Black & White mag Issue 42

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6 February 21-March 20, 2012

Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC

Black & White

Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos

Office location: Hatat Complex A, Office no: 212, II Floor

Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496

Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com

Editorial: [email protected]

Printed at Mazoon, Muscat, Oman

Xclusive

Over 90 countries to participate in the 7th Muscat International Film Festival

The 7th Muscat International Film Festival would be honouring a host of film celebrities, which would

include actors, directors and those who have contributed to the world of cinema. From the Arab World,

Hayat Al Fahad (a Gulf-based actress), Hameedo (Moroccan star), Sheikh Abdullah bin Shuwain Al Hosni

(Oman) will be honoured

Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali

Managing editor Priya Arunkumar

Work editor Adarsh Madhavan

Design & production Beneek Siraj

Advt. & marketing Shannon D'Souza

Priyanka Sampat

Conte

nts

Things men don’t like about women

There are many things

that men don’t like about

women. Here are some

common dislikes that are

usually addressed

50

4224

12

20

Sedentary women more prone to diabetes

SUDOKU entry form

Women who stay seated for long

periods of time every day are more

prone to developing type 2 diabetes.

However a similar link is not found in

men

Second Bond to make Bond

Special Day at MIFF extra

specialThe 3rd edition of the B&W Sudoku

for a cause: Autism is scheduled to

be held on May 31

7Black & White


Lights, camera,

action!By Adarsh Madhavan

CLAP! TAKE 1! ACTION!

Yeah, that’s it! It is lights, camera, action time in Oman!

Grab your popcorns, cool drinks and let us zoom to the

celluloid world. We are going to the movies, folks! Or,

rather, the movies are coming to us! The stars too! They

are going to descend into Oman like no man’s business

and it is time to rekindle some fantastic movie action.

Yeah!

TAKE 2 -- ACTION!

We, the Black & White, are the producers of the 7th

Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF) and we are

bringing in Forest Whitaker, Omar Sharif, George

Lazenby, Billy Boyd, Muhannad, Noor, Nadia Al Jundi,

Noor Al Sharif, Amidou, Hayat Al Fahad, Victor Banerjee,

Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Nandita

Das, Mohanlal, Dhanush, John Glen, Darren Aronofsky,

Major Ravi, Nadine Al Labaki, Nawaf Al Ganahi, etc., and

star performers like Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Nancy

Ajram, Lucky Ali, Isha Sharvani, Daksha Seth, Ramli

Ibrahim, Japanese Billy Ban Ban band…and others!

TAKE 3 -- ACTION!

Such a line up of celebrities, stars, performers have

never come together in Oman and in a span of just

over a week, we are going to see them, and perhaps

even rub shoulders with them. So, when an event of

such a magnitude is happening, we expect support

and participation from all quarters. The ones who are

supporting are going out of their way and supporting, but,

the ones who are not (who, unfortunately are the majority),

seems to have taken a vow to distance themselves from

us and the festival. We do not know why.

This is a national fest. In other words, it is Oman’s national

film festival and can easily bring forth an industry, creating

jobs for many. Why is that not many people understand

this fact; why aren’t people who have the means not

thinking about this and supporting this cause? Alright,

forget the cause. Companies cannot live by doling out

charity. Look at it then as a future industry; future business

and the ones who support and promote it can actually be

the pioneers behind this.

[email protected]

Everywhere in the world, film festivals are big. No, not

just big – BIG! But, how can you become big, unless

you start somewhere…? And how can you start

unless you help us to start?

TAKE 4 – ACTION!

And while we gripe, let us not forget to acknowledge

and commend the real people, not the reel, behind

the film fest – the volunteers of Oman Film Society

(OFS) led by Dr Khalid Al Zadjali. Let people say

what they want, but, to the critics, we have this to say:

will you be able to dedicate the major part of your life

and invest your precious time and effort into doing

voluntary, selfless work that gives nothing back to you

but the sheer inner pleasure of being able to do it?

In cruder form, they do all the work and no one pays

them.

So, can’t you at least give them a pat on the back?

No pay, no fame, no benefits…nothing except barbs.

Of course, the government is helping and supporting

the OFS. But, why is it that the government always

has to support them all the time? Why can’t the

private sector at least try to support the OFS in the

same manner that the government does? A little bit

here, a little bit there and it all adds up…

Imagine, 20 companies put in 20K every year and

we have 400K for the fest. Too wild a thought? Ok,

let us try again: 20 companies put in 10K and we

get 200K…still too much of a dream? Can we have

at least 10 companies that put in 10K…? This might

happen, but, then with just that money, it may not be

possible to even run a quarter of a movie fest…or

perhaps even lesser.

But, one day, things will change. Mind you, one

day, we are going to have a full-fledged film festival

where world cinema celebrities need not be cajoled

into coming to Oman – they will invite themselves,

considering it a honour to visit the country and attend

the prestigious Muscat International Film Festival…

and why not? Is there anything wrong in dreaming?

Dreams are meant to be reality, right?

And dreams are what movies are made of, too.

All a

bout

X,

Y &

Z

9Black & White

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Mail your views and opinions at

[email protected]

There is no dance like the Razha. Your story on the Razha

swept me back into the past, into my days when I too wielded

the Sayf (sword) and held a Tarrs (shield) to ward off the

lunges from my opponent – of course all in jest!

I used to know the Razha very well. I think it was one of the

most important dance forms of Oman. I am not an exponent,

but I could handle the Sayf and I could also leapt to a good

height still holding on to it. Moreover, I could throw the sword

up and catch it quite easily…those were the days!

Now, I guess, I am not upto it, but this story did take me back

to those days of yore. Thank you Black & White!

Nasser bin Suleiman Al Hassani, Qantab

Yes, the sword or the Sayf was part and parcel of Omani

life in the past. Dancing with swords was the formal

practical method of warming up before a fight and was

therefore a practical martial exercise. In one such dance

the two exponents mimic fighting. Yesterday, it was a war

dance with sword and shield, today it is a purely traditional

performance, but, thank God that it is still one of the undying

art forms of Oman.

David Landen, Sohar

Kudos to the Omani karting duo Abdullah Al Rawahi and

Sanad Al Rawahi (issue 41). They will do Oman proud!

Hope the private sector offers enough support for this duo.

Salim Abdullah Al Harthy, Seeb

Days of Razha

War and Dance

Kudos to the karting duo


11Black & White

Words don’t come easy. Which is where flowers can help! So, say it with

flowers. Flowers can fill in where words have failed (and in my case, it has!).

Flowers have a magical way of saying what words sometimes cannot say..

Dagobert Daniel, Al Khuwair

The karting duo Abdullah and Sanad are on track. Hope Abdullah will catch

up in the next race. This time (at Al Ain karting championship), he lost control,

but don’t worry that is just the storm before the win! All the best and great job

Sanad – you made us proud!.

Ali Nasser Al Zadjali, Al Khuwair

Valentine’s Day (issue 41). Let us not sully it – in the future -- by saying it is a

day for love because we may wrongly think it only means romantic love. It is not

so. Valentine’s Day is of course filled with romantic gifts and sweet nothings;

it is also a day that celebrates the purity of love – a love between parents and

their children, between siblings, friends, between owners and their pets.

That is what I think a Valentine’s Day is…

Nikashi Baldev, Qurum

You’re absolutely right! There is no need to make a big noise about Valentine’s

Day (issue 41) and there is no need to buy your valentine expensive gifts.

Seriously, costly and lavish gifts are a real waste of time. Instead, if you focus

on giving your loved one, whoever it may be, something that comes directly

from the heart, it would make a lot of difference. It will touch them. I liked the

point, ‘A message from the heart’ and I think that is the easiest but most simple

and direct message.

Sunil D’Cunha, Seeb

Flowers, better than words

You made us proud

My Valentine’s Day…

A message from the heart


Men r

ead

Things men DON’T There are many things that men don’t like about women. Many, many things…but, let us share here some of the common dislikes that is usually addressed and is always doing the rounds of emails around the world. For instance, the most common man-

hate woman scenario is:


QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS

Actually, it is not about the questions, but the questioning per se that

annoys many a man. They don’t like it when their women start asking

questions about everything, they don’t go to the point, they like to play

around with questions, to see if they can get you to confess something

you did, it’s often known as trick questions, and not every man is able to

wrench themselves out of this tricky questionnaire quagmire.

YAK YAK YAK

In other words, talking. Women can talk and talk and talk and talk…And

talk! They are natural talkers and they can spend hours and hours talking

non-stop about the same thing and men hate this, they simply cannot

stand a woman go on and on and on about something, specially when

they talk about themselves.

