A BYTE OF LIFE Friday, January 2, 2009

My Chennai in 2009
p04
New landmarks which are to come up

FREE CIRCULATION Vol. 3 No. 1

Divine
Revelation
After months of speculation, Bala launched
the audio of ‘Naan Kadavul’ on New Year’s
Day. And as if it to put to end another spec-
ulation of sorts, Pooja carried off her ‘off-
screen’ chemistry with Arya on the stage, tug-
ging neatly alongside Kollywood’s most
eligible bachelor.

» PAGE 10

TOGA TAKEOVER
The ancient Roman drape’s new avatar is
red hot property now

» Page 08
02 ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

Namma Chennai
EXPO

A n exhibition-cum-sale of
handicrafts and handicrafted
textiles from Karnataka is going on
at CP Arts centre. There are
CANVAS sandalwood carvings, rosewood
inlay, bronze figurines, hand-woven
textiles and jewellery. A discount of
B ritish Council in association
with Nature Quest organising
Hard Rain, an unique audio visual
10 per cent is offered for the
purchase.
When: January 1- 12
presentation by Mark Edwards. Where: CP Arts Centre, Alwarpet
Hard Rain is the result, bringing
together key insights and
photographs from assignments to
150 countries. The exhibition and
presentation have been seen by
over 10 million people on every
continent and continue to reach
new audiences.
When: 5 January 2009
Where: British Council, Anna Salai
SALE!

FILM FESTIVAL
C rossword has announced ‘Beyond
Books’ sale – with fabulous discounts
on movies, music, toys, stationery and
CD ROMs.

T he Alliance Francaise and UTV

World movies bring you a
selection of some of the finest
On offer – 20 per cent off on world
cinema titles, 50 per cent off on award-
winning television sitcoms and up to
works of director Luc Besson. 50% off on select LEGO merchandise.
Leon, The Fifth Element, Nikita, When: Up to January 4
Subway, The Big Blue will be Where: Crossword Stores are located at
screened. Kuppu Arcade on Venkatnarayana
When: 5 January to 9, 6.30 pm Road, T.Nagar and above Shoppers’
Where: AFM Auditorium Stop on Harrington Road

GROOMING FASHION

A Workshop on self grooming

will be conducted by a K een on getting a wardrobe change
for the New Year? Check out the
Winter Collection of Brass Tacks on
specialist in beauty and grooming
and a mehandi designing C.P.Ramasami Road. The Winter 2008
workshop will be conducted by an collection was launched just a week
expert in Arabic Mehandi. The back, showcasing a range of metallic
workshop on Home Décor would tones in bright shades of copper,
include beautifying your house cherry, hot iron, cobalt and rust. The
with a variety of fresh flowers. luxurious fibres of Mulberry silk, Tussar
For details contact Neeva Eventz silk, Eri silk and soft cotton bring out
at 9884049371, 9884061700 the lustre of each shade. The prices
Where: 4A Abhirami Krishna range from Rs 710 to Rs 2,600. The
Tulasi Apts, 34, 2nd main road, entire Winter Collection can be viewed
Kasturaibai Nagar, Adyar online at www.brasstacksmadras.com.
When: January 9, 10 Where: 77/13, Corporation Shopping
Complex, C.P. Ramaswamy Road,
Alwarpet.
Contact: 420 81767
 Friday, January 2, 2009
03
Order your meal before flying
SpiceJet has launched ‘Book your meal before you fly’ option on all its
flights. Passengers can pre-order onboard refreshments at the time of
booking their ticket on spicejet.com or through their call centre at 1800
180 3333/ 987 180 3333. Special combos (vegetarian or non-vegetarian)
are available at a price of Rs. 100.

New Year, New Homes These incredible animals have come a long way this year. Ring in the
SRIYA NARAYANAN
[email protected]
New Year by adopting them and kick-starting a great relationship

H ershey, the Puppy: This lovely,

chocolate-coloured female pup-
py is a little over two months old.
H arry the Pomeranian: This brave dog has been
through a lot of pain and abandonment, but is
now a very cheerful fellow who’s all set to make
H appy and Hoppy, the Bunnies: These fluffy, gorgeous bunny rabbits
with long ears are 18 months old, one female and one male. They
like the underside of a cane diwan for their cozy naps. They’re well-
She was hit by a car but recovered his new owner very happy. He’s a healthy young disciplined in their littering habits, using a corner of the balcony,
completely after being cared for by male Pomeranian who was found wearing a blue covered with newspaper sheets to relieve themselves. They are easy to
an AWPT volunteer. She is in good collar, abandoned in Harrington Road, Chetpet – maintain and do well with a periodic renewal of fresh vegetables, dry
health, loves sitting on people’s laps suffering from deep injuries to his neck. He was hay and millets. Both are very lovable, gentle and enjoy attention from
(as seen in this photo) and is ex- rescued and treated by a vet and is now housed in people. Happy loves being held, cuddled and talked to endlessly, while
tremely affectionate and friendly. If PFA’s pet shelter awaiting adoption. Lovingly Hoppy is the laptop bunny because he loves snoozing on someone’s
you see yourself as Hershey’s new named Harry – having been found in Harrington lap on his back with his front paws stretched out and pointing to the
owner, get in touch with Mrs. Pad- Road – he is a very well behaved young fellow who sky. They have both been neutered so don’t worry about two bunnies
mavathy of AWPT at 22781381 or will bring great joy to any pet lover’s home. turning into a hundred! If you’d like to take in both these cuties, write
99629 68265. Contact Kala Ashok at 9884238718 to adopt him. to Dr. Afzal at [email protected] with your contact number.
04 ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

