P6 P7 - Gulf Times

DOHA 16°C—23°C TODAY PUZZLES 14 & 15D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 13L P

Rabia I 6, 1437 AHThursday, December 17, 2015

CommunityThe embassy and the Bangladeshi community in

Qatar observed the 44th anniversary of their country's Victory Day.

CommunityPeter and the Wolf, a classic musical

symphony composed by Sergei Prokofiev, is coming to Qatar in February.

P6 P7

COVER

STORYBiting reality Why and how just keeping

your teeth becomes a

challenge with age. P4-5 CHALLENGE: A dentist looks at a patient’s x-rays at a dental clinic.

Features EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Ooredoo Telephone Assistance 111Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Time 141, 140Doha International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Medical Commission 44679111Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Weather Forecast 44656590Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444Qatar University 44033333

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

PRAYER TIME

Fajr 4.51amShorooq (sunrise) 6.13amZuhr (noon) 11.30amAsr (afternoon) 2.27pmMaghreb (sunset) 4.49pmIsha (night) 6.19pm

Think 100 times before you take a decision,

But once that decision is taken, stand by it as one man.

— Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Thursday, December 17, 20152 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Mall Cinema (1): The Good Dinosaur (2D) 2:30pm; The Good Dinosaur (2D) 4:15pm; When Marnie Was There (2D) 6pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 8pm; Dilwale (Hindi) 10:30pm.Mall Cinema (2): The Doraemon Movie (2D) 2:15pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 4pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 6:30pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 9pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 11:15pm.Mall Cinema (3): Dilwale (Hindi) 2:30pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 5:15pm; Loafer (Telugu) 8pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 10:30pm.Cinema Land Mark (1): Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 2pm; When Marnie Was There

(2D) 4:15pm; The Good Dinosaur (2D) 6:15pm; Dilwale (Hindi) 8pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 10:45pm.Cinema Land Mark (2): The Doraemon Movie (2D) 2:15pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 4pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 6:15pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 8:45pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 11pm.Cinema Land Mark (3): Loafer (Telugu) 2:30pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 5pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 7:30pm; Dilwale (Hindi) 10:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1):

Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 2pm; The Doraemon Movie (2D) 4:30pm; The Good Dinosaur (2D) 6:15pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 8pm; Dilwale (Hindi) 11pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): When Marinie Was There (2D) 2:15pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 4pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 6:45pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 9:15pm; Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens (2D) 11:30pm.Asain Town CinemaDilwale (Hindi) 1; 2:30; 4; 5:30PM; 7; 8:30; 10; 11:30pm & 1AM; Pathemari (Malayalam) 6:30 & 11:15pm; Salt Mango Tree (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) 1; 4; 7; 10pm & 1am; Loafer (Telugu) 1 & 3:15pm.

EVENTS

Qatar National Day 2015DATE: TomorrowTIME: All dayVENUE: Around Doha Qatar National Day is a national commemoration of Qatar’s

unifi cation and independence, and is celebrated on December 18 every year. As in years past, Doha’s Corniche will be one of the focal points for National Day festivities. Flags will be in line in the waterfront road, and palm trees will be illuminated with decorative lights and lanterns that will usually remain twinkling throughout December. There are several activities planned across the country.

Jumping Championship – 2015DATE: Dec 19TIME: 3:00pmVENUE: Qatar Equestrian

Qatar Equestrian Federation organising The National Day Show Jumping Championship event at QEF Main Arena, on December 19. The

competition will host three different Classes. We cordially invite you with your family and friends to support our riders.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change

National Day celebrationFriends Cultural Center and Shantiniketan

Indian School will jointly celebrate Qatar National Day. The programme with a verity of items to commence by 8.30am at Shantiniketan Indian School and to conclude by 1 pm is open to all.

Temba Academy Open DayDATE: Dec 21TIME: 3-5pmVENUE: Temba Academy, C-Ring Road Temba academy aims to train kids from 10-17

years old to become professional football and basketball players. With our incredible trainers your kids will be in great hands. For more information call us on: 33337623; 40291877.

HawiyatiDATE: Until tomorrowTIME: 5pmVENUE: Hyatt PlazaAn exhibition of traditional arts, stage shows

and kids’ activities, in addition to Areesh and Majlis, to show the diff erence between the Hadar and Bedouin lifestyles and highlight the old way of living, as well as the progress and development that Qatar is experiencing. The festival will take place in the outdoor area of the food court, from 5pm daily, until December 18.

Arabic CalligraphyDATE: Dec 22-23TIME: 5pm-8pmVENUE: KataraThe workshop will be conducted by

calligrapher Hassan Ahmed. Limited seats for only 15 participants and the language is Arabic only.

Harem Al Sultan ExhibitionDATE: Until Jan 10VENUE: Katara Bldg 10The Magnifi cent Century series has become

a television legend, a historical soap opera on the life of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnifi cent that has now been watched by 300mn viewers in 54 countries. This unique exhibition brings the costumes, sets and ambience of the series to Doha, revealing the stories behind the life of the Turkish conqueror and his love for the humble and beautiful Harem Sultan. Exhibition visitors will be transported back to the glorious world of Suleiman the Magnifi cent and see the artistry and

craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and decors of the series.

MIA Park BazaarDATE: Dec 19TIME: 12pm-8pmVENUE: MIA ParkWith a vibrant mix of around 150 stalls, MIA

Park Bazaar is a modern version of the old souq tradition.

You can browse and buy food, homemade and handmade products such as jewellery, arts, crafts and clothing as well as books and souvenirs. So if you’re looking for interesting or unusual gifts, the bazaar off ers a wealth of options for both young and old.

Winter CampDATE: Dec 20-24TIME: 7am-3:30pmVENUE: Al Seraj Learning CenterA winter camp for learners from the ages

5–12 years old that promotes learning through games, arts and crafts, interactive activities and physical movement. Each day, learners will participate in a total of four sessions with the following themes: Looney Linguistics, Dynamic Discovery, Math Madness, Mystery Mayhem.

Harrods DohaDATE: Until Jan 24TIME: 4pm-1:55pmVENUE: Katara Cultural Village Harrods celebrates their inaugural launch

of the Harrods Doha Village. Be there and experience luxury in style.

Circus Of SoundDATE: Dec 31TIME: 8pmVENUE: Al Majlis BallroomBehold the greatest show on earth: Circus Of

Sound! Join our ringmasters and circus party animals for an immersive experience under the big top this New Years Eve! Witness our spectacular circus performers and take part in traditional carnival games whilst bringing in the New Year in style with the original superstar DJ Judge Jules and Defected’s leading lady DJ RAE.

IAID Winter WorkshopDATE: Dec 19-31TIME: 8amVENUE: Al Tadamoun Signal, Al Hilal StreetIAID Winter Workshop 2015 off ers an

exciting range of courses for Dance, Music, Arts and Fitness for ages 3-18 years. Your kids will surely enjoy each class with our highly-professional Instructors and facilities. Classes will run from 19-31 December 2015, so hurry and enroll now.

Arabic course at FCCAdmission to the new batch of basic Arabic

language learning course has started at Friends Cultural Centre. The course is aimed to help the learners to read and write in Arabic. It also trains the learners on job-related functional aspects.

Registration for the new batch of another course on Communicative Arabic has also started. This course helps the learners to speak in Arabic and is meant for those who are able to read and write in Arabic. Those who have completed the FCC Basic Arabic course are eligible for admission into this course. More details can be obtained by contacting phone no. 44661213.

Lighting of the Christmas TreeDATE: Dec 20TIME: 5pmVENUE: Lobby Lounge, Sharq Village Sip hot chocolate with Christmas cookies as

our festive lights are switched on to theaccompaniment of traditional carols. Santa

makes his fi rst appearance of the season.

