Lillete loves theatre or money?

If you have to describe Lillete Dubey in one word, it has to be bindaas! The theatre person and Bollywood actor is smart, doesn’t like maintaining an image and is eager to push the envelope.

“I can do enough ‘khush raho beta’ type of roles in Bollywood but I don’t want to. In theatre, I can play a 75-year-old or a man. If I stand on the stage with a balloon in my hand, you’ll even buy that I’m a 10-year-old. I have developed interest in cinema now and I have no qualms about playing any roles.

It may be a cameo but it has to be something that people remember me for. I’m not Hema Malini or Dimple, who wouldn’t want to be featured as anything but the central character,” says she. And this philosophy does remind us of her short ‘n’ sexy role in KJo’s Kal Ho Naa Ho . Lillete laughs, “I’m perceived as a serious person and I had to show that I can carry off a comic role. I didn’t mind the role, despite it being a little raunchy. What is funny is that people keep getting back to me with that line from Jism . When Karan asked me to say that, I told him I hadn’t seen the film but I’d do it. And I did it my way!”

This is when the theatre person in Lillete takes over the film actor. “It’s important to bring audiences to the theatre for plays. Earlier, when someone said that they’d write the star of Monsoon Wedding to feature in a particular play, I’d feel apprehensive. Now, I say ‘Do it if that brings people to watch the play’. I am not doing theatre for some esoteric pleasure – I’m doing it for money. If I don’t earn money, I’ll shut shop within a year,” she quips.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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I want to be Devdas' Paro: Tata Young

She may have made Dhoom sound like Doom but Thai pop sensation Tata Young counts it the as the most important experience of her life.

“I was inspired by Hindi film music so it is kind of apt that one of my biggest successes – the song Dhoom Machale – came from Bollywood,” said Tata on a recent visit to Delhi.

Singing, however, is just a part of her CV. “I enjoy doing all – modelling, acting and singing. But I feel my voice can do more miracles than acting and modelling,” she added.

But despite that, she believes she can do more in the acting department in Bollywood. “I’m a big fan of Shah Rukh and Amitabh Bachchan. I have watched a few Bollywood movies and I find them to be very entertaining as they include a lot of dance and music. I will never forget my experience working with Abhishek Bachchan in Dhoom . He is a very friendly and hardworking person.”

Ask about her dream role in Bollywood, and pat comes the reply, “One of my all time favourite Bollywood movies is Devdas . I especially liked that one scene in the movie where Paro is seen running with her saree sweeping across the floor. I would like to play the same character. And I want to work with SRK, he is so hot!”

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Age is on my side:Hansika

'I did get a lot of offers for roles opposite younger actors but for me, it’s the script that’s important', says Hansika
What have you been upto since Aap Ka Suroor?
l I got numerous offers after the film but I wanted to do something really different after playing Riya in Aap Ka Suroor. I took three months break after the film and then signed Kumar Mangat’s Money Hai Toh Honey Hai . I also did a South film opposite Junior NTR which has completed 200 days and I’ll be leaving soon for Mauritius for a Telugu film Country, opposite Junior NTR again.

What’s your role in Money Hai Toh... all about?
It’s a complete contrast to my earlier film. In Money... you’ll get to see a completely different Hansika. I’m opposite Chi Chi (Govinda), which means there’s a whole lot of comedy involved.

Himesh Reshammiya and Govinda are both much elder to you. Why aren’t you working with younger actors?
See I did get a lot of offers for roles opposite younger actors but for me, it’s the script that’s important. When I did Aap Ka Suroor, I knew that the film will have great music and amazing publicity, which it did. Here, I’m opposite Chi Chi and I’m learning so much from him. I have not considered who’s younger or elder. It’s not that I don’t want to act alongside younger actors. I would love to work with all of them but my role has to be good too.

How’s Govinda as a co-actor?
Chi Chi is a terrific actor and the world knows that. I may not have had a long career but from whatever I’ve learnt from him in these last 30 days or so, I will always cherish.

And have you discovered your comic streak too?
That you’ll have to wait and watch! (smiles)

You had to put on some weight for your debut film, have you managed to lose it?
Oh yes! I lost nine kilos and in fact, my director Ganesh Acharya finally had to tell me to stop losing so much weight!

Any other films in your kitty?
There’s nothing as of now. It took me three months to sign anything after my first film. I know I have to earn my bread and butter but I’m not here only for money. My first passion is acting. I’m going through a lot of scripts these days. I don’t want to restrict myself to one image. I did a serious role in Aap... and I’ll be doing comedy in the next. The best part is that age is on my side; I’ve just completed 16. There’s a lot I have to learn.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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The 3.5 cr babe!

Personally, her love boat is rocking ever since she hitched up with Chhote Nawab Saif Ali Khan, but professionally too — actress Kareena Kapoor’s on the rise.

After she delivered the hit Jab We Met with ‘ex’ Shahid Kapoor, Kareena has regained her status as the No 1 actress in Bollywood and is now drawing a whopping Rs 3.5 crore per film.

This is the highest amount being paid to any Bollywood actress. Kareena’s future projects include films like Tashan with Akshay Kumar and Saif, Kambhakht Ishq with Akshay again, Golmaal Returns with Ajay Devgan, Agent Vinod with Saif, another with John Abraham and Karan Johar’s next.

“I have always dabbled and experimented with various kinds of roles. Be it in Omkara, Jab We Met or Chameli , I have experimented. Guess my patience and hard work paid off,” laughs Kareena adding, “but honestly, I don’t believe in this numbers game. The industry does it. I am happy doing what I do best, giving 250 per cent before the camera.”

Kareena disagrees that the new high in her profession has anything to do with the love of her life. Everyone says Saif is proving to be her good luck charm, but Kareena said, “If people believe that — it’s great. But personally, I feel love has got nothing to do with it. By saying this people discount the hard work put in by me and the entire crew and cast of the films I have done. I would say all the risks and challenges that I have taken as an actress have paid off. Encouraged, I shall venture into newer zones in my work area now.”

She swore that it’s work and her career that drive her more than anything. “I am highly ambitious. My strength, my confidence and everything else stems from my ability to work hard in my career which is the pivotal point of focus in my life. It’s beyond everything,” Kareena stated.

Even beyond love? “They are two different compartments,” she retorted. Has she thought about marriage? “Every woman dreams of marriage and having children. I am no exception. But at this point I am too young to think about it. We will take each year as it comes, not each day as it comes.”

But, yes, she does credit Saif for being extremely supportive in her career. “Both Saif and I met at a time when we are comfortable in our respective careers. We have put in so much hard work and he understands that. He is a wonderful guy. He is not only supportive of my career, but he supports me in everything I do,” she said with pride. Has she met his family? “Not as yet. When the time comes, I will do it.”

Exceptionally busy with work, Kareena plans to go on a long holiday after she wraps up the shoot of Golmaal Returns . “I badly need a holiday now. I am planning to take one, when I am done with the shoot. But my family says, I should work when the time is ripe, holidays can wait.”

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Jessy turns music director

The shooting of Sawal, the latest film being directed by B Jaya has been completed recently and the film is expected to release soon.

Thota Venkateshwara Rao is producing the film starring Bharath and Suhani in the lead. Suhani, a well known child artiste will be making her debut as an actress.

