Eva Mendes, Ryan Gosling are still together

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February 23, 2014

Actor Ryan Gosling was spotted visiting girlfriend Eva Mendes’ Hollywood Hills home thereby squashing the rumours of a split between him and the actress.

Ryan Gosling, 33, was photographed holding onto his phone as he stood behind Eva Mendes’ driveway gate. With only his upper body exposed, the Gangster Squad actor was spotted smiling in the picture, reported Us magazine. Speculation of a split between the couple of two years has surfaced as of late.

Ryan Gosling was also seen driving Eva Mendes’ SUV in Beverly Hills on February 9. The hunk and Girl in Progress star haven’t been photographed together in three months; they were last seen smiling arm-in-arm during a Thanksgiving stroll in NYC.

Australian TV actor Charlotte Dawson dies at 47

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 23, 2014

Former model and Australian TV star Charlotte Dawson was found dead at her home here. She was 47.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, Dawson was found dead Feb 22 by a real estate agent who was getting her apartment ready for a viewing, reports hollywoodreporter.com.
Authorities said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

The actress is said to have spent Feb 21 shooting a morning show and then had brunch with a friend. She was reportedly last spotted “looking healthy” and “smiling in the sunshine”.

Dawson left her native New Zealand at age 16 to become a model in New York City. She settled in Australia a decade later as a TV personality.

She is best known as the judge of ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’, hosting the boxing reality show ‘The Contender Australia’ and appearing on the Australian version of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’.
It is said Dawson suffered from depression for a long time and was admitted to a hospital in 2012 after being targeted by cyber bullies.

Dawson married Olympic swimmer Scott Millerin 1999 but they were divorced two years later. She had no children.

Reform India’s judicial system

By

Mahendra Singh

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February 23, 2014

The police are worried that underworld gangster Abu Salem will escape from the jail. Can you blame Salem if he manages to flee? We have been witnessing his trial for many years, transfers from one place to the other during remand but no judgment has been delivered yet in this case. The biggest problem faced by our country is that its justice delivery system is disgustingly slow and poor rate of conviction. This is the main cause of rising corruption and increase in crime rates.

Look at the case of convicts connected with Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, what a mess they have created. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayaalithaa swiftly tried to take political mileage for trying to release Rajiv’s killers. Why does the government take too much time to take a decision and keep things pending? Is there no one to review such cases? Maulana Masood Azhar was kept in jail for long period of time and later our nation had to release him in exchange of the passengers of airline as he became a headache for us. Lal Krishna Advani said that he was not consulted about this matter. A question which arises here is why you are functioning from Delhi for a long period of time and yet contesting from a constituency in Gujarat, and every now and then you are seen crying. Why do you make a hue and cry over this issue? Why don’t you retire and just guide the youngsters? You are still greedy to become prime minister for what reasons? What new work will you perform now?

Ashok Singhal (he has been seen many times gasping for breath) is also not retiring and now pleading that Hindus should have 5 to 6 children? Modi and RSS must inform him that they don’t agree with his ideology. Do not have more than 2 to 3 children and take care of them so that they will become good citizens of India in future. The infiltration from Bangladesh poses a serious threat to India’s security and the government has become so weak that no one bothers to control it. As per reports, the number of NGO’s has increased and nobody is aware what they are doing and the source of the funds received by them and its utilization.

The legitimate government seems to have paralyzed and hence there has been surge in the number of NGO’s. You are unaware about the incidents happening in Defence Colony of Delhi ( recent reports about the nexus between an Ex CBI boss and some “ hazrat” staying there) despite it has been pointed out about the presence of wheeler-dealers there. So when you are unaware about the proceedings happening in Delhi, how will you know about the incidents happening in the far flung areas of the country?

Insecure relationship affects career: Vidya Balan

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 23, 2014

Actress VidyaBalan says an insecure relationship can have a negative impact on people`s career.

“If you are in an insecure relationship, you may not be happy and your career may go for a toss. But if you are in a happy relationship, it will only help you.

“There is a certain restlessness in me which has calmed down a bit after marriage. Definitely, that is helping me concentrate on work,” Vidya, who married UTV Studios CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur in December 2012, said.

“I am extremely happy being married,” said the actress, who is busy promoting her forthcoming film `ShaadiKe Side Effects`. Also featuring FarhanAkhtar, the movie will release Feb 28.

UstadAmjad Ali Khan auctions sarod for noble cause

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Afternoon Voice

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February 23, 2014

Sarod maestro UstadAmjad Ali Khan`s iconic sarod was among the 16 iconic memorabilia donated by prominent celebrities to have been auctioned here for the purpose of charity.

Actor Rahul Bose, 45, and his NGO – The Foundation, hosted the auction of 16 iconic pieces from the 16 greatest Indians in their respective fields, here last night.

