Straight shooter - Gulf Times

CommunityNursery Wing of DPS-Modern

Indian School celebrates Qatar National Sport Day.

P6 P16 CommunityAnna Karenina ballet show

by world-renowned choreographer Boris Eifman held for the first time in Qatar.

Straight shooterCOVERSTORY

A look at former New York Times editor Jill Abramson’s

provocative book about the state of journalism. P4-5

Thursday, February 14, 2019Jumada II 9, 1440 AH

Doha today: 140 - 210

REVIEWS SHOWBIZ

The underwhelming project

stumbles along in mediocrity.

Page 14

Deepika to celebrate V-Day

watching Gully Boy.

Page 15

Thursday, February 14, 20192 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Community EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Hamad International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365Qatar Airways 40253374

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

PRAYER TIMEFajr 4.53amShorooq (sunrise) 6.10amZuhr (noon) 11.48amAsr (afternoon) 3.02pmMaghreb (sunset) 5.29pmIsha (night) 6.59pm

“A good boss makes his men realise they

have more ability than they think they have so that they consistently do better

work than they thought they could.” — Charles Erwin Wilson

Gully BoyDIRECTION: Zoya AkhtarCAST: Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Kalki KoechlinSYNOPSIS: The fi lm is about a 22-year-old boy Murad

from a ghetto in Mumbai, India. The son of a driver, his

parents worked hard to get him educated so that he could have a white collar job. Meanwhile, Murad realises his calling to be a rapper.

THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza

The Quake DIRECTION: John Andreas AndersenCAST: Kristoff er Joner, Ane Dahl Torp, Kathrine Thorborg

Johansen SYNOPSIS: In 1904, an earthquake of magnitude 5.4 on

the Richter scale shook Oslo, with an epicentre in the Oslo Graben which runs under the Norwegian capital. There are now signs that indicate that we can expect a major earthquake in Oslo again.

THEATRE: Royal Plaza

The Mall Cinema (1): Allu Ramendran (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 5pm; The Vanishing (2D) 7:45pm; Happy Death Day 2u (2D) 9:45pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Racetime (2D) 2pm; Racetime (2D) 3:30pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 5pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 7:15pm; The Quake (2D) 9:30pm; Kala Shah Kala (Punjabi) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Dev (Tamil) 2pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 4:45pm; #Qest_Hob (Arabic) 7pm; Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 9pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (1): Peranbu (Tamil) 2:15pm; Alita: The Battle

Angel (2D) 5pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 7:15pm; #Qest_Hob (Arabic) 9:30pm; Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Racetime (2D) 2:30pm; Racetime (2D) 4:15pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 6pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 8:30pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (3): Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 2pm; Kala Shah Kala (Punjabi) 4:30pm; Happy Death Day 2u (2D) 7pm; Allu Ramendran (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Dev (Tamil) 11:15pm.

Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (3D) 4:45pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 7pm; Happy Death Day 2u (2D) 9:45pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Dev (Tamil) 2:15pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 5pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 7:15pm; The Vanishing (2D) 9:30pm; Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Racetime (2D) 2:15pm; Racetime (2D) 3:45pm; Time Freak (2D) 5:30pm; Stan And Ollie (2D) 7:15pm; Allu Ramendran (Malayalam) 9pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 11:30pm.

3Thursday, February 14, 2019 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change

EVENTS

National Sport Day CelebrationsWHERE: Mall Of QatarWHEN: Ongoing till February 16TIME: 6pm – 8pmIn celebration of National Sport Day and

to promote the social and personal benefits of sports and recreation, Mall of Qatar is hosting a variety of fun and free fitness activities.

Festival of Culture: Exhibition and Bazaar

WHERE: Doha Marriott HotelWHEN: February 16TIME: 11am – 7pmBring out the artist in you at the Festival

of Culture. Whether you are an aspiring artist or an art enthusiast seeking the opportunity to showcase your skills and explore the works of various fellow artists at the festival. Exhibits ranging from paintings, handicrafts, jewelries, fashion wears, designer ornaments from all over the world will definitely ignite your passion for art and craft.

Baladna Cultural FestivalWHERE: Baladna ParkWHEN: Ongoing till March 1Baladna Park will embark you on a

delicious and rich journey this time of year, through the Baladna Culture Festival. The festivities will take place each Friday and Saturday of the month of February and will

include food, dance shows, entertainment and cultural handicrafts from across the world. For further information 44246000.

MIA Park Bazaar 2019WHERE: Museum Of Islamic ArtWHEN: OngoingTIME: 12pm – 8pmMIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant

mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of the old souq tradition. The stalls are going to offer a wide range of gastronomies from all over the world. You can also browse and grab handcrafted artefacts, accessories, canvases, fashion wears, designer ornaments.

Mehaseel FestivalWHERE: Katara Cultural VillageWHEN: Ongoing till March 31Mehaseel Souq will be open every

Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31st of March. It is a perfect market to get amazing local fresh produce.

Artistic Gymnastic ClassesWHERE: Qatar Academy MsheirebWHEN: Ongoing till February 28TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pmThe olympic sport using horizontal bar,

rings and floor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

Ballet LessonsWHERE: Music and Arts AtelierWHEN: OngoingTIME: 4pm – 8pmFor more info e-mail at registration@

atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports ClubWHERE: Losail CircuitWHEN: OngoingTIME: 5pmLosail Circuit Sports Club, in association

with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the floodlights of Losail International Circuit every Wednesdays.

Arabic Calligraphy WorkshopWHEN: Saturday – WednesdayTIME: 6pmArabic Calligraphy workshop is back.

Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Arts Atelier.

The lessons will take place every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact [email protected]

After School ActivitiesWHERE: AtelierWHEN: OngoingMusic and arts activities for students

taking place after they finish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip-hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

Hobby ClassesWHERE: Mamangam Performing Art

CentreWHEN:Wednesday – MondayMamangam Performing Art Centre, is

a holistic performing arts institution and a one stop solution for adults as well as children looking to explore their talents in various art forms. We offer classes in contemporary, Bollywood, hip-hop and Indian classical dance forms, along with classes for music, art and crafts, karate and yoga. Additional services include dance education and choreography. For details, call 33897609.