Gingerbread House Making ClassDATE: Dec 21, 22, 23TIME: 10am- 4pmVENUE: Al Qareb 2, Sharq VillageChildren fi ve years and over learn to decorate

their own gingerbread house to take away with them. The event is at the Al Qareb 2 on December 21, 22 and 23 from10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. QR220 per child and you can avail 50% discount if advance payment done.

Contemporary TraditionalDATE: Until Jan 5TIME: 7pmVENUE: KataraThis exhibition is the result of Johnatan

Machado’s experience in Qatar, who has produced a series of works inspired by Qatari traditional art forms. In this production, the artist utilises traditional local materials such as Sedu — Bedouin’s fabrics — and transforms them into great contemporary pieces, creating

new patterns and building a bridge between past and modern times.

Football CampDATE: Until Dec 23TIME: 8am-2pmVENUE: Al Sadd Sports ClubQSports will be hosting the second edition

of Real Madrid Foundation Campus Experience in Doha at Al Sadd Sports Club. This seven-day intensive training camp is open to football players aged seven-19 years. Real Madrid Foundation Campus Experience football camp brings culture and coexistence through sport, delivering individual and social development of trainees. Training is daily from 8am to 2pm.

To register online- www.frmcampqatar.com or call 4017-6791/ 6621-0685 / 5071-1040.

Qawwali programme Satco International Group, along with

Ministry of Interior, have taken an initiative to celebrate Qatar National Day, by organising a Qawwali programme by Sabri Brothers from India, to present a token of inseparability for all walks of people living in our country and to show our patriotism with the State of Qatar. This programme will be held at West-End Park (Asia-Town-Amphitheatre) , from 8pm onwards today with a duration of three hours. As this is the fi rst time, a Qawwali programme is presented on the occasion of Qatar National Day, we expect a large amount of local and expatriates to attend.

Climate, The 360° ExhibitionDATE: Until Dec 22VENUE: Cultural Village KataraThis exhibition explores all the questions

raised by climate change due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions linked to human activity. It also provides a better understanding of the climate system, with researchers’ latest observations, simulations and analyses.

3Thursday, December 17, 2015 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

FOODIE CHOICE

REST AU RANT: MawasemLOCATION: Hilton Hotel Be there with family and friends to welcome

in the New Year for a gala dinner with live music overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Time: 7pm until 11:30pm and QAR 250 including soft drinks. For reservation, call 44233112.

BOOKS

1. The Amazing Book Is Not On Fire By Dan Howell And Phil Lester

2. Black Book Of Arabia By Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi3. The Mindfulness Colouring Book By Emma Farrarons4. Animal Kingdom By Millie Marotta5. Diary Of Wimpy Kid – Old School By Jeff Kinney6. Tropical Wonderland By Johanna Basford7. Girl Online By Zoe Sugg8. Make Me By Lee Child9. Guinness World Records 2016 By Guinness World

Records10. The Kindness Of Enemies By Leila Aboulela MOVIES

1. Jurassic World2. Paper Towns3. Furious 74. Love Rosie5. Mad Max 4 Fury Road6. Into The Storm7. Woman In Gold8. American Sniper Edit9. Selfl ess10. Southpaw

MUSIC

1. Adele: 252. Various Artists: Now 92 Db 3. One Direction: Made In The A M Ultimate Fan Ed

Hardcoverbook +Pho4. Various Artists: Now That’s What I Call 21st Century5. Sam Smith: In The Lonely Hour 6. Pink Floyd: Wall 7. Various Artists: Now That’s What I Call Feel Good8. Florence & The Machi: How Big How Blue How Beautiful.9. Ed Sheeran: X New Ed 10. Lana Del Rey: Honeymoon

TV Series

1. Big Bang Theory S1-82. Mentalist S1-73. Two & A Half Men S1-124. Modern Family S65. Walking Dead S56. Anger Management S17. Gotham S18. Grimm S49. 12 Monkeys S110. Blacklist S2

Courtesy: Virgin Megastores, Landmark and Villaggio Mall

top 10


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

Ada Anderson tried to prepare her 80-year-old mother for her dental visit. She gave her medication to quell

her anxiety, and they rehearsed opening her mouth wide.

But at the dental clinic, Violeta Anderson refused to co-operate. Ada Anderson tried calming her mother by singing and rubbing her leg. Then she tried bribing her with crackers.

“It’s important,” Ada Anderson told her mother, who has dementia. “We have to know what’s happening with your teeth so you don’t hurt.”

In the end, dentistry professor Roseann Mulligan and her students at the University of Southern California dental school were able to get one X-ray during the two-hour visit. They couldn’t do a clinical exam. Mulligan, who specialises in geriatric care,

suggested that Anderson be partially sedated next time.

Good dental hygiene is important to overall health, and chronic illnesses and medications can worsen oral health. Yet providing dental care to seniors such as Violeta Anderson is fraught with challenges. According to the American Dental Association, a fi fth of people age 75 and older haven’t seen a dentist in the past fi ve years.

Many older patients are resistant because of fear or years of neglect — or they have impaired cognitive skills and don’t understand the need. Others are not mobile enough to get to a dental offi ce.

“There are layers upon layers that can make it very diffi cult,” said Susan Hyde, division chair of oral epidemiology and dental public health at University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry.

Older patients also may have

When dental becomes mentalGood dental hygiene is important to overall health, and chronic

illnesses and medications can worsen oral health. Yet providing dental

care to seniors is fraught with challenges, writes Anna Gorman

TOUGH CALL: Ada Anderson helps her mother, Violeta Anderson, brush her teeth before her dentist appointment.


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

arthritis or a history of strokes. “They can’t take care of their own teeth and are prone to tooth decay and subject to pain,” Hyde said. “It becomes very complicated.”

Even for patients eager for care, paying for it can be a problem.

Medicare, which covers medical care for people 65 and older, doesn’t include routine dental care, and many seniors lose coverage through other insurance plans when they retire. Medicaid, the insurance programme for low-income Americans, doesn’t require states to provide it to adults. Only 15 states off er a comprehensive dental benefi t to Medicaid recipients, according to the nonprofi t Center for Health Care Strategies. California recently reinstated fuller dental services for adults, and Virginia and Washington, D.C., off er limited dental services.

Nursing homes are required to do a dental screening and help residents with oral hygiene, but dentists say that doesn’t always happen.

“You have people who have maintained their oral health their entire lives, only to see it go down the tubes in six to eight months,” said Judith Jones, a professor at Boston University’s dental school and elder-care spokeswoman for the American Dental Association.

Poor oral hygiene and care can lead to infection, the inability to eat and a loss of dignity, Jones said. And the bacteria that cause gum disease can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, aneurysms and other health problems, research shows.

Some eff orts are underway to ensure that all elderly patients get access to high-quality dental care, though dentists say it won’t be easy. The Senate has proposed including oral health screenings in its reauthorisation of the Older Americans Act, which helps pay for nutrition and social services for low-income seniors. This

spring two bills were introduced in Congress that would expand coverage to adults without dental insurance.

One, introduced in February by Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent running for the Democratic presidential nomination, would extend dental coverage to all Medicare and Medicaid recipients, increase funding for oral health services at health clinics and create an oral health professional student loan programme. The other, introduced in January by Republican Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, would allow organisations to get federal grants to improve oral health education and expand outreach programmes to under-served communities, including the elderly and disabled.

Mulligan, the USC professor, said coverage for dental care is

just as necessary as it is for it is for medical care. But Violeta Anderson, who has diabetes and high blood pressure, doesn’t have dental insurance. She gets treatment because she is lucky enough to have a daughter who can pay for it.