The music will be launched on December 18, and sources say, debutant music director Jessy Gift, is a bundle of nerves these days. Having made his mark as a playback singer with songs in movies like Malleeswari and Yuvasena, this time he's composed the music for Sawal. It will be interesting to see if he manages to hit the bull's eye this time too.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Sanjay gets back in shape

All those Bollywood hunks with six packs had better step aside, Sanjay Dutt the original stud of the silver screen, is back to claim his title.

Yes, Munnabhai who is out on bail, is using every moment of his temporary freedom to get back into real action. "I am enjoying the luxury of time before I get down to serious work," said a charged Dutt who begins shooting for his next film EMI from Wednesday.

And, Dutt has a secret weapon up his sleeve. He’s enlisted the services of noted Hollywood training guru Mark Twight to get fighting fit. Twight had trained the warriors in the film 300 and got actor Gerard Butler, who plays the leader of the Spartans, into awesome shape. Butler reportedly underwent months of strenuous workouts before shooting began. Dutt is hoping some of Twight’s magic will rub off on him now.
"I have to wrap up some work and by end of February, he is flying down from LA. I will start training with him immediately," said an excited Dutt.

He is confident that soon he will get a body that will be Bollywood’s envy and his pride. "Just give me six months, and I promise you I will have eight pack abs," added the actor. "Eight pack abs is a new concept here, but in the West, it’s not uncommon. You can push your body to get it, but it’s a very strenuous process."

He is not insecure or in competition with the league of present hunks in Bollywood. "They all look damn good! I am glad everyone is understanding the essence of keeping fit," said Dutt, adding that working out has always been his first love. "I am an actor not a body builder. Six pack abs don’t guarantee success or make you a good actor. Your talent, dedication and a good body adds up to it all. When I say I am going to get a fitter body, it’s nothing to do with setting a trend, or that I am preparing for any specific role. I want to see how much I can push my body. It’s a new high, a different kind of challenge for a man who loves working out."

Dutt, incidentally, has been an idol and inspiration for many Bollywood stars who today follow the path of fitness religiously. But the past few years, and his legal problems, have taken a toll on that once magnificent body. "I have a strong belief in God, my loved ones, my fans, and most importantly in myself. I will bounce back again," said the actor who has himself been inspired by the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Al
Pacino.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Gimme more!

One of them is an engineer, another was considering business management while the third could have done nothing but make music. Now that all three of them have found their true calling in music, they couldn’t ask for more. DT chats with Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy...

You recently performed in Delhi, how was the experience?
Shankar: It was very emotional, the passion of the crowd moved me.
Ehsaan: Delhi crowd has always been so wonderful; we wanted to give them more.
Loy: It was a memorable experience performing to the wonderful sea of humanity gathered.

How difficult was it becoming what you are today?
Shankar: I was an engineer with a lucrative job and leading a comfortable life. I wanted to break out of that cocoon and wanted to do the thing closest to my heart before it was too late. Leaving your comfort zone is always difficult but one has to gather courage and follow one’s heart.
Ehsaan: I flunked science in school so I thought I would end up studying graphics or business management. That was when my uncle suggested that I should take the risk and study music. I was sceptical but he said everything in life involves risk. So I went to America to do so and it changed my life. Had I not believed in my dreams, I wouldn’t be here today.
Loy: I prefer flowing with the drift. Boys fantasise about becoming soldiers and pilots and I was no different. There were no professionals around me but music was there in my house. My brother was in a rock band and singers like Remo Fernandes used to visit our house. I just knew I had to do this.

How important is it for an artist to be socially responsible?
Shankar: I’m not into the politics of adopting a cause but yes, it is important to do be socially proactive. But again, it varies from individual to individual. Every single man doing his job honestly would be enough to change our society.
Ehsaan: What you get, you must return. One can’t afford to be selfish. If we can influence people in any way, we need to do our bit.
Loy: We are the channel of joy to millions of people who forget their pains while listening to our music. The society absorbs what you give them.

Creating music for the bigwigs of the industry, especially SRK, how does it feel?
Shankar: When we know we are composing for a Shah Rukh Khan starrer, we have a certain security that it’ll be seen and heard by a lot more people. However, we make music with equal passion and enthusiasm even for a newcomer.
Ehsaan: When we sit down together, our aim is to make great music. We concentrate on the music rather than the star.
Loy : It’s the director’s call. We deliver what we consider is our best and what the director expects. SRK or no SRK, we give our best.

One very important philosophy which keeps you going everyday?
Shankar: To create more music, one lifetime is not enough. Right now, we have only scratched the tip of the iceberg.
Ehsaan: Music.
Loy: Music, music, music.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Sex 'switch' to help in pest control

LONDON: Turning off a sex "switch" triggered when female insects mate may be a smart and green way of controlling pests in future.

Scientists said on Sunday that they had found a molecular receptor, or switch, common to all insects that sets off post-mating behavior like egg-laying.

Developing a chemical to artificially block its action could stop insect populations in their tracks and help fight the spread of many human and animal diseases.

"If you had an inhibitor of this receptor then you could interfere with its function and it would, in effect, be a birth control pill for insects," said Barry Dickson from the Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna, Austria.

Many female insects undergo profound changes in behavior after mating. Some species start laying multiple eggs. Female mosquitoes, for example, seek out a meal of blood — often spreading malaria in the process.

Scientists have known for some time that such behavior is triggered by a so-called sex peptide molecule in the male's seminal fluid, but it has been unclear how it exerts its impact on the female.

Now Dickson and his colleagues have identified the receptor for the molecule in fruit flies and shown it is key to post-mating behavior. Females lacking the receptor continue to behave as virgins, even after mating, they reported in the journal Nature.

Crucially, the same receptor has been found in all insects studied so far, suggesting it may be possible to develop a widely applicable chemical blocker that would be far more effective and environmentally friendly than insecticides.

Modern insecticides are good at killing bugs, but because insects breed so prolifically, those that die are quickly replaced.

By contrast, females dosed with a sex peptide receptor blocker would remain alive and continue to compete in the breeding pool, producing a bigger impact on the wider population.

Developing the concept will re-quire a lot more research but Dickson said it was possible such a blocker might be introduced into breeding ponds where larvae grow or else planted in pheromone traps designed to attract insects.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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German battery to ignite electric car

FRANKFURT: German cars are known for strength, speed and high fuel consumption, but a firm in eastern Saxony has designed a lithium-ion battery membrane that could finally make electric cars common.

For years, battery-powered cars have been hampered by technological hurdles, with researchers seeking to resolve problems of weight, autonomy and ways of recharging vehicles quickly and easily. Recent progress towards lighter and more powerful batteries has been made however, in particular by groups like the Japanese car maker Toyota with its hybrid vehicles, and high-tech firms in France.

Germans were said to be plodding along behind, but batteries made by the a firm called Li-Tec "take up 30% less volume than those from Toyota" and "allow you to go three times further for the same weight than French models", said Tim Schaefer, a director of the company.

"The foundations have now been laid" for the building of electric cars that also deliver performance, he added. A spokesman for the German tool and auto parts company Bosch said: "It's a step towards totally electric cars." Housed in a stylish rectangular silver pouch, the "Separion" consists of two lithium electrodes in an electrolyte, or liquid conductor. What differentiates it from similar batteries is that the electrodes are separated by a flexible ceramic membrane that provides greater thermal stability, according to the German group.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Ethnic problem stirs Malaysian lawyers

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar Council has urged the government to set up a panel of experts to study the grievances of all communities who feel they are marginalised.

Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan said the study should focus on identifying such groups and studying the issue of their access to resources with the aim of providing recommendations to improve the quality of their lives, The Star newspaper reported on Monday.

She made the call Sunday at a human rights rally, called Festival of Rights, which the police declared illegal and detained four lawyers and as many human rights activists.

She added that the council would write to the inspector general of police to complain about the arrests of several people.

The government ordered a crackdown on public protests during the last fortnight after one staged by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), a group claiming to speak for the two million-plus Tamil settlers from India, staged a rally that was declared illegal and dispersed.

Thirty-one people are being tried in that connection.

Malaysia, a nation of 27 million, takes pride in being multi-ethnic and multi-religious. Indians form eight per cent of the population.

Hindraf says that ethnic Indians are discriminated against in education and jobs. It has also alleged ethnic cleansing of the Hindu populace and demolition of Hindu temples.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Kat’s in luck!

Katrina Kaif has penchant for things exquisite and elegant. Among her many passions is her weakness for designer wear. And so, recently when she was window-shopping in a mall her eyes fell on a designer outfit and she wanted to buy it.

A close friend of the actress revealed, “Katrina was shopping at a mall in Worli when she stepped into a store that displayed only exclusive designer wear. While she was looking around, her eyes fell on a Gucci dress. She fell in love with it instantly and wanted to buy it then and there.” However, our khabroo told us that Katrina felt that the outfit was too expensive and so she didn't buy it. “The dress had a price tag of Rs. 2.5 lakh. Katrina felt that it would not be right to spend that kind of money over a dress. But later she changed her mind and called the store to have it delivered at her place. Unfortunately, the dress was sold by then,” our source added.

But there was a surprise in store for Katrina. Our source said, “Katrina was completely taken aback when the same dress was delivered to her at her doorstep - it was a gift by Gucci for her. After Katrina left the store, the store manager sent across an e-mail to Gucci in Italy writing about her accomplishments as an actress and a model, and how she fancied the dress. Next we knew is that the store manager couriered the dress to her, and, Gucci did not charge her a single penny for it!”

When contacted, Katrina laughed and said, “Being gifted with a Gucci dress that too from Italy, was like a dream come true for me. In fact, when Anees (Bazmee) saw it he insisted that I wear it for the title track of Welcome. And I promptly agreed.”

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Rock and role, soniye!

Prachi Desai aka Bani of Kasamh Se is making all the right moves as far as her career goes. The latest is that she has been signed opposite Farhan Akhtar in the film Rock On. Farhan, too, will make his acting debut in Rock On.

Rock On is being produced by Farhan and close aide, Ritesh Sidhwani. Sidhwani says, “Yes, it is true that Prachi will play the female lead opposite Farhan in Rock On. The film has a contemporary theme and its USP is its music. We intend to finish shooting for the film by March 2008.”

Needless to say, Prachi is excited about her big Bollywood break. The only words that she's able to mutter when asked about her film are 'great', 'fantastic', 'superb'. Finally, she says, “I am very happy to start my career in Bollywood with such a big film. I play the female lead. The offer was so good that I just had to say 'yes'. Farhan is fantastic filmmaker and it is a great opportunity to be able to work with him. I am lucky to be chosen for the film.”

Looking back, she says, “My performance in Kasamh Se has been widely appreciated. Then Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa came my way, which was also quite good. This is the best period in my life and I am enjoying the phase.”

The film will be directed by Abhishek Kapoor. It will be produced by Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment.

• I am happy to start my career in Bollywood with such a big film – Prachi Desai

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Playing it again, Sam?

Remember Kitty, the not-so-bright secretary of the carrot-eating, eccentric detective Karamchand from the popular detective series? Well, Sameera Reddy is all set to play the role of Kitty in the film Race.

Sameera went through the episodes of Karamchand in order to get into the skin of the character, which was earlier played by Sushmita Mukherjee.

The feisty actress says that she found it really difficult to play a bimbette. Says Sameera, “People say that it is tough to do action scenes but I found it very tough to play a bimbette. I had to practice Kitty's manner of walking, talking and rolling my eyes the way she did. But, on the whole, it was fun.” Sameera admits that she had to research a lot for her role. She says, “Kitty's character is completely opposite to mine. She adds her own brand of humour to the film.”

She adds, “My character is quite smart; she simply plays dumb to get her way. The outfits that Kitty originally wore were very attractive. I have tried to get the look and accent right to make my role compelling. Anaita Shroff has done a great job as far as the styling of Kitty's character is concerned. She has used earrings like the ones Sridevi wore in 'Hawa hawai'.”

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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A Tabu subject?

The controversy surrounding Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen has spelt big bucks for her publishers and booksellers; demand for her books - Lajja (Shame) and her autobiography, Dwikhandita (Split in Two)- has skyrocketed. Bollywood, too, is keen to make hay while the sun shines. The latest is that UTV is making a film on Nasreen.

Details have been finalised rather quickly. Tabu has already been roped in to play Nasreen. A source close to UTV says, “UTV thinks that Tabu will suit the role very well. The film will go on the floors next year. It will be a biopic.”

In full filmi style, a love angle will also be added to the film. “Yes, there will be a love angle to spice up things. We have done a lot of research on her life before taking the decision to make a film on her life,” our source reveals.

When contacted, Ram Mirchandani (Executive VP, UTV Motion Pictures) said, “Right now, I am not in a position to talk about it. But yes, Taslima Nasreen’s story has tremendous global appeal and needs to be told. “
To hash a loose chronology of events: Nasreen fled Bangladesh for the first time in ‘94 when a court said she had deliberately and maliciously hurt Muslims’ sentiments by her novel Lajja which is about Hindu-Muslim riots. At that time, thousands of radical Muslims protested against her, demanding that she be killed for blasphemy. Not so long ago, Nasreen was in Kolkata. Muslim clerics in Kolkata issued a death warrant against her, threatening to take her life if she did not leave the country. The threat came after a meeting of clerics from prominent mosques in Kolkata who said that Nasreen had invited their wrath through her repeated criticism of Islam in her books and speeches. Thereafter, Nasreen was shifted to Jaipur. She did not stay long in Jaipur because the media there hounded her. At present, she is in an undisclosed location in or around Delhi.

Tabu remained unavailable for comment.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Kyon, Ray?

Remakes seem to be the flavour of the season, but shouldn't there be some classics that should be sacrosanct? They remade Don, Sholay, Karz… So far, so good. But who would have thought about recreating Satyajit Ray's 1964 Bengali classic Charulata? Apparently London-based filmmaker Amitabh Neil Ray has bravely decided to film his own version of the classic. He is making the film in Hindi and English. Does the fact that he shares his last name with the legendary filmmaker (no, he isn't a relative) have anything to do with it?

Anyway, make it, he will. In Charulata we had the beautiful and talented Madhabi Mukherjee doing full justice to the title role. In the remake, Rituparna Sengupta is slated to do the honours. There's more. Charulata's famous lover Amal, originally played by Soumitra Chatterjee will be played by Keshu Ramsay's son, Aryeman. (For those who are in the dark, Aryeman had made his Bollywood debut in a film called Family.)