CRITICISE CRITICISE CRITICISE

If they are not talking, they are criticising. They will be criticising men as

well women. But men don’t feel comfortable when their women criticise

other women. Most of them time women treat other women as rivals and

criticise the other’s appearances, clothes, shoes etc.

SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN

The silent treatment is a stage a girl uses to not talk or even look at you

while you try to talk or explain something to them, its like a man doesn’t

exist to them and it could go on for days. Wow! How they do it, well, that,

you have got to ask them -- only they will know!

ELEPHANTINE MEMORY

They never forget! She will not forget the first time you forgot to buy her

a present on her birthday and even if you have remembered all other nine

times after that, she will still remember the first.

And we men hate that. She remembers the bad times and forgets all

the good times. Women have this ability to bring back past mistakes that

we men have made. They can remember the details and every time a

discussion happens they bring it up to make you all miserable. They will

detail each negative point that has happened, including date and time.

Sigh.

(Final word: Say what you will. This is by far a small listing of a man’s

grouse against women; but, the only problem is that we cannot avoid

women and we cannot do without them!)

LIKE about womenA man comes late from work and his wife is all over him, confronting the tired man

with pointed questions. She starts questioning him right and left and by the time she finishes, he wishes that he had not come home.

Most men, well, all men dislike being questioned by their women. These and other small issues are tackled here:

13Black & White


By Adarsh Madhavan

O

ff th

e wallWhen a man loves a…dog

[email protected]

The night I got back from my vacation

my driver told me quietly, very quietly:

“They are missing – ran away!”

My heart stopped. I went cold, very

cold. My words froze. I tried to speak,

but couldn’t. My dogs…I wanted to

jump out of the car and run away.

Something dark and heavy filled my

head, and it sunk my heart.

I knew I was sitting there, but I wasn’t

there; later, I spoke to my friend, and

I knew I was smiling, but it was not a

smile; I knew I was trying a joke, but

it cracked…

I asked my driver to search the aea

near my home. He called back and

I already knew the answer: nothing.

He couldn’t find them, not a trace.

I ran back to the scene, checked the

cage; jumped the wall into a vacant

compound and began my search,

each heavy step getting heavier. It

got heavier when I went back home

after some hours.

Both my doggies, a nearly 10-year

old white Pomeranian and her

grandson, another white something

(I don’t know what breed he is), were

gone. They had disappeared into thin

air. Someone must have stolen them.

They are probably dead, wounded,

crying for help from some isolated

area…each time I passed a house

and heard a dog barking, I wanted to

dash in and rescue them – they must

have been taken in by someone and

kept captive…weird thoughts clouded

my head and I dragged myself

home and went to my maid and

demanded: what happened?

She went into a litany of complaints,

and excuses. She is the one who

feeds them and lets them loose from

the cage. The previous night, she let

them out as usual thinking the gates

were closed. “Sir, I checked and saw

that the front lights were switched

off and usually that is the time I let

them loose, because then the gates

are locked – so I let them loose and

when I went back with their food they

were nowhere to be seen.”

She went and told my driver who

had closed the gates that they were

missing. He said no way and they

both searched our home compound

but they were not there. And the

gates were locked. So, how did they

go? Jumped the wall? Bobby could

do that. I would buy that. But not his

grandmother -- Sundari. She couldn’t

even raise herself up – she was old.

And she was a tired dog. She was

also heavy. In her hey days, she

would jump any wall. Not any longer.

I felt sick hearing the story. I went

berserk. I blamed everyone. I blamed

myself. I blamed myself for going

on leave. But, later, when I calmed

down, I realised the pointlessness

of this painful drama. It did not solve

anything; it made things worse.

I cursed myself and went about, half

dead, or maybe fully… I made it very

clear to myself that they were gone –

forever!

And then several days after I vainly

tried to pick up the pieces of my life,

a call comes. My wife was screaming

on the phone: “Sundari is back!”

Blood rushed through one part of my

paralysed self. I began to breathe

again. When I saw her, she was one

plump, curled white ball of fur, the

only sign of life being a sheepish

wag. Questions poured out and she

seemed to have an answer for all of

them and I can’t tell you about that

here. Yet, despite getting her back,

I was still wondering…Bobby…God

had given Sundari back, I shouldn’t

be too avaricious. Yet…

And then suddenly a few nights later,

he came back, out of thin air, just like

the way he had gone away. I don’t

know how, he just bounded along

when I called Sundari and they both

smashed into me, waking me up

from my nightmare. I don’t have the

capacity or ability to describe my trek

from death to life in these last few

dark days, but this miracle happened.

I know we cannot rock the hands of

fate, but now I tell everyone at home:

tie them up, lock the cage, shut the

gates…can I put a lock to the gate

too and they look at me strangely.

Who cares?

Off

the w

all

15Black & White

Almouj Golf played host to the Golf Society from

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lords on

the green fairways of the 18 hole championship

Greg Norman golf course at The Wave, Muscat

as part of their Middle East Tour. The four

ball better ball match comprised of two teams

made up of 14 players each from MCC and the

other from Almouj Golf and The Wave, Muscat.

The friendly exchange showcased classic

and superb iron skills from power shots to

backswings with the Almouj Golf team winning

by a margin of 5 points to 2, however the score

seemed relatively insignificant in comparison

to the spirit that the match was played in. The

players had the opportunity to experience

the recently opened 7,342 yards course

that consists of challenging holes of varying

lengths and configurations while still capturing

the beauty of the surrounding environment.

Additional holes are expected to open later this

month. The MCC will continue their Middle East

Tour to the United Arab Emirates to play at

the some of the most prestigious golf courses

including Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and

Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Golf Society from Marylebone Cricket Club at Lords swings into

Almouj Golf

ABOUT ALMOUJ GOLF

Following the natural lines of Muscat’s pristine coastline, Almouj

Golf at The Wave, Muscat is an 18 hole, Par 72 links style course

offering amateurs and professionals alike a challenging, yet

rewarding, round of golf. Running alongside a six-kilometer

stretch of ocean frontage, the 7,342-yard course of lush green

grass is peppered with bunkers, water hazards and natural dunes.

Marking the occasion of Mother’s Day on March 21, Al Araimi Complex is holding a

first-of-its-kind event that not only appreciates mothers but also encourages visitors to

acknowledge and pledge to protect and preserve the environment.

All the three levels of the complex will be lined with attractive plants. Lucky visitors will

have an opportunity to participate in fun activities and could be winner of environment

friendly gift through various drawing competition especially organised for children. The idea

is to encourage and bring forth children’s creativity and make it a memorable day for the

mothers. Other activities will include face painting for children, henna for mothers, attractive

nail art options etc. between 7pm to 9pm in the basement.

Al Araimi Complex commemorates Mother’s Day

www.blackandwhiteoman.com

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17Black & White

Khimji’s Watches announced that its super promotion on

some of its most popular products will continue until April

12. Shoppers can continue to flock to the Shatti Al Qurum

showroom to marvel at the many great bargains on offer

which include an incredible 70 per cent off on a range of

premium watches, accessories, sunglasses, jewelry and

luxury phones. The collection includes a vast array of

prices and styles for both men and women. Many of the

pieces which are part of the promotion are available at

never before seen prices thus enabling shoppers to give

themselves a much needed treat or surprise to their loved

ones.

Madhursinh Jesrani, general manager, Khimji’s Watches

said: “It is with great pleasure that we extend our offer to

our customers. So far, our promotion has been extremely

successful and we feel that more people should enjoy the

quality products on offer at these affordable prices. We

want our customers to enjoy a little spring treat before the

hot summer is upon us so we are calling on everyone to

come on down to our showrooms and see our fabulous

phones, other trinkets and leather accessories before our

shelves empty.”

Contact: 24699173, [email protected]

Spring fling as shoppers continue to enjoy super

promotion at Khimji’s Watches

Oman’s top racing driver, Ahmad al Harthy,

recently turned to the Sultanate’s leading eye-

care clinic, the Muscat Eye Laser Center, for a

surgical procedure designed in no small measure

to keep him at the top of his game on the racing

circuit. The international sports star, whose

amazing feats continue to inspire a generation

of young Omani sportsmen and women, chose

Muscat Eye Laser Centre’s revolutionary Z-LASIK

procedure to enhance his vision to the razor

sharp levels deemed critical for success on the

racetrack.

In a sport that demands the ultimate in skill,

perfect eyesight is as much a requisite for

success as endurance, concentration and

speed – an imperative that prompted the iconic

sportsman to consider corrective vision at Oman’s

most prestigious surgical eye-care services

provider. Z-LASIK, widely popularised by Muscat

Eye Laser Center in Oman, is a safe, painless but

National sports hero opts for Z-LASIK surgery at

Muscat Eye Laser Center

sophisticated procedure that delivers amazing results without

any of the complications typically associated with conventional

eye surgeries.


