India’s Rohan Bopanna and Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin, the 14th-seeds, delivered another knockout out blow to the Wimbledon men’s doubles draw, when they bundled out sixth-seeds Daniel Nestor of Canada and Robert Lindstedt of Sweden in a long-drawn, rain-interrupted clash.
Bopanna and Vasselin were leading the fifth set 5-2 with Vasselin to serve for the match when the Swede objected to the dank, dismal conditions. As the skies opened up, the players left the court.
After 90-minutes, when they returned, the Frenchman served out the match at 40-15, needing only a couple of minutes on the lawns. The 7-5, 7-6 (3-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-7 (3-7), 6-2 result put the 33-year-old Bopanna in his first Wimbledon semifinal.
In the last four, Bopanna and Vasselin will play the winner of the other quarterfinal between top-seeded American twins Bob and Mike Bryan and India’s Mahesh Bhupathi and Julian Knowle of Austria.
Bopanna and Vasselin made a solid start, but were rocked back in the 11th game of the opening set when the Frenchman faced two breakpoints on his serve.
Aided by a mix of some strong serving as well as an error from Lindstedt, the Indian-French pair held. They then broke the Nestor serve in the 12th game when a Vasselin forehand whistled past the opposition, to wrest the early advantage.
The 14th-seeds then quickly wrapped up the second set tie-break. Nestor and Lindstedt won two tie-breaks to level scores and push the match into the decider.
This time the Indo-French duo broke as early as the third game and though Vasselin’s serve was tested in the fourth game, they held firm to break again in the fifth game.
In a late evening encounter on Monday, fourth seeds India’s Leander Paes and Czech Radek Stepanek put out the 15th seeded Pols Lukasz Kubot and Marcin Matkowski 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, to move into the quarterfinals.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Prajwal Hegde, TNN / July 03rd, 2013
Listen to Flash of Light, you will like it,” suggests Nikhil Chinappa. The sound is a modernised version of retro-disco, which in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) jargon would be called nu disco. A forlorn female voice utters ‘flash’ in a gasp and then sings You won’t be coming down. The song is such that one wouldn’t mind showering to it or just grooving to it on the dance floor.
Flash of Light is one of the 32 songs Chinappa has compiled under the album Defected in the House India 2013 for Defected Records, which was recently released by Sony Music. This is Chinappa’s first compilation and comes in two CDs. On being asked how he’d describe the sound, Chinappa says, “CD 1 could be bifurcated into deep house and nu disco. These songs are languid and soulful. CD 2 could be described as main room house and as the name suggests, sounds better on a larger sound system.”
But Chinappa does not believe in labelling music. To him there are only two genres “good music and rubbish”. Digressing from saying what the music is, he says what the music is not, and that is the foot-tapping kind. “These are songs which make me happy. The sound is groovy and sexy. It puts a smile on my face and I hope it does the same to the listener,” says Chinappa, who has been in the entertainment business for over 13 years, during which he has stepped into the shoes of an MTV India mascot, a VJ, an actor and has had a successful stint as a DJ. He is also the festival director of the Sunburn music festival, Asia’s biggest EDM festival. Yet, he feels that it is not too late to put together his own compilation. “People have now woken up to EDM, although it has been around in this country for over two decades, but only in underground scenes,” says Chinappa, who sees himself as a “dance music evangelist”. His evangelism comes with a vision, “I want people to discover new sounds, which are out there but were not taken to them. This music is not mainstream. I would want non-EDM listeners and also mainstream music listeners to pick up these sounds,” he adds.
Chinappa said that he has been curating this section of the Indian music scene and would want to do a documentary on EDM in India. “EDM is enjoying great popularity here but we must carve an identity for ourselves in dance music history,” he says. “This is my philosophical and soulful purpose,” adds Chinappa. With a compilation out in the market, Chinappa has no plans of coming up with an album containing original compositions in the near future because he believes, “Music should be made by musicians and not by people sitting on keyboards and machines.”
