D 21 C—28 C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE PUZZLES Meg’s …

DOHA 21°C—28°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11L P

Wednesday, December 7, 2016Rabia I 8, 1438 AH

CommunityExperts call for an integrated approach

to autism and eliminating the stigma associated with it.

P8 P16 CommunityNepalese expat Nanda Prasad Dhungana came

to Qatar as a mechanical helper but with hard work and perseverance has moved far ahead in his career.

Hollywood star brings

her directorial debut

Ithaca to Doha. P4-5

Meg’s new ambition

COVERSTORY

HOLDING FORTH: Meg Ryan talks on stage during the Ajyal Youth Film Festival in Doha.

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

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USEFUL NUMBERS

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Wednesday, December 7, 20162 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Thoppil Joppan (Malayalam)

DIRECTION: Johny Antony

SCREENPLAY: Nishad Koya

CAST: Mammootty, Andrea Jeremiah, Mamta Mohandas, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Sudheer Sukumaran,

Salim Kumar.SYNOPSIS: This fi lm

revolves around the life of a middle-aged Kabbadi player who is obsessed with alcohol consumption after he loses his fi rst love, Andrea. Though he does fi nd some solace in alcohol, he is not an alcoholic. His family members and well-wishers fi nally fi nd a way to stop his drinking.

THEATRE: Asian Town

TrollsDIRECTION: Mike Mitchell, Walt

DohrnCAST: Anna Kendrick, Justin

Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Russell Brand, James Corden, Gwen Stefani

SYNOPSIS: The Trolls are small creatures who live in an almost perpetual state of happiness, singing, dancing, and hugging all day long. However, they are discovered by the Bergens, large creatures who never feel happy but discover that they can feel happy for a moment if they eat a Troll. The Bergens put the Trolls and their tree in a cage, and hold an annual festival in which each Bergen gets its feeling of happiness by eating a Troll. However, the Trolls, led by their King Peppy (Jeff rey Tambor), escape through underground tunnels on the day that the Bergen crown Prince Gristle Jr. (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) would eat his fi rst Troll. The furious Bergen King Gristle Sr. (John Cleese) banishes his Chef (Christine Baranski) who was in charge of the Troll preparation.

Poppy, the optimistic leader of the Trolls, and her polar opposite, Branch must embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond the only world they’ve ever known.

THEATRES: Landmark, Mall Cinema, Royal Plaza

Mall Cinema (1): Katapana (Malayalam) 2pm; Katapana (Malayalam) 4:30pm; The Unmarried Wife (2D) 7pm; The Unmarried Wife (2D) 9:15pm; Saithan (Tamil) 11:30pm.Mall Cinema (2): Trolls (2D) 2:15pm; Al Bab Yewfet Amel (Arabic) 4pm; Lion (2D) 5:45pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 8pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 9:45pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 11:30pm.Mall Cinema (3): Manyan Puli (Telugu) 2:30pm; The Edge Of Seventeen (2D) 5:30pm; Man Down (2D) 7:30pm; Lion (2D) 9:15pm; Kahaani 2 (Hindi) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (1): The Unmarried Wife (2D) 2:30pm; Al Bab Yewfet Amel (Arabic) 5pm; Lion (2D) 6:45pm; Katapana (Malayalam) 9pm;

Lion (2D) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Trolls (2D) 3pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 5pm; The Edge Of Seventeen (2D) 7pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 9pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 11pm.Landmark Cinema (3): Manyan Puli (Telugu) 2:15pm; Kahaani 2 (Hindi) 5:15pm; The Unmarried Wife (2D) 7:30pm; Man Down (2D) 9:45pm; Kahaaani (Hindi) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Trolls (2D) 2:15pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 4pm; The Edge Of Seventeen (2D) 5:45pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D)

7:45pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 9:30pm; Katapana (Malayalam) 11:15pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Katapana (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Man Down (2D) 5:15pm; The Unmarried Wife (2D) 7pm; Kahaani 2 (Hindi) 9:15pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Kahaani 2 (Hindi) 2:30pm; The Unmarried Wife (2D) 5pm; Al Bab Yewfet Amel (Arabic) 7:15pm; Lion (2D) 9pm; Man Down (2D) 11:15pm.Asian Town Cinema: Saithan (Tamil) 8:45 & 11:15pm; Katapana (Malayalam) 6, 8:45 & 11:30pm; Thoppil Joppan (Malayalam) 5:45 & 11pm; Kahaani 2 (Hindi) 6pm; Puli Murugan (Malayalam) 5:45pm.

PRAYER TIMEFajr 4.45amShorooq (sunrise) 6.06amZuhr (noon) 11.25amAsr (afternoon) 2.24pmMaghreb (sunset) 4.46pmIsha (night) 6.16pm

In any moment of decision, the best thing you

can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the

worst thing you can do is nothing. – Theodore Roosevelt

3Wednesday, December 7, 2016 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change

EVENTS

Al Gannas(For school students) Until March 31, 20179am – NoonAl Gannas SocietyFree ( For boys only, requires

registration) Al Gannas association is participating in

the “Our culture is a school” programme, by organising many activities for the students every Monday and Wednesday of the week.

These activities include explanations on hunting and related items tools, kinds of falcons and preys, in addition to workshop on how to carry a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of goat & camel hair), prepare traditional Arabic coff ee and start a fi re. For further details, visit katara.net

Qatar Music Academy(For school students) Until March 28, 201711am – 2pmFree (Requires registration) Qatar Music Academy focuses on teaching

its students the principles of Arab and Western music. As part of the “Our Culture is a School” programme, Qatar Music Academy has off ered interested schools the opportunity to attend various workshops. These workshops will include an introduction to Arab and Western music and instruments, as well as the teachers giving a brief overview of the educational music programmes at the Academy. For further details, visit katara.net

QNHG TalkUnderstanding Life in the DesertBy Aspa D ChatziefthimiouResearch Scientist/Weill Cornell Medicine

and Exxon Mobil Research/Ecological Consultant / Richer Environments

Date: TodayTime: 7pmRefreshments from 6.30pm. Q and A

afterwards

Where: Doha English Speaking School, Madinat Khalifa South

Synopsis: The hot arid desert is a spectacular scenery of extremes where diverse organisms struggle constantly for survival. During her talk, Dr Chatziefthimiou will take us on a virtual tour of the Qatari ecosystems and the environmental extremes that defi ne them. She will also give voice to the organisms that inhabit them recounting ecological tales of physiological and behavioural adaptations. Please note that this is an interactive presentation and kids’ participation is highly welcomed and encouraged.