Charulata is based on Rabindranath Tagore's story Nasta Nirh (the broken nest). If sources are to be believed, Irrfan Khan will play Charulata's husband Bhupati, who was portrayed by Sailen Mukherjee in the original.

A source close to Amitabh, says, “Let's not say that Charulata per se is being made. But yes, Amitabh has definitely been hugely inspired by Satyajit Ray's film. There will be a few modifications to suit the present times.”

When contacted, Amitabh says, “I wouldn't term my film as a remake of Satyajit's Charulata. Like Satyajit's story was an adaptation of Tagore's Nasta Nirh, mine is also an adaptation of Tagore's story. The story remains almost the same. However, I have changed the names of Bhupati and Amal. They will now be called Anupam and Aakash respectively. All the characters in my film are modern and educated, unlike the ones in Satyajit's film.”

Aryeman chips in, “I have not seen the original. I am going to see it in the next few days. Thereafter, I'll start working on Aakash's character.”

Amitabh will shoot his version of Charulata in New York, Canada and some portions in India.


About Charulata
Satyajit's Charulata was set in the nineteenth century Kolkata. The film story revolved around Charulata (Madhabi Mukherjee), the childless, intelligent and beautiful wife of Bhupati (Sailen Mukherjee). Bhupati is an upper class Bengali intellectual with a keen interest in politics and the freedom movement. He edits and publishes a political newspaper.

Charu is interested in the arts, literature and poetry. Though Bhupati loves his wife, he has no time for her. She has little to do in the house run by a fleet of servants. Amal (Soumitra Chatterjee), Bhupati's younger cousin comes on a visit. Bhupati asks him to encourage Charu's cultural interests. Amal is young, handsome and is of the same age group as Charu. He has literary ambitions and shares her interests in poetry. He provides her with much needed intellectual companionship and attention. An intimate relationship develops between Charulata and Amal.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Chan-nai calling

Himesh Reshammiya's first Tamil film, Dashaavtaram's, music will be released by Jackie Chan. The action superstar is expected to fly down to Chennai in February 2008 for the music launch of this film starring Kamal Hassan in 10 different roles.

Apparently, the producer of the film, Oscar Films' Ravichandran, managed to persuade Chan to do the honours since he holds the rights to release Jackie Chan's movies in India. According to our sources, Ravichandran showed the Rush Hour series of the southern superstar's films which got him impressed. He was amazed at Kamal's range and the 10 different roles he plays in the same movie, especially the part where he plays a 92-year-old woman. He couldn't believe that Kamal is 54 years old and has been acting since the age of 5.

When we broke the news to him, Himesh said, “I am really delighted to hear this. I am looking forward to the launch.”

A grand function is being planned for the launch of the music where top Bollywood stars will be invited. The invite list includes Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, stars from the south like Nagarjuna, Chiranjeevi, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Nagarjuna and Vishnu Vardhan will also be invited.

Asin, who is playing the lead opposite Aamir Khan in his Ghajini remake, is the heroine of Dashaavtaram. It also has Mallika Sherawat playing a negative character. The film is touted to do bigger business than Rajnikanth starrer Sivaji. Presently 300 technicians at two different places are working round the clock on its post production. The film is also being dubbed in Hindi and is going to be released together in the both its versions during the Tamil New Year in mid-April 2008.

Hill Road Media

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Attention tension?

Recently, Amitabh Bachchan stayed away from an AIDS awareness function. Did it have to do with Shah Rukh Khan being the chief guest at the occasion?

Amitabh Bachchan said that he was unable to attend a function organised by Smita Thakeray' Mukti Foundation because of the shooting schedule of Aladdin. Later, we found out, that the shooting actually got over by 5 pm. The event was supposed to begin only after 8 pm. What reached in place of Big B was a recorded message that flashed on the screens explaining his absence from the venue. Says Allwyn Roderick from Mukti Foundation, “Mr. Bachchan could not attend the function as he was busy shooting for his film. In fact, through an audio-visual he conveyed that he wouldn't be able to make it to the event as he was busy shooting for Aladdin and also conveyed his best wishes to the foundation for working for this noble cause.”

Our ever-alert sources report, “Bachchan wound up his shooting much before the event started. A source from the production unit of Aladdin, says, “Mr. Bachchan left the sets by 5 pm.”

The fact that SRK was chief guest at the venue may have had something to do with it. “Maybe Bachchan felt that SRK would get all the attention at the event. Given that, it would be somewhat demeaning for an actor of Big B's stature to play second fiddle.”

Smita Thackeray started the ‘Mukti’ Foundation in 1997, which works towards the welfare of HIV-AIDS affected patients, organized a star-studded evening last Saturday in Mumbai to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her organisation.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Skin deep love

Victoria Beckham shuns nightwear so she can feel the soccer star’s athletic physique next to her body. The Spice Girl, who has three sons, eight-year-old Brooklyn, five-year-old Romeo and two-year-old Cruz, with David, said, “I sleep naked. I’m going to be naked if I’m getting in bed with him every night!”
Victoria — who has her own clothing line, DVB, and a his and hers fragrance line with David— also slammed her celebrity rivals, including Paris Hilton, who she claims have no input into their respective empires. She added, “There are so many, and I hate the word celebrities, clothing lines and fragrances, and most of them have nothing to do with it.”

The 33-year-old style icon, who is currently on the Spice Girls reunion world tour, joked her love of fashion comes from her inner “gayness”.

She joked to America’s Elle magazine, “I’m so camp! I’m such a gay man trying to get out. I don’t give a f**k what anybody thinks!”

Victoria graces the cover of the January 2008 edition of the publication, and also appears in a shoot inside the magazine, which was shot in Paris in October.

The Spice Girl is pictured in several high-couture outfits, including a sci-fi inspired silver mini-dress with platform silver shoes and a red-ruffled gown with towering black heels.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Jessica, Eva design boots for charity

Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria have both designed a pair of UGG Boots for a charity auction.

The actresses are among a host of celebrities who have come up with their own unique hand painted creations for the popular sheepskin boots which will go under the hammer for UGG Australia’s Art and Sole sale.

The stars were asked to use the word ‘hope’ as the inspiration behind their designs.

Dukes of Hazzard actress Jessica decorated her boots with butterflies and flowers while Desperate Housewives star Eva opted for hearts and her own signature.

Penelope Cruz, John Travolta, Cindy Crawford, Minnie Driver, Miley Cyrus, Matthew McConaughey, Liv Tyler, Ellen DeGeneres, Ashton Kutcher, Ashlee Simpson, Kelly Ripa and Kelly Preston have also designed a pair of boots for the auction.

The unique footwear will be available to buy until December 14. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tennessee to help terminally ill children.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Heidi Klum keeps goldfish in nappy bag

Heidi Klum keeps goldfish in her diaper bag to entertain her children. The stunning Victoria’s Secret model — who has two children, two-year-old Henry and one-year-old Johan with husband Seal, as well as a three-year-old daughter, Leni, from a previous relationship — admits she is amazed by how many things she needs to keep in the diaper bag.

Heidi said, “I need loads of diapers all different sizes. Then there’s always wet wipes, milk, water, goldfish — there’s tons of things you have to bring to keep them entertained, like bananas. Henry eats three bananas a day!”

The 34-year-old Project Runway host also revealed her secrets for getting back her fabulous figure after having children. She told OK, “I’m very active. I eat really healthy. I like healthy food, I enjoy it. I like things that are good for me. I splurge on bad food sometimes, but not a lot.”