Dance and Instrument ClassesWHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf

Times BuildingWHEN: Wednesday – MondayLearn the movements of dance styles

in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard for adults as well kids and move in the world of music. For details, contact 66523871/ 31326749.


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

Roaring rearguardJill Abramson’s is a lively, engaging, provocative and important book about the diff iculties

of doing honest journalism when there’s less money to pay for it, writes Anthony Marro

What’s at risk today is not just the media industry but truth and freedom in a democratic society, an informed citizenry, and news sources that are above politics in their reporting

— Jill Abramson, journalist and author

‘ ’Merchants of Truth: The

Business of News and the Fight for Facts by Jill Abramson; Simon & Schuster (534 pages, $30)

Jill Abramson became the fi rst woman executive editor of The New York Times in 2011, when newspapers everywhere

were facing shrinking advertising, declining readership and fi erce competition from the web. They were cutting staff s, news pages, foreign and domestic bureaus and in some cases shutting down completely.

Because of Craigslist and similar websites, the classifi ed advertising that had accounted for 40 percent of newspaper

revenues disappeared overnight. Circulation nose-dived as people began getting news from computers and smartphones. And the country was fl ooded with digital content that looked like news but was in fact advertising, entertainment and political propaganda posing as news. When Ben Smith created the fi rst news operation at BuzzFeed in 2012, he said that the staff had so little understanding of traditional journalism that “They didn’t even know what rules they were breaking.”

Abramson’s tenure was brief. Three years into the job she was fi red by the publisher, Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. In part it was because an internal study said she had been slow to integrate the paper’s


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

website into the newsroom and had resisted eff orts to help generate new revenue. In part it was because of a remarkably wrongheaded move in which she off ered someone a job as co-managing editor without telling Dean Baquet, the popular managing editor, what she was doing. And in part it was because an evaluation by Sulzberger that she says told her, in eff ect, “People think you’re a b****.”

Abramson felt some of Sulzberger’s criticisms were sexist. But if she had failings as an editor, her new book, Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts, shows that she’s an excellent reporter and a talented writer. It’s a lively, engaging, provocative and important book about the diffi culties of doing honest journalism when there’s less money to pay for it.

The book focuses on two formerly wealthy and powerful newspapers, the Times and The Washington Post, that were threatened by the changes, and two wildly successful digital startups, BuzzFeed and Vice, that began doing serious news after developing huge audiences by off ering pictures of dogs wearing sunglasses and “native advertising” puff pieces about paying clients disguised as news. Abramson writes that the two newcomers, along with other digital media, “were giving the old guard serious competition — and heartburn.”

She shows how newspapers were slow to embrace the new technologies, with many journalists looking down on digital staff ers. She shows missed opportunities, with Sulzberger declining to invest in Google, and The Washington Post allowing Mark Zuckerberg renege on an agreement to let it buy 10 percent of Facebook. And she describes in compelling detail how the Sulzbergers managed to save the Times while the Graham family, which owned the Post, was forced to sell the Post.

Merchants of Truth has been criticised for several supposed errors and for score-settling, and Fox News gloated that the book claims the Times news pages are “unmistakably anti-Trump.” She also has been accused of plagiarism. It’s hard to fi nd any 400-page book without a few minor errors, and score-settling is to be expected given that Abramson was driven out of the Times like a typhoid carrier. But it’s a solid work, and she in fact has high praise for the Times’ coverage of the president.

Abramson believes the Times and the Post have performed a great public service with their coverage of a dangerously inept presidency, showing the urgency of a free press and the role that traditional reporting still plays. She applauds Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, who bought the Post and is using his great personal wealth to revive an important news organisation at an important time.

She remains troubled by the evisceration of local news; by fake news and foreign intervention; by Facebook’s eschewing standards to ensure material on its platform is truthful and fair; by the polarisation that has people choosing only those news outlets

that reinforce their predispositions; and by cable television’s reliance on punditry, which is cheap, rather than on reporting, which is costly. And she’s troubled by the ongoing volatility that caused

recent cutbacks in the news units of BuzzFeed and Vice.

What’s at risk today, Abramson says, is not just the media industry but “truth and freedom in a democratic society, an informed

citizenry, and news sources that are above politics in their reporting.” All of which makes her appreciative of the man who fi red her. “During the darkest fi nancial hours, Sulzberger had kept the lights on,”

she concludes, ensuring the Times would remain “a beacon of truth and fi erce protector of facts.”

Anthony Marro was editor of Newsday from 1987 to 2003. —Newsday/TNS

COUNTERPOINT

Merchants of Truth focuses on two formerly wealthy and powerful newspapers, The New York Times and The Washington Post. It has been criticised for several supposed errors and for score-settling, and Fox News gloated that the book claims the Times news pages are “unmistakably anti-Trump.” Jill Abramson also has been accused of plagiarism. It’s hard to fi nd any 400-page book without a few minor errors, and score-settling is to be expected given that Abramson was driven out of the Times like a typhoid carrier. But it’s a solid work, and she in fact has high praise for the Times’ coverage of the president


COMMUNITYDPS-MIS marks Qatar National Sport DayNursery Wing of DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently celebrated Qatar National Sport Day (QNSD). Soma Bhattacharjee and Mary Cruz, Headmistresses at DPS-MIS, attended the event. The event kicked off with the prayer, which was followed by a fruit basket presentation to the guests and oath taking ceremony. Soma Bhattacharjee declared the sports meet open. The event also featured aerobic dance performances along with ball drill, Olympic drill and other races.

