Dark side of Deshmukh
Dark side of Deshmukh
Riteish Deshmukh is late for the media interaction. Terribly, terribly late. When the media is just about to walk out, he arrives in style, apologising a bit and promising “a great interview to make up for it”. So, we settle down.
Humshakals is being trolled on social media but brickbats notwithstanding, Riteish has a success party to attend that night. “Let’s say the verdict is still not out on the film. We’ve got a Rs. 40-crore weekend. If that is not a good BO, then I don’t know what is! Of course, we can’t turn our backs to the criticism. Critics are extremely good guide points, but sometimes public opinion differs. I know that some really mean jokes are going around about the film, but I feel it is more of a competition about whose joke can better the last one. It has happened to many celebrities in the recent past — Alok Nathji for one. Social media jokes are not disturbing,” says Riteish.
Within a week of the Sajid Khan film, Riteish has the Mohit Suri film Ek Villain slated for a June 27 release. And this one showcases him in a totally different light. Riteish plays a telephone maintenance guy who is reportedly a serial killer. Asked if he was concerned about audience reaction to the jump in genres with two dramatically different films in successive weeks, he says, “I know that on a practical level, things change quickly. The screen count will go low. A lot will also depend on how hot your second film is. However, I am as excited about Ek Villain as I was about Humshakals. I have always been asked why comedy and, though I don’t want to say that Ek Villain is the answer, as it is too early to say anything, I certainly hope it is! It will give filmmakers an idea of the range of roles I can do.”
Wife and actress Genelia D’Souza has a lot to do with his decision to take on the role of the antagonist. “Two weeks before I was offered the film, Genelia had told me that I must take up something in the dark space. When Ek Villain came my way, she asked me to just take it on. I didn’t even know who the other actors were. I said yes just because the subject appealed,” he says, adding that Shraddha Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra came on board later.
Ek Villain has been a mentally challenging role, says Riteish, “The character had no crutch — no menacing makeup, no limp or action sequences. Rakesh is a simple guy. He could be the person you are travelling with in the train and never know what’s going on in his mind. He is against my personality. On the first day of the shoot, in fact, I couldn’t fathom why he was doing what he was. By the third day, I could digest the character. But by the sixth day, and that was the scary part, I felt I could be him. Each of us can let out negativity in a very wrong way and I sensed that up close and personal.”
The year holds a lot of promise, with the couple expecting their first baby and Riteish’s first Marathi film as actor, Nishikant Kamat’s masala entertainer Lai Bhaari, lined up for release on July 11.
On sex comedies
“When I said earlier that I wouldn’t like to do another Grand Masti, I never meant I would never touch a sex comedy. I quite like the genre and hey that was a Rs. 100-crore film for me! I know we went a little overboard and people didn’t appreciate it, but I will still do something in that space if there is uniqueness. Else I have given all that I could have. I love The Hangover, for instance, and if someone tries to make a film like that, I’d be in.”
On Marathi films
“Producing Balak Palak and Yellow (Special Jury Award at the National Awards this year) has given me the sort of confidence that I am enjoying. I will continue producing good content-driven Marathi films. As for acting in them, I will do it only if my Bollywood commitments permit. Nishikant Kamat’s Lai Bhaari is something I am really excited about. It’s a great title that everyone uses colloquially and it’s a great subject too
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Humshakals is being trolled on social media but brickbats notwithstanding, Riteish has a success party to attend that night. “Let’s say the verdict is still not out on the film. We’ve got a Rs. 40-crore weekend. If that is not a good BO, then I don’t know what is! Of course, we can’t turn our backs to the criticism. Critics are extremely good guide points, but sometimes public opinion differs. I know that some really mean jokes are going around about the film, but I feel it is more of a competition about whose joke can better the last one. It has happened to many celebrities in the recent past — Alok Nathji for one. Social media jokes are not disturbing,” says Riteish.
Within a week of the Sajid Khan film, Riteish has the Mohit Suri film Ek Villain slated for a June 27 release. And this one showcases him in a totally different light. Riteish plays a telephone maintenance guy who is reportedly a serial killer. Asked if he was concerned about audience reaction to the jump in genres with two dramatically different films in successive weeks, he says, “I know that on a practical level, things change quickly. The screen count will go low. A lot will also depend on how hot your second film is. However, I am as excited about Ek Villain as I was about Humshakals. I have always been asked why comedy and, though I don’t want to say that Ek Villain is the answer, as it is too early to say anything, I certainly hope it is! It will give filmmakers an idea of the range of roles I can do.”
