A BYTE OF LIFE Friday, February 6, 2009

POTENT
PANTSUIT
08 AISHWARYA RAI
10
The new and unlikely On her "bit role" in Pink Panther 2
red carpet ensemble

FREE CIRCULATION Vol. 3 No. 23

The second auction of DLF Indian

Premier League in Goa today will
see the eight franchisees
outbidding each other in an
effort to redo their squads.
» PAGE 04 & 05
02
Namma Chennai
Music
Mystic Sufi
Does Sufi music interest you? If
so, Ruhaniyat is back with their
music festival. A number of
musicians from different states
will be performing.
When: February 8; 6.30 p.m.
Where: Madras Race Club, Guindy
For details call 09324143598
Theatre
Liar, liar
Theatre fans Naseeruddin Shah will be
in city this weekend. ‘Ismat Apa Ke
Nam’ (Hindi; Feb 7) and ‘Dear Liar’
(English; Feb 8) will be staged. The
plays are brought to by Madras Round
Table No 1 in aid of Mukti.
When: February 7 and 8; 7 p.m.
Where: Music Academy
For details call 98846 63342/ 2452 7941
Sale
For my gym
FitnessOne is having a sale
on fitness equipments and
accessories. Treadmill, cross
trainers, cycles, multi-gyms,
benches, yoga mat,
dumbbells…there are many
things to shop. A discount of
up to 40 per cent is also
being offered.
Drop in at 17/7, Lakshmi
Street, New Avadi Road,
Kilpauk on February 7 and 8.
Call 2647 1222
ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009
Tata helpline
Tata Motors has launched its 24x7 on-road
assistance programme for its cars and utility
vehicles. So, in the event of a breakdown call its
toll-free number – 1800 209 6688.
Music
The party tonight
DJ Cheb i Sabbah – referred to as a musical
adventurer and global spiritualist – promises
to rock Chennai this weekend for his show
for EarthSync.
Some of his most popular albums include Shri
Durga, Maha Maya-Shri Durga Remixed,
Krishna Lila, Krishna Lila La Kahena, La
Kahena Remixed-EP and La Ghriba-La
Kahena Remixed.
When: February 6; 8.30 p.m.
Where: Pasha, The Park
For reservations call 42676000
Music
Fusion
treat
Around 15 artistes from
Germany will entertain
Chennaiites with a
theatre-dance play titled,
‘E.T.E. – Extended
Teenage Era’.
The performance is a
hip-hop-theatre-dance
fusion choreographed by
Samir Akika.
When: February 7; 7 p.m.
Where: Sir Mutha
Venkatasubba Rao
Concert Hall, Harrington
Road, Chetpet
For passes call 2833 2343
Music
No more Bhopal
To commemorate the 24th
anniversary of the Bhopal gas
tragedy, a group of youngsters has
come together to organise a
concert titled ‘No more Bhopals’.
The concert aims to expose the
youth to issues of social justice
through different genres of music. Jazz, rock, classical, fusion, Tamil
folk…the evening promises to be an entertaining mix.
When: February 7 and 8; 5 p.m.
Where: YMCA Grounds, Nandanam
Tickets for the show are priced at Rs. 200 and Rs. 500, available at
Landmark and Planet M
Stores. For details call 9840398852/ 9791009160
 Friday, February 6, 2009
Mewar treat
Chefs Amar Singh and Nabhojit
Ghosh promise to treat you to a
Mewar food festival at Anise, Taj
Coromandel from February 6 to 9.
For details call 6600 2827
DVD Pick of the Week
The Dark knight
It’s only incidental that The Dark Knight is a superhero movie. At its best,
it’s a story about crime that’s been rivetingly put together by director
Christopher Nolan. Batman, whose grim and intimidating persona is
played to the T by the talented Christian Bale, is actually dwarfed in
performance by the late Heath Ledger as the Joker. Ledger’s last role
before his untimely death is legendary and shall go into the annals of
acting. His mere presence on screen is enough to make your neck skin
crawl. An Oscar for his performance is certainly on the cards. Aaron
Eckhart as District Attorney Harvey Dent/Two Face packs in an amazing
show too.
The film excels in every aspect. It
grips you from the start and doesn’t
let you go till the finish. The
screenplay’s a stroke of genius: you’ll
be mouthing off dialogues on the
first occasion you can. It’s the sort of
movie you ought to build a home
theatre for if you have none.
Available in a 2-disc edition, the
DVD transfer is good with rich black
levels and plenty of image detail.
There’s a digital copy of the on the
second disc in addition to bonus
features like behind-the-scene
featurettes, IMAX sequences, and a
promotional gallery amongst others.
We say, This one’s up there with The
Godfather, Pulp Fiction and the
likes. It’s a hallmark in movie-making
and is 5-star viewing material.
Game worth trying
fable 2
www.fable2.com
The story is quite formulaic: a hero is born who will save the land from
the evil overlord. There is magic, swords and guns, and of course,
dungeons and haunted forests filled with baddies. What is different here
is the realism of the game, there is just so much that can happen. The
character can be attractive, pure, evil, good, corrupt, fat, thin, ugly or
more. There is also no gender bias in this game as you can even be gay
or bisexual! Companionship also comes in the form of a canine who
follows you on your quest. His presence is downright helpful: he can sniff
out buried treasures, attack enemies
and do tricks that will impress
bystanders. The game’s more
expansive than its predecessor as
you can own property, have families
all over the place, or simply wander
around being a hero; it is your fable
after all.
LOVE Gameplay, visuals, many
