Professional Documents
Culture Documents
POTENT
PANTSUIT
08 AISHWARYA RAI
10
The new and unlikely On her "bit role" in Pink Panther 2
red carpet ensemble
Tata helpline
Music
Fusion
treat
Around 15 artistes from
Germany will entertain
Theatre Chennaiites with a
theatre-dance play titled,
‘E.T.E. – Extended
Liar, liar Teenage Era’.
The performance is a
Theatre fans Naseeruddin Shah will be hip-hop-theatre-dance
in city this weekend. ‘Ismat Apa Ke fusion choreographed by
Nam’ (Hindi; Feb 7) and ‘Dear Liar’ Samir Akika.
(English; Feb 8) will be staged. The When: February 7; 7 p.m.
plays are brought to by Madras Round Where: Sir Mutha
Table No 1 in aid of Mukti. Venkatasubba Rao
When: February 7 and 8; 7 p.m. Concert Hall, Harrington
Where: Music Academy Road, Chetpet
For details call 98846 63342/ 2452 7941 For passes call 2833 2343
Music
Sale
Big Story
GOING ONCE,
Forty-three more players go under the hammer Kings XI have two slots respec-
tively, while Royal Challengers
stage in the inaugural edition, are
on the lookout for a batsmen af-
in the second IPL auction in Goa on Friday Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and
Kolkata Knight Riders have one
ter they had traded out Shikhar
Dhawan for Ashish Nehra (Mum-
vacant slot each. Royals have the bai Indians). According to team
maximum opening with five sources, they are expected to dig
AYON SENGUPTA despite the rippling effect of the Spoilt for choice slots, while Deccan Chargers can deep to acquire the services of
ayon@goergo.in global recession, and English sign three. South African wonder-boy J.P.
stars Kevin Pietersen and Andrew But even though money may Speaking about their possible Duminy.
T
he post-Mumbai attack hos- Flintoff are all set to trigger mon- not be a problem for the fran- targets, Amrit Mathur, CEO of
tility between India and Pa- ey frenzy with as many as four chise owners, there are only spots GMR Sports, which looks after South African catch
kistan has ruled out any teams jostling to sign the English for a maximum of 24 players to be the Delhi Daredevils team, says: With a base price of $300,000,
possible Pakistani presence all-rounders. Casting aside the snapped up from the list of 43 up “The rush won’t be the same as he is a good purchase and will
in the second edition of the DLF economic slowdown, it is report- for sale by the eight teams. Fur- last year as most of the teams also be available for most of the
Indian Premier League, forcing ed that advertisers are hammer- thermore, a top cap of $2 million have a set plan. A few of the top tournament, which starts on April
teams to scamper for reinforce- ing in over Rs. 600 crore (nearly (Rs. 9.6 crore) on spending by players, especially the English, 10. The South African players are
ments during the second auction half the ad budget for cricket in each team can dampen the spir- who had missed the action last free after the home ODI series
window on Friday. 2009) for this year’s edition, in- its. year can see inflated bids but oth- against Australia ends on April
Bidding is expected to be as dicating a 10 per cent increase Teams like Delhi Daredevils, ers will only be bargain buys.” 17. In contrast, England players
close and high-flying as last year over last year’s overall spending. Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Delhi, who reached the last-four will be available only for the first
Fidel
Andrew Flintoff ($950,000) Edwards
($150,000)
Kevin
Pietersen
(1,350,000)
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
Stuart Clark
($250,000)
J. P. Duminy
($3000,000)
06 ERGO Friday, February 6, 2009
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 for 17 years and not India a way we both started our tours.
Arthur feels Australia’s year earlier!” wrote in his co- India arrived four days before
days of domination is lumn for Cricketnirvana. “That the first Test and lost. We ar-
over and believes India series will, unfortunately, be rived 10 days before the first
could have very well overpo- remembered for controversy Test and won,” said the South
wered them at their own back- and unhappiness rather than Africa coach who guided his
yard last year but couldn’t some fantastic cricket that was team to Test and ODI series vic-
because they perhaps did not played – and yes, India finished tory over Australia.
get enough time to acclimatise the stronger of the two teams
Down Under. after a poor start,” said Arthur On the right track
“I have been acutely aware as he gets ready to square off But Arthur is certain both
that many Indians feel a little against Ricky Ponting’s team in South Africa and India have
aggrieved that we were the another two weeks’ time. “Per- managed to catch Australia on
first team to win in Australia haps there is a lesson in the 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
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
Portfolio PRICETAG
The past
one month
and the
pantsuit’s
moments of DKNY gift box
glory Valentine’s Day is round the corner and for
those wanting to depart from the flowers
and chocolates, there’s the DKNY gift box.
The gift box brings together a classic
timepiece paired with an elegant bracelet.
The watch with a stainless crossover has a
silver mirrored dial. Available at Lifestyle.
Price: Rs. 10,295 onwards.
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.
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
Cine City
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 a
hairdresser.