Wife and actress Genelia D’Souza has a lot to do with his decision to take on the role of the antagonist. “Two weeks before I was offered the film, Genelia had told me that I must take up something in the dark space. When Ek Villain came my way, she asked me to just take it on. I didn’t even know who the other actors were. I said yes just because the subject appealed,” he says, adding that Shraddha Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra came on board later.
Ek Villain has been a mentally challenging role, says Riteish, “The character had no crutch — no menacing makeup, no limp or action sequences. Rakesh is a simple guy. He could be the person you are travelling with in the train and never know what’s going on in his mind. He is against my personality. On the first day of the shoot, in fact, I couldn’t fathom why he was doing what he was. By the third day, I could digest the character. But by the sixth day, and that was the scary part, I felt I could be him. Each of us can let out negativity in a very wrong way and I sensed that up close and personal.”
The year holds a lot of promise, with the couple expecting their first baby and Riteish’s first Marathi film as actor, Nishikant Kamat’s masala entertainer Lai Bhaari, lined up for release on July 11.
On sex comedies
“When I said earlier that I wouldn’t like to do another Grand Masti, I never meant I would never touch a sex comedy. I quite like the genre and hey that was a Rs. 100-crore film for me! I know we went a little overboard and people didn’t appreciate it, but I will still do something in that space if there is uniqueness. Else I have given all that I could have. I love The Hangover, for instance, and if someone tries to make a film like that, I’d be in.”
On Marathi films
“Producing Balak Palak and Yellow (Special Jury Award at the National Awards this year) has given me the sort of confidence that I am enjoying. I will continue producing good content-driven Marathi films. As for acting in them, I will do it only if my Bollywood commitments permit. Nishikant Kamat’s Lai Bhaari is something I am really excited about. It’s a great title that everyone uses colloquially and it’s a great subject too
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State Bank Of Mysore Retains Title
State Bank Of Mysore Retains Title
State Bank of Mysore (SBM) retained the title in style with a six-wicket win over Vijaya Bank (Bangalore) in the all-India YSCA Trophy cricket tournament here on Sunday.
Batting first, Vijaya Bank made 163 in 28.3 overs. R. Samarth (53) and G.S. Chiranjeevi (49) were the principal run-getters.
Left-arm medium pacer Prateek Jain took four wickets for SBM.
Rain stopped play in the ninth over of SBM’s run chase.
The target was therefore revised to 137 off 25 overs, which it chased down thanks to a fine knock of 62 by K.C. Avinash.
The scores:
Final: Vijaya Bank (Bgl) 163 in 28.3 overs (R. Samarth 53, G.S. Chiranjeevi 49, Prateek Jain four for 39) lost to SBM (Bgl) 142 for four in 22.4 overs (K.C. Avinash 62, K.N. Bharath 48).
Player of the match: K.C. Avinash.
Special prizes: Best batsman: R. Samarth (Vijaya Bank).
Best bowler: J. Sujith (SBM).
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State Bank of Mysore (SBM) retained the title in style with a six-wicket win over Vijaya Bank (Bangalore) in the all-India YSCA Trophy cricket tournament here on Sunday.
Batting first, Vijaya Bank made 163 in 28.3 overs. R. Samarth (53) and G.S. Chiranjeevi (49) were the principal run-getters.
Left-arm medium pacer Prateek Jain took four wickets for SBM.
Rain stopped play in the ninth over of SBM’s run chase.
The target was therefore revised to 137 off 25 overs, which it chased down thanks to a fine knock of 62 by K.C. Avinash.
The scores:
Final: Vijaya Bank (Bgl) 163 in 28.3 overs (R. Samarth 53, G.S. Chiranjeevi 49, Prateek Jain four for 39) lost to SBM (Bgl) 142 for four in 22.4 overs (K.C. Avinash 62, K.N. Bharath 48).
Player of the match: K.C. Avinash.
Special prizes: Best batsman: R. Samarth (Vijaya Bank).
