WELLINGTON: India’s first Test series win in New Zealand in 41 years is a big achievement but it set a benchmark that future teams would have to live up to, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Tuesday.
“You have set the benchmark and the next time you come to New Zealand, people expect you to win,” Dhoni told reporters. “We have achieved something that is big, but the tough part is to maintain it.
“It’s never easy for cricketers. If you have not achieved something there is pressure to do so. Once you have achieved something then there is pressure to sustain it. Nothing is easy. I think it will be tougher for the next guys who come here.”
Though India comprehensively outplayed New Zealand in the first and third Tests, Dhoni was diplomatic when asked if he felt the 1-0 result was a fair reflection of their efforts.
“It’s not what you are getting out of it, it’s how much effort you put in and what you wanted to achieve,” he said.
“3-0 is what you always look for, because there is nothing beyond that. But you have to be comfortable with your target and what you want to achieve.”
Team effort
Dhoni said one of the pleasing aspects of the tour had been the development of the side throughout, and the fact it had been a team effort rather than relying on one specific player.
“Everybody contributed ... each and every batsman scored at some point and the same with the bowlers,” he added.
“The wickets were on the flatter side, not much for the bowlers, so they had to keep changing their plans and improvising at times and the same applied with the batsmen.
“It was a very good team effort.”
However, he did have some special words for opening batsman Gautam Gambhir and pace bowler Zaheer Khan, who were both at the forefront of the series win.
“Both of them, they keep on improving each game they play,” said Dhoni. “They look to improve. They raise the bar wherever they are performing.”
Gambhir blossoms
Gambhir was the top performing batsman of the tour, despite having only cemented his place in the Test side after a strong series against Sri Lanka in the middle of last year and a barrage of runs since.
His second innings 137 in the second Test in Napier guided India to the safety of a draw after New Zealand ran up a massive 619 for nine in the first innings and dismissed the visitors for 305 in their first knock.
By the end of the Test series, he had accumulated 445 runs at an average of 89.0, eclipsing the effort of Sachin Tendulkar who finished with 344 runs at an average of 68.8.
Master off-spinner Harbhajan Singh finished the series with 16 wickets at an average of 21.37 runs per wicket. His best innings saw him grabbing six wickets for just 63 runs.
Left-arm pace bowler Zaheer was second in India’s bowling ranks, garnering 13 wickets at an average cost of 30.76 runs in the three-Test series, including a best performance of five for 65 in New Zealand’s first innings in Wellington.
Praise for Zaheer
“Zak (Khan) has been brilliant for the last two years. He has bowled well everywhere, not only in India,” Dhoni said.
“He helps the other bowlers and it has been fantastic to see the way he has bowled, whether the wicket is helping him or not.”
Dhoni also praised the work of the lower order batsmen, who were instrumental, particularly in Wellington where India was 204 for six in its first innings before a late rush of runs took them to 379.
“The lower order contribution was very important because that really takes the morale of the team up, and whenever it was needed from them, the lower order really contributed.”
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
India acts, answers Pak questions on 26/11
New Delhi: The Indian government is ready with answers to the 30 questions Pakistan had asked about the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last November.
The Home Ministry has prepared a document which includes the DNA reports of Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist caught alive, and the nine other gunmen killed in the attack. The document has 32 answers.
The document was given to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday. "We have put together answers to 30 questions submitted by Pakistan. It is a very comprehensive document, answering each of the 30 questions," said Home Minister P Chidambaram.
Chidambaram said the answers are supported by documentary proof, CDs and forensic evidence, which are adequate to help investigations into the attacks. "If Pakistan is serious to investigate the origins of the horrific crime in Mumbai, these answers provide solid basis. We expect Pakistan to take the investigation forward quickly," he said after giving the report to Mukherjee .
Media reports say Pakistan had asked a range of questions, ranging from what Kasab said in his confession before a Mumbai court and how did the terrorists manage to reach Mumbai in a boat ditching Indian Navy.
Pakistan has admitted that “a part” of the terrorist conspiracy was hatched in its territory and its Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is probing the attacks.
Pakistan has banned an Islamic charity accused of being a front for the Lashkar-e-Toiba, which India claims organised and plotted the attacks on Mumbai.
Lashker-e-Taiba leaders Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Zarar Shah, Abu al Qama and Hamad Amin Sadiq are in custody of the Pakistani police in connection with the Mumbai attacks.
The Home Ministry has prepared a document which includes the DNA reports of Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist caught alive, and the nine other gunmen killed in the attack. The document has 32 answers.
The document was given to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday. "We have put together answers to 30 questions submitted by Pakistan. It is a very comprehensive document, answering each of the 30 questions," said Home Minister P Chidambaram.
Chidambaram said the answers are supported by documentary proof, CDs and forensic evidence, which are adequate to help investigations into the attacks. "If Pakistan is serious to investigate the origins of the horrific crime in Mumbai, these answers provide solid basis. We expect Pakistan to take the investigation forward quickly," he said after giving the report to Mukherjee .
