Light Infotainment

D Sivanandan: Mumbai’s Sherlock Holmes

lightinfotainment — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:28:22 +0000

Martin D'Souza

D Sivanandan: Mumbai's Sherlock Holmes

Bombay Times 18/10/2003

Morning walk is the time when D Sivanandan, Joint Director, CBI West zone, jogs his mind for solutions to solving crime in the City. Martin D’Souza investigates some more.

D Sivanandan is a mild-mannered man. There’s plenty on his mind but nothing ruffles his demeanour. Murder, extortion threats, thefts…he has seen them all, and solved them… well almost all. There’s no outburst of emotion from the Joint Director CBI (west zone) but simply that business-like attitude towards his work, and a passion to pry open mysteries.

The soft cop (on the outside), who is credited for nullifying extortion threats and preventing crime, opens a window of his mind for a sneak peek of how he cracks a case.

“What goes in my mind is rolling the facts over and over again and finding a glimmer of hope,” begins Sivanandhan seated in his office at Colaba. “In my case, most of the solutions to the problem were found while I was on my morning walk. Most of the time I had my dog for company. I never took a walking companion. During that one hour, I used to get most of the creative ideas and management solutions.”

Throwing light on how the Mumbai police reorganized themselves and brought their houses in order he reveals: “When I joined the Mumbai force, there were shootouts virtually every day. There were also extortion calls. How we organised that and how we came out of it is an interesting story. We brought the Mumbai police together as a cohesive unit. We had to create enough enthusiasm in them. Otherwise, no one was willing to come and work in the crime branch. We had to get our own house in order and have new strategies in place.

“Then, we also had talent-spotting—bringing the right man from outside for the right job and making him work. The third was to find the resources and give it to them. For eg. finding the informant. We had to then assess whether the information was useful, and pay him accordingly.

“We also resorted to rewarding the police officers appropriately after the job was completed and arranged felicitation for them and recommended their names for medals. We also had to bridge the necessary relationship between all the agencies like the police, customs, DRI, and Enforcement Directorate. Another step was to bring in all the national police units like Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, together and exchange a dossier of criminals.”

Commenting on the number of assassination attempts prevented by the police, Sivanandhan says, “The best part was bringing in the electronic intelligence where we know in advance the possible assassination attempts and prevented them. That group consisted of a lot of business people, industrialists, and cinema people, which included Aamir Khan, Mahesh Bhatt, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, J P Dutta, and many others. In these cases we knew the day and time of the attempts, we went and aborted these attempts.”

Making light of the police, he adds, “Earlier, the police used to go and detect the case after it happened… like they used to show in Hindi films. We changed that role completely and before the incident could take place we came to know about it and stood between the accused and the victim and prevented the crime. So many people are alive because of this strategy change—Subhash Ghai, Pehlaj Nihalani, Shah Rukh Khan…”

Finally, Sivanandhan throws in the clincher! The press, or rather the handling of the media, both print and electronic. “The best and the most important part is to face the press in a crisis. The police were being criticized when I came. I used to see the press very freely. At that time there was heavy criticism. I used to tolerate and then do a turnaround and continue to maintain the relationship with them. To carry the press was more important because whenever there is a crisis of confidence, it is the press that carries the message from the police to the public. I used to always conclude by saying, ‘Whoever has come to the police has not lost their lives’.”

True. Lives have been saved, as Sivanandhan says and the image of the police has been cleaned. Solving a crime is no mean feat and at his level, it is the leadership that counts.

Being a good leader is half the battle won. The other half is on the battlefield, which the Mumbai cops, thankfully now, are willing to get on to.

As Sivanandhan concludes, “Organized crime has been given a chutti now.”

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The Satya Paul Story

lightinfotainment — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:54:52 +0000

Martin D'Souza

The Satya Paul Story...

Time N Style May-Jun 2006

Sanjay Kapoor, Managing Director, Genesis Colours Pvt. Ltd., the holding company of the premier designer label, Satya Paul, in conversation with Martin D’Souza
After acquiring the Satya Paul label in 2001, and the launch of the women’s wear range of drapes and apparel under the same name, Sanjay Kapoor has moved into new territories with the acquisition of another designer label by Deepika Gehani. The former banker with a keen eye for fashion talks about his fascination for fashion and his plans for the future, and how he acquired the Satya Paul label…

Sanjay Kapoor’s tryst with fashion…
With an MBA from the University of Rochester in the United States, I commenced my career with Citibank in Singapore and later moved to India. Despite being a successful banker armed with a management degree, I was bitten by the restlessness bug. When you have been blessed with a restless mind that wants fresh challenges, then a switchover from working for an organisation to creating an organisation happens very naturally. Hence I decided to take up the challenge of making a place for myself in the fashion world.

