Congress releases Jaya's letter extending support to Sonia
The Congress on Friday refuted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's claim that she had never supported Sonia Gandhi for the post of prime minister. Releasing Jayalalithaa's letter written to the then President K R Narayanan on April 21, 1999, extending support for the formation of a Congress-led government headed by Sonia Gandhi after the fall of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre, party spokesman S Jaipal Reddy said: "This document clinchingly proves that Jayalalithaa misled the nation." The letter, which he read out, said: "Consequent on the situation arising from the vote of confidence lost in the Lok Sabha by the Council of Ministers headed by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 17th April, 1999, the AIADMK [All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam] has decided to extend support to a government to be formed by the Congress-(I) led by Mrs Sonia Gandhi." Asserting that Jayalalithaa "was a novice in national politics and was an Alice in Wonderland in Delhi", the Congress spokesman said, "Her sole occupation, we all know, is a one-point programme for liberation from major criminal cases." He played down the issue of Jayalalithaa's opposition to Gandhi becoming prime minister and said: "When anybody shifts positions on a single issue so many times, the position loses its value." When asked why the party was playing down Jayalalithaa's comments, he said: "We have to fight battle on our ground. Not on your [her] ground." The party also released a copy of the resolution adopted by the AIADMK parliamentary party at its meeting on April 21, 1999, resolving to extend support to a Gandhi-led government. Asked why the party was releasing the letters, Reddy said "we wanted to expose her bluff", as two days earlier she had denied writing any letter extending support to Gandhi's candidature for prime ministership.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Head of banned Bhumihar Ranvir Sena arrested in Patna
The police in Bihar claim to have captured the chief of the banned Ranvir Sena, Brahmeswar Singh in the state capital Patna. The police had announced an award of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his capture. Additional Director General of Police (Patna Zone) Ashish Ranjan said that a three-member task force constituted by the state government raided a hotel at Exhibition Road and captured the founder of the private militia of landlords which has let loose a reign of terror. Singh is the prime accused in the November 1997 Laxmanpur Bathe massacre of 58 Dalits, the Sanker Bigha and Narayampur attacks in early 1999, in which 35 people were butchered overnight and the July 2000 Mianpur attack in which 31 people were killed. Singh, allegedly championing the cause of Bhumihars and providing protection to their lands, has also been charged with masterminding several other crimes involving killing of people belonging to oppressed section of the society. He said, "The farmers are doing their job by protecting themselves. The fight against injustice will continue." Sinha said that soon after his arrest, Singh was sent to high-security Beur Model Jail on the outskirts of the state capital. He said that the state government might consider booking Singh under Prevention of Terrorism Act. Ranvir Sena is locked in a war of attrition with the outlawed Naxal outfits People's War Group (PWG) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC). (With inputs)
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Tata Infomedia Ltd to produce Aitabaar
Corporate giant Tata Group has entered the film production sector, with its company Tata Infomedia Ltd (TIL), co-producing a big-budget movie titled Aitbaar. The film stars megastar Amitabh Bachchan and model turned actress Bipasha Basu. The shooting of the film, which is slated for a mid-2003 release, had been delayed due to financial difficulties faced by co-producer Jatin Kumar, son of noted filmmaker and actor Sujit Kumar. "We were impressed with the script and its storyline and when the opportunity to make the project arose, we quickly opted to produce it with Jatin Kumar," Tata Infomedia Vice Chairman and Managing Director H S Billimoria said. He said Aitbaar was a romantic story, which also featured model John Abraham. Popular music director Rajesh Roshan would compose the music for the film. However, the company has not disclosed the production cost of the film. Cutting Edge Entertainment, headed by Mandeep Singh, was also developing other scripts for future Tata projects and expects to have three to four films on the floor within a short period.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Infiltration rises as poll dates draw closer in J&K
With assembly elections in a few weeks, the biggest challenge for the security forces is to check infiltration in order to ensure violence free polls in Rajouri and Poonch. But the security forces say that as the election dates draw closer, infiltration levels have once again shot up. So far in August alone, about 13 infiltrators have been killed in the Mendhar sector of the Line of Control in Poonch. "They wanted to carry out some activity in and around Mendhar town to terrorize the people, so that they do not come out and vote," informs Brigadier Mahesh Errana, Mendhar. Barely two days ago the army killed seven infiltrators on the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch. These militants, linked with the Lashkar-e-tayabba and the Jaish were heavily armed. They were equipped with 107 mm rocket launcher, 18 kilograms of plastic explosive and about 40 grenades and IEDs. This is being seen as a clear attempt to disrupt the election campaign in the area. According to intelligence inputs, there are a few small training camps and Special Operational Intelligence Units (SOIU) of Pakistan, which launch these militants into the Indian side. Officials estimate that there are nine training camps opposite Rajouri and Poonch. The prominent ones being Bhimber, Mirpur, Nikial, Kotli and Hazira. These camps also have a near equal number of ISI units functional, close to them. "The infiltration will increase everyday till the elections are over. They will try their level best to ensure that the polls do not take place peacefully," says the Brigadier. Dense forest areas in Mendhar offer perfect infiltration routes for the cross border militants. And as infiltration picks up once again, the army says it is a clear indication that Pakistan is trying to reinforce militant cadres on the eve of the assembly elections.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Lone's aide to contest as independent candidate
Today was the last day for filing nominations for the first phase of elections in J&K. And in a surprise twist, a key aide of Hurriyat leader Abdul Ghani Lone quit the party to contest as an independent candidate. But his campaign would continue to lobby for independence just as Lone had. Lone's party has denied that he is a proxy candidate but in several other seats too, separatists have emerged as independent candidates. Till last night, Ghulam Moiuddin Sofi was a trusted lieutenant of slain separatist Abdul Ghani Lone. Handwara from where he became a surprise independent candidate today has been a traditional base for Lone's party, the People's Conference. And today its workers gathered in thousands to cheer on their man now pitted against a senior minister in the National Conference government. Party chief Sajjad Lone denied that Sofi was a proxy candidate and said he was no longer a member of the People's Conference. But the man himself insisted that his campaign would be defined by Lone's political agenda. Sofi said, "I'm here to promote Lone's political principles." Handwara is the same constituency in which Lone lost by just 11 votes in 1987 amidst allegations of rigging. Now his close friend has become a contestant. And while the People's Conference is officially anti-elections, it has ensured that Lone's political legacy will be promoted. Party workers were even more candid. They said that their loyalty to the lone family and even to the Hurriyat Conference would continue as before. According to Mushtaq Sofi, party worker, People's Conference, "We are not fighting against a Lone or Hurriyat Conference. We only want the National Conference out." NDTV has learnt that in four of the five assembly seats in the Kupwara belt, Lolab, Karna Handwara and Kupwara towns politicians associated with Lone's People's Conference have left to contest as independents. It's a development that could create ripples in the Hurriyat Conference. But also add excitement to an otherwise predictable election.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
STF hunt for Veerappan gains momentum
The hunt for sandalwood smuggler Veerappan appears to be gaining momentum. There are reports that the sandalwood smuggler has been spotted along with H Nagappa, the Karnataka politician who was abducted on Sunday night. New information coming in also indicates that the sandalwood smuggler may have sent a set of fresh demands in an audio- cassette. STF reportedly arrests a Veerappan informant Meanwhile, agency reports claim, that Special Task Force in Karnataka has arrested a man thought to be an informant of Veerappan. According to official reports, the STF suspects that this man might have passed on information about Nagappa's whereabouts to the Veerappan gang. The suspected man is believed to have gone to Nagappa's residence and waved at somebody on the road just minutes before the Veerappan gang stormed the house and abducted him. Hunt for Veerappan gains momentum At the Special Task Force headquarters in the Satyamangalam forest, the Tamil Nadu police chief is personally supervising efforts to locate and rescue Veerappan's newest hostage with STF Chief Walter Devaram. "Our priority is very clear and that is to try and rescue the hostage," said DGP Nailwal. The Chief Ministers of both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have appealed to the Centre for helicopters and remote-sensing equipment to assist the STF in its task, one that has got prolonged and increasingly complex. "We have sufficient equipment but if help comes we will accept it. We have already got enough number of people. The original STF is intact," Nailwal added. The governments of both states have clearly ruled out any negotiations with Veerappan, preferring instead to make a concerted and all-out effort, once again, to capture a man they first claimed to have surrounded in February this year. (With inputs)
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Item songs: Bollywood chants its latest mantra
The new trend of songs called "item numbers" act as a separate item within a movie. However, some people have a less charitable view and say these "hot items" are only used to add sex appeal to a movie. Even top actresses like Aishwarya Rai are willing to do these numbers. In Boney Kapoor's Shakti, Rai had no qualms swaying sensuously to the beat of a song to woo Shahrukh Khan though the heroine in the film was Karisma Kapoor. Actresses have been doing item numbers for some time now. Karisma Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Urmila Matondkar are among the other big names that have done cameo appearances in dance numbers. The reasons are varied. "The actresses do it for various reasons - like Mamta Kulkarni did the song in Ghatak because she was offered Santoshi's next film. Some do it for money, as big money is offered. Lastly, actresses such as Raveena, who was out of the action and did not get such good roles, came to the limelight by doing item songs like Shaher ki Ladki to hit the big times once again," said Rauf Ahmed, a film critic. But there has been a significant change. In the 60s, vamps like Helen and Bindu provided the necessary oomph to a film, while heroines restricted themselves to running around trees. Now the item song has gained respectability. "Normally, I would say an item song does not have anything to do with the film. In terms of respectability, I love doing item songs. I have got awards for item numbers. Normally, you keep in mind the character and you don't make them dance too much or the songs are situational. But item songs are the chance to let go and have a good time," said Farha Khan, a leading Bollywood choreographer. It is the change, film observer say, which began when Malaika Arora did the famous Chaiya Chaiya song. And now with pre-release publicity becoming an important aspect of film marketing, more and more filmmakers are including item songs, regardless of whether the script needs it or not. For heroines, it's good money for not much work. A top actress like Aishwarya may get Rs 50 lakh for a song, while newcomers like Isha Koppikar and Koyna Mitra a little less. It's also a great way to stay in the limelight. Shilpa Shetty is known in Bollywood as the queen of item numbers. "Try to set trends whether its tatoos or three liners in Aila Re. So every song has to be different. It's the first thing that hits the screen. Your songs are seen whether people go to theatre or not to watch the film. So there is instant popularity and secondly, it also helps in your shows," said Shetty. Sex, glamour and great music - item songs seem to have it all and though they cannot guarantee the success of the movie, today they are definitely a hit with the public.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
India's top sportsmen and women get Arjuna awards
President A P J Abdul Kalam gave away the country's most prestigious sport awards including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award at a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi today. A proud Abhinav Bindra, recipient of the highest sport award in the country--the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Award, walked up to the President in the grandiose Ashok Hall reverberated with applause from the crowd. More awardees followed as the 14 Arjuna Awards, 2 Dronacharya Awards and 3 Dhyan Chand Awards for lifetime achievements in sports were given away. For Former Basketball player and Dhyan Chand Awardee Aparna Ghosh-- it was a case of "better late than never." She said, "I do feel that I got this award a bit later because I have given up playing--I only feel that during my playing carrier if had got it, it would have motivated me to play much better to get much more laurels for the country." The award also held special significance for Dronacharya awardee Professor Sunny Thomas who was coach of the shooting team that won 24 medals, including 14 gold's, at the recently-concluded Commonwealth games. "I am really happy, immensely happy that I have got this award or in a way a reward for the outstanding achievements for my shooters," said Thomas. Among other winners was star striker Bruno Coutinho, who has donned national football colours on several occasions and remains one of India's few footballers to never have played with any of the Big clubs in Kolkata. Cricketer V V S Laxman could not receive his Arjuna Award as he is currently doing duty in England. While hockey star Dilip Tirkey's uncle received the award on his behalf.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Sachin wallops England and his critics
The world of cricket expected it! England captain Nasser Hussain anticipated it! Every Indian cricket fan simply loved it! Click here for the Related News. For Sachin Tendulkar’s 30th test century in the Headlingley test not only took him past the legendary Don Bradman, it went a long way in silencing his critics who accused the master of ducking responsibility after India’s demolition in the Lord’s test at the hands of a second string English attack. That Tendulkar was hurt could be seen in the manner he played a match against Worcestershire, blasting 169 runs. The master blaster also shared a century partnership with Rahul Dravid that helped India eek out a draw in the Trent Bridge test, scoring 92 runs. By the time he arrived at Headingley in the north of England, the master blaster was back to his regal best. Once again in the company of the reliable Dravid, he blossomed, much to the chagrin of the English skipper who had sounded a warning that no negative bowling could keep Tendulkar quiet for a long time. After adding 150 runs with his Vice-captain, Tendulkar strung togethera 249-run partnership with his skipper Sourav Ganguly, the last 89 runs coming in just 8.3 overs. The innings was important not only because Sachin passed Bradman’s record of 29 test centuries and now has only the original Little Master Sunny Gavaskar’s 34 tons to beat, it made clear to Hussain and other cricket captains around the world that no planning was good enough to rein in the master. After all, even Douglas Jardine could contain Bradman in only a couple of test matches with his bodyline tactics. Though Hussain once again got his bowlers to aim at Sachin’s rib-cage, the little master showed tremendous maturity by eschewing booming shots and simply nudged the deliveries round the corner. Moreover, there was only one winner in the tussle between Sachin and spinner Ashley Giles and his negative outside-leg-stump line and it was definitely not the English bowler! The manner in which Tendulkar treated England’s prime bowler Andrew Caddick proved beyond doubt that criticism had indeed galvanized the ‘Marathi Bradman’! As Sachin’s fans wait eagerly for his 100th test at the Oval in a week’s time, hoping that the batsman would take another step towards the 34-ton final frontier, the best gift they can give the Little Master for his 30th century would be reduce the pressure on him, by scaling down their expectations to rational levels. If not, Sachin may continue to lose his wicket cheaply – not to deadly bowling, but to the deadlier desire of one-billion people who believe that their God can never fail them.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Arjun Sajnani-Director of Agni Varsha
Make no mistake. Arjun Sajnani has arrived. After directing plays internationally for several years, this suave and articulate director is all set to begin his Hindi cinema innings with the interestingly different Agni Varsha, starring the who's who of filmdom. Soft-spoken and friendly he knows more about cinema than most "veterans" around. Q: What brings you to film direction? A: I have directed plays for a good part of my life, in the US and India. I was extremely fascinated by Girish Karnad’s work The Fire And The Rain, which I directed as a play. I wanted to adapt it to a film. So, when Girish gave his go-ahead, there was no stopping thereafter. Q: But he didn't write the screenplay of Agni Varsha. A: I wanted Girish to do that. But he refused point black. He said he's so close to the subject that it's impossible for him to be detached from it and write a film screenplay. Guess what, today, I’m closer to the subject than he ever was. Q: For a first film, you have chosen quite an esoteric subject... A: Well, yes, if you mean it in a positive sense. Agni Varsha is mainstream cinema. It has the melodrama, the music, the dialogues and the starcast. Make no mistake about it. Q: I won't. But what is your definition of "mainstream"? Something metropolitan like Dil Chahta Hai? A: I am hoping Agni Varsha will go beyond Dil Chahta Hai. The story of the film is something each Indian can relate to. It’s a part of the Indian culture and its psyche. Q: So, how many items songs and action scenes have you added? A: Guess what, I have not done even an iota worth of tampering with the original. Only one song was added to take care of the producer’s concerns, but you can’t make out which of the three songs it is. Girish's play had music. You couldn’t hear it, but you could feel it all around Q: Ah, I knew there would be a catch. A: No, seriously, the spirit and the essence of the original are absolutely in place. I will always be faithful to the material. Q: It must be flattering to sign up so many top stars for your first film. A: I think my material spoke for itself. My script was my strongest selling point. Some of the members of my cast had seen my work. Sonali Kulkarni, for example, jumped at the idea of doing the movie. She had watched my play in Pune and given it a standing ovation. Q: But Shabana Azmi was your first choice for what is now Raveena's role. A: It's not true. Yes, Shabana was the first to read the script. But both of us knew that this wouldn’t be the film we work together for. I couldn't have cast Shabana opposite Jackie Shroff. I would actually have to go for Richard Gere or someone like that. So, Raveena was pretty much the first choice. Q: What about Mr Bachchan? How did that happen? A: I have known Mr Bachchan for long. We did theatre together at Kirori Mal College, Delhi. Then, I shifted base to the US and Amit became a phenomenon here. But we were in touch off and on, like the time he came to Bangalore after his marriage to Jaya and we played Dumb Charades and things like that. Q: So, you were not really in awe of him during the two-day shoot with him? A: Oh, I was. It was strange. From calling him Amit to directing him today. He's a phenomenon. I keep catching up on his films on the telly whenever I can. After all, I was not here when he started to become the legend he is today. He's something else, very disciplined and professional inspite of his towering status.Today, I can't imagine anyone else in the role of Indra. Q: So, were all the big stars well behaved? How did they take to the professionalism of an "outsider"? A: Oh, I didn’t have any problems whatsoever. We didn't shoot in Mumbai. The entire film was canned in a single 65-day schedule in Hampi. I think most of the starcast knew about my theatre work when I signed them on, and those who didn’t found out more about me in the intermediate period before the shoot. It was pretty much smooth sailing all the way. Q: What about your cinematographer Anil Mehta? A: Anil was instrumental in the film shaping up the way it has. We were not working on colossal budgets. But Anil’s creativity never let us down. And boy, how he balanced the post-production work for Lagaan and the schedule of Agni Varsha. I have learnt a lot from Anil. Q: You have acted before, isn’t it? In Kamasutra ... How was that experience? A: I played the eunuch in Kamasutra. But acting in mainstream cinema was never going to happen for me. I am also very passionate about my food business. My restaurant Sunny’s in Bangalore is doing well. Q: Have you been in touch with contemporary cinema? A: Yes, I try and watch the better films. I immensely like Lagaan. Dil Chahta Hai was directed by a very talented young man. I had problems with segments in the film, but it was a really good effort. Then Company. Yes, good films arehappening. I believe most of our mainstream filmmakers underestimate our audiences and keep serving them the tried and the tested. Believe me, the audience is smarter. Q: What next after Agni Varsha? If the film does well, you will have all the top producers waiting to sign you for their megabucks projects... A: Ha ha! I hope the film does well. Right now, I can’t think of the future. I'm plain nervous. I will look out for a subject once the Agni Varsha period passes. Q: If the film does well, you will shift base to Mumbai? A: I don’t know. I’m not too sure actually. I love Bangalore, and I hope I stay there. Q: Hope Agni Varsha strikes gold, and then we'll see. A: Amen!
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Smita Thackeray: Working with stars
At a party held at Hotel Sea Princess to ring in the birthday of Indian Association of Motion Pictures Producers Association President Smita Thackeray she said how the industry was going through a crisis and it was important that people from the film fraternity got together to combat the lean period. "The stars should cut down their prices. Films should be made within a certain budget and completed within a short span of time. I want our stars to cooperate for the time being," she said. Quoting an example of Aishwarya Rai, she said how Rai has already worked out a strategy that she would look into the budget of the film and then work her price out. "A good film has always been my criteria and not the money," she said.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Road: by Ram Gopal Varma
MUMBAI: Ram Gopal Varma is ready with his next production Road. And the end result is "a completely wacko film". Varma, whose earlier attempt at a road movie Daud bombed badly, says, "You may love or hate it, but Road is unlike anything seen in Hindi films." "In terms of concept and execution, it's a completely wacko film. I'd call it a popcorn entertainer in the sense that this film goes straight for the jugular." Varma spent the last few months looking into the post-production work of director Rajat Mukherjee's Road and has already moved on to his next directorial venture Bhoot. Comparing Road to his last directorial venture, Varma says: "While I invested a lot of subtleties into Company, Road is more upfront and in-your-face. "Contrary to the belief that it's inspired by Hollywood films like Hitchhiker, Road is a completely original film." Road tells the story of two young people, played by Vivek Oberoi and Antara Mali, who while travelling through desert roads of Rajasthan are accosted and terrorised by a psycho, played by Manoj Bajpai. The film features Bajpai in the author-backed role that is said to his best performance since Varma's Satya. In fact, Viveck has said: "I wish I had done Manoj's role in 'Road'. Then again I'm glad I didn't because I could never played it as well as him." Laughs Varma: "Vivek will prove himself as a conventional singing-dancing hero in 'Road'. I think that's very important for him at this stage of his career." Speaking of singing and dancing, the "item" song in Road featuring Koina Mitra being seen on all the satellite channels, has been found disappointing after Isha Kopikker's Khallas in Company. Varma says: "The two cannot be compared. In Khallas, the camera played the role of a voyeur at a hot sweaty discotheque looking at the sensuous sights, taking in the sounds, peeping through openings between two people's shoulders gazing here, stealing a furtive glance there. "Khallas was shot like a music video, Koina's song in Road is like a straightforward dance item in the den with the camera functioning normally. In fact I'd say everything in Road is designed to grab attention." Reacting with a humourless laugh to reports that in Road Antara has been clothed, made-up, presented and projected like actress Urmila Matondkar, Varma retorts: "Why on earth would I design a duplicate when the original is very much around? If I wanted Urmila for a film I'd sign her. "Besides where's the resemblance? The songs. Makeup, clothes? Maybe I like to present my heroines in a particular way." Audiences have a surprise in store when Road opens September 27. The elusive Rekha, who stars in Varma's underproduction Bhoot, will be seen in a teaser trailer of the latter film during screenings of Road.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Judge to see Koirala's film before giving verdict
PTI MUMBAI: The legal battle between actress Manisha Koirala and producer Shashilal Nair over alleged objectionable scenes in film Choti Si Love Story on Tuesday took a new turn with a judge of Mumbai high court deciding to see the movie himself before giving his verdict on September 2. Hearing a petition filed by actress Manisha Koirala, Justice F I Rebello said he would see the film on August 29 and give his verdict on September 2. He has directed the producer to arrange for the screening of the movie. The actress had dragged the producer to the court on the ground that he had used her duplicate in alleged "obscene" shots thereby portraying her in bad light. This violated her right to privacy and defamed her in public, she said. The producer said that he was prepared to give a credit line in the alleged objectionable scenes that a duplicate of the actress had performed the role. Urging for deletion of "objectionable" scenes in which a duplicate had been used, Koirala challenged the final version of the film on the ground that the producer had committed a breach of contract. Nair contended in an affidavit that the film was seen and approved by Koirala twice and it was at her instance that a duplicate was used in the film because she had become obese. Koirala, however, denied the allegation and argued that the film contained "vulgur" scenes shot using her duplicate.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
I have a tough image. -Arbaaz Khan
Arbaaz Khan is turning bad again. With his new film Soch, he plans to give the term ‘bad’ a new dimension. But the other great event happening in this Khan’s life is that he is getting a new title dad. Arbaaz Khan is glowing with renewed vigor and sports a perennial smile. He has taken up his parental duties seriously and has made significant changes in his life for the baby’s arrival. What do you expect Soch to do for your career? The film is pretty important to me as I don’t have a string of films releasing. I have certain expectations from all my films. I have been shooting for movies but after Maa Tujhe Salaam in January, this would be my first release. My films aren’t closely spaced so I need to be in circulation. Nevertheless I don’t let anything faze me. I learn from all events in life and look at the positives in my life. Soch is a psychological thriller dealing with five principal characters played by Sanjay Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Aditi Govitrikar, Danny Denzongpa and me. My role is of the regular negative character who has come to disturb the lives of these people as they had wronged him in the past. He is mentally disturbed too. So it was a challenge to play this character. How will the role of Om in Soch be different from the negative ones you have done in the past? I haven’t done many negative roles before. Only Daraar and to some extent Maa Tujhe Salaam were negative roles. But even these roles were not the regular kind of negative roles. In Maa Tujhe Salaam Sudesh Berry and Tinu Verma were out-n-out negative. In Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya I was the opposition not negative. If my character wasn’t there then there would be no story. Daraar’s role was the obsessive, possessive kind of role. In Soch, Om is a psychotic yet intelligent, scheming person who thinks murder is the solution to every problem. He doesn’t think there is anything wrong with him which makes him much more dangerous. We judge our actions through our minds and if our minds start wavering there would be no gauge. Do you enjoy doing action roles or psychotic roles as in Soch, which is quite similar to your debut film Daraar's character? As an actor, after a certain image is being build, you can only do films that are offered to you unless you make your own films where you can do any role. And at this point in time I am not inclined to make my own films. I can only hope to get better and varied roles. I hope to be in a position where I can pick and choose. One thing is for sure, I will get to play the conventional hero too. I plan to take on such films along with the anti-hero ones. But I think the producers won't be excited about making a musical with me ever. (Laughs) I don't have the soft image. I have a tough image. You have to know where things come easily and effortless to you. Acting though has its limitations, as I don't see any extremely versatile actor in India. Here they don't even allow you to change your voice, put on weight or become thin, dark or fair. Put a moustache and that's your new get up. Actors here do varied roles with the same walk, talk, dress and style. I am one of the few actors who started his career with different roles. Daraar was different from Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, which was different from Hello Brother, and now MTS is absolutely varied and my next film Soch is different too. For an actor to get 5 different roles in the first five films is amazing. What about competition with your own brother as Sohail Khan’s Maine Dil Tuhjko Diya and your Soch is releasing on the same day? I don’t think there is any competition with Sohail. He is making a debut as an actor and I have been around for a while. I am in a slightly different mould than him. And we are in totally different films. His is a romantic action film while mine is a thriller. His is a big budget movie while mine is a relatively small budget one. So they won’t eat into each others business. Ideally it would have been better to have a clearer week for both of us. But in the given circumstances none of our films will not do well as there is the other film. After Maa Tujhe Salaam has your career soared? After Maa Tujhe Salaam I didn’t know I was every going to be so busy shooting. For someone who did one or two films a year I have signed three films. I have Harry Baweja’s film Qayamat, Rohan Sippy’s Kuch Na Kaho, untitled film directed by Puneet Issar and Akbar Khan’s Tajmahal. I have varied and interesting roles. I have no reasons to complain. When you are not doing the conventional hero roles then the kind of roles I want have to be well written and etched. There isn’t much choice for the roles I want. I could have gotten myself busy doing insignificant roles but then I would be lost and wouldn’t be making progress in my career. I would have wound up my career in a year or two then. There is an amount of frustration that creeps in but I have learnt that patience pays. I may not be as busy as the guy next door but I am content with my achievements today. I know I am capable of more but I am not in a hurry. Are you ready to be a parent? Oh yes. I am too thrilled and I am dying waiting for that day. To hold my baby in my arms.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Devdas Knocked off the Top Spot
DEVDAS KNOCKED OFF THE TOP SPOT! Mujhse Dosti Karoge is the new number one! After reigning the charts for several weeks, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic Devdas has finally stepped down from the top spot. There is a brand new number one in the box office charts and that honour belongs to Yash Raj Film's latest release Mujhse Dosti Karoge. The love story, starring Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor, has opened well in India's big cities. It has also done great business overseas, in countries such as the UK and US. However, with some fairly bad reviews from the media, we will have to wait and see whether the audience will continue to flock to the cinemas or whether business will die down in the next few days and weeks.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story
The fifth schedule for the movie is completed! Mashreq Communications Limited’s ‘Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story’ recently completed its fifth schedule (from July 25 to August 10, 2002), at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. In this schedule, a team of special-effects experts picturised Emperor Shahjahan’s final journey to heaven, while a 400-member-strong unit worked relentlessly round the clock on yet another intricate palatial set for the film. Some dramatic scenes were also picturised on Kabir Bedi, Manisha Koirala, Arbaaz Khan, Pooja Batra, Arbaaz Ali and Kim Sharma. The lead pair of the young Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal is yet to be revealed. Written, directed and produced by Akbar Khan, the film has music by Naushad and lyrics by Naqsh Layallpuri. Other credits include dialogues by Mohafiz Hyder and Rajeev Mirza, cinematography by R.M.Rao, choreography by Saroj Khan, art direction by Ratnakar Y Phadke, costume designing by Anna Singh, action direction by Sham Kaushal and audiography by Sona Choudhary. Shahala Sheikh is the executive producer, while Anil Wasia is the production designer. The film is co-written by South African freedom fighter Fatima Meer.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Jaya Bachchan: To B or not to B?
