the pianist - m.gulf-times.com

Sunday, February 23, 2020Jumada II 29, 1441 AH

Doha today 190 - 250

The pianistCOVERSTORY

QUIZ SHOWBIZ

Remembering

Steve Jobs.

0

Rahman ‘politically

illiterate by choice’.

Page 15

Italian Alessandro Martire has a deep relationship with the

piano. He puts in his soul while playing the instrument. P4-5

Sunday, February 23, 20202 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Community EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Hamad International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365Qatar Airways 40253374

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

PRAYER TIMEFajr 4.45amShorooq (sunrise) 6.04amZuhr (noon) 11.47amAsr (afternoon) 3.05pmMaghreb (sunset) 5.32pmIsha (night) 7.02pm

“Man needs diffi culties, they are

necessary for health”

– Carl Jung

Sonic The HedgehogCAST: Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Ben SchwartzDIRECTION: Jeff FowlerSYNOPSIS: Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life

on Earth with his newfound best friend — Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination.

THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza

Bhoot: Part 1: The Haunted ShipDIRECTION:Bhanu Pratap SinghCAST: Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, Ashutosh Rana

SYNOPSIS: Based on a true accident, the fi lm tells the story of a couple on an abandoned ship lying static on a beach.

THEATRES: Royal Plaza

For movie timings and further details please scan

the QR code above with your mobile phone camera or visit qatarcinemas.com

3Sunday, February 23, 2020 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

MIA Park Bazaar 2020WHERE: MIA ParkWHEN: Ongoing till April 25TIME: 2pm — 8pmMIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of

the Old Souq tradition with vibrant mix of around 120 stalls. You can browse and buy handicrafts, accessories, paintings, clothing, food, jewellery, photography and art.

Artistic Gymnastic ClassesWHERE: Qatar Academy MsheirebWHEN: OngoingTIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pmThe Olympic sport using horizontal bar,

rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

Metro Street FoodWHERE: DECC Metro StationWHEN: Ongoing

TIME: 12:30pm Street Food is the ideal venue for a leisure

experience for the whole family off ering over 20 dine-in options and 18-hole World Mini-Golf setup.

Hobby ClassesWHERE: Mamangam Performing Art

CentreWHEN:Wednesday – MondayMamangam is an art and performance

centre started with a vision of spreading our knowledge, interests and experience in various disciplines in arts across different countries for children and adults.

We offer regular classes in disciplines like traditional classical dance, art and craft, Bollywood and hip-hop styles, Carnatic music, robotics, percussion instruments, keyboard, yoga, zumba and martial arts like Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu and Kalari. For those who wish to register e-mail at [email protected] or call on 33897609/44723680

Ballet LessonsWHERE: Music and Arts AtelierWHEN: OngoingTIME: 4pm – 8pmFor more info e-mail at registration@

atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

Qatar Food Fest WHERE: Sheraton Hotel ParkWHEN: Ongoing till April 30TIME: 4pm — 1amThe festival is currently happening at

Sheraton Hotel Park. Qatar Food Fest features 77 stalls, food trucks, and trolleys, bringing culinary and cultural experiences from all corners of the globe to visitors and residents in Qatar.

Public Speaking Classes for AdultsWHERE: Sharq Capital, C-Ring RoadWHEN:Ongoing till July 1TIME: 6:30pm – 9pmGet trained by experts to be a good speaker.

Smedley Toastmasters is conducting a six-month speech-craft programme that teaches new members to speak confi dently and develop leadership skills. For more information, 66053485, 33232490 or visit www.SmedleyToastmasters.org

After School ActivitiesWHERE: AtelierWHEN: OngoingMusic and arts activities for students

taking place after they fi nish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip-hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

2020 Grand Prix – Test and RaceWHERE: Losail International CircuitWHEN: March 6–82020 Grand Prix is set to take place from March 6 till March 8 at the Losail International

Circuit. Built-in just under a year, the circuit has been a regular venue of the MotoGP calendar ever since. You can watch the races with friends or family in an open-air setting where you will be surrounded by the uproar of larger crowds.

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


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

East and West are two different worlds culturally. But, I think music connects these worlds. This is the power of music. It connects the world. It connects the souls of the people

— Alessandro Martire‘ ’ON SONG: Alessandro Martire performing at Katara. Photos supplied

“I try to find really intimateconnection with the

audience through my music”— Alessandro Martire, pianist and composer

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

By Mudassir Raja

His compositions are the expression of a musical sensibility which, originating from the classical tradition and contemporary elements, creates evocative and catchy melodies and harmonies.

There is no defi nition for his music. You can call it new age, classical crossover, contemporary, alternative and other such adjectives, but in the end, it always comes down to this: young Alessandro Martire plays Alessandro’s music.

Alessandro is a young Italian pianist and composer, born in Como in 1992. He studied piano and


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

composition with the Italian teacher Giusto Franco at the Music Academy in Genoa. In 2012, he acquired more experience studying new age composition at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and performing in the fi nal concert at the David Friend Recital Hall. He then graduated in International Relations and Political Science at the University of Milan.

His music is very original and that has led him to perform in prestigious universities and theatres around the world. Through his music, the pianist says that he connects in an intimate manner with his audience, tapping into their emotions, thoughts and dreams like an old friend.

The young musician, who was recently in Qatar to perform at Katara, in his career as a pianist and composer has performed on four international tours. Talking to Community, he said: “The ‘Melodia di Vita World Tour’ in 2013 was a big success. In a single year, I performed in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Switzerland, South Korea and Italy.

“‘Da Sempre in Tour’ opened in 2015 in Milan followed by concerts in Germany, Russia, Singapore and Indonesia. ‘Flames of Joy World Tour’ brought me to perform in only one month in 10 countries. ‘Flames of Joy World Tour 2.0 and 3.0’ took place respectively in 2017 and 2018.

Alessandro is also the composer of soundtracks for fi lms, short fi lms, theatre and commercials. “In 2018, I signed an important publishing agreement with Ultra International Music Publishing, an American worldwide music entity, and in 2019 with the Italian famous record company Carosello Records.