Short bioDr Chatziefthimiou is an ecologist and her

work centres in extreme environments from the Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vents of the East Pacifi c, which she visited on board the Deep Submersible Vehicle Alvin, to the desert of Qatar. She received her PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University, USA, and currently is a Visiting Research Scientist at Weill Cornell Medicine investigating how cyanobacterial toxins impact air and water quality, and human health. She is an Ecological Consultant at Richer Environments contributing to Environmental Impact Assessment reports and a Research Scientist at Exxon Mobil using microbes to treat waste water. Dr Chatziefthimiou is very active in the fi eld of sustainability and urban ecology as a Scientifi c Advisor at QGBC and a Principal Investigator for MetaSUB, devising strategies to attract “healthy” microbiomes in the built environment. Dr Chatziefthimiou is a passionate educator and organizes a myriad of outreach activities to expose the general public to the beauty of nature More details on : www.qnhg.org and on our facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/qnhg. org/

Inter School Quiz Indian Women’s Association is organising

their 20th anniversary of Inter School Quiz competition, IWA-Aster Kids Brain Quest’16 on December 9 at Birla Public School. Aster DM Healthcare is the main sponsor and co-ordinator of the event. This year the quiz is hosted by Siddharatha Basu, the well-known Quiz Master.

Qatar International Boat ShowDATE: Until December 10TIME: 2:30pm-9:30pmVENUE: Mourjan Marina, Lusail City,

DohaAlthough the exhibition should have at

least three years behind it, the fact that QIBS was admitted after just one show is testament to the huge impact that the fi rst show generated in the industry.

QMASS general body meetingDATE: December 16TIME: 4pmVENUE: ICCA general body meeting of the forum of

expatriates from Mahe and neighbouring regions of Kerala is scheduled to take place on December 16 at ICC. All members are requested to attend the meeting. The executive committee requests all the expatriates hailing from the above mentioned regions to take part and to get registered.

Children’s workshopDATE: Today and tomorrow VENUE: International School of LondonThe Raising Bilingual Children workshops

will provide tips for parents to maintain their home country language when living abroad and how to develop your child’s English. There will be ample time to share experiences

and ask questions of our workshop leader, Susan Stewart. The two-hour workshops are free of charge and open to the public.

Football for DevelopmentDATE: Until December 16TIME: 5pm-9pmVENUE: Mesaimeer With the success of the pilot training

conducted jointly by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Naaas Group for Real Estate Project Management & Development, in July and August this year, the fi rst in a series of Generation Amazing’s Football for Development Programme was inaugurated on October 14.

The programme continues every Friday from 5pm until 9pm at Labor City, Mesaimeer with a look of festivity, grandeur and boundless energy.

The training programme, held once a week, involves football-based activities and drills to educate, train and develop the social, behavioural and lifestyle patterns of the recipients. This, in turn, leaves a positive legacy on the society and the world at large. The concept is for each participant to absorb the values of inclusion, health, well-being and awareness of the environment around us.

Under the accomplished supervision of Naas and the SC, this 10-week programme is an excellent platform to use the power of football as a catalyst for social change, empower the next generation and allow Qatar to leave a lasting legacy as a result of hosting World Cup 2022.

The BackyardDATE: Every FridayTIME: 6pmVENUE: Sheraton Grand DohaThe Backyard is a fi rst-of-its-kind venue

in Doha and brought to you by Candela entertainment. Live music every Friday with a variety of your favourite local bands and occasional surprises of bigger performers! Entrance: QR100 for gents including one beverage/ladies free entrance until 8:30pm, after it will be QR65 for ladies including one beverage.

FragmentsDATE: Until January 30VENUE: KataraIn this exhibition, Mahmoud Obaidi

retraces the ‘organised chaos’ that led to the destruction of Iraq, and presents a response to witnessing the city of Baghdad fall piece by piece. Obaidi recreates what has been stolen or destroyed to try to piece the city back together again.

Treasures of ChinaDATE: Until January 7, 2017VENUE: Museum of Islamic ArtTerracotta soldiers from the First

Emperor’s Terracotta Army will be on show at the Museum of Islamic Art where visitors will get the chance to meet the warriors who guarded a hidden empire. The exhibition will display 116 pieces dating from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty, spanning over

5,000 years of China’s history. Potteries, bronzes, jades, porcelains, gold, silver, enamel and many other Chinese treasures will be on show.

Tumbao Latin NightsDATE: Every SundayVENUE: Grand Hyatt HotelTumbao is not only a salsa rhythm, it

enables you to share in the creative fl ow of life and get connected to the beat and dance. Join us every Sunday at Dunes with the fellow Latin dancers in town and nightly competitions with valuable prizes brought to you by Salsa n Candela. For more info & reservation, contact 44481280.

Cake Decoration ClassesDATE: Morning and eveningVENUE: Tavola Royal Plaza, Al Saad StreetTavola off ers a range of cake decorating and

kitchen skills classes. It is the only authorised Wilton method provider in the Middle East. It is authorised by Wilton enterprises to conduct classes in the Wilton Method cake decorating and the Wilton Method Instructors (WMI) training programmes by Knightsbridge PME (UK). Tavola conducts sugar-crafting programmes and also off ers programmes in baking and chocolate making.

Fitness TrainingDATE: Sunday, Tuesday, ThursdayTIME: 6pm-7pmVENUE: MIA ParkThere are fi tness classes in the park on

Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights between 6 and 7pm. Open to all levels of fi tness, Bootcamp is an intensive and fun way to train and also meet new people in the open and friendly group atmosphere. More information, from Bootcamp, Qatar or info@ bootcampqatar.com

FOODIE’S CHOICE

RESTAURANT: Hyde Park Coff ee shopLOCATION: Radisson Blu HotelExperience the best Friday Family Brunchfi lled with the most exquisite culinaryoptions, delicious live stations and an array

of tempting desserts.


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

“I learned more about acting by

directing a movie”

CANDID: “The real variable on a set is an actor besides the weather ,” says Meg Ryan.

—Meg Ryan, Hollywood starBy Umer Nangiana

To begin with, she did not mean to become a movie star. Today, she is one of the biggest. And again, she says she

did not mean to be a director yet she has done it. The world would hope Meg Ryan finds the same career success here that she found in acting.

With her directorial debut, Ithaca, she makes her intentions clear. The delicate wide-eyed blonde from some of Hollywood’s best romantic comedies of the modern era made her first appearance in town by bringing a period drama to Doha Film Institute’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2016.

She was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of the film festival that recently concluded after showcasing some very powerful movies from around the world for six days.

Based on William Saroyan’s 1943 novel The Human Comedy, Ithaca is a coming-of-age film sweetly interwoven featuring Ryan’s own son, 24-year-old Jack Quaid. The film stars Ryan herself in the role of Mrs Macauley and reunites her with Tom Hanks.

The other stars include Alex Neustaedter, Jack Quaid, Sam Shepard and Hamish Linklater. The film was released in September this year and was screened here at Ajyal.