Jaya Bachchan has penned down a book chronicling the life and times of husband and actor Amitabh Bachchan. "The book, To Be Or Not To Be, is close to my heart. I wanted to present him with something special on his 60th birthday (0ctober 11)," Jaya Bachchan said. The 60th year is an important landmark in an individual's life. So what better way to do it than with a writing a book jotting down his life and perspective. Jaya Bachchan also added that many misconceptions about his life would be washed away. What makes the book special is that son Abhishek Bachchan, daughter Shweta and Amitabh himself have penned a chapter in it. Film critic Khalid Mohammed has penned down the stars career analysis and a lengthy interview with him. The 400 page coffee table book contains 800 exclusive photographs.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
India opposes military action against Iraq
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India, a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, said on Wednesday it strongly opposed military action against Iraq. Ties between India and the United States have warmed in recent years, but New Delhi said it could not accept the use of force on any nation. "We are very clear that there should be no armed action against any country, more particularly with the avowed purpose of changing a regime," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told reporters this week. A foreign ministry official told Reuters on Wednesday there was no change in India's stand on Iraq. "There is a consistency in our policy, and it is not going to change in the next few days or weeks," he said. India is home to one of the world's largest Muslim populations. U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Monday laid out the case for pre-emptive action against Iraq, warning of the danger of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists. "The risk of inaction is far greater than the risk of action," he said.
Monday, August 26, 2002
US, Indian Air Forces to hold joint exercises
HONG KONG: The United States Air Force is considering beefing up its forces in the Western Pacific and will be conducting a joint exercise with the Indian Air Force, the first in a long time, this October. These were among recent revelations by the commander of the Pacific Air Forces General William Begert, speaking to reporters in Washington DC. Begert also indirectly indicated that the US continues to send reconnaissance aircraft along the coast of China, and that the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) also continues to intercept them. But the implication of his remarks was that the PLAAF changed its aerial tactics following the collision on April 1st 2001 when a Chinese jet fighter collided with a USAF EP-3E reconnaissance plane. The Chinese fighter crashed while the damaged EP-3E managed to land on nearby Hainan island, where the crew were detained for 11 days, sparking a crisis in Sino-American relations. The Americans always maintained and the Chinese then denied that the Chinese fighter pilot had brought about the crash by adopting excessively aggressive tactics when intercepting USAF planes near Chinese airspace. According to Begert, this aggressive style of interception has ceased and China has instead adopted interception procedures which have "been very professional". Begert's Pacific command, headquartered at Hickham AFB in Hawaii, also includes the Indian Ocean. He noted that progress in developing Indo-American military ties was encouraging and that the IAF and the USAF would hold their first joint flying exercise, codenamed Exercise "Cope India", in late October in India. The first ever such joint exercises between the two air forces were held in eastern India in the wake of the Sino-Indian border war in 1962. None have been held in India for quite a while. "I think its a breakthrough" Begert said,"this is very new for us". Demonstrating a concern for the future balance of power in the West Pacific, Begert indicated that he would like to deploy USAF fighters, transports, and bombers at "the most capable base the USAF has with no airplanes (in it)". This is Andersen AFB, a large facility that takes up the northern quarter of the small US island of Guam, which occupies a strategic position in the Western Pacific south of Tokyo and east of the Philippines. It was once anticipated that Andersen AFB would be more fully utilised following the US withdrawal from Clark air base in the Philippines in 1992. But that has not yet happened and the last combat aircraft to be regularly stationed at Andersen were B-52 bombers during the Vietnam War. Begert is evidently pressing for the future stationing of the revolutionary F-22 air-superiority fighter, for air-refuelling aircraft (which the F-22s, among others, would need) and also possibly the unmanned Global Hawk reconnaissance aircraft. The pilotles Global Hawk, still in the development stage, recently successfully flew from a Californian base to an Australian one, and then all the way back again.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Kumble spins India to victory
Leeds, Aug 26: India registered their biggest win outside the country when they inflicted an innings and 46-run defeat on England in the third cricket Test here today to level the four-match series 1-1. England, following on after making 273 in their first innings in reply to India`s 628 for eight declared, were bowled out for 309 in their second knock minutes before lunch on the fifth and final day to give India the memorable win. This was India`s first Test win in England in 16 years following their 2-0 series triumph in 1986. The resistance of England, who resumed at 239 for four, finally ended this morning when captain Nasser Hussain, who struck a defiant 110, was claimed by Anil Kumble. The ace leg-spinner finished with four wickets for 66 runs in the innings to take his match tally to seven wickets. Kumble also dismissed the other overnight batsman, Alec Stewart, for 47 and it was only a matter of time before the tailenders gave in. This was only the second time that India had registered an innings victory outside the country. The previous occasion they achieved this feat was in 1977-78 when they defeated Australia by an innings and two runs at Sydney. India, who had lost the first Test at Lord`s by 170 runs, now go into the final Test at Oval, starting on September 5, hoping to repeat their series victory 16 years ago. It was skipper Sourav Ganguly`s 11th win in Tests - fifth abroad - and he now joins Mohammad Azharuddin as the most successful Indian captains. It was Ganguly, one of the three centurions in India`s only innings, who brought an end to England second innings when he took the catch to dismiss last man Andrew Caddick off Kumble. Kumble had earlier put an end to a stiff resistance from Hussain in his very first over of the day. Hussain, who was on 90 overnight, had continued with his attacking batting and gathered some quick runs for England. He began with an excellent cover-drive against Zaheer Khan in the opening over and pulled the bowler in his next over to bring up the 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Stewart, besides reaching within one run of his 12th Test hundred. He raised his century, the fourth against India, with a push to the square-leg after having batted for 252 minutes and struck 17 fours and a six. With runs coming easily for England, Ganguly effected a bowling change and brought in Kumble in place of Ajit Agarkar. Kumble was hit for a boundary by Hussain, but produced the big wicket with the last ball of the over. Hussain was deceived by a googly from the Indian leggie and Virender Sehwag took a brilliant diving catch at forward short-leg. The fall of Hussain was followed by the quick dismissals of Stewart and Andrew Flintoff as England lost three wickets in 10 balls. Flintoff, who was out for a first ball nought in the first innings, bagged a King`s pair when he was caught by Rahul Dravid off the first legitimate ball he received from Zaheer Khan. Kumble then sounded the death knell for England when the stubborn Stewart edged a simple catch to Dravid in the slips. This was Kumble`s 331st Test wicket that took him past South Africa`s Allan Donald (330) and placed him 14th on the list of highest wicket-takers. Alex Tudor and Ashley Giles defied the Indian attack for 41 minutes and added 32 runs for the eighth wicket. But Giles was run out by a smart throw from Ganguly at the non-striker`s end and England were eight down for 299. England lost their ninth wicket 15 minutes before lunch when Tudor, having braved the attack for 65 minutes for his 21 runs, inside-edged a Harbhajan Singh delivery to give Sehwag his sixth catch of the match.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Ghai saga
Showman Subhash Ghai is ready to get rolling on his next project that he will direct as well. The rumour mills indicate that Dilip Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan will be cast in the lead. Ghai has supposedly planned to rope in some international names as well to give the "phoren" touch. But as usual, Ghai is keeping is lips sealed and refuses to either confirm or deny anything. What he does say is that the movie will be launched on October 24. But this, like all other Ghai flicks, promises to be one hell of a jingler at the box-office.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Ghai saga
Showman Subhash Ghai is ready to get rolling on his next project that he will direct as well. The rumour mills indicate that Dilip Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan will be cast in the lead. Ghai has supposedly planned to rope in some international names as well to give the "phoren" touch. But as usual, Ghai is keeping is lips sealed and refuses to either confirm or deny anything. What he does say is that the movie will be launched on October 24. But this, like all other Ghai flicks, promises to be one hell of a jingler at the box-office.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Govt not to cancel pumps of war widows, freedom fighters
Government has decided to exempt petrol pumps, kerosene and gas agencies allotted to special category people including war widows, handicapped, freedom fighters and outstanding sports persons, from the blanket termination order of cancelling all allotments since 2000. "There is a view in the Government that allotments made to dependants of ex-servicemen and paramalitary forces killed in action, physically handicapped, freedom fighters and very distinguished sports persons cannot be made on extraneous consideration and so they should be exempted from the blanket termination order," highly placed Government sources said. Petroleum Ministry, which had on Saturday moved a proposal for issuance of an ordinance to terminate about 3600 dealerships of pumps and agencies allotted since January 2000 in view of allegation of favouritism, will incorporate the exemption and move Cabinet soon, sources said. The Cabinet had deferred a decision on promulgation of a Presidential decree to give "statutory teeth" to the executive order pending incorporation of the exemptions. Of the total allotments, 8 per cent each are reserved for widows and dependants of servicemen and paramilitary personnel killed in action, they said adding the "the selection in this case are strictly made on the basis of recommendations of Directorate of Rehabilitation in the Ministry of Defence and there exists no scope of political partonage." Similarly, no favouritism can be shown in case of two per cent allotments made to Arjun Award and other national award winning sports persons and freedom fighters, they added. 02:21 IST
Monday, August 26, 2002
Aishwarya's Dil Ka Rishta nearing completion
Remember we told you about Aishwarya doing Dil Ka Rishta, which is being produced by her mother Vrinda Rai? Well, the shooting for the film is almost complete and after the post-production work, the film should hit the screens pretty soon. Ash's mother has scripted the film, and obviously daughter Ash is pretty excited about the whole deal. Arjun Rampal stars opposite her in the film. After Aamir and Shah Rukh, who have already got into production, looks like it's Ash's turn to follow. Well, she's certainly in the right company!
Monday, August 26, 2002
Mani Shankar signs Akshay Kumar for his next
Akshay Kumar just can't escape his action Jackson image, can he? Just when you think he's changed his image somewhat, you're bombarded with action movies, whether he can help it or not. Now he's signed a film with Mani Shankar of '16th December' fame. Mani is already doing a film titled 'Rudraksha' with Sunjay Dutt and Bipasha (we hear Akshay's in it too), and he's now signed Akshay for a war film with a difference. It's about the life of a soldier, his experiences and trauma. Also, Akshay says, it's an author-backed role for him and he loves the idea of playing an ordinary person who is put into an extraordinary situation like war. You bet, Akshay, you'll certainly be in your element!
Monday, August 26, 2002
Devdas a rage in Bangladesh
After wowing the audience in India, and other countries, Devdas we hear, has just conquered Bangladesh as well. Sanjay Bhansali's film is very popular in Bangladesh, and while some of them aren't taking too kindly to the new 'twists' in the tale, they're certainly wagging their tails to the entire film. Considering that Sarat Chandra's 1917 novel is set in 19th century Bengal, this doesn't come as much of a surprise, does it?
Monday, August 26, 2002
Veerappan kidnaps Karnataka ex-Minister
Former Karnataka Minister H Nagappa was kidnapped by notorious forest brigand Veerappan at Kamagere in Chamarajagar District of Karnataka, late Sunday night. Police said Veerappan along with seven other associates attacked the house of the former minister and asked him to come out. When he failed to heed the bandit, the gang was said to have opened fire forcing Mr Nagappa to come out. He was later kidnapped by the gang members. Nagappa's wife, Parimala Nagappa, confirmed the kidnapping. According to reports received here, Nagappa and his family members were celebrating the birthday of his grandson at his residence. On seeing a person moving in a suspicious manner and sensing trouble the family members closed the doors. But, the gang members fired in the air, broke open the door and forcibly took away Nagappa despite his wife's pleas. Nagappa was in the hit list of the brigand, who had remained elusive after the kidnaping of Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar two years ago. In fact, Rajkumar was in his farm house in Gajanur in Tamil Nadu, bordering Karnataka, on Sunday. Nagappa was the Minister of State for Agriculture Marketing in the previous J H Patel Government. Reports said the gang members, who did not have any vehicle, dragged Nagappa out and escaped into the nearby forest under the cover of darkness. UNI
Monday, August 26, 2002
Professionalism, thy name is Aishwarya
She's more than just an epitome of beauty. She's a workaholic and a thorough professional. Ash was invited to the Sahara India function at Lonavala, after which she drove back to Mumbai, went home, showered, did her make-up and was back to the shooting sets of her home production Dil Ka Rishtaa. Bingo... on time! The shoot was at Peddar Road, Mumbai with Arjun Rampal. Only after the director called 'cut' did she take a breather, loosened up and flashed that infectious to the others around. Pooh... even we gave a sigh seeing this beautiful busy bee relax at long last. Wow! That's called dedication. Her khoobsurati ka raaz is Lux, wonder where she gets this inexhaustible energy from?
Monday, August 26, 2002
Centre gives Rs 3,173 cr to North-East
PTI In a major initiative aimed at speedy development of the North Eastern region, the Centre has so far released Rs 3,173 crore of which Rs 273 crore was disbursed for expansion of security-related activities. The funds were released under the Prime Minister's Agenda for Socio-Economic Development of North-Eastern region for which a total investment of Rs 9,094 crore was earmarked. Out of this amount Rs 18.09 crore has been disbursed for construction of fencing along Indo-Bangla border, Rs 118.32 crore was disbursed for police modernisation, Rs 4.39 crore for export development fund and Rs 4.10 crore for border town development, an official release said adding that Rs 182 crore has been given to Mizoram as 'peace bonus.' Rs 117.28 crore has been provided for construction of 12 new National Highways covering 1962 kms to ensure better connectivity between the region and the rest of the country, it said. In order to tap the immense potential of hydro-power, a total of Rs 109.23 crore has been disbursed for Teesa hydel project and Loktak downstrean project apart from sanctioning Rs 12.53 crore for electrification 500 tribal villages. To give a boost to information technology in the region, Rs 220 crore has been sanctioned for creation of computer information centres in 487 blocks out of which Rs 100.15 crore has alrady been disbursed, the release said.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Fans mobbed Bachchan's carriage during Fremont fest
FREMONT, California: Thousands of crazed fans mobbed the horse-drawn carriage carrying legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan during a parade celebrating the Festival of India. The mob clung to Bachchan's carriage, attempting to get a touch of the actor. Mothers placed their children in front of the horses to slow down the carriage while others just held their babies up for him to touch during a parade on Saturday. Officers often had to hold back the crowd with batons. Several people suffered minor injuries. No arrests were made. While about 25,000 people lined the parade route, only 18,000 were allowed inside the festival grounds at the Fremont Hall of Justice. Bachchan was grand marshal of the festival.
Monday, August 26, 2002
20 people get 10-yr RI for parading women naked
Twenty persons who had stripped and paraded nude three women whom they suspected of practising withcraft have been sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment and a collective fine of Rs 4.57 lakh by a Chattisgarh court. Second additional district judge, Raipur, A K Shukla, on Friday, found the 20 accused guilty of assaulting the three women and inflicting inhuman atrocities on them last year in Lachkera village, near Rajim. T K Gada(22), Krishna Kumar(27), Khorbahara Sahu(50), Janakram Sahu(23), Mansaram Sahu(55), Sangan Kewat(40), Yadram Sahu(28), Hiralal Dhurv(27), Vijay Sahu(26), Moolchand Nishad(25), Ramnath Marar(32), Nandu Sahu(24) Mayaram(25), Jagatram Nishad(20) Tarachand Sahu(25) Chaitram Kewat(25), Ramu Kewat(35) Shaymu alias Bhuru Sahu(31), Bharat Kewat and Hirau were convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code(IPC). The court also directed that Rs one lakh each be paid to all the three victims from the fine amount. According to the prosecution, the accused dragged the three women - whom they suspected to be practising withcraft - out of their houses and stripped them at village Lachkera, under Rajim police station jurisdiction, on October 21 last year. They then subjected the women to the most inhuman form of atrocities. UNI
Monday, August 26, 2002
Hussain, Stewart frustrate India
Leeds, Aug 25: Nasser Hussain and Alec Stewart clung on for England to keep alive their improbable hopes of salvaging the third test against India on Sunday. Their 91-run partnership spanning 38 overs and two-and-a-half hours helped the home side, outplayed in all departments throughout the game at Headingley, scramble to 239 for four after the fourth day, still needing 116 to avoid an innings defeat on a challenging pitch. Skipper Hussain closed on 90 not out, having batted for four fours. He hit 15 fours and a six. Stewart, who made 78 not out in the first innings and was on 40 in the second, proved the perfect foil for Hussain after the rest of the top order had melted away, each batsman making a start but failing to impose himself against spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. An Indian win to level the four-match series at 1-1 remains the likely outcome, with little back-to-the-wall batting to come, but England have reason to dream after only losing five wickets all day. Hussain`s innings, in particular, was an extraordinary black-and-white affair. He hit a half-century off 69 balls, perhaps prompted more by desperation than hope as England slumped to 148 for four, with Stewart joining him as the last recognised batsman. The game seemed over, with England needing another 207 just to reach India`s first innings of 628 for eight. RODE HIS LUCK Hussain lashed Ajit Agarkar`s medium pace over second gully for four, hammered all-rounder Sanjay Bangar through the covers and then lofted off-spinner Harbhajan over long on for six as if expecting the innings to continue collapsing about him. He rode his luck, on 47 when a brush off his glove facing Kumble`s leg spin was dropped by wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel last ball before tea. Then Hussain returned to his shell, hitting five singles in his next 45 balls and somehow seeing off six exemplary Zaheer Khan maidens in a row. One ball from the left-arm pace bowler squared the England captain up, shaving both his bat and off stump. The English pair, after a late flurry of boundaries, survived four overs with the new ball at the close. Sourav Ganguly could not have been more frustrated. His side had mopped up England`s first innings with the minimum of fuss, taking four overs to knock over number 11 Matthew Hoggard - leaving Hussain`s men 355 runs adrift. A procession seemed on the cards. India`s attack were bowling with discipline, with Kumble asking questions with almost every delivery as he extracted sharp bounce from the pitch. Michael Vaughan, so often the anchor of the England innings and with centuries in the first two tests, fell first, to Agarkar after making 15. Shuffling back, he was rapped on the pads to depart lbw. That made it 28 for one, leaving Mark Butcher to join Robert Key in an unconvincing partnership of 48 which never suggested permanence. Key, despite a crouched stance and a backlift towards third slip, produced some pleasing shots, starting with a square force and a straight drive off Khan. TENTATIVE BUTCHER The left-handed Butcher was more tentative, edging Khan over the vacant third slip area for four and playing and missing regularly. Key fell for 34 shortly after lunch when Kumble, who shared six wickets with fellow-spinner Harbhajan Singh in the first innings, dipped a top-spinner into the batsman`s pads. Hussain helped add 40 more before Butcher, after a fine-extra cover drive off Agarkar for his sixth boundary, needlessly chased a wide delivery from Bangar and snicked to a delighted Rahul Dravid at first slip. He had batted for just over two hours for his 42. If Butcher`s demise disappointed his captain, John Crawley`s must have infuriated him. He threw his wicket away just before tea, spooning a loose drive off Bangar straight to Virender Sehwag at cover. Crawley kicked the ground in anger as he turned back to the pavilion. Stewart came in, whipped two leg-side boundaries off his first two balls and by the close it was Ganguly who was tempted to kick the dirt. Reuters
Monday, August 26, 2002
Music bridges in the gap between Indian, Pak communities in UK
Notwithstanding the prolonged stand-off between India and Pakistan, music has once again succeeded in bringing together people with roots in the two countries, both of which share a common tradition and taste. Artistes from both the countries held a concert Carling Apollo Hammersmith here Sunday night that received a packed audience. After the concert, its co-producers Amir Shahzad and Shoaib Alam told that they would also hold their music shows - known as Super Music Masti 2002 - at Birmingham tomorrow, Glasgow on Aug 28 and New Port, South Wales, on Aug 29. Besides, they will hold a cultural Mela at New castle on Monday. Tahir Saki of Pakistan's famous Nexus Group, which performed at the concert, said they would use music as a medium to strive for peace and communal harmony between Indian and Pakistani communities. "Music cuts across physical boundaries," he said, adding that songs of Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi are very popular in Pakistan and people listen to pirated cassettes when the original ones are not available. "There is no point in fighting over a dispute which is 50 years old," Tahir said in an oblique reference to the current stand-off between India and Pakistan over Kashmir dispute. 02:15 IST
Monday, August 26, 2002
Nation’s economy at crisis point: Moily
The present position of the country's economy is critical. The combined fiscal deficits of both Union and State governments have reached the climax of 12 per cent, which is a clear crisis point, Chairman of the Revenue Reforms Commission and former chief minister M Veerappa Moily said. He was delivering a special lecture on the Present Economic Scenario of the Country organised under the aegis of the Keerthishesha Doreswamy Iyengar Trust here today. Mr Moily said that the industrial growth was at its lowest ebb at 2.7 per cent in 2001-02, almost half the growth rate achieved in 2000-01 (5.1 per cent). The capital goods sector performed badly . In the manufacturing sector, production was down by 7.6 per cent. Exports have gone down by 1 per cent. The outstanding debt burden of the states has more than doubled in the last five years from Rs 2,81,207 crore in 1998 to Rs 5,91,832 crore in 2002. Growth in six infrastructure industries plummeted to a dismal 3.4 per cent in 2001 from 7.4 per cent in the same month last year. The growth of employment has now come down to 0 per cent. In the recent Human Development Report of United Nations Development Project (UNDP) India ranked 124th among the 173 nations surveyed. It was important to examine the forces and trends which can shape India's future in this context, Mr Moily said. He pointed out that a decade ago, India and China had the same GDP per capita. But India's current GDP per capita is only half that of China's. If a broader reform agenda is implemented, 75 million new jobs can be created. The FDI could increase from 2 per cent to 25 per cent if certain barriers are removed. Mr Moily said that now under the WTO regime, the move should be towards commercial farming where farming is treated as a business. Farmer should reduce depletion of soils, reduce resource loss, increase sustainability and reduce external inputs. As policy support, the government should streamline input supply, ensure conducive economic environment, provide built in market facilities, strengthen infrastructure and promote people's initiatives. Drought in the country can put the wheel of progress three years back. He suggested that the new mantra for economic development in India should be an economy and development bereft of politics, caste and religion, connectivity of development with the last man in the social ladder, full energisation of the engines of wealth creation, deeper, faster process of reforms without any compromise. Vice-chancellor of Kuvempu University Prof K Chidananda Gowda presided over the programme. Shimoga District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president T V Narayan Shastry was the chief guest. Managing Trustee of the Doreswamy Iyengar Trust M Bharadwaj made the preliminary remarks, Ms Chaya Anjan welcomed and Mr Tyagaraj compered the programme. The Trust also felicitated Mr Moily, Dr Chidananda Gowda, Mr T V Narayan Shastry and Vice-president of the Karnataka Commercial Board K N Jayalingappa.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Four militants killed by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir
Security forces have gunned down four militants in an encounter in Kupwara district in north Kashmir, a defence spokesman said here on Monday. He said the encounter took place at Trehgam in the district late Sunday night, which also led to the recovery of some arms and ammuniton. Meanwhile, further details regarding the incident were awaited, the spokesman added.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Minor reshuffle in Vajpayee cabinet today
Prime Minister A B Vajpayee is likely to effect a minor reshuffle of his ministry tomorrow by inducting Mr Anant Geete as cabinet minister and Mr Anandrao Adsul as minister of state. Both belong to the Shiv Sena. Mr Geete, who is currently minister of state for finance, is likely to fill the slot vacated by power minister Suresh Prabhu, also of Shiv Sena. Thus he will be elevated as cabinet minister while Mr Adsul will be a new entrant to Mr Vajpayee’s team. Mr Adsul, a dalit Sena Lok Sabha member from Buldhana, is likely to take over as minister of state for finance. Mr Prabhu tendered his resignation to Mr Vajpayee last week under directions from the Sena supremo Bal Thackeray amid reports that he was not happy with Mr Prabhu, known for his drive in the power ministry, especially with regard to power reforms. Mr Vajpayee had on Friday told reporters that he had spoken to Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who was insisting that Mr Prabhu’s resignation be accepted. It was accepted by President APJ Abdul Kalam yesterday. While the BJP had earlier stated that Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Uma Bharti and minister of state for small scale industries Vasundhara Raje would be shifted as presidents of state units of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, respectively, however, there was no clear indication till late tonight on this score. Ms Bharti is said to have refused to take up party work and go to Madhya Pradesh as state party chief while the BJP is facing opposition within its ranks in Rajasthan against imposing Ms Raje there. Today, BJP MP from Bharatpur, Vishvendra Singh, strongly opposed the proposal to bring her to Rajasthan as party chief and said she does not understand Rajasthan politics and that she did not even know the names of the district BJP presidents in the state.
