Since October, Somalia has been rocked by a struggle between Mukhtar Robow, an amnestied former top-level al-Shabab commander, and Somalia’s federal government. The crisis exacerbated the fraught tensions in a sensitive state-building process between the Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” Mohamed government and Somalia’s forming sub-federal states. Critically, it also exposed the problems of secretive deals with…

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The Strokes “The Adults Are Talking” The Strokes is the type of act where the aesthetic premise is always the same – electronic music but played with rock instruments as rock songs – but the approach and execution changes. The interesting thing about their new record The New Abnormal is how that high concept, which […]

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The opening scene of Aladdin

We are caught in this familiar tussle between a perfect past and a future of possibilities as the curtains for the Disney Broadway-style musical Aladdin open. As 90s kids, for some of us who just adored Aladdin and his entourage, there was trepidation in our hearts last week — will this musical live up to the 1992 animation film?

As the first scene unfolds on stage, we were not disappointed, not in the least bit. A resplendent multi-level market scene in Agrabah, reminiscent of souks that spell 'Middle Eastern' with projected skies overheard, becomes the playground for a chase during which our daring street rat, Aladdin, enters. Directed by Shruti Sharma, who had formerly assisted in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the re-imagined production with an all-Indian cast begins on a power-packed note, which is sustained through the course of the evening. Watch out for scenes in The Cave of Wonders and the flying carpet. Simply magical.

Mantra excels as Genie

Aladdin, played by Taaruk Raina in the production we saw, ably captures the complex range of human emotions scripted for the part, from flirtatious lover to contrite prisoner. His triad of friends, especially Keith Sequeira as Kassim, is an energetic foil to the character. And, the role of Iago, villain Jafar's sidekick, brings in the much-needed cheekiness and irreverence to this romance. But, the character that will truly steal your hearts is, as always, Genie, played by Puranjit Dasgupta, who goes by the name Mantra. Through him, the musical conveys a local flavour in an international production, the spicy tang of bhel puri amidst clean hummus and pita. It may seem more Bollywood than Broadway at times, also thanks to a heavy dose of melodrama, but, it got the security guards breaking into chuckles as much as the kids in the front row, so that can only be a good thing.

So, what of Jasmine, played by the beautiful Kira Narayanan? The musical does its best to push gender norms, and its stress on themes of personal freedom, especially through this character and Genie, come as gentle reminders to the audiences. Despite this, Aladdin doesn't pass the Bechdel test, and we wish Jasmine and her friends had half as much fun as Aladdin and his bawdy bunch. Jasmine's character is poorly scripted, and it doesn't match up to the original film's feisty, smouldering princess.

It's impossible not to comment on the songs, for this is a musical after all. Some are entertaining, while some, occasionally moving — Aladdin's got the right mix. What may happen for the adults, if not with the kids, is that you may be left wanting a quiet moment in between songs, for there is just far too much excitement on stage. You need to cool off from all that Genie energy.

Aladdin verges on PG at times, though it says suitable for 4+, with lip-locks and some spirited filmi jhatkas. Nothing that should stop your kid, niece or nephew from watching, but we are just putting it out there. Oh, and did we mention that the actors wear shiny sneakers? The kids will want those for school, and that's a conversation you will need to have with them.

WHERE: Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point
WHEN: Till May 13. 7.30 PM
ENTRY: Rs 1,250 - Rs 8,250
CALL: 66223737

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Soon, medical colleges might have to keep one expert from the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to address cases of medical negligence.

MMC wrote to the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) earlier this month, asking them to implement this across the state. "We have written to DMER, asking them to introduce one council member on the expert panel investigating medical negligence cases in medical colleges. This would help in bringing more transparency and better judgment of orders," said Shivkumar Utture, president of MMC.

Dr TP Lahane, director, DMER confirmed receiving the request, "The proposal is extremely welcoming but before coming to a conclusion, we need to discuss it with the council members." So far, around 500 cases of medical negligence or issues regarding treatment are still pending with the council.

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A gas leak in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizag district in the wee hours of Thursday has left eight people, including a child and over 120 people hospitalized. According to ANI, Styrene gas leakage had occurred at the LG Polymers industry in RR Venkatapuram village in Vizag early this morning.

Residents in the area complained of irritation in eyes, breathlessness, nausea and rashes on their bodies following the gas leak. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have rushed to the spot and reports say that the gas leak has been contained.

Many politicians have taken to Twitter to condemn the incident and are urging their local party members to provide help to people who have been affected by the gas leak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying that he monitoring the situation in Vizag closely and is praying for the wellbeing of the people.

Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely.

I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2020

President Ram Nath Kovind offered his condolence to the victims of the gas leak and said that he is saddened by the incident.

Saddened by the news of gas leak in a plant near Visakhapatnam which has claimed several lives. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the recovery of the injured and the safety of all.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 7, 2020

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed shock over the gas leak incident in Visakhapatnam and prayed for the speedy recovery of those hospitalised. He also urged Congress workers in the area to provide all necessary support to those affected by the gas leak.

I’m shocked to hear about the
#VizagGasLeak . I urge our Congress workers & leaders in the area to provide all necessary support & assistance to those affected. My condolences to the families of those who have perished. I pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 7, 2020

Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the incident as disturbing and  is praying for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam

The incident in Vizag is disturbing.

Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation.

I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 7, 2020

Many other political leaders have taken to the micro-blogging site and expressed their shock over the incident.

The news of gas leak from a Polymer plant in #Visakhapatnam is worrying. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope and pray the situation is brought under control as soon as possible.#vizaggasleak#AndhraPradesh #PrayForVizag @ysjagan pic.twitter.com/AeCc8IMVK8

— Jayant Patil (@Jayant_R_Patil) May 7, 2020

Deeply disturbed to hear about the gas leak from a chemical plant in #Vishakapatnam. Praying for the well being of everyone affected. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families.#VizagGasLeak

— Dr. Mahesh Sharma (@dr_maheshsharma) May 7, 2020

Gas leak at LG Polymers in #Vishakapatnam is more fatal and terrifying situation than #COVID19.

