NEW DELHI, Apr 23: Legendary cinematographer V K Murthy, the man behind Guru Dutt’s timeless classics like “Pyaasa” and “Kagaz Ke Phool”, feels that the role of technicians has become less important in Indian cinema over the time.
“Machines have replaced technicians like me in films. Their role is becoming less important. I don’t even watch films now because everything has changed,” Murthy, 89 told from Bangalore.
In a career of 60-years, Murthy has seen a lot of changes in Indian cinema which completes 100 years in 2013.
“The taste of cinegoers has changed and films are made to cater to them. In our times social issues were relevant and romance was integral part of movie but the language of cinema is different now,” said Murthy.
Recipient of Dada Saheb Phalke award, Murthy became Guru Dutt’s regular cameraman from his very first film. The cinematographer went on to work on some of the most iconic black and white films of that era. He also shot India’s first cinemascope movie “Kaagaz ke Phool”.
Recalling his first job with Guru Dutt, Murthy said, “Guru Dutt was working on his directorial debut ‘Baazi’ and I was an assistant at Mumbai’s Famous studio. When I suggested him about some shots, he asked me to shoot and that was my first break. It was also the beginning of our association which lasted till he was alive. I was fortunate to work with him.”
Murthy feels that 50s and 60s were the golden period in Hindi cinema with filmmakers like Guru Dutt, Mehboob Khan and Bimal Roy directing some of the finest films.
“Bimal Roy was more realistic in his approach while ‘Pyaasa’ is the classic example of Guru Dutt style of filmmaking which was more subtle. Excellent picturisation and songs of Sahir (Ludhianvi) added its beauty and made it an all time classic.”
After Guru Dutt’s death, Murthy worked with Kamal Amrohi on his masterpieces, “Pakeezah” and “Razia Sultana” but “Kaagaz Ke Phool” is considered his best. (PTI)
Technicians’ role has become minimal in cinema: V K Murthy
Several contenders for Prez post, says Paswan
PATNA, Apr 23: Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ramvilas Paswan today said there were several contenders in the fray for the post of President after Pratibha Patil.
“Now there are several contenders for the post in the rest for the forthcoming presidential poll in the country,” Paswan said without naming anyone.
He said national parties like Congress and BJP had not not opened their cards on the subject so far.
Presidential election would be held in July.
Questioning the justification for setting up Savarna Commission to identify the underprivileged families among upper castes in Bihar, Paswan said it would meet the similar fate of the Bandopadhyay commission on Land reforms, the recommendations of which were yet to be implemented.
Paswan, however, advocated for ten per cent reservation for poor among the upper caste.
He alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had constituted the Savarna Commission for vote bank politics.
On the Mahadalit Commission, Paswan told reporters that the Government used the name Mahadalit for getting grants from the Centre though there is no no mention about mahadalit in the Constitution.
Paswan also described as ‘drama’ the Seva Yatra launched by Kumar, saying said people had lost faith in such yatra for political gain at the cost of the state exchequer.
“The promises being made by Kumar are not being fulfilled. Kumar has even sent Hitler’s Goebbels behind in his spread of propaganda,” Paswan alleged.
He said LJP would launch a signature campaign from April 30 to press for promulgation of financial emergency and sacking of Nitish Kumar Government in Bihar. (PTI)
Dirty Picture telecast barred on advice of CBFC: I&B ministry
NEW DELHI, Apr 23: Facing flak for barring Sony TV from telecasting Vidya Balan-starrer ‘The Dirty Picture’ during daytime, the Information and Broadcasting ministry today said its decision was based on the advice of Censor Board.
“The CBFC, which is an independent statutory body, had held that even the UA certificate given to the movie after several cuts meant that parental guidance was a must. The ministry was simply acting on the advice,” a senior I&B official told.
The ministry’s notice to Sony on Saturday to not telecast the movie before 11PM had attracted criticism in some quarters which felt that the government was trying to muzzle TV content. The film’s director Milan Luthria and actor Tusshar Kapoor came out strongly against the government’s decision.
The film was scheduled to be telecast at 12 noon and 8PM on Sunday, for which Sony TV had gone on a big publicity drive.
