A good sleep is always co-related to healthy skin, but what if it’s doing the opposite! Our sleeping positions can take a toll on the skin and cause acne, wrinkles. The signs can be puffy eyes, acne and flatter cheek only on one side. The way we sleep truly reflects on our look and the position can affect the skin.
How does sleeping with a pillow affect your skin?
Sleeping on your back is always a good way to sleep. Maintaining the 20-30-degree angle allows better fluid drainage in the body. However, many choose to sleep on the side or on their stomach. This pushes the face into the pillowcases, which has bacteria or even the creams or any product we have used on our face. The best solution is to clean pillowcases on a frequent basis, as it can cause zits or even rashes.
How does sleeping on your stomach affect your skin?
Many people love to sleep this way, but it’s the worst way to sleep for anyone. As when we sleep, our skin needs to breathe. This position pushes the whole face into the pillow, which obstructs the skin’s follicles. This causes clogged pores, acne, and lines. We don’t allow enough circulation in this position, the pressure also causes puffy eyes and under eye bags. Your facial structure gets pressed against pillow every night for 8 hours—that’s a lot of pressure for your skin. Eventually, this position can make your face flatter and trigger wrinkles. To avoid all this, one should not sleep in this position.
How does sleeping on your side affect your skin?
This position causes less damage to the skin than the stomach position. However, this isn’t the ideal position either. When you sleep on your side, you put tremendous pressure on one side. It flattens the cheekbone and triggers wrinkles on the side because of all the friction and pressure. Also, if you have applied any skincare product, the product might spread on the pillow and not get absorbed by your skin.
How does sleeping on your back affect your skin?
Sleeping on the back is an ideal position for sleeping! First, you are not applying much pressure on your facial skin; this will cause fewer fine lines, less flattening of the facial contours and will make your skin younger and smoother. In comparison to sleeping on the side or on the stomach, fluid won’t accumulate around your eyes making them puffy. Also, your face won’t touch the pillowcase, avoiding the back-and-forth exchange of oils, dirt, and grime. This will prevent skin irritation or zits.
Year: 2023
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Is your sleep ageing you?
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Egg and Potato Cutlet
INGREDIENTS
4 boiled egg, 250 gm, oiled,mashed, peeled, potato, 1 handful chopped coriander leaves, 1 cup refined oil, 5 powdered rusk, 1 finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 beaten egg
Method
– Combine the potatoes, onions, red chilli powder, salt and coriander leaves in a bowl and mix them well.
– Add boiled eggs to the batter and mix well again. Now, make small balls of this mixture and flatten them slightly. Dip this in the beaten egg and roll them in the rusk.
– Heat oil in a frying pan and add the prepared cutlets. Fry till golden brown.
– Garnish the prepared cutlets with coriander leaves and serve. -
Moong Dal Kheer
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup moong dal, 2 cup water, 1 cup, powdered jaggery, 1 cup milk, 2, tablespoon rice, 4 teaspoon ghee, 1 teaspoon powdered green cardamom
– For making this dessert recipe, heat ghee in a pan and saute moong dal and rice for 2 minutes. Add water and mix well.
– Add the powdered jaggery and let it cook for 10 minutes, while stirring continuously.
– Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
– Allow the mixture to cool down and then add milk and mix gently.
– Garnish with dry fruits of your choice. (optional)
– Serve warm or cold. -
Keanu Reeves remembers Lance Reddick at John Wick premiere
Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne were among the John Wick: Chapter 4 stars honoring Lance Reddick, their co-star who died unexpectedly last week, at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. “We lost our brother, and in a really sort of very shocking way. I think we’re all still in shock.” “Life is,” the visibly-shaken Fishburne said, pausing briefly before continuing, “hard sometimes.”
Many of those who worked on the film wore blue ribbons to honor Reddick, who was a prolific character actor with prominent roles in The Wire, Oz and the John Wick film franchise.
“Just to be in his light and to get a chance to work with him, I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” Keanu Reeves said. “He had such a passion for his work and his craft. He was gracious. He had a dignity to him and a presence.”
Reddick, 60, died Friday in Los Angeles of natural causes, his publicist Mia Hansen said. No further details were provided.
Tributes have poured in for the actor, whose roles made him a beloved and recognizable star of television and films. He played Charon, the multi-skilled Continental Hotel concierge who is fond of Wick, an assassin played by Reeves. “He’s the goodness of this film. He was kind of, in many ways, the heart of the film because his character loved John Wick,” Fisburne said.
“You know, it’s always hard when you lose someone that you love dearly . . . but you’re also incredibly grateful for the time you had together. We were fortunate enough to work with Lance since the very beginning of the John Wick franchise. I mean it’s been almost 10 years,” director Chad Stahelski said. “I really wish he could be with us tonight, but, you know, life. But we’re very fortunate to have known him. And he’s a great man, a great artist, a great human, a dear friend.”
Shamier Moore, a newcomer to Wick franchise, recalled how Reddick took time to say a kind word on set. “I grew up watching Lance Reddick. It is a bittersweet moment because he was definitely one of my heroes growing up as an actor, as a Black actor,” Moore said. And even though we didn’t share screen time together in this film, we shared some time off camera and he was salt of the Earth when he first met me. “He said, ‘Shamier, you’re incredible. I love your work man,’ and like, it melted me like a puddle. ” Source: AP -
Paris Hilton says she had an ‘inappropriate’ relationship with 8th grade teacher
Paris Hilton looks back on her past in her new memoir — and not everything brings back good memories. In Paris: The Memoir, the 42-year-old heiress reflects on an inappropriate relationship she had with her eighth grade teacher at Catholic school. She reminisces about how “all the girls in my class were crushing on this handsome young teacher” who had a “very Abercrombie” look.
“Everyone loved him, including the nuns,” Hilton writes. It turns out this teacher reciprocated the attraction, telling her: “I’ve got a crush on you.”
“He made me feel noticed in an important, grown-up way,” Hilton writes. “He flattered and teased me and said that all the other girls were talking about me behind my back because they were jealous.”
The teacher then asked her for her number and “cautioned me not to tell anyone.”
Hilton writes that the teacher then called her almost every night “and we talked for hours about how amazingly mature, beautiful, and intelligent I was, how sensual, misunderstood, and special.”