Word

pre

ss

Bahwan Travel Consortium had their annual staff get

together at the Le Grand Hall at Al Falaj. The evening

saw the staff come along with their families to witness

entertainment, games, magic show, prizes, dinner and

dance. Gracing the occasion were Shaikh Suhail Bahwan,

Shaikh Omar Bahwan and Amal Bahwan who were

present and also gave away awards to employees.

Bahwan Travel Consortium annual staff get together

The GMC vehicles at Moosa Abdul

Rahman are now available with

additional value on all variants at

no extra cost. The customers will

be entitled to a number of free

benefits such as 40,000 km service

over two years, five years unlimited

km warranty and complimentary

registration on all models. All

vehicles will be serviced at intervals

of 10,000kms. To top it all, each

purchase will be accompanied by the

latest 8.9 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab,

at no extra cost.

“We always try to offer our customers

Get more value with GMC in 2012

quality products that are affordable,

and it is our pleasure to provide

even more value with this limited

time promotion,” said Virendra

Agarwal CEO, Moosa Abdul Rahman

Hassan & Co LLC. Acadia, GMC’s

first luxury crossover utility vehicle,

features a cabin with three rows of

seating that can accommodate up

to eight passengers comfortably.

Acadia comes with a wide range of

optional and standard equipment

including ultrasonic parking assist,

power lift gate, an extended-range

remote vehicle starting system

in addition to a tri-zone heating

and air conditioning system and

an oversized dual SkyScape sunroof.

The NBO Academy of Excellence (AoE), the training arm

of National Bank Oman (NBO), recently completed two

world-class professional certification programmes for the

bank’s entire Call Center Team. Both courses, backed by

internationally accredited certifications aimed at imparting

international best practice in initiating, operating, and

managing the Call Centre. The two programmes, running

over three weeks, and employing a combined methodology

of lectures, simulation, group discussions, role plays and

team debriefs, have equipped participants with the technical

skills and soft skills needed to offer NBO customers and

callers with an exceptional service experience.

A total of 35 delegates have been enrolled in the training.

Nine team leaders attended the Team Leaders Certification

Course and the Coaching Mentor Course and (26) agents

attended both the Agent Certification Course and Service

Mentor Course .

Both courses have been conducted by approved and

certified professional trainers. Ali Saif Al Mani, head of

NBO’s alternative distribution- retail banking said “Our Vision

is to become the number one call centre in Oman and the

NBO launches professional certification programmes for call center staff

market leader through a ‘customer-centric” model that

puts our customers at the heart of whatever we do.

That final touch with the customer simply needs to be

pleasant, genuine, and an ever-lasting experience”.

Nasser Al Hajri, NBO’s AGM and chief human

resources officer said: “While formulating the learning

and people development strategy of NBO for 2012

and beyond, we were crystal clear that equipping our

people with internationally benchmarked professional

certifications is our major tool of market differentiation.

We are committed to continue the drive of enabling

and empowering our people to become the best in

Oman’s banking industry”.

19Black & White

MAKE THE DREAM OF CINEMA A REALITY

We live in an exciting time. Oman is bracing itself for

a storm of film stars who are going to descend into

this country. We are going to see a major lineup of

stars and things are going to change in the nascent

movie business of Oman.

Whatever opinion that people have of movies and the

stars that enact roles in them, the truth is that most

of us are dazzled by these actors and actresses.

Of course, all of them are doing their jobs and are

paid for it. But that is where the similarity between

them and the common populace, like us, ends. One

film, one hit. That is enough for the whole world

to lap up an actor who is suddenly catapulted into

the limelight. Somehow, all of us want to share that

limelight in a little way. However much we would like

to say differently, the truth is that there are many

among us who are in awe of movie stars. There is

some kind of extra dimensional quality about them

and we like to associate with them, be with them, and

somehow get our share of that bit of fame.

Oman’s 7th Muscat International Film Festival is not only going to see an array of stars, but also some fine films, which movie lovers are going to enjoy

Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief

In Black...

& White

In B

lack &

Whit

e

Whatever, Oman’s 7th Muscat International Film Festival

is not only going to see an array of stars, but also some

fine films, which movie lovers are going to enjoy. It is

going to be a veritable film festival and more importantly,

it is going to catapult Oman into the world of cinema.

One of the biggest spinoffs of such festivals is that it

helps countries that host it to get a foothold into an

industry that is currently in the making – an industry that

thrives on cinema, on actors, and a world peopled with

multifarious benefits that go into it.

Okay, now what has Black & White got to do with

cinema? Not much, I guess, but we are in this with the

Oman Film Society and the Ministry of Heritage and

Culture in their drive to bring cinema into the open.

We are not just with them – we share their dream and

hopefully will make it a reality for them.

Grab your popcorns and hold on to your tickets folks for

we are going to fly into the world of cinema the likes of

which we have never seen or been in before.

B&

W X

clu

sive


7th Muscat InternationalFilm Festival

Over 90 countries to participate in the

Over 90 countries will be participating in the 7th Muscat

International Film Festival (MIFF), which will be held from

March 24 to 31.

Dr Khalid Al Zadjali, chairman of MIFF and the Oman Film

Society (OFS), announced the dates of the MIFF. “In a few

days time, we will also start selling the tickets to the opening

and closing ceremonies,” Dr Khalid told the media at a press

conference announcing the eight-day MIFF, which was held

at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)

recently.

The new MIFF logo was also unveiled at the press

conference. Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, director of Black & White

events, which has conceptualised and is also managing and

putting together this year's MIFF, was present along with the

key members of the MIFF and members of the media.

21Black & White

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

The four main highlights of the MIFF are:

• Opening ceremony

• Retrospective,

• Panorama sections

• Closing ceremony

The event will also witness glittering awards nights, plus seminars and workshops on various aspects of cinema.

STANDUP COMEDIAN TO HOST MIFF

Standup comedian and well-known Korean

TV personality, Wonho Chong (more details in

the press kit), who is fluent in five languages,

including both English and Arabic, will host

both the opening and closing ceremonies and

the red carpet events.

RETROSPECTIVE ON SIR DAVID LEAN

Dr Khalid said the retrospective on Sir David Lean, who is best

remembered for big screen epics such as The Bridge on the River

Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and A Passage to India. The

retrospective will have the world famous actors, Omar Sharif and Victor

Banerjee, who have acted in Sir Lean's films gracing the occasion and

even lending their insight into the glorious past and revealing nuggets of

information of a bygone golden film era.

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HONOURING CELEBRITIES

Dr Khalid said that the MIFF would be honouring a host of film celebrities, which would include actors, directors and

those who have contributed to the world of cinema. “From the Arab World, we will be honouring Hayat Al Fahad (a

Gulf-based actress), Hameedo (Moroccan star), Sheikh Abdullah bin Shuwain Al Hosni (Oman) will be honoured. We

have invited the Egyptian star Najla Fateh and are awaiting her confirmation.

“From India, we have Mohan Lal (Malayalam movie star) and popular directors Priyadarshan and Major Ravi. We will

also be bringing Dhanush (current young singing sensation and actor from the South),” Dr Khalid said, adding that all

of them will be honoured at the MIFF.

PANORAMA SECTION

The Panorama section (Hollywood and Indian), which is open for the public (by invitation) will feature one of the top/

award winning films of visiting movie stars.

OMAN FILM MEET

Dr Khalid said that the MIFF also aimed at enhancing and encouraging the already existing local (domestic)

filmmakers. As part of this, the Oman Film Meet (a group of Omani filmmakers) which has entered its sixth year in

existence will be merged with this year’s MIFF. “It will be a part of the festival, and it will serve in bringing together local

filmmakers, showcasing local talents, which will help of assistance to the filmmakers,” he said.

SIZZLING ENTERTAINMENT

The opening and closing nights will be packed with some of the best entertainment Muscat has ever witnessed.

Dazzling on the stage will be stars like Nancy Ajram(Arab singing sensation), Tito Seif(famous belly dancer), Lucky

Ali (Hindi soul singer), Sivamani (world famous percussionist), Isha Sharvani and Daksha Seth dance troupe, Pandit

Chaurasia (flautist), Salah Al Zadjali (Omani singer), the Malaysian dancer Ramli Ibrahim and the Sutra Group, plus

dance performances from the Medo Group.

ADDED ATTRACTION

An added attraction would be the presence of famous socialites from the

US like Princess Catherine Oxemberg and actor Casper Van Dien, Dr Khalid

said. He also noted that the MIFF would evoke further excitement thanks to

the planned contests like the ‘Future Film Maker’ contest.