side quests.
HATE not big enough, many
restricted areas and enemies are
not challenging. We say Fable 2
may not be the biggest RPG game
ever but it is your chance to live in
a fairytale world, including living in
a huge castle with a beautiful wife!
03
Theru-k-koothu workshop
Indianostrum Theatre welcomes all Theru-k-koothu enthusiasts for a 15-
day koothu workshop at Purisai village in Cheyyar. Priced at Rs. 100 per
day, the workshop will be held on every Saturday and Sunday starting
February 7. To register online visit www.therukoothu@hotmail.com. For
details contact Aswini - 9444834416 or Sriram- 9884415880
Also available
Surfer, Dude
Matthew Mcconaughey is a barefoot
soul surfer in this movie. As hard as
that is to picture, he really does seem
to fit the role incredibly well. An old
fashioned wave rider Steve Addington
(McConaughey) comes home to
California only to find that surfing has
become an extremely commercial
activity. No more free rides for
Addington, who seems concerned
more about surfing and cannabis
rather than public opinion and his
bank balance. The journey is quite fun
and the insight into the surfing world
might actually inspire you to break
out the swim shorts.
WE say Lovely scenes of surfing
and even Woody Harrelson are in
here. Give it a shot!
MUST BIUY GAME
Left 4 Dead
www.l4d.com
Instead of being trapped alone in some
sort of haunted or infected house/mall/
ship/village/city, Valve has decided to
change the equation slightly. In Left 4
Dead, four survivors must band together
and pool in resources to survive wave
upon wave of zombie attacks. The A.I,
which changes the pattern of attack
constantly, is fantastic, and the
multiplayer is really special. You can play
survivors or zombies!
Love: Intelligent zombies, fun multiplayer.
Hate: Game mechanics are a bit fidgety. We say, Zombie or multiplayer
fanatics will have ritualistic gatherings for this one
MUSIC ANYONE?
FAll out boy
folie A Deux
The Aamrican Pop punk band returns with its
newest venture, “Folie à Deux”. Starting off in
true Fall Out Boy fashion, Disloyal Order of Water
Buffaloes is a fast track with a great deal of
creative licence. The next track, I Don’t Care, is a
lot meatier and leads to a more comfortable feel.
However it all goes a bit pear-shaped from here.
Not much sticks out other than America’s
Suitehearts and West Coast Smoker. One very
intriguing song called What a Catch, Donnie, does
have a lot of collaborations with other artists as
well as a lot of energy.
Sound Advice, Even Fall Out Boy fans will take
some time on this one; the rest of us will just
have to move on to other things.
04
Big Story
GOING ONCE,
Forty-three more players go under the hammer
in the second IPL auction in Goa on Friday
AYON SENGUPTA
ayon@goergo.in
T
he post-Mumbai attack hos-
tility between India and Pa-
kistan has ruled out any
possible Pakistani presence
in the second edition of the DLF
Indian Premier League, forcing
teams to scamper for reinforce-
ments during the second auction
window on Friday.
Bidding is expected to be as
close and high-flying as last year
Andrew Flintoff ($950,000)
despite the rippling effect of the
global recession, and English
stars Kevin Pietersen and Andrew
Flintoff are all set to trigger mon-
ey frenzy with as many as four
teams jostling to sign the English
all-rounders. Casting aside the
economic slowdown, it is report-
ed that advertisers are hammer-
ing in over Rs. 600 crore (nearly
half the ad budget for cricket in
2009) for this year’s edition, in-
dicating a 10 per cent increase
over last year’s overall spending.
Spoilt for choice
But even though money may
not be a problem for the fran-
chise owners, there are only spots
for a maximum of 24 players to be
snapped up from the list of 43 up
for sale by the eight teams. Fur-
thermore, a top cap of $2 million
(Rs. 9.6 crore) on spending by
each team can dampen the spir-
its.
Teams like Delhi Daredevils,
Chennai Super Kings and Punjab
ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009
Kings XI have two slots respec-
tively, while Royal Challengers
Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and
Kolkata Knight Riders have one
vacant slot each. Royals have the
maximum opening with five
slots, while Deccan Chargers can
sign three.
Speaking about their possible
targets, Amrit Mathur, CEO of
GMR Sports, which looks after
the Delhi Daredevils team, says:
“The rush won’t be the same as
last year as most of the teams
have a set plan. A few of the top
players, especially the English,
who had missed the action last
year can see inflated bids but oth-
ers will only be bargain buys.”
Delhi, who reached the last-four
Kevin
Pietersen
(1,350,000)
stage in the inaugural edition, are
on the lookout for a batsmen af-
ter they had traded out Shikhar
Dhawan for Ashish Nehra (Mum-
bai Indians). According to team
sources, they are expected to dig
deep to acquire the services of
South African wonder-boy J.P.
Duminy.
South African catch
With a base price of $300,000,
he is a good purchase and will
also be available for most of the
tournament, which starts on April
10. The South African players are
free after the home ODI series
against Australia ends on April
17. In contrast, England players
will be available only for the first
Fidel
Edwards
($150,000)
 Friday, February 6, 2009
05