‘Tie’ing them up… During my phase as a banker, I realised the deficiency of men’s wear accessories in the Indian fashion world. Since I also had this strong urge to do something on my own, I took the decision with my partner Jyoti Narula, to create more options for men by manufacturing ties, scarves, and stoles.

Neckwear, a huge potential…
Ties occupy the center stage in a man’s wardrobe. A man’s tie has always had the status of a fashion statement. It imparts the right touch to a man’s grooming and underlines his confidence. A silk tie is no longer the preserve of just the nobility but forms an essential part of a man’s attire. As I said earlier, I had realised the paucity of options in the men’s accessories segment. This acute paucity prompted me to tie up with Satya Paul and move into manufacturing ties to create choices and fill in that vacuum.

The deal…
In the year 2001, Jyoti Narula and I teamed up with Puneet Nanda (Satya Paul’s son) to establish Genesis Colors and manufacture women’s wear with the aim of creating the first label of substance that would appeal to the contemporary woman as well as have an international appeal.

The growth…
The move into women’s wear and into the thick of the fashion world happened as a natural progression in the process of growth. We established Genesis Colors to manufacture women’s wear and the rest, as they say, is history! The year 2002, witnessed a turning point in the growth of the Satya Paul label. With aggression, and panache mingled together, the Satya Paul design studio established itself firmly in the Indian Fashion world. We inducted the concept of setting ramp shows to ‘live’ classical music. In 2003, we associated with the art of famed artists from across the continents, to create concepts that caused a furore in the Indian Design world! Indeed, our signature series of drapes, apparel, and accessories were hailed as “the best prints in the world”! The famed Satya Paul sarees and prints acquired a brand presence all their own.

Going international…
With the intention to reach an international audience, we held shows overseas in rarefied locales such as Madame Tussauds in London in the year 2003. In the ensuing months, the Satya Paul label set the International catwalk afire with trailblazing concepts and prints. Madame Tussauds was followed by shows in New York, Long Island, Chicago, Singapore, Dubai, Kenya, and Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week to name a few. Since the year 2002, the swiftly growing Satya Paul design studio turned into a powerhouse by establishing a retail presence of 15 standalone stores at present, in all the major cities across India. We are scouting for opportunities to set up the same overseas too. The year 2004, also witnessed our association with cause-related activities. We have hosted shows to help gather funds for breast cancer, and underprivileged sections of the society, and last year to raise funds for those affected by the Tsunami.

There’s no bizz like showbiz…
With a savvy bit of marketing, we have found a foothold in the world of showbiz by designing for various characters of popular soaps on television and the Femina Miss Indias’ wardrobes for International pageants.

Corporate’s the way to be…
We have the singular distinction of establishing a distinct corporate structure modeled on a time-tested overseas business module, with organisational hierarchies, for effective expansion and future growth of the label. Treating corporatisation as a principal issue of critical importance we have created distinct divisions to allow the creative processes to continue effectively with minimal hindrances. The company has thus acquired more flexibility in pursuing commercial opportunities, to be proactive in a rapidly changing consumer market.

The Indian market…
The Indian urban consumer is not only becoming more and more brand conscious but is also moving towards very high-end brands. Even the forbidding price tags of most of these products do not seem to deter consumers across metros. A specific case in point is the luxury grooming market which is pegged at Rs.3000 crore annually and is growing by 30-40 percent annually, according to industry estimates. Consumer groups across the spectrum are driving the demand. The new consumer in India has purchasing power with a growing desire to spend on personal gratification. The juggernaut of liberalisation gathering momentum each day is opening up markets in India as well as overseas, for both the indigenous brands as well as industries of the western world, to cross boundaries and tap unlimited potential, especially in the retail segment of Lifestyle brands.

Indeed, India seems to be poised on the very brink of a retail revolution!

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I’m a Fighter!

lightinfotainment — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 10:38:47 +0000

Martin D'Souza

I am a fighter!

Bombay Times 10/02/2005

I paid the price for a new Amisha and I’m enjoying it.

