2010 IIFA Awards in Sri Lanka: Bollywood magic and goodwill
By Rama Gaind

After being invited by the organisers – Wizcraft – and hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism to attend the 11th International Indian Film Academy Awards in Colombo, I was elated at the opportunity of meeting some of Bollywood’s biggest stars last month.

IIFA brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, his family, other stars like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan did not walk the ‘green’ carpet, but there were many other ‘big’ name celebrities who attended including Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Govinda, Anupam Kher, Kangana Ranaut, Irrfan Khan, Bipasha Basu, Kunal Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Mughda Godse, numerous film directors and Sri Lanka’s very own ‘newcomer’ to Indian cinema Jacqueline Fernandez.

India’s equivalent of the Hollywood Oscars, the weekend of June 3-5, 2010 was jam-paced, showcasing the IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza, FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum, IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match, IIFA Film Workshops and the ultimate in glamour and glitz – the Micromax IIFA Awards.

The annual celebrations also resulted in the spotlight being turned on the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ and generating lots of goodwill for the host country.

The college comedy ‘3 Idiots’ dominated the IIFA awards winning about half of the more than 30 categories including Best Film and Best Director for Rajkumar Hirani.

Amitabh Bachchan won Best Actor for ‘Paa’ and Vidya Balan (‘Paa’) shared the award for Best Actress with Kareena Kapoor (‘3 Idiots’).

June 5 culminated with the IIFA awards night at the Sughathadasa Indoor Stadium, in Colombo. There was lots of glamour, heady fanfare and over five hours of entertainment which saw a star-studded line-up including actors Boman Irani, Riteish Deshmuk, Lara Dutta and performances by Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan.

Some of the other significant awards handed out were: Salman Khan being named Habitat For Humanity Ambassador; J. Om Prakash and Zeemat Aman were recognised for making an Outstanding Contribution to Hindi Cinema; Anil Kapoor was acknowledged for Outstanding Achievement by an Indian Internationally; and Vivek Oberoi received the IIFA Green Global Award.

The IIFA global press conference at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel was attended by more than 400 international and local media. Outlining the program of events, Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International spoke of the satisfaction among the organisers and sponsors about the benefits for Sri Lanka.

“IIFA is pleased to partner with Sri Lanka Tourism to initiate engagement and discussion for exciting projects, focused on the north and east regions of Sri Lanka,” Mr Joseph said. “Our work with the UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity and the discussions at the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum brought focus to the development and reconciliation process in Sri Lanka.”

This point was further elaborated on by Sri Lanka’s deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena. He spoke about the country having great potential in expanding its vistas in investment, tourism, agriculture and other sectors that would “immensely contribute towards the rapid development drive initiated by the Government. IIFA will play a vital role in further strengthening the mutual co-operation of the two nations”.

The President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum brought together business leaders, policy makers and dignitaries from around the world to deliberate on key industry verticals creating a conducive environment for development of joint initiatives between business leaders across the two countries. The forum focused on various strategies to explore and boost business opportunities between India and Sri Lanka, with this year’s theme being ‘India – Sri Lanka Partnership: The Way Forward’.

For the first time ever, the world saw a sneak preview of ‘Kingdom of Dreams’ – a soon-to-be-launched theatre production in Gurgaon, near New Delhi – starring Hussain Kuwajerwalla, Isha Shravani and Gauhar Khan.

The IIFA Film Workshop saw director R. Balki, actor Anupam Kher and Jacqueline Fernandez sharing their experiences, together with an interactive session between Indian and Sri Lankan film industry personalities.

The trendsetting IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza was a trail blazer event over two days with Indian and Sri Lankan fashion designers showing their collections and the Indian film fraternity walked the ramp!

However, it was the fund-raising aspects of IIFA that touched everyone’s heart.

The IIFA Foundation Celebrity Cricket Match, in support of UNICEF’s ‘Cricket for Children’ project, was played between India’s top cinema stars and Sri Lankan cricketers. Proceeds from the charity cricket match were donated to the ‘IIFA Hands for Humanity’ project. IIFA, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, will rebuild a village for refugees.

