Information Help

Sunday, 19 August 2012

Joint CSIR-UGC NET Dec, 2012

CSIR invites the applications from the Indian National candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) NET and for determining eligibility for appointment of Lecturers (NET) in certain subject areas falling under the faculty of Science & Technology for December-2012 Secession. The award of Junior Research Fellowship (NET) to the successful eligible candidates will depend on their finding admission/placement in a university/ national laboratory/ institution of higher learning and research, as applicable.

Subjects of the Test:

The Test will be held in the subjects as given under:

Chemical Sciences

Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences

Life Sciences

Mathematical Sciences

Physical Sciences

Engineering Sciences

Eligibility:

BS-4 years program/BE/B.Tech/B Pharmacy/MBBS/Integrated BS-MS/M.Sc or equivalent degree with at least 55% marks for general and OBC (50% for SC/ST candidates, Physically and Visually Handicapped candidates).

Candidates enrolled for M.Sc or having completed 10+2+3 years of the above qualifying examination are also eligible to apply in the above subject under the Result Awaited (RA) category on the condition that they complete the qualifying degree with requisite percentage of marks within the validity period of two years to avail the fellowship from the effective date of award.

Such candidates will have to submit the attestation format (Given at the reverse of the application form) duly certified by the Head of the Department/Institute from where the candidate is appearing or has appeared.

BSc (Hons) or equivalent degree holders or students enrolled in Integrated MS-PhD program with at least 55% marks for general and OBC candidates; 50% marks for SC/ST candidates, physically and visually handicapped candidates are also eligible to apply.

Candidates with bachelor’s degree, whether Science, engineering or any other discipline, will be eligible for fellowship only after getting registered/enrolled for PhD/Integrated PhD program within the validity period of two years.

The eligibility for lectureship of NET qualified candidates will be subject to fulfilling the criteria laid down by UGC. PhD degree holders who have passed Master’s degree prior to 19th September 1991, with at least 50% marks are eligible to apply for Lectureship only.

The candidates with the above qualification are advised to fill up their degree with percentage of marks in column No.19, 20 & 21, as applicable (if they are applying through Information Bulletin) or column No. 18 to 21, as applicable (forOnline applications).

Age Limit:

For JRF (NET):Maximum 28 years as on 01-07-2012 (upper age limit may be relaxed up to 5 years in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC, Physically handicapped/Visually handicapped and female applicants).

For LS (NET): No upper age limit

How to apply: Through online

Important dates:

Date of close of On-Line submission of Applications: 19th September, 2012

Last date of receipt of completed application forms: 24th September, 2012

Date of Joint CSIR-UGC Test Held on: 23rd December, 2012

For more details Click here

Saturday, 18 August 2012

VVS Laxman announces retirement from international cricket

NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman announced on Saturday that he would be retiring from international cricket with immediate effect.

Profile: VVS Laxman | In Pics: Journey of VVS

"It's been 16 years since I have made my international debut for India and I think it is the right time to move on," said an emotional Laxman said after announcing his retirement in Hyderabad.

"As a youngster it was dream to represent India and it took lot of pride to wear India cap, Laxman added.

"I would like to give youngsters an opportunity to prove themselves," said Laxman. "I am grateful to almighty for blessing me to live my dream of playing cricket"

"I have always felt that I have got the opportunity to serve my country and have played the best cricket not only in India but overseas as well," Laxman further added.

Laxman was also picked for the forthcoming India-New Zealand two-Test series but the stylish Hyderabadi stunned the cricket fraternity by calling it quits with immediate effect.

Through his career, Laxman went on to live up to his nickname - 'Very Very Special' - as he became part of the famous batting quartet also comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid which ruled Indian cricket for more than a decade.

Laxman got his first Test half-century (51) in the second innings of his debut match against the South Africans but it took him another 29 innings before he got his first Test hundred - a fabulous 167 against Australia in the Sydney Test.

Since then Laxman has gone on to get 16 more hundreds while notching up a total of 56 half-centuries, with his highest being the monumental 281 against Australia in Kolkata which destroyed Australian captain Steve Waugh's dream of conquering the 'Final Frontier'.

Laxman has since been a thorn in Australia's flesh more than once. Barring the last series Down Under when he could manage only 155 in eight innings, Laxman has time and again taken on the Aussie challenge and come on top. He has 2434 runs against them at an average of 49.67. His splendid form against the reigning Test team was one of the reasons for India's ascendancy to the top spot in Test cricket.

Laxman has played 134 Tests, amassing 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97 and hitting 17 hundreds. The Hyderabadi has always had a pair of safe hands and has pouched 135 Test catches too.

Thriving under pressure has been Laxman's forte. Every time he was dropped, Laxman bounced back with a vengeance and made his bite their words. The Damocles' sword was always hanging on his head but instead of letting it pull him down, Laxman converted it into his strength and went on to carve a nice for himself.

Laxman is one batsman who has batted in all positions barring No.9 and 11. He loves to bat at the No.3 position, where he has 1611 runs to his credit, but made himself comfortable at the No.5 and 6 positions where he got most of his runs (2877 and 2760). It's unlikely that there will be another VVS soon.

Very Very Special Numbers

Test debut: vs South Africa at Ahmedabad, 1996

M - 134; Runs - 8,781; Avg - 45.97; 100s - 17; Top Score - 281

ODI debut: vs Zimbabwe at Cuttack, 1998

M - 81; Runs - 2,338; Avg - 30.76; 100s - 6; Top Score - 131

First-class debut: 1992-93

M - 265; Runs - 19,520; Avg - 51.5; 100s - 54; Top Scores - 353

Sunday, 12 August 2012

New Swine Flu Outbreak: Case Count Rising

The case count in the ongoing outbreak of new swine flu has jumped from 12 cases last week to at least 145 cases, the CDC announced today.

Even while the CDC was making the announcement, Indiana health officials reported seven new cases. That brings the total to 152 cases -- and counting.

Dubbed H3N2 variant or H3N2v, the virus causing the outbreak is a swine flu bug that more easily infects humans than the swine flu viruses previously circulating in pigs. All cases this year are in people who had direct contact with live pigs. You cannot get the virus from eating pork.

When the virus first appeared last year, there were a few cases of very limited human-to-human spread. There's been no person-to-person spread so far this year, Joseph Bresee, MD, of the CDC's Influenza Division, today said at a news conference.

"There is no sign of an increase in overall flu activity. This is not a pandemic situation," Bresee said.

Even so, case counts are rising in Indiana, now reporting 120, and in Ohio, now reporting 30. Since the outbreaks began, there have also been single cases in Hawaii and in Illinois. Bresee said the CDC would not be surprised to see outbreaks in other states.

