Author: The Metrognome

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Read

How well do you know our Raj Bhavans?

Two coffee table books on State’s three Raj Bhavans to be launched; will be uploaded on the Raj Bhavan website.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

The most enviable private residence in Mumbai is, without doubt, the Maharashtra State Governor’s home, the Raj Bhavan. The Governor has three Raj Bhavans in Maharashtra – Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune – and a summer residence at Mahabaleshwar.

But since these are closed off to the general public and are open only to visiting heads of countries and occasionally the members of the Press, not many are aware of just how stunning these official residences really are. Now, everyone has a chance to feast their eyes on the palatial Raj Bhavans in Maharashtra; the State’s CM Prithviraj Chavan will formally launch two coffee table books on Raj Bhavan on Thursday, October 17. The books, one in English and the other in Marathi, document the heritage, architecture, flora and fauna and other interesting aspects of all the Raj Bhavans in Maharashtra through a series of stunning photographs. The English book is titled Raj Bhavans of Maharashtra: Witness to Glory and the Marathi one is titled Maharashtrateel Rajbhavaney: Vaibhavshali Itihasachi Saakshidaar.

The books will be presented as souvenirs to national and international dignitaries visiting Raj Bhavan, and will be shortly uploaded on the Raj Bhavan website.

See some of the pictures from the books:

(Pictures courtesy Sudharak Olwe)

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Film

‘I kept thinking: I’m shooting with Bakhtavar’

Former model and actor Shiv Pandit talks about his new film ‘Boss’ which hits theatres today, among other Bollywoody things.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Shiv Pandit He made a smashing debut with the gritty Shaitan, even garnering a Filmfare nomination for his role as Dash in the film. However, former model, RJ and popular advertisement face Shiv Pandit didn’t follow up his first film role with a slew of films. He says he prefers to lie low, choosing his films and directors with care.

As Shiv’s newest film Boss (starring Akshay Kumar and Mithun Chakraborty, among others) releases today, the actor talks to The Metrognome about his journey in films, why he doesn’t like the ‘struggler’ word and why Akshay is a cool co-star.

You used to be an RJ and TV host before your foray into films. What prompted you to take up films?

Films were always on my mind. I was just waiting for the right opportunity. Shaitan (his debut film) was one such film that I couldn’t refuse because of its script and my role. Hence I took it up. From there on I wanted to concentrate completely on my film career.

What was it like, working in Shaitan? How did you get the chance to work in this film?

I got a call from the director Bejoy’s (Nambiar) office post which I auditioned with Kalki Koechlin. The experience was brilliant. I connected well with the cast, especially with Bejoy. He is young, intelligent and an extremely stylish filmmaker.

Tell us about Boss. What is your role in the film like and how was the experience working on this character?

Boss is an out-and-out commercial masala entertainer. Post Shaitan, I wanted to do a different genre and reach out to the masses. The producer Ashvini Warde had seen Shaitan and liked my work. The entire experience has been superb. I was working with great stalwarts from the industry, like Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty and Danny Dengzongpa. On the sets I would often have fan boy moments. I couldn’t believe I was working with the same people who I had grown up watching on screen.

What is Akshay Kumar like as an actor and co-star?

Akshay Kumar is just brilliant on screen. He is an extremely supportive co-star, too. He gives his co-stars the space they need to perform, which only enhances the shot or scene. He is Shiv Pandit so focussed and full of energy, which always inspires his co-stars to give their best shot.

Was there an interesting incident that occurred during the making of Boss?

There have been many interesting incidents. One such incident occurred when I was shooting with Danny Denzongpa. This was the first time I was giving a shot with him. And in my head, I kept thinking, “I am giving a shot with Bakhtavar,” (Danny played Bakhtavar in the film Hum)

Can you say you have been a struggler who got a very good break?

I don’t like the word ‘struggler’ per se. I am extremely optimistic and patient as a person. I have patiently waited for the right opportunity. I believe in myself and know that I have what it takes. My filmography may not be bursting with a lot of films. But I have taken my time to choose the right kind of film that I wanted to be a part of.

What is the one role you want to do?

As clichéd as it may sound, I want to portray all kinds of roles in various genres. Pin pointing any one will be difficult.

Is there a contemporary actor who you feel will be the next big thing?