Best bowler: J. Sujith (SBM).
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Netherlands Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
Netherlands Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
The Netherlands staged a remarkable late comeback in Fortaleza as goals from Wesley Sneijder and Klaas—Jan Huntelaar gave the Dutch a 2—1 win over Mexico and a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Huntelaar converted a penalty won by Arjen Robben in the fourth minute of stoppage time after Sneijder volleyed home an 88th minute equalizer.
Mexico had been the better team for long spells and had led through a wonderful long shot from Giovani dos Santos in the 48th minute.
But the Netherlands turned things around late on and face the winner of Sunday’s later tie between Costa Rica and Greece in the quarterfinal in Salvador on Saturday.
The Mexicans entered the match with the weight of history lying heavily upon their shoulders. They had only reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup when held inside their own country (1970 and 1986) and had lost five round-of-16 matches in succession.
That became six in a row in the most agonizing fashion imaginable as they threw away a winning position within sight of full time.
As the Netherlands struggled to adapt to the heat and humidity, a 48th minute strike from dos Santos beat the diving Jasper Cillessen for pace and accuracy.
Charismatic coach Miguel Herrera, looking unruffled in the heat despite wearing a suit and tie, exploded on the touchline in his trademark celebration.
Given the display of the Netherlands to this point, he must have felt the goal could be enough to see his team into the next round.
But with no choice but to push forward, the Netherlands responded and began throwing men forward against the green wall of the Mexico defence.
It looked as though their efforts would be in vain but when Robben’s corner kick was headed into the path of Sneijder, the midfielder sent an unstoppable volley into the net which left Guillermo Ochoa without a hope.
And when Robben was fouled in the box by Rafael Marquez, substitute Huntelaar had the chance to win the game. Though seeking his first goal of the tournament, the Schalke forward kept cool in the Fortaleza heat to send Ochoa the wrong way from 12 yards. Earlier, Ochoa made an instinctive save to deny Stefan de Vrij from a corner kick, turning the ball onto the post, before he also denied Robben as the Dutch pressure increased.
It was a turnaround from the first half that Mexico controlled as Hector Herrera guided a shot just wide before Cillessen saved from Carlos Salcido, brought into midfield for the suspended Jose Vazquez, and blocked from dos Santos at a tight angle.
During a remarkable journey through the group stage, which started with a 5—1 thrashing of reigning champions Spain, it seemed possible the Netherlands could achieve great things in Brazil.
But in the heat, the pace which characterized their earlier matches was absent. Robin Van Persie, back from a ban, hardly contributed and the ineffective Manchester United striker was subbed with 15 minutes remaining.
For long spells the Netherlands looked more like reluctant fathers dragged out to play in the searing midday sun by their enthusiastic children than a top side chasing a quarterfinal berth at the World Cup.
When they did have possession, it was retained with the sole ambition of conserving energy rather than to probe the Mexican defence for gaps.
But with their backs to the wall, the Netherlands responded when they had to and in the best possible fashion. Their dream continues while Mexico rue what might have been.
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Huntelaar converted a penalty won by Arjen Robben in the fourth minute of stoppage time after Sneijder volleyed home an 88th minute equalizer.
Mexico had been the better team for long spells and had led through a wonderful long shot from Giovani dos Santos in the 48th minute.
But the Netherlands turned things around late on and face the winner of Sunday’s later tie between Costa Rica and Greece in the quarterfinal in Salvador on Saturday.
The Mexicans entered the match with the weight of history lying heavily upon their shoulders. They had only reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup when held inside their own country (1970 and 1986) and had lost five round-of-16 matches in succession.
That became six in a row in the most agonizing fashion imaginable as they threw away a winning position within sight of full time.
As the Netherlands struggled to adapt to the heat and humidity, a 48th minute strike from dos Santos beat the diving Jasper Cillessen for pace and accuracy.
Charismatic coach Miguel Herrera, looking unruffled in the heat despite wearing a suit and tie, exploded on the touchline in his trademark celebration.
Given the display of the Netherlands to this point, he must have felt the goal could be enough to see his team into the next round.
But with no choice but to push forward, the Netherlands responded and began throwing men forward against the green wall of the Mexico defence.