“In 2015, I founded Infi nity Sound, a no profi t association which promotes social projects and events for people with disabilities and diffi culties, using music and sport as main connectors. In 2019 I started ‘Lej Festival – Floating Moving Concerts’, a unique and innovative festival and format whose fi rst performance was held in Lake Como. I am again on the international tour to promote my new album Share the World. This album includes 11 compositions. Five of them are for piano with orchestra. Two are for piano solo. The other two are for piano with cello. The two more compositions are for piano with eight other elements. It took me two and a half years to complete the album. For the album, I have taken inspiration from all over the world.”

The pianist started playing the instrument when he was only 7. “I started composing with piano when I was 15. Now, I write and compose not only for piano solo but for orchestra as well. Piano with the orchestra is perfect for soundtrack music. It is like neo-classic music. I also admire lots of classical composers.”

When asked how he would best describe his music, the Italian pianist said: “It is very romantic. There is a lot of passion. I am an Italian so there is a lot of melody

also. Melody is really important for my style of music. I actually try to fi nd really intimate connection with the audience through my music.”

The composer is all praise for the western classical genre of the music. “I love this music. It involves lots of instruments. I simply love piano as an instrument because I started composing with the instrument. Piano gives me real emotions. I put in my soul while playing piano. It is actually a big friend of mine. It talks to me. Piano has been producing really amazing results for me.”

The composer of romantic music

loves to play the piano in the open — in the natural settings such as high mounts, lakes and deserts. “I have a project to play in the natural environment. I have played in the middle of a lake in my city. I also want to play in the desert. I crave for playing piano in amazing natural places all over the world. It gives me genuine inspiration. It also inspires and moves deeply people who listen to me playing in a natural setting. I do enjoy playing in big theatres.”

The melodious pianist sees a sort of natural power in music that helps

connect people across the world.

“East and West are two diff erent worlds culturally. But, I think music connects these worlds. This is the power of music. It connects the world. It connects the souls of the people.

“Musicians and artistes like me can really help increase the connectivity and elevate the existing connection. The popularity of the western classical music is one example how people have got connected to this genre in the East.

“Through my music, I want to describe my experiences and the world. In my latest album, I have

described the world with my own point of view. The album actually off ers a cultural sharing.”

Young Alessandro was in Qatar for the fi rst time and was impressed by the architecture and interest shown in art and music. “Qatar is a young country. It however, is very dynamic. There is a lot of positive energy. The people here seem to have the desire to build real big things. I have seen real energy in the eyes of even a small artiste. My experience in Qatar has also given me a lot of positive energy to view the world in a diff erent way.”

Photos supplied

SALES PITCH: An album cover. QATAR ROUND: Alessandro Martire with Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas.

HIGH NOTE: Playing piano in an upscale resort of Lake Como in northern Italy’s Lombardy region.

“I have played in the middle of a lake in “I have played in the middle of a lake in my city. I also want to play in the desert. my city. I also want to play in the desert.

I crave for playing piano in amazing I crave for playing piano in amazing natural places all over the world. It gives natural places all over the world. It gives

me genuine inspiration”me genuine inspiration”


COMMUNITY

PSD students showcase innovative research papersBy Marelle Bañez

The senior high school and junior high school students of Philippine School Doha (PSD) showcased the fruit

of their labour with this year’s ‘Research Paper Presentation’, which took place in the Edgar V. Bondoc (EVB) Gymnasium recently.

Research is the essence of society’s progression, and PSD never fails to contribute to the current body of knowledge. It also never fails to prove the competence of its students when it comes to creating research studies worthy of being published and recognised internationally.

This year’s presentation was able to do just that as a total of 16 internationally published research papers were presented on stage. The 16 were further divided into three sets: Overseas Filipino Workers and Students; Familial, Cultural and Behavioral Adaptations. Each presenter was able to give a bird’s eye view of their study through a summary of every part of their paper.

For Set A, the fi rst research study presented was ‘From Full Time to Part Time: Uncovering the Lived Experiences of Filipino Expatriate Freelance Workers in Qatar’ followed by ‘Beyond Myself: A Phenomenological Study on the Financing Decision Deeds of Overseas Filipino Workers in Qatar,’ ‘Turbulence Behind the Shadows: The Lived Experiences of Overseas Filipino Workers in Qatar Displayed After Natural Disaster Crisis, A Phenomenology,’ ‘Doing Things Right: The Lived Experiences of Overseas Filipino Workers Having Brain Drain,’ and lastly, ‘Leaving the Daylight: The Adjustment of Filipino Night Shift Workers in the State of Qatar.’ The presenters of each research paper were as follows: Immanuel Salipsip, Dean Santos, Elian Bernales, Charlize Belarmino, and Paolo Dipasupil and Dianne Bautista.

For Set B, these are composed of qualitative researches such as ‘Lights and Shadows: Understanding the Lived Experiences of Multitalented High School Students, A Phenomenology’, ‘From Hardship to Leadership: The Success Stories of Philippine School Doha Student Leaders,’ ‘The Long Way Home: The Social Diagraming of Philippine School Doha Alumni in the Philippines,’ ‘Birth Order Paradox: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Eldest Sibling in the Birth Sequence Hierarchy’ and ‘Having One and Only, Happy or Lonely? The Lived Experiences

of Parents with One Child’. The presenters were as follows: Rogsh Garcia and Angelica Talamante, Hannah Lameg, Andrianna Merced and Jollienne Tubello, Alfredo Sanchez, and Ashley Cabral, and lastly, Jamier Bonaobra and Aidan Makiramdam.

Lastly, Set C with the following research papers: ‘Fitting-In,’ Struggles of Multiracial Adolescents in Philippine School Doha: Win or Lose?’, The Changeover: The Stepchildren’s Sociocultural Adaptability Skills Towards their Stepparents’, ‘Best of Both Worlds: The Lived Experiences of Students who belong to an Interracial Family,’ ‘From Acculturation to Adaptation: Defying Overseas Filipino Junior High School Completers’ Struggles in an International Setting,’ ‘The Unsung Prodigy: Navigating Through The Introspective World of Introverts’, and ‘Taking Stand Behind the Bars of Lies: The Toxicity of Cyberbullying Among Students.’ The presenters were as follows: Suzette Prieto and Kyla Lim, Marc Igna, Fatima Anami and Bria Jove, Rachel Casipit and Erika Castro, Luis Miraran, and Hector Cabachete, and Anna Mariano and Ronna Canaria.