Namma Chennai
These are a few of your
favourite things Malls, hotels, multiplexes…2009 should
usher in more landmarks into the city

Mall-O-Meter
Ampa Center One
It is said to have 6.5
lakh sqft of shopping
area. PVR Cinemas is
said to set its foot in
the city with the
launch of this project.

Express Avenue
Sathyam Cinemas’ six
screen theatre will
give movie goers
plenty of option in
this pocket, where
you already have
more than a couple of
cinema halls.

Chandra Mall
The proposed mall is
"not only close to the
inner ring road for
Chennai, but close to
the proposed
expansion of Chennai
Airport in Porur. A
five screen theatre
with a seating
capacity for 1300
people is another
highlight.

LIFFY THOMAS and drop in inflation figures Club House Road off Anna Salai, stop for the discerning business Sathyam Cinemas promises that
[email protected] should bring in some cheer for with Taj Mount Road as one of traveller, in February Lemon their six-screen multiplex in Ex-
one to start planning better for its newest neighbours, the loca- Tree Hotel should take away all press Avenue will be another

A
nother tumultuous year is the year ahead. tion is going to get an all-new the limelight. hassle-free moving-going experi-
finally over. Let’s keep address. The “upscale, full-service ence. Did we also hear that PVR
aside the incidents that Mall world “Express Avenue mall is one business and leisure hotel at an Cinemas is setting shop in Ampa
shook and disturbed you Spencer Plaza (if you can call of the most awaited projects as unexpectedly reasonable price” Center One?
in the year gone by, as it’s time it a mall) can get depressing at it has the advantage of scale and is coming up in Guindy, where it Complaints of Chennai being
to welcome a brand new begin- times with the milling crowds, location,” explains Sanjay promises to add a new twist for starved of organised retail space
ning. and Chennai Citi Centre is the Chugh, associate director, Jones the traveller with a budget. Also should come to an end with the
Amidst echoes of recession only other better bet. Finally, Lang LaSalle Meghraj, Chennai. in the fray is Chennai’s very own above developments. As Sanjay
and pink slips, Ergo tells you looks like Ampa Centre One on “The mall will offer almost 0.8 Empee Group. Empee Hilton in says, “The supply of almost 2
what you can look forward to in Nelson Manickam Road is gear- million sqft of retail space with Ekaduthangal is expected to be million sqft of organised retail
Namma Chennai in 2009. More ing up for a launch in the first multiplex, food court, fine din- ready by the third quarter, say space, which is to be delivered
glass and chrome structures, quarter. Matrix Mall (Vadapala- ing restaurant, entertainment, real estate service firms. in 2009, will address the de-
shopping malls, multiplexes… If ni), Express Avenue (Whites departmental stores and vanilla mand for organised retail space
that’s your idea of growth, hang Road) and Chandra Mall (Viru- stores offering a range of range Entertainment unlimited! and expose Chennaiites to an
on; Chennai is going to see a gambakkam) are all expected to of merchandise in the luxury, Waiting for these multi-sto- organised shopping experience
spurt in retail growth. come up in the second, third premium and fashion reyed buildings to get ready are with hypermarkets, multiplex
To start with, the New Year and fourth quarter respectively. segments.” multiplexes, high-end retail and vanilla stores – all under
has some brought in some joy to However, the most-awaited stores, a host of state-of-the-art one roof with ample parking
all those who have resolved to among real estate projects will At your service amenities and, of course, many space, air-conditioning and a
invest. The falling interest rates be Express Avenue. Tucked in If Taj Mount Road is the new entertainment-starved shoppers. host of amenities.” ■
 Friday, January 2, 2009

