WAR CHHOD NA YAAR
Starring: Sharman Joshi, Soha Ali Khan and Jaaved Jaffrey
Writer-Director: Faraz Haider
Rating: ***
Political satires are easily the most difficult genre of comedy in cinema. They have to serve up a telling lesson to self-serving politicians, while providing audiences with a good laugh. We had Kunal Roy Kapur attempting one of ‘dose’ in The President is Coming.
But that’s it. Full credit to writer-director Faraz Haider for going into the war zone and emerging from the battle-scarred scenario with his sense of humour intact.
War satires are extinct in a country that takes cross-border matters dead seriously. Though War Chhod Na Yaar is a very one-sided view of barbed-wire offences, it does nevertheless fire some mirthful missiles at politicians on both sides who make mileage out of the mythical animosity between the two countries. In the middle of the crackling tension of Indo-Pak differences, there suddenly comes the cackling sound of loud laughter breaking the eerie silence of the desert-scape where ammunition is aimed at both ends.
Sitting in No Man’s Land across the barbed fence are the two squadron leaders from both ends played smartly by Sharman Joshi and Jaaved Jaffrey playing cards, exchanging jokes and making light of one another’s country’s ongoing burden of being border-line belligerent. That the film is shot in the Rajasthan deserts serves the film’s locational purpose creating a battleground realistically, if not opulently.
Faraz Haider has scripted a plot that tickles borderline tension. There are passages of breezy bantering between Joshi and Jaffrey. Both actors possess subtle acting skills that they put here to potent use as two army-men who bond across the border even as war escalates overnight. The soldierly bonding over the barbed wires is a heartening thought, not quite executed with the finesse that, say, JP Dutta would have invested into his border-line satire.
War Chhod Na Yaar is a film with a large heart. ‘Hate war, not the warrior’ seems to be the subtitled slogan of this anti-war satire. Rather than taking long shots of battleground images mercifully, the debutant director goes easy on the gunshots and preaches to focus more on the personal interaction between soldiers from both sides. The cross-border antakshari culminating in the Pakistanis crooning “Yeh mera India, I love my India” is a cleverly designed episode, though much too obvious an effort at taming the enemy.
Then there is a sequence where Indian soldiers unleash a poultry of roosters across the barbed fence to trap their opponents.
Barb re barb!
The problem creeps into the blithe narrative when the Pakistani army men and politicians are shown largely as bumbling imbeciles, if not outright jokers. Dalip Tahil’s triple role as the Pakistani president, the Chinese premier (whose native tongue is translated into Punjabi in Navjot Singh Sidhu’s voice) and the American President’s Yankee-accented aide, ceases to be funny beyond a point.
Not that this sort of stand-up comedy material renders itself effectively to cinematic laughter in the first place. Nonetheless, credit must go to the writer-director for attempting to show the utter futility and the underlining farce that define cross-border aggression.
Some episodes in the film are neatly written. The actors add a layer of conviction to the satire. The underrated underused Sharman Joshi puts up a convincing show as an Indian soldier trying to keep his and his army’s spirits high in the face of violence. Why don’t we see more of him? Jaaved Jaffery, who was effective as a snarling villain in Besharam, puts up another bravura act as Sharman’s colleague from the other side of the firing line. Soha Ali Khan as a television journalist modelled on Barkha Dutta (not again!) gets into the satirical spirit with ease.
The film has a vast cast of comic performers. But I must make special mention of Mukul Dev as an Afghani infiltrator, who gets it wrong each time. Mukul’s accent and comic timing are fodder for the funny bones.
Very rarely do we get a chance to smile about the grim reality of war. This film gives a nimble twinkle-eyed satirical slant to the scourge of war. Warm and well-packaged with intelligent performances, War Chhod Na Yaar flounders when it abandons the human aspect to get into the nuclear zone.
Then it’s time to groan.