Media reports say Pakistan had asked a range of questions, ranging from what Kasab said in his confession before a Mumbai court and how did the terrorists manage to reach Mumbai in a boat ditching Indian Navy.
Pakistan has admitted that “a part” of the terrorist conspiracy was hatched in its territory and its Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is probing the attacks.
Pakistan has banned an Islamic charity accused of being a front for the Lashkar-e-Toiba, which India claims organised and plotted the attacks on Mumbai.
Lashker-e-Taiba leaders Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Zarar Shah, Abu al Qama and Hamad Amin Sadiq are in custody of the Pakistani police in connection with the Mumbai attacks.
ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa only if financially viable
Johannesburg, March 13: The International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to shift the Champions Trophy series from Pakistan to South Africa because of security concerns will only take place if Cricket South Africa (CSA) is not left with a huge bill, as had been the case in past tournaments, according to CSA chief executive Gerald Majola.
“We don`t want to host the tournament and eventually sit with a huge account,” Majola told the an African daily, even as he confirmed that South Africa had the infrastructure and expertise to play host to the 11 other nations in the Champions Trophy.
“If the ICC can assure us that this will not happen and that we will benefit financially from it, there is no problem with hosting it here,” Majola said, adding that he wanted a clause about the host fee going to Pakistan to be amended as well.
The ICC has reportedly decided that Pakistan also needs to benefit financially because the tournament had been taken away from the country.
“There will also have to be more money invested in security and I want the assurance that those costs will be carried (by the ICC).”
“In the past, with the World Cup and Twenty20 series, we heard afterwards what the hosting thereof had cost and we had to pay the accounts. I learnt my lesson from (those experiences) and will not be caught out like that again. That`s why I will now ensure that all costs are covered by the ICC,” said Majola.
A final decision is expected Monday and South Africa will be the host if the ICC provides the financial security that has been requested.
Recent violence in Pakistan, including the attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team, has caused serious security concerns about hosting tournaments there. The Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan last year was cancelled.
The ICC has ruled out Sri Lanka as a new venue because of the heavy rains there at the time the tournament is proposed. The weather pattern in South Africa at that time - September and october - is considered to be ideal for the 12-day tournament.
“We don`t want to host the tournament and eventually sit with a huge account,” Majola told the an African daily, even as he confirmed that South Africa had the infrastructure and expertise to play host to the 11 other nations in the Champions Trophy.
“If the ICC can assure us that this will not happen and that we will benefit financially from it, there is no problem with hosting it here,” Majola said, adding that he wanted a clause about the host fee going to Pakistan to be amended as well.
The ICC has reportedly decided that Pakistan also needs to benefit financially because the tournament had been taken away from the country.
“There will also have to be more money invested in security and I want the assurance that those costs will be carried (by the ICC).”
“In the past, with the World Cup and Twenty20 series, we heard afterwards what the hosting thereof had cost and we had to pay the accounts. I learnt my lesson from (those experiences) and will not be caught out like that again. That`s why I will now ensure that all costs are covered by the ICC,” said Majola.
A final decision is expected Monday and South Africa will be the host if the ICC provides the financial security that has been requested.
Recent violence in Pakistan, including the attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team, has caused serious security concerns about hosting tournaments there. The Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan last year was cancelled.
The ICC has ruled out Sri Lanka as a new venue because of the heavy rains there at the time the tournament is proposed. The weather pattern in South Africa at that time - September and october - is considered to be ideal for the 12-day tournament.
Dhoni's men determined to wrap up the series on a high
Auckland, March 13: With the series already in their pocket, India may opt to rest some of their key players as they go into the fifth and final one-dayer against a demoralised New Zealand on Saturday, hoping to finish it off on a winning note.
The Indians have already taken an invincible 3-0 lead in the five match series and will be keen to try out their reserve players for the inconsequential game at the Eden Park.
Sachin Tendulkar, who sat out of the last game because of an abdomen injury, is likely to be rested for the match so that he is fully fit for the Test series beginning March 18.
While things have gone favourably for the Indians, the Kiwis have only pride to play for as they desperately need to salvage a win to convince the home fans of their limited-overs potential, especially after recording six consecutive series wins at home.
However, India coach Gary Kirsten has already made it clear that he is no mood to take the game lightly and would like to carry forward the momentum of the ODI series to the three upcoming Tests.
“It is important to maintain momentum and win games of cricket. That might require us to use our best combination. We also need to be mindful of the fact that it might be an opportunity to rest one or two players. We just have to weigh up what we want to do but we haven`t decided yet,” Kirsten said.
India are set to make some changes in their playing eleven and in all probability left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha and Irfan Pathan are likely to get a game before they return home alongwith Yusuf Pathan, Praveen Kumar and Rohit Sharma on Sunday.
While Irfan played in the Twenty20 series, which India lost 0-2, Ojha so far has had little to do on this tour, other than roll his arm over at the nets.