Time was also dedicated to each set to answer questions from the audience regarding their paper through an open forum. All of the groups stayed on stage for this portion of the event. Several

hands were raised, eager to ask questions. Most of those who asked were from Grade-XI, as they are still in the process of fi nishing their paper, they sought to gain a better understanding of research. Each group was able to answer every question thrown at them, proving how profi cient they are as researchers.

After everything, the internationally published research papers were then called on stage one by one, along with their research adviser, for the awarding of certifi cates of recognition.

Aside from the senior high school students, the junior high school students were also involved in this event through their research exhibit. Several of their research papers were selected to be displayed in the gymnasium. The researchers’ creativity also shined through the ways they designed their display.

It is undeniable that PSD is now growing to be a research hub with skillful researchers. Each year, PSD challenges its students to create a research study that is better than their last, moulding them into excellence. Now, more than 20

research papers have so far been internationally published, which would not have been possible without the combined hard work of the students and the guidance of their research advisers spearheaded by the Research Development, Accreditation, and Publication Offi ce. However, their journey does not end here. Sooner or later, these bright, young minds will face research on their own. Without a doubt, they will carry all the experiences and lessons they learned in school as they continue to walk their research journey.


COMMUNITY

Fun, entertainment galore at Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab

Qatar’s premier international equestrian competition, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented

by Longines taking place at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab from 27-29 February will not only feature world class equestrian competition but fun-fi lled family activities and entertainment that will captivate and fascinate spectators.

This year’s festival area and dedicated family entertainment zone, will off er a variety of entertaining activities suitable for visitors of all ages. This includes magic and puppet shows, marionettes, arcade games, art and craft, face painting, virtual reality games and even, traditional Qatari cultural activities such as henna painting and falcon handling.

CHI stands for Concours Hippique International or International Equestrian Competition. The three magic letters make all the diff erence in the prestigious equestrian world. It is a title of nobility, something rare that does not come easy. Organisers yearn for this title, while riders covet winning at a show of this stature.

First organised in 2013, CHI Al Shaqab has evolved to become one of the highlights on the world’s equestrian calendar. It brings together the world’s top ranking riders in three Olympic equestrian disciplines – showjumping, dressage and para dressage.

Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab 2020 Presented by Longines is one of fi ve CHI events worldwide but the only one of its kind in the Middle East and Asia.

Tickets for Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, including exclusive VIP packages, are now available online at https://www.q-tickets.com/ or through the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com).

Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision was to build on Qatar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global centre for equine professionals, while providing an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not only meant preserving, improving, and promoting the Arabian horse breed, but also encouraging the community in this unique, traditional cultural sport.

Today, Al Shaqab’s impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000sq m. With a state-of-the-art Main Arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000 spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar’s growing reputation on the world stage that showcases its ability to host major international sports event at the highest level.

Photos by Jayan Orma


COMMUNITY

Nepalese literary societies organise 100th programmeInternational Nepali Literature Society – Qatar (INLS) and Nabodit Literary Library (NLL), organisations active in promoting Nepali language and literature in Qatar, organised their 100th gold recital programme recently at Shalimar Restaurant, Doha.INLS and NLL have been organising such programmes for last 100 months. The programme was chaired by Sita Ram Thapa, INLS-Qatar chairman, and Radhe Shyam Lekali, INLS chairman from Nepal, were the chief guests on the occasion.INLS and NLL felicitated several audience members, who support and keenly participate in many of the recital programmes. ‘INLS Shikhar Prize’ was announced by Tirtha Sangam Rai, a writer and former INLS chairman, in the memory of late Shikhar Baidhya. According to Rai, the decision of forming the prize was made during the third INLS conference recently held in Japan. The prize is started with $150. Family members of late Baidhya, wife Sabita Baidhya, daughter Sagun,

and daughter-in-law Sheharoj, were present in the programme. The participants of the activity also exchanged diff erent books with each other.Maya K C welcomed the literary and cultural team from the literary

organisation and expressed happiness over the initiative to bring the writers and litterateurs from the diff erent countries closer to each other.The event also included lighthearted entertainment with a session of ghazal recitations, and ended with a

spiritual and philosophical lecture by Radhe Shyam lekhali about Nepal’s rich literature.Radhe Shyam Lekali, INLS chairman, and Sita Ram Thapa, INLS-Qatar chairman, spoke on the occasion. Lekhali said: “Such programme help

to broaden the scope of Nepali literature at international level”. He also praised the INLS Qatar’s activities in diff erent literary genres including; poem, essay, and novel. The programme was hosted by Dilip Parajuli, NLL chairman.

Nepalese community enjoys traditional feastTamu Society – Qatar (TS) organised a sisters’ lunch and artistes’ felicitation programme recently. The programme marked the custom of Tamu or Gurung community of Nepal, who traditionally organise feast for their married daughters and sisters in January-February.The programme was chaired by Bhai Kazi Gurung, TS chairman, while Bil Bahadur Gurung, non-resident Nepalese leader, attended the event as a guest of honour. Community leaders namely; Bimal Subedi, Budhabal Gurung, Shiba Gurung, Taumaya Gurung, Dil Kumari Gurung, Mohammad Muktada, Shiba Kumar Bhujel, Uttam Gurung, Sarita Gurung, Deb Raj Rai, Shiya Ram Chaudhary, Suk Bahadur Tamang, Shankha Lal Tamang, Niyam Bhujel, Rajendra Samyankhyam, Bimal Rai, Dhiren Lama, Hari Bahadur Mahato, Milan Bhujel, Ram Kumar Mandal, Rabindra Gurung, Amina Khan, Rekha Rai,