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home / by Rushil Dutta / Pune, Sunday – June 30th, 2013
What better way to introduce something new than with a fashion show! That’s exactly what Samsung did when it launched the new Galaxy Mega at Fun Cinemas, Cunnigham Road, Bangalore.
The event, which was attended by the company’s channel partners, retailers and select consumers, witnessed the launch at an exclusive show that was choreographed by Prasad Bidappa. (Uday Kiran, Vishal Kaul…)
Speaking on the occasion, Prasad said, “Samsung Galaxy Mega is the future of communication. Sleek, smart and sophisticated, this is the must-have mobile of the moment.”
This new addition to the Galaxy family balances optimal viewing experience on a large screen, but is ultra-thin and portable as one can carry it in the pocket or even hold it comfortably in one hand. It offers a mix of popular smartphone and tablet features, as it combines the portability and convenience of a smartphone with the power, multitasking capabilities and extensive viewing experience of a tablet. Two models of the Samsung Galaxy Mega, with 14.7 cms and 16 cms screen sizes, are now available at stores.
We spotted well-known models of the city walking the ramp at the show. The first sequence was a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema and the second sequence saw the models sporting the red carpet look as they showed cased the new phones.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Life & Style> Parties / TNN / June 23rd, 2013
Nikhil Chinappa does not like resting on his laurels. An accomplished DJ, VJ and an ambassador for electronic beats, he will now release his first compilation — Defected in the House India 2013, which specialises in house music. Emilie Fouquet gets the details…
Tell us about ‘Defected in the House India 2013’.
It is a two-disc compilation. One disc, ‘Deep Mix’, is more suitable to relax and make you smile. While the other, ‘Main Room’, is far more energetic and ‘dance’able. I intend to share house music in all its forms with as many people as possible. Music moves me emotionally, triggers happy memories and makes me want to dance, smile and believe. I hope it will do the same for the audience.
Did you like the experience of doing a compilation?
Absolutely! With this compilation, I have tried to make a musical journey, and I hope people will like it. Of course, I would love to do many more compilations, but with other people. Submerge Music (his company) will bring a musical experience with techno, electro, drum and bass.
Are you going to perform in other countries too?
I would love to, but my heart is in India.
Your main sources of inspiration?
Making a compilation is a difficult process. I mainly rely on my ears and my heart.
Which song brings forth your best memories?
That’s Rise of Angel by Luciano. This song is very long — 16 minutes — and is so beautiful, it reminds me of a friend.
Which songs are you listening to currently?
You won’t believe me but I have no music on my earphones. There is so much music that comes on, that it is difficult to hang on to one with all this pressure.
Any other projects for the moment?
You know, I wear different hats. I’m the founder of Submerge and for the moment it is working on some alliances. I am also a member of the Association of Electronic Music. They believe India is a key market so they asked me to represent the country. It is aimed at promoting dance music globally, with a strong emphasis on education, and doing events in a responsible manner and so.
source: http://www.sakaaltimes.com / Sakal Times / Home> Youngistan> Detail News / Monday – June 24th, 2013
From being an underdog to Indian team vice-captain, Raghunath has come a long way. Getty Images
Most sportspersons would tell you that any sport – even if it is one of the most physical – eventually has a lot to do with the mind. India’s dragflick specialist, VR Raghunath, is no exception.
Despite being part of the illustrious list of hockey players from Coorg in Karnataka, Raghunath has had his fair share of struggles early on in his career, failing to find a regular place in the senior national team. That was until Michael Nobbs took him under his wings. Raghunath then became part of the 2012 London Olympics, and is now the vice-captain of the team.
So how did it all change for 24-year-old? “I wasn’t mentally confident about myself before. Nobbs worked on my mental strength and brought my inner game out,” Raghunath told dna before the squad departed to The Netherlands for the FIH Men’s World League Round 3 (semifinals) starting on June 13.