SUBHASH K. JHA
Brave concept, engaging war satire
Hide your age
A few simple tips can conceal the signs of ageing and make you look younger and more attractive, says MINAL KHONA
As we age, patchy skin, crow’s feet, wrinkles and dull skin are dead giveaways to our age. But if you already have a good skin care routine, a few make up tricks can make you look years younger and leave people guessing your true age.
To retain younger looking skin for a long time, it is important to have a skin care routine from your twenties. A cleansing, toning, moisturising routine gradually incorporating a weekly facemask and exfoliating treatment, works for most people. The important thing is to choose products according to your skin type.
Once a woman hits her 40s and 50s, or is closer to or past menopause, the skin can get drier. Age spots and patchy skin are also some of the signs of ageing skin. Here is where modern day makeup comes in that hides flaws, highlight your best features and makes you look younger.
Lay it on thin
An important point to remember is not to cake on the foundation or concealer in thick layers, as that will only highlight your wrinkles and fine lines. Use a cream based foundation to cover any blotches or dark patches on your skin. Use a stick or a liquid foundation, both work fine, it should ideally be one that can be spread over your skin with the fingertips, without having to pull at your skin. If you don’t want it to look caked and thick, apply moisturiser before applying foundation, it will blend better.
Also, don’t forget the neck area as that is usually the most obvious sign of one’s age. Blend the foundation all over your neck and jawbone. First apply foundation in dots all around the area, then blend in an upward direction with the fingers.
Eye openers
With age, our eyelids begin to droop, not to mention crow’s feet for those of us who squint in the sun or smoke. What often happens is that one applies kohl or eyeliner to the lower lid and because the skin is not so firm anymore, it tends to smudge. Instead, apply liner and mascara on the top eyelid only. This solves two problems with one stroke, no smudging and the mascara opens up your eyes. If you absolutely must use liner on the lower lid, go for gel liners which are easy to apply and take off.
For fine lines and wrinkles around the eye region the concealer should work, but be sure it is in a shade that compliments your skin, or the attempt to hide dark circles will only make you look more tired.
An effective way to hide wrinkles in the upper eyelid is to wear eyeshadow. I know of a cosmetologist in her 50s who is never seen without it. Her own products keep her skin looking young, but the giveaway signs around the eyes are camouflaged to a large extent with eyeshadow. Go for shades of burnt orange or copper as they work best with Indian skin tones.
If you wear mascara daily and find taking it off every night is a chore, you can always consider professional eyelash tinting.
While dealing with the eyelashes, don’t forget your eyebrows. Make sure you have them in shape at all times, with the extra growth threaded off. Also, if, like me, you have a very thin growth at the start of your eyebrows, use a brow pencil to fill in the gaps and give the brows a shape. Only don’t make them too thick or dark as that looks artificial.
Luscious lips
Our mouth and the area around the lips can also reveal our age. I have noticed especially in Australia, that women who smoke have several vertical lines above their upper lip. To avoid these, besides obviously not smoking, one should consciously relax facial muscles regularly. As for the fine lines, the concealer should do the trick.
However, it is important to choose lipsticks carefully. I always go for the ones with extra moisture or those that have a very creamy texture. They are easy to apply and the moisture keeps the lips from looking dry.
Shades from the colour palette of brown, rose, nudes or berry work well. Go for the brighter shades as they can make your lips look larger and the full effect gives you a younger look. A coat of gloss also adds to the full look.
Cheek chic
The most problematic area can be the region of the cheeks as this is the largest portion of the face that is visible, so any blemishes there are immediately noticed. While the concealer and foundation may have taken care of the patchy skin and fine lines, you need to give them a touch of blush to look good and to complete your look. I prefer the powder blushes as one can apply a really thin coat and not look made up. The creamy ones can cake up as you already have the foundation layer below, which is cream based.
A layer of separation must be created between the foundation and the blush, with a coat of translucent powder. Then apply the blush, preferably in pale shades of peach, rose or nude on to the apples of your cheeks towards your hairline. This will make your face look younger. Blend it well so that the blush doesn’t look like two red blotches on your cheeks.