The Center for Oral Health, a California-based nonprofi t, is conducting a two-year assessment in California to determine the extent of dental problems among seniors. Preliminary results show that 38 percent of residents of California’s long-term-care facilities don’t have any of their original teeth. Nearly half of those with at least one tooth had untreated decay. And about 1 in 7 needed urgent care.

“The system is not currently equipped to deal with this huge wave of individuals,” said Theresa Anselmo, who is overseeing the

assessment for the nonprofi t. “How do you keep these folks healthy as they age, given it becomes a luxury to aff ord even basic dental care?”

More dentists need to be trained in how to treat elderly patients, experts say. The American Dental Association recently started off ering online training, and dental schools are also making an eff ort to train students. Mulligan, for example, recently founded an online master’s degree programme for dentists interested in geriatric care.

Nazanin Sharifi , a Los Angeles area dentist who is in the programme, said she wanted to specialise after caring for her father, who had Alzheimer’s. “I saw how he suff ered,” she said. “He didn’t know how to brush his teeth or even say he was in pain.”

In San Francisco, all dental students at the University of the

Pacifi c’s dental school spend time at On Lok Lifeways, an organisation that serves elderly people who would otherwise need nursing homecare.

One morning in October, Elisa Chavez, a professor at the school, supervised two students as they treated patients. Chavez said that until they do a rotation in geriatric dental care, many of her students haven’t thought about the specifi c challenges. “When you have patients who have lots of medical issues, it can be intimidating,” she said.

The patients who visited the On Lok dental clinic that day all had some form of dementia. They spoke three diff erent languages — Korean, Tagalog and Cantonese. All had missing teeth and health problems, including diabetes, a history of strokes, high blood pressure and kidney disease.

One 95-year-old patient had to be told several diff erent ways to close his mouth so the team could take X-rays. Another, 82, had bone loss and signs of an infection but refused X-rays and a cleaning.

It’s a similar story at the University of the Pacifi c dental school. Paul Subar, a professor there, said some elderly patients may need to come fi ve or six times before dentists can do a procedure.

But the patience can pay off . Just ask Anthony Vanderhorst. After nearly a year of care, Vanderhorst, with a history of liver disease, a stroke and deteriorating teeth, recently walked out sporting a new set of dentures.

The 64-year-old, who doesn’t have dental insurance, told Subar that he was happy to look normal and play the trumpet again. And he was grateful for treatment he otherwise could not aff ord.

“The school was my only alternative,” Vanderhorst said, “or else I wouldn’t have any teeth in my mouth.” — Kaiser Health News/TNS

WITH A SPECIALIST: Ada Anderson discusses her mother’s dental issues with Dr Roseann Mulligan, an associate dean at University of Southern California’s dental school who specialises in geriatric dentistry.

CHECK-UP: Hyun Shin gets examined by a student dentist at the On Lok Pathways dental clinic in Los Angeles.

AT HOME: Violeta Anderson, 80, rests in bed at her group home in Valley Village, California.


COMMUNITY

Embassy of Bangladesh marks 44th Victory Day T

he Embassy of Bangladesh in Qatar and the Bangladeshi community observed the 44th anniversary

of the Victory Day of the country with a day-long programme yesterday.

The programme started with the hoisting of the National Flag of Bangladesh by ambassador Ashud Ahmed at the embassy premises.

Embassy officials and a large number of Bangladeshis in Qatar attended.

After the flag hoisting, they stood in silence for one minute as a mark of respect to the memories of the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Messages from the Bangladeshi president, prime minister and foreign minister were read out. Those present also offered a prayer for the martyrs of Liberation War.

Later, the embassy organised a discussion on the significance of Victory Day. Speakers highlighted the contribution of martyrs, the freedom fighters and Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in building the country.

They also emphasised on the need for educating the younger generation about the true significance of December 16.

In his speech, ambassador Ahmed recalled the extraordinary role played by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the freedom fighters in Bangladesh’s emergence as an independent country.

He thanked the Bangladeshis in Qatar for their hard work and contribution to the nation building and for demonstration of unity, fraternity, liberal and moderate attitude. FLAG HOISTING: Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar Ashud Ahmed hoists the national flag of Bangladesh to celebrate the Victory Day of Bangladesh.

FAREWELL: SIS organised a farewell for its Class XII students recently. Class XI students and teachers felicitated the outgoing students. The farewell was also attended by the principal, vice-principals and management committee members, who also congratulated the outgoing students.


COMMUNITY

Peter and the Wolf coming to town

By Umer Nangiana

A classic musical symphony composed for children by the legendary 20th century Russian

musician Sergei Prokofi ev, Peter and the Wolf, has been staged and adapted into animations world over for decades.

Since its fi rst concert performance in Dublin, Ireland in 1942, the play has toured many countries and enthralled audiences. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is all set to bring the show as ‘Peter and the Wolf for woodwind quintet, violin and percussion’ to town in February next year.

Written by Sergei Prokofi ev in 1936 in the USSR, it is a children’s story, with both music and text by Prokofi ev, spoken by a narrator accompanied by the orchestra. Christoph Schmitz from QPO will narrate the show.

Each character in the story has a particular instrument and a musical theme —Bird is the fl ute, Cat clarinet, Duck oboe, Grandfather bassoon, Hunters woodwind and trumpet theme, with gunshots on timpani and bass drum, Peter string instruments (including violin, viola, cello, and bass), and Wolf French horns.

Peter, a young pioneer, lives at his grandfather’s home in a forest clearing. One day, he goes out into the clearing, leaving the garden gate open, and the duck that lives in the yard takes the opportunity to go swimming in a pond nearby.

The duck starts arguing with a little bird. Peter’s pet cat stalks them quietly, and the bird, warned by Peter, fl ies to safety in a tall tree while the duck swims to safety in the middle of the pond. Peter’s grandfather scolds Peter for being outside in the meadow alone, and, when Peter defi es him, his grandfather takes him back into the house and locks the gate.

Soon afterwards a big, grey wolf does indeed come out of the forest. The cat quickly climbs onto a tree, but the duck, who has jumped out of the pond, is chased, overtaken, and swallowed by the wolf.

Peter fetches a rope and climbs over the garden wall into the tree. He asks the bird to fl y around the wolf’s head to distract it, while he lowers a noose and catches the wolf by its tail. The wolf struggles to get free, but Peter ties the rope

to the tree and the noose only gets tighter.

Some hunters, who have been tracking the wolf, come out of the forest ready to shoot, but Peter gets them to help him take the wolf to a zoo in a victory parade that includes himself, the bird, the hunters leading the wolf, the cat, and grumpy grumbling grandfather.

Walt Disney produced an animated version of the work in 1946, with Sterling Holloway providing the voice of the narrator. It was released theatrically as a segment of Make Mine Music, then reissued the next year, accompanying a reissue of Fantasia then separately on home video in the 1990s. This version makes several changes to the original story.

For example, during the character introduction, the pets are given names: ‘Sasha’ the bird, ‘Sonia’ the duck, and ‘Ivan’ the cat. As the cartoon begins, Peter and his friends already know there is a wolf nearby and are preparing to catch him.

The hunters get names in a later

part of the story as Misha, Yasha, and Vladimir. Peter daydreams of hunting and catching the wolf, and for that purpose exits the garden carrying a wooden ‘pop gun.’

At the end, in a reversal of the original, and to make the story more child-friendly, the narrator reveals that the duck Sonia has not been eaten by the wolf. Earlier in the fi lm, the wolf is shown chasing the duck, who hides in an old tree’s hollow trunk.