Bishal Khatiwoda, Pushpa Lama, Karim Baks Miya, Sangram Lama, Mahal K C, Chanak Pokharel, Tek Gaire, Ashmita Ghising, Sandhya Limbu, Niru Rai, Maya Bhujel, Sara Tamusyo and Usha Pariyar were present in the programme.The event started with the welcome speech by Khusiman Gurung, TS vice chairman, followed by candle lighting. Taumaya Tamusyo introduced the audience about the tradition of feast and its cultural importance in Gurung or Tamu community.Kushi Gurung, a Tamu leader, expressed confidence that such unique feasts have great importance in the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi -religious and geographically diverse country like Nepal.TS felicitated the artistes, sponsors and supporters of the previous programmes. Bhim Prasad Gurung, a dance director, and community

leaders namely; Tau Bahadur Gurung, Bill Bahadur Gurung, Bhai Kazi Gurung, Surya Gurung, Keshar Singh Gurung and Bhesh Gurung

were honoured with gifts.The programme served delicacies of ethnic Gurung or Tamu community that principally resides in the western

hills of Nepal. The elders sang Thado Bhaka whereas others dance to Chudka ( a fast paced dance style).

— By Usha Wagle Gautam

KMCC honours socially committed business personsQatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) Thiruvampadi Constituency committee organised a conference named ‘Jwaala 2020’ recently at Al Thumama KMCC Hall and honoured the socially committed business persons in the function.Mohamed Easa, NRI businessmen and the President of Qatar Indian Football Association: E P Abdurahman, Vice President Indian Sports Centre; Sidiqik Purayil, MD Able International Group and General Secretary INCAS Global committee; A M Mohamed Ashraf, Director Brilliant Group of Companies; Noufal Kttayat, Pharma Care; Illias K Hamsa, Kenza Trading Company; Shimjith Koyassan, MD Bright Education Centre; and V K Abdulla, MD Gulf Deccorex; received mementos of honour

from E T Mohamed Basheer MP, organising secretary of IUML.Mohamed Bsheer presented a memento to E K Mayin Master for his 30 years memorable services to the community as the part of his farewell. The organisers also honoured E K Mohmed Ali, T T Abdurahman, V N Yusuf, K T Ibrahim and Abdul Nazar Melemadathil for their continuous services for KMCC.E A Nasar, President KMCC Thiruvampadi, chaired the proceedings. C P Cheriya Mohamed, IUML Kerala Secretry; C K Kasim, IUML Thiruvampadi; Abdul Azees Narikkuni , M P Illias Master and E K Mohamed Ali also spoke on the occasion. T P Abbas welcomed the gathering. O P Salih, marked vote of thanks.


COMMUNITY

Holiday Villa holds fire drill, employee appreciation, Sport Day

Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence Doha has had an eventful February, i.e. hotel fi re drill, employees appreciation event and Qatar

National Sport Day 2020.Earlier of the month, the hotel has

had a Fire Drill to ensure staff s aware of the safety and evacuation procedures during emergency. A false alarm had been triggered as well as an evacuation announcement was made via the hotel’s speakers. Employees evacuated the hotel building to the designated assembly point. A mock fi re casualties were carried to safety and the evacuation team demonstrated to all how to put out the fi re using water hose and the fi re extinguisher.

Apart from the Fire Drill, the hotel had an employee appreciation event where awards and certificates were given to the high achievers of the hotel based on the guest’s and management’s reviews. As a side event, the hotel organised an HV Got Talent show where the talented employees competed in

showcasing their performing arts. The highlight of February was the

Qatar National Sport Day 2020. The management and staff of Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence Doha came out together to participate in myriad of sports activities held by the hotel’s gym, Activa Fitness Club. The event was organised yearly in support of the government’s vision to ensure all walks of society are living a healthy and active lifestyle in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. It is also in preparation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Participants of the National Sport Day did group exercise, marathon, fun games, tug of war, cross fi t challenge and the Biggest Loser competition which was announced a month earlier. It was an eventful of activities instead of the cold weather and strong wind.

Every year during Qatar National Sport Day, the hotel will participate in promoting healthy lifestyle activities to the guests and staff including off ering healthy breakfast and Hi-Tea Buff et during that day.

Participants in the Holiday Villa’s Sport Day doing group warm up.

GROUP: The Deputy General Manager, Roy Buma, second from right, with the team and winners of HV Got Talent 2020.

Fire extinguishing demonstration during the fire drill.

Banana Island Resort Doha introduces an all-new menu at Al NahhamBanana Island Resort Doha is

pleased to announce the launch of a new menu at the Al Nahham restaurant. With its fresh look and feel, the menu promises mouthwatering delicacies prepared with distinction and the best Oriental touch. The presentation of this menu comes within the resort’s endless endeavour to meet the expectations of guests and visitors with a discerning palate.

The Al Nahham restaurant at Banana Island Resort Doha off ers through its new menu a variety of Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines, a unique fusion of fl avours that makes dining an exceptional experience in an atmosphere that blends contemporary Arabic design with stunning views of the turquoise Arabian Gulf.

The specially curated menu covers a selection of more than twenty hot and cold starters, soups, and the most delicious main courses thoughtfully prepared by the resort’s skilled chefs.

Rich and appetising dishes will surely elevate guests’ experience to an unprecedented level. The seafood section gives the opportunity to choose from fresh selections on display. There is also a wide variety of grills plus the

chefs’ Arabic specialities, with distinguishing tastes from the East and West. In addition, diners can also delight in an assortment of Oriental sweets, mocktails and fresh juices.

On this occasion, Bashar El Halabi, Head Oriental Chef, said, “At Banana Island Resort Doha, we strive to provide our guests and visitors with the best gastronomic experience that live up to their aspirations. Our team members

have always believed in innovation in our provided services, and the launch of the new menu is a perfect example to showcase our

culinary know-how along with the unrivalled dining ambience at ‘Al Nahham’, one of Doha’s prominent restaurants.”

Al Nahham exterior.