And this will come as an ideal opportunity for Ojha to win the selectors` confidence. A poor show in the match would provide the leeway for Ravindra Jadeja, who has the making of a competitive all-rounder, to stake a claim for the second spinner`s slot in India`s ODI scheme of things.
The Indian team management is also likely to give Zaheer Khan, who did the bulk of the work in Ishant Sharma`s injury-forced absence during the ODIs, a break before the Test series and draft in Irfan in his place.
Tendulkar`s participation in the final ODI also looks doubtful as the team management is in no mood to aggravate his his abdomen injury ahead of the Test series. The batting maestro also missed the fourth ODI in Hamilton after suffering the injury during his majestic knock of 163 in Christchurch.
“We are not sure yet. We will have to wait and see,” said Kirsten.
If Tendulkar is rested, India will go in with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir at the top of the order. And if the Delhi-twosome, who were involved in a rollicking 201-run partnership for the first wicket at the Hamilton on Wednesday, maintain their momentum, India should complete a Kiwi sweep, similar to the 5-0 drubbing they gave England last season.
It will be interesting to see how many balls disappear in Saturday`s day-night affair at the small but petite Eden Park ground, whose square boundaries are a lot shorter than Christchurch, where a record number of sixes were blasted in the Twenty20 (24) and one-day (31) match of the series.
There is also a possibility of Sehwag, who has been in the form of his life, to score a double hundred, something that he spoke about after his 60-ball hundred in the last match.
The Kiwis would be eyeing a consolation win to boost their morale ahead of the Test series and skipper Daniel Vettori is determined to avoid a 4-0 drubbing in front of the home crowds.
"We need to play at our best to avoid a 4-0 drubbing in front of our public and fans," said Vettori.
But considering the form of Indian batsmen, Vettori`s men will have to produce something extraordinary to stop the marauding Indian gladiators from completing a series rout.
It could possibly turn out to be the worst debacle suffered by the Kiwis in recent times, wherein their bowlers` psyche has been demolished by some free flowing Indian batting.
Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Irfan Pathan, Pragyan Ojha.
New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain),Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Iain O`Brien, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliot, KYyle Mills, Ewen Thompson, Jeetan Patel.
The Indians have already taken an invincible 3-0 lead in the five match series and will be keen to try out their reserve players for the inconsequential game at the Eden Park.
Sachin Tendulkar, who sat out of the last game because of an abdomen injury, is likely to be rested for the match so that he is fully fit for the Test series beginning March 18.
While things have gone favourably for the Indians, the Kiwis have only pride to play for as they desperately need to salvage a win to convince the home fans of their limited-overs potential, especially after recording six consecutive series wins at home.
However, India coach Gary Kirsten has already made it clear that he is no mood to take the game lightly and would like to carry forward the momentum of the ODI series to the three upcoming Tests.
“It is important to maintain momentum and win games of cricket. That might require us to use our best combination. We also need to be mindful of the fact that it might be an opportunity to rest one or two players. We just have to weigh up what we want to do but we haven`t decided yet,” Kirsten said.
India are set to make some changes in their playing eleven and in all probability left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha and Irfan Pathan are likely to get a game before they return home alongwith Yusuf Pathan, Praveen Kumar and Rohit Sharma on Sunday.
While Irfan played in the Twenty20 series, which India lost 0-2, Ojha so far has had little to do on this tour, other than roll his arm over at the nets.
And this will come as an ideal opportunity for Ojha to win the selectors` confidence. A poor show in the match would provide the leeway for Ravindra Jadeja, who has the making of a competitive all-rounder, to stake a claim for the second spinner`s slot in India`s ODI scheme of things.
The Indian team management is also likely to give Zaheer Khan, who did the bulk of the work in Ishant Sharma`s injury-forced absence during the ODIs, a break before the Test series and draft in Irfan in his place.
Tendulkar`s participation in the final ODI also looks doubtful as the team management is in no mood to aggravate his his abdomen injury ahead of the Test series. The batting maestro also missed the fourth ODI in Hamilton after suffering the injury during his majestic knock of 163 in Christchurch.
“We are not sure yet. We will have to wait and see,” said Kirsten.
If Tendulkar is rested, India will go in with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir at the top of the order. And if the Delhi-twosome, who were involved in a rollicking 201-run partnership for the first wicket at the Hamilton on Wednesday, maintain their momentum, India should complete a Kiwi sweep, similar to the 5-0 drubbing they gave England last season.
It will be interesting to see how many balls disappear in Saturday`s day-night affair at the small but petite Eden Park ground, whose square boundaries are a lot shorter than Christchurch, where a record number of sixes were blasted in the Twenty20 (24) and one-day (31) match of the series.
There is also a possibility of Sehwag, who has been in the form of his life, to score a double hundred, something that he spoke about after his 60-ball hundred in the last match.
The Kiwis would be eyeing a consolation win to boost their morale ahead of the Test series and skipper Daniel Vettori is determined to avoid a 4-0 drubbing in front of the home crowds.
