SUNNY MEDIA

I'm out of work after Krrish 3, says Hrithik Roshan

2012-09-20T18:10:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Aug. 27 -- Sure, he's among the top-billed actors in Bollywood. But unlike his counterparts, Hrithik Roshan has no film in hand except dad Rakesh Roshan's Krrish 3. Rumours claim his involvement with several projects (including Karan Johar's adaptation of the best-selling novel, The Immortals Of Meluha), but in an exclusive chat, H.Ro (his new nickname) clarifies he has signed none.

"At the moment, I haven't signed anything besides Krrish 3. So I am going to be out of work after wrapping it up," laughs Hrithik, despite speculation that he's doing another film with Johar, co-starring Kareena Kapoor, Kabir Khan's next with producer Sajid Nadiadwala and Shekhar Kapur's ambitious Paani.

"None of them are true. Immortals is just an idea and so far, it hasn't taken any shape. As for Paani, there's no development from my front. I am yet to decide what I am going to do next," says the Agneepath actor.

Ask Hrithik why is he isn't accepting any of the offers he's receiving and he smiles, "I don't know. Maybe I am waiting for the right script to inspire me. Or possibly, people who have something inspirational (in terms of script and storyline) aren't coming to me."

Currently, Hrithik is busy with Krrish 3, which also stars Vivek

Oberoi, Kangna Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra. The film, in all likelihood, will be next year's big Diwali release.

Besides wrapping up the sequel to the 2006 hit, Hrithik is believed to be making his father's 25th anniversary as a director special. He has apparently chalked out a plan to meet his father's contemporaries - Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, Aruna Irani, Rekha, Randhir Kapoor and Jeetendra besides directors, cameramen and technicians - to get them talking about their association with his father. He will then present the footage as an audio-visual.

Meanwhile...

* Shah Rukh Khan is busy wrapping up Yash Chopra's next and also has Rohit Shetty's Chennai Express in hand

* Aamir Khan is wrapping up Dhoom:3 in Chicago. After that, he will be neck-deep into Rajkumar Hirani's next, Peekay. The film also stars Anushka Sharma

* Salman Khan is close to finishing work on Dabangg 2. Then he will start Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick, followed by a film with younger brother Sohail

* Akshay Kumar's hands are full with OMG (Oh My God), followed by Khiladi 786, Once Upon A Time Again, Special Chabbis, Boss and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Raana remake.

HT Media Limitedm

--nydaily news

Salman Khan’s popularity costs him a heavy price!

2012-09-17T21:50:00.002+05:30

A star like Salman Khan obviously cannot go unnoticed in public. It is heard that the actor is now forced to doubled his security so as to ensure he doesn’t get mobbed by fans. The star’s popularity is increasing by the day.
Salman’s bodyguard Shera, who has been with his for the past 15 years, tells a popular tabloid, “Earlier, Bhai had six bouncers around him. Now, he has twelve.”
Salman is the only star in Bollywood to have such a large security team.
This crucial step had to be taken when on Eid last month, a huge crowd gathered in front of Sallu’s Galaxy apartement and went out of control. In order to disperse the mod, cops were called in,
and we hear, there was lathi charge too.
The actor always makes it a point to avoid public appearances when there is not enough security. He fears women, kids and old people getting hurt. Dabangg 2 shooting in Kanpur and Lucknow was called off recently, for the same reason.

Salman Khan to march with paramilitary troops

2012-09-15T08:46:00.001+05:30

Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who played a RAW agent in his last film Ek Tha Tiger, will join the ranks of paramilitary ITBP troops for a half-marathon in New Delhi next month.

The 46-year-old actor will flag off the half-marathon called ITBP Run for the Nation on October 7 from the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium here and is expected to run a few miles with the troopers to emphasise that youth should join the security forces.

Salman is expected to be joined by a host of other celebrities and sportstars including Olympic bronze medal winner Yogeshwar Dutt at the half-marathon. The actor has also recently recorded a promotional clip appealing to the youth to join the run in large numbers.

"We need to tell the people and the youth of the country about ITBP. We need young blood to join this elite force... Salman has appealed for the same cause. He will be flagging off the marathon on October 7," ITBP chief Ranjit Sinha told reporters.

The Director General also honoured Dutt for his feat of bagging a bronze in the 60kg free-style event in the London Olympics. "I feel honoured to be awarded by a paramilitary force like ITBP and I appeal to the youth to join the half-marathon on October 7. Afterall, youth is the power of the country," Dutt told PTI on the sidelines of the ITBP event where he was presented with a shawl and citation. Dutt holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana. The October 7 half-marathon will be of 21.09 kms while the shorter version will be of 3kms.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is celebrating its golden jubilee year of raising this year and the half-marathon is part of these celebrations. The force was raised in 1962 to counter the Chinese aggression and at present the about 60,000 personnel strong force guards the 3,488km long Sino-Indian border.

The troops, who are called Himveers as they are deployed at icy heights and sub-zero temperatures, have undertaken an Everest expedition and a river rafting voyage in the Ganges earlier this year as part of the raising day celebrations.

Ignore rumours about Talaash: Aamir Khan

2012-09-14T15:26:00.002+05:30

By Hindustan Times
The Aamir Khan-starrer Talaash created a lot of buzz with its teaser promo.
But since then, rumours have been rife that director Reema Kagti’s psychological thriller might be ‘inspired’ by multiple films. But the makers haven’t attempted to deny or clarify any such reports.
Here’s why:
Aamir’s diktat to his team, right from the start, has been that they should not clarify or comment on this issue. “Even though rumours have been
doing the rounds, he has told the team to not say anything. He wants everyone to focus on the promos,” says a source from the production unit.
To start with, conjecture is that Talaash could be a remake of the Tamil thriller Anniyan (2005). Similarities have also been drawn to two Hollywood films — the 2003 American horror-mystery film, Identity, and the Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer thriller, Shutter Island (2010). The latest rumour went as far as to suggest that Talaash’s release was pushed because of plot similarities to Kahaani.
Aamir, as usual, is playing it cool. He is confident about the film, and is certain that the new promo (launched on Wednesday) will put all rumours to rest. The source also adds that, in spite of shooting for Dhoom: 3 in Chicago, Aamir has personally worked on the promo.
“He has been in touch with Reema and the marketing heads. He has kept track of every detail. In all likelihood, Aamir is expected back in India by October-end. Then he will start promoting the film,” adds the source.
Despite repeated attempts, Aamir couldn’t be reached in Chicago, but his spokesperson confirms, “It’s true that no one from the team is allowed to clarify anything.”
Plot points
Anniyan (2005): An honest lawyer develops multiple personality disorder, punishing criminals as a vigilante.
Identity (2003): Ten strangers stuck in a motel realise they are being killed off one after another.
Shutter island (2010): Two US Marshals travel to Shutter Island to investigate a case. But nothing there is as it seems.
MORE ABOUT THE FILM
In Talaash, a psychological thriller, written and directed by Reema Kagti, Aamir stars as a police officer, Inspector Shekhawat.
The film also stars Kareena Kapoor as sex-worker Rosy and Rani Mukherjee as Aamir Khan's wife. It also sees Nawazuddin Siddiqui in an important role.
The best part about the theatrical trailer is that it gives a sneak peek into Talaash, hinting at what the story is actually all about.