COMMUNITY QUIZ

Entrepreneur and inventor, with a soul of dreamer, and true embodiment of his ‘Stay hungry, stay foolish!’ philosophy,

Steve Jobs’ was a masterstroke who brought a perfect artistry of style and functionality into our everyday digital space. One of the founders of the cult called ‘Apple’, Steve has been about secrets and surprises which, coupled with his countercultural lifestyle, made him no less than an enigma.

Steve Jobs’ birth parents were an unmarried, interracial couple whose parents didn’t approve of their union and forced them to give the child up for adoption. Abdulfattah Jandali, his father, was a Syrian. Steve Jobs was adopted shortly after his birth. With regard to his biological parents, Jobs referred to them as “my sperm and egg bank. That’s not harsh, it’s just the way it was, a sperm bank thing, nothing more.”

Like fellow personal computer pioneers Bill Gates and Steve Wozniak, Jobs was a college dropout. Jobs admitted he never enjoyed school structure and preferred to learn in unconventional ways. He slept on his friends’ dorm room fl oors, returned Coke bottles for money, and survived off free meals from the local Hare Krishna temple.

When Jobs was 13, he met 18-year-old Steve Wozniak, the neighbour of a friend and an expert in home electronics. Out of Jobs’ Los Altos garage, they worked on several tech projects together, laying the groundwork for what would one day become Apple computers. Jobs asserted himself as the “ideas man,” and the more business-oriented of the two. Wozniak, however, was the guy who made Jobs’ dreams reality.

Steve lured John Sculley from Pepsi-Cola to become Apple’s CEO in 2003. Coincidently it was John Sculley who then fi red Jobs in 2005. He, later, recognised the coup as a blessing in disguise, as it gave him a chance to experiment creatively and purchase an animation studio, which would later be known as Pixar. After parting ways with Apple in 1985, Jobs applied to become a civilian astronaut for Nasa. His application was rejected. Eventually he rejoined Apple as CEO in 1997 (and revitalised the failing company). A well-known egomaniac, Jobs was infamous for being diffi cult and demanding. In

1993, he held a spot on Fortune’s list of America’s Toughest Bosses.

Steve Jobs was arguably the greatest artist ever. Well, some get to be one by turning everything in their life upside down, by making horribly ugly mistakes, by doing things so diff erently that people will never be able to fi gure you out, by failing, at times cheating and lying (that’s for discussion another day), and having people detest you and coming out the other side with a little bit more wisdom than the rest.

Jobs was a pescetarian, meaning he ate no meat except for fi sh. He also liked carrots and fruits and spent some time as a fruitarian, meaning he only ate fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and grains. In 1974, a trip to India sparked in him a lifelong interest in Buddhism that stayed with him forever.

Jobs followed a simplistic dress

code, but his trademark black turtleneck, dad jeans, and sneakers were certainly iconic. To be precise, Jobs wore black mock turtlenecks by Issey Miyake, Levi’s 501s, and New Balance 991 sneakers. It is said that he had close to 100 Levis jeans throughout his lifetime.

Jobs was found to have pancreatic cancer in 2003, but rather than taking the doctor-recommended path of immediate operation, Jobs subscribed to an alternative-medicine regimen. After nine months, Jobs gave in and underwent surgery. Many consider the delay a major factor in his eventual decline. Current Apple CEO Tim Cook and Steve Jobs shared a rare blood type and Cook off ered a portion of his liver to Jobs. Jobs declined.

At the time of his death, Jobs held nearly 350 patents. While most do involve computers and software,

Jobs also held patents on things like special kinds of lanyards and packing. Even the glass staircases found in many Apple stores were patented by Jobs.

While at Apple, Jobs always kept his annual salary at $1. With 5.5 million shares of Apple stock and as the majority shareholder of Disney stock (from selling Pixar), he wasn’t quite what we would call a starving artist. At the time of his death in 2011, he was worth $8.3 billion. He was buried in an unmarked grave at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto.

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful, that’s what matters to me.” And Steve lived by what he said once.

Welcome to ‘Nutty’s Infotainment.YAYS!’ Your time starts NOW!

Mona Simpson, an American novelist, won a Whiting Award for her fi rst novel, Anywhere but Here. It was adapted as a fi lm, starring Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman. Her novel A Regular Guy explores the strained relationship of a Silicon Valley tycoon with a daughter born out of wedlock, which he did not acknowledge. How is Mona Simpson related to Steve Jobs?

Simpson is the younger sister of Steve Jobs. Simpson was born after her parents had married and did not meet Jobs until she was 25 years old.

Steve Jobs never put licence plates on his silver Mercedes (despite driving it constantly). How did he do it?

California has a rule that a car owner has six months to put plates on a new car. Jobs just changed cars (to the identical model) every six months, allowing him to drive without plates.

Steve was one of the most

competitive employees ever. When Steve Wozniak was named employee #1, he was very upset. How did he beat him at the game?

He protested until he became employee # 0

During the very agonising period Steve Jobs experienced after being fi red by the board of Apple, he changed his style of glasses to match the style of which of his inspiration?

Mahatma Gandhi. In 1999 Time Magazine asked Steve his choice for the person of the century, and he replied: “Mohandas Gandhi is my choice for the Person of the Century because he showed us the way out of the destructive side of our human nature”.

Which American business magnate’s last words were monosyllables that he repeated thrice “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh

wow” while gazing over his family’s shoulders?

Steve Jobs Keith Campbell, Ian Wilmut

and colleagues at the Roslin Institute and the biotechnology company PPL Therapeutics were behind this project. She was born on July 5, 1996 and her existence was announced to the public on 22 February 1997. What are we talking about?

Dolly, the female domestic sheep, and the fi rst mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, using the process of nuclear transfer.

National Geographic reports

that during the plague of AD 590, “Pope Gregory I ordered unceasing prayer for divine intercession”. He decreed that for a certain act (which he believed was the fi rst sign of falling sick) any person in the vicinity should wish for divine protection on that person. What was the act and what were you supposed to do, according to him?

Say ‘God Bless You’ when someone sneezes.

‘Doromania’ is described as an unusual preoccupation with doing a particular act that we all do when meeting loved ones, especially on special days. What does a person who suff ers from ‘Doromania’ have an urge to do?