“Thus, I’ve also been given a leadership role to support Sardar (Singh). I’m enjoying the responsibility and hope to motivate the juniors that come in.”
Talking of juniors, India fielded a young side for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year, and the team going for the World League also has a lot of young faces like Mandeep Singh and Manpreet Singh. Raghunath believes that the current crop of youngsters is the best India ever had.
“It’s a transformation period after the 2012 London Olympics. And because of the Hockey India League, we’re getting a lot of good talent. I think our present junior team is one of the best we’ve had over the past few years,” he said.
Raghunath is equally elated with the comeback of ace dragflicker Sandeep Singh. “Sandeep is one of the most experienced players and he knows how to play in high-intensity games. So it’s great that we can rotate our three dragflickers and have at least two penalty corner specialists on the field at a time,” he added.
Raghunath hopes the team rises to the occasion during this key tournament, which is a qualification for the FIH Men’s World Cup in 2014.
“We had a good three-week camp in Bangalore, so our preparation has been great. I prefer to take it one match at a time, and going all out in that. We hope to start well and if we do, I’m sure we can end it well,” he said.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Sports> Report / by Rutvick Mehta / Place:Mumbai, Agency:DNA / Thursday – June 06th, 2013
A hundred years of cinema were celebrated with style, grace and elegance during a recent fashion show by Manish Malhotra, in association with Styletag.com. The show displayed the timelessness and unique style of Indian movies. Many members of the fashion industry were spotted having a good time at the event. Among them were Prasad Bidappa, Radha Thomas and Ramji Chandran.
From popular polka-dots to flowing chiffon saris, the collection had it all. Manish’s creations were not all that the evening included — there was a lot more in store. Great music and an art auction were also a part of the show. City-based band ‘One Nite Stand’ added a lot of glamour and energy to the evening. The band played an eclectic mix of old retro numbers as well as jazz and rock for the audience.
The fashion show was the highlight of the evening, with the models sashaying down the ramp in beautiful saris and glittering full-length anarkalis in beautiful pastel shades. The designs showcased in the men’s collection were classy and chic. Chequered black and white waistcoats as well as bright silk sherwanis, kurtas and bandhgalas with fancy dupattas were showcased.
The gorgeous sari collection stole the show. The designs were indigenous and the colours were contemporary. The pastel collection of saris was stylish and lit up the ramp as soon as the models entered wearing them. “I loved the lime-green sari trimmed with red lace. It was elegant and yet contemporary. Manish’s collection is brilliant. We can see hints of Bollywood in it and it has something for everyone. He is a style icon in the truest sense,” says Ayesha, who attended the .
Arjun Halappa | EPS/File
Arjun Halappa, who led India in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia in 2011, has made history of sorts by becoming the first sportsperson to be named as a national selector while still being a very active player.
Hockey India (HI) announced a panel to be headed by former star B P Govinda and which includes Arjun Halappa’s name. Arjun is still a very active player turning out for Air India in the ongoing HI nationals at Pune. Arjun made his debut for India in 2001 against Egypt in the Prime Minister’s Gold Cup. He represented the country in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. He was also in the 2010 Commonwealth Games team in New Delhi where India were the runners-up and also picked up the Asiad bronze the same year in Guangzhou, China.
“I’m not going to hang up my boots. I will continue to represent my employers Air India. Playing will help me keep up with the latest trends in the game,” Arjun said.
“This is a very big surprise and I’m very excited. I’ve been a player and captain and this is a new challenge for me. It’s just early days and I don’t want to comment much,” he added. “As a player I will be able to provide inputs to the coaching staff,” said Arjun.
So the scenario now is that a player-cum-selector will also work as an advisor to the coaches. This is the first time in the history of Indian sport that something like this has happened. Players becoming coaches once they give up playing is an accepted norm. Players taking to umpiring is also welcome. But an active player also functioning as a selector? The move has, indeed, raised eyebrows.
