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Articles by Dean Lobo
Let’s ‘stage’ the debate around the National Anthem - Times of India
Imagine going for a play and being asked to stand up for the National Anthem . If you thought that was only the case with films, think again. Director Atul Kumar was left miffed earlier this week, when he was asked by the management of Rangsharada Auditorium , a privately-owned auditorium in Mumbai, to play the National Anthem.
B-town’s Jewish actors turn calendar boys and girls - Times of India
Last month, during his India visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his l ove for Bollywood quite evident. “The world loves Bollywood, Israel loves Bollywood, I love Bollywood,” he said, addressing Mumbai’s film fraternity while extending an invitation to them, to shoot more films in Israel. What better time could there be then, to call to mind the many Jewish actors and their contribution to Indian cinema?
The second coming out
For Fatima Rizvi, based in Mumbai, the memories of the day her daughter came out to her about her sexuality are still fresh. "It was exactly a year ago," she recalls. "We were in a rickshaw, when Fiza said to me, 'Ammi, I want to speak to you'. She told me she was lesbian. I was shell-shocked. And I cried. Fiza then told me 'Ammi, you must understand'." Today, Fatima couldn't be more proud of the fact that her 25-year-old daughter is living a free life.
Why Pune's public buses will soon double up as art spaces
While hopping onto a public bus tomorrow, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise. Artwork, like photographs, paintings and poems will adorn its roof and windows. This weekend, the city's Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses, that ferry thousands of common people daily, will play canvas to several artworks.
Charu kaka of Poona Guest House; gone but not forgotten
For anyone known to the Sarpotdars, a business or leisurely trip to Laxmi Road was never complete without visiting the family's 83-year-old Poona Guest House (PGH).
#PeriodTalk: Can we be pad men too?
The upcoming Pad Man , a fictionalised account of Padmashri Arunachalam Muruganantham , who revolutionised the manufacture of low-cost sanitary napkins in India, seems to have opened a dialgoue about what many consider to be the elephant in the room — menstruation. But many of you, women in particular, will acknowledge the fact that there continues to be a stigma association with menstruation, not just in our country, but across the globe.
Meet Pune’s ambassadors of peace
The new year 2018 might not have begun on a very good note for Maharashtra, owing to the protests in parts of the state. But days like National Youth Day remind us that all hope isn't lost, after all. What's Up, Campus? identified a number of city-based students, who are campaigning for love, understanding and acceptance within their immediate communities. Their mediums might be varied, but they have a collective means and purpose —peace.
Elvis @ 83: That’s someone you never forget
A brief look at Rajiv Jacobi's Facebook wall, will tell you just how ardent a fan of Elvis Presley he is. The Kalyani Nagar, Pune resident's timeline features countless pictures of the King of Rock and Roll . Rajiv is co-founder of the official Elvis Presley Fan Club of India , touted to be the country's first such club recognised by Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE).
This Christmas, don't miss Pune's life-size Nativity Village
American journalist WJ Cameron once said, "There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries." However, visit St Patrick's Cathedral on Prince of Wales Drive today, and you'll beg to differ.
A date with 'Green' and 'East meets West' Santa this Christmas!
Whether children still write letters to Santa Claus today is anybody's guess. But, there's no doubt that the joy with which they look forward to seeing him remains unchanged, even today.And while that warm, comforting holiday mood regales folks across the city, a clan of Santas and Santarines bustle to different parts of town — street corners, schools, stores and more — to bring people some festive cheer.
‘We don’t need sympathy, we need opportunities to express ourselves’
'See you in the lobby,' read a text from Ashiq Usman. We wait in the reception area of the Apte Road Hotel, where Ashiq and his co-artistes are put up. There's just two hours left for the special performance they've come to Pune for, and we wonder how the interaction will go, given that time is short, and it's out first meeting.But the group soon turns up, and the first thing that strikes us about them is their confidence and humility, so much so, their impairments hardly gain our attention.