Exactly five years ago, Amisha Patel surfaced on the filmi horizon. It may not have earned her rave reviews like it did her co-star Hrithik Roshan, but Kaho Na PyaarHai… was definitely a landmark film for the actress. Five Years is a long time in an industry driven by box-office success and Amisha has managed to hold her own, despite personal hurdles. The moolah has come in, so have personal problems. But tough as she is, she has moved on to new beginnings.

Speaking about the years gone by, Amisha says, “The journey has had a whirlwind of emotions attached to it, a whirlwind of experiences and most of the journey has been good. There have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs and every up and down has been a milestone in my life; a chapter that is very beautiful and memorable, whether good or bad.” The pain on her face as she speaks is evident, so is the steely resolve. But friends like Vikram Bhatt, and a few family members, like her grandmother have stood by her in her trying times, and she is forever grateful for their support.

Ask her if she is sad that a good part of her has been severed and she is quick to reply, the pain evident in her eyes. “I guess it couldn’t have been a good part if people do this to you.” So is she bitter about the whole episode? “No. I’m just learning from it that ultimately you are alone and you have to fight. It has made me a stronger person today. I can say that’s the price I paid for a new Amisha and I’m enjoying it.”

And is she in touch with her brother, Ashmit, with whom she once shared a very close bonding? “No I’m not in touch with him,” is all that she says. Touch on the topic of marriage and she lets out a hearty laugh, “Not for at least five to seven years. I have lots of good work to do.”

Moving on to a lighter subject, that of her new look, Amisha lightens up further. “There have been more people who have liked it than not,” she says referring to her coloured hair. “As an actress, you are expected to set trends, you are expected to look different all the time. You are expected to shoot the character you play and I’ve just done that.” How long before she goes black? “I cant say. I’m not blond anymore, I’m a brunette now,” she laughs adding “Maybe I’ll become pink or red next.”

Amisha may have gone through every kind of emotion in the last year but she has looked over to a new year and a new beginning. “I’m a fighter,” she signs off.

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I Don’t Know How to Act: Priyanka Chopra

lightinfotainment — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 08:29:43 +0000

Martin D'Souza

“I don’t know how to act’

Bombay Times 10/1/2005

Bollywood babe Priyanka Chopra who’s been creating a stir says that she still has a long way to go in her career

TIME FLIES: Oh my Gosh! I can’t believe it. It’s been five years since I came to this city for the Femina Miss India contest. I was 17 when I came. I’m now 22 andI’ve been doing films for two years now. By God’s grace my films have done well.

GLAMOUR FIELD NOT PLANNED: I was aiming for an engineering degree in Australia. I was on another tangent altogether. I never thought of acting. I have never, ever in my life planned anything.

THE BEGINNING: Even the Miss India contest was not planned. I was tudying for my Board exams. My brother, along with my mother, sent in my pictures on the quiet. I got a call from Femina and they told me to come down for the preliminary rounds.

THE CHANGE BEGINS: I won the contest in January 2000, which I never expected. I had never modelled in my life. Basically, from High School I went directly to Miss India. It was quite strange for me. I was only 17. I did not know what was happening.

BOLLYWOOD CALLING: After I won the Miss World title, filmmakers approached me, but I did not want to sign anything because of my commitments. After my reign ended, things just happened, one by one.

ACTING CLASSES: I have not been to any acting classes, which is why I’m so grateful that it has worked out. I think I’m a director’s actress. I don’t know how to act. My first two directors worked hard on me. I owe them a lot for shaping me.

DOCTOR DOCTOR: In fact, I tell my Mum that it was because of her that I have become an actor. If she had not sent my pics I would not have been an actress. My parents, both of whom are doctors, are very happy with whatever I do as long as I am happy. They have never made me feel they are not happy with what I do.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY: I believe we become better people when bad things happen to us. Both, the good and bad have happened to me. But I think a balance has been maintained and that’s totally because of my family. I’ve never been a flamboyant person. I’m not the one you’ll see at parties. I’m very into my work and this is what has taken me through all the bad times that I have gone through.

HELLO MUMBAI: My parents moved to Mumbai with me. I have always lived with my parents. They had a hospital in Bareily and I owe them a lot for leaving that and coming here to help me look for what I wanted to do. That’s one of the biggest sacrifices my parents have made, but but they never let me feel that they did something for me.