LAUNCH OF ASEEL

Meanwhile, he also gave details of the second Omani feature film, Aseel, which will

be unveiled at a special screening for diplomats, titled ‘Diplomats Reel’.

CELEBRITY DINNER RECEPTIONS

The exciting event will also feature two celebrity dinner receptions, where fans as well as general moviegoers will get

an opportunity to be with the top visiting stars and other personalities. The receptions will be held at prominent hotels

on March 25 and 30, respectively.

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Second Bond to make BOND SPECIAL DAY at MIFF extra special

George Lazenby, the second

actor to portray Agent OO7

in a James Bond movie, has

confirmed his presence at the

Bond special day on March 30 at

the 7th Muscat International Film

Festival, which will be held from

March 24 to 31.

Lazenby, who is an Australian

actor, is famous for playing the

role of James Bond in the 1969

movie ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret

Service (OHMSS)’, directed by

Peter Hunt.

ACUTE PORTRAYAL

Although appearing in only one of the Bond movies, Lazenby is well respected for his accurate portrayal of the James

Bond character from the Ian Fleming novels. The film was a huge success and features some of the most exciting

sequences of the series set in the stunning alpine countryside of Switzerland. Lazenby then surfaced as an extremely

admired person in the James Bond movie series. Subsequently when appearing at events associated with the Bond

series, he witnessed passionate spectators on many an occasion, reports note.

NON-EUROPEAN BOND

Dr Khalid Al Zadjali, chairman of the Oman Film Society (OFS) and MIFF confirmed yesterday of Lazenby’s presence

at the MIFF and announced that the actor, who was the only non-European to portray Bond in an official Bond feature

film, would also be honoured on the same day.

The OHMSS is the sixth spy thriller in the Bond series and it was shot in Switzerland, England and Portugal from

October 1968 to May 1969. During the making of the film, Lazenby decided that he would play the role of Bond only

once.

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JOHN GLEN AND BRITT EKLAND

Dr Khalid also announced the presence of five times Bond movie director, John Glen and Bond girl, Britt-Marie Ekland.

Glen has directed the most number of Bond movies totaling five: For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), A

View to a Kill (1985), The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989). The foreword of his autobiography, ‘For

My Eyes Only: My Life with James Bond’ (2001), was written by Sir Roger Moore, who played James Bond in three of

the five Bond movies directed by Glen.

Ekland is a Swedish actress and singer and is best

known for her role as a Bond girl in the movie ‘The

Man with the Golden Gun’.

“We are glad to have roped in all three for the

Bond special day at our MIFF. The trio, along with

Sir Roger Moore will be one of the top highlights

of MIFF,” Dr Khalid enthused. “It is not everyday

that you get two Bonds, one Bond girl and a Bond

director all together under one roof on the same

day!”

It may be recalled that the international celebration

of 007’s 50th anniversary will be held in Hollywood

before the end of this year. All six actors who have

played James Bond over the years are set to unite

at this party.

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IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY, promote

and develop the potential talent of

the young filmmakers in Oman, the

7th Muscat International Film Festival

(MIFF) will be organising an exciting

contest – Future Filmmaker -- which

will run alongside the other key events.

The MIFF, which will be held from

March 24 to 31 this year, will run

the future filmmaker contest, which

is aimed at the youth with an objective to motivate and

create awareness of the career creator: film industry.

10 MINUTE FILM CONTEST

The contest, which is supported by ministry of

education, will involve the youth and highlight the young

budding talents who have interest in short filmmaking.

Students of 11th and 12th grade and the colleges, aged

15 to 21 years, will be eligible to participate. Participants

who meet the criteria should submit a 10 minute film on

the topic: ‘Naturally Oman’.

UNVEIL POTENTIAL TALENT

“The future filmmaker contest will be one of the key

mandates of this year’s MIFF to unveil potential talent in

Oman. Such contests will augur well in identifying as well

as open up opportunities to nurture emerging talent,” Dr

Khalid Al Zadjali, chairman of MIFF and the Oman Film

Society (OFS) said. He also added that they were looking

forward to wide participation by both local and expatriate

talent in this arena.

EXCITING CASH PRIZES

Three winning entries will be shortlisted by a panel of

jury and cash prizes of $5000 will be awarded to the

three. The prizes will be given away in the presence of

international film personalities on March 31, at the closing

ceremony of the MIFF.

The entries forms are available with rules and

regulations at the various schools in Oman, and can also

be obtained from the Black & White office, Hatat House.

More details can be obtained at bweventsoman@gmail.

com/24565697.

FUTURE FILMMAKER WORKSHOP

Talented youth will be selected to

participate in a two-day workshop

conducted by the founder of future

filmmaker course from the US, Adam

Loften. He will be part of the MIFF

and will conduct a professional

comprehensive course/workshop on

filmmaking for a small group of 15

candidates.

“I will be conducting a two-day course, where I will

be imparting the necessary skills to enable the chosen

candidates to write, direct, film, act in and edit their own

movie,” Loften said, adding that he looked forward to this

experience.

Since 2004 Adam has been working as a freelance

editor, collaborating with non-profits and green

businesses to help communicate their personal mission

of change through documentaries, PSA’s and educational

films. In 2009 Adam edited and filmed two short form

documentaries. The first, What Would it Look Like, is

currently touring the film festival circuit and recently won

The Best Indy Content Award at the Boston International

Film Festival. The second documentary, A 1000 Suns, is

currently airing nationally on PBS.

Most recently Adam co-produced and directed The

Journey of the Universe Educational Series, which

is currently being used in American and international

universities. Adam strives to manifest positive change in

the world by creating conscious media, and empowering

young people by sharing with them the tools necessary to

communicate their own feelings and stories.

Future filmmaker contest and workshop to highlight student talents at MIFF

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Sivamani Nancy Ajram Salah Al Zadjali Isha Sharvani & team

MAJOR SPONSORPresenter IN association with

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28

30 31

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Pandit Chaurasia Ramli Ibrahim & teamBilly Ban Ban Lucky Ali

EVENT SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERSHOSPITALITY PARTNERTRAVEL PARTNERS

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The Indian national award winning Tamil star and

occasional singer Dhanush who sang his way to the

hearts of million viewers and listeners will be here at the

7th Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF). He will

grace the red carpet on the opening night of the MIFF on

March 24 and will also be honoured at the festival.

SUPER STARDOM

Dhanush, who gained superstardom with this Kolaveri hit

number, which far exceeded his status as an excellent

actor, will also be belting out this now-famous song, the

lines of which are a popular catchphrase among many

a lip today. Kolaveri is a song from his movie 3, directed

by his wife, mega superstar Rajinikanth’s daughter,

Aishwarya and the music composed by 21-year old

Anirudh Ravichander, Rajinikanth’s nephew.

“I am sure the popular Dhanush, with his fun and perfectly

hummable song will prove to be an added attraction at

the MIFF,” enthused Dr Khalid Al Zadjali, chairman of

MIFF and the Oman Film Society (OFS) said.

The Kolaveri di song, which was done in 25 minutes flat

by the award winning actor and occasional playback

singer, has had even Bollywood megastar, Amitabh

Bachchan tweeting “it’s so original and catchy”. His

filmography includes critically acclaimed films like Kadhal

Kondein, Pudhupettai, Mayakkam Enna and commercially

successful films like Thiruda Thirudi, Thiruvilayadal

Arambam, Polladhavan, Yaaradi Nee Mohini and

Padikathavan. He won the national film award for best

actor for his performance in Aadukalam. He is the son

of Kasthuri Raja and the brother of Selvaraghavan, both

directors in Tamil cinema.

Sing and dance to Dhanush’s ‘Why this Kolaveri di’ at the MIFF

Those wanting to sing and swing along to the irresistible charm of the viral hit ‘Why this Kolaveri di’ need to wait just a few more weeks.

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Lalettan (as he is fondly known in films and otherwise)

will grace the red carpet on March 31 and will also be

honoured. This national award-winning Indian actor,

producer, singer, and writer, who is known for his

versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema made his

mark as a lead antagonist in his first release, the popular

Manjil Virinja Pookal. Although he did some negative

roles even after that, he soon established himself as a

superstar with the 1986 movie Rajavinte Makan.

FINEST ACTOR

“Mohanlal is regarded as one of the finest actors in Indian

cinema and is a cultural icon. It will be an honour to have

him here and feature his films,” Dr Khalid Al Zadjali,

chairman of MIFF and the Oman Film Society (OFS) said.

