Celebrity

'Zareen' woos luck with name change

2011-06-02T04:13:00.000-07:00

Zarine Khan

B-town has a simple mantra to counter a dry box-office run-numerology! One would like to believe bettering their acting skills (or the lack there-of) would be more helpful, but ah well. So after Sunil Shetty became Suniel, and Ajay Devgan innocuously dropped the 'a' from his surname, Zarine Khan is the latest to woo success in this manner.

The starlet has decided to spell her name "Zareen" from now onwards. And surprisingly it seems her stars have already heeded her appeal, as the girl has been cast for a role in Sajid Khan'sHousefull 2.

Meanwhile her performance with Salman Khan in the songCharacter dheela from the movie Ready has been getting the two rave reviews from the nationwide audiences, for their humourous imitation of romance through various eras in Indian cinema.

Salman Khan 'Ready' for big promotion!

2011-06-02T04:12:00.000-07:00

It’s the age of innovative marketing and those who manage to create the right buzz end up drawing more footfalls to theatres. Verily,Salman Khan is gung-ho about the unique promotion of his upcoming film Ready.

Salman will promote the film with a live concert in which the actressesAsin and Zarine Khan may also take part. Plans are still in the works about an elaborate 3-hour concert that will begin with a fashion show.

Around 40 models are expected to walk the ramp for the fashion show. This will be followed by an electrifying musical concert in which Salman is expected to take the stage and show his dance moves.

‘The Ready Live Mad Concert’ will be held between 6 and 9 pm on June 2 at the Tulip Star Hotel in Juhu. Around 10,000 people are expected to be at the concert which is being organised by 3rd Rock Entertainment.

Directed by Anees Bazmee, Ready is slated to release on June 3.

Kiss wasn't serious: Zarine

2011-06-02T04:10:00.001-07:00

Many an actor are known to let their guards down when in nightclubs. Never mind what the spirits do to you, it's just assumed that not everything can be seen too clearly in smoke-filled dark places with loud music. Well, the celebs seem to have got that wrong everytime - be it Shahid, Kareena kissing, or even Tabu getting cosy, their stories have all been reported.

Now it's the turn of Zarine Khan, who was launched by Salman Khan in 'Veer'. The actress whose song 'Character Dheela' has become a rage was at a nightclub with a group of friends. Among them was a special someone who kept planting kisses on Zarine's cheeks and Zarine, it is heard, returned the affection.

However, Zarine insists that she was just being grateful to the guy who thre a surprise party for her. She claimed that she was single and there was nothing serious about anything at the club that night.

Salman wishes SRK for Ra.One

2011-06-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

Salman Khan More Pics

He was at his 'Dabangg' best! Recently in Delhi for his upcoming film Ready opposite Asin, Salman Khan said, "We are trying our best to ensure that Ready lives up to the success of Dabangg.

We have worked very hard on this film. I hope you guys enjoy it. It's a family-comedy. The film revolves around three families."

Salman was in a good mood. He joked throughout the meet and sarcastically praised Asin on her performance in the movie. "Asin's performance is very 'bad'. That's why we have taken her! Ready required a girl who would work very badly just like she did in her movies Ghajini and London Dreams. We asked her to work even more badly in Ready and when you'll see the film, you won't believe," he said.

He teased Asin saying –'Tot-tum-kal (Tottumkal happens to be Asin's second name), kyaa kar rahi ho'. Salman went gaga over Asin, even saying that "my dream girl is like Asin".

Ready was shot in Sri Lanka. "When I went to Sri Lanka for IIFA, I loved the locations. So I suggested it to Bazmee. It's a beautiful place to shoot," Salman said.

He also talked about his choreography skills, and how he created Ready's 'pocket-style' steps just like the famous 'Dabangg step'. He explained how he got the idea from Asin who came to the sets one day in her baggy pants with hands in the pocket. "That was a nice movement that we picked up."

Talking about his favourite genre of films, Salman said that comic action flicks were his favourite. "It's hundred times more difficult to do comic action than serious action."

When asked if Salman would like SRK to see Ready, he said, "Asin and Bhushan Kumar will show it to him. Asin has worked with me and Aamir. She's damn good in the film. So I'm sure she would want SRK to see the film and know what he's missing out on."