According to Hilton, her teacher often asked if her parents were home and one night when they weren’t, he decided to come over. “I saw a late-model SUV idling at the top of the driveway,” she writes. “I climbed into the passenger seat. Teacher pulled me into his arms and kissed me.” The “Stars Are Blind” singer remembers the kiss continuing “for what seemed like a long time and seemed to be evolving into something more” — until her parents came home and saw Hilton and her teacher in the driveway. He tried to drive away, blaming Hilton for his behavior. She recalls him saying, “My life is over. What am I doing? Why did you make me do this?”
He eventually dropped her back at home, where Hilton tried to play dumb with her parents about what they saw — but it didn’t work. After the school year ended, Kathy and Rick sent their teen daughter to live with her grandma in Palm Springs, California. -
Amanda Bynes put in psychiatric care after roaming on the street naked
Actress Amanda Bynes has reportedly been placed on a psychiatric hold after she was found walking the streets naked. The actress, who was in a conservatorship from August 2013 to March 2022, was seen walking naked and alone in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, March 19, reports aceshowbiz.com. Amanda approached a car and told the driver that she was coming down from a psychotic episode, according to TMZ.
The 36-year-old star, who has struggled with substance abuse and faced legal issues over the last decade, called 911 herself and was eventually taken to a nearby police station.
A mental health team subsequently determined that she needed to be placed on a 5150 psych hold. The actress is currently hospitalised, according to an insider, who also confirmed that she’s set to receive care for the next few days.
Amanda had her conservatorship lifted last year, and she subsequently thanked her fans for their support. The actress, who shot to fame as a child star, also revealed some of her long-term ambitions. -
Zwigato: Kapil Sharma’s Film Made Tax-Free In Odisha
The Odisha government has declared actor-filmmaker Nandita Das’ latest film Zwigato tax-free. A special screening of Zwigato was held for Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday after which the official handle of the Chief Minister’s Office announced that the movie has been made tax-free. “CM @Naveen_Odisha has approved a proposal to waive off the entertainment tax for ‘Zwigato’, a film based on the struggling life of a food delivery boy and his family. The Hindi language film has been directed by @nanditadas and its entire shooting has been done in #Bhubaneswar,” CMO Odisha tweeted.
The Bhubaneswar-set movie, which released across the country last week, features actor-comic Kapil Sharma as a food delivery person exploring the world of the gig economy. -
Massive set to be constructed for Salman-SRK action scene in ‘Tiger 3’
The makers of the upcoming actioner ‘Tiger 3’ will be constructing a huge set for Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s action scene in the film and it will take 45 days to build it.
“Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan will be seen on screen again in ‘Tiger 3’ and Aditya Chopra and director Maneesh Sharma have planned this to be the biggest surprise element of the film. YRF has quietly commissioned to build a massive set that will take about 45 days to build to shoot a scene in which Salman and SRK are set to do mind-boggling action!” informed a source.
The source added: “When Salman appeared in ‘Pathaan’ to help SRK, all hell broke loose in theatres and people went into frenzy seeing their biggest cinema idols beat people to pulp! Now, it’s encore time in Tiger 3 and expect Salman and SRK to pull off crazy, adrenaline pumping, high-intensity action sequences that will blow people’s minds.
‘Tiger 3’ also stars Katrina Kaif as super-spy Zoya and Emraan Hashmi as the villain. It is set to release on Diwali.
Source: IANS -
Kangana Ranaut shares birthday message, apologises to people she has hurt
Kangana Ranaut seems intent on celebrating her 36th birthday on a positive note. She took to Instagram on Thursday and shared a message for her followers, fans and even haters. She, for the first time, even apologised to those she might have hurt with her statements.
Kangana, who is in Udaipur for her birthday, is seen in a green and pink silk saree with a massive golden necklace, golden earrings and a red bindi, i the video. She began her message by thanking her mother and father for their support and her gurus (Sadhguru and Swami Vivekanand) for their teachings. She then addressed her ‘shatrus’ (enemies) as well.
“Mere shatru, jinhone aajtak mujhe kabhi araam nahi karne diya. Chahe jitni bhi safalta mili, phir bhi mujhe safalta ke marg pe tatpar rakha. Mujhe ladna, sangharsh karna sikhaya. Unki bhi main humesha abhaari rahugi (My enemies who never let me rest. No matter how successful I got, they kept me on my toes, on the path to success. They taught me how to fight, struggle. I will forever be grateful to them).”
“Doston meri vichaardhara bahut saral hai, mera achran, soch bhi bahut saral hai aur main humesha hi sabka accha chahti hu. Iske chalte agar maine kabhi kisi ke liye deshhit mein ya larger picture ke liye maine kisi ke liye kuch kaha ho aur unko uska dukh hua ho, thess lagi ho, main uske liye bhi shama chahti hu (Friends, my ideology is very simple. My conduct, thoughts are simple and I always want good things for everyone. So I apologise to anyone I might have hurt with things I said about the country’s welfare),” she said. She added that she only has ‘sneh, suvichaar (affection, good thoughts)’ for everyone.
Only a couple days ago, Kangana had been targeting singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh on Twitter. She hinted that the police will soon arrest him for his ‘support’ for Khalistanis. She has previously also feuded with Alia Bhatt, Swara Bhasker, Aamir Khan and Taapsee Pannu. Source: HT -
Pathaan releases on Prime Video with unseen scenes
Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan is out on Prime Video, almost two months after its theatrical release. The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer released on March 25 and became the biggest Hindi hits of all time, collecting more than Rs 1000 crore. The OTT version of the film came with four additional scenes and fans have been sharing and talking about them on social media.
One of the scenes shows Shah Rukh’s titular Pathaan getting tortured by the Russians. A particularly gory scene shows him strapped to a chair as an officer pulls a nails out of his fingers. Pathaan screams in agony as the officer says, “Batado Pathaan, tum jaante ho, end mein sab bolte hain (Speak up Pathaan, you know everyone speaks up in the end).” Pathaan jokes with him, “Teri Hindi bahut acchi hai. Teri maa Hindustan gai thi? Ya joint operation (Your Hindi is great. Did your mom go to Hindustan or were you part of joint operation)…” he says but gets a big punch in his face for it.