MOST POPULAR

He was elected as the most popular individual in a 2006

online poll conducted by CNN-IBN on the occasion of

the 50th anniversary of Kerala’s formation. In 2001, the

Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri,

India’s fourth highest civilian honour, for his contributions

to Indian cinema. He has won four Indian national film

awards -- two best actor awards, one special jury award

for acting, and one award for best film as producer along

with six Kerala State Film Awards for best actor. In 2009,

he became the first actor to be given the honorary rank

of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army of India

and in 2010 received an honorary doctorate from Sree

Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala.

NOTABLE ROLES

Mohanlal became a film producer with the 1990 musical

hit His Highness Abdullah and has also acted in a number

of Tamil and Bollywood films. Of these, his notable roles

were in Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam, and Company,

directed by Ram Gopal Varma. As well as being an actor

and producer, Mohanlal also owns businesses involved in

film distribution, restaurants and packaged spices.

300 FILMS

He has acted in over 300 Malayalam films and produced

or co-produced over 35 films. His acting credits include

some Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada films. He has acted

in four professional plays. He has sung over 25 songs,

most of them for the films he acted in. His most recent

movies include Casanova (directed by Roshan Andrews),

Pranayam (directed by Blessy), Snehaveedu (directed by

Sathyan Anthikkadu) and many others which are on the

verge of release.

Mohanlal to be honoured at the closing ceremony

The South Indian superstar, Padma Shri Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair, or Mohanlal, will be one of the leading lights from the Indian side at the 7th Muscat International

Film Festival (MIFF).

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CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION

The good-looking duo has invaded the Arab television with their

soap operas and captured the hearts, minds and simply the

imagination of viewers, including those in Oman. The final episode

of the most famous one – broadcast on MBC TV – called Gumus

(or Noor in Arabic) managed to pull in more than 80 million viewers

from Morocco to Palestine, Saudi Arabia to Oman and beyond, it is

reported.

These popular soaps with Muhannad and Noor are watched not

only women, but entire households has helped Turkey carve a

niche in the Arab cinema/movie and TV world. With the Arab

world taking to these sitcoms like duck to water Muhannad and

Noor have become darlings of the Arab masses.

REAL TREAT TO HAVE THE STARS HERE

“Muhannad and Noor have conquered the hearts and minds of

many women and men in Oman and having them here for the

MIFF is a real treat. I think the Turkish embassy, especially the

Turkish ambassador, Hayri Erol, for the stellar role he has played

in helping us get these two stars to attend the MIFF,” a delighted

Dr Khalid Al Zadjali, chairman of MIFF and OFS (Oman Film

Society) said.

ENHANCE OMAN TURKEY RELATIONS

“Turkish films are gaining immense popularity in the Arab world,

especially Oman. And I am extremely pleased to have these two

famous stars are coming to attend the MIFF. With the popularity of

these stars and their sitcoms gaining popularity even beyond the

Arab world, the presence of the duo would serve as a great start

for further bringing Turkey and Oman closer on the cultural front. I

thank the ministry of heritage and culture and the OFS for thinking

of honouring Muhannad and Noor,” Hayri Erol added.

Turkish heartthrobs, Muhannad and Noor, to walk the closing ceremony red carpet

MIDDLE EAST’S BRAD PITT

Muhannad has been dubbed as the ‘Middle

East’s Brad Pitt’ due to his popularity in the

Arab world. Because many of the series which

he acted in was sent to broadcast to Arab world

after original broadcast in Turkey. He was

chosen the sexiest Turkish man alive on a poll

conducted by the Turkish daily Hurriyet in July

2009.

Meanwhile, Noor has her own immense

following in the Arab world and even viewers

from countries like Bulgaria, where the series

(Gumus; in which she acted with Kivanc)

adores her. Late last year, due to the popularity

of Gumus, she was invited to host Kënga

Magjike 2011 Final in Albania alongside Ardit

Gjebrea (an Albanian singer, producer and

presenter). More details at bweventsoman@

gmail.com or call /24565697/98675976

Kivanc Tatlitug and Songul Oden (better known by their popular screen names

Muhannad and Noor) will grace the Red Carpet on March 31 and will also be

honoured at the MIFF on the same day.

33Black & White

Victor Banerjee , Indian actor who appears in Hindi,

Bengali and English language films. He has worked for

prominent directors like Jerry London, Shyam Benegal,

Satyajit Ray, Ram Gopal Varma, Roman Polanski,

James Ivory, Mrinal Sen and David Lean.

In 1984, he acted as Dr Aziz Ahmed in David Lean’s film

of A Passage to India, bringing him to the attention of

Western audiences. Victor was nominated for BAFTA

award for this role in 1986. He won two other awards for

this role: Evening Standard British Film Award and NBR

Award (National Board Review, USA).

He acted in Merchant Ivory Productions Hullabaloo

Over Georgie and Bonnie’s Pictures, Satyajit Ray’s

Shatranj Ke Khilari and Ghare Baire and in Mrinal Sen’s

Mahaprithivi. Though in recent years he has largely

been involved with Bollywood, he is also affiliated with

the Bengali film industry. He also plays ‘character actor’

roles from time to time in the British cinema. He was also

cast in the role of Jesus by director Steven Pimlott in the

1988 production of the York Mystery Plays.

Veteran actor Victor Banerjee as Retrospective section guest of honour

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Top Indian celebrities and cast of Agent Vinod will be

gracing the Red Carpet of the MIFF at its premiere on

March 25. With Agent Vinod’s premiere in Oman, it may

perhaps open the doors to many more.

GROUNDBREAKING FILM

This groundbreaking Indian spy flick, which was shot in

Morocco, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Latvia among others, and

featuring the lean, mean and ready for action Saif Ali

Khan and Bollywood’s ultimate diva Kareena Kapoor and

a host of other glamorous stars and veterans in the field,

including Prem Chopra, Gulshan Grover, Ram Kapoor,

Vasilisa Petina will hit the box office on March 23 (Oman

premiere will be on March 25).

ACTION THRILLER

This cool spy thriller with a nuclear twist, directed by

Sriram Raghavan and under the banner of Saif Ali

Khan’s home production, Illuminati Films, leaves no

stone unturned in attempting to woo action thriller lovers.

FIRST-EVER MOVIE PREMIERE

“This movie’s entry is groundbreaking as far as the

nascent cinema industry is concerned. For Oman, it is

the first ever movie premiere and it will be great to have

movie stars like Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in

town for the MIFF,” Dr Khalid Al Zadjali, chairman of

MIFF and Oman Film Society (OFS) enthused.

DEADLY STUNTS

The film is an action thriller and has Saif playing a slick,

stylish and a daredevil secret agent (Agent Vinod). Saif

is also co-producing besides acting in it. The Bollywood

beauty, Kareena, plays the character, Iram. Other than

Saif, Kareena has also done some deadly stunts, promos

of the movie reveal.

Saif Ali Khan, Kareena at the MIFF for Oman’s first-ever premiere:

AGENT VINODA bit of Tintin, a bit of Bond, a bit of Alistair McLean and well, a little bit of fun and frolic and a lot of adventure…that is what Agent Vinod, the much

awaited Bollywood flick is all about, says its chief protagonist, Saif Ali Khan.

Agent Vinod will be the first-ever film that is going to be premiered in Oman. It has already set the market abuzz with excitement and given an added fillip

to the 7th Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF).

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The movie ‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’ will be premiered as part of

the festival on March 29.

Initial reviews portray ‘Salmon Fishing…’ as a winner and is

recommended by film critics and buffs alike in the US, where it has

already been released. The movie, which has been adapted from

the novel with the same name by Paul Torday is the latest film from

director Lasse Hallstrom (Chocalat, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape) and

is cited as an “uplifting”, and “enchanting smile inducer”, but not without

sending its characters into the brink of despair at certain moments in

the movie. The nearly two-hour movie is scripted by Oscar-winning

screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire).

Salmon Fishing movie premiere

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The 7th Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF) will

have a top and eminent film personality as the head of

international jury – Sharmila Tagore.

Tagore is a well known Indian film actress, who has

won national film awards and Filmfare awards for her

performances. She was the head of the Indian film censor

board from October 2004 till March 2011 and was also

the Unicef goodwill ambassador in 2005. This great

grandniece of the noted poet Rabindranath Tagore began

her career as a young 14-year old actress in Satyajit’s

1959 Bengali film Apur Sansar (The World of Apu) as the

ill-fated bride of the title character.

She established herself as a popular Hindi film actress

with Shakti Samanta’s Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964. She

starred in Gulzar’s 1975 film, Mausam and won the

national film award for best actress.