Dabangg Salman also wished Shah Rukh Khan best of luck for his flick 'Ra.one'. "I wish Shah Rukh all the best for Ra.one and hope its a hit."

Ready which will hit theatres across India on July 3. Catch Sallu dancing opposite Zarine Khan in 'Character Dheela', which is already ruling the Radio Mirchi charts.

Movie Preview Ready

2011-06-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

Ready - Movie Preview

Salman Khan’s new film Ready promises wholesome entertainment - romance, songs and loads of laughter.

The film, directed by Anees Bazmee, has Salman pairing once again with hisLondon Dreams co-star Asin. A special cameo appearance is by Zarine Khan, Salman’s Veer heroine.
Ready Character Sketches
Salman Khan as Prem Kapoor
Prem is a quintessentially non-serious, happy-go-lucky guy who enjoys his bachelorhood to the hilt. He’s kind hearted, fun loving and also clever when it comes to dealing with the shrewd and cunning.
Asin as Sanjana Singh
Sanjana is a vivacious and bubbly girl. She’s an orphan and comes to India to fulfil her late father’s last wish but she gets caught up in a mess.
Slide Show : Pics - Ready story in pictures.
Ready Synopsis
Set amidst the appealing locales of Thailand, Ready revolves around Prem (Salman Khan), the sole heir to a sprawling empire owned by his father and uncles.
Prem’s father desires that he gets married and settles down, though Prem intends to enjoy his single status to the fullest.
Enter Sanjana (Asin) whose greedy uncles are always conspiring to wrongfully acquire her property.
In a dramatic turn of event, the avowed bachelor Prem falls for Sanjana and is ready for marriage with her, owing to a case of mistaken identity.

Sanjana has just returned to India to live with her feuding uncles, who have their own devious plans for her marriage, in order for each to take over her inheritance.

Since Prem is head over heels in love with Sanjana, he and his family take it upon themselves to ensure that the lovers are united. What ensues is a series of hilarious events with everyone taking on different identities in order to fool the uncles, with Prem, of course, masterminding the entire charade.

Ready : The Preview

2011-06-02T04:06:00.000-07:00

Salman is all geared up to turn up trumps with his forthcoming release, the clean family entertainer ‘Ready’, a story that blends to have all the commercial elements to make it a satisfying movie experience for audiences.

Salman Khan

Asin Thottumkal

This Salman and Asin starrer promises to be a mixed bag of fun, comedy, family drama and romance that is promised to be a breath of fresh air and is sure to make you to smile even after you’ve left the theatre.

A romcom that has garnered the spotlight even before its release for its chartbustermusic, ‘Ready’ is also one of the most awaited Salman movie post his last year’s blockbuster ‘Dabangg’.

Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film is a remake of the successful Telugu film with the same name.

However, it is believed that the director has mellowed out the remake to make sure it matches the tastes of Hindi film audiences.

Even Salman is said to have worked harder to make the film more appealing and has supposedly re-shot several scenes to get audiences hooked.

The music of the film is instantly likeable and has an innate appeal. ‘Dhinka Chika’ and ‘Character Dheela’ are pleasant and catchy and it already has people humming the tunes.

Cast and crew

T-Series’ ‘Ready’ is being produced by Rajat Rawail, Bhushan Kumar, Nitin Manmohan, Kishan Kumar and Sohail Khan.

Shot extensively in Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangkok, the film also stars Arya Babbar, Paresh Rawal, Puneet Issar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Anuradha Patel, Sharat Saxena, Manoj Joshi, Sudesh Lahiri, Manoj Pahwa and Akhilendra Mishra.

‘Ready’ has enough pluses to its credit; the film also boasts of special appearances by Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Kangna Ranuat, Arbaaz Khan and Zarine Khan.

The story and screenplay of the film has been written by Gopi Mohan and the cinematography has been painstakingly handled by Sunil Patel and Thomas Xavier

The hummable and catchy song numbers in the film has been composed by music composers Pritam and Devi Sri Prasad, while the lyrics of the songs have been written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, Ashish Pandit, Neelesh Misra and Kumaar.

Synopsis

Prem (played by Salman) is a lighthearted and carefree person. He belongs to a large family that owns Fragrance, a perfume's business.

The only heir to their company helps Sanjana (played by Asin) in distress after she escapes from getting married to a groom arranged by her money-crazy uncles, who hope to seize her properties.

