A BYTE OF LIFE

Friday, January 16, 2009

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DEEPIKA SECOND BEST
thanks to that wily fox Akshay Kumar FREE CIRCULATION
Vol. 3 No. 9

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The Angel of God
HR professional releases her fourth book in the city today

PHOTO: PRABHAKARAN SAMBANDAM

take a HIKE
Ergo’s pick of lesser-known weekend destinations.
» PAGES 4 & 5 

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ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

Namma Chennai
Music Sale

Lights on
Now, say goodbye to power cuts. BPL in association with Sankara Netralaya has launched rechargeable study lamps called ‘StudyLite’. The built-in rechargeable back-up promises to provide light for up to six hours without the main power.

Talent scout
The Channel V ‘Launch Pad 111’ is back looking for the hottest sound of 2009 in a nationwide search. Bands with distinct personality, diverse language or even a new sound can battle it out on the all new season. The competition begins in the end of January, wherein 20 short-listed bands will perform every week live at Blue Frog, Mumbai. Rush in your enteries to v.bigadda.com

For the girl in you
Tanishq has unveiled their new line of gold jewellery collection ‘Blush for the girl in you’. This light-weight gold collection is designed for young working women and comes in attractive shapes and designs. These are priced from Rs. 5,000 and available at all Tanishq stores.

Getaway

Theatre

Just chill Being earnest
It’s theatre time, folks. Evam presents ‘The Importance of being Earnest’, which it terms “trivial comedy for serious people.” The plays will be staged at Chinmaya Heritage Centre on January 16 (7.30 p.m.) and January 17 (3.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.). For tickets call 98402 22363/ 99404 38669. GRT Temple Bay has an exclusive winter package, where one could stay for three days and two nights by paying Rs. 22, 222. A chalet room on twin sharing basis with buffet breakfast, plenty of activity cum health club voucher... there is lot more. The offer is valid till March 31. For reservations call 2744 3636.

Book launch

Entertainment

Abracadabra
Magic is up their sleeve. In the city are two groups promising to entertain you. Jadukar Karan and the P.C. Sorcar magic show are being held at Kalaivanar Arangam and Rani Seethai Hall respectively. For details call 98841 52200/ 99410 18686.

Where are you going, you monkey?
Blaft Publications will play host to the launch of the book, ‘Where are you going, you monkey?’ by Ki Rajanarayanan. The book has folktales from Tamil Nadu, and will be launched today at the Chennai Book Fair Grounds, St. George’s Anglo-Indian Hr. Sec. School, Opp. Pachayappas College at 4 p.m. 

Friday, January 16, 2009

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Theme nights
Paprika, the all-day diner at Courtyard by Marriott, has introduced delectable food-based theme nights. Enticing Tuesday with Italian food, seafood Wednesday, Just for Women on Thursday, regional specialities on Friday, each promise to be a culinary treat. The buffet is open from 7.30 p.m.

Writer’s stock
With four books already in Jyothi Menon’s kitty and three more getting ready for release this year, a full-time career in writing is not far in sight for this HR professional

LIFFY THOMAS
liffythomas@goergo.in

PHOTO: R. RAVINDRAN

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jet-setting life – first as a dutiful wife and mother, then as senior vice-president of HR shared services centre of Scope International, where she heads a team of around 360 people. A well-maintained blog, www.jyothimenon.in, with writings on 17 categories. Plus, three books to her credit – The Power of Human Relations, Brand Wise and Me! A Winner. It is amazing how some find time to delve into one’s passion amidst the many responsibilities. This evening will go as another special day in Jyothi Menon’s career as writer. Her fourth book (and first work of fiction), The Angel of God, will be released in the city. But, that’s just the beginning for this HR professional. Three more titles from her stable will be out on stands this year. Ergo caught up with Jyothi Menon, or Jyo as she is popularly called, for a friendly tête-à-tête to listen to her talk about juggling roles. The writer in me: Writing has always been part of me. My dad’s globe-trotting profession took me to six different schools and places, and Bengali was my first language – all this has widened my horizons. It was the same love to work with people that made me switch from an Engineering background to human relations. Post-marriage, getting Bobby Menon as partner was like “the man behind

the woman”. He encouraged me to paint my canvas. And today it is the same love to work with different people that has made me get into fiction writing too. About Angel of God: There are many books on leadership in the market and nobody will read one more authored by Jyothi Menon. Writing The Angel of God was like painting a canvas. Every time I wrote a chapter, I wanted to add something more, edit some lines... It took us seven years to complete the book, more because of the many breaks we had to take from work. But it is special as Bobby and I wrote it together. It has incidents brought together by the two of us. We take readers on a tour around multiple geographies – Mumbai, Kerala, Libya and the Middle East. My mummy strongest: Writing a book is like giving birth to a child. There it is nine months; here it took me seven years because of the gaps I took. I manage my time well. Pooja (my daughter) is off to sleep by 10 p.m. and it’s when I open my canvas. Pooja loves to paint, so these days I have started dabbling with colours, too. Three more to go: My next work is based around a gold fish. It is a bed-time book. Also, there will be two more books on self-development, which will be released in 2009. Later this year, The Angel of God will travel to the London Book Fair. ■
(The book will be released today at GRT Convention Centre at 7 p.m.) 