She also played a supporting role as heroine Sarita

Choudhury’s mother in Mira Nair’s 1991 film Mississippi

Masala. Tagore married Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi,

Nawab of Pataudi, a former captain of the Indian cricket

team (who died late last year) – and she has three

children, the star Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan and Soha

Ali Khan, also an actress.

In Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Eklavya: The Royal Guard,

Tagore acted with Saif Ali Khan, bringing together real-life

mother and son into the reel scene.

“We could not get any other better film personality to be

the head of the international jury,” Dr Khalid Al Zadjali,

chairman of MIFF and Oman Film Society (OFS) said,

speaking of Tagore. “She has acted superbly in some

movies and we are honoured to have her in Oman and

also for the MIFF.”

Sharmila, head of international jury for the MIFF

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Susan Sarandon (born Susan Abigail Tomalin; October 4,

1946) is an American actress. She has worked in movies

and television since 1969, and won an Academy Award

for Best Actress for her performance in the 1995 film

Dead Man Walking. She had also been nominated for the

award for four films before that and has received other

recognition for her work. She is also noted for her social

and political activism for a variety of liberal causes.

Sarandon played one of the leads in the 1987 dark

comedy/fantasy film The Witches of Eastwick, opposite

Jack Nicholson. Sarandon starred in the 1988 film Bull

Durham, which became a huge commercial and critical

success. In 1989, she co-starred with Marlon Brando in A

Dry White Season. In 1990 she starred in the film White

Palace with James Spader.

Sarandon has received five Academy Award nominations,

for best actress, in Atlantic City (1980), Thelma & Louise

(1991), Lorenzo’s Oil (1992) and The Client (1994). In

1995, she won the award for her performance in Dead

Man Walking.

In 1994, Sarandon was awarded the Women in Film

Crystal Award. Additional performances in film include

Little Women (1994, Compromising Positions, Stepmom

(1998), Anywhere But Here (1999), Cradle Will Rock

(1999), The Banger Sisters (2002), Shall We Dance

(2004), Alfie (2004), Romance & Cigarettes (2005),

Elizabethtown (2005) and Enchanted (2007).

Sarandon has appeared in two episodes of The

Simpsons, once as herself (“Bart Has Two Mommies”)

and another as a ballet teacher, “Homer vs. Patty and

Selma”. She has made appearances on comedies such

as Friends, Malcolm in the Middle, Mad TV, Saturday

Night Live, Chappelle’s Show, 30 Rock, and Rescue Me.

Sarandon is noted for her active support of progressive

and left-liberal political causes, ranging from donations

made to organisations such as EMILY’s List, to

participating in a 1983 delegation to Nicaragua sponsored

by MADRE, an organisation that promotes “social,

environmental and economic justice.” Sarandon has also

expressed support for various human rights causes. In

1999, she was appointed Unicef goodwill ambassador.

In that capacity, she has actively supported the

organisation’s global advocacy, as well as the work of the

Canadian Unicef Committee.

In 2006, Sarandon received the Action Against Hunger

Humanitarian Award. She was honored for her work as

a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, an advocate for victims

of hunger and HIV/AIDS and a spokesperson for Heifer

International. In 2010, Sarandon was inducted into the

New Jersey Hall of Fame.

SUSAN SARANDON

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With over 40 years of being an integral part of the music

business, Rila Banerjee and Sumith Ramachandran

aim at bridging the gap between mainstream modern

Jazz, Jazz Pop and an audience which feels intimidated

by the sheer sound of the language of freedom! They

are committed to making this language of free melodic

expression consumer-friendly and thoroughly enjoyable to

the uninitiated.

When Kolkata-based singer-songwriter Rila Banerjee

and Sumith Ramachandran, one of India's leading guitar

players sought out a platform to fine-tune their craft they

found it here - despite its indiscriminate ear, Kolkata has

a big heart for music. Post Rila’s 13 year self-exile, once

again, she has a platform. Music has been re-established

as entertainment and Rila and Sumith are on song: a

product of various permutations and combinations of folk

and country and jazz, a marriage Rila still calls bizarre.

Majors, minors, sharps, flats, diminished, augmented

sounds birthed and meticulously honed from hours of

disagreements and equal time spent making up. It works

for them. We hope it works for you too.

Sumith Ramachandran (www.myspace.com/

sumithramachandran www.facebook.com/

sumithramachandran), labelled ‘a monster guitarist’ and

a phenomenal musician, currently plays with Hip Pocket

and his own band Plan B.

Rila Banerjee (www.myspace.com/rilabanerjee) is among

the best female vocalists in India. After having performed

in multiple genres with some of the best musicians in the

country, she is now writing her own music and exploring

this new freedom of expression and loving it.

Introducing Rila and Sumith

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Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar


Forest Steven Whitaker, 51, is an American actor,

producer, and director. He has earned a reputation for

intensive character study work for films such as Bird

and Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, and for his

recurring role as ex-LAPD Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh on

the gritty, award-winning television series, The Shield.

Whitaker won an Academy Award for his performance as

Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 film The Last King

of Scotland. Whitaker has also won a Golden Globe, and

a BAFTA.

Whitaker has a long history of working with well-regarded

film directors and fellow actors. In his first onscreen

performance of note, he had a small role playing a high

school football player in the 1982 film version of Cameron

Crowe’s coming-of-age teen-retrospective, Fast Times

at Ridgemont High. He co-starred alongside Judge

Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, and Sean Penn. In 1986, he

appeared in Martin Scorsese’s film, The Color of Money

(with Paul Newman and Tom Cruise), and in Oliver

Stone’s Platoon. The following year, he co-starred with

Robin Williams in the comedy Good Morning, Vietnam.

In 1988, Whitaker played in the film Bloodsport alongside

Jean-Claude Van Damme and he had his first lead role

starring as musician Charlie Parker in the Clint Eastwood-

directed film, Bird. To prepare himself for the part, he

sequestered himself in a loft with only a bed, couch, and

saxophone, having also conducted extensive research

and taken alto sax lessons. His performance, which has

been called “transcendent,” earned him the Best Actor

award at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival and a Golden

Globe nomination. Whitaker continued to work with a

number of well-known directors throughout the 1990s. He

starred in the 1990 film Downtown with Anthony Edwards

and Penelope Ann Miller. Neil Jordan cast him in the

pivotal role of “Jody”, a captive British agent in his 1992

film, The Crying Game where Whitaker used an English

accent. Todd McCarthy, of Variety, described Whitaker’s

performance as “big-hearted,” “hugely emotional,” and

“simply terrific.” In 1994, he was a member of the cast

that won the first ever National Board of Review Award

for Best Acting by an Ensemble for Robert Altman’s film,

Prêt-à-Porter. He gave a “characteristically emotional

performance” in Wayne Wang and Paul Auster’s 1995

film, Smoke.

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker

41Black & White

KPI -Key Performance Indicator

By Dr CK Anchan

Dr Anchan C.K.

managing director,

World Wide Business House

KPI -Key performance indicator also known as

Key Success Indicators are commonly used

by an organisation to evaluate its success or

the success of a particular activity in which it is

engaged. Once an organisation has analysed

its mission, identified all its stakeholders, and

defined its goals, it needs a way to measure

progress toward those goals. KPI provides

the most important performance information

that enables organisations or the owners

to understand whether the organisation is

performing on track or not.

Some companies have formal, enterprise-

wide performance measurement systems in

place such as - Six Sigma, Plan-Do-Check-

Act methodology, or the Balanced Scorecard.

Regardless of the system a company uses, all

organisations use key performance indicators

KPIs, to assess their performance.

Managers at all levels in an organisation can

track key performance indicators to assess how

well their groups are meeting their business

objectives, whether performance is improving

or declining, and how their group’s performance

compares with that of other units or groups

within the company and in rival organisations.

Key performance indicators come in three

types:

Process KPIs measure the efficiency or

productivity of a business process. Examples

include “Product-repair cycle time,” “Days to

deliver an order,” “Number of rings before a

customer phone call is answered,” “Number of

employees graduating from training programs,”

and “Weeks required to fill vacant positions etc.

Input KPIs measure assets and resources

invested in or used to generate business

results. Examples include “money spent on

research and development,” “funding for

employee training,” “new hires’ knowledge

and skills,” and “quality of raw materials

etc. Output KPIs measure the financial and

nonfinancial results of business activities.

Examples include “revenues,” “number of new

customers acquired,” and “percentage increase

in employees etc.

An organisation that has as one of its goals

“to be the most profitable company in the

industry” will have KPI's that measure profit

and related fiscal measures. “Pre-tax profit”

and “shareholder equity” will be among them.

On the other hand, a school is not concerned

with making a profit, so its KPI will be different.