Klum showed she has a sense of humour with a comic sketch that poked fun at being a busy supermodel and a mum. Klum filmed the skit for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that aired on US TV on Tuesday evening.

The German star is shown waking up early to get into shape for the catwalk show, while looking after a child. Klum can be seen doing press-ups with the child on her back, and running with a pram to help her get fit for the catwalk. As she is performing the strenuous tasks, Klum gives a running commentary on how she manages to combine her hectic working lifestyle with being a mum.

The Victoria’s Secret fashion show took place at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood last month. The showed was recorded for the CBS television network and was noted for the Spice Girls first performance together.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Craig vows to bare all in next Bond movie

Daniel Craig has vowed to ‘go totally nude’ for the next Bond film. The hunky 39-year-old actor, who made his debut as suave spy James Bond in last year’s Casino Royale, insists it’s only fair he appears naked when he reprises his role, because Bond girls are always expected to strip off.

He said, “I’d go totally nude. I’ve got nothing to hide, and after all, we ask the girls to reveal almost all, so why not the men?”

Daniel also revealed he felt ‘nervous’ at the stir he caused in the now infamous Casino Royale scene where he emerges from the sea in tight blue swimming trunks.

He added to New!, “Did I know the trunk thing would be such a big deal? Yeah. I saw it on a huge billboard in Hollywood and people were screaming. It did make me feel rather nervous.”

The star also branded his Bond co-star Dame Judi Dench, who plays spy boss M, “sexy as hell and a total tease”.

Meanwhile, the Bond star has revealed the best perk that comes with playing the nation’s favourite spy. It’s not the girls, gadgets or exotic locations that get him going but the chance to test-drive shiny new cars, reports the Express.

“I’m thrilled that I got to drive the new Aston Martin even before Jeremy Clarkson,” said the smouldering actor, who will be behind the wheel of the new Aston in the next 007 adventure.

“It was a relief that he liked it but I already knew how good it was.”

The versatile actor, who will next be seen in The Golden Compass, said he was glad to be at the forefront of British cinema after being handed a gong at The British Independent Film Awards at Camden’s Roundhouse theatre in North London.

“The awards are a good reason to celebrate the British film industry but we don’t need to highlight it – it’s not a charity case, it is breathing and alive,” insisted Craig, who accompanied girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell, to the event.

“The freedom of British film-makers means we can discuss, criticise and make proper comment about the world.”

He’s happy to advocate UK movies but too busy to watch many of them. “I’ve only seen a few of the films nominated for awards,” he said.

“I have a huge stack of DVDs waiting to be watched at home.”

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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No life without wife

Life is not so rosy for David Beckham these days. With wife Victoria away for the Spice Girls Reunion tour, dad recovering from a heart attack and Christmas around the corner, Becks has found that the instability has made his obsessive compulsive disorder worse.

The LA Galaxy star, 32, is so anxious that he can’t relax until everything is in its exact place —particularly on his private jet. On a recent trip, he demanded spotless upholstery and symmetrical crockery.

An insider says, “David likes his jet arranged so that everything looks neat and when a meal is served to him he insists that there is a row of glasses of different sizes on the tray.

“He spends time lining up the cutlery, crockery and salt and pepper before he will even begin eating. Beyond that he likes as little clutter as possible on the jet and insists on the magazines and newspapers being arranged in a straight line across the counter before he boards the flight.”

Becks has spoken out in the past about his battle with OCD, a complaint which drives sufferers to carry out bizarre and repetitive rituals.

But since being away from Victoria, 33, and his sons Brooklyn, eight, Romeo, five, and Cruz, two, his condition has become even more acute. And the festive period just adds to David’s stress levels.

The insider said, “Christmas always makes David nervous and stressed because there are so many family conflicts and emotions flying about.

David’s father who suffered a heart attack back in September refuses to be at Christmas lunch with his mother and it is always better if Victoria’s family and the Beckhams are kept apart, especially Ted and Tony. This makes his OCD a lot worse.”

DAVID BUYS EACH SPICE GIRL A BRACELET

David Beckham bought each of the Spice Girls a gold bracelet to celebrate their comeback concert.

Becks treated every girl to the stunning piece of jewellery, which he presented to them just before they took to the stage in Vancouver, Canada, on Sunday.

Victoria revealed her spouse is very close to her bandmates, joking, “David feels like he is married to all five of us.”

The rest of the band — Geri Halliwell, Mel B, Emma Bunton and Mel C — were thrilled with their presents and proudly showed them off.

Geri said, “When we did our first show in Ireland in 1998, I remember David coming over to rehearsals and supporting Victoria from the beginning. He is like family. You have to have balls of steel to be with the Spice Girls!”

After presenting the group with the gifts, David took his place in the audience to proudly cheer on his wife.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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I miss being pregnant

Heidi Klum has confessed she misses being pregnant and wants more babies. The Victoria’s Secret model has two sons with husband Seal— two-year-old Henry and one-year-old Johan — and a three-year-old daughter Leni from her relationship with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore.

Heidi, 34, said: “I do miss being pregnant. Children are very addictive. Once they start growing up, you miss when they were little. So, maybe...”

The German supermodel also revealed her singer husband treats daughter Leni as his own daughter, but is rather rough with his sons because he wants them to grow up tough.

She said, “Seal is Leni’s father. Seal and I feel very lucky that we found each other. He’s my best friend. He would never go in through a door first. He always opens the door for me and steps back so I walk through.

“He is the same with Leni, but he is a little harder and rougher with the boys. I’m always reminding Seal that they’re little, but he says, ‘They need to rough it up a bit.’ “

The ‘Project Runway’ presenter also revealed her expensive 10-carat diamond engagement ring — which Seal helped jeweller Lorraine Schwartz design — doesn’t sparkle because she is too scared to take it off and clean it.

She added to the USA Today newspaper: “It’s so dirty because I never take it off. I’d rather have a dirty ring than lose it down the sink. Look, it’s like a big cloud.”

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Dhoom Machale

New Delhi: While car makers in India are in the race to introduce low-cost vehicles, including the Rs 1-lakh car from Tata, Japanese bike maker Yamaha has introduced two bikes priced over Rs 10-lakh to restart its ride in India.
Yamaha Motor India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Company, which had been struggling to woo Indian customers, now wants to re-establish itself in the premium segment with the launch of the two sport motorcycles – MT-01 and YZS-R1 – priced at Rs 10.5 lakh each (showroom price).

Both 998cc-powered YZS-R1 and 1680cc-powered MT-01 would be brought in India as completely built units. Yamaha would initially retail these sport bikes from its five dealers in the four metro cities.

‘‘We want to re-establish ourselves as a company which delivers high quality and high performance product,” Yamaha Motor India CEO and MD Tomotaka Ishikawa told Mumbai Mirror. “We have plans to introduce more high-end bikes, including the FZ-1, FZ-6 and R-6, in India. But it all depends on the demand pattern of these two super sports bikes.”

Currently, the government levies 110 per cent duty on these bikes. ‘‘Favourable market demands and further duty reduction can help us roll out such super motorcycles in the next few years,’’ he said.

Ishikawa said the company targets to sell 24 super-bikes in a year and expand its dealership for these bikes to 50 by 2010.

Yamaha is the first two wheeler company to introduce this genre of super sports and torque sports performance bike in India.

