Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘Movie World’ (Luka Chuppi, Sonchiriya and Hamid) that was published in Newsband

Movie World

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Luka Chuppi

Luka Chuppi (transl. Hide and seek) is an Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Laxman Utekar. Produced by Dinesh Vijan, it stars Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon and tells the story of a television reporter in Mathura who falls in love with a headstrong woman.

Based in Mathura, the story is about Vinod "Guddu" Shukla and Rashmi Trivedi. "Luka Chuppi" is the story of Guddu a television reporter in Mathura, who falls in love with a headstrong woman Rashmi. In othe words, the star reporter of a local news channel in Mathura falls for a spirited and feisty young woman. Guddu proposes marriage and Rashmi suggests Live In. What happens when they decide to live in, but the whole traditional family joins in too? That's what Guddu and Rashmi are going to find out, in this Romantic comedy film.

The film has Kartik Aaryan as Vinod "Guddu" Shukla, Kriti Sanon as Rashmi Trivedi, Aparshakti Khurana as Abbas, Pankaj Tripathi as Babulal, Atul Srivastava as Shukla Ji, Guddu's father Vinay Pathak as Trivedi Ji, Rashmi's father Arun Singh as Chotu and Kid as Chikoo.

The music of the film is composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Abhijit Vaghani and White Noise while the lyrics are penned by Kunal Verma, Nirmaan, Mellow D and White Noise. All the songs of the film are remakes of popular songs, thus making it a remix album. The film has songs like "Poster Lagwa Do", "Coca Cola", "Photo", "Tu Laung Main Elaachi" and "Duniyaa".        

Sonchiriya

Sonchiriya (transl. Great Indian bustard; is an Indian action film directed by Abhishek Chaubey and starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana. The film presents a rooted tale set in Chambal.

Set in the Chambal valley, the film follows the story of a legion of dreaded, warring dacoits who once terrorised the Indian heartlands. Gripping, tense and unpredictable, despite being a slow-burn western, Chaubey’s period thriller makes for a riveting watch.

It is a 2019 Bollywood crime-drama. The movie set in 1975 in Chambal, the movie revolves around Sushant Singh Rajput and Manoj Bajpayee leading a bunch of bandits struggling to make a decision about surrendering to the cops. Sonchiriya showcases a small town ruled and dominated by dacoits where multiple gangs fight over the struggle to attain power. The film gives a glimpse of the glorious years of dacoits in central India.

The film has Sushant Singh Rajput as Lakhna, Bhumi Pednekar as Indumati Tomar, Manoj Bajpayee as Man Singh, Ranvir Shorey as Vakil Singh, Ashutosh Rana as Virender Singh Gujjar, Mahesh Balraj, Shreedhar Dubey, Amit Sial, Manjot Singh, Suhail Nayyar, Shahbaz Khan, Anshuman Jha, Jatin Sarna, Jeetendra Shastri, Abdul Quadir Amin, Rahul Ranjan, Bhaumik Gondaliya, Dev Upadhyay, Gopal Gokiriley, Navdeep Tomar, Rajiv Kachroo, Vivek Singh and Dheeraj Singh.

The music of the film has been composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, while the lyrics have been written by Varun Grover except one song "Naina Na Maar" (lyrics By Traditional and recreated by Ashok Mizaj Badr). The film has songs like "Baaghi Re" sung by Mame Khan, "Sonchiraiya" by Rekha Bhardwaj, "Ruan Ruan" by           Arijit Singh, "Naina Na Maar"         by Sukhwinder Singh, Rekha Bhardwaj, "Saanp Khavega"  by Sukhwinder  Singh, "Sonchiraiya" (Reprise)           by Rekha Bhardwaj and "Baaghi Re" (Remix) by Mame Khan.       

Hamid

       

Hamid is an Indian drama film directed by Aijaz Khan. The film stars Rasika Dugal, Vikas Kumar and Talha Arshad Reshi in major roles. The story is about an eight year-old Hamid who learns that 786 is God's number and decides to try and reach out to God, by dialing this number. He wants to talk to his father, who his mother tells him has gone to Allah. One fine day the phone call is answered, and two lives shattered in the strife of Kashmir find a way to be complete again. The film is produced by Yoodlee Films, a venture of Saregama.

