Dinesh Kamath's column on film 'Listen...Amaya' that was published in Newsband

The iconic jodi of 80s of realistic cinema, Deepti Naval and Farooque Shaikh have come together in a film after many years. Those who have been yearning to see the magic of the most loved pair of its times once again on-screen, the film Listen...Amaya will fulfill their wish. Thanks to debutante director Avinash Kumar Singh who brought the couple in a full-fledged role.

Deepti has reunited with Farooque after years. It's not that for 28 years they didn't meet at all. They often ran into each other at various occasions. It's just for the audience that they are seen together after a long gap. They picked it up from where they left. Now Listen...Amaya brings them as the main protagonists.

Besides Farooque, it was a mature subject and a completely new set-up which induced Deepti to take up Listen...Amaya. After a long time there was a mature subject, a proper script which was presenting her and Farooque in a right manner. With a new director, new set up and Farooque being there Deepti grabbed it with both the hands.

What makes Deepti and Farooque's pairing so endearing is the fact that both of them are mature and competent actors. They have a great tuning on-screen and comfort level. And that's the reason people have so much curiosity and are excited to see them together.

The two were a very popular pair of 80s. More than them it was the filmmakers' contribution that made them so lovable.

The film Listen...Amaya talks about the relationship between a widowed mother and daughter and also the mother's relationship with another man. They are not drawn to each other or romancing each other. They share a very mature relationship. It's more about companionship. They want to spend time together, be with each other. They like each other's company. It sort of raises various questions like whether they should get into relationship at this age and stage? Whether parents should be parents and stop being man and woman? Whether middle-aged people can find love again?"

As far as Deepti and Farooque are concerned Listen Amaya will rekindle the old romance. It's a lovely subject and handled sensitively by Avinash Kumar Singh. You can say that it is redefining their jodi, however in the middle-age.

Avinash Kumar Singh, director of the film Listen Amaya, and his wife wrote the film for Farooque Shaikh and Deepti Naval. They knew they wanted people of that calibre, that stature and look. The husband and wife were lucky that when they wrote and narrated it to the two actors, they agreed, even though they were first time directors.

The film tells the story of Amaya and her widowed mother, who begins to develop a relationship with Amaya's friend. Listen Amaya stars Swara Bhaskar in the title role while Deepti plays her mother. The leading lady of Listen... Amaya is Swara Bhaskar.

The USP of Listen...Amaya is that it is a very emotionally charged film. Such subjects do have the tendency of being overdramatic, but that is not the case here, and the reason is that Listen... Amaya has a very good script.

Listen...Amaya does prove that Swara is on dot. And with actors of the caliber of Farooque Shaikh, Deepti Naval and Swara (who has already shown her acting potential in Tanu Weds Manu) at the helm of affairs, Listen...Amaya will indeed be a very engrossing fare.

Swara Bhaskar has an author-backed role in Listen...Amaya. She essays the title character. And Swara is mighty excited about it!

Swara may be known to perform with ease; however, she found her character in Listen...Amaya pretty challenging. It's always easy to play oneself. So, it was pretty challenging as she was completely different as compared to Amaya. She had to relate with the emotional impulses of the character and bring out the required vulnerability. Swara, who shares screen space with the seasoned actors, is happy to have associated with Deepti and Farooque as they brought in a lot of creditability to the project. She got to learn a lot watching them. They made a wonderful pair on-screen, also they are very effortless actors. They both made her feel at ease.

Besides these two pairs of spouses at the helm, the story too revolves around a couple in love. A library-cum-coffee shop is owned and run by Leela Krishnamoorthy, a middle-aged widow. Amaya, Leela’s only child, is a firebrand 22 year-old writer, quick witted, confident and open-minded. They adore each other.

Jayant Sinha, a 60-year-old retired photographer, continues his chosen profession as a hobby. A great friend to Amaya, he decides to co-author a coffee table book, titled Memories…Of The Busy Bazaar. He also meets Leela and they strike a rapport.

One day, when Jayant spends the night in Leela’s home for a certain reason and Amaya walks in on them the next morning, she misunderstands their relationship.

This is not a film to be watched in a hurry, but something to think about and carry home with you, which you will. The movie passes on the message that love had no age barrier.

Thus the film is about Amaya, a girl who like all the other girls, thinks of parents as their providers and forget that they are individuals who have their own needs. They may even accept this about others till it happens in their home. And then the prospect of sharing one’s mother with someone else throws one off-kilter. Sometimes, they even accept this friend, but the thought of a parent having a sexual relationship with someone else is unbearable.

This sweet, heartwarming film that takes a deep look into the complex relationships in life certainly holds promise for some lovely music. The music department is headed by the young and multi-talented Indraneel Hariharan with lyrics by Punam Hariharan.      

The film has songs like Hey Hey Mrs. K sung by Ankur Sabarwal, Vidhi Sharma, Jeetendra Singh Jamwal and the composer himself, Mann Ki Patang by Vidhi Sharma, Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si by Kunal Ganjawala and Kashmakash by Kunal Ganjawala. Music will certainly prove to a plus point of the film.