‘‘
I don’t think anybody is ready to pay that kind of price ($1 million). The reality is in front of
him (Michael Clarke). He didn’t want to be unsold in the auction and so decided to pull-out.
We asked him to reduce price but he was unwilling. Unfortunately, he pulled out earlier and there
was penalty in the first year but this year we have waived off the penalty and I don’t think we will
be able to move forward like this.
Lalit Modi

GOING TWICE, SOLD!

three weeks of the IPL, while the
Australians will be free towards
the end, after they play Pakistan
in an ODI series after the South
Africa tour. Others who are ex-
pected to join the fight for the
Proteas star are Chennai Super
Kings, who will miss the services
of Australian Mike Hussey (due
to his engagements with the
Australian side), and champions
Rajasthan Royals. Chargers, who
lost Shahid Afridi, are also ex-
pected to bid for Duminy. The
withdrawal of Aussie vice-cap-
tain Michael Clarke will raise
Duminy’s value further.
Most wanted
Mumbai Indians and Vijay
Mallya’s Bangalore Royal Chal-
lengers have long since made
clear their intention to go in for
Pietersen and according to
cricket experts his price can go
up to $2 million with both teams
willing to spend their whole
auction budget for the swash-
buckling batsman. Whoever
fails to pocket Pietersen will un-
questionably try to snap his
country mate, all-rounder An-
drew Flintoff. However, Preity
Zinta’s Kings XI Punjab have al-
so expressed their interest in the
Englishman, along with Super
Kings.
Kolkata Knight Riders who
will miss two of their pacemen,
Umar Gul and Shoaib Akhtar,
are believed to be eyeing Austra-
lian Shaun Tait. “Unlike last
year, we are assured of the ser-
vices of Brendon McCullum,
Chris Gayle, Brad Hodge and
Ajantha Mendis for the entire
five weeks. So what we really
need is a fast bowler to support
Ishant Sharma,” says Joy Bhat-
tacharya, director of the Kolkata
side.
Budget buys
English players Owais Shah
($150,000) and Paul Colling-
wood ($250,000), Kiwi Kyle Mills
($150,000), Bangladeshis Mo-
hammad Ashraful ($75,000) and
Mashrafe Mortaza ($50,000) and
the West Indians Kieron Pollard
($60,000), Fidel Edwards
($150,000) and Dwayne Smith
(to be confirmed) will also at-
tract attention as utility players.
The absent Pakistanis will
force the teams to walk a del-
icate tightrope as IPL rules state
that teams can pick one-year re-
placements for the Pakistani
players at the auction but will
have to stay within the US$ 2
million cap. But if the teams go
for a replacement after the auc-
tion, they can spend the equiv-
alent of the amount they would
have paid the Pakistani player
this year – this replacement will
have to be from the original IPL
list of 111 players released last
week. ■
Ergo Speculations
Kevin Pietersen – Bangalore
Royal Challengers
Andrew Flintoff – Mumbai
Indians
J. P. Duminy – Chennai Super
Kings/ Deccan Chargers
Shaun Tait – Kolkata Knight
Riders
Paul Collingwood – Delhi
Daredevils
Owais Shah – Mumbai Indians
Stuart Clark – Deccan Chargers
Ravi Bopara – Rajasthan
Royals
Fidel Edwards – Rajasthan
Royals
Kyle Mills – Mumbai Indians

Stuart Clark
($250,000)

Shaun Tait ($250,000)

J. P. Duminy
($3000,000)
06 ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009

Hughes to open with Katich

Sport Youngster Phillip Hughes will replace retired opener Matthew Hayden as one of the most
inexperienced squads was named on Thursday to defend Australia’s top position on their crucial
three-Test tour of South Africa. Australia, who lost 1-2 at home against South Africa, are in a must-
win situation to retain its number 1 Test ranking. The 20-year-old Hughes, who has scored 891 runs
at an average of 74 this season, pipped veteran Phil Jacques, who is returning from an injury.