As expected Prem falls in love with Sanjana, but is determined to marry her only with the consent of both families, hence he hatches a plan to bring both families together. From here begins their cat and mouse adventure.

Watch this feel good movie in theatres this Friday!

Character Dheela girl Zarine Khan

2011-06-02T04:04:00.002-07:00

SONAKSHI SINHA, ZARINE KHAN, MALAIKA ARORA GLAM UP ‘READY’ SCREENING

The private screening of Ready was not devoid of glamour, with the lovely ladies of Bollywood making their way to the theatre. Catch Sonakshi Sinha, Zarine Khan, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora looking simply stylish at Readyscreening.

It seems Sonakshi Sinha has had enough of cocktail dresses, so she switched to blue denims and teamed it up with a knotted blue check shirt. The whole look was casual but Sonakshi Sinha made it work so well that it looked hot. We guess India just got its Kristen Stewart.

The Character Dheela girl Zarine Khan once again was spotted in a simple tee, and we won’t complain about it. Why? Her vibrant face made us forget everything.

The other hotties at the event were the Arora sisters. Malaika Arora, one of the best dressed ladies of B-town, looked elegant in a simple dress while Amrita Arora’s fondness for cool, cutesy outfits continues. But more than her attire we loved her chic yellow designer bag. The lady was happily flashing it.

Catch Sonakshi, Zarine, Malaika, Amrita looking simply stylish at Readyscreening:

Sonakshi Sinha, Zarine Khan glam up ‘Ready’ screening

2011-06-02T04:04:00.000-07:00

SONAKSHI SINHA, ZARINE KHAN, MALAIKA ARORA GLAM UP ‘READY’ SCREENING

High court clears the path for Salman Khan-starrer

2011-06-02T04:01:00.001-07:00

The Bombay high court allowed the release of Salman Khan-starrer Ready with the hit number Hum karain toh character dheela hai on Wednesday.

Vacation judge Justice A R Joshi dismissed an appeal filed by lyricist Turkish Mohammad Azam who said that four lines of the song were lifted from his "original creation" and were used in the song, which has been filmed on Salman and Zarine Khan. Azam had sought a stay on the film, which is to be released on June 3. Justice Joshi said that the appeal was based just on allegations and nothing could be proved. The court also observed that it was not Azam's original work. Azam moved HC challenging an order passed by a city civil court, which had dismissed his suit early this month.

Azam argued that his claim is in respect of literary work, in a stanza, which has been plagiarized by the defendant (producer). "These are struggling artistes. They need to get other work. There can never be any privity of contract," argued Azam's lawyer. Azam sought that either the producer deletes the four lines from the song or gives him credit.

The defendants' advocates, Venkatesh Dhond and Henal Vakharia, argued: "The said stanza is on the internet and is originally from a 'spoof on Lord Krishna and Raas Leela'."

Zarine Khan with her father and mother

2011-06-02T04:00:00.002-07:00

Zarine Khan at the special screening of film Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai on Tuesday late evening, May 31. Photo Credit: Sawfnews

- Zarine Khan was playfully dressed in Disney top and dark blue skinny jeans at a special screening of Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai late evening Tuesday, May 31.

Zarine's short sleeve top had a sparkly Micky Mouse emblazoned at the front and a scoop neckline. She accessorized with black pumps, black purse and light jewelry.

The 23-year-old starlet was accompanied to the event by her family.

Salman's sister Arpita played host in the absence of Salman who is away in Patiala filming for Bodyguard.

Salman's Ready co-star Asin was a no show.

Zarine plays a cameo in Ready. She is paired with Salman Khan in the chart busting song, Character Dheela.

Zarine Khan with her family at the special screening of film Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai on Tuesday late evening, May 31.

Zarine made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khan in Veer but her career has since floundered. Salman has now given her a second break with the cameo in Ready.

Zarine also landed a role in Housefull 2 after Salman put in a word to producer Sajid Nadiadwala, a close Salman friend.

Showing her gratitude to Salman, Zarine recently said, "I will never be able to thank him enough. He is an honest man, and I see myself falling back on him in times of difficulty. I shall forever remain loyal to him."

Zarine is currently filming for a L. I. Kannan helmed Tamil period film Karikalan with co-star Vikram.