The KPIs like “graduation rate” and “success

of students growth” etc. A business may have

as one of its KPI the percentage of its income

that comes from return customers. A KPI for a

social service organisation might be number of

clients assisted during the year.

Whatever KPI 's are selected, they must reflect

the organisation’s goals, they must be key to

its success, and they must be quantifiable and

measurable. The definition of what they are and

how they are measured do not change often.

The goals for a particular KPI may change as

the organisation’s goals change, or as it gets

closer to achieving a goal. The KPI's Indicators

usually are long-term considerations.

If you’ve recently started in your role as

manager, you may not yet know which KPIs

are used in your unit or group. How will you find

out? Ask your boss what measures your group

has been using to track performance. If your

unit has a business analyst, see if he or she

would be available to discuss your unit’s KPIs

and other performance metrics.

41Black & White

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several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1

to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and

each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

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AJAY ENTERPRISESPO BOX 54, PC 100.

TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490E-MAIL: [email protected]

Website: www.albahja.com


Goals for self-mastery

and self-discipline should be made

at this time. Expect an active period

ahead. This is a phase when you

are busy with career and/or public

responsibilities. Repeated efforts

are required to make things work. It

is time to reap rewards of the work

done earlier.

Give attention to important

work. If in business, you are

surrounded by whirlpool of activities.

If in partnership, then it is possible

that any issue may surface up

demanding your immediate decision

or attention. It is a good time to make

contacts and to make something

public.

A bright period ahead

heralding new diet regimes,

healthy routines, and satisfying

work schedules. At job, it is time

to increase your efficiency by

organising the work. You will feel

energetic to complete the task that

was holding you for long. You will

receive the necessary support from

the people and environment.

If in business, you will be

energetic to perform your mundane

routine work. You are thoughtful

and analytical. It is time to bring out

desired result from your efforts now.

It is possible that you may not be

able to give some time to relations

due to priority of the work.

It is suggested you to

prioritise the work and focus on

reputation first. If in business, it is

not good time for expansion, instead

work on in-house management.

Problems at subordinate level will tax

your patience and energy both. You

will receive good flow of income this

week. It is possible to get finances

balanced against your work.

Obstacles at work will

be removed by just little efforts

with your confidence. Focus your

attention to manage the work

in hand. Expansion should be

postponed for the moment. Help

of subordinates and associates

will be useful

March 21-April 20

June 22-July 23

April 21-May 20

July 24-August 23

May 21-June 21

August 24-September 23

Your staARIES

CANCER

TAURUS

LEO

GEMINI

VIRGO

Horo

scope

RONALDO DE ASSIS MOREIRA (BORN 21 MARCH 1980) in Porto

Alegre, commonly known as Ronaldinho is a Brazilian footballer who plays

for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team as an attacking midfielder

or forward. He is a two-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year,

awarded to the best player over the year. He won the award in both

2004 and 2005. "Ronaldinho," the diminutive and term of endearment

for "Ronaldo," is accompanied in Brazilian usage by the nickname

"Gaúcho," in order to distinguish him from fellow footballer and countryman

Ronaldo, who was known as "Ronaldinho" in Brazil beforehand. Ronaldo

simply went by his first name upon his move to Europe, thereby allowing

Ronaldinho to drop the "Gaúcho" and go by the name Ronaldinho abroad.

Prior to his move to Flamengo, he played for Paris Saint-Germain F.C.,

FC Barcelona and A.C. Milan. With the Spanish club, he won his first

Champions League in 2006 and the Ballon d'Or in 2005. He became a

Spanish citizen in January 2007. He was also named in the FIFA 100, a

list of the greatest footballers compiled by fellow countryman Pelé, and in

the FIFPro World XI consecutively from 2004–2007.

Give priority to important matter otherwise it is possible

to receive a warning from superiors. It is good time for business

as meetings or dealings are expected to be fruitful. Expansion

of work and benefits are in store now. Avoid haste and over

confidence. It is a good period for finances.

Focus on changing personal habits in such a way

as to improve your confidence in yourself, and concentrate on

putting your best foot forward, as this is a time when you do get

noticed and make a personal impression on others. This is a time

when you can be brave and enjoy new experiences.

It’s a good time to take tests, fill out forms, start a new

course, write letters, make phone calls, and take care of daily

tasks with energy. At work, your enthusiasm will be striking and

you will perform your work with efficiently. Remember, sociability

and routine work will not let you take off your head from table.

Fulfillment through service, empathy, and awareness

of other’s needs; but it can also be a time of withdrawal and

some sort of retreat in a social sense. It is suggested to keep

your temper and words in the low form. Romance will take some

time to flourish.

You will be extra energetic and impatient. You may

have a hard time to complete the work right now. If in business,

this week challenges and obstacles may tax your patience. It is

likely that you may lose your temper on your subordinates, if not

controlled.

Responsibilities at work increase but this will prove

useful for your professional growth. Superiors will be congenial.

You are willing to adapt to new circumstances, ideas, and

unfamiliar situations. You will emphasise on socializing or

attending meetings more. Subordinates will be helpful.

September 24-October 22

December 23-January 20

October 23-November 22

January 21-February 19

November 23-December 22

February 20-March 20

arsLIBRA

CAPRICORN

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

45Black & White

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AVAILABLEall over Oman on 7th & 21stof every month

First Free Fortnightly magazine

47Black & White

Funny eh? This year Holi –the festival of colours, which you

celebrate by applying tons of colours on your friends and family, and

International Women’s Day are on the same day - March 8.

So I guess, it’s a message from Heaven saying “Women are the

colour of our life”.

Some are bright like the reds and the greens and you notice them

immediately. Some are silver who add a soothing influence in your

life. Some are clingy like the permanent colours, which refuse to go

away even when you use all sorts of condiments starting from soap,

to detergent and finally even oil to remove them. Some are water

colours that dissolve in water and still retain their identity. Some are

the bold gold, which is expensive and retains a cutting edge.

When you add all these colours you change the way you completely

look. Before you know it you look like a beautiful rainbow that is

sometimes unrecognisable but you enjoy looking at yourself in the

mirror and everyone laughs with you, not at you, but with you.

That’s us women- we add variety, spice, calm, humour, emotions

in an otherwise boring monotonous life. We are like the innocuous

colours and wield the power to change your life.

So here’s to women all across the world –Happy Women’s Day and

to the men all across the world we will continue transforming you in

colourful ways,even without you knowing it.

Till next time love and hugs!

A New Merger – Holi and Women’s Day Vandana, award winning author

(‘360 Degrees Back to Life')

By Vandana Shah

It's m

y lif

e

Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com.

Email me what you’d like to say on [email protected]

Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM

47Black & White


about men

I don’t know how the above connects here, but, let us

look at some of the things that we don’t like about our

men. There could be plenty and the above could be

just one example, but there could be far more irritating

and annoying things about men that you would like to

air. Let us look at the usual or the most common ones

and if need be, after you have read through, let us

have your own version – yes, get it off your chest! And,

if you have checked the earlier pages, we have our

male counterparts listing their hates (against us).

So, let us give it to them gals! You know we always

use this phrase – all men are alike, so let us give some

of the most common things that women hate about

men:

OPEN WITH FEELINGS

We love to talk! Yeah, say that again. We are social;

we make friends easily and we are able to express

our feelings quite often. Apparently men are not like

that. He always wear a mask of a pseudo macho and

believe that if he opens up he will be seen as weak;

of course, we are generous enough to not paint every

man by this same brush, but mind you, the majority of

them are all scared about displaying their feelings. We,

women, are open with our feelings and so we want a

partner who can equate in a similar manner.

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

Fine, let them not talk. But, we need to talk about

things that matter, don’t we? If we are together,

we need to talk about ourselves and where our

relationship is taking us. Are we progressing or

regressing? Men run away from women who want to

talk about the status of a relationship. Why? Silence!

Let us begin this with a query. A very simple and direct query: Let us imagine that you

happen to see your man with another woman enjoying a cup of coffee at a coffee

shop…how would you feel? A tinge of jealousy? Or, will you fly into a rage? In all likelihood, even if the woman is just a colleague and they are just having coffee and nothing else, you may still feel a bit jealous. Don’t know why, but you will.

Things womenhateBy Deborah Stokes

49Black & White

WE ARE SPECIAL

Like we said, we are social. And we never ignore our

men. But, we cannot say the same thing about them.

Most of the times, they walk over us as though we are

dead. We hate it when our men ignore us or don’t pay

us enough attention. We like to feel special, and we hate

it when our man does not spend enough time with us or

tell us how special we are to them.

DON’T LIE TO US

Don’t lie to us – we are women. We don’t like it. We hate

it when you lie. And when a man lies and gets caught,

then they kill their relationship. And now you know why

we say that all men are alike!