"We expect to see more cases next week," he said.

Nine out of 10 cases are in children. That could be because children have been exposed to fewer flu bugs and vaccinated less often than adults. Or it could be because nearly all pig exposures have come at state, county, and local agricultural fairs, where children typically show off the animals they have raised.

Typically, only six or seven people a year come down with swine flu from pigs. This year may be different because H3N2v has picked a gene from the 2009 pandemic flu virus that may allow it to better infect humans.

The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H3N2v swine flu. Fortunately, the new swine flu is no more dangerous than typical seasonal flu. So far this year there have been only two hospitalizations and no deaths from the new flu bug.

Thousands of state and county fairs are ongoing. At this point, the CDC's plan to stop the outbreak is to warn fairgoers to avoid pig contact. The official CDC advice:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.

Never eat, drink, or put things in your mouth in animal areas.

Children younger than 5, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions) are at high risk from serious complications if they get influenza. These people should consider avoiding exposure to pigs and swine barns this summer, especially if sick pigs have been identified.

If you have animals -- including swine -- watch them for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.

Avoid close contact with animals that look or act ill.

Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. If you can't avoid pig contact when you are sick, wear protective clothing, gloves, and a mask that covers your mouth and nose.

If you've been near pigs and see a doctor for flu-like symptoms, tell the doctor about your contact.

If you develop flu symptoms, especially after pig contact, get treated right away. Both Tamiflu and Relenza are effective against H3N2v swine flu.

Just in case the H3N2v bug learns to spread easily among people, the CDC has developed a vaccine. Clinical trials are planned.

Meanwhile, as fall approaches, the CDC advises people to plan to get their seasonal flu vaccine. It may not protect against H3N2v, but human flu bugs are certain to start circulating before the 2012-2013 flu season is over.

Black money: I-T to press money laundering charges in HSBC case

New Delhi: The Income Tax department has decided to include the offence of money laundering in its soon to be filed charge sheet against individuals named in the classified HSBC list for stashing illegal funds.

The department, in its probe till now, has found that the illegal funds were laundered in many cases which can be categorised as "criminal proceeds of crime".

The I-T, according to sources, may have to coordinate its prosecution action in this case with the Enforcement Directorate which is the designated enforcement agency for the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the country.

The stringent and criminal provisions of the PMLA can ensure attachment of properties of the accused and handing down of strict punishment by courts.

The I-T is also particularly wary about the recent disclosure made by a US Senate panel that had accused HSBC of exposing the American and Indian financial systems to various terror financing, money laundering and drug trafficking activities due to its poor risk control systems.

"The disclosures that have come recently in the US corroborate what tax department investigations in this case indicate. Money laundering charges would be pressed against individuals," the top sources in the Finance Ministry said.

Various probe units of the I-T department, according to the sources, has informed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and top echelons of the Finance Ministry about these developments.

Meanwhile, the department is set to file prosecution cases in designated courts and the first complaints are expected to be filed in Delhi and Mumbai with regard to people figuring on the banks' list.

In an official statement earlier this week, the Finance Ministry had said that the Income Tax department has begun assessment proceedings in "cases related to HSBC accounts".

The department, according to the sources, has prepared a sound case after learning from the experiences of the LGT Bank accounts cases which is already under prosecution.

India has reportedly obtained data of over 700 HSBC accounts from French government channels.

In 80 cases till now, the department has detected undisclosed income of Rs 438 crore and taxes of Rs 135 crore have been realised so far.

‘Gangs of Wasseypur 2’ review: Iconoclastic end to Wasseypur's revenge saga!

Jab tak Hindustan mein cinema bante rahenge, public ch****ya banti rahegi

Trust Anurag Kashyap to believe that dialogue from the core of his heart. The man doesn’t make films, he makes vendetta come alive on screen. With ‘Gangs of Wasseypur 1’, the director had set the stage for a classic; with its second part, he gave birth to a cult.

London 2012 Olympics Wrestling: Sushil Kumar in final, to contest for gold medal

London: Wrestler Sushil Kumar created history by becoming the first Indian to win back-to-back Olympic medals when he assured himself a silver by storming into the final of the men's freestyle 66 category in a dramatic fashion at the Excel arena here on Sunday.

The Indian will now meet Japanese army man Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu in the final. The final bout starts at 6:35 pm (IST).

Sushil Kumar’s 1st bout vs Ramazan Sahin – As it happened…»I

Sushil Kumar’s 2nd bout vs Ikhtiyor Navruzov – As it happened…»I

Sushil Kumar’s 3rd bout vs Akhzurek Tanatrov – As it happened…»I

Sushil Kumar creates history (In Pics)»I

CHECK OUT HIS PROFILE HERE» I MEDALS TALLY» I READY FOR THE GREATEST AFTER-PARTY?»

The 29-year-old Indian demolished Akhzurek Tanatrov of Kazakhstan 3-1 in an engrossing semi-final contest to achieve the memorable feat and provide the late spark to India's Olympic campaign.

With Sushil's heroics on the mat, India have now put themselves on course for the coveted gold medal which had eluded them so far.

Apart from Sushil's assured silver, India have so far bagged one silver and four bronze medals in the 30th edition of the Games, surpassing the one gold and two bronze medals they won in Beijing four years ago.

Backed by vociferous Indian spectators, Sushil wrapped up the first period 3-0 in the high-voltage semi-final clash against Tanatrov but lost the second by an identical score.

In the crucial third round, the Indian was lagging 0-3 behind but he showed his class and strength to fightback and level the score after pegging him down by his legs with the vociferous Indian contingent egging him on.

With 34 seconds left, the Indian scored two more points to move to 5-3 and then, with just seconds left in the contest, he sealed his victory by lifting his rival on to his shoulders and throwing him down on the mat to win the third period 6-3 to enter the finals.

As it happened

Period 3: Sushil behind by 3 points and a Spectacular comeback by the Indian and he has won this preiod and bout 6-3.

Period 2: Sushil lagging behind 3-0 and he has lost this period. So again, the outcome of this bout depends on the third period.

Period 1: Sushil cruising ahead 3-0 and he has won the first period.

The Indian will now meet Japanese army man Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu in the final. Tatsuhiro prevailed over two-time European Champion J Hasanov of Azerbeijan in the other semi-final.

Powerful quake hits northwest China

Beijing: A powerful earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale on Sunday jolted northwest China, second in as many days.

The quake struck Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, state run Xinhua news agency reported.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Yesterday, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit the same province.

Long-term heavy marijuana use could damage brain

Melbourne: Persistent heavy marijuana use damages the brain’s memory and learning capacity, Australian scientists have proved.