The story is about an eight year-old Hamid who learns that 786 is God's number and decides to try and reach out to God, by dialing this number. Hamid is set up as the tender story of a Kashmiri boy who learns that 786 is God’s number and decides to ask for his help in bringing home his missing father. He gets hold of his father’s mobile phone, dredges up some money and uses the little understanding he has of the world to call on the number. It is a tale of innocence resiliently trying to make sense of the complexities and divisions that mar the adult world. Unfortunately, a bewildering naiveté reveals the portion of the film that precedes his first call—a full hour—which is followed by a beautifully orchestrated second half. The movie is a wholesome, enriching and educative viewing experience. From the moment Hamid’s call is picked up by a explosive officer of the Indian Army, the movie becomes interesting.

The film has Talha Arshad Reshi as Hamid, Vikas Kumar as Abhay, Rasika Dugal as Ishrat, Sumit Kaul as Rehmat, Bashir Lone as Rasool Chacha, Gurveer Singh as Rajinder, Ashraf Nagoo as Basheer, Mir Sarvar as Abbas, Qazi Faiz as Beggar, Umar Adil as Police Officer, Gulam Hussain Barji as Shopkeeper, Sajid as Police Constable and Shafia as Noor.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'When will we wake up?' that was published in Newsband

When will we wake up?

Sense of democracy and rational thought should dominate over enthusiasm for war. Rationality is rare. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears like an untarnished hero. Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah virtually claims that security and war are part of his vote bank. People conflate terms such as Kashmiri, Pakistani and Muslim while threatening citizens peacefully pursuing their livelihood. The whole country is not knowing the difference between war and cricket.

We are not only a nation; we are also a civilisation. Jingoism as patriotism is the order of the day. We talk of war as if it is a problem of traffic control. Our strategists, our international relations experts fetishise security and patriotism. This has done more damage to freedom and democracy.

We count the number of lives and bodies destroyed. Such attitude destroys the power and pluralism of the idea of India as a society and a democracy. The minute we create a demonology around Pakistan, we cease to think rationally or creatively about our own behaviour in Kashmir. We can talk with ease about Pakistani belligerency, about militarism in Pakistan, but we refuse to reflect on our own brutality in Kashmir or Manipur.

Should not India as a creative democracy ask, why is there a state of internal war in Kashmir and the Northeast for decades? Why is it we do not have the moral leadership to challenge Pakistan to engage in peace? Because Pakistan behaves as a rogue state, should we abandon the civilisational dream of a Mohandas Gandhi or an Abdul Ghaffar Khan?

Strategy shows that India is moving into a geopolitical trap where China, which treats Pakistan as a vassal state, is the prime beneficiary of Pulwama. The Chinese as a society and a regime would be content to see an authoritarian India militarised, sans its greatest achievement which is democracy.

Peace is not an effeminate challenge to the machismo of the national security state as idol but a civilisational response to the easy brutality of the nation state. One must realise that India as a civilisation has given the world some of its most creative concepts of peace, inspired by Buddha, Nanak, Kabir, Ghaffar Khan and Gandhi.

All these above ideas of non-violence are nice to read, right? But let us now come to practicality. Pretence at intellectuality and great wisdom does not gain much traction against reality. Lack of response in face of aggression isn't peace but submission and cowardice. No courage is required for that. Yes, the ideal thing to do is think like a civilisation, but how to curb terrorism, which is the real issue? Buddha, Nanak, Kabir, Gaffar Khan & Gandhi had not shouldered the responsibility of heading a nation state, tasked with ensuring security and prosperity of the citizens.

Nobel thoughts and right questions - Indians have been asking for decades. Consequently we continue to bleed. The interests of the people of the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir, and of the rest of India, are being sacrificed to pander to the few notables in the Kashmir valley.

While peace is a definite goal for all societies, countries, economies, if a neighbour is consistently promoting terrorism across the borders - and there have been enough instances of this - a responsible democracy cannot and must not remain a mute witness, engaging in just long-winded diplomatic discussions. Can the country solve the problems through Gandhian ideals with a 'rouge state'?  Today, the world suffers due to the terrorist factory that Pakistan has become. It is time to take action, not just indulge in diplomacy. Sometimes, it is war that ensures peace.  Let's not have a war, it is unnecessary in today's context.  But let's not take things lying down.

