreaded terrorist in Canada [of Indian origin] is set to wreak havoc when the Indian Prime Minister is supposed to visit Canada, killing thousands of innocent civilians in the process.Sanju instructs Abhishek and Zayed to reach Canada and thwart the mission. On their arrival, they meet Esha Deol, who is entrusted the responsibility of helping them accomplish this arduous task. Suniel Shetty, the local cop, follows them since they're driving rashly. But they're confronted by gunmen at this point and Suniel gets injured.Meanwhile, they kidnap Pankaj Kapoor, one of the henchmen of the terrorist, and try to extract information from him. And the search for the terrorist begins...DUS is modeled on the lines of a Hollywood flick. You realize you're all set to watch a slick flick at the very outset [the film begins with the stylish and snazzy 'Dus Bahane']. The sequence thereafter -- the squad diffusing a bomb placed in a vehicle -- is expertly executed. In the following sequence, the squad reveals the conspiracy when they meet the Home Minister. So far, so good! The story takes a turn when two members from the squad [Abhishek, Zayed] are assigned the responsibility of going to Canada to put a spanner to the mission. The first question that crosses your mind is, Why don't they seek help from their Canadian counterparts? If they're genuinely running out of time and when it involves the lives of 25,000 Canadians and also the Prime Minister of India, why not inform the Government of Canada so as to get on the task of nabbing the dreaded terrorist pronto?Strangely, the two guys want to reach out to the terrorist without any gameplan, without any support from the locals, without much info on the terrorist. We're told that a representative of the squad [Esha Deol] would guide them in Canada, but she doesn't really contribute in taking the story forward. On the contrary, you find Abhishek and Esha exchanging lovey-dovey looks. Hello, but aren't they on a mission?The first half of the film is racy enough, although you realize time and again that the writing could've been much better. But it's in the post-interval portions that the screenplay goes haywire. In the first place, when you've four lead characters and their love interests to look into, you automatically deviate from the core issue and divert the proceedings to romance and songs. Something similar happens here. Abhishek and Esha are attracted to each other, Suniel wants to patch up with his wife Raima, Zayed keeps thinking of Dia.Frankly, one fails to understand what really prompted writers Yash-Vinay to focus on the romantic liaisons? Only the Sanju-Shilpa love story appears convincing, otherwise the romantic sequences of the remaining three pair looks contrived. Even in the finale, when Abhishek learns of Esha's motive and confronts her, she suddenly realizes that she loves him and boards his aircraft. But minutes before their meeting, she had turned her face away from him in the stadium. Why this sudden somersault?The finale has loopholes aplenty. How does Sanju realize that the person he just confronted is the dreaded terrorist? When no one knows what he looks like, when Sanju hasn't seen his pic ever, how did he zero on the terrorist? Again, no explanations are offered, no answers are forthcoming!Anubhav Sinha has concentrated more on giving the film a slick look than narrating a gripping story and this fact reverberates at several points in the film. There's no denying that DUS bears the stamp of an upmarket product all through, but how one wishes the director and the writers would've ensured that the film has a power-packed screenplay to offer as well.Writers Yash-Vinay have chosen an interesting idea, but the screenplay backfires completely. The writing is the most glaring defect of the enterprise and the flaws just cannot be overlooked. Dialogues [Anubhav Sinha] are quite good at places. Cinematography [Vijay Arora] is outstanding.Vishal-Shekhar's music is top grade. 'Dus Bahane' and 'Deedar De' are already chartbusters and their placement is perfect. The engagement song, 'Chham Se', is also melodious. Allan Amin's stunts are electrifying. Surely, this guy can compete with the best in the West, if given opportunities. DUS has a huge star cast, but at the end of the day it's Abhishek Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt [in that order] who stand out with spirited performances. Abhishek is likeable, while Sanju lends the right maturity to his role.Suniel Shetty is okay, while Zayed Khan passes muster. Amongst girls, Shilpa Shetty is the best of the lot. Her stunt [at the start of the film] is awesome. Esha Deol wears a blank look. Dia Mirza and Raima Sen get minimal scope.Pankaj Kapoor is efficient, proving yet again that he's amongst the finest actors on the scene. Gulshan Grover gets no lines to deliver, except look ferociously at the camera.On the whole, DUS has an impressive star cast, the hit tracks ['Dus Bahane' and 'Deedar De'] and vibrant action as its trump card. But, on the flip side, the film doesn't have the content to keep you hooked to the proceedings for the next two hours. At the box-office, the film will embark on a strong start, but it doesn't have the merits to sustain after the initial curiosity subsides. The terrific start will ensure a quick, part recovery for its distributors, before it slows down.