The top 10 songs and albums on the iTunes Store

2012-09-05T19:22:00.000+05:30

iTunes' Official Music Charts for the week ending Sep. 3, 2012

Top Songs:

1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," Taylor Swift

2. "One More Night," Maroon 5

3. "Some Nights," Fun.

4. "Whistle," Flo Rida

5. "Good Time," Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen

6. "As Long As You Love Me (feat. Big Sean)," Justin Bieber

7. "Home," Phillip Phillips

8. "Everybody Talks," Neon Trees

9. "Want U Back," Cher Lloyd

10. "Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen

Top Albums:

1. "Eye On It," TobyMac

2. "Welcome To: Our House," Slaughterhouse

3. "Overexposed," Maroon 5

4. "Blown Away," Carrie Underwood

5. "Some Nights," Fun.

6. "The Lumineers," The Lumineers

7. "havoc and bright lights," Alanis Morissette

8. "Now That's What I Call Music, Vol. 43," Various Artists

9. "Chapter V," Trey Songz

10. "My Head Is an Animal," Of Monsters and Men

AP

Fresh clashes rock NE India killing 5

2012-08-27T08:59:00.002+05:30

AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

In a separate incident early on Sunday‚ four Muslim villagers were wounded in an attack by tribal Bodos in Kokrajhar.

GUWAHATI: Five Muslims were murdered in northeast India by an armed gang from the ethnic Bodo community in fresh violence, after more than a month of clashes, police said Sunday.

"A group of seven Muslim villagers in two vehicles were returning home from a relief camp when they came under attack," said Sanjit Krishna, police chief of the western Chirang district, in Assam state.

Five were found dead near Choudhurypara village, about 220 kilometres (130 miles) from Assam's main city of Guwahati, while police are trying to trace the other two.

The party had apparently been trying to reach their village after a few days of calm in the area and had dared to venture out on Saturday from their guarded government relief camp.

An estimated 90 people have died and 400,000 people from both communities are taking refuge in camps spread across four western Assamese districts of Chirang, Kokrajhar, Dhubri and Baksa.

In a separate incident early on Sunday, four Muslim villagers were wounded in an attack by tribal Bodos in Kokrajhar.

The wave of violence, a recurrence of problems that have plagued the volatile region for decades, has had far-reaching consequences in India.

Rumours that migrants from the northeast, who travel widely in India to study or work, would be attacked by Muslims in retaliation for the violence in Assam saw tens of thousands flee southern cities such as Bangalore.

The government has since unveiled wide-ranging efforts to counter Internet content seen as fanning the panic, with orders given to block hundreds of websites and webpages.

The orders even covered material found on the websites of reputed media organisations such as Australia's ABC network or London's The Daily Telegraph, leading to allegations of censorship.

The government also ordered the blocking of half a dozen fake Twitter accounts mimicking the prime minister and targeted two journalists.

भरपूर खाद्यान्न के बावजूद भारत में कुपोषण

2012-08-25T19:26:00.002+05:30

सरकारी योजनाओं पर करोड़ों डॉलर के खर्च के बावजूद कुपोषण एक गंभीर समस्या है.

देशराज की उम्र दो साल है लेकिन देखने में वो शायद ही किसी नवजात शिशु से बड़ा दिखाई दे. उसके सिर पर घने बाल नहीं हैं, उसकी टांगे सींक सी पतली हैं. वो इतना कमजोर है कि चल भी नहीं सकता.

देशराज भारत के उन करोड़ों बच्चों में शामिल है जो कुपोषण का शिकार है. यानी वो समस्या जिसे भारत के प्रधानमंत्री 'राष्ट्रीय शर्म' बताते हैं.

इससे जुड़ी ख़बरें

देशराज की मां बहुत ही चिड़चिड़े अंदाज में कहती हैं, “हमारे पास उसे खिलाने के लिए खाना नहीं है.” जाहिर तौर वो किसी भी सवाल का जवाब नहीं देना चाहती हैं.

भारत में गरीबी उन्मूलन और खाद्य सहायता कार्यक्रमों पर करोड़ों रुपये खर्च किए जाने के बावजूद कुपोषण लगातार एक बड़ी समस्या बनी हुई है.

अनुमान है कि दुनिया भर में कुपोषण के शिकार हर चार बच्चों में से एक भारत में रहता है. ये तादाद अफ्रीका के सब-सहारा इलाके से भी ज्यादा है.

भारत का पिछड़ापन

भूख के कारण कमजोरी का शिकार बच्चों में बीमारियों से ग्रस्त होने का खतरा लगातार बना रहता है. यही कारण है कि भारत में हर साल दसियों हजार बच्चों की मौत होती है.

"वो बीमार पड़ गया था और उसने खाना पीना बंद कर दिया था. हम उसे एक बार डॉक्टर के पास ले गए थे. इसके बाद दिखाने के लिए हमारे पास पैसे नहीं थे और वो दिन ब दिन कमजोर होता गया."

ब्रजमोहन, कुपोषण से मरने वाले बच्चे के पिता

इसके अलावा करोड़ों बच्चों का जीवन भर शारीरिक और मानसिक रूप से पूरी तरह विकास नहीं हो पाता है क्योंकि उन्हें अपने शुरुआती वर्षों में पूरा पोषण नहीं मिल पाता है.

भारत बाल विकास के मामले में काफी पिछड़ा हुआ है. 'सेव द चिल्ड्रन' नाम के संगठन का अध्ययन कहता है कि भारत अपने बच्चों को पूरा पोषण मुहैया कराने के मामले में पड़ोसी बांग्लादेश या फिर बेहद पिछड़े माने जाने वाले अफ्रीकी देश डेमोक्रेटिक रिपब्लिक ऑफ कांगो से भी पीछे है.

कागजों में देखें तो भारत में देशराज जैसे बच्चों की देखभाल के लिए अरबों डॉलर की लागत वाली योजनाएं चल रही हैं.

लेकिन भ्रष्टाचार और कुप्रबंधन के कारण कभी भी जरूरतमंद तक इन योजनाओं का फायदा पहुंच ही नहीं पाता है.