CELEBRATIONS: Institution of Engineers India – Qatar Chapter (IEI-Qatar) recently organised an event to celebrate Qatar’s win in 2019 AFC Asian Cup at Ashoka Hall, Indian Cultural Centre. Abdul Sathar, Chairman of IEI-Qatar, welcomed the gathering and cut a cake as part of the celebrations. The event was attended by over 80 engineers.

OIS celebrates National Sport Day with special activitiesOlive International School (OIS) recently celebrated Qatar National Sport Day (QNSD). The celebrations included various inter-house competitions, including dodgeball, football and yoga session for the students. The teachers encouraged the students to keep participating in such events and congratulated everyone for their team work.


COMMUNITYPETCC organises a football tournamentPigeon Engineering Trading and Contracting Company (PETCC) recently organised a football tournament as part of Qatar National Sport Day celebrations at Khalifa Outdoor Stadium. Eight teams of various communities participated in the tournament, including Nepali, Pakistani, Indian and Sri Lankan. Some 200 employees of PETCC were present on the occasion.Dhan Lal Rajbanshi was declared as the man of the match along with Chandra Kumar as best

keeper and Ravi Khadka the best referee. Team G from Labour City won the tournament. Team G was felicitated with QR950 along with the trophy and certificates, which was followed by QR450, trophy and certificates for the runners-up. Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of PETCC, distributed the awards. – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

VCUarts Qatar honours high achieving studentsVirginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) recently organised an event to honour the high achieving students of VCUarts Qatar who made it to the Dean’s list. The students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 and above qualify for the Dean’s list. The Dean’s List is a recognition of superior academic performance of the students. The 103 outstanding Dean’s list students include 18 freshmen, 31 sophomores, 17 juniors and 37 seniors.Dr Donald Baker, Executive Dean at VCUarts Qatar, welcomed the students and their families. He said, “It is an honour to be on the Dean’s List and an honour for us to welcome you and your

families here. As students on the Dean’s List you set an example and set the standard for all other students. By being here today you have set yourselves up to be our outstanding alumni leaders but you have to keep on working both in your degree and outside of it.” The Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to four graduates from the Class of 2018 who were recently recognised at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s Excellence Awards, which was held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. The graduates included Noof Khalid M A al-Heidous, Hissa A al-Hail, Al Jazi Khalid al-Thani, and Sara Haider A A Mashhadi.


COMMUNITYCity Centre Rotana Doha celebrates QNSD with children with special needsAs part of its Corporate Social Responsibility activities, City Centre Rotana Doha recently hosted 25 children with special needs from Hope Qatar to celebrate with them the eighth Qatar National Sport Day (QNSD) at Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club, stated a press release.The children experienced an eventful day with their families, volunteers of Hope Qatar and the hotel staff over a healthy meal prepared specifically for them. Following that, the hotel staff then prepared a range of activities and games that were suitable for children including balloons and balls and other games. After the playing session, the children were invited to enjoy a special time in the swimming pool with parents, under the supervision of the Bodylines team members. Some 10 volunteers from the hotel team and the Hope Qatar team participated in the activities.

Sena Catak, Director of Marketing and Communications at City Centre Rotana Doha, said, “Hosting these children with special needs from Hope Qatar comes under of our constant CSR activities that we undertake throughout the year aimed at supporting and empowering children with special needs in the society. With the country celebrating the National Sport Day, City Centre Rotana Doha decided to share the joy of the day with these special children as part of the hotel’s continuous efforts to raise awareness of their rights and role in the community through the continuous activities and events we do and that suit their interest and abilities.”“We are delighted to collaborate with Hope Qatar which has become an important and effective source of support for parents seeking serious, active and cost-effective support for their children who are in need of care of a special nurturing” she added.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels celebrate National Sport Day Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels recently celebrated the Qatar National Sport Day with a series of activities in the context of its social responsibility towards the society where the guests and staff s were invited to be part of the organised sports activities. The activities were organised with the objective of raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy and sporty lifestyle., noted the press release.The activities, which kicked off at 7am and lasted till 12 noon, were segregated into two diff erent session. The first session included numerous activities that took place in front of Al Jasra Boutique Hotel and witnessed competitions including badminton, table tennis, skipping rope and foosball. The second session, which took place in front of Al Bidda Boutique Hotel, comprised of group

games and included rivalries such as Tug of War and several other activities, while a 30-minute Zumba session took place between the sessions. The day came to a close with an award distribution ceremony to felicitate winners. Furthermore, to keep the momentum of staying fit throughout the year, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is off ering a 50% discount on gym membership. The off er is valid for those availing membership in February. The National Sport Day witnessed a great response by hotel staff , guests and the Souq visitors who participated in the activities. The event was an opportunity to encourage all members of the society and guests of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels to follow a healthy lifestyle through the exercises planned for them, which helped in activating their senses and rejuvenating their stamina.

Intertec Group WLL marks QNSD with various activitiesIntertec Group WLL, recently organised a set of activities to celebrate Qatar National Sport Day (QNSD). The festivities kicked off with a session on health awareness and power pack exercises with City Gym crew, which was followed by seven games organised for the staff members of Intertec Group WLL, said a press release. Each division under Intertec Group named as a team and competed with each other. George Thomas, Intertec Group CFO and Adviser to Chairman, inaugurated the activities and briefly explained about the importance of healthy routine in daily schedule. He said that Qatar National Sport Day is giving an opportunity to remind us to be healthy and the importance of maintaining a balanced life style for a long and happy life cycle.


COMMUNITYPROFILE

By Usha Wagle Gautam

A tiny fraction of the population can use both hands with equal skills. You think lefties are rare? Truly ambidextrous people only make up about 1 percent of the

population. Ambidexterity is the ability to use both the hands equally well. It means that the person has no preference regarding the usage of the right or the left hand. While there are more people who can use their non-dominant hand nearly as well as their dominant one, people who have no dominant hand and can use both hands with equal skill, are about 1 in 100. History has seen some eminent ambidextrous people seize the world with their craft, intelligence or skills. To name a few, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo Di Vinci or current sports stars, Rafael Nadal or Cristiano Ronaldo top the list. With pretty much symmetrical brain, ambidextrous people simply can outshine and create a mark in whatever they do. Manoj Chand, hailing from

Nepal, is one such individual. Ambidextrous he is, but furthermore he can write with both his hands, both legs, both elbows and mouth – all at once. He picks up six pens and jots down on a paper. He is proudly destined to put his name on the list of Guinness Book of World Records. He can write A-Z in 6 seconds using both his hands. All set to create a record, Manoj talks to Community about his work and talent.