Another scene showed him making entry to a 50 Cent song. As he enters the JOKR facility, he is greeted by his team. A colleague rushes to give him a hug but he says, “Agar zindagi rahi toh gale milege (We will share a hug some other day).” -
Ordinance Rahul trashed in 2013 could have saved him
New Delhi (TIP)- The ordinance Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had casually trashed as “nonsense” 10 years ago could have come to his rescue today had he grasped the nuances of the consequences it entailed.
The ordinance approved by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led UPA-II Cabinet on September 24, 2013, had been brought to nullify a July 2013 Supreme Court order that had struck down a provision in the Representation of People’s Act that allowed convicted lawmakers three months to appeal against convictions and, in the interregnum, saved them from disqualification. The SC had in the “Lily Thomas versus Union of India” case of 2013 struck down Section 8 (4) of the Representation of People’s Act that not only granted protection of three months from disqualification to MPs and MLAs, it also said that if the sitting convicted lawmaker was to file an appeal or revision within three months from the date of conviction, he can’t be disqualified till the disposal of the appeal or the revision.
The ordinance had been brought days before RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was convicted in the fodder scam. On September 27, 2013, Gandhi, then Congress vice-president, arrived unscheduled at a press conference, where his colleague Ajay Maken had just finished defending the ordinance, and declared to everyone’s shock, “What the Congress has done and what our government has done is wrong. People will give you political lines, but I will tell you what I personally feel about this ordinance. It is complete nonsense and should be torn apart and thrown away.”
Source: TNS -
On the run, pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal likely hiding in Delhi
New Delhi (TIP)- Radical preacher Amritpal Singh, who is still out of the police dragnet, could be in Delhi, Punjab Police sources said. He allegedly deboarded at a bus terminal in the guise of a monk today, they added.
Teams of Delhi and Punjab Police are present at the Inter State Bus Terminal in Kashmere Gate since this morning and have been scanning the CCTV footage.
Singh, accused of attempted murder, obstruction of law enforcement and creating disharmony, had been on the run since March 18 when officers tried to block his motorcade and arrest him.
He was last seen in Haryana when a CCTV camera showed him leaving the home of a woman who had sheltered him while he was fleeing from the police on Monday. The footage showed the fugitive separatist, carrying an umbrella to hide his face.
Baljeet Kaur, the woman who sheltered Amritpal Singh and his aide Papalpreet Singh at her house in Haryana’s Kurukshetra, has been arrested, the police said.
The police said Singh changed five vehicles in 12 hours to escape arrest. On the first day of the police crackdown on him and his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’ – a radical organisation started by actor and activist Deep Sidhu – he was first seen in a Mercedes before switching to a Maruti Brezza SUV. He was later seen riding pillion on a bike wearing a pink turban and black goggles, suggesting that he tried to change his appearance to get away from the eyes of the police. Source: NDTV -
Despite India’s request, Pak continues to levy fees on Kartarpur pilgrims
New Delhi (TIP)- Minister of State External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Thursday, March 24, said that despite the Government of India’s insistence, Pakistan continues to levy fees on the pilgrims who visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur through Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
“Representations have been received to make the visit to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur through Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor passport-free. However, the Bilateral Agreement signed between India and Pakistan on October 24, 2019 mandates that pilgrims shall travel on a valid passport,” said MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan.
The MoS made the above remarks in his response to a query by Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal who inquired if the government had any plans to make the visit to Kartarpur Sahib passport-free for Sikh pilgrims who wanted to visit the holy site from across the globe.
The MoS MEA also highlighted several steps taken to facilitate the visit of pilgrims stating, “The Agreement, inter alia, provides for visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims as well as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, from India to the holy Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan on a daily basis, throughout the year. To facilitate the visit of pilgrims, a state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a highway from the town of Dera Baba Nanak to Zero Point and an Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been built on the Indian side.”
Despite the request by India, Pakistan continues to charge pilgrims from India for each visit. “The Government of India has consistently urged the Government of Pakistan that in deference to the wishes of the pilgrims, it should not levy any fee or charge on the pilgrims who visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur through Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. Pakistan, however, continues to levy USD 20 on every pilgrim for each visit,” Muraleedharan tells Badal in his reply.
An Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the facilitation of pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Pakistan, was signed on October 24, 2019, in order to fulfil the long-standing demand of Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India, to have easy and smooth access to the holy Gurudwara and to operationalise the corridor in time for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Since its inauguration on November 9, 2019, Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor has been used by around 1,70,000 pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor remains functional on all seven days of the week. Source: ANI -
United Opposition supports Rahul, BJP points at ‘feudal mindset’
New Delhi (TIP)- The disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha sparked strong political reactions across the board on Friday, March 24, with the party vowing to launch mass protests and calling it an assault on freedom of speech, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) calling his behaviour feudal and accusing him of insulting a community. A number of other Opposition parties – including some opposed to the Congress – also closed ranks and backed Gandhi, criticising the government.
During a meeting of Congress leaders on March 24, one Member of Parliament (MP) said all party MPs should tender mass resignation but no final decision was taken, said people aware of the developments. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that a reply should be given to the disqualification through the party’s victory in the upcoming Karnataka elections and a committee will be formed to take further decisions.
“They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don’t want to keep those who are speaking the truth but we will continue to speak the truth. We’ll continue to demand JPC (joint parliamentary committee) probe (into Adani issue). If needed we’ll go to jail to save democracy,” Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said.
The BJP accused Gandhi of being a “habitual loose cannon” with a “feudal mindset” and having little respect for marginalised communities . “I want to ask Mallikarjun Kharge, is abusing other backward classes (OBCs) considered speaking the truth? Do you consider the feudal mindset as truth… this is not the truth, its arrogance,” said Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
A string of other opposition parties also attacked the government. “In PM Modi’s New India, Opposition leaders have become the prime target of BJP…Today, we have witnessed a new low for our constitutional democracy,” tweeted West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
Kerala chief minister Pinarai Vijayan called the disqualification decision hasty and proof of authoritarianism. “This brazen assault is an insult to our democratic values and can’t be overlooked. It must be unequivocally denounced,” he said.
“The expulsion of Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha is shocking. The country is passing through very difficult times,” Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi indicated the party will challenge Gandhi’s conviction on various grounds, including the process of his disqualification.
Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur criticised Gandhi for his performance as a lawmaker and said, “In 13 years, Rahul participated in only 21 discussions and did not introduce a single Private Member’s Bill. He is the epitome of unparliamentary behaviour.”
