Public warned of rising fraud - Oman Daily Observer

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 ENTERTAINMENT 29 Hrishitaa said that paring is acceptable as far as it is viewed “normally” and not “technically”. ‘Fine’ for old actors to work with young, says Hrishitaa SEVERAL 40-plus actors like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan are teaming up with younger actresses on screen. That's not a problem, believes actress Hrishitaa Bhatt, who says as long as the pairing is convincing, it is "ine". "Honestly, age is a bad thing both for men and women. It's about do you look that much older or younger. In fact, there are many actors whose age doesn't show and even many actresses' age doesn't show. I think it is just ine," the 32-year-old said. "I feel that as long as the pairing looks right onscreen and is according to the script, it is ine. It should look convincing," she added. Hrishitaa also said that such paring is acceptable as far as it is viewed "normally" and not "technically". "If you look at the age technically, there is no logic in that. But if you see any pairing onscreen normally, then it looks ine. So, I think it is acceptable," she said. In recent times, Shah Rukh has worked with much younger Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, respectively. Even Akshay has worked with younger actresses. In Welcome, he worked with Katrina Kaif and in Rowdy Rathore, he was paired with much younger Sonkashi Sinha. Even Salman has worked with Sonakshi in Dabangg and Dabangg 2. Now Bollywood's "Mr Perfectionist" Aamir too is working with Anushka and Katrina in PK and Dhoom 3, respectively. Aditya Roy never planned to enter romantic zone: Actor Aditya Roy Kapoor, who has acted in ilms like Action Replayy and Guzaarish, will be seen in a new, romantic avatar in his forthcoming ilm Aashiqui 2. He says he did not make a conscious effort to enter the romantic zone. — IANS I’m blessed to have Soha in my life: Kunal BOLLYWOOD actor Kunal Khemu, who is currently in a relationship with actress Soha Ali Khan, says he is lucky to have someone like her in his life. The actress is very supportive of his decisions and respects him as a professional. “I am blessed to have a woman in my life who is so supportive of my work. We both respect each other as professionals. We do talk about our work, but the inal decisions remain with us,” he said in an interview. The two have no immediate marriage plans at the moment, and have just moved in together. “Not planned as of now. We have just moved in together. We are happy and are concentrating on our careers,” he said. Kunal will be seen in Zombie comedy ilm Go Goa Gone soon and said that shooting for it was a memorable experience. Directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, Go Goa Gone also features Saif Ali Khan, Vir Das, Anand Tiwari and Puja Gupta. “Raj came up with the idea that we want to make a Zombie ilm and then we started writing it. The ilm has been an exciting and fulilling experience. The trailer has been received very well,” he said. After having worked as a child actor in ilms like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Raja Hindustani, Zakhm, Kunal made his comeback into the industry with ilms like Kalyug, Superstar, Dhol and 99, which were not received so well by the audience. Madhuri shoots for action sequence ACTRESS Madhuri Dixit, who will soon be seen playing the lead role in Gulaab Gang, has shot an action sequence for the upcoming ilm. The movie is partly inspired by social activist Sampat Pal and the work she and her Gulabi Gang do for women's welfare. "Had great fun shooting action sequence for Gulaab Gang yesterday. Tiring, but completely challenging and exciting," Madhuri posted on Twitter. She even said it is currently the most exciting activity for herself. "What is the most interesting thing in your life that you are doing or planning to do? For me, right now it's this action scene," she added. The actress will also later be seen in Dedh Ishqiya, a sequel to 2010's critically acclaimed movie Ishqiya. Vidya looks back at going modern Jaya secure in her different roles VETERAN actress and Rajya Sabha member Jaya Bachchan, who turned 65 yesterday, says her role as a mother matters more to her than any thing else. She also admits that she takes her duty as a parliamentarian seriously and that she is still game for movie roles, provided they are "challenging". She gave up superstardom in 1973, when she ruled the box-ofice, to become wife to Amitabh Bachchan and subsequently mother to Shweta and Abhishek. "Everyone saw it as a big sacriice and painted me as mother India. But the fact is, I did what I wanted to. There was no martryrdom involved because I am not that kind of a person. No one can make me do what I don't want to," she said. The pioneering performer