The wolf attacks out of view and returns in view with some of the duck’s feathers in his mouth, licking his jaws. Peter, the cat, and the bird assume the duck has been eaten. After the wolf has been caught, the bird Sasha is shown mourning the duck. The duck comes out of the tree trunk at that point, and they are happily reunited.

In 1957, for one of his television programmes, Disney recalled how Prokofi ev himself visited the Disney studio, eventually inspiring the making of this animated version.

The show will take place at Katara Opera House on February 5.

The show has been done in other mediums, besides concerts.

The show was written and composed by Sergei Prokofiev.


COMMUNITY

MES Indian School marks Annual Day Thousands of spectators attended the MES Indian School’s 41st Annual Day celebrations recently. Hamad Ahmed Hussain Ahmed al-Khalaf, patron of MES Indian School, was the chief guest. The principal of the school presented the school annual report. Students who did well in sports and academics were honoured in the ceremony, while long-serving staff members were also honoured. The event was earlier reported as the school’s 44th Annual Day. The error is regretted.

NIS marks its 9th Annual Day The Noble International School in Doha celebrated its 9th Annual Day recently at the indoor stadium of Al Wakrah Sports Club. The programme was inaugurated by Captain Ramanan Ravi Kumar, Defense Advisor at the Indian embassy. The function was presided over by Hussain Mohammed, the Managing Director of Noble Indian Education Society. The KG students presented a variety of performances on “Global Warming”. The primary and preparatory students at the school presented a performance titled “The Seven Stages of Man”. Principal Pradap Felix read the school’s annual report. Students who did well academically were also honoured at the event.

Oryx Rotana celebrates National Day Oryx Rotana has put up the Qatari flag at its building to celebrate the National Day, as the hotel staff , dressed in the national dress, welcomes visitors off ering Arabic coff ee and dates. The hotel management and its employees also cut a cake baked especially to mark the occasion. The staff were played documentaries about Qatar’s history at the event as the staff members got to sample traditional Qatari food and sweets prepared for them at the staff cafeteria. Lana Jwainat, Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications at Oryx Rotana and City Centre, said: “Qatar National Day is a special occasion and a great opportunity for us to join the nation’s celebration by off ering the highest levels of luxury service for our guests in a tailored atmosphere.“It is the perfect opportunity to highlight the warm and genuine Qatari hospitality to all our visitors from the moment they enter the hotel.”


COMMUNITY

Babyshop announces its ‘Top 15 Trending Toys’

Babyshop has announced the list of their ‘Top 15 Trending Toys’, providing insight into what’s hot at the popular kids’ retail store.

At the top of the list stands everyone’s beloved Minion with a radio control infl atable that engages in conversation.

The list caters to all — from little girls who enjoy singing songs with Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen, to young boys who dream of driving their own Ferrari race car one day. It also provides children with the opportunity to begin working on their Winter Wish Lists and parents to know what their children will enjoy playing with early on.

Top on the list is Despicable Me 2 Remote Control Minion Infl atable (QR299), which off ers children ages 5 and above, to enjoy the company of a minion wherever they go, with 12 diff erent sound eff ects and Kevin’s original voice.

Second is Disney Frozen Skate & Sing Elsa Remote Control (QR379), off ering children the chance to sing songs from the popular Disney movie.

Hot wheels Spin Storm Track (QR359) is third, promising kids to experience driving with an exciting twist. In fourth is Barbie Rock ‘N Royals Courtney (QR179), which allows children to experience Barbie’s rock chic look.

In fi fth place is Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo (QR399), which is designed to keep preschoolers entertained, and loves to cuddle, sing, move and explore while teaching the ABCs, numbers, shapes, colours and more.

The Balance Wheel (QR1,299) is the sixth most popular toy at the store. In seventh is Picture Perfect (QR199), which gives budding artists an opportunity to express themselves. In eighth place is Playdoh Sweet Shoppe Cake Mountain (QR149), giving children the chance to create diff erent types of cakes.

The 3D Magic Marker (QR199), in ninth place, promises to bring a child’s artwork to life. They can use the diff erent stencils to see their turtles, cars and more come to life. Cra-Z-cookn’ Cotton Candy Maker (QR299) is in 10th place. The Ferrari Scooter (QR139) is in 11th place, while Gearbert the Learning Robot (QR299) is in 12th place.

The last three most popular toys at the outlet this season are: Remote Control Range Rover Evoque with Steering Controller (QR209), Little Live Pets Bird with Cage (QR99) and SHOPKINS Scoops Ice-Cream Truck (QR139).

POPULAR: The remote-controlled inflatable Minion is at the top of the list of gifts for children at Babyshop this season.

CELEBRATIONS: The Ideal Indian School in Doha recently celebrated the Qatar National Day with great fervour and enthusiasm, with a large number of children participating.

Sheraton hosts event to celebrate National Day

Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel hosted a networking event for members of the local media recently to celebrate Qatar’s National Day.

The event was hosted by the hotel’s Complex General Manager Nick Heath, Hotel Manager Belal al-Kadri, and Director of Marketing Haya Samain at Al Hubara Restaurant. Guests at the event had an opportunity to relish the diverse F&B offerings the hotel is renowned for, and enjoy the nationalistic atmosphere occurring during this period.

Heath said, “Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel has been a part of Qatar’s identity for the past 30 years, and we take pride in being able to celebrate this special day with the revelry and traditions that

define the spirit of Qatar. Qatar’s National Day is a landmark occasion not only for Qataris but also for people who call Qatar home, and we are honoured to be able to celebrate this joyous occasion with them.”

Guests planning to spend the National Day at the hotel are being promised “the best view of the National Day fireworks.”

The hotel is also offering deals on its rooms and restaurants: stay in the Deluxe Room is being offered for QR1,500 per night, while La Veranda restaurant will offer guests a wide variety of Italian food especially designed for the occasion at QR400 per person; at Al Shaheen restaurant, guests will enjoy traditional Arabic food for QR330 per person; whereas the Pool Café will also offer a variety of international dishes at QR350 per person.

The cake-cutting ceremony at the event.


COMMUNITY

International School of London Qatar celebrates Qatar National Day The International School of London Qatar’s entire community came together to celebrate Qatar National Day recently. The event was organised by Ahmed El Hadidi and began with diverse Qatari cultural activities held around the school — including a large majlis to welcome the community, a wide variety of typical Qatari national dishes to enjoy, a display of an Arab horse and Qatari falcons. The entire school assembled and was led by students Fatima al-Naimi and Mubarak al-Dosari with a reading from the Qur’an, songs, poems written by students about Qatar, as well as music and short plays. The finale included a fashion show by the staff of Qatari national colours and dress.

CELEBRATION: Birla Public School celebrated Qatar National Day yesterday with a march past and cultural performances highlighting the culture and heritage of Qatar. The activities included quizzes, slide shows, a majlis presentation and traditional dances. The auditorium was decked with

artefacts from Qatari culture. Guests relished some of the delicacies from Qatar at the majlis set up especially for the occasion. Four choirs sang songs praising the Indo-Qatari friendship. The songs were composed by John Mpamei and Marshal D’Silva, music teachers of the school.


COMMUNITY

BFIS celebrates Qatar National Day The Bright Future International School celebrated the Qatar National Day with zeal and zest recently. The school organised a colourful programme, where the students dressed up in traditional Qatari dresses and presented a variety of tableaus and skits highlighting Qatari culture and tradition. The function concluded with the National Anthem of Qatar performed by the school choir.

Asean Committee in Doha visits Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry The Asean Committee in Doha (ACD), led by Indonesian ambassador Deddy Saiful Hadi, recently paid a visit to Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They were received by Vice Chairman Muhammed bin Ahmed bin Towar al-Kuwari. Ambassador Hadi said the purpose of the visit was to socialise and introduce the business opportunities that Asean countries off er.


COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC


COMMUNITYLIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE

ARIESMarch 21 — April 19

CANCERJune 21 — July 22

LIBRASeptember 23 — October 22

CAPRICORNDecember 22 — January 19

TAURUSApril 20 — May 20

LEOJuly 23 — August 22

SCORPIOOctober 23 — November 21

AQUARIUSJanuary 20 — February 18

GEMINIMay 21 — June 20

VIRGOAugust 23 — September 22

SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 — December 21

PISCESFebruary 19 — March 20

Mars the energiser of the zodiac in your one on one relationship zone could have you arguing with someone today over something silly. If you do find yourself stepping up rather harshly, bring it down just a tad.

If in doubt today, avoid doing anything at all. Sometimes we have those low key days when taking it easy is the best thing to do. Today is one of those days for you, Cancers.

If you’re not sure about a friend’s motives today, it’s a good time to simply ask them — straight out. Venus your ruler moved into your second house of money and self–esteem and you are now more aware than ever of what money is going where and how you need to be cautious going forward about spending it.

Avoid being stubborn about something that in the long run is going to be a really good thing for you. While you might not be able to see it now, understand that things can change — and change drastically, Capricorns.

Be careful that you don’t say something to a family member today that they see as you being patronising or trying to get them to do something they really don’t want to do. Venus in your relationship zone makes this a great time to cement relationships.

Be careful you don’t overdo something today Leos. You can tend to be overly exuberant at times but there is wisdom in being more cautious today.

Venus is like having your own personal matchmaker and she really does make you shine and glow when she’s in your sign. It’s a great time to grab your partner and enjoy a romantic, spontaneous trip somewhere.

In your one on one zone, Venus shines her love light high and bright on your career zone. If you’ve had your eye on someone for the longest time, the time to act is now! Be flirtatious and be obvious. If he or she isn’t interested, someone else will be.

In your sixth house of hard work, health and well–being, Venus the planet of relationships and love makes this a great time for you to enjoy a party at your gym or do something with friends that is work out related. Maybe a party at a yoga studio?

Venus moving into your past karma zone could have some of you running into an ex or more than one ex over the next few weeks. And for those of you who feel they have unfinished business with an ex, this is the time for you to deal with it once and for all.

If you’re involved in a long distance love aff air, your need to be with that other person will far outweigh anything else right now. Just don’t leave it last minute and have other people floundering to make plans without you.

Don’t even hesitate for one minute if you feel the need to call someone out today. You need to feel you are being respected Pisces and if you aren’t, then speak up. Jupiter the planet of good fortune in your relationship zone means that now is a very good time for you to sort out who’s a friend and who’s more of a frenemy.

5 tips to make the holidays magical, not stressful I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year; if only you had a moment to enjoy it. While there are plenty of reasons to cherish the holidays, there

are also an overwhelming number of things to do, people to see, gifts to buy, appointments to make and trips to take. All that combined can make your day-to-day stressful, even during this special season.

To spark magic back into the holidays, you need to cut the stress — or at least limit it — and to help do that, here are fi ve tips to simplify your daily routine so you can relax and truly make the most of your holidays.

Enjoy a cup of teaWith the constant “go go go”

mentality of the holiday season, you may be inclined to reach for coff ee; however, researchers have found many relaxing benefi ts from drinking tea — whether it’s black,

green or chamomile. When you do decide to break for a glass of tea, shut out all other distractions and treat yourself to a little quiet time. Even a quick fi ve minute break can leave you feeling reenergised.

Connect digitallyCan’t make it to every holiday

party and get together? Don’t stress! Though you may not get to visit everyone in person, you can use the Internet to connect with loved ones. Consider creating a family hashtag like #HolidaysWithTheJoneses to keep track of posts and photos from the festivities. A reliable, aff ordable connection to friends and loved ones is important, especially during the pricey holiday season.

Step outsideYes, it’s cold, but with shorter

days and longer nights, soaking up as much daylight as possible will help

stave off the winter blues. It’s good for both mind and body, especially during the busy holidays. Once

you’re outside, use this opportunity to spend some quality time with the family by building a snowman

or staging an impromptu snowball fi ght. When you’re focused on having fun together, you’ll remember what makes the holidays special.

Turn on some tunesWhether you’re music has an

undeniable eff ect on your mood. Spin your favourite songs to help you get through shopping, travel, gift wrapping and more with a smile on your face. You’ll be dancing to a new beat and those errands will seem a lot merrier.

Take some time for yourselfIt’s better to give than to receive,

but make sure to take some time to give yourself a relaxing treat during the holidays. Enjoy the calming eff ects of yoga, go to the gym or hit the spa. Taking a step back to focus on yourself makes you feel great and reduces your stress level.

© Brandpoint


COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Adam

Pooch Cafe

Garfield

Bound And Gagged

Codeword

Wordsearch

Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Puzz

les

cour

tesy

: Puz

zlec

hoic

e.co

m

AMAZON BELLE BLUESTOCKING COQUETTE DAME DAMSEL FEMALE FEMININE GIRL

GODDESS HEROINE HOYDEN JEZEBEL LADY LASSIE MADONNA MAID MATRON

MINX MISS MOTHER NYMPH VAMP VESTAL VIRAGO WOMAN

Lady Madonna

Sudoku

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated.


COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

DOWN1. Curtail (7)2. Wash (7)3. Rigid (6)5. Outside (8)6. Commend (6)7. Machine (6)13. Angered (8)14. Vocation (7)15. Soon (2,3,2)16. Verbose (6)17. Involve (6)19. Sudden (6)

ACROSS4. Puzzle (7)8. Cordial (6)9. Unfamiliar (7)10. Stale (6)11. Rebellion (6)12. Poll (8)18. Disaster (8)20. Cower (6)21. Gaol (6)22. Purify (7)23. Composure (6)24. Detonate (7)

ACROSS4. Fields of activity he gets a mixed press about (7)8. Gave an address to read out (6)9. All the same, it suits servicemen (7)10. Feeling love in little ways (6)11. Display by top-class band (6)12 & 2Dn. Bedfellow? (8,7)18. Meet a number on the border (8)20. Converted Eli and another biblical character (6)21. Old man cracks a nut (6)22. Don’t keep the orchestra together (7)23. The very thing is left in disorder (6)24. Kind of resort where disease is treated (7)

DOWN1. It’s a heap of use to gardeners (7)2. See 12 Ac.3. About to take successful action to recover (6)5. Figure of importance to American defence (8)6. It’s a struggle for an amphibian to get around (6)7. One must have a commission to run it (6)13. Apt to be not on the level (8)14. Soldier on a horse or ship (7)15. Intercept an order to execute? (4,3)16. A number sail out East, in case (6)17. Best sort of capital investment! (6)19. Let Eva twirl in the dance (6)

Quick Clues

Cryptic Clues

Yesterday’s Solutions

QUICKAcross: 1 Bacchanalia; 9 Apt; 10 Programme; 11 Elder; 13 Awarded; 14 Inside; 16Regale; 18 Trample; 19 Steer; 20 Outfitter; 21 Oaf; 22 Deferential.Down: 2 Art; 3 Caper; 4 Avowal; 5 Airbase; 6 Immediate; 7 Valediction; 8Needlecraft; 12 Dismantle; 15 Deprive; 17 Settle; 19 Strut; 21 Ova.

CRYPTICAcross: 1 Complicated; 9 Cat; 10 Tap-dancer; 11 Roses; 13 Stalled; 14 Dinner; 16Stress; 18 Tripper; 19 Tutti; 20 Fair share; 21 Cue; 22 Dead certain.Down: 2 Out; 3 Paths; 4 Impost; 5 Adamant; 6 Excellent; 7 Scared stiff; 8Predestined; 12 Sensitive; 15 Exposed; 17 Ornate; 19 Theft; 21 Chi.