सवाल ये है कि मध्य प्रदेश के शिवपुरी के नजदीक देशराज के गांव मड़खेदा जैसे दूर दराज के इलाकों की मदद के लिए स्थानीय अधिकारी क्या कर रहे हैं.

लचर जन वितरण प्रणाली

ब्रजमोहन को मलाल है कि वो अपने बच्चे को नहीं बचा पाए.

मड़खेदा में रहने वाले सभी लोग आदिवासी हैं और भारत के जटिल सामाजिक ढांचे में वो सबसे नीचे आते हैं.

ग्रामीणों का कहना है कि गरीबी रेखा से नीचे जिंदगी गुजारने वाले लोगों को बेहद कम दामों पर राशन मुहैया कराने के उद्देश्य से बनाई गई जन वितरण प्रणाली की दुकानें आम तौर पर बंद ही रहती है. लेकिन जब बीबीसी की टीम वहां पहुंची तो इत्तेफाक से ये दुकान खुली थी लेकिन वो खाली थी. सिर्फ कोने में कुछ आपात खाद्य सामग्री पड़ी थी.

अधिकारी भूले बिसरे ही इस तरह के इलाकों की खबर लेते हैं.

इसी गांव में दिनेशी और उनके पति ब्रजमोहन एक झोड़पी बैठे हैं और वे अब तक कुछ हफ्तों पहले अपने चार साल के बेटे कलुआ के गुजर जाने के सदमे से नहीं उबरे हैं.

ब्रजमोहन बताते हैं, “वो बीमार पड़ गया था और उसने खाना पीना बंद कर दिया था. हम उसे एक बार डॉक्टर के पास ले गए थे. इसके बाद दिखाने के लिए हमारे पास पैसे नहीं थे और वो दिन ब दिन कमजोर होता गया.”

आसपास कोई डॉक्टर नहीं है और इन लोगों के पास दूर जाने-आने के लिए कोई परिवहन का अपना साधन नहीं है. ब्रजमोहन टोकरी बनाकर अपने परिवार की गुजर बसर करते हैं.

इच्छा शक्ति की 'कमी'

पिछले साल केंद्र सरकार ने खाद्य सुरक्षा अधिनियम पेश किया था जिसमें सभी के लिए खाने का अधिकार संरक्षित है. लेकिन कोई नहीं जानता कि देश के मौजूदा राजनीतिक गतिरोध के बीच ये अधिनियम कब पारित होगा.

कुछ आलोचकों का कहना है कि भुखमरी की समस्या से निपटने के लिए अब भी पर्याप्त राजनीतिक इच्छा शक्ति की कमी है.

दूसरी तरफ मुक्त बाजार के हिमायती खाद्य सब्सिडी और खाद्य सुरक्षा की गारंटी जैसी योजनाओं पर ही सवाल उठाते हैं.

कुपोषण की ये हालत तब और चिंताजनक हो जाती है जब देश में खाद्यान्नों की कमी न हो.

एक पोषण केंद्र में काम करने वाली आरती तिवारी कहती हैं कि मौजूदा कार्यक्रमों को ही उचित तरीके से लागू करने की जरूरत है. साथ ही लोग अपनी जिम्मेदारी को ठीक से निभाएं. साफ तौर पर उनका इशारा भ्रष्टाचार को रोकने की तरफ है.

भारत में भुखमरी की ये हालत तब है जब करोड़ों टन अनाज खुले में पड़ा सड़ जाता है. पिछले कई वर्षों से भारत अपनी जरूरत से ज्यादा अनाज पैदा कर रहा है.

केंद्रीय मंत्री सचिन पायलट कहते हैं कि अब स्थिति एक दशक पहले के मुकाबले बेहतर है. लेकिन वो कहते हैं कि इस बात को स्वीकार नहीं किया जा सकता कि इतनी बड़ी संख्या में बच्चे कुपोषण का शिकार हैं.

भारत में आबादी का बड़ा हिस्सा युवा है और राजनेता इसे देश की पूंजी बताते हैं. लेकिन इतनी बड़ी संख्या में बच्चे कुपोषण का शिकार होंगें तो इस पूंजी का शायद ही देश को कोई ज्यादा फायदा हो.

एंड्रयू नार्थ

बीबीसी संवाददाता

शनिवार, 25 अगस्त, 2012 को 07:31 IST तक के समाचार

Sunny Deol's son to debut next year

2012-08-25T19:22:00.004+05:30

Karan Deol

In his prime, Dharmendra was the nation's heartthrob. In 1983, Sunny's legendary debut was in an out-and-out romantic film. Years later, Bobby made an impression with his droopy eyes and curly locks opposite Twinkle Khanna. And now, if Sunny has his way, his 21-year-old son Karan will continue the Deol family tradition.

The otherwise reticent Sunny spoke to TOI about taking Karan through the paces among other things even as he readied to leave for the UK schedule of Yamla Pagla Deewaana. Excited about carrying forward the Deol legacy, Sunny said, "Karan's debut will be sometime next year. As of now, I want him to learn all the essentials required for being a good actor. We will be launching him but whether I will be directing him, I'm really uncertain. Considering we are still looking at scripts and everything is in its nascent stage. But one thing is certain that it will be a love story. That's the way I, Bobby and Abhay debuted in Bollywood."

Incidentally, Karan is already enrolled in Rahul Rawail's acting school. Rawail had directed Sunny's blockbuster debut in Betaab. Quizzed about audiences being more receptive to the Deols as a pack rather than solo, Sunny said, "We've waited for long for the right script to come our way although we've been working actively. We were offered many scripts just for the sake of grabbing attention. However, as we believe in clean family entertainers, we waited for an Apne or Yamla Pagla Deewaana to happen. And the audiences loved these films. Now, we are motivated to do more films. But like before, the story is still the key ingredient for us."
According to Sunny, many actors today are managing to get away with shoddy work, thanks to the PR and marketing strategies they put into motion. "Half of the actors wouldn't have survived with the kind of work they've done, had it not been for their impeccable marketing techniques. But that does not mean they are all like that. Some of them are genuinely talented, along with being good at PR. As for me, I have always been a recluse. However, when marketingdriven movies work for the audience, we have them raking in Rs 100 crore. If I want to see a film in the Rs 100 crore bracket, it will be a Salman film because like us, he too is honest and always himself. And trust me, audiences love your honesty on and off of screen, no matter what," said Sunny.

Asked about his many projects that have been stalled, including his television debut, the actor-producer said, "Whenever projects get stalled, it's easy to blame actors, but in my case, I had shot for the television show a while ago. What happened later only the production house and channel will be able to tell. However, I have realised that I am just meant to do films. So, no more TV for me. This year I am shooting for two sequels: Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 followed by Ghayal 2."