There’s been a surge of amazing talent in the industry in the last few years. Pinpointing any one will be difficult.

Categories
Tech

Just in: Pinnacle Stylus smartphone

Spice launched the new smartphone today. Among other things, you get a year’s Evernote premium subscription free with this phone.
by Manik Kakra

Spice launched its new Pinnacle Stylus smartphone today. The phone runs on Android 4.2, along with Spice’s proprietary UI on top. Boasting a 5.5-inch 720p screen, this phone is powered by a 1.2 GHz chipset as well as 1 GB of RAM. This dual-SIM (GSM + CDMA) smartphone is equipped with 8 GB of internal storage (expandable up to 32 GB), FM radio and 2,500 mAh battery.

Pinnacle StylusOne of the things worth noting is that you get a year’s Evernote premium subscription free with this phone. That’s a nice new touch, especially considering how popular Evernote is getting today for mobile devices.

As the device’s name suggests, you also get a stylus with the phone. Using Skitch, you can draw, annotate, and take tiny notes with the Stylus. The phone features an 8 MP (AF) camera on the back, which can do HD videos at 30 FPS; while the front has got a 2 MP camera. Connectivity-wise, the Pinnacle Stylus has got Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi a/b/g/n, WiFi tethering, A-GPS, and microUSB.

“This phone is powered with Evernote and Skitch, which makes the phone even more interesting and allows users to visually communicate more effectively than ever. The phone also comes pre-bundled with Evernote, which helps individuals save their thoughts, ideas and all they want to remember, thereby making them more organised and productive. With the new smartphone, we aim to satiate the consumer needs with the best-in-class technological innovations,” said the company’s CEO,  TM Ramakrishnan.

The phone has been launched at a price of about Rs 15,990, and comes with a leather case. Looking at Spice’s recent activities, it’s clear that they are getting more serious about their Android line-up. It won’t be easy with so many OEMs in this range, but there is definitely a lot to which could be done to get a very good smartphone at this price point.

Categories
Do

Walking for tigers, from Tadoba to Mumbai

The Tiger Cyclo-Walk, an initiative to create awareness about the Bengal Tiger and a respectful nature-human relationship, is inviting participants.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

We all talk of conserving the environment and we feel especially terrible about the dwindling numbers of our national animal, the Tiger, but how about walking the talk? Literally?

Come December 14, 2013, you could be part of a unique ‘Tiger Cyclowalk’ that winds its way from the highlands of Tadoba and lands in Mumbai by February 10, 2014. The walk will traverse a distance of about 1,200 kilometres and will travel through major cities and towns such as Chandrapur, Igatpuri, Malegaon and Thane before ending at the Arabian Sea.

Sunil JoshiSo what’s it about, really? “This is an educative movement to make the masses aware about the environment and tigers,” says Sunil Joshi (in pic on left), noted trekker, mountaineer and walker and CEO of The Great Outdoors, a Thane-based manufacturer of outdoor sports gear. Sunil conceptualised the initiative; he has walked 2,560 kilometers in Norway, from North Cape (Northern tip of Norway ) to Lindesnes (Southern tip of Norway) while he represented India for ‘Walk Norway Programme’. “We wish to spread awareness and help people in and around the State’s existing forests to protect the jungles. The plantation of more and more Indian origin trees will balance the ecology. Protecting our wilderness will, in turn, protect the tiger,” Sunil explains.

Over a period of 60 days, Sunil and his team plus those who join the initiative will cycle and walk across the route and on the way, show films and slides about tigers and the environment in educational institutes and social organisations. “Apart from this, we will appeal to the local populations to accompany a lap on the cyclo-walk,” Sunil explains. “There will also be tree plantation ceremonies to boost awareness.”

The team hopes to amass a budget of about Rs 9,60,000 to include food, vehicle hire, fuel costs, communication, transport, team expenses, promotional items, educational expenses, tiger cyclo walketc. “We hope to get sponsorships and donations towards meeting our expenses,” Sunil says.

The think tank behind the initiative comprises Dr Susan Sharma, social entrepreneur, Phil Davis, founder of Tiger Awareness, Dr Sudhir Gaikwad Inamdar, wildlife enthusiast and medical practitioner, Amol Bais, social educator, Vivek Kulkarni, ecologist, Vasant Limaye, IIT engineer and educator, Shobhan Das, architect and Charuhas Joshi, Professor, Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai.