COMMUNITY REVIEWS

By Cary Darling

FILM: CreedDIRECTOR: Ryan CooglerCAST: Michael B Jordan, Sylvester Stallone

Creed, the latest instalment in the Rocky saga, is like that aging fi ghter on the undercard who you hope can just hold his own and escape the ring with his life but

you fear will get his lights knocked out. After all, this is the seventh fi lm in a franchise that seemed to have run its course.

It doesn’t matter that it’s directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, whose 2013 feature debut, Fruitvale Station, was one of the best fi lms of that year. He wouldn’t be the fi rst celebrated indie director to slip and fall off the Hollywood ladder when reaching for the mainstream.

But Creed, much like Rocky himself, leaves all doubts fl at on the mat. It’s a rousing, crowd-pleasing blast of entertainment that is not only a well-made sports movie but is also a soulful, cinematic love letter to Philadelphia, the city that has become synonymous with Rocky Balboa.

A bulked-up Michael B Jordan (Fruitvale

Station, the Friday Night Lights TV series) is Adonis Johnson, a self-taught, wanna-be fi ghter in LA who has a white-collar job by day but boxes in underground brawls in Tijuana by night.

Raised in foster homes and then adopted by a well-heeled woman (Phylicia Rashad) who had an aff air with his father, he has never come to terms with the fact that he’s the son of the late, great boxer Apollo Creed. He doesn’t even want to use his last name.

But he respects his dad’s legacy and shares his passion for the sport. So Johnson quits his job and moves to Philly, determined to track down a retired Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and use him to get in real fi ghting shape. Then, as movie luck would have it, Johnson ends up being off ered the chance to take on the light heavyweight champ, the invincible “Pretty” Ricky Conlan (real-life British fi ghter Tony Bellew).

If that all seems contrived, the plot

machinations matter less than the convincing performances and Coogler’s style. This is Jordan’s best work by far (his appearance in one of the year’s worst movies, Fantastic Four, is now offi cially forgiven) and Stallone is tough yet surprisingly nuanced as a man in his twilight years.

Of course, Johnson has his version of Rocky’s Adrian in Bianca (an impressive Tessa Thompson, “Dear White People”), a singer who is facing a twilight of her own that will cut short her career.

Coogler shoots the fi ght scenes in tight close-up, lending them an intensity that puts viewers right in the middle of the action. The climactic battle is a real knockdown head-ringer.

Yet he balances this aggression with a celebratory sense of the city that inspired Balboa. The cheese steaks, the long-running music club the Electric Factory, classic Philly soul (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ sweeping Wake Up, Everybody) and, of course, those famous steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art all root the story with a sense of place.

It all makes for a fi lm that will please long-time Rocky fans and newcomers to the story line. Creed doesn’t just go the distance, it’s a surprising and stunning TKO. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS

Victor Frankenstein doesn’t quite get there

By Katie Walsh

FILM: Victor FrankensteinCAST: James McAvoy, Daniel

Radcliffe, Jessica Brown-Findlay, Andrew Scott, Freddie Fox

DIRECTOR: Paul McGuigan

Six years ago, Guy Ritchie gave stuffy British detective Sherlock Holmes a thorough dusting off in his

film, Sherlock Holmes, turning the private eye into a macho, brawling action hero. This swaggering steampunk treatment is now applied to another British literary-turned-pop icon in Victor Frankenstein.

Here, the reclusive mad scientist is now a hunky medical student (James McAvoy), and even poor hunchback Igor gets a makeover, turning into Daniel Radcliffe. This injection of fresh blood is initially quite promising, with shades of camp and humour, but it ultimately ends up a bit too self-serious. It’s a shame, because it could have been quite fun.

McAvoy has one speed as the ambitious almost doctor

Frankenstein: full-tilt. He is grinning, frothing, raving, manic — usually all at once. The story is an origin of sorts, and one that aff ords lab assistant Igor more of the credit. Victor rescues Igor from the circus, where he’s been a brilliant but downtrodden clown his entire life. Victor spots his promise during a daring rescue, brings him home, fi xes him up, and installs him as his assistant right quick.

In their work, there are a whole lot of bloodstained aprons and electrified organs, and Igor is transfixed by the possibilities, until he gets a dose of the reality. During a medical school demonstration, Frankenstein’s grotesque zombie chimp attacks, leading Igor to question their motives. But it attracts a new benefactor, snooty Finnegan (Freddie Fox), and the quest for scientific glory is too much for Frankenstein to resist.

Intersecting with this main story, there’s a subplot about a crusading detective inspector (Andrew Scott) who suspects that Frankenstein’s up to no good, as well as an underdone romance between Igor and the circus trapeze star, Lorelai (Jessica Brown Findlay). These

side diversions serve to make Igor the romantic lead and heart of the film, and put their work under even more time pressure, with Scotland Yard on their tail. Otherwise, they only detract from the heart of the story, which has to do with loss, trauma, ambition and questions about the nature of life.

Radcliffe and McAvoy are marvellous together — the best scenes are just the two of them, working maniacally on their projects, Igor drawn in by Frankenstein’s enthusiasm, or Igor pleading with Frankenstein to question the results of his experimentation.

There are a few truly funny lines, and a reference or two to the classic comedy Young Frankenstein, but you wish that they had gone further in pushing the humour. The film shies away from going full-bore camp, and at the end, takes a hard left into existential moralising and tedious destruction. If it weren’t for the wild-eyed McAvoy, these scenes would be completely bland.

Victor Frankenstein runs about 10-15 minutes too long, what with the wrapping up of love stories, detective tales and fitting

in a convenient villain in the form of capitalistic exploitation. There’s an interesting exploration of the psychology at play in Frankenstein’s quest, even if that analysis is a bit shallow. It’s a valiant effort to reimagine the

story to humanise Frankenstein and empower Igor, but it doesn’t achieve brilliance. The electric performances of Radcliffe and McAvoy keep it afloat, and without them, the film could have been dead on arrival. —TNS

Rousing Creed goes the distance


COMMUNITYBOLLYWOOD

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who also sings and composes songs, considers himself to be a better

composer than singer.“I always feel that I was probably

a better composer than a singer,” said the actor, who made his Bollywood acting debut in 2012 with Shoojit Sircar’s Vicky Donor.

“Even during Pani da rang, when I played the song to Shoojit da (director Shoojit Sircar), I thought that I’d make a purist singer sing it... Sonu ji (Nigam), Sukhwinder ji (Singh) or Rahat ji (Fateh Ali Khan). But an organic voice is perhaps what Shoojit da liked. That’s why he launched me as a singer-actor in my fi rst fi lm,” he added.

Does he intend to sing all songs in his fi lms? “That never happens. I’m not that selfi sh,” said the Dum Laga ke Haisha actor. “For Dum Laga Ke Haisha, the director had asked me to sing, but I said, ‘No, I am Kumar Sanu’s fan in the fi lm,

how can I sing?’. My character wouldn’t have sounded good in his own voice. I think that the actor should be diff erent from the singer and that was a deliberate eff ort,” he explained about not singing in the hit fi lm.

About his inspiration, he shared that there were several infl uences including Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. “I used to listen to a lot of Punjabi songs, Gurdas Mann sahab, a legend of Punjab, we listen to him a lot. These infl uences do rub off on you,” said the actor, who is out with another song Yahin hoon Main.

“The best part about this era is that we’re getting a lot of textured singers so, it’s very important to have your own identity, your voice. Though I’m not a trained singer, I am proud about the fact that I have my own voice,” he added.

