Konkona will be travelling the world with her play, and has six releases this year!

HOUSE FULL Konkona’s career is on a high

Not getting a subject she loved kept Konkona Sensharma away from theatre for a good four years. But last year, when her friend Atul Kumar approached her for “The Blue Mug”, a play based on neurologist and author Oliver Sacks’ “The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat”, she finally broke that self-imposed sabbatical.After last year’s showing inBangalore, Konkona was initiallyunsure whether shewould make it for this year’sall-India tour. But call it luckor her love for theatre, Konkonahas set aside time for”The Blue Mug” to performnot only in the country, butalso abroad. The tour, whichbegan in Mumbai, will go toHyderabad, Chennai, andother places including Bangalorein the domestic circuit.Internationally, the play willbe staged in Dubai, Muscatand 13 cities in the U.S.Konkona may be elatedwith the response to her playthat also stars Ranvir Sheorey,Vinay Pathak, Rajat Kapoorand Sheeba Chaddha,but clearly does not want togo overboard with her happiness.”I did not get any badresponse. Well, actually, I gotonly favourable reactionsfrom whoever watched theplay. I hope that means it isgood; or possibly, they werebeing polite!” she laughs.Says Konkona: “When westarted staging the play lastyear, the characters themselvescreated the story. Butnow, the script is largelylocked. In fact, Ranvir and myportions are mainly very conventionaltext, while the otheractors have a bit ofabstractness in theirs.”Besides the play, Konkonais busy reading scripts andwaiting for the one with a”wow” factor to come herway.She has six back-to-backreleases this year, beginningwith the comedy with AjayDevgn, “Atithi Tum KabJaaoge”. There’s also “RightYaa Wrong” with Sunny Deol,”Mirch” with Raima Sen, ShahanaGoswami and ShreyasTalpade, “Sunglass” withMadhavan, NaseeruddinShah and Jaya Bachchan,”Itee Mrinalini” with hermom, Aparna Sen, and MiraNair’s short film with beauRanvir Sheorey.

HARSHIKAA UDASI

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Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.ROOTING FOR THE HOME TEAM Have fierce city loyalties started taking shape yet?

For children these days, memories of summer vacations may no longer be about long train journeys to grandmother’s village. The Indian Premier League has slowly but surely weaved its way into our regular summer fix. The Twenty20 cricket tournament with its mix of big hits and the peripherals that include Bollywood glitterati and cheerleaders, is here to stay with the late evening time-slots capable of giving the death rattle to sluggish serials on the idiot box.

The tournament is all set to roll tomorrow with the inaugural game pitting defending champion Deccan Chargers against Kolkata Knight Riders at Mumbai’s D.Y. Patil Stadium. It’s going to be 45 days of frenetic cricket with eight city-based teams, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, vying for the top spot when the championship eventually concludes on April 25.

The days leading to the current edition have triggered an advertising spiel that nudges us to watch the games at the ground but a few shadow-lines remain. The controversy about the non-inclusion of Pakistani players and the resultant verbal tangle between Kolkata Knight Riders’ owner Shah Rukh Khan and the Thackerays in Mumbai illustrated that cricket, cinema and politics can all be part of an exasperating mix.

However when the tournament starts, relief must be the primary emotion among the stakeholders of the IPL as the tournament returns to India after its South African detour last year. Fierce city-loyalties, as evident in the European football leagues, may not yet have crystallised among Indian minds. But last year during the Champions League, Bangaloreans were rooting for Ross Taylor and the overwhelmed New Zealander said that he felt at home. But some cricketing deities will continue to be…More

The rapid and inescapable loss of avenue trees is not a healthy sign

PHOTO: P.V. SivakumarNurture and careTree canopies play a vital role in stabilising the pollution levels

“As a child we would go for walks with my dad along the Golf Course Road listening to vivid stories and looking up at every avenue tree and its flowers, along that whole signal free corridor,” recalls Arun Patre a consultant with Arghyam.

“Today every tree has gone with the road-widening exercise. Further up at Minsk Square the shade of the avenue trees made waiting at the long traffic signal bearable. in the shade of the canopies. There is nothing left there now,” rues Patre.

We tend to take avenue trees for granted . They were always there, giving us free shade from the midday sun with their large, shady branches making a canopy across the road. Now, as you drive or take a walk anywhere in Bangalore, all you see is the rapid and inescapable loss of avenue tree cover and the blazing sun beating down on you.

The walk way on M.G. Road had an avenue of trees, which sheltered so many of us as youngsters, from sudden monsoon showers. People living in Jayanagar, Sampige, and Margosa Roads in Malleswaram have lost their large old avenue trees in the name of city’s infrastructure upgradation. Sheshadri Road from Majestic to Nrupathunga Road is another road where the avenues trees have been chopped down and carted away as timber. A campaign is currently on www.savenandaroad.com, where the residents of South Bangalore are up in arms about the Metro being sanctioned to run through the Nanda Road. This would eat away the famous boulevard of avenue trees.