Deepti Naval as a free spirited South Indian middle aged widow who runs a book shop belonging to an old era, which also is a hangout where one can have coffee, Swara as her only daughter, 22 years of age, a writer, and a girl of the present times, confident and with a street smart sense of humour and Farooque as a 60 year old photographer who documents life, people and the memories associated with their process of growing, and who hits off quite well with the daughter Amaya have done excellent jobs in this film.   

Thus the fact that modern women these days, especially a mother and a daughter living in metropolitan cities are undergoing this change in dynamics of relationship owing to mothers finding some hope of a new partner to hold their hands at the far end of their lives, and how the daughters reach, understand and help the mother in warming up to a new relationship is what forms the crux of Listen Amaya. Do watch the film.  

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Irresponsible media' that was published in Newsband

 Irresponsible media

The media has a role in informing and educating the citizens about the issues of the day, providing background, context and holding the powerful to account. The electronic media’s coverage, of recent raids and counter-raids on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, in which two Indian soldiers were killed, and one allegedly subjected to post-mortem mutilation, is shocking.

Instead of questioning the narrative, news television and some print outlets have condemned the incident and treated it on a war footing. Even the calm statements by the army chief are made to appear like belligerent displays of national machismo. This has come at a time when the Indian government is attempting to improve relations with Pakistan that is very much in the national interest. This proves that some of our news channels have turned into a national security hazard.

The media should talk about developments rather then create a warring situation. India-Pakistan negotiations have successfully focused on trade and integration issues by ignoring disputes like Kashmir. The electronic media was supposed to play a role of making materialize Indian government’s dream of enjoying lasting, peaceful and fruitful relations with Pakistan. Instead it blew up an incident that took place at the border to such a size that a common man began to wonder whether this would result in another Indo-Pak war.

Media’s reaction to the incident was not at all in the national interest. What it did was totally unethical and irresponsible and it just seemed to derive some kind of pleasure in sensationalizing the issue.

It came as a relief to a sane Indian when the foreign minister made it clear that the government will not be pressured by wild calls for revenge and reaction. This should be backed up with firmer statements across the government, and a sustained effort to ensure that proper context is provided privately and publicly by the Indian army, as well. A handful of irresponsible television supremos should not be allowed to dictate a foreign policy that hurts the interest of India’s citizens.

Dinesh Kamath's column on film 'Mai' that was published in Newsband

The film Mai is directed by Mahesh Kodiyal and its star cast consists of Asha Bhosle, Padmini Kolhapure, Shivani Joshi, Ram Kapoor, Navin Kaushik and Anupam Kher. The film will release on 1 February 2013.

Music Director of the film is Nitin R Shankar. Lyricists are Sahil Sultanpuri and Manoj Tapadia. Singers are Asha Bhosle, Sukhwinder Singh, Ryan Victor, Payal Dev, Arjun Kanungo, Zanai Bhosle.

In this film Mai, Asha Bhosle makes her debut as an actress. For the legendary songstress it was not difficult to make the transition from singing to acting at this late stage of her life when she is 80. It’s the mother’s role that she is playing. She didn’t have to act. In fact she found that acting is much easier than singing. She didn’t find playing the mother in Mai too difficult.

Bollywood playback legend Asha Bhosle and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar bonded big time while unveiling the music of film Mai. Sachin Tendulkar launched the music of Mai. Sachin also revealed that he looked up to Bhosle as a role model and was keen to watch her performance in Mai.

Bhosle admitted she was nervous while facing the camera at the age of 79. She was not sure whether she would be able to watch the film with everyone. She was too nervous about her acting skills. The film narrates an emotional story which everyone will enjoy.

Mai is about an aging mother and the story is relevant in the current scenario. Asha Bhosle has dedicated the film to her mother whom she considers her idol. The film also features Padmini Kolhapure and Ram Kapoor in prominent roles.

One of the best performers of her time, Padmini Kolhapure has teamed up with Asha Bhosle in Mai and she is sure that the legendary singer will surprise everyone. Mai is made in Hindi.

Padmini shares terrific rapport with the singer. Asha Bhosle is like a mother to her and she felt happy that she got to act with her. She felt great to work with her.

Asha Bhosle essays the role of a mother while Padmini Kolhapure is her daughter in the film. The film has no hardcore romance and no rib-tickling humour.

Mai..., the acting debut of veteran singer Asha Bhosle, narrates the story of an old desolate mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's and is tossed between her four children.

When her son and two youngest daughters try to run away from taking her responsibility, the eldest daughter Madhu, played by Padmini Kolhapure, takes a stand against the wishes of her husband and tends to her mother. How the daughter's family life gets affected by this, and how the relationship between Mai and her son-in-law takes a miraculous, life-changing turn, forms the rest of the story.            

The movie Mai is a great piece of art. Do watch it when it gets released on 1 February 2013. 

Dinesh Kamath's column on film 'Deewana Main Deewana' that was published in Newsband

Deewana Main Deewana is an upcoming Bollywood film starring Govinda, Priyanka Chopra, Kader Khan, Prem Chopra, Johnny Lever and Shakti Kapoor directed by K. C. Bokadia. The film is releasing on February 1, 2013.