The closest a player has come to also being a part of the selection process is in Indian cricket. The captain is part of the selection committee’s deliberations and gives his inputs. But he is not actually on the selection committee as in the case of Arjun.
What happens if Arjun strikes great form and has to decide on his own inclusion? He has still not announced his international retirement. At 34, he may not be in contention for a place. But what if the others want him in the team? Even if he is there on sheer merit, aspersions will be cast. Should a selector select or even drop himself only because he is a selector?
“It is too early to induct someone like Arjun into the selection committee. Yes, he surely deserves to be a selector but this is not the right time for him to be on the panel as he is still a very active player,” said former India skipper, coach and selector M P Ganesh.
“I became a selector only after 26 years of playing hockey. In fact I had even given up coaching the Indian team and only then I was part of the selection process. Young people are needed but not so young and not for the job of selection,” Ganesh added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> The Sunday Standard / by S S Shreekumar / ENS – Bangalore / June 02nd, 2013
Vikarmkant will lead the 19-member men’s Karnataka hockey squad for the third Senior National Championship to be held at Pune from May 28 to June 10.
S K Uthappa, adjudged the best player in 2011 Senior Nationals in Bhopal where Karnataka had finished runners-up, will be the vice-captain of the state side.
The team is being coached by 1994 World Cupper K K Poonacha.
source: http://www.ptinews.com / Press Trust of India / Home> Sports / by Staff Writer / May 30th, 2013
Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha, who was last seen in the film Crazy Loka, claims to be supporting girl power. “On my way to Ravindra Kalakshethra to inaugurate zee Kannada ladies club and to promote Gal power 🙂 #womanhood ,” tweeted the actress.
Harshika, who has been been posting pictures of herself on her micro-blogging page for her fans, will soon be seen in a number of Kannada films. Her upcoming Sandalwood projects are Advaitha, Ale, B3, Meetru, Beet, Crazy Krishna, Managana Kaili Maanikya and a cameo in the film Case No 18/9.
The actress will also be seen in her first Tamil flick Anandha Thollai. Harshika, though has not had any release this year, seems to be busy signing offers. She is also said to be considering two Telugu films.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entetainment> Regional> Kannada> Sandalwood / by Parinatha Sampath / TNN / May 31st, 2013
The ever-expanding Bangalore restaurant scene has its fair share of celebrity chefs. People who design and define the city’s gastronomic-scape. They often hold forth on exotic dishes or conjure up a simple maa ki daal with a magical twist as we watch in wonder. Ever wondered what these Chefs eat? Which are their favourite restaurants? Bhumika K. tries to get you a peek at this and what they do cook in their home kitchens…
Manu Chandra, Executive Chef and Partner, Olive Beach, Bangalore, Monkey Bar and LikeThatOnly
Favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: Fujiya in Delhi. I grew up eating their food even though it’s unabashedly Chindian. I always have the Talumein soup. It’s a hearty bowl of all of last night’s leftovers I reckon, and hugely tasty. It made me appreciate food of all kind.
Everyday food: I don’t really eat breakfast; but lunch starts from freshly-baked bread at the restaurant, and then is a complex menu of all things that need to be tasted that have been prepared for the day. Dinner is always the staff food from our staff kitchen, which is invariably daal or rajmaa, rice, a vegetable or two, and a chicken or egg curry on occasion. This is at 6.30 pm, so I do get a snack towards 11.30 pm too, which is when we close. This is a simple affair and can be lemon rice, or noodles.
When I cook at home… : It’s a simple salad and a one-pot meal. The latter could be a pulao, a curry, biryani, stew, or just a mish mash that has deep flavour but overall hearty.
Power food: Chocolate or chips. Naren Thimmaiah
Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore
Favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: MTR for their yummy masala dosas and bisibelebath, Olive Beach for their grilled fish and the pizzas, Egg Factory for their Manipal bread masala.