The star of movies like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail, has made a powerful statement with Ithaca, which she says, is a story she personally wanted to tell.

“I didn’t think that I wanted to direct but this story came along. I read the book when my son was young (about 8). I discovered that as a mother, it was a story that I could tell; more than as an actor or as somebody working in the movie business,” says Ryan, speaking to a group of journalists prior to her appearance at the Ajyal closing ceremony.

Set in 1942, the movie shows Homer Macauley (Alex Neustaedter) as a boy determined to be the best and fastest bicycle telegraph messenger of his city. His older brother, Marcus (Jack Quaid), along with most of the young boys of the city, has gone to war, leaving the families worried.

His father died recently and the boy has to take care of his widowed mother (Meg Ryan), his older sister and his four-year-old brother. Homer becomes the only telegraph messenger of the city, delivering the letters that bring messages of love, wishes, pain and death, hoping that one of them announces the return of his brother.

“The protagonist to me is a moving little character in that all he really wants is this impossible thing which is to make sure that everyone he loves never gets hurt. I found that as a very compelling story. And I love the era, the 1940s America and I just love the analogue nature of it,” says Ryan with her signature bubbly smile.

And she also loved in the story how imperfect the adults are. Life presents very complicated questions and they do not really all have perfect answers to that.

But what was more challenging for Ryan, acting or directing or yet doing both at the same time?

“I learned more about acting by directing a movie. I learned more about acting in one 23-day period than in all the movies that I did because I recognised that all the movies (that I did) were in the movie, (but) all worked so differently,” says the actor-turned-director.

“The real variable on a set is an actor besides the weather (chuckles). They bring something to life. Then, there were so many children in the movie who had never worked before and Sam Shepard worked differently than Hamish, and the teenagers worked differently,” says Ryan.

She says what the actors are asked to do is to come to a set and bring life to a moment and the crew awaits them. They wait for this magical moment, when you can provide as many things as you


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

can for an actor and then you hope that they can bring it to life.

And they even hope the same. And that is a very different job than being a conductor with an overall view of all the artistes on the set have to do.

“The great joy of being an actor is that you enjoy the luxury of having only one subjective emotional story to be responsible for. And a great joy being a

director is to navigate and conduct all the different types of artistes on the set,” says the Ithaca director.

Ryan says she would love to direct again but perhaps, not herself in the movie again.

“Because to all my crew I had to ask everybody, was that the right way?” she laughs, recalling directing herself in Ithaca. And the last scene, in particular, where

Mrs Macauley had to receive the bad news standing at the doorsteps of her house.

“And all I could think of was: why is that crane moving very slowly; the camera is not moving at the right speed (laughs). So that is very distracting,” says Ryan.

She did not find it difficult working with her real son in the movie. Jack, she says, is hard working and by the time he came

to do the movie, he had already worked on multiple projects.

Responding to a question about being open to any future collaboration with DFI, Ryan says she is an open collaborator. “I am a filmmaker and film is we do,” says Ryan, adding that she was excited to be in Doha. She has been in the region before though and she says she was amazed to see the difference between then

and now. “Somebody showed me the pictures of Sheraton from 20 years and now, and it is extraordinary. And we went to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), it was perfect. I think so far I have seen so many great things,” says the actor.

However, she says if she had to stay any longer it would be at the Souq, and out in the desert or may be on a camel.

PASSIONATE: Ithaca, Ryan says, is a story that she wanted to tell.

GROUP POSER: CEO of Doha Film Institute Fatma al-Remaihi and Meg Ryan pose with members of the jury at the closing ceremony.

Ryan says what the actors are asked to do is to come to a set and bring life to a moment and the crew awaits them. They wait for this magical moment, when you can provide as many things as you can for an actor and then you hope that they can bring it to life


COMMUNITY

TNG all set for Qatar National Day Educational Fiesta 2016

DeBakey, Best Buddies-Qatar students attend social event

To commemorate the National Day of Qatar, The Next Generation school has organised a Qatar National Day

Education Fiesta on Friday, December 16 from 3pm-9pm at the TNG Ain Khalid campus.

The event will be for families only and will feature diff erent educational, cultural, clothes, health and food stalls.

The educational stalls will be set up by notable entities in Qatar and will have interactive science and engineering learning activities for

children of all age groups. Free blood sugar, eye vision and

BMI tests will be conducted by healthcare practitioners at one of the stalls.

A sports academy has arranged games for adults and children to promote the love of sports and healthy lifestyle in Qatar.

The food stalls will feature a wide range of traditional delicacies and sweets. From barbeque and snacks to dessert and refreshment stalls, there will be a variety of authentic cuisines to choose.

The Ministry of Interior and Flower Each Spring are also participating in the event to create awareness about environment and societal issues. Promoting innovative learning and creative thinking with the help of blocks and robotics, a LEGO stall will join the fi esta.

Faisal Hudawi, community reach out offi ce co-ordinator at the Ministry of Interior, said that the idea of an educational festival is in perfect timing with the Qatar National Day and “we fully support the school to organise

such an event.”There will also be face painting

and henna designing stalls at the event. Ladies may be interested in the traditional fashion stalls at the event, showcasing the latest designer clothes and jewellery. Gifts, vouchers and jackpot prizes will be awarded to the winners at the game stalls.

A vibrant cultural stage performance by TNG students will be the highlight of the evening.

“Expressing our solidarity at the National Day of Qatar, this educational and entertainment

fi esta will provide a perfect opportunity for adults and children to celebrate the auspicious occasion in high spirits,” said TNG Director Riyaz Ahmed Bakali. “The Qatar National Day Education Fiesta organised last year achieved tremendous success and we received a huge crowd at the event. We thank our teachers, parents and student fraternity for supporting the school at every event and working together as a team to achieve the vision of quality education.”

DeBakey High School-Qatar has partnered with Best Buddies-Qatar for the past three years. This opportunity gives students the opportunity to show a

long-term commitment to their community, and reach out to students with intellectual disabilities who have traditionally been treated diff erently by society.

A social event was held at DeBakey High School-Qatar for DeBakey high school students to interact with students having intellectual disabilities. The event consisted of sports and art & crafts activities. The activities included fun relay games with obstacle courses, building an airplane, making a frame with portrait art work, football, basketball and other interactive games.

The event was designed with the theme, “They are just like you & me,” in eff orts to break away the thought that children

with disabilities want to be dealt with any diff erently than the next child.

DeBakey students were surprised with their own experiences, and shared a few refl ections: “I felt like nothing was even wrong, we had so much fun together.” and “The event was a wonderful learning experience for me as I discovered what interacting with kids having disabilities is really like; I learned that disabilities sometimes aren’t so obvious.”