The film has an interesting plot. Govinda is an easy going person and Priyanka enters his life. He wants to win her over and for this he keeps making one after another mistake. In order to impress her, he tells many lies and she starts hating him - but what happens later on is the film all about.

This film is remake of successful Tamil film Priyamudan directed by Vincent Selva.

Deewana Main Deewana, which was earlier titled Ek Haseena Ek Deewana, falls into that category as it went on floors when Priyanka Chopra was a newcomer and Govinda too was pretty much towards the end of his reign as a comic hero par excellence.

Bappi Lahiri is in charge of music with lyrics by Maya Govind and K.C. Bokadia himself.

Udit Narayan renders the first song Ek Haseena Ek Deewana. Anuradha Paudwal, who once ruled in the 90s before fading away, is heard after a hiatus in this Maya Govind written number.

Next we have a traditional number Kala Doriya which sees the coming together of Sunidhi Chauhan, Ila Arun and Sudesh Bhosle. Sunidhi goes full spirited while rendering this number.

Next to arrive is the title song Deewana Main Deewana which is rendered by Sukhwinder Singh and Shreya Ghoshal.

K.C. Bokadia arrives on the scene as a lyricist with Ek Rupaiya Deke which has Bappi Lahiri and Ila Arun as the co-singers. This is a track that is aimed at being all fun-n-frolic while being set in a club.

Next Vinod Rathod starts his rendition of Panwa Pe Chuna Lagayenge. This song also has a 'remix version' for itself.

After that we have Anand Raj Anand's Judaa Na Honge Hum with Udit Narayan and Sadhna Sargam behind the mike.

Do watch the film Deewana Main Deewana when it gets released on 1 February 2013. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Why do most women shun Science, Maths and Technology?' that was published in Newsband

Why do most women shun Science, Maths and Technology?

Why women don’t pursue particular courses of study and professions? Gender discrepancies are most stark in the science disciplines. This prevents women from participating in the science and technology industry. Women graduates are discriminated against.

Some men argue that men outperform women in Science and Maths due to biological differences and that discrimination was not a barrier. But many don’t agree to this. The Iranian government has recently barred women from careers in nuclear physics and electrical engineering. Chinese institutions expect women to obtain higher entry grades for science courses than their male counterparts. This is not fair. In an open, democratic society, there should be equality of opportunities.

In India, the female-to-male student ratio in most scientific disciplines has been rising, but yet there are very less women than men in major scientific establishments and even in the upper echelons of science administration and management. There are thousands of capable women who wish to make a career in science but are not able to do so. There are very few women scientists who have won prestigious awards in Science and Technology. Women scientists who did get the jobs in science stream had to face gender-insensitive organizational practices and workplace discrimination, which came in way of their career growth. Many also had to face gender-related nepotism and even sexual harassment.

You find less women in science and technology fields probably because women have a lot of responsibility within a family. The science and technology arena expects a lot more dedication than any of the other fields. Eventually only those females who are highly motivated and have support from the family can make some mark.

The common reason one finds for discrimination against prospective female graduates seeking entry into research is the prejudice on the part of scientists that female students may seek break from activity for marriage and maternity. Even female scientists hold such prejudices against prospective research students. Many of these female graduates who are discriminated are found to be far better in ability compared to their competitors.

Another thing is more females are found in Biology and Chemistry than in Mathematics and Physics. The question is whether most women are really not fit for careers in Science, Mathematics and Technology?

Dinesh Kamath's column on Hollywood movie 'Bullet to the Head' that was published in Newsband

Bullet to the Head is a 2013 action film, directed by Walter Hill based upon Alexis Nolent's French graphic novel Du Plomb Dans La Tete. The film stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, and Christian Slater. Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Kevin King Templeton have produced the film.

The movie has an interesting plot. In the film, a hitman (Sylvester Stallone) teams with a young NYPD detective (Sung Kang) in a high-stakes investigation that leads from dingy back alleys all the way to the power corridors of New Orleans. The unlikely duo, brought together by two vicious murders, take on all who stand in their way, willing to sacrifice everything to exact revenge.

The movie has Sylvester Stallone as Jimmy Bobo, Sung Kang as Detective Taylor Kwon, Jason Momoa as Keegan, Christian Slater as Marcus Baptiste, Sarah Shahi as Lisa Bobo, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Morel, Jon Seda as Louis Blanchard and Holt McCallany as Hank Greely.

Adapted from the French graphic novel of the same name (or Du Plomb Dans La Tete. if you want to be accurate), Bullet To The Head is a straight-up action flick. Stallone strolls through the carnage as a mean, no-nonsense person who is roped into doing some honest-to-goodness heroics after he’s double-crossed by the mob. Seeking revenge, he pairs up with a technophilic cop, forming an unlikely - if generically made-for-measure - alliance to bring the villains to justice.

Stallone’s hitman (Jimmy Bobo) and Sung Kang’s Korean-American greenhorn Detective Kwon share good chemistry. A scene where Bobo lectures Kwon about the many ways that he could use the smartphone (which the cop had been using all along as an exposition device) as an offensive weapon, is very interesting.