Yes, war is an expensive exercise.  Mr JK Galbraith opined the cost of war is at the expense of basic necessities for the marginalised and it was never too late to consider the alternatives to the war.  Unfortunately for the last 72 years India and Pakistan have spent considerable amount of money in arms and ammunition which could have been spent for schools, hospitals and needed infrastructure for the neglected and voiceless.  When will we wake up? 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India teaches Pak a lesson' that was published in Newsband

India teaches Pak a lesson

The Indian Air Force struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot. The strikes followed the Pulwama attack by a couple of weeks, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale referred to the action as a “non-military pre-emptive strike”. It was ensured that Pakistan’s military personnel and infrastructure were not targeted, and civilian casualties were actively avoided.

The operation was an intelligence-driven counter-terror strike. India sent Mirage jets across the Line of Control (LoC) to fire missiles 70 km inside Pakistan. The strikes mark a new chapter with New Delhi’s willingness to push the war against terror into Pakistan territory.

Pakistan should also make a break from its past, and begin to shut down the terror camps on its soil, which would win friends internationally and ensure peace in the region. Now the question is what will be the Pakistan move in future?     

New Delhi “avenged” the death of the 40 CRPF soldiers by taking out an entire terror camp in Balakot deep inside Pakistani territory. While Pakistan is calling it a violation of its territorial integrity, India maintains that it only acted on actionable intelligence of further plans to carry out suicide attacks in India, which were being hatched by the Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Balakot camp. Pakistan will have to think very hard now before taking any action against India because India has shown with the Balakot strike that its national security trumps Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty.

India has meticulosuly planned and precisely executed the attack on terrorist camp. Despite knowing the site was utilised for training the terrorists with a view to planning multiple attacks on India, the Pakistan government has so far not acknowledged the elimination of terrorist gang in their land. They were terrorists. They were being trained by their own ex army personnel in all fields. Failure on the part of Pakistan governmment in accepting the destruction of terrorist camp leads to a confirmed argument that Pakistan supports the terrorism and terrorists organisations. Post Balakot air strike, all eyes are on India and Pakistan as to how the things would take a shape. Being a sensitive security issue, no other political party or its leaders can speak on this except PM or Defence Minister or Home Minister.

This was long overdue. We always erred believing that Pakistan needed one more chance. At least now, analysts must realize that Pakistan is on an irreversibly enduring hostility mode with us and the situation would only worsen as Pakistan slides deeper into economic and governance chaos and comes completely and inexorably under the Chinese orbit. Pakistan and its backer China are pushing the envelope and destabilizing the region jointly and severally for their common and individual reasons. The contours of axis against us are clearer. After having built a larger-than-reality image of itself through an unending cacophony of 'jugular vein' & 'unfinished agenda' by Jinnah, '1:10 ratio' etc. by Ayub Khan, '1000 year war' & 'eat grass for nukes' by Z.A.Bhutto, 'cut by 1000 slices' from Gen. Zia, "Azadi, Azadi, Goli chalao" by Benazir, & the military's idea of 'strategic depth' and 'nukes', Pakistan has no option but to attack making the situation more dangerous for itself and its citizens.

While giving full marks to our air force one feels that the claims of 350 terrorists killed with two JeM leaders during the air strike is exaggerated for political and electoral gain by the powers that be. It is beyond us as to how someone could count the numbers and identify persons from the height of 30000 feet and that too when the alleged terrorists were sleeping in their barracks. As per the estimate, around 500 jihadists were undergoing training there. If, as per a report, all of them were sleeping, then the toll should even be higher than the claimed 350 because the battle damage assessment filmed by the cameras on the mirage conclusively prove that all the 2000 Kg heavy bombs hit precisely the intended targets. The government sources should clarify this.