Word of advice
S
outh Africa coach Micky
Arthur feels Australia’s
days of domination is
over and believes India
could have very well overpo-
wered them at their own back-
yard last year but couldn’t
because they perhaps did not
get enough time to acclimatise
Down Under.
“I have been acutely aware
that many Indians feel a little
aggrieved that we were the
first team to win in Australia
for 17 years and not India a
year earlier!” wrote in his co-
lumn for Cricketnirvana. “That
series will, unfortunately, be
remembered for controversy
and unhappiness rather than
some fantastic cricket that was
played – and yes, India finished
the stronger of the two teams
after a poor start,” said Arthur
as he gets ready to square off
against Ricky Ponting’s team in
another two weeks’ time. “Per-
haps there is a lesson in the
way we both started our tours.
India arrived four days before
the first Test and lost. We ar-
rived 10 days before the first
Test and won,” said the South
Africa coach who guided his
team to Test and ODI series vic-
tory over Australia.
On the right track
But Arthur is certain both
South Africa and India have
managed to catch Australia on
the wrong foot and believes
England too can join in the fray
during the Ashes series. “I’m
certain the Ashes will be closely
contested and, with (Andrew)
Flintoff fit, (Kevin) Pietersen
motivated and (Steve) Harmi-
son in for, you’d be tempted to
make the home team slight fa-
vourites – at this stage!” Arthur
said “Personally, I don’t believe
Australia will ever pull away
from the rest of the cricket
playing world and establish
such dominance again. They
revolutionised the way cricket-
ers trained and were coached
in the early 1990s and then en-
joyed the unprecedented arriv-
al of three or four once in a
generation players – at the
same time! But the game has
changed forever now and, with
three different formats and an
international schedule packed
to bursting point, I can’t see
any country being as dominant
as Australia were,” he said.

Resources galore
Admitting that the cricket
Starry eyed hero playing resources India have
16-years-old and with a Grand Slam title in kitty, can’t be matched by any other
Yuki Bhambri is no ordinary teenager. The top-seed team, Arthur said it was im-
in the boys’ singles draw at the Australian Open mensely satisfying to see his
hardly sweltered in the Melbourne heat as he team come through as the best
brushed past tough opponents to be the first in the series Down Under. “No
Indian to win the Australian junior title. other country will ever have
The Delhi-lad returned home to a rousing reception the cricket playing resources of
that left him almost speechless. “It’s a great India, but it was deeply satis-
achievement for Yuki. It’s overwhelming like I said, fying and exciting for the fu-
its unreal,” says Sachdeva who has been Yuki’s ture to see confirmation that
coach for past six years. South Africa, at the moment,
The youngster downed German opponent are far more than just a very
Alexandros-Ferdinandos Georgoudas 6-3, 6-1 in the good XI. We have strength in
final and already has former players Vijay Amritraj depth in most areas.” ■
and Akhtar Ali voicing their opinion for a Davis PTI
Cup call-up for the boy.
“In Yuki’s case, he is doing the right thing. Living
in Florida and training at the Nick Bollettieri
Academy and working hard with the coaches there.
The only thing that he needed to do was to get Lack of
physically stronger, which he did. He is great for
Indian tennis,” Amritraj says. preparation
With proper guidance and backing from all
quarters this junior player is sure to make his hurt India’s
mettle felt at the senior circuit in the coming years.
(Each week we feature a player who has defied odds and chances Down
come out as a winner during the past week. If you have a
choice of your own for next week send it to us at Under: Arthur
feedback@goergo.in)
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
 Friday, February 6, 2009
07

‘‘
I have enjoyed my time here (AC Milan). I knew I would enjoy it but I didn’t expect to enjoy it
as much as I have and do as well as I have. I’ve expressed my desire to stay here for a while
but at the moment I’m still a Galaxy player. But I hope they can come to an agreement and it’s down to
the clubs now. At this point it’s out of my hands. I’ve said what my feelings are to both clubs.
David Beckham

Gaurav Gill (left) and his co-driver during a rally in Kochi.