YZF-R1 and MT-01 have gained immense popularity globally and have been instrumental in successfully demonstrating the technological superiority of Yamaha worldwide, the company said.

Notably, most two-wheeler makers, including Hero Honda, Bajaj and TVS, are still enjoying their rides between the 100cc and 250cc segment.

“The rising number of big-bike enthusiasts coupled with increasing levels of income makes India one of the most important markets for Yamaha,” Ishikawa said.

With the new launches, Yamaha aims to enrich Indian biker’s riding experience by adding a lifestyle quotient, he said.

He clarified they would continue to focus on the commuter segment and launch new vehicles in the volume segment next year.

He added Yamaha is looking at refining the motorcycling culture in India by bringing in advanced and visually appealing machines.

Yamaha made its foray into India in 1985 and pioneered the volume bike segment with the launch of its 100cc 2-stroke motorcycle RX-100. Since then, it has introduced an entire range of 2-stroke and 4-stroke bikes in India. Presently, its product portfolio includes Crux, Alba, G5 and Gladiator.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Dabur to set up twenty wellness shops in Mumbai in three years

New Delhi: Home-grown FMCG major Dabur India plans to set up 20 outlets for specialty beauty, health and wellness retail business in Mumbai in the next three years.

H&B Stores Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dabur India Ltd, will launch the ‘new-u’ outlets, offering a wide range of health and beauty solutions under one roof. The first ‘new-u’ will roll out in Delhi by the end of January next year, followed by other cities including Mumbai.

‘‘We will launch four to five stores by the first quarter of FY-2009 in Mumbai, and 15 more stores in the city in the next two years,’’ H&B Stores CEO Peter Baker told Mumbai Mirror.

The sizes of these outlets will vary between 1,200 sq ft and 6,000 sq ft, Baker said.

Positioned as a retail destination for health, wellness and beauty requirements, new-u will have an attractive interior design while offering a soothing ambience for shoppers, the company said.

The stores will have over 20,000 products in various categories, such as colour cosmetics, personal and family care, fashion accessories, ayurvedic, pharmaceuticals, etc.

‘‘On an average, we are expecting a turnover of nearly Rs 22,000 per sq ft per annum from the outlets. We are aiming at a turnover of about Rs 1,000 crore by 2,010 and around 150 H&B Stores,’’ he added.

When asked how the company would compete with the existing retail outlets, Baker said, “We will offer products at a price which is 20-25 per cent cheaper than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).”

The retail initiative of H&B Stores will include non-Dabur products as well, Baker added.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Centre may relax cap on SEZ lands

New Delhi: The Centre may allow special economic zones (SEZs) to be bigger than the current limit of 5,000 hectares, a Commerce Ministry official has revealed.

“Since the resettlement and rehabilitation policy is in place, the government may think of relaxing the upper limit of 5,000 hectares for SEZs,” Commerce Secretary G K Pillai said at the India Economic Summit here on Monday.

Talking to newspersons on the sidelines, Pillai pointed out that out of 472 SEZs that have been formally approved, only 34 are multi-product and specified that there are only three-four cases of people wanting the sizes to be increased.

He added that the government would decide whether this will be done on a case-by-case basis or enact a specific policy in this regard. Three to four of these SEZs have an area of 5,000 hectares, including Reliance Industries and DLF.

On land acquisition policy, which is expected to come up for discussion in the current session of the Parliament, he said: “We will have a fresh look after the bill is passed on a case-by-case basis.”

Pillai said farmers would also be given an option of becoming stakeholders in the company that comes up on their land. He said. the government has so far given formal approval to 404 SEZs, while 160 have received in-principle approval and 172 have been notified, in which work has started.

“By March, SEZs will create 1.5 lakh jobs and, by Dec 2009, more than 6 lakh jobs will be created,” he said.
The SEZs have already attracted $13 billion in investments, of which $3 billion is foreign direct investment.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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AP docs operate on 3-legged boy

Hyderabad: Notwithstanding the agitation by junior doctors, surgeons at the Niloufer Children’s Hospital in Hyderabad, on Tuesday performed a rare surgery on a 6-year-old boy who had three legs and four feet. The corrective surgery is being conducted in three phases, with a gap of six months between operations. In the first phase on Tuesday, P Niranjan’s third limb was removed and the pelvic girdle refashioned.

A team of nine orthopaedic specialists and plastic surgeons, led by Dr A Narendra Kumar, conducted the operation. Kumar had performed a similar surgery in 2002 on a baby with three hands.

Niranjan hails from a poor family in Mahbubnagar district. His left leg has two feet facing each other and a third leg was attached to his back.

Kumar explained, “The rarest point is to attempt to form two limbs — he has two pelvises and three legs. And as per investigation reports, he has bones for four legs.” In the second phase, the two feet facing each other will be corrected, followed by restoration of the knee joints.


Seven infants die
Meanwhile, hospital authorities admitted that seven infants had died in their care in 48 hours after junior doctors went on strike following their tussle with MLA Afsar Khan.

Hyderabad district collector Chandravadan and Niloufer Hospital superintendent S Narasimha Rao categorically said that the deaths could not be attributed to the agitation.

“In the last three months, we recorded an average of 10 infant deaths every day. But during the strike period, seven died in two days,” said Rao, “The reduction in the number of deaths can be attributed to the additional services put in by professors and assistant professors who would otherwise be busy with classes.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, who reviewed the situation with authorities, directed that children with serious ailments should be sent to private hospitals.

Meanwhile, AP Assembly Speaker K R Suresh Reddy has taken a serious view of the MLA’s alleged manhandling of the Niloufer doctors. “Under any circumstances, legislators are supposed to maintain balance and restraint,” Reddy said, “They cannot lose their cool, even when provoked. I will discuss this with the leader of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen [the party to which MLA Afsar Khan belongs] in the Assembly.”

Junior doctors at the state-run Niloufer Hospital went on a lightning strike on Sunday night, after Khan and his followers allegedly manhandled two doctors and abused lady doctors. The Nampally police registered cases under IPC Sections 353, 506, 509 and 323 against Khan, but agitating doctors insisted that he be booked under non-bailable cases and be disqualified as an MLA.
with agency inputs

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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I am not disabled, says woman whose feet face backwards

Beijing: A woman, born with a rare condition, has refused to be classified as disabled.

Wang Fang, 27, of China, was born with her feet facing the wrong way, but has learned to live with her condition and recently refused a disability pension.

Wang, who has a five year-old son with normal feet, said, “I can run faster than most of my friends and have a regular job as a waitress in the family restaurant. There is no reason to class me as disabled,” Wang said in a report published in the Daily Mail.

Doctors and her family feared she would not be able to walk properly when she was born, but now agree that she can outrun anyone she knows.

“I can walk as well as anyone else, and even run faster than them. I’m like everyone else — except of course that I put my shoes on backwards.”

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Musharraf’s son defends his dad in cyberspace

Islamabad: President Pervez Musharraf’s son Bilal and rock band Junoon’s guitarist Salman Ahmed, who till recently were good pals, are now clashing in cyberspace over the imposition of emergency in Pakistan.
Ahmed, who was a supporter of Musharraf’s policies especially his stand against terrorism and his vision of “enlightened moderation”, has been prolific on the cyberspace, calling the President a “dictator” and “Pharaoh”, since the imposition of emergency on November 3.