"We need to play at our best to avoid a 4-0 drubbing in front of our public and fans," said Vettori.
But considering the form of Indian batsmen, Vettori`s men will have to produce something extraordinary to stop the marauding Indian gladiators from completing a series rout.
It could possibly turn out to be the worst debacle suffered by the Kiwis in recent times, wherein their bowlers` psyche has been demolished by some free flowing Indian batting.
Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Irfan Pathan, Pragyan Ojha.
New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain),Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Iain O`Brien, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliot, KYyle Mills, Ewen Thompson, Jeetan Patel.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Gunmen attack on Sri Lanka cricketers in pakistan
At least five members of the Sri Lankan cricket team have been injured in a shooting incident in the Pakistani city of Lahore, a Sri Lankan minister says.
Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge told the BBC said that early reports said indicated that the injuries to five players and a coach were minor.
The incident happened when unidentified gunmen fired on a convoy carrying Sri Lankan and Pakistani cricketers.
Unconfirmed reports say some policemen had been killed by the shooting.
Sri Lankan media reports said two of the players including Thilan Samaraweera, who scored a double century in the ongoing Test match, have been taken to hospital.
The convoy was carrying Pakistani and Sri Lankan cricketers to the Gaddafi stadium, which is hosting a Test match between the two sides. The third day of play in the Second Test was scheduled to begin.
"It appears that our team bus was targeted on the way to the match. It appears that four of our cricketers have been injured and taken to the hospital," a Sri Lankan cricket official told an Indian TV channel from Colombo.
TV pictures showed two gunmen with backpacks on the road where the incident happened.
An eyewitness told Reuters news agency that three policemen and a traffic warden had been killed in the incident.
Shop owner Ahmed Ali said two policemen had been driving behind the team bus when the attack happened.
"It was a very heavy firing and I heard at least two explosions at the time," an eyewitness told Reuters.
Pakistani invited Sri Lanka to tour after India's cricket team pulled out of a scheduled cricket tour following the deadly November attacks in the western Indian city of Mumbai.
Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge told the BBC said that early reports said indicated that the injuries to five players and a coach were minor.
The incident happened when unidentified gunmen fired on a convoy carrying Sri Lankan and Pakistani cricketers.
Unconfirmed reports say some policemen had been killed by the shooting.
Sri Lankan media reports said two of the players including Thilan Samaraweera, who scored a double century in the ongoing Test match, have been taken to hospital.
The convoy was carrying Pakistani and Sri Lankan cricketers to the Gaddafi stadium, which is hosting a Test match between the two sides. The third day of play in the Second Test was scheduled to begin.
"It appears that our team bus was targeted on the way to the match. It appears that four of our cricketers have been injured and taken to the hospital," a Sri Lankan cricket official told an Indian TV channel from Colombo.
TV pictures showed two gunmen with backpacks on the road where the incident happened.
An eyewitness told Reuters news agency that three policemen and a traffic warden had been killed in the incident.
Shop owner Ahmed Ali said two policemen had been driving behind the team bus when the attack happened.
"It was a very heavy firing and I heard at least two explosions at the time," an eyewitness told Reuters.
Pakistani invited Sri Lanka to tour after India's cricket team pulled out of a scheduled cricket tour following the deadly November attacks in the western Indian city of Mumbai.
Tendulkar has 16,440 ODI runs, 6765 more than New Zealand's 12 players together.Can he make any difference?
India Have won 9 out of their last 10 ODIs.But After two successive losts in the T20 india is going to take on NZ in ODIs.Which form we can consider should we consider India have lost their lst 2 matches(infact 3, including last ODI with SL) or India have won 9 out of last 10 ODIs.
What might be the result of First ODI.Can Indians won the first match?
Also,the news is that Ishanth is not going to play the first ODI.How much it will effect indian bowling.I think indian pace men were really struggled to take wickets in T20 matches.Who could be the replacement for Ishath..is i tPraveen Kumar or Munaf patel?
And also sachin is playing in the First ODI.Tendulkar has 16,440 ODI runs, 6765 more than New Zealand's 12 players together.Can he make any difference?
India need to won first ODI on tomorrow,if not they will be depressed a lot and it has huge impact on remaining ODIs.
Thank you,
KSN
What might be the result of First ODI.Can Indians won the first match?
Also,the news is that Ishanth is not going to play the first ODI.How much it will effect indian bowling.I think indian pace men were really struggled to take wickets in T20 matches.Who could be the replacement for Ishath..is i tPraveen Kumar or Munaf patel?
And also sachin is playing in the First ODI.Tendulkar has 16,440 ODI runs, 6765 more than New Zealand's 12 players together.Can he make any difference?
India need to won first ODI on tomorrow,if not they will be depressed a lot and it has huge impact on remaining ODIs.
Thank you,
KSN
Monday, February 23, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire Oscar awards
New Delhi/Mumbai, Feb. 23: President Pratibha Patil today congratulated the team of 'Slumdog Millionaire' which created sensation by winning eight Oscars.