Prachi Kadam, Mumbai Mirror | Aug 25, 2012, 12.00AM IST

Asha Bhosle, Hema Malini dance on Indian Idol 6

2012-08-25T12:08:00.003+05:30

It was a visual treat when yesteryears diva Hema Malini and singer Asha Bhosle took to the stage to shake a leg together during the shooting of singing reality show Indian Idol 6.

When contestant Devendra Pal began singing peppy number Gal mithhi mitthi, Bollywood's Dream Girl couldn't stop herself from joining him on stage and grooved to his tunes. Judge Asha also couldn't resist joining them on stage and started dancing alongside Hema Malini.

Hema Malini was accompanied by actor husband Dharmendra as celebrity guests on the show, aired on Sony.

Indo-Asian News Service | Thursday, August 23, 2012 (New Delhi)

सलमान को 100 करोड़ रुपये का ऑफर?

2012-08-24T18:31:00.002+05:30

मुंबई।। बॉक्स ऑफिस पर सफलता के नए रेकॉर्ड बनानेवाले 'टाइगर' सलमान खान बॉलिवुड के सबसे महंगे स्टार बनने जा रहे हैं। खबरों की मानें तो फिल्ममेकर रमेश तोरानी ने सलमान को अपनी अगली फिल्म के लिए 100 करोड़ रुपये का ऑफर दिया है। अब यह तो सभी जानते हैं कि एक था टाइगर की सफलता के बाद सल्लू को साइन करने वालों की लंबी लाइन लगी है, लेकिन तोरानी के ऑफर के सामने दूसरे प्रड्यूसर के ऑफर फीके पड़ गए हैं।

खबरों के अनुसार, तोरानी अपने होम प्रॉडक्शन की अगली फिल्म के लिए सलमान को किसी भी कीमत पर साइन करना चाहते हैं और अगर डील हो जाती है तो यह बॉलिवुड की अब तक की सबसे महंगी डील होगी।
सूत्रों से मिली जानकारी के अनुसार, तोरानी कुछ दिन पहले सलमान से मिले हैं और उन्हें अपनी फिल्म के लिए 100 करोड़ रुपये का ऑफर दिया है। सलमान की पिछली तीन फिल्में जबरदस्त हिट रही हैं और उनका बिजनेस 150 करोड़ रुपये के करीब ही रहा है। इसे देखते हुए तुरानी को यह सौदा महंगा नहीं लग रहा है।

हालांकि तोरानी इस ऑफर की बात से इनकार कर रहे हैं। उन्होंने कहा, 'सलमान मेरी फिल्म पहले ही साइन कर चुके हैं,लेकिन यह फिगर (100 करोड़) सही नहीं है।' उन्होंने बताया कि अगले साल यह फिल्म शुरू होगी और बाकी चीजों पर अभी बातचीत की जा रही है। गौरतलब है कि सलमान की पिछली तीन फिल्मों- दबंग 145 करोड़ रुपये, रेडी 124 करोड़ रुपये और बॉडीगार्ड 149 करोड़ रुपये का बिजनेस किया था। इसमें सेटेलाइट, म्यूजिक राइट्स और होम विडियो की कमाई भी शामिल है।

लगातार तीन हिट फिल्मों के बाद टाइगर की रेकॉर्ड कमाई ने सलमान को बॉलिवुड का मोस्ट वॉन्टेड खान बना दिया है। इस बात का अंदाजा आप इसी बात से लगा सकते हैं कि पिछले तीन-चार दिनों में सल्लू के घर के बाहर नज़र आने वाले फिल्ममेकर्स में विजय गलानी, रमेश तोरानी, यूटीवी-डिज़नी, स्टूडियो-18, साजिद नाडियाडवाला, सूरज बड़जात्या, राजकुमार संतोषी, सुभाष घई और यश चोपड़ा शामिल थे। इसके अलावा, फरहान अख्तर, फराह खान और करण जौहर भी पहले ही उनके साथ काम करने की इच्छा जाहिर कर चुके हैं।

नवभारतटाइम्स

Deepika bonds with Ranveer

2012-08-24T16:27:00.000+05:30

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who have been signed for a film, are getting to know each other better.

These two hot stars have been spotted dining out. They play lovers in their next project and their objective is simple — they want to bring a certain crackling chemistry to the screen. One hears from sources that the very charming Ranveer is happy to pay the gorgeous Deepika a lot of attention. And she is happy to bask in it.

TOI

Kareena, Saif together in New York

2012-08-22T10:15:00.001+05:30

Seems like wherever the Nawab goes, he's always accompanied by his Begum. When Saif Ali Khan went to New York to participate in theIndependence Day Parade on Sunday, Kareena Kapoor accompanied him.

Clad in a crisp white kurta pyjama, Saif led the32nd India Day Parade — as the event, a permanant fixture in the city's cultural calendar, is called — along with cricketer Anil Kumble. The star couple is scheduled to return to Mumbai in a day or so.

Amitabh Bachchan joins Facebook, almost 8 lakh followers already

2012-08-21T15:17:00.000+05:30

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has a regular blog and millions of followers on Twitter, today joined social networking site Facebook to reach out further to his fans.

The 69-year-old launched his facebook page, which will provide information about the actor's upcoming movies, show videos, as well as exclusive pictures from his private collection.

"Facebook needs no introduction and I feel that my official Facebook fan page was long overdue. Facebook is a powerful tool that helps bring people together and allows us to embrace being a part of a larger community.
"I have been encouraged by the overwhelming reception to my tumblr blog, and this is another avenue to reach out to my fans, not only in India, but globally," Bachchan said while launching his Facebook page.

In a video posted on the page, Bachchan said it was another attempt from his side to come closer to his fans.

"I am now on Facebook.... Year after year, month after month, day after day, we just keep coming closer to each other. Lovely to have you here and we shall be seeing each other and you will be getting to know more about me and my daily activities through this wonderful medium," Bachchan said in a video message.

When we last checked, Big B's Facebook page had 784,103 likes and 126,797 were already talking about it.

PTI
Mumbai, August 21, 2012

Six killed in road accident on Delhi-Jaipur highway

2012-08-21T09:16:00.002+05:30

Gurgaon, Aug 21 (IANS) At least six people including a child were killed and seven others injured in a road accident Tuesday when a Bolero car collided with a Canter on Delhi-Jaipur National Highway in the early hours, police said.

The deceased were pilgrims and travelling by Bolero. They were returning to Delhi's Sultanpuri area from Rajasthan's Balaji temple, Bilaspur SHO Babulal told IANS.