DON’T BOSS US AROUND

No one likes bullies and we certainly don’t like it when

we are tossed around like sacks in a relationship.

Leadership is one thing, dictatorship is another and we

don’t go for the latter. But, leadership does not mean

that they should do everything their way. At the same

time, we do not like men who act like door mats. Women

like to be in the leader spot once in a while and prefer

men who are good listeners.

WOMEN DON’T LIKE LOSERS

Of course, who wants to be with a loser? Women desire

men who know where they are going in life; otherwise,

what if they give up in mid track? Women surely would

not want to be around such men. They don’t want to be

stuck around negative men who don’t know which way

their life is going and have no plans for the future.


Sedentary women more prone to D

IABETES

51Black & White

KNOW WHY?

Because women who stay seated for long periods of time every day are

more prone to developing type 2 diabetes, diabetologists in Oman say, adding

however that a similar link is not found in men. Quoting a recent research, the

experts said that those women who tend to have a sedentary lifestyle might

be putting themselves to an increased risk of diabetes. This is because when

one tends to sit the entire day, the functioning of the body seems to be turned

slow, and the insulin levels of the person tend to increase. This puts one to a

higher risk of the disease, they added.

Recent research notes that women are at a higher risk of the disease if they

have a lethargic and boring life. This is especially about the women above the

age of 40. The metabolic rates of a person tend to decrease and this is what

gives rise to all sorts of problems in the body.

DON’T COMPROMISE WITH HEALTH

“Let us make it very clear – women need to understand that they have to be

up and about; they have to be active. When they are inactive for the majority

period of the time, there is little chance of any effect when they indulge in mild

workout. They have to have a proper and active lifestyle.

“As you are aware, when a woman sits, it tends to put the metabolism of the

body itself to a sedentary status, and naturally, insulin production increases.

So, let us stress this: women need to be healthy; they need to sleep well, but,

when they wake up, they need to be really active and make themselves fit.

“No other magic mantras are going to work and it is pointless to live in a

fool’s paradise. One should never compromise with health, especially women,

who have to bear a lot for such mistakes,” experts emphasise.

EXERCISES WORK LIKE MAGIC

Yes, there will not be any magic mantra, but there are simple exercises that

work like magic:

WALKING

Sedentary women can get into the most easily accessible option for

exercise: walking. Start off at a slow pace for about 30 minutes, every three

days in a week. Once you get the hang of it and your endurance and fitness

levels improve, slowly increase the pace and time.

SWIMMING

If you have been sedentary for too long, it is not easy to make a splash,

literally. But, mind you, swimming is surely a great option for exercise.

Like walking, swimming is a low-impact activity that increases heart rate, yet

causes little or no strain on the ankles, knees and hips. The recommendation

is the same for this athletic pursuit, starting off at a slow pace for about 30

minutes at least three days a week. From there, work toward 45 minutes at

least five days a week.

BIKING

If you have the means, you can choose to bike as a way of increasing your

level of exercise. Biking is considered a moderate-intensity physical activity.

Get up, move around. Get some action, stop sitting

for long periods. Now, this kind of advice might sound trite, but the truth

is: this is something to be addressed to women,

more than men.


Shape n

sound

As you are aware, the average scalp has 100,000 hairs.

Each follicle produces a single hair that grows at a rate of

half an inch per month. After growing for two to six years,

the hair rests for awhile before falling out. It is soon

replaced with a new hair, and the cycle begins again. At

any given time, 85 percent of the hair is growing, and the

remainder is resting, notes a hair expert.

“People shed about 50 to 100 strands every day and

that is nothing to be worried about. But, when you notice

big clumps falling out when you shampoo or style – that

is the time to be worried,” Sasha Nabrosky, a hair style

expert, says adding that the hair could also thin over a

period of time. “In both cases, you shouldn’t hesitate to

see a doctor,” she says.

Asked what was the main reason for hair loss in

women, Nabrosky says it could be varied. “For instance,

it should be understood that there are about 30 different

medical conditions and so many several lifestyle factors.

I would say it is better that we look at conducting tests for

thyroid problems and hormone imbalances,” she said.

HAIR LOSS TRIGGER: THYROID PROBLEMS

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front

of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate many

processes throughout the body. If the gland makes too

much or too little thyroid hormone, the hair growth cycle

may falter. But hair loss is rarely the only sign of a thyroid

problem. Other symptoms include weight gain or loss,

sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart rate.

HAIR LOSS TRIGGER: PCOS

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have

a chronic hormonal imbalance. The body makes higher

levels of androgens than expected. This often causes

extra hair to sprout on the face and body, while the

hair on the scalp grows thinner. The PCOS can also

lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain. But

sometimes thinning hair is the only obvious sign.

HAIR LOSS TRIGGER: ALOPECIA AREATA

Alopecia areata causes the hair to fall out in startling

patches. The culprit is the body’s own immune system,

which mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. In most

cases, the damage is not permanent. The missing

patches usually grow back in six months to a year. In

rare cases, people may lose all of the hair on their scalp

and body.

HAIR LOSS TRIGGER: RINGWORM

When ringworm affects the scalp, the fungus triggers a

distinct pattern of hair loss -- itchy, round bald patches.

Bald areas can appear scaly and red. Ringworm of the

scalp is treated with antifungal medication. The fungus

is easily spread by direct contact, so family members

should be checked for symptoms, too.

HAIR LOSS TRIGGER: CHILDBIRTH

Some women may notice their hair seems fuller during

pregnancy. That’s thanks to high levels of hormones

that keep resting hairs from falling out as they normally

would. Alas, the reprieve is short-lived. After childbirth,

when hormone levels return to normal, those strands fall

out quickly. This can mean a surprising amount of hair

loss at one time. It may take up to two years for the hair

to return to normal.

Losing sleep over

HAIR LOSSYou are gloomy because you are having a ‘bad hair’ day? Then, just imagine the

distress of those who have to face hair loss on a daily basis…And I don’t mean men who are losing hair but women. Hair loss is common in women too. It is no longer a man’s problem. Today, the percentages of women who are experiencing temporary or long term hair loss are increasing…There are women whose hair is thinning all

over, others have their centre part gradually widen and many others have baldness on the crown of their head.

By Denise Atkins

53Black & White

Someone once told at a meeting that one rotten apple can spoil the whole bunch!

An accountant philosophising in a management meeting!

Funny though it sounded, I fretted and fumed and turned defensive assuming that I am the

target of the taunting comment.

I was furious because the guy who was making these declarations had no capacity to even

distinguish between an apple and an orange. What would he know to make proverbial

statements?

I was indignant and gave him a piece of my mind! I am good at jumping to conclusions, that

day was no better.

After years I still remember his comment, don’t know why, but a nagging doubt, whether the

line could have been right, if not the man?

One rotten apple?

Yes, could be; a stinker anywhere can create havoc anywhere.

But it is just one single rotten apple, my mind was screaming…

Is there any truth to the old saying?

Will leaving a single rotten apple with other apples actually cause the other apples to rot

before their time? Or is it just another mindless proverb?

Can we not avoid spoiling the whole bunch?

It is all a matter of characteristics. When I am bored and with nothing much to do, I think.

Look at a basket of 20 apples, all the good ones are shining and red and looking perfect in

all aspect.

Every single of the 20 guarantees all the attributes of a good and tasty apple.

They do not talk, neither do they advertise.

They sit there on the basket tightly, displaying what looks on the outside.

They do not send out signals, they don’t claim anything.

They are just plain good apples, nothing more.

You got to pick one up and bite to keep that doctor away.

On their own they are harmless, silent and unassuming.

Now, are they at fault that one of them, just a single one turns rotten, dirties the basket, and

corrupts the healthy physical existence of the other 19?

Is there anything that can be done by the majority of the 19?

They are more in number, they are good and healthy and they are shining.

Why are the healthy 19 not making a difference? Against one rotten weak one?

Because like every other category of the good, they remain just good! Nothing more.

They do not spread goodness; they do not make any noise!

Look at the rotten one… it lets out the gaseous hormone required during the ripening of the

fruit, faster because it is more ripe than the others.

It spreads mold, because of the physical closeness.

It is not stronger; it is dying, but spreads the rot around…?

True, I accept, one rotten can spoil the neighbours, apples or humans!

Now, what do we do?

The good do nothing. Period.

Stop the bad?

By Priya Arunkumar

[email protected]

The good do nothing!

Black & White mag Issue 42

Documents

noor al sharif

hayat al fahad

action time

nadine al labaki

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nawaf al ganahi

fantastic movie action

host of film celebrities