Jason Momoa as the unscrupulous hitman hot on the tail of our heroes is interesting to watch. Looking like Brandon Lee on steroids, Momoa cuts a mean figure, hulking and glaring in some of the film’s better scenes of wanton destruction. It’s a cat-and-mouse relationship that builds towards a final showdown. It is Stallone versus Momoa. One on one. They’re going to fight to the death with axes.

Nevertheless, Stallone is at home here, and his weathered features tell a tale that the script can’t hope to capture. When the film cuts to a portrait from his younger days, we see a Rocky-era headshot.

The movie Bullet to the Head is great to watch. So don’t miss it when it gets released on 1 February 2013. 

Dinesh Kamath's column on movie 'David' that was published in Newsband

David is a forthcoming 2013 Indian Hindi action-thriller film directed by Bejoy Nambiar, starring Vikram, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Vinay Virmani in the titular roles, alongside Tabu, Lara Dutta and Isha Sharvani. The plot revolves around the lives of three different men named David, who are about to take a step which is going to change their lives forever. The film will release on 1 February 2013.

The film has Vikram as David, Neil Nitin Mukesh as David, Vinay Virmani as David, Lara Dutta as Neelam, Tabu as Frenny, Isha Sharvani as Roma, Sheetal Menon, Nassar as Father Noyal, Nishan as Peter, Prahlad Kakkar, Remo Fernandes, Rubi Chakravarti, Monica Dogra, Rohini Hattangadi as Malati Tai, John Vijay, Saurabh Shukla, Shweta Pandit, Satish Kaushik, Anupama Kumar, Akarsh Khurana, Manish Jha, Bharat Jha, Ajinkya Dev, Sarika (Special appearance) and Sainath Dukkipati.

The soundtrack of David consists of 15 tracks composed by eight various artists, including Prashant Pillai and Mikey McCleary, who had worked on Nambiar's Shaitan (film), too, and independent bands Bramfatura, Maatibaani and Modern Mafia. Tamil film composer Anirudh Ravichander of Why This Kolaveri Di fame, also contributed one song, making his Bollywood debut. One of the tracks is a new version of the famous traditional Qawwali number Dama Dam Mast Qalandar.

The film has songs like Ghum Huye (The Theme Of David), Mast Kalandar, Tore Matware Naina, Maria Pitache, Tere Mere Pyaar Ki, Bandhay, Yun Hi Re, Rab Di, Out Of Control, Ya Husain, Mast Kalandar (Vengeance Mix), Out of Control (Choir Version), Three Kills, Light House Symphony and Rab Di - Rab Step Version.            

Shresht Poddar of Score Magazine, gave the album 4.5 out of 5 stars saying, "I am very pleased to say that Bejoy Nambiar’s David has a great soundtrack. Actually, one of the best in recent times. It is highly experimental with great diversity & is multi-generic – just like his films. Go for it."

Do watch the film David when it gets released on 1 February 2013. 

Dinesh Kamath's film column: Kareena Kapoor to work with Emraan Hashmi and Imran Khan

Emraan Hashmi and Kareena Kapoor have been finalised to feature in Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor's first co-production. The romantic drama will go on floors in September.

The Dharma (Productions) and Balaji Motion Pictures joint venture stars Emraan Hashmi and Kareena Kapoor.

Another actress is yet to be cast for the movie, which will be titled a few days later. The project will be directed by Akshay Roy.

Considering the different styles of filmmaking of Karan and Ekta, one wonders what the romantic movie would be like.

The Bollywood actress also reunites with Ek Tu Aur Ekk Main co-star Imran Khan in Punit Malhotra's latest release.

Dharma Movies' next, directed by Punit Malhotra, starring Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor is called Gori Tere Pyaar Mein.

Malhotra's follow-up to I Hate Luv Storys is expected to feature music by Vishal-Shekhar.

Kareena Kapoor was one of the few A-listers last year who made an item song appearance with Dabangg 2’s hit, Fevicol se. The item number became a chartbuster. Fevicol required her to look curvy, but now she is set to go in for a toned look in Punit Malhotra’s next with Imran Khan.

Punit wants Kareena to look ‘stylishly different’ in his film. Besides, there are five songs in the film, which require a lot of dancing. While one of the songs is a wedding number (where Kareena and Imran’s characters meet), another is an item song.

But it’s not that Kareena is doing anything extreme. She will still be voluptuous, but the difference will be that her appearance will be more toned and fitter because she needs to acquire such a look for her dance numbers.

In fact, dancing is so important to Punit’s film that Kareena and Imran are going to rehearse their moves for 18-20 days before shooting the songs. The sets will be huge. 

For Punit’s film, Kareena has already started working on her new look. She used to do a lot of power yoga but have started Iyengar yoga now, which is more difficult. She has already done two sessions and is feeling absolutely amazing.

Dinesh Kamath's cartoons on 'Alooramji' that were published in Newsband

Dinesh Kamath's column 'Inside Navi Mumbai (12) (Remarkable performance by FDA)' that was published in Newsband

Inside Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Remarkable performance by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency which is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs (medications), vaccines, biopharmaceuticals etc.