Dinesh Kamath waves to his Fans

Dinesh Kamath's column 'Anupam Kher praises the new actor Vicky Kaushal' that was published in Newsband

Anupam Kher praises the new actor Vicky Kaushal

By Dinesh Kamath

Veteran actor Anupam Kher met Jimmy Fallon and said that he admires the TV show host and comedian's work. Anupam, who has featured in Hollywood film 'The Silver Linings Playbook' among many others, on Wednesday tweeted a selfie along with Fallon, who is the host of 'The Tonight Show'. "When you meet someone whose work you admire and says he is a fan of your work, it is a wonderful and a humbling feeling. Thank you dear Jimmy Fallon for your warmth, appreciation and generosity," Anupam captioned the image.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has welcomed actor Vicky Kaushal in "actors' world" after watching his performance in the latest release 'Uri: The Surgical Strike'. "Welcome to the 'actors' world. You are fantastic in 'Uri: The Surgical Strike'. Real, gutsy and a performer," Anupam tweeted. The 63-year-old actor asked Vicky to remember that he is his own competition. "The more difficult you make your job, the more you will explore it. Love and best wishes always," Anupam added.

The military drama is based on the 2016 surgical strike carried out by the Indian Armed forces across the border. The movie, released earlier this month, also stars Yami Gautam and Mohit Raina. The film sees Vicky playing the role of an Indian commando who is involved in the 2016 surgical strikes. It also features Kirti Kulhari and Paresh Rawal in lead roles.

Veteran Actor Anupam Kher hailed PM Modi over government's efforts to bring fraudsters back to India. They had fled the country after duping crores of funds from the citizens. Anupam Kher took to Twitter and wrote, "Whenever you hear the voices indicating the democracy or the Constitution is in danger, then the chowkidaar has caught one more thief" - which clearly implied on the recent developments in which multiple fraudsters and scam accused were brought to India or will soon be extradited to India in connection to several scams that have hit the country's democracy and development by the efforts of Modi government.

Anupam Kher starrer political drama 'The Accidental Prime Minister' got released in Pakistan too. Debutant director Vijay Ratnakar Gutte's political drama 'The Accidental Prime Minister' starring Anupam Kher and Akshaye Khanna in the lead roles was cleared by Pakistan's Central Board of Film Censors The film's presenter Pen’s official, Jayantilal Gada conveyed their thanks to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan for passing the film for release. The film has been at the receiving end of backslash for allegedly attacking the opposition Congress party in the run-up to the 2019 Indian General elections scheduled in May. The film also claims that the then-Congress president Sonia Gandhi controlled the functioning of the Prime Minister's Office during the two-term tenure of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh. 'The Accidental Prime Minister' also stars Suzanne Bernert, Aahana Kumra, and Arjun Mathur. The film released in India on January 11.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Use multi-pronged diplomacy with Pakistan'

Use multi-pronged diplomacy with Pakistan

The government is thinking of adopting the policy of “diplomatic isolation” of Pakistan. The truth is, in today’s interconnected world, it is vainglorious to expect countries to join a unilateral plan for isolation. While isolation might work as a campaign slogan for domestic audiences, it is quickly rebuffed each time a country engages with the nation one is trying to isolate.

The success of the efforts led by the U.S. and other countries to ‘grey list’ Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force or of French efforts for a United Nations Security Council statement on Pulwama points to that. India must prepare for a pushback from Pakistan, most likely in terms of internationalising the Kashmir issue, and linking it to progress in Afghanistan.

Pak says that any attack by India would “impact the momentum” of the peace talks in Afghanistan. The government must prioritise action over words, when it comes to moves against Pakistan’s sponsorship and hosting of the JeM. The government must consider other options, especially with the countries that carry the most leverage and access in Pakistan: China, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Finally, India must look to its own actions on the diplomatic front with Pakistan. As the nation prepares for a possible military response to the Pulwama attack, it is important that New Delhi consider its diplomatic response carefully, particularly taking into account both the historical and regional context of its moves.

The point is PM Modi sabotaged his own policy of 'isolating Pakistan' when he went to the airport to give a theatrical hug to the Saudi prince MBS, who has described himself as 'Pakistan's ambassador.'

The EU has urged 'dialogue' between Pakistan & India. In diplomatic communications, the Western powers have raised the issue of human rights violations by Indian security forces in Kashmir -- an issue reported by UNHRC. 