heralded naturalistic acting into mainstream Hindi cinema. Before her, there was Nutan, and after her there are Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi. But Jaya occupies a unique position. — IANS Actress Anjali alleges harassment ‘My step-mom knew director Kalanjiyam since my debut. They both have been constantly harassing me since then and treated me like a slave. I was merely a money-making machine for my step-mother. I couldn’t take it any longer and, therefore, decided to blow the whistle on them’ SOUTHERN actress Anjali has accused her step-mother Bharati Devi and Tamil director Mu Kalanjiyam of harassment. She has alleged that the two have robbed her of all savings. "I've been mentally tortured by my stepmother and director Kalanjiyam. Both of them pose a threat to my life and I fear staying anywhere close to them. I moved out of Chennai after I made the allegations public. I'm currently in Hyderabad but would not wish to reveal my whereabouts," Anjali said. Following the allegations Anjali made on Monday, she went into hiding and was unavailable for contact. "My step-mom and her husband used to accompany me for shoots and would never allow me to have my own space. They wouldn't let me talk to my friends or family. Currently, I only own one property in Chennai, all other assets and savings are in her name," she added. "My step-mom knew director Kalanjiyam since my debut. They both have been constantly harassing me since then and treated me like a slave. I was merely a money making machine for my step-mother. I couldn't take it any longer and, therefore, decided to blow the whistle on them," Said Anjali, who has iled a legal complaint against her stepmother and the director. However, Bharati Devi, Anjali's stepmother, rubbishes all allegations. "I adopted her from my elder sister when she was 15 years old and since then have been taking good care of her. I still can't understand why she would accuse me of harassment. She says I looted a crore of her savings, but in reality she is only getting paid in lakhs for her movies and, therefore, she can't possibly have so much money," Bharati Devi said. "I accompany her to shoots because I believe she needed some supervision. It is very easy to get carried away at this young age in this business and, therefore, I was there to protect her," she added. Anjali is known for successful ilms such as Engaeyum Eppothum, Kalakalappu and Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu. She made her cinematic debut with Tamil drama Sathamindri Muthamidu, which was directed by Kalanjiyam. However, that ilm never saw the light of the day. Director Kalanjiyam too is shocked at Anjali's allegations. "Her debut ilm never took off, but her family was in touch with me because I groomed her to be an actress. Her family treated me as their well-wisher and I respected it. I never tried to take advantage of her at any point. I still can't believe why she would accuse of harassment," Kalanjiyam said. "I was working with her in my upcoming Tamil ilm Oor Suttri Puranam. She already shot some portion of the ilm and has given me dates in May as well. If she really had a problem with me, why would she even bother to work with me," he added. He says he wants to handle this matter legally. "She has defamed my name with baseless allegations. If she really says I harassed her, then I would like to handle the matter in court. I have also iled a complaint in her name. I will only see her in court now," said Kalanjiyam. Meanwhile, Anjali is to start shooting for the untitled Telugu remake of Bol Bachchan from today in Bangalore. She also recently completed shooting for upcoming Telugu action-drama Balupu. — IANS. ACTRESS Vidya Balan, who now makes graceful fashion statements in Indian designer suits and saris, admits she was making a “conscious effort” to be a certain way in her looks. However, that was taking her away from her real self. “I think I was making a conscious effort about ive to six years ago, and this conscious effort was making me unconscious of who I was,” the 34-year-old said. The actress responded to a question to whether she is now making a conscious effort to launt an Indian image. Vidya made her debut with the role of a simple, Bengali girl in Parineeta and she later turned to a glamourised image in ilms like Heyy Babyy and Kismat Konnection. In recent times, she has been seen and appreciated in ilms like The Dirty Picture, No One Killed Jessica and Kahaani. She even featured in a mature role in Paa, and essayed a rustic look in Ishqiya. She says she is glad that she went back to her original self. “I love Hindi and regional cinema. I have watched a lot of Malayalam and Bengali ilms. I have grown up on Indian classical music, there is a culture of Carnatic music at home. Besides, I am exposed to Hindustani music and old