However, officials said that an April 19 order of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court had asked the I&B ministry to ensure that the telecast of ‘The Dirty Picture’ did not violate guidelines.
Following the court order, the advice of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) was sought in the matter, officials said.
On April 20, CBFC CEO Pankaja Thakur advised the ministry that as per the Programme code of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, the film should not be shown in the afternoon or evening.
In her letter Thakur said that ‘The Dirty Picture’ had been rated ‘A’ (adult only) but was later rated ‘UA’ (personal guidance) after 59 audio and visual cuts.
Thakur said that ‘UA’ certificate meant that the film contained visuals and dialogues unsuitable for children watching this film without parental guidance.
“Such programmes should be shown after 11 pm to ensure that they are only seen by young adults (age 14 to 17) or children who have parental guidance available since late at night most parents are available to suitably guide them,” Thakur told the ministry.
The CBFC CEO had also clarified that Rule 6(5) of the Programme Code stated that shows unsuitable for children must not be carried in cable services at a time when the largest number of children are viewing.
“Hence keeping in view the Programme Code 6(5), CBFC would not like any channel to show ‘Dirty Picture’ on the time for which it is being advertised right now i.E. Afternoon and evening,” Thakur had said in her letter.
Officials said that the I&B ministry had on April 20, informed the Managing Director of Sony TV of the CBFC opinion about the unsuitability of the film’s content for children but the TV channel had continued with promos of the film during the family viewing hours.
“Consequently on Apr 21, the ministry wrote to the channel to not telecast the movie any time before 11PM,” officials said.
Ministry officials responded to critcism that they were barring the telecast of a movie for which the lead actress won a national award, saying that the award was given by an independent panel on the basis of performance while CBFC rating were based on the content of the film.
“The screening has not been banned, only as per the CBFC ratings the channel has been asked to air it when parents can provide guidance as to whether their children should watch it or not,” said a senior official.
“The movie is based on a bold theme and the government is not curbing its telecast but only ensuring that no norms are violated. The movie was allowed to be screened in theatres, its CDs are available and it can be telecast on TV after 11PM,” the official added. (PTI)
Moily hopes new Companies Bill to be passed shortly
MUMBAI, Apr 23: Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M Veerappa Moily today expressed the hope that the much-awaited new Companies Bill, which seeks to replace the Companies Act 1956, will be passed in the current session of Parliament.
“We would like to see the new companies bill to be passed in the current session of Parliament,” Moily said addressing the ICSI Capital Markets conference here.
The new Companies Bill, which will replace the Companies Act 1956, also seeks to give a fillip to the cause of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate governance.
Besides, the bill will make it mandatory for firms to maintain their documents in electronic format. It also introduces the concept of e-governance, makes provision for encouraging ethical corporate behaviour and rewards employees for their integrity.
On initiative towards creating awareness among investors and promoting good governance in capital market, Moily said, “We are having series of discussions in five metropolitan cities on investments and governance. We are going to prepare a road map as to how the investment could be boosted up, what are the hurdles and how to make business easy in this country”.
On the National Corporate Governance policy, Moily said,”the draft policy is already on its way. The draft is expected to be submitted within six months period.
The ministry of corporate affairs had last week set up a committee under Godrej Group chairman Adi Godrej to suggest a framework for the “highest quality” of corporate governance in the country.
According to the ministry, the committee will suggest a “comprehensive policy framework to enable corporate governance of the highest quality in all classes of companies without impinging on their internal autonomy to order their affairs in their best judgement.
“Even though we have given him (Adi Godrej) time of six months, he has said that he will submit the draft within six months,” Moily said.
The minister pointed out that capital market is one of the significant aspects of every financial market. A developed dynamic and vibrant capital market can immensely contribute to speedy economic growth and development.
“Confidence in corporate India is still very high and we need to maintain it in future too. It has been noted that financial sectors are investing more and more in Indian markets and they play an important role in growth of India. The sector has emerged as one of the most prominent sector and it is estimated to add 15 million jobs in market by 2020,” Moily said.