Body tips
This is something everyone knows but no one follows: go easy on the caffeine and drink 7-8 glasses of water a day. The water flushes out the toxins from the skin and helps to keep it firm and moisturised.
Also, avoid using very hot water while showering; it is better to shower in the morning than at night, as the daytime humidity hydrates the skin and the moisturiser you apply keeps it trapped in.
Other than that, meditative practices, exercises and yoga are all great contributors to younger looking skin.
Bachchan turns 71 and more!
Bachchan turns 71
India’s super-mega-star turned 71 on October 11, with the nicest gift being his toddler grand-daughter singing ‘Happy Birthday!’ Yes, Amitabh Bachchan, the undisputed legend of Bollywood is a super septuagenarian, but he’s still raring to go. He is looking forward to new challenges and wants to continue as long as possible.
“I only hope challenges keep coming and as far as possible, and as long as my health permits, I keep working,” Amitabh said to the media on his birthday.
Amitabh also posted on his blog. “A strange calmness descends on the eve of the clock that strikes 12 midnight… the family, the few that are in town, bring in the greetings, the ‘little one’ ably tutored sings a ‘happy birthday’ to herself first, and then, after suitable prompting, to me… it’s these little moments that make up a birthday”. Aaradhya will turn two on Nov 16.
And in keeping with his legendary generosity, Amitabh also announced that he has taken up an initiative to provide electricity to 3,000 houses in rural India using solar power. The Harivansh Rai Bachchan Memorial Trust (named after his poet-dad)and Urja Foundation have come together in the endeavour to provide solar-powered lights to small villages hitherto deprived of electricity.
“The electricity will be provided through solar energy free of cost to small villages,” he said.
So as we wish the Big B a happy birthday, let’s hope he continues to enjoy the contentment of his family and work and the adulation of his many, many fans!
Sonam for the small screen?
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor is trying to change the face of Indian television with his debut show 24, which has received wide appreciation. And if the buzz around Bollywood is to be believed, daughter Sonam is ready to follow in her successful father’s footsteps.
The charming actress has reportedly received offers to make appearances and to judge reality shows in the past.
“Sonam is very popular among kids, especially teenagers for her fashion sense. So much so that the actress keeps getting offers to make appearances on kids based reality shows,” said a source close to the actress.
However, for Sonam to consider such a project seriously, it has to be interesting enough.
“She is open to doing television shows when something which interests her comes along,” the source added.
Sonam has had a string of successes to her name, the most recent being Raanjhanaa and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. She is now gearing up for her upcoming movie Khubsoorat, a remake of the Hrishikesh Mukerjee-directed 1980 family drama which starred Rakesh Roshan, Rekha, Ashok Kumar and Dina Pathak. The remake is being produced by dad Anil Kapoor, and Shashanka Ghosh is directing it.
So if Sonam’s planning a stint on the small screen, its likely to be only with daddy’s blessings! Let’s hope that comes her way soon!
Gopal Varma
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is going to great lengths to explain to anyone who asks, that the word Satya in the title of his next film Satya 2 should only be interpreted as a pseudonym. Why would anyone care to know, you may ask. Well, he doesn’t want the audience to consider the forthcoming movie as a sequel to his 1998 crime thriller.
“Satya 2 is all about the ‘truth’ about two characters’ journey,” RGV explains. “Aman (a character) gets off a train in Satya and what happened to him, that was about truth. The name is almost a surreal application of what his life is about,” the 51-year-old said in an interview recently
“This (Satya 2) is in another time period, another man gets off a train in Mumbai. So the similarity is about the truth. The name is a pseudonym rather, not to be taken literally,” he added.
Varma has cast new actors in the film and says that since his characters are raw, only new actors could have pulled them off well. “As far as Satya 2 is concerned, I don’t think it is a risk (to have new faces). Specifically because Satya has raw, realistic characters which only new actors can deliver,” he added. Satya 2 stars Puneet Singh, Anaika Soti and Aradhna.