Now that the second decade of IIFA has unfolded, the academy will continue to build on its theme of ‘One People, One World’ – and that will benefit its world-wide partnerships.

Modern Bollywood take on Indian epic
By Rama Gaind
Acclaimed director Mani Ratnam has provided an absorbing modern-day take on the Indian epic ‘Ramayana’ in Raavan which is now out on DVD.

While the storyline is dark and brutal, the film has a visual lavishness that’s overwhelming. Excellent camera artistry by Santosh Sivan and Manikandan sees luminous frames swinging from misty mountains to wet and rocky landscapes.

One can almost forget the fact that the first half hardly has a story while you are captured by the opening scenes where the outlaw Beera (Abhishek Bachchan) smashes his boat into a canoe carrying a wide-eyed Ragini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), wife of policeman Dev Pratap Sharma (Vikram).

Sharma has one mission in life: to capture Beera who has the status of Robin Hood in the tribal community. When Beera kidnaps Ragini, to avenge a personal family tragedy, the chase is on in earnest against a dense jungle backdrop. Her capture plays out against silky-smooth drizzle, crumbling trees, untamed waterfalls and tumultuous tidal rivers.

As the second half unfolds with adequate twists and turns, situations turnaround as Ragini becomes indecisive about her loyalties and reluctantly finds herself drawn to her kidnapper. Beera’s attraction is obvious despite his muddy facade and unpleasant past.

Raavan, which was released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, is stylistic including the rustic musical flavour from Oscar winners A.R. Rahman and lyricist Gulzar. While Rahman’s earlier collaborations with Mani Ratnam (Guru and Dil Se) are more memorable, this soundtrack features some notable numbers.

Will you be at media140 Canberra on the 29th July?
A one day conference to explore how real time social media (Twitter, Facebook and blogging) is transforming Australian politics in an election year.

Through keynotes, open discussions and case studies media140 will host this very unique event in the political heart of Canberra inside Old Parliament House, with an excellent line up of speakers including:

. Jeffrey Bleich US Ambassador to Australia
. Federal Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey (joehockey)
. Deputy Leader, Australian Greens
Senator Christine Milne (senatormilne)
. Labour Senator Kate Lundy (katelundy)
. ABC Radio Chief Political Correspondent Lyndal Curtis (lyndalcurtis)
. SBS Chief Political Correspondent Karen Middleton (karenmmiddleton)
. The Age’s Political Correspondent, Peter Martin (1petermartin)
Also featuring case studies from the USA and UK elections with US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich, co-chairman of Mr Obama’s presidential campaign and Claire Wardle from the BBC School of Journalism looking at the recent UK Election.

Tickets: $320 inclusive of refreshments, lunch and networking party
Date: 29th July, 8am – 6pm
Venue: Old Parliament House ,Canberra
Register – http//media140.com/ozpolitics

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Love Steve Parish books? Fan of his photography? Due to popular demand, Steve Parish Publishing is extending its Exclusive Online Warehouse Sale. Order from www.steveparish.com.au before the end of July to receive up to 80% off the RRP in Steve Parish Publishing’s first ever online warehouse sale.

As Australia’s market leader in natural history, children’s publishing and Australiana photographic books, Steve Parish Publishing is selling returns and factory seconds to consumers at a huge discount. These returns are of good quality and make the perfect addition to your collection. They are excellent resources and great for adults and kids alike.

Founder and Creative Director Steve Parish said this web-only sale means more Australians will be able to purchase from a wide variety of kids’ story books, spectacular coffee table books, souvenir guides and tourist products.

“We have a number of pristine publications for sale and we’re pleased to be able to offer them at such a discount. We have never done an online sale before – but have had warehouse sales before” Mr. Parish said.

“Our sales have always been so popular that we thought we’d open it up to everyone,” he said.