This provoked an angry response from Bilal. In his letters, which have now been taken off most websites, Bilal has accused Ahmed who he says was a close friend and a spiritual guide of sorts since 1998 — of indulging in “venomous rhetoric” against his father.

“If Salman feels the need to neutralise the burden of prior public contact with my father with his venomous rhetoric, I find it not just unjust but truly unfair. Looking back today, I am unable to decide whether his motivation for prior public overtures towards my father were selfless or selfish in nature,” Bilal wrote.

In his response, New York-based Ahmed wrote that despite their close friendship, “My support for your father’s government was never meant to be taken as a blank cheque for the state machinery to run amok.” Bilal also said Ahmed’s association with Musharraf was part of a “marketing strategy” by the rock musician.

Noting that “rock musicians don’t usually like hanging out with military dictators”, Ahmed wrote: “I wrote many candid e-mails to you in August and September of this year, sharing my concern about your father’s policies and his government’s high-handed tactics.

“You responded by saying I was too harsh to which I reminded you that true friends are not meant to be mistaken for sycophants and cronies but are a true barometer of the public’s perception.

The open letters have generated a great deal of debate in cyberspace, with many accusing Bilal of “attacking” Ahmed.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Don’t purchase their diamonds

July 24, 2007: Two robbers snatch a bag containing diamonds worth Rs 62 lakh from Ketan M Patel, a Dubai-based diamond merchant, near the Pancharatna Building in Charni Road. Four months later, they land in the police net one after another, without being able to sell a single diamond from the loot.
The D B Marg Police pushed the two thieves - Rauf Habib Sheikh alias Bablu and Nasir Yasin Sheikh alias Raja Kida - into a corner by alerting diamond traders all the way up to Jaipur that the two would try to sell the loot.

On Sunday, the D B Marg Police picked up Bablu from Koparkhairane and recovered diamonds worth Rs 36 lakh from his home in Kharghar.

Kida had already been arrested earlier and diamonds worth Rs 26 lakh recovered from him.

“We went to all markets in Mumbai, Surat, Ajmer and Jaipur informing diamond merchants about the robbery and warning them against buying anything from the suspects. If they did, we said they would land in trouble,” said Sub-inspector V Parkar.

Senior Inspector N R Mali said, “After the incident, we zeroed in on the suspects. We knew we would get them soon, but what worried us was that they would try to sell all the diamonds in the meantime. That’s why we took this step to frustrate them. Some merchants in Surat informed us that Bablu and Kida had approached them.”

THE INVESTIGATION

The police, through their informants, came to know that Kida and Bablu were behind the robbery. But finding them was a tough task as they kept changing their homes. “In the past four months, they had changed places 10 times,” Mali said.

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch Unit II stumbled upon Kida in August while investigating a different case. They even recovered some diamonds, but showed them as stones stolen from Hyderabad.

The DB Marg Police, however, were convinced that the Crime Branch had their man and thus took him into their custody. On interrogation, Kida confessed and gave the police diamonds worth Rs 26 lakh.

The police then went looking for Bablu, who kept dodging them by shifting to different places in the state. On Sunday, however, the police got information that Bablu would come to Koparkhairane for some work. They laid a trap and arrested him.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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ULCRA out, Versova car shed in

The repealing of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act has done a world of good for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the first phase of the Mumbai Metro Rail project.

The 30-acre land at Versova, where a car shed will be constructed for the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar metro link, has been declared surplus after the repeal. According to ULCRA, any land measuring 5,000 square kilometres is declared surplus and can be claimed by the government.

The land was under litigation for the past two years resulting in delay of the first phase of the project. Sources said that authorities at Mumbai Metro One - the consortium of Reliance Energy, MMRDA and Veolia Transport - wanted to set the ball rolling only after the car shed issue was sorted out.

MMRDA officials said the government has cleared the road map to acquire the land through various means which include cash, compensation, negotiation and transfer of development rights which in all probability would be applied.

The issue

The government wanted to acquire the land free of cost under ULCRA and initiated a process with the additional collector in 2005. MMRDA officials said in the meantime, many claimants appealed to the additional revenue commissioner who said the land cannot be declared as surplus.

In June 2006, the first phase of the Metro Rail Project was inaugurated and in August 2006, the government began the process of land acquisition.

MMRDA, meanwhile, worked out a plan, according to which the car shed would come up on one side and the owners could use the remaining portion for commercial purposes. Sources said that as modalities were being worked out between the MMRDA and the owners, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh intervened, saying the land should be declared surplus. This agitated the owners who moved the High Court on the grounds that on one hand MMRDA was negotiating with them, while on the other the Chief Minister was going on record declaring the land as surplus.

Current status of phase I

Completed: Topographic survey, geo-technical survey, condition survey of adjoining structures, logistic survey, station survey, utility survey, soil investigations, mock-up trials for girder movement and for traffic management, conceptual designs for the via duct and all 12 stations

Currently underway: Station access management study, feasibility for leadership in energy and environmental design for the project, environment impact assessment.

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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Hearing commences in Rani Mukherjee land case

Kopargaon (Maharashtra) (PTI): Hearing by the Ahmednagar district administration in the Rs 33-lakh fake land deal case involving Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee commenced on Tuesday.

The hearing involving Mukherjee and Sampat More has been adjourned till December 31.

"The lawyers of Rani Mukherjee and More presented their arguments. But no decision has been taken and the hearing has been adjourned till December 31," Sub-Divisional Magistrate Srirampur, Nandkumar Suryavanshi, told PTI.

Mukherjee was duped of Rs 33 lakh in a land deal in Shirdi in Ahmednagar district.

The actress bought a plot in the pilgrim town, hoping to build a house but was duped into paying for land belonging to the State Farming Corporation. The plot is yet to receive the required government clearance.

The actress had bought 1,100 sq mt of land near Nimgaon Korhade at Shirdi, 271 km north of Mumbai, in December 2005 from More for Rs 33 lakh.

The Corporation had given agricultural land slightly above a hectare, on a conditional basis, to Raman Kshirsagar, a farmer, in 1977. Kshirsagar sought non-agricultural status for part of the land to set up a brick kiln.

Although the status was granted, Kshirsagar carved up the land and sold it to 17 buyers instead of setting up the kiln. One of the buyers was More, who in turn sold it to Mukherjee.

"The land could be seized by the administration. But Mukherjee could still own the land if she is permitted to regularise it by paying fine of Rs 21 lakh or more (75 per cent of the current land price), after its valuation is done," Suryavanshi said.

hindu.com

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US-Iran 'nuclear game' goes on

Iran's first reaction to the best news it had heard for a long time was - silence.

For more than 12 hours, state media did not even mention the new US intelligence assessment that said Iran no longer had an active nuclear weapons programme.

It was almost as if it was too good to be true. The authorities simply could not believe their ears.

Now they have regained their balance, the mood in Tehran is little short of triumphalist.

The foreign ministry says the new assessment shows that everything US President George W Bush says on the nuclear issue is "unreliable and fictitious".

Iranian TV has been covering the report full time, with lengthy discussions all devoted to the theme of "we told you so".

Enriched uranium concerns

But what has really changed?

To hear Mr Bush's recent remarks warning of the threat of "World War III", you would think Iran was putting the finishing touches to its first nuclear warhead.

But the case against Tehran has never relied on such alarmist assessments.