Debutant Puneet Singh says he plays a “corporate style gangster,” and he hopes that the audience appreciates his work. “His way of working is different, his thinking is different. He does not kill his adversaries himself. He plans and he is a corporate style gangster,” Puneet said, explaining the role. Like his mentor, Puneet too, insists that Satya 2 is not a sequel or a prequel. Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?
Urvashi aims at acting, not stardom
Model Urvashi Rautela, who is set for her acting debut with Sunny Deol in Singh Saab The Great, says she aims to be an actor, not a star. At 19, the attractive young lady has already got a lot to her credit. In 2009 at just 15, she clinched the Miss Teen India crown. Two years later, she won two titles, Miss Asian Supermodel and Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International. In 2012, she bagged the Miss Universe India title, but was later dethroned because she didn’t meet the age requirement. Nevertheless, she is raring to go.
The winner of several beauty pageants is also a popular name in the ad world. Now, she has a three-film contract with director Anil Sharma. Urvashi says she wants to be recognised for her acting skills rather than stardom.
“I don’t want people to treat me like a star or call me one. I want to be an artist… an actor who acts really well,” said Urvashi recently.
True to being an actor, she doesn’t mind playing the love interest of actor Sunny Deol who is over 35 years older than her. In Singh Saab The Great, her character’s name is Mini. Sunny will be seen fighting for her in the action love story.
“I am being a professional. Age is just a number. When you’ll watch the movie you’ll see great chemistry. My character is lovable. I am playing a damsel in distress and he (Sunny) fights for me, so it’s special,” said Urvashi, who would like to work with the Khans (Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir) of Bollywood someday.
The model, is also excited about a song, which she says, “Is totally my song. It’s Mehandi lagwaje. It’s very special because I’ve danced on it and is quite similar to what Sridevi did in Mere hathon main nau nau chudiya hai,” she said.
Urvashi seems ready to conquer Bollywood after the catwalk. Let’s wish her all the best!
War is the best for Javed
Well, not literally! But actor Javed Jaffrey is terribly enthusiastic about his film War Chhod Na Yaar, claiming that it is one of the five best films in his career of 28 years. “I am happy and very excited. In my career of 28 years, this is one of my top 5 films ever. The way this film has been written and presented, it is a beautiful film and I am proud to be a part of it,” said the 52-year-old actor at the recent premiere of the country’s first war comedy.
Javed started his career in 1985 with Meri Jung and featured in films like 100 Days, Fire, Earth, Jajantaram Mamantaram, Dhamaal, Salaam Namaste and Singh Is Kinng among others.
War Chhod Na Yaar is India’s first war comedy but Javed is confident that the audience will lap it up. “The audience has changed and now they are open to accepting a different film, if it is good,” Javed said. “Be it drama, suspense, thriller, and romance, if the entertainment quotient is right, the film will work. Like Vicky Donor was a new theme, Kahaani was a suspense thriller and worked, also Kai Po Che worked. So similarly, War Chhod Na Yaar has a message, it makes you laugh but also leaves you thinking,” he added.
Directed by debutant Faraz Haider, War Chhod Na Yaar also stars Sharman Joshi and Soha Ali Khan. Let’s hope the audience agrees with Javed and that War… breaks, not bombs the box office!
The Kundras are back!
Businessman Raj Kundra and his actress wife Shilpa Shetty unveiled the teaser poster of their debut home production Dishkiyaaoon. It is as commercial as its title, says Kundra. Starring Harman Baweja and Sunny Deol, the action thriller will also introduce newcomer Ayesha Khanna. The project marks the directorial debut of Sanamjit Singh Talwar. “Dishkiyaaoon is as commercial as the title. I am very excited it’s our debut film project. Especially for Harman who looks amazing and Sunny paaji in a different role never seen before,” Kundra said in a statement.
Not to be outdone, Shilpa said, “We are very excited about our very first production. In keeping with our mission, this is a splendid script that will reach out to the large mainstream audience”. The poster shows one half of Harman, who seems to have built a perfect set of abs for the movie. The talented Sneha Khanwalkar will create music for the movie, which aims to shed new light on the Mumbai underworld through the eyes of contemporary real characters.