They also showed for the first time the earlier people developed their cannabis habit, the worse the damage.

Scientists from Melbourne’s Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI), Melbourne University and Wollongong University used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to scan the brains of 59 people who had been using marijuana for 15 years on average.

The images were compared with scans of 33 healthy people who had never used the drug.

The scans showed long-term heavy cannabis users had disruptions in their white matter fibres, said senior researcher Dr Marc Seal of MCRI.

There was a reduction in the volume of white matter of more than 80 per cent in the users studied, Dr Seal said.

While the average age participants started using marijuana was 16, some began as young as 10 or 11 and were more seriously affected.

“This is the first study to demonstrate the age at which regular cannabis use begins is a key factor in determining the severity of the brain damage,” News.com.au quoted Dr Seal as telling a foreign news agency.

Cannabis interferes with naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

“If you`re a teenager and you’ve got all these natural cannabinoids in your white matter, it’s not good to be introducing a lot of external cannabinoids in your system, because it stops the white matter maturing,” Dr Seal said.

The significant differences in long-term heavy cannabis users’ white matter was linked to poor memory and learning.

Chemical in drinking water may affect vision

New Delhi: Prenatal and early childhood exposure to the chemical solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) found in drinking water may be associated with long-term visual impairments, particularly in the area of colour discrimination, according to a new study.

The research by epidemiologists and biostatisticians at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH), working with an ophthalmologist from the BU School of Medicine, found that people exposed to higher levels of PCE from gestation through age 5 exhibited poorer colour-discrimination abilities than unexposed people.

The study recommends further investigation into the visual impairments associated with PCE exposure.

The research team assessed visual functioning among a group of people born between 1969 and 1983 to parents residing in eight towns in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts.

The towns all had PCE in their drinking water because of pipes outfitted with a vinyl liner that was improperly cured. Previous studies led by Ann Aschengrau, professor of epidemiology at BUSPH, have found associations between PCE exposure and cancer, as well as reproductive and developmental outcomes.

Increases in the risks of breast cancer and certain birth defects were seen in the team`s prior studies.

PCE is a known neurotoxin that was used to apply the vinyl liner of some drinking water pipes.

Surveys have estimated that more than 600 miles of such pipes were installed in nearly 100 cities and towns in Massachusetts, mainly during the 1970s.

Exposure to PCE from drinking water occurs by direct ingestion, dermal exposure during bathing, and by inhalation during showering, bathing and other household uses.

The pipes no longer leach PCE, but the chemical is still widely used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing solutions and is a common drinking water contaminant.

In testing vision, Aschengrau and colleagues found that people exposed to PCE made more major errors in colour discrimination than those not exposed.

The levels of colour confusion were greatest among people with high exposure levels. PCE previously has been implicated in deficiencies in color discrimination, mainly among adults with occupational exposures.

The new study is the first to assess "the associations between prenatal and early childhood exposure to PCE and adult vision," Aschengrau said.

The findings suggest "the effects of early life PCE-exposure on colour discrimination may be irreversible."

The study was recently published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

Allergic diseases pass from parents to children

London: A child’s risk of developing an allergic disease is doubled if a parent of the same sex has suffered from it, according to a new study.

Professor Hasan Arshad, a consultant in allergy and immunology at Southampton General Hospital, found that allergies such as asthma and eczema were gender-related and not simply hereditary.

“We have known for decades that allergy runs in the family and many thought that maternal effect was greater than paternal effect due to a mother’s closeness to her child, but we have discovered the inheritance is from mother to daughter and father to son,” the Daily Star quoted Prof Arshad as saying.

His team assessed 1,456 patients recruited from birth 23 years ago and found the risk of asthma in boys was only increased if their fathers suffered from the condition while, if mothers had asthma, it doubled the risk in their daughters but not sons.

The research also showed maternal eczema led to a 50 percent increased risk of eczema in girls, while paternal eczema did the same for boys.

“In the past, studies looking at the effect of parental allergy on children have not split their samples according to the sex of the child, having assumed the mother and father influence is identical in males and females,” explained Prof Arshad, who is also chairman of allergy and immunology at the University of Southampton.

“Now, with these groundbreaking findings, we should see a change in the way we assess a child’s risk of disease, asking girls for the allergy history of their mother and boys for that of their father.

“This work also opens up novel areas for further research in the genetics of allergy as to why this sex dependent effect occurs and, if we can find the reason, we can try to find a way of preventing sex-specific disease,” he added.

The research, funded by the National Institute of Health in the US, was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Grapes good for heart health of men

Consuming grapes may help protect heart health in people with metabolic syndrome, a new study has revealed.

Researchers observed a reduction in key risk factors for heart disease in men with metabolic syndrome: reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow and reduced inflammation. Natural components found in grapes, known as polyphenols, are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects.

The randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, led by principal investigator Dr. Maria Luz Fernandez and Jacqueline Barona, a PhD student in Dr. Fernandez’ lab at the Department of Nutritional Sciences of the University of Connecticut, recruited men between 30 and 70 years of age with metabolic syndrome.

The study is believed to be the first to look at the impact of grapes on metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together – increased blood pressure, a high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist or low HDL (the good cholesterol) and increased blood triglycerides – significantly increasing the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome is a major public health concern, and is on the rise in the U.S.

In this study, participants were randomly assigned to consume grapes, in the form of a freeze-dried whole grape powder, or a placebo powder, for four weeks.

Then, following a 3-week “washout” period where neither grapes nor placebo were consumed, individuals were allocated to the alternate treatment.

This powerful study design allowed investigators to compare the response of each individual to consumption of both the placebo and grapes.

The study results showed that for each of the study’s subjects, grape consumption resulted in significant decreases in blood pressure, improved blood flow (greater vasodilation), and decreases in a compound associated with inflammation.

“These results suggest that consuming grapes can improve important risk factors associated with heart disease, in a population that is already at higher risk,” Fernandez said.

“This further supports the accumulating evidence that grapes can positively influence heart health, and extends it to men with metabolic syndrome,” Fernandez added.

The study was recently published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Taraka Ratna’s turn to play a cop

Nandamuri Taraka Ratna will be seen as a powerful cop in this forthcoming movie directed by debutante Ponuganti Rajareddy. The action entertainer, which is has a student backdrop, is likely to go on floors in September 2012.

Sources from the unit say that the movie will be wrapped up in two schedules and would be shot in the surrounding locations of Hyderabad. A popular heroine has been roped in for an item song in this untitled film, which will hit the screens in November. The film is produced by P L K Reddy and the remaining details of the cast and crew shall be announced soon.