We’re also Indian and we’d like to be treated as equals
November 24 was another day when we, as a society, failed miserably. A video on Facebook that day, showed a group of men harassing girls from the northeast at a football match in Chennai. As is the case with most viral videos, it invited strong reactions and support from people across India. But as one would know, the case wasn't the first.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Song and dance for inclusivity
Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Though we might have progressed with time, there's no denying the fact that there is still a dearth of understanding disability-related issues in society. Evident by the manner in which so many public spaces continue to be non-accessible. Not to mention the stigma that persons with disabilities continue to face...However, today will be different, and hopefully a day that will go down in the annals of 2017.
A #Fergussonian throwback for Mrinmayee Godbole
All of us will agree that college days were the golden ones. When we were young, foolish, profound! And that's something our Marathi stars also seem to agree to. We, too, do like to take the occasional opportunity and let these actors and filmmakers relive their college life for a day.
Shrewsbury: Not a cookie that will crumble!
The city's favourite Kayani Bakery opened on Saturday, 46 days after its closure following verbal orders from the Pune Cantonment Board over the issue of trade licenceThose who drove past Dr Coyage Road on Friday evening, were pleasantly surprised to find Kayani Bakery's quaint compound glittering with lights.
Shrewsbury: Not a cookie that will crumble!
The city's favourite Kayani Bakery opened today, 46 days after its closure following verbal orders from the Pune Cantonment Board over the issue of trade licenceThose who drove past Dr Coyage Road on Friday evening, were pleasantly surprised to find Kayani Bakery's quaint compound glittering with lights.
Shrewsbury: Not a cookie that will crumble!
The city's favourite Kayani Bakery opened on Saturday, 46 days after its closure following verbal orders from the Pune Cantonment Board over the issue of trade licenceThose who drove past Dr Coyage Road on Friday evening, were pleasantly surprised to find Kayani Bakery's quaint compound glittering with lights.
‘We didn’t choose Pune. The city chose us!’
For Sri Lankan, R Hariharan, a student of PES' Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce — Shivajinagar, coming to Pune for his higher education was never on the cards. "Contrary to my preferences of Delhi, Bengaluru and Mysuru, I finally ended up coming to Pune under ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarship," he says. A year and three months later, Hariharan feels at home here.
S Durga's IFFI screening is a win for cinema, says dir
On Tuesday afternoon, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan tweeted that his film S Durga would be screened at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI). After his film was rejected from being screened in the Indian Panorama section at IFFI , Sasidharan, had informed us about petitioning in the Kerala High Court regarding the same.Exactly a week after the petition, Sasidharan and his team are celebrating a win.
It’s not about #MeToo. It’s about what’s next
As easy as it is for social media campaigns to gain momentum, it's also not uncommon to see them fizzle out with time. But the #MeToo movement is quite unlike what we've seen so far. What started as a means to denounce sexual assault and harassment, in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct against American film producer Harvey Weinstein , the movement gained momentum globally, with men and women coming out with harrowing experiences and in support of each other.
IFFI 2017: The latest, on why ‘nude’ and ‘sexy’ don’t qualify
Kapda jism pe pehenaya jaata hai, rooh pe nahi. Aur main apne kaam mein, rooh khojne ki koshish karta hoon. Samajh mein aaya?' (Clothes are meant tocover the body, not the soul. And I, through my art, attempt to seek the soul. Do you understand?)These are the closing lines (delivered by Naseeruddin Shah) from the teaser of director Ravi Jadhav 's Marathi film, Nude.
Tikli and Laxmi Bomb to have its Indian premiere at the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival
After generating quite a buzz in the film circuit owing to its bold charcterisation and fresh message, Film and Television Institute of India ( FTII ) alumnus Aditya Kripalani 's indie film, Tikli and Laxmi Bomb , is all set to have its Indian premiere at the ongoing 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF).