Products from the warehouse sale can be purchase from the Steve Parish Publishing website http://www.steveparish.com.au/shop?cat=1467

For years now, political and social commentators have bemoaned the TV and computer game culture that has seen children playing in the park replaced with playing the playstation or X-box. Fears of neighborhood predators, increasing “cotton wool” parenting, and child obesity appear to have gone hand in hand with the ever-present and increasing availability of technological-based entertainment, be it the iPad or 3D television. But could this diet of indoor entertainment take an even more crucial toll: a toll on our native wildlife?

Steve Parish, award-winning photographer and natural history publisher, certainly believes so. “Australia has one of the worst extinction records in the world,” says Parish, “and unless our kids are out there interacting with nature and connecting with it, I don’t think they’ll realise just what they’re potentially missing . in some cases, for good. I think its great that they’re now able to watch documentaries and get involved online or read on the iPad, but nothing compares being outdoors and actually seeing an animal, endangered or otherwise, in the wild. It’s the best way to identify with our fauna, and we all know that when we identify with things, we want to protect them.”

Steve is no slouch at protecting animals. A long time conservationist and an OAM-winning publisher, his new Nature Watch range is aimed at exciting kids about nature and conservation while providing them with an adventure in learning.

“This range is designed to encourage children aged five to seven years not just to read about it or watch it, but to get out and do it,” Steve enthuses. The five new titles in the range include Baby Animals, Animal Homes, Fish, Outdoor Activities, and Things to Make and Do, and exciting, nature-based, scientific and artistic activities aim to entice kids out into the backyard, to the beach or to the local creek or bushland.

“Children will learn all about animal bodies, senses, food, behaviour and homes, as well as why we need to protect these wonderful creatures. I wanted to create books about our mammals, birds, reptiles and insects because there is a lot more to them than you think. Some are so small or misunderstood that we hardly ever pay attention to them. And we really need to start paying attention,” Mr Parish said, “particularly to those that are endangered or critically endangered. My father’s generation lost the Tassie Tiger, and I’d hate to see the next generation lose the Tassie Devil, for instance. No amount of TV footage could compare.”

“I hope that as children watch and study our native animals in the wild, they will also want to help their friends and family learn more about them, and do all they can to protect these fascinating creatures,” he enthuses.

The Nature Watch books are available from leading bookstores and the Steve Parish Publishing website www.steveparish.com.au for only $12.95.

Award-winning photographer and OAM, Steve Parish, is spending 2010 flying, driving and walking across Australia in a bid to get lost and go shoot it – at least with his camera.

Armed with a new Hasselblad camera, Parish is rediscovering the sunburnt country to take as many amazing photographs as possible.

Fresh from his journey through Kakadu, the Kimberley and inland Queensland, Parish will venture through the Snowy Mountains this July to capture new spectacular images of the Australian winter.

“It’s time for me to rediscover Australia, and share it with Australians. The advances in technology mean that I am taking so many brilliant photographs every day and I know that I am capturing the wonder of the country in an entirely new way,” Mr Parish said.

“Plus, all this new technology means I can share my images with more people, through social media and through my new blog, aptly titled: “Get lost and go shoot it,” he said.

“It’s great bringing Australians along for the ride, particularly since I am taking photographs of parts of the country that are so remote they’re almost impossible to get to.”

“I’ve photographed Australia many times, but I usually focused on animals – anything from microbats to pygmy-possums to hairy-nosed wombats, and now it’s time to take on Australia again,” Mr Parish said.

“It’s a huge undertaking, but I am enjoying the exploration so far, even though I am without my wife, my family, my dog and all my creature comforts. Travelling through the Snowy Mountains is going to be very cold, but the magical photos will be well worth the effort.” Mr Parish said.

To keep in touch Steve Parish through his blog, simply follow: www.steveparishphotography.blogspot.com/

UBS will host its 8th annual Finance Academy from 5 – 9 July 2010, continuing its initiative of providing insight into the world of finance to public secondary school students.

Vipul Mahajan and Abhimanyu Chopra from Narrabundah College will join 48 other year 11 students, chosen from a broad cross section of public schools in NSW, ACT and Victoria, for a week long, fully subsidized residential program at Macquarie University. The program aims to give the students a practical understanding of global financial markets and highlight the wide range of finance related career opportunities available to them.