MAMA’S GIRL: I’m kiddish in many ways. I can’t travel alone. I cannot be on a flight without my mom. I can’t be in a hotel room all by myself. I can’t even be in a strange city by myself. I need my mom all the time. I still have to take permission from my parents before going anywhere.

LONG WAY TO GO: I’m seven films old. I still think I have a lot to learn and a lot to do. I don’t think I have made a mark. I want people to know me as an actress. I want people to know that she can do any role. I hate this stupid sexy, seductress, sizzling tag that I have. I mean sizzle as an actor is great but for people to think that you can only look sexy and not be an actress is very annoying. I would want to be known as somebody who is good in performing rather than somebody who just looks good.

NEGATIVE SHADES: Negative shades are damn difficult to do. I have done one, I don’t know if I’d be able to do another one for a very long time. I prefer doing drama. Romantic films are an absolute favourite of mine. I love watching comedy as well. They say nau ras hote hai acting ke. I want to be able to try all of them and maybe be good at them.

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Readying for The Kill

lightinfotainment — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 08:15:16 +0000

Martin D'Souza

Readying for the kill

Bombay Times 23/8/2003

Sania Mirza has a plan in place, writes Martin D’Souza

Imran and Naseema Mirza have a 15-month plan which they have put into action. A plan that will come into fruition when Sania, their celebrated daughter, will turn 18 in November 2004. “That’s when we will strike out,” says Imran, who now wants his champ to concentrate on the senior level participation. Imran, who left for the Canadian and US Open early on Thursday morning with his daughter reveals there are 13 senior tournaments lined up. “We have always put her ahead of her age group and the US Open is the last tournament where she will be participating in the junior category. We feel she has played enough of junior tournaments — she has already been in eight Grand Slams.”

Elaborating further, Imran says, “We are focussing on the senior tournaments so that she can gain in experience and work on her weak points.” As for the junior girls doubles Wimbledon champ, she is totally in accordance with her parents decision who were the ones responsible in initiating her into the sport. “My parents have played a big part in my progress,” admits the teenager. “I don’t think it would have been possible without their support and encouragement. I started at the age of 6 and they have really been after me.”

So was it their choice of sport or yours, we ask. Sania pauses for a moment before replying. “Initially, it was just a game. I was just six then…” she trails off. Her dad jumps in to return the volley. “We wanted her to try her hand at the game and when she started, she showed so much flair that she would not give up even though we tried to. She is free to walk out any moment if she does not enjoy it.”

And what about modelling, have the offers started pouring in? “I don’t know yet, but there are talks going on,” says the Steffi Graf fan.

Life for the Mirzas has changed drastically. “Earlier, my wife and me would alternate travelling with Sania, who is out eight months of the year, and the little time we got we would spend together with our younger daughter. But post Wimbledon, what little time we had, has gone to the press and events,” laughs Imran.

“I can’t travel in an auto anymore,” says Sania. “It’s tough. People easily recognise me now when I am out. Life has definitely changed, but it feels nice.”

With the Wimbledon win, expectations are high but Sania is not letting herself get bogged down. “Yes, there is a lot of expectation from me now. There should be, but I have taken it in my stride. One has to deal with it. I’ll give it my best shot no matter what the result is.”

The countdown has begun, and 15 months from now we will know how the plan has shaped. Till then, here’s wishing Sania, all the best!

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That’s What Friends are for

lightinfotainment — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:36:15 +0000

Martin D'Souza

That's what friends are for...

Bombay Times 17/04/2000

Sachin Tendulkar describes his friendship with Vinod Kambli as being “Very, very special.” Kambli, on his part says, “It’s unbreakable.” Those who have been close to the two swear by their friendship. They joke together, share a meal together, and yes, even cry together. This relationship of theirs has been through 17 eventful years, beginning as school kids and then blossoming to what it is now. It is getting stronger by the day.

The duo hit the headlines with their record breaking partnership of 664 runs for the third wicket against St Xavier’s in the Harris Shield inter-schools cricket match. The Shardashram mates, who were great pals then, had become instant celebrities. But there is more to their friendship than just the runs they have scored. “Our friendship is not performance oriented,” they both chorus. “It took some time but slowly gained momentum,” says Kambli. “We have played at the school level, state, and even for the country together. There is that special bonding,” Kambli adds.

Going back in time to the first time they met, Kambli says: “It was in 1982, during the selection of the school team. You won’t believe it, I was selected but he wasn’t. From then on I started seeing him at the nets. He was a bit tense initially. We began meeting regularly at nets and in school and our friendship caught on from there.”

