A BYTE OF LIFE Friday, June 26, 2009

07
NEW ROLE
hockey star Rasquinha trades
hockey stick for CEO’s chair

FREE CIRCULATION Vol. 3 No. 119

CROSSING BOUNDARIES
Siddharth Jayakumar is the country’s
first certified documentary credit
specialist with cerebral palsy. Anusha
Parthsarathy reports about his
indomitable urge to defy the odds.

» PAGE 04

PHOTO:S. S. KUMAR
02 ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

New on the shelves

Namma Chennai
Special Editions celebrates the season with a burst of colours and styles.
T-shirts with polo collar and round neck, contrasting sleeves and double
collars, with colours like raspberry reds, burgundy, cool blues, dark
purples and the likes. Purchase t-shirts for Rs. 1000 and get a Special
Editions gift voucher for Rs. 250. The offer is valid till June 29, at T.
Nagar and Anna Nagar outlets. Ph: 4260 6061.

Food

Never say
Cinema sayonara
Pergola at Hotel Accord
Fly to Dubai
Here’s one more reason why you must watch Slumdog Millionaire,
Metropolitan invites you for an
enjoyable evening with family and
this time on the small screen. You need to answer a question which friends. The hotel is hosting a
will be asked during the movie, to win a free trip to Dubai for three Japanese food festival, Kaeseki,
days and two nights and stay at Atlantis, The Palm. The Oscar- open for dinner with an authentic
winning film will be screened on June 27 at 9 p.m. on PIX English Japanese fare.
movie channel. For reservations call 2816 1000.

What a spread!
The Piano at Savera Hotel has an
all-new buffet to delight you. That
is 75 cuisines from around the world
including kebabs, grills, sea foods,
pan-Asian cuisines, pasta counters,
barbeques and chaats. The buffet is
open for lunch and dinner. Your
meal deal: Come as five and pay for
three; come as three and pay for
two.
For reservations call 2811 4700 extn
1939.

Music
Sale

Remembering Stevie Wonder Rekha’s boutique

on Alwarpet is
World Peace Day will be celebrated in Chennai on June 27 at the holding its
Music Academy with singers and musicians coming together to pay a anniversary sale.
tribute to Steve Wonder. The event will feature singer Sunita Collections including
Sarathy, Benny Dayal, Anu Cheyyur and Devan. readymades and
Musicians include Keith Peters, Viji Cheyyur, Joe George, Joshua Raj, fabric that is light
Allwyn and Mathew Littlewood. Donor passes are priced at Rs. 200 and colours both
and Rs. 300 and available at Exodus, all Landmark and Fruit Shop pastel and cheerful
outlets. are up for sale. The
Fore details call 9841186951/9841695177. clothes are
accessorised with
intricate kundan,
Exhibition zardori, antique and
metal work. For
those looking for
Of colours something to wear
for that special
& designs evening or parties,
they have intricately
The exhibition hall in designed and
Amethyst is organising a accessoried outfits.
sale of collection from Prices range from Rs
Tarun Tahilani, Sonam 550/- to Rs 2500/- &
Dubai and Sapan More. above.
The sale is on till June
30 at Amethyst, 14/30,
Padmavathi Road,
Jeypore Colony, Where: Rekhas Boutique, G23 mookambika complex,
Gopalpuram.
C P Ramasamy road, Alwarpet, Chennai -18.
 Friday, June 26, 2009
03
Any weekend plan?
A group of passionate students get together to make a noise! Be at the Madras Terrace House today to watch the Trash Band
in action. Or, make it on Saturday at 6 p.m. to see the photo campaign by the students of Madras Christian College or Sunday
to watch the screening of Baraka, a film with no dialogue, story or plot.
Madras Terrace House is at 15 Sri Puram, 2nd Street, Rpyapettah. Ph: 4503 8391.

Sapling tambulam
Chennai Mayor comes up
with unique way of driving
home the green message

T
he practice of sending off wedding
guests with a tambulam bag comprising
betel leaf, coconut, banana and other
things auspicious is a tradition no Hin-
du household would break. But, Chennai
Mayor R. Subramanian went a step ahead by
turning environment-friendly at the wedding
of his son Dr. Ilancherizhiyan, which was so-
lemnised on Thursday at Kalaivannar Aran-
gam.
Around 25,000 bags of saplings were dis-
tributed to the guests in the morning, and we
hear another 5,000 will be handed over at the
reception. About six varieties of saplings,
each measuring between one and two feet,
including those of neem, teak and naval, was
the Mayor’s style of sending off guests.
Apparently, the Mayor had been working
on this initiative for the last six months. No
prizes for guessing the message he was driv-
ing through each of his guests. Make the city
green! ■ Guests at Mayor M. Subramaniam’s son’s wedding receive saplings in a
Ergo Correspondent tambulam bags in Chennai on Thursday. PHOTO: S.S. KUMAR

Bag with ornamental

fish creates flutter
The bag is suspected to have been abandoned
by a passenger from Singapore