Feeling the impact

Recently, Harini Nagendra, a DST Ramanujan Fellow and Urban Ecology Coordinator at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) conducted a research on the impact of…More

Cracking the whip Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

While cricket fever takes the nation by storm, Star Movies brings a series of blockbusters with the ‘Super star league’ from March 14 at 11 p.m., after the IPL matches. It will feature actors such as Tom Cruise, Nicholas Cage, Harrison Ford, Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl.

Movies such as “Danny The Dog”, “Con Air” and “88 Minutes” will be aired. There will be chance to watch “Pretty Woman,” the movie that propelled Julia Roberts into superstardom, “League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen”, which had Naseeruddin Shah strange turban and all jousting with Sean Connery, Mel Gibson’s epic on the life of William Wallace, “Braveheart”, Harrison Ford’s fourth outing as intrepid archaeologist-adventurer in “Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull”, “Armageddon” where Bruce Willis saves the world from a rogue asteroid, high octane action thriller “The Transporter 3” and the overheated noir, “Original Sin.” The movie fest will conclude on April 29.

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Bangalore International Automative Expo 2010 is back this year with the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Challenge. There will be 50 university teams with 500 budding engineers showcasing their best in engineering design. The venue is the Bangalore Palace Grounds.

There will also be a super car lounge with an exotic line up of cars. There will be 2010 Mercedes Benz SLS Panamericana, the retro looking Benz 300SL, with body parts made of carbon fibre and hybrid aluminium. The Chevrolet Camaro, the sturdy American muscle car from General motors will also be displayed at the show.

Apart from racing cars and vintage bikes, there will also be pulsating car and bike stunts, an energy drink bar, automobile merchandise, and seminars on emerging trends in the automobile world. The show will be held between March 11 and 15.

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Testdrive The new-found pace and grace adds to the aura of Mercedes S500 L. Ouseph Chacko waxes eloquent

Priced at Rs 1.1 crore, the S500 L is the most expensive car to be assembled in India. It’s been on sale as an expensive import for about two years, but now since it’s being assembled here, the flagship ‘S’ is now Rs. 15 lakh less!

It is still not inexpensive, but step into the business-class seats at the rear and you’ll understand why it costs so much. There is more space per seat than the Airbus A320, the seat reclines, the thigh support extendable and it’s got double-glazed glass and air-suspension too. Keeping the rest of the world at arm’s length from here is really easy. But this you expect from any S-class. So what’s different with the S500 L?

The answer lies in the two additional cylinders, two extra litres of swept volume and a 97bhp, 16kgm up in power and torque from the S350. Slipping this 369bhp V8 into the S-class has added an entirely new dimension to the big Merc’s abilities. The S350 may have been smooth and effortless, but this one is fantastically so. With a torque curve that’s flatter than an airplane at cruising altitude (51.5kgm from 2800-4400rpm), this is an engine that shrugs away the 2.1-tonne kerb weight of this long-wheelbase version like a hare runs away from a tortoise. Full-throttle starts feel a lot like an aircraft taking off (the Merc is much quicker to 100kph obviously). First there’s that push into the seats by the sheer force of velocity and then there’s a steady and strong build-up of speed as the engine works its way through all seven gears. It takes a mere 6.7 seconds to shoot past 100kph and you do a fly-past of 160kph in 15.7sec. The 7G-Tronic auto-box is fantastic and,…More

Maruti has decided not to upgrade its entry level 800 model to meet the upcoming BS IV norms which come into effect in 13 cities from April this year.

As a result this iconic little car will no longer be available for sale in these cities, but will continue to remain in showrooms in the rest of the country. Among the cities upgrading to BS IV are Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Surat and Agra.

According to R. C. Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, the company has decided against upgrading the 800. In recent years, the 800 has lost popularity due to rising buyer aspirations and its more sophisticated sibling, the Alto, which is currently one of the best selling car model in the country.

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Heather and Glenn Curtis, the duo behind the famous luxury brand Curtis Australia

WRITING IN STYLE Heather and Glenn Curtis believe in handcrafting their product

Heather Curtis is one lucky woman. If she wakes up in the morning and decides to have a new piece of jewellery in a new design she just has to tell her husband Glenn Curtis. Considering Heather and Glenn are founders of the luxury brand Curtis Australia, that hardly comes as a surprise.

As Heather blushes, Glenn laughs and says: “She has been the supportive rock ever since we started in the 1980s. In 1995, we decided to reach out to the high-end market, and in 2002, we launched Curtis Australia.”

