Jennifer Garner makes first public appearance post split

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September 13, 2015

Actress Jennifer Garner debuted public appearance at a fundraiser over two months after announcing separation from actor husband Ben Affleck.

Garner and 43-year-old Affleck, who have three children, announced they were divorcing on June 30. They got married in 2005.

She attended the “Think It Up” telethon at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on Friday, September 11.

The 43-year-old actress was decked out in a “Think It Up” t-shirt and dark jeans, reported Aceshowbiz.

She did not wear her wedding ring. She was all smiles as she mingled with the likes of Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Renner, Seth Meyers, Joe Manganiello, Terry Crews, will.I.Am, Julie Chen, Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman, Eric Stonestreet, and J.K. Simmons for the good cause.

The event is a fundraiser, which aims at helping improve education in the US. Pop star Justin Bieber and Kacey Musgraves served as musical guests.

Sandra Bullock fixes Bolivian election in new drama

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Afternoon Voice

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September 13, 2015

Sandra Bullock, as an American political strategist, plots the defeat of Evo Morales in Bolivia`s 2002 presidential ballot in “Our Brand is Crisis,” which premiered at the Toronto film festival Saturday.

The fictionalized account of the election is based on a 2005 documentary of the same name about how US Democratic Party strategist James Carville helped Morales`s opponent Gonzalo Sanches de Lozada come from behind to beat the frontrunner in the campaign.

In real life, Morales picked himself up and returned a few years later to become Bolivia`s first indigenous president, for three terms.

Bullock, who was back in Toronto following last year`s blockbuster hit “Gravity,” said she asked producers George Clooney and Grant Heslov to consider changing the lead character to a woman for her, and they did.

She noted “an explosion” in the number of meaty female roles in film and television of late. “It`s good that we`re seeing that change,” she said.

On the surface, “Our Brand is Crisis” is a sharp critique of American no holds barred electoral campaigns and candidates who manipulate the truth in order to win.

More broadly it strikes at all deceitful marketing.

“We`re shedding a light on a small slice of that world, which happens to be politics, but I think it definitely represents where we are as a culture and where we need to take ownership back and start looking at things for what they are rather than what we`re being sold,” Bullock said.

Just take a peak “behind the curtain” to discover that “the man behind the curtain is doing some pretty deceptive and manipulative stuff,” she said.

Zoe Saldana to star in ‘I Kill Giants’

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Afternoon Voice

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September 13, 2015

Actress Zoe Saldana has signed on for a key role in “I Kill Giants”, the upcoming film version of the graphic novel by Joe Kelly and illustrator Ken Niimura. The story follows a young misfit girl named Barbara who grapples with monsters both real and imagined in her life, reported Deadline.

The 37-year-old “Guardians of the Galaxy” star will play Mrs Molle, the school psychologist who helps Barbara through her struggles and forms a tight bond with her as a result.

Saldana joins Madison Wolfe as Barbara, who was chosen for the role after a nationwide search of over 500 actresses.

Anders Walter is directing the film which is written by Kelly. Filming is set to begin in early 2016.

Saldana was recently seen in “Infinitely Polar Bear” opposite Mark Ruffalo, and will soon be seen in the upcoming “Star Trek Beyond”.

Lending a helping hand

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Afternoon Voice

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September 13, 2015

It is obviously good if the children study in schools and play rather than working in hazardous situations. However, India is a country where large number of poor people is living and children need to work to support their parents. This situation is prevalent in agrarian societies for a long period of time. Many young boys and girls are very competent and they can combine work with studies. If you visit villages surrounding cities you will notice young girls performing some work and earning money. They also study well.

Until 15 years back, I must confess that I was unaware about the marijuana shrub which was growing outside our farmhouse gate. A ten year old boy had informed me about it. The boy was very smart, he could work in the fields, milk and ride the cows and buffaloes and even managed to clear examinations with good marks. When I was staying in community centre CGS colony, the son of our “presswala” used to assist his father but today he is a state civil service officer.

Children must be prohibited from working in factories manufacturing crackers or work places where they may inhale poisonous and fibrous (hazardous) material. They can support their parents until they become self-reliant. The film Boot Polish which revolves around this subject is worth watching. In the film Mother India young Birju was quite bright to be able to help his mother and frighten Sukhi lala”.

If the government takes initiative to improve sanitation, provide basic education, health care facilities then child exploitation will automatically vanish. When I was studying in 7^th standard some of my school mates used to reach school by walking a distance of 5-6 km barefoot. They used to come first and second in the class and not me. Obviously, they also must have been working in the fields to assist their parents. Too much economic disparity exists between the rich and the poor which needs to be addressed on a priority basis.