Giving gifts.

425 Grove Street, Apt 20, New York, is the address that has been the site of much joy, sadness and crazy antics. In real life, the address is 90 Bedford Street, New York, NY 10014. If you are watching a story unfolding at this address, which sitcom series is it?

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

The below photograph has become one of the most signifi cant and recognisable images of World War II. What is the event?

(Answer next week. Answer to last week’s photo-quiz: KFC. Because it is “Finger Lickin Good”)

Remembering Steve Jobs

According to Forbes magazine in 2004, who was the fi rst person to become a billionaire by writing books?

JK Rowling(Nancy Swort, Tourist, California)

What is a group of camels called?Caravan. Flock, train and herd are also acceptable answers. (Anju Kapoor, Housewife, Doha)

Do you have some interesting bytes to share? And, does yourvibe attract you to the ‘Tribe NI.yays!’ Every week two of your best questions will be featured here. Please do write to us at [email protected].

Tribe NI.yays

PIONEER: Jobs was a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer era.


COMMUNITYINFOGRAPHIC

What happened?

Graphic: TNS

Try different balloons to see which work best

Tape coins to the card to see if the hovercraft can carry a load

Put tape over the holes to see what happens with smaller holes

Give a gentle push, and it will run across the table

The spool and cardboard skid around the table, lifted on a stream of air

2

1

3 4

Flying atlow altitude

In science fiction, people ride around in cars that hover above the ground because of some mysterious force.

You’ll need• Cardboard

• Spool that sewing thread came on

• Ruler

• Sharp pencil• Glue

Cut a 4 in. (10 cm) cardboard square, and draw lines between corners

• Rubber balloons of different sizes

• Scissors • Adult helper

Here’s a hovering vehicle – no mysterious force needed:

Make a small hole in center with pencil point

Put glue on end of spool, look through spool’s center and stick spool down on the center of cardboard

Cut out cardboard circle the same size as end of spool and glue to spool; make small hole in center with pencil point; let glue dry

Blow up balloon, twist its neck to hold air in, stretch its opening to fit over spool, put on table and let go

Let glue dry completely; push pencil point into hole to make it as large as hole through spool

Try This


COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

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

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.

DAMPLEATHERYSOFTDOUGHYMOISTSOLIDDRYROUGH

SQUELCHYFIRMROUNDEDSTICKYFLAKYRUBBERYWARMFURRY

SHARPWETHAIRYSLIPPERYYIELDINGHARDSMOOTH


COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

Super Cryptic Clues

Solution

Across1 Posers start leading in fashions (6)4 A stubborn person takes time to display charm (6)8 A garden shrub Cilla ordered (5)9 One taking stock of another (7)10 Idle act destroyed fortress (7)11 A principal in front (5)12 Old bus set out? Certainly! (9)17 Try to catch fish in the corner (5)19 Perhaps I reveal a girl’s name (7)21 Landlords delivered by postman? (7)22 McCartney band is successful without guitar lead (5)23 Desperate man has twisted his tongue (6)24 Devil crossing river to see a pal (6)

Down1 Ill-will shown by mother to parasites (6)2 Did grasp instrument with less concentration! (7)3 Unfinished cryptic clue I’d make clear (5)5 It makes error! (7)6 French city badly walled by the French (5)7 A long angry speech - read it out (6)9 Awfully versatile members of the family (9)13 Economise? It’s no good! (7)14 Curious saint having to wander (7)15 Imprisoned wrongly in old age (6)16 Let lad see round (6)18 Board is to make progress (3,2)20 Inferior cow? (5)


COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/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

Aries, you may have had some confused emotions about your

relationship or family over the past few days. You may not have

been able to fully express your worries to others. But today these

emotions will find a way to come out. Look around you. There might

be someone right next to you who can help with your problems.

Is it possible you’re too demanding, Cancer? Today’s planetary

aspects may be asking you this question. You’re choosy about the

people you spend time with, and you have a tendency to ask them to

go too far for you. Sometimes you have trouble knowing your limits

where other people are concerned. You might want to think about

this.

You won’t be able to fix your indecisiveness, Libra. You just need to

give yourself some time. The direction your life is taking isn’t clear at

the moment. There are great changes going on inside you. So, even

though it may sound like strange advice, don’t do a thing about it!

Let the situation get clearer before you act.

Today is a day for healing and reconciliation. You may have been

feeling abused and mistreated lately by someone (or a few people)

in your family over the past few weeks. You’re now ready for a

new start, because you were able to work things out and you’ve

learned something from what happened. Take the time to savour the

moment, and spend some time with the people you love.

If every day were like today, life would be heaven, Taurus! This is

potentially a wonderful time for you. You may find the answers to

problems that have been bothering you for a few weeks. Keep your

eyes and ears open in all conversations. You could come across the

piece you’ve been waiting for.

Today’s a day to daydream, although this may not be an activity

you usually do. You may even feel as if you’re on vacation. Let’s just

hope people don’t ask you a lot of diff icult questions, because your

answers will be anything but clear. But you shouldn’t have to carry

the weight of the world on your shoulders every day, Leo.

You have a strange and wonderful day ahead, Scorpio. Once you’ve

finished your work, you may want to either draw or write something

that will help you remember today for a long time. You’re beginning

to see the results of recent changes in you, and you’re looking for a

way to express them. It may be diff icult to find just the right words.

But aren’t you a natural-born writer?

You may feel living your life is like crossing a desert, but fortunately,

Aquarius, today brings your oasis. Take advantage of it! Some people

you’ve met over the past few weeks could turn out to be more

interesting than you originally thought. It’s up to you to change

those parts of your personality that have been holding you back.

Gemini, you don’t have to be at everyone’s beck and call all the time.

This is exhausting, and you lose contact with yourself. You should

try to take some time out today. Take a good look at your life to see

where you’re going. Go for a walk or take a long bubble bath. Things

will be much clearer after a relaxing day of reflection.

If you have someone special in your life, Virgo, today is a perfect day

to stop playing at being your partner’s parent, as you sometimes

seem to do. Reverse roles, and let other people take care of you.