According to contactmusic.com, Cruz
quickly learned English when she made
her US debut in The Hi-Lo Country in Vishal says no to
1998. But she admitted that she had
to learn the hard way. Selvaraghavan
She said: “When I was in high Here’s some disappointing news for all you
school I studied French, so I Vishal fans. The actor has decided to call off his
learned English late. When I current project with director Selvaraghavan. The
first came to America I made a actor says in his blog, www.vishalblog.com, that
lot of mistakes, like going to “it was a bit of a difficult situation and a tough
the hair salon and asking for decision...I was eager to work with Selva and the
a b**w j*b instead of a blow project itself was an interesting one...” What
dry. ■ actually went wrong between the two is not
IANS 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
■ 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
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
13
■ Hi Kpofcochin, Roomies/Friends/Buddies
Mohan Prakash of HCL has been
Happy b’day to u Deena/Prabha/Saro/Vino
nominated as office angel by
Happy b’day to u TCS/CTS
T.Sundaresh.
Happy b’day dear Krishnaprasad Hey
He is a very active person, provides
Happy b’day to u in advance ;) Wishing our lovable angel a very
support whenever need
happy birthday.
Best wishes from codc’25 batch Regards,
Raja,Shankar,kanmani
■ Dear Sujana,
This is your loving friends wishing ■ Dear Lenosh & Deepti,
you a Happy,happy, happy, happy " May God fill ur marriage with
Married Life. memories to treasure;
With Love, Of faith and trust along the way
Mathangi, Subashini, Lakshmi, Priya of love, too deep to measure;
and Ramya And bring to u as Man & Wife,
the happiness of knowing;
■ Dear Kavitha, That God, who fills ur cup of life,
Hope you have a gr8 day. HAPPY will keep it overflowing."
BIRTHDAY. And may the coming Heartiest WEDDING WISHES to
year bring you good health, you both. May u couples be
happiness and prosperity. blessed always !!!
Many more happy returns of the " Happy Married Life."
day!! - Loving Wishes from,
Hearty wishes from BoA_T-HUB TATA Ur Everloving Friends.
Art featured in this column will receive CONSULTANCY SERVICES CGSL.
gift coupons from Fruit Shop on
Greams Road. Send in your addresses ■ Dear Lalith, ■ Dear Sathya kutty,
so that we can post the coupons. Instead of counting candles, Wish you many more happy
Or tallying the years, returns of the day.
Contemplate your blessings, May this Birthday bring you Good
As your birthday nears. Health, Friendship, and
Consider special people Happiness..
Who love you, and who care, Enjoy da kutti chellam..
And others who’ve enriched your With Love,
life Venki.
Just by being there.
Think about the memories ■ Hi Avinash,
Passing years can never mar, many many happy returns of the
Sanjiv Balakrishnan Experiences great and small day.hope u celebrate many such
from HCL has doodled That have made you who you are. days with joy
this. Another year is a happy gift, and happiness.once again wishing
So cut your cake, and say, u a VERY HAPPY BIRTH DAY....
"Instead of counting birthdays, --HUTCH SIT testing team,
I count blessings every day!" TCS.
I Remain,
Thanks and Regards, ■ Dear 76 Restarter,
Ramesh A Aditya Wish you a Many More Happpy
returns of the day.
■ Dear Rahini, May this b’day bring lot of
Congrats and wish you a Happy happiness to you.
married life. Atleast for this b’day u give us
May joys overflow in your life "TREAT".
making evreyday a celebration for Wishes from the Heart,
you both. M24 Team, FSS
All the best for a bright
beginning. ■ Dear Sundar,
Best wishes, We wish you on your Birthday
Bancolombia Team and pray the Almighty to make
sweetest things happen right
■ Beer Anand Danny, before your eyes. Many more
On your birthday, happy returns of the day.
Let your life spring with happiness Greets,
as the beer does VDSI - ITC Team
Let your life sparkle with joy like a
champagne ■ Dear Sury,
An employee to his top boss: "I am sorry to say this sir, your “middle Let your life be sweet like a gin Wish you Many More Happy
management’ is very poor. Let your life be clear like the returns of the Day!!
The boss:"Hey,how dare you make such a comment to me?" vodka I hope all your birthday dreams
Let your life be colorful like a and wishes come true :-)
The employee: "Sir, you are thoroughly mistaken; I am referring to your cocktail With Lots of Luv,
pot-belly." Signature, Uma
Dheepa, Infosys
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
So you think you would make a terrific photographer but never really had the
platform? Mail us your best work and we’ll publish it in this space, with credit.
E-mail: clickpick@goergo.in
TEAM
Editor: Karthik Subramanian
karthik@goergo.in
Technical Support:
V.R. Vasudevan, K.G. Gurumurthy
N. Ravichandran, E. Baskar
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:
Contact: 2857 5757
E-mail: ads@goergo.in
Website: www.goergo.in
Head of Circulation:
M.G.M. Sharief
copies@goergo.in
SNAIL MAIL
859/860, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 002
mail your feedback to
feedback@goergo.in
FAX 2857 6691
B.C
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.
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