Many are suffocating, aged and children are most vulnerable; animals are dying.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families who lost their dear ones.

#VizagGasLeak 🙏

— Srinivas B V (@srinivasiyc) May 7, 2020

MP Suresh Prabhu reacted to the incident, calling it discomforting. "I am contacting Administration and our local unit to address the problems of those who are affected and to provide medical help and other necessary relief," he tweeted.

Several police personnel, who came for the rescue operation, also suffered symptoms like breathlessness, irritation in eyes and fell unconscious. Sources said the vapour leak occurred in the early hours of Thursday when some workers of the plant were making preparations for the re-opening of the unit following easing of the ongoing lockdown restrictions.

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It should come as no surprise, but Renée Zellweger is one of the most prestigious and prolific actresses of her generation. With two Oscars, four Golden Globes, and literally dozens of other awards to her name, the actress's popularity has skyrocketed, and she's been wowing critics and moviegoers alike for decades now. She made her debut in the early 1990s, but it doesn't look like Zellweger will be stopping her reign anytime soon. Renee Zellweger has reaffirmed herself as one of the most captivating performers of our time and as she celebrates her 51st birthday, let's take a look at the mesmerizing roles played by the actress.

1. Bridget Jones' Baby

This 2016 follow-up to the first two films is occasionally a cheese-fest but it remains true to the eccentric earnestness that first made audiences love Bridget Jones. Zellweger brings her adorable clumsiness to the role yet again, as Bridget becomes pregnant and attempts to discern the identity of her baby's father. Catch Bridget Jones' Baby only on Sony PIX.

2. Appaloosa

Appaloosa is a gripping film that mixes the elements of a western culture with the crime genre which features many unlikely players. Ed Harris leads the pack, but Zellweger's character of a vengeful widow, is one of the film's biggest highlights and surprise. Watch Appaloosa only on Sony PIX.

3. Judy

Upon seeing the trailer for Judy, the 2019 biopic about an emotionally and physically distressed Judy Garland, it was easy to tell that Renée Zellweger would be recognized at every award show. This heartbreaking and gut-wrenching tragedy about the final year in the life and one of Hollywood's saddest stories could not have been brought to the screen with anyone but Zellweger in the lead role. Almost unrecognizable in the makeup and scars of an emotionally spent woman, Zellweger brings Garland's persona to life one final time.

4. Chicago

Stepping into Judy Garland's shoes earned her an Oscar, but Zellweger proved her musical talent long ago as Roxie Hart in this 2002 caper. Adapted from Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb's stage musical, the plot follows Roxie and Velma as they compete for fame after being arrested for killing their significant others. The film's music and dialogue are packed full of irreverent wit, and Zellweger's cheeky portrayal of Roxie is captivating as she seeks the spotlight at all costs. Her rendition of 'Roxie' is an incredible combination of suave dance moves and vocal power, which Zellweger demonstrated again 17 years later in Judy.

5. Jerry Maguire

'You had me at hello'. Those five words took Renée Zellweger from a relatively unknown actress to an overnight star following her portrayal of single mom Dorothy Boyd in Cameron Crowe's 1996 Jerry Maguire. Her struggles as a parent in the Cameron Crowe film, as well as her earnest relationship opposite Tom Cruise, both still hit hard.

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Arjun Kapoor has always appreciated eclectic content. The actor, who runs his own digital property Arjun Recommends through which suggests great content for people to binge on, is currently gorging on yesteryears acclaimed TV show Byomkesh Bakshi played by actor Rajit Kapur.

For Arjun, this show is like a whiff of nostalgia from his childhood. He says, “Whenever I could catch Byomkesh Bakshi as a kid, I remember I enjoyed it thoroughly. For me, Byomkesh was what a hero should be. Slick, super-intelligent, and charismatic, he is one of the best sleuths that I have seen on screen! I have been watching Byomkesh on TV again and it is pure nostalgia for me!”

Arjun lists his reasons why he loves this indigenous super-detective. “The best thing about Byomkesh was that he solved intelligent crimes and that really hooked me on. The writing, the cleverness of the cases really got me interested. The show still hooks you thoroughly and that’s what great writing, great acting can do. Great content has the ability to become timeless and universal,” he adds.

Arjun secretly wishes to play a detective on screen. “Since then, I had always wanted to play a detective who saves the day and saves lives. I got to live my childhood dream by playing an undercover agent and saving the country in India’s Most Wanted! I still hope I get to play a detective on-screen one day!” says Arjun.

Also Read: An overwhelmed Arjun Kapoor wishes a frontline doctor on her birthday as she pens an emotional note

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara on Sunday said someone must answer to the questions which are still unanswered in regards to the Sri Lanka Easter bombing last year.

"A year on we all share the pain of the families grieving lives lost, we stand with you and for you. We remember. So many questions still unanswered, but answer them someone must," Sangakkara tweeted as people across the world celebrated Easter on Sunday.

Sri Lanka celebrated a quiet Easter Sunday amid the coronavirus lockdown, while remembering the victims of the terror attacks that killed at least 270 people on the resurrection day last year. People largely stayed indoors and offered prayers from home with the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, leading an Easter mass from a TV studio because of the pandemic.

The attacks wounded over 500 and deepened communal tensions in Sri Lanka. The bombings, carried out by local Islamist extremists with suspected foreign ties, was claimed by the Islamic State. Police said that they have killed or arrested all suspects in various counter-terror operations carried out in the days after the mayhem.

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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

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