Thakur said it seems like a “well-planned conspiracy” within the Congress to “get rid of” him by not challenging the Surat court’s verdict on time despite having a battery of lawyers. Thakur said the Speaker had nothing to do with his disqualification. “It was done in full conformity of Section 8 of Representation of People’s Act, Section 102(1) E of the constitution,” he added.
Source: HT -
Delhi Police lodge FIR under UAPA over violence at Indian Mission in UK
New Delhi (TIP)- The special cell of the Delhi Police has registered a case in connection with the protest in front of the Indian High Commission in the UK on March 19, officials said on March 24.
Among the protesters were persons holding Indian passports. The FIR has been registered under the IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act as it involves unlawful activities carried out by certain people holding Indian passports abroad, they said.
The move has come following the direction issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to take appropriate legal action after it received a report from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the incident at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19.
Last Sunday, the Tricolor flying atop the Indian High Commission in London was grabbed by a group of protesters waving Khalistan flags and raising pro-Khalistan slogans, leading to an arrest. Officials from the mission said the “attempted but failed” attack had been foiled and that the Tricolor was now flying “grander”.
The Metropolitan Police said that two members of security staff sustained minor injuries, which did not require hospital treatment.
Want action: MEA to US, UK over vandalism at Missions
“We are not interested in assurances. We would like to see action,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on statements from the US, the UK, Canada and Australia on their promise to prosecute the pro-Khalistan activists involved in attacks on Indian Missions in these countries.
India expected the host governments to take action to identify and prosecute all those involved, he said at a media briefing. “We also want them to take necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents as well as provide adequate protection to Indian Missions and the personnel working there,” said Bagchi. Source: TNS -
UAPA: SC restores ‘guilty by association’ doctrine
New Delhi (TIP) – The Supreme Court on Friday, March 24, restored the doctrine of “guilt by association” in criminal jurisprudence in India, as it overruled a bunch of its 2011 judgments and declared that mere membership of a banned organisation will be a crime under country’s anti-terror law — Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. A three-judge bench headed by justice MR Shah affirmed the constitutional validity and the rationale of Section 10(a)(i), which makes continued membership of a banned organisation a crime punishable with a jail term up to two years. “It is observed that the object and purpose of the enactment of UAPA is to provide for more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities. To punish such a person who is continued as a member of such unlawful association which is declared unlawful due to unlawful activities can be said to be in furtherance of providing for effective prevention of the unlawful activities,” said the bench, which also included justices CT Ravikumar and Sanjay Karol.
It held that the three judgments of 2011 were “not a good law” in ruling that mere membership of a banned organisation would not incriminate people unless they resort to violence; incite people to violence or do any other overt act to disturb public tranquility.
Noting that the two-judge benches of the Supreme Court erred in reading down the UAPA provision in individual criminal cases on bail when there was neither any challenge to the law, nor an opportunity for the Union government to present its version before the verdict.
“It is true that it is ultimately for the court to interpret the law and/or particular statute. However, the question is not the power of the courts. The question is whether it be done without hearing the Union of India? When any provision of Parliamentary legislation is read down in the absence of Union of India it is likely to cause enormous harm to the interest of the State,” the court noted in its 144-page judgment.
In 2011, three separate judgments by the top court relating to cases involving charges under UAPA and the now-repealed Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), declared that mere membership of a banned organisation would not ascribe criminal liability on the accused unless there is material to show specific intent to further the illegal aims of the organisation or some overt unlawful acts. In doing so, the apex court heavily relied on US Supreme Court judgments which outrightly dismissed the doctrine of “guilt by association” and cited the right to free speech.
The Union government sought a review of the 2011 judgments, complaining that not only it was imperative for the two-judge benches to seek the Centre’s views at the time of hearing these cases but that reading down of the TADA and the UAPA provision impacted the prosecution of cases for unlawful association with banned outfits. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta appeared for the Centre.
Allowing the Centre’s plea on Friday, the three-judge bench disapproved of the previous views stating that before following American decisions, Indian courts are required to consider the difference in the nature of the laws applicable in the respective countries.
Even otherwise in absence of any challenge to the constitutional validity of Section 10(a)(i) of the UAPA, the top court said, there was no question of reading down of the said provision by the court in 2011, particularly in the wake of the legislative history and objective of UAPA.
The aim and object of enactment of UAPA is also to provide for more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities, said the court, pointing out that a particular association is declared unlawful only after the central government is satisfied that such association is indulging in unlawful activity and the same is against the sovereignty and integrity of India. Source: HT -
14 political parties move SC against ‘misuse’ of CBI, ED
Alleging misuse of central probe agencies against political rivals, 14 political parties, including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, DMK, TMC and Bharat Rashtra Samiti, on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking pre-arrest and post-arrest guidelines. A Bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud agreed to take it up on April 5 after senior advocate AM Singhvi mentioned it for urgent listing and hearing. Alleging that 95 per cent of the cases were against opposition leaders, Singhvi said, “We’re asking for pre-arrest and post-arrest guidelines to be followed by the prosecuting agencies and courts.” He, however, clarified, “We’re not trying to affect the existing investigations.” The 14 political parties represented 42% spectrum, Singhvi said, adding that the petitioners were saying that democracy was in peril. The petition comes at a time when several leaders of the political parties — which have moved the top court — are facing CBI and Enforcement Directorate probes in corruption and money-laundering cases.
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Centre to set up panel to improve pension scheme
The central government has decided to set up a committee to recommend changes to make the politically-sensitive National Pension System (NPS), Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday, amid widespread opposition to the new pension savings system that is seen to have cost the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) popularity. The decision came as several opposition-ruled states started reverting to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and making it a poll issue after several employee organisations sought the system to be rolled back for better financial security after retirement.
“Representations have been received that the National Pension System for government employees needs to be improved. I propose to set up a committee under the finance secretary to look into this issue… and evolve an approach which addresses the needs of employees while maintaining fiscal prudence to protect the common citizens. The approach will be designed for adoption by both central and state governments,” Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha while moving the Finance Bill 2023 for consideration and passage.
States that have asked the Centre to revert to OPS include Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and are demanding a refund of the corpus accumulated under the NPS.