“`The Idea of India` was an auction of iconic memorabilia donated by 16 legendary Indians who with both, their genius and their generosity uphold the ideals that nest within the idea of India – Indians, who with their talent, intellect and world view, making every Indian proud,” Bose said.

The main auction, held at the black tie sit-down evening at a starred hotel here, saw the legends along with some of Mumbai`s glitterati.

The donors, UstadAmjad Ali Khan, JavedAkhtar, ShabanaAzmi, AbhinavBindra, Charles Correa, AmitavGhosh, R K Laxman and Raghu Rai were among the first to arrive.

Legendary cartoonist Laxman made a rare appearance with his wife.
Khan, who arrived with his wife and son Amaan, said he was happy to have contributed for a social cause.

The autographed sarod that went under the hammer at the event was used by him during 1990-2013. It fetched Rs 16 lakh in the auction.

MallikaAdvani conducted the auction taking every bidder through each lot with Rahul narrating a special story associated with each of the memorabilia.

Farhan Akhtar not upset with Naseeruddin Shah’s criticism of ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 23, 2014

Farhan Akhtar is not upset with veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah`s comment that `Bhaag Milkha Bhaag` is a fake film and instead believes in focussing on good feedback about the movie.

Shah had slammed `Bhaag Milkha Bhaag` as a fake film and rubbished Farhan Akhtar`s performance in it.

“No (I am not upset)… To each his own… It is his point of view and he has a way of how a performance should be like. Everyone has their own point of view. I want to focus on the positive,” Farhan said.

“For me what is important is what majority of the audience feel, what director feels and what Milkhaji and his family feel. As long as they are happy, I am happy. There will be many people who will find fault in you… One must take it in his stride,” he said.

`BhaagMilkhaBhaag` chronicled the life of former legendary athlete Milkha Singh in which Farhan played the role of the `Flying Sikh`. The film created a stir at the box office and crossed the Rs 100 croremark.

Actress ShabanaAzmi and writer Prasoon Joshi have spoken in defence of the film and the actor, saying they don`t agree with Shah`s opinion on it.At almost every award function, Farhan has been getting the best actor award and he is quite happy with the adulation that is coming his way.

“I feel very happy with the recognition the film is receiving, whether it is from the audience, fraternity people or the awards. It feels good when your work gets recognised,” he said.
Though a lot of actors question the credibility of awards, Farhan doesn`t conform to it.

“Everybody has their own take on what awards mean to them. I don`t want to comment on what others think. Since the last 14 years, whenever possible, I have attended award functions as much as I can, be it to give awards or applaud other people`s achievements. I choose to enjoy the moment,” he added.

Farhan will be seen next in `ShaadiKe Side Effects`.

What is the point of having film associations, asks Pooja Bhatt

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 23, 2014

Filmmaker Pooja Bhatt, who is caught in a title tussle with Vipul Shah over his ‘Holiday – A Soldier Is Never Off Duty’, says she is in a situation where “it’s like paying hafta (protection money) and still being beaten up” by film associations.

Earlier this month, the actress-turned-filmmaker had shared how she was not happy with the title of the Akshay Kumar-starrer as she too had released a film titled ‘Holiday’ in 2006.

Now, Pooja may initiate legal action against Shah and his co-producers UTV for the alleged infringement of copyright.

Pooja claims the title belongs to her, but Shah protests that he not only revised the original title, but he also got it approved by the Indian Motion Pictures’ Producers Association (IMPPA).

Explaining the matter, Pooja said: “Vipul Shah wrote to me asking for the title ‘Holiday’. I said no. He approached the (Film and Television Producers Guild Of India. The Guild rejected his application. He then went to IMPPA and registered the same title with a tagline attached.”

“I want to know, why should I bother to become a member of any of the film associations, pay them for the privilege, register and re-register my titles for a fee and still get copyright-challenged by any producer who wants to take my title? It’s like paying hafta and still being beaten up,” said the miffed filmmaker.

Ram Kadam’s helicopter stunt

By

Prakash Jha

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February 23, 2014

Kadam offers free ride to school children to garner voters’ attention before the election.

Political parties are using innovative methods to lure voters before the Lok Sabha election. This time it was Ram Kadam, Member of legislatively Assembly from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena turn to garner political mileage. Ram Kadam offered a free helicopter ride to sixty students from his Ghatkopar Constituency.

According to MLA Ram Kadam, “The intention behind offering helicopter ride to students was that they too take care of their parents like Shravan Kumar. So it was a minor attempt made by me to make them happy and enjoy life.”

“These students belong to the poor family and they have never experienced a ride in helicopter. They are talented and the future of our country. Good education should be provided to them so that they can become responsible citizens of tomorrow and lead the country” added Kadam.