The film went on floors earlier this year, and it is scheduled to release mid-January. So let’s see what the Kundra clan have up their sleeves.
Jeeja-saali jodi? And race row!
Jeeja-saali jodi?
Dear Auntyji,
I have been married for five years and I know that my husband is a good man. I love him very much and want nothing but his happiness. But I have noticed that over the past year, he gets very excited when my sister Ashleigh comes over. The two of them sit down and watch the latest Bollywood films together and discuss the merits of what’s going on in the film industry, and they laugh a lot. I have no interest whatsoever in Bollywood, and would not know any of the stars or their latest films. What is beginning to bother me is how much fun Krish has whenever Ash is around, and how they laugh and banter with each other like old friends. I fear that I am losing the interest of my husband to my younger sister. Krish doesn’t really speak about Ash, but when he does, he says complimentary things about her. Is there something going on between the two of them? Do you think I should be worried Auntyji?
Auntyji says,
What? Ye kaisa ghatya sawal hai? Just because Krish and Ash like Bollywood films and laugh and talk about it right in front of you, in your own house, does not mean anything other than you being deeply paranoid. If those two are doing anything untoward, it’s probably the fact that they are watching the latest Bollywood films, because everyone knows that no good films have come out of Bollywood since Mughal-e-azam and Pakeezah. And maybe Sholay. But that’s it! So I say instead of becoming suspicious over the innocent getting-together of the jeeja and saali, I suggest you either develop an interest in Bollywood, or train your mind not to harbour disgusting thoughts. You say you want your husband to be happy, well, watching a film with Ash makes him happy. So leave it at that. Of course, if the Bollywood sessions start extending late into the night and results in furtive phone calls and guilty looks on their faces when you walk into the room, that’s when you can put on your jasoosi hat to find out if there is kaala in the dhal. Meanwhile, sit down and watch a show with them. You will learn a number of things, including mysteries such as why everyone speaks English in films and why there is no longer any decorum or modesty left. Not like the olden days when there used to bashful glances by heroines whenever the hero turned their full gaze on them. Oh, those were the days! Let me know if Krish and Ash decide to turn their anokha rishtaa into a dil ka rishtaa, then swiftly into a badaltey rishte. You don’t want Ash to become your saajan’s saheli, if you know what I mean!
Race row!
Dear Auntyji
Last week, in the workplace, I used the term ‘Nigerian scam’ to talk about email scams of which we should be careful, but a colleague accused me of being a racist. I was so stunned that I was left speechless for quite a few minutes, and then stumbled through the rest of the discussion. Auntyji, we all know what a Nigerian scam is. Is it racist to call it that? Why can’t I call it what it is? Please tell me because I am getting quite concerned about not being politically correct in the workplace.
Auntyji says
Ah yes, the tricks and tribulations of navigating the social boundaries and rules in the workplace. Well, just because you called something by its commonly known name is not racist, it just makes you ignorant. While the original scams may have commenced in Nigeria, hence the tag ‘Nigerian scam,’ nowadays scams are not confined to this part of the world. You will have scammers and spammers everywhere. So in this instance, it’s better to just say online scam, and leave it at that. Likewise, other terms that can have a pejorative meaning should be considered carefully before use. I would not use for example ‘Chinese whispers,’ ‘Indian giver,’ ‘Mexican standoff’ for this very reason. Language is very powerful and while there are those who will say that those terms are a part of the language and should be used, I feel that any word that has the ability to cast aspersions on an entire group should be avoided. A Nigerian scam does not mean that everyone in Nigeria is guilty of this. Online scam should suffice. Just the term ‘standoff’ conveys meaning without disparaging a group. Calling someone a bania or a ‘Jew’ puts a disparaging label on terms. So use your words carefully. Think about these things and put some thought into your choice of words. Incidentally, it is not lost on me that the term ‘racist’ itself is now misused. Because someone uses a term in ignorance does not make them racist. The term ‘racist’ is nebulous at worst and ill-defined at best, but the bottom line is that, at a most simplistic level, a racist is someone who has ideas and beliefs that their race is superior to others and that racial stereotypes can be used to categorise individuals. So when you say these ‘gore log just drink and have a good time and don’t work hard,’ you are being quite racist. Which gore log? All of them? So don’t make these types of comments and you won’t be considered a racist.