Precious pens

The jewellery ranges from cuff links and brooches to neck pieces, and the brand also has a range of pens. Done up with intricate patterns in solid gold, silver and precious and semi-precious stones, we are talking pens that aren’t mere writing instruments, but works of art with numerous hours of hard labour put in. Something most of us would definitely like to possess provided we can shell out upwards of $185.

Wondering why the fuss over an Australian brand that you haven’t even seen in the domestic market?

Well, that’s because Curtis Australia, after establishing itself in the U.S., New Zealand, U.K., Russia, Italy, the Middle-East, Singapore, Belgium and the Netherlands is finally foraying into the Indian market. Unlike most other brands that debut in Mumbai and Delhi, Curtis chose to launch in Chennai.

“This city is a good place to do things. It is a sophisticated market. A lot is happening here. Chennai has great potential,” says Curtis.

The initial focus will be on the pens, and the range available here will be more intricate and detailed — patterns inspired by henna designs and studded with coloured gem stones.

As a special initiative they plan to launch a pen titled,…More

Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.BLUES’ BOYS Saving Abel believes music unites us all, across barriers

The Rock capital of India rocked to the rhythmic, adrenaline-pumping rhythm of platinum record selling American band Saving Abel recently, at the Hard Rock Caf‚ in the first leg of their maiden Indian tour.Saving Abel comprises co-founders Jared Weeks singing the lead vocals and Jason Null playing the lead guitar and backing vocals. Scott Bartlett strums the rhythm guitar and also lends his voice while Eric Taylor plucks the bass guitar and Blake Dixon beats away on the drums.Jared shares insight on the band and narrates their first experience of the subcontinent. “We were taken by surprise to be given such a warm welcome. Nowhere else have we felt such an overwhelming sense of comfort and hospitality. We even spent the entire morning celebrating Holi and though the colours don’t come off easily, it was loads of fun,” he said euphorically.”Initially we were nervous about playing here `cause of the language barrier, but the warm welcome put all our fears to rest. We visited some music shops nearby and found some amazing instrumentalists with abstract compositions. It’s the music that brings us together after all; uniting us across barriers,” he added.Formed in 2004 by Jared and Jason who were originally members of rival bands in the battle of the bands that used to happen in their city, the duo have come a long way from gigging in small places to worldwide tours. “We’ve learnt a lot from each other over the years. We never forget who we are and where we came from and that’s kept us together so long. This is what we’ve always wanted to do” said…More

Other-worldly James Roday as Shawn Spencer solves cases in Psych

Star World presents Season Three of “Psych”. Watch the funny and intelligent crime busters from the Santa Barbara Police force back in action.

Created by Steve Franks, the show stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer, a young crime consultant for the Santa Barbara Police Department. Shawn’s ‘heightened observational skills’ and detective instincts allow him to convince people that he solves cases with psychic abilities. The series also stars Dule Hill as Shawn’s best friend and reluctant partner Burton Guster and Corbin Bernsen as Shawn’s captious father, Henry. The show will be screened at 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday on Star World.

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When is the Toyota Avanza coming? I like the Honda Jazz, but it is overpriced. Does Honda have any plans to slash the price? I want to buy a new petrol car, which looks good, is spacious and reliable. Considering the Fiat Punto, i20, Jazz and Polo, which one do you recommend?

Nishant Magavi

Toyota is evaluating the feasibility of launching the Avanza in India, but for the moment no decision has been taken as there is no diesel option for the Avanza available and without one, an MPV like the Avanza would have little demand. The general perception is that the Jazz is overpriced but Honda hasn’t slashed the price yet. However, there are quite a few discounts available on the Jazz, even up to Rs. 40,000. If you are looking for a car that offers space, reliability and looks, we suggest you go in for the VW Polo, which goes on sale very soon.

I have a 1994 model Premier 118NE which has clocked 54,000km. It still gives me excellent service, and I use it only for long-distance driving. I would now like to buy a new car priced within Rs. 5 lakh. It should be comfortable on long drives and have a spacious boot. I am interested in the Tata Marina and the Premier Rio, but seek your advise for my new purchase

Mahesh Thadani

Both the Tata Marina and Premier Rio have good luggage space, but are a bit beyond your budget. Besides, both these cars do not offer the same standard of quality and reliability as some other cars in this range. Our advice is to go for the Maruti Swift Dzire LXi, which is a logical upgrade from your 118NE. The Dzire is decent for long distances, and has a spacious boot. Also, at just over Rs. 5 lakh, it is close to your budget and promises trouble-free motoring for many…More

Jayaram and his sons patiently sourced one part after another to give their Fiat Millecento a fine makeover

In the 1950s, the Fiat 1100/103 was subjected to a series of changes and re-launches. Despite the redesigning frenzy, the models were not radically different in their core design. Yet each variant has special features which attract serious collectors, who generally have preferences for one model over another. Knowledgeable collectors, Jayaram (in picture) and his sons Srikumar and Jaikumar love the Millecento more than any other 1100.