Tell us about your journey so far?I am from Baitadi, far western town of

Nepal. I’m a graduate in sociology and political science. Since my childhood, I’ve always been attracted towards attention-grabbing tricks. I was always drawn to tranquillity to perform mind-boggling tasks.

Tell us about your talent and how you explored it?

I started writing with both hands in Grade IX. I sort of realised and explored the talents of each organ of my body, individually. In college, I used to take two notes simultaneously. My work time actually reduced. I used to get done with two-hour task in one hour. My only intention was to

bring untapped dexterity of my limbs and other organs to the surface.

When and how did you feel you should get your talent recognised?

It started in 2008. I have already toured 72 out of 74 districts of Nepal to showcase my talent to the students. The fi rst country I visited was Thailand. I received a lot of positive feedback from the people. In Bangladesh, an audience of diff erently abled people also applauded my talent. I have an aim to visit at least 100 countries.

Do you get any support from the Government of Nepal for your endeavours?

I represent Nepal when I visit any country in the world. More than my own name, I get recognised by my country. However, there is a fi nancial problem. At times, I fi nd myself helpless. Air tickets and visa bring woes. Against all odds, I feel positive all the time. We have to combat every bleak situation, and success lies therein. Until now, I have not received any support from the Government of

Nepal. But now, since the government knows about my talent, I am really confi dent that they’ll come forward to support me.

Was your family always supportive?My family doesn’t fully support me. I used to

teach in college. My family was happy with that. But as I shifted to this they worry about it not being fi nancially safe. I convince them at times that this will bring good results.

How has your world tour been so far?Many people in diff erent countries were

surprised and they requested me to showcase my talent again and again. In many countries, there are Nepali embassies and non-resident communities, so, I didn’t feel I was out-of-place all this time. Except regular fi nancial hassles, tours are always good.

Tell us about your experience in Qatar?I am more than happy to be in Qatar. It is a

beautiful and peaceful country. There are so many Nepalis living here. We hope our tour will bolster our bilateral ties. Furthermore, Doha is cosmopolitan — people of all nationalities stay here. Touring Qatar was once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What are your future plans?My plan is to promote tourism in Nepal.

Nepal should correspondingly build infrastructure for global tourists. I am destined to inspire physically challenged people so that their lives don’t stop at their disabilities — and they too can perform amazing tasks. I stand up with diff erently abled people. I want to promote peace. As I come from the land of Buddha, we have to promote world peace wherever we go.

Aspiring to inspire

DETERMINED: Manoj is proudly destined to put his name on the list of Guinness Book of World Records. He can write A-Z in 6 seconds using both his hands.

MULTIFACETED: Manoj Chand can write with both his hands, both legs, both elbows and mouth – all at once.


COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC


COMMUNITYLIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE

ARIESMarch 21 — April 19

CANCERJune 21 — July 22

LIBRASeptember 23 — October 22

CAPRICORNDecember 22 — January 19

TAURUSApril 20 — May 20

LEOJuly 23 — August 22

SCORPIOOctober 23 — November 21

AQUARIUSJanuary 20 — February 18

GEMINIMay 21 — June 20

VIRGOAugust 23 — September 22

SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 — December 21

PISCESFebruary 19 — March 20

Your heart may feel extra loving today, Aries, which is good, since

you will probably need it. There is most likely someone close to you

who needs a lift of some sort. You may be like the tow truck that

arrives to pull a car out of the ditch. Be careful when you hook up the

chains. Don’t scratch the bumper or pull too hard all at once!

Secure your emotions and make sure you’re set in your mind before

you take action today, Cancer. This is a terrific time to get things

started. Following through to completion shouldn’t be a problem.

The diff icult part is taking that first step. This can be easily done on

a day like today, so don’t miss this opportunity when your intuitive

sense is extra keen.

Be careful of exerting your will too strongly toward someone who

really isn’t receptive to it, Libra. Be conscious of other people’s

feelings. Be gentle when it comes to love and romance. You have a

yellow light, which means that it’s OK to proceed. Be careful that the

other person is receptive to your advances. Don’t come across as too

aggressive and end up making a fool of yourself.

Be more aggressive when it comes to your intentions in a situation,

Capricorn. It would be a great idea to impress your lover with

a delicious home-cooked meal. Put a bit more passion into the

equation and relight the spark that might have recently gone out.

Don’t hesitate to be the instigator in love.

You may feel a bit protective today, Taurus, and with good reason.

Others are likely to be aggressive when it comes to moving in on

your territory. Be strong. Assure yourself as well as those in your

charge that everything will be fine. Take reasonable precautions, but

don’t completely close yourself off to the outside world. That knock

at the gate could just as easily provide much-needed help.

Break through the potential moodiness of the day, Leo. Burst into

song while walking down the street. Encourage others to sing back

to you, as if your life were an opera. Your creativity is extra strong at

this point, so let it shine in unexpected areas of your world. You have

the wonderful ability to turn even the most mundane situations into

something exciting.

Overall, this should be a pretty good day for you, Scorpio, as long as

you don’t get overly sensitive about certain things. Your awareness

is bound to be extra sharp today, so use this ability to stay alert and

open to what’s going on around you. Perhaps you’re feeling a bit

restless when it comes to matters of the heart. This is telling you to

stop fidgeting and take action.