Ask Kambli whether he feels bad for losing out on fame while his more illustrious pal has hogged the limelight and he is quick on the draw. “Never,” says he. “I have been with him since childhood and I have always wished him well. I have never been jealous of his success.”

Delving into his lean period, Kambli says, “He (Sachin) is my friend, philosopher and guide. He has always supported me and been there when I have needed him.”

Sachin, on his part, is equally vocal about his feelings for his pal. “Our relationship is very transparent. What is there to say about it,” he says adding, “we’ve been the best of friends. One needs to be really close to understand this friendship. It’s very difficult to put in words what he actually means to me. All I can say that it’s very, very special.”

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“We Must Learn to Be Ruthless”

lightinfotainment — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:33:39 +0000

Martin D'Souza

"We must learn to be ruthless."

Bombay Times 08/07/2003

Hockey hero Viren Rasquinha believes a no-mercy attitude will take the Indian team places.

He’s a wiry 22-year-old, but packs a mean push with that 22-ounce hockey stick from midfield. Meet Viren Rasquinha, Mumbai’s star from the marauding Indian hockey team that’s currently on Cloud Nine with back-to-back wins in tournaments in Hamburg and Australia.

Talk about the game and Viren’s fired up. Interject queries with a mention of girlfriends and he goes red in the face. Clearly, girls may be on the agenda and there may be that special someone, but his beet red face does not divulge information on that front.

This Bandra boy can be classified as the new age Indian sportsperson — talented, with that `special attitude’ that calls for the head of the opponent. He doesn’t believe in giving anything to the opposition. “We have to learn to be a ruthless team. When the opposition is down, we have to finish it. No mercy,” he shoots from the lip.

Without doubt, there has been an attitude change in the team and the new generation of players have played a big part. This has made Viren all the more adamant on being part of this team for a long time. “There is an attitude change. We want to beat the opposition and we know we can do it. We are not happy with a draw anymore,” says Viren, for whom the recent tournaments have been a big confidence boost.

Commenting further on the attitude of the team, he says, “Today, other teams are looking at this Indian team with a lot of respect and fear as well.” With competition within the team being fierce as well, how does he plan to keep his place? “I’m considered one of the best defence players in the team, and if I can improve on my attack, it will help me in my all-round ability. Presently, my defence game is regarded highly along with my man-marking skills,” he says.

As a kid, Viren too dreamt dreams and he very dearly wanted to don the India colours. “You dream of some things in life and don’t believe they will happen. But when they do, it’s a fantastic feeling,” says the Ronaldo and David Beckham fan.

Right now, he’s happy that the common man has taken a keen interest in the game. “This is good for the popularity of the sport,” he says.

Does that mean hockey players will now vie with cricketers for modelling contracts? “Where are the offers,” he asks, rubbing his hands in anticipation!

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Inshallah, it’s Time My Cup Overfloweth: Azhar

lightinfotainment — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:31:33 +0000

Martin D'Souza

Inshallah, it's time my cup overfloweth: Azhar

Bombay Times 07/05/1999

Even before he could leave Indian shores for the World Cup in England, the call for Mohammed Azharuddin to step down as captain reached a crescendo from many corners, especially after the defeats at the hands of Pakistan in the recently concluded series. His injury at Sharjah and Ajay Jadeja’s elevation and excellent performance as captain did not help matters.

But India’s most experienced batsman and the only player to have featured in the highest number of One-day matches (315), has been there before — the heady highs and nightmarish lows when at the helm. He has seen it all but never once has he buckled under pressure. Many are still hopeful Azhar flops at the start of the World Cup and concedes his seat to Jadeja. However, his detractors are in for a disappointment as the wristy batsman is raring to prove his critics wrong. “Inshallah, we will win the Cup,”’ he says.

There’s that familiar shrug of the shoulder when cornered for an exclusive chat. The Indian skipper was at first evasive, but relented when persisted with.

Following are excerpts from an interview:

The Azhar bat of late seems to have lost some of its magic. What is the problem?
Yes, I admit I’ve not scored too many runs of late. I’ve been getting out in the 20s and 30s. But I did make a decent 74 not out and with my fitness coming around, I guess I should be among the runs again.

Is it loss of form or lack of concentration?
I think it’s a combination of both. The two are heavily dependent on each other and when the lean patch goes, everything falls into place.

