Snapshots

Similarly, BJP8217;s Pradeep Rawat ignored the hunger pangs at the end of every long day of walking 8212; doctor8217;s orders, to stay fit8217;. Campaign over, Rawat is now looking forward to an escape to Mahabaleshwar to pamper himself and his family, though he admits the holiday may never materialise. But rival Congressman Mohan Joshi brushes off the mention of any health regime, declaring that 8220;unflagging energy and stamina is in his bones8221;. But, of course, evenpoliticians need a break, and Joshi declares he will spend his with a long slumber and any accha Hindi movie, 8220;like Taal8221;.

Generation Next

He was appointed by the super cop8217;, Indian Hockey Federation IHF president K. P. S. Gill, himself. Now Robert Lawrence, IHF Director Co-ordination and Development, is on a mission in Pune. Aspiring to guide Indian hockey out of the wilderness, Lawrence views the 40-odd youngsters converged here as the country8217;s future8217;. Doting on the 8220;fabulously talented youngsters8221;, all under 18 years, the executive of Mumbai corporate giant, Tata8217;s, plans to haul Indian hockey into the 21st century with realistic aims and expectations, of course. Lawrence8217;s ambition was fired by India8217;s runners-up position at the last Junior World Cup, along with his employers8217; missionary zeal. His great aim is to see the young hockey stick wielders, get up there. The Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, 16 km from Pune, provides the ideal setting according to theformer Tata8217;s forward.

Colony Crisis

If the French maid scandal was not enough, another battle involving domestic help is being waged in Delhi8217;s plush diplomatic enclave Chanakyapuri which is also a haven for high ranking babus. The 500 top officials who stay in the sylvan colony are up to their ears in an ugly squabble. The issue which has the normally phlegmatic residents up in arms are the burgeoning army of people kept by some of the officials in their garages and servant quarters.

The association has taken strong exception to this and said that the rise in petty theft in the once safe haven and the strain on civic facilities is because of what they describe as the 8220;unauthorised army8221;. The offenders are a former Enforcement Directorate official and two police officials who so far have refused to evict the domestics. The colony wants to take the matter to the Department of Personnel and have them rule on the use of official garages and how many domestic servants should be allowed to agovernment official.

Age No Bar

The smiling and friendly Yatin Karyekar, the light-eyed actor in serials and advertisements is best known for his performance as the chilling Kamesh Mahadevan in tele-serial Shanti. What does he have to say about that legendary role in Shanti? 8220;I must tell you how I bagged that role. I was 28 years old then, and to play the 60-year-old Kamesh Mahadavan, seemed both intriguing and a challenge. I naturally wanted to do it. On the day of my screen test, I kept asking umpteen questions because I wanted to get under the skin of my role. Finally, I did manage the desired effect. To play the character in his 60s, I picked up some mannerisms from my father.

Also, in this very same serial, I play my real-life wife, Irawati8217;s father. Both these aspects made this role immensely special,8221; says Karyekar. Currently, he8217;s in the serials Mrityudand, Star Bestsellers-Gulmohar and Lekin. Karyekar will also be playing Shah Rukh Khan8217;s uncle, in Kamal Hassan8217;s Hey Ram.