Monday, August 26, 2002
Govt. claim of consensus on poll reforms misleading: Cong.
NEW DELHI AUG. 25. While by and large, political parties were not unhappy that the ordinance on electoral reforms had been promulgated, they did take different positions and blame the Government for not showing enough respect to the President, for falsely suggesting that the ordinance had the approval of all the parties, and for not taking the correct course of routing the legislation through Parliament. On Saturday night, the President, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, signed the ordinance to give effect to the proposals in the bill to amend the Representation of the People Act (RPA). He had asked the Government for some clarifications, but when the Cabinet decided that the ordinance should be sent back to him "as it is'' he had no option but to sign it. The ordinance will nullify the effect of the Election Commission's order arming Returning Officers with powers to disqualify candidates for giving false or incomplete information on their assets and liabilities, and criminal records. The Bharatiya Janata Party was naturally happy that the ordinance had been promulgated after the initial shock it suffered when the President asked for some clarifications. The impression given by the Government that the Congress had endorsed the amended RPA was "incorrect and misleading,'' the party spokesperson, Anand Sharma, said. The Congress had differed with the Government at the all-party meeting on the subject and on August 16, it had communicated its views. The Congress favoured disclosure of both assets and liabilities and criminal record, if any, of the candidates while filing nomination papers in line with the views of the Supreme Court and the Election Commission. It had only disagreed with the EC's order empowering the Returning Officers to disqualify candidates, as the officers would have no means of ascertaining the truth. Many party leaders were unhappy that failing to appreciate the impossible "logistics'' of the earlier order of the Commission and the Supreme Court order, the perception among the people was that the politicians had got together to defeat the noble purpose of the court and the Commission to cleanse the political system. Said the CPI (M) leader, Somnath Chatterjee: "All political parties had agreed to the form of legislation. I take it that the ordinance was drafted on the basis of discussions the Government had with the political parties." However, he felt that if the President had sought certain clarifications, the Government should have certainly responded, for he had every right to ask for information and clarifications. Mr. Chatterjee also pointed out that somehow a wrong impression had gained ground that all the politicians were crooks and had joined together to prevent the system from being cleaned. He also felt that the "logistics'' of every candidate filing numerous affidavits before the Returning Officers relating to their assets and liabilities was not practical. And that in no way would help the people get information. Also, in a party system, more than 90 per cent of the vote was cast on party lines, and it was for the parties to ensure that the right kind of people were nominated as their candidates. "I resent the assumption that all politicians are crooks,'' he said, welcoming the ordinance. On this, the CPI had a slightly different view: the general secretary of the party, A. B. Bardhan, was against the pushing of the ordinance. Irrespective of the shared views of the political parties on this subject, he felt that the Cabinet should have waited to pass the bill through Parliament. The party national secretary, D. Raja, felt that the BJP was to blame for the mess as "caught in its own petrol pump scandal it failed to get this important legislation through in the monsoon session.'' UNI reports from Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress chief, Mamata Banerjee, said that the reported consensus on the electoral reforms ordinance was ``untrue'' as her party had already objected to it.
Monday, August 26, 2002
President signs ordinance on poll reforms
New Delhi, Aug 25 President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam has signed a controversial ordinance on electoral reforms after the cabinet returned it to him without any changes despite certain clarifications sought by him, official sources said Sunday. Kalam signed the ordinance Saturday night after seeking Attorney General Soli Sorabjee's opinion on certain aspects of the decree, the sources said. The ordinance seeks to amend the Representation of the People Act. It was the first ordinance referred to Kalam since he became president on July 25. The cabinet Saturday declined to accommodate issues raised by Kalam and sent it back to him for his approval. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government argued that the ordinance was based on "total political consensus" and could not be changed. In its extensive deliberations, the cabinet also indicated its eagerness to secure the president's assent "as soon as possible" in view of upcoming state assembly elections. Kalam's move to refer the ordinance back to the cabinet for reconsideration was seen as a reflection of his wanting to take a more assertive role than many of his predecessors have done. Kalam had on Wednesday returned the ordinance without signing it as routinely expected of him, raising queries on what he felt was "not wholly in consonance" with the Supreme Court's directives on the issue. In a six-paragraph note, Kalam said the Supreme Court had directed in May that candidates should disclose criminal antecedents, financial background and educational qualifications, but the ordinance primarily dealt with declaration of criminal offences. Kalam said the ordinance did not take into account the Supreme Court's observation that voters had a right to know about other backgrounds such as assts and education standards of candidates they were voting for.
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Hindu youth gives graphic eyewitness account on Godhra
AHMEDABAD: In a new twist to the Godhra carnage, a teenaged Hindu youth, a resident of Singal Falia, has recorded a statement before a judicial magistrate giving a graphic eyewitness account of how the S-6 bogie was burnt. Aged about 19, he's been in hiding ever since he gave the "voluntary" statement, which was recorded in July-end. The youth has blamed Razzak Kurkur, a hotelier of Singal Falia, for providing the container of inflammable liquid that was used to set the compartment on fire from the inside. His statement does not mention the role of either municipality chief Mohammed Hussain Kalota or Haji Bilal, who have been booked by the police. Kurkur, incidentally, is absconding. The youth's eight-page statement is significant because he was a member of one of the four Hindu families residing in Singal Falia and knew the Ghanchi Muslim neighbourhood. "He was born and brought up in Singal Falia and it is almost difficult to make out that he is a Hindu; his statement is the best part of the investigations carried out so far," police sources said. The youth used to work as a tea vendor at the Godhra railway station and first approached the police wearing a 'burqa' in the beginning of July. Many analysts think the boy has been set up. The statement, which is now available with some lawyers of Godhra, states that he reached the railway station around 7 am and collected a pot of tea from his employer, Mehboob Fofa, to serve to passengers. When the Sabarmati Express rolled in, he could hear shouts of 'Jai Shri Ram'. A while later, he found another vendor, Siddique Bakkar, had been beaten up by the kar sevaks. Almost immediately, some kar sevaks grabbed him and told him to shout 'Jai Shri Ram'. The youth complied just as the train began moving again. He said that the train came to a halt soon after as someone had pulled the chain. He then saw men coming in around a dozen auto-rickshaws from Singal Falia to the station and throwing stones at the train. He then saw other tea vendors - Saukat Lalu, Irfan Bhobha and Rafique Bhatuk - enter a building owned by Kurkur, who also owns the Aman Guest House in Singal Falia. Saukat asked the youth to accompany him. Bhatuk then came out of the building with a can and gave it to Bhobha who, in turn, told the youth to put the same in an auto-rickshaw. The youth, with nine others armed with the can, pipes and swords, then went to a spot near 'A' cabin where the train had stopped again. Fearing the consequences of disobedience, the youth said that he chose to accompany the group. As they approached the train, Mehboob Chanda took the can from him. The group, now part of a larger mob which had collected by then, tried to set the S-2 compartment on fire initially, but were driven away by the passengers. They then went to S-6. The vestibule between S-6 and S-7 was slit open. Six persons, including Bhobha, Saukat, Rafiq and Sheru boarded the bogie, poured the fluid inside and set it on fire. At this point, the youth fled the scene to return home, only to find some Muslim neighbours trying to set it on fire. However, some people intervened and the house was saved.
Sunday, August 25, 2002
President signs Ordinance on electoral reforms
President A P J Abdul Kalam has signed the Ordinance on electoral reforms after the Cabinet returned to him as it is despite certain clarifications sought by him, official sources said Sunday. The President signed the Ordinance Saturday night after he sought Attorney General Soli Sorabjee's opinion on "certain nitty-gritties" of the proposed law, the sources said. The Cabinet Saturday refused to make any changes in the Ordinance returned by the President and decided to send it back "as it is" leaving him with no option but to give his assent. Kalam had returned the Ordinance earlier this week seeking clarifications on the "absence" of provisions relating to 1997 Election Commission guidelines on declaration of previous cases of conviction by the candidates as well as their assets and the dropping of the proposal relating to disqualification of a candidate if charges were framed against him in two cases of heinous offence.
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Pak goes shopping for nuclear kit in UK
LONDON: Britain has stepped up its surveillance of Pakistani activities in the country following reports that Islamabad has been secretly buying from here equipment for making nuclear weapons. Special high-grade metals have been smuggled out of the country and are believed to have reached an uranium enrichment plant in Kahuta, near Islamabad, a media report said on sunday. The discovery has infuriated the British Foreign office, which had assurances from Pakistan that it was not shopping in Britain for weapons of mass destruction or related equipment. The British Security agency Mi5 is said to have already stepped up its surveillance of Pakistani activities in UK, including diplomats in London involved in the procurement of military equipment, the influential Sunday Times reported. At least one consignment of 47 tons of high-strength aluminium worth 150,000 pounds was sent to Pakistan from a British firm. The material, made to a standard known as 6061 T6, is used to make centrifuges for converting uranium ore to bomb-grade uranium 235. "This is not the kind of aluminium you use for soft drink cans, it has a very limited number of applications," the paper quoted a source. Two people now face prosecution for alleged evasion of export controls. Customs and Excise Officers discovered the aluminium had been secretly shipped to Khan Research Laboratories in Pakistan, which manufactures nuclear weapons. The Mi5 visited the Blackburn-based company that sold the material and warned that Pakistan and other states may try to circumvent an export ban.
Sunday, August 25, 2002
No night viewing of Taj: Jagmohan
The Taj Mahal will not be opened for night viewing as long as the matter is pending with the Supreme Court Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan has said. He told reporters in Agra on Saturday night steps could be taken to make the environs of the Taj more attractive. For instance, the entrance from the eastern gate could have a green belt as well as a shopping centre. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj and the Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna, the minister said a pontoon bridge across the river would attract more tourists. He said he would also like a documetation and interpretation centre to be set up at the Taj on the lines of the one near the Ajanta caves. Jagmohan said the Taj museum could be improved and an information centre set up for the benefit of tourists.
Sunday, August 25, 2002
India pre-empts Pak attempt to raise terrorism issue
India has pre-empted an attempt by Pakistan to initiate a resolution to find the "root cause of terrorism" at a recent meeting of the United Nations sub-commission on Human Rights which could have had a bearing on the Kashmir issue. Pakistan expert member of the sub-commission and former Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar attempted to initiate a resolution in the sub-commission comprising 26 member countries "to study/explore the root cause of terrorism" at a recent meeting in Geneva in line with its much pushed stand in the international fora to target India. Sensing the motive behind the Pakistan's proposal, Attorney General Soli Sorabjee, Indian expert member at the sub-commission, deftly suggested that the resolution should be "to study/explore the root cause of terrorism in order to exterminate it and not to justify it." In view of this suggestion, there was no further enthusiasm on the part of pakistan to muster support for its initiative and the UN sub-commission passed a unanimous resolution condemning terrorism in all its forms and said that killing of innocent civilians could not be justified under any circumstance. 16:31 IST
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Teenager 'molested' on Indian Airlines flight
A 15-year-old girl on an Indian Airlines flight from Jaipur to Ahmedabad was allegedly molested on Friday night by her co-passenger, newspaper reports quoted police as saying. The girl has filed a complaint with the Sardarnagar police station. She alleged that she was "physically assaulted and molested" by a passenger sitting next to her. Police have registered a complaint against the passenger, who was not identified. Police said the man hailed from Amritsar. Agencies
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Rabri Devi unseated on flight!
When the Opposition could not unseat Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi on ground it did so in the air -- literally. While travelling from New Delhi to Patna on an Indian Airlines flight, Rabri Devi was shifted from her seat in the first row to another seat in the back row at the behest of some Central Ministers. Rabri was sitting in seat No 1-D on the Delhi-Patna IC-809 flight. Central Ministers Digvijay Singh and Rajiv Pratap Rudy, former Minister Dr C P Thakur and member of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes' Commission Vijay Kumar Chaudhary were also travelling with her. An airlines employee asked her to take a rear seat. However, the employee went back to her soon after and asked her to sit in her original seat. At this Rabri snapped at him, "First you remove me from my reserved seat and give it to someone else. Then you ask me to go back to that seat? Now I am not going to go." On reaching Patna, Rabri immediately spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Shahnawaz Hussain and complained to him of the rude behaviour meted out to her. Hussain assured her of prompt action and suspended a deputy manager and a traffic superintendent of the airlines. They were suspended on charges of dereliction of duty and for not exercising their authoriy while allotting the seats. However, this has not pacified Rabri and Laloo. Terming the whole episode as an insult to Bihar and describing the suspensions as "not enough" they have demanded a thorough probe into the incident. Laloo said it was an insult to a woman who is also a chief minister. "L K Advani apologised to Jayalalithaa for not inviting her to the swearing-in-ceremony of the President. What about the public humiliation of Rabri Devi?" asked Laloo. He said the chief minister will write to all the other chief ministers and this matter will be taken up at the Prime Minister's level. Laloo asserted that the seat 1-D blocked for Rabri Devi was given to Dr C P Thakur. Meanwhile Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Assembly Sushil Kumar Modi has criticised Rabri for making a mountain out of a molehill. He said that Rabri does not understand English and she thought she had the right to sit in the front row despite holding the ticket for a third row seat. Demanding immediate revocation of the suspended IA employees Modi said they have been made scapegoats in the incident. He said that Dr Thakur did not know about the incident as he had arrived only a few minutes before the plane's departure. However, Chaudhary who had got the seat 1-D realised there was something wrong when he saw Rabri weeping in the third-row seat. He then requested her to exchange seat with him but Rabri refused, Modi added.
Sunday, August 25, 2002
England all out for 273
Headingley (Leeds),Sunday, August 25, 2002: England were all out for 273 in their first innings on the penultimate day of the third cricket Test against India here Sunday. India, who made 628 in their first essay and have earned a 355-run lead, asked England to follow on. Alec Stewart remained unbeaten on 78. Brief Scores: India: 628 England: 273 in 89 overs (M Vaughan 61, A Stewart 78 not out; Kumble 3/93, Harbhajan Singh 3/40).
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Inflation rate crosses 3 pc for first time in 2002
Inflation rate touched a new high of the year crossing three per cent in the week ended August 10, due to burgeoning prices of cereals, gram, vegetable oil, fodder, processed tea, cotton, textiles, minerals and metals. Based on Wholesale Price Index (WPI), inflation surged to 3.03 per cent from 2.66 per cent in the previous week but was still lower than 5.54 per cent a year ago. WPI for all commodities rose by 0.4 per cent during the week to a provisional figure of 166.7 points from 166.1 in the previous week and 161.8 a year ago. The final WPI during week-ended June 15 stood at 165 as against the provisional figure of 164.3 while final inflation rate was at 2.48 as against the provisional estimate of 2.05 per cent. The overall price level surged on account of 0.4 per cent rise in each of the primary articles and manufactured products although fuel prices were stable. Primary Articles' index increased to 174.2 from 173.5 in the previous week and 170.1 a year ago, mainly due to 2.4 per cent rise in mineral prices and 1.3 per cent hike in non-food articles. Although Food Articles' index remained static at previous week's level of 180.4, prices surged for fish-marine (five per cent), maize (four per cent), jowar, urad, eggs, fish-inland, poultry chicken (two per cent each), rice, bajra, gram, arhar and moong (one per cent each). However, tea was cheaper by seven per cent, beef and buffalo meat (four per cent), fruits and vegetables (two per cent), mutton and pork (one per cent each). 11:52 IST
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Air of hatred permeating Gandhi's Gujarat is depressive: Sonia
Congress President Sonia Gandhi Sunday said the air of hatred and violence that is permeating Gujarat is all the more depressive because it is the land of Mahatama Gandhi, the greatest exponent of non-violence and peace in the modern world. "If the leaders take to incitement and walk the path of destruction, what inspiration the new generation would draw from the depressive environment that surrounds them", Sonia said, indirectly referring to the recent violence in the state in which a close to 1,000 people lost their lives. "Dil mein kuch aur mooh mein kuch aur (what is in the heart is different from what is expressed in words). It does not give you anything for emulation. And what does the young generation has to follow `adarsh ka rasta (a principled life)'?+, she said at a public meeting at Koba near here where the Jain Muni Acharya Mahapragyaji, who led Ahimsa Yatra from Churu in Rajasthan to Ahmedabad, is staying for +Chaturmas+. +Though the world has made significant stride with regard to material progress, it is waging a constant war with itself. Violence has become a bane for the entire humanity and it poses a serious problem for India which has many other problems like corruption, communalism etc that need to be tackled+, the Congress President said. Some people, to further their vested interests, are deliberately creating a wedge between different communities, she said. No religion preaches hatred against people of different faith yet the differences between man and man persist today, Sonia said exuding hope that they (the differences) can yet be removed.. 15:55 IST
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Germany woos Indian IT, media companies
Bangalore, Aug 24 Germany's Bavaria region has set up its first overseas office in Asia here to attract the Indian media and information technology (IT) companies to start operations in the European country's most prosperous region. Speaking at the opening of the the Bavaria State Agency for Media and Information Technologies' first overseas office outside the United States here yesterday, gotoBavaria Chief Executive Officer Peter Friess said Bavaria would form the ideal bridgehead for Indian companies wishing to access the European market. So far, eight Indian companies had set up operations in the region, he said, adding that the agency hoped to attract 70-80 more over the next two years. ''In ten years, we wish to see at least 1,000 Indian companies operating from Bavaria,'' Mr Friess stated. Bavaria, he said, was the top location for IT in Europe, with some 18,000 IT-related enterprises and seven clusters of international significance. Efforts were now on to bring together the IT and media clusters to create a super-cluster for the two industries in the region, he informed. Describing Bavaria as the most successful region in Germany, Friess said it had the lowest rate of unemployment in the country and enjoyed the fastest growth rate. Of the 13,465 green cards issued to overseas workers, 4,000 went to work in Bavaria, with most of them being Indians, he observed. gotoBavaria, which recently held a series of workshops promoting the region in India, saw participation from 80 IT companies, of which 80 per cent were from Bangalore, Friess said. UNI
Saturday, August 24, 2002
India rebuts Pak charge of air attack
India today denied a Pakistani allegation that it had launched an air attack on that country's military post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. "The reports are absolutely baseless," said an Indian defence ministry spokesman. "None of our forces crossed the LoC. No air power was used." Pakistan defence spokesperson Maj Gen Rashid Qureshi had claimed at a press conference in Islamabad that Indian armed forces had launched an attack on a Pakistani post in the Gultari region. The area is right across from Kargil, where Indian Army and Islamabad-backed guerrillas had fought a bitter 50-day armed conflict in 1999. Brig Qureshi told reporters in Islamabad that India's air attack came after its ground forces suffered heavy casualties at the hands of Pakistani troops. The Pakistani spokesman claimed intermittent firing by India was continuing. But the Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson said: "The report is completely false and baseless. There has been no such incident and there are no Indian casualties". The ministry also issued a statement rejecting the claim. New Delhi last used air power along the LoC during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Even then, however, Indian fighter jets did not cross the military ceasefire line to target Pakistani positions. "Evidently the story has emanated to detract attention from the Armitage visit to the area in the context of the absence of translation of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's commitment (to end terrorist incursions into Kashmir)," the external affairs ministry spokesperson said. Defence Minister George Fernandes rejected Pakistan’s claim of killing Indian soldiers as total falsehood and said: there could not be a greater lie than this. Resorting to falsehood has become a habit and truth should come to light, he said. MBN Naqvi, DHNS, adds from Karachi: A friend telephoned: Have the Indians finally moved; PTV has broken the news, interrupting normal programmes, to say that some 60 to 70 Indian troops invaded a Pakistan military post at high altitude in or near the Kargil sector in the night between Thursday and Friday, suffering several dozen casualties and using three to five aircraft in the attack. Pakistan suffered no casualties. So said Pakistan Maj Gen Rashid Qureshi at a press conference on Friday. Soon the BBC informed India has flatly denied that any such incident has taken place. What’s going on? US Deputy Secretary of State is in Delhi. He has met Defence Minister George Fernandes and National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra. Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha is out of the country. The reception to Mr Armitage, it has been known for some time, was intended to be low key. The US is apparently not doing what India wants it to do vis-à-vis Pakistan. On the other hand when Mr Armitage lands in Islamabad on Saturday, there will be lots of smiles. It will be the next day to a rescheduling of $3 billion worth of US debt, virtual write off of $1 billion worth of US debt and the US President George W Bush said the same day that President Musharraf is a key ally in the war against terror and has been handsomely cooperating in capturing al Qaeda and Taliban fugitives in Pakistan. US Ambassador Nancy Powell signed the financial agreements in Islamabad earlier on Friday as were the Bush remarks made on the same day. Did all these things happen accidentally? It was not very likely. Was it a familiar exercise between two rival courtiers of the same king, one exhibiting pique and the other high spirits? It certainly wasn’t the long threatened war. What then are the people, well over one billion, to make of this sort of thing? Neither army is indisciplined enough to do such a thing without being asked? Apparently it is the high-ups of the two countries who may be playing complicated games so as to send appropriate signals to the sun of the diplomatic solar system.
Saturday, August 24, 2002
LoC turns hot again
SEVEN months after India and Pakistan started massing troops along their borders, both countries again seem on the edge of a full-blown war. Speaking in Islamabad this afternoon, Pakistan's military spokesperson Major-General Rashid Qureshi alleged India had attacked positions in the Gultari sector of Kargil in the course of the night. Maj-Gen Qureshi did not say exactly where the offensive had occurred, but claimed scores of Indian soldiers had been killed when Pakistan troops retaliated. The Indian Air Force, he also claimed, had bombed Pakistan forward positions in support of ground troops. The Army Headquarters in New Delhi flatly denied anything of the sort having taken place, and said it suffered no losses in the time Maj-Gen Qureshi was talking about. Maj-Gen Qureshi also suffers from something of a credibility problem, given his often-dishonest recounting of events during and after the Kargil war. The fact that Maj-Gen Qureshi timed his statements to coincide with the US Deputy-Secretary of State, Mr Richard Armitage, was also lost on no one. Nonetheless, several recent events make clear that all is not well along the Line of Control. For one, the last two months have seen intense fighting over disputed peaks in the Kargil sector. Last month, after eight weeks of steady skirmishes, India reoccupied Point 5070 in the Drass sector. Point 5070, named for its altitude in metres, dominates the strategically vital Mushkoh nullah in the Drass sub-sector. The Mushkoh nullah had been a key infiltration route in the Kargil war, and saw some of the most-bloody fighting of the 1999 war. Fighting, highly placed sources told Business Line, continues over Point 5303 in the Marpo La area. The conflict, on August 19, saw intense artillery exchanges up and down the LoC in the Kargil sector. Then, at the end of last month, India used air power to attack Pakistan-held positions for the first time since the end of the Kargil war. At 1:15 p.m. on July 29, eight Mirage 2000 aircraft bombed Pakistan-held positions at Loonda Post, on the Indian side of the LoC in the Machil sector. One thousand pound precision-guided bombs were used to obliterate four bunkers occupied by Pakistan, while 155-millimetre Bofors howitzers were used to hit troops who had dug into forward trenches prepared by Indian troops in earlier years. At least 28 Pakistan soldiers, military intelligence officials believe, were killed in the fighting. Loonda Post's fall and re-capture illustrate that the border management problems brutally exposed by the Kargil war persist. The Army Headquarters insist freak whiteout conditions caused by rain and fog in late July allowed Pakistan soldiers to occupy the position. If Indian patrols were unable to dominate Loonda Post because of bad weather, however, it is hard to understand how Pakistan soldiers were able to do so in exactly the same conditions. The failure was particularly serious, since Loonda Post faces out towards the forward town of Kel in Pakistan-held Kashmir, a key infiltration route. As in Kargil, the intrusion was detected only when a patrol of the Sikh Light Infantry was ambushed. At least three soldiers died in the ambush, but unofficial estimates place casualties at four times that number. Part of the ongoing fighting might be attributed to the routine peak-grabbing campaigns that take place each summer along the LoC, with both sides fighting to dominate key peaks as the snow melts. This time, however, the situation is particularly fragile. Had India failed to evict Pakistan troops from Loonda Post, it would inevitably have come under pressure to widen the conflict. Pakistan commanders do not seem to have considered the consequences of an act of provocation at a time of particularly fragile India-Pakistan relations. The Loonda Post occupation was probably motivated by the desire to ease pressure on the Neelam Valley, on which India has exercised a stranglehold in the past. Nonetheless, the local action could well have gone out of control. Although the Army officially insists it does not believe negligence lead to the Loonda Post fiasco, an official inquiry has been ordered into the affair. Sources told Business Line that the commanding officer of the local unit, Colonel V.K. Mahajan, has been removed from his command pending the outcome of the inquiry. There is still no sign, however, that Generals in either New Delhi or Islamabad are about to learn serious lessons from the experience.