USHERING IN 2009 05

T he New Year is here. Most city roads that turned party floors
on New Year’s Eve erupted with the New Year spirit when the
clock struck 12 on Wednesday night. Crackers, reveller screams
and roaring vehicle engines welcomed the transition.
Taking into account the Savera Hotel tragedy last year (where
three people were killed after a wooden dance floor erected on
the swimming pool collapsed), the security arrangements
seemed beefed up more than before: there was a cop on duty
every 100 metre-point. At places like Elliott’s Beach, Marina and
the East Coast Road, the police presence was even more.
The measures seemed to have worked. Barring one fatal acci-
dent, the city enjoyed a safe New Year’s party. The fatal accident
was reported in Guindy, where one Balaji (27), a native of Thiru-
pathoor, slipped and fell from his motorcycle along with his
friend Karunamurthy, a software engineer, who was riding pil-
lion. The accident occurred at 1 a.m. and Balaji succumbed to
his head injuries. His friend escaped with minor injuries.
There were also a couple of incidents of activists claiming
allegiance to the PMK party attempting to stall the New Year
parties at prominent hotels in Nungambakkam and Vadapalani.
Police arrested the men and ensured that the festivities were not
affected. ■

PHOTOS: N.SRIDHARAN, M.KARUNAKARAN,

06 ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

Sport
Tennis mafia
Former mafia crime boss Michael Franzese says top-level tennis matches are being influenced by gamblers and the sport
would be his prime focus were he still in the business of impacting outcomes. Franzese, a former boss in the Colombo crime
family, serves as a consultant and speaker regarding his days with the mob and has spoken with ATP players about the
methods that are used to spread corruption in sport.

No English plans for IPL

Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Lalit Modi has
dismissed reports that the second edition of the Twenty20
extravaganza would be co-hosted by England, saying the
IPL is a domestic league with global
appeal which will be played only on
Indian soil. “Right off the drawing board
Indians dominate
we were certain that the Indian Premier
League was not just a domestic league Tendulkar, Dhoni, Gambhir, Ishant in world team
with limited appeal for the Indian cricket
fan but a global league that would draw

F
in viewership across a global diaspora of our Indians, including Sa- at number four in the world team left-armer Zaheer Khan, En-
fans from around the world, making the chin Tendulkar and captain picked according to their batting gland’s Ryan Sidebottom, South
IPL one of the most watched sporting spectacles in modern Mahendra Singh Dhoni, positions. Opener Gautam Africa’s Makhaya Ntini and Aus-
day sport. But we have no plans to host IPL in England. It’s were included in the world Gambhir and young fast bowler tralia’s Brett Lee. “Sharma looks
a domestic league which will be played in India,” Modi team of the year 2008 chosen by Ishant Sharma also made it to the to have something special, so
said. Australian newspaper Herald team following their stellar suc- even though he took a relatively
Some media reports had stated that the second edition of Sun. Dhoni, whom the newspap- cesses in 2008, while Zaheer Khan modest 38 wickets in 13 matches
the cash-rich IPL, which is scheduled for April-May next er compared with retired Austra- and Virender Sehwag missed out he’s the man,” the newspaper
year, was expected to be split with five weeks of action in lian great Adam Gilchrist, was of the list. said.
India and three weeks in England. Modi, who is a BCCI vice made deputy to skipper of the
president, also hoped that English cricketers, who missed team South African Graeme India’s captain courageous World XI
out on the inaugural edition after ECB restricted them for Smith, while “impossi-ble to Dhoni is the wicketkeeper, not Graeme Smith (South Africa;
domestic competitions, will feature in the event soon. drop” Tendulkar bats necessarily because he is the best captain); Gautam Gambhir (In-
PTI at that job, but because he scores dia), Ricky Ponting (Australia),
plenty of important runs – he is Sachin Tendulkar (India),
replacing Gilchrist, after all – Shivnarine Chanderpaul
and has demonstrated (West Indies), AB de Vil-
Azhar’s son on IPL radar great leadership quali- liers ((South Africa),
Kolkata Knight Riders have called in rookie 17-year-old ties,” the newspaper’s MS Dhoni (India;
Mohammed Ashaduddin for a trail camp at Eden Gardens Ron Reed explained. Ac- wicket-keeper and
from January 6-7. Son of former India captain Mohammed cording to the newspaper, vice-captain), Ish-
Azharuddin is a left-hand opening batsman and Tendulkar, who became Test ant Sharma (India),
represents East Marredpally CC in Hyderabad Cricket cricket’s most prolific run- Mitchell Johnson
Association’s A Division League. getter and notched up his (Australia),
“Our spotters spoke highly of him and we wanted to 41st century in 2008, Dale Steyn
give him an opportunity. He along with 30-40 more was impossi- (South
boys will take part in the camp and we may pick up ble to drop Africa),
a few promising players. We want to build a from any Muttiah
broader talent base,” a Knight Riders official said. world Mura-
Ashaduddin who is yet to play any first class games team. litharan
has scored four fifties in six matches for his club side. “Tendul- (Sri
Ergo Correspondent kar is sim- Lanka).
ply 12th
non-negotiable man:
in any team. His Kevin Pie-
Smith to miss ODI series 41st century to lead
India’s remarkable
tersen (En-
gland). ■
South Africa will be without their injured captain Graeme chase after 387 against PTI
Smith in the two Twenty20 and five ODI matches against England last month was
Australia and Johan Botha would lead the side in his said by some to have been
absence, coach Micky Arthur said on Thursday. his finest moment – enough
Consequentially, Neil McKenzie would stay back with the said,” it wrote.
ODI squad in Smith’s place, he said. “We have decided to Gambhir, who was named
send Graeme home after the Sydney Test to give him the along with South African
best chance of getting ready for the home series (against Smith at the top of order, had
Australia),” Arthur said. “He will have the blood injection to compete for his place with
as soon as he gets back and we think that by following his senior opening partner Vi-
this course of action as soon as possible after Sydney, we render Sehwag who had
will give him the best possibility opportunity of being fit scored 1462 in 2008. “Sehwag
for the home series,” he added. Smith will undergo a new is the more eye-catching op-
medical process that has not been used tion, especially as he has a tri-
in South Africa before, of having blood ple-century and has taken 15
from his arm injected directly into the wickets with his off-spin. But
tear, Cricket South Africa said in a Gambhir has averaged 70.87
statement. On how the team would for his 1134 runs and there is
look on paper minus its regular captain, something about him that sug-
Arthur said, “It does give us an gests he is a fierce competitor.
opportunity with our ODI side. As I He’s in.”
have always said, our one-day side is still a work in
progress, it is still a young side, and we are giving an Fast and furious
opportunity to some younger guys to stake a claim. We Ishant got the third fast bow-
are looking to build our one-day side over the next ler’s spot beating strong chal-
two years which obviously culminates in the next lenge from fellow Indian
World Cup on the sub-continent in 2011.”
PTI PHOTO: PTI
 Friday, January 2, 2009
07