The President is happy that 'Slumdog Millionaire' has won Oscars in various categories. She congratulated the winning team, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said.
"The President is specially thrilled with the remarkable feat achieved by A.R. Rahman, Gulzar, Resul Pookutty and making India proud," the spokesperson said.
The film bagged eight awards including two Oscars for Rahman for Best Original Score and Best Song for "Jai Ho", which was penned by lyricist Gulzar.
Pookutty, a sound technician from Kerala, won the Oscar in the Sound Mixing category. The film went on to bag the award for Best Film, Best Director for Danny Boyle and Best Adapted Screenplay for Simon Beaufoy.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi congratulated the 'Slumdog Millionaire' team, particularly Rehman and Resul Pookutty.
"I am delighted that A.R. Rehman and Resul Pookutty have won this year's much coveted Oscars for music and sound editing. They have done India proud, as have all the Indian actors, technicians and support staff who participated in the making of 'Slumdog Millionaire'," Gandhi said in a statement.
"They represent the finest traditions of our film industry and are an inspiration to all of us," she said.
Home minister P. Chidambaram favoured tax exemption to two Oscars bagged by Rahman for 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
"If the Oscars carry a cash award, I will recommend to the finance minister that it should be exempt from taxation," Chidambaram, who is also former finance minister, said.
When asked whether such tax exemption would be given, CBDT chairman S.S.N. Moorthy refused a direct reply, saying this is a policy decision.
As Rahman and Pookutty scripted history, members of the film fraternity joined voices to applaud the enviable feat achieved by the duo.
Lyricist Gulzar, who penned the Oscar-winning song 'Jai ho' for which Rahman won an Oscar, said, "It is a great thing to be a part of this composition which has won an award. It is an extra happiness and extra thrill for me."
"My first reaction was surprise and thrill but as soon as the programme started my bet was on Rahman. I am very happy for Resul, another Indian technician who brought home the Oscar," said Gulzar, whose name was mentioned by the award presenter Alicia Keys while announcing the nominees.
"What a film and what a team to work with. The spirit of the film is reflected in its team," he said and crediting Rahman with "changing the entire face of Indian film music".
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar hailed Rahman saying, "May he win such an award every year. He is a genius. Rahman's music is a blend of a little South Indian music and what we commonly call Hindi film music."
Sister and veteran singer Asha Bhonsle, who has sung for Rahman in many films, said, "Rahman is a genius and has made the world sit up and take notice of Indian talent with his success. He has put the Indian film industry on the world map."
Chennai, the home city of Rahman, erupted into spontaneous celebrations as the music maestro bagged two Oscars for his score in 'Slumdog Millionaire' at the 81st Academy Awards.
As TV channels flashed the news of the Mozart of Madras bagging the coveted award, his fans celebrated it cutting cakes, distributing sweets and bursting crackers.
Family members of Rahman and his fans cut a huge cake right in the middle of the street opposite his house in the Kodambakkam area and burst "10,000 wala" crackers.
Students of several city colleges also joined the celebrations distributing sweets while the film fraternity, including leading singers, hailed his achievement.
Similar scenes of celebrations were witnessed at the house of Rahman's sister Rehana in nearby Virugambakkam area.
"We were just waiting for his name to be announced. I was praying to God at that time," an elated Rehana said.
"I always wanted him to talk in Tamil after receiving the award and that is the way he spoke; I am happy about it," she said overwhelmed by joy.
Rehana said formal celebrations would be planned after Rahman's return in consultation with his managers, team and fans.
Residents of Dharavi locality here were glued to the TV screens to celebrate the magical run of 'Slumdog Millionaire,' whose backdrop is their locality.
"We plan to celebrate the win. There will be a party tonight. In fact, people are already in a celebratory mood," said Azhar Shaikh, who has been living in Dharavi for the past decade.
Danny Boyle's film is a stark look at Dharavi slum, where lakhs of people live in a square kilometre area.
Family of Rubina, who plays little Latika in the film, is readying to greet her after she returns from the Oscars ceremony.
"We will all be there at the airport when she returns," her father Rafique said.
His neighbours are also happy that the film, shot in their locality, has cornered Oscar glory.
The film had received mixed response across India as some slum dwellers found it offensive, with some critics even labelling it as "poverty porn".
Some like Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen said the movie shows reality.
"When I see 'Slumdog...', I say Mercedes as well as a bullock cart run on the streets of my country," she said
The President is happy that 'Slumdog Millionaire' has won Oscars in various categories. She congratulated the winning team, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said.
"The President is specially thrilled with the remarkable feat achieved by A.R. Rahman, Gulzar, Resul Pookutty and making India proud," the spokesperson said.
The film bagged eight awards including two Oscars for Rahman for Best Original Score and Best Song for "Jai Ho", which was penned by lyricist Gulzar.