Gayathrri goes to Kollywood

Actress Gayathrri is happy these days.The actress who shot to fame with Happy Days has bagged her maiden Tamil flick, Madagaja Raja. She is cast opposite Santhanam in the film that has Vishal in the lead.

She has already shot for the opening schedule of the film in Pollachi recently and she seems to have had a great time. "Director Sundar C is one of the most chilled out person you will ever meet. I had an incredible time in Pollachi, it's such a fun team. It's going to be one awesome entertainer," says Gayathrri. The actress, who was last seen playing second lead in Gabbar Singh, surprisingly has no Telugu film in her kitty, despite the record breaking success of the movie.

"Well, I got a lot of appreciation for my performance, but nothing interesting has come my way. It seems like everybody wants to cast me in the same role again. Thankfully, director Sundar approached me with a different one," she says.

I’m not making a comeback: Sundeep Kishan

It's been three years since actor Sundeep Kishan had a Telugu release. The critically acclaimed Prasthanam, which released in 2009, was his last. So, the actor is super excited about his next release, Gundello Godari, but he doesn't like it when people call it a comeback film. "Well I did not really go anywhere," he quips, smiling.

The 25-year-old has four films lined up this year — Yaruda Mahesh (Tamil), Routine Love Story and Gundello Godari (both Telugu) and another untitled Telugu film.

He's eagerly awaiting the release of the film though. "I play a very impulsive character who wears his emotions on his sleeve. Since we were shooting in both Tamil and Telugu simultaneously, shifting from the Madurai Tamil accent to East Godavari accent was quite a challenge," Sundeep says.

He is playing the lead along with Aadi, Lakshmi Manchu and Taapsee Pannu in the movie. Set in the backdrop of the Godavari floods of 1986, the film traces two love stories. "We shot in some pretty pristine locales of East Godavari district and it was something to get a first taste of life in the villages. It's a film that will stay in the minds of the audience for a while," he says.

Andala Rakshasi

Synopsis: Gautam (Rahul Ravindran) loves Midhuna (Lavanya) who cannot get over the accidental death of her first love Surya(Naveen Chandra). Just as Midhuna begins to start falling in love again with Gautam, he discovers that Surya is still alive.

Movie Review: Spoiler alert! It's a tragedy! The film ends in one i.e. But then there was a time in Telugu cinema, (the mid to late eighties to be specific) when films tragic romances like Mouna Raagam and Geetanjali were the zeitgeist. Andala Rakshasi is of that vintage, as far as matters of taste, sensibility and cinematic integrity go at least. On the flip side though the film avoids all the "silly business"(read as forced comedy tracks, silly jokes, unconnected action) that most filmmakers resort to, hoping to appeal to the masses among the audience.

A rare few filmmakers though try to make the movie that they want to make, the one that they think the audiences will identify with. Debutante director, Hanu seems to belong to that category. It has to be said he has given a good account of himself in his first outing in bringing back irony and despair into romance.

Set in the early nineties, the film revolves around the Gautham, Lavanya and Surya. Gautham is the only son of a rich dad who owns Rs 500 crore worth of businesses. But he prefers to live life making a pittance playing guitar at a local pub instead. He falls in love the first time he sees Midhuna. She happens to kick a football which throws him off his bike while he's on his way to somewhere. The two get to meet each other again when Midhuna survives a fatal accident. Gautham's dad helps her family with the finances needed to save her life.

But then Midhuna comes back to life from a four month coma enquiring if a certain Surya is dead, and she is more than destroyed when her parents nod in confirmation. It turns out Surya is a bit of a wastrel who can't help landing himself in trouble all the time. But he's so struck by Midhuna that he follows her until she falls for him eventually, which is when the accident happens. And then Gautham discovers that Surya is still alive, in self destruct mode yet his love for Midhuna still intact. Then the melodrama kicks in.

The film is told in a series of gripping flash backs, going back and forth in time. The cinematography is crackling. The filmmaker uses landscape of Ooty to drive home the poignancy of the romance and doing a good job of recreating the nineties. Each frame seems to have been constructed with care. The background score gives you the goose bumps. The music is melodious and fun and writing is lyrical yet simple. On technical front there isn't much to complain about.

The performances are natural and haunting. The debutante Lavanya has the author backed role and does a great job of it. She has a very versatile face and the filmmaker utilized it to the hilt. The boys Naveen Chandra and Rahul were both pretty good themselves.

It's the tragic climax that runs against the grain of commercial Telugu cinema with its compulsive obsession for happy endings. Also it is loaded too much with the 90's sensibility of tragedy and sacrifice. Also the movie moves along at a pace of its own and it might not really cut ice with our audiences used to the predictability of "masala".

Julayi

Synopsis: Bittu (Sonu Sood) is a notorious bank robber who embezzles Rs 1,500 crore in a daring bank heist. Everything goes to plan until he runs into an unlikely nemesis in a 25-year-old young man, Ravindra (Allu Arjun). An enraged Bittu swears revenge.

Movie Review: Julayi is essentially a transformation story of how an aimless young man, Ravi comes of age. The transformation unfolds in a thrill minute, six-song, countless fights interspersed with witty one-liners package. The movie begins with a rather elaborate bank heist sequence that sets the tempo for the rest of the movie.

Ravindra Narayana hates the idea of work and thinks it's a typical middle class attitude to life. Blessed with a razor sharp mind, he prefers short cuts over values and that ends justify the means. All he wants to do in life is to get rich quick and have a good time. But then his father, a hard working middle class man doesn't approve of his son's attitude and implores him to mend his ways, but then Ravi just has no time for it.

Ravindra accidentally runs into Bittu, a dreaded bank robber who masterminds an audacious bank theft and is on the run with the police chasing him. Ravindra helps the police nab Bittu and earns his wrath. But Bittu manages to escape from prison and he comes after Ravidra's family for revenge.

Fearing a backlash, the police has Ravindra sent away to Hyderabad until they nab Bittu. He lands up in ACP Sitaram's (Rajendra Prasad) house. That's where Ravindra runs into Madhu (Ileana) and falls head-over-heels in love with her. Just as romance begins to develop between the two, Bittu comes back into the picture seeking retribution.

The narrative zips ahead at a break neck speed alternating between the action sequences, family drama, romance and comedy. It all looks slick alright, but doesn't quite make you go wow or jump out of your seats in excitement.

Allu Arjun puts in a confident performance as the loveable rogue. It's a role that is right up his alley and he carries it off with a characteristic panache. He lights up the screen with his dancing in particular, pulling off some pretty challenging dance moves. Ileana plays the eye candy to perfection. Sonu Sood, Rao Ramesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao, are all convincing in their characters.