Zarine Khan with her family at the special screening

2011-06-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Zarine Khan at the special screening of film Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai on Tuesday late evening, May 31. Photo Credit: Sawfnews

- Zarine Khan was playfully dressed in Disney top and dark blue skinny jeans at a special screening of Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai late evening Tuesday, May 31.

Zarine's short sleeve top had a sparkly Micky Mouse emblazoned at the front and a scoop neckline. She accessorized with black pumps, black purse and light jewelry.

The 23-year-old starlet was accompanied to the event by her family.

Salman's sister Arpita played host in the absence of Salman who is away in Patiala filming for Bodyguard.

Salman's Ready co-star Asin was a no show.

Zarine plays a cameo in Ready. She is paired with Salman Khan in the chart busting song, Character Dheela.

Zarine Khan with her family at the special screening of film Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai on Tuesday late evening, May 31.

Zarine made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khan in Veer but her career has since floundered. Salman has now given her a second break with the cameo in Ready.

Zarine also landed a role in Housefull 2 after Salman put in a word to producer Sajid Nadiadwala, a close Salman friend.

Zarine is currently filming for a L. I. Kannan helmed Tamil period film Karikalan with co-star Vikram.

Zarine Khan: Micky Mouse Cute at Ready Special Screening

2011-06-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

Zarine Khan at the special screening of film Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai on Tuesday late evening, May 31. Photo Credit: Sawfnews

- Zarine Khan was playfully dressed in Disney top and dark blue skinny jeans at a special screening of Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai late evening Tuesday, May 31.

Zarine's short sleeve top had a sparkly Micky Mouse emblazoned at the front and a scoop neckline. She accessorized with black pumps, black purse and light jewelry.

The 23-year-old starlet was accompanied to the event by her family.

Salman's sister Arpita played host in the absence of Salman who is away in Patiala filming for Bodyguard.

Salman's Ready co-star Asin was a no show.

Zarine plays a cameo in Ready. She is paired with Salman Khan in the chart busting song, Character Dheela.

Zarine Khan with her family at the special screening of film Ready at Ketnav Preview Theatre in Pali Hill, Mumbai on Tuesday late evening, May 31. Photo Credit: Sawfnews

Zarine made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khan in Veer but her career has since floundered. Salman has now given her a second break with the cameo in Ready.

Zarine also landed a role in Housefull 2 after Salman put in a word to producer Sajid Nadiadwala, a close Salman friend.

Zarine is currently filming for a L. I. Kannan helmed Tamil period film Karikalan with co-star Vikram.

SONAKSHI SINHA, ZARINE KHAN, MALAIKA ARORA GLAM UP ‘READY’ SCREENING

2011-06-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

SONAKSHI SINHA, ZARINE KHAN, MALAIKA ARORA GLAM UP ‘READY’ SCREENING

The private screening of Ready was not devoid of glamour, with the lovely ladies of Bollywood making their way to the theatre. Catch Sonakshi Sinha, Zarine Khan, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora looking simply stylish at Ready screening.

It seems Sonakshi Sinha has had enough of cocktail dresses, so she switched to blue denims and teamed it up with a knotted blue check shirt. The whole look was casual but Sonakshi Sinha made it work so well that it looked hot. We guess India just got its Kristen Stewart.

The Character Dheela girl Zarine Khan once again was spotted in a simple tee, and we won’t complain about it. Why? Her vibrant face made us forget everything.

The other hotties at the event were the Arora sisters. Malaika Arora, one of the best dressed ladies of B-town, looked elegant in a simple dress whileAmrita Arora’s fondness for cool, cutesy outfits continues. But more than her attire we loved her chic yellow designer bag. The lady was happily flashing it.

Catch Sonakshi, Zarine, Malaika, Amrita looking simply stylish at Ready screening:

Shahid Afridi, Misbah- ul- Haq,waqar

2011-05-31T03:37:00.000-07:00

Karachi, May 27(ANI): A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has said Shahid Afridi's chances of regaining the captaincy of the one day international and T-20 squads are over, but he will get an opportunity to prolong his career as a cricketer.

According to sources, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has decided to revoke the policy of having separate captains for different formats, which means Misbah-ul-Haq would take over as skipper in all three formats of the game, The Nation reports.

He said the reason for the change in policy was to promote team unity.