Sixty students were selected from various schools belonging to the constituency of Ram Kadam. Students were selected on the basis of their talent and the qualities which they had which are similar to Shravan Kumar who had served his parents. Students who enjoyed helicopter ride were aged between 10 to 15 years.

Students were pleased to enjoy the helicopter ride offered by Ram Kadam. A fourth standard student said, “This is the first time I have sat in a helicopter. I am very happy and would like to thank the organizer of this event.”

This is not the first instance when Ram Kadam had adopted such gimmicks to remain in limelight. Earlier too he was involved in various kinds of controversies which enabled him to garner cheap publicity.

Naik along with Bhagujan Vikas Aghadi MLA Kshitij Thakur slapped on duty Sub- Inspector Sachin Suryavanshi for stopping his car on the Bandra Worli sea link. Few years back he had slapped and hit Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on chest and shoulders for taking oath in Hindi instead of Marathi. The then Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had condemned this act and also criticised the MNS legislators for bringing disrepute to the assembly.

Air India hit by another scam; writes to CBI for probe

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 21, 2014

Ailing Air India, which was recently hit by LTC scam, has stumbled upon another case of fraud involving crores of rupees in a scheme meant for family members of the employees of the state-run airline.

The case has been referred to CBI after a discreet probe launched by the Vigilance department of the public carrier unearthed a scam in its Family Fare Scheme (FFS) in which the cash-strapped airline was defrauded, sources said Friday.

The help of CBI for further probe was sought by the Vigilance department since the case had all India ramifications, the sources added.

Under the FFS, concession is given to employees of the airline in which they can take their family to a domestic destination once a year at subsidised cost.

Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Air India B K Maurya confirmed to the agency that one suspect travel agency had been identified during their initial probe who alone was allegedly responsible for an estimated loss of over Rs six crore to the airline due to the alleged fraud in the FSS.

“We have referred the matter to CBI. It is suspected that many more travel agencies could be involved in this case causing direct loss of crores of rupees to AI,” he said.

The AI spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls and messages sent to his mobile.

The AI has asked the CBI to take up a probe as “the case has all India ramifications with possible loss caused to the government and AI with possible involvement of other governmental and non-governmental agencies.”

A CBI official said that according to an internal probe of the Air India’s Vigilance team, which had looked into the records from 2007, had found that in one particular sector alone the alleged fraud under the FFS involved 5,916 tickets.

The probe report said the travel operator “indulged in fraudulently altering the fare on flown coupons to higher amount than the fare shown on the audit coupons and thus presumably keeping the excess amount which is difference of fare as per flight coupons and the audit coupons.”

The Vigilance probe also found that a mandatory rule of mentioning that ‘all family members travel together’ was not found printed in a number of tickets issued under FSS which has to be mandatorily stamped so that the scheme is not misused.

Sources said the alleged fraudsters, which AI suspects could also involve its staff, separated the passenger and AI redemption coupons by writing two different fares aimed at claiming more money from the airline.

The flag carrier has asked the CBI to take up the case as it suspects the scam has pan-India ramifications with many more such travel agents and the fraud estimates could be as high as Rs 15-20 crore over a period of time.

The preliminary in-house enquiry conducted by the Vigilance department found out that the fraud was largely carried out on the Chennai-Port Blair and Kolkata-Port Blair sector and this caused a loss of Rs 2.70 crore to the AI but the overall loss to the exchequer was over Rs six crore.

The Vigilance department of the airline had detected a similar fraud in the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme and the CBI is currently probing the case.

Accused in Mumbai gang-rape case deny charges

By

Afternoon Voice

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February 21, 2014

All the accused in the Shakti Mill gang-rape case in which a telephone operator was the victim on Friday denied the charges against them before the sessions court.

“The court completed recording of the statements of the accused under section 313 of Criminal Procedure Code,” said special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

Section 313 provides the accused person an opportunity to explain the circumstances and to refute the allegations.

Principal Sessions Judge Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi, who recorded the statements of the accused in an in-camera hearing, put as many as 496 questions to them. “The accused denied all the allegations against them,” Nikam later told reporters.

Police arrested Mohammed Ashfaq Sheikh, Mohamed Kasim Hafiz Sheikh alias Kasim Bangali, Salim Ansari, Vijay Jadhav and a minor boy for gang-rape of the 18-year-old telephone operator on July 31 last year. The minor’s case has been separated.

A journalist intern with a magazine was also gang-raped in the same premises a few days later when she had gone there with a male colleague for assignment.

Vijay Jadhav, Kasim Bengali, Salim Ansari and Siraj Rehman are accused in this case, alongwith another minor, whose case was separated.