PHOTO: STAN RAYAN

On the fast lane

F
irst Indian driver to win a Asia-Pacific
Rally Championship (APRC) leg, Gau-
rav Gill is aiming to fetch laurels for
the country in more demanding
World Rally Championships (WRC) later
this year. “I have won the Indonesia stage of
the APRC event and now I’m looking for-
ward to do well in the World Rally Cham-
pionship as well, which is starting next
month. I am very much hopeful about top-5
finish after the season,” he says.
“I know this championship is much more
demanding – both physically and mentally.
I am training hard and want to give my best
to make the country proud,” Gill, who will
be Team Sidvin India’s lead driver in the six-
stage event, says.
Unique first
Gaurav, who has been roped up by the
TSI, first Indian team in the WRC, exudes
high confidence about making an impact in
the prestigious event of motorsport, start-
ing in Cyprus, followed by the Portugal leg
in April. “Today I am physically in my best
condition and preparing hard for the event.
Most importantly I want to finish all the
stages in which I will participate during the
year as it boost the confidence and better
the standing of your team,” Gill says.
However, Gill admits that the journey for-
ward is not going to be a mare cake-walk for
him due to plenty of important but unpre-
dictable factors, which often catch one at
the bay. “Besides, a lot of factors including
the luck play havoc during an event like ral-
ly, which is not synonymous to racing at all.
I have to negotiate factors ranging from dif-
ferent road surfaces – hard and patchy, un-
predictable weather conditions and hight,”
says Gill, who will be driving Tommi Maki-
nen Racing (TMR) prepared Subaru Impre-
za car.
Tough act
The World Rally Championship is consi-
dered to be one of the most gruelling motor-
sport events in the world during which the
contenders have to pass through contrast-
ing situation like hard terrains to patchy Gourav Gill
strips and hilly ways to placid roads. “It is
also very important to maintain the ’live’
car and regularly upgrade it’s systems in-
eyes glory in
cluding the software and engines. Here the
technicians, who are the indispensable part
of the unit have great say in teams’ perfor-
World Rally
mances,” Gill, who will be helped by four-
time World Rally Champion Tommi Maki- Championship
nen on mechanical technicalities, explains.
“Yes, Tommi is a big help for us. I think, his
wide experience will make a positive impact
on our performances,” he adds. ■
PTI
08 ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009

The pantsuit’s
last laugh
O
n red carpets, men wear the
black tuxedos and women
their carpet-sweeping gowns.
Gowns = polished backs and
necks, blinding jewellery, neat chig-
nons and dainty heels. Not pant-
suits, which they can keep for the
luncheons, airport sightings or press conferences. Within a
span of a month though, it’s as if the rules changed, the
iconoclasts being Angelina Jolie, Katherine Heigl, Katy
Perry, Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Aniston. Can’t real-
ly call them criminals though, as they did look good
(Don’t they always?).
Katy Perry attended the NRJ Music Awards
2009 in Cannes, France, in a white satin Dolce &
Gabbana pantsuit, a departure from her usual
wacky outfits (Manish Arora being a usual fa-
vourite). This was 10 days after Katherine Heigl
accepted her award for Favourite Comedy movie
for 27 Dresses at the 35th annual People’s Choice
Awards in L.A.
Two days later, at the German pre-
miere of The Curious Case of Benja- Ja
min Button, Angelina Jolie
strutted the red carpet in an ivory
Akris suit, rolled-up sleeve, et al.
While the diamond Asprey mono
earring peeping from underneath
a retro hairdo received enough at-
tention, the pantsuit remained
the centre of wows and ughs.
Opinion-wise, we go with the for-
mer; doesn’t the worth of a dress
lie in the ability of the wearer to
carry it off?
Forward to two weeks later to
Penelope Cruz at the Academy
Awards nominee luncheon at Be-
verly Hills in beige YSL. Probably the
most elegant of gown-hangers, Cruz
showed she’s good at wearing the
pants, too.
The same day, Jennifer Aniston at-
tended the premiere of He’s Just Not
That Into You in Hollywood, California.
The petite actor – despite the presence of
Scarlett Johansson (with her blonde hair
dyed dark), Jennifer Connelly (in shim-
mering green Balmain) and Drew Barry-
more (in black Lanvin with pink satin
bow) – managed to be the best-dressed in
black Burberry offset with multiple Fred
Leighton gold chains.
February 2, Contrast this to a few months ago, when pant-
2009: suits meant Hillary Clinton and a strict no-no. ■ Janu
January 7, 2009: Penelope With inputs from agencies Ang
Katherine Heigl Cruz
 Friday, February 6, 2009
09
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Versace Pour Homme

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Nike Zoom Sister One+

Footwear designer Rob Dolan has worked
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Price Rs. 6,500 onwards.

uary 19, 2009: February 2, 2009:

elina Jolie Jennifer Aniston
10 ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009

Pregnancy diet

Flick
Angelina Jolie, who already raises six
children with her partner Brad Pitt, has
reportedly embarked on a special diet
to help her get pregnant.

“I don’t regret my bit role in

Pink Panther”
I didn’t work in Pink Panther 2 because it was
an international project. I got the script.
I happily chose to be part of the film.