A n unclaimed bag created a

flutter inside the Chennai
airport complex on early
tional terminal and alerted the
authorities. A security team
rushed in and inspected the
Thursday. The situation re- bag for any explosive sub-
turned to normal after security stances inside. Upon opening
personnel found out that the the bag, the team discovered
bag contained live ornamental 65 live ornamental fish sealed
fish. in plastic covers inside three
According to police sources, polythene bags.
some passengers spotted the The bag is suspected to be
abandoned bag near the bag- that of an unidentified passen-
gage claim area of the interna- ger who had arrived from Sin-
gapore on Wednesday night.
The passenger could have
abandoned the bag to avoid
seizure and arrest by the Cus-
toms department, police
added.
However, preliminary in-
vestigations were conducted
on the incident and airport
File photo of an ornamental authorities sent the bag back
fish seized at Chennai airport to Singapore. ■
04 ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

Crossing Big Story

boundaries
Cerebral palsy hasn’t stopped Siddharth from being normal
ANUSHA PARTHASARATHY out, it takes me only 30 minutes. The-
[email protected] refore, I have to put in double the ef-
fort even to do simple things like

I
t is difficult for him to type yet he is turning over pages and reading word
an Internet junkie and replies after word. By the end of the day, I am
promptly to my email request for thoroughly exhausted. But I love my
an interview. His eyes don’t focus job. It is challenging even for a normal
properly but his job is to scrutinise doc- person but the fact that I have
uments every day. His speech is slow been doing it for the last four
and slurred but he cracks jokes at light- years goes to prove that I can
ning speed. do anything I put my mind “It is difficult for me
Siddharth Jaykumar could be just to,” he exclaims.
another IT professional. In fact that is Siddharth is the first person to type. I use only
precisely what drives the 29-year-old. with cerebral palsy to be a one finger on one
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy after a certified ‘Documentary Credit
severe case of jaundice when he was Specialist’, earning it just 10 hand and if a normal
all but one, he has learnt to defy the months into the job. “Most person takes an hour
odds. He may not be able to control people do the certification af-
certain movements and might walk ter three years of working ex- to tire out, it takes
with a slight stoop but more than perience but I did it in 10 me only 30 minutes.
makes up for it with his indomitable months and was one of the 54
spirit. “Cerebral palsy is not an illness. per cent who passed. It was Therefore, I have to
It’s just a neurological disorder,” he one of the proudest moments put in double the
dismisses his condition non-chalantly. in my life.”
All discussions about his struggles as a After an interview in 2005 effort even to do
child are strictly off-the-record. Sidd- with rediff.com, Dr. Abdul Ka- simple things like
harth is concerned only about the pre- lam sent Siddharth a letter ex-
sent, a state that he is happy with. pressing his wish to meet him turning over pages
He did his primary schooling with Vi- and did so a few months later. and reading word
dya Sagar and later shifted to a regular He still has the letter framed
school and passed out as a state top- by his bedside. The former after word. By the
per. “I had to dictate my answers to a President also recalled him in end of the day, I am
scribe who didn’t know English or the his speeches on World Disabil-
subject and so I had to keep spelling ity Day and on a few other oc- thoroughly
out each word. I think I would’ve casions. “He remembers me exhausted. But I love
scored a lot more if I had written it by my name. I keep in touch
myself.” with him through occasional my job.”
Siddharth is a document checker mails and phone calls,” Sidd-
with Royal Bank of Scotland for the harth smiles proudly.
last four years and loves his job. It in- Siddharth is also a soft skills trainer
volves verification of export/import and arranged for a tie-up between his
documents and requires sound techni- office and Vidya Sagar. “It is my way of
cal knowledge, thorough checking growing professionally with a social
and spending long hours reading and mindset. There have been so many
typing out documents. people who have made a difference to
“It is difficult for me to type. I use my life. It is because of them that I
only one finger on one hand and if a have come where I am now. I would
normal person takes an hour to tire like to be that to someone else.” ■

Against all odds

■ Siddharth cleared Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) exam from
Institute of Financial Services, UK, in April 06 within a year of career and
became ‘India’s first CDCS with Cerebral Palsy.’
■ He was the first person to complete Post Graduation from Vidya Sagar
(formerly, Spastic Society of India) and second person to join the mainstream
school from Vidya Sagar
■ ‘Lala Kailashpat Singhania Award’ from National Society for Equal
Opportunities for Handicapped, Mumbai, was awarded to him in December 2007.
■ Was conferred a National Award in December 2008 by the Government of
India.
■ Invited by Skillshare International, UK, to be a part of delegation to present a
book on cerebral palsy to the then President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in
August, 2006.

PHOTO: S.S.KUMAR
 Friday, June 26, 2009
05

The White Town has an added ad- his ‘Cave of Tapasya’ and chose to
vantage of abutting the seafront, build his ashram in the White Town,
which imparts it a superior environ- the very place on which Lord Agastya,
mental character. Its town-planning according to the French archeologist
and building design, whether in pri- Prof. Jouveau Dubreuil, had built his
vate and public buildings, street fa- ashram centuries ago
cades or Squares, roads, boulevards At the centre of ‘Bharathi Poonga’
and courtyards are exquisite. stands a small surprise – a monument
Apart from Charles de Gaulle built not in honour of a queen or of an
Square, later known as Governmental empress, but of a harlot.
Square and now known as ‘Bharathi Another interesting aspect of the
Poonga’ some of the historical edifices, White Town is the Cercle de Pondi-
statues and landmarks which adorn chery created in 1899. Exclusive to Eu-
the urban scene, the town is also fa- ropeans, the club was a social meeting
mous for its Manakkula Vinayagar place for members who were also
temple. French army veterans. The White Town
The White Town is also known for area of Pondicherry has historic and as-
the presence of the Sri Aurobindo Ash- sociative value for the town-dwellers.