When their vehicle reached Bilaspur Chowk, some 27 km from here, it collided with a Canter. Six people including a child died on the spot in the accident, he said.

The police official added that there were total 13 passengers in the vehicle, seven others were injured, some of them critically. They were admitted to various private hospitals.

The toll may rise, said another police officer.

Police are investigating the case.

Rajinikanth gives health tips to Shatrughan Sinha

2012-08-19T15:54:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: Rajinikanth and Shatrughan Sinha may have worked together only once, 26 years ago in K C Bokadia’s 'Asli Naqli', but they have remained close friends ever since. The friendship assumes even more significance given their recent health scares and stints in the hospital, as well as their perception in their fans’ eyes, who see their acting styles as splitting images of one another.

A source close to Rajinikanth says, “First, it was Rajini sir who fell ill. Then Sinha. Throughout one another’s hospitalisation they’ve been monitoring each other’s progress through their respective

wives.” Rajinikanth has apparently gone a little further. Based on his own experience during his illness and healing, he has given the Shotgun pointers on his post-illness diet and regimen.

A source close to Shatrughan Sinha says, “Since Shatruji’s hospitalisation, Rajini sir has been religiously calling from Chennai and asking his wife about his health. It’s not just about them being old colleagues and friends. Rajini Sir feels a close empathy for Mr Sinha because of their sudden health issues that landed them in hospital.” Now we hear Rajinikanth will be flying down to Mumbai in the next week or so to specially meet his friend. Confirming his impending visit to Mumbai, a very close friend of Shatru said, on condition of anonymity, “Both Rajini and Shatru are Sagittarians.

Rajini calls Shatru his Guru because he watched all of Shatru’s films when Rajini was a newcomer. Rajini has watched Shatru in Rampur Ka Lakshman 36 times to get a full grip on his mannerisms and gestures in the role. The two are very close to one another. Rajini was waiting for Shatru to come home from hospital. He will now be flying down to spend some time with the actor.”

IBN

After 36 hours, MS Dhoni reacts, says team India will miss Laxman

2012-08-19T15:42:00.000+05:30

After almost two days passed, since VVS Laxman announced his retirement, team India skipper, MS dhoni finally reacted and said that the entire team will miss the departing legendary Laxman.

Apparently incommunicado when VVS Laxman tried contacting him before announcing retirement, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni paid rich tribute to the

veteran batsman saying that his absence would be felt by the entire team.

"The whole team will miss u VVS.One of the best human being I have ever met in my life.Spent a lot of time with him while batting and Fielding and the chat would always be about the team.will miss him whenever the team cuts cake, Personally

Srikkanth has hurt VVS Laxman: Sourav Ganguly

I will really miss u Lachu Bhai," Dhoni tweeted.

Yesterday, while announcing his immediate retirement despite being selected for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, Laxman had raised a few eyebrows by stating that he could not contact Dhoni despite trying.

"I did try to get in touch with Dhoni but as you know it's very difficult to reach him," Laxman had said with a smile during an emotional press conference in Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, tributes poured in for the stylish right-hander with not just cricketers but athletes from other sports lauding him.

"Thank you for all the memories VVS. Cricket World will mourn, Aussie cricket will celebrate," tweeted tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi.

"India will miss VVS Laxman, rock solid batsman, a great ambassador for cricket & above all one of the best human beings I have met," added Olympic silver-medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Rathore.

indian express

HAPPY B'DAY: देखिए सैफ की नवाबी जिंदगी की खास तस्वीरें

2012-08-16T22:55:00.002+05:30

छोटे नवाब सैफ अली खान आज अपना जन्मदिन मना रहे हैं। साल 1992 में फिल्म 'परंपरा' से अपने कॅरियर की शुरुआत करने वाले सैफ को सफलता के लिए काफी लंबा इंतजार करना पड़ा। साल 2001 में आई फरहान अख्तर की फिल्म 'दिल चाहता है' में अपनी एक्टिंग के लिए उन्होंने सबकी वाहवाही बटोरी। फिल्म 'हम-तुम' के लिए इनहोंने नेशनल अवार्ड जीता। साथ ही फिल्मों में योगदान के लिए भारत सरकार ने इन्हें पद्मश्री से भी नवाजा। सैफ आज इंडस्ट्री के लीडिंग एक्टर्स में से हैं।

सैफ को उनके पिता मंसूर अली खान पटौदी के गुजरने के बाद पटौदी का दसवां नवाब बनाया गया।

सैफ ने इंग्लैंड के हर्टफोर्डशर के लॉकर्स पार्क स्कूल से पढ़ाई की।

सैफ अपनी दोनों बहनों सबा और सोहा के साथ।

सैफ ने 1991 में अमृता सिंह से शादी की थी।

उनसे सैफ को दो बच्चे हैं- सारा और इब्राहिम।

हालांकि, 2004 में सैफ ने अमृता से तलाक ले लिया।

इसके बाद उन्होंने विदेशी मॉडल रोजा कैटलानो के साथ डेट किया।

फिलहाल वे करीना कपूर के साथ डेट कर रहे हैं, जिनके साथ उनकी शादी की खबरें सुर्खियों में हैं।

सैफ को फिल्मों में योगदान के लिए पद्मश्री सम्मान दिया गया।

सैफ को जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएं।

Seven incredible business lessons to learn from Anna Hazare

2012-08-16T19:36:00.002+05:30

I never went to business school, but managed to do a fair share of business as an entrepreneur. While I learnt most business tricks the hard way, Anna Hazare and his band (I call them Anna Hazare and the Wailers - AH&W) taught me these 7 incredible business lessons, rather entertainingly!

1. Rebellion is popular. Always was, always will be.

The first time AH&W drummed up an idea of fasting and making a big public fuss, right up the government's nose, they created a massive fan following. There was a gargantuan gathering of a social rock concert - a Woodstock of the modern century. And these guys were 'the' rock stars!

Lesson: People like to rebel. They want to shout slogans, paint faces and scream at someone. Give them rebellion and they will rebel. So, in business, sell a rebellion. And people will buy.

2. Start something new - partners will come.

The kind of men, women and extraterrestrials that landed up on stage for AH&W's first rock concert astounded me. These were people that I knew (except the ETs) and had never seen in rebellion before. They played songs, made speeches and went crazy just to show support.

Lesson: If you start an amazingly fresh business, then all kinds of partners will come. Even to your doorstep, without being asked. All they want is your association and to be seen with you.