The OPS was a financially extravagant but politically popular scheme. The move comes with just a year left for the Lok Sabha election. -
Biggest millets festival in US held in Philly; presentations by young kids hailed
Young children aged between 6 and 13 years gave well-researched presentations about millets. PHILADELPHIA, PA (TIP): The Gangaur Festival in Philadelphia turned out to be a major millets event in the US, attracting over 400 people. Young children gave educational presentations about millets, which was a key highlight.
Bhartiya Temple celebrated the 16th Gangaur Festival this year on Sunday with much gusto at the Bhartiya Temple in Chalfont, Philadelphia. The event, which was jointly organized by Bhartiya Temple (BTI) and Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM), highlighted the Rajasthani culture in Greater Philadelphia Area. Besides the festivities, millets was the biggest highlight as young children gave engaging presentations about millets, dishes were served and a poster was also unveiled with PM Narendra Modi’s quotes about healthy grains.
Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York, was the Chief Guest and Prem Bhandari, President of Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), New York and Jaipur Foot USA, was the Guest of Honor. The event also witnessed a multitude of Rajasthani and Indian origin people coming together to celebrate the festival, turning it into a grand-scale event. With more than 400 people in attendance, this was the biggest millets festival by scale in the US.
The key highlight of the festival was active and enthusiastic participation by young children aged between 6 and 13 years, who gave well-researched presentations about millets, its health and environmental benefits, ease of cultivation, affordability aspects and more. There were a total of 11 children who gave millets presentations and even made their own posters, which gripped the attention of hundreds of people.
Bhandari was delighted by the way these young children gave such educational presentations about millets. After all their presentations, Bhandari asked the children if they knew who was instrumental behind the UN declaring 2023 as the “International Year of Millets” and the unanimous response won the hearts of everyone.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the kids said in unison.The presentations were a testament to PM Modi’s vision to see the use of millets being passed down to future generations. “Youth of our country should be aware that millets have been a part of our staple diet for 3000 years. Therefore, sensitize our younger generation about MAGIC MILLETS,” PM Modi had said.
BTI & PARAM has pledged to support the United Nation’s “The International Year of Millets” initiative to incorporate and promote awareness of the importance of millets in daily diet due to its nutritional value. Prem Bhandari inaugurated the initiative in North America at this event and unveiled a millets poster, featuring PM Narendra Modi’s portrait and his quotes about millets.
Bhandari also spoke at the event in the Rajasthani language, which is in line with his cause to get the language recognized in the Indian constitution’s eighth schedule and be made the “Raj Bhasha” of the state of Rajasthan.
Bhandari was felicitated at the event. In a heartwarming gesture, Bhandari shared the shawl with all the children, who gave presentations about millets.
RANA board members Ashok Pandey and Jaipur Foot USA board member Ajay Patel attended the event. Bhandari’s wife, Dr. Rekha Bhandari also attended the grand event.
Gangaur is colorful and one of the most important festivals of the people of Rajasthan, which is observed throughout the Indian state with great fervor and devotion by womenfolk who worship Goddess Gauri – the wife of Lord Shiva – during the month of Chaitra (March ~ April). It is the celebration of spring, harvest, marital fidelity, conjugal blessedness and childbearing. The festival is celebrated with great fanfare in Philadelphia.
Nand Todi, founder and president of Bharti temple, has been decorating Gangaur palanquin for 16 years. Gangaur procession was taken out by Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal, while Deputy Council General of India Dr. Varun Jeph, RANA President Prem Bhandari carried the Gangaur’s ride on his shoulder wearing a Rajasthani turban on his head. PARAM Founder President Dr. Ravi Murarka has been organizing events for the past 16 years.
The UN’s International Year of Millets stands to provide a unique opportunity to increase global production, ensure efficient processing and consumption, promote a better utilization of crop rotations, and encourage better connectivity throughout food systems to promote millet as a key component of the food basket. Millets are a good source of protein, fiber, key vitamins, and minerals. The potential health benefits of millets include protecting cardiovascular health, preventing the onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes, helping people achieve and maintain a healthy BMI, and managing gut inflammation.
The Gangaur festival celebration was a joyous occasion, complete with various cultural events including Gangaur Pooja, a procession with traditional Indian musical instruments such as Dhol and Taasha, live singing and dance performances throughout the evening. Traditional Rajasthani millet-based delicacies like Dal Baati, Churma, Gate ki Sabi, Mohanthal, Bajra Rotla, were served to promote millet awareness in the community.
At the event, Prem Bhandari also unveiled the poster for millets, which featured PM Modi’s portrait along with his quotes about millets.
Chief Guest Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, New York (third from the left) looks at the millet dishes prepared on the occasion. To his right is Prem Bhandari. -
India’s consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Pro-Khalistan protestors
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A group of pro-Khalistan protesters on Sunday, March 19 made an attempt to set on fire India’s consulate in San Francisco, with senior Indian diplomats informing their American counterparts that they anticipate more such protests by anti-national elements in the coming weeks.
The incident is reported to have taken place around 4.20 am on Sunday, a portion of which was captured on the consulate’s CCTV.It is believed that two bearded men wearing a cap, who remain unidentified so far, poured flammable material at the entrance of the Indian mission in San Francisco and tried to put the building on flame, sources told media. However, the fire did not spread for reasons not known, possibly due to the building material or the quality of flammable liquid, multiple sources told media on Monday, March 20.
The consulate in San Francisco immediately took up the matter with the city police and concerned authorities at multiple levels from San Francisco to Washington DC.
However, the protestors went violent later in the day.
Around 11 hours later, in the absence of a strong law enforcement and city police presence, pro-Khalistan supporters broke the makeshift barricade, forced entry inside the premises of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and hammered at the doors and windows, shattered the glass panes after their Khalistan flag was removed by the mission staffers.
In the process, one of the consulate employees sustained minor injuries. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco and senior officials from the Indian Embassy here have lodged a very strong protest at multiple levels in the US Government and the California State Government.
On Monday, the Khalistani protestors pitched a tent outside the San Francisco consulate. Among those present in the protest were those who were part of the vandalism and defacing of Indian property. The local Indian American community is outraged that the San Francisco Police have taken no action against them.
Several people who came to the consulate for passport or visa services were harassed by the protestors and in some cases even obstructed from entering the premises.
Multiple sources told media that it all started on Saturday evening when a group of Khalistan activists pitched a tent in front of the consulate premises and started the protest.