It looked as though their efforts would be in vain but when Robben’s corner kick was headed into the path of Sneijder, the midfielder sent an unstoppable volley into the net which left Guillermo Ochoa without a hope.
And when Robben was fouled in the box by Rafael Marquez, substitute Huntelaar had the chance to win the game. Though seeking his first goal of the tournament, the Schalke forward kept cool in the Fortaleza heat to send Ochoa the wrong way from 12 yards. Earlier, Ochoa made an instinctive save to deny Stefan de Vrij from a corner kick, turning the ball onto the post, before he also denied Robben as the Dutch pressure increased.
It was a turnaround from the first half that Mexico controlled as Hector Herrera guided a shot just wide before Cillessen saved from Carlos Salcido, brought into midfield for the suspended Jose Vazquez, and blocked from dos Santos at a tight angle.
During a remarkable journey through the group stage, which started with a 5—1 thrashing of reigning champions Spain, it seemed possible the Netherlands could achieve great things in Brazil.
But in the heat, the pace which characterized their earlier matches was absent. Robin Van Persie, back from a ban, hardly contributed and the ineffective Manchester United striker was subbed with 15 minutes remaining.
For long spells the Netherlands looked more like reluctant fathers dragged out to play in the searing midday sun by their enthusiastic children than a top side chasing a quarterfinal berth at the World Cup.
When they did have possession, it was retained with the sole ambition of conserving energy rather than to probe the Mexican defence for gaps.
But with their backs to the wall, the Netherlands responded when they had to and in the best possible fashion. Their dream continues while Mexico rue what might have been.
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Obama To seek 2 Billion From Congress To tackle child Migrant Crisis
Obama To seek 2 Billion From Congress To tackle child Migrant Crisis
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is to ask Congress for more than $2 billion to deal with the surge in unaccompanied children flooding into the United States along its southern border.
Obama will make the request for emergency funding in a letter on Monday, asking Congress to act when it returns from a holiday recess on July 7, a White House official said on Sunday.
In addition, Obama will seek greater authority for US immigration officials to speed up the deportation of children caught crossing from countries such as Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, the official said.
The request will mark a major step in Obama's attempt to gain control of a chaotic scene on the US border with Mexico where tens of thousands of children have crossed without their parents, straining resources and creating a political and humanitarian crisis.
Obama will ask Congress to increase penalties for the so-called "coyotes" who smuggle children across the border and profit from it.
The official said Obama will also request a "sustained border security surge through enhanced domestic enforcement," along with an increase in immigration judges to more speedily adjudicate the cases of recent border crossers.
Obama will step up efforts with Central American countries to repatriate migrants who are returned to their home countries and address the root causes of migration. And, the official said, he will seek "the resources necessary to appropriately detain, process and care for children and adults."
In an ABC interview last week Obama urged Central American parents not to let their children leave on a frequently hazardous trip to the United States, but his words have so far had little impact as more than 52,000 children have crossed the border since last October.
Congressional Republicans have expressed outrage at the Obama administration's handling of the crisis, accusing the government of letting the children into the country to pile pressure on Congress to approve a long-stalled immigration overhaul.
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Obama will make the request for emergency funding in a letter on Monday, asking Congress to act when it returns from a holiday recess on July 7, a White House official said on Sunday.
In addition, Obama will seek greater authority for US immigration officials to speed up the deportation of children caught crossing from countries such as Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, the official said.
The request will mark a major step in Obama's attempt to gain control of a chaotic scene on the US border with Mexico where tens of thousands of children have crossed without their parents, straining resources and creating a political and humanitarian crisis.
Obama will ask Congress to increase penalties for the so-called "coyotes" who smuggle children across the border and profit from it.
The official said Obama will also request a "sustained border security surge through enhanced domestic enforcement," along with an increase in immigration judges to more speedily adjudicate the cases of recent border crossers.
Obama will step up efforts with Central American countries to repatriate migrants who are returned to their home countries and address the root causes of migration. And, the official said, he will seek "the resources necessary to appropriately detain, process and care for children and adults."
In an ABC interview last week Obama urged Central American parents not to let their children leave on a frequently hazardous trip to the United States, but his words have so far had little impact as more than 52,000 children have crossed the border since last October.