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Jaani Dushman -- Ek Anokhi Kahani
Cast: Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, Manisha Koirala, Munish Kohli Director: Rajkumar Kohli Music: Anand Raaj Anand Rajkumar Kohli's multi-starrer Jaani Dushman -- Ek Anokhi Kahani comprises of a huge star cast -- Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Aftab, Manisha, Sharad Kapoor, Sonu Nigam, Rambha and Munish Kohli. This film is nothing but a remix of Kohli's previous hits Jaani Dushman and Nagin. This is Kohli's attempt to relaunch his son Arman Kohli with his rechristened name Munish Kohli. In their previous births, Munish Kohli and Manisha Korila are naag-naagin in love with each other. The naagin dies after a sadhu (Amrish Puri) curses her. It is said that the lovers will meet only in the next birth. Now to the present – a big group in a college: Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Aftab Shivdasani, Arshad Warsi, Aditya Pancholi, Sharad Kapoor, Rajat Bedi, Sonu Nigam, Siddharth and Manisha Koirla. Manisha loves Sunny Deol. Sunny Deol is in London. Manisha is raped by Siddharth and Rajat Bedi. Before dying in the hands of her past lover Munish, she blames her friends for her ill-fate. Then starts the revenge by Munish Kohli. One by one, many of them die. The film has lots of special effects, but few impress. The director and the story-teller have failed to deliver a gripping drama. The film is full of faults. More so, many of the lead heroes (Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty) die in the film without them being proven innocent. The performances of the whole star cast are poor. Sunny Deol is strictly okay. Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty are good only in the fight scenes. Sonu Nigam makes his debut in this film, but has hardly anything to do. However, he dances well. Aftab has nothing much to do. Though Munish Kohli was the focal point of the film, he fails to impress. Manisha Koirala is okay. The music by Anand-Milind, Anand Raaj Anand and Sandeep Chowta is also poor. The songs just come in-between, thus interfering with the flow of the story. Overall, this is a very bad film. Just avoid it. Rating: Poor (*)
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Latest Boxoffice Position
This week is the release of Sohail Khan's Maine Dil Tujko Diya in which the director Sohail Khan makes a debut as an actor. The film also introduces Sameera Reddy. The advance booking of the film looks promising. Now we will have to see whether Sohail Khan becomes as popular as an actor as his elder brothers -- Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan. Last week was the release of the multi-starrer and supernatural film Jaani Dushman directed by Rajkumar Kohli. The film boasts of a huge star cast. The film was criticised a lot by the critics, however the industry has been taken by surprise with the excellent opening of the film in many circuits in India especially in Mumbai and Northern India. The film got a bumper opening in Uttar Pradesh and Central India. The repeat value of the film is very low. However, looking at the opening, it is said that the film might become quite a big hit in Northern India. The response to this film overseas is very poor. Yash Raj Films' Mujshe Dosti Karoge starring Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor did good business in big cities only. In the rest of the circuits in India, it will be a loser. The distributors of the film will incur heavy losses on this film. But Hrithik has proved that he has a big fan following outside India. For two consecutive weeks, the film is in the UK Top Ten films. The collections of the second week puts the film at 9th position. The film will be a hit (though not a super-hit) overseas. The first week's collections of Mujshe Dosti Karoge in Mumbai were approx Rs 69 lacs (from 14 cinemas). In Delhi, the film did a business of almost Rs 88 lacs (from 14 cinemas). Hrithik Roshan does not now have any release this year. His next release will be his father's production Koi Mil Gaya co-starring Preity Zinta and Rekha. And then one will see the release of Sooraj Barjatya's Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon co-starring Kareena Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan. Of late, he has only signed one film -- Farhan Akthar's Lakshya co-starring Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta. Small budget films Chhal and Encounter The killing released simultaneously, did not get much of an audience. Both the films did poor business all over India. Govinda-Raveena Tandon starrer Akhiyon Se Goli Maare did a business of just Rs 7 lacs in its second week in Mumbai (from 4 cinemas). The collections of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas in its fifth week are similar to those in its fourth week. The film did a business of Rs 43 lacs in Mumbai (from 14 cinemas) and Rs 47 lacs in Delhi (from 12 cinemas). For the sixth consecutive week, Devdas appears in the UK Top Grossers. – it was in the 11th position last week.
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Advani asks Pak to keep away from J-K poll process
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has asked Pakistan to keep away from the poll process in Jammu and Kashmir and desist from vitiating the atmosphere in the run-up to the assembly elections. "We expect that our neighbour will not try to interfere in the poll process and create an atmosphere wherein the people face problems," he told reporters here on his return from Britain Friday night after a three-day visit. Stating India had conveyed to Britain its view point on various issues especially the cross-border terrorism, Advani said he was given an assurance that they (Britain) would extend help in whatever way it was possible. On his visit to the UK, Advani expressed the hope that close relationship India had developed over the years with Britain would be consolidated further. Advani said he told British leaders that steps were being taken to ensure a free and fair poll in Jammu and Kashmir and that people come out in large numbers to participate in polls without any fear. 12:46 IST
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Ordinance on elctoral reforms likely to be sent back to Kalam
The ordinance on electoral reforms, which was returned by President A P J Abdul Kalam, is likely to be sent back to him "as it is" by the Federal Cabinet, sources said. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet on Saturday and it was believed to have decided to send the ordinance back to Kalam "as it is," the sources said. The President had returned the ordinance seeking clarifications on certain provisions. The Cabinet had on August 16 approved the promulgation of an ordinance on electoral reforms seeking to curb criminalisation of politics. 14:27 IST
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Militants gun down 10 in Jammu and Kashmir
Striking in a big way in the run-up to the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, militants gunned down 10 Muslims, including three women, in two separate overnight attacks in Rajouri district, official sources said here on Saturday. They said militants swooped on Dodasan village, some 10 kms from Rajouri town, around midnight and fired indiscriminately killing five men and three women. The ultras fled after committing the crime, the sources said adding security forces cordoned off the village to track down the attackers. In a separate incident at Hayatpore in Jammu region's Rajouri district, militant gunned down two more Muslims. This could be the handiwork of the same group, the sources said. 12:11 IST
Saturday, August 24, 2002
Shourie briefs BJP think-tank on disinvestment
New Delhi,Saturday, August 24, 2002: In a concerted bid to remove apprehensions within BJP on Government's on-going privatisation process, Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie today briefed the party's think-tank on its merits and claimed there was a "consensus in practice" on the issue. Addressing members of the party's intellectual cell here, the journalist-turned-politician said the implementation of the Government's disinvestment policy has shown the benefits of privatisation to tax payers, economy, stock market and employees. While a sick unit like Modern Foods had doubled its sales in the first quarter of the year itself after disinvestment, there has been a wage revision up to Rs 2090 per worker per month in units such as Paradip Phosphates after the Birlas took over, he said, according to party sources. "Of the 31 (disinvestment) transactions in the past 18 months, two-thirds were of loss making units," he said responding to a question from a participant that the public perception was that profit-making public sector units were being privatised. According to the sources, Shourie said the big industrial houses have created very powerful lobbies in the Government over the years. "Their tentacles reach right into our heart," he reportedly said. Sangh Parivar outfits including the Swadeshi Jagran Manch and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh have been highly critical of the Government's disinvestment policy. Even several party MPs in the past had raised apprehensions about disinvestment of PSUs such as BALCO.
Saturday, August 24, 2002
It's just a statistical overtake: Tendulkar
Leeds (England),Saturday, August 24, 2002: Sachin Tendulkar, who overtook Sir Donald Bradman in the century makers list with his 30th hundred in the third Test against England on Friday, modestly reiterated that he has surpassed the legendary Don only in the century statistics. "To score a century in every third innings is something one can only dream of - so I am not comparing myself with him. "I may have statistically surpassed Sir Donald Bradman but I don't think anyone should even be compared to him," Tendulkar said emphasising that there is no comparison for the great Australian. Tendulkar, who also silenced his critics with an unbeaten innings of 185, his highest on foreign soil, said he wasn't worried all this while when questions were being asked about his ability to deliver in crunch situations. "I was not worried about others labouring over a point, I think I should worry more about how I am going to score runs," said the little master who now has only Sunil Gavaskar ahead of him with 34 centuries. "I have played 99 Tests and know what is happening in this game. My worry is to go out there and score runs and try to be as consistent as possible," he said. Captain Sourav Ganguly, who hit his 9th hundred in his 61st Test, said it is amazing how people dare question Tendulkar's ability to deliver. "Sometimes you really feel how people could even think and talk about his form. His criticism by some really surprises me".
Saturday, August 24, 2002
India, Nepal agree to step up vigil on border
Kathmandu,Saturday, August 24, 2002: India and Nepal on Saturday agreed to step up vigil on their borders to firmly deal with anti-India activities by Pakistan's ISI from this country and take strong measures to stop counterfeit Indian currency from flooding the markets here. "We agreed that more vigil on the borders especially is needed because of the open and long borders of about 1,800 kms," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told reporters before leaving for Dhaka on a day's official visit. "There is already a firm commitment from the Government of Nepal to curb ISI activities here. There are many instances in the past when it has acted with determination and speed in this regard," he said. Sinha, who called on King Gyanendra, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, senior ministers and political leaders, said the two sides also discussed the problem of fake Indian currency suspected to come from Pakistan. There have been reports of Pakistan Embassy officials here being involved in routing the counterfeit currency, he said. "We know about it and the Nepalese Government also is aware of it," he said stressing "it is a conspiracy to disturb India's economic situation." The minister said both sides agreed to effectively combat with and ensure that the counterfeit business was stopped. Sinha said he had assured Nepal of all posible assistance to face grave challenge posed by Maoist extremist forces in the Himalayan Kingdom. 12:11 IST
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Mahajan holds talks with Tata, Ambani
NEW DELHI, Aug. 19 THE Union Minister for Communications, Mr Pramod Mahajan, held a couple of high-profile meetings on Monday with Mr Ratan Tata and Mr Anil Ambani. According to informed sources, the meeting with Mr Ratan Tata was to sort out the issue of the revenue share to be given by Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) to public sector telecom companies, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd, for its international operations. As per the Department of Telecom's (DoT) commitment prior to the disinvestment of VSNL, both the PSUs have to necessarily deliver and receive the ILD operators' traffic in preference to other ILD operators, but only as long as the revenue share is competitive enough to that being offered by other ILD operators. Since both Bharti and Data Access who have begun ILD operations had signed better terms, DoT had asked VSNL to match their rates. The meeting with Mr Tata was to arrive at a suitable agreement between VSNL and the PSU telecom companies. An agreement has now been reached and VSNL would match Bharti's rates, the sources said. Mr Mahajan's meeting with Mr Ambani, they said, was to discuss the telecom foray of Reliance Infocomm and how it would help in achieving the required teledensity.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Rahul Gandhi is back with a business plan
Rahul Gandhi has shifted base from London to New Delhi, triggering speculation that he is being groomed for a more active political role. After Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, Rahul Gandhi was sent to the US to complete his studies. He got a degree in computer studies from Harvard and moved to UK to work for a computers firm. However, about three months ago, he moved to Delhi for good and proposes to start a computers project here. He is reportedly still undecided whether his venture should be a call centre or a trouble-shooting firm of some kind. He is said to be studying the market and assessing what would work in the Indian environment. Congress president Sonia Gandhi had told friends she was anxious about Rahul staying away from home so long. Though Congress leaders believe Priyanka has more aptitude for leadership, she is too immersed in her family with a second baby now to take more than a passing interest in politics. Sources close to 10 Janpath however say that Rahul is disinterested in a political career. They also deny any plans to launch Rahul Gandhi in politics. The immediate opportunity is the Gujarat election with several state polls later next year. However, Rahul Gandhi’s name does not seem to be in currency for an MLA-ship. Both Priyanka and Rahul have taken an active interest in the affairs of Amethi (the Parliamentary constituency represented by Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi) in the past, addressing campaign meetings and overseeing the party’s publicity. However, both have stayed away from the hubbub of active power politics. The Gandhi family has traditionally favoured 'soft' political launches. Indira Gandhi was first made her father's social secretary (1955), then a member of the Congress working committee and became president of the Congress nearly four years later. She spoke at a public meeting in Chamba in place of her father for the first time in 1957 nearly two years after ground had been prepared for her launch. Sanjay Gandhi was appointed Youth Congress Chief after he began to interest himself in politics. Rajiv Gandhi functioned as a general secretary of the party for several years until his mother's assassination forced him to take the reins of the Congress. Sonia Gandhi spent nearly seven years watching the Congress under PV Narasimha Rao and Sitaram Kesri until she took a hand.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Indian cricketers refuse to sign agreement
LEEDS: Indian cricketers on Monday refused to sign the agreement for the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka and accused the International Cricket Council of "boycotting" them. The players sent a letter to the Indian Cricket Board explaining the reasons for their decision, which said, "We believe by signing the player contract, we are caught totally in the middle". "On the one hand, we suffer exposure from the ICC/BCCI when they could allege non-compliance with our obligations. On the other hand, we could face exposure from our competitive sponsors who have paid us for the right to exploit our brand and image commercially," the players said in a press release. "We have been told that unless we sign a document which forces us to relinquish all our intellectual property and personal commercial rights, we would be ineligible to play for our country in tournaments conducted by the International Cricket Council. "We are put in a peculiar situation where we are not boycotting the ICC run tournaments but the ICC is boycotting us," the players said. The players also rejected the BCCI's proposal to sign the agreement only for the Champions Trophy after which it promised to take up the matter with the ICC. "The ICC restrictions are overly broad, covering not just the Champions Trophy but thirty days before and after. In the present case, therefore, by simply signing the contract, the ICC could already allege breach," the players said, pointing out that less than one month remained for the start of Champions Trophy. "We want to play. We are not asking for anything more than that we have been getting. We are just not being allowed to play much against our wishes," they said.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Army kills kill 8 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir
The Army killed eight suspected Islamic terrorists in a gunbattle on Monday night after they infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, an Army spokesman said on Tuesday. Soldiers intercepted the terrorists in a forest near the Line of Control and opened fire, Lt Col Mukhtiar Singh, an Army spokesman, said. "The ensuing gunbattle lasted seven hours," Singh said. The encounter took place in the Keran sector, 180 kilometres north of Srinagar. According to the Army, it was the second attempt in the past two days by Pakistan-based terrorists to enter Jammu and Kashmir. On Sunday, the Army killed seven suspected infiltrators after they had crossed over from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the same area, Singh said.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Hotmail guru Sabeer Bhatia comes back with Voicemail
Hotmail guru Sabeer Bhatia is pinning his hopes on India's nascent voice messaging market to regain his lost ground in the global technology market and is currently on a binge of signing pacts with private firms. Bhatia, 33, who sold his Hotmail to Microsoft for about $400 million, has unveiled two products which operate both on fixed line and cellular networks in his bid to be back among top entrepreneurs. Bhatia's second venture, Arzoo, failed to survive the dotcom crash and folded up nine months after its launch. Arzoo, an Internet platform aimed at bringing freelancers and software experts together to execute software projects, fell prey to the global technology meltdown as IT firms curbed their spending. Bhatia, who did his early schooling in Bangalore, is banking on his new California-based firm Navinmail Communications, launched in 1999, to help catapult his fortunes. "I cannot think of my life without voicemail," said Bhatia, who founded Navinmail Communications two years ago to develop Televoice and Telipower. Both products were launched over the weekend in Bangalore. Bangalore, Bhatia said, was the prime candidate city to increase business as it has a large density of multinational IT firms and a large pool of high-technology workers. "It is a very effective tool to increase the productivity of the individual. Having a dynamic voicemail facility on the cellular network is as powerful as having an e-mail facility on the Internet," Bhatia said. He said the market-driver would be the ability to contact people when they were either busy or had their mobile telephones switched off. "Both products are tailored for the Indian market. There was a mass adaption of the service in the US during the seventies. Voice messaging is the next step of evolution of the short-messaging-service," he said. In Europe, more voice messages are sent every day than e-mails, he said, and in India, where many different languages are spoken, voicemail would help people communicate better than short messages. More than five million messages stream across Indian cellular networks daily and the market is doubling every year. Bhatia's Televoice and Telepower enable a caller to leave a message in either a fixed telephone or a mobile telephone. In the case of pre-paid mobile telephone, the caller's identity is revealed through a short message from the operator's network and a suffix attached to the message so it can be retrieved. "Of the current 7.7 million cellular telephone users in India less than five percent have voicemail. The market is huge," said Bhatia. The service, for both pre-paid and regular users, is currently available only to users of two of India's cellular network providers -- BPL Mobile Cellular Limited and Spice Telecom. BPL Mobile operates cellular phone services in Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while Spice Telecom operates in Karnataka and Punjab. Bhatia said he was also in talks with other cellular telephone operators and state-run telephone departments. "There are about 35 million fixed line telephones in India and a vast majority do not have voicemail. I am in talks with the state-run telephone departments to implement voicemail," he said. "Navinmail is pretty close to signing interconnectivity agreements with other mobile phone service providers in India," he said. "Navinmail will get revenues based on the mobile phone usage by cellular firms." Industry officials said the simplicity of the service would enable cellular firms to rope in customers. "The service is free for pre-paid customers and others who have not opted for this service will be charged a fee to send and receive the message," said Sean Dexter, managing director of Spice Telecom. "This is a volume business and we jointly feel that it is going to work due to the simplicity of the system," Dexter said. "It is time to switch on to another dimension of cellular service called voicemail."
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Last batch of Amarnath pilgrims leaves from Jammu
With the last batch of 238 devotees leaving here today for the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, the total number of pilgrims has risen to 108,222 this year. The batch, including 44 women, five children and 26 sadhus left the base camp of MAM stadium in a fleet of 14 vehicles, official sources said. "This was the last batch of devotees which undertook pilgrimage to Amarnath shrine located at 3880 meters altitude in the Himalayan belt in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley," they said. Reports from Srinagar said that 106,000 devotees had performed "darshan" (rites) at cave shrine till Sunday evening. Of these, over one hundred thousand had returned to their native places. Meanwhile +chharri mubarak+ (mace of lord shiva), which had arrived from Srinagar to Pahalgam on August 17, left this morning for Chandanwari on its way to final destination at cave shrine. The chharri mubarak is led by Mahant Dipender Giri and accompanied by several hundred devotees and sadhus. Over a month-long Amarnath yatra will conclude on August 22, coinciding with the day of raksha bandhan.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat sworn in as 12th Vice President
BJP stalwart Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was today sworn in as country's 12th Vice President. The oath of office was administered by President A P J Abdul Kalam at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The 79-year old former Rajasthan Chief Minister took the oath in Hindi. Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, former prime ministers I K Gujral, P V Narasimha Rao, Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Union Cabinet colleagues and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Mahajan virtually rejects DNA test demand
Federal Minister Pramod Mahajan Sunday virtually dismissed the demand made by the daughter of IPS officer and prime suspect in the Shivani murder case Ravi Kant Sharma, that he undergo DNA test to determine the paternity of the journalist's child. Addressing a press conference here, he said "the father of the child is not making any demand. If a third person makes a demand then all of us have to undergo DNA test". "Don't talk lightly about DNA test. It is not NDA test. (rpt It is not NDA test). Please try to understand that a four-year old child who has lost his mother and is being brought up by the father. "Normally, DNA test is done when there is a quarrel between the mother and the father on paternity of a child. Now this is a strange situation where the poor mother is no more available to defend herself," Mahajan said. He said he was looking into certain aspects of the law before filing a defamation suit against the IPS officer's wife Madhu Sharma for levelling allegations of his involvement in the killing as often defamation cases took a long time for settlement.