The world won’t fall apart if you let go for a while. No matter what

happens, a day like today should open your eyes.

You have a nice day in store, Sagittarius. People may seem more

attentive to your needs and generally very pleasant. You may not be

used to this kind of treatment! You feel more outgoing and sociable

than ever. You could take advantage of the day’s tolerant atmosphere

to meet people you may have been too afraid to introduce yourself to.

They will surely have some new things to teach you.

Certain questions about your family life aren’t as cut and dried as

you might think, Pisces. This can be the case when emotions are

involved. Yet more than anyone else, you need to be careful not to

hurt anyone’s feelings. Today something could happen that will let

you control the situation while controlling your emotions.

Researchers find secret to achieve goals

Researchers have provided new insights into why people often make unrealistic plans that are doomed to fail.

The study, published in the journal Behavioural Brain Research, analysed the complex relationship between reward and eff ort in achieving goals, and identifi ed two critical stages in the decision-making process.

The researchers found that when people fi rst decide what to do they are motivated by rewards. However, once they begin to put plans into action, their focus turns to the diffi culty of the eff ort they need to put in.

They suggest the key to achievable aims is to consider the eff ort needed when deciding what to do, and then remembering to focus on the rewards once the time comes to put the eff ort in.

“We have found that there isn’t a direct relationship between the amount of reward that is at stake and the amount of eff ort people actually put in,” said study lead author Agata Ludwiczak from Queen Mary University of London in the UK.

“This is because when we make

choices about what eff ort to put in, we are motivated by the rewards we expect to get back. But at the point at which we come to actually do what we had said we would do, we focus on the level of eff ort we have to actually put in rather than the rewards we hoped we would get,” Ludwiczak added.

To investigate the relationship between eff ort and reward, the research team designed experiments involving two diff erent forms of eff ort, physical and mental.

Physical eff ort was measured by the action of squeezing a joystick whilst the ability for participants to solve simple mathematical equations tested mental eff ort.

Study participants were presented with diff erent options that combined either high or low eff ort with high or low fi nancial reward, and asked to select which one to pursue.

The research found that when selecting options participants were guided by the level of financial reward offered, but on execution of the task their performance was determined by the actual amount of effort they needed to exert.

The team observed that the results were similar for both the physical and mental eff ort-based experiments.

“Common sense suggests the

amount of eff ort we put into a task directly relates to the level of reward we expect in return,” Ludwiczak said.

“However, building psychological

and economic evidence indicates that often high rewards are not enough to ensure people put in the eff ort they need to achieve their targets,” Ludwiczak added. – IANS

Sunday, February 23, 2020 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

Williams raises $300,000 to send bullying victim to Disneyland

SUPPORT: Comedian Brad Williams plays to the camera during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Bojangles’ Coliseum in Charlotte, NC, last year. File photo

By Dorany Pineda

Comedians can be heroes, too. That’s what American comic Brad Williams became when he helped raise money to send Quaden Bayles, a 9-year-old from Australia who was bullied at school for his dwarfi sm, to the happiest place on Earth: Disneyland.

The boy’s mother, Yarraka Bayles, posted a video this week on Facebook Live showing her son sobbing inconsolably in the back of their car, saying: “Give me a knife, I want to kill myself.” Her son, who reportedly was born with achondroplasia, had attempted suicide in the past, she said.

“This is what bullying does,” she says in the video, which went viral. “Can you please educate your children, your families, your friends?”

Williams, who also has dwarfi sm, saw the heartbreaking footage and decided to do something about it.

Williams shared the story on Twitter with the caption: “This makes me sick. I’ve been trying to get in touch with this family. If any of my Austrialian fans know this family. Please tell this wonderful boy that he has me and an army of friends all over the world that support him.”

Within hours, Williams got hold of the family and set up a GoFundMe with the hope of raising $10,000. By Friday morning, more than 13,000 people had pledged more than $290,000 and counting.

“I’m setting up this GoFundMe to let Quaden know that bullying will not be tolerated, and that he is a wonderful human being who deserves joy,” Williams wrote on the website. “This isn’t just for Quaden, this is for anyone who has been bullied in their lives and told they weren’t good enough. Let’s show Quaden and others, that there is good in the world and they are worthy of it.”

The funds will cover costs of travel, hotel, food and tickets to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Any additional money will be donated to anti-bullying and anti-abuse charities, Williams said.

But there’s more: Quaden has also been off ered bully-proofi ng martial arts training, including a trip to Singapore, from Chatri Sityodtong, an entrepreneur who owns a chain of martial arts academies in Asia.

— Los Angeles Times/TNS

Bhumi: Increased responsibility as an actor a happy problem

GAME: Bhumi is enjoying fame.

Actress Bhumi Pednekar is busier than ever, and she says that an increase in professional responsibility and fan frenzy is a happy problem for any actor.

“When you want to become an actor, you dream that your responsibility increases, that your fan-following and their love for you increases. You want to keep them happy and satisfi ed with your fi lms, so it’s a happy problem to have,” said Bhumi.

Last year was fabulous for the actress. Her roles in Saand Ki Aankh, Bala and Pati Patni Aur Woh were universally applauded, and she has great roles coming up. “2019 was really a special year because my fi lms were appreciated by the audience. I

am getting the love and respect at award ceremonies as well,” said Bhumi, at NexBrands Brand Vision Summit and Awards 2020.

At Filmfare Awards this year, where she shared the Best Actress (Critics’ Choice) trophy with her Saand Ki Aankh co-star Taapsee Pannu, there has been major controversy over Gully Boy sweeping the awards.

Twitterati slammed the decision and #BoycottFilmare began trending.

On the controversy, Bhumi said: “I feel each body or panel takes its decision, so I don’t think I am in a place to comment about what is right or wrong. We (Taapsee and Bhumi) won the award in critic’s category, which was decided by jury. I am thankful for that.”

Bhumi has a couple of heroine-centric projects lined up over the next few months. There is the horror thriller Durgavati, her fi rst solo release as a heroine. The fi lm directed by G Ashok, is based on his 2018 Telugu fi lm Bhaagamathie.