In recent years, the agency began undertaking a large-scale effort to consolidate its operations.

FDA has a staff which inspects production and warehousing facilities, investigate complaints, illnesses, or outbreaks, and review documentation in the case of medical devices, drugs, biological products, and other items where it may be difficult to conduct a physical examination or take a physical sample of the product. Though samples are usually food-related, some laboratories are equipped to analyze drugs, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting devices.

For example, the FDA regulates almost every facet of prescription drugs, including testing, manufacturing, labeling, advertising, marketing, efficacy and safety.

Beginning November 2011, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Konkan Division, has till December 2012, registered record revenue worth Rs 11,93, 78,  600 through collection of registration and licence fees from shops and commercial establishments dealing  wit h consumable products, under its purview in Konkan region including Thane city and Navi Mumbai. This is a remarkable performance.

The amount has been accrued in the form of issuance of 19,822 food licences and registration of 21,755 small traders and vendors. Navi Mumbai chipped in major share in earnings from penalty, registration and licence fees.

Apart from this, FDA special squads cracked on 21 cases found to be running business sans registration and collected a big fine amount. Besides, a huge amount has been collected from licence holders for publicizing unethical advertisements to market their goods and selling of products with contradictory labels, risking the lives of consumers.

MotherDairy, Navi Mumbai was found to be the biggest defaulter that held responsible for misleading the people with wrong advertisements. The firm was fined.

FDA, Maharashtra had done a great job by making the licensing and registration available both online and by manual process. This department has gone out of the way to make the licensing and registration process uncomplicated and mandatory.

The centralized service of registration and issuance of license that came under one umbrella in the FDA was introduced in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai on experimental basis which later expanded to other areas in the state, scrapping the old system of separate licensing authorities for different business. But it worked in the later part when FDA officials embraced one to one contact with the trading fraternity.

Initiation of conducting regular awareness camps, seminars and workshops at various locations yielded rich harvest as a result of which more shops, hotels, restaurants, outlets have been registered under FDA.

With around 45 lakh food establishments across Maharashtra, the FDA has insisted that not only restaurants and hotels but even roadside food vendors must apply for a valid licence.

It is usually the small shops and vendors that pose a problem in terms of licence. As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), anybody involved in the sale of consumables should have a valid licence and be registered with the FDA.

Having a valid licence is important not only to comply with the norms but also to keep a tab on the hygiene levels practised by food vendors.

FDA inspectors have also been interacting with the food business operators to ensure that the establishments have the appropriate license or certificate.

As per the FSSAI Act, establishments with an annual turnover of Rs 12 crore should own a licence while those with less turnover should have a certificate.

In the tussle of obtaining licences, the consumer suffers the most as he is deprived of purchasing quality products from a convenient store if it is not licensed.

In the recent times, adulterated drugs were found in the market. FDA should impose penalties to the interstate marketing of "adulterated" drugs, and the standard of strength, quality, or purity of the drugs should be tested.

FDA should try and stimulate and facilitate a national effort to modernize the sciences through which FDA-regulated products are developed, evaluated, and manufactured.

Critics of the FDA's regulatory power argue that the FDA takes too long to approve drugs that might ease pain and human suffering faster if brought to market sooner. There has also been a call for more robust and enduring reforms that would allow patients, under the care of their doctors, access to drugs that have passed the first round of clinical trials.

There was a case in America. The widely publicized recall of Vioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug now estimated to have contributed to fatal heart attacks in thousands of Americans, played a strong role in driving a new wave of safety reforms at both the FDA rulemaking and statutory levels. Vioxx was approved by the FDA in 1999, and was initially hoped to be safer than previous NSAIDs, due to its reduced risk of intestinal tract bleeding. However, a number of pre-and post-marketing studies suggested that Vioxx might increase the risk of myocardial infarction, and this was conclusively demonstrated by results from the APPROVe trial in 2004. Faced with numerous lawsuits, the manufacturer voluntarily withdrew it from the market. The example of Vioxx has been prominent in an ongoing debate over whether new drugs should be evaluated on the basis of their absolute safety, or their safety relative to existing treatments for a given condition. In the wake of the Vioxx recall, there were widespread calls by major newspapers, medical journals, consumer advocacy organizations, lawmakers, and FDA officials for reforms in the FDA's procedures for pre- and post- market drug safety regulation.

FDA in India too should remove deficiencies in the current FDA system for ensuring the safety of drugs in the Indian market. There should be an increase in the regulatory powers, funding, and independence of the FDA. All the drugs prescribed for children particularly should be tested for safety or efficacy in a pediatric population.

Thus there is a great scope to improve the functioning of FDA in India. Indian and Maharashtra governments should study the functioning of FDA in the United States of America and accordingly bring about reforms in the way FDA in India functions. 