As far as UN is concerned, Veto power of super powers should be deleted. All member countries should have equal say and those who back terrorism should be kicked out. Parity between sermon and practice should be compromised. A nuclear war can erase the last trace of life from the globe. Let us work for a global government, the virtue of humanity should be preferred.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'FATF condemns suicide bombing' that was published in Newsband

FATF condemns suicide bombing

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris has warned Pakistan of the mounting costs of its decades-old lax policy towards terror groups. It came a week after the February 14 Pulwama attack, and the global terror finance watchdog condemned the suicide bombing of the CRPF convoy that left 40 personnel dead. FATF also said that Pakistan is posing a “risk to the international system”. It further added that Pakistan lacks “understanding” of the terror finance risks posed by groups, such as the Taliban, al-Qaeda, Islamic State, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. It asked Pakistan to ensure that terror entities do not travel out of the country, or have access to funding or weaponry.

Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting of his national security officials, and vowed to double down to tackle terror groups in Pakistan. Khan’s own speech in response to India’s demand for action on those responsible for Pulwama was a disappointing mix of denial and opportunism to raise the Kashmir issue.

Citizens of both the nations have been suffering due to lack of seriouness and political will to sit and discuss all the pending issues. Violence breeds violence. Let some international organisations find out the exact reasons for the persisting terrorism. What are these organisations seeking? In what way do they get happiness by creating terror? How many countries are supporting them? But what ever the reasons, they should remember that violence cannot solve their problems. Only peaceful negotiations can bring happiness.

It appears that Pakistan wants JK and want to establish islamic kingdom starting from Istanbul all the way to Philippines. The only big chunk disconnecting this one is Indian Landmass.

Pakistan has set up a “Crisis Management Cell” in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions. The cell will keep all stakeholders updated over border situation and diplomatic contacts. Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.

We Indians should proclaim a policy of a 1000 surgical strikes. Bet the Pak elite will not have the guts to do anyting other than continue pursuit of proxy war by terror groups or fire from the shoulders of all weather friend China.

Pakistant doesn’t have the funds for general public but yet it can afford to sponsor terrorism for political gains.

Dinesh Kamath's column 'Anupam Kher is not interested in politics but supports his politician wife' that was published in Newsband

Anupam Kher is not interested in politics but supports his politician wife

By Dinesh Kamath

Anupam Kher recently met 'fantastic actors' Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Kher described it as a "beautiful encounter". Anupam posted a photograph with Hawn and Rusell, whom the 63-year-old called 'fantastic actors'. "It was such a pleasure to meet the golden couple of Hollywood - Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Apart from being fantastic actors they are also delightfully wonderful people. Beautiful encounters, an Indian actor in US," he captioned the image. Russell, who is married to Hawn, have worked together in movies like 'Overboard', 'Swing Shift' and 'The One and Only', 'Genuine', 'Original Family Band'.

Anupam Kher has often found himself commenting on political subjects. He was also seen campaigning for his wife, actress Kirron Kher back in 2014. People expected him to leap into politics from acting back then, but the actor has maintained a distance from the arena. However, Anupam believes in the mantra — never say never. He said he is not interested in politics right now, but if he ever changes his mind, he will give it a shot. Kher is always found to have strong opinions about our country. He doesn’t care If others don’t proudly speak about their country. It’s their problem. By Kher’s films and his roots as an Indian has fetched him recognition and work in the West. People have a tendency to judge others on the basis of what they speak, which is not right. Kher has nothing to do with politics, not for the next few years. But for the last few years, I had been offered tickets by various parties across elections, including the last general elections in the country.

However, although he personally is not keen on joining politics, he doesn’t hesitate to campaign for his wife. He will campaign for his wife Kirron this time too, if time permits. “I will do it only for her and not for anyone else or any party in particular. I am very proud of my wife’s political career. She has shifted bag and baggage to Chandigarh and has achieved remarkable things. I don’t get to see her often, but I feel mighty proud of what she’s achieved,” he says.

Anupam Kher has promised his fans that the day he will want to get into politics, he will announce it from the rooftops. For now, according to him, it’s only one Kher from his family who will battle it out in the forthcoming elections.

I will continue with Anupam Kher day after tomorrow.

