Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog


Surendra Sirsat appointed new Goa NCP chief

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 06:50 AM PST

Surendra Sirsat has been appointed the president of the Goa unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the party said in a statement Tuesday.

The statement added that the earlier state unit president, Jose Phillip D’Souza, has been relieved of his charge by party president Sharad Pawar.

D’Souza had earned the ire of his party high command after he was found involved in a public brawl against his party colleague Francisco Pacheco in the run-up to the recently concluded municipal polls here.

Sirsat, a former speaker of the Goa legislative assembly, is an academician and has worked as a lecturer in a local college.

Courtest:BN

Goa is lucky for me, says Ajay Devgn

Posted: 23 Nov 2010 05:14 AM PST

With all three of his Golmaal films making it big at the box office, Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgan feels that Goa is lucky for him.

The 41-year-old actor is riding high on his three consecutive successes this year — Once Upon A Time in Mumbai, Raajneeti, and Golmaal 3 — and an average fare in Aakrosh.

Latest hit Golmaal 3, directed by Rohit Shetty, was extensively shot in Goa and even the story of the film is based on the tourist state.

“You can say Goa is lucky for me. But it will be wrong to say that Goa is my success mantra as there are many people who work for the success of a film,” said Devgn, who was here to inaugurate the 41st International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Courtesy:DNA

Goa: IFFI 2010-Day 1

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 08:16 PM PST

Photographic Glimpses of International Film Festival of India.

Union railway minister Mamta Banerjee seen lighting the ceremonial lamp to mark the inauguration of the 41st International Film Festival of India at the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium in Kala Academy at Panaji. Also seen veteran bollywood film maker Yash Chopra, Bollywood actors Ajay Devgan, Reema Sen, Chief minister Digambar Kamat and others.

Union railway minister Mamta Banerjee being escorted by the Chief minister Diagamabr Kamat to the main festival venue in Panaji.

Veteran bollywood film maker Yash Chopra seen along with the members of the International Jury.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat seen expressing his thoughts on the ocassion.

Cultural dance performance ‘Sehar’ enthralled the crowd during the inaugural ceremony of the 41st International Film Festival of India at the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium in Kala Academy at Panaji.

Bollywood actors Reema Sen, Raima Sen, Divya Dutta and others seen minutes after the inaugural ceremony of the 41st International Film Festival of India at the Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium in Kala Academy at Panaji.

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan walks the Red carpet.

Pics by Applied Art

Courtesy: daijiworld

Goa: Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal formed

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 08:01 PM PST

After a long delay, the Union government finally issued a notification constituting a tribunal consisting of three judges to adjudicate the dispute between Goa and Karnataka over diversion of water from the Mhadei basin. The Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal would be headed by sitting Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice J M Panchal and Mr Justice Viney Mittal of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and a former judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Mr Justice P S Narayana, as members.

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat confirmed that the notification constituting the tribunal was issued by the Union government and expressed happiness over the matter, which he said would help the state to seek redressal to its grievances. The headquarters of the tribunal would be at Delhi. The notification to this effect was issued on November 19.

The Goa government had been relentlessly pressing for constitution of the tribunal and the request was first sent way back in July 2002 to the central government under section 3 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 to resolve dispute on water sharing between the state and Karnataka. The efforts by the Union water resources ministry to resolve the dispute through negotiations did not succeed.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Monday, November 22, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog


Mamta Banerjee Inaugurates 41st Edition of IFFI 2010

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 06:40 AM PST

Union Railway Minister Ms. Mamta Banerjee today inaugurated the 41st edition of IFFI-2010 at Goa. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Banerjee said since its inception IFFI had provided a forum for converging cinema from all parts of the world on one platform. The IFFI platform showcased the new trends in world cinema while at the same time presented the master pieces of the Indian Panorama Section to the global audiences abroad. The Minister said that films were an effective medium to depict reality through creative tools. As an event, the Festival provided an opportunity to the Indian film industry to compete with the best in the world. The Minister said the 41st edition offered a treat to cine lovers in view of the excellent package of films being shown during the 10-day Festival.

Speaking earlier, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Shri C. M. Jatua said if the 41st edition of IFFI provided an opportunity for all forms of cinematic brilliance to be showcased together and provide wholesome entertainment to film buffs.

Goa: IFFI 2010

Goa: IFFI 2010

Mandovi bridge seen illuminated for 41st International Film Festival of India.

Goa: IFFI 2010

Flags of the 41st International Film Festival of India.

Goa: IFFI 2010

The OLD GMC building complex seen illuminated in view of the 41st International Film Festival of India.

Goa: IFFI 2010

Goa: IFFI 2010

Dayanand Bandodkar marg seen illuminated in view of the 41st International Film Festival of India.

Goa: IFFI 2010

The Inox courtyard, one of the venues of the 41st edition of the IFFI.

The Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat, in his address outlined the initiatives taken by the State Government in facilitating the film industry within the State. The Chief Minister stated that the overall objective was to re-position Goa as a film destination. He reiterated that all possible steps would be taken to promote the film industry and proposals in this context were being considered. Shri Kamat also highlighted some of the key initiatives taken for the 41st edition of IFFI, namely, the initiation of the e-ticketing system. The eminent film director & producer, Shri Yash Chopra in his address spoke of the need to improve the infrastructure within the State of Goa in order to ensure international standards that were mandatory for hosting world class film festivals. Festival Director, Shri S. M. Khan in his welcome address highlighted the key initiatives taken during the 41st edition of the Festival.

During the inaugural function, several eminent film personalities graced the occasion including Shri Ajay Devgan who was the Guest of Honor. Cine stars Aftab Shivdasani and Gracy Singh compered the inaugural function proceedings.

During the Festival, 300 films will be featured from 61 countries. The Indian Section of the Festival will feature Centenaries of five unforgettable cinema talents – Ashok Kumar, B.R. Panthulu, Motilal, Nadia and Raja Paranjpe. They are being acknowledged by showing their films during the duration of the Festival. Apart from this, the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Odiya cinema will be observed. Masterstrokes will salute cinematographer V.K.Murthy and versatile producer D. Ramanaidu – the two recent recipients of Indian Cinema's highest honors, Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Two films, each associated with them are lined up for screening. And in the Tributes, IFFI will pay tribute to those who lived a full cinema life by offering screenings in memory of those film personalities who are no more. This includes Bina Rai, Pamela Rooks, Sujit Kumar, Keshu Ramsay, Debu Deodhar, Pankaj Advani, Nirmal Pandey, Tahir Hussain, Vishnuvardhan and Ravi Baswani. Another key highlight of this year's edition of IFFI will be the inclusion of 3 Indian films from Panorama to the International competition category.

The Indian panorama shall feature 26 feature films, these include Achin Paakhi, Abohomaan, Maner Manush, Ami Aadu (Bengali), Three Idiots, Wake-up-Sid, Paa (Hindi), Kaal Chilambu (Malayalam), Ravanan (Tamil), Me Sindhuthai Sapkal (Marathi) which is the opening film of the Panorama, Shabari (Kannada), Swamyamsiddha (Odiya). There will be 21 Non-Feature Films showcased in the Indian Panorama. "Leaving Home" will be the opening film for the Non feature film category.

Some of the prominent films being featured in the Competition Section including three Indian films are Apart Together from China, On Foot from Iran, Valley of Strength (Gei Oni) from Israel and Taipei Exchanges from Taiwan. The Indian representation includes Moner Manush in Bengali and Vihir in Marathi.

The country focus during the festival shall be Mexico, Georgia and Sri Lanka. There will be Sections on Taiwanese New Wave Cinema and Australian Indigenous Fiction Films. IFFI would also pay homage to the Iconic French film maker, Eric Rohmer, who passed away this year. Six of his films would be screened.

Pics by Applied Art

Courtesy: pib

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog


Sale of liquor near film festival venue in goa opposed

Posted: 21 Nov 2010 04:21 AM PST

Women’s rights groups in Goa are opposing the sale of liquor close to the venue of the 41st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here.

The IFFI, which gets underway Monday, is in the crosshairs of the Bailancho Saad, a women’s rights group, with the festival organisers allowing sale of liquor near the event’s venue.

‘We have written a letter to the chief secretary and the chief executive officer of the Entertainment Society of Goa against the setting up of ‘Kingfisher Village’, where sale of liquor is rampant,’ convenor of the women’s organization Sabina Martins told reporters here.

‘Kingfisher Village’ is a mock village built by United Breweries, the company which owns Kingfisher beer, located a short distance from the festival venue. The village has several outlets selling beer.

‘It is sad that the state government itself is promoting such perceptions and alcohol,’ Martins said.

The 10-day festival starts Monday and will be inaugurated by Bollywood film maker Yash Chopra and union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The state government formally announced a sponsorship alliance with Kingfisher a few days ago

Courtesy:Sify

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog


Music conference kicks off in Goa

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 07:57 AM PST

The highly anticipated music-cum-networking event — the Indian Music Conference was finally launched in high spirits in  Goa.

At a conference held for the bands, DJs and delegates, Gagan Myne of Spotlight Event and Entertainment Pvt Ltd said, “Kingfisher IMC 2010 is unleashing 220 plus artists, both national and international.” He went on to introduce the various top ranking bands and musicians of the country. Expanding on the various events and programmes slotted for this four day conference, delegates were welcomed to join in on the Raga workshop by Sharat Chandra Shrivastava, songwriting workshop by Pinknoise and a variety of panel discussions by known musicians from the Indian and international music scene. Salama Yamini also took to the mike and spoke about the conference and her involvement in it.

Courtesy:TOI

Goa CM ducks queries on Amitabh`s absence from film fest

Posted: 20 Nov 2010 07:23 AM PST

The name of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan was yet again found missing from the guest list of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), forcing Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat Saturday to field queries on his exclusion.

Kamat said the list of official invitees was prepared by the