It would be a good idea to socialise with others today in a

comfortable, open setting. Say what you feel instead of just

concentrating on what you think, Aquarius. Be just as good a listener

as you expect others to be for you. Join a writing circle or take a

painting class. Your creativity is looking for an outlet today, so you

might as well share this gift among friends.

You may be a bit confused today, Gemini. More than likely, it will

be hard for you to get an accurate read on your emotions. One of

your automatic responses in situations like this is to turn to a close

partner for advice. Unfortunately, this advice may throw you into

even more of a tailspin. What you need more than anything is to

spend quality time alone.

You may be plagued with restlessness, Virgo, to the point that

you may not be able to get anything done. If you sense that this is

happening to you even in the slightest degree, stop whatever you’re

doing and take a break. Your work isn’t worth the sacrifice of your

sanity. Consider going to a spa or call up a friend with a hot tub so

you can soak in some warm, relaxing water for a while.

For some reason, Sagittarius, there’s a quiet voice inside warning

that you may be getting yourself into a great deal of trouble.

An enthusiastic approach toward love may be necessary, but

this may not be the best day to act. People are too sensitive and

not necessarily that impressed with your potentially abrasive

demeanour.

Stick with what comes naturally, Pisces. If something feels diff icult or

abrasive, this is a sign that your energy is better used elsewhere. But

don’t turn away until you’re sure that what you’re facing is actually

a combative force instead of your own skewed sense of reality.

You could be overly sensitive about a given situation and thereby

making up scenarios that don’t even exist.

Styling tips for the big occassionC

onfused what to wear on your date this weekend? Opt for funky ankle strap heels or playful pumps with a bardot

neckline tiered dress or just the classic little black dress to woo, suggest experts.

Tushar Ved, President of Major Brands India Pvt. Ltd., Charles & Keith and Shilpee Sharma, Head of design and StyleHub, Shoppers Stop, have listed tips on what to wear this Valentine’s Day.

Shoe tips: Ankle strap heels: Ankle strap

heels are a must-have this season. Sophisticated and chic, these look eff ortlessly on trend with any outfi t. Sling backs and ankle straps accented in metallic buckles, fl oral eyelets and criss-cross pleats are ideal for the much needed stability in your stride. Be date-ready in candy colours, subtle golds and deep maroons.

Pumps: Classic pointed pumps are stylish. It is one of the most versatile styles. Pumps look great with cropped pants and, well, just about anything for the perfect date. Styled in vibrant prints, embossed textures and embellished mesh details, pair these pumps with your

favourite sling/clutch to complete the look.

Sneakers: The minimal look is here to stay. Globally, designers continue to show their love to

this most wearable style. The humble sneaker is undoubtedly the biggest footwear trend of the year and has kicked off a total fashion revolution. Sported by models,

celebrities, bloggers and designers, sneakers have worked for almost all occasions as a fashion statement.

Classic sliders: Classic sliders in pastel hues are the ideal

accessory this summer. The ease to slip on and off make slides the perfect companion for a beach sun downer or poolside party.

Dressing tips: Brunch date look: A bardot

neckline, tiered dress off sets the valentine mood for that special brunch date. Accessorise the outfi t with a dainty golden pair of earrings and a chic neck piece. Style the outfi t with a pair of wedges, a clutch or sling bag.

Lunch date look: For a brunch or lunch date, team a dress with a pair of pencil heels for a touch of glamour, or fl at sandals for a casual vibe. Versatility is the name of the game.

Coff ee date look: Opt for a simple yet classy bright schiffl ey dress. Pair the dress with white fl ats or sneakers and a long chain for a crisp, V-Day feel.

Dinner date look: A great black dress is always a good idea. Wear a classic black shift dress from the offi ce straight to a dinner date. Lace ruffl es and fl utters and embellished neckline add to the chic look. Accessorise with a pair of chic earrings, a shiny clutch and stilettos and your good to go. – IANS


COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Adam

Pooch Cafe

Garfield

Bound And Gagged

Codeword

Wordsearch

Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Puzz

les

cour

tesy

: Puz

zlec

hoic

e.co

m

Sudoku

Sudoku is a puzzle based

on a 9x9 grid. The grid is

also divided into nine (3x3)

boxes. You are given a

selection of values and to

complete the puzzle, you

must fill the grid so that

every column, every anone

is repeated.

Fri

FRIARFRICASSEEFRICTIONFRIDGEFRIEDFRIENDFRIES

FRIEZEFRIGATEFRIGHTFRIGIDFRILLFRINGEFRIPPERY

FRISKFRISSONFRITILLARYFRITTERFRIVOLITYFRIZZ


COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS1. Your own water? (7,6)

8. Rings the man on strike (7)

9. Went back - to doing what

one did before one started

working (7)

11. Somewhat asinine in one’s

obstinacy? (6)

13. When put in order, become

fewer (8)

15. Copy the children (5)

16. With a ‘Tut!’ throwing out the

tool (7)

18. Gets back to making profits

(7)

19. Digging for copper all round

the island (5)

21. Left to be fixed (8)

23. Wanting to know when to

take a card (6)

25. Making it clear I had taken

part in the incident (7)

26. Cast as a model throughout

(7)

28. What you said as you went

into the lead? (7,6)

Super Cryptic Clues

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Rethought 8 Restore 9 Realist 10 Painter 13 Bootless 14 Hear 16 Test of time 20 Rely 22 Fear 24 Raise a hand 28 Stem 29 Parmesan 31 Bustard 34 Tornado 35 Divines 36 Hard lines.

DOWN: 1 Rarebit 2 Tea-pots 3 Oriel 4 Gets set 5 Trap 6 Stun 7 Hearsay 11 Adhere 12 Tore 15 Arch 17 Ewe 18 Tart 19 Former 21 Len 22 Forbade 23 Asps 25 Shatter 26 Abstain 27 Dingoes 30 Moral 32 Tail 33 Dash.