Everyday food: Since breakfast’s the only meal at home most of the times it’s a wholesome breakfast of akki otti (rice roti of Coorg) with curry and chutney or dosa, upma, or muesli with milk, and a strong dose of Coorg coffee. Since my wife is a teacher there is an invisible time table and dishes for the days marked as well! Sometimes there are also tasting portions of the yummy dinner dishes which I missed, waiting for me at breakfast table! By lunch time, you are always half full tasting the dishes around the kitchens. Yes it’s a good job to be in. Then it gets a formal completion at our associate dining room lunch spread. For dinner, there is always a new dish being tried for which I’m a willing Guinea pig. Otherwise I go on this favourite dish non-stop for weeks together and then change it and go on that for weeks! Recent list has large bowl of Hot & Sour soup with crisp noodles, Penne aglio e olio, avial & red rice and now I’m on whole wheat rotis and dry subzi.
When I cook at home…: It’s a rare occasion. Give me onion and tomato and that can work wonders with anything. I like the versatility of these two basic ingredients. They lend themselves so well to whatever you cook. So the dishes that I cook can be any time-tested recipe or at times just about something with available ingredients. I have been an apprentice under my daughter when she tries her omelet with smiley face, pastas and finger sandwiches. Now she has moved on to smoothies and salsas. But since she has been watching Master Chef Australia, cooking skills have improved moderately but what has improved greatly is her judging skills of mom’s cooking!
Power food: A bowlful of curd and a fruit.
Abhijit Saha, Founder, Director and Executive Chef of Caperberry and Fava
Your favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: It’s idly at Brahmin’s Cafe, Karimeen polichattu at Ente Keralam, pepper crab at Karavalli, sushi at Harina, dim sum at Zen, biryani at Samarkhand, meals at MTR, kebabs at Terracotta, Thai curries at Rim Naam.
Everyday food: Breakfast is usually eggs & toast, cornflakes, muesli, idly sambar, aloo or egg parantha. Lunch, is often one-dish meals on week days — salad, pasta, mixed noodles, risotto, dosa etc. On Sundays it’s either an elaborate Indian meal cooked by my wife or Sunday brunch in a hotel. Dinner is a home-cooked Indian meal, or wine-paired multi course dinners in restaurants.
When I cook at home… It’s grills, pastas, risottos, Thai food, or biryani.
Power food: Fresh fruits, chocolate and indulgent tasting menu at Caperberry
Amit Wadhawan, Executive Chef, The Oberoi, Bangalore
Your favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: As I am a Chef attached with the world of five-star hospitality, I have travelled a fair bit and I have made many cities across the globe my home. Bangalore has been home for a few years now and I feel its culinary landscape is very exciting. My current favourite is Like That Only and I relish their pork ribs.
Everyday food: I prefer a wholesome breakfast, which will sustain me through the larger part of the day. I have eggs (mostly egg white omelets or a water poach) with brown toast and a cup of English breakfast tea. Some days I switch to good old Indian stuffed paranthas with natural yoghurt. Lunch is mostly on the go as I am busy looking after my guests. Usually tastings in the kitchens or a light salad. I eat dinner early. A habit I picked up whilst working in UK and Ireland and a good one I have kept alive. I have dinner with the team in our staff dining hall called the Rain Tree. It is mostly an Indian fare. This window is more about bonding with my team over food, sharing our thoughts and de-stressing. On occasions I switch to pasta or a light sandwich if I don’t get time to eat at Rain Tree.
When I cook at home… Although the opportunity to cook at home comes rarely, when I do, I love doing grills or roast. I prefer chicken or fish with Oriental marinades accompanied with a healthy salad. I also love to cook lamb biryani with kebabs for friends and family for get-togethers.
Power food: Carrot, apple and beetroot juice. Egg white omelet sandwich made with whole wheat bread.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Food / by Bhumika K / Bangalore – May 26th, 2013
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