"The board got concerned with reports filtering in during the World Cup that Afridi had started to take his captaincy for granted. Some players have also complained about adjustments they need to do with two captains instead of one", he said.

He said Misbah- ul- Haq has been selected as a captain as he has performed consistently in all versions of the game.

The source dispelled speculations about the PCB not willing to give opportunity to Afridi as a player. (ANI)

Misbah- ul- Haq has been selected as a captain

2011-05-31T03:36:00.003-07:00

He said the reason for the change in policy was to promote team unity.

He said Misbah- ul- Haq has been selected as a captain as he has performed consistently in all versions of the game.

The source dispelled speculations about the PCB not willing to give opportunity to Afridi as a player. (ANI)

PCB not willing to give opportunity to Afridi as a player

2011-05-31T03:36:00.001-07:00

He said the reason for the change in policy was to promote team unity.

He said Misbah- ul- Haq has been selected as a captain as he has performed consistently in all versions of the game.

The source dispelled speculations about the PCB not willing to give opportunity to Afridi as a player. (ANI)

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)

2011-05-31T03:35:00.003-07:00

He said the reason for the change in policy was to promote team unity.

He said Misbah- ul- Haq has been selected as a captain as he has performed consistently in all versions of the game.

The source dispelled speculations about the PCB not willing to give opportunity to Afridi as a player. (ANI)

No captaincy for Afridi: PCB official

2011-05-31T03:35:00.001-07:00

He said the reason for the change in policy was to promote team unity.

He said Misbah- ul- Haq has been selected as a captain as he has performed consistently in all versions of the game.

The source dispelled speculations about the PCB not willing to give opportunity to Afridi as a player. (ANI)

Shahid Afridi retirement

2011-05-31T03:34:00.002-07:00

Pakistan's Shahid Afridi told AFP on Monday he was retiring from all international cricket, saying he was dejected after being replaced as one-day captain following a fiery clash with coach Waqar Younis.

The 31-year-old developed differences with Waqar during the team's 3-2 win against the West Indies earlier this month and his public criticism of the coach ultimately led to him losing the captaincy.

"Yes, I am now retired from all international cricket," Afridi said by telephone from London. "I am dejected and hurt and whatever I said about the coach it was in the best interest of the team."

Afridi, who took over as Test and one-day captain last year, abruptly retired from the longer version of the game after a heavy defeat against Australia at Lord's in July 2010.

He then led Pakistan to two one-day series defeats against England and South Africa before winning a 50-over series in New Zealand and guiding the team to the semi-finals of World Cup 2011 where they lost to eventual champions India.

Afridi lashed out at Waqar on his return from the West Indies.

"Everyone should do his job and should be accountable for his work," said Afridi, reportedly irked at Waqar's interference in team selection.

When asked about his reported differences with the coach, Afridi replied: "The differences are not at a stage where they cannot be resolved."

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took heed of the public criticism and served a show cause notice to Afridi before announcing that Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq would lead the team in two one-day matches against Ireland.

Pakistan won the series 2-0 under Misbah on Monday.

Afridi said he was roughly treated by the PCB.

"I play for my country and for my people," he said. "I led the team to the semi-final of the World Cup but the reward was such that I was not sure about my captaincy."

Afridi said his decision to retire was final, as he would not play under the current PCB, headed by chairman Ijaz Butt, but hinted at a comeback if there was a change in leadership.

"This current board treats players roughly and I will not play under this set-up. But if this set-up is changed only then will I consider coming back because I have always played for my people and will play for them."

Afridi said he had battled against the game's match-fixing menace and had united a disjointed Pakistan team.

"When I retired from Test cricket and sensed spot-fixing in the team, I fought against it and after the fixing episode united the team which was broken and divided," said Afridi, referring to last year's fixing scandal in England.

That controversy, related to last year's Lord's Test against England, ended in lengthy bans on former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

Afridi, who still holds the record for the fastest one-day hundred, scored off 37-balls against Sri Lanka at Nairobi in 1997, was the joint leading wicket-taker with 21 in the 2011 World Cup with India's Zaheer Khan.

The burly all-rounder scored 6,695 in 325 one-dayers and took 315 wickets as a leg-spinner. He also has a tally of 1,716 runs and 48 wickets in 27 Tests.