‘‘
I’m not sure how he (brett Lee) is going at the moment. Obviously stress frac-
ture in his foot is not a good thing. I know when I tried to bowl with a few
ankle problems it was a nightmare and to go into a game not 100 per cent is tough
work. It’s up to him how much he wants it really.
Glen McGrath

Romance of the Cup dulls down

T
he third round of the FA Cup is a Easy draw smouth to their first FA Cup final
time in the knockout competi- victory in 69 years, will be in the Tot-
tion renowned for shocks and As for the Big Four, they are all in tenham dug-out when the Londoners
giant killing exploits. action against lower league opposi- start the third round against Wigan at
But the advent of the January trans- tion with Saturday seeing Arsenal at White Hart Lane on Friday, in one of
fer window and the pressing financial home to Plymouth, Chelsea welcom- several all Premier League encoun-
need for Premier League clubs to ing Southend to Stamford Bridge and ters.
avoid relegation have dulled some of Liverpool away to Preston. League The temptation for Redknapp,
the lustre from the world’s oldest se- leaders Liverpool’s tie has been given whose side are only above the rele-
nior knockout football competition. an added dimension as it could be the gation zone on goal difference, will be FA CUP
This time last year then Reading first match club captain Steven Ger- to rest players. But if Wigan boss
striker Dave Kitson summed up a
growing, if not so bluntly voiced,
rard plays in since being charged with
assault this week following an alleged
Steve Bruce, in charge of a team sev-
enth in the table, doesn’t pick his
SEEMS TO
mood by saying: “We are not going to
win the FA Cup and I do not give two
brawl in a bar.
Meanwhile English, European and
best-available side it will indicate a
sad lack of ambition.
HAVE LOST
shits about it, to be honest.”
However, to the delight of some
now world champions Manchester
United start their Cup campaign on
High-flyers Aston Villa and Everton
face potentially awkward trips to Gil- ITS SHEEN
traditionalists, not only did Reading Sunday away to Southampton, a re- lingham and Macclesfield respective-
fail to win the Cup, they were also peat of the 1976 final where the south ly. WITH FEWER
relegated last season from the Pre- coast club, then of the old Second Di- However, the tie which best encap-
mier League. vision, defeated their First Division sulates the spirit of the third round SURPRISES
Instead Portsmouth became the opponents 1-0 in one of the great takes place on Monday when non-
first club from outside the Big Four of
Manchester United, Chelsea, Liver-
Wembley upsets. A similar scoreline
at St Mary’s would be an even greater
league Blyth Spartans are at home to
Premier League strugglers Blackburn
EVERY YEAR
pool and Arsenal since 1995 to lift the surprise. Rovers. Back in 1978, the north-east
trophy, defeating Cardiff of the sec- side’s fifth round replay against Wrex-
ond-tier Championship in a Cup final Time for upsets ham was witnessed by a crowd of
that defied all predictions. But Bristol City of the second-tier more than 42,000 at Newcastle’s St
Pompey’s success ought to have Championship will fancy their chanc- James’ Park and the Spartans have
encouraged Premier League clubs in es ’down the road’ at Southampton’s high hopes of giving their supporters
a similar position that there’s more to arch-rivals Portsmouth, who’ve lost another set of memories to last a life-
life than survival; whether it has re- their last five matches. Harry Red- time. ■
mains to be seen. knapp, the man who managed Port- AFP