The writing, especially in first half has Trivikram Srinivas's trademark flair written all over it. The comedy sequences involving Brahmanadam, MS Nrayana tickle your funny bones. Devi Sri Prasad's compositions are easy on the ear and the songs have been picturised pretty well.

The movie falls flat in the second half though. There are a few too many errors of logic that seem to catch your attention as it builds towards the climax, which turns out to be a big let down. The movie has enough in it for Allu Arjun fans to dig into it, the others might not find it as amusing.

I’m not making a comeback: Sundeep Kishan

The 25-year-old has four films lined up this year — Yaruda Mahesh (Tamil), Routine Love Story and Gundello Godari (both Telugu) and another untitled Telugu film.

Minister to act in Jagapathi Babu’s film

Jagapathi Babu's new film, under the direction of Nandam Harischandra Rao is being shot in Hyderabad. This action entertainer currently progressing briskly and the unit held a press conference to share the details.

Speaking on this occasion, Erasu Prathap Reddy, Andhra Pradesh's Law Minister is playing a key role, which would be one of the highlights in the movie. Posani Krishna Murali, Sayaji Shinde, R K, Rao Ramesh, Sonia and Kathi Karthika are in the supporting cast. Music is scored by M M Sri Lekha. Minister Erasu Prathap Reddy, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Posani Krishna Murali have attended this event.

The untitled film, which will be hitting the screens in September 2012, is jointly produced by Jitta Surendra Reddy and A B Srinivas.

Hero Nani gets engaged

Actor Nani will finally make it official today. The actor is all set to get engaged to his lady love, Anjana in a private ceremony in Vizag. Not too long ago, the actor condemned all media reports regarding his impending nuptials. The bride-to-be is a Vizag-based software engineer who has been dating the actor for quite sometime now.

According to buzz, the two met in Vizag a few years ago when Nani was a RJ in the city and the friendship soon grew into love. The couple is likely to tie the knot by the end of this year. Nani, who was recently seen in the superhit film Eega, is currently working in Gautham Menon's trilingual Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu alongside Samantha.

Brandon Routh, wife welcome son

Actor Brandon Routh and wife Courtney Ford are blessed with a boy.

The couple welcomed their son Leo James Routh Friday.

"We're in awe ... we can't take our eyes off him," people.com quoted the couple as saying in a statement.

Routh added that his wife is a "rockstar".

Saturday, 11 August 2012

Sonia to visit Assam as Cong tries to save face

NEW DELHI: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi will visit Kokrajhar and Dhubri on August 13, a follow up to PM Manmohan Singh's tour, that conveys heightened concern in the party over Bodo-Muslim conflict. Sonia would tour the epicentre of the bloody violence and relief camps.

Her visit, after those by government captains, is aimed to convey urgency on Congress's part in the wake of mounting criticism that Tarun Gogoi government was lax in reining in the violence. The scathing attack on the Congress government by UPA partners in Parliament last week and Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde's lacklustre reply has raised the need for Congress to take urgent corrective measures.

Congress is worried that anger in the minority community could expose it to attacks from "secular" rivals in the run-up to 2014 elections. The strong words from UPA partners Badruddin Ajmal and Asaduddin Owaisi, who lead Muslim outfits AUDF and MIM, respectively, have only deepened the fears. Sources said Ajmal led a delegation to Sonia and pleaded for strong directions to Gogoi government. The visit could be a way of clamping down on warring state satraps whose one-upmanship has been blamed for lax response to violence.

The urgency stems from worries that Assam conflict can spill out of its geographical corner to impact the socio-political scene across country. The intervention by Muslim leaders to carve out a narrative of "persecution" and BJP's bid to resurrect "Bangladeshi migration" plank can leave the Congress stranded.

The Mumbai protests by Muslim groups in solidarity with the community in Assam and incidents of violence have renewed fears that Assam issue can have pan-India implications.

A senior Congress leader admitted the party would have to "balance social groups", a fact that handicaps it in front of outfits thriving on religious appeal. That UPA has Bodoland People's Front as a partner only complicates the split within the ruling combine.

The pressure may tell on Congress, especially as it seeks to tighten its leadership of "secular" camp in the run up to 2014 elections. Owaisi said, "I am facing queries like why is it happening when there is Congress government in Assam and Delhi." Congress is hoping to turn the course of the debate that is assuming religious dimension.

Anna Hazare clearly directed us to start forming political party, Arvind Kejriwal tweets

NEW DELHI: Erstwhile Team Anna on Sunday claimed that the decision to turn the anti-corruption movement political was Anna Hazare's and a "malicious" campaign has been working overtime to drive a wedge between them and the 74-year-old social activist.

Breaking his silence over claims by a section of Team Anna members that Hazare was against forming a political party, activist Arvind Kejriwal alleged a "propaganda machinery" was working overtime to "drive wedge" between Hazare and other activists.

"A malicious campaign is being run that Anna is against political party and that Team thrust it on Anna. Truth is it was Anna's decision," Kejriwal tweeted on Sunday morning.

His remarks came a day after reports quoting Team Anna members mentioned that Hazare was against the formation of a party saying they were not prepared to take a plunge in politics.

On August 3, while calling off his fast, Hazare had announced the formation of a political alternative though he had said he would not be a member of the party.

"Anna clearly directed us to start forming political party. If he says even once that he doesn't want us to do that, we will immediately withdraw. Let Anna say once that he is against pol(itical) party formation, we will immediately withdraw," Kejriwal wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.

He claimed that Hazare heeded to public demand and is convinced that there was no road left other than providing political alternative.

"Anna has been fighting corrupt for last 30 years. He is extremely sharp politically n (sic) fiercely independent. Those projecting Anna as a gullible man may try getting Anna to say a single line against his wishes.

"For last one year, Anna (was) being projected as a simpleton, an infant who could be influenced by anyone," he said.

On Saturday, erstwhile Team Anna member Sunita Godara claimed Hazare did not pressurise anyone but said that they were free to choose their own path.

"He told us that if you feel that this new alternative is a better way to fight against corruption and you believe that through this new alternative, you will win this fight then you have the freedom to choose that," she said.

Justice Santosh Hegde, who was also associated with the movement, said he is convinced that Hazare was right in not taking political plunge. "I don't think Team Anna would be able to successfully float a party and find candidates for all constituencies," he said.

In a statement uploaded on India Against Corruption website on Saturday, erstwhile Team Anna member Kumar Vishwas sought to rebut the remarks on the feasibility of floating a political party.

Quoting Chanakya, he said one has to enter politics to clean it up. "Like anti-venom medicines are made from snake venom, one has to use creative, moral and responsible politics to tackle wrong, direction-less and immoral politics," Vishwas said.

On criticism of Team Anna's move, he alleged that no intellectual finds it necessary to comment when a criminal or a film star launches party.