Dinesh Kamath's column "‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ beats ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’"

‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ beats ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’

By Dinesh Kamath

Veteran actor Anupam Kher says that it is important for public personalities to have a sense of responsibility. Anupam treated his fans with a Q&A session on Twitter, where a user asked him if public figures (actors and sportspersons) are role models. Should they always be held to the highest degree of moral and ethical standards or given a more lenient treatment as they are also imperfect like anyone else? "It is very important for public figures to have a sense of responsibility," he replied.

Talking about his favourite scene from the 1995 film "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", he said: "My scene with Shah Rukh Khan about celebrating failure."

Kher’s fans are disappointed about the fact that "Uri: The Surgical Strike" overshadowed his film "The Accidental Prime Minister". But Anupam Kher said that he was happy.

Asked what made him take up the medical series "New Amsterdam", he replied: "Challenge of acting in an English language series. I think in Hindi. Also 'New Amsterdam' is an amazing series to be part of." Talking about what film's failure bugged him the most, he said after the 1991 film "Lamhe" did not do well at the box office when it was released, he was disappointed. "But now it is considered to be a cult classic. Maybe it came before its time," he added.

What's next for Anupam?

"I have a Hindi film called 'One Day' directed by Ashok Nanda. It is coming up sometime in May. It is a thriller," he shared.

Aditya Dhar's Uri: The Surgical Strike, featuring Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam, continues to dominate the box office even as it enters its fifth week. The war drama crossed the Rs 200-crore milestone on Thursday. Vijay Ratnakar Gutte's The Accidental Prime Minister, which released the same week, was beaten hollow at the ticket windows. The film, which was based on Sanjaya Baru's book of the same name, claimed that then-Congress president Sonia Gandhi controlled the workings of the PMO with an iron fist during Dr Manmohan Singh's two-term tenure as prime minister. Anupam Kher, who played former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh in The Accidental Prime Minister, revealed during an 'Ask Me Anything' session on Twitter that he was "happy" that Uri: The Surgical Strike overshadowed his film at the box office.

The Accidental Prime Minister was unanimously panned by critics for its performances and weak storytelling. In an interview with IANS, Anupam had lashed out at critics who wrote unfavourably about his performance. "No matter what you do, there will be people trying to pull you down. Criticism was always a favourite national pastime. Now film criticism has also become a big source of self-entertainment for Indians," he had said.

Anupam had also dismissed the criticism of his performance as "political agenda". "It seems some critics have a much larger political agenda than what I am supposed to have. The comments are uncalled for and irrelevant," he had said.

I will continue with Anupam Kher tomorrow.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'UN supports India against Pakistan' that was published in Newsband

UN supports India against Pakistan

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a statement condemning the Pulwama terror attack and underlining the need to hold those responsible accountable. The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in over 40 Indian paramilitary forces dead and dozens wounded on February 14, 2019, for which Jaish-e-Mohammed [JeM] has claimed responsibility.

Sources in the UN said the statement was released after prolonged negotiations. China wanted additional time to think it through as it had some concerns, they said. Similar action against Azhar in 2017 was blocked by China (India moved the 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar twice before in 2009 and 2016).

Condemning terrorism in all its forms as one of the most serious threats to international peace, the UNSC offered its condolences to those impacted by the attack. The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The BJP should make a determined bid to get after the perpetuators and should not try to find an escape route"Blame the Congress". BJP should accept responsibility for all happpenings under its watch and take swift action to pin responsibility for the security lapses and identify the conspirators that caused such large scale deaths of our security personnel.

UN too should name Pakistan as a nation that is shielding the JEM terrorists and China indirectly supporting it. It should reprimanded Pakistan for shielding & Sponsoring Jihadis. It should blacklist Pakistan and make sure that it doesn't get any further loan from IMF and make sure that the country faces sanctions from economic forum. The country which sponsors terrorism should be made to bite the dust. People should revolt against their government for the sufferings.

China had earlier blocked Azar Masood being labelled as International Terrorist and will again do so. UNSC has rightly said it is the most inhuman, violent and barbaric attack and called upon all states to cooperate with India.