● FA Cup third round

Friday: Tottenham v Wigan
Saturday: Arsenal v
Plymouth, Birmingham v
Wolves, Cardiff v Reading,
Charlton v Norwich,
Cheltenham v Doncaster,
Chelsea v Southend,
Coventry v Kidderminster,
Forest Green v Derby,
Histon v Swansea, Ipswich v
Chesterfield, Hartlepool v
Stoke, Hull v Newcastle,
Kettering v Eastwood,
Leicester v Crystal Palace,
Leyton Orient v Sheffield
United, Macclesfield v
Everton, Manchester City v
Nottingham Forest,
Middlesbrough v Barrow,
Portsmouth v Bristol City,
Preston v Liverpool, QPR v
Burnley, Millwall v Crewe,
Sheffield Wednesday v
Fulham, Sunderland v
Bolton, Torquay v Blackpool,
Watford v Scunthorpe, West
Brom v Peterborough, West
Ham v Barnsley
Portsmouth celebrates their FA Sunday: Gillingham v Aston
Cup triumph at Wembley Villa, Southampton v
Stadium in London on May 17, Manchester United
2008. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Monday: Blyth Spartans v
Blackburn
08 ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

Portfolio
Toga tonic
THE TOGA DRESS IS TO THE ROMAN DRAPE WHAT
THE COCKTAIL SARI IS TO A TRADITIONAL SARI

toga was originally meant for Lanvin’s toga dress.

men. At present, the sight of a Also, Oscar-winning actress
man in a toga is rarer than that of Tilda Swinton, the star of Michael
one in a kilt. (You’d probably see Clayton, and supermodel Claudia
one during an Olympic flame- Schiffer have been spotted sport-
lighting ceremony.) ing Alberta Feretti’s toga-inspired
Labels like Alberta Feretti, Mar- gowns.
chesa, Lanvin and Hermes are The appeal of the toga lies in

T
he Greeks have a way of particularly known for their toga the fact that it gives one a draped-
making things look good. dresses. in rather than a fitted-in look,
And the fashion world’s love Gwyneth Paltrow, whose re- quite like what a sari does actual-
affair with things Greco-Ro- cent makeover has been making ly. So there’s an inherent care-
man has been long-term, more it to front pages, made a partic- lessness in the way it is worn.
open recently. ularly stunning appearance in a One can even innovate with ac-
The toga, the one-shouldered white Lanvin knee-length toga cesorising. Depart from Roman
Roman garment that was chief- dress at Cannes this year. Keira sandals and pair a dress with a
ly a 6-metre cloth draped Knightley, however, wasn’t so pair of skyscapers.
around a tunic, has been lucky with hers during the Atone- If you think the metres of loose
worked upon, innovated on ment premiere in London, as crit- cloth have succeeded in making
and manipulated to create a ics didn’t take long in you look like a needle in a hays-
garment that has the basic es- highlighting the fact that the tack, get a belt and enhance the
sence of a toga but twice its ap- dress did nothing but reveal how waistline. What’even better, you
peal and practicality. And quite anorexic she looked. Sex and the now even have toga-inspired t-
contrary to present usage, the City’s Kim Catrall is another fan of shirts! ■

Claudia
Schiffer

Keira
Knightley Tilda Kim
at Cannes Swinton Catrall
 Friday, January 2, 2009
09
A
model
in
Lanvin

‘‘
2008 IN QUOTES I had Gucci
and UNICEF on
my side, so that

‘‘
Gwyneth
Paltrow helped. It’s pretty chic,
I live by as-
isn’t it?
trology. I am a Madonna, at the U.N. fund-raiser
Libra. I can’t make up concert for Malawi; February 8
my mind. We never
find a balance. We like
it all.

‘‘
Donna Karan, discussing her Temptation
zodiac-inspired handbag line;
January 10
has to be
permanent.
Karl Lagerfeld; April 7

‘‘
How long
does fashion
week last? Is it really a
week?
Amy Winehouse; March 3

‘‘
The future of
fashion is
sleeveless. Who needs
sleeves anymore? You
need to be able to move
and be comfortable. To

‘‘
I’ve never layer. Seasons don’t
been banned exist like they used to.
before, It’s very rock Now it’s cold in summer
’n’ roll; I kind of like it. and hot in winter.
Eva Mendes, on the controversy Things have changed.
around her appearing nude in
Calvin Klein fragrance Fashion needs to look
ads; September 12 forward.
Pierre Cardin; September 25

Victoria Beckham
10 ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

U/A certificate

Flick
Bala’s Naan Kadavul which went to the
censors on December 30 was cleared
with U/A certificate. Sources said that,
the authorities in censor board were
awestruck after seeing the film.