King of Centuries visits Pune with his 90th production
Those who don't miss out on a single tiatr (a popular form of Konkani theatre; the word tiatr comes from the Portuguese word for theatre, teatro) that comes to town, will know Roseferns all too well. The Konkani language tiatrist, born Antonio Rosario Fernandes, is a name to reckon with when it comes to the form that is over 125 years old.
Time to discuss the storm in the khichdi bowl!
It's well established now that there isn't any proposal to anoint khichdi as India's national dish, but there's also no doubting the fact that the dish - a humble yet divine amalgamation of rice and lentils at its core - stole the spotlight last week. One, for entering the world records as the "largest serving of rice and beans" (918 kg) at the weekend World Food India 2017 in New Delhi.
Will Pune's Kayani Bakery reopen after all?
It's past 10 am, and Kayani Bakery, one of Pune's most iconic establishments, lies shrouded by an unfamiliar, eerie silence. Had it been an usual day, by this time, its entrance would have been flanked by a motley mix of swanky cars and old Ambassadors, bikes and scooters; and its counter swarming with people waiting for their orders to be taken.
Terribly spooky tales: Pune Chapter
As night took over today, spookiness and a ghoulish spirits reigned, as party people revelled in Halloween celebrations across Pune. We did some party hopping and trick-or-treating of our own to take stock of all that was hot this time...From neon decor to trick-or treating, guests will enter through an open coffin and revel amidst carved pumpkins with dry ice for smoke. Guests can take photos at the photo booth amidst an apocalyptic Pune setting.
Is Pune obsessed with the #SelfieWithForeigner trend as well?
While enjoying a stroll in Agra's Fatehpur Sikri, Agra last week, Quentin Jeremy Clerc and Marie Droz probably didn't for see how the next half an hour would complete change the way they imagined their holiday to India to end. The Swiss couple, both 24, were attacked by a group of local men there for refusing to take selfies with them.Extreme as it may seem, it isn't common for international travellers to be approached for selfies in India.
Every dog had its day with Pune’s Nepali students on Kukur Tihar
While it's not uncommon to hear of horrifying incidents of dogs (the ones on the streets, in particular) becoming targets of firecrackers and some people's sadism during Diwali , we can certainly learn a thing or two from the Nepali community, when it comes to being considerate through one's celebrations.The second day of Tihar (what Diwali is known and celebrated as by the community), saw them acknowledging the cherished relationship between humans and dogs on the occasion of Kukur Tihar (or...
'Catalonia's Independent From Spain' Declares Leader, After Referendum 'Win' & Police Brutality
Catalonia’s leader Carles Puigdemont on Monday said they have won the right to break away from Spain after 90 per cent of voters backed independence in a controversial referendum, which the government in Madrid said is unconstitutional. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy declared the Sunday plebiscite had been blocked, saying "today there has not been a self-determination referendum in Catalonia," a region deeply divided over independence.
At Least Two Killed, 24 Injured In Shootout At Las Vegas Casino, With Shooter Still At Large
At least two people died early on Monday and 24 were hospitalised with suspected gunshot wounds in Las Vegas, a local hospital spokesman said, as police investigated reports of an active shooter in the city. AFP Massive amounts of gunfire & many casualties in #LasVegas @MandalayBay concert tonight. Feels like I'm watching a repeat of Bataclan attack.
Team Of KBC 9 Is Planning A Huge Party For Amitabh Bachchan On His 75th Birthday!
Can we ever imagine KBC without Amitabh Bachchan? The answer is a big no. The legendary actor has been associated with the show since more than a decade now and the audience surely loves him the way he establishes a connection between the contestants and the audience. The ninth season of the show just went on air a few weeks back. And now, to honor him and make Big B's 75th birthday a special one, the team of KBC is planning a bash on the sets of the show.
Here's Why MS Dhoni Batting At Number Seven Is A Good Thing For The Men In Blue
-MS Dhoni has represented India in over 300 ODIs since his debut in 2004. From being run out for zero in his first game to winning the World T20, World Cup and Champions Trophy as skipper, it has been a long journey for Captain Cool. AFP The recent debate is whether he should bat as low as No. 7. This is why he should: 1. Can hold the fort if there is a major collapse so there is still hope of resurrecting the innings VIDEO 2.