Dinesh Kamath's column on 'Inside Navi Mumbai (11) (The scourge called ‘Encroachment’)' that was published in Newsband

The scourge called ‘Encroachment’

Encroachers are big nuisance in Navi Mumbai. There are many residents of the city who feel harassed by these encroachers. I agree that the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) are doing their best to put an end to this scourge called encroachment. But they will have to do something really drastic to put a permanent end to this problem. It is rightly said that prevention is better than cure. So both CIDCO and NMMC should form ‘Preventive Squad’ which will just concentrate on preventing encroachment anywhere in the city. If this squad fails, then the next step should be to drive away these encroachers at the earliest stage. If this is not done and the encroachers are allowed to spread themselves and multiply then this problem will be like cancer, as M K Madhvi said.

The residents of the societies near the Fantasia Business Park at Vashi are facing the nuisance caused by the encroachers.  Both the residents and shopkeepers have been complaining about this. The encroached area is close to commercial complexes. Residents accuse the authorities of indifference. They allege that these encroachers also litter the place. They fear that presence of the encroachers can lead to a spurt in the criminal activities.

NMMC straightaway said that particular space comes under CIDCO. What has CIDCO to say? The CIDCO has said it will not be able to evict  the squatters residing  under the bridge that  leads to Palm Beach Road as they are busy conducting other anti-encroachment drives this month. This claim by CIDCO itself proves the magnitude of this problem and scarcity of staff faced by both CIDCO and NMMC owing to which they are not able to tackle encroachments all over the city at one time.

Another thing that comes in the way of solving this problem is the procedures followed by CIDCO and NMMC. They don’t act on the complaints of the residents at once. What they do is once they receive the complaint, they first ask their encroachment department to prepare a report. This itself consumes a lot of time. Next they issue notice after notice. This consumes still more time. During this period the encroachers spread widely and multiply. Ultimately the two organizations conduct an anti-encroachment drive.

It would be wise on the part of CIDCO and NMMC if they would cut down these procedures considerably so that they can take prompt action against encroachers. Delay in carrying out the demolition drive only adds considerably to the problem.

The work of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) anti-encroachment department is always the bone of contention during the standing committee meetings. When the corporators point accusing fingers at some of the officials, the administration immediately shields the officers, who face criminal action for the unauthorized constructions in their ward. As per a state government resolution, the ward officer will be penalized for illegal constructions under his jurisdiction. But who will implement this resolution?  

Vilas Bhoir, the Congress corporator, has also been voicing the concern over the increasing encroachments and the indifference shown by the officials. He was the one who highlighted the unauthorized construction on a land reserved for crematorium in Kopri. He should be lauded for having managed to get the anti-encroachment department carry out a drive. But of the three unauthorized buildings, action was taken against just one.

The question is whether there are ward officers who are hand-in-glove with the developers? Another thing is that in case the anti-encroachment department wakes up and carries out a demolition drive it is neither the ward officers nor the developers who lose anything. The losers are the poor innocent buyers.  

Corporator M K Madhvi rightly called encroachments as the cancer of the city which if not addressed at the early stage, will later become incurable. There are so many unauthorized markets in several nodes in the city. Several complaints have been registered in NMMC and CIDCO. If the anti-encroachment department is not paying any attention to the complaints, why does this department exist at all? Whenever the corporators complain, all that the NMMC administration says is that they will ask the concerned ward officer to come up with the report. After that no action is taken or action is taken only after repeated complaints from the corporators during the meetings.

Another question that arises is whether both CIDCO and NMMC are under political pressure owing to which they find it not possible to carry out demolition drives on time? Just recently, huge mob of protestors in Kamothe prevented demolition of temples and chawls encroaching on 12.5% plots for PAPs.

CIDCO’s CUC (controller of unauthorized construction) team led by its chief Anil Patil was compelled to retreat, allegedly due to political interference. The huge mob of protestors blocked the path of the CIDCO team and prevented the demolition squad for initiating legal action. It seems that former MP Ramsheth Thakur intervened in support of the locals and urged the CIDCO’s demolition team to stall the drive.

The squad had partially demolished an Ayyappa temple built by a section of South Indians in the locality, when a huge mob of locals protested the drive. The leader of the team gave the reason that he just took the necessary precaution to see to it that the religious sentiments of the devotees are not hurt. Hence, before razing down the illegal temple, the idol of the deity kept in the sanctum sanctorium was shifted to a safer place. Due to the protest, even the demolition of three illegally built chawls could not be carried out. Tahkur, who had intervened to resolve the issue, claimed that the eligibility of the PAPs is still pending and that CIDCO’s   record does not show any such pending eligibility. Thus the CUC team was compelled to retreat.

So you can’t blame CIDCO and NMMC every time when they fail to take action against encroachments. There are so many factors to be looked into before carrying out such a big step. Remember that it is easy to demolish but extremely difficult to reconstruct what is demolished. Hence the anti encroachment department has to think thousand times before carrying out a demolition drive. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Need of lasting peace at any cost' that was published in Newsband

Need of lasting peace at any cost

The beheading of Indian soldiers on the Line of Control was a despicable act that must be condemned. The need now is to strengthen the restraint regime on the LoC. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj’s called for 10 Pakistani soldiers to be beheaded in retaliation has been condemned by some.  