In the making for the last three years, the film is all set for a Pongal release

V.Haripriya
[email protected]

W
ith the audio launch of Bala’s doyens like K. Balachander, Bharathi-
Naan Kadavul, Kollywood raja and Balu Mahendra,” director
welcomed the New Year in Mani Rathnam said. Balu Mahendra,
style and grandeur. Bala’s mentor, was all praise for his
Bala, the silent and suave director former assistant, whom he considers
who gave us films like Sethu, Nanda his elder son.
and Pithamagan, which were not only Actor Arya, who spoke on the occa-
box-office hits but also bagged lots of sion, said he was lucky enough to as-
awards including the prestigious Na- sociate with director Bala. “The effort
tional Award, is back with his fourth and hard work we have put into the
movie, Naan Kadavul. The audio film will surely take the film to
launch held at Satyam Cinemas on heights. During the shoots we even
Thursday morning saw celebrities like stayed in tents on roadsides, as there
lyricist Vaali, directors Balu Mahendra were no lodgings in those areas. It was
and Mani Rathnam, Tamil Film Pro- an unforgettable experience.”
ducers Council president Ramana- For actors Suriya and Vikram, Bala
rayanan, and actors Vikram, Suriya, is more than a mentor. Suriya said he
Arya and Pooja taking part. was awestruck after seeing the teaser
Naan Kadavul, shot exclusively in of the movie. “After Nandha, I felt I
Varanasi and surrounding areas, deals was far ahead in the race, but after
with the life of the aghori tribes, is seeing Arya in the movie I feel I have
sure to be a turning point in the career to run harder in future to sustain my
of actor Arya, which was evident from position. The two things I have learnt
the teaser released at the function. from Bala are humility and hard work.
Maestro Ilayaraja, who gave super hit He taught me how to worship work.”
songs for Sethu and Pithamagan, is Vikram said it was Bala who gave
back with stunning music for the lyr- him his identity. “If not for Sethu, I
ics penned by Vaali in Naan Kadavul. don’t know where I would have been.
“I have come here as a fan of Bala In the early days, I thought I would
and I would like to say that he is one retire after I acted in one movie each
director who can join the list of directed by Mani Rathnam and Shan-
kar. But after acting in Sethu, Bala also
joined my wish list. I want to associate
Naan Kadavul, shot exclusively with Bala in many more movies.”
Now, as the audio has been
in Varanasi and surrounding launched, go grab your CD and wait
areas, deals with the life of till Pongal for the movie’s release. ■
the aghori tribes, is sure to be
a turning point in the career of
actor Arya.

Naan Kadavul
audio launched, fi
fin
nally
PHOTOS: R. RAVINDRAN
Friday, January 2, 2009
11
Crowe in Australia
Russell Crowe was to play the lead during pre-production.
20th Century Fox executives wanted to reduce Crowe’s salary
considerably to tailor it to the film’s budget. This utimately
made him leave the project.

Kangaroo court
SHALINI SHAH heeled hoity-toity scoffing at part of the ‘assimilation’ process. ticularly in one scene where af-
[email protected] dust and grime and grimy men, This, against the breakout of war ter putting up a brave front
needing half-a-dozen suitcases in Darwin. while trying to stop a fleeing

B
az Luhrmann’s cinemato- on a trip to drive the cattle, ad- The problem with Australia is, herd, he suddenly breaks down
graphic indulgence would miring kangaroos with a tourist’s every angle looks half-baked after realising the enormity of
have remained just that fascination. Drover loves bar (despite the length of the movie) what could have happened.
had it not been for the brawls and roasts kangaroos for and taken care of in turns. Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kid-
brilliance of a 13-year-old and dinner. Yes, Hugh Jackman is hot and man put in what is asked, which
the more popular appeal of its Half-cast Nullah (Brandon has crackling chemistry with Kid- is not much.
lead actors. Walters), who lives on Ashley’s man. But just when things seem The tendency to exotic-ise na-
Brit Sarah Ashley (Kidman) has estate, has just lost his mother settled between Ashley and tive customs and cultures affects
just flown down to Darwin, Pra- and Nicole Kidman steps in to fill Drover, the issue of Nullah’s up- the filmmaker here and mystic
da luggage, et al, to discover her her place. bringing becomes a point of dis- chants and magical grandfathers
late husband’s estate in disarray In telling Ashley’s story of vic- pute and a relationship that are largely incorporated into the
and fallen prey to the greed of a tory and love and showing Down looked based on firm footing till narrative.
rival cattle supplier, King Carney Under’s savage beauty, Luhr- then looks flimsy. As if the mak- There are many moments,
(Bryan Brown). With the help of mann has tried to weave into the ers were suddenly reminded of though, which keep you glued –
a drawling Drover (Hugh Jack- story the plight of the ‘Stolen the temporarily-forgotten issue the loading of the cattle on the
man), she sets about putting the Generations’, the thousands of of Nullah’s roots and decided to ship, the opening bar fight and
estate back on its feet. aboriginal children forcibly re- make amends. the climax.
Ashley is the perfect Brit-on- moved from their families and Performance-wise, Brandon Watch the film to see it. ■
foreign-soil caricature – high- given Christian indoctrination as Walters as Nullah is brilliant, par-