The Secondary School Principals Council in each state welcomed the initiative and assisted in the selection process of students notably demonstrating a flair for business, economics and other finance related subjects but who may not otherwise have thought to pursue a career in financial services.

Michael Battenally of the ACT Principal Association said “We are extremely pleased that UBS is hosting its 8th annual Finance Academy. The Finance Academy allows students to gain an insight into the world of investment banking, opening up unknown career opportunities, while forging new relationships with talented mentors and fellow peers.”

Over the five days participants will get a change to listen to and interact with key players from the industry as well as gain a practical and working knowledge of financial markets through workshops, ‘day in the life’ presentations, and field visits to a live trading floor and the CNBC Television studios.

Mathew Grounds, UBS Chief Executive Officer said, “We are delighted with the interest shown once again in our Finance Academy by students and their respective communities, our UBS employees, as well as from the industry.

“The last 24 months have been a turbulent period for financial markets and we feel that this is an excellent backdrop and learning experience for students to gain a better understanding into the rewards and challenges of working in financial services, and understanding how markets operate.”

“The UBS Finance Academy is in its 8th year of operation and it continues to be one of the major pillars of UBS’ community program in Australia. In holding the event we continue our commitment to developing the future talent in the Australia’s finance sector and believe that the 50 students gathered this year represent the most outstanding secondary students across the country. We hope that the program educates and enlightens the students as well as helping them to develop the necessary skills needed to be well-rounded individuals.” Mr Grounds concluded.

UBS will host its 8th annual Finance Academy from 5 – 9 July 2010, continuing its initiative of providing insight into the world of finance to public secondary school students.

Vipul Mahajan and Abhimanyu Chopra from Narrabundah College will join 48 other year 11 students, chosen from a broad cross section of public schools in NSW, ACT and Victoria, for a week long, fully subsidized residential program at Macquarie University. The program aims to give the students a practical understanding of global financial markets and highlight the wide range of finance related career opportunities available to them.

The Secondary School Principals Council in each state welcomed the initiative and assisted in the selection process of students notably demonstrating a flair for business, economics and other finance related subjects but who may not otherwise have thought to pursue a career in financial services.

Michael Battenally of the ACT Principal Association said “We are extremely pleased that UBS is hosting its 8th annual Finance Academy. The Finance Academy allows students to gain an insight into the world of investment banking, opening up unknown career opportunities, while forging new relationships with talented mentors and fellow peers.”

Over the five days participants will get a change to listen to and interact with key players from the industry as well as gain a practical and working knowledge of financial markets through workshops, ‘day in the life’ presentations, and field visits to a live trading floor and the CNBC Television studios.

Mathew Grounds, UBS Chief Executive Officer said, “We are delighted with the interest shown once again in our Finance Academy by students and their respective communities, our UBS employees, as well as from the industry.

“The last 24 months have been a turbulent period for financial markets and we feel that this is an excellent backdrop and learning experience for students to gain a better understanding into the rewards and challenges of working in financial services, and understanding how markets operate.”

“The UBS Finance Academy is in its 8th year of operation and it continues to be one of the major pillars of UBS’ community program in Australia. In holding the event we continue our commitment to developing the future talent in the Australia’s finance sector and believe that the 50 students gathered this year represent the most outstanding secondary students across the country. We hope that the program educates and enlightens the students as well as helping them to develop the necessary skills needed to be well-rounded individuals.” Mr Grounds concluded.

The 2010 Brigadoon Street parade was led by the Chieftain of the day Susan Cooke, High Commissioner for Clan Lindsay, in Australia, President of Clan Lindsay.
Susan lives in Canberra with her daughter Kathleen who is a journalism and international studies student at the University of Canberra.
The parade consisted of 23 Pipe bands and various Children’s floats accompanied by marching Clan societies and other performing groups.
The parade is watched by several thousand spectators as ir makes its way from the Village to the main oval where it performs the opening ceremony

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