Visit the interior areas of states like Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar and then you can find the difference. The government must take initiative to bridge the gap between the rich and poor which will pave way for inclusive development. It is necessary to provide basic amenities to citizens so that children will be relieved from assisting their parents and will learn and play freely. Let us hope the Maharashtra government sets about mending the basics by totally forgetting empty rhetoric.

Saif Ali Khan is in No Rush to have kids

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Afternoon Voice

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September 13, 2015

Actor Saif Ali Khan said that he is in no hurry to have children with actress-wife Kareena Kapoor Khan.

“I am in no rush to become a father. Whenever she is ready,” said Saif.

Kareena, who married Saif in October 2012 had recently said in an interview that she wants to become a mother but not in the next two to three years.

Saif has two children – Sara and Ibrahim – from his former wife, actress Amrita Singh.

Kareena’s latest release Bajrangi Bhaijaan was a great performer at the box office. She will next be seen with Arjun Kapoor in R Balki’s Ki And Ka.

The Phantom actor said that Kareena has managed to strike a fine balance between the blockbusters and small-budget films with her roles.

“I think it is important for her to balance between huge blockbuster films where she has nice small roles and with smaller budget films that are about her. She is maintaining that balance really well. I am happy to see that,” he said.

Saif also said that he likes to watch Kareena in romantic roles like her 2007 release Jab We Met.

Kareena bonds well with Saif’s kids Ibrahim and Sara and has been often seen hanging out with them. The-45-year old actor said that he too shares a good rapport with Kareena’s sister Karisma and mother Babita.

“I don’t think we would have got married if I wouldn’t have had a great relationship with them. I am fond of her (Babita). She is an honest and down to earth person. I share a good relation with Karisma as well,” he said.

Mira Rajput not doing a film with Shahid Kapoor

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Afternoon Voice

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September 13, 2015

Soon after actor Shahid Kapoor got married to Delhi-based Mira Rajput, speculations were rife that his beautiful young bride might step into the world of glitz and glamour.

It was reported that Mira might be seen doing a special appearance in Vikramaditya Motwane’s ‘AK vs SK’ starring Shahid Kapoor in the lead. However, Shahid’s spokesperson has now refuted all such reports.

Shahid tied the knot with Mira Rajput in July this year and the shutterbugs can’t help but click them whenever possible. Their wedding was a close family-friends affair, with a grand Bollywood reception in Mumbai.

Shahid will be next seen in ‘Shaandaar’ along with Alia Bhatt. It has been directed by Vikas Bahl and hits the screens on October 22, 2015.

Wow! Rani Mukerji debuts baby bump

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Afternoon Voice

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September 13, 2015

Actress Rani Mukerji, who tied the knot with filmmaker Aditya Chopra last year, has been pictured sporting a baby bump.

The latest pictures, showing her baby bump in a floral maxi dress, however, confirm her pregnancy. Rani and the YRF honcho filmmaker secretly married in Italy on April 21, 2014.

It is the first marriage for Rani, 37, while Aditya, 44, who is known to be a very private person, was previously married to Payal Khanna but they got divorced in 2009.

In her 16-year-old career, Rani has given many hits including “Saathiya”, “Hum Tum”, “Veer Zaara”, “Bunty aur Babli”, “Black” and “No One Killed Jessica”.

Award death penalty to convicts urges victims

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Afternoon Voice

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September 11, 2015

Even though the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court convicted 12 accused in the Mumbai serial train blasts case victims are demanding death penalty for them. The gruesome bomb blast which occurred nine years ago claimed the lives of 189 commuters and injuring 824. Victims were unhappy with the slow paced justice delivery system. Two months back, Parag Sawant one of the last survivor of the 2006 Mumbai bomb blast incident died. The 7/11 Mumbai suburban trains serial blasts, carried out in a span of just 11 minutes, targeted the crowded suburban services during the evening peak hours as bombs kept in pressure cookers went off in north-bound locals on Western Railway.

Subhash Kamble, who was travelling on a train from Bandra on July 11, 2006, felt the judgement had come too late but expected that the convicts would get the strictest punishment when the quantum of sentence is pronounced next Monday.

“It is too late. Nine years is a long time… We demand death penalty for the guilty. Those who are still out, government should take swift action and convict them. We will be content when death penalty is awarded to the guilty. People lost their loved ones,” Kamble said.