“We hope that masses will be made aware of the importance of preserving our environment and our tigers. This is just the beginning of the movement for saving tigers and forests,” Sunil asserts. “We will spread this movement in the near future by arranging five simultaneous cyclo-walks across India and Nepal.”

If you want to join the cyclo-walk, volunteer for the cause or sponsor a part of the project, contact Sunil Joshi on 9223319216/ 9869724929.

(Pictures courtesy Dr Sudhir Gaikwad Inamdar)

Categories
Learn

Are you jogging wrong?

If your jogging routine is causing aches and ailments, you need to unlearn the habits that are causing you harm.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

The city has already started training for the Mumbai Marathon that will take place in early January 2014, and the early morning hours are witness to scores of joggers and runners putting themselves through training. But there are several who give up their training mid-way, because of injury or fatigue.

While some amount of fatigue is expected, due to the muscles toning up and the body reacting to high periods of intense stress, what most people don’t realise is that they may actually be putting their bodies to risk through wrong running practices. Here’s how you can do yourself more harm than good if you’re jogging or running wrong:

jogging wrong– Running too fast: Most people are under the impression that punishing the body leads to faster, better results. So they set unrealistic goals to meet them, with the result that they are running too fast. When you start a new routine, take it slow. Run at a certain speed in terms of minutes, not kilometres. Then gradually increase the time, while maintaining the speed.

– Running too slow: Some people are unable to run very fast, so they decide to jog instead. However, jogging is trickier than running – it should not be too slow and not too fast. If you jog very slowly, you put immense pressure on your knees and ankles to support your weight longer than necessary. Time yourself when you jog – jog on a treadmill and set the speed to one which is too fast for a walk but too slow to run.

– Wrong running gear: This is a no-brainer, but a lot of people get this wrong. Merely investing in swanky new shoes is not enough. Your running shoes should support your heel, provide good cushioning to your toes, and absorb shock. Avoid soles that are thin, even if the shoes are comfortable. Also avoid soles that are inflexible and hard, as these will not let your instep curl when you run, and cause spasms. Similarly, wear loose cotton clothing when you run and stay away from synthetic fabrics.

– Not hydrating enough: It is crucial to keep drinking water or mineral replenishing fluids before, during and after your run. Not keeping the body well hydrated will result in dehydration and cramping. In some cases, it might even lead to heart attacks. Keep sipping water even when you’re running on a treadmill in an air-conditioned gym.

– Not stretching before and after: Stretching the body is crucial, both before and after your run. If you don’t stretch adequately, your Stretching before joggingmuscles will not be warmed up enough for a heavy bout of running. Stretching revs up the blood circulation, prepares muscles for activity, even prepares your lungs for the work ahead. Do on-the-spot jogging and stretching exercises for your calves, thighs, hamstrings, ankles and back. Stretch for at least 10 minutes before you begin, and 10 minutes after your run to prevent cramping. Skipping is also recommended.

– Running on an injury: The initial days of running will cause some amount of muscle soreness as your body adjusts to the exercise. However, as you progress, the soreness should gradually fade. If it doesn’t, you’re either pushing your body beyond its limits, or you’ve suffered an internal injury. If you notice swelling and pain, ice the area and stop running till the injury has healed. If you’ve been cramping, it is possible that your posture and intensity is wrong. If possible, get the help of an expert to minimise damage while running.

– Not exercising apart from running: While jogging and running are great cardio workouts, you still need to put in strength training to build your core and up your stamina. Follow up your run with 20 minutes of strength exercises to build muscle and spinal strength. On the days that you give yourself a break from running, try light cycling and brisk walking.

– Following an improper diet: Most people run to lose weight, so they decide to supplement their efforts by completely cutting out certain foods or eating very less. A good diet is key to a good running regime. Get the help of a nutritionist to chart out an ideal diet plan as per your age, dietary requirement and overall health condition. Munch on a banana or a handful of nuts before you begin your run, and have a hot, nutritious meal after your run.