DOWN2. Isn’t forgotten by the bad boy

(7)

3. He lacks our courage (3)

4. Standing in the blazing sun?

Poppycock! (4)

5. Shooting practice? (6,4)

6. Publish complete (5)

7. ‘Give the dog,’ you storm,

‘something to eat’ (7)

8. How the ship’s moorings were

broken? (2,4,5)

10. Meet with a fast death? (3,2,6)

12. It’s a little in the way, my love

(5)

14. After tea, lets on there may be

a dance (10)

17. Horses about in Fleet Street

(5)

18. Copy the curl of the lip, taking

unusual care about it (7)

20. Revel in the list I brought in

(7)

22. Thoughts are said to stray

round about the end (5)

24. Can’t get on with and blames

for the upset? (4)

27. Intend to train (3)


COMMUNITY REVIEWS

By Katie Walsh

There’s something so wonderfully ironic about a black woman taking over the sequel to a Mel Gibson vehicle. The eff ervescent

Taraji P Henson stars in What Men Want, the gender-fl ipped reboot of What Women Want, the 2000 Nancy Meyers fi lm starring Gibson as a playboy who can hear the inner monologues of women after a freak accident. But director Adam Shankman is no Nancy Meyers. And though Henson gives her all to this performance, a bungled script (by Tina Gordon, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory and Jas Waters) and half-baked execution undermine the message the fi lm wants to convey.

In What Women Want, it was easy to believe Gibson’s Nick was a self-centred jerk who needed a turn inside women’s brains to develop his compassion and empathy. What Men Want asks us to imagine the same thing of Ali (Henson), a hard-charging Atlanta sports agent. But sometimes identity-fl ips in reboots

simply don’t work because they don’t refl ect the power dynamics of the real world.

Ali is ambitious, determined and good at her job. She can give it and take it when it comes to bantering with the boys, but she’s passed over for a partner position in favour of a younger male colleague. She shows up for her friends, appreciates handsome men, and while she may be a bit hapless and arrogant, she has good intentions. It seems likely Ali did miss out on the promotion because her workplace is an all-white boys club roiling with “locker room talk.”

Thanks to a psychedelic tea from a psychic (Erykah Badu in a, frankly, inspired performance) – or was it the head injury at the club? – Ali is gifted with the blessing and burden that is a portal into an unfi ltered stream of male consciousness. Most women would love to know what men are thinking, and Ali fi nds what they mostly think of. She decides to use the curse to her advantage while competing to sign the No 1 draft pick, Jamal (Shane Paul McGhie) and his helicopter dad, Joe Dolla (Tracy Morgan).

Along the way, Ali pulls her new love interest, Will (Aldis Hodge), and his son into a scheme to sign the client, and bears the responsibility of knowledge about every infi delity in town. What she ultimately learns is honesty is always the best policy. A good lesson for anyone, but in the fi lm’s race to resolve its confl icts, it tries to retroactively suggest Ali needed to learn these lessons to get over her ego and treat men better. It’s impossible to buy this when it’s never suffi ciently established that she’s a jerk or terrible person in the fi rst place. The fi lm doesn’t take the time to make us believe Ali deserves the reality check.

She’s not the only one with sketchy motivations and a poorly drawn character arc. Phoebe Robinson is randomly inserted as the druggie friend, and Shankman has a predilection for focusing on weird side interactions that distract from the story and result only in loose ends. Henson is a gifted actress and physical comedian, managing to hold together What Men Want with the sheer force of her powerful charisma, but the fi lm around her is harried, messy and woefully underwritten. – TNS

The underwhelming projectstumbles along in mediocrity

By Rick Bentley

Alita: Battle Angel will never stand upon a massive pile of honours, nor will it be tossed into the

garbage bin of failed movies. Any effort that has Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi) as director and a screenplay from James Cameron (Avatar) and Laeta Kalogridis (Altered Carbon) automatically has some shine. But, that is not enough. The massive feature film based on the 1990 manga series created by Yukito Kishiro is simply the most underwhelming production to be released in years.

Efforts to bring the manga character to life look like bits and pieces from past TV and film projects including Rollerball, Ready Player One, Dark Angel, Avatar and Star Trek: First Contact with a little bit of Pinocchio tossed in. The biggest flaw is it all is jumbled together to tell a story that never reaches a finale just to ensure a sequel.

It all starts in the 26th century, 300 years after a great war has left the majority of the planet uninhabitable. The story starts rolling when Dr Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz) finds the head and spinal column of a young girl

among the trash being discarded by the city up above. He just happens to be the local cyborg doctor and has been waiting for years to find a use for the body he built for his wheelchair-bound daughter who was murdered.

From the moment Alita (Rosa Salazar) opens her massive eyes, it’s impossible not to think of the big-eyed children painted by Margaret Keane. No matter the setting, it’s the eyes that dominate every moment.

Making Alita look like she popped out of the pages of a manga never plays out smoothly enough to make her appear humanoid enough. Alita comes across clunky and more marionette than cyborg.

It’s odd that her look is so weak, as the supporting cyborgs and robots have been beautifully designed. Ed Skrein’s hunter/warrior character is far more mechanical than Alita and yet comes across as being full of life. The supporting cast is generally more interesting than the Battle Angel.

This all could have been forgiven if the writing wasn’t so clunky and full of material that was dated when it was being used in 50s’ horror flicks. It’s also annoying the way Alita is presented like a giggling teenager. The only payoff seems to be a

forced romantic relationship with Hugo (Keann Johnson). The boy-meets-sorta girl story moves at such a quick pace it’s funny Alita’s head doesn’t come unscrewed.

As with all these life-after-disaster movies, an evil force gets rich and keeps secrets. Mahershala Ali is wasted as Vector, the boss of the Motorball league and puppet for an even more evil person calling the shots from the world in the sky. This baddy’s main role is to be the bridge to the next movie.

Alita’s big moment to shine – and destroy other cyborgs – comes when she gets a tryout for the Motorball league. All the carnage provides some entertaining moments, but there’s nothing new in presentation or style.