Afridi finished as player of the tournament in the first two editions of the World Twenty20, in 2007 and 2009, helping Pakistan to the title in the latter tournament in England.

"I served the country to the best of my ability but did not deserve this treatment. I wanted to leave cricket on a happy note, but that did not come about," he said.

I am dejected and hurt

2011-05-31T03:34:00.000-07:00

The 31-year-old developed differences with Waqar during the team's 3-2 win against the West Indies earlier this month and his public criticism of the coach ultimately led to him losing the captaincy.

"Yes, I am now retired from all international cricket," Afridi said by telephone from London. "I am dejected and hurt and whatever I said about the coach it was in the best interest of the team."

Afridi, who took over as Test and one-day captain last year, abruptly retired from the longer version of the game after a heavy defeat against Australia at Lord's in July 2010.

Afridi lashed out at Waqar on his return from the West Indies.

"Everyone should do his job and should be accountable for his work," said Afridi, reportedly irked at Waqar's interference in team selection.

When asked about his reported differences with the coach, Afridi replied: "The differences are not at a stage where they cannot be resolved."

Pakistan won the series 2-0 under Misbah on Monday.

Afridi said he was roughly treated by the PCB.

"I play for my country and for my people," he said. "I led the team to the semi-final of the World Cup but the reward was such that I was not sure about my captaincy."

Afridi said his decision to retire was final, as he would not play under the current PCB, headed by chairman Ijaz Butt, but hinted at a comeback if there was a change in leadership.

Afridi said he had battled against the game's match-fixing menace and had united a disjointed Pakistan team.

That controversy, related to last year's Lord's Test against England, ended in lengthy bans on former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

The burly all-rounder scored 6,695 in 325 one-dayers and took 315 wickets as a leg-spinner. He also has a tally of 1,716 runs and 48 wickets in 27 Tests.

Afridi finished as player of the tournament in the first two editions of the World Twenty20, in 2007 and 2009, helping Pakistan to the title in the latter tournament in England.

"I served the country to the best of my ability but did not deserve this treatment. I wanted to leave cricket on a happy note, but that did not come about," he said.

Afridi hurt

2011-05-31T03:33:00.001-07:00

The 31-year-old developed differences with Waqar during the team's 3-2 win against the West Indies earlier this month and his public criticism of the coach ultimately led to him losing the captaincy.

"Yes, I am now retired from all international cricket," Afridi said by telephone from London. "I am dejected and hurt and whatever I said about the coach it was in the best interest of the team."

Afridi, who took over as Test and one-day captain last year, abruptly retired from the longer version of the game after a heavy defeat against Australia at Lord's in July 2010.

Afridi lashed out at Waqar on his return from the West Indies.

"Everyone should do his job and should be accountable for his work," said Afridi, reportedly irked at Waqar's interference in team selection.

When asked about his reported differences with the coach, Afridi replied: "The differences are not at a stage where they cannot be resolved."

Pakistan won the series 2-0 under Misbah on Monday.

Afridi said he was roughly treated by the PCB.

"I play for my country and for my people," he said. "I led the team to the semi-final of the World Cup but the reward was such that I was not sure about my captaincy."

Afridi said his decision to retire was final, as he would not play under the current PCB, headed by chairman Ijaz Butt, but hinted at a comeback if there was a change in leadership.

Afridi said he had battled against the game's match-fixing menace and had united a disjointed Pakistan team.

That controversy, related to last year's Lord's Test against England, ended in lengthy bans on former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

The burly all-rounder scored 6,695 in 325 one-dayers and took 315 wickets as a leg-spinner. He also has a tally of 1,716 runs and 48 wickets in 27 Tests.

Afridi finished as player of the tournament in the first two editions of the World Twenty20, in 2007 and 2009, helping Pakistan to the title in the latter tournament in England.

"I served the country to the best of my ability but did not deserve this treatment. I wanted to leave cricket on a happy note, but that did not come about," he said.

I play for my country and for my people

2011-05-31T03:32:00.001-07:00

The 31-year-old developed differences with Waqar during the team's 3-2 win against the West Indies earlier this month and his public criticism of the coach ultimately led to him losing the captaincy.

"Yes, I am now retired from all international cricket," Afridi said by telephone from London. "I am dejected and hurt and whatever I said about the coach it was in the best interest of the team."