NSW Bushfire appeals
As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, residents from New South Wales are ruing the destructive power of nature as the state and its brave firefighters battle to stop the fiery inferno that has destroyed homes and wildlife, and threatened lives.
Among the festivities, Diwali is also symbolic of generosity, so Indian Link urges you to donate to the cause of the NSW bushfire victims and its firefighting services.
Charities such as the Salvation Army (http://salvos.org.au) and Red Cross Appeal (http://redcross.org.au/disaster-relief-and-recovery.aspx) are asking people who want to help NSW bushfire victims to donate cash instead of food or clothing. Donating cash is more helpful as it gives bushfire victims choice over what to purchase.
Petbarn is also running an appeal in conjunction with the RSPCA to assist rescue and recovery efforts aimed at wildlife, pets and livestock. You can donate to this appeal at all Petbarn stores. The RSPCA is also appealing for online donations to help RSPCA inspectors help animals affected by the bush fires https://www.thankq.net.au/donate/V230/Donate1.aspx .
People across the country are doing their best to help the victims of the NSW bushfires, let’s do our bit to help too.
A tale of complexity and compromise
A Sydney filmmaker presents a movie that explores how lives change when unknown and unexpected tragedy strikes, writes SYDNEY SRINIVAS
Sydneysiders had a unique opportunity to watch a movie made by Sudarshan, a versatile artist and a resident of Sydney. Sudrashan has been a capable playwright, producer and director of plays for some time now. However, his present focus is on directing and producing movies in Kannada. Mukha Mukhi was his first feature length movie, while Thallana (bewilderment/ consternation) is his second.
One of the characteristics of Sudarshan’s movies is the interpretation of contemporary life in any Indian city such as Bangalore. His films are totally removed from formula-based commercial cinema. He questions life and his films end up in a class of their own because of this.
In Thallana, a housemaid, Jaya works for Sadananda’s house and other households as well. She has a twelve-year-old daughter Sushma who is an intelligent, ambitions girl. Sadananda likes Sushma and helps her in her school projects.
The story begins on the day Sushma does not return home from school. The search begins. Jaya tries her best to find her daughter, but without luck. Sadananda tries to lodge a police complaint, but the inspector is reluctant, as his priorities are different. As usual, several godmen are consulted, and gods and goddesses are evoked with offerings. Schools are visited, orphanages are checked, all without success.
Jaya is shocked when it is suggested that her daughter may have been kidnapped into prostitution. Visits to prostitution houses begin. The police do not budge. The sequence of hopeless events takes a turn when Sadananda contacts the commissioner of police to intervene. This enrages the local police, who threaten Sadananda by claiming that they will frame a charge on him for having an illicit relationship with Jaya. In addition, Sandanada has his own crisis, as his daughter Gargi is forced to have an abortion by her in-laws. Worried that his involvement with the missing girl may jeopardise his own daughter’s future, Sadananda drops out. Jaya loses her friends and her livelihood. She reaches a stage when she says, “If someone can tell that me she is dead, I will be contended and will lead my life”. There is also the metaphysical tone: “Body is dust, life is the space”.
Is Jaya left to herself and her sorrow? No, life is cunning and selfish. Jaya finds a compromise and her life continues as it always does. Even her husband who was a gangster, reforms and starts to earn a livelihood. There is an element of hope and loss in the film that reaches out to the audience in a most poignant manner.