Saturday evening, the separatist Sikhs defaced the wall and premises of the consulate with graffiti. Consulate employees were quick enough to remove the graffiti. All the concerned law enforcement authorities were immediately informed about it. They were told that they had information that the protest might turn violent.
On Sunday – around 4.20 am as captured on CCTV of the consulate – there was a serious attempt to put the building on fire. Local officials were soon informed about this failed attempt, which if successful could have dented permanent damage to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Senior Indian diplomats have told their American counterparts that they anticipate more such protests by anti-national and anti-social elements in the coming weeks and months. Security has been beefed up at all the Indian diplomatic missions in the US. Separatist Sikhs have held a similar protest in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. But the protest remained a peaceful one, mainly because of the pro-activeness of the Washington DC Police and Diplomatic Security.
But this wasn’t the case in San Francisco, which till Monday had not deployed enough security to prevent any attack on the premises , and no action has been taken so far against those responsible for such unprecedented vandalism and defacing of the Indian Consulate.
In recent months there has been a rise in anti-India activities in Canada, Australia and the UK by Khalistan supporters who have vandalized some Hindu temples in these countries. India on Monday lodged a strong protest with the US Charge d’Affaires in Delhi over the incident of vandalism at the Indian consulate general in San Francisco by some pro-Khalistan elements during a protest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi said the US government was asked to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
“In a meeting with the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi, India conveyed its strong protest at the vandalization of the property of the Consulate General of India, San Francisco,” the MEA said.
(Source: PTI ) -
STAGE ACROBATS PUSH HUMAN LIMITS
By Mabel Pais
Eager to witness a breathtaking spectacle 3,000 years in the making!
Head over to NJPAC to watch the time-honored art form of Chinese acrobatics combine with traditional music and high-tech special effects for a jaw-dropping extravaganza.
Since 1986, The Peking Acrobats® have been China’s most gifted acrobats! Featuring live musicians. The Peking Acrobats® join with The Shanghai Circus to perform thrilling stunts including juggling, tumbling, contortion, rope walking and trick cycling. They’ll push the limits of human ability. They’ll defy gravity right before your eyes. They’ll have you asking: “How did they DO that?” Bring the whole family to experience this showcase of athletic precision and dazzling artistry.
Watch a short video: https://youtu.be/RpmhMEVXF7g
SCHEDULE
When: April 1, 2023 @ 3 pm & 7:30 pm
Where: NJPAC, Victoria Theater
TICKETS
For more Information on Peking Acrobats, visit facebook.com/ThePekingAcrobats
and for Tickets, visit NJPAC.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
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NY BROADWAY LEGEND COMES TO NJ
By Mabel Pais
SiriusXM Broadway host SETH RUDETSKY brings BROADWAY ICON CHITA RIVERA to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 7:30 PM.
Rudetsky will host and music direct an intimate evening of hit songs and hilarious showbiz tales with the Broadway icon herself, Chita Rivera. The Tony Award-winning singer-dancer-actress-showstopper is best known for originating the roles of Anita in West Side Story, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie opposite Dick Van Dyke, and Velma in Bob Fosse’s Chicago opposite Gwen Verdon. She won her first Tony Award for Kander and Ebb’s ‘The Rink’ and her second for playing the title role in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ Seth will have Chita perform her biggest songs from each of her iconic roles and, between songs, he’ll ask Chita to reveal inside scoop on what it was like creating some of Broadway’s most iconic roles while working with some of Broadway’s biggest titans!
TICKETS
Tickets to see Chita Rivera and Seth Rudetsky can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera. (Credit: Courtesy, NJPAC.) A theatrical icon and one of Broadway’s greatest triple-treat talents, Chita Rivera is one of the most nominated performers in Tony Award history having earned 10 nominations, won twice and received the 2018 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
A versatile actress/singer/dancer, her recent starring roles include ‘The Visit,’ the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway; and many, many more over her long performance career.
She trained as a ballerina (from age nine) before receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from the legendary choreographer George Balanchine. Chita’s first appearance (age 19) was as a principal dancer in ‘Call Me Madam.’ Her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of ‘West Side Story’ brought her stardom, which she repeated in London.
Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009 and received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in 2002. In 2019, Chita performed her solo concert at London’s Cadogan Hall; in 2018 she was honored as a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy; in 2016 she headlined at Carnegie Hall and in 2015, Great Performances aired their special ‘Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ To Do,’ a retrospective of her extraordinary life and career nationally on PBS. Her current solo CD is entitled ‘And Now I Swing.’ Her long-awaited book ‘CHITA: A MEMOIR’ will be published by HarperOne in April, 2023. Her most treasured production is her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente. Learn more at chitarivera.com.
Seth Rudetsky
Seth Rudetsky. (Credit: sethrudetsky.com) Seth is the afternoon host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s ‘ON BROADWAY’ as well as the host of ‘SETH SPEAKS’ on Sirius/XM Stars.
As a pianist, Seth has played for more than a dozen Broadway shows including RAGTIME, LES MIZ and PHANTOM. He was the Artistic Producer/Music Director for the first five annual Actors Fund Fall Concerts including ‘DREAMGIRLS’ with Audra MacDonald (recorded on Nonesuch Records) and ‘HAIR’ with Jennifer Hudson (recorded on Ghostlight Records, Grammy Nomination).
In 2007 he made his Broadway acting debut playing Sheldon (singing “Magic to Do” in a devastating unitard) in ‘THE RITZ’ directed by Joe Mantello for The Roundabout Theater. Off-Broadway he wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed ‘RHAPSODY IN SETH’ (directed by Peter Flynn) at the Actors Playhouse and has also appeared on TV on ‘LAW AND ORDER C.I.’ and had a recurring role on ‘ALL MY CHILDREN.’
As an author, he penned the non-fiction ‘Q GUIDE TO BROADWAY,’ the novel ‘BROADWAY NIGHTS’ and the recently published ‘MY AWESOME/AWFUL POPULARITY PLAN’ (Random House). Recently, he co-wrote and starred in ‘DISASTER!’ (which the NY TIMES called a “triumph”), and he currently writes a weekly column on Playbill.com and tours the country doing master classes and performing his one-man show ‘DECONSTRUCTING BROADWAY.’ Learn more at sethrudetsky.com.