M
uch has been written So many Indian actors have
about Aishwarya Rai’s worked in international ensem-
so-called minuscule role ble casts.”
in Hollywood film Pink The actress attended the film’s
Panther 2. While the actress ad- premiere in New York Tuesday
mits it is an out-and-out Steve along with husband Abhishek
Martin film, she maintains she Bachchan.
signed it for an enriching experi- “They wanted me to be here for
ence and not for extra footage. the film’s promotion from earlier
“It’s a bit silly and exhausting on. But I couldn’t because of my
to even talk about the length of prior commitments in India.
my role based on what’s seen in We’ve a series of premieres lined
the trailers. Did anyone question up, which started in New York on
my role in Khakee when there Feb 3. From there it’s a crazy
was only one shot of me in the whirlwind trip that will take me to
promo? Isn’t that a very myopic several countries and continents
view of contemporary acting? In from Paris to Berlin to Moscow to
my very first film Iruvar, I Madrid.
thought I transcended this foot- “The final destination for my
age fetish,” Aishwarya said. 15-day trip will take me to a
“I didn’t work in Pink Panther 2 screening at the Berlin film festiv-
because it was an international al. Then I’m back and I go straight
project. I got the script. I happily to resume Mani Ratnam’s film.”
chose to be part of the film. They It is a double celebration for
shot exactly what I was offered. I Aishwarya in New York this week.
don’t need to work with stardust First is the premiere of Pink Pan-
in my eyes. ther 2 that is followed by Abhish-
“Of course, Pink Panther is a ek’s birthday Thursday. The
Steve Martin vehicle. Is that so- couple plans to celebrate his
mething to question? All the rest birthday in style.
of the wonderful cast including “Abhishek is in New York with
Jean Reno and Andy Garcia play me. But he won’t be able to ac-
supporting roles. I treasure the company me for my other pre-
experience of working in Pink mieres because he has to be in
Panther 2.” India for the promotion of Delhi
Aishwarya says footage is not a 6, said Aishwarya, who returns to
burning issue for her. India Feb 14.
“The choices I’ve made in my Interestingly, Aishwarya was
career aren’t just about footage offered the lead opposite Will
but an opportunity to work with Smith in Seven Pounds which
actors, directors and technicians opens in Mumbai this week.
who enrich my life. Believe me “Will Smith and I will work to-
working in Pink Panther was a gether for sure,” laughed Aish-
joy. warya. “There have been a
“It was a wonderful experience number of offers. Dates just don’t
working with a stalwart like Steve work out. If he’s keen to work
Martin and the rest of the cast with me, so am I,” said the ac-
PTI PHOTO

and crew. Why spoil it by ques- tress. ■

tioning how much footage I have? IANS
 Friday, February 6, 2009
Cruz
embarrassed
herself with
poor English
S
panish actress Penelope Cruz em-
barrassed herself when she first ar-
rived in Hollywood as she
accidentally propositioned
hairdresser.
According to contactmusic.com, Cruz
quickly learned English when she made
her US debut in The Hi-Lo Country in
1998. But she admitted that she had
to learn the hard way.
She said: “When I was in high
school I studied French, so I
learned English late. When I
first came to America I made a
lot of mistakes, like going to
the hair salon and asking for
a b**w j*b instead of a blow
dry. ■
IANS
11
SRK’s gift to wife
On being asked as to what he is gifting
his wife on Valentine’s Day, Shah Rukh
Khan has replied that he is dedicating
his entire life to her.
Cine City
a
Vishal says no to
Selvaraghavan
Here’s some disappointing news for all you
Vishal fans. The actor has decided to call off his
current project with director Selvaraghavan. The
actor says in his blog, www.vishalblog.com, that
“it was a bit of a difficult situation and a tough
decision...I was eager to work with Selva and the
project itself was an interesting one...” What
actually went wrong between the two is not
clear. Looks like the new year hasn’t started on
a good note for Vishal.
Barrymore’s
22-year-long
crush on Bale
A
ctress Drew Barrymore has had a 22-year-long
crush on Batman actor Christian Bale and says
she still feels the same for him.
Contactmusic.com reports that the two met
Mammootty to speak Kannada
Actor Mammootty will be making his first
when they were kids after Bale was cast in the 1987
appearance in a Kannada film titled Shikari, to be
movie Empire of the Sun, directed by Steven Spiel-
directed by Abhay Simha. The movie to be
berg. Barrymore is still in love with Bale just as she
produced by N.R.Shetty has actress Konkana Sen
was when they met at the age of 12.
playing the female lead. The story revolves around
She said: “He’s so cute. And I knew him when
the pre and post-Independence era. The hero and
he was a kid. He was in Empire of the Sun. If he
heroine go in search of the place they have read in
walked into the room now, I would totally clam
a book. The movie will go on the floors in March.
up. Or I might go overboard and embarrass my-
Mammootty in the past has acted with Kannada
self.” ■
star Vishnuvardhan in Kankanam, a Telugu film.
IANS
12 ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009

Wednesday’s Query:
Which foreign cricketer
would you like to see in
Chennai Super Kings for
the coming season and
why?
■ Ricky Ponting because he is a good
batsman.
Rajeshkumar P, TCS SNR,
Prasanna Chakravarthi, Wipro, M.Abdulgani,
Perot Systems

■ Kevin Petersen, it would be a treat

watching two hard hitters of the ball,
Dhoni and him playing in the same eleven. Vijayakumar from IBM has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at
Jacob Lesly, HCL, Bekkal Fort.
Mohan, TCS-Eserve,
Dinesh, Cognizant

■ Andrew Flintoff as his presence will not

only strengthen our batting but he is also
a dangerous bowler making it difficult for
the opposition batsman to get going.
Mohan Kumar, Allsec, Sangeeth, Ajuba, Vasu,
AdventNet,
Suree, PK, Mahesh, Saravanan, Arivu,
Arun, Simbu, Mohan, Saran, TCS,
Naren, Varun, Subash, CTS,
Josh, Caliberpoint,
Rakshita Sreenivasan Wipro