But the thing is we have witnessed Pakistan’s provocations in our border on number of occasions in the past. Their double standard in making official statements on the issue of building up bilateral relations between the two countries is well known. This happened again in the recent incidence of killing our jawans and beheading one of them.

It is true that retaliation by Indian force is the befitting reply to Pakistan’s misadventure. It is true that everyone should feel heartfelt sympathy and emotions to the family of the killed soldiers and should condemn the brutal act by the Pakistan army. But at the same time we should think about the real issue. It's about the lives of the real occupants of the villages near LoC, about the men who serve the armies in both sides, and the fate of the paradise on earth. For the leaders it may seem a prestige issue, but can Sushama ensure that there won’t be any more Indian soldier’s death if they go for retaliation by beheading 10 Pakistani soldiers

By this inhuman act of beheading, Pak Army has crossed all lines of humanity. Being offensive can only make things worse, but we must not allow ourselves to be taken for granted. Rather we should pursue other methods such as International pressure, economic blockade and severing diplomatic ties with them. These methods have the potential to send the message loud and clear across all the sections of their society and not just across the mischievous ones. The good people in their country ought to be awakened and empowered to build internal pressure on military and the proponents of the proxy war and must be brought to task by their own countrymen. This is only possible when we acknowledge the existence of this malaise and take strategic long term measures towards eliminating and mitigating such threats.

Nothing will be gained out of a war between the two countries. It will further aggravate the sensitive situation in the region and hamper the progress of the two nations resulting in more troubles for the innocent people. Peace at any cost is the need of this time. It is obvious there are certain interests who never want peace to be maintained between the two nations. This incident appears to be a conspiracy of such agencies who are dreaming to gain out of creating tension between the two nations. It will be wise to keep our nerves under control at this very moment. That will only result in the lasting peace. Another method is by carrying out a probe into this incident under UN supervision. How about it?

Dinesh Kamath's column on movie 'Main Krishna Hoon' that was published in Newsband

Main Krishna Hoon is a Hindi 3D-animation film directed by Rajiv S. Ruia starring Juhi Chawla, Rajneesh Duggal and Misti Mukherjee. The film has screenplay by S Sachindra, story by Rajiv S Ruia and music by Amjad Nadeem.

The film has Juhi Chawla, Rajneesh Duggal (special appearance), Misti Mukherjee, Hrithik Roshan as Rahul (Cameo), Katrina Kaif as Radha, Paresh Ganatra and Namit Shah.

The music for Main Krishna Hoon is given by Amjad Nadeem and consists of songs like Main Krishna Hoon sung by Preeti – Pinky, Om Namo Namah by Juhi Chawla, Theme Flute (Instrumental), Govinda Aala Re by Javed Ali, Hare Rama Hare Krishna by Shankar Mahadevan and Shweta Pandit and Maa by Mohammed Salamat.           

The most awaited 3D animated movie of producer Rajiv Kashyap, Main Krishna Hoon, is ready to hit the theaters on 25th January 2013. Producer Rajiv Kashyap left no stone unturned to entertain the audience. Bollywood Hunk Hritik Roshan will be seen in his first ever 3D animated movie Main Krishna Hoon where he will be essaying a role as a cameo. Queen of the heart Katrina Kaif will be seen in special appearance as a Radha and Juhi Chawla is playing an important role in the movie.

For producer Rajiv Kashyap it was the best movie experience he had till date. It was a great pleasure for him to work with great personalities and things came out very well.

Main Krishna Hoon is a complete family animation movie based on the tales of Lord Krishna which is directed by Rajiv S. Ruia. This is Rajiv Kashyap’s sixth movie and this lovely story revolves around an orphan boy name Krishna, who for some reason or another is depressed as he is the only child who fails to get adopted. But life has better things in store for him. This movie is a complete family drama. It is heart touching and with very melodious music and it is a must watch.

Main Krishna Hoon basically is about Krishna who meets Lord Krishna. It is an inspirational story for those children who have no ray of hope in their dark life. 

The story goes around a middle class family, where there are some naughty kids. And then arrives the Lord Krishna who comes in disguise of a boy and helps them out.

If the story of the film is told from another angle, then the tale goes this way: One stormy night, Kantaben who runs an orphanage in a little town, finds an abandoned baby boy. The manner, in which the boy arrives at the orphanage, braving the rain and the flood, inspires her to name the little boy Krishna.

One day it is discovered that Krishna suffers from a rare health disorder. Kantaben and the caretaker decide to keep it a secret from him. Krishna grows up happily amongst the other children. Like all orphans he too aspires a family, the tender love and care of a father and mother. His hopes of being adopted are shattered, as time and again other little children are chosen over him.

To wipe away his tears and entertain the other children Kantaben tells them inspiring stories about the naughty and loveable Lord Krishna. One day Krishna finds himself lucky, as he is adopted by a young couple. But the joy is short lived as the foster parents realize that Krishna is not of normal health and send him back to the orphanage. Heartbroken and rejected, Krishna cries out to Lord Krishna. In despair he pleads with the lord.