Explaining the role of Government in ensuring market growth, Moily said Rs 6.2 crore has been invested for development of infrastructure, he added.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is observing capital market week on the theme, ‘Capital Market Growth Drivers’ from April 23 to April 28 across the country. (PTI)
Star scouts for Madhuri Dixit’s replacement as face of Life ok
NEW DELHI, Apr 23: Star India’s newly launched general entertainment channel ‘Life Ok’ is scouting for a successor to its ‘narrator’, Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit.
“Our association with Madhuri Dixit as the channel’s ‘sutradhar’ (narrator) will end in another month’s time. The contract was for six months,” Life OK General Manager Ajit Thakur told on the sidelines of the launch event of a new show ‘Savdhan India’.
As ‘sutradhaar’ Dixit guides viewers about stories in different programmes
on the channel and link to the channel’s philosophy.
When asked who will replace Dixit he said: “We are currently considering options. It will be some public figure from the field of TV, Bollywood or sports.”
Life OK was launched by Star India last year in December.
According to Thakur, the channel has been watched by 40 crore Indians since it has gone on air.
Talking about revenue generation he said the channel is exploring digital media besides the conventional TV format.
The channel is also working towards engaging advertisers to be a part of its promotion campaigns to seek better engagement and provide value for money to brands.
“We want to provide an opportunity to our advertisers to be a part of our campaigns and reach out to audience in a much larger way. By doing this we want to provide more value for money to them,” he said.
Citing an example he said: “We had engaged Idea for one of our campaigns for ‘Sach Ka Saamna’ serial.”
The channel’s advertisers’ list includes names like Idea, HUL, P&G, PepsiCo, Coca Cola, Ghari detergent, P C Jewellers, Wildstone deodrants and Vicco. (PTI)
Sensex plunges 277 pts on heavy selling
MUMBAI, Apr 23: The BSE benchmark Sensex tumbled 277 points to 17,096.68 today on across-the-board selling led by heavyweight Infosys ahead of settlement in this month’s derivatives contracts and weak global markets.
Infosys dropped 3.92 per cent on reports that it may face heat as US’ Department of Homeland Security is reviewing its employer eligibility after finding errors in identity verification forms of some of the company’s staff.
India’s leading software and IT services exporters get about 60 per cent revenues from the US market.
Marketmen also attributed the fall to a report that a hedge fund has exited short positions in India’s single stock futures.
The decline was, however, cushioned by RIL which gained 0.64 per cent despite a sharp dip in forth quarter earnings, as they were in line with investor expectations.
The BSE 30-scrip index, Sensex, opened lower at 17,347.76 and moved between 17,444.18 and 17,056.77. It closed at 17,096.68 — down 277.16 points or 1.60 per cent from Friday, when it fell 130 points.
The NSE 50-share index Nifty also dropped 90.25 points or 1.71 per cent to finish at 5,200.60.
Other Asian markets ended lower amid indications that China’s manufacturing has contracted further in April. Key indices in the region were down by up to 1.84 per cent. European markets also opened in the red.
“Profit booking emerged during the afternoon session as market pared initial gains and slipped into the red. Negative openings in European markets further hurt the sentiment,” said Shanu Goel, Research Analyst at Bonanza Portfolio.
“Infosys witnessed selling pressure on reports of US security on it visa issue. TCS was active ahead of its results announcement and closed down with more than 2 per cent losses,” she added.
Of the 30 Sensex share, 25 closed with losses.
Major losers were Hindalco (4.88 pc), Jindal Steel (4.32 pc), BHEL (4.19 pc), Sterlite (3.67 pc), Bharti Airtel (3.55 pc), SBI (3.02 pc), L&T (2.88 pc), TCS (2.77 pc), Tata Power (2.67 pc), Bajaj Auto (2.61 pc), Gail India (2.27 pc), Tata Motors (2.19 pc), Coal India (2.11 pc), ICICI Bank (1.98 pc), Hero Motoco (1.92 pc), Cipla (1.88 pc), M&M (1.60 pc), Tata Steel (1.58 pc), HUL (1.54 pc), HDFC Bank (1.13 pc) and Maruti (1.12 pc).
Among the sectoral indices the BSE-Realty fell 3.17 pc, followed by Teck – 3.02 pc, IT – 2.94 pc, Metal – 2.86 pc, Capital Goods – 2.84 pc, Power – 2.63 pc and Bankex – 2.08 pc.