■ J.P.Duminy for his recent aggressive

performance against the Aussies.
Vivek, Varun, Wipro
T.A.Krishnakumar, HCL
Syed, STG
Ravi E, TCS SNR

■ Chris Gayle because of his dominating Rahul from Calsoft has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at
opening batting and hitting the ball all Kallanai Dam near Tirichy.
around the park for six and fours this will
be good for our team to win the title.
Zeeshan, TCS,
Sebanto, Cognizant

■ Daniel Vettori because of his

experience, but we should retain our
brand ambassador Dr.Vijay because of him
only last time we reached final.
Dhilip RR, Cognizant

■ Brad Haddin because he will help us to

take wicket.
Mohan Kumar, TCS

Today’s Query:
If you were to direct a
movie, whom would you
cast as hero and heroine? Venkat from Wipro has nominated his team as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at
Why? Vandalur Zoo.
 Friday, February 6, 2009
■ Hi Kpofcochin,
Mohan Prakash of HCL has been
Happy b’day to u
nominated as office angel by
Happy b’day to u
T.Sundaresh.
Happy b’day dear Krishnaprasad
He is a very active person, provides
Happy b’day to u in advance ;)
support whenever need
Best wishes from codc’25 batch
■ Dear Sujana,
This is your loving friends wishing
you a Happy,happy, happy, happy
Married Life.
With Love,
Mathangi, Subashini, Lakshmi, Priya
and Ramya
■ Dear Kavitha,
Hope you have a gr8 day. HAPPY
BIRTHDAY. And may the coming
year bring you good health,
happiness and prosperity.
Many more happy returns of the
day!!
Hearty wishes from BoA_T-HUB TATA
Art featured in this column will receive CONSULTANCY SERVICES
gift coupons from Fruit Shop on
Greams Road. Send in your addresses ■ Dear Lalith,
so that we can post the coupons. Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears.
Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your
life
Just by being there.
Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Sanjiv Balakrishnan Experiences great and small
from HCL has doodled That have made you who you are.
this. Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"
I Remain,
Thanks and Regards,
Ramesh A Aditya
■ Dear Rahini,
Congrats and wish you a Happy
married life.
May joys overflow in your life
making evreyday a celebration for
you both.
All the best for a bright
beginning.
Best wishes,
Bancolombia Team
■ Beer Anand Danny,
On your birthday,
Let your life spring with happiness
as the beer does
Let your life sparkle with joy like a
champagne
An employee to his top boss: "I am sorry to say this sir, your “middle Let your life be sweet like a gin
management’ is very poor. Let your life be clear like the
The boss:"Hey,how dare you make such a comment to me?" vodka
Let your life be colorful like a
The employee: "Sir, you are thoroughly mistaken; I am referring to your cocktail
pot-belly." Signature,
Dheepa, Infosys
13
Roomies/Friends/Buddies
Deena/Prabha/Saro/Vino
TCS/CTS
Hey
Wishing our lovable angel a very
happy birthday.
Regards,
Raja,Shankar,kanmani
■ Dear Lenosh & Deepti,
" May God fill ur marriage with
memories to treasure;
Of faith and trust along the way
of love, too deep to measure;
And bring to u as Man & Wife,
the happiness of knowing;
That God, who fills ur cup of life,
will keep it overflowing."
Heartiest WEDDING WISHES to
you both. May u couples be
blessed always !!!
" Happy Married Life."
- Loving Wishes from,
Ur Everloving Friends.
CGSL.
■ Dear Sathya kutty,
Wish you many more happy
returns of the day.
May this Birthday bring you Good
Health, Friendship, and
Happiness..
Enjoy da kutti chellam..
With Love,
Venki.
■ Hi Avinash,
many many happy returns of the
day.hope u celebrate many such
days with joy
and happiness.once again wishing
u a VERY HAPPY BIRTH DAY....
--HUTCH SIT testing team,
TCS.
■ Dear 76 Restarter,
Wish you a Many More Happpy
returns of the day.
May this b’day bring lot of
happiness to you.
Atleast for this b’day u give us
"TREAT".
Wishes from the Heart,
M24 Team, FSS
■ Dear Sundar,
We wish you on your Birthday
and pray the Almighty to make
sweetest things happen right
before your eyes. Many more
happy returns of the day.
Greets,
VDSI - ITC Team
■ Dear Sury,
Wish you Many More Happy
returns of the Day!!
I hope all your birthday dreams
and wishes come true :-)
With Lots of Luv,
Uma
14 ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009

Traffic Jam
Mini cinema
A 73-year-old woman and her 35-year-old husband are to open one of the world’s
smallest cinemas in their back garden. Edna and Simon Martin will show silent
films at the intimate cinema, called the Savoy Lounge, from the 1920s and 30s.

sudoku

Once a monkey
was very thirsty,
he searched for
water here and
there… .
Mugesh
Kathiresan of
Caliber Point
Business Solutions
shot this in
Mahabalipuram.
Hobbies:
Reading,
browsing net,
photography

KAKURO
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(Editor responsible for selection of news under
the PRB Act). RNI No. TNENG/2007/24553
 Friday, February 6, 2009
15
Sorry burglars
Burglars who stole half-eaten cans of food from a house in Norwich, England,
returned their haul the next afternoon - with a note saying sorry. The thieves took
plastic pots of baked beans, butter, tuna and half-baked bread, alongside computer
games, a computer console controller, DVDs and a sat-nav.