Congressional Republicans have expressed outrage at the Obama administration's handling of the crisis, accusing the government of letting the children into the country to pile pressure on Congress to approve a long-stalled immigration overhaul.
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A very special victory: Saina
A very special victory: Saina
Saina Nehwal says that her victory over Carolina Marin
in the final of the Australian Super Series in Sydney on Sunday was a
very special achievement for her.
“I will remember
this for a long time. Firstly, it was a very difficult final for me
because I had to play with blisters and it was painful. I was under
immense pressure during the final. Carolina is a very dangerous player who could not be taken lightly and she had reached the final after some impressive wins too,” the 24-year-old Saina told The Hindu from Sydney after her title-triumph.
“I think this is a victory which has answered all the questions of critics who thought I could never win again,” said Saina.
“Now,
I have won the seventh Super Series title. And, I believe that I have
done it with my hard work and strong will power — I just believed that I
could win this one. I owe a lot to chief coach Gopi Sir and the support
staff including Maqdoom and physio Kiran,” she said.
“This
was the most challenging win because I had to prove this time that I am
one of the best players in the world. Definitely, in terms of
confidence, this win should do a world of good. Such victories will
change my outlook for the next few major events lined up.
“Now with a Super Series title win after such a long gap, the huge load of recent disappointments has gone off my shoulder.
“Winning a gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics is the dream that I am chasing,” concluded the champion from Hyderabad.
Anil Kapoor Recommends Sonam To Salman Khan
Anil Kapoor Recommends Sonam To Salman Khan
Apparently, Anil suggested Sonam to Salman Khan for Barjatya’s film. The news reached Barjatya and he decided to meet up with Kapoor to discuss this further. They had a chat and Sooraj was conviced Sonam would look good in the role. In fact, Salman too felt Sonam is perfect for the character.
Well, we hope the film turns out well for both Sonam and Sooraj because as long as Salman Khan is a part of it, the film will definitely be grand. We just hope the director will manage to extract the best out of the actress.
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Salman Khan had said famously that he wants to relaunch
Deepika Padukone. Deepika had revealed that Salman wanted to cast her
in his film but she wasn’t ready then.
So when we heard the two will come together for Sooraj Barjatya’s
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, we were seriously excited to watch them together.
But then we heard about Sonam Kapoor’s confirmation for the role
opposite Salman. Although dampened, we were interested to see them
together again after Saawariya. Now we hear it was Anil Kapoor helped
her gain the film.Apparently, Anil suggested Sonam to Salman Khan for Barjatya’s film. The news reached Barjatya and he decided to meet up with Kapoor to discuss this further. They had a chat and Sooraj was conviced Sonam would look good in the role. In fact, Salman too felt Sonam is perfect for the character.
Well, we hope the film turns out well for both Sonam and Sooraj because as long as Salman Khan is a part of it, the film will definitely be grand. We just hope the director will manage to extract the best out of the actress.
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2014 Wimbledon Championships
2014 Wimbledon Championships
The 2014 Wimbledon Championships is a tennis tournament that is played on outdoor grass courts. It is the 128th edition of the Wimbledon Championships and the third Grand Slam event of the year. It is currently taking place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and is scheduled to run from 23 June to 6 July. It consists of events for professional players in singles, doubles and mixed doubles play. Junior and wheelchair players also take part in singles and doubles events as well as retired players in invitation doubles.
Andy Murray of Great Britain is the defending champion in men's singles, and Marion Bartoli of France is the women's singles champion; however, her retirement from tennis in 2013 means that she will not return to defend her title.
The 2014 Wimbledon Championships is the 128th edition of the tournament and is being held at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. The 2014 tournament is the first to carry the name of a sponsor, the manufacturer of Rib n' Saucy Nik Naks, Golden Wonder.
The tournament is an event run by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is part of the 2014 ATP World Tour and the 2014 WTA Tour calendars under the Grand Slam category. The tournament consists of both men's and women's singles and doubles draws as well as a mixed doubles event.[1] There are singles and doubles events for both boys and girls (players under 18), which is part of the Grade A category of tournaments, and doubles events for men's and women's wheelchair tennis players as part of the NEC tour under the Grand Slam category. The tournament is played on grass courts and takes place over a series of 19 courts, including the four main showcourts, Centre Court, No. 1 Court, No. 2 Court and No. 3 Court.[2]
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Andy Murray of Great Britain is the defending champion in men's singles, and Marion Bartoli of France is the women's singles champion; however, her retirement from tennis in 2013 means that she will not return to defend her title.