Khurrana, who has worked with Yami Gautam twice, says he shares an organic chemistry with the actress.

After making their successful Bollywood acting debut in 2012 with Vicky Donor, the two teamed up again for a romantic music video titled Yahin hoon Main this month.

Talking about their chemistry, the actor said: “Yami and I share an organic chemistry. While working on the video, I felt the same kind of vibe between us. The only thing is, I didn’t have abs at that time.”

“I did my first internship with her dad Mukesh Gautam. We are family friends so, the equation is always natural,” he added.

The music of the song, sung by Ayushmann, is by Rochak Kohli and the actor himself. Would it get better response than his previous hit number Pani da rang?

“Pani da rang had that weight of the film. Because it went with the story, people accepted it easily. It is far more challenging for a single music video to cut through that,” he said. — IANS

Premam remake shaping up very well: Chaitanya Krishna

Actor Chaitanya Krishna, who plays an important role in the Telugu remake of Malayalam blockbuster Premam, says the fi lm has come out well so far and he is thoroughly enjoying the shooting experience.

The fi lm, which is tentatively titled Majnu, is currently being shot at Andhra University in Vishakhapatnam.

“This version is coming out well. All of us know there will be comparison with the original. Hence, we are pushing hard to give our best,” Chaitanya told IANS.

The male leads, including Naga Chaitanya, currently sport thick beard, which they will soon lose to look younger for their role as school students.

Also starring Shruti Haasan and Anupama Parameswaran, this coming-of-age tale traces three stages in the life of its protagonist. Chaitanya Krishna plays one of the friends of Naga Chaitanya in the fi lm.

“This is the fi rst time that I’m getting to work with Chaitanya and Shruti. We are currently shooting the college portion and the atmosphere in the university is electric,” he said, adding he’s amazed by the popularity of Naga Chaitanya and Shruti among college goers.

Shruti will be seen as a lecturer in the college.“I never expected them to have such a huge fan

following. Thousands of students are around them on the sets on all days while a few hundred of them are constantly clicking pictures. I know it’s crazy, but at the same time so much fun,” he said. All the unprecedented attention drives them to perform better, says Chaitanya, who is delighted to be working with a young team. The fi lm is being directed by Chandoo Mondeti, who made a smashing debut last year with Telugu thriller Karthikeya.

Chaitanya, who has upcoming Telugu projects Bhale Manchi Roju and Nenu Sailaja in his kitty, is looking forward to start working on a yet-untitled horror-comedy. – IANS

Ranveer Singh impressed by comic timing of Bhabiji... cast

Actor Ranveer Singh, who is himself known for his quick wit and charm, says he was truly entertained when he shot with the cast of popular comedy TV show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!.

In the special episode, a jealous Vibhuti (Aashif Sheikh) will be seen trying hard to compete with Ranveer to attract Angoori Bhabhi’s (Shilpa Shinde) attention. And while Angoori Bhabhi will try to get a few dialogues of Ranveer’s forthcoming movie Bajirao

Mastani right, Ranveer will help her in that.

“I must say that this team is so warm, wonderful and hilarious. Such talented actors with brilliant comic timing. We had some fun, improvised moments while acting and I think it’s going to be a really, really funny episode. I am looking forward to watching it myself,” Ranveer said in a statement.

The episode of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! featuring Ranveer will be aired on &TV on Thursday. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bajirao Mastani, which also stars Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, is slated to release on Friday. — IANS

Alia Bhatt ‘fi ne’ aft er suff ering burns

Actress Alia Bhatt, who reportedly suff ered burn injuries at an awards function, says she is fi ne now. She has thanked her fans and well-wishers for the concern.

Alia, who was attending an award function last week, reportedly suff ered burn injuries on her left hand and face.

“Thank you guysss so much for all your concern, love and wishes!!! Things like this are a gentle

reminder that we can’t overlook safety,” Alia tweeted on Tuesday.

The Highway actress also said that accidents, like the one she

suff ered, “are preventable”.“It isn’t possible to go through

life accident-free. But, most accidents — like this one — are preventable... FYI my face is fi ne,” the Shaandaar actress added.

On the silver screen, the 22-year-old actress was last seen in Vikas Bahl’s romantic comedy Shaandaar alongside Shahid Kapoor. She will be next seen in the upcoming thriller Udta Punjab, directed by Abhishek Chaubey. The fi lm is slated to hit the screens next year. — IANS

Ayushmann Khurrana says he is better composer than singer

CLOSE SHAVE: Alia Bhatt

PUSHING HARD: Chaitanya Krishna

ALL EXCITED: Ranveer Singh

MULTITALENTED: Ayushmann Khurrana


COMMUNITY HOLLYWOOD

By Rebecca Keegan

It takes a special kind of mammal to make audiences root against Chris Hemsworth. Moby, the computer-generated whale in Ron Howard’s adventure epic In the Heart of the Sea, is

just such a creature.Based on the true whaling disaster story

that inspired Herman Melville’s classic 19th century novel Moby-Dick, In the Heart of the Sea depicts the fearsome white sperm whale at the centre of the tale as he has never appeared on-screen before: in photo-real form, with close-ups and character-revealing shots executed by artists at the London-based visual eff ects house Double Negative.

“Ron didn’t want Moby to be a monster, a predator,” said Jody Johnson, visual eff ects supervisor for the fi lm, which opened in second place at the weekend box offi ce with an estimated $11mn in US ticket sales. “Whaling was a pretty barbaric ravaging of natural resources, and Moby was to be an elemental force awakened by this wrongdoing.”

An adaptation of Nathaniel Philbrick’s 2000 nonfi ction book, In the Heart of the Sea follows the men on the Nantucket whaling ship Essex in 1820 as they are attacked by a massive sperm whale that rams their vessel and leaves them shipwrecked in the South Pacifi c for 90 days.

The beset crew includes capable fi rst mate Owen Chase (Hemsworth), reckless captain George Pollard Jr (Benjamin Walker), loyal second mate Matthew Joy (Cillian Murphy) and naive cabin boy Thomas Nickerson (Tom Holland). The script by Charles Leavitt, from a story by Leavitt, Rick Jaff a and Amanda Silver, unfolds via a framing device, as decades later a haunted, adult Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson) relays the tale to a young Melville (Ben Whishaw).

In frightening action sequences that believably pit man against nature, Howard

shows the Essex crew on the hunt, harpooning whales from small boats, dragged along the choppy sea until the animal is exhausted.

Other sequences convey the majesty of the mammals, such as through aerial shots that show their size relative to that of the Essex, and one that reveals dozens of pods of whales converging in the South Pacifi c like buff alo running on the Great Plains.

The $100mn movie relies on a combination of techniques: Wanting to preserve the spontaneity of fi lming in real environments, Howard shot In the Heart of the Sea on tall ships in the open sea around the Canary Islands and at Warner Bros.’ massive facility in Leavesden, England, where an intricate back lot set served as a 19th century whaling wharf, and multiple indoor and outdoor tanks supplied controlled locations for action sequences like the ship’s sinking.

But for the creation of the whale, Howard would rely on the Double Negative artists to help develop a nuanced, motivated animal character.

The fi lmmaker fi rst brought up In the Heart of the Sea to Johnson on the set of their 2013 car racing drama, Rush, which starred Hemsworth as Formula One driver James Hunt and which relied on precisely chosen digital eff ects to re-create period race tracks and dangerous stunts and crashes.

“The last two movies have been really revealing to me in terms of the way digital technology can be used to create total immersion,” Howard said.

The movie depicts the whaling industry as a rapacious one that irreparably thins populations to keep oil lamps lighted, and Moby is bent on avenging the loss.