The argument the West puts is that Iran is developing a technology - uranium enrichment - that could be used to help produce a nuclear weapon at some date in the future. And that danger remains the case whatever Iran's current intentions.

There is the question of why Iran developed this technology in secret.

And there is the larger issue of why Iran needs peaceful nuclear power at all, when, according to the oil company BP, it possesses the world's largest combined reserves of oil and gas.

Indeed, while Iran is working to produce enriched uranium, which it says is for peaceful purposes, it is pleading with Moscow to provide it with nuclear fuel for the reactor just being completed at Bushehr.

In fact, some diplomats here believe any enriched uranium Iran produces is not and could not be used at Bushehr, for both technical and political reasons.

'Power play'

But even if Iran does not need peaceful nuclear power, it does not follow that this programme has a military end.

Indeed, the new US intelligence assessment only lends strength to what many Western diplomats here already believe, and Iran consistently claims. There is no active Iranian military nuclear programme.

If not military, nor entirely peaceful, then why?

As one Iranian analyst once said to me, only half joking, if the Americans were not opposed to it, the Iranians would stop their nuclear programme tomorrow.

In other words, it is a power play.

By defying Washington, the Iranian regime is using the nuclear issue to strengthen its hand, just in the way North Korea did so successfully.

Conversely, there are those in Washington, probably including Vice President Dick Cheney, certainly including former UN ambassador John Bolton, who would like to use the nuclear issue to unseat the Iranian regime.

If that is the case, then whether Iran intends to produce a nuclear weapon is, in a strange sense, almost academic. It is the challenge to US power that is all important.

'Another twist'

Iran's main aim, according to this interpretation of events, is to secure the regime and strengthen its power in the world.

This is exactly the opposite of Israel's feared scenario, which is that Iran is building itself up for one last suicidal strike at the "Zionist entity".

This view of the nuclear programme as a "power play" is strengthened by the latest US intelligence assessment. But the assessment itself does not necessarily end the game. It just changes the balance of power.

After this report, the chance of military action by the US, already considered fairly small, becomes even smaller. It will also make it harder for Washington to secure the tougher sanctions it has already called for.

The new assessment will strengthen Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's hand, at least in the short term. He will no doubt claim he faced down the "Great Satan" and won.

But in reality, this is just one more roll of the dice, another twist in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran that has been going on since the Islamic revolution in 1979 and shows no sign at all of ending.

Source: news.bbc.co.uk

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Cancer cases 'to increase a third by 2020'

Cases of cancer are expected to increase by a third by 2020 with nearly 300,000 people having the disease diagnosed each year, according to a landmark government report published yesterday.

The five-year Cancer Reform Strategy said the ageing population, obesity epidemic and rise in lifestyle cancers would cause the rise in the number of people having cancer diagnosed each year.

Over half of all cancers could be prevented if people adopted healthy lifestyles such as stopping smoking, avoiding obesity, eating a healthy diet, undertaking a moderate level of physical activity, avoiding an excessive alcohol intake and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun.

The new strategy includes plans to speed up drug approval, more money for radiotherapy services and a possible clampdown on sunbeds and cigarette vending machines.

But after Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, announced a £680 million plan for improving cancer services yesterday the Government came under fire for pouring more money into the battle against the illness with little effect.

Mr Johnson said that the national Cancer Reform Strategy would be underpinned by a £370 million investment by 2010. But The Times has learnt that the cost of the five-year plan will actually be much greater, with the Government banking on saving £310 million by making the NHS more efficient to help to fund an expansion of screening, staff and equipment.

Opposition parties immediately accused the Government of wasting the money it has already invested in tackling the disease, which kills about 125,000 people in England each year.

The amount spent on treating cancer in England has grown by more than a quarter in the last three years, but cancer survival is still below the European average.

Under the new strategy, ministers have earmarked £130 million to improving radiotherapy services, but emphasised that savings would be needed by treating more patients outside hospital or shortening the amount of time they spend on wards.The remainder will come out of money allocated for the NHS in this year’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

According the the strategy’s figures, cancer programmes — which currently cost £4.35 billion a year — will continue to rise by an extra £70 million a year. This is on top of the cost of new cancer drugs, which is growing at over £100 million a year.

A national programme to vaccinate 12-year-old girls against human papilloma virus, which causes cervical cancer, will also cost £100 million a year, plus an extra £200 million for catch-up programmes.

Breast and bowel cancer screening programmes are also due to be extended but Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat health spokesman, declared that such plans were at risk because of the Government’s “inability” to secure value for money in the NHS.

Gordon Brown met campaigners and clinicians in Downing Street to state that the strategy set out a “comprehensive approach” to cutting cancer in the years ahead.

Mr Johnson later officially announced the new measures in Whitehall alongside the National Clinical Director, Professor Mike Richards and claimed progress had been made since 2000.

“Fewer patients need to stay in hospital for long periods. They can be treated as day care cases, they can be treated in the community,” he said.

The toll

38% of deaths under the age of 75 are due to cancer — the highest figure for a single cause

25% of people surveyed said that cancer was the thing they most feared, over a heart attack or terrorism

5.2% of NHS spending in England goes on cancer

6 The number of cancers that are strongly linked to obesity — kidney, womb, gallblader, colon, throat and breast in post-menopausal women

£80 The amount per head of population that is spent on cancer in England. This compares with £121 in France and £143 in Germany

Source: timesonline.co.uk

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Sue what?

Suresh Wadkar is now embroiled in a fresh controversy about his attitude on Jjhoom India. The singer refuses to re-perform in the Wild Card entry segment as he feels that he is too senior to bear the ignominy that ensues from performing with the ousted contestants. He says that things are worse for him as his co-performer Shweta Tiwari doesn't know how to even hum a song.

This has upset the channel guys (SaharaOne). They can, as per contract, sue Wadkar if he gives the Wild Card segment a miss. Wadkar, however, has turned a deaf ear to the channel's communication.

Confirming that Wadkar has turned down the Wild Card offer, Kalyan Sundaram (Programming Head, SaharaOne) "Wadkar had problems with Apara Mehta earlier. After Apara got eliminated, he paired up with Shweta. Now, he's telling us that Shweta is not a good singer."

Wadkar, it seems, has taken to his elimination rather seriously. "I don't understand why. He needs to understand that the actor (non-singer) gets eliminated and not the professional singer. I am shocked at his behaviour," Sundaram endorses. "We came to know only yesterday. We thought he would give in. I can't say what will happen to Shweta's chances in the contest. She is a decent singer, and for her sake, I hope she settles down with the replacement. Anyway, I am meeting Wadkar, once again. If Wadkar agrees to return, nothing like it," Sundaram adds.

Our source reveals that there's more to the story than just Shweta being a poor singer. "Wadkar does not get along very well with Shweta," the source informs.

Wadkar tells us that he will not budge. "I have decided that I will not return. One needs to understand that the entire pairing in the show is wrong. Why have they selected a singer like Shweta? The format says that the actor should have some singing talent but Shweta doesn't have it at all. Gaana to door ki baat lekin who to geet gunguna bhi nahin sakti (forget singing, she can't even hum a tune)."

Wadkar further admits that he does not face the humiliation of being ousted once again. "I don't want to be eliminated again, which is most likely to happen. Main besharam aadmi nahin hoon (I am not shameless). I am a senior singer."

Source: mumbaimirror.com

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