There’s the problem with Alita: Battle Angel in a metal nutshell. There’s no core of originality. It’s all just a collection of familiar sequences tied at the hip to the unemotional love story and presented in a so-so 3D version. Cameron’s connection to the project suggested the 3D would be remarkable after the stunning camera form for Avatar. There’s no such quality here, and that makes one more thing that causes Alita: Battle Angel to look like so many other films that have come and gone. – TNS

A woefully underwritten gender-flipper

Thursday, February 14, 2019 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

I faced discrimination because of my skin colour, says Roma star

Roma star Yalitza Aparicio says she has faced discrimination because of the colour of her skin.

In an interview to hollywoodreporter.com, the actress opened up about her experience with racism in Mexico and working in Hollywood.

Asked about her experience with racism in Mexico, she said: “I felt it quite strongly. I’ve been discriminated against because of the colour of my skin. When I was a kid, I wasn’t allowed into certain groups, for example. Also, my mother works in a house. Sometimes people didn’t see her work as dignifi ed, and that was hard.”

How was her experience of working in Hollywood?“It is marvellous. I’ve always been very shy, and it’s surprising how I

got over this. People are sending me beautiful messages. They’ve told me that to see me this way is like a source of inspiration for them, that they feel they can be in a movie, or on the cover of a magazine, regardless of their physical appearance. It’s a marvellous thing.”

The fi rst-time Oscar nominee was planning to pursue a career as a schoolteacher when she auditioned for Alfonso Cuaron’s fi lm Roma, which tackled the discrimination she endured growing up in Mexico. She is glad that she did the fi lm.

Roma has been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The Oscar ceremony will be held on February 24 and will be aired in India on Star Movies. – IANS

Makers repackage iconic songs for today’s generation: Sonakshi

Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who has featured in the video of the recreated version of Mungda song, says that makers repackage iconic songs for the current generation.

Her latest dance number Mungda for the fi lm Total Dhamaal has earned the wrath of the fans of the original number featuring Helen.

Mungda was originally sung by Usha Mangeshkar with music by Rajesh Roshan and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.

The song has been recreated by singers Jyotica Tangri, Shaan and Subhro Ganguly and music director duo Gourov-Roshin.

Reacting to the criticism, Sonakshi said: “Even I like the original better and there is no comparison with that. When we recreate a song, that time we don’t think that we will make a particular song better than the original one because when you are recreating an iconic song then there is no point making comparison with the recreated song.”

“We are only trying to repackage that and give it to the today’s generation who might not listen to old songs. For me as an artiste, I have been told by makers of the fi lm that they wanted me to be a part of the song as they don’t see anybody performing it so, that was a big deal for me that makers felt that I would do justice to the song and I am very happy.”

Sonakshi was interacting with the media at the fourth edition of Next Brand Vision Awards 2019 here on Tuesday.

Talking about her upcoming releases, she said: “I am looking forward to every fi lm of mine which is coming out this year. Kalank is my next release. It is releasing in April.

“I am shooting for Mission Mangal, which will release in August. We are almost done with that. I am starting Dabangg 3 around the end of April.”

Asked about the amount of fun audiences should expect from Dabangg 3, Sonakshi said: “Double and triple of what you saw in fi rst two parts.” – IANS

Actress Deepika Padukone will be celebrating her fi rst Valentine’s Day after marriage watching her

actor-husband Ranveer Singh’s new release Gully Boy.

Interacting with the media at the Filmfare Glamour and Style Fashion Awards 2019, Deepika said: “I think I am going to watch Gully Boy which releases on Valentine’s Day. Also my parents will be in town, so will be spending the day with them.”

She married Ranveer in Italy in

2018 end, and while her husband has already been seen in Simmba in the post-wedding scene, Deepika is yet to make a silver screen appearance after tying the knots.

She will be next seen in Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak based on the life of an acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.

Asked about the fi lm, Deepika said: “I can’t reveal much. I can just say that we have already started preparation. In fact we will start fi lming from next month.”

Deepika said she has not imposed any rules or regulation on hubby-

dear. “I think whatever rules I have followed for myself; I think he should follow too, not out of compulsion.

“It must be more out of discipline because I think the more successful you get and the more busy you get, you tend to forget taking care of yourself. So for me, it’s important to get enough sleep and to eat well all for the right reasons.”

Zoya Akthar directorial Gully Boy features Ranveer and Alia Bhatt and is produced by Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Productions. – IANS

REMAKE: Sonakshi Sinha in the song Mungda, which was originally sung by Usha Mangeshkar with music by Rajesh Roshan.

DESTINY: Yalitza Aparicio was planning to pursue a career as a schoolteacher when she auditioned for Alfonso Cuaron’s film Roma.

Deepika to celebrate V-Day watching Gully Boy

Oscar nominees furious over exclusion from telecast

Hollywood fi lmmakers like Alfonso Cuaron and Guillermo del Toro and leading craftspeople have condemned a decision by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to hand out four awards during commercial breaks in the hope of trimming the shows run time.

Nominees and their colleagues from the commercial-banished categories of cinematography, make-up and hairstyling, fi lm editing, and live action shorts slammed the decision in interviews and via heated posts on social media, reports variety.com.

“I fi nd it depressing that they are doing this. Hopefully it won’t be like the part of the show where they play clips from the Sci-Tech awards dinner. That always feels a bit sad, like they didn’t get invited to the real party,” said cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, a nominee this year for Never Look Away.

Deschanel is referencing the Academy’s annual Scientifi c and Technical Awards, held two weeks before the Oscars and typically hosted by a celebrity, which honours technical achievement in fi lm.

Deschanel has been nominated six times stretching back to 1983’s The

Right Stuff , but has yet to win.Filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron,

a multiple-nominee for producing, directing, writing and cinematography for Roma, criticised the Academy’s decision.