Suddenly, your winning streak has ended. What do you feel is the main reason?
We have been playing a lot of matches of late and all of them are being telecast continuously and the people want us to win all the time. But it is not humanly possible to win all the time. Unfortunately, all our losses have come at the same time and aroused public interest. But that is not the main factor. The main thing is the continuous criticism of the team and our performance. It has got our morale down completely. But the team should be ready to bounce back in England.

How do you react to all the accusations of not being committed to the game and not being a motivator on the field?
All this is utterly loose and baseless talk and spread by a few people with vested interests. If I wasn’t committed I wouldn’t have lasted so long. The selectors have shown faith in me once more and that is because they feel that I am still the right man for the job. As for motivation on the field, I think that is between me and the team. I don’t have to make a show for the public or for the TV cameras. It’s a private thing.

All this talk of certain people asking you ‘indirectly’ to step down as skipper even after the Board is committed… doesn’t it anger you? Don’t you ever say, what the hell. Let me go out and make these guys eat crow, without curry, just as Kapil did to the English press in 1983?
My biggest asset has always been my patience and that has helped me to overcome my anger. I only smile at the pettiness of people and of the so-called observers when I read all this. I don’t get angry because I have confidence in myself. All this is unnecessary and petty talk of small-minded people. The Board has decided, so to question their decision itself is wrong. I think I’ve proved myself and with the good wishes of genuine cricket lovers, will do so again.

In 1987, you almost took us to the final of the Reliance Cup with your stroke-filled score of 60-plus, but unfortunately fell to an erroneous decision. In 1992, the less said the better. In 1996, we again failed to make the final. Where do you see India in this World Cup?
I see the last three situations as hurdles which we could not overcome. This time we shall try even harder to overcome it and win the final. All we have to do is play to our full potential and play positive cricket. And we need the support and the prayers of the media and the public at this point, not their criticism.

Finally, will we see the Azhar who always delivered in times of crisis. Will we see him mesmerise the bowlers and bring us back the Cup?
Inshallah! God willing, yes. It is long overdue.

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Taste the Bunder

lightinfotainment — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:29:05 +0000

Martin D'Souza

Taste the Bunder

Bombay TImes 08/04/1998

As the cola wars hot up the consumers are going into a fizzy tizzy, writes Martin D’Souza

The Cola war is generating more heat than fizz. It’s becoming bold, brash and, of course, there’s a lot of monkeying around. All this on the electronic medium using sports, where cricket is supposed to carry the message far and wide. A nice platform for the two cola giants to get even with each other and settle scores off the field.

Their sparring had first begun during the World Cup jointly hosted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 1996. Many believed it was just a one-off battle to coincide with the mega event. But that was just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Today, if one sits to watch a ‘live’ coverage the cola battle flashes across with alarming alacrity. No commercial break is complete without the sparring-ads doing the rounds. What is the ultimate aim of the involved companies, one begins to wonder. Certainly, one has had enough of this childish display of creative emotional outburst.

Coca Cola have this famous slogan… “Eat cricket, sleep cricket, drink only Coca Cola.” Pepsi, cleverly released an ad, obviously hitting out at Coke in a big way, with a little help from the Indian skipper, Mohammed Azharuddin, and Ajay Jadeja. The voice-over yells EAT; Azhar bites a chunk off the bat while

Jadeja chews on a pad. SLEEP, the voice yells again. Both cricketers sleep on their respective gear. DRINK, the voice hollers once again. Red plastic cups slide up to the two cricketers. (Who those red cups belong to everyone knows, but there is no logo, you see. Smart guys). “Naah,” say the two cricketers in unison and instead opt for a Pepsi.

The Yankees may be crankies, but dumb they are not. They immediately hit back at Pepsi in a novel way. They have two monkeys doing the same thing that Azhar and Jadeja do but the line goes, `Don’t be a bunder, taste the Thunder. This is to promote Thums Up, their other product. In effect, they are

killing two birds with one stone… getting even with Pepsi for their dig at Coke and making monkeys out of them while promoting Thums Up!!

Another ad that takes a dig at Pepsi is when another bunder lifts a blue crate with bottles with no brand name (obviously you know who it belongs to) and the same bunder line is repeated.

Now who are the monkeys? We, the innocent on-lookers in this corporate tamasha, Azhar, Jadeja or the cola companies? Should we taste the thunder, have more Pepsi, gulp Coke or switch to some other soft drink and let the cola wars continue.