BSF Unearths 14-Foot-Long Tunnel Dug By Terrorist To Enter India From Pakistan
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday unearthed a 14-foot long tunnel, which was being dug from the Pakistani side along the international border and recovered "war-like" store in Arnia sector here, officials said. "An under-construction tunnel was found during sanitisation operation along the international border between Vikram and Patel posts near Damana," the officials said.
Dying Woman Allegedly Molested On The Bridge By Bystander During Elphinstone Stampede
A woman victim of the Elphinstone stampede, almost on the verge of dying, was allegedly molested by a bystander as she lay atop a pile of victims on the foot overbridge, revealed a video clip. The stampede took place at Elphinstone station in Mumbai on September 29, killing 22 people and severely injuring numerous others. Jayshree Kanade, who was at Parel station when the stampede occurred, said, “Many people stole purses and gold ornaments from women victims.
'I Survived Because I Could Breathe Through Railings,' Recalls Elphinstone Stampede Survivor
Only a lucky few have survived the scare of the killer stampede at Mumbai's Elphinstone railway station, that left 23 people killed. Among them, there is 23-year-old Piyush Thakker, a Ghatkopar resident, who is so grateful to be alive. His relatives hold a newspaper clipping showing Piyush, buried under several others during the Elphinstone Road railway station stampede. "He was crushed, but look at him today,'' said his brother Rajneesh who believes he survived only due to fate.
SRK, Rani And Kajol Had A Mini Reunion And We Are Getting Major 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' Feels!
Rahul, Anjali, and Tina: These three names mean a lot to every 90's kid. Karan Johar's directorial debut is not just one of his most successful films but it still remains one of our favorite films. Sum nites the stars with u shine brighter than the ones in the sky. Thx ladies for ur graciousness beauty & love.
Man Sets His Brother And Mother On Fire Because They Were Not Able To Find A Bride For Him
A 30-year-old man set his brother and mother on fire as he was frustrated just because he was not able to get married. According to police, the incident took place Chapagedda district of Andhra Pradesh. The accused has been identified as Srinu Babu. His brother and mother sustained severe burns and their condition is stated to be critical, reported The New Indian Express.
Tom Alter Was A Die-Hard Sports Lover Who Once Played Cricket For A Bollywood Team Called 'Match Cut Club'
Tom Alter wore many hats. He was an avid writer, an acclaimed actor, producer, director, TV show host and columnist. Well, not many know that he also had a profound interest in sports, especially cricket. Alter was a renowned columnist for the many daily newspapers and magazines. But he also played cricket for Bollywood team that represented the 'Match Cut Club'. The team included top names from the industry such as Naseeruddin Shah, Satish Shah, Vishal Bhardwaj, Aamir Khan and Nana Patekar.
Rape Convict Ram Rahim & Asaram's Names Will Be Written On Raavan Effigy In Pune
People in Pune have come up with an amazing way to show their anger against the ‘Dhongi’ Baba’s like Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan and Asaram Bapu. They have decided to burn them. Well, you read it right but not in literal sense. You will meet huge bamboo torsos and papier-mâché heads while riding through Lokmanya Nagar's narrow lanes, towards the joggers park.
Aadhaar Twitter Handle's Witty Answer To Troll On Ravana's Aadhaar Card Will Leave You In Splits
Social media memes are a source of great entertainment and Twitter accounts related to government schemes and department, too, have their share of fun on social media. On Saturday, the Aadhaar Twitter handle wished its followers a Happy Vijayadashami on twitter with an illustration of arrows piercing the Demon King Ravana's head. However, someone on Twitter decided to troll the Aadhaar handle and asked Aadhaar social media team how they would issue 10 Aadhaar cards to Ravana, as he had 10 heads.