The total market breadth was negative with 1,800 stocks finishing in the red and 990 stocks closing with gains. The total turnover dropped to Rs 2,033.13 crore, from Rs 2,208.98 crore on Friday. (PTI)
Good news for soldiers
The Army Chief has hinted at implementation of one rank one pension, a demand of our men in olive green that had been pending for a long time but the government remained non-committal all the time. In principle many defence ministers and prime ministers had said that the demand was genuine but it never moved forward while the soldiers stuck to it year after year. In a rare statement COAS said that all information regarding ex-army men would be collected and their problems would be sorted out. Implementation of one rank one pension scheme would involve an expenditure of Rs 3,000 crore, but it was less from the point of the welfare of the soldiers, COAS said.
Indian Army has the unique distinction of being the most disciplined army in the world. It has proved its efficiency and dedication at a number of instances within and outside the country. With deepening of our democratic structure, and the resultant devolution of power, new forces and new political scenarios have emerged on the political landscape of India. At the same time the emergence of terrorism as a global phenomenon and the proxy war syndrome as the new concept of fighting and dismembering an adversary have put great pressure on our army. It is required to fight a completely new type of battle. It is something of a war on India’s own soil and that is what once the former Pakistani President Ziaul Haq had said. Therefore we should understand what we are expecting from our army jawans and what we are giving them in return. General V.K. Singh, the COAS has endeared himself to the rank and file in the Indian Army by hinting that one rank one pension demand is on the anvil and is likely to be accepted formally sooner than later.
Mailbag
Declining human values
Sir,
Declining human values is one of the biggest challenges before us in our social system. It is obviously a commonly debated issue in society that is discussed at various social platforms around us. A number of social bodies and NGOs are tirelessly working to find modalities to curb erosion of value-based culture. The major deteriorating factors in our so-called modern society are upcoming modern life styles purely based on western culture. There is no denying that the so-called modern culture that is prevalent in our country is more or less value-deficit and does not match with our traditions and heritage. There is a growing tendency and preference to live in nucleur family set-up with full independence devoid of any interference. Joint family culture is rapidly diminishing in society though few examples in rural areas are sometimes reported.
It is high time to give a deep thought to look for corrective ways to repair our social system by imbibing human values which otherwise are showing downward graph and leading to social degradation in society. There is an old saying, “Charity begins at home.” Let us pledge to rededicate ourselves to contribute for this social cause without wasting any more time.
Yours etc…
Lokinder Singh Ravi
85, Chhanni Rama,
Jammu
Retirement age
Sir,
There should be no enhancement of retirement age of the Government employees from 58 to 60 as the proposal in this regard is with the Government.
In case retirement age is enhanced it will hurt the younger generation which is still unemployed.
The unemployed youth in the State are mostly dependent on the Government jobs as the scope of jobs in the private sector is very limited. The private sector has not flourished much in the State due to various reasons which include militancy, shortage of power, and difficult terrain.
The enhancement will have more financial implications for the State which is already facing the burden of 6th Pay Commission and low revenue collection.
It will be an unwise move on the part of the Government as it will create unrest among the unemployed youth.
Yours etc….
Govind Ram
Domana
SC upholds EC criteria
Sir,
This has reference to the news item ‘SC upholds EC criteria on recognition of political parties’ DE Apr 9.
The decision of the Supreme Court upholding the EC criteria on recognition of political parties will stop mushrooming of political parties in India. Day in and day out a new political outfits with no programmes or agenda comes into existence only to confuse people. Already, the parties with some substantial presence have made the Indian political scene murkier. The culture of coalition politics is a result of these regional parties. This has created instalilty at centre, and affected the working of Central Government.
Rather, Indian people should shift toward presidential form of Government as exists in USA. This will create stability in the centre, and save huge amount of money on elections.