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Salman threatened by underworld, seeks security & arms
Mumbai, Aug 19 Bollywood star Salman Khan today told Mumbai police that he had received threats from the underworld and sought security and fresh arms licence from them for self-protection. Khan, dressed in black trousers and T-shirt, had an hour-long meeting with Police Commissioner M N Singh and other top officials. One of the staff members of the actor had received a call from an underworld don who asked Salman to get in touch with him soon, Singh told. However, he refused to disclose who the underworld don was. +Since Salman's firearms were confiscated by Rajasthan police following the High court directive in the black buck poaching case, he requested us to issue him a fresh licence following the threats+, Singh added. Salman also informed the police chief that he had urged the High court to return his firearms and the court had subsequently issued a directive on the issue. However, the actor claimed he was yet to receive the firearms.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Devdas still rules the Bollywood Box-Office Charts
This week is the release of Rajkumar Kohli's supernatural thriller and multi-starrer Jaani Dushman. The film has one of the biggest star casts of the year -- Akshay Kumar, Sunny Deol, Sonu Nigam, Manisha Koirala, Aftab, Sunil Shetty, Aditya Pancholi, Arshad Warsi and many others. The music is not so popular and the hype is not that great. So one is not sure what will be the fate of the film. We have to wait and see. Last week was the release of Yash Raj Films Mujhse Dosti Karoge, the directorial debut of Kunal Kohli. The film definitely boasts of an excellent star cast -- the much-hyped going-to-be-hit pair, Hrithik-Kareena, with Rani Mukherjee. But, sadly, all the three stars have given many flops except their K3G which was hardly their film. All the three lead stars including the director have pined their hope on the success of this film. However, the film is not any different and has been rejected by the critics. The star power and the big banner did manage to get the film a good opening in cities and overseas. However, the below-average opening in many circuits has shocked the industry. Again, the collections have been seen sliding from the third day onwards in many circuits. Looking at the current scenario, the film does not seem to have a bright future at the box-office which is definitely a very alarming situation for Hrithik and Kareena's future releases. Still a clearer picture will emerge by the next week. However the silver lining for this film is that it manages to enter at No.7 position in the UK Top Films, thus showing that Hrithik still has a stronghold among the NRIs, after Shah Rukh Khan. Govinda-Raveena starrer Akhiyon Se Goli Maare is a flop. The film didn't manage to collect even get a good opening. It seems audience is not interested in Govinda's comedy films. He is a talented actor and should now try something new. The first week's collections of the film were approx Rs 33 lacs (from 13 cinemas) and just Rs 14 lacs in Delhi (from 10 cinemas). The other releases of Govinda are Chalo Ishq Ladaye co-starring Rani Mukherjee and Wah Kya Kehna co-starring Raveena Tandon. The future of both these films also looks very bleak. David Dhawan-directed and Salman-starrer Yeh Hai Jalwa is a disaster. The second week's collections are also extremely poor. The film just manages to collect about Rs 11 lacs in Mumbai (from 9 cinemas). This year, Amisha Patel had many releases, but only one of her films (Humraaz) was an average hit and the rest were flops. So, overall, the year has not been very good for her. In the near future, she does not have any releases lined up. Her next film will be mostly Pawana co-starring Ajay Devgan and Mahima Chaudhary. Anupam Kher's directorial venture On Jai Jagdish is out from many theatres. The film just managed to collect Rs 9 lacs in Mumbai (from 6 cinemas). Sanjay Leela Bhansali's hit film Devdas registered a steep fall in its fourth week's collections in many circuits especially Mumbai. However, the film is doing great business in Delhi, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The film did a business of approx Rs 60 lacs in Mumbai (from 17 cinemas) and Rs 57 lacs in Delhi (from 13 cinemas). The film stands at 11th position in its fourth weekend in UK Top 10. It has now notched up the second position pushing Kuch Kuch Hota Hai down in the UK Top Bollywood grossers list. Top 5 Films of the week: 1. Devdas -- Hit; super-hit overseas 2. Mujhse Dosti Karoge -- NEW 3. Akhiyon Se Goli Maare -- Flop 4. Yeh Hai Jalwa -- FlOP 5. Om Jai Jagdish -- Flop
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Shivani murder case: Mahajan says ‘no’ to DNA test
Although he had earlier promised to extend all sorts of cooperation for an investigation into his alleged involvement with the murder of journalist Shivani Bhatnagar, Mr Pramod Mahajan does not seem to be ready for a DNA test as has been demanded by the prime accused IPS officer Mr R K Sharma’s family. While Mr Sharma’s wife Mrs Madhu Sharma accused Mr Mahajan of being involved with the journalist’s murder, Mr Sharma’s younger daughter Ms Komal Sharma went a step ahead and reportedly told some media-persons that the Union Minister must undergo tests to ascertain whether his DNA matches with that of Ms Bhatnagar’s baby. But, talking to the media-persons in Guwahati on Saturday, Mr Mahajan today rubbished the Sharma family’s demand for a DNA test. Would you go for a DNA test of your son only because someone has demanded that? he retorted to a scribe, who asked for his reaction to Ms Sharma’s demand. However, despite being at the centre of a new scandal, Mr Mahajan was apparently in a lighter mood today as he inaugurated Community Information Centres (CICs) in the north-eastern states and Sikkim in a function at the Software Technology Park in Guwahati. Usual wits were still there in his speech. As he addressed the gathering after 10 dignitaries, including Chief Ministers and Ministers of the north-eastern states as well as officials, Mr. Mahajan said: I am the eleventh batsman. You must not be in a mood to listen to me as you have already heard so many speeches. Even while talking to the scribes at the end of the programme, Mr Mahajan, who has been accused of having a 45-minute-long conversation with Ms Bhatnagar on the day of her murder, spoke at length about his ministry’s endeavours. It was only when the media-persons wanted to ask something on Mrs Sharma’s allegations against him that the Union Minister appeared to be in a hurry to catch the evening flight back to Delhi. I have already said whatever I had to say regarding this. Here I will only reply to questions about my ministry’s projects and future initiatives, he said and started walking out of the pavilion. The question on DNA test, however, stopped him for a while and he turned back to answer it. Before leaving for Delhi, Mr Mahajan, however, had to face a demonstration by the activists of the National Students Union of India (NSUI), who demanded his resignation from the Union Cabinet.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Advani cancels US trip, to continue UK visit
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, who was to visit New Jersey on August 23 to inaugurate a statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, has cancelled his trip to the US in view of developments relating to coming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said here Sunday. However, there is no change in his programme to pay a two-day official visit to Britain from August 21. "Advani will not be going to the US as he does not want to stay away from the country for a longer period," the sources said. He would hold wide-ranging talks on ways to combat international terrorism with British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Home Secretary David Blunkett and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw during his stay. The sources said the issue of on-going cooperation between India and Britain in the fight against terrorism would be high on the agenda of Advani, who was earlier scheduled to visit the UK in June this year.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Putin clears decks for Indo-Russian fighter aircraft venture
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cleared decks for joint development with India of a fifth generation fighter aircraft that can compete with the US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) expected to be commissioned in 2010. In his scheduled December 4-6 visit to India, Putin is expected to make a formal offer to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for pooling the efforts of the two strategic partners, official sources told. Putin has reportedly discussed the matter with "Sukhoi" Aircraft Corporation during a visit to Sukhoi Design Bureau yesterday, as also with top Air Force officials including four former Air Chiefs. At the Design Bureau meeting, dedicated to Russian Air Force's 90th anniversary, Putin was accompanied by his foreign policy aide Sergei Prikhodko, unusual in Kremlin practice. Chief Designer of Sukhoi, Mikhail Simonov, said "there was full technical ground" for Indo-Russian joint development of the fighter aircraft. "The decision has to be taken at the political level in India," he added. "Sukhoi" downed its closest rival "MiG" and won the right to develop the fighter, in a Russian government tender. Putin has allocated USD 1.5 billion for the development of the new fighter much less than the USD 22 billion of JSF. Due to low labour costs in Russia and India, both could develop it with smaller allocations, Sukhoi officials said. China is also keen to join the project, but Moscow has cold-shouldered its giant neighbour due to security concerns. The project involves sharing of highly sensitive, futuristic defence technologies.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Multi-million dollar high-tech courtroom for Kanishka trial
Canada has built a 4.5-million-US dollar high-tech courtroom for the trial of three men charged in the 1985 bombing of Air India's 'Kanishka' jetliner that killed 329 people, a report said Sunday. The trial of Inderjit Singh Reyat, 49, Ripudaman Singh Malik, 53 and Ajaib Singh Bagri, 51 -- facing charges in the mid-air bombing of Vancouver-New Delhi Air-India Flight 182 on June 23, 1985 that killed mostly Canadian citizens -- will begin in British Columbia in March 2003. The 'Courtroom 20' is equipped with 25 LCD-screen computers connected to two KMs of data cable allowing jurors to see specially prepared evidence, 'The Globe and Mail' daily reported here. The room is sealed off with bullet-proof windows from the 149-seat public gallery where the people can watch the proceedings on three giant TV screens. The expenditure on the courtroom is however, seen as "money well-spend", as the much-postponed trial has proved really costly, with legal-aid defence lawyer's bills alone estimated at a hefty 23 million US dollars. The police investigation leading to the arrest of the men cost another 19 million US dollars. The purpose of the courtroom is "to save us money", said Julian Borkowski, technical co-ordinator for the project. "Studies have shown that similar high tech-innovations have cut trial costs by 35-45 per cent," Borkowski was quoted by the daily as saying. For example, an exhibit that took 13 minutes to view in a conventional courtroom could be viewed by jurors and lawyers in individual TV screens in three minutes, he said.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
China'a exports to India surge 24.3 per cent in H1 of 2002
China'a exports to India, riding on more shipments of chemicals, machinery and TV picture tubes, surged 24.3 per cent to reach US dollar 1.09 billion during the first half of 2002, against the tardy 7.7 per cent growth of Indian exports to its neighbour, amounting to US dollar 982.54 million. The slow growth of Indian exports to China during January-June 2002 was on account of declining shipments of marine products and cotton yarn, latest Chinese customs data shows. However, after the slow growth of Indian exports in the first quarter of 2002, the last two months of the first half witnessed a slight rebound, trade sources said. Indian marine exports to China fell by nearly 50 per cent from USD 51.45 million in the first half of 2001 to USD 25.77 million in the first half of 2002. Indian exports of cotton yarn and fabric also declined by 15.6 per cent to USD 88.35 million in the first half from USD 104.68 million during the corresponding period of the previous year. The sectors where Indian exports did well included plastics, organic chemicals and precious stones and metals. Chinese organic chemicals exports to India during the period amounted to USD 240.25 million, up 34.6 per cent, while that of electronic/electrical machinery rose by 79.8 per cent to touch USD 202.99 million. Chinese silk exports have also been increasing, touching USD 166.42 million, up 32.7 per cent.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Srinath leaves for Leicestershire
Paceman Javagal Srinath left here for England on Sunday to play for Leicestershire, joining the English county side as an overseas player for the last five weeks of the season. "I am looking forward to the experience. It will give me match practice and keep me fit," the speedster, who will be 33 on August 31, told before his departure via Chennai. Srinath replaces Australian Michael Bevan as Leicestershire's overseas player. Bevan had to depart to join the Australian squad for a one-day triangular series with the Kenyans and Pakistan at Nairobi. Srinath would play in five Frizzell County Championship matches and four Norwich Union League matches. He would make his debut in the floodlit League match against Kent at Canterbury on August 21. This will be the second experience of playing county cricket for the "Karnataka Express". He was Gloucestershire's overseas player in 1995 when he took 87 wickets at under 20 runs apiece in 15 matches. Srinath said he was scheduled to return to India on September 22 to play in the Ranji Championship. Srinath, considered by many as the fastest bowler India has ever produced, had announced his retirement from Test cricket a few weeks ago but made himself available for the one dayers. However, he was overlooked for last month's one-day triangular series also involving Sri Lanka and hosts England and has not been included in a list of 20 probables for the September ICC Champions Trophy in Colombo.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Kashmir Committee meets Shah again
The Kashmir Committee Sunday held another round of talks with Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party President Shabir Ahmad Shah with Committee's chairman Ram Jethmalani saying progress had been achieved during the discussions. "Great progress has been achieved," Jethmalani told reporters here after the meeting but did not elaborate. Asked if the talks were informal in view of his earlier round of talks with Shah on Friday, Jethmalani said "every round of talks is formal as well as informal." Kashmir Committee members later met former Union Home Minister and J and K People's Democratic Party chief Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Before the talks, Mufti told reporters that he would be discuss all matters relevant to resolution of Kashmir issue. About participation in the coming assembly elections in the state, Mufti said the party was still discussing the issue. PDP and other opposition parties are demanding Central rule in the state ahead of elections to ensure free and fair polls.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Cabinet to refer EC's order on Gujarat polls to President
In a clear expression of disagreement with the Election Commission, the Federal Cabinet Sunday decided to refer to the President for his opinion the poll panel's order not to hold early assembly elections in Gujarat. The decision was taken at an hour-long meeting of the Cabinet which considered Friday's order of the Commission ruling out elections in the state by October and to consider the schedule for the polls only in November-December. Federal Consumer Affairs Minister Sharad Yadav told reporters after the meeting that the Cabinet under Article 143 of the Constitution would make a reference to the President of the Commission's order on Gujarat polls. The implications of the Cabinet decision will be that once the Government writes to the President under Article 143, he may refer the issue to the Supreme Court for its opinion.
Sunday, August 18, 2002
SC to hear petition on J&K elections on Monday
With the Election Commission deferring polls in Gujarat due to irregularities in the voters' list, the Supreme Court would Monday hear a petition seeking postponment of September elections in Jammu and Kashmir on the ground that the state electoral rolls have not been revised since 1988. A Bench comprising Justice R C Lahoti and Justice Brijesh Kumar raised two questions on admissibility of the petition filed by Panthers Party Chief Bhim Singh and asked him to make up the deficiencies by Monday when the case would be heard. The Bench asked him as to why he did not approach the J&K High Court and also whether he had given any representation to the Election Commission on irregularities in electoral rolls. Singh, who claimed to have given written representation to the EC in this regard, said in his petition "it is an admitted fact that nearly 1,50,000 names of the voters who died from 1990 till date have not been removed from the existing electoral rolls." The petitioner sought a direction from the Court to the Election Commission and the State Government to prepare voters list in accordance with Registration of Electoral Rules, 1960. In case of Gujarat, the Commission found the situation on the ground in relation to electoral rolls, photo identity cards and relief and rehabilitation measures as unsatisfactory and ordered a special revision of electoral rolls with house to house enumeration in 20 riot-affected districts to update the rolls.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
Kalam shows compassion for earthquake-affected in Bhuj
Bhuj,Tuesday, August 13, 2002: President A P J Abdul Kalam on Tuesday stressed on the need for "unity of minds" to cope with various problems facing the country and stole the hearts of the people of this town ravaged by a devastating earthquake last year by showing compassion for the affected. Kalam, who reached Deen Dayal Nagar here from Ahmedabad three hours behind schedule due to some technical snag in his aircraft, said "I have seen lots of distress among the people but I am sure you will face the problems and solve them." "The Chief Minister (Narendra Modi) is here with me and he will help you in solving your problems," the president said praising the strong will of the Kutch people. State Industry Minister Suresh Mehta and Education Minister Anandi ben Patel are also accompanying them. "It is good to see new buildings coming up here. I hope you show the country the way in relief and rehabilitation measures," he said adding the Kutch people have had the misfortune of experiencing drought, earthquake and cyclone but had faced them boldly. "You are a strong and vibrant people. Wish you all the best," Kalam said. After his brief speech, the President left for Dagala and Sukhpar in the Bhuj sub-division. Earlier, Kalam was greeted with cheers by the people who had waited patiently for him. The President first met some school children at Deen Dayal Nagar and also planted a sapling.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
Standby aircraft flown in for the President
New Delhi,Tuesday, August 13, 2002: A standby Air Force Boeing 737 was on Tuesday flown from here to Ahmedabad after President A P J Abdul Kalam's special plane developed a technical snag, Defence sources said. The snag was detected during a detailed pre-flight check-up, they said. "The snag was rectified and the President flew from Ahmedabad to Bhuj by the same aircraft this morning," the sources said. "To be absolutely on the safe side, a second standby Boeing 737 was flown from Delhi," they added.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
US closes American Centre in Islamabad, renews travel warning
Islamabad,Tuesday, August 13, 2002: While the US state department renewed its travel advisory on Pakistan warning its nationals of keeping away, the US Embassy shut down its highly guarded American centre in the the high security zone in Islamabad fearing attacks from Islamic militants. The decision to shut the centre comes close on the heels of the US closing down its consulate in Karachi last week and attacks on Christian institutions last week. "The American Centre in Islamabad has been closed for security reasons until further notice," Linda Cheatham, the Acting Public Affairs officer at US embassy, was quoted as saying by the local daily Dawn on Tuesday. "The staff will however keep working," she said without specifying from where they would be working. However the American centres in the cities of Lahore and Peshawar would continue to function as of now, she said. The US Embassy here has drastically cut down its activities but continued to function virtually in a besieged environment under a tight security blanket. Asked whether there were any plans to close down the US embassy, Cheatham said "Not that I know of." She declined to give any details who actually took the decision to close down the American centre. The US State Department in its travel warning cited attacks on Christian facilities and the indefinite closing of the US consulate in Karachi, as well as likely anti-US backlash for sentencing of four men for the murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl as reasons for its nationals to keep away from the country.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
Infosys rated as best Quality IT company by KPMG
New York,Tuesday, August 13, 2002: India's software giant Infosys Technologies has achieved the unique distinction of becoming the first company in the world to be assessed at the optimum Level 5 on the PCMM model by KPMG Consulting. The assessment has been carried out at Infosys Development Centre in Pune, which employs 1393 Infoscions -- the largest centre outside its headquarters in Bangalore, the company said. The PCMM model has five levels of maturity and twenty- two Key Performance Areas (KPAs), across these five levels. The model helps software organizations increase their ability to attract, develop, motivate, organize and retain the talent needed to continuously improve their software development capabilities. It also helps to develop and promote a culture of excellence amongst its people. The PCMM assessment marks another milestone in the company's successful track record of Level 5 assessments, on software CMM and more recently, the CMM integrated, it said. The company said it has been a pioneer in innovative workforce practices -- be it in creating wealth for employees through wide distribution of stock options or in creating a fun workplace with various amenities such as a gymnasium, amphitheatre or multi-cuisine food courts. The company's ability to retain talent is well above the industry norms. The company's individual training plan for employees ensures near cent per cent coverage of employees in the performance management process, it added.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
US Congressman condemns Amarnath attack
Washington,Tuesday, August 13, 2002: Condemning the recent killing of Amarnath pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has said the war against terrorism will truly succeed only after Pakistan rids itself of religious extremists and terrorist elements. "These attacks occur every time this trip is undertaken and this year is no exception. The targetted attacks against civilians must stop before there can be peace in Kashmir," he said in a statement here on Monday. Emphasising the need for Islamabad to halt such attacks, he said "Pakistan, must work harder to stop the infiltration of militants into Kashmir. These terrorists are not only trying to destabilise the upcoming elections in Kashmir, they are also targetting President (Pervez) Musharraf's own regime." "Only after Pakistan rids itself of religious extremists and terrorist elements will the war on terrorism truly succeed," he said.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
India force a draw with a united effort
Trent Bridge (England),Tuesday, August 13, 2002: In a rare collective effort, the famed Indian batting trinity of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly fired in unison to lead a dogged resistance and force a draw in the second cricket Test against England on the fifth and final day here. Dravid cracked a gritty 115 on Monday and batted for nearly a session each with Tendulkar and Ganguly - both of whom got out in the nineties - to enable India post a second innings total of 424 for eight. Having conceded a 260-run first innings lead, India were ahead by 164 runs with two wickets standing but with only 10 more overs remaining in the day, a result was not possible and both the captains agreed to call off the play. It was an impressive recovery from the Indians who had slipped to 11 for two when both their openers had failed. Resuming at their overnight 99 for two, India lost just one wicket each in the morning and post-lunch session while adding 216 runs. Apart from the trio, there were some important knocks from the batsmen lower down the order too, especially from Ajit Agarkar and debutant wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel who not only contributed 32 and an unbeaten 19 runs runs respectively but also hung in long enough to deny the Englishmen any opportunity to try and chase the Indian total. Zaheer Khan also did well by defying the English bowlers for 40 deliveries to remain unbeaten on 14.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Decision on Gujarat polls in a couple of days: CEC
New Delhi,Sunday, August 11, 2002: Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh, who led an EC team to Gujarat for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in the riot-hit state, on Sunday said the decision on holding assembly elections there would be taken in a couple of days. "The decision would be taken on the issue in a couple of days", Lyngdoh told reporters refusing to reveal his mind. The CEC and the two other Election Commissioners T S Krishnamurthy and B B Tandon returned here from a three-day visit to Ahmedabad and Vadodra, the cities that were affected the most in the long spell of communal violence, The full Election Commission team interacted with the political parties and NGOs and went around some of the relief camps in the riot-hit areas and spoke to the victims. They decided to visit the state following the report of a nine-member official team that condition there was not conducive for an early poll. While the ruling BJP wants early polls, other political parties have been vociferously opposed to holding elections in the present circumstances.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
18 feared killed in cloudburst in Uttaranchal
Dehra Dun,Sunday, August 11, 2002: At least 18 people were feared killed in a cloudburst in Tehri district of Uttaranchal in the wee hours of Sunday, police said. Several houses were also damaged in the cloudburst in Budha Kedar area, they said. "Preliminary reports indicate that 17 to 18 people are feared killed in the cloudburst. We are trying to get more information about the tragedy," DIG Anil Raturi told. Following heavy rains, water gushed into several houses in Kot and Marwari villages in the district, he said. Uttaranchal Industry Minister Kishore Upadhaya, who represents Tehri in the legislative assembly, apprised Chief Minister N D Tiwari about the situation in Budha Kedar.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Seven ultras among 10 killed in J-K
Srinagar,Sunday, August 11, 2002: Ten people, including seven militants and a woman, were killed and a counter-insurgent associated with Ikhwan was seriously injured in separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since Saturday night, a police spokesman said on Sunday. He said four militants were shot dead by the security forces in an encounter in Karnah sector of Kupwara district in north Kashmir Saturday evening. Two Pakistani militants identified as tehsil commander of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen Abu Mudasir and Jaish-e-Mohammad activist Abu Ali were killed in an encounter with troops of Rashtriya Rifles during search operations at Sonibrari-Magam near Kokernag in Anantnag district of south Kashmir Saturday night, the spokesman said. He said two civilians including a woman were also killed and a house was gutted during the encounter. Two AK rifles, four magazines, 60 rounds and a hand grenade were recovered from the slain militants, he said. Army troops also killed a Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militant hailing from Faisalabad, Pakistan, in an encounter at Arwani near Zainapora in Shopian area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on Sunday, he said adding a house was also damaged and an AK rifle, a wireless set, two grenades and some ammunition were recovered.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Vaughan takes Indian bowlers to task but misses double ton
Trent Bridge (England),Sunday, August 11, 2002: The chinks in the Indian bowling armoury were exposed by Michael Vaughan who struck a superb near double-hundred to guide England to 341 for five on the third day of the second cricket Test here on Saturday. The England opener capitalised on a highly wayward bowling by the Indians to crack a career-best 197 as the hosts reached within 16 runs of the Indian first innings score of 357. However, Vaughan's superlative effort ended in disappointment when he was caught by wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel off Ajit Agarkar just three runs short of a well-deserved double century. He fell in the penultimate over of the day after batting for over four and a quarter hours during which he faced 258 balls and hit 23 boundaries. It was a flawless knock from Vaughan who hit his second successive Test hundred. He had scored 100 in the second innings of the first match of the series at Lord's which England won by 170-run. Vaughan got full support from the Indian bowlers who put up a dismal show today. The three fast bowlers, particularly Agarkar and Ashish Nehra, were extremely wayward and offered the batsmen a lot of width to play their shots. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who earlier in the day had hit a fiery 54 off just 37 balls with 10 fours, was the only Indian bowler who posed some problems to the Englishmen. But even he erred in line sometimes and was suitably punished.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Riot-hit Gujarat being showcased for Kalam's visit
Ahmedabad,Sunday, August 11, 2002: A flurry of activities mark the preparation in violence-ravaged Gujarat to welcome the new President A P J Abdul Kalam, who will be making his first official visit outside the national capital, on Monday. The last remaining vestige of the violence that claimed several lives and caused massive property damage at Naroda Patia is getting a face lift with over 100 personnel from the Roads and Buildings Department and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation deployed on a war footing since Saturday night removing the debris. A make-shift stage is being erected in the Gujarat Transport Corporation Employees Cooperative Bank's premises, facing blackened green walls of riot-hit Noorani Masjid, where the missile scientist is scheduled to address a gathering of minority-community victims of the insane rage. "We are making this stage with shamiana overhead to facilitate at least 100 people sit and listen to the President," Roads and Building official P R Shah told. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Utpal Padia, overseeing the clearance of debris from the Hussain Nagar Chawl, said people have started returning to their abandoned homes from relief camps and "we are ensuring proper sewage system and water supply". Security in the area has been tightened with police throwing a blanket cover to keep off unwanted elements. Assistant Commissioner of Police Chandrakant Vora said "so far there is no scheduled programme but we are ready to even guide the President into the residential areas".