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ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

Big Story The roads less travelled,
It’s another extended weekend next week and if you are bored staying indoors or visiting the same old places, here’s Ergo’s pick of lesser-known weekend getaways. Go there, come back and tell us if they’re worth the recommendation

TREKKER’S ZONE
Place: Alamparai Fort How to get there: It lies near Kadapakkam, a village 50 km from Mamallapuram on the land overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The fort can be reached by driving down the East Coast Road, about 100 kms from Chennai and 50 kms from Puducherry. Start early in the morning as it is a pleasant drive along the ECR. Why the place holds good: If you wish to have a scenic view of the sea and backwaters from the great heights and enjoy an adventurous trek, the Alamparai Fort is the place to visit. The Alamparai Fort, also called Alampara, was constructed during the Mughal era and it had a 100-metre-long dockyard stretching into the sea. It was destroyed by the British in 1760 and further got damaged following the 2004 tsunami. Local fishermen assist tourists in a pleasurable boating experience around the fort. Best time to get there: October to December What you can do: Boating and trekking

VIEW FROM THE TOP
Place: Amrithi Forest How to get there: This is 25 km from Vellore. It should take you around three hours to reach there by road. You need to take left from the Golden Temple. Why the place holds good: Some places maintain their charm as they are not frequented by many. Amrithi Forest is blessed with a tribal landscape, sandalwood forest, small zoo... making it a must-visit place for the adventure seekers. Besides, the forest is rich with flora and fauna. The Amirthi Zoological Park is located below the Javadu Hills, where you can do animal and bird spotting. What you can do: Its picturesque location makes it a perfect place for trekking. You could check up with the Forest Department as they conduct treks. There is a tractor ride organised sometimes. For those seeking some spiritual bliss, the famous Padavedu temple is close by. Check http:ecologin.ning.com for some more pictures. 

Friday, January 16, 2009

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Backpack
During ancient times, the backpack was used as a means to carry the hunter’s larger game and other types of prey as a way of easier transport.

quite literally
ALL IN ONE

Place: Pulicat Lake How to get there: This lake flows along the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border, along the Coromandel Coast. On the National Highway 5 from Chennai, drive northward toward Nellore, then turn right after the toll gate on Thatchoor Kootu Road to Ponneri village. The straight drive takes you to Pulicat village. Why the place holds good: Pulicat Lake, which is the country’s second largest brackish water lagoon, is preserved as a wildlife sanctuary and is paradise for bird lovers. Its history dates back to the 13th century when the Arabs were the first to land here and then followed by the Portuguese and Dutch. The Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary boasts of various species of birds. One can explore the Dutch cemetery, which has 76 tombs, mausoleums; visit the dilapidated masonry houses once occupied by ethnic Arabian Muslims and also trek to the ruined Dutch fort. But when it comes to food, one has to carry their own provisions as there are hardly any restaurants or resorts around. Best time to get there: October and March. Thousands of birds migrate to the lake at this time of the year. What you can do: Fishing, boat riding, bird watching, trekking to the ruined Dutch Fort and shopping for handicrafts made of Palmyra leaves in the local market.

The Dutch Cemetery.

PHOTO: DEEPAK GUPTA

SAY CHEERS
Place: Tranquebar How to get there: This getaway is 35 km north of Nagapattinam on the Pondicherry-Chidambaram highway, which has frequent bus services. Buses to Chidambaram from Chennai also go through Tranquebar. Why the place holds good: Three years after the formation of the Danish East India Company in 1616, the first Danish ship reached the southern coast of India. After some initial skirmishes with the French, Portuguese, and Ceylonese navies, the Danes signed a treaty with the nayak of Tanjore in November 1620, ceding to them the village of Tarangambadi, which they re-dubbed as Tranquebar. The place remained an important Danish trading centre and outpost before it was sold off to the British in 1845 for £10,000. India’s first printing press was also set up here in 1712 and the first-ever Tamil translation work was published from this press in 1715. Where to stay: The Neemrana Group has converted the old Danish Governor Bungalow into an eight-room hotel. The Bungalow on the Beach, as the name suggests, offers a panoramic view of the unruly waves of the Bay of Bengal and is a stone’s throw away from the now restored Danish Fort built in 1620. The rooms have an antique look. A must-see is the two-faced ‘Love Chair’. What to do: For a lazy traveller, Tranquebar is the place to be. The unspoiled beach is a perfect place to go for a swim or just sun bathe. It is reported that Tranquebar has the thickest ozone layer in India. Fort Dansborg, now under the control of Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department, is the most important landmark and houses a museum. Other places of interest are the Zion’s Church built in 1701, the Town Gateway (1792) and also the Masilamani Nathar Temple. For bookings email bungalowonthebeach@nivalink.com or call 04364-288065. A standard double room costs Rs. 3,500. The hotel also offers a 14-bed dormitory facility at Rs. 150 per bed. 