«Education includes ensuring a well-rounded experience that promotes character development and social responsibility,» said Linda Mabrie, DeBakey Executive Director.

This year DeBakey students have joined the Promoter division of Best Buddies and are looking forward to holding their next event for the staff and faculty of DeBakey. Their aim will be to increase the awareness and sensitivity concerns revolved around interacting with students having disabilities.

Event participants pictured with Rim Kabbara, Director of Student Aff airs, and Justin Mabrie, Director of Admissions.

Students participated in a number of arts & crafts activities. They were able to keep their designs.


COMMUNITY

La Piazza launches ‘Eat All You Can Pasta & Pizza’ off erLa Piazza at Al Bidda Hotel, which is part of the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels (SWBH), has launched a new off er for Italian food aficionados in town. The “Eat All You Can Pasta & Pizza” off er starts daily from 12noon to 4pm throughout December, excluding weekends. The off er includes pizza by meter with selected toppings, a bowl of fresh salad as well as a variety of famous Italian pastas. Chefs will prepare these delicate plates in front of the guests. The ambience and atmosphere promises to transport guests directly to the heart of the Italy.“Italian food has always been loved by everyone, however this special twist in contemporary dishes will make the pasta and pizza experience all the more special,” says

Hafidh al-Busaidy, General Manager of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. “The wide variety of restaurants at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels create a unique place that combine diverse cultures and traditions off ering relishing and mouthwatering culinary delicacies prepared by the most talented chefs.”La Piazza features a magnificent stained-glass atrium in the courtyard of Al Bidda Boutique Hotel. Here guests can sample authentic Italian cuisine and see fresh homemade pasta and deliciously flavoured pizzas. The restaurant has been designed with exhilarating atmosphere due to the iconic interior design inspired by the classic Italian style, which is in harmony with the works of local artists.

Jeannie Donohoe

Royal Grammar School, Guildford wins prestigious business award

Within the first term of opening its doors to students, the Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar has been awarded the prestigious title of best ‘British Start Up Company of the Year, 2016’ by the Qatar British Business Forum (QBBF).At a recent awards ceremony held at the Oryx Rotana Hotel, hosted by the QBBF and in front of an audience of 180 of Qatar’s most eminent British business leaders, Paul Bridges, Principal of the Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar, collected the award

from British ambassador Ajay Sharma and QBBF chairman, Emad Turkman.Announcing the winner, Matt Kitson, QBBF Committee Member stated that competition for the award had been high amongst a number of sectors, but that the Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar was a worthy winner having created a large and successful British business in Qatar, over a very short period of time. Kitson added that this had only been possible due to the dedication of the team, coupled with strong leadership, which had allowed

the project to overcome a number of unprecedented challenges, not least those associated with the current economic climate caused by the fall in oil prices.Kitson commented that the Royal Grammar School, Guildford had created strong partnership links with Qatar, which was benefiting both the UK and Qatar and was an excellent example of the work the QBBF does, which is to promote business excellence and Qatari partnering in the British community.Bridges said that he was honoured to receive such a prestigious award and to have been welcomed so warmly in to the Qatar British business community. “This was the Royal Grammar School in Guildford’s first venture overseas in our 500 year history. Our aim has been to raise the profile of the British curriculum here in Qatar and to work with our Qatari partners Al Qamra Holding to provide the same high standards of British education in Qatar, that we off er at our very successful RGS, Guildford and Lanesborough schools in Guildford, Surrey. “We came to Qatar at the invitation of the Chairman, Hamad al-Qamra and it is his passion, vision and generosity which has made the Royal Grammar School in Guildford possible here in Qatar. I would also personally like to thank the staff of the RGS in Qatar, our success has been largely due to their hard work, determination and talent and over the coming years we hope to provide many thousands of children living in Qatar with a first-class RGS, Guildford education.”

Lexus Short Film winner’s work premieres at the Napa Valley festival

Lexus and The Weinstein Company premiered an exciting new fi lm, Game, created and directed by the award-winning fi lmmaker

Jeannie Donohoe, at the Napa Valley Film Festival. An alumna of Columbia University’s graduate fi lm programme, Donohoe has written and directed several short films, including Lambing Season and Public. Donohoe is currently developing her first feature-length film, Flock.

The plot of Game involves a high school sophomore who relocates to a new high school and decides to try out for the reigning state champion boys’ basketball team. On the court, the player demonstrates extraordinary skill, worthy of making the roster. However, when the team discovers this student’s shocking secret, the storyline is taken to a whole new level. Game also features a performance by Canadian actor and

three-time NBA champion Rick Fox. Game is one of four fi lms being

produced by Joey Horvitz of The Weinstein Company as part of this third season of Lexus Short Films, a partnership between Lexus International and The Weinstein Company to support up-and-coming fi lmmakers. The three other Lexus Short Films Series fi lms, Friday Night, MESSiAH and A Nation Holds Its Breath also screened at the Napa Valley Film Festival.

The Weinstein Company co-chairman Harvey Weinstein, said, “We were very excited to be at the Napa Valley Film Festival to premiere Game for the fi rst time. Donohoe’s talent was demonstrated throughout the fi lm and truly showcased the theme of Lexus Short Films Season 3 – Anticipation.”

David Nordstrom, global branding department General Manager of Lexus International, said,

“The attendees not only had the opportunity to experience Jeannie’s creativity and imagination with Game, but they also viewed the other projects created as part of Lexus Short Films Season 3 – all fi lled with creativity and imagination for a global audience.”


COMMUNITY

Call for an integrated

By Aney Mathew

About 70% of couples who have a child with autism end up in a divorce, according to an independent study.

This rather shocking revelation was made by Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak (in reference to the situation in Thailand), as she commented on the stigma related to autism, and the challenges faced by families with an autistic child – when they are not positively supported by health services and their local community.

Dr Benjaponpitak, Director, Rajanukul Institute, Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, was among the panellists of the Autism Forum at the WISH 2016 summit held in Doha last week.

In an exclusive interview with Community, the panellists spoke on the stigma associated with autism; the unfortunate victims it has created – the children suffering from the condition as well as their families; and the need for an integrated approach to the situation.

“It is important to educate the public and bring about awareness

on autism, to remove the stigma. Equally important is the need to educate parents on how to take care of the needs of the child afflicted with the condition, while extending support to the entire family. So when we screen a child for autism, we also assess the family to understand their stress levels. Based on the assessment, we offer the families various stress-relieving programmes to help them cope. We also try to help families through various community programmes. This has given us good results to the point, where it has helped some couples understand each other better and

even helped their marriage. So early detection helps both – the child with autism as well as the entire family,” Dr Benjaponpitak explained.

As of 2010 there were an estimated 52 million cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism worldwide – this represents a substantial increase in the condition over the previous decades. ASD is primarily a lifelong condition for which there is currently no cure.