“In the history of cinema, masterpieces have existed without sound, without colour, without a story, without actors and without music. No one single fi lm has ever existed without cinematography and without editing,” wrote Cuaron.

Three-time Oscar winner Emmanuel Lubezki called it “an unfortunate decision”.

Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro said he “would not presume to suggest what categories to cut during the Oscars show but cinematography and editing are at the very heart of our craft”.

“They are not inherited from a theatrical tradition or a literary tradition. They are cinema itself,” del Toro said.

Drake Doremus, indie director behind the late Anton Yelchin’s Like Crazy, even called for a “boycott”.

In a memo outlining the changes, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President John Bailey said representatives from categories that were shunted off to the commercial breaks volunteered to have their award presented off -camera.

However, the board members who represent those crafts don’t speak for the unions or guild membership.

The show’s director, Glenn Weiss, will determine what emotionally resonant moments from the four speeches make it to air later in the broadcast, according to an individual close to the production.

The show will cut any comment from presenters, as well as any recitation of the nominees, said the insider. While Bailey said the speeches will air in their entirety, that may not be the case on the big night as broadcasters reserve the right to cut them, the source said.

“This decision could be perceived as a separation and division of this creative process, thus minimising our fundamental creative contributions,” said Kees van Oostrum, President of American Society of Cinematographers, in a statement on Tuesday.

“To fi nd out so close to the actual awards that you’ll be in the commercial break, it’s disappointing,” Lee Smith, last year’s fi lm editing winner for “Dunkirk”, said.

Rachael Stanley, the Executive Director of the Costume Designers Guild, lamented the loss of attention for her guild’s industry siblings. – IANS

FIRST AFTER MARRIAGE: Deepika Padukone tied the knot with Ranveer Singh in Italy in 2018.


COMMUNITY

Fahad bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, Ambassador of Qatar to Russia.

Russian ballet mesmerises Doha audience

‘We should look at culture as an instrument for improving bilateral economic relations’,

tells Fahad bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, Ambassador of Qatar to Russia. By Mudassir Raja

It was a Russian treat for a cosmopolitan audience. Diplomats, local residents, businessmen and women among a wide group of

dignitaries in Doha witnessed the spectacular Anna Karenina ballet show at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

The auditorium was full to its capacity as the mesmerising traditional ballet performance kept the audience captivated for two hours with riveting music, lighting eff ects, rhythms, dances and acting of a remarkable cast.

The Anna Karenina ballet show by the world-renowned choreographer Boris Eifman was organised for the fi rst time in Qatar. The show was a hallmark event as part of a series of projects held in the framework of the Year of Culture Qatar-Russia 2018. It was organised in partnership with Rosneft Oil Company.

Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg brought the Anna Karenina show to the Doha audience.

Anna Karenina is a novel by Russian author Leo Tolstoy. It was fi rst published in book form in 1878. Many authors – and Tolstoy himself – consider the novel the greatest work of literature ever written. It deals with themes of betrayal, faith, family, marriage, Imperial Russian society, desire, and rural and city life.

The plot centres around an extramarital aff air between Anna and a dashing cavalry offi cer Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky that scandalises the social circles of St. Petersburg and forces the young lovers to fl ee for Italy in a futile search for happiness. Returning to Russia, their lives further unravel.

Boris Eifman is a Russian choreographer who has created more than fi fty ballet performances. He established Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg in 1977 as an experimental laboratory and a ballet theatre of one choreographer.

Over four decades, Boris and his unique company developed world-renowned repertoire that defi ned modern Russian psychological ballet theatre.

The recent performance was a testimony to performing art choreographed by the Russian

master. Among many other ambassadors, Fahad bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, ambassador of Qatar to Russia, was also present to attend the performance.

Talking to Community, the ambassador shed some light on the cultural interaction with Russia and its signifi cance on the bilateral ties.

He said: “Throughout the cultural year between Qatar and Russia, we have tried to develop comprehensive

and diverse programme which is not limited to ballet, as we see tonight. The programme included sports, fi lms, photography, visual arts, music, fashion, design, and lifestyle activities. It was really a comprehensive and diverse programme.

“We tried to have some form of spread between the events happening in Qatar and the events taking place in Russia with the aim

to bring the two societies closer to each other by exposing them to diff erent parts of their culture. This event comes within that context. We are very happy to have the world-renowned ballet here for the fi rst time.”

Commenting on how the cultural exchanges have helped in improving the bilateral ties, the ambassador said: “I would say that it had improved the ties dramatically,

especially with the technological advancement that we have today. We have actually involved the pubic in the year of culture. What I mean is that we have start-ups of small business from Qatar to Russia and that has generated a lot of public interest in both countries. I think it has led to a greater understanding, especially when Russia hosted FIFA World Cup 2018. That was very vital for us to have the year of culture in 2018.

“It [the cultural year] is a beginning. I think we should just continue on the path and go from strength to strength. I think if we understand that business, commerce, and economy are going to benefi t from the cultural exchanges, then we will pay more attention to the cultural programmes.

Most people think that culture does not contribute to economic growth. I think that is a very wrong perception. We should really focus a lot on investing in cultural exchanges because it is through that greater understanding, exposure and knowledge that people will be willing to invest, engage and develop business relations. My suggestion is that we should look at culture as an instrument for improving bilateral economic relations.”

Honours and awards earned by Boris Eifman

People’s Artist of Russia (Russia, 1995)

Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd (2012) class

Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (France, 1999)

Commander of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (2003)

State Prize of the Russian Federation - 1998

Theatre Award of St. Petersburg Golden Soffi t (1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2012)

Golden Mask (Theatre Union of Russia, 1996 and 1999)

Award Triumph (1996)Prix Benois de la Danse for Best

choreographer of 2005 (2006)Order of Peace and Harmony

(Russia, 1998)BALLET: The Anna Karenina ballet show by the world-renowned choreographer Boris Eifman was held for the first time in Qatar. Photos by Ram Chand

Documents

Straight shooter - Gulf Times