Yours etc…
Surinder Sharma
Gangyal
Pilgrimage preparations
Preparations for annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Swami Amarnath on the Himalayas in South Kashmir are afoot. The Government is seized of ensuring safe and smooth pilgrimage that begins on 25th of June and culminates on August 2, the Rakhsha Bandan day. Through a long history and unbroken tradition, the Hindus of Kashmir have maintained tracking over the Himalayan peaks to perform pilgrimage to the icy lingam representing Lord Shiva, who, according to the Shaivites of Kashmir, is the embodiment of three powers of creating, maintaining and destroying. Celebrated Kashmiri Hindu saints, sages, poets and writers have expressed deep veneration to Lord Shiva and ecstatically sung of his powers as sustainer of the universe. For centuries Shaivite philosophy ruled the hearts and minds of devotees and the tradition is scrupulously maintained to this day.
From a few hundred devotees and pilgrims to the holy cave in the past, the number has lately swollen to lakhs. Last year it was reported that six lakh pilgrims had visited the holy cave. Sudden increase in the number of visitors from all over the country has turned the cave shrine into an icon of national heritage. It naturally calls for ensuring safe passage and successful pilgrimage to the shrine for a large number of pilgrims. Thousands of people are associated with the pilgrimage and to them it is a source of livelihood as well. In a scenario of turmoil and disturbance that has taken the state into its grip during past two decades, and also some ugly incidents that happened with the pilgrimage at one or two times, these have made the government step in and ensure security and safety of the pilgrims. As part of the track over which the pilgrims have to move has been partially infested with militants, therefore, police, paramilitaries and the army have to be deployed under a well pre-meditated plan to take charge of ensuring security at the heights of the mountains, at base camps and all along the National Highway from Pathankot to Baltal or Nunwan, the two base camps. This is a stupendous task. The State Police and the Home Ministry have joined heads to chalk out the plan of providing security in all its dimensions. Consequently, the Home Ministry has agreed to provide additional 74 companies of CRPF for this particular purpose and for the duration of the pilgrimage only. The deployment of additional para-militaries will begin from the middle of June when snow is cleared from the base camps. In addition, the local police and some army contingents will also join the main security arrangement build up. According to knowledgeable sources the army will be asked to man the heights along the mountain track and the police and CRPF will be deployed along the national highway and at the base camps. This seems a satisfactory strategy specific for the current year’s pilgrimage programme. It will be noted that the Government had already withdrawn the battalions of CRPF previously deployed in the valley and other places and their place was taken by the BSF. The Home Ministry is reported to have made it clear to the State authorities that the 74 companies committed to join the Amarnath pilgrimage security arrangement will be withdrawn immediately after the pilgrimage ends on August 2 because the force is needed to be deployed in Maoist infested areas of Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
The point to be noted with satisfaction is that the government has not left anything to chance as does often happen. The type of terrorism that has been unleashed by our enemies is totally unpredictable. Nobody can foretell where and how the terrorists might strike because surprise attacks and hit and run are the tactics of terrorists engaged in a proxy war. Militancy might have come down in Kashmir in comparison to what its level was a few years ago but the source from where it springs remains as volatile as ever and even much more explosive in view of increased lawlessness in that part of the world. Therefore the government has rightly decided not to take any chance. It is a welcome step and the noteworthy thing is that the concerned agencies have woken up at right time to take all preventive and precautionary measures.
BMW expects double-digit pct sales growth in China-exec
BEIJING, Apr 23: BMW Group expects sales growth in China to climb by a double-digit percent in 2012, a senior executive said on Monday.
Speaking to journalists at the opening of the Beijing Autoshow, Ian Robertson, sales chief at BMW, also said the company expects another record sales year worldwide.
In 2011, BMW Group sold about 1.6 million cars worldwide, and in the first quarter of this year, it sold about 426,000, also a record.
(agencies)
GM eyes China Cadillac sales matching U.S.
Level by 2015-16 BEIJING, Apr 23: General Motors expects sales of its Cadillac models in China to match U.S. Sales levels by 2015 or 2016, the company’s chief executive said on Monday.
Speaking at a briefing at the start of the Beijing Autoshow, CEO Dan Akerson said Cadillac sales in China grew 73 percent to over 30,000 last year, and were up 20 percent in the first quarter over the year-ago period.
Last year, GM sold about 152,000 Cadillac cars in the United States.
He added that the company plans to add one new Cadillac model in China each year through 2016. The XTS luxury sedan will be built in Shanghai starting in the fourth quarter of this year, Akerson said. (agencies)