3. Governments do get embarrassed.

I cannot forget that Sunday session of Parliament. Antique, wonk politicians stumbled and tumbled over their words, trying best to cover the embarrassment caused by AH&W's music. From the guy who grows a hair-forest out of his ears, to the public elocutionist who speaks incoherently, none of them could pretend that they didn't hear the music. In the end, the speaker of the house went to AH&W and gave Anna (the lead singer) a letter of assurance. All achieved in one day!

Lesson: If left with no options, just embarrass your opponent like you would scream at a glass until it breaks. It will break.

4. Never believe the government guys. They always lie.

It's so ridiculously foolish that AH&W actually believed that the government would do as they promised. I mean, c'mon dude! Next they will believe the finance minister telling them that India was on an economic high!

AH&W was ditched by the government. Like being taken to the moon by Neil Armstrong and being left there!

Lesson: Never believe government promises, no matter how genuine they sound. Never build a business assuming that the government will take care of you.

5. Never stop the cement mixer. Never.

Seen those big ugly round-bellied cement trucks on the road? Ever wondered why their tummies keep rolling? Even when they are parked? Well, it's simple. They have liquid cement inside and if they stop rolling, the cement freezes. And kaboom! The stuff inside becomes unusable.

AH&W had fire in their bellies and steam in their songs. But they stopped rolling. They froze their fire by doing nothing other than waiting, hoping and cursing. They assumed (wrongly) that they had become Rock Gods. In this age of Kalyug, even the Gods travel to people to make them dance.

Lesson: No matter what great start you have in your business, you have to keep moving. Keep rolling even when you are standing still. Else, you will freeze and become unusable.

6. Tactics are different from Strategy.

In the ugly world of advertising (where people are sold things they don't want to buy), there is a clear understanding of the words 'tactic' and 'strategy'. Tactic is the one-trick pony for one use and throw. AH&W's first Jantar Mantar concert was an awesome tactic. It was the best way to get launched and noticed.

Now, strategy is completely different. It's long term, slow and steady where persistent activity wins wars, not battles. It's the hard work, the day-to-day business grind that's to be done by all and sundry. AH&W did not have a strategy. They did nothing persistently or consistently. Every six-odd months they met, they repeated the theme of concert #1 - wailing and cursing while fasting and dying in bed. Unfortunately, much like failed bands, AH&W realised far too late that tactics work once, not twice.

Lesson: In business, tactics get you launched and noticed. But it's the delivery of the promise - the execution that really makes you win. In other words, sometimes, strategy is nothing but hard execution.
7. Never climb on the ledge to jump. Never.

Professional blackmailers (I bet you know a few) never climb on the ledge and present their demands, because of two simple reasons. The first reason is that if their demands are not met, they will need to climb back inside, nullifying their 'threat reputation'. The second reason is that if they do jump off the ledge, then they won't be around to do business again. AH&W stood on the ledge and when no one seemed to care, they climbed back inside, never to be able to threaten again.

Lesson: Never blackmail or hold people to ransom just to have your way. One day, people will call your bluff and that day will be the end of business. To put it simply, never do business by threatening people.

Alok Kejriwal
samachar

(The writer is a digital entrepreneur and blogs at therodinhoods.com)

India announces Mars mission in 2013

2012-08-16T07:41:00.000+05:30

NEW DELHI (AP) — India plans to send a space mission to Mars next year in a giant leap forward for science and technology in the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Wednesday.

Singh said the unmanned spacecraft will enter orbit around the planet and collect scientific information.

He announced the mission during a speech marking the 65th anniversary of India's independence from British rule.

"This spaceship to Mars will be a huge step for us in the area of science and technology," he said.

The 4.5 billion rupee ($82 million) mission is likely to be launched in November 2013 with a rocket developed by the Indian Space Research Organization.

India has had an active space program since the 1960s. Since the mid-1970s, it has launched scores of satellites for itself and for nearly two dozen other countries. India sent a spacecraft into orbit around the moon in 2008.

Last week, the U.S. space agency NASA successfully landed a rover named Curiosity on Mars and has begun a host of scientific studies of the planet.

How Sonakshi Sinha kept up with Prabhu Deva

2012-08-15T21:40:00.006+05:30

Indo-Asian News Service | Wednesday, August 15, 2012 (Mumbai)

Sonakshi Sinha, who is seen matching steps with Prabhu Deva in the song Go, go Govinda , says she had to raise the bar to keep up with dance guru Prabhu Deva.

"Prabhu sir around, it's a whole different ball game. When he is choreographing, it's fine as he is there to guide you and tell you. But when he is dancing with you, he's such a good dancer, you have to raise the bar automatically," the 25-year-old said in an interview.

The actress has done this guest appearance for Akshay Kumar's starrer Oh My God and dance steps were very tough for her. "The most difficult steps I have attempted ever in my life. It was very difficult for me but had to do really well," she explained.

But she loved the song. "It's been a while since I had such a blast and the song is so upbeat, it's so catchy, it's like anytime you hear it, your foot starts tapping. That's why I was even attracted to that, I have a very tapori sense of music as well and it make me groove," said Sonakshi.

Air hostess suicide: Police clueless about ex-minister Kanda's whereabouts

2012-08-15T21:39:00.001+05:30

Ten days after former air-hostess Geetika Sharma killed herself, Delhi Police is yet to trace former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda who is accused of abetting her suicide.

Investigators have conducted searches and raids in around 50 places and questioned around 25 people but they were unable to trace Kanda, the owner of erstwhile MDLR airline where 23-year-old Sharma was working.

Kanda was served with a notice to join investigations last Wednesday but the former minister had gone underground with police declaring him as an “absconder” while his employee Aruna

Chaddha was arrested.

A senior police official said they were trying to locate him.

Kanda and Chaddha were named in the suicide note of Geetika, who took her life on August 5, alleging that they had harassed her and ruined her life. Both Kanda and Chaddha denied the allegations.

The former minister had moved a local court and then Delhi High Court seeking anticipatory bail. While local court denied it, the high court has reserved the order.

Police have told the high court that they “already have enough evidence” against Kanda and required his custodial interrogation for a deeper probe.

Kanda's lawyer has argued that prima facie, no case is made out against his client on the basis of the FIR and the suicide note. “The suicide note cannot be treated as the gospel truth and the same has to be proved by independent evidence,” he had said.

Katrina's upset with media

2012-08-15T21:36:00.002+05:30

Katrina is upset. Her stomach, on the other hand, is not! So what if this Kat barely scratches, a recent rumour that has brought out her claws! Seems she was shocked to read about her cancelling a promotional event of her film as she was down with food-poisoning.

When called to ask about her health, the actress stated, "Firstly, I'm fine. The reports were completely wrong. No one bothered to check
with my managers, who are always reachable. I caught a minor cold, and had to skip one promotional event, but it had nothing to do with the food I ate at Mohd. Ali Road. It's extremely unfortunate that such things get published.