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JERRY HERMAN AND THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Jerry Herman. (Credit: jerryherman.com.) By Mabel Pais
Jerry Herman, the multi-Tony-award-winning composer and lyricist of the classic Broadway musicals: ‘Hello, Dolly’ and ‘Mame to Mack and Mabel’ to ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ and many more has lit up Broadway for decades with toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical moments.
Now, his legacy is being shared with a new generation. The American Society of Composers, Authors & Composers (ASCAP) Foundation and Spot-On Entertainment proudly present ‘Jerry Herman: The Broadway Legacy Concert,’ starring a cast of New York’s top Broadway and concert vocalists celebrating the songs and the stories of one of the giants of musical theater.
PROGRAM
WHEN: Saturday, March 31 @ 7:30 pm
WHERE: NJPAC, Victoria Theater
“Hello, Jerry! Well, hello, Jerry! It’s so nice to have you back where you belong…”
Starring:
Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte (‘Jerome Robbins’ Broadway’)
Tony Award nominee Ron Raines (‘Follies’)
Klea Blackhurst (‘Everything The Traffic Will Allow’)
Emmy nominee Scott Coulter
Jason Graae (‘A Grand Night for Singing’)
Musical Director John Boswell
Broadway Legend Ken Page (‘Ain’t Misbehavin’,’ ‘Cats’ and the voice for ‘Oogie Boogie’ in ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ franchise)
TICKETS
For more Information on Jerry Herman, visit JerryHerman.com and for Tickets, visit NJPAC.org.
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India Deepens Connections with Honduras and Guatemala through Ambassador’s Productive Visit
India’s ambassador to Guatemala Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra with the Foreign Minister of Honduras Mr. Enrique Reina (right) and Minister of Presidency, Mr. Rodolfo Pastor (left) I.S. Saluja
Ambassador Mohapatra meets with Mr. Hector Zelaya, Private Secretary of the President of Honduras GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): In a productive visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between India and Honduras, Indian Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra visited Honduras from 16-18 March and Puerto Barrios and Petén region of Eastern and Northern Guatemala from 19-22 March. On 17 March, during his visit, Dr. Mohapatra met with Private Secretary of President and key ministers in Honduras, including the Foreign Minister, Minister of Presidency, Culture Minister, Economy Minister, and Health Minister, to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore opportunities for collaboration. He also participated in Holi Festival celebrations in Valle de Angeles on 18 March, Honduras, and Puerto Barrios Guatemala, on 19 March, which marked the vibrant cultural exchange between the nations. Furthermore, Ambassador also participated in the Dr Sanjiv Goyal and Om Foundation organized health camps in the Petén region of Guatemala on 20-21 March and an Indian Film Festival, on 21 March, emphasizing the importance of healthcare cooperation and promoting appreciation for Indian arts in the region.
The meetings held great importance as both Honduras and India have been striving to fortify their diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. Dr. Mohapatra’s visit comes at a crucial time when Honduras is looking to diversify its international partnerships. During his meeting with the Honduran Foreign Minister, Mr. Enrique Reina and Minister of Presidency, Mr. Rodolfo Pastor, both sides emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in various sectors such as commercial, cultural, development cooperation & capacity building under the ITEC programme. The meeting with the Hon’ble Private Secretary of President of Honduras, Mr. Hector Zelaya focused on the areas of mutual interest including India’s development cooperation, capacity building under ITEC and ICCR scholarships and commercial and cultural ties.
During his visit, Ambassador also met with Mr. Jose Matheu, the Honduran Health Minister, where they discussed the importance of cooperation in the healthcare sector. The conversation centered around sharing best practices, strengthening public health systems, and exploring potential collaborations in pharmaceutical especially related to Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and e-Sanjeevani (telemedicine). The meeting with Ms. Annarella Velez, the Culture Minister, focused on the potential for cultural exchange and collaboration, recognizing the rich heritage of both countries.
Holi Celebration in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala Following the series of productive meetings, on 18 March, Ambassador and the Honduran Culture Minister along with members of Indian community and friends of India in Honduras participated in the Holi Celebrations organized by the Embassy in scenic Obrero Park in Valle de Angeles, a picturesque city in Honduras. In addition to the Holi festivities in Valle de Angeles, another celebration took place in eastern Guatemalan port city of Puerto Barrios organized by Indian Embassy and National Youth Council (CONJUVE), Guatemala, where around 500 young people and people of Indian origin gathered to participate in the celebration. The event was also graced by Hon’ble Governor, Mr. Byron Solares, Hon’ble Mayor, Mr. Hugo Sarceño.
Subsequent to the Holi celebrations, on 20-21 March, Ambassador participated in the health camps organized by Dr. Sanjay Goyal & Om Foundation in San Luis, Poptun, La Libertad & San Benito in Peten region, north Guatemala. Their efforts have brought healthcare closer to those in need & will make a lasting impact on the community. In addition, the Embassy, CONJUVE Guatemala & Flores Municipality jointly organized screening of Indian Film Mary Kom in city of Flores, graced by presence of Ambassador, Mayor Mayra Altan and 500 young people. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Indian culture through magic of cinema.
The visit by the Indian Ambassador has been well-received by Honduras and Peten and Puerto Barrios region of Guatemala, and it is expected that it will pave the way for fruitful partnerships in the near future.
Health Camps in Peten, Guatemala organized by Dr Sanjiv Goyal and Om Foundation Ambassador Manoj Kumar Mohapatra recently organized a Yoga camp with the participation of 5000 persons , and the wondrous part of it is Guatemala City has just about 50 Indian origin families. And the Holi celebrations earlier drew another 5000 plus participants. Obviously, a lot of effort must have gone into organizing the events. A couple of months ago, I was present at a large Indian Handicrafts exhibition the embassy had organized which was inaugurated by the acting President of Guatemala. The large contingent of artisans and entrepreneurs were extremely happy to find enthusiastic buyers of their products. The embassy also organized during the exhibition , an attractive fashion show which witnessed the presence of a number of dignitaries which included Guatemala ministers and diplomats of many countries. India is surely making its presence felt in this part of the world.
Screening of Indian FIlm-Mary Kom in Peten, Guatemala. Ambassador Mohapatra is 4th from the left. -
NOVELLA ADAPTED FOR STAGE IN NYC
By Mabel Pais
Ballet & Dance Icon MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV
Japanese Star MIKI NAKTANIThree Letters.