UN’s support can be termed as a small win for India but UNSC is doing lip service only as they are not doing anything responsibly against Pakistan (terroristan). UNSC as a world's powerful body is itself flawed in its structure as any permanent country can veto with its personal reasons (however naive that can be). It is a major victory for India and the BJP government at the center that UNSC accepts the fact that Pakistan is the only country propagating and sponsoring all cross border terrorism across the international borders with India. 

It is a shame that the so called national party Congress party didn't do anything to address the cross border terrorism during their several decades of misrule since independence. Congress had ample opportunities to take action against Pakistan sponsored terrorism. This only implies that Congress intentionally wants terrorists to flourish across Indian borders or Congress has only a bunch of cowards who are incapable of leading this nation.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Law and order must prevail' that was published in Newsband

Law and order must prevail

Kashmiri students elsewhere must be reassured of their personal safety after the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama on February 14. A petition related to this has been forwarded to the Supreme Court which has agreed to give a hearing to it.

Hundreds of Kashmiri students have already returned home or moved somewhere else seeking safety. The Union Home Ministry is doing its best to ensure the safety of Kashmiris. The Jammu and Kashmir police too have set up helplines. The Supreme Court is now hearing the issue. It is also the State’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of citizens.

Law and order must prevail, and the students must be given enough confidence that they can return to their educational institutions and studies without fear. No group of Indians should be allowed to be isolated by blame-calling mobs, and the situation demands a strong, politically-led initiative to end the intimidation and reassure the victims.

There is a tremendous reaction of anger in the country about the Pulwama incident. All Kashmiris should enjoy all protections and rights available to them as Indian citizens. Fortunately there was no violence or retaliatory attacks anywhere except some kneejerk reactions of intimidation at few places which have been fixed quickly. We find many institutions cooperating with one another in this matter.

One wonders where were these institutions when the massacre and killings of Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs happened, which of course was a more serious crime and a shame on humanity.

Those who always criticize the "hindutva" look at only one side. Hindus are in majority in our country. It should not be an issue to the critics. Why do they always target the Hindus? The critics made an issue about some students having tried to expel Kashmiri students. But have they tried to question why? Have they tried to find out as to how normal students are forced to do this? If Kashmiri students only think about Kashmir which belongs actually to the Hindus if you see historically, if they indulge in anti India sloganeering all the times, break all the rules, even take a gun, these critics do not care to speak against their audacity against majority. Peace cannot be made by single side. These unjust critics are the people who are responsible for this agitation. They should change themselves first.

It is also true that if there are one or two stones in a bowl of rice, there is no use throwing the whole rice. One or two miscreants in Kashmir does not mean that entire Kashmiris should be boycotted. The needy must be helped and many of the Kashmiri students are sincere and innocent who do not have any relation with extremism

The Supreme Court is acting independently and quickly agreeing to hear this matter, Union Home Ministry is issuing immediate advisory notes to all states and union territories, J&K Police are setting up a helpline under Governor's rule, Uttarakhand Police are taking action on culprits, press is championing the cause freely, etc. All these things should be lauded.

Great pity that the jurisdiction of the apex court is required to be invoked for an Indian citizen’s fundamental right to life to be protected. It is as if all other organs of the state have withered away.

Lastly, try to show some concern for the Pundit refugees who are also Kashmiris.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'SC proves that nobody is above Law' that was published in Newsband

SC proves that nobody is above Law

A Bench of Justices Rohinton Nariman and Vineet Saran ordered RCom, led by Mr. Ambani, to “purge” the contempt by paying a balance of ₹453 crore of dues to Ericsson within four weeks. If not, Mr. Ambani along with Reliance Telecom Ltd. (RTL) chairperson Satish Seth and Reliance Infratel Ltd. (RITL) chairperson Chhaya Virani would each have to serve a sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

 “The undertakings given on the footing that the amount of ₹550 crore would be paid only out of the sale of assets was false to the knowledge of the three Reliance companies,” Justice Nariman wrote. “This itself affects the administration of justice, and is therefore, contempt of court,” the Bench held.

The court also ordered the three companies to pay the Supreme Court Registry a fine of ₹1 crore each within four weeks.