I request the media to gather enough information before writing a story. It's unfair to the producers who are going all out to promote the film, and especially to the eatery where the owners laid out the red carpet and served delicious food." Asked about her street-side-spree, Kat was all praise for the food. "We go there every year, it's quite lively and the crowd is civil. I'm not scared to go out in public places, especially during Ramzan. And the food is worth it! The local cops also supported us, and it was a cool experience. I'm definitely going there with my friends again."

TOI

In suicide note, student blames Facebook

2012-08-15T21:25:00.001+05:30

Jalandhar, Punjab: Raksha Sharma, a student of computer engineering at the MCM Polytechnic College in Jalandhar, was found hanging from the ceiling fan in her hostel room on Tuesday morning. In that room was a suicide note. The 20-year-old blames two former students of the same college-both male- for harassing her and posting comments on Facebook that distressed her.

Based on the note, the police have arrested the two boys, who say they are not guilty.

Raksha was orphaned when her parents were killed in 1997 by militants in Jammu. A local orphanage affiliated to an NGO SOS Village has been looking after her over the years and was her guardian.
"I haven't spoken to her in three months, and she even considered me as her brother. I don't know how my name has come up in her note. I am ready for any investigation," says Luvpreet Singh, 21 years old, one of the accused.

The other boy admits that he posted comments but says she had responded online to his remarks, and did not seem agitated. "I feel bad she killed herself but I am not responsible," says Deepak Saini , 21 years old.

"We would speak to her very often and check about her studies, but she never mentioned this harassment to us. We are really shocked," says Prasanjeet Das, the Director of the SOS village Jammu.

The police say they found no computer in Raksha's room but will go through her Facebook account to verify the allegations in the suicide note.

60 साल पहेलेकी आजादी तब और अब...

2012-08-15T09:49:00.002+05:30

पुरानी नजर से आज का देश...

आज से 65 साल पहले आजादी की लड़ाई में कई लोगों ने खुद को झोंक दिया था, लेकिन आजादी के वे सिपाही आज के माहौल को देखकर क्या सोचते हैं, इंडिपेंडेंस डे के मौके पर हमने दो फ्रीडम फाइटर्स से यही जानने की कोशिश की:

फौलादी बाज बने देश

कैप्टन एस. एस. यादव, आजाद हिंद फौज में ट्रंप कमांडर

ऑल इंडिया फ्रीडम फाइटर्स असोसिएशन के जनरल सेक्रेटरी कैप्टन यादव ने नेता सुभाष चंद्र बोस की लीडरशिप में आजादी की लड़ाई लड़ी, तो उसके बाद इंडियन नैशनल आर्मी के सिपाहियों के सम्मान के लिए भी लड़े। वह कई स्कूलों में पढ़ा चुके हैं और रिटायरमेंट के बाद फ्रीडम फाइटर्स के वेलफेयर के लिए काम कर रहे हैं।

अलग है आज का युवा

कैप्टन यादव का मानना है कि तब और आज के यूथ के सपनों में बहुत फर्क है। तब हर जवान आंख आजाद व मजबूत देश का सपना देखती थी और युवा देश के लिए जीते थे, लेकिन आज के यंगस्टर्स पहले अपने बारे में सोचते हैं और फिर देश के बारे में। ऐसा नहीं है कि उसे देश से प्यार नहीं है, लेकिन तमाम कामों में वह प्यार दबकर रह गया है। ऐसे में यूथ चाहकर भी देश को अपनी प्रायॉरिटी में शामिल नहीं कर पाता।

चाहिए मॉरल एजुकेशन

बेशक आज का एजुकेशन सिस्टम अच्छा है, लेकिन दिक्कत यह है कि यह मॉरल एजुकेशन से दूर है और देश प्रेम भी नहीं सिखा रहा है। आजाद हिंद फौज में एंट्री के बाद 3 महीने तक सिर्फ मॉरल वैल्यूज की ट्रेनिंग दी जाती थी। इस दौरान देश और देशभक्ति क्या है, हम क्यों लड़ रहे हैं, आजादी क्या है के बारे में डिटेल में बताया जाता था। यह सिस्टम आज वापस शुरू होना चाहिए, ताकि लोगों में देशप्रेम जगने के साथ शहीदों के प्रति सम्मान भी आए।

रेग्युलर हो रूटीन

मेरी यंग एज में लाइफ में डिसिप्लिन बहुत ज्यादा था, जो आज के यंगस्टर्स की लाइफ में नहीं है। समय पर सोना, समय पर उठना, घर का खाना, फल और सही रूटीन बेहद जरूरी है, लेकिन समस्या यह है कि इससे आज का युवा कोसों दूर है। जब तक वे इस चीज को डिवेलप नहीं करेंगे, उनका फोकस नहीं बन पाएगा।

आतंकवाद से जंग

बेशक आतंकवाद एक बड़ी समस्या है और इसे देशप्रेम के जरिए ही मिटाया जा सकता है। नेता जी के विचार थे कि एकता, विश्वास और बलिदान से आतंकवाद से लड़ा जा सकता है। दरअसल, जब राष्ट्रवाद की भावना हर नागरिक के दिल में होगी, तो आतंकवाद अपने आप खत्म हो ही जाएगा।

मेरे सपनों का भारत

नेता जी भारत को सोने की चिड़िया नहीं, बल्कि फौलादी बाज बनाना चाहते थे। उनके सपनों की तरह मैं भी भारत को बहुत मजबूत देखना चाहता हूं, जिसे कोई दबा ना सके। मुझे लगता है कि सही राह पर चलकर आज का युवा नेता जी के इस सपने को जरूर पूरा कर सकता है।

यंगस्टर्स को चाहिए गाइडेंस

के. शारदा मनी देवी, फ्रीडम फाइटर

भारत छोड़ो आंदोलन से जुड़ीं स्वतंत्रता सेनानी के. शारदा मनी देवी महज 15 साल की उम्र में जेल भी गई थीं। गांधी जी की नजदीकी रहीं शारदा देवी ने इंडिपेंडेंस के बाद डीयू में डिपार्टमेंट ऑफ एजुकेशन में पढ़ाया। 85 साल की शारदा देवी आज के माहौल में लड़कियों को मजबूत होने की एडवाइज देती हैं।

बदल गई हैं प्रायॉरिटीज

समय बदल गया है और उसी के साथ यूथ की सोच भी। आज का युवा देश के बारे में कम और अपने बारे में ज्यादा सोचता है। अपनी जवानी में हम बस देश के बारे में ही सोचते थे। मुझे याद है, मैं डॉक्टर बनना चाहती थी और इसकी पढ़ाई के लिए मैंने चेन्नै के एक कॉलेज में एडमिशन भी ले लिया था। तभी मेरी माता जी ने मुझे भारत छोड़ो आंदोलन में भाग लेने के लिए वापस बुला लिया।