Film: Australia
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Hugh
Jackman, Brandon Walters
12 ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

Wednesday’s Query
What gift would you like to
rceive from your loved one
for New Year and why?
■ Support is the biggest gift that anyone can
give; I just want that gift for all the coming
years
Sandy, HCL

■ I would like to get full 1 day to spend time

with him
Geetha, Perot Systems
■ I would like spend more time with me.
Because its very special day for me
Mohan Babu - Perot Systems, Suja - Sutherland
■ Tooth brush and soap because previously I
can’t use, now I want to test in the coming
year M.Raja from Cognizant has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked at
Arun R, Systems International Yercaud Hills.

■ My loved one itself a greatest gift to me.

So I don’t want to get another gift for this
New Year
Anitha - HCL, Archana Ramakrishnan - TCS

■ A rose to express her my love

Feby Jose, Optimus

■ A guitar, because I’m planning to learn

playing a guitar
Mukund, SCB, Scope International

■ I want my dear to come back

Sunil, Cindy TCS

■ A beautifully crafted cigarette lighter,

because whenever I light it, I would see her
face in the flame and try to quit smoking
atleast this year
Aristo John, Sutherland

■ A very special dish prepared by her own Suganya K from Accenture has nominated her friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was
hands with love clicked at ECR
Vijay Shankar, Wipro

■ Platinum ring
Minu, Sutherland

■ New BlackBerry phone

Maheswar, TCS

■ I would expect true love from my beloved

one. That would be the greatest gift for me
Lavanya - Wipro, Asath Kani - TCS

■ A digicam since I need to purchase one

Balaji, Dpibpl

■ A lovely kiss. It resolves hundreds of

mysteries
Annapoorani M, TCS

Today’s Query
Who would you like to build
Thiagu from HCL has nominated his friends as Partners in Crime. This pic was clicked during
a temple for and why? Onam celebrations
 Friday, January 2, 2009
13

■ Dear Erni,
Nirmal of Sify Technologies has been nominated as Congratulations on your confirmation!!!!!
Office Angel by Tier 1 and other friends. May you grow to greater heights and make your dream
He’s an amazing friend and an all rounder of all sorts. castle to bricks.Wishing you a great new year ahead.GOD
bless you
Best wishes, Nithya and Naga
■ Dear Suda,
Happy Birthday in advance!! Let this birthday make ur life
brighter than ever and let all ur dreams come true.
Regards, Naraine, Infy
■ Hi karthi,
We wishing u many more happy returns of the day
da.”LART” fill pannathu pothumda ithayum konjam
kavani!!May your dreams come to be true.Have a most
rememberable Birthday to u!
With Regards,
BBC(BENCH BOYS CLUB) Team.
■ My Dear Sweat Hearts SaReKa
Wish you a Happy New Yearrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Its time ro
renew my friendship by saying New Year wishes to you and
family. Happy and Prosperous New Year 2009.
Guess me your sweet friend
■ Hi Janu,
Wishing you a Happy New year. You are the best! . You are
my happiness.A relaxed mind, A Peaceful soul, A joyful
Spirit, A Healthy Body & Heart full of love. All these are my
prayers for U !!!.
with love, Ur Sweet Papu.
■ Dear Lavenya,
Many more happy returns of the day and have a splendid
year ahead. May all your dreams come true?
With loads and loads of love,
Arabi. A, California Software Co Ltd,
■ Dear SivaRaj Durai,
Mohammed Nayeemullah Sending u the warmest wishes on ur BIRTHDAY.Have a fun-
has doodled this. filled birthday and rocking year ahead.
DB2 TEAM,TCS
■ Dear Radhiks,
Many More Happy Returns of the Day Dear Another year is
a happy gift, So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"
Keep Smiling Always. Wishing you a successful year ahead
With ur Everlasting Friends, SPARKLAS
■ Dear All,
Wish you Hopes for a bright Future
Affection & love
Peace for the heart
Prospority that’s unlimited
Year - Round fun
Happy New Year ’2009’
Best Wishes from,
Thennarasan and Friends
■ Dear Lokesh and Dinesh,
Wish you many more "Happy Returns"
this New year will brings you Peace and Prosperity .
Hearty Wishes,
DOT NET Spiders. FSS
■ Dear Raji,
Hope you’ve all that you wish and more on your special day
and always! May this birthday be just the beginning of a
year filled with happy memories, wonderful moments and
shining dreams. Advance Happy Birthday ...........
Best wishes from,
Ur friends,
Base Aviation, Ramco Systems
Man-1 : ‘Abiyum Naanum’ padatha Sathyaraj yeduthu irundhaa yenna peru vachu iruppar? ■ Dear Divyamol,(DV)
Man-2 : ‘Sibiyum Naanum’…. Wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year 2009. May
all your wishes get fulfilled as the New Year Beckons.
Milkman-kitta milk vaangalaam... Aana Watchman-kitta watch vaanga mudiyumaa... Love you, miss you.. Take care.. and miss me too
Mohamed Yusufdeen J, HCL Luv
Santo
14 ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