ilm music. — IANS Lalit Modi’s niece debuts in Gippi FORMER Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi’s niece Jayati is set for her Bollywood debut. She will be seen in ilm-maker Karan Johar’s upcoming ilm Gippi. The 16-yearold plays her age as schoolgirl Shamira. She landed the role through social media. “The auditions were conducted through Facebook and Jayati got to know about it through one of her friends. She registered in Delhi with a group of friends, but everyone auditioned except her,” says a source. “When director Sonam Nair asked her why she wasn’t auditioning, Jayati said she was not sure about it. But when Sonam insisted, she went ahead and not only auditioned, but also bagged the role,” the source added. OMAN ESTABLISHMENT FOR PRESS, PUBLICATION AND ADVERTISING; P.O. Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; Tel: 24649444, 24649450, 24649451, 24604563, 24699437 Fax: 24699643 Website: omanobserver.om e-mail: editor@ omanobserver.om Salalah Office: Tel: 23292633, Fax: 23293909 Nizwa Office: Tel: 25411099, P.O. Box 955, P.C. 611 ADVERTISING: AL OMANEYA ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS, P.O. Box 3303, P.C. 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: SWITCHBOARD: 24649444, DIRECT: 24649430/24649437/24649401, Fax: 24649434 DISTRIBUTION AGENT: AL OMANEYA FOR DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING, P.O. Box 974, P.C. 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: 24649351/24649360, Fax: 24649379, subscribe@omandaily.om Printers and Publishers Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising
30 LETTERS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 PEOPLE’S PLATFORM YOUR coverage of the four-day symposium on “Development of Islamic Jurisprudential Sciences” (April 6-9) was very good. The symposium focused on the need to promote peaceful co-existence among nations and civilisations, as also within the world of Islam. The symposium on the topic of peaceful co-existence could not come at a better time. The need of the hour is to practically demonstrate that peaceful co-existence is the key to all round peace and development. Oman, as a very peaceful country with open arms for people of all faiths, best suited as the venue and organiser of the event. It is noteworthy to state that the fourth Caliph of Islam Ali ibn Abu Talib said, “People are either your brothers in religion or your equals in creation." The second Caliph of Islam, Sayyidina Omar gave full freedom to people of all faiths in Palestine after its conquest during his rule. Today, we see that in a Muslim country like the Sultanate of Oman there are temples and churches. There is need to uphold mutual respect, human dignity and fair play in dealings with others in all countries. In fact, one of the reasons for the continued wave of Islamic awakening around the world is the feeling of brotherhood and love among Muslim communities and their respect for people of other faiths, colours and races. — Ahmed al Balushi Peaceful co-existence is the need of the hour Editor: Oman is an oasis of peace and tranquillity with open arms and respect for all. It was the 12th edition and we hope such events on peaceful coexistence must be organised every year and everywhere. Oman’s literacy rates surges HAVE read with interest in your I newspaper the report “Major fall in illiteracy rate” dated April 9. We are pleased to know that Oman is achieving high rates of literacy. This is not surprising given the fact that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has always stressed on the need to promote literacy and has invested huge funds to promote it. This is also in line with the teachings of Islam. Oman should aim at 100 per cent literacy and prepare speciic place with clear timelines. This will make a model for others, which will be a thing to be proud of. I believe strongly that whatever we do, the aim should be to become a model for others if not 100 per cent perfect. Perfection may be elusive but becoming a model is achievable and a healthy and ambitious goal. It is also heartening to know that Oman is making good progress in this regard. — Hasan K Editor: Oman has achieved much in terms of literacy but it has a long way to go in achieving complete literacy. We need to build new programmes and facilities to move forward further to achieve this ambition. Nationality law THE news item on “Need for change in nationality law” was timely and interesting. We hope this will take shape soon and it will be to the beneit of all. Oman is a good, progressive and peaceful country. Do you have a word of appreciation for any services you received? Or suggestions for improvement? Observer is giving you an opportunity to rant or rave about anything and everything around you: Please write to: Tel: 24649451, Fax: 24649469; e-mail: observerfeatures@gmail.com facebook.com/oman observer twitter.com/omanobserver Many people want to have Omani nationality. — Ahsan Editor: The proposal for reviewing the nationality law is timely and it must be undertaken carefully. Omani women THERE is an urgent need to build swimming pools exclusively for Omani women and those who observe Hijab. Swimming facilities for Omani women are lacking and this is not fair. Swimming is one of the best sports, exercises, and most enjoyable. We all know that Omani women would never ever join pools where there is mixed swimming of men and women. Even in case of separate timings for women, proper side walls need to be made available. Omani women have shown active interest and participation in many national and international sports including horse riding and athletics. Swimming is the only area in which Omani women do not seem to have any role, although it is one of best sports for one’s overall health. — Fatma Editor: It is a good point. Omani women deserve separate swimming pools and beaches with proper facilities so that they can swim with freedom and without violating their cultural tenets. >> CULTURE Climbing charity at Al Khuwair tomorrow “ F you do well in school, if really do Iyour best then next time I come up I’ll bring up some toys — if you do well this is the reward you get.” Rachael MacIver, who moved to Oman from Denmark in 2004, realised a simple gesture of good faith can result in a child smiling from ear to ear! ‘The Children of Jabal Shams,’ is a project founded by Rachael that looks “to promote education and reading in the remote areas of Jabal Shams,” Rachael explained. This whole experience started after Rachael inished a trek up Jabal Shams. While walking back to her car she met Barr Al Jissah Residences welcomes acclaimed architect Barr Al Jissah Residences, the most exclusive freehold property in the Gulf, appointed internationally-acclaimed architect Elie Badaoui as the Property Manager of the real estate division recently. Barr Al Jissah Residences is a luxurious residential project undertaken by the Barr Al Jissah Resort Company SAOC. Commenting on the appointment of Elie Badaoui, Jose Lora, COO — Real Estate & Hospitality, said, “With Elie Badaoui joining the top ranks at Barr Al Jissah, the company looks forward to reaching greater heights in development projects in Oman and beyond. Elie brings with him over 30 years’ experience in highlevel architecture, design, project management and construction around the world. These include marinas, museums, ive-star hotels, high-rise towers, commercial and residential buildings, medical facilities, commercial malls, interiors and a young boy on his way home and they talked until they reached her car. As she opened her door, a pen fell out and the boy asked if he could have it and then proceeded to say that he needed it for school. This is where her inspiration grew, Rachael realised that if all she needs to do is give a child a pen to help them in their education that is not asking for a lot. “There are no schools up in Jabal Shams so the children have to go to Al Hamra in order to go to classes. They travel down Jabal Shams in the early hours of the morning in pick-up trucks and since the journey is long they get general urban planning.” Barr Al Jissah Residences with a brigade of well-trained and high calibre professionals brings to the Sultanate exceptionally designed villas and townhouses. Elie has joined about half a days’ worth of education per day,” explained Rachael. Nowadays, education is the foundation to any person’s future and is the ground stone on which a society can grow and prosper. Education allows people to explore the world around them with ‘new’ eyes and at the same time, broadens their horizons. Rachael explained “Many children drop out of school early and stay in the village to help their family tend their goats and sheep, trying to supplement their family’s income by selling homemade key rings and hand-woven rugs to the tourists.” At irst Rachael would take little things she bought here and there such as “school bags and stationary items, anything the children would need to start school,” she said, and “that became somewhat of a tradition, so whenever they had a school holiday I would try to go up there and distribute the items one by one to the children,” she added. As the months passed by, the numbers of items increased as did the shapes and sizes of the donated gifts. People would contribute whatever they could; such as basic school equipment and even computers so that the children could type up their assignments. Rachael and the people who work with her have also come up with creative ways to raise money for this project; such as selling the black and white photos of Oman that Rachael takes. the elite team of Barr Al Jissah Residences armed with a Master’s Degree from the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts, Lebanon; Stewardship of Companies, Canada and Architectural Studies, Beaux Arts de Paris, France. Another way people can help support ‘The Children of Jabal Shams’ is to take their children, above 6, to ‘The Wall’ in Al Khuwair on Thursday 11 April from 11am till 5pm for the ‘Open Climbing Day’ event. The admission fee of RO 4 will go towards buying the children of Jabal Shams “books, stationery and computers.” Rachael would like to thank every individual that has donated something to this project, as well as ‘Oman Heritage Gallery’, Centre Point, Omani photographer, Saghroon al Harmali and the Dar al Atta’s ‘Let’s Read’ project. 