Nirmala Chennappa as Jaya, Sridhar as Sadananda, and Mamatha as Sushma exhibit great acting abilities. In many scenes the acting is so natural, that is doesn’t look like acting. Worth mentioning is the meeting between Jaya, who’s daughter is missing and Gargi, who carries a girl foetus only to be aborted, which are examples of the great acting in this film. The affection between daughter (Sushma) and her mother Jaya is portrayed well. Sadananda’s efforts to locate Jaya’s house interestingly shot by the camera crew. There are very apt locations, worthwhile dialogues and music interludes, all of which make the film an enriching experience.
Sudarshan looks deeper into life in Bangalore, amidst the IT companies, the glitter of the rich and the ‘haves,’ in parallel to the abject poverty and despair in the real lives of people who live in the slums. This is a meaningful and thought-provoking movie for all of these reasons.
Sudarshan migrated to Australia in 1992 from Bangalore, where he was actively into theatre, working with BV Karanth, Nagabharana and other critically acclaimed personalities. He has been active in writing and directing plays and other cultural activities since, and has produced three plays. Sudarshan also made two short films in Australia, of which Clouds weep on the greenness was a finalist at Tropfest 2002. His other short film Oasis has been shown in festivals around the world. He is currently working on two other scripts for features, one to be shot in 2014.
Thillana was screened in Sydney on September 22, to an appreciative audience and can be viewed again on October 27 at 4pm at the Hurstville Civic Theatre in Hurstville.
All aboard the INS Sahyadri
The Indian diaspora invited on the Indian warship enjoyed the authenticity of ambience and cuisine from back home, reports NIMA MENON
INS Sahyadri is the third and final addition to the Shivalik class of indigenously-built stealth warships, and was commissioned into the Indian naval fleet on July 21, 2012. While Sahyadri (the benevolent mountains) is the major hill range starting from the north of the Western ghats of India, Shivalik Hills is a mountain range in the Himalayas. Commanded by Captain Sanjay Vatsayan, with 24 officers and 250 sailors aboard, this antisubmarine warfare guided missile stealth Frigate, represented the Indian naval prowess at the International Fleet Review hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in Sydney from October 3-11. A latest addition and the pride of the Indian naval arsenal, INS Sahyadri set sail from Vizag to Sydney and participated in various exercises along with naval ships from other countries.
On October 7, the captain and crew invited prominent members from the Indian diaspora in Sydney aboard the ship for some fauji style entertainment and dinner. The ambience was nostalgic and patriotic.
The evening was also attended by the High Commissioner of India Mr Biren Nanda; the Consulate General of India for Sydney Mr Arun Goel; and veterans from the Indian Defence Forces. Admiral Anil Chopra, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command addressed the gathering and welcomed the guests. He expressed his joy, and acknowledged the importance of this exercise in improving ties between India and Australia.
“Defence ties and cooperation between the naval forces of India and Australia have developed rapidly since the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries in 2009,” Mr Nanda said in his speech. “Earlier this year we had the first ever visit by our Defence Minister to Australia. A major outcome of the visit was to institutionalise maritime exercises between the two navies”. He further reiterated India’s dynamic pursuit in building strong ties with the ‘Indian Ocean littorals’. He concluded saying, “India and Australia share a global vision of peace, stability and shared prosperity based on sustainable development. Shared democratic values and commitment to human rights, pluralism, an open society and the rule of law underpin the strategic partnership between our two countries”.
Lieutenant Commander Jamie Watson was the Australian liaison officer aboard this Indian warship, and sailed with them from Fremantle to Sydney. When asked what was the difference in practice between the Indian navy and the Australian navy, he said, “Nothing much, except that I am woken every morning at 5am by the sound of the bugle!” He described his experience and interaction with the Indian naval crew as warm and friendly. He is no stranger to the Indian ways, as he has visited India before in his capacity as naval officer, as well as a tourist.
The captain of the ship, Captain Sanjay Vatsayan, was a host par excellence, making every person welcome in the true Indian and naval tradition. The Indian naval band entertained the guests with some peppy Bollywood numbers, and I had great difficulty restricting my dancing toes from moving onto the dance floor. There was a vibrant bhangra to add that extra zest to the evening.