Suhas Tawde (58), who suffered partial hearing loss due to the blasts said, “Until all the accused are brought to account for their crimes, there will always be a fear that more attacks can happen. I underwent a series of medical tests since 2006 and the attack made me a high blood pressure patient. The effects of the blasts will continue to haunt all of us.”

Police inspector Santosh Khanvilkar, who was traveling in the train when the blast took place said, “I was saved from physical injuries because a man standing right in front of me, took the maximum hit. He later passed away,” said Khanvilkar. It is for the man who unwittingly saved his life that Khanvilkar hopes all the accused are awarded capital punishment.

Seven RDX bombs had ripped through the first class coaches of Mumbai’s suburban trains on July 11, 2006. The blast occurred between Khar Road-Santacruz, Bandra-Khar Road, Jogeshwari-Mahim Junction, Mira Road-Bhayander, Matunga- Mahim Junction and Borivali.

Delivering the verdict, the Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) Judge Yatin D Shinde pronounced 12 accused as guilty while acquitting one accused Abdul Wahid Shaikh (34) in the case.

The 12 accused who were convicted are: Kamal Ahamed Ansari (37), Tanvir Ahmed Ansari (37), Mohd Faisal Shaikh (36), Ehtesham Siddiqui (30), Mohammad Majid Shafi (32), Shaikh Alam Shaikh (41), Mohd Sajid Ansari (34), Muzzammil Shaikh (27), Soheil Mehmood Shaikh (43), Zamir Ahmad Shaikh (36), Naveed Hussain Khan (30) and Asif Khan (38).

The accused were charged under the MCOCA, Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, The Railways Act, and Passport Act.

However, Azam Chima, along with 14 others, are still absconding in the case. Arguments for the quantum of sentence are likely to begin Monday.

On the verdict, Special Public Prosecutor Raja Thakare said: “It is not a question of my being happy or unhappy. What really matters… we are concerned with the death of so many people … People at large should be satisfied.”

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner A N Roy, who had a role in the investigations into the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, welcomed the court verdict.

Roy said: “I am happy the way investigations were conducted. Investigations were done thoroughly by the Mumbai Police and the ATS. To start with, it was a blind case. We had no clue. But I am satisfied with the verdict.”

KP Raghuvanshi, state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief at the time of the bombings, said that justice had been done.

“I believe that justice has been done…,” said Raghuvanshi.

In the trial that lasted eight years, the prosecution examined 192 witnesses, including eight Indian Police Service and five Indian Administrative Service officers as well as 18 doctors. The defence lawyers examined 51 witnesses and one person was called as a court witness.

Will Netaji’s ‘death truth’ be unveiled before the world?

By

Vaidehi Taman

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September 11, 2015

Mamata Banerjee announced that 64 files on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose lying with the state’s Home Department would be declassified. Acknowledging that there was a long-standing demand for the declassification of the files on Bose, Banerjee said there might be one or two more files in the possession of the government. A total 64 files are there with West Bengal government. After properly reviewing all the files, the government has decided to put them in the public domain from the coming Friday. Narendra Modi government officials had met kin of Subhash Chandra Bose and promised them but yet they had done nothing in this regards. We Indians deserve to know what actually happened to one of India’s dearest son. People in a democracy have a right to know about Netaji’s untold stories. Even the files lying with the Central Government should be declassified and thrown open for public scrutiny. Announcement by Mamata is heartening indeed for 1.25 billion Indians. This should serve as an eye opener for the government at the Centre. This is a welcome move; however, we should follow up on this. Time and again, governments had partially leaked but after sometime it vanished from public memory. Files on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had always been a stinging issue for any government with Congress as a constituent. However, this is also an emotionally as well as sensitive issue because it is related to freedom fighter. PM should also act on his promise given to Netaji’s family and declassify the files which are with the central government. The nation has the right to know what happened to Netaji.

Mamata also announced that the record of the freedom struggle from 1937 to 1947 would be digitized in order to preserve history. Asked whether the files to be declassified can throw any clue about the alleged snooping on Netaji’s nephew by the central government from 1948 to 1968? Recently, some files relating to Bose, declassified by the central government, had revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had snooped on at least two of Netaji’s nephews. The files revealed that the Intelligence Bureau had kept the relatives of Netaji under close surveillance between 1948 and 1968 when Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister. Subsequent to this, family members of Netaji met Narendra Modi and urged him to declassify all Netaji’s files. Modiji remained in headlines for a week; there was debate and talks on netaji’s files.