Traffic Jam
Discount for hitting bush
A shop in China is offering discounts to any
customers who hit an image of U.S. president
George W. Bush by throwing shoes.

sudoku

Dhanalakshmi
D. of RR
Donnelly
clicked this
picture on her
way to Agra.

KAKURO
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E-mail: [email protected]

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(Editor responsible for selection of news under
the PRB Act). RNI No. TNENG/2007/24553
 Friday, January 2, 2009
15
Christmas cracker Word’s worth
An American woman has found $10,000 "Disboscation" (dis-bahs-kay-shuhn) the clearing of woods to make farmland
(GBP7,000) stuffed inside a packet of sour cream or pasture. This word isn’t used today but could be revived in protests against
and onion cheddar flavoured crackers. the clearing of woodland for more shopping malls or housing developments.

B.C

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

Ganesha believes in persistence. If you give up
easily, nothing will work for you. Today you need to
remain focused on work and life. The evening may
be very nostalgic as you may meet old friends or
have long conversations with your beloved.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20

If you are eating out of your own plate, you are in
the right direction. However you may face a energy
drain towards the end of the day. Ganesha advises
you to control your temper. On the love front, the
last thing you should today is ignore your love life.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20

The most crucial time of the day is the lunch hour.
BORN LOSER You may end up discussing very important things.
At work, kindly keep your playful nature in control.
Ganesha thinks you are very effective in expressing
emotions; hence love life will be very exciting.
CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 20
Sentiments might drench you in the morning,
regardless of what you are dealing with. The noon
may appear with a paradox. Ganesha feels you will
be more practical towards your final objective later
during the day. Love life may take a back seat.
LEO JULY 21 - AUG 20
Ganesha feels you will get new opportunities to
learn and adapt new things. Luckily, your energy
levels will be high enough. You may feel like
developing new skills at personal level. Ganesha
finds you in an upbeat mood throughout the day.
VIRGO AUG 21 - SEPT 20
Nothing is impossible, says Ganesha. Ganesha notes
FREE RANGE WORKING IT OUT that the day will be in your favour. The day will be
very helpful if you want to look for better carer
prospects. However just try to balance attention
equally to personal and professional life.
LIBRA SEPT 21 - OCT 20
Late working hours may result into physical and
mental stress. Nevertheless, such dedication to work
and genius brain will be your two key factors for
your profession. In spite of you being a romantic at
heart, your beloved might feel just the opposite.
SCORPIO OCT 21 - NOV 20
Do not lose focus today. The day is fast paced;
hence you have to be careful that you don’t get
carried away. On the professional front, you may
have to make adjustments. But all the tension will
be washed away as the evening.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 - DEC 20
You may feel like giving unwanted advises today,
most of which will go in vain. On the relationship,
you may wish to establish a more spiritual union
with your partner. Ganesha feels the day will be
influenced by Karma in work and relationship.
CAPRICORN DEC 21 - JAN 20
For everything important, Ganesha believes you
should hold it for one more week. Try to avoid
extremities in relationships. Love life may face some
emotional stress but things should be fine before
the day ends, feels Ganesha.
AQUARIUS JAN 21 - FEB 20
PREVIOUS A fantastic day to experiment with your creativity.
There will be a lot of scope if you want to do some
ISSUE’S research about anything. You may also be able to
meet a lot of new people who will eventually help
SOLUTIONS you. Love life will be dramatic and exciting.
PISCES FEB 21 - MARCH 20
Ganesha feels that this day will be fruitful for you.
Even though you might address to a group, you will
still be able to be precise and ‘to the point’. Since
your partner is in a good mood as well, it seems to
be a perfect time for parties or long drives.
Predictions by Bhavesh N. Pattni
16 ! ERGO Friday, January 2, 2009

One look is all it takes

News and newsmakers in pictures

Item girl Rakhi

Sawant performs Socialite Paris Hilton
at a New Year shares a joke with the
celebrations in media during a press
Surat on conference to launch
Wednesday. PTI the world’s biggest
PHOTO on-line New Years Eve
party ’The Bongo
Virus’ at the Sheraton
On The Park on
Tuesday in Sydney,
Australia. GETTY IMAGES

Amisha Patel
with
boyfriend
Kanav Puri in
Mumbai on
Wednesday
night. PTI
PHOTO