Sunday, August 11, 2002
AI, IA suffer losses on operations of most aircraft types
New Delhi,Sunday, August 11, 2002: Air India and Indian Airlines, which together fly about 340 odd flights a week, suffer operating losses on most of their aircraft, barring A-310s and Boeing 300-B4s, according to official figures. Details for the year 2000-01 on the operating costs, revenues and quantum of profits and losses of different types of aircraft of these airlines show it was only Air India's A-310s, including those leased, and B-300 B4s which were recording operating profits. All other aircraft types, mostly Boeings of different makes, and Airbus 300s and 320s were registering operating losses, the figures showed. While B-747 400s of Air India and B-737s of Indian Airlines recorded the maximum operating losses of over Rs 89 crore and Rs 950 million respectively, these were followed by Rs 860 million loss on operations of A-300 by IA and about Rs 570 million on AI operating B-747-300 Combis. These aircraft types were followed by IA's A-320s with operating losses of Rs 610 million and AI's B-747-200s of Rs 310 million, the figures showed. However, the two types of aircraft - A-310s and B-300 B4s - of AI have registered about Rs 680 million and over Rs 350 million worth of operating profits respectively in that year. While AI operates 147 flights on an average each week, IA operates 190 flights. Both carriers are planning to acquire additional aircraft, mostly on dry lease, to raise their fleet strength.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Indian beheaded in Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Ali Haji, an Indian national, convicted of smuggling heroin into Saudi arabia, was beheaded in Al Khobar Sunday, the Saudi news agency (SPA) said. The death verdict was given by the Shariah court in line with the country's policy of severely punishing criminals to keep law and order, an interior ministry statement said. "The culprit was convicted by the Shariah court, and the verdict was approved by the cassation court and the Supreme judicial council," SPA, quoting the statement said. Drug smuggling is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia and capital punishment is carried out by beheading at public places. In 2001, at least 81 people were executed. Reports in India quoting relatives of those on the death row in Saudi Arabia have maintained that gullible Indians seeking jobs in the Kingdom are often used by unscrupulous agents as carriers of drugs.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Jaani Dushman
Director: Rajkumar Kohli Producer: Rajkumar Kohli Music: Anand Raaj Anand, Anand-Milind, Sandeep Chowta Lyrics: Sameer, Dev Kohli Starring: Sunny Deol, Manisha Koirala, Sunil Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Aftab Shivdasani, Sharad Kapoor, Arshad Warsi & Sonu Nigam Multi-starrers seem to be in full swing at the moment, what with Kaante due for release, and now Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani ready to hit the silver screen. Kohli’s last debacle Qahar too was a multi-starrer but he’s back with yet another offering for us. Jaani Dushman’s star cast boasts of some of Bollywood’s greatest talents; Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty but to name a few. It also marks Sonu Nigam’s debut as actor, but with the film starring half of the film industry one wonders if his performance will be noticed? The movie has been in the making for some time and its out of date feel is evident in the look of the film as well as the disappointing music from some of Bollywood’s prominent music directors. Not to be confused with Kohli’s previous Jaani Dushman (1979), that told the story of the mysterious disappearances of brides, Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, is set in two time periods. Years ago two lovers Vasundhara (Manisha Koirala) and Kapil (Munish Kohli) are cursed and separated, but the curse should allow them to reunite in the 21st century. Flash-forward to the 21st century, Divya (Manisha Koirala), Vijay (Sunil Shetty), Atul (Akshay Kumar), Prem (Aftab Shivdasani), Vivek (Sonu Nigam), Abdul (Arshad Warsi), Ashok (Aditya Panscholi), Victor (Sharad Kapoor), Rajesh (Rajat Bedi) and Madan (Siddharth) are studying in the same college. Karan (Sunny Deol), Divya’s love-interest, takes up a business opportunity in overseas leaving behind his younger brother at college with Divya. This business opportunity for Karan becomes Divya’s worst nightmare when Rajesh and Madan rape her leaving her for dead. Now commences the complex storyline; Divya implies that all her college friends were partially responsible for her death. How will Divya’s soul and Kapil’s heavenly powers combine their forces to kill their enemies? Do Vasundhara and Kapil reunite? And if so, what happens to the present day lovers Karan and Divya? Kohli’s attempt at a different storyline with a huge star cast has had very little hype. Last year’s over hyped multi-starrer, Lajja, didn’t go down too well with the Indian audience, so it may work in the film’s favour. It has a handsome budget and will perhaps retrieve it as an unexpected hit and not an over hyped flop. But the final outcome of this star-studded, special effects extravaganza lies in the hands of the audience.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Dil Vil Pyar Vyar
Producer: Metalight Films Pvt. Limited Director: Anant Madhavan Starring: R. Madhavan, Namrata Shrodkar, Sanjay Suri, Sonali Kulkharini, Hrisihitaa Bhatt, Jimmy Shergill, Bhavna Pani Music: Bablu Chakraborty The New Sound of Music Fresh, Innovative, Melodious! That is a dash at Dil Vil Pyar Vyar. New director Anant Mahadevan and Metalight Productions have decided to re-create a legend in the form of their upcoming Dil Vil Pyar Vyar. And to ensure that everything is kept right they have ensembled a fresh innovative star cast to go with the new sound. Comprising of: R. Madhavan, Namrata Shrodkar, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Sanjay Suri, Sonali Kulkharini, Jimmy Shergill, and Rakesh Bapat, the film is a re-creation of the legend known as R.D. Burman. The film also introduces Bhavna Pani who plays Rakesh Bapat´s love interest. The film which has music by Bablu Chakraborty, has re-created fourteen of R.D. Burman´s biggest hits into one film. Bablu Chakraborty has redone the tunes which are interspersed in the film into three differently unique love stories. The music is the storyline of the film, however, all of the love stories are ultimately different. In the end, each story has the same climax bringing together love stories which all resonate the sound of music, but more importantly, not the sound of regular music, the sound of Rahul Dev Burman´s. The "retro-based musical" has composed each couple with strictly different moods. Namrata Shrodkar and Madhavan are the "blue mood" couple. You will see most of their sets in blue and their couple has the most dramatic occurrences. Sanjay Suri and Sonali Kulkharini have the sensitive relationship where every emotion is handed with the utmost ease. Finally, Jimmy Shergill and Hrishitaa Bhatt are the upbeat couple. The one where the sun always shine upon. Dil Vil Pyar Vyar is clearly an innovatively scripted film. The film already has a big task of taking charge of master maestro R.D. Burman´s tunes, and even that withstanding, is facing a good start. The film has been invited for a feature at the Jerusalem Film Festival, before its release. While the directors have not decided whether they will do it, in fear of a number of things, including piracy, the fact is clear that Dil Vil Pyar Vyar is undoubtedly an intriguing film to await.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Kehtaa Hai Dil Baar Baar
Entirely shot in U.S.A. over a 45-day schedule, KEHTAA HAI DIL BAAR BAAR is all about real characters, real situations and real emotions. Produced by Lal Dadlaney and Kishor Dadlaney and directed by Rahul Dholakia, the film is based on the English flick MEET THE PARENTS (Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller). The story revolves around three principal characters – Ranchodlal Patel (Paresh Rawal) is a Gujarati businessman who calls himself Roger Patel, though he likes his 'Theplas'. Dr. Ritu Patel (Kim Sharma), a resident of New York Hospital, cannot do anything that annoys her father, Roger Patel. Sunder Kapoor (Jimmy Shergill) owns a mobile Indian food unit called 'India on Wheels'. Roger Patel is a successful Indian American who has migrated from Gujarat to Edison, New Jersey. A shrewd hotel owner, he has changed a lot with times, adopting the language and mannerisms of the West, while preserving his rich Indian values and Gujarati traditions. A loving and possessive father of two beautiful daughters (Kim Sharma and Toral Mehta), Roger Patel is the perfect family man. His greatest concern is finding the right match for his daughters. The ever-cautious Roger Patel insists on a son-in-law who is a 3P – 'a Professional Patel owning a Property'. This, he believes, is the tried and tested formula for a happy marriage. Sunder is an enterprising youth who runs a mobile restaurant in New York. A man of small dreams, Sunder falls in love (at first sight) with Ritu. On the other hand, Ritu is least interested in Sunder. After a roller coaster process in the heart of Manhattan, he eventually manages to woo her, something Roger Patel had neither imagined nor anticipated. All hell breaks loose when Roger Patel meets the boy and discovers that he is totally opposite to what he wanted. Sunder is a cook, a Punjabi and without any property. The 3Ps that were Roger Patel's yardstick are completely missing. Though Roger Patel claims that he is always right, at heart he is democratic and someone who can be easily convinced, if his ego is pampered. The family uses this trump card and invites Sunder for a seven-day stay over at their luxurious mansion in New Jersey. In his eagerness to win Roger Patel over, Sunder keeps goofing up, and Roger Patel snaps at him at every opportunity. Thus begins a cat and mouse game where each one tries to get the better of the other, leading to a hilarious confrontation between the two men. The family tries to balance the impossible… KEHTAA HAI DIL BAAR BAAR has music by Jatin-Lalit.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
'For an entire year I was sad'-Shah Rukh
When a brand of anti-dandruff shampoo on Indian shelves got Shah Rukh Khan to endorse it, the company struck pay dirt --- the man wears black all the time. In person, he is diminutive. But there is something about him that transcends his lack of inches; some sort of metaphysical platform heels that give him heft and stature to the point where he is able to walk in and dominate a room where every single male --- and some of the females --- are taller than him. That phenomenon was on view at The Mark Hotel, East 77th Street, Madison Avenue recently, when Shah Rukh Khan arrived, with costar Aishwarya Rai, to promote his latest film, Devdas. For Khan, the cliché, All The World's a Stage, comes true --- he is a consummate and, more important, constant performer. The curtain is always up when he is around; the show is always on. And there is only one star --- the chain-smoking, wisecracking giant of the Bollywood box-office. Press conferences are in general boring affairs. A Khan conference, though, is the nearest thing to getting ringside seats for a stand-up comedy show. Someone asks him: "Today, when you are low, depressed, there are various societies that offer help, there is psychiatric counselling, there are so many ways of getting help. Do you think if Devdas were alive today, he would really have drunk himself to death?" The answer comes without pause for thought: "No, he would have come over to live in New York!" Someone else wants to know how come he smokes in public despite so many television cameras being trained on him. "Ah, that reminds me," he says, "let me do my bit for a social cause. If you are watching me, hear this --- don't smoke. Smoking is bad for you; smoking can kill you. Do something else --- chew gum, kiss a pretty girl, whatever. But don't smoke." For close to 20 minutes, Shah Rukh and Aishwarya Rai answered media questions. For a further ten minutes, he then sat down with Prem Panicker for an exclusive interview. A compilation of the two: Why would anyone want to make the twice-made Devdas all over again? Devdas is a very, very special film in the history of Indian cinema. The chance to interpret it as a person of today's generation would --- and I belong to today's generation --- be irresistible. Why make Psycho again? Why make The Sound Of Music again? Why commit harakiri? Devdas is a classic film, and our version, our interpretation, is a tribute to that Devdas. I hope you guys enjoy it, and I hope we make a lot of money. (Pause) You know, what we are really hoping is that today's kid will see the film, then go home and say, 'Yo, Dad, I saw Devdas; it was real cool!' Ever since we started this film, we have been asked whether this story is relevant today. Yes, that talk makes us nervous. But I repeat, it is a great story, one of the greatest ever. Great stories can do with retelling. The subject of Devdas is sad, melancholy. Today, the family entertainer is doing well. When making a subject like this, isn't there a big risk? I would disagree --- good films do well, not only family films. And I do have a selfish reason for doing this --- it is not often that you get a chance to be part of a classic. For me, Devdas is the greatest story ever told, the greatest film ever made. Apart from the original novel and the earlier films, what research did you do to help you interpret the role? I read the book, saw the movie several years ago. I kept it that way till 90 per cent of our film was completed --- I did not want to see the original again. I admire Dilipsaab [Dilip Kumar, who acted in Bimal Roy's 1955 Devdas], enormously. I did not want my own interpretation to be influenced by what he had done. One thing I did --- I normally never drink. But for this film, I drank. I tell you, life can be very hard. Imagine, it is two in the morning and I have to drink Bacardi and have Madhuri [Dixit, who plays Chandramukhi in the film], fawn all over me on one side, while Ash [Rai] is dancing for me on the other. I tell you, life sucks! If you were to define the story of Devdas, what would it be? I would say it is the story of three people who loved each other so very, very much that they hurt each other and themselves. This film is actually one man's dream. I think it is creditable that Sanjay [Leela Bhansali, director], after a Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, did not opt for something similar, did not decide to stay on safe ground. Someone asked me if I thought a 'historical' film like Devdas would do well. Devdas is not historical. Emotions are not history --- love is eternal, really. Even if you mean it in the sense of a period film, well, why not? [Aamir Khan's] Lagaan did very well both at home and here. It was even nominated for an Oscar. Pakeezah did very, very well; Umrao Jaan did very well. Good historicals have done well. Actually, only Asoka [his film costarring Kareena Kapoor] flopped badly. But then, that is probably because of me! Asoka had aroused tremendous expectations. You as producer had an enormous amount of money riding on it. In retrospect, do you think you would have made that film differently? Any regrets over the way it turned out? None. Honestly. The film I made was one I wanted to make. That it did not do well at the box-office is another story. You talked of having to really drink in this film. If you got into the character to that extent, how difficult was it, at the end of shooting, to put it behind you? You know, I have heard from Dilipsaab that he had to go through psychiatric treatment after he finished the original version, he told me it was so intense it took him over a year to recover. But then, you are talking of the previous generation of actors. They were a lot more conscientious than we are! But I remember the last day of shooting. I was up in the branches of this tree, loving Ash --- now how difficult is that! Anyway, I was up there, holding her hand, and the shot was canned. I kept holding her hand. I realized that I was going to miss being sad. For an entire year, that is what I did. I was sad. I don't remember the exact quote, but someone once said something to the effect that sadness brings out the best in art. After we wrapped this film, I have not worked for six months --- I have just enjoyed the feeling of being sad. It is a very beautiful emotion to be in. We stars live in this bubble where everyone is smiling at you, where everyone loves you. Somehow, you lose touch with real, deep down sadness. Working on this film put us in touch with that emotion. You come across as an actor who takes a lot of pains, preparing for whatever you do. Where and how did you study your craft? Well, in my early days, I studied at the National School of Drama in Delhi. I belonged to a semi-professional theatre group. We had a lot of workshops, and put up some semi-professional plays. I did two years in television, now ten years in film --- it has all been part of the learning process. More than that, I read books, I watch films. I like kids. Not the way Michael Jackson likes them perhaps --- oops, maybe I shouldn't have said that --- but I like kids. You watch kids, you learn. They are so uninhibited, so natural. I have a son who is four, a daughter who is two. And I suspect that, mentally, I am somewhere between those two ages! What would a child know of the kind of deep-down, gut-wrenching sadness of a Devdas? Have you ever tried taking candy from a kid? Kids know sadness, believe me. In fact, Dilipsaab once said to me that Devdas is really a child trapped in a man's body. You were recently at Cannes for the film festival, where Devdas was screened out-of-competition. What was the experience like? Beautiful. I was like a kid in a candy store. Imagine, wherever you go, whoever you meet, they are all talking cinema! The people there are very gracious, very welcoming, very receptive of what you do. I have never in my life walked down a red carpet that size. I have never in my life had an audience of 2,000 after the screening of the film, give us a 20-minute, non-stop, standing ovation. Then I got to meet Martin Scorcese, which was cool. I also met Sharon Stone --- wooooh! Have you ever thought of crossing over into Hollywood? Hey, that is not for us to do it. It is not like they are waiting, you know. The big Hollywood studios, with their gates wide open, going, 'Hey, where are those guys from India?' Actually, more than crossing into Hollywood as you call it, my dream is to make a Hindi film that will be welcomed in Hollywood. That will be released like a Spider-Man is released, or a Minority Report. There are some obvious constraints --- for instance, the mainstream audience here likes its films shorter. I would like to keep that in mind, but still stay within Bollywood's formula --- the songs and dances and romance and all the rest of it. Because that is our idiom, that is what we are comfortable with, and that is our USP. Acting in a film like this --- how has it changed the way you will chose your future roles? Devdas is a romantic character and I have been responsible for a lot of the romantic characters on Bollywood these last ten years. So there are times when I wake up and say hey, I don't want to be in love today. That feeling got reinforced. I mean, where love is concerned, this is it. Devdas is the ultimate lover. I don't think there is much more I can do in that line, not for a while. You know what I would really like to do now is something radically different --- I would like to do a Spider-Man: fly from building to building in tights. I would like to have some fun. We read that you are working on your autobiography. How is that coming along? You are not the only one. I too read someplace that I am working on my autobiography. I wanted to ask the guy who wrote that story how it is coming along! The thing is, people take a button and sew a shirt on it. I like writing and I write lots of notes. I have this laptop I carry around everywhere and that is the only thing I can do with it. Jokes aside, what I do is write down little things I see and hear and observe --- you know, it might be an incident, a joke, a quirk in someone's character, whatever. I write them all down and, some time or the other, they come through in the movies. I might think of something and get the screenplay writer to work it into the story or use that in my acting. I have been making notes on Devdas because I thought it might be interesting for us to do a collector's book kind of thing. An actor talking about what acting means to him, through the process of working on a film. It is all pretty vague yet, but one thing for sure it is not an autobiography. You have been directed by Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam and there was talk you would do a film with Shankar… Who told you that? Shankar. Did he also tell you that I signed for him and took a signing amount? You know how much? One rupee. I took one rupee from him. And told him I would give him dates in bulk whenever he wanted them. We were supposed to do Nayak [which Shankar then made with Anil Kapoor in the lead] together. I saw the Tamil original [Mudhalvan] and loved it. But I was not comfortable about doing the Hindi version. I told Shankar that in Tamil, that whole chief minister for a day thing worked brilliantly, but I did not think it was such a big issue in North India. I didn't think the concept would work as it is. So on that project we had some issues --- nothing major, just that we didn't think alike on a few things, so it did not make sense to do it. But I still have that signing amount; he still has my promise of dates. He is one guy I most definitely want to work with. For me, he is like James Cameron --- you know, he makes out-and-out entertainers on a gigantic scale, and that kind of thing can be a huge high. You haven't signed a film in ages. You mentioned you haven't worked for six months. Your next film is your own home project and that is still a long way from getting off the ground. Is all this the signal of something? Actually, you know, June 26 marks exactly 11 years since I faced the cameras for my first shot for Dil Aashna Hai, in 1990. I knew it would be a tough field, a very demanding profession. So I promised my wife [Gauri] I will work like hell for ten years, then I will take a break, slow down, spend time at home, rethink what I want to do. Last year was the tenth anniversary of that day, but Devdas was on the floor then. I could not take the break I had promised myself and my wife. So I am taking it now. Any professional needs time to look back at what he has done, evaluate himself and his work, learn, move on, maybe even make the same mistakes again. But here, for ten, no 11, years, it has been like a film of mine releases on Friday, and on Monday I am on another set doing something else. Your back problem has nothing to do with this break, then? Oh no, not at all. That is another thing I keep reading about myself, a back problem that keeps me from working. I do have a back problem and it is kind of serious, I will not deny that. I have what they call a prolapsed disc --- I like getting into everything I do. So I end up doing a lot of my own stunts. I have damaged my knees, my ankle, all kinds of things. I had a guest appearance in Shakti, and I had to do a stunt. Later I felt a pain in the back. You know how it is, you think it is overwork and you ignore it. But it got bad, so I had it checked up and they told me a disc had slipped. Surgery is an option, but I don't want to go in just now. I did that with my knee, I had surgery. The doctor told me to rest for six weeks, but I went right back to work. I shot Mohabbatein on crutches. As a result, my knee still bothers me. This time, I thought, instead of going in for surgery like a quick-fix thing, I will rest, see what happens, check it out. If necessary go for surgery and make sure I also have sufficient recovery time. So you will now take a holiday before getting back to business as usual… No no. I am taking a holiday. In fact, just before coming here, I was on holiday with the kids and it was wonderful. The thing is, really, I have been telling myself for some time --- I want to do one film at a time. But if you are working flat out, that never happens. You will be doing a film and then someone comes to you and asks you to do something and you sign up, and then someone else comes along. It never ends. So the only way out is to stop doing films altogether for a bit. Now, I have stopped. So here on, I can focus on doing just that one film --- I have my home production next. And by the time I am done, I can think of what I want to do next. The thing is also that when you do this day in and day out, you become kind of practiced, facile. There are little shortcuts you learn and you begin to use them unconsciously, instead of acting. That is because you are doing it all the time. So you try to make it a little easier on yourself. You know how to do a shot. Often, you just breeze through it without effort, without putting anything of yourself into it. That is what I want to change. I want a break, so that when I face the cameras next, I will feel that tension again, that fear. I want to be raw again.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Madhuri Dixit
You've received unstinted accolades for your performance as Chandramukhi in Devdas. How does it feel? It obviously feels great. There are good reports coming from all corners. I am very thrilled with the way the film has shaped up. How was the experience of working in a classic? The experience was simply unforgettable. I was very excited from the word go. Rarely does one get to play such meaty characters. The role gave me an opportunity to do classical dances, which I enjoyed thoroughly. How was Sanjay Leela Bhansali as a director? He is so passionate about work that one automatically gets charged while performing. We had a wonderful time on the sets. Sorry, no controversies here. Everyone was so involved that one's enthusiasm would rub off on the other. As for my co-stars - particularly Ash and Shahrukh - it was great fun. Sanjay wanted to make a film that would be called your film since unlike Guide for Waheeda Rehman or Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam for Meena Kumari, there isn't anything in your career that could be termed a classic. Comments. Did he say that really? That's very sweet of him. Yes, it is a fantastic role for any performer, a dream role really. And for the first time I get to dance some intricate steps choreographed by Maharajji (Birju Maharaj). How many people are that fortunate? Chandramukhi's character is not easy to perform. She has various shades. And then there was this constant comparison with the earlier versions of the film. I don't think it s fair to compare two products of two different eras. Has your husband Dr. Shriram Nene seen the film? He has and liked it immensely. Although he doesn't understand Hindi at all he liked the film in its entirety. I had to explain the whole story in detail before we went for the premiere. What language do you converse in at home? We either speak English or Marathi, which he is fluent in. Do you practice dance at home in New York? Yes it may sound unbelievable but I do practice dance at home whenever I get time. It's something I treasure and take pleasure in. Otherwise I'm cooking and doing every other household chore just like any other housewife. What else keeps you busy? Do you miss the arclights? I am doing a lot of things that I couldn't find time for earlier or didn't know of. For instance, I do scuba diving and skeet shooting. I must tell you about skeet shooting in which one shoots at a clay pigeon that is fired into the air with the help of propeller. It's amazingly exciting. The rest of the time I look after the home. About missing the arclights, where have I gone? That means you'll continue doing films? Have you signed any films? I can't divulge details as of now. Yes, I have many good and interesting offers which I am still considering. The film offers haven't stopped pouring in and may be, I'll do one film a year. The schedules have to be worked out in detail. Let's see how it works out since I live in the US. I have just completed a reality show for Sony Television named Kahin Na Kahin Koi Hai. I have shot non-stop for the show which is going to be aired from July 29.We have shot quite a few episodes for the time being so that when I leave for my home in the US and come back later this year and shoot for the rest.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Hrithik Roshan
What is your role in Na Tum Jaano Na Hum (NTJNH) all about? In this film, I play a rather sensitive character called Rahul who is practical, but also a dreamer. Although Rahul believes in the magic of love, he has never actually been in love. But this doesn’t stop him from believing that his dream girl is waiting for him somewhere. Later, when he does meet this girl, both are driven by the heart and not the head. What was it like working with Esha Deol in NTJNH? Esha is a great person and I felt very comfortable working with her. Being very spontaneous creativity-wise, Esha should surprise many as her career moves forward. Initially, since she was a newcomer, I used to offer her friendly advice, but slowly, as shooting progressed, she came up with an outstanding performance. What kind of a person is Hrithik Roshan in real life? I am rather like NTJNH’s Rahul in real life. At times, I am very spontaneous and often get carried away by the dictates of the heart. However, I do know that reality is very different from the world of make-believe and realise that one cannot afford to be just a romantic - there is the need to be practical as well. Having worked with a number of co-stars, could you pinpoint an actor who has left an impression on you? I think Shah Rukh Khan is just perfect as an actor. He gives his co-stars a lot of space. I felt very comfortable working with him in K3G and look forward to doing so again. I didn’t get to work much with Amitabh Bachchan, but he is definitely a class apart. Would you say that you have been greatly influenced by your father, Rakesh Roshan? I have learnt a lot from my father’s films, be it Kamchor, Dhanwan, Khoobsurat or Aap Ke Diwane. Maybe, subconsciously, I am driven by what I have learnt from him hard work, honesty, dedication and the fact that ups and downs are a part of life. But, at the end of the day, I let my own instincts guide me. If not an actor, what would you have been? I would have been associated with anything related to films. I don’t know, but I might just have become a nutritionist or, perhaps, a health instructor. The fact is that I love eating ‘healthy’ food.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Vivek Oberoi
Are you satisfied with your performance in Company? No performer is ever completely satisfied with his performance. There’s always a feeling at the back of your head that some scenes could have been done better or a dialogue delivered differently. On the whole, I try to see the role from the director’s point of view and then add my bit. Everyone has a lot of expectations from you. Ramu says you're the best newcomer he has ever worked with. I have to be honest and say that such expectations scare me. I don’t know if having a father (Suresh Oberoi) who’s a brilliant actor is a genetic advantage. It has been reported that you have been offered obscene amounts of money by producers. Is it true? God has been very kind to me. I’ve enough food on my table and a house. All my needs are taken care of. I’m very secure with what I have. As long as I have books, films and music, I don’t need anything else. I have the option of waiting for good roles. I love my work so much, that there are times when I forget acting is a profession. As far as money is considered, my dad handles the business side of my work, while I just concentrate on acting. It’s rare to see a newcomer as confident as you. Let me just say that I have never gone out of my way to attract attention. So, it’s probably just me. I was quite surprised and pleased with the positive response that I got from the industry. I hope I can live up to those expectations. I’ve given Company my best shot. What kind of homework did you do for Company? I wrote a 300-word biographical sketch for my character Chandu. I tried to figure out the the way he would talk, the kind of clothes he would wear, how he would interact with people around him. It just helped me understand the character better. Do you think you would be able to put in the same preparation for future roles? Agreed that it would be difficult to do that kind of work for all my roles. But, if the role is as challenging as the one in Company, I would prefer to be prepared. My second film Saathiya, which is being directed by Shaad Ali, didn’t need a lot of work, because I closely identify with the setting and the personality of my character. But it would be unfair to say that Saathiya is an easier film compared to Company. What was it like to work with Ajay Devgan? Is there any danger of comparison? We met on the set for the first time and throughout the shooting he helped me a lot with nuances and technical details. Ajay is phenomenal and there is no question of anyone comparing us. Our characters are so different that one would do injustice to both of us by comparing our work. Besides Company, what other films have you signed? There is Shaad Ali’s Saathiya which is co-produced by Yash Chopra and Mani Ratnam. Then I’m doing Rajat Mukherjee’s Road with Manoj Bajpai and Antara Mali. There is also Dum with Diya Mirza, which is directed by E Niwas. After that there is Vinod Chopra’s film. So, I’m pretty booked until the end of 2002.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Sonali Kulkarni
How has Dil Chahta Hai made a difference to your career? Commercially, the film did superbly. After Mission Kashmir, I got to play a modern and trendy looking girl in Farhan Akhtar's film. The film worked, and I got noticed for my performance. What are your forthcoming releases? I have a few releases in the pipeline. Among them are Arjun Sanjnani's Agnivarsha, Makarand Deshpande's Danav which is the story of a girl who has been brought up by a thakur and Jai Prakash's Laagi Prem Lagan which stars a newcomer Shakti Anand. How was the Agnivarsha experience? The shooting is over, and I must tell you that the experience was very interesting. I had read the play on which the film has been made earlier, and liked it immensely. The story line is different, and so were the costumes in which we played our characters. The look made me enjoy the experience a lot. You have done a lot of work on the stage. How different, and tough, is it to act in films? It is not tough. Each and every role that I have essayed has been different, be it in Mission Kashmir, Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, or Dil Chahta Hai. As an actress, I am in an upbeat mood because this happens to be a great phase of my career. I am completely satisfied with my work on the big screen. Have you made any plans for your future as far your career is concerned? One cannot plan one's career. I have learnt Bharatnatyam and classical music, and I would like to use my skills. But it all depends on the kind of stories that is going to come my way. Really, it does. How did you react to the fact that Lagaan lost out at the Oscars? I don't think it is a loss. In fact, it is a major gain because the film managed to be part of the shortlist of five films for which there is competition from the world over. In fact, I am really very proud because of the nomination itself because it is a great morale booster for the Indian film industry.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Aamir Khan
So how does it feel to reach this far? Great. Last few months I've been travelling a lot, I attended quite a few film festivals, went to LA. So the experience I've had, I'd like to share with my people. It's very important for film makers from India to go outside India and see what is happening. They must see the world cinema, go for festivals then they'd understand what's happening around us. There are lot of opportunities and there is lot of talent in India which can do world class work. We can make films which will entertain the world audience. Now Lagaan is mainstream Hindi film, it is very long as compared to any foreign film and even Hindi films. Then there are songs which are neither in English nor in Hindi. Despite all this we have got such strong response. Whether it's an American or a Britisher, it got us great response. Our film was shown in Lucarno it was very successful. This gives us an indication that the world audience is appreciating a mainstream Hindi cinema We've been telling them that if you people liked Lagaan, there are many films made in India in the past which may be better than Lagaan. There is Mother India, Mughal- e- Azam, Guru Dutt and Bimal Roys films, Nasir Hussain's Teesri Manzil, Vijay Anand's films. Lot of these films are entertaining. If they have liked and enjoyed Lagaan, then they'd surely like our other films. It's high time that we pulled our socks. If the overseas market has liked Lagaan so much, why is it still not released there? In festivals, there are not only critics and lovers of cinema but it's a strong market for buying and selling. Toronto is one of the biggest markets. If you make a film, you must take your film there and show it, if people like your film they want to buy it. Our film was shown in Lucarno where it was liked that we started getting offers to buy the film for Europe. Now France, Germany, Italy have never shown any Hindi film before. Lagaan made lot of impact in Lucarno. That is how a big company like Columbia Tristar decided to release our film in Europe. We got offers from many other buyers, individual companies like from Rezo company in France, Lecardo from Italy, Trigon from Switzerland and Finland and also from Germany. There were about 10 distributors, but finally we settled down with Columbia Tristar. Do you feel that the Indian film industry should have been more supportive of you? Mr Bachchan has recently said in the CII Business of Entertainment Conference said that Aamir on his own has promoted his film which should have actually been a united task and this is where corporatisation comes in. Amitji will say that. Amitji has loved my film, he is very fond of the film and spoken very strongly about it. I'm very happy with what he said. I have always been his huge fan. But it wasn't me alone, Ashutosh and me, both of us went there and did whatever we could together. But yes, the Indian film industry which has to come together. But why is the release in Europe and even the American release taking so long? Are they waiting for Lagaan to perhaps maybe get an Oscar before they can cash in on the success? No, that is not true. Columbia Tristar took over Europe much before when Lucarno happened. They were not waiting. They had not seen Lagaan. They should know that there is a film called Lagaan which they want to buy and unless you enter your film in the festival, how would they come to know? Unless you go the arena, stand and show your face, how would they know that you exist? You have to enter your film, that is where the market is, that is where the buyers are. All company heads, Like Universal, Miramax are there to decide what films will run in their market, what they want to buy. They won't buy unless they feel that their audience would like the film. They are not waiting for anything. We entered the film in Lucarno in August after which we started getting offers from the buyers and Columbia Tristar took it over. The release in Europe or America is taking long because they follow a certain process. Their team takes over the film, they do research, check the condition of negative, work on how many prints to take out, this process takes time. They just won't put up your film in theatres next Friday, they'll plan how to go about. When the nominations came about I suggested them to wait a little more because when we get nominated more interest will be generated. And if we win it's still better. It's good that they waited. And now they are waiting till the Oscars to happen. Now more people would want to see it. When will the release happen internationally? May onwards the release will begin in Europe. In America, just before the nominations Sony Classic has acquired the rights for Lagaan in the US. Sony classic is a very big company which released huge crossover films like Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon. Are they also waiting for the Oscar results? They have no choice, they bought the film only two weeks back. We have heard about Hollywood directors wanting to sign you? Well, a few directors have shown interest. Lets see what happens. How hopeful are you winning the Oscar? The impression in the Americans' minds would be `Oh Indian film, too many songs and dance and the length, three hours and 40 minutes'. We got scared. So we decided to show our film to every Tom, Dick and Harry. If our film is good, word will spread-thats what we thought. So whether it was the Academy member or not, industry member or not. It did not matter to us. We began showing our film to all. There were lot of talk around that time when the 10 films were shortlisted and one had to go, about Monsoon Wedding maybe standing a better chance and Shekhar Kapoor said something to that effect as well. Did you see any merit in that argument at all? I think... (a long pause). Let me put it this way. The attempt that we have made to get the film viewed and get the right attention has worked. And we didn't have two million dollars. I think it was achieved without that. The job of the FFI is to select the best film. And then it is the job of the producer and perhaps as Amitji was suggesting today a collective effort on part of the industry in supporting the film. What will you be wearing for the Oscar night? It would definitely be something Indian. Have you been practising the Oscar speech? (Laughs). No no. Last words? We appreciate the kind of support the film industry has given us. Right from the day the film got released, people have been very happy and proud. After the nominations they were very happy and proud. I have their support. I want to thank the press. The mainline National press has supported the film since its release with a very positive spirit. They liked it and they supported it. And the Indian audience, whose emotions are today attached to the film. We want to share the success of this film with everybody. The film belongs to the country.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Sanjay Dutt
Tell us something about your forthcoming film Pitaah? Pitaah is set in rural India and is all about the oppression faced by low-caste villagers from the zamindars. Mahesh Manjrekar has given a very earthy look to the film. And to be in tune with the ambience I grew a real beard. So here I'm a low-caste villager, married with three kids, living his life peacefully till a zamindar rapes his nine-year old daughter. And he is forced to take up a fight with them for justice. This is happening in our country today! Rape a nine-year old shooting that scene must've been horrible. Yeah! But I wasn't there when the scene was shot. You are a father in real life. Was it traumatic to play a father of a rape victim on screen? Yes it was! I don't know how the poor farmers deal with such situations in real life. It's really sad. How was it working with Nandita Das? Great! She has made valuable in-puts in the film. Vaastav, Kurukshetra and now Pitaah you and Mahesh Manjrekar have become Jodi No 1 Yeah (laughs)! We share a great relationship. If you have noticed I have always done films with friends rather than strangers. Kaante marks your debut as a producer. How did the decision to produce Kaante come about? I had always wanted to be a producer and I thought Kaante was the right opportunity to launch my own production house. I was actively involved with Kaante right since its inception. Sanjay and I worked on the script for two years. We then decided on the music director and settled for Anu Malik. The rest of the cast and crew were also decided upon. We flew down to America to select the location for the film. wonderful experience. Contacted the technicians over there that would make our shooting schedules feasible. And see, we completed the film in 40 days flat. We use to shoot for 16-17 hours everyday and all the stars co-operated with us more than willingly. It was a wonderful experience. Kaante also marks Mahesh Manjrekar's debut as an actor in a Hindi film. Yeah! When I spoke to him about it, he just jumped at the offer. We told him that he'd have to colour his hair to give him a specific look. He was hesitant initially but he later agreed (laughs). In fact, all of us right from Amitabh Bachchan to Aditya Panscholi have had a specific look in the film. Was there any specific purpose to shoot Kaante in America? The pains that people take there it is really worth the money we pay them. We wanted to complete the film at one go and that would not have been possible were we to shoot it here considering our disorganized nature. Also some of the equipments used to shoot the film are not available here so we thought it best to shoot in America. When will the film release? April. What is Vaastav-II all about? Vaastav was about Raghu, the goonda. Pratibimb is all about his son Rohit. How people react to him because his father was from the underworld. It's a very powerful script. You have played varied roles off late. Has it been a conscious decision to do so! I'm 43! At this stage you certainly don't expect me to play a typical college kid running around trees with his girlfriend. I was known as a bad boy once upon a time. Today I have grown as a person and as an actor. I keep the bad boy image just to make my fans happy.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Akhiyon Se Goli Maare
The movie took a long time to make and the final product shows the trash that has been made. Absolutely no efforts are put to make a good product. You have an old fashioned story, with the most clichéd jokes and actors who have not changed a bit in the past two decades with their acting. Kiran (Raveena Tondon) is an educated and modern girl who is in love with Raj (Govinda) a business magnate’s son. They like each other and are keen to get married. Kiran’s father Bhangari (Kadar Khan) is a small time crook and has a big shop in Chor Bazaar buying and selling stolen goods. He is very well known Gangster of Chor Bazaar. Like any good father he wants his daughter to get married to a bigger gangster than him. Raj and Kiran are surprised on Bhangari’s choice, when he selects Shakti (Shakti Kapoor) a known Goonda who has a number of cases against him and most of the time remains in jail. Inspite of Kiran’s objection Bhangari almost decides to accept Shakti as his son-in-law. Raj and Kiran are very much disturbed. Suddenly an idea strikes Kiran. She suggests Raj to pose as the Biggest Goonda in town and convince her father to get her married to him. Just to get his love Raj against his nature acts as a big goonda and surprisingly in a hilarious scene succeeds in convincing Bhangari who accepts Raj as his would be son-in-law, Shakti on the other hand becomes furious when he comes to know about this and he kidnaps Kiran with the help of Bhangari’s rivals in the Crime World who also want to eliminate Bhangari. In the meantime Bhangari comes to know that Raj is actually from a respectable family and not a Goonda as he presented himself. This annoys Bhangari. Both Govinda and Raveena have just made dance appearances in the 1st half, the actual hero of this film is Kader Khan who does his usual thing. The Direction is hopeless while the choreography of Ganesh Acharya is the worst of his career. The music is like a slap on your face every time it comes. The foreign locations shown in the film does not go well with the movie so it is wasted. Shakti Kapoor acts like he does in his C grade film, actually the movie is very much like a C grade film and targeted at that kind of crowd. Johny Lever, is fun and so are few dialogues of Kader Khan. Loved the way Govinda who poses as a bhai made those funny noises each time he spoke! Don’t take this movie to seriously as it is absolutely stupid, just enjoy the comedy when you watch it on TV. You can avoid this film and watch it on TV when you cable operator shows it - you can do channels surfing while watching AKSM as this movie can be best viewed like that!