One Tragedy.
Miki Nakatani. (Photo Credit : thehuntinggun.org.) 
Mikhail Baryshnikov. (Photo Credit : thehuntinggun.org.) ‘The Hunting Gun’ is a play Emanuela Barilla brings to New York City. This is the U.S. premiere of Yasushi Inoue’s novella adapted for the stage and performed March 16 – April 15, 2023 (Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm) at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, Jerome Robbins Theater, 450 W. 37th Street, New York City.
Adapted for the stage by Serge Lamothe and directed by François Girard, ‘The Hunting Gun’ is a two-hander performed entirely in Japanese starring Miki Nakatani as Shoko, Midori, and Saiko, and Mikhail Baryshnikov in the non-speaking role of Josuke Misugi.
SYNOPSIS
Three letters.
One tragedy.Josuke Misugi receives three letters from different women: his wife, his mistress and her daughter. The first is from young Shoko, who just discovered her mother’s affair through the reading of her diary. The second is from his wife Midori, revealing she’s known about the infidelity from the start. And the third is a farewell from Saiko, his lover of thirteen years: “By the time you read this, I will no longer be among the living.”
Weaving these three viewpoints with consummate skill, one of Japan’s most celebrated authors Yarushi Inoue gives universal resonance to Misugi’s demise. He turns what could have been the mundane account of adultery into a compelling love story that is considered a classic of world literature.
This stage adaptation is a monologue for three voices, and a single actress embodies all three women, transforming before our eyes. At the end of her letter, Shoko drops her school uniform to reveal Midori’s exuberant outfit who, in turn, undresses to slip into Saiko’s funeral kimono.
Behind a scrim presenting fragments of letters, the increasingly tormented hunter Josuke Misugi cleans his gun. He seems to exist in a different time space. The simple action he performs, which would normally take only a few minutes, is stretched through the entire duration of the play: picking up his gun in ultra-slow-motion, inspecting it, meticulously cleaning its barrels and finally standing to aim at his wife’s back.
Borrowing from Japanese Zen aesthetics, the set’s floor is successively draped with three fundamental elements: water, stone, and wood. After Shoko wanders in a lily pond, the waters withdraw to reveal a terrain of smooth black stones. Then, at the climax of Midori’s rage, the stones magically vanish to expose a wooden deck on which Saiko recites her suicide letter.
KEY CREATIVES
Playwright: (Adapted for the stage by) Serge Lamothe
Actors: Miki Nakatani & Mikhail Baryshnikov
Director: François Girard
Producer Cath Brittan
Creative Producers: David Finn & François Girard
Co-Producer: Misaki Mouri
Set: François Séguin
Lighting: David Finn
Costumes: Renée April
Music: Alexander MacSweenAWARDS
‘The Hunting Gun’ was originally produced by Parco Theatre, Tokyo and Danièle de Fontenay (Usine C, Montreal). It received three Yumiori Awards and two Kinokunya Awards, including two for Best Theatre Production and two for Best Actress.
TICKETS
For more information on the Play, Artists and Tickets, visit thehuntinggun.org.
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‘OUT ON FILM’ HONORS LADIES
By Mabel PaisOut on Film and Atlanta Pride present the lineup of films for a special ‘Out on Film Spring Fest,’ taking place April 3-6 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema.
OUT ON FILM, logo. (Photo Credit : outonfilm.org.) The film series is the latest innovative presentation by ‘Out on Film,’ which has built a reputation on that spirit, following last year’s celebrated 35th Anniversary edition of the Atlanta-based LGBTQIA+ film festival. The Oscar® qualifying film festival, recently included on MovieMaker Magazine’s “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” list, is both one of the nation’s longest running festivals presenting queer cinema, but also a leader among all United States-based fests in terms of exploring new ways to reach audiences and connect them with filmmakers.
Out on Film Festival Director Jim Farmer said, “I am very happy that Out On Film can present a spring series of five exceptional films, as well as a well-received shorts program from our 2022 festival. This series celebrates filmmaking and filmmakers from around the world, and two of our documentaries celebrate Georgia and Atlanta subjects. Coming so soon after our record-setting 2022 film festival, I believe our audiences will be quite impressed with this special series.”
The Out on Film Spring Fest includes a special shorts program presentation, “For the Ladies”, which will feature short films that previously screened at Out on Fest, and made an impact on the film festival circuit, including Aleksandra Odic’s Frida, which won Cannes’ Queer Palm and the Lights on Women Award, and Krizz Gautier’s Keep/Delete, which won awards at the Charlotte and Paradise film festivals.
“FOR THE LADIES” SHORT FILM PROGRAM
Frida
Dir: Aleksandra Odic l Germany l 21mAn encounter between a young nurse and her patient Frida, who is the same age, on the border of professional distance and desire for closeness.
Keep/Delete
Dir: Krizz Gautier l USA l 19mIn a future world where memories are handled like computer files, two lovers decide to undergo a procedure and have their entire relationship wiped from their brains.
Killing Myself
Dir: Jillian Junco l USA l 12mEve, a Filipino-American girl, has decided she’s going to kill herself and leaves a suicide note for her mother. When she leaves to get cigarettes for one last smoke, she meets Dawn who pulls her into a fun ride. While her mother discovers her suicide note, she rediscovers life.
Margins
Dir: Emanuela Boisbouvier l USA l 16mIn Los Angeles, during the tumultuous BLM movement, an interracial queer couple, Kai and Lucie, navigate the difficulties of supporting and protecting each other through the complexities of racial inequality and immigration issues.
Static Space
Dirs: John Klein, Kate Black-Spence l USA l 28mJamie is a young woman living in rural Indiana struggling to figure out her place and identity. When she inadvertently stumbles across a frequency on her ham radio and makes contact with astronaut Noa currently orbiting Earth, the two women are presented with the opportunity to find meaningful connection, even while worlds apart.
OUT ON FILM
Since its official inception in 1987, ‘Out On Film’ has grown to become one of the major LGBTQIA+ film festivals in the country. Now an Oscar® qualifying film festival and one of USA Today’s 2020 Readers’ Choice picks as one of the top 20 film festivals in North America, ‘Out On Film’ hosts an 11-day film festival in September as well as programming throughout the year.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality.)