“Moby needed to look real and believable, but we also needed to get the message across,” Johnson said. “It’s diffi cult to do with a whale, because whales don’t talk, they don’t emote. It was a challenge to develop a character like that without anthropomorphising it.”

Though the story of Moby-Dick has appeared on-screen countless times, including the 1926 silent fi lm The Sea Beast, starring John Barrymore, a 1956 John Huston

version starring Gregory Peck and a 1998 TV project starring Patrick Stewart, In the Heart of the Sea is the fi rst to use such advanced digital tools in its storytelling.

As the artists were designing Moby, they consulted a biologist who advised them on the sperm whale’s distinctive silhouette. After experimenting with the look of albino whales, they determined that the eff ect on-screen looked too fantastical and ghostly and decided instead that Moby’s colour would come from a skin condition where molting had left behind white patches.

“We wanted to give Moby some history and suggest that he’d been out there protecting the pups,” Johnson said. “He’s battle-scarred.”

Moby’s massive eyes posed another quandary in their simplicity.

“A sperm whale’s eye is a black orb,” Johnson said. “You have to bring out the intricacies of the eye in terms of the movement to allow him to emote. We tried diff erent (camera) angles to convey the ideas of any particular scene.”

In one crucial scene that builds up to Moby attacking the ship, the whalers are shown harpooning a mother and calf.

“We hear the banging and banging and banging,” Johnson said. “Out of the depths, here comes Moby. We see a fl ashing moment in his eyes.”

Another challenge was how to convey a sense of panic among the sperm whales, which the fi lmmakers accomplished by showing dozens of the creatures grouping into defensive formations. “Nature was the inspiration,” Johnson said. “Real life is richer and more exciting than anything you can make up.”

One thing Howard did not ask his crew to do was observe or fi lm any whales in the wild, choosing instead to focus on footage shot by marine fi lmmaker Howard Hall as reference.

“Ron was pretty keen not to disturb any whales,” Johnson said. “He thought that enough people had been to fi lm them before and we didn’t need to.” — Los Angeles Times/TNS

Moby’s mammoth appealForget Chris Hemsworth — the whale is the true star of In the Heart of the Sea

Cillian Murphy and Chris Hemsworth in In the Heart of the Sea.

BIG MOMENT: A still from In the Heart of the Sea.


COMMUNITYHOLLYWOOD

Harington’s bus embarrassment

Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington has revealed that he stopped using buses when they began advertising his movies. The 28-year-old was embarrassed when his 2014 fi lm Pompeii was released in cinemas because the promotional posters were so hard to avoid, reports femalefi rst.co.uk.

“I used to love to catch the bus, and I couldn’t catch them for months during that, because of the fear that I might be sitting above my own head on the side of the bus. Occupational hazard, isn’t it?” Harington told Vulture magazine.

The buses also caused problems for Harington while he was shooting Spooks: The Greater Good, as the movie was fi lmed in London and they kept driving past the outdoor scenes.

“It’s funny to look back at it now, but at the time, they were a real pain in the $**!” he said. “I

was half naked on a bus the whole time we were shooting because of the ‘Pompeii’ poster. Every two seconds, we would have to call, ‘Cut!’ because there was some bus with the ‘Pompeii’ poster going across in the background,” he said. – IANS

Eva Longoria in India for a cause

After her much-talked about engagement in Dubai, Desperate

Housewives star Eva Longoria has come straight down to India with her fiance Jose Antonio Baston! She isn’t here on an acting assignment, but for a

cause. The couple met a group of under-privileged children who are a part of an NGO. Longoria, an active philanthropist, announced her arrival, via Twitter. She even posted images from her visit to Harmony House, an NGO which takes care of the basic needs of under-privileged children, and wrote: “Thank you Harmony House for letting us visit! You’re doing amazing things.”

The image features the 40-year-old actress looking cosy in a shirt and a black jacket, with a group of children who are seen holding a poster that reads: “Welcome Eva & Pepe”.

Pepe is the nickname of Baston, who is a television professional. Longoria received a traditional Indian welcome as she sported a garland and vermillion mark on her forehead. With another image, she tweeted: “The Welcome greeting in India! #HarmonyHouse #ThankYou.”

Her excitement didn’t just end there. She was glad to watch the children’s enthusiasm in learning new skills.

“Yoga dance by the young boys at #HarmonyHouse #Talent,” Longoria, whose The Eva Longoria Foundation helps Latinas with education and career training. — IANS

Fassbender’s first look from Assassin’s… out

The first few images of actor Michael Fassbender from the sets of Assassin’s Creed in an undisclosed location in Spain, where the movie is being filmed, has surfaced online.

Although the photographs are not clear and a little bit blurry, Fassbender can be seen walking around the desolate and dirty set in the assassin attire of his character Callum Lynch from the film adaption of the famous video game series, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The upcoming movie is said to feature an original storyline which seems to be different from the video games. However, there is still a chance that some

characters from the game may appear in the movie. In Assassin’s Creed, Lynch experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories.

He later finds out that he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

The movie also stars Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Ariane Labed and Michael K. Williams. Directed by Justin Kurzel, the film is slated for a December 21 release in US next year. — IANS

Kanye West hard at work on new album

Rapper Kanye West has urged his fans to leave him alone while he continues to work on his album Swish. In a couple of Twitter posts he shared over the weekend, West hinted that the album wasn’t so far from being done, but he doesn’t want his fans to ask him for “anything” before he is done with the recording, reports aceshowbiz.com.

“I’m fi nishing my album and my next collection. No off ence to anyone ... I’m asking everyone, don’t ask me for anything till after I’m fi nished with my album,” West wrote on Twitter.

At this rate, the Only one hitmaker will likely release Swish in 2016 though he’s been teasing it for a year now. The record has always garnered positive reviews from the selected few who got to listen to songs from the yet-to-be-fi nished record.

Earlier this month, G.O.O.D. Music’s new president Pusha T described the album as “phenomenal” in an interview. Around Thanksgiving Day, West played the project for his brother-in-law Lamar Odom, who said he “loved it.”

Kim Kardashian and her husband West have reportedly chosen Kourtney Kardashian as their newly-born son Saint West’s godmother. “Kim and Kanye both really feel that Kourtney is perfect to be Saint’s godmother,” radaronline.com quoted a source as saying.

“Kourtney was just the obvious choice for her son. Kim really wants each of her sisters to be involved in her children’s lives,” the source added. Earlier, Kim chose her younger sister Khloe Kardashian as the godmother for her daughter North West. — IANS

Actor Mark Wahlberg, who starred in Transformers: Age of Extinction, has confi rmed that he will star in the upcoming fi fth instalment of the popular Transformers franchise. Wahlberg revealed

the news in an interview on TV show CinePop, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Asked whether he would return as the leading character for the next Transformers movie, Wahlberg simply said: “Yes”. While there is no confi rmed

storyline for the fi lm, the sequel to Age of Extinction is believed to take place on both earth and in space, as Optimus Prime hunts down the Quintessons.

The fi fth fi lm is reportedly Optimus Prime’s fi nal movie, because he will be replaced by Ultra Magnus. Decepticons like Cyclonus, Galvatron and Unicorn are expected to appear in the upcoming movie as well.

The franchise’s director, Michael Bay, is expected to return for the fi fth instalment, but he hasn’t offi cially confi rmed. The fi lm is slated to release in 2017. — IANS

REACHING OUT: Eva Longoria with children of an NGO in India. BUSYBEE: Kanye West

MISSING THE BUS: Kit Harington

BACK AGAIN: Mark Wahlberg

Wahlberg to return for Transformers 5

P6 P7 - Gulf Times

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