'Laziness linked to genes' G ENES may be responsible for laziness, says an American study. New research from the University of Missouri suggests certain genetic traits may predispose people to being more or less motivated to exercise and remain active. Frank Booth, a professor in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, along with his postdoctoral fellow Michael Roberts, were able to selectively breed rats that exhibited traits of either extreme activity or extreme laziness. Studies show 97 per cent of American adults get less than 30 minutes of exercise a day, which is the minimum recommended amount based on federal guidelines, reports Science Daily. They say, in a study published in the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, these rats indicate that genetics could play a role in exercise motivation, even in humans. "We have shown that it is possible to be genetically predisposed to being lazy," Booth said. "This could be an important step in identifying additional causes for obesity in humans, especially considering dramatic increases in childhood obesity in the United States. It would be very useful to know if a person is genetically predisposed to having a lack of motivation to exercise, because that could potentially make them more likely to grow obese." By Nada Ali nada.ali5@hotmail.com Sleep Well (Feng Shui) FENG Shui believes that all energy on Earth fall into two opposite categories — Yin and Yang — and the same principles apply to your bedroom. Your bedroom is where you spend at least eight hours every day, hence a proper balance of Yin and Yang is very essential for your well-being. Here are some Feng Shui guidelines to help you create a sanctuary of rest and relaxation. # Place your bed in a command position. It should face the door from the far side of the room but not be directly in front of the door. The area diagonally furthest from the door is best. This position prevents negative inluences from affecting you, gives you a visual command of the space and is said to help you face life directly. # Sleeping in front of the door exposes you to too much Chi which could create stress, irritability and health problems. Also avoid placing the bed in a corner with one side against the wall, directly underneath windows, under overhead beams, the lower part of a slanted ceiling or near sharp angles and corners. # The bed’s headboard (preferably a solid one instead of slats) must be against a solid wall (not shared with a bathroom) for support, and the most favourable bed height is about 18 inches off the ground. # A window to the right of the bed helps you receive positive energy from the universe when you wake up and start a new day. # Surround yourself with colours that are calming and which feel right. Lighting should not be too bright either; use blubs of a lower wattage, bedside/loor lamps or install a dimmer. # When possible, open the windows to let fresh air in or use an air puriier. Good, clean air enhances the Chi. # Don’t keep a work desk, computer/laptop, exercise or electronic equipment in your bedroom. The energies of each are incompatible with rest. # A mirror facing your bed relecting only your face and upper body is not good; one on the side of the bed is ine. The same applies to any relective surface. Else, drape a cloth over any relective surface facing the bed when you sleep. # Never sleep with your feet facing the door. This is the cofin position. # Don’t use beds with storage space underneath. If you can’t avoid that, store only soft items like bed linen or clothes in it. # Don’t keep any negative items in the bedroom. This includes legal/dispute papers or even a gift from someone you share negative vibes with. # Don’t hang wall decorations that relect negative, sad, depressing, angry or lonely images. Put up what relects the things you want in life. Always keep the whole bedroom clean and free of clutter, dust, dirt and cobwebs to help Chi circulate freely.
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Public warned of rising fraud - Oman Daily Observer

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