Does a little boy’s heartfelt prayer ever go unanswered?? Does the lord help the little boy overcome all obstacles to become loved and invincible?? The movie goes on to answer these questions.

Stars, Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, took time off from their busy schedules to act in the animated film, Main Krishna Hoon. Both actors play seven-eight minute cameos in the film. Hrithik even took the effort of traveling all the way to Hyderabad for the two days of shooting, while Katrina’s shoot was held at Bandra’s Mehboob Studio. Mahto has been working with Hrithik as an assistant since 2001. He had told Hrithik about the role about a year back and he had readily agreed to do it. In the same way, Katrina agreed to do the film because of Promila Hunter, her hairdresser. Both of them play very different roles.

So do watch the film Main Krishna Hoon when it gets released on 25 January 2013. Watch little Krishna along with his new buddy Lord Krishna embark upon one adventure after another. Rescuing friends, punching goons, fighting evil to emerge victorious ….and famous too!!! In a live yet animated. Hilarious and heart warming…Emotion and action packed … Fun filled family film. This one is not to be missed!

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Dinesh Kamath's column on film 'Akash Vani' that was published in Newsband

AkaashVani is an upcoming Hindi-language romance film directed by Luv Ranjan, and produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak under the banner Wide Frame Pictures. After the cult hit Pyaar Ka Punchnama, AkaashVani is the second film from this producer-director duo. The film stars Kartik Tiwari and Nushrat Bharucha in lead roles. The writer of the film is Luv Ranjan, music is by Hitesh Sonik, cinematography by Sudhir K Chaudhary and editing by Akiv Ali and Abhishek Seth. The film is set for release on 25 January 2013.

The film has an interesting story. The film starts with Akaash (Kartik Tiwari) and Vani (Nushrat Bharucha), both setting out on their journey towards a common destination – St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. It so happens that the moment they meet, their life takes an unusual turn. As they walk towards their first class in college, they are on their way to share their lives with each other for the next three years. Vani generates a calmness and control in Akaash that he never had and Akaash gives Vani a streak of rebellion she could never think of possessing within herself. And then it happens, for no reason except for the fact that they complete each other, they fall in love. In three years, Akaash and Vani become companions not only in the important things of life but also in the most stupid, mundane, irrational parts of each other’s life. But as college ends, they have to separate and when this separation reaches a point where it seems their destiny is to get each other back against the will of their families, society and their own dilemmas. The journey of Akaash and Vani’s struggle to find each other once again in the world they first met is the story of AkaashVani.

I’ll tell you in details about the two main characters of the film:

Vani – Vani is a small town girl, who has grown up in Dehradun, living by the rules of social customs and norms. She has dreams to fulfill but doesn’t have the courage to stand up against her family or society to make those dreams come true. A girl next door who can easily fall in love with anybody but never portrays the confidence to fight for her love, for you or for herself.

Akaash – Akaash is a charming rebel from Chandigarh who believes in doing whatever he feels like. He doesn’t mind playing a trick or two to achieve his needs and he hates the ’Ignore it’ attitude of the society. He hates gutless people and can be stubborn enough to give up on someone he loves the most but not succumb to social norms. He’s trying his hand at poetry, he plays the guitar well and he is fun to hang out with. He’s just the guy every girl would want to fall in love with someday.

The film has both Kartik Tiwari and Nushrat Bharucha competently playing the roles of Akaash and Vani respectively

Hitesh Sonik is in charge of music of the film while Luv Ranjan is the lyricist. The film has songs like Pad Gaye jii sung by K.K and Sunidhi Chauhan, Crazy Lover by Vishal Dadlani and Sunidhi Chauhan, Bas Main Aur Tu by Nikhil D'souza and Vasudha Sharma, Rumani by Andrews and Shalmali Kholgade, Tera Mera Naam by Shafqat Amanat Ali and Bas Main Aur Tu (Reprise) by Nikhil D'souza and Vasudha Sharma.

I’ll talk in details about the songs of the film. To begin with we have a typically melodious KK track Pad gaye ji. The song has romance and drama, while the lyrics are contemporary. Sunidhi Chauhan's magical and serene voice takes the song to a new level altogether.

Crazy lover is up next. It lives up to the 'crazy' bit in its name to the hilt, and gets you to groove. Vishal Dadlani and Sunidhi Chauhan add their energy to this track. This song is a treat to the ears. Luv Ranjan has penned some funny and unforgettable lyrics.

The next number Bas main aur tu has a tailor-made voice in singer Nikhil D'Souza. This song has high romantic quotient. D'Souza gets good support from singer Neeti Mohan, and this track is definitely a must listen. It’s reprise version also is not bad.

The next track is Rumani. Shalmali Kholgade and Thomsan Andrews make one sit up and pay attention to this eclectic, peppy and sexy track.

Next is Tera mera naam which is not just a song, but also a journey through heartbreak in the 21st century. Shafqat Amanat Ali lends his soulful voice so strongly that it touches your heart right at the onset of the track.

Thus Akaash Vani presents a medley of love songs with an awesome makeover! It is such a refreshing change and highly recommended.

So do watch the film Akaash Vani when it gets released on 25 January 2013.