Bhumi reprises the role of an IAS offi cer that was played by Anushka Shetty in the original.

She is also waiting for the release of Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, directed by Lipstick Under My Burkha maker Alankrita Shrivastava. The fi lm co-stars Konkona Sen Sharma and was screened at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival. — IANS

Rahman ‘politically illiterate by choice’

MANTRA: “Serving humanity through art — that heals people, that is spiritual — is more important when there is too much aggression out there,” says the music maestro.

By Arundhuti Banerjee

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman feels although the world is going through a socio-political turmoil, and every second person is expressing political opinion in an aggressive manner, he chooses to

channelise his energy in making music, stories and art that can bring about a positive change in the mind of the youngsters.

The Indian music maestro is all set to take a new step in creativity. He makes his debut as scriptwriter and fi lm producer with the upcoming musical fi lm, 99 Songs.

“I am politically illiterate by choice, because I rather invest my energy to create what I am creating. One of

the reasons why I am making fi lms, music and training kids in music is to off er them a space that they can explore away from politics, violence and all things that are negative. I see how everyone is getting into some political opinion and it is a grey area. It is complicated and probably I won’t be able to articulate my thoughts as correctly as I can do it through music. For me, serving humanity through art — that heals people, that is spiritual — is more important when there is too much aggression out there,” Rahman said.

His daughter Khatija was brutally trolled a while back by the Swedish-Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen on social media, for wearing the burqa, but Khatija’s graceful and befi tting answer to the author received widespread praise by netizens.

Rahman’s 99 Songs is directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy and the fi lm features Ehan Bhat, Edilsy Vargas, Lisa Ray, Manisha Koirala, Ranjit Barot and Rahul Ram.

What prompted him to take up the challenge of fi lmmaking? The ‘Mozart of Madras’ replied: “Not taking up challenges and feeling complacent due to success is boring! I mean, none of us are immortal. We all are going to die, but before death happens let us give new ideas a try. My drive is to explore human possibilities. Criticism is okay with me, so many challenges are thrown at us by life. It is worth taking up the challenges!”

The songs of his fi lm were released on Thursday in Mumbai. Rahman has created the album with Dolby Atmos. Emphasising on the collaboration, Rahman said: “When you hear music, good sound technology off ers you an experience that is worth cherishing. We get to experience Dolby Atmos in cinema theatres. They are now collaborating with streaming platforms where you listen to music on the phone and still get the same sound quality, without those speakers.”

— IANS

is obviously for the people from Karnataka.

“Without their support, we will not be able to screen the movie in Qatar. We have to go with it as a part of the community activity. A few months ago, Subramanya Hebbagelu, a noted member of the Indian community– also from Karnataka, off ered me to screen the movie in Qatar. We have invitations from the people of Karnataka living across the world. The large concentrations of Karnataka people outside India are in Gulf and in the US.”

Being a writer, Chandrashekhar wants to make fi lms in Kannada language only. “I am very comfortable in it. Kannada is my expression. I can present myself with all the artistic requirements. That is why I have confi ned myself to the Kannada cinema. However, through Kannada fi lms, I want to address global issues. Kannada language is in my blood. Of course, my fi lms can be dubbed in other languages.”

When asked about the future of cinema when pitched against digital platforms, Chandrashekhar said: “This is a very crucial stage for fi lmmakers. Theatre was threatened by cinema some 100 odd years ago. Then TV came as a threat to cinema. Nowadays, digital platforms are threatening cinema. You cannot avoid the scientifi c advances. We

have to accept all the possibilities.“Cinema making or cinema going

is a sort of community activity. Nonetheless, the number of movie lovers going to cinema is going down. People are becoming more individualistic. They want to watch

a fi lm on their personal platforms like iPads or smartphones. We have to wait and see how things are going to unfold further. Movie auditoriums in India are already facing problems.

“I think for every language,

there should be or going to be a web series. In Karnataka, people are already working on the project. Big screen magic will certainly be in danger in the future. The digital platforms have already started thriving in India.”


COMMUNITY

‘Real expression comes in native language’

By Mudassir Raja

The medium of a movie may be regional but it must be global in its grammar. The world is a global village. A regional

movie can and should address large issues of international scale.

These views were shared by Dr Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, an Indian director, actor, screenwriter and a lyricist who predominantly works in Kannada Cinema, with Community recently after he attended a meet and greet gathering before the premier of his latest Kannada movie India vs England in Qatar.

A large number of families and members of Kannada expatriate community from India attended the meet and greet event organsied at Grand Qatar Palace hotel. The writer spoke about his movie and the Kannada cinema in detail and answered diff erent questions raised by the audience.

Chandrashekhar made his fi lm debut as a screenplay writer in Kadina Benki which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and the Karnataka State Award. His directorial debut was Undu Hoda Kondu Hoda for which he won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Story. Three of his fi lms, Kotreshi Kanasu, America America and Hoomale won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada respectively.

Talking to Community, he said: “If you take any [international] issue like migration or transgender, you can deal with them in a human way even in the movies of a regional language like Kannada. Though we talk to a regional market, we can still address international issues. In this sense, cinema is beyond a particular language.”

The movie India vs England is not a story of cricket. The hero of the film is born and brought up in England but has roots in Karnataka. The heroine is from India. It is the story of conflicting ideas. The boy believes in the theory that the UK was the main reason for the development in present day India. The girl, on the other hand, advocates that the UK actually ruined India. The movie’s first show was premiered last Friday.

The fi lmmaker said: “I have shot the picture both in India and England. My script is infl uenced by diff erent books written on the subject. My daughter has written a novel named Longitude, Latitude. I got attracted by the novel and brought it into cinema.”

The target audience for the movie

“This is a very crucial stage for fi lmmakers. Theatre was threatened by cinema some 100 odd years ago. Then TV came as a threat to cinema. Nowadays, digital platforms are threatening cinema. You cannot avoid the scientifi c advances. We have to accept all the possibilities”

— Dr Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar

Dr Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar receiving a memento from Karnataka community in Qatar.

the pianist - m.gulf-times.com

Documents