French
ram. Sri Aurobindo called Pondicherry ■

The
connection
P.Raja writes about the historic White Town of
Pondicherry characterised by government and
institutional buildings built by the French

T
he French concentrated in the three distinct land users: a) religious
construction of Government and and cultural, b) governmental and c)
Institutional buildings in the residential.
White Town. The White Town due to its strategic
The urban development had to be importance was the administrative
restricted within the Boulevard, be- headquarters. Its inheritance of the
cause of constant threat of wart. French people has imparted it a superi-
Moreover, outlaying areas, mostly or form of development characterised
agricultural, served as a restricting belt by stately mansions and residential vil-
of urban expansion during the French las and institutional buildings, as com-
occupation. Thus White Town area has pared to the Native Town area.

Hot
&
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The menu includes
murg rizala, Bhopal Bi-
ryani, Pasanda and
many types of quorma.
Call 0413-2345000
06 ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

Iran denies punishing ‘green’ players

Sport
The head of Iran’s football federation has denied punishing players for wearing green wristbands in a show
of support of the opposition during a World Cup qualifier, local media reported on Thursday. “The
comments in foreign media are nothing but lies and a mischievous act,” Ali Kafashin, a federation official
said. Football’s world governing body FIFA wrote to the Iranians to seek answers over alleged punishments
meted out to players who wore green wristbands during the 2010 World Cup qualifier against South Korea
last week, reflecting their support for opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi.

An American dream
US stun Spain to book Confederations Cup final place

S
pain’s 35-match unbea- Capdevila on the edge of the
ten run came to stunning area before firing a low shot
close on Wednesday as past Iker Casillas in the Span-
goals in either half from ish goal.
Jozy Altidore and Clint Demp-
sey secured an unlikely 2-0 vic- Off-day for Spaniards
tory for the United States in the Spain were now chasing the
semi-final of the Confedera- game but lacked the fluency
tions Cup. The European that had seen them unbeaten
champions went into the game since going down 1-0 to Roma-
at the Free State Stadium in nia in a friendly on November
Bloemfontein having also won 15, 2006 to equal Brazil’s 35-
a record 15 matches in succes- match unbeaten run, set in the
sion but ran out a deserved 1990s. However despite failing
second best against an Amer- to dominate proceedings, Vi-
ican team that hustled and cente del Bosque’s side could
harried for the full 90 minutes. easily have equalised before
The prize for Bob Bradley’s the break through Torres but
side, whose son Michael Bra- Tim Howard saved well at his
dley was harshly sent off with near post.
four minutes remaining, is a fi- The second half began just
nal date Sunday against hosts as the first had ended, with
South Africa or Brazil, who Spain occasionally threatening
meet in the other semi-final at as Villa was the next to test Ho-
Ellis Park in Johannesburg. “It ward. Villa could also have had
was a great team effort and to a penalty when Landon Dono-
beat an amazing team like van made contact in the area
Spain is big,” said US coach after 53 minutes while Albert
Bradley. “We played as hard Riera fired narrowly wide a
was we could and every guy minute later. Howard pulled
contributed. That’s what it off good saves from Fabregas
took.” and Sergio Ramos before a de-
fensive error from Ramos on 74
Promising start minutes allowed Dempsey to
The United States – search- end Spain’s dreams of setting a
ing for a first ever competitive new world-record unbeaten
final date – attacked Spain streak.
from the outset, carving out a
couple of early chances Final nail
through Charlie Davies, who Donovan sent the ball across
came close with an overhead the Spanish area and Ramos
kick in the 8th minute and a tried to control the ball rather
glancing header a minute later. than clearing it, allowing
Dempsey was the next to try Dempsey to hook home from
his luck with a shot from dis- six metres. “No one thought we
tance that fizzed just wide could come out and win,” said
while Spain almost got on the Fulham’s Dempsey. “We are
score-sheet themselves happy with the win and know
through Fernando Torres after we will have to work hard to get
11 minutes but the Liverpool something out of the final.”
striker just failed to get on the The only shadow on the eve-
end of a Cesc Fabregas cross to ning was the sending off of
the far post. Bradley, who was shown a
In an evenly-matched game, straight red by referee Jorge
the US finally broke the dea- Larrionda for a tackle on Xavi
dlock after 27 minutes through which seemed to merit a yel-
Altidore, who latched on to a low card at most. ■
Dempsey pass and turned Joan DPA

(From left) US midfielder Michael Bradley, US defender Oguchi Onyewu, US midfielder Clint Dempsey and forward Jozy Altidore celebrate after
Dempsey scored the second goal during the Fifa Confederations Cup semi-final match against Spain at the Freet State Stadium in Bloemfontein on
Wednesday. PHOTO: AFP
 Friday, June 26, 2009
07

‘‘
When it comes to playing for your country you don’t really need motivation to go out and perform.
The West Indies is playing good cricket at the moment. They had a very good (World) 20/20
tournament, but in the 50 overs, you have time to settle down. The team that plays consistent cricket over
the series will come out as winners. We have to play consistent cricket and I think that will be the key for us.
M.S. Dhoni ahead of Team India’s first ODI against the West Indies