The 2014 Wimbledon Championships is the 128th edition of the tournament and is being held at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. The 2014 tournament is the first to carry the name of a sponsor, the manufacturer of Rib n' Saucy Nik Naks, Golden Wonder.
The tournament is an event run by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is part of the 2014 ATP World Tour and the 2014 WTA Tour calendars under the Grand Slam category. The tournament consists of both men's and women's singles and doubles draws as well as a mixed doubles event.[1] There are singles and doubles events for both boys and girls (players under 18), which is part of the Grade A category of tournaments, and doubles events for men's and women's wheelchair tennis players as part of the NEC tour under the Grand Slam category. The tournament is played on grass courts and takes place over a series of 19 courts, including the four main showcourts, Centre Court, No. 1 Court, No. 2 Court and No. 3 Court.[2]
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Dravid joins Indian Team As Mentor For England Tour
Dravid joins Indian Team As Mentor For England Tour
Former India captain Rahul Dravid has been appointed in a mentoring role to the team in the run-up to their five-Test series in England. Dravid will have a few sessions with the players before the series begins on July 9. He is expected to join the team latest by Monday.
Rahul Dravid in action during the 2011 England tour. Rahul Dravid in action during the 2011 England tour. The move was initiated by the team management, according to BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel. "It was the coach (Duncan Fletcher) who approached us on behalf of the team and said it would be good to have Rahul with his vast experience spend some time with the boys ahead of the series," Patel told ESPNcricinfo. "We immediately requested Rahul and he readily agreed."
This will be the first time Dravid, who has been mentoring IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals after retiring from international cricket in 2012, will be associated in such a capacity with the national team.
In March this year, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had said that Dravid should take over as India coach, but the latter had declined the suggestion citing lack of time.
"Rahul Dravid is one man who is enormously respected and was a successful captain, having won series in West Indies and England," Gavaskar had said. "When he speaks, the Indian players, some of whom are superstars, listen to him as they know how much preparation went into his game."
"I am happy that he (Gavaskar) said I am capable of doing the job," Dravid had said. "But the job requires a lot of time, almost 11 months a year. I have just retired and at the moment because of time constraints, I have to decline."
Dravid was India's best batsman on their previous tour of England in 2011, his three centuries the only bright spot in a 0-4 rout. In all, six of Dravid's 36 Test hundreds came in England, where he made 1376 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 68.80. He also had a successful stint with county side Kent in 2000, scoring 1221 runs in 16 matches at 55.50 with two centuries.
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Rahul Dravid in action during the 2011 England tour. Rahul Dravid in action during the 2011 England tour. The move was initiated by the team management, according to BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel. "It was the coach (Duncan Fletcher) who approached us on behalf of the team and said it would be good to have Rahul with his vast experience spend some time with the boys ahead of the series," Patel told ESPNcricinfo. "We immediately requested Rahul and he readily agreed."
This will be the first time Dravid, who has been mentoring IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals after retiring from international cricket in 2012, will be associated in such a capacity with the national team.
In March this year, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had said that Dravid should take over as India coach, but the latter had declined the suggestion citing lack of time.
"Rahul Dravid is one man who is enormously respected and was a successful captain, having won series in West Indies and England," Gavaskar had said. "When he speaks, the Indian players, some of whom are superstars, listen to him as they know how much preparation went into his game."
"I am happy that he (Gavaskar) said I am capable of doing the job," Dravid had said. "But the job requires a lot of time, almost 11 months a year. I have just retired and at the moment because of time constraints, I have to decline."
Dravid was India's best batsman on their previous tour of England in 2011, his three centuries the only bright spot in a 0-4 rout. In all, six of Dravid's 36 Test hundreds came in England, where he made 1376 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 68.80. He also had a successful stint with county side Kent in 2000, scoring 1221 runs in 16 matches at 55.50 with two centuries.