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Shararat
How often does Bollywood stray from its set one-and-a-half formulae? That is the bluest of moons situation. But when it does, the result is usually worthwhile. That's usually. Unfortunately, not in this case. Shararat has had a long-delayed release. But that's the least of its problems. And this after it actually has a subject not often brought onscreen by Bollywood. The film is set in an old-age home and has a bunch of aged protagonists in an age of bubblegum romances. That in Bollywood terms is a huge deviation. From Tinnu Anand to the Puris, Amrish and Om, AK Hangal to Anjan Srivastava and Helen, these are seasoned performers who have over the years given memorable performances. Apart from Hangal, not a single of them is able to rise above the histrionics of the script. The theme is not an unattempted one cinematically. Films like Avtaar (1983) and Amrit (1986) may not have had designer old-age homes, but they had greater integrity to their theme. At least the characters were fleshed out instead of being cardboard caricatures, which they have been reduced to here. The name of the film is a misnomer. Rahul, Bachchan's character, is supposed to be a brat. The brattishness is heavy handed and misplaced and most of it has to be assumed by the suffering-right-from-the-first-shot audience. Sent to this old age home for a month as a punishment for his shararat, Rahul is asked to turn over a drastic new leaf. Which he resolutely refuses to do, till for an inadequately explained reason he does. Predictable! The film is almost entirely left to be carried on Bachchan's shoulders, which prove totally inadequate for the purpose. There are fleeting moments when the magic of his father's comic touch is seen, but these are rare. And yes, those are high points of this utterly sad film. This film can only deepen the crisis in Bachchan's already in the doldrums career. The rest of the cast is incidental, and any twists to the wafer-thin plot are just to fill in the required length of a regular mainstream film. Even if the film's intention was to highlight the pathetic situation that the elderly face in our society, what gets compromised is their dignity. That the film is being released on the same day as the year's most hyped release perhaps speaks volumes for the confidence of the makers. This is not the sort of mark the debutant director will want to remember. For his sake, and ours, one hopes he learns from the inadequacies of this film. Not to be seen even if you have free balcony passes to the show.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Yeh Hai Jalwa
This no jalwa at all. David Dhawan the man who at one time rocked the box office has lost it all in this movie. His formula has failed to generate any interest. Many would have not even heard of this film or know that it is releases, somehow the movie has been kept so low profile. I guess even the makers know the outcome of the film and that’s why even they don’t expect anything much from this film. Even though you have big names like Salman and Amisha, repeatedly it is proved that "big names" do not guaranty quality entertainment. Dhawan is good at lifting ideas from here and there. For YHJ he takes inspiration (now that’s a more better word!) movies like Trishul and Carbon Copy. The story is about a Son (Salman Khan) who goes in search of his Father(Rishi Kapoor) and is surprised to see his father alive, happy and above all the richest man in U.K. He discovers that his father is happily settled with his Wife (Rati Agnihotri), Daughter (Rinke Khanna), Son (Master Ajay Nagrath) and Rishi Kapoor's father (Kader Khan). Their family runs smoothly till Salman Khan walks into their life. Na hi fax, na hi xerox, na hi telex, na hi computer ki koi copy; main hoon apne papa ki carbon copy - goes the lyrics no one will admire. The music is below average while Amisha is only good for shaking her leg. Salman is nothing great here but Rishi Kapoor is a winner here. Rest of the cast like Sanjay Dutt and Rinke Khanna have little here to prove. Better stay away from this film if you respect your time.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Rani Mukherjee
Despite being one of the finest actresses of the current crop, Rani Mukherjee hasn’t got her due yet. Be it Raja Ki Aayegi Baarat, Ghulam, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain or Hey Ram, the spontaneous and bubbly actress has always risen above the scripts offered to her. And now, she is all ready with two new films that she hopes will change her fortunes at the BO. In this interview, Rani speaks about working for her first Yash Chopra film and insists that she rather take a break and look for a good script than sign on films as a desperate measure. The Bichhoo girl at her best... Tell us something about your latest release, Mujhse Dosti Karoge? It is about three friends, Raj, Pooja and Tina. I play Pooja and Kareena is Tina. Raj is our childhood friend who goes away only with the promise to keep in touch via Internet. I impersonate as Tina and keep in touch with Raj but when he returns I am scared and ask Tina to tell Raj that she was the one who had been in touch with him. The film is about friendship and love. You have a release after nearly a year. Yes, it just happened that I haven’t had a film release in a while. One really can’t do anything about it. Chori Chori was to release but then the producer had some liabilities to pay-off and therefore could not release the film. He has passed away, now I hear that they are planning to release the film. I hope people get to see the film, as for the first time I have attempted comedy and it is definitely a very nice film. How was it working in MDK? I loved every moment of working in this film and at no point felt that Kunal was directing a film for the first time since he has directed music videos he already knew the technicalities of filmmaking. Also, we were given a bound script. All we had to do was to improvise on our dialogues. Also, being a part of a Yash Chopra movie is definitely a privilege. But aren’t you also Karan Johar’s lucky mascot? (Laughs) I hope I am. Karan is a very dear friend, he treats me like his little sister and is very protective about me. He even advises me on the kind of films I should be choosing to do. I will do anything for him. Working with him in both his movies in small roles has given me more than being a heroine in most other films. Also, he is such a great talent. Wasn’t this your first film opposite Hrithik? Yes, we did work in K3G but I wasn’t cast opposite him there. Working with him on this movie got us close because we work in a very similar fashion. And since we have a certain comfort level between us, we really got along well. So, as a friend I would tell him where he was going wrong and would even correct him during a scene. And since we are so comfortable with each other, he took my suggestions seriously. What after MDK? I have about two releases this year, MDK and Mani Ratnam’s Saathiya, which is directed by Mani’s assistant Shaad Ali. It is a remake of Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film Alai Payuthey. It is about a medical student who falls in love and what happens to her after marriage. I was very happy that I could do this film because in the past I was supposed to do two of his other films but somehow they never happened. As I told you, I don’t know to manipulate people but I also believe that if you have not harmed anyone, good work will definitely come back to you. You know I have no other films on hand and just want to keep it this way. I am planning to rest it out for sometime, am hearing some scripts and definitely looking for something that will give me a chance to play a great role. Aren’t you getting into film production along with your brother? These are all rumours. I am yet to do a lot of work as an actress. And I have no intentions of getting into production, as it is requires a lot of money. Maybe one day in the future if I have a good script and lots of money, I will think about it.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Chhal
Movie Chhal Director Hansal Mehta Cast K.K, Prashant Narayanan, Jaya Seal Watching Chhal gives a certain déjà vu feeling in parts. A story of an undercover cop who infiltrates the underworld to get information about them, this small budget movie directed by Hansal Mehta follows the RamGopal Verma school post Satya and Company. Inspector Karan Menon (K.K.) gets into the inner circle of the underworld after posing as a member of their group to obtain and pass on information about their nefarious dealings to the Police. His only contact is Inspector Ramesh Dave who heads the task force. As part of the underworld, Karan meets Girish (Prashant Narayanan) and befriends him after he saves his sister Padmini (Jaya Seal) from getting kidnapped. As Karan’s romance with Padmini blossoms, so does his friendship with Girish. They become inseparable and when Girish finds out about his sister’s love, he is more than happy. But all is not well on the work front. Girish works for Shastri who heads the gang. Shastri leaves for Malaysia and lets Girish handle the operation from India, but unknown to Girish, Shastri is planning to get him killed by the rival gang. Once again, Karan comes in and saves Girish and further gets into his good books. But all that ends when Girish gets to know that Karan is actually a cop posing as one of them. He is shattered and cannot get over that shock. He feels betrayed and cheated but he knows that his sister loves the same man who is responsible for letting him down. And so, he decides to end his own life rather than come in their way. Chhal is a technically well-made movie. For the show-string budget under which it was made, the film has turned out well. The editing by Apurva Asrani (Of Satya fame) is mind-boggling and truly of international standards. Another highpoint of the movie is the excellent action by Shan Kaushal. Music by Viju Shah is average so is the cinematography by Neelabh Kaul. Performance wise, the film belongs to the two leading men, K.K and Prashant Narayanan. Both actors have risen above a flawed script and their on-screen relationship has turned out very well. Actress Jaya Seal is mediocre and though she has a decent role, it’s wasted. Directorially, Hansal Mehta is definitely inspired by other underworld movies and it shows. In fact, the film belongs more to the action director than him. Some scenes are very predictable like the climax shot, which could have been better conceptualized. Production values are zilch. Overall, it is a small film with some impressive performances but that won’t be enough to get Chhal a decent Chalo at the BO. That’s for sure!
Saturday, August 10, 2002
India's foreign policy not Pakistan-centric: Sinha
Allaying apprehensions that India's foreign policy was Pakistan-centric, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on Friday said New Delhi had only countered propaganda by that country and presented its case when the current tensions between the two countries was raised by others. Making it clear that New Delhi had no obsession with Pakistan, Sinha told the Consultative Committee of MPs attached to his ministry that the foreign policy was based on national consensus and the ''mool mantra'' (basic principle) was national interest. ''It is not Pakistan-centric'', he emphasised. The Minister, who gave a detailed assessment of his participation in the recent ASEAN Regional Forum and post- ministerial meetings in Brunei, said it was conveyed to the interlocutors there as also foreign visitors to this country that what India was engaged in is a major war against poverty and deprivation, official sources said. ''This is a war we want to fight and win. Pakistan and terrorism is holding us back from victory in this battle,'' he told the members. The minister said ''it is only when others have raised Pakistan with us that we have responded. Once it is raised, we have a duty to counter Pakistani propaganda and present our case''. Sinha said India would ask the international community to understand in totality the situation in our region. 09:45 IST
Saturday, August 10, 2002
India watching US arms supply to Pak
India accepts US' assurances that they have been supplying only helicopters, transport and spares and equipment to Pakistan to fight the war against terrorism, sources here said. Where Indian national security is concerned, India can make no compromise and the U.S. is well aware of that as it sees the benefit of the Indo-U.S. strategic relationship, they said. If the line between supplies to fight terrorism and supplies which can be used against India is crossed, sources said, India will take it up very strongly with the U.S. If Washington begins to supply weapons or F-16's which can be used against India, the sources said, it will undoubtedly hurt India's security interests and India is "going to scream. There is no question about that." India feels at this time it has to draw a line between what is justified in the fight against terrorism and what possibly could be used against India, they added. 09:30 IST
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Bhuj experiences slight intensity quake
An earthquake of "slight" intensity was experienced in Bhuj area of Gujarat in the wee hours on Saturday. The epicentre of the quake, measuring 4.4 on Richter scale and occurred at 0231 hours, was at 23.6 degree North (Latitude) and 70.3 degree East (Longitude), an India Meteorological Department release said here.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
3718 petrol pumps and gas agencies to be cancelled
A total of 3718 petrol pumps, gas agencies and kerosene dealerships, and not 3158 allotments as announced earlier, will be cancelled as the fallout of the August 5 Government order, for which oil companies are likely to issue termination notices from early next week. "The previous announcements cancelling 3158 petrol pump and gas agency allotments following allegations of favouritism had taken into account only the allotments done by Dealer Selection Boards (DSBs) constituted by Petroleum Minister Ram Naik in June 2000. But since the Prime Minister's order explicitly said cancellations from January 2000, the total number has now gone up to over 3700," Government sources said. After three rounds of Secretary level consultations between Federal Petroleum and Law Ministries, a legally acceptable methodology of terminating the dealerships, which minimises scope for arbitration, has been firmed up. "State-owned oil companies will start issuing termination notices to all allottees and holders of Letter of Intents (LoIs) for petrol pumps, gas agencies and kerosene dealerships (issued since January 2000) from next week. The process would take upto 20 days to complete," they said. Based on the consultations between the ministries of law and petroleum, a draft is being provided to the oil companies, who have till now filed 2598 caveats in the Supreme Court and various High Courts to prevent local courts from granting ex-parte stay on the cancellation of dealerships. Emphasising that no dealership has been cancelled as of now, sources said the termination notice would give a month's notice to the allottees before formally evicting them. 09:45 IST
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Rain plays spoilsport on second day's play between India and England
Rains spoiled the second day's play here on Friday, washing out two entire sessions, as India slumped to 302 for eight in their first innings in the second cricket Test against England. Only 25 overs were possible in the day between lunch and tea during which India added 92 runs to their overnight total of 210 for four and lost four wickets. Harbhajan Singh was batting on 13 and Zaheer Khan on one when rains forced an abrupt end to the day's proceedings after just 1.3 overs had been bowled after tea. Earlier the morning session was lost due to persistent showers, which started last night. In between when India played, skipper Sourav Ganguly came up with an attractive 68-run knock before being sent back by a controversial caught behind decision. The other overnight batsman V V S Laxman failed to add to his score of 22 while Parthiv Patel, the youngest wicketkeeper ever to play Test cricket, made an inglorious start to his career, being dismissed for nought. On a day when the ball swung far less than it did on the opening day, Ganguly executed some trademark shots on the off-side and was associated in a rollicking sixth wicket partnership with Ajit Agarkar who contributed a quick, though shaky, 34 off 39 balls with six fours. 09:30 IST
Saturday, August 10, 2002
Nuclear Forces Command to be in place soon: Fernandes
Hinting that India would soon have a Nuclear Forces command in place, Defence Minister George Fernandes on Friday said a command and control chain for the country's nuclear arsenal was nearing completion. Fernandes also said that along with setting up of Strategic Forces Command, the process of integration of the three services as recommended by Group of Ministers was in full swing and the exercise will be completed shortly. The Defence Minister was speaking after releasing a book 'Mission to Pakistan' by Former Director Intelligence Bureau Maloy Krishna Dhar. On whether India's had come up with a Nuclear doctrine, Fernandes said its Nuclear doctrine was very clear. "It is no first use of nuclear weapons, non-use of nuclear weapons against any non-nuclear country and use of nuclear weapons only as a deterrent", he said. Asked about his frequent visit to world's highest battlefield Siachen, Fernandes said" it is a place where we should not even wish our enemies to land where elements including avalanches, gaping crevasses play havoc with human lives". He was in Siachen recently for the 25th time. He said nothwithstanding these, Indian soldiers where battling these elements with a kind of morale no other army in the world could boast off. "My trips are aimed to share some moments with these gallant men and officers and I make it a point to visit the area every three months when the turnaround of troops takes place", he said. 09:45 IST
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Airtime waiver on STD, ISD calls mooted
In an incentive to mobile customers, cellular operators are considering waiver of airtime charges on mobile-to-mobile national and international long distance calls. The proposal is currently being considered by Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI's) business development committee and a final view is expected to be taken within a fortnight. Confirming the development, COAI Director Gerenal T V Ramachandran told, "We want to demonstrate that mobile phone is an effective and convenient phone. By bringing such benefits our objective is to develop the market." The strategy, Ramachandran said, was aimed at expanding the cellular market. "The talks are in fairly advanced stage and we hope to finalise it in the next 15 days," he added. Ramachandran said the cellular players would also benefit from such incentives, as firstly the subscriber base would increase and the traffic would also go up. The proposal was only specific to mobile-to-mobile long distance calls, both national and international, he said adding, "the idea is to move people from fixed to mobile." Ramachandran said the objective of the taskforce was to look at ways to expand the mobile services in the country, and pointed out that waiver of airtime on mobile-to-mobile long distance calls was only one of the various other proposals being considered.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Opposition sticks to demand, asks Ram Naik to resign
The Petrol pump allotment issue once again rocked both Houses of Parliament forcing their adjournment for the day. As soon as Parliament assembled, Opposition members in both the Houses were on their feet shouting anti-government slogans like "there is noise in every street that BJP is a thief and we want the resignation of the Petroleum Minister Ram Naik." Congress and Samajwadi Party members in the Lok Sabha stormed the well after Speaker Manohar Joshi disallowed a notice for suspension of Question Hour moved by Congress Chief Whip P R Dasmunsi. Ruling benches strongly opposed the attempt by Opposition members to stall the Question Hour with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan making government's stand clear that there was no question of yielding to Dasmunsi's demand. Amidst pandemonium, treasury benches countered the Opposition's sloganeering shouting, "we want Question Hour." Joshi attempted to begin the Question Hour by asking BJP member Kirit Somaiya to put his query to Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie but as the uproar continued, he adjourned the House for the day barely 10 minutes after it met. Chaos in the Rajya Sabha In the Rajya Sabha too, as soon as Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptulla began the proceedings, Congress and other opposition members were on their feet accusing Naik of allotting pumps to relatives and associates of BJP leaders. The Petroleum Minister was present in the House. While Congress members raised slogans against the BJP, BJP members sought to turn the tables by shouting, "corrupt Congress, have shame and drown yourself." A Congress member was also seen waving a bunch of papers. Heptulla's appeals to the members to maintain calm went unheeded. Sensing the mood, the Deputy Chairperson adjourned the House for the day within three minutes after it assembled. The sloganeering and counter-sloganeering continued even after the House was adjourned. Both Houses had witnessed similar scenes yesterday on the pump allocation issue leading to their adjournment for the day. (With inputs)
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Intel To Showcase Rural E-governance
An Intel crew is currently in Bangalore to capture digital revolution in Karnataka’s rural landscape. The global chip major is impressed with the state’s Bhoomi project, an e-governance initiative, which had digitised 20 million land revenue records covering 67 lakh farmers over a five-year period. The film, expected to be completed fast, will be first shown to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when Intel chief Craig Barrett will call on him on August 29 in New Delhi. Intel’s Indian office confirmed the developments but a spokesperson feigned ignorance about the film being shown to the prime minister, I cannot make a comment on it now. I am not sure of these things as Intel has not issued any statement on Mr Barrett’s visit as yet. If he comes we will soon issue a statement. The chip major would showcase the project to the world - on how the use of information technology can bring radical changes in the system of governance and administration. This is in tune with Intel’s policy of documenting IT applications in various fields to promote its brand, effectively claiming credit for its chips which provide the hardware backbone for such projects. During Mr Barrett’s visit last year in Bangalore he had shown a multi-media presentation in association with i-Flex solutions on how IT applications brought significant changes in the banking sector. Intel is not the only one enthused by the Rs 20-crore Bhoomi project. The World Bank had already posted a write-up on the project in its website, describing it as a role model of e-governance in the government set-up. The project has been nominated for this year’s Stockholm Challenge Award in the project service technology category. Awe-struck by the Bhoomi project, eight states have requested Karanataka revenue department to replicate the model.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Bar on surrogate ads to hit agencies
In a move that is likely to cost advertising agencies close to Rs 600 million, the government has asked broadcasters including Star, Zee, Sony and Aaj Tak not to air seven advertisements of liquor and tobacco brands with immediate effect. The seven advertisements that have been asked to be taken off-air are Haywards beer, Smirnoff, Kingfisher, 8 PM, Whytehall, Aristocrat Premium and Charms cigarettes. According to government sources, the communication to this effect has already been sent to various TV channels including Star, Zee, Aaj Tak, Ten Sports and Sony. Besides, the government will also set up an external panel to monitor advertisements on all channels across the country and determine whether it's a case of surrogate advertising by any of the liquor or tobacco companies. The advertising companies are keeping their fingers crossed. V Ganapathy, business group head of Ogilvy & Mather, feels liquor companies would now resort to event management, point of sales or other kinds of promotions through various other avenues. B Sridhar, media director, Maximise, said, with the government imposing a ban on surrogate advertising for liquor, advertising agencies would loose at least 50 per cent of the spend on above-the-line advertising, which is about Rs 1.20 billion. "That spend would move in favour of event management companies," he said. The industry has already started vying for limited on-the-ground promotions, according to Ramesh Mani, director, business development for Indian subcontinent and Gulf for Cuttysark. He says most resources would now go to grassroots advertising and promotions at good hotels, bars and restaurants. "The companies are spending huge amounts and vying for space at all these locations already," he added. Abhishek Khaitan, executive director, Radico Khaitan, said the industry is trying to put across its point through the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverages and is hopeful that the ministry will take a softer view. "How can the government impose such a ban on an industry which earns about Rs 200 billion revenue for the government," he added. UDV India general manager marketing Anupam Dutta said the move would require a complete overhaul of the company's marketing strategy.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Pak behind attack on Amarnath pilgrims: Minister
Pakistan was behind a dawn attack Tuesday by militants on Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir in which eight devotees were killed, Minister of State for Home, I D Swami said. The minister told reporters outside Parliament that Islamabad wanted to disrupt state elections in Kashmir due to begin next month. Asked if he believed Pakistan was behind the attack, Swami answered; "No one has to think twice or doubt about that." "Even when separatist leaders are thinking of taking part in the election, they are trying to sabotage these elections. It is only Pakistan that is doing it."