“From our experience, early detection and intervention has been proven to help a child’s overall development. At the Maldives

Autism Association (MAA), we focus on early intervention and help children as young as 18 months. It facilitates their ability to live a well-rounded life where then can connect with their peers and family,” pointed out former first lady Ilham Hussain, who is also founder and chairman of MAA.

Describing the challenges posed by ASD on the entire family, she stressed the importance of involving parents and the community, when creating health-provider facilities – from the planning stage to actual service delivery.

“Ignorance of facts, coupled with the stigma related to autism was a major issue in Maldives for years and this meant afflicted children often went undiagnosed. So we started a ‘care and support’ group

WISH Autism Forum 2016 in progress.

From left, Ilham Hussain, Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak, Prof Colleen Adnams, and Dr Wafa al-Yazeedi.

The Framework of Action required to ens


COMMUNITY

d approach to autism

for the benefit of the affected families and this approach initiated a nation-wide change. Training of teachers and building awareness through media, have been other important factors that have contributed positively.

“Specialist therapies are expensive and a huge drain on an average family’s income. Our approach must be inclusive and our commitment to improving lives must be steadfast with a long-term vision,” she maintained.

Prof. Colleen Adnams, Vera Grover Professor of Intellectual Disability, University of Cape Town, said, “Having a child with autism can be challenging: on one side are family members who struggle to understand and communicate well with the child suffering from the condition; on

the other side are the difficulties faced by the child with autism, in understanding and making meaning of the world around them. All of this impacts families in a variety of ways.

“There is huge stress on the families and it is indeed very difficult; but we should not underestimate the resilience of the families who have good support networks. While we hear of the struggles of these families, we also hear the success stories of families where the persons affected by autism are often a great source of joy and add to the value of the family. So there is a wide spectrum of impact. It is important to have an integrated approach where the needs of the child affected, as well as their families are taken into account. This helps to make the

pathway to care more seamless.” Commenting on the importance

of a wholesome approach by doctors, Dr Wafa al-Yazeedi, chairperson of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at Hamad Medical Corporation and a member of the audience, emphasised, “Physicians often tend to think about the quality of recovery more than the quality of life, and it’s time to step outside this box. Besides being treated for autism, people with ASD need to be accepted as welcome members of the community and need to be provided with access to the same quality of life that others enjoy – to receive access to education, and then to be able to work and carry on with life. Physicians have a responsibility to educate the community and

lead outreach programmes for the benefit of people facing challenges, be it autism or another kind of difficulty. These individuals have the right to a life with dignity; they are not disabled, they are just differently talented; this approach will help reduce the chances of other issues like stress and depression, that are generally on the rise.”

Dr Muhammad Waqar Azeem, chair at Department of Psychiatry, Sidra Medical and Research Center, also underscored the need to take a more thoughtful and considerate view of the innocent victims of ASD, “We need to stop addressing the afflicted individuals as ‘patients’. They are people who deserve dignity and our understanding. The support needed by the families concerned

cannot be overstated. I am glad to say more and more families are willing to talk about their children who are affected by ASD and this positive approach helps reduce stigma.”

Several parents who took part in the discussion clarified how support from governments and society was crucial in their challenging journey.

They also expressed the need for more related information to help families of children with ASD. “We are grateful for the measures taken to help children with autism and look forward to steps that will help adults suffering from the same condition.

“Community-led outreach programmes and media also have a crucial role in building awareness,” they said.

A pressing healthcare issue

According to Dr Kerim Munir, Director

of Psychiatry, University Center of

Excellence in Developmental Disorders,

Boston Children’s Hospital and Chair of

the Autism Forum, ASD ranks as one of

the world’s most pressing healthcare

issues. 83% of individuals with autism

suff er from some other co-morbid

condition – either a physical disability,

genetic, metabolic, or some other

type of mental health condition. Thus,

individuals with autism have higher

rates of seizures and genetic disorders,

sensory problem, self-injurious

behaviour and severe episodes of

anxiety and mood disturbances.

Overall, this makes autism an

incredibly devastating condition.

As the saying goes, “if you’ve seen one

person with autism, then you’ve only

seen one person with autism” because

they are so diff erent from each other

and each person is truly unique. For

instance, an individual suff ering from

ASD may have only subtle social

communication diff iculties and no

co-occurring intellectual disability;

but these individuals also require

support and their condition can often

be missed and their needs can be

neglected. It is therefore important

to identify autism in all contexts and

cultures early on.

“When you see an individual with

autism not doing so well or being

unhappy, you see there is often a

mismatch in their surroundings and

situations. The environment has failed

to adapt to their needs as opposed to

them adapting to the environment; the

latter is sometimes very diff icult.

“We now have evidence that if you

identify kids with autism very early

and intervene, their condition actually

improves. These are very positive

findings. However, it will take us time.

A broken leg doesn’t heal overnight.

It will take us time to find the solution,

sometimes it takes months, or longer.

But when we do reach a result, it is

the most satisfying thing. Working

with families with autism is a huge

challenge but in many ways it can lead

to success stories.

sure health and wellbeing for people with autism.

Dr Kerim Munir

Dr Muhammad Waqar Azeem, right, with moderator Tarek Bazley at the WISH Autism Forum 2016.


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

Sometimes you simply have to throw your hands up in the air and

wave them like you just don’t care Aries. There are so many things

to worry about every day. You can’t carry the weight of the world on

your shoulders all the time.

Unless you are willing to make a big decision today, nothing is really

going to change for you Cancers. While you may be nervous about

taking such a big step, it might just solve a lot of issues for you.

Sometimes you have a hard time saying “no” and mean it, don’t you?

You are the ultimate crowd/people pleaser but that gets diff icult at

times, doesn’t it? How about using a “maybe” every now and then?

There is no doubt in your mind that you are onto something –

something which could turn out to be a big deal for you. Keep on

working hard and being laser focused as always Goats.

If you find yourself reminiscing about something or someone from

days long gone, stop yourself and make sure you aren’t creating a

fantasy out of something that in reality wasn’t so great.

Don’t stop trying to push past an obstacle today and instead

deal with it and get it out of the way by dealing with it. Avoiding

something or someone only works for so long after all.

It’s been a tough time for many of you lately – having Jupiter the

planet of luck in your past karma zone has made you feel as if you

missed out on things you may have liked. Next time you will know

right?

There is nothing worse than feeling as if you have been left off the

invite list for something you were looking forward to. Holiday season

can be wonderful or traumatic – depending on your situation...lucky

for you being on your own isn’t such a big deal.

If you feel as if someone has deliberately gone out of their way to

make things more diff icult for you, take some time to discover why

they have done so today.

If you allow someone to push your buttons, that’s on you, isn’t it?