“In contrast to any other car in the 1100 family, the Millecento supports the spare wheel on an L-shaped bracket in the boot. The upper and lower portions of a taillight are uniformly red. In the Elegant, the upper portion is orange and the lower, red. We also loved the triple slat grille and the dashboard which sported a Millecento badge,” says Jaikumar. “We resisted offers of Selects and Super Selects for Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 30,000 and waited for a Millecento.”

They found their car in Puducherry; but the 1956 Millecento displayed signs of capricious maintenance.

“A square lattice Super-Select grille had taken the place of the triple slat grille. The dashboard was studded with Ambassador Mark IV meters. The knobs on the dashboard were not Millecento’s. All lights, on the front and back, had been replaced.”

Patiently, the men sourced one Millecento part after another. “Millecento knobs are of ivory colour. We sourced from eBay knobs that come close to the original.”

From paint to upholstery, the Millecento underwent a thorough change.

When Jaikumar and Srikumar went to Puducherry recently on a rally, the mechanic who had sold the car to them was stuck with disbelief. “He took our permission to take the Millecento and show it to his friends.”

They consider this the best compliment they have ever received.

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Inspired speeches marked the farewell ceremonies at various schools…

The function was brought to a solemn end by lighting the candle …

Moving farewell: At Sree Rama School.

Moments of reflection, pride and sadness through smiles light the faces of the outgoing students of schools that are part of The Hindu’s NIE programme at the graduation ceremonies.

One could see a host of emotions at these farewell functions.

Values

It was no different at the graduation ceremony conducted by Florence Public School at Dharmashri Resort.

All the students received mementoes as a token of appreciation.

F. A. Kudroli, chairman of the institution urged the students to uphold the values instilled and crave for excellence.

The students gave inspiring speeches exhibiting their oratorical skills.

The formal function was brought to a solemn end by lighting the candle which symbolised the flame of knowledge, which glows eternally .

This ceremony is usually special to the students .The theme of the graduation day was “Nature”.

The school principal, Abida, administered the oath insisting on “Truth, Humility and Honesty.” The highest award, the “Chairman’s Award” was conferred on Biharilal Gangwani, who was the secretary of the school council.

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National Geographic Channel helps kids develop covalent bonds with science with the new series

From sound to space A still from Science Mein Twist

In NCERT books there is an activity column in each chapter which suggests how the particular theory can be put to practical use. Usually, teachers don’t take pains to help students put these activities into practice. Now National Geographic Channel, in association with Ministry of Science & Technology, has come up with the idea of making simple scientific activities exciting and accessible to school children through a series called “Science Mein Twist”.

Once Doordarshan used to monopolise this territory and it’s heartening to find private players enter a field where profit is not always the first criterion. Rajesh Sheshadri, senior Vice-President, Content and Communication, National Geographic Channel, says: “The channel aims to inspire a life-long passion in children for learning by cultivating curiosity and wonder about the world and generating awareness, concern and knowledge about the planet by offering smart and reliable factual entertainment, featuring science and technology, animals and nature, exploration and culture.” While the production inputs have come from the channel, the Ministry has contributed in scientific knowhow and expertise. Doordarshan is not entirely out of the picture as the public broadcaster will telecast the series in regional languages.

Sheshadri says “Science Mein Twist” is a fun way to approach science that will resonate with children all over. “Though anybody can watch it, we have designed the series keeping in mind the science curriculum of sixth to eighth standards. It is an attempt to make science stimulating and interesting for school children and encourage them to pursue it at the higher education level and subsequently as a career.”

Rajesh Sheshadri, senior vice-president, Content, National Geographic Channel, with Union Minister Prithviraj Chavan

He cites the first India Science Report released by National Council of Applied Economic Research to make his…More

Parking is a major issue that most people using private transport in the city are forced to deal with on a regular basis.

The fact that many of the malls and shopping areas lack facilities such as multi level parking have also been a major factor in people facing many hassles, including their vehicles being towed away by the traffic police for parking in prohibited areas. The question that rises is, with the lack of adequate parking spots, where are we expected to park our vehicles?

Many a time, in designated parking lots, random people attempt to take money for parking, often forcing the customers to pay up, despite no authorisation by the police.

The parking on pavements near the road adversely affect the movement of traffic and blocks movement of pedestrians in the city.

It is necessary that this issue be sorted out soon, as the number of vehicles keeps on increasing every day. A mechanism must be devised that allows adequate parking facilities and does not put pedestrians to inconvenience.

Do you have anything to say? About the state of the world, the city, your angst? Pen it stylishly and you might get it published. And dash off your piece with your photograph. Email it to bangmetro@gmail.com or post it to MetroPlus, The Hindu, 19 & 21, Bhagwan Mahaveer Road (Infantry Road), Bangalore 1.

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