Afridi, who took over as Test and one-day captain last year, abruptly retired from the longer version of the game after a heavy defeat against Australia at Lord's in July 2010.

Afridi lashed out at Waqar on his return from the West Indies.

"Everyone should do his job and should be accountable for his work," said Afridi, reportedly irked at Waqar's interference in team selection.

When asked about his reported differences with the coach, Afridi replied: "The differences are not at a stage where they cannot be resolved."

Pakistan won the series 2-0 under Misbah on Monday.

Afridi said he was roughly treated by the PCB.

"I play for my country and for my people," he said. "I led the team to the semi-final of the World Cup but the reward was such that I was not sure about my captaincy."

Afridi said his decision to retire was final, as he would not play under the current PCB, headed by chairman Ijaz Butt, but hinted at a comeback if there was a change in leadership.

Afridi said he had battled against the game's match-fixing menace and had united a disjointed Pakistan team.

That controversy, related to last year's Lord's Test against England, ended in lengthy bans on former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

The burly all-rounder scored 6,695 in 325 one-dayers and took 315 wickets as a leg-spinner. He also has a tally of 1,716 runs and 48 wickets in 27 Tests.

Afridi finished as player of the tournament in the first two editions of the World Twenty20, in 2007 and 2009, helping Pakistan to the title in the latter tournament in England.

"I served the country to the best of my ability but did not deserve this treatment. I wanted to leave cricket on a happy note, but that did not come about," he said.

Boom boom Afridi says goodbye

2011-05-31T03:31:00.002-07:00

The 31-year-old developed differences with Waqar during the team's 3-2 win against the West Indies earlier this month and his public criticism of the coach ultimately led to him losing the captaincy.

"Yes, I am now retired from all international cricket," Afridi said by telephone from London. "I am dejected and hurt and whatever I said about the coach it was in the best interest of the team."

Afridi, who took over as Test and one-day captain last year, abruptly retired from the longer version of the game after a heavy defeat against Australia at Lord's in July 2010.

Afridi lashed out at Waqar on his return from the West Indies.

"Everyone should do his job and should be accountable for his work," said Afridi, reportedly irked at Waqar's interference in team selection.

When asked about his reported differences with the coach, Afridi replied: "The differences are not at a stage where they cannot be resolved."

Pakistan won the series 2-0 under Misbah on Monday.

Afridi said he was roughly treated by the PCB.

"I play for my country and for my people," he said. "I led the team to the semi-final of the World Cup but the reward was such that I was not sure about my captaincy."

Afridi said his decision to retire was final, as he would not play under the current PCB, headed by chairman Ijaz Butt, but hinted at a comeback if there was a change in leadership.

Afridi said he had battled against the game's match-fixing menace and had united a disjointed Pakistan team.

That controversy, related to last year's Lord's Test against England, ended in lengthy bans on former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

The burly all-rounder scored 6,695 in 325 one-dayers and took 315 wickets as a leg-spinner. He also has a tally of 1,716 runs and 48 wickets in 27 Tests.

Afridi finished as player of the tournament in the first two editions of the World Twenty20, in 2007 and 2009, helping Pakistan to the title in the latter tournament in England.

"I served the country to the best of my ability but did not deserve this treatment. I wanted to leave cricket on a happy note, but that did not come about," he said.

I am retiring from international cricket: Afridi

2011-05-31T03:31:00.000-07:00

The 31-year-old developed differences with Waqar during the team's 3-2 win against the West Indies earlier this month and his public criticism of the coach ultimately led to him losing the captaincy.

"Yes, I am now retired from all international cricket," Afridi said by telephone from London. "I am dejected and hurt and whatever I said about the coach it was in the best interest of the team."

Afridi, who took over as Test and one-day captain last year, abruptly retired from the longer version of the game after a heavy defeat against Australia at Lord's in July 2010.

Afridi lashed out at Waqar on his return from the West Indies.

"Everyone should do his job and should be accountable for his work," said Afridi, reportedly irked at Waqar's interference in team selection.

When asked about his reported differences with the coach, Afridi replied: "The differences are not at a stage where they cannot be resolved."

Pakistan won the series 2-0 under Misbah on Monday.

Afridi said he was roughly treated by the PCB.

"I play for my country and for my people," he said. "I led the team to the semi-final of the World Cup but the reward was such that I was not sure about my captaincy."