The soup and the dinner were typical ‘mess’ style. I felt that the taste and texture of the yummy tomato soup, rotis and dhal makani had not changed in 15 years. On enquiring, it was revealed that all the ingredients for the meal, including the chicken had come from Vizag. It was the smell and the taste of the nation one had left behind, but still continues to be part of one’s identity.
The evening culminated very appropriately with the naval band playing Advance Australia Fair followed by Jana Gana Mana. An unforgettable experience, indeed!
Rohit, Kohli, Dhawan stun Australia
Superlative batting by Rohit Sharma (141 not out), Virat Kohli (100 not out) and Shikhar Dhawan (95) helped India comfortably chase down Australia’s mammoth target of 359 for five in 43.3 overs and win their second ODI by nine wickets at the Sawai Mansingh stadium here Wednesday.
India scored 362 for one to record their highest and the overall second highest ODI chase so far, tying the seven-match ODI series against the visitors 1-1.
Having put up 359 for five, Australia seemed to have batted India out of the game but Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Kohli played superbly to comfortably overhaul the Australian score.
Kohli’s 100 off 52 balls became the fastest century by an Indian and the seventh fastest ODI hundred.
India started the chase with a 176-run opening stand between Dhawan and Rohit. Things, however, could have been different had wicketkeeper Brad Haddin not dropped Dhawan on 18.
Dhawan made the Australians pay dearly for Haddin’s lapse taking their bowlers to task on a placid batting wicket.
The left-hander smashed his way to 95 off 86 balls before a loose shot cost him his wicket.
After that it was all Kohli’s show as the Delhi batsman blasted seven sixes and eight fours in his blitzkrieg innings.
In between all the Kohli mayhem, Rohit Sharma completed a much-awaited third career century with a fine innings. He had to wait for three years for this feat and was visibly elated.
Both players looked in a hurry to head back to the dressing room, piling on the pressure on the Aussie bowlers.
Earlier, Australia got off to another quick start courtesy Aaron Finch (50). The right-hander, who has made his way into the national squad thanks to his performances with Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League, hit seven boundaries and a six.
Phil Hughes (83) and Shane Watson (59) then added to India’s woes with an 108-run stand for the second wicket.
Captain George Bailey picked up from where Watson left off and smashed 92 off 50 balls. Glenn Maxwell (53) gave him good company as the duo put together a 96-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Bailey and Maxwell batted at a tremendous rate scoring at more than 11 runs per over.
The Australian skipper tormented the Indian bowlers hitting five sixes and eight fours. Maxwell too put on a show for the capacity crowd whacking seven fours and a six.
The Australians scored 59 off the last five overs.
IANS
Mumbai to farewell Tendulkar
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally granted Sachin Tendulkar his wish to play in his 200th and farewell Test at his home ground of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The two-Test series against the West Indies will be Tendulkar’s swan song series. The cricketing great will be playing his 199th Test at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata Nov 6-10 and the farewell Test at the Wankhede in Mumbai Nov 14-18.
In addition, the West Indies will also play ODIs at Kochi (Nov 21) and Visakhapatnam (Nov 24), while the third, slated for Nov 27, will be held either at Baroda or Kanpur.
For the board’s tours and fixtures committee, headed by BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, that met here Tuesday, the decision on the venues was a mere formality.
“Tendulkar will be playing his 199th Test match in Kolkata and 200th farewell match in Mumbai. Tendulkar had written to the BCCI requesting to hold his 200th match in Mumbai,” said Shukla.
Baroda, which is the home association of board secretary Sanjay Patel, was allotted the third match as per the rotation policy, but if the Reliance-owned IPCL Stadium is not ready, the match will be shifted to Kanpur, the home of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) headed by Shukla.
Last week, Tendulkar announced his retirement from Test cricket after the series against the West Indies. The series will bring the curtain down on his illustrious 24-year-long career.
Tendulkar retired from ODIs last December. The recently concluded Champions League T20 tournament that Mumbai Indians won was Tendulkar’s last T20 outing.
IANS