Team Anna likely to make electoral debut in Delhi polls

Before taking the plunge in 2014 general elections, Team Anna is likely to test political waters first in next year's Delhi assembly polls while giving a miss to elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

Sources in India Against Corruption (IAC) said a large number of volunteers in a meeting on Saturday pitched in for fighting the Delhi assembly elections first.

This could mean the activists, who decided to turn their anti-graft movement into a political one, will give a miss to assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

The sources said the volunteers raised the demand at a meeting attended by Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai among others.

Kejriwal told volunteers that their first focus will be on Congress-ruled Delhi. He also asked volunteers to start working in all the 70 constituencies in Delhi, they said.

Deepika pays producer 10 lakh

Most friends land up having bets but very seldom do they actually honour them. Deepika Padukone is different. She had a bet with her Cocktail producer Dinesh Vijan about a song in the film not working.

According to her, the ditty Daaru Desi would not be a rage; Dinu was very sure of the song's potential and asked her to place a bet of a million rupees.

When the song became a hit, Dinesh started following up with DP for the money. She first argued with him about the relative popularity of the song but when the song entered the charts she couldn't argue. She then thought that her producer friend will not press for the money.

But contrary to her expectations Dinesh kept following up for his money and after a period of dilly dallying Deepika paid him 10 lakhs from her pocket just four days ago. A source said, "10 lakhs is no big amount for Deepika. She gained a lot more from Cocktail so it was indeed a small price to pay.''

Of course she is still in a state of shock because she was made to pay this sum seriously for a bet that she so casually made.

B-wood is more disciplined now: Madhuri Dixit-Nene

n Delhi to walk for designer Anju Modi at the PCJ Delhi Couture Week, Madhuri Dixit-Nene talks to us about how even as Indian cinema is changing for the better, it'll never change much because we love our song-and-dance sequences.

On dance

Dance is an integral part of Bollywood. Actually, I like to call it Indian cinema. Just because there's Hollywood, we call it Bollywood. And anyway, dance does have its own USP in our films. Everything can change but Indian movies will not change much because we're so used to the dance and songs and everything. Even Americans are getting very attracted to all this. They're also getting interested in how Indian movies are made, what goes into making them, what's the content, etc. There were a few neighbours in the US who would watch one Hindi movie and then want to see more because they liked the dance-and-song sequences so much. I also taught someone how to dance, but it was waltz, not any Indian dance form. His daughter was getting married and he wanted to dance with her at the wedding. I am not trained in waltz, but it's just what, 1-2-3, 1-2-3.

On adapting to Bollywood now

You have to adapt everywhere you go. When I went to the US, I had to adapt there, when I came back to India, I had to adapt here. A lot of things in the industry are changing and you have to change accordingly. But everything is changing for the better, I think Indian cinema is going through a brilliant phase, they are trying different subjects and audience is getting mature enough to accept different subjects on the screen. Multiplexes have helped in that it's all very corporate now, so everything is very organized.

And that is one culture corporate brought with it, where everything is very disciplined and the scripts are ready. Earlier, it was very haphazard. We used to be on the set sometimes and we didn't know what we were going to say. The dialogue writer used to be writing at that time. Everything worked in a different way, now it's more disciplined because of the corporatisation (ugh, I can never say that word!).

On all the speculation since she's come back

It's great being back but I don't know if I want to be in the middle of speculation. That's not a very pleasant thing. And I chose to give my side of the story on Twitter because I thought it was a good medium. It goes directly to your fans, and they can read what your thoughts are. I am on Facebook also, but that account is managed by my team, but Twitter is something I do myself. But then, like I said, it feels amazing to be back. And good comes with the bad, and you just have to accept that. So I ignore the bad.

On her lehenga on the ramp weighing 10kg

After Devdas, I can wear everything. It used to take 3 dress men to carry my clothes, so this was no problem. Plus the collection was so eclectic, and the inspiration was so beautiful. Anju (Modi) took all the powerful women in Bengali literature and made these saris and ghaghra-cholis. I have also done some very strong female characters, like Chandramukhi, like in Mrityudand, even Gulab Gang, which I am doing now. I could identify with what she was trying to do and I believe in the power of women. And I think I also have that steely inner strength and that calm. I think that helps me through.

Samsung's Galaxy S launch 'shocked' Steve Jobs, Tim Cook

SAN JOSE (CALIFORNIA): An Apple Inc expert witness testified on Friday that consumers would be willing to pay $100 for three patented smartphone features that are at issue in its high stakes trial against Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.

John Hauser, a marketing professor at MIT, said he surveyed consumers over the Internet about how much they would pay for some of the technology in the lawsuit, like scrolling and multitouch, which Apple claims Samsung stole from the US company.

However, Samsung hammered Hauser on whether his study actually relates to real world customer decision-making.

Additionally, Apple patent portfolio director Boris Teksler described the company's licensing strategy, saying he could count "on one hand" the number of instances it has permitted other companies to use its design patents. Teksler did not name those companies.

Apple and Samsung are going toe-to-toe in a patents dispute mirroring a struggle for industry supremacy between two rivals that control more than half of worldwide smartphone sales.

The US company accuses Samsung of copying the design and some features of its iPad and iPhone, and is asking for a sales ban in addition to monetary damages. The Korean company, which is trying to expand in the United States, says Apple infringed some of its key wireless technology patents.

As the second week of trial drew to a close in a San Jose, California federal court, most of the testimony focused on technical patent features.

However, toward the end of the day Hauser said tablet consumers would be willing to pay $90 for the same patented features as what they would pay $100 for on smartphones. That information could be relevant when calculating potential damages for Apple, which is seeking over $2.5 billion from Samsung.

Samsung attorney William Price asked Hauser why he didn't tell jurors what consumers would pay for features like additional computer memory on different tablet models. Those could be compared to the real world prices that Apple charges, Price said.

While Hauser said he was confident in his methodology, he eventually acknowledged that his results do not necessarily correspond to what customers would actually pay for such technology in the real world.

"This relates to it but it's not it, no," Hauser said.

Teksler took the stand after Hauser finished. While Apple is open to licensing certain categories of patents, Teksler said, it is highly resistant to giving other companies access to technology it deems core to its "unique user experience."

All of the patents in Apple's lawsuit against Samsung fall into that special category, Teksler said.

After Samsung released its Galaxy S phone in the summer of 2010, Teksler said, former Apple chief executive Steve Jobs and current CEO Tim Cook, personally contacted Samsung to complain.

Apple is one of Samsung's biggest customers for smartphone and tablet component parts.

"We were quite shocked," Teksler said. "They were a trusted partner."

Teksler is expected to continue testifying on Monday.