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
We must leave Sachin alone
When asked to autograph one of the two biographies which came out recently, Sachin Tendulkar prepared to do so with a rather bemused look on his boyish face. "Have you read them?" I asked. "No," he said, signing the book. "Do you know what is in them?" I further asked. "No," he responded writing best wishes on the inside cover. "Did the author meet you?" I asked one more question. "No," he said, handing me the book, and then added, "I don't read what is written about me. Not even newspapers." Just as well. If Sachin read all that is written about him, it would take so long he'd never get time to play. And if he did what people want him to do, disaster is certain. Though we have reached a saturation point, I could not resist writing one more piece on Sachin. Last two weeks, after his three failures at Lord's, people have gone to town speculating on what is wrong, and inundating newspapers with leave him alone articles. But leaving Sachin alone is not possible, the man demands attention. When he makes hundreds (which is quite often) he hits the headlines. When he fails (which is not very often) the headlines become bigger and this triggers an interesting reaction. There is debate on TV channels, editorials are written on his run drought, everyone is in the kya hua mode. Should there be such a raging debate? Tendulkar is entitled to failure. Every batsman fails because he must; nobody can smash bowlers all the time. When Tendulkar fails, why look for all kinds of reasons? Some of these theories are bizarre even by Indian standards. Suddenly, serious technical flaws are detected in his batting - the bat is coming across his body, the back foot is not moving sufficiently towards the off stump, the right toe is pointing to cover instead of point. Certain gurus question not the technique but Sachin's temperament, whispers are doing the round that he does not deliver on important occasions, his big scores have only a small impact on outcome of games. People also talk of pressure and conclude that Sachin's fabled composure is finally cracking. He is under pressure. Sachin carries a huge weight each time he asks for a leg stump guard. But he uses this to his advantage. "It motivates me," says Sachin. "What is important is I want to achieve targets set by myself. I am not worried about what others feel." The debate is pointless, for nothing is wrong with Sachin. And why should we have collective bukhaar just because Craig White hits his leg stump. If anything was the matter, Sachin, the best in the business, would know what to do. He needs technical gyaan as much as Shahrukh Khan needs tuition on dialogue delivery. Sachin is a cricket computer who is constantly connected and on-line. Ganguly is not worried about Sachin. "Tendulkar is Tendulkar," he says, implying that all this fuss is faltu. Yes, we must leave Sachin alone. We have no clue how he produces all the wonderful stuff --- like clobbering a fast bowler to cover off the backfoot. If he is doing something drastically wrong, chances are we won't know. So why bother? Much better to just sit back and enjoy his marvellous skills.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Armitage to visit India, Pakistan this month
Press Trust of India Washington, August 6: Nearly two months after his visit to the region, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage will travel to India and Pakistan later this month to review the steps taken by the two countries to ease their tensions since his last trip. As part of his five-nation tour, Armitage will visit New Delhi on August 23 and Islamabad on August 24, "Where he will build upon his June visits to those cities and review the steps India and Pakistan have taken since that time to further de-escalate tensions," State Department Deputy spokesman Philip Reeker told reporters in Washington.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Lashkar group behind Amarnath attack: Advani
NEW DELHI: Al Mansuriya, a new militant outfit floated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba, was responsible for Tuesday's attack on Amarnath pilgrims near Pahalgam, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has said. Talking to reporters after attending a meeting between a Congress delegation and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani said that of the 28 people injured, 15 of those seriously wounded had been airlifted to Srinagar for treatment. Stating that a high-level team of home ministry officials led by a special secretary had reached the site for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, Advani asserted the Amarnath yatra would continue. Earlier, Minister of State for Home I D Swami had said "we are determined to continue the Amarnath yatra. The yatra will continue." He told reporters that the team would also review security arrangements for the pilgrimage and these would be further tightened.
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Pakistan condemns attack on Indian Hindu pilgrims
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan condemned Tuesday's attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir that killed nine Hindu pilgrims and wounded 31. India has blamed the latest attack in disputed Kashmir on an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based hardline guerrilla group Lashkar-e-Taiba, accusing it of trying to derail Kashmir elections announced last week and disrupt a pilgrimage. "The government of Pakistan has condemned the terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-occupied Kashmir, which led to many deaths and a large number of injured," a Foreign Ministry statement said. The raid was the biggest in Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir since attackers killed 28 Hindu slum-dwellers last month. It was likely to keep relations strained between the nuclear-armed neighbours, who came to the brink of war in May over the Kashmir issue. New Delhi blames much of the violence in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Pakistan-based militants crossing the military line dividing the sides. Pakistan says that infiltration has stopped on the orders of President Pervez Musharraf. Analysts had expected an escalation of violence by separatist guerrillas in the run-up to Kashmir elections set for late September and early October that India sees as a way to restore peace and bolster the legitimacy of its rule. Pakistan seeks implementation of 1948-49 U.N. resolutions calling for a plebiscite to determine whether Kashmiris wish to join India or Pakistan and says the elections are no substitute. The foreign office called on India to end its "repression" in Jammu and Kashmir and agree to open dialogue to resolve the issue. A Pakistan-based alliance of militant Kashimiri groups, which does not include the Lashkar-e-Taiba organisation, also condemned Tuesday's killings. "It is a terrorist act. We strongly condemn it," said Syed Salahuddin, chief of the United Jihad Council alliance of Kashmiri militant groups. "Kashmiri militants are not involved in the attack. Kashmir mujahideen can never think of carrying out attacks on worshippers, no matter what their religion," he said in a statement issued in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan controlled Kashmir. Representatives of Lashkar-e-Taiba could not be immediately contacted. Group members have gone underground since Musharraf banned the organisation in January. The group is blamed by India for involvement in an attack on its parliament in December last year which triggered the military standoff between the neighbours.
Monday, August 5, 2002
PM cancels all allotments of petrol pumps after Jan 2000
PTI NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Saturday ordered cancellation of all allotments of petrol pumps, LPG and kerosene agencies made after January 2000. A PMO release said the Prime Minister reviewed the allotment of petrol pump and LPG gas and kerosene agencies by public sector oil companies. It was emphasised that all allotments had been made on the recommendations of dealership selection boards which are headed by retired judges. However, since a controversy has arisen with regard to these allotments, the Prime Minister has directed the ministry of petroleum and natural gas to initiate steps to cancel all allotments made with effect from January, 2000 till date, the release said. "All concerned petrol pumps and LPG and Kerosene agencies will be auctioned on the basis of competitive bidding. Modalities for the re-allotment on competitive bidding shall be finalised by the ministry concerned," it said. However, the allotments made to the families of Kargil martyrs shall remain unaffected by this, the release said.
Monday, August 5, 2002
Sanjay Dutt refuses to comment on telephonic talks with Shakeel
PTI MUMBAI: Sanjay Dutt on Monday refused to comment on alleged telephonic talks, between him and the Pakistan-based gangster Chhota Shakeel, intercepted by police two years ago. Sanjay told reporters outside the designated TADA Court here that the matter was subjudice and he will not like to comment on it. The actor had come to the court in connection with the summons issued by Judge P D Kode to Parveen Babi's claim to have gathered evidence on Dutt's involvement in 1993 bomb blast case. Police have recorded telephonic talks between gangster Shakeel, Dutt and film-makers Mahesh Manjarekar, Sanjay Gupta and Harish Sughand on November 14, 2000. Outside the court, Dutt's fans gathered in large numbers to have a glimpse of the actor.
Monday, August 5, 2002
Parveen Babi fails to turn up in court to produce evidence against Sanjay Dutt
PTI MUMBAI: The film personality, who claimed to have gathered clinching evidence against actor Sanjay Dutt for his alleged involvement in 1993 bomb blast case, is none other than former actress Parveen Babi, TADA Court sources said here on Monday. However, she did not turn up on Monday morning in the designated TADA Court in response to summons issued by judge P D Kode. The judge had summoned her to tender evidence in person as the documents and affidavit filed by her earlier were not substantial. Sanjay, however, came to the court with his lawyers Satish Maneshinde and Farhana Shah. The court decided to wait until 2.45 pm before passing any orders. The judge also noted that he would determine whether or not the summons were served on this person who claims to have evidence against Dutt. Earlier, Parveen Babi had written to the court and filed an affidavit claiming that she had enough material against Dutt's involvement in the bomb blast case.
Saturday, August 3, 2002
PML too defies Musharraf; reposes faith in Sharif
In a defiant act against President Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Friday reposed faith in the leadership of the exiled leader and deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Shairf, a move that may invite disqualification for the coming general elections in October this year. On the lines of its erstwhile adversary, Pakistan Pepople's Party headed by former premier Benazir Bhutto, the Central Working Committee of the PML-N passed a resolution unanimously reposing faith in Shairf, serving exile in Saudi Arabia. It said Sharif, deposed by Musharaf as prime minister in a bloodless coup, was party's "undisputed leader" and would accept and abide by "his decision and directives whole-heartedly as President of the party". The Party would announce Sharif's decision Saturday on the leadership issue, PML-N leaders told reporters here. Speculation was rife that Sharif could nominate either his wife Kulsoom Nawaz or brother Shehbaz Sharif to head the party in order to avoid disqualification under the new rules brought in by the Musharraf government. Under the new rules those convicted by the courts have been debarred from contesting polls and parties headed by those pronounced convict can also not take part in the polls. Hijacking and tax evasion convictions rule him out of contesting both party elections and parliamentary elections under new laws, and his two previous tenures as prime minister mean he cannot run for high office again under a July 6 decree. 11:57 IST
Saturday, August 3, 2002
Indian Army rejected Pakistani claim
The Indian Army Saturday rejected a Pakistani claim of having foiled an attempt by Indian troops to establish a new post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Neelum Valley sector of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. "There is no no truth in the report. Indian army respects the LoC," Army spokesman Col. Shruti Kant told when asked about the Pakistani claim. A Pakistan military statement issued in Islamabad last night said the Indian attempt was in violation of the "established ground rules". The Pakistani statement said heavy exchange of artillery fire has been going on in the sector, where, it claimed, the Indian army attempted to establish a new post sometime back. "Having failed in their attempt, the Indians made another attempt to re-establish the post, which has also been successfully beaten back, causing considerable casualties" to the Indian army," it said. 14:19 IST
Saturday, August 3, 2002
Cong incapable of forming coalition govts : Advani
India's Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani Saturday claimed that the Congress was incapable of forming a coalition government at the centre and asked party cadres to maintain the best of relations with regional parties. Proposing the 'Delhi Pledge' at the National Council meeting here, he emphasised that BJP adopted a strategy of coalition in 1996 after emerging as the single largest party in Parliament, which has paid rich dividends and "it is not easy for the Congress" to adopt such a policy. He said the NDA experiment had strengthened federalism and the Vajpayee government was more representative in character, both geographically and socially, than the first non-Congress government at the Centre led by Morarji Desai, which hardly had any representation from the South and the East. The senior BJP leader told party workers that they should not be wary of regional parties but should ensure that the party has the best of relations with such organisations. He said what was necessary was to give a "right direction" to the relations between BJP and its allies. Attacking the Congress, Advani suggested that the opposition posed no threat to the NDA government. He used cricket terminology to drive home the point that the opposition did not have the strength to cause any problem to the BJP-led coalition. 15:43 IST
Saturday, August 3, 2002
Amitabh on the Akhtar clan, Hema Malini and 'Devdas' (INTERVIEW)
The legendary actor, known as the Big B of Bollywood, is having a tough time juggling dates for all of his new projects that include Farhan Akhtar's war epic "Lakshya". Barely had Amitabh finished shooting the first schedule of debutante director Honey Irani's "Armaan", when he had to begin planning for Irani's son Farhan's second film "Lakshya", which is expected to go on the floors in September. Amitabh's association with Farhan's father Javed Akhtar goes way back. The lyricist-storyteller, who wrote a number of Amitabh's hit films in the 1970s and 1980s, is also writing "Lakshya". Asked how it feels to be a part of almost the entire Akhtar clan's cinematic plans, the Big B told : "I guess I fit into a certain kind of role where an elderly actor is required. That's it. No more no less. "I've already shot one schedule for 'Armaan'. It's my first film with a woman director. Honey's is a very accomplished unit. I've worked with Farhan's father and now I'm working with his mother. "It's a very interesting story where I'm with Anil Kapoor, Preity (Zinta) and Gracy Singh. It's a social film about a family issue. My role is small. Honey was keen that I do it. She's well planned. No time wasted. Every detail is worked out beforehand. So when we get on the sets, there's very little problem." Another exquisite lady who brings a smile to Amitabh, who has been keeping a hectic pace running from studios to taking care of his ailing parents, is actress Hema Malini with whom he pairs up after many years for Ravi Chopra's "Bagbaan". Amitabh is all praise for his co-star from colossal hits like "Sholay", "Naseeb" and "Andha Kanoon". "Hemaji is looking truly gorgeous. Our roles are of an elderly couple. We're playing our age -- me 60 and she 50. "Since there aren't too many actors and actresses who fit the bill I guess we were chosen by default. We never did too many films together. But whatever we did like "Sholay", "Naseeb" and "Desh Premi" it worked quite well." Elaborating on their enduring relationship, Amitabh says: "I see no difference between her and her daughter Esha. I keep teasing her about it. Esha is an absolute favourite of (his wife) Jaya after they worked together in a film. "In fact, Jaya is a great Esha promoter. I have been attending Hemaji's dance recitals sporadically. So it isn't as though we haven't kept up with each other. We meet socially and we had been discussing over the phone the possibility of doing a film together when 'Bagbaan' happened." Amitabh, who has recently wrapped up shooting for "Boom" directed by Kaizad Gustad of "Bombay Boys" fame, is all praise for the filmmaker. "The humour is quite different from other comedies I've done so far. Kaizad and I spent a lot of time together before going on the sets. He explained what he wanted done over similar meetings. And we just hit it off." But one director Amitabh is itching to work with is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has given the industry its first major hit this year "Devdas". "I saw his 'Devdas' and I was simply bowled over. It was a brilliant experience. I went with a lot of apprehensions, lots of biased assumptions. They were all washed away when the film started. There has been a lot of talk about there being no soul in the film, only visual decoration. "But I fell in love with every frame. Maybe it's a new kind of emotional experience for mainstream cinema. But I felt it was very strongly presented. I'd love to work with Sanjay. But I think I've missed the bus."
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Advani rejects US suggestion on Kashmir poll observers
PTI NEW DELHI: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on Thursday rejected the US suggestion on allowing international observers for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls but asserted all steps would be taken to hold "free and fair" elections in the State. "We do not need any certificate from outsiders. J and K is an inseparable part of India," he said adding the Election Commission has been requested to hold not only a free and fair poll in the state but also it should be seen as free and fair. Winding up a short duration discussion on J and K in the Rajya Sabha, Advani said the Centre was prepared for devolution of more powers not only to Jammu and Kashmir but also to other States to strengthen federalism but ruled out pre-1953 status for Jammu and Kashmir. Sharing sentiments of the members who wanted the Government to ensure a free and fair poll in the state, Advani said he had a telephonic conversation with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Thursday morning who assured him that he would take every step for a free and fair poll. The Chief Minister also said all citizens, NGOs and ambassadors can go to the state to observe the poll process, Advani said. On US Secretary of State Colin Powell's remarks that Kashmir was on the international agenda, he said Kashmir is an internal problem of the country and if at all there is any international dimension to it, that is cross-border terrorism. To members' concern on RSS demanding trifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, Advani clarified that Government was totally opposed to this idea. But, he said, there was need for devolving more powers to Jammu and ladakh by the State Government just as it was demanding devolution of more powers to the State. Advani said it was not just enough that powers were devolved from New Delhi to the State capital but these should percolate downwards. On cross-border terrorism, Advani said it was a matter of concern that it was still continuing. "No one should have any misgivings that it has stopped".
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Army captain, four militants killed in Rajouri encounter
JAMMU: An army captain and four others, including two militants, were killed in a fierce encounter in a high-security residential complex housing senior police and civil officials in Rajouri city of Jammu and Kashmir where mopping up operations were continuing, official sources said here on Thursday. Captain Reddy, who was seriously injured in the encounter after a group of militants attacked D C Colony on Wednesday night, succumbed to injuries in hospital on Thursday, the sources said. The bodies of two militants were recovered from the roof-top of an a house under construction, they said. Two more bodies were recovered but they were yet to be identified. The encounter began around 7: 45 pm on Thursday and stopped at 11:00 pm. Militants, who were on the roof-top, resumed firing at 5:25 am on Thursday. Security forces retaliated killing two ultras. The firing stopped after a brief while, they said. Combing operations and house-to-house searches were on, the sources added. They said a group of three to seven militants appeared near the complex, which houses residences of Deputy Commissioner K I Khan, DIG S S Bijral, SSP B R Manhas and National Conference leader Bashir Ahmed Lone, around 7:15 pm on Wednesday evening. Security forces cordoned off the area on receiving the information. On seeing the troops, militants opened fire and lobbed grenades forcing troops to retaliate, the sources said. Khan said "the target of the militants was to hit the VIP's."
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Were Sanjay-Shakeel tapes a publicity stunt?
MUMBAI: Does anyone from the film industry benefit from the Shakeel-Sanjay Dutt tapes? Sources say that a section of the police and the film industry worked overtime to give the tapes as much publicity as possible. A prominent film star and a producer _ who may themselves be involved in some ways with the underworld _ were the prime movers. They were a bit too uncomfortable with Sanjay Dutt's proximity to the underworld, sources add. The tapes, in one stroke, have hit two producers _ Harish Sugandh and Sanjay Gupta (who is also director) and one director, Mahesh Manjrekar and one star, Dutt. Interestingly, the police are in possession of tapes that mention a few other Bollywood stars as well. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee had been called for questioning after the arrest of Nazim Rizvi and Bollywood's biggest financier Bharat Shah. They had also called Ratan Jain of Venus Music, David Dhavan, Ali Noorani and Praveen Shah. The police, however, are yet to reveal the results of the investigation. The tapes have come at a time when Dutt has reneged on his earlier statement in the serial blasts case of 1993. When contacted, Joint Commissioner (Crime) Sridhar Vagal refused to comment. ``The matter is subjudice,'' he said. Ever since the underworld started threatening the Bollywood, the industry has been in close contact with the police. Some senior officers have been in constant touch with the bigwigs of the industry whose annual turnover could be well over Rs 6,000 crore. The tapes, incidentally, point to what could well have been a sinister plot. Chhota Shakeel could have used some Bollywood personalities to bait breakaway lieutenant Abu Salem into a trap. In the tapes, Salem is referred to as Chikna. Shakeel had used a similar ploy to trap another breakway Dawood aide, Chhota Rajan. Information was gathered from an elaborate underworld network before a killer squad barged into his Bangkok hideout on September 26, 2000.
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Mukesh succeeds Dhirubhai as Reliance chairman
MUMBAI: As expected, Mukesh Ambani has officially taken over as the chief of the Rs 65,000 crore Reliance group, the largest private sector business empire in the country. Mukesh, 45, was elected chairman and managing director of group's flag ship Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) while younger brother Anil Ambani, 43, was elected vice-chairman and MD at the company's board meeting held here on Wednesday. Both the elections were unanimous in the first board meeting of the company after group patriarch Dhirubhai Ambani's demise on July six this year. Mukesh was earlier vice chairman and MD while Anil was MD of Reliance Industries. Anil proposed the name of Mukesh as chairman and the latter in turned proposed Anil's name as vice chairman which was passed unanimously. All the 11 directors - Nikhil Meswani, Hital Meswani, HS Kholi, S Venkitaramanian (ICICI nominee), U Mahesh Rao (GIC nominee), Ramniklal H Ambani, MC Bhakta (solicitor), T Ramesh U Pai, Yogendra Trivedi, Dr DV Kapoor and MP Modi (two independent directors) - were present at the meeting. An MBA graduate from the Stanford University of the US, Mukesh joined his father in 1981 and initiated Reliance's backward integration from textiles into polyester fibres and further into petrochemicals. Anil, who holds and MBA from the Wharton School of the US, joined Reliance in 1983 as co-chief executive officer and is credited with having pioneered many financial innovations in the capital market. "With the death of Dhirubhai, the large community of Reliance's investors (around 3.5 million in number) and observers too, will be watching his two sons - Mukesh and Anil - very closely. Given the chequered history of Indian business houses after the patriarch leaves the scene, the lenses are out on the junior Ambanis," said a Reliance watcher. "My task would be to strengthen the present position (of the group), transform and ensure its growth in keeping with my father's dreams. For me this is a moment of rededication to the values, vision and goals of my father, teacher and mentor Dhirubhai Ambani," Mukesh said after taking over as chairman. "To lead by love, by trust and by example. I learnt these priniciples from him with humility, but with unflinching commitment, I will endeavour to practice these principles," he said, adding, "in my thoughts and actions my father will always be present and I will be measuring them by the yardsticks of his expectations." Both Mukesh and Anil have been closely involved in the expansion and diversification projects of the group in the last 20 years.
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Maruti launches 'WagonR Pride' at Rs 3.93 lakhs
PTI NEW DELHI: Maruti Udyog on Wednesday launched a special limited edition version OF its premium small car 'WagonR'. Called 'WagonR Pride', the vehicle has been priced at Rs 3.93 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). It would have stylish body graphics, sporty roof rails, alloy wheels and high mount stop lamp besides power steering and central door locking facility, a company release said. Other features include body coloured door handles, bumpers, side view mirrors and soft finish upholstery. 'WagonR' would be available for a limited period only. A Maruti spokesperson said the new vehicle would add to the excitement around the 'WagonR' brand which has witnessed a sharp rise in sales over the past year. Maruti, India's largest car maker, manfactures three versions of the 'WAGONR' namely 'LX', 'LXI' and 'VXI' which sport ex-showroom Delhi prices of Rs 3.31, Rs 3.59 and Rs 3.85 lakhs respectively. Sales of the vehicle, which have crossed 58,000 units since its launch in early 2000, went up by 13 per cent during April-June this year.
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Reliance Industries Q1 net rises by 16.5%
MUMBAI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), India's largest petrochemicals company, has reported a 16.50 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 720 crore for the first quarter ended June 2002 compared to Rs 618 crore in the same period of previous fiscal, marginally exceeding expectations. Sales/income from operations were marginally higher at Rs 6,397 crore in the reporting quarter as against Rs 6,390 crore in Q1 of fiscal 2002, RIL said. On a consolidated basis, the net profit was higher at Rs 991 crore (Rs 860 crore) while sales/income from operations stood at Rs 6,399 crore (Rs 6,390 crore), it said. RIL's exports for Q1 stood at Rs 1,011 crore. Manufactured exports including deemed exports were Rs 946 crore (Rs 749 crore), an increase of 26 per cent. Said Mukesh Ambani, new chairman and managing director, "we are enthused by RIL's strong performance in Q1 and are looking forward to significant growth and further improvement in our financial performance." Vice-chairman and managing director Anil Ambani said "uncertainties surrounding the monsoons in the country and continuing concerns regarding the global economic environment, lend a note of caution to the overall business climate." Sales include inter-divisional transfers of Rs 1,397 crore against Rs 1,297 crore in Q1 of 2001-02. The company had revalued its plant and machinery located at Patalganga and Naroda during 1997-98 and as a consequent there is an additional charge on depreciation of Rs 29 crore in Q1 of 2002-03. However, this has no impact on profits, the release added.
Thursday, August 1, 2002
Oracle has aggressive expansion plans in India
PTI BANGALORE: Oracle India plans to add 2,200 more employees, set up an Internet sales division and expand its E-consultancy services shortly, a top Oracle executive said. A Shared Services Centre would also be set up as part of the expansion plans, Oracle Executive Vice-President for Asia-Pacific, Derek Williams, told reporters after the inauguration of Oracle Technology Park here on Tuesday night. Oracle has shared services centres in Rockland in the US, Dublin and Sydney and the India Centre would begin functioning here in September with an initial workforce of 70, he said. Oracle Corporation, the world's largest enterprise software company, has more operations in India than in any of the 140 countries it is operating in outside the US, Williams said. A subsidiary of Oracle Corporation, Oracle India has 1,800 employees. Williams said the IT sector world over was "depressed" but India and China with their big potential were "two jewels" in the Oracle crown. Asked if any of the oracle activities in the US would be shifted to India, he said, "I don't see any shift. We do development in India and we do it in the US". Williams said 40 per cent of the R&D in Oracle was done by Asians, majority of whom were Indians. He said the Oracle Centre in China would be confined to localisation of software for China and not for exports. Ranjan Chak, Vice-President, Product Services, Asia Pacific Division, said 200 products developed in India were in the market and new versions of these would continue to come from India. The Bangalore Centre, Chak said, had filed patents for 10 products. Oracle Technology Park houses three major Oracle divisions - Oracle India Development Center (IDC), the company's India Support Center (ISC) and Oracle Solution Services India (OSSI). India is the only country to host three different business units of this size and scope outside the company's main headquarters in the US. Oracle India is one of the first software companies to set up its India operations in 1991.