Why is Modi Government hesitating in releasing information about Bose? Who are they afraid of? Are they trying to protect Russia as Dr. Subramanian Swamy says? We owe so much to their families. Expressing shock and concern over snooping done on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s family, BJP launched a scathing attack on Congress for the alleged role of its then government and said the opposition party has snooping in its DNA. BJP also cited examples of snooping on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s daughter-in-law and on former Finance Minister when chewing gum was found in his office.

Intelligence Bureau (IB) sleuths intercepted and copied letters written by the Bose family and even trailed them on foreign tours. Bose’s family reacted to reports with “shock” and said it was a “poor reflection” on the quality of democracy at that time. Congress however debunked such reports about snooping on Netaji’s family by the then government.

The fear that Subhash Chandra Bose may return, and even perhaps, Sardar Vallabhai Patel was stronger than the Nehru. So he used the Russians to see to it that there is no challenge to his PM’s chair. And the Russians wanted only Nehru to be the head of India. The same continued even when Lal Bahadur Shastri was the PM and the Russians wanted Indira Gandhi to be the PM.

Some also claim that, Netaji did not die in the Taihoku plane crash. In fact, he escaped to Soviet Union, in the hope of restarting the freedom movement with the help of Russians. But Stalin betrayed him, and imprisoned him in Yakutsk (Siberia) concentration camp (Gulag). He was tortured there, but was alive till 1958. This whole fact was known to Nehru and his cohorts. Basically, Nehru insisted on Stalin that Soviet Union should not free Netaji. This is because if Netaji returned to India, Nehru will lose his prime ministership, due to the former’s popularity. Moreover, Nehru knew that the British gave freedom to India, not because of non-violent movements of Gandhi and Nehru, but because of the violent insurrections that occurred in the British Indian army and navy, in support of INA (Indian National Army). That is why, the Congress government, after independence, created propaganda, mainly by writing history books for students, that it was Gandhi and Nehru who delivered us freedom from the British rule.

Netaji’s family has their own version to believe. Netaji reportedly died of injuries sustained in a plane crash in the Japanese-occupied Formosa (Taiwan) in August 1945. However, many have refused to accept the theory. In fact, Bose was not honoured with the Bharat Ratna because of this controversy. The family also pointed to the report of the Justice M.K. Mukherjee Commission — constituted by the previous National Democratic Alliance government to probe Netaji’s disappearance — that said the Centre did not give the permission to commission vital documents, thus hampering the inquiry. Now, files pertaining to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the State government’s custody will be put in the public domain. Let’s see what would be revealed in these files further or these documents will put full stop to all speculations regarding the death of Bose.

Facing flak, BMC revokes two-day meat sale ban

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Afternoon Voice

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September 11, 2015

Amid a raging controversy over the four-day meat ban in Mumbai, the civic authorities on Friday decided to reduce the number of days to two.

The decision was taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation amid severe protests by political parties and a petition challenging the move in court by mutton traders.

The decision came as the Bombay High Court this morning used strong words to criticise the ban in “progressive” Mumbai and berated the civic body.

“There is a progressive look to Mumbai. These are regressive steps. We understand the sentiment part. But purchase is an independent choice,” the court said.

Mutton traders of Mumbai had challenged the four-day ban that started yesterday for the Jain festival of fasting, Paryushan, amid protests by some parties, including the ruling BJP’s ally Shiv Sena.

The BJP wants the ban extended to eight days, but the Sena says it will ensure meat is openly sold and eaten in the financial capital on the days of the ban.

The ban during the Jain fast was introduced in 1994 by the then Congress government. Ten years later, the two-day ban was extended to four days. Mutton traders argued that the ban had never really been implemented until now.

“All these years you only banned slaughter not sale. How can you take this decision at the 11th hour?” the court asked the civic body.

During the hearing, the Maharashtra government also faced questions about the logic of the ban. “When you are talking of Ahimsa, how come fish, sea food and eggs are not banned?” the judges asked.

“Fish die the moment they are out of water. So there is no slaughter involved,” said the government’s top lawyer, Anil Singh.The sentiment, he explained to the court, was that there should be no slaughter.

“We have to change our attitude in view of globalisation,” said the judges, who had yesterday commented that “an eight-day straight ban can’t be a formula. Mumbai is a modern city.”

Strongly defending its move, the government argued: “A Supreme Court judgement says that we have to respect the sentiments of a particular community. It doesn’t matter if Jains are fewer in number in Mumbai.”

Like Opposition parties the Congress and the NCP, the Shiv Sena has alleged a political move by the BJP to appease the Jain community in Mumbai, with an eye on elections to the civic body in 2017.