उस दौरान मैं तकरीबन 9 महीने तक जेल में भी रही। रिहा होने पर कॉलेज प्रशासन ने मुझसे रिटन में मांगा कि आइंदा मैं किसी भी स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन में भाग नहीं लूंगी। तब मेरी उम्र 15-16 साल रही होगी, लेकिन उस समय मैंने देश को सबसे ऊपर माना और आंदोलनों के साथ जुड़ी रही।

वहीं, आज का युवा सिर्फ पैसा कमाने में लगा है और नैतिक मूल्यों को भूल गया है। वह अपनी डायरेक्शन नहीं जानता और इस मामले में उसे गाइड करना जरूरी है।

नहीं हैं रोल मॉडल्स

उस जमाने में युवाओं को सही दिशा दिखाने के लिए रोड मॉडल हुआ करते थे। नेता अक्सर युवाओं को देशभक्ति के लिए प्रेरित करते, तो टीचर्स बच्चों को मॉरल वैल्यूज देते थे, लेकिन प्रजेंट में यंगस्टर्स के लिए कोई रोल मॉडल नहीं है। और स्कूलों में भी बच्चों को उतनी एजुकेशन दी जा रही है, जिससे वे पैसा कमा सकें। जबकि स्कूलों में देशप्रेम और नैतिक मूल्यों पर ज्यादा ध्यान होना चाहिए।

मजबूत बनें महिलाएं

प्रोग्रेस के बावजूद अब महिलाओं पर अपराध बढ़ रहे हैं जबकि, हमारा समय ज्यादा खुले विचारों वाला था और महिलाओं को पूरा मान-सम्मान व इज्जत मिलती थी। तब ऐसे अपराध नहीं थे और महिलाओं को घर से निकलते हुए डर नहीं लगता था हालांकि, आज की महिलाओं को माहौल देखते हुए आत्मरक्षा के सभी गुण सीखने चाहिए। एक महिला होने के कारण मैं तो यही कहूंगी कि जब हम अंग्रेजों से नहीं डरे तो आज इन अपराधों से भी नहीं घबराना चाहिए।

यंगस्टर्स ही लाएंगे क्रांति

गांधी जी के सपनों का युवा राष्ट्रीय सेवाभाव से जुड़ा हुआ था और वर्तमान में भी युवाओं में सेवाभाव होना चाहिए। युवा अपनी प्राथमिकताओं में राष्ट्रप्रेम व राष्ट्रभाव को शामिल करें और उसे सर्वोच्च दर्जा भी दें। गरीबों को शिक्षित करें और स्लम बस्तियों में जाकर काम करें। हरिजनों की सेवा करें। आज के युवा को राष्ट्र को धर्म, जातिवाद, राज्यवाद से ऊपर उठाकर एक राष्ट्र बनाना चाहिए। युवा ही देश में नई क्रांति ला सकते हैं। मेरा खुद का परिवार राष्ट्रभाव से प्रेरित है, इसलिए मेरे परिवार में देश के अलग-अलग राज्यों और समुदायों के लोग हैं। इसलिए मैं अपने परिवार को छोटा भारत ही मानती हूं।

युवाओं से उम्मीद

सिस्टम को बदलने के लिए आज का युवा ही क्रांति ला सकता है। मुझे तो खासकर अब देश के युवा नेताओं से उम्मीद है कि वे देश को सही दिशा में ले जा सकेंगे।

प्रस्तुति: अंतिका जैन

Employees of India and China spend more time at work and less with family: Study

2012-08-14T08:25:00.000+05:30

NEW DELHI: India is a country of contradictions. This is evident from its score in a global study on corporate work-life balance. According to the study, which shows a worldwide improvement in work-life balance since 2010, India doesn't fare too badly. But it doesn't fare too well either.

The study conducted by Regus, a flexible workplace provider, surveyed over 16,000 professionals in 86 countries. It shows a 24% rise in work-life balance in 2012 as compared to 2010, with more than 60% saying this balance had improved since 2010.

While 69% enjoyed work more than in 2010, 59% were happy with the amount of time they spent with their family. Over two-fifths felt their companies were actively involved in reducing staff commutes, with India ranked No 2 where professionals feel this way. Take the case of a Gurgaon media professional who would commute daily to Noida. His company now allows him to work from home. The biggest improvement in work-life balance, the study found, was for BRIC countries. India tops countries whose professionals say they are achieving more at work now than in 2010.

But India is also high on the list where professionals who had taken on additional work during recession say these duties are yet to be assigned to a new staffer. China and India are the top nations where employees spend more time at work and less with family. in stark contrast to countries like Netherland and Australia.

Indian academician Ashutosh Mishra, who lives in Australia, saw a dramatic improvement in work-life balance ever since he left India. "In India, I worked on Saturdays and received office calls all through the weekend. I was exhausted and had little time for family. In Australia, everyone from the director of my institute to colleagues and friends take family time very seriously," says Mishra. He now spends weekends golfing, taking his kids for a swim and watching movies and rugby matches.

Paritosh Mishra, who worked in the Indian corporate sector for 15 years before shifting to Australia, says that working beyond 5 pm there is seen as a sign of inefficiency.

Madhukar Kamath, CEO and MD, Mudra, says that while every company wishes to achieve this balance, it's not high priority, though a gradual move towards it is being made. It makes sense to do so. "Lack of family time greatly contributes to mental health issues," says B N Gangadhar, professor of psychiatry, Nimhans, Bangalore.

But there is a reason why India had poor work-life balance. R N Sharma, former professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, says it had much to do with the complete dismantling of labour movements in India. "Foot-loose labour, once meant for hawkers, now applies to white-collar workers too. With weakening labour movements, employees don't have bargaining power."

But Chandrajit Banerjee, DG of CII, says India is at a stage in its economy where the work force needs to put in more hours. But many companies, he says, are helping employees achieve a better balance, be it flexible work options or engaging their families.

"As Indians, we love work. We work two Saturdays a month, 48 hours a week. We don't go for holidays every quarter or an outing every weekend," says Dr Gibson Vedamani, former CEO, Retailers' Association of India. This isn't necessarily unhealthy, he says. "In India, we're in touch with home even during work."

Milind Sarwate, group CFO, Marico, says, "If you're working from 9 am-6 pm, it doesn't mean you won't take personal calls or check Facebook." He has a problem with the term work-life balance. "Isn't work a subset of life?''