B.C

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

You may face delays or difficulties in work due to
problems in a technical device or because of some
malfunction. Remain cool. True love to your partner
may be expressed very passionately and your
heartbeats may be playing higher octaves.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20

You may handle all prior and minor responsibilities
very well at office. There will be complete job
satisfaction. At home you may be in a happy mood.
The day promises complete satisfaction on personal
and professional fronts.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20

Ganesha finds you busy solving complicated issues
BORN LOSER related to work. Your analytical abilities may help
you fix problems quickly. You might have to work
till late. In personal life, you might have to put in
efforts to convince yourpartner for a particular point.
CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20
You may be very quick and accurate in your work
today. Ensure that you don’t change subjects very
quickly. Your personal life seems to be hassle free
and smooth going like the flow of water, says
Ganesha.
LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20
There can be re-establishment of lost contacts.
Similarly, you can be working on methods or
matters lost in time. At home, you may prefer
comfortable life and wish to have delicious food. In
short, it is a day with mixed bag for you.
VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20
If your prime area of work is research, it is highly
FREE RANGE WORKING IT OUT favourable day for you. Your demand may increase
at office and if important meetings are arranged,
you may be able to communicate your ideas well. In
personal life, there may not be any problem.
LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20
Ganesha foresees you getting rewards in proportion
to your efforts. Your bosses will encourage you. You
may be assigned more responsibilities. On the
personal front, you may remain uncomfortable due
to some odd conversation with mate or beloved.
SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20
Ganesha finds you highly determined today. While
you are active and in good mood at work, ensure
that your vindictive side of nature is restrained. In
personal life, you may desire to spend private and
undisturbed wonderful time with your beloved one.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20
Ensure that you don’t run behind fruitless pursuits
today. Your abilities to take things in right spirit
may be a little low today. Try to remain objective
and take things on face value. In relationships, you
are advised to avoid ’doubts’ and ’blame-games’.
CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20
If you are handling a team, your time may be spent
in sorting out their issues. You may need to act
more tactfully today. In personal life, you may avoid
sticking firmly to your own views and may cultivate
tendency to ’let go’.
AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20
PREVIOUS You are advised to avoid being impatient as it may
lead you nowhere. If you rush for things, you may
ISSUE’S not achieve desired results but if you let things
happen on their own, it will be better. It may be a
SOLUTIONS little challenging day on the personal front.
PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20
Ganesha foresees you feeling upset due to someone
else’s progress. You are not jealous by nature but
you may wish you would have progressed so well.
Greater concern for someone you love the most may
make you very emotional and touchy today.
Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni
16 ! ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009

Judge them!

!
Reality shows increase popularity by roping in celebrities and
the latest set of actors to join the bandwagon are
Srikanth and Namitha. The two have been asked to judge the
game show Boys vs Girls to be aired on Vijay TV.

I am ready to face the ban:

Nayan
A
day after Nayan- directive to its members
thara was banned not to cast Nayanthara in
by the Tamil Film their films with immedi-
Producers Council ate effect. The council
and the South Indian has also said that it
Film Actors Association would hold discussions
from signing any projects with the producers’
in Tamil, the actor has councils of other lan-
strongly reiterated that guages on the same.
she is ready to face the Reacting to this,
ban. Nayanthara has report-
The ban was issued on edly said that she will not
Wednesday by the coun- pay back the advance
cil following a complaint and was ready to face the
lodged by Subash Chan- ban.
dra Bose, the producer of Nayan’s grouse is that
Paiyya. Nayanthara, who the film’s crew wasted
was signed to play the fe- her call-sheet days and
male lead in the movie, she was unable to sign
was reportedly paid an any project during the
advance of Rs. 15 lakh. schedule as she was ex-
Later, due to some issues pecting calls for the Paiy-
on payment she was ya shoots. “As she
showed the way and the incurred loss for the said
team roped in Tamanna days, she will not return
for the role. Subash later the advance,” a source
lodged a complaint to the close to her has said.
council that Nayanthara Nayanthara is current-
has not returned the ad- ly working in Bodyguard,
vance paid to her. a Malayalam flick with
After discussions with actor Dileep playing the
both the parties, the Pro- lead. Bold Nayan!
ducers Council issued a Ergo Correspondent