– Ignoring health concerns: Some people are so intent on fitness, they ignore their own bodies’ capacity for exercise. If you are a heart patient, you should be running only on the advice of your doctor. Ditto for those with breathing ailments, DVT, back problems and diabetes. Instead of running, try on-the-spot marching or brisk walking on the treadmill.

(Pictures courtesy www.mid-day.com, reviews.in.88db.com, www.123rf.com)

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Overdose

Sachin for Bharat Ratna

As the God of cricket pads up for retirement, a fan congratulates the legend despite a personal sense of loss.
Jatin Sharmaby Jatin Sharma

India’s Bharat ratna is going to retire soon. No, don’t even start on whether Dada is the greatest, or The Wall the strongest, or Kapil Dev the biggest achiever. Till my last breath, like a million others, I will say Sachin is our true Bharat ratna.

The Man from Mumbai, the boy who became a man at the age of 16 when he played against Pakistan, the man who scored a 100 centuries, the man who broke every possible record and the man who created the only religion in the world that united people rather than dividing them – wouldn’t you say he is truly the greatest?

I was born in 1986 and he started playing cricket a year later in 1987. Since the time I remember, I have not seen an international Indian Playing XI that did not have Sachin Tendulkar in it. My growing up years were defined by Sachin’s theatrics on the field, and it was truly a blessing to watch him play. So it’s a little unsettling to imagine a playing side without Sachin in it.

This Mumbai boy definitely deserves to get a Bharat Ratna for the joy he has given us for so long. And he deserves the Bharat Ratna not just Man from Mumbaifor his cricketing skills but for the sportsmanship and dedication he has displayed all through his career.

I was once interviewing actor Abhishek bachchan, when he spoke of Sachin Tendulkar with great pride and fondness. He had said, “Sachin and my father are similar to each other in lot of ways. And that’s why both have achieved greatness in their lives. They are highly disciplined and still feel that they can learn something new every day.” He described an incident where there was a celebratory function with a bevy of cricketers and Bollywood stars in attendance. “All the cricketers were enjoying the show and having fun, and so was Sachin. But after half an hour he looked at his watch. It was 10 pm, so he quietly moved out of the venue, saying he has to be on the field the next day. The next day he had a practice match!”

As a child too, he would practice his game for eight hours a day. He owned only two pairs of pants, so he got used to playing cricket with his pockets still wet from the previous wash.

I can’t think of another cricketer who gave us all such unbridled joy, who made us all so proud, who upheld the standards of his beloved game so well. Sachin is probably the only batsman who comes to mind when we think of pure, classy cricket – can you think of any other player who walks off the field despite knowing that the umpire’s Out decision was wrong, or who still walked off it when the umpire gave him a Not Out?

Sachin keeps getting criticised for chasing records, for playing only for himself and not for the whole team. To all those who truly believe this, I say: you are idiots. While those records were being made or broken, he was doing his job of making runs and even taking wickets when needed. And why grudge him his records? It’s not like he stopped playing the moment he set a new record, though the team needed more runs. Only a cricketer truly in love with the game can create a record, and to create so many…Sachin tells his own story through his career. For everyone who has played cricket in his life, even at the galli level, knows how satisfying it is to hold a record. A record is not a bad word in any sport. It doesn’t mean you are going to throw your wicket the moment your record is created.

Sachin bids adieuAnd he seems much above these petty discussions of records and personal glory, with his achievements going far beyond simply winning matches. This man won our hearts. He won hearts the world over. I have an Australian friend who says that he used to pray about Australia winning and Sachin Tendulkar not getting out in a match against Australia. I’m sure there are others like him all over the world, rooting for their home teams but actually rooting for the little man from Mumbai.

Our city bid adieu to its favourite God last month, not knowing at the time that another goodbye to another God was imminent so soon. This God’s name is Sachin Tendulkar and he will play his last test match in Mumbai against the West Indies. And even before he takes to the field, he will make another record there too: of being the first God to ever retire in this world.

Jatin Sharma is a media professional who doesn’t want to grow up, because if he grows up, he will be like everybody else. ‘Overdose’ is Jatin’s weekly take on Mumbai’s quirks and quibbles.

See also: ‘Heartbreak of the year’

(Pictures courtesy downloadhdwallpaper.com, sportzwiki.com, www.indianexpress.com)

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