The case in US district court, Northern District of California, is Apple Inc vs Samsung Electronics Co Ltd et al, No. 11-1846.

Google Earth locates 'lost' Egyptian pyramid

LONDON: Google Earth satellite imagery survey may have revealed two possible pyramid complexes in Egypt.

Satellite archaeology researcher Angela Micol of Maiden, NC said that the complexes were located about 90 miles apart, and contained unusual grouping of mounds with intriguing features and orientations.

One site located in Upper Egypt, just 12 miles from the city of Abu Sidhum along the Nile, features four mounds each with a larger, triangular-shaped plateau.

The two larger mounds at this site are approximately 250 feet in width, with two smaller mounds about 100 feet in width.

The site complex is arranged in a very clear formation with the large mound extending a width of approximately 620 feet-almost three times the size of the Great Pyramid.

"Upon closer examination of the formation, this mound appears to have a very flat top and a curiously symmetrical triangular shape that has been heavily eroded with time," the Discovery News quoted Micol wrote in her website Google Earth Anomalies.

Mysteriously, when zooming in on the top of the triangular formation, two circular, 20-foot-wide features appear almost in the very centre of the triangle.

Some 90 miles north near the Fayoum oasis, the second possible pyramid complex contains a four-sided, truncated mound, which is approximately 150 feet wide.

"It has a distinct square center which is very unusual for a mound of this size and it almost seems pyramidal when seen from above," Micol wrote.

Located just 1.5 miles south east of the ancient town of Dimai, the site also has three smaller mounds in a very clear formation, "similar to the diagonal alignment of the Giza Plateau pyramids," Micol said.

"The color of the mounds is dark and similar to the material composition of Dimai's walls which are made of mudbrick and stone," the researcher wrote.

According to Micol, both sites have been verified as undiscovered by Egyptologist and pyramid expert Nabil Selim.

Selim discovered that the smaller 100-foot mounds at the site near Abu Sidhum are a similar size as the 13th Dynasty Egyptian pyramids, if a square base can be discovered.

"The images speak for themselves. It's very obvious what the sites may contain but field research is needed to verify they are, in fact, pyramids," Micol said.

The researcher had previously located several possible archaeological sites with Google Earth, including a potential underwater city off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula.

She believes that the use of infrared imagery will allow scientists to see the extent of the complexes in greater detail.

The sites have been sent to Egyptologists and researchers for further investigation and "ground truthing," she said. (ANI)

Sachiin’s birthday celebrations in Goa

Sachiin Joshi celebrated his birthday (August 7) with elan in Goa. The actor brought in his B-day at a plush hotel that overlooks the tranquil Sal River.

The affair was strictly limited to his family and friends, who had travelled to Goa making it a memorable day. "I wanted to be away from our chaotic city and hus decided to party in Goa. But this birthday is special because I have decided to be more responsible." Wife Urvashi Sharma Joshi presented him with a huge portrait of himself that she got made especially from a painter based in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. A shy Sachiin revealed, "I was touched! The painting is so life-like and looks like a photograph." Sachiin was also moved by the calls that he received from friends wishing him on his speical day. The party boasted of some of the best wines and liquor and a lavish Italian spread prepared by the chef of the hotel. "Believe me, we continued to be in a party mood for over four days; there was no stopping us. What better way to unwind but in the party capital of India, Goa!," he laughed. Now back the actor will start shooting for his upcoming venture Mumbai Mirror once again.

Baby trip for Fardeen and wife Natasha

Fardeen Khan and wife Natasha, have flown out to London, and this trip is no mid-year vacation.

According to a source, "The couple is pursuing the hope for a family and to this end, visiting a much-recommended IVF specialist."

With Natasha's mother Mumtaz based in London, the couple will have the cosy nest they need to bring in the future. We've got our fingers crossed for a new generation of swash-buckling little Khans.

Pak N.O.C. for 'Ek Tha Tiger'

Ek Tha Tiger has got a No Objection Certificate for its print to be taken to Pakistan for viewing by the Pak Censor Board.

The Pakistan CBFC saw its trailer last week and gave an NOC to import the print. Mohammad Ashraf Gondal, vice chairman of the CBFC, told us, "A few board members watched the trailer. Filhaal single opinion nahi hai. CBFC chairman Shahnawaz Noon will submit a final approval report after watching the whole film."

Sheikh Amjad Rasheed from IMGC Global Entertainment, the distributor of the film in Pakistan, said, "They have asked for the print by August 12. On August 13, the final content will be watched and a decision taken. But hopefully, Eid tak Pakistan ke theatres mein film lag jaayegi.

'Ashamed' Kristen Stewart pulls out of premiere

Kristen Stewart has reportedly has reportedly cancelled her appearance at London premiere of her film On The Road because she is too embarrassed to appear in public in the wake of her cheating scandal.

The 22-year-old actress was originally planning to walk the red carpet for the adaptation of Jack Kerouac's classic novel on August 16 with co-star Tom Sturridge, a close friend of Robert Pattinson.

But a source told RadarOnline she has had second thoughts.

"Kristen won't be doing the red carpet for On The Road - she's too ashamed to show her face in public right now," the source said.

"After everything that has been said, and in light of the revelations that she cheated on Robert with director Rupert Sanders, she's running scared at the moment."

"There's also the dilemma of standing next to her co-star in the movie, Tom Sturridge.

"He's very close to Rob and Kristen thinks it would be awkward for her to promote the movie on the red carpet alongside him.

"Kristen is very proud of her work for On The Road, she grew up reading Kerouac novels and this is a production she always wanted to star in."

They added: "If she appears at the London premiere, it will detract people from the movie itself and Kristen doesn't want that at all.

"She wants her performance and this film to be recognised for what it is - a great adaptation of a classic book," the source added.

I am not serious and moody: Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan gets talking about the two women in his life - Aishwarya and Aaradhya, and says that all the curiosity about his daughter is weird!

You are moody, and broody and don't talk. That's the buzz about you all the time, Is that true, or an allegation?

An allegation made by those who haven't spoken to me. Anybody who has interacted with me will definitely find me to be a chirpy person. In fact, Ajay (Devgn) thinks I speak too much. So, obviously these allegations are possibly made by those who haven't met me at all.

But you do have this, let's say fetish... for remaining silent on controversial topics

It's not a fetish. I just steer clear of controversies as much as possible. I don't think I am doing anything wrong. I don't believe in doing anything wrong, I am not rebellious by nature, and I am a well-brought up guy who believes in doing the right thing. So, it's not a fetish, I'd like to believe I am well-brought up. My mom still fires me (laughs) but well, that happens, I guess.

For someone serious, moody, how does comedy happen?