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ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

Sport
Indian-Kiwis add an extra Test
New Zealand has agreed to add a third Test and an extra Twenty20 match to India’s tour starting next month. India asked earlier this month to play an extra Test during the tour to help offset losses after the cancellation of matches against England and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and New Zealand Cricket announced the extended schedule Thursday after the host country had worked to reschedule other matches. India will arrive in New Zealand on February 20, eight days earlier than originally scheduled, with the first tour match being an additional Twenty20 match in Christchurch on February 25. An extra Test will be played in Napier on top of the originally scheduled two Tests in Hamilton and Wellington. “India is probably the most exciting side in the world at present, packed full of superstar players, and the chance to see six more days of high quality international competition will be welcomed by all New Zealand cricket fans,” New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said. BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said he was grateful the two cricket authorities had been able to work together to extend the tour. “To have such a strong mix of Tests, one-day internationals and Twenty20s will be good for both teams, and for cricket followers in India and New Zealand,” he said.
AFP

Dementieva crushes Serena
Elena Dementieva overpowered a weary Serena Williams 6-3, 6-1 at the Sydney International on Thursday to set up an all-Russian final against Dinara Safina. Dementieva cruised to victory against the American, who ran out of steam after a gruelling run to the last four in which she had saved seven match points in her earlier rounds.

ayne Rooney is facing three weeks out of Manchester United’s title charge after scoring the winner and then being struck down by a hamstring injury as the champions sealed a narrow 1-0 win against Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Rooney, 22, lasted just seven minutes of United’s win, which takes them to within two points of leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, before limping out of the action. United can claim top spot in the Premier League for the first time this season if they defeat Bolton at the Reebok on Saturday, but Rooney will be forced to watch from the sidelines after suffering his injury blow.

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Man U close in
United inches near table-toppers Liverpool but face losing Rooney for three weeks

Pressing for a speedy recovery
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that he hoped Rooney would not be out for longer. “Wayne has done his hamstring,” said Ferguson. “It’s one of those things, but it’s a three-week job I’m afraid. Hopefully it won’t be any longer than that, but he gave us a great start with a great finish from Ronaldo’s cross. We were carrying injuries throughout the game and that says a lot for the character of the team. Carlos Tevez limped throughout the second-half, Jonny Evans, Paul Scholes, Ronaldo. They all seemed to be limping about the place.”

Size matters for Indian soccer
Tall, strong and physically imposing – that’s the new mantra for talent scouts in Indian soccer. Skill-wise, India is on a par with other nations but the team lacks physique, All India Football Federation’s technical director Colin Joseph Toal said this week at an under-13 soccer festival in the eastern Indian city of Jamshedpur. “Hence, we are focusing on talented footballers with good height and strong physique,” the UK-based Toal said. India is ranked 20th in Asia after clinching the AFC Challenge Cup last August, a victory that secured them an Asian Cup berth. The national team has shown improved results in the last two years under British coach Bob Houghton but are still ranked 142nd in the world. On Wednesday they lost 1-2 in a friendly to Hong Kong.
Reuters

Tough game
Ferguson had warned his players ahead of the game that Wigan, guided to six wins in seven league games prior to this clash by boss Steve Bruce, would prove a stern test at Old Trafford. And the manager’s words were proved accurate as the visitors threatened to de-rail United’s charge to the title. Ferguson said: “Wigan are the best team we have played here this season by far. It was an outstanding performance by them and they really made us work. We should have had the game put to bed by half-time with the penetration we had and the chances we created, but Wigan are a very good side, so it’s a big result for us.” Victory at Bolton will ensure top spot before Liverpool return to action at home to Everton and Ferguson admits that being top is a prize worth chasing at this stage of this season. He said: “You don’t mind when you are top, but in my experience, being top is where you want to be, there is no question about that. So hopefully we can be top by Saturday night.” ■
AFP

PHOTOS: AFP 

Friday, January 16, 2009

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Defending Australian Open champion and world number three Novak Djokovic

Of course there is going to be a certain amount of expectation and pressure as the Grand Slam champion but I will try to use it in my favour and look at it as a positive challenge.

hen Fred Perry stepped off court in 1936 after his US Open win over Don Budge, most Britons would have assumed the nation’s tennis future was secure. After all, Perry was world number one with eight Grand Slam titles to his name, and Britain could count itself as a sporting force in all four corners of the empire. Seventythree years and countless disappointments later, with both Perry and the empire long consigned to history, the country is still waiting for its next Grand Slam champion. So it’s not surprising that the emergence of Andy Murray has been greeted with considerable fanfare in Britain.

Shooting star W
Murray eager to break British drought
a petulant streak into a genuine force in world tennis, highlighted by his displays over the past six months. After reaching his first Grand Slam final in New York, Murray sealed his second consecutive Masters series win before reaching the Masters Cup semis on debut and reaching a careerhigh fourth ranking. So far this year Murray has been the tour’s best player, beating both first and second-ranked Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at an exhibition event before besting Federer again as he successfully defended his Qatar Open title. “Sometimes you just have to give credit. He played great. He is probably in the best form of anybody in the world right now,” said American Andy Roddick after the Doha final. With former greats and experts queuing up to

tip Murray for Grand Slam glory, expectations are high that the talented Scot will end the British drought here. But with eight matches needed for victory, together with the Australian summer’s searing heat, it’s far from a foregone conclusion.

More to do
“Andy’s shown for a year that’s he’s knocking on the door,” said Federer. “He’s playing with good confidence. But winning a slam is different animal, not many guys have been able to do it.” Murray has always had the game to beat the best but credits intensive fitness and strengthening work with giving him the extra power and stamina to survive at the top. The six foot three (1.90 metre) Murray controversially split with coach Brad Gilbert, hired at great expense by Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association, in late 2007 and now travels with two fitness trainers as well as coach Miles Maclagan. Results came quickly as he compiled his best season to date in 2008, becoming the first Briton to win five titles in one year in the Open era. Famously reticent in front of the TV cameras, Murray has been slow to win over a British public which retains fond memories of the popular, albeit less successful, Tim Henman. His career began aged three when, encouraged by his mother Judy, a former Scottish national coach, he started playing in his home town of Dunblane.

Bookies favour him
With Murray now the bookies’ favourite for the Australian Open, excitement is at fever pitch. Murray, 21, has transformed himself from a gangly, fragile youth with

Shooting tragedy
Tragedy struck when scout master Thomas Hamilton went on a killing spree at the eightyear-old Murray’s school, murdering 16 young children in one of Britain’s worst massacres. Murray largely avoided the subject until last year, when he detailed in his autobiography how he knew Hamilton from a youth group and hid under a desk to escape the gunman. “I could have been one of those children,” he said. Murray won his first Futures tournament in 2003, leapt into the top 100 in 2005 and won his first ATP title in 2006. He won two out of four finals in 2007 and broke into the top 10 but was also out for nearly four months with back and wrist injuries. ■
AFP

Tennis messiah
An unheralded wild card entrant took everybody by storm at the recently concluded Chennai Open. Double NCAA champion Somdev Dev Varman on his first year in the professional circuit reached the final of the US$ 450,000 ATP meet, claiming some big scalps on his way. A counter-puncher and a solid base-liner, Somdev is a modern and more powerful version of former French Open champion Michael Chang and pundits are already out, predicting a bright future for him. A quick learner and with a never say die attitude, one hopes Somdev lives up to the reputation that he has earned over the past week.
(We feature a player every Friday who has defied odds and come out as a winner during the past week. For this week, we pick tennis young-gun Somdev Dev Varman. You can send in your choice for next week at feedback@goergo.in.) 

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ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

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emember the blue-eyed, long-eyelashed, pinkcheeked doll in bows, frilly organza, matching hairband and stockings you so enjoyed playing with? As much as you loved dressing it up, you wouldn’t have imagined yourself in similar attire. (Barbie, by the way, doesn’t fit that description. The makers have ensured that she becomes every little girl’s idea of perfection personified.) Baby doll dresses, however, are called cool now, thanks to Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku girls, the stage background dancers named after Harajuku Station in Tokyo, who toured with her to promote her Harajuku Lovers album. The recentlylaunched Harajuku Lovers fragrances, Love, Li’l Angel, Music, Baby and G (for Gwen), are just new additions to the Harajuku Lovers line that she had introduced way back in 2005 under her fashion label L.A.M.B.

The short and long of it is that the baby doll dress is a type of mini dress (at least 6 inches above the knee), just a little more frilly, lacy, ruffled and embellished with bows and ribbons. Moreover, it was first intended to be worn as negligee, not the outerwear it has now become (a la bikini top?). The origins remain unclear. We don’t know if the 1956 movie Baby Doll, which got its 20year-old actress Carroll Baker an Academy Award nomination, has anything to do with the nomenclature. Many credit the film for popularising the baby doll dress, till then chiefly a garment for children and their playthings, among women. Even now, despite its frequent sightings, the baby doll dress isn’t quite likely to get you on many ‘Best Dressed’ lists. The fact that it looks more like an attention-seeking high school prom dress narrows down the number of people who can carry it off. Also, a baby doll dress is the kind of outfit you’d most likely imagine Paris Hilton in. Fashion-wise, you wouldn’t want to be spoken of in the same breath. ■

The baby doll dress is not for babies and dolls now, but it’s not the best thing around either

(Left) An outfit by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and (right) by Elie Saab 

Friday, January 16, 2009

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Globe-trotting

PORTFOLIO

t the recent Golden Globes, strapless gowns, chandelier earrings, bold colors and black emerged the top choices. Black and dark blue were popular with some bright exceptions. Golden Globe nominees Kate Winslet, Amy Adams, Sally Hawkins and Viola Davis were among the many actresses who chose black dresses for the evening event in Beverly Hills, California. “It made me feel a little bit sexy, and I needed to feel a little bit sexy tonight,” Davis, nominated for best supporting actress for Doubt, said about choosing her Max Azria plunging V-neck gown. Evan Rachel Wood of The Wrestler also sported a black gown with a plunging Vneck. “People keep asking me how I picked it, but I think it picked me,” she said of Angelina Jolie in a the sequined and Versace beaded gown by Elie Saab. Anne Hathaway, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Debra Messing and Sigourney Weaver were all in blue. Freida Pinto of Slumdog Millionaire said she was taken with her “mustardy gold” gown by Christian Lacroix. “When you wear one dress you feel absolutely ‘wow’ about, you have to wear it. And this one was it,” Pinto said. Angelina Jolie was a notable standout in a shiny but simple silver-beaded dress by Versace. Jennifer Lopez also went metallic in a gold dress. ■
Reuters

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Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku Girls and (top) Paris Hilton

Viola Davis (left) in Max Azria and Freida Pinto in Christian Lacroix 

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ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

Flick

Jackie Chan to star in The Karate Kid remake
Hollywood actor Jackie Chan is in final talks to star in the remake of The Karate Kid. The film is the starring vehicle for Will Smith’s son Jaden.

“I hope Deepika does not beat me”
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ction hero Akshay Kumar says he helped co-star Deepika Padukone match his action skills in their forthcoming film Chandni Chowk To China but made sure she came “second best” to him. “She (Deepika) once said she wants to be the female Akshay. I hope she doesn’t beat me. She has done a good job in the film and I helped her here and there. That way I made sure she always came out second best to me,” Akshay said. Though Akshay was slightly apprehensive in helping Deepika considering “how good women are at picking up skills”, he was quite sure he wouldn’t be “outshone” by his leading lady. Chandni Chowk To China, slated to release Friday, features the two actors in a story of an Indian cook, Sidhu, played by Akshay, who goes to China and is mistaken for a martial arts expert. The film is apparently based partly on Akshay’s own life as he was also born in Chandni Chowk in Delhi and grew up to go to Bangkok to work as a chef. About his character in the film, he said: “I love my character. It’s so much like me. Come to think of it, Sidhu is a man I was once in Bangkok. Though the purpose of the journey is different but the drama is definitely the same. I have fought as many villains in this movie as I have in my career.” Chandni Chowk To China is being talked about for its aggressive promotional activities as well as for the association of international names like renowned Chinese actor Gordon Liu and action choreographer Dee Dee Ku. For Akshay, training under Ku, who has worked for films like Kill Bill, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Matrix among others, “was like squeezing blood from a stone”. “He is super quick. Whenever he would have crazy stunt ideas, one couldn’t figure if he was serious or joking. He is incredible in his field. And I trusted him with my life. “If I would have met him before, my life would have been different. He has only worked with the best. So pleasing him was like squeezing blood from a stone. When he used to say ‘Akshay the take is okay’, that used to be a huge compliment coming from him, he said. Sharing screen space with Gordon Liu was like a childhood dream come true for the actor. “You know how fans react when they see Aamir Khan and how they run behind him. That’s how I see Gordon Liu. I have admired him and his martial arts since the beginning. It was superb working with him,” said Akshay. Chandni Chowk... also holds the credit of being the first Indian film to be shot at the Great Wall of China. “We had a fabulous experience shooting at the legendary monument of the world - the Great Wall of China. It was spiritually breathtaking and probably the highlight of our shoot,” he shared. A part of the film has also been shot in Chandni Chowk. Akshay has a lot of fond memories of the popular market place. “Shooting in Chandni Chowk was a unique experience. I was born there. I thought it was sheer madness to shoot there in the narrow lanes but people there were overwhelming. I am an expert regarding the food available there so I used to treat the unit of the film to the best delicacies there,” he said. ■
IANS

She has done a good job in the film and I helped her here and there. But I made sure she always came out second best to me: Akshay 

Friday, January 16, 2009

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Penelope Cruz treasures Woody Allen’s glasses
Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz has taken home a special souvenir from the sets of her latest film Vicky Cristina Barcelona - a pair of director Woody Allen’s trademark spectacles. The Spanish beauty admits she was taken aback when Allen presented her with the gift, because it was so personal.

I’m not going to risk my life for any film
ipasha Basu, who abruptly left the shooting schedule of Lamhaa in Kashmir last year, says she left in a huff because a certain security she had been promised wasn’t provided at the location. “Too much was made out of the whole thing. Lamhaa is a difficult film. There was bound to be ups and downs. The producer and director knew why I left. A certain amount of security was promised. The first seven days were absolute chaos - nothing was organised and there was a lack of security.” “Yes, my work is my life. But then I’ve a life beyond work. I’m not going to risk my life unnecessarily for any film. Who comes to hold your hand when you’re in pain? Let’s be optimistic,” Bipasha told IANS. Bipasha has now returned to Kashmir to shoot forLamhaa, with the assurance from the producer Bunty Walia and director Rahul Dholakia of beefed-up security. After last year’s incident, Bipasha’s security is of special concern and her co-star Sanjay Dutt, in fact, proceeded to Kashmir a day ahead of her to ensure the atmosphere is conducive for the actress to resume shooting. ■
IANS

Cine City

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I will never do item numbers
Actress Divya who recently played a prominent role in Gowtham Menon’s Varanam Aayiram was approached to do an item number in actor Vijay’s Villu. But the actress had denied the offer saying that she will never do an item number as it’s her policy. Stating that she would be happy to share the screen with Vijay as his ladylove, the actress has added that she is a great fan of Vijay. Divya is at present busy shooting for Kadhal to Kalyanam, opposite actor Arya’s Younger brother Sathya.

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he 39-year-old pet lover, who shares the screen with a golden retriever in her new movie Marley and Me, said that her first dog hated her, reports the China Daily. She said: “My first pet was Demetri, a white poodle. But he did not like me much because I would always pull on its tail. But I was three; I thought he was a toy.” However, now the former Friends star is much nicer to her current furry friend, corgi-terrier cross-breed Norman. She said: “There’s no dog like him. He’s just a person in a furry outfit. I don’t even know how to describe him. “He’s a wise old man who could, with a look, with one stare, could crush me. He’s a laser light beaming into my soul.”
ANI

GETTY IMAGES

GETTY IMAGES

Priyan busy in Bollywood
Director Priyadharshan who enthralled everyone with his parallel cinema Kanchivaram has no plans to continue with serious cinemas it seems, as he is busy with lot of commercial flicks. The immediate one to get into theatres is Shah Rukh Khan’s Billoo Barber a remake of Malayalam hit Katha Parayumpol. Next film to reach theatres in April will be Bhum Bhum Bole, a remake of Iranian masterpiece Children of Heaven, where in Darsheel Safari of Taare Zameen Par fame will don the lead role. Other movies are Pirate featuring Kunal Khemu, Deepika Padukone, Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal, De Dhana Dhan starring Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Sameera Reddy and Paresh Rawal.

Jennifer Aniston’s first pet pooch hated her! 

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ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

yarum... ivlo nalla music kaetruka maatanunga and I’m simply mad about you.
Mukund SCB, Scope International

Tuesday’s Query: Your message to A.R. Rahman for winning the ’Golden Globe’ award?
■ AR Rahman is now Allah Rewarded Rahman for his simplicity, dedication, nobility, his hunger to fly India’s flag high and his belief in god.
Thouhid, Cognizant

■ Ithu chumma trailer thaan...pinadi varum parunga main picture.
Nivedhan, Infoview Technologies.

■ Two hands on keys have made millions of heads proud. Great work.
Balaji Sundar, Wipro

Today’s Query: ’Taare Zameen Par’ missed out on Oscar nomination, which Indian film would you nominate for Oscar 2009?

■ Rahman made India proud, we all had goose bumps while seeing Rahman receive the Golden Globe. He deserves this award. U rock Rahman. Keep Going! Jai hind.
Angelin Golda, Arti, Abi, Glory, Gowri Shankar, RBS

■ AR Rahman is the lord of music according to me. Not only the Golden Globe award, the genius would certainly get to win an Oscar.
Amritha Sridharan, G. Saravanakumar, TCS, Guna Sekar, PMC, Chris Ganes, Perot systems, Janakipriya R, Congruent Solutions, Shaik Dawood CSS, S Dheepa, Infosys, Sathyanarayanan FSS, Mali, Birlasoft, Sivasundaram, RR Donnelley, Minu, Sutherland

■ A.R again you have proved that you are the student of Ilayaraja. I proudly want to say to all world music lover Summa Athirudhula..........
Senthilkumar, Perot Systems

■ I thank God because he gave me a chance to hear good music through you. Proud to be an Indian. Jai Hind.
Manikandan, Heartland Info Centre

■ AR Rahman scale more heights with your music.
S.Ramesh, Wipro

■ Bring home the Oscar, the Mozart of namma Chennai.
Karthick, FSS

■ Congrats, He is legend and I’m proud to be an Indian because he is the only Indian to have achieved this feat, we pray for him.
Gopinath R, Kalaivani R, Kumari R, Sarah Joyce D, Gomathi. P, Manimala V, Durga.S, Vanarani.N, Senthil K, PMC

■ The Man. The Music. The Mozart. With an Indian base, Western influence and Global Appeal, kicking off from Roja jaaneman to Jai ho, Rahman ji your compositions have been phenomenal. You have made us all proud by winning the Golden Globe. A sense of spiritual fulfilment is what one gets after listening to most of your melodies. We are sure you will make it in the Oscars too. Rahman..’ Rahe Mahaan’. Love you Guru. Best wishes from all of us.
Ramya, Akhila, Divya, Varshini, TCS

■ Dear Rahman uncle... Oscar is not very far... Stay in US, grab it and then come to India... It’s for you only.
Robin M, Wipro

■ Gr8 work A.R.Rahman sir. Hoping for more such gr8 BGMs in your Tamil films too. Your songs are always ultimate.
LM Kaushik, Infosys

■ Great music maestro, a living legend. God showers his blessings always on you. Long live Rahman Ji.
Ruba, Wipro

■ He deserves more than all awards. Usually people will be waiting for awards. But Awards are waiting for him.
Arun Kumar C, Congruent Solutions

■ Isai puyalukku innoru viruthu... isai virunthukkae isai virutha! viruthaal unnakku yenna perumai unnal antha viruthukkae perumai intha indhiya mannukkum perumai! aduthathu Oscara?... agila ulagamae un isaikku adimai un kai meetum yethuvum isai agairathu un yennam thaedum yevaiyum isai agiarthu nee vidum moochu kaatrru kuda isai aga maarukirathae! yengu katrai intha vithaiyai! isaikku nee oru agarathi isaikku nee oru munnodi isaikku neeyae aathichudi! petru vidu antha Oscaraiyum, irunthu vittu pogattum varalatril oru tamilanaal Oscarukku perumai yendru!
Geetha B, Sangeetha N, Jeyanthi B, Srimathi Y TCS.

■ Hearty congratulations you deserve it. Keep rocking like this.
Srinivasan, Lakshmi, RC, CTS, Jarks, Ramco Systems

■ Hi Rahman, Idha nan solliye aaganum. Hollywood’la ivlo nalla music

■ This is great achievement for this musical wizard. He has been composing beautiful lyrics for long time but now this award will catapult him into international arena.A perfect example of natural genius, salute to him.
Prince (TCS Client Delivery - US) 

Friday, January 16, 2009

13

Thiagarajan Boopathi, Process Associate of CGSL has been nominated Office Angel by his team mates Thilagavathi, Pavani, Venkat, Vignesh, Saleem, Manonmani, Sonalisa, Preetam
He is always young at heart, energetic, enthusiastic and an ever-smiling person. He is very polite, humble, friendly, easygoing and accessible by one and all. When it comes to work he is very dedicated and sincere. His sense of humor, timing and the limitless spirit makes him very endearing to all of us in office.

■ Dear Ergo, U r always thought of in a very special way. Wish you a happy pongal.
Regards Saravanan V, HCL

■ Hi My One and Only Suresh, Let this special day brings you all the joy and success, wish you a great birthday wish from the deepest part of your beloved Minu’s heart. Love u dear more than ever before. Treat enga?
Minu, Sutherland

■ Hi Meera, Advance happy birthday to u and have a splendid year ahead!! May God bless U with Happiness,peace. Let this birthday make ur life brighter than ever and let all ur dreams come true.
Regards, CASL Team. AIG-TCS.

■ Dear Mamtha, (Belated wishes) We all wish you a very Happy Birthday! May God be with you & all your dreams come true!!!
with love, Bhuvana, Raju, Sakthi, Viji, Kavitha, Tapas

■ Dear Saravana (THALA), Wish you a many more happy returns of that day We wish u a day brings the best in life for u. May life lead u to great happiness and success. Hope lovely surprises ,Are coming your way,To make your Birthday a Wonderful day Happy birthday THALA…..
Hearty Wishes, From Your Dear Colleagues UST-Global, ASV Sun Tech Park

■ Dearest Nightingale Renu… Joyous B’Day Wishes to you darling. This year is gonna be really rocking for you. New project career in your life and wish you win the “Airtel Super Singer” title too.
Loads of love, Chris, Wipro Technologies

■ Dear Anusha, Wishing you a wonderful life together, May there be no hill too steep, And the ground forever rise to meet your feet. For the bride and groom, May your tomorrows be ever more jubilant and beautiful? Best wishes on your wedding day, To a wonderful beginning, And a rewarding lifetime together.
With Best Wishes Srividya, Subhalakshmi, Vaishnavi

Namrata Bhure from Tata Consultancy Services doodled this.

■ Dear Karthikeyan Rajan (RIDER), How much you mean Although you surely must know That without a doubt There’s no-one nicer than you Or anyone dearer To wish Happy Birthday to Many More Happy Return Of the DAY. -Hearty wishes from all
Nokia COACH Team, Tata Consultancy Services.

■ Dear Friends. Wish you Happy Pongal to THDChennai
NON-PROD Team.

■ Dear Subhu, A smile is a curve that sets everything straight and wipes wrinkle away hope u share a lots and receive a lots 4 days 2 come. Your birth day is the perfect day to say I care, because you will remember me when u certainly make it a big affair, and when you do hold a party... I bet you will be the one who would care to make ur special day a costly affair!!!!
With lots of love, Gayathri, Karthika, Ila

1. Cyclela poana cycling, Trainla poana training-aa? 2. Cream biscuitla cream irukkum, Ana naai biscuitla naai irukkumaa?
Regards Saravanan V, HCL

■ Hey Tamil (Dumil), Wish You Many More happy returns of the day!!! Have another exciting year ahead..
With Best Wishes, Rosco Team, Excelacom Technologies

■ Dear Senthil Kumar, Wish you many more happy returns of the day, May god bless you and may you have a great year ahead.
Best Wishes, Gayathri, Wipro

. 

14

ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

Traffic Jam
At Muthu Valliappan’s village in Arimalam of Pudukkottai district. Vallippan works with Wipro Technologies. The harvest season is round the corner and it’s time we made the Click Pick column a little more interesting. Photographs of the harvest festival, rural India and littleknown rituals will be given preference this month. Please send us fresh photographs, preferably those clicked by you on a recent trip, to clickpick@goergo.in
All photos selected for clickpick this month will receive a gift voucher worth Rs.1,000, courtesy Kantilal Diamonds (Ph: 2828 1700). Readers are requested to send their addresses with their entries.

Coffee visions
A new study suggests that drinking too much coffee dramatically increases the risk of hallucinating. Young men and women who had more than seven cups of instant coffee a day were three times more likely to hear or see things that were not there.

sudoku

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Friday, January 16, 2009

15
Word’s worth
"Maisterel" (mays-ter-ell) a rare and obsolete term for an imp or familiar. Perhaps from Middle French maistral, meaning ’servant.’

Prison boss’ costume row
A prison boss is under investigation after he recruited riot wardens to escort him to a fancy dress party - in a bid to make his costume look more authentic. He wore a striped convict uniform under arrest for trying to steal the bride.

B.C
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
Ganesha finds you at low energy level today. You might have to put in more effort to find solutions to simplest issues at work. You may be ‘emotionally attached’ with the job responsibility. In love relationships, you may learn to ’let go’ and ’adjust’.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20
Today you may be in front of your computer or at your desk at least, dealing with various activities. You may finish all work attentively as you may be in a mood to rush home. Ganesha finds you spending a wonderful evening with your beloved.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20

BORN LOSER

Today, you will be inspired by someone. You may try to improve your basic skills. In relationship matters you may be very considerate and may treat your beloved in the best way possible. In return, you will receive lots of love from the counterpart.

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20
You may not be in a very good mood to deal with your routine work, but ensure that you don’t spend time behind loitering around. On the other hand, work pressure may be there. In the evening, you may entertain your beloved and have a good time.

LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20
It may be a stressful yet encouraging day. You may be in a mood to finish off your work. Your logical abilities are at best, which may help you a great deal today. In relationships, sweet communication is possible. In a nutshell, it’s a wonderful day.

VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20

FREE RANGE

WORKING IT OUT

You could be dealing with some technical hassles today, but you may be able to find root cause of the glitch and fix it soon. If you wish to place demand to HR, this is the right day. Lovers may need to guard against argumentative nature.

LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20
You may handle work diligently. Ganesha foresees you developing better professional relations. Those in public relations may perform well. You may strike perfect balance between practical life and emotional realm. Your beloved will find this impressive.

SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20
You may need to be careful in routine work, else you may miss out on some important point. Those dealing with coding may find something fishy which may leave you perplexed. On the personal front, you may remain passionate and romantic, feels Ganesha.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20
Ganesha finds you guiding others on some important technicalities related to work. Alternatively, you may do some value addition to a programme. Your beloved may be in a very good mood which may add charm to the day.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20
The day favours important meetings. Ganesha finds you pretty busy with work today. You may use your power discreetly and remain the best at work. There may be slight conflict with the beloved. You may remain concerned about domestic and romantic life.

PREVIOUS ISSUE’S SOLUTIONS

AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20
Ganesha finds you highly concerned about performance at work today. Luck favours for the groundwork or beginning of new projects. In the second part, you may chill out with friends. You will remain in joyful mood throughout the day.

PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20
You may remain defensive in some particular situations at work today. You may need to handle responsibilities with utmost care. You may feel mentally stressed till evening. You will remain emotionally attached to those whom you love.
Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni 

16

ERGO Friday, January 16, 2009

!

Roja
AR Rahman’s first soundtrack Roja was listed in TIME’s ’Top 10 Movie Soundtracks of All Time’ in 2005.

Rahman returns home to a rousing welcome
AR Rahman in Chennai after receiving the Golden Globe Award in Best Music category for film ’Slumdog Millionaire’ on Wednesday.
PHOTO: R RAVINDRAN

M

usic maestro A R Rahman after receiving the coveted Golden Globe Award for the Best Original Music Score for Slumdog Millionaire returned home in the early hours on Thursday to a rousing welcome of his fans and well wishers. Avid fans thronged the airport to receive their hero even as traditional musicians playing the ‘Nadaswaram’ and other folk artistes’ performances were in place to receive the musician. Rahman, whose fans followed him all the way till his house, said he was sharing the award with all Indians and Tamils. “Slumdog Millionaire reflected India and its subject and content encouraged one to come to the limelight despite being from a humble background,” he said. It was the story of a small time slum resident striking it rich after winning a jackpot in a quiz show, on the lines of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ and is directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle. ■
PTI