Pookutty, a sound technician from Kerala, won the Oscar in the Sound Mixing category. The film went on to bag the award for Best Film, Best Director for Danny Boyle and Best Adapted Screenplay for Simon Beaufoy.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi congratulated the 'Slumdog Millionaire' team, particularly Rehman and Resul Pookutty.
"I am delighted that A.R. Rehman and Resul Pookutty have won this year's much coveted Oscars for music and sound editing. They have done India proud, as have all the Indian actors, technicians and support staff who participated in the making of 'Slumdog Millionaire'," Gandhi said in a statement.
"They represent the finest traditions of our film industry and are an inspiration to all of us," she said.
Home minister P. Chidambaram favoured tax exemption to two Oscars bagged by Rahman for 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
"If the Oscars carry a cash award, I will recommend to the finance minister that it should be exempt from taxation," Chidambaram, who is also former finance minister, said.
When asked whether such tax exemption would be given, CBDT chairman S.S.N. Moorthy refused a direct reply, saying this is a policy decision.
As Rahman and Pookutty scripted history, members of the film fraternity joined voices to applaud the enviable feat achieved by the duo.
Lyricist Gulzar, who penned the Oscar-winning song 'Jai ho' for which Rahman won an Oscar, said, "It is a great thing to be a part of this composition which has won an award. It is an extra happiness and extra thrill for me."
"My first reaction was surprise and thrill but as soon as the programme started my bet was on Rahman. I am very happy for Resul, another Indian technician who brought home the Oscar," said Gulzar, whose name was mentioned by the award presenter Alicia Keys while announcing the nominees.
"What a film and what a team to work with. The spirit of the film is reflected in its team," he said and crediting Rahman with "changing the entire face of Indian film music".
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar hailed Rahman saying, "May he win such an award every year. He is a genius. Rahman's music is a blend of a little South Indian music and what we commonly call Hindi film music."
Sister and veteran singer Asha Bhonsle, who has sung for Rahman in many films, said, "Rahman is a genius and has made the world sit up and take notice of Indian talent with his success. He has put the Indian film industry on the world map."
Chennai, the home city of Rahman, erupted into spontaneous celebrations as the music maestro bagged two Oscars for his score in 'Slumdog Millionaire' at the 81st Academy Awards.
As TV channels flashed the news of the Mozart of Madras bagging the coveted award, his fans celebrated it cutting cakes, distributing sweets and bursting crackers.
Family members of Rahman and his fans cut a huge cake right in the middle of the street opposite his house in the Kodambakkam area and burst "10,000 wala" crackers.
Students of several city colleges also joined the celebrations distributing sweets while the film fraternity, including leading singers, hailed his achievement.
Similar scenes of celebrations were witnessed at the house of Rahman's sister Rehana in nearby Virugambakkam area.
"We were just waiting for his name to be announced. I was praying to God at that time," an elated Rehana said.
"I always wanted him to talk in Tamil after receiving the award and that is the way he spoke; I am happy about it," she said overwhelmed by joy.
Rehana said formal celebrations would be planned after Rahman's return in consultation with his managers, team and fans.
Residents of Dharavi locality here were glued to the TV screens to celebrate the magical run of 'Slumdog Millionaire,' whose backdrop is their locality.
"We plan to celebrate the win. There will be a party tonight. In fact, people are already in a celebratory mood," said Azhar Shaikh, who has been living in Dharavi for the past decade.
Danny Boyle's film is a stark look at Dharavi slum, where lakhs of people live in a square kilometre area.
Family of Rubina, who plays little Latika in the film, is readying to greet her after she returns from the Oscars ceremony.
"We will all be there at the airport when she returns," her father Rafique said.
His neighbours are also happy that the film, shot in their locality, has cornered Oscar glory.
The film had received mixed response across India as some slum dwellers found it offensive, with some critics even labelling it as "poverty porn".
Some like Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen said the movie shows reality.
"When I see 'Slumdog...', I say Mercedes as well as a bullock cart run on the streets of my country," she said
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire won 8 Oscar Awards
Los Angeles (Agencies): A.R. Rahman, Gulzar, Slumdog Millionaire and Smile Pinky made it Day of India at the Oscars with the Mozart of Madras winning two awards for original score and best song along with Gulzar.
An ecstatic Rahman perfomed his O Saya and Jai Ho as he accepted the awards.
India-based Slumdog Millionaire and Smile Pinky won seven awards together on Sunday. While Slumdog... won the best original score, best song, best adapted screenplay, best cinematography, best sound mixing and best film editing statuettes, Pinky won the best short documentary.
India's Resul Pokutty, who won the best sound mixing Oscar for Slumdog... along with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke, dedicated the award for the country.
LOS ANGELES: Slumdog Millionaire is arriving at the last stop in its rags-to-riches journey, steaming into the Academy Awards as the surefire favourite.
In keeping with its theme of bottomless optimism amid adversity, it has led a charmed life, dodging a flirtation with going straight-to-DVD, winning over critics and climbing toward a $100 million hit status. The film has won top honours at all key earlier awards ceremonies, with one to go.