Zone out and do your thing today Virgos. Let everyone else worry

about what they have to do and get on with it!

If you aren’t careful, you could end up looking past something or

someone great because you see something else shinier and possibly

more exciting in the distance...which may turn out to be rather dull

when you get up close.

Don’t feel as if you have to do something today Pisces – even if you

said you would. People chop and change their minds all the time.

You can be one of those people – annoying as it is!

For the people who have asthma, wintry weather can take – a real bite out of holiday fun. Cold weather is a common

asthma trigger, especially for severe symptoms, and for many people, asthma attacks happen more often in the winter. That’s because winter means more time spent indoors, with exposure to indoor triggers like pet dander and smoke. Once outside, simply breathing the cold air can trigger an asthma attack.

Getting your asthma management routine on track can keep symptoms from derailing the best laid holiday plans. To avoid missing out on the fun, it’s a good idea to set asthma goals – things that you want to accomplish without your asthma symptoms getting in the way, such as “Have a snowball fight with the kids without getting short of breath,” or “Go one week without needing my quick-relief inhaler.”

But you don’t have to go it alone. Managing asthma is a team

effort, so don’t be afraid to enlist your “asthma squad” – a group of friends, family and caregivers who can help you meet your asthma goals. You can tag your #asthmasquad and share your #asthmagoals on Twitter for additional support.

It is important to partner with your doctor to come up with a plan to manage your condition, and there are several simple things you can do this winter to keep your asthma symptoms in check indoors and out.

Tips for managing your asthma at home and beating the chill

If your asthma is triggered by allergens or environmental irritants, you may be affected by one or more of the triggers below. It’s very important to reduce these triggers at home, at work, and everywhere you can.

If possible, do not use a wood- burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace to avoid strong odours or chemicals in the air.

Try to avoid irritating sprays, such as hair spray or indoor air fresheners.

Ask your family members to limit their use of perfumed products.

If you have asthma and you smoke, the best things you can do is quit, and ask people not to smoke around you.

If your symptoms get worse around your pet, vacuum often, don’t allow pets in your bedroom and bathe your dog or cat weekly to reduce pet dander (skin flakes that animals shed).

You can’t change the weather, but...

There are strategies to help you manage your asthma when the temperature drops:

Plan activities outside when you’ll have the least exposure to your triggers.

Keep an eye on the weather and monitor your condition by tracking the weather on the days symptoms occur.

Cover your nose and mouth

with a scarf when you’re outdoors on cold or windy days.

Take your asthma medication

It’s important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. Some helpful ways to remember include:

Establishing a routine that works for you.

Setting an alarm or reminder on your cell phone or computer calendar.

Signing up for a free, online medication reminder service.

©Brandpoint

How to breathe easier with asthma this winter


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

BEDFORDBRUNSWICKCALEDONIACASTLEDELHIENGLAND

FOUNDLANDGUINEAHAMPSHIREHAVENHEBRIDESJERSEY

MARKETMEXICOORLEANSPORTYORKZEALAND

Somewhere New

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.


COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

DOWN1. Coffer (5)2. Rapturous (8)3. Ditch (6)4. Conceited (4)5. Tutor (7)6. Fawning (10)9. Domesticity (10)12. Fallacious (8)14. Criminal (7)16. Light shoe (6)19. Respond (5)20. Revise (4)

ACROSS1. Imagination (10)7. Praise (5)8. Inscription (7)10. Way in (8)11. Bogus (4)13. Reveal (6)15. Tun (6)17. Just (4)18. Boiling pot (8)21. Burnt (7)22. Alloy (5)23. Episode (10)

ACROSS1. To gain rule overturn law (10)7. Country in aid trouble (5)8. Not the same in prune quality (7)10. Vehicle’s delivery cost (8)11. Went out to get an amphibian (4)13. Listen out - there’s no noise (6)15. A superior gambler? (6)17. A short distance from Winchester (4)18. Vegetable served when Tote Ebor is run (8)21. Not one is found out in there (7)22. Arrange command (5)23. All great works at the railway exhibition centre (3,7)

DOWN1. Jockey on a contract (5)2. Inclination for treading wildly... (8)3. ...on glue spilt in the living room (6)4. Matches neckwear items? (4)5. Noel put out by revealing wealth (7)6. Debate when throwing event is back on (10)9. Illuminated time of true revolutionary writing (10)12. Spanned the greatest street, say (8)14. More fortunate like cur, perhaps (7)16. Juice toper got out before lunch starter (6)19. Older democracies don’t like young leaders, strangely (5)20. Sound hairpiece for an old politician (4)

Quick Clues

Cryptic Clues

Yesterday’s Solutions

QUICKAcross: 6 Example; 7 Revue; 9 Ice; 10 Impending; 12 Stethoscope; 15 Certificate; 17 Flattered; 19 Ego; 21 Chore; 22 Villain.Down: 1 Exact; 2 Imp; 3 Glum; 4 Mendacity; 5 Turnips; 8 Heroic; 11 Statutory; 13 Tuffet; 14 Healthy; 16 Again; 18 Evil; 20 Ale.

CRYPTICAcross: 6 Calypso; 7 Demur; 9 Inn; 10 Orchestra; 12 Nail varnish; 15 Pumice stone; 17 Cranberry; 19 Cow; 21 Ankle; 22 Tallies.Down: 1 Paint; 2 Rye; 3 Tsar; 4 Seasoning; 5 Sunrise; 8 Thwart; 11 Rationale; 13 Lieder; 14 Currant; 16 Noted; 18 Real; 20 Elf.


COMMUNITY CINEMA

By Gautaman Bhaskaran

The Dubai International Film Festival, which begins its run today, has obviously gained a lot of importance in the absence of any other similar event in the region.

With the movie festival in Abu Dhabi having packed up a couple of years ago, and the one in Doha toned down to a more specialised kind of show, Dubai has become a premium exhibition of world cinema and cinematic events.

In fact, some of the programmes outside fi lm screenings really sparkle. This year, the one event that I would not miss for anything in the world is a Lumiere show – which will translate into a double whammy. In what seems like a spectacular 4K compilation of restored works which the French cinema pioneers, brothers Auguste and Louis Lumiere, made between 1895 and 1905, these will be presented by no less a person than the Cannes Film Festival supremo, Thierry Fremaux. I am sure nobody else can do this better than him.

Fremaux wears two hats – as the chief of the world’s premiere movie festival at Cannes and as the head of the Institut Lumiere at Lyon. He said in a note that “the showcase enables us to rediscover and celebrate Auguste and Louis Lumiere, moviemakers who are responsible for fi lm as we know it, whose pioneering moving image snapshots of life at the end of the 19th century (and the start of the 20th century) paved the way for the popularisation of the medium and its evolution into an art form.” This outstanding package will have 98 shorts, all restored and conserved.