Afridi said his decision to retire was final, as he would not play under the current PCB, headed by chairman Ijaz Butt, but hinted at a comeback if there was a change in leadership.

Afridi said he had battled against the game's match-fixing menace and had united a disjointed Pakistan team.

That controversy, related to last year's Lord's Test against England, ended in lengthy bans on former Test captain Salman Butt and pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.

The burly all-rounder scored 6,695 in 325 one-dayers and took 315 wickets as a leg-spinner. He also has a tally of 1,716 runs and 48 wickets in 27 Tests.

Afridi finished as player of the tournament in the first two editions of the World Twenty20, in 2007 and 2009, helping Pakistan to the title in the latter tournament in England.

"I served the country to the best of my ability but did not deserve this treatment. I wanted to leave cricket on a happy note, but that did not come about," he said.

Chanakyaniti

2011-05-28T22:27:00.001-07:00

Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was born in Pataliputra, Magadh (modern Bihar), and later moved to Taxila, in Gandhar province(now in Pakistan). He was a professor (acharya) of political science at the Takshashila University and later the Prime Minister of the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. He is regarded as one of the earliest known political thinkers, economists and king-makers. He was the man to envision the first Indian empire by unification of the then numerous kingdoms in the Indian sub-continent and provide the impetus for fights against the Greek conqueror Alexander.Chanakya is perhaps less well known outside India compared to other social and political philosophers of the world like Confucius and Machiavelli. His foresight and wide knowledge coupled with politics of expediency helped found the mighty Mauryan Empire in India. He compiled his political ideas into the 'Arthashastra', one of the world's earliest treatises on political thought and social order. His ideas remain popular to this day in India. In Jawaharlal Nehru's Discovery of India, Chanakya has been called the Indian Machiavelli. Three books are attributed to Chanakya: Arthashastra, Nitishastra and Chanakya Niti. Arthashastra (literally 'the Science of Material Gain' in Sanskrit) is arguably the first systematic book on economics. It discusses monetary and fiscal policies, welfare, international relations, and war strategies in details. Many of his nitis or policies have been compiled under the book title Chanakya Niti. Nitishastra is a treatise on the ideal way of life, and shows Chanakya's in depth study of the Indian way of life. According to a legend, while Chanakya served as the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya, he started adding small amounts of poison in Chandragupta's food so that he would get used to it. The aim of this was to prevent the Emperor from being poisoned by enemies. One day the queen, Durdha, shared the food with the Emperor while she was pregnant. Since she was not used to eating poisoned food, she died. Chanakya decided that the baby should not die; hence he cut open the belly of the queen and took out the baby. A drop (bindu in Sanskrit) of poison had passed to the baby's head, and hence Chanakya named him Bindusara. Bindusara would go on to become a great king and to father the greatest Mauryan Emperor since Chandragupta - Asoka. When Bindusara became a youth, Chandragupta gave up the throne and followed the Jain saint Bhadrabahu to present day Karnataka and settled in a place known as Sravana Belagola. He lived as an ascetic for some years and died of voluntary starvation according to Jain tradition. Chanakya meanwhile stayed as the Prime Minister of Bindusara. Bindusara also had a minister named Subandhu who did not like Chanakya. One day he told Bindusara that Chanakya was responsible for the murder of his mother. Bindusara asked the nurses who confirmed this story and he became very angry with Chanakya. It is said that Chanakya, on hearing that the Emperor was angry with him, thought that anyway he was at the end of his life. He donated all his wealth to the poor, widows and orphans and sat on a dung heap, prepared to die by total abstinence from food and drink. Bindusara meanwhile heard the full story of his birth from the nurses and rushed to beg forgiveness of Chanakya. But Chanakya would not relent. Bindusara went back and vent his fury on Subandhu, who asked for time to beg for forgiveness from Chanakya. Subandhu, who still hated Chanakya, wanted to make sure that Chanakya did not return to the city. So he arranged for a ceremony of respect, but unnoticed by anyone, slipped a smoldering charcoal ember inside the dung heap. Aided by the wind, the dung heap swiftly caught fire, and the man behind the Mauryan Empire and the author of Arthashastra was burned to death. His main philosophy was "A debt should be paid off till the last penny; An enemy should be destroyed without a trace". He seemed to have lived - and died - by his philosopy.