As Sunday dawned under grey skies here, with rain threatening to dampen the red carpet for the second year in a row and Hollywood’s latest labour feud kicking up fresh news of another contract rejection, it seemed nothing could drag down the year’s most uplifting storyline.
Now its cast of unknowns — from new celebrities Dev Patel and Freida Pinto to kids plucked by British director Danny Boyle from the slums of Mumbai, India — are all getting a trip to Hollywood’s glitziest party.
For best picture, Slumdog Millionaire faces off against the romantic epic The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the Richard Nixon saga Frost/Nixon, the Harvey Milk tale Milk and the Holocaust-themed drama The Reader.
Shot in India on a modest budget of $14 million, the Boyle film traces the life of a Mumbai orphan who overcomes poverty, betrayal, police torture and other hardships on his way to a reunion with his childhood love and success on India’s version of the TV game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”
After last year’s Oscars delivered their worst TV ratings ever, producers this time say they aim to liven up the show with some surprises and new ways of presenting awards. While some details have surfaced in the past week, most plans have remained a secret, including the identities of celebrities who are presenting the trophies.
The host is no secret. The producers have tapped 40-year-old Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman, who has hosted Broadway’s Tony Awards three times, to emcee the Oscars for the first time.
“If I hadn’t done the Tonys, I think I’d be a lot more nervous than I am,” Jackman said.
Sunday’s ceremony, airing live on the ABC television network, features a mix of fresh faces and old Oscar hands in the acting categories.
Two-time winner Meryl Streep extended her record to 15 nominations, this time for best actress in Doubt, while other past Oscar recipients and nominees include Sean Penn (best actor for Milk, Kate Winslet (best actress for The Reader, Robert Downey Jr. (supporting actor for Tropic Thunder and Philip Seymour Hoffman (supporting actor for Doubt)
Newcomers include a rush of veteran performers, among them best-actress contenders Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) and Melissa Leo (Frozen River) and best-actor candidates Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon) and Richard Jenkins (The Visitor).
The Dark Knight co-star Heath Ledger is considered as strong a candidate for supporting actor as Slumdog Millionaire is for best picture and director. Ledger, who died on Oscar nominations day last year, took comic-book villains to new heights with his delirious incarnation of Batman foe the Joker.
Past winner Angelina Jolie and her man, Brad Pitt, both are nominated. She’s up for best actress in Changeling and he’s competing for best actor in Benjamin Button, which leads with 13 nominations, followed by Slumdog with 10
An ecstatic Rahman perfomed his O Saya and Jai Ho as he accepted the awards.
India-based Slumdog Millionaire and Smile Pinky won seven awards together on Sunday. While Slumdog... won the best original score, best song, best adapted screenplay, best cinematography, best sound mixing and best film editing statuettes, Pinky won the best short documentary.
India's Resul Pokutty, who won the best sound mixing Oscar for Slumdog... along with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke, dedicated the award for the country.
LOS ANGELES: Slumdog Millionaire is arriving at the last stop in its rags-to-riches journey, steaming into the Academy Awards as the surefire favourite.
In keeping with its theme of bottomless optimism amid adversity, it has led a charmed life, dodging a flirtation with going straight-to-DVD, winning over critics and climbing toward a $100 million hit status. The film has won top honours at all key earlier awards ceremonies, with one to go.
As Sunday dawned under grey skies here, with rain threatening to dampen the red carpet for the second year in a row and Hollywood’s latest labour feud kicking up fresh news of another contract rejection, it seemed nothing could drag down the year’s most uplifting storyline.
Now its cast of unknowns — from new celebrities Dev Patel and Freida Pinto to kids plucked by British director Danny Boyle from the slums of Mumbai, India — are all getting a trip to Hollywood’s glitziest party.
For best picture, Slumdog Millionaire faces off against the romantic epic The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the Richard Nixon saga Frost/Nixon, the Harvey Milk tale Milk and the Holocaust-themed drama The Reader.
Shot in India on a modest budget of $14 million, the Boyle film traces the life of a Mumbai orphan who overcomes poverty, betrayal, police torture and other hardships on his way to a reunion with his childhood love and success on India’s version of the TV game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”
After last year’s Oscars delivered their worst TV ratings ever, producers this time say they aim to liven up the show with some surprises and new ways of presenting awards. While some details have surfaced in the past week, most plans have remained a secret, including the identities of celebrities who are presenting the trophies.
The host is no secret. The producers have tapped 40-year-old Australian entertainer Hugh Jackman, who has hosted Broadway’s Tony Awards three times, to emcee the Oscars for the first time.
“If I hadn’t done the Tonys, I think I’d be a lot more nervous than I am,” Jackman said.
Sunday’s ceremony, airing live on the ABC television network, features a mix of fresh faces and old Oscar hands in the acting categories.