Tom Alter Passes Away At 67! Bollywood Celebs Remember The Legendary Actor On Twitter
Veteran theatre, television and film actor Tom Alter, best known for his performances in Shatranj Ke Khilari, Junoon and Kranti, passed away aged 67. The renowned actor and Padma Shri awardee, who had been battling stage four skin cancer, died last night at his residence. The actor was diagnosed with skin cancer last year and was treated for the same but earlier this month he suffered a relapse.
Indian Cricketers Express Grief Over Mumbai Stampede, Say Safety Of Commuters Should Be Top Priority
The Elphinstone stampede in Mumbai left everyone stunned as 22 people died in the shell-shocking incident. PTI Indian cricketers such as Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Mohammad Kaif have reacted with valuable words. Here are their tweets: Heartbreaking to see what happened in Mumbai earlier today. — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) September 29, 2017 Human life is unfortunately the cheapest thing.
Pakistani Cricketer Ahmed Shehzad Thrashes Fan Who Just Wanted To Click A Selfie With Him
The last time Ahmed Shehzad was in the news, he was getting trolled by fans for posting a weird image. This time around, he is the limelight for assaulting a fan. Well, cricket is nowhere in the reckoning when his name is taken. So coming back to the story. This happened after the end of Day 3 of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final in Karachi. While Shehzad was being pursued by a fan for a selfie, he lost his cool, manhandled him and also broke his phone. The fan wasn't planning to harm him.
The Mukhedkars, Dagdusheth Ganpati’s much-loved artists - Times of India
If there’s anyone Pune’s Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati trusts with his annual makeover, before he takes center stage during the Ganpati festival, it’s the Mukhedkars, without a doubt.When all murtikars from the old city direct you to this father-son-grandson trio, you know for a fact that this respect they’ve earned hasn’t come easy. For close to 50 years now, they’ve been painting the Dagdusheth Ganpati idol before its 10-day veneration during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Food glorious shoot!
For the longest time, we've laughed at memes that talk about how today's foodies behave. Click, eat, repeat! This seems to be the norm nowadays. Gone are the days of instantly relishing what's on the plate; it's always about taking a photograph first.
It takes two to pedal!
We've heard about song, dance, theatre, and the likes being used as tools for social inclusion. But what is being termed as India's first blind-and-sighted tandem cycling expedition, will see able-bodied people partnering with those who are differently-abled , to cycle from Manali today, all the way to Khardung La , Ladakh, the world's highest motorable road.City-based Divyanshu Ganatra, who is leading the expedition, has already completed this route once, last year.
'I've been called anti-national; told that I must be lynched'
30 days, 40 women and three cities... This was sufficient to get not just the nation, but countries overseas talking about online posts of women sporting cow masks - something 23-year-old Sujatro Ghosh , the man behind these posts, terms as an 'art discourse'.Who are these women, and why are they sporting cow masks, the uninitiated might ask.
Why inter-faith iftars have been the season’s highlight
If you grew up in a multicultural environment - the quintessential housing society in Camp, for example, where people gathered around the Ganpati pandal and Christmas tree with equal elation, awaited Khadija Aunty's sheer khurma, or the mitthi sev from Ms Dalal's kitchen during Eid and Navroz respectively - chances are, you may not identify with what's to follow.
Ice Cream Goes Goth
World over, while the food scene has embraced its dark side by warming up to the concept of `charcoal food', the city too has joined the bandwagon. Enter the `black ice cream', one that's been quite a rage on social media, and otherwise, for the past few days.
87 and running...and she's still the Queen of our hearts!
It's not about the destination, they say; it's about the journey. Be that as it may, whoever said so, might have been inspired by the Indian Railways ' 'blue-eyed babe' — the Deccan Queen Express (DQE). And rightly so. Besides offering pristine views of the Deccan Plateau, she is reason behind the many friendships forged on-board. Not to mention her dining car, whose regular, albeit comforting fixes remain reason why many choose to ride.
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