Moody? Am I moody? Broody? Am I? (He looks around and asks everyone) Hey, you, ma'am! (He calls out to someone) Did you think I am moody? I came across as serious? (a tentative, affirmative nod follows) I am starting to worry now. Am I that bad an actor that you are beginning to see me as 'serious'? Here I am, trying to be all friendly and chirpy and you are like, 'You're moody'. I like to have fun, I enjoy what I do.

Talking of pro-active, a lot has been made out of your 'newfound friendship' with Salman Khan. Like you both hugged, etc...

See, these are all created stories, because the media doesn't have anything else to write about.

That's right, turn the tables on us.

No, Salman is a senior of mine, somebody I've had a lot of respect for. He's always been sweet to me and supportive, and very sporting. And the feeling is absolutely mutual and always has been.

You're a great lover of sports...

Oh, yes. I love football.

Much had happened over sending or rather not sending Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes to the Olympics. But coming from an industry where 'chemistry' with the co-star matters so much, do you have an opinion?

I don't think we can draw that parallel. They are completely different things. When you are going to the Olympics, you are talking about representing the nation. And this is purely my opinion, I believe I would keep the nation ahead of everything and everyone else. But at the end of the day, you see, we don't know what the true picture is, what the story is. So we can only sit in the sidelines and pass comments, which is not correct. Coming to films, such considerations have got nothing to do with it. I am not making a film of national importance, where a nation's pride is involved or anything like that. It's a different setup. I personally, would not be okay to working with someone I am not comfortable with. It will inhibit me as an actor. I clam up.

But don't clam up over this one - the whole world seems to be weighed in with your wife's post-pregnancy weight! Every ounce is monitored! Stressed?

There's no strain, no stress. My wife is not bothered about these things at all, and nor am I. Like she says, the negativity that was started by a newspaper, and then led to everybody being bothered about it, is a drop in the ocean of all the positivity and love that has come into our lives. So, it's really water off the duck's back. My personal opinion is nobody's business, to be honest. But if I say that, I come across as arrogant, and now, moody. And you all will make it a big headline saying that Abhishek is saying this. But there is a reason. She's a woman, and she's a mother on top of that, and I don't talk like that about women at all. And I don't appreciate people talking about any woman like that. I don't think that's correct at all. She's had a baby, let her do what she wants to do, let her enjoy this phase. Are we that shallow a society or have we become that shallow that we are talking about the weight of a person who's just given birth? But unfortunately what I say is not going to matter because nobody pays any heed to it.

Star family, the nation's darlings and all that, maybe...

Thank you. But we don't see ourselves as all that. We look upon ourselves as just a family. When I go home, I spend time with my mom, my dad, my wife, my daughter. And we're just happy being with ourselves, and we don't really allow us to get affected by all this. Absolutely no strain, there really isn't.

When do we actually get to see Aaradhya? She must be the most mysterious person in India today.

I find this a bit weird, I understand this is a way of everybody expressing their love, but I am not too sure about how I feel about it. I am a bit uncomfortable. I don't think she's an item to be put on display and I don't think that's the way a child should be treated. I understand and respect the fact that in my family, both my parents and my wife and I are public figures, but I am definitely a bit uncomfortable with putting my child up for display like that - she's just nine months old and I don't want to do this.

But she will have to face this one day...

Yes, true. But Aishwarya and I would like to bring her up as normally as possible. By the grace of God, my parents were fantastic. We were a very normal family and we have had a very middle-class Indian upbringing. We were never made to realise who we were or that my father and mother were huge stars - it was a very normal house and I'd like my daughter to have the same thing. I don't know how to word it, but this current situation, I find it a little weird.

Looking through the father's eye - who does Aaradhya look like?

Again, this is weird - but I go on a promotional tour, I come back and her face has changed. And I am being told that for the first year or two, her face is going to keep changing. So, right now, I think it is evenly balanced. I don't know how good or bad a thing that is, because I am sure we all want her to look like her mom. I mean looking like this (he points to his face, and laughs) would be a bit scary for a girl.

Salman is more popular than me: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is in Chicago for three months. In a candid mood, he tells TOI why he has been missing from the big screen for such a long duration, who his close friends are, among other things. Excerpts of an exclusive interview with the superstar...

You've been missing from the big screen for nearly two years!

When my next movie releases in November this year, it will actually be close to two years since Dhobi Ghat (January 2011). I have rarely done three movies one after another. I'm not used to that style of working. But since I was consumed with my television show for the better part of this year, the movies had to wait.

Raju (Hirani) has patiently waited for you for over a year!

Well, Raju is one of the best directors we have. He's a friend and and I'm grateful to him for being so patient.

3 Idiots is the lone film in the `200-cr club.

Haan, yaar. What makes me even more happy is the fact that 3 Idiots crossed the `200-cr mark though it was released three years ago with just 1500 prints. I give full credit for this film to Raju. Many of the other films that are in the `100-cr club have released with more than double the number of prints (Bodyguard released with 3500 prints) and have still done lesser revenue than 3 Idiots. However, I think I will soon have Salman's company in the `200-cr club.

Who, according to you, is the biggest Khan at this point?

I am not able to judge myself. I find it very difficult to do that. I think, at this point of time, Salman's popularity is on a big high. I personally believe he is much more popular than I am. I am a fan of Salman Khan's. I love watching his movies. I must tell you a secret. I do not know how to whistle. But whenever Salman organises a trial of his film for me; which he always does; I carry a plastic whistle with me and I bring the house down with my ceetis. I don't know about Shah Rukh. I can't compare us.

Raju, Aditya (Chopra) and Farhan (Akhtar) are your close friends?

I enjoy the company of my directors even beyond the film set. A lot of our conversation outside the set revolves around films. But we don't talk about cinema all the time. It would get too boring. I read a lot; discuss my other work with them. For me to be able to gel with a person I need to be able to laugh with that person. All these guys have a great sense of humour. I enjoy Ritesh Sidhwani's company also.

You also have four gorgeous women working with you!

You're right. Let's forget my directors and discuss my heroines—Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. I'm working with four of the most beautiful and sought-after actress at this point. What more can I ask for?

One heard you recently purchased 22 houses in Shahabad, U.P.? Are you serious about your farming plans?

Of course I am serious about the farming bit. Incidentally, I have purchased the ancestral land in Shahabad Hardoi from 22 relatives. I haven't bought 22 houses. There was miscommunication there. It is a 32-acre ancestral property with just one house on it. It is agricultural land with mango trees. And there are no plans to build on it.

Heard you're doing movies with South villain turned-filmmaker Prakash Raj among other films...

I haven't committed to any other film than the ones I have mentioned above. The rest are rumours.