Will this battle ever end? Going by the way things are hotting up, looks like it’s gonna be one long innings. Someone should step in and diplomatically stop the cola wars. On second thoughts, why be a spoilsport. Let the fun flow. Like they say, it tastes good till the fizz lasts.

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Trailblazer

lightinfotainment — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:26:13 +0000

Martin D'Souza

Trailblazer

Bombay Times 25/03/2006

DR RUBY DHALLA, the youngest woman in the Canadian Parliament and the first South Asian chosen to federal political office in all of North America, in a candid chat with MARTIN D’SOUZA

“I’m a sardarni,” she says with a smile. Her parents migrated to Canada in 1970. Her father passed away some years ago but she takes all her decisions in consultation with her mother and brother. “I think above and beyond any success, family is the most important. My mother always says your success defines how successful you are within your family,” emphasises Dr Ruby, who at 30 years of age, made history in Canadian Parliament when she became the youngest elected MP for her constituency, Brampton Springdale in May 2004. She is now serving her second term in office after winning the elections on January 23, 2006.

Excerpts from an interview:

What is your idea of politics or being a politician?
Politics is about people working together to create a better quality of life for generations to come. Politics is a calling to be a voice for those who struggle to be heard; it’s about building the type of society we want for a better tomorrow. In Canada, the people who are elected to political offices dedicate their life to politics and make a lot of sacrifices along the way.

What is the one thing you feel politicians should do after taking office?
Obviously, be a person of your word, and have integrity. I think the most important thing in politics is to have the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. You also need to have that passion to put in the work that it requires, to achieve the results you desire.

So what would you say is wrong with the political system in India?
It’s not really my place to comment what is wrong with India’s political system but I do want to say that one of the greatest things that Canada is known for and is a great source of pride is that throughout the world is that it’s a country of equality. We ensure that there are opportunities for everyone. And I hope those qualities of equality and justice and tolerance, acceptance and respect, which we fight for in politics are going to be the qualities that will ultimately define India as a nation and ultimately define the politicians and the politics globally.

What goaded you on to politics. Don’t you think it’s a dirty game meant for those who have no education and are power hungry?
For me, politics is not about a job. It’s not about money. It’s really about looking beyond that. It’s about having a vision and about having ideas I’m a very hard worker and very passionate about what I do and always believe in ensuring that it’s OK to have brains and beauty and be a woman of substance.

Do you get time to be a doctor?
No. I don’t get time to be a doctor. Politics is now an addiction. Instead of dealing with people with their health care problems, I’m dealing with other issues. I always had a passion and love for people.

When did your political journey begin?
When I was 12 years old, I was sponsored for a government programme called ‘Forum For Young Canadians’. At that point, one of the requirements on getting selected was to meet your local MP. I went and told him I was sponsored for this programme and I need to get a donation. ‘He said I’ll give you the donation but you will have to come and volunteer’. I said I’d love to. I did not realise he would make me volunteer for one whole year. It was quite an expensive return for asking for that very small donation. That MPs name was David Walker and he was the Parliamentary Assistant to Paul Martin who at that time was the Minister of Finance.

So it would be right to say you got hooked onto politics?
Absolutely. I had a chance to get involved in the political process. Paul Martin went on to become the leader of our party (Liberal Party) and then the Prime Minister. As I was growing up, I stayed in touch with Mr Martin and was very involved with the Liberal Party.

Do you think more women should be involved in politics?
Not only in Canada, but throughout the world, you have to have women involved. Women have very unique experiences and I think women can add a lot of value to the protocol system not only in Canada but throughout the world and not only in politics but in every industry. Women bring warmth, passion, sincerity, genuineness and insight that is very unique.

Have you ever had to face gender bias?
I think women have to work a lot harder to prove themselves and there are definitely more challenges. There is definitely a gender bias. But I think it’s up to women like myself to ensure that we overcome those challenges; that we break down those barriers. I think it’s a responsibility of every woman throughout the world to make sure that they pave the way to generations to come.

As someone having Indian roots how do you plan to leverage this success of yours to Indian advantage?
I think it’s the responsibility of every NRI throughout the world to promote India and to ensure that it becomes a nation that has tremendous potential and promise. And it’s our responsibility as NRIs to promote that potential and to promote that promise. When you become successful in whatever you do abroad, you are carrying the banner for other Indians throughout the world. Every NRI is the brand ambassador for India.

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