In 1895, the Lumiere Brothers invented the Cinematograph (a device for capturing, developing and projecting movies) and went on to fi lm some of the fi rst moving images in the history of cinema. Some of them show factory workers emerging from work, a steam engine and people scaling a snow-covered mountain. Some of these are celebrated masterpieces, others lesser known gems. They give us a glimpse of France and the world as they looked once upon a time.

The French have always been known as masters of preservation, and, it comes as no surprise that the Lumiere cinema has been conserved. What is more, the Brothers’ house in Lyon (France) is now a beautifully preserved museum.

(India too had its movie pioneers like Dadasaheb Phalke and Hiralal Sen among others. There are no memorials or museums for them, if one is right. A proper museum for the legendary Satyajit Ray – who actually introduced Indian cinema to the world on the Cannes platform – is still being talked about – although a part of his house in Kolkata is now being seen as a memorial to the master).

The couple of other programmes that will add feathers to the Dubai cap are the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The legendary Indian actress Rekha will be honoured. In a four-decade career that saw her act in 180 fi lms, Rekha’s fi rst steps into cinema were unimpressive and seemed dangerously close to being one that would crash even before taking off . Although her

fi rst work as a heroine was no less than one with the reigning Kannada superstar of the day, Rajkumar, in Operation Jackpot Nalli CID 999 in 1969, she actually came into the limelight with a Hindi picture, Sawan Badon, in 1970 co-starring with Navin Nischol. The movie was a runaway success, but Rekha was yet to arrive! And apart from her dark complexion and plump fi gure – two hugely minus points in the Hindi cinema industry – nobody really thought that Rekha would become an actress worth the name.

Adding to her struggle was a scandal in a fi lm, Anjana Safar, she did with Biswajeet in 1969 – where she said she was tricked into kissing her hero in a version meant for the international circuit. The movie made it to the Life magazine in an era when kissing on

the Indian screen was such a novelty, nay an outrage.

But Rekha weathered this cyclonic phase – often contending by way of explanation that she was forced by her mother, Pushpavalli, into choosing fi lms like Anjana Safar, Asha Jyoti and Zameen Aasman that bombed at the box offi ce and stopped her from fl ying high in the skies. Yet, nobody still understands why she said no to a brilliant work like Shankarabharanam; she was sounded out for the Hindi version of it. It was a huge miss.

But luck came knocking on her. Yash Chopra’s Faasle and Girish Karnad’s Utsav came along, and Rekha’s career took an upswing. There really was no looking back after that, and years later, her father and one of the most popular movie stars of his

time, Gemini Ganesh (also called the King of Romance), would tell me during a long chat at his Madras home that “You know I am really very, very proud of my daughter Rekha. Her talent is immense, and far, far ahead of mine.”

After all these years, nobody can deny that Rekha was among the best that the Hindi fi lm industry had ever produced – and one can easily rank her along with Madhubala, Nutan and Waheeda Rehman – some of the most iconic performers of all time. Rekha’s brilliant acting in works such as Umrao Jaan, Khubsoorat, Khoon Bhari Maang, Silsila and Khiladiyon Ka Khliadi have been tempered with rare intensity. What a marvellous journey!

Another Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed on Samuel Jackson – in fact during the opening ceremony on December 7.

Two days later on December 9, fans will have an unique opportunity to hear Jackson speak about his eventful life and illustrious career. The session, In Conversation, will also include a question-answer segment with the audience.

Jackson got into movies in 1972 with Together for Days – a romance between an African-American and a Caucasian, and the turmoil this causes in the two families. This fi lm reminded one of a Sidney Poitier starrer, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, in 1967 that also dealt with an inter-racial relationship.

After playing a motley group of characters, Jackson emerged with his breakout performance in Spike Lee’s drama, Jungle Fever (1991). As drug addict Gator, he walked away with a Special Jury Prize for a supporting role at the Cannes Film Festival.

It was, however, Quentin Tarantino’s blood-and-gore Pulp Fiction in 1994 – which incidentally was Jackson’s 13th movie – that fi rmly established the actor as one of Hollywood’s greats. The number 13 proved lucky for him, and he clinched the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award for his supporting part as Jules Winnfi eld. He was also nominated for the Golden Globe and Academy Award.

Gautaman Bhaskaran is covering the Dubai International Film Festival, and may be

e-mailed at [email protected]

At Dubai Fest, Lumiere show and honours for Rekha, Jackson

Chamonis la mer de, by the Lumiere Brothers.

Rekha Samuel L. Jackson

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

OIL’S WELL: Jessica Alba

OUT OF FASHION: Aamir Khan

CLARIFICATION: Varun Dhawan

Superstar Aamir Khan, who was recently spotted at a menswear fashion event, says he doesn’t like to walk on the fashion ramps as he gets nervous of the attention received while sashaying down the ramp.

“I’ve walked once ... only for Salman Khan for his Being Human charity. Otherwise, I shy away from walking at fashion shows. I feel like hiding while everybody watches you while you are walking on the ramp,” said Aamir.

Aamir, 51, who looked dapper in a pinstripe suit, said he isn’t a fashion conscious person. “I am habituated in wearing wrong outfi ts. People don’t take me seriously when it comes to fashion. So, I don’t have any fear of poor fashion sense,” he said.

The PK star, however, praised his onscreen daughters for their fashion sense and performances in the forthcoming fi lm Dangal.

“Sanya and Fatima are fashion queens. They have a great fashion sense. Both of them give me tips on what to wear,” said Aamir. “Watch Dangal to see Sanya and Fatima’s performances. They are outstanding ... much better than me. You will forget me after watching them,” he added.

Aamir, who featured in the fourth season of talk show Koff ee with Karan with wife Kiran Rao, was also asked about his appearance in the current season. He said: “I would defi nitely want to go to Koff ee with Karan, but he is not calling me.” – IANS

Aamir Khan shies away from walking on ramp

Varun ‘not doing’ Zoya’s next fi lm

Actor Varun Dhawan says that he hasn’t been approached for Zoya Akhtars next fi lm Gully Boy. According to reports, actor Ranveer Singh, who was fi rst approached for the fi lm, has opted out due to date clash, and now Varun has stepped in. “That’s not true at all. I am not doing that fi lm,” Varun said at the Star Screen Awards.

Meanwhile, the Dishoom actor has completed Badrinath Ki Dulhania, which also stars Alia Bhatt. Speaking about the fi lm, Varun said: “Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a very special fi lm for me. I am very passionate about this project and the fi lm delivers a

special message also, which is very important.”

Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the romantic comedy is set to release on March 10. Asked about his much-awaited fi lm Judwaa 2, which will also star Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu, Varun said: “I always wanted to work with Jacqueline and Taapsee. I have worked with Jacqueline, and Tapsee is a very dear friend. I am very excited to work with them. Taapsee was outstanding in Pink. Both are very talented.”

Varun also thinks that Judwaa 2, a sequel to the 1997 Salman Khan starrer Judwaa is a “big responsibility” for him. The fi lm is directed by his father, David Dhawan. – IANS

Will work on my biopic aft er 10 years: Sushant

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who tasted fame with the TV show Pavitra Rishta, says he will work on his biopic after 10 to 15 years. Sushant, 30, who was praised for playing ace cricketer M S Dhoni in the fi lm M S Dhoni: The Untold Story, said: “After 10 to 15 years, I will work on my own biopic.”

He was speaking to media at the Van Heusen and GQ Fashion Nights 2016. About the show, Sushant said: “It is a great experience and I’m feeling great in this outfi t by Shantanu & Nikhil. The thought behind the collection is amazing.”

Titled Kashmiriyat 1990 by the popular fashion designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra, the collection was inspired by the tribesmen of the valley. Other Bollywood celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Mandira Bedi, Yami Gautam and Prateik Babbar were also present at the menswear fashion event. Sushant also spoke about his much-awaited fi lm Raabta, which has been in news for his chemistry with his co-star Kriti Sanon. “Raabta will be released next year. I am working on it. I hope the fi lm gets appreciated like my last fi lm on Dhoni,” he said. – IANS

Jessica Alba oils her hair

Actress Jessica Alba puts coconut or olive oil on her hair every night.

The 35-year-old, who has daughters Honor, eight, and Haven, fi ve, with husband Cash Warren, was taught by her mother to look after her hair and skin from a young age. So, she always takes the time to do so, reports femalefi rst.com.

“My mum told me to always take care of my skin, so I did from a very early age and she taught me to put coconut oil or olive oil on my hair every night,” Alba told Look magazine. But when it comes to her own children, the Sin City star would rather encourage them to be confi dent and treat people well.

Asked what beauty tips she will pass on, she said: “It really is more about inner confi dence and I want to put more of an emphasis on how they carry themselves and how they treat people. That’s always so much more important than physical beauty.” Looking back on the past, Alba wishes she hadn’t been so critical of herself when she was a teenager and to have the confi dence to be herself. – IANS

Mohnish thrilledto host Hoshiyaar

Actor Mohnish Behl, who will next be seen hosting the upcoming crime show Hoshiyaar...Sahi Waqt, Sahi Kadam, says he is “thrilled” and “looking forward” to

host it. The show will showcase episodic stories of how a crime has been averted. As the host, Mohnish will piece the story together and will be voicing his opinions as people’s conscience.

“I am thrilled to be a part of a progressive show like Hoshiyaar…Sahi Waqt, Sahi Kadam. This is the fi rst time I will be hosting a show of this genre solo and I am really looking forward to it,” Mohnish said in a statement.

“The concept of the show appealed to me as it addresses day to day issues in a positive manner and emphasises on the preventive measures rather than glorifying the crime,” added the actor, who has previously appeared in shows like Dill Mill Gayye, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Savdhaan India and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge. Hoshiyaar...Sahi Waqt, Sahi Kadam will be aired on &TV. – IANSNEW ROLE: Mohnish Behl


COMMUNITY

Finding success in the ‘land of opportunities’

Nepalese expat Nanda Prasad Dhungana came to Qatar as a mechanical helper but with

hard work and perseverance has moved far ahead in his career. By Usha Wagle Gautam

Dhungana speaks at an event organised by a Nepalese cultural forum in Doha.LONG WAY: Nanda Prasad Dhungana provides success tips to Nepalese workers who come to Qatar to do small jobs. “We shouldn’t be discouraged,” he says.

It has been a decade since Nanda Prasad Dhungana landed at Doha airport from Kathmandu to work as a mechanical helper in Arabian

MEP Contracting WLL Company. Despite the initial struggle, he succeeded as senior health safety and environment offi cer in four years. His hard work was rewarded.

Dhungana is an undergraduate in business studies from Tribhuwan University (TU), the largest public university of Nepal. In the early years in MEP, he learnt the basics of engineering from his fellow workers. Even though learning technical skills from colleagues helped him in his job, he decided to explore further. So Dhungana joined an online diploma course in health and safety for six months in which he excelled.

In 2009, he was promoted as assistant health safety and environment offi cer at MEP. Again, he joined an advanced online course on the subject and completed it in 2012 with good marks.

Thereafter, he was made health safety and environment offi cer. Dhungana’s course in health and safety diploma covered areas like: IOSH, OSHA, NEBOSH, fi re and safety, confi ne space safety, work at height safety, electrical safety, welding safety, environment management safety and related works.

Dhungana belongs to a lower middle class family in Kavre, a district near to Kathmandu Valley. After completing high school, he worked as a primary teacher in a local public school. During his undergraduate course, he was teaching part-time.

The volatile political situation forced him to leave the job. He had wished to become a chartered accountant (CA), a lucrative profession in Nepal, but his family couldn’t fi nancially sponsor his studies. With an unsure future on hand, he applied for European visas couple of times. He was not lucky when he applied for a job with Qatar Airways.

The manpower agency took his passport and didn’t return until MEP sent me a visa. The agency lied to him about the job and said it was for the administration section. He talked about the matter with the company and said he wanted to return back to Nepal. They requested him to choose a job from administration or human resource departments. In the end, everyone was shocked when he settled for a

job of mechanical helper. “During the training days, I used

to take a notepad with me and write “how to do” of diff erent procedures involved,” Dhungana says. He worked hard, and did a short course on supervising and gave trainings on scaff olding. Dhungana was awarded as the best worker in 2010, and Al Jabbar Company provided him with the Best Safety Offi cer Award. He is working in Ras Lafan Gas Project of Qatar Petroleum as a senior safety health and environment offi cer since 2014. “When I passed examination for the post, my happiness had no bounds.”

He provides success tips to Nepalese workers who come to Qatar to do small jobs. “We shouldn’t be discouraged.” His success is a benchmark for workers who come from various countries,

including Nepal in Qatar.Dhungana is a familiar name

among the Nepalese community. He is the president of Kavre Welfare Society (KWS). He supports individually, and in capacity of president of KWS, several cultural programmes hosted by the Nepalese community. His wife donates money frequently to social service projects in Nepal. A father of two sons, Dhungana has built a house in his village, invested in Kathmandu real estate, and sends his sons to a reputable school.

Looking back his persistent struggle and success at hand, Dhungana gives credit to his employer and Qatar, the “land of opportunities”. In future, he plans to open a technical institute in his own village and to provide education for his villagers.

Documents

D 21 C—28 C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE PUZZLES Meg’s …