The Supreme Court couldn't do anything when Karnataka was openly defying it.  The best the SC could do was to beg and plead.  But when it comes to individuals the SC will be able to show what it is made of and not to be messed with 

The SC has demonstrated that nobody is above the Law. They should now apply it to all the cases involving the politicians and bureaucrats.

Now what, after the verdict of the highest court of India finding Shri Anil Ambani and others guilty of contempt in Ericsson’s case? What will happen to the offset contracts of the Rafale Deal given to this group’s coy, sidelining our profitmaking/dividendpaying PSU, The HAL. Will the Rafale offset contracts be honoured and executed to the satisfaction of IAF and GOI, or will it be mired in controversies and delay?

India needs to focus on justice for everyone, not just high profile cases. In this case, it is good that justice has come in time.

Lastly, why is it that, when it comes to Big Players in our country the apex court warns these defaulters with the least possible term as penalty - such as three months and one month?

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Total Dhamaal and The Sky Is Pink) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Total Dhamaal

Total Dhamaal (also known as Dhamaal 3) (transl. Total fun) is an Indian Hindi-language adventure comedy film directed and co-produced by Indra Kumar. It is the third installment of the Dhamaal film series. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Madhuri Dixit, Esha Gupta and Anil Kapoor. The film is scheduled to be released on 22 February 2019.

This is the third instalment of the Dhamaal film series. The madness & the craziness of the biggest franchise of laughter continues. TotalDhamaal is the wildest adventure comedy ever. After Guddu & Jonny, small-time conmen gets double-crossed of their illegal booty by their own colleague Daddu starts a mad crazy adventure between Guddu-Jonny & 3 other groups i.e Avinash & Bindu - a bickering couple about to be divorced; Lallan & Jhingur - Fire officers turned offenders & two weird siblings Aditya & Manav after they disagree to distribute the booty equally.

The film has Ajay Devgn as Radhe, Riteish Deshmukh as Deshbandhu Roy/Lallan, Arshad Warsi as Aditya Shrivastav, Javed Jaffrey as Manav Shrivastav, Anil Kapoor as Avinash Patel, Madhuri Dixit as Bindu, Esha Gupta as Sanjana, Boman Irani as a Don, Sanjay Mishra as Jonny, Ali Asgar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Pitobash Tripathy, Sudesh Lehri, Niharica Raizada as Roy's Love interest, Swati Kapoor as Adi’s love interest, Vijay Patkar, Rajpal Yadav as Munna, Johnny Lever as Jhingur, Crystal the Monkey as Radhe's friend, Sanjay Dutt as Kabir Nayak (archieved footage), Ashish Chaudhary Baman Contractor (archieved footage), Jackie Shroff (Voice only) and Sonakshi Sinha (special appearance in song "Mungda")

Music for the film is composed by Gourov-Roshin, with lyrics by Kumaar and Kunwar Juneja. The film has songs like "Paisa Yeh Paisa" (From Karz), "Mungda" (From Inkaar) and "Speaker Phat Jaaye".

The Sky Is Pink

The Sky Is Pink is an Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film directed by Shonali Bose and co-produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ronnie Screwvala and Chopra under the banner of RSVP Movies, Roy Kapur Films and Purple Pebble Pictures. It stars Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim and is based on motivational speaker Aisha Chaudhary who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The doctor had given Aisha just one year to live unless she underwent a bone marrow transplant, and even then, the risk would not go away completely.

Thus the film ‘The Sky Is Pink’ is the life story of motivational speaker Aisha Chaudhary. Based on My Little Epiphanies, The Sky Is Pink chronicles the life of Aisha Chaudhary, who became an inspirational speaker after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis when she was thirteen-years-old. In other words she was a young motivational speaker who was born with an immune deficiency disorder. Zaira will be playing the role of Ayesha Chaudhary and Priyanka and Farhan Akhtar will be portraying the role of her parents in the film.

The film has Priyanka Chopra as Aditi Chaudhary, Aisha's mother, Farhan Akhtar as Niren Chaudhary, Aisha's father, Zaira Wasim as Aisha Chaudhary and Rohit Suresh Saraf as Ishaan Mihir Chaudhary Aisha Chaudhary’s brother who is a composer and music producer (MEMBA).