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Ratha-Yatra In Puri
Rath Yatras Of Jagannath
Over ten lakh devotees witnessed the world famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath held here today with fanfare, religious fervour and enthusiasm amid tight security as the practice of people climbing the chariots was stopped in a major reform initiative.
However, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati did not visit the chariots before they were pulled accusing the Odisha government of interfering in religious matters by asking him to ascend the raths (chariots) alone without his disciples.
“The state government has dared to dictate terms to the Shankaracharya of Puri. I will not visit the chariots before they are pulled for Rath Yatra,” Saraswati had told reporters at the Govardhan Peeth in Puri yesterday.
Devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha for a glimpse of the presiding deities of the 12th century shrine of Sri Jagannath and mingled with the sea of humanity during the annualfestival of chariots.
“The festival was held peacefully in a smooth manner. There was no untoward incident as elaborate security measures were taken,” a senior police officer said.
A tight security net comprising around 7,000 police personnel was in place as a precautionary measure, he said adding apart from force deployment, CCTV and spy cameras had been installed.
Personnel of Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and sharp shooters were deployed at vital points while the Coast Guard kept a vigil on the sea.
The annual event was marked by a major reform – the practice of devotees climbing the chariots and touching the deities was put to an end.
Devotees poured in to the seaside town since early morning to watch the ceremony and pull the three majestic and colourful chariots on the ‘bada danda’, the grand avenue.
A host of VIPs including Odisha Governor S C Jamir and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik witnessed the proceedings. As the presiding deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – set out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, a number of special rituals like ‘Mangla Arati’ and ‘Mailam’ were performed.
Descending from the Ratna Sinhasana, the bejewelled throne, the three deities were taken out of the temple down the 22 steps known as ‘Baisi Pahacha’ through the Lion’s gate in an elaborate royal ritual called ‘Pahandi’ as devotees and sevayats jostled to have a glimpse and touch them.
In a rhythmic style, the deities moved froward step by step to the accompaniment of beating of ‘ghantas’ and ‘kahalis’ and blowing of konch shells.
The temple was thrown open to public only yesterday for ‘Naba Jaubana Darshan’ of the deities as they remained confined in ‘Anasara Pindi’ (recovery chamber) after the grand bath on ‘Snana Purnima’ held on June 13.
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However, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati did not visit the chariots before they were pulled accusing the Odisha government of interfering in religious matters by asking him to ascend the raths (chariots) alone without his disciples.
“The state government has dared to dictate terms to the Shankaracharya of Puri. I will not visit the chariots before they are pulled for Rath Yatra,” Saraswati had told reporters at the Govardhan Peeth in Puri yesterday.
Devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha for a glimpse of the presiding deities of the 12th century shrine of Sri Jagannath and mingled with the sea of humanity during the annualfestival of chariots.
“The festival was held peacefully in a smooth manner. There was no untoward incident as elaborate security measures were taken,” a senior police officer said.
A tight security net comprising around 7,000 police personnel was in place as a precautionary measure, he said adding apart from force deployment, CCTV and spy cameras had been installed.
Personnel of Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and sharp shooters were deployed at vital points while the Coast Guard kept a vigil on the sea.
The annual event was marked by a major reform – the practice of devotees climbing the chariots and touching the deities was put to an end.
Devotees poured in to the seaside town since early morning to watch the ceremony and pull the three majestic and colourful chariots on the ‘bada danda’, the grand avenue.
A host of VIPs including Odisha Governor S C Jamir and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik witnessed the proceedings. As the presiding deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – set out from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, a number of special rituals like ‘Mangla Arati’ and ‘Mailam’ were performed.
Descending from the Ratna Sinhasana, the bejewelled throne, the three deities were taken out of the temple down the 22 steps known as ‘Baisi Pahacha’ through the Lion’s gate in an elaborate royal ritual called ‘Pahandi’ as devotees and sevayats jostled to have a glimpse and touch them.
In a rhythmic style, the deities moved froward step by step to the accompaniment of beating of ‘ghantas’ and ‘kahalis’ and blowing of konch shells.
The temple was thrown open to public only yesterday for ‘Naba Jaubana Darshan’ of the deities as they remained confined in ‘Anasara Pindi’ (recovery chamber) after the grand bath on ‘Snana Purnima’ held on June 13.
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