Two-time winner Meryl Streep extended her record to 15 nominations, this time for best actress in Doubt, while other past Oscar recipients and nominees include Sean Penn (best actor for Milk, Kate Winslet (best actress for The Reader, Robert Downey Jr. (supporting actor for Tropic Thunder and Philip Seymour Hoffman (supporting actor for Doubt)
Newcomers include a rush of veteran performers, among them best-actress contenders Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) and Melissa Leo (Frozen River) and best-actor candidates Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon) and Richard Jenkins (The Visitor).
The Dark Knight co-star Heath Ledger is considered as strong a candidate for supporting actor as Slumdog Millionaire is for best picture and director. Ledger, who died on Oscar nominations day last year, took comic-book villains to new heights with his delirious incarnation of Batman foe the Joker.
Past winner Angelina Jolie and her man, Brad Pitt, both are nominated. She’s up for best actress in Changeling and he’s competing for best actor in Benjamin Button, which leads with 13 nominations, followed by Slumdog with 10
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Iran plans to build world's largest artificial beach
Kerman (Iran): Iran plans to build the world's largest artificial beach in this provincial capital city in central Iran, an official said Wednesday.
Director of Kerman's Ashkan water park Arash Salehi said that the 60,000-square-metre project is to be constructed at a cost 160 billion rials ($16 million) and it would be larger than the world's largest artificial beach at present, called the Ocean Dome, in the Japanese city of Miyazaki that has an area of 56,000-square-metre.
Salehi added that a water park would also be built in the Kerman within seven months and added that Iran has talked to some Indian and Chinese experts for carrying out the project.
Kerman, some 1,076 km south of the capital Tehran, is a popular tourist hub.
Director of Kerman's Ashkan water park Arash Salehi said that the 60,000-square-metre project is to be constructed at a cost 160 billion rials ($16 million) and it would be larger than the world's largest artificial beach at present, called the Ocean Dome, in the Japanese city of Miyazaki that has an area of 56,000-square-metre.
Salehi added that a water park would also be built in the Kerman within seven months and added that Iran has talked to some Indian and Chinese experts for carrying out the project.
Kerman, some 1,076 km south of the capital Tehran, is a popular tourist hub.
Satyam recalls 1,500 onsite staff as clients call off contracts
New Delhi: As clients cancelled contracts with troubled Satyam computers, more than 1,500 employees of the company working overseas have been called back to India. Followed by Rs. 7,800 crore scam in Satyam, many foreign clients have terminated their contract with the company, reported The Economic Times.
About 170 employees who were working for State Farm Insurance, an Illinois-based insurance company, have already returned to Satyam headquarters in Hyderabad, as State Farm Insurance terminated the contract with Satyam. Most of the employees were technical and support staff that were involved in delivery management and support. "The disengagement took place in an abrupt manner. Satyam staffers were not allowed to access the computers and their belongings after termination of the contract," said a Satyam executive.
According to the company executive, some other larger clients such as Philadelphia-based Cigna Corporation, Melbourne-based Telstra, Sydney-based Qantas airlines and Atlanta-based Coca-Cola have also started disengaging from the company, resulting in over 1,500 employee redundancies across Satyam's onshore operations in the U.S. and Asia Pacific. Satyam gets more than $300 million revenue from these four clients.
Indicating further cost-cutting measures in future, another senior executive of Satyam said that there would be a lot of restructuring as business overseas has been severely impacted and hence workforce rationalization is definitely on the cards. "Investments in training and development and infrastructure will be brought down significantly," executive added.
Employees, concerned over the future, have started to approach various employee organizations to resolve the problem. For instance, UNITES, an organization working for the rights of IT employees has received several queries from Satyam employees based in the U.S., U.K. and Japan about how they should go about finding a solution to the current crisis.
About 170 employees who were working for State Farm Insurance, an Illinois-based insurance company, have already returned to Satyam headquarters in Hyderabad, as State Farm Insurance terminated the contract with Satyam. Most of the employees were technical and support staff that were involved in delivery management and support. "The disengagement took place in an abrupt manner. Satyam staffers were not allowed to access the computers and their belongings after termination of the contract," said a Satyam executive.
According to the company executive, some other larger clients such as Philadelphia-based Cigna Corporation, Melbourne-based Telstra, Sydney-based Qantas airlines and Atlanta-based Coca-Cola have also started disengaging from the company, resulting in over 1,500 employee redundancies across Satyam's onshore operations in the U.S. and Asia Pacific. Satyam gets more than $300 million revenue from these four clients.
Indicating further cost-cutting measures in future, another senior executive of Satyam said that there would be a lot of restructuring as business overseas has been severely impacted and hence workforce rationalization is definitely on the cards. "Investments in training and development and infrastructure will be brought down significantly," executive added.
Employees, concerned over the future, have started to approach various employee organizations to resolve the problem. For instance, UNITES, an organization working for the rights of IT employees has received several queries from Satyam employees based in the U.S., U.K. and Japan about how they should go about finding a solution to the current crisis.
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