Gold Hunt AYON SENGUPTA

[email protected]

E
njoying every minute of his new job, former India hockey
skipper Viren Rasquinha is eager to fulfil the country’s
dream of winning a bagful of Olympic medals. Though at
Beijing 2008, for the first time India won three medals, the
success has increased the age-old hunger. Rasquinha as CEO of
Olympic Gold Quest, an ambitious project started by sporting leg-
ends Geet Sethi and Prakash Padukone, is geared up to feed this
ambition.
One month into his job, he has already grasped the fundamen-
tals and is working intently on the task at hand. “At least five of our
wards are genuine medal prospects for the 2012 London Games.
And it’s our duty to provide them with the best support in terms of
infrastructure, finance and training to achieve that goal,” he says.
“Over the last month I have tried to understand the psyche of the
athletes and build a personal rapport with them. Now I am better
qualified to understand their needs and present them properly to
the board and also possible corporate clients.”
Rasquinha, who probably is the only Indian sportsman to have
the distinction of making it to the merit list of a board examination
(13th in SSC Board, Mumbai), quit hockey during the peak of his
career and opted for a full-time MBA from the Indian School of
Business, Hyderabad. “I always wanted to have a professional de-
gree and the time seemed right,” he recalls. There too, after pass-
ing out he chose the unfashionable and joined OGQ.
“With my background in sports, the additional responsibility
and the final goal of OGQ made it an easy choice,” Rasquinha says.
“A lot of my classmates will give an arm for this job. In terms of
challenges it is the best job an MBA fresher can hope for.”
Commenting on his work, the 29-year-old adds: “I have to now
prepare a daily routine for the players and also research and make
a proper assessment of their scheduling so they peak at the appro-
priate time (London 2012). It has often been seen that Indian ath-
letes after a good international year go to the Olympics and come
out choking. That is something we have to pay a lot of attention
to.”
Next month onwards, he is expected to make good his market-
ing skills as he gets ready to knock the corporate doors for his
athletes. “Brand-building and marketing will be my bulwark for
the next few months. We have already identified the players and
now have to present their case to the corporates and induce a
positive response,” he says. “Hope my two years of MBA study
does not fail me.”
Even with a full plate, Rasquinha still has time for his “first love”,
hockey. “Ultimately my aim is to give something for hockey. But
right now I am a fulltime employee of OGQ and I hope to be en-
tirely devoted to their cause,” the former Maratha Warriors mid-
fielder says. “I am in touch with the current players and also
officials of the new federation and I do give some unsolicited
friendly advice at times.
But I firmly think there is a right time and place for everything
and my time and place is OGQ for now.” ■

Hockey ● Rasquinha’s on-field success

star Viren 2003 Asia Cup, Kuala Lumpur — Gold
2003 Afro-Asian Games, Hyderabad — Gold
Rasquinha 2002 Asian Games, Busan — Silver
2001 Junior World Cup, Hobart — Gold
● Awards won
comes in 2005 Arjuna Award - National level
an all new 2004 Shiv Chatrapati Award - State level (Govt. of
Maharashtra)
● Players signed up by OGQ
avatar of Shooting: Gagan Narang, Rakesh Manpat, Rekha C, Mann
CEO Singh
Badminton: Guru Sai Dutt.
Athletics: Vikas Gowda, Tintu Luka and 19 athletes from P.T.
Usha School of Athletics
Boxing: Sanjay Kolte

PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

08 ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

Portfolio

Salvatore Ferragamo Versace Prada

Dolce & Gabbana

Men of th
F
rom soft suits to sporty leisure The
wear, designers at Milan’s porio A
fashion week sought more to Giorgio
reassure rather than provoke tion fro
with easy, familiar styles and vi- ni, loo
brant colours for men next spring. presen
The trend at the spring/summer grey w
2010 menswear shows – which end- should
ed on Tuesday – was for a mix of darts a
tailoring and dressed down, with “It is
roomy bags and sportswear shoes table,”
evoking a travel theme. He also
A neat and firm silhouette was in tech
evident – shoulders were defined, orange
while waists and trousers were slim cessori
at Gianfranco Ferre and Roberto line, h
Cavalli. Bottega Veneta had V-shape were c
trousers – full on top and narrow had ov
below – with crisp shirts and jack-
ets. Men in
Trousers, usually slim, were to the Arm
ankle. with sk
As the warm season brings out was als
more skin, several top names made gamo
sure to show off men’s bodies – with and e
revealing vests at Cavalli and open mood”
tops tucked into tiny tight swim- Vers
ming trunks at Dolce & Gabbana, was “r
also seen at Versace. their s
Not known as one to go with white o
trends, Miuccia Prada cut out the Vers
colour seen elsewhere and stuck to unbutt
greys, black and white for an urban jackets
collection shown against a mono- Zegna
chrome backdrop. tops un
Prada presented knit waistcoats Reds
or armless buttoned gilets over arm- for Gu
less collarless shifts of shirts. Tops, bright
some in a flexible wetlook fabric, tops a
had holes. Trousers with tiny black kembe
and white checks or tweed-like nar- of red
rowed at the ankle. ange
“I wanted it to be contemporary, striped
DSquared2 Emporio Armani
wearable,” she said. excitem
 Friday, June 26, 2009
09

Gucci Roberto Cavalli Burberry Prorsum Gianfranco Ferre

he moment Dirk Bikkembergs

Milan designers show colourful

theme was also urban at Em- neta Creative Director Tomas
Armani – for which designer Maier said. Earthy tones were also
o Armani got a standing ova- seen at Salvatore Ferragamo.
om some of the crowd. Arma- Burberry’s Christopher Bailey
oking to city connections,
nted suits in cool shades of
with a fitted cut and defined
took outerwear from dark to pastel
colours, which he said was like
starting with rain and ending with
man for spring
ders and trousers with small sunshine, an analogy of the tough
at the front and turn-ups. economic climate. He chose a sof-
s city smart but also comfor- ter shoulder on suiting, worn with
Armani said in show notes. crew necks and knits that had
o turned to Asia with jackets straps. Cavalli also splashed pink,
hno mesh and put in dabs of yellow and green on tops, trousers
e on jackets, fleeces and ac- and shiny shoes.
ies. For his Giorgio Armani
e went for classicism – suits Daring denim
chequered or striped, shirts Denim featured heavily – ripped
versized patterns. all the way down at Dolce & Gab-
bana and the key material for the
n white D&G ‘Brit Cowboy’ line – in jeans,
ani also put out white suits shirts and patchwork prints, at
ky blue patterned tops. White times embroidered with shiny
so evident at Salvatore Ferra- studs. The designer duo mixed
and Ferre which had a “free denim with velvet jackets, ties and
easy yet ever impeccable bowties and suede or leather
”. boots.
ace and Gucci, whose mood Denim was dark at Armani and
esolutely optimistic”, started teamed with a tuxedo at Bottega
shows with men dressed in Veneta. Embroidery took centre
or pale creams. stage at Dolce & Gabbana who had
ace also showed comfort with sparkling beaded evening wear.
toned tunics and safari-like Cavalli put embroidery on jackets
s, also seen at Ermenegildo and trousers, some of which had
and Ferre which had sparkly tops that were folded over hips.
nderneath. “You have to fight the crisis with
s also featured – from fiery red creativity, with the best materials,”
cci evening suits to a mainly Cavalli said.
red and black line of suits, For accessories, bags came in all
and trousers from Dirk Bik- shapes and sizes while shoes were
ergs. Bottega Veneta had a mix mainly rounded or had raised tops
tones – purple, red and or- when it came to sneakers. Design-
with tie-dye patterns on ers also played with plastic sun-
d jackets. “Men are looking for glasses. ■
Bottega Veneta Etro. ALL PHOTOS: AFP
ment in fashion,” Bottega Ve- Reuters
10 ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

Flick
‘I will take complete
break for rugby’
Rahul Bose is the man of all moments. His vast knowledge
■You haven’t had a release this year yet and last
comes from his never-ending quest to know more about both Dil Kabaddi and Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam
the world. Pitched as a thinking woman’s sex symbol in both did not generate a healthy response.
It’s completely up to the audience to judge a film and
Bollywood, the actor spoke to TWF Correspondent Ritesh that’s where the fate of a film gets decided. But of course
the script too needs to be powerful. Yes, I think doing
Sharma on his new films, passion for rugby and more Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam was a mistake from my end.
But you can’t give hits with every film. I am looking
forward to a number of films that are already in the
pipeline. The multiplex strike has already delayed the
release of many films but now they will start releasing.

■You were supposed to start with your directo-

rial venture Moth Smoke this year.
(Pause). In fact I was supposed to start it but somehow
it got delayed. I will start it sometime early next year.
Right now I am occupied with too many other things and
then the rugby season begins in September.

■So you are still actively into rugby?

That is something I can’t do without. I captained the
national team and every year I devote ample time to this
sport. In fact this year there will be as many as 40 teams
participating in the rugby championship in Mumbai. I
will take a complete break from shooting for a couple of
months because of rugby.

■Your next release Mumbai Chaka Chak is also

in the pipeline for long
.
No it’s perfectly scheduled for a proper release. I am
really looking forward to that film. It has a very un-
conventional subject. It’s like Panchatantra meets mod-
ern day and has a moral to the story. It’s about how a
man wants to clean his city, Mumbai. It’s completely
different and is certainly going to be liked by all.

■What about Aparna Sen’s The Japanese Wife?

That’s going to release sometime this year. It’s again a
different kind of film, shot partly in Sunderbans, Kolkata
and Japan. But that will do the festival rounds first and
release in India once it’s screened at the Toronto Film
Festival.

■Your film, Before It Rains never released in

India.
(Shrugs and then smiles) But I am sure many in India
have watched it courtesy: piracy. It got a good opening
internationally, then the DVDs were released and by the
time it was supposed to be released in India the DVDs
got pirated. That’s what happens here.

■You have quite a few other releases.

Yes there’s Ghost Ghost Na Raha, which is a fun film
and then there’s Bits And Pieces, which is again a com-
pletely different film.
Trans World Features
 Friday, June 26, 2009
11
Facebook: The Movie
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button director David Fincher is in talks to helm Facebook: The Movie, according to
reports. The Columbia Pictures film will focus on Mark Zuckerberg, who launched the social networking site in 2004
after creating it as a tool for Harvard University students. Zuckerberg (25) is “the youngest billionaire on earth and
possibly the youngest self-made billionaire ever,” according to Forbes magazine.

HANGING Cine City

O V E R A
HANGOVER
MOVIE REVIEW
tiply it 10 fold and add to it a Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu
tiger in the bathroom, a baby in (Ed Helms) and future brother-

SHALINI SHAH
the closet, a Chinese in the car
boot, walking chicken in the
in-law Alan (Zach Galifianakis)
whisk him off to Las Vegas for
S.P. Rajkumar to direct Vijay
[email protected] hall, an irreversible mess in a his bachelor party. It is now confirmed. Actor Vijay’s 50th movie will
really expensive hotel suite and The next morning, the three be directed by S.P. Rajkumar, who is currently
directing actor R.K. in Azhagar Malai. Apart from

I
magine that dull headache, a friend god knows where, and wake up in their suite in various
disorientation and dazed- the result is The Hangover. states of distress and undress direction, Rajkumar will also be writing the story,
ness the morning after a Two days before Doug’s (Jus- and the groom is missing. screenplay and dialogues. The film will be
good night’s drinking. Mul- tin Bartha) wedding, his friends What’s more, they have zero produced by Sangili Murugan. Rajkumar had
recollection of how they ended earlier worked as the dialogue writer for Vijay’s
up in such a state. superhit flick Friends. Sangili Murugan had
They now need to get the earlier produced Vijay’s Kadhalukku Mariyadhai,
groom back on time for ‘I do’ which was also a blockbuster. The movie is
and for that trace the series of tentatively titled Urimai Kural.
unfortunate events. Will all that
happens in Vegas stay in Vegas?
After a bunch of chick-flicks,
this one’s for the men, if you
could call them that. While Jus-
tin Bartha’s is more of a cameo,
it’s Zach Galifianakis as Alan
who steals the show. Especially
watch out for the jail and black-
jack sequences.
The latter is hilarious and cle-
verly spoofs 21. Ed Helms as the
henpecked boyfriend and Bra-
dley Cooper as the good-look-
ing school teacher join
Galifianakis to make an unlike-
ly trio landed in a common
soup and keep the laughs go-
ing. The jokes are funny and the
film never sags. How the night’s
events unfold, however, is bet-
ter seen on film than read in an
opinion piece.
P.S. Also watch out for a very
special special appearance. ■

It’s now Suriya’s turn

The last hero to join the bandwagon of actors
Film: The Hangover crooning for their films is Suriya. Music director
Director: Todd Devi Sri Prasad, who made actor Vikram sing all
Phillips the songs in his upcoming flick Kanthasamy, is in
Cast: Bradley talks with Suriya to have him sing a song in
Cooper, Ed Helms, Singam. Sources say Suriya is also interested to
Zach Galifianakis, sing. It is to be remembered that Devi Sri Prasad
Justin Bartha made actor Siddharth sing in Santhosh
Subramaniam and actress Mamta Mohandass in
Villu.
12 ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

Thursday’s Query: Captain Venugopal Kannoth, Vice President -

Your favourite time pass at office Corporate Services, iNautix Technologies India
Private Limited has been nominated as Office
when server goes off Angel by Bhujangappa & Dimple Raj and team.
■ "IM" la mokka poda vendiyadhu dhan Captain is our Boss. He is a true inspiration for
Vengi, Tata Consultancy Services the team. He is the Captain of the Ship called the
Corporate Services. He is cruising along with Bank of
■ Have a discussion with my teammates regarding the ways to New York Mellon with great control for almost three
compensate the productivity for that day years now. Has it in him to win the high sea battles,
Dhivya, Wipro holding together his "achiever" team thereby leading
the company to the desired goals. Indeed a true Jack
■ Gossiping Sparrow of iNautix.
Emmanuel, Hema, Srini Cognizant, Happy Birthday Captain!!!
Karuna Devi, Jansi, Lavanya Calibar Point

■ We’ll play hand cricket

Sathish.R, Allsec Technologies

■ Will play hot seat and shoot the questions like a bullet from
gun
Pradeep Sankaran, Allsec Technologies

■ Teasing others, making fun and praying to be the same for

whole day
Sharique, Navamani IBM

■ Sleeping
Shajahan IBM, Rafiya Allsec,
Sureshkumar.D TCS, Saranya.M, Cognizant

■ Shaking the mouse so that my IM status stays online

Kannan Maikeffi TCS

■ Reading Ergo
Sebastin Perotsystems, Rajesh Kumar.T Infosys, Karthick Congruent Solutions,
Dhananjayan Scope International, Shiva PSBPS

■ Reading books or SMS chatting

Aakash, CSS

■ Putting kadalai with girls

Sasikumar Wipro, MV.Santhosh Kumar, Guru, Rajeshkumar.D, Jelin Allsec,
Manoj, Baskar, Siva, Senthurpandi, Ranganathan, P.Iyappan Raj TCS, Ram
HCL, Deebigan Shell Transource, Dharan Patni Computers, Oviya.Vijay RRD,
Praveen Cognizant

■ Playing Minesweeper game Udayakumar from TCS e-Serve has nominated his friends as Partners in
Mayilraj MindTree Crime. This pic was clicked at Yelagiri.

■ Playing chess in mobile

Uma Ganesh.SS Allsec

■ Friends oda coffee break dhan

Sukhanya.P Cognizant, Jayaprakash, Don Allsec, G.Manoj Perotsystems

■ Chatting with friends

Pinky, Sohail IBM, Arthi Steria, Nasurudeen, Allsec

■ Clean the desktop

Aravindkumar, Cognizant

Today’s Query:
Recall those trade mark words/lines of
your teacher/lecturer with which you
associate him/her Jai Isaac from Perot Systems has nominated his team members as
Partners in Crime. This picture was clicked at Queensland.
Example: One of our colleague’s teacher’s one-liner was: I will kick you out of
the window. So his students used to call him ‘kick’ sir
Friday, June 26, 2009
13

June 26 Bday. We just wanted to let u know we

too one of them. June 27
■ Dear Esmy, Have a wonderful Day! ■ Dear Praja,
It’s a nice feeling when you know Love, Sam & Hema, Tata Consultancy Services Wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! May
that someone likes you, god give you all JOY in life. Enjoy this
someone thinks about you, ■ Dear Anand, day to the fullest and have FUN.
someone needs you; The happiest moment is when I’m with With Love, Suriya, Infosys Technologies Ltd.
but it feels much better when you you. When you are by my side I feel like
know that someone never ever forgets the luckiest person. I am so glad to have ■ Hi Balasubramaniam
your birthday. ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’. a friend like you. This comes with many May this special day be filled with sweet
I’m so blessed 2 have a friend like u!!! loving thoughts and warm wishes to u. memories and happy hours.
May ur day be filled with laughter, May your day be filled with laughter and Wishing you all the fun and excitement
happy memories, wonderful moments may the finest things in life always come that only birthdays can bring!
and shining dreams. ur way. Happy Birthday ! Many more With Cheers, Human Resources,
Have a fabulous and fantastic year happy returns of the day. Coastal Training Technologies
ahead!!! Regards, Chitra, Wipro Technologies India (P) Ltd, Chennai
Lovely Wishes, from ur friend, Ram
■ Dear Amul, ■ Dear Milanie (HCL),
■ Hi Kamal J.B. HAPPY BIRTH DAY TO U. Its a nice Santhosha janmadhinam kuttikke.. ;)
May this special day be filled with sweet feeling when you know that someone Wishing a very happy and prosperous
memories and happy hours. likes you, someone thinks about you, year ahead.. God Bless You..
Wishing you all the fun and excitement someone needs you; With Love..
that only birthdays can bring! but it feels much better when you know Amal Kuriakose, Wipro Technologies
With Cheers, Human Resources, that someone never ever forgets your
Coastal Training Technologies
India (P) Ltd, Chennai
birthday.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY". June 28
With lots of love, Bhavani Ananthan. ■ Dear Nelliyan,
■ Dear Sharan, Team-Beacon. HCL Technologies Ltd. Wish You Many More Happy Return of
I’m here, right now, on your special day, the day. May all your dreams come true
To give a cheer for you, hip, hip, hooray! ■ Dear SP, and this be another fantastic year for
So let’s have a fun on your Birthday!! May this special day be filled with sweet you.
Don’t feel that you are getting old every memories and happy hours. With lots of love MIS TEAM (TCS e-Serve)
year, but our memories are still young I may hurt you for some reasons but i
and fresh:-) always like u for endless reason! ■ Dear Senthil,
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Because i have one good reason you are Wish u many more happy returens of the
Honey!!! Have a successful year ahead:-) my ever lasting friend in my life! Day. You all success in your life.
From, Sugan, Tata Consultancy Services I miss you pa!!!! Wish you many more May this Birthday brings u happiness, joy,
happy returns of the day!!! peace and with all that you wish.
■ Dear Saran, With lots of wishes, Raghavan. S.S., TCS Its been a pleasure to work with you.
Each year your Birthday reminds us, All the best for a rocking carreer and a
that we really want to say ■ Dear Sanjay K Menon, happy life.
We r very glad I know you each day. Many Many Happy Returns of the Day.. Cheers, Citi-Vault Guys, I.John,N.Ram,
We hope you enjoy your birthday, Wishing you a very happy and S.Durgalakshmi, A.Palani, N Annand, P.Siva
All he pleasures it has in store, prosperous year ahead.. :) (Boss), K Ranjith M.Ravi, S.Thiya, B.Murali,
And because we appreciate you, God Bless You.. S.Sathish (writer) Professional Management
We hope you have many more! With Love.. Amal Kuriakose, Wipro Technologies Consultants Pvt Ltd.
Happy Birthdy Saran!!
Hearty Wishes form, ■ Dear Mekala Shanmugam (TCS), ■ Hi Kannan
Karthik, Ayub, Bala, Rathina, Sami, Shyam, My Hearties B’day Wishes To You. May May this special day be filled with sweet
Sumesh, Pathi, Selva & Senthil, Nittany your each second and minute filled with memories and happy hours.
delight. Wishing you all the fun and excitement
■ Hello Aishu, With love, Priyachitra S S TCS that only birthdays can bring!
Enjoy your Birthday. With Cheers, Human Resources,
May God Bless you! ■ Dear Vivek, Coastal Training Technologies
Warm Birthday Wishes.. C.R.S Family Sending birthday blessings filled with India (P) Ltd, Chennai
love and peace and joy wishing sweetest
■ Dear Saranya,
Here’s a heartfelt birthday wishes from
things happen right before your eyes...
happy birthday Have a wonderful future Belated Wishes
ur beloved friends. ahead. Happy Birthday!!! ■ To My Dear Friend Jeya (HCL),
Birth Day is a beginning of a new year, With Love and care Sorry…….Sorry…… Sorry…….Sorry……
may this year be filled with joy and BT ISOOH2, Wipro Technologies I am really sorry for forgetting your
sucess. May all ur dreams come true. birthday eventhough I have an alert
All the best. ■ Hi Janan, (My sis wedding day) on that day to
with love, ur friends-AD team Have a Great Birthday! Wishing you to remember and this is the 3rd consecutive
have life full of happiness. year I am forgetting your birthday…
■ Dear Sify Support Sankar, Regards C.R.S Family Really sorry for that..
Iniya piranthanal nalvalzhthugal, Hope you have enjoyed your birthday
Wish many more to come. May this Bday ■ Dear Rakshi Kutti, well and wish you all the success in your
Be filled with happy memories, Best wishes for your first day in school. life.
Wonderful moments and shining dreams. Let God wishes be with you forever. Dhananjayan Chandrasekar
Lots of ppl will be thinking of u on ur Warm Regards, C.R.S Family Scope International
14 ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

Traffic Jam
World Dwarf Games
Belfast is to host one of the world’s most unique sporting
events this summer - the World Dwarf Games.

sudoku

Indumathy
from HCL
Technologies
shot this
picture at the
Singapore zoo
with her Nikon
Coolpix P3
Camera.

KAKURO
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 Friday, June 26, 2009
15
My thoughts Word’s worth
The announcer at Leicester railway Genyplasty (jen-i-plas-tee) the name for reconstructive surgery of the cheek when it has
station in England is brightening up been disfigured or was congenitally defective. From Greek words meaning ‘cheek’ and
passengers’ journeys - with his very ‘molded.’ Since so many body parts have figurative meanings (hand, backbone, stomach)
own thought for the day. this could be used with the figurative meaning of cheek - giving someone the ability to
answer back saucily when they have either lost it or never had it in the first place.

B.C

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

Today at work, your mind will be on an overdrive
and you will show prodigious efficiency while
performing your routine tasks. Taking up additional
responsibilities should not be a problem for you
today. You will take this enthusiasm at home.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20

Giving a prior consideration to whatever you are
doing will help you handle things smoothly. You are
likely to perform an unexpected act of courage,
which will soar your popularity among your loved
ones. In love, you will tend to be a little corny.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20

Today you need to focus on your domestic life,
BORN LOSER though professional life will continue being
demanding. You may struggle to strike a balance,
but everything will eventually fall into place. Avoid
no-win discussions with your superiors.
CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20
A day bustling with a lot of activities. But this
won’t take your concentration off your work. The
R&D activities will be high on your agenda.
Courtesy your busy schedule, you may tend neglect
your beloved’s calls today.
LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20
It will not be easy for you to keep a check on your
emotions. You will be shelling out advices to all and
sundry. You may want to familiarise yourself to a
virtue called humility. Give suggestions only when
asked for them.
VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20
Don’t be upset if you are unable to meet deadlines.
FREE RANGE WORKING IT OUT It’s time that you allocate some time to sitting with
your planner and noting down your schedule. On
the love front, Ganesha sees you in perfect harmony
with your beloved.
LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20
Librans are natural troubleshooters and staunch
advocates of justice. But it’s time you realise that
not every problem needs solving. Not by you at
least. So, avoid getting frustrated over things that
are beyond your control.
SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20
Today, you will get plenty of time and space at
work. Even the most difficult tasks will be
accomplished effortlessly. Your efficiency will be well
appreciated by your superiors. This will encourage
you to work harder.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20
You will begin the day feeling good about life. The
feeling will soon fade. By after, problems will have
started piling up and will refuse to leave you alone.
Avoid inviting any more trouble and try to extend
an olive branch to those who don’t like you.
CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20
Today, you will remain busy addressing meetings.
These meetings will throw up a lot of new
opportunities for you. At work, you will set
deadlines for the tasks to be accomplished. Giving
time and attention to your beloved.
AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20
PREVIOUS Taking care of social engagements will be as vital
for you as finishing the pending tasks. For meeting
ISSUE’S the targets, you may have to coordinate with your
colleagues. The efficiency with which you will be
SOLUTIONS working will turn other’s eyes green with envy.
PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20
You will be wading through a deluge of emotions
today. A dedicated effort towards keeping your
emotions in check may help you sail through the
day easily. If someone points out your mistakes,
take it easy and constructively.
Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni
16 ! ERGO Friday, June 26, 2009

1 3

Lightning
1 streaks the sky
in Kuala
Lumpur. The
wet season
monsoon rains
start in late
May or early
June and
continue until
October.
PHOTO: AFP

Michael Llodra
2 of France
collides with a
ball girl, during
his men’s
singles, 2nd
round match
against Tommy
Haas of
Germany at
Wimbledon.
PHOTO: AFP

Russian
3 President
Dmitry
Medvedev
stands near
the Great
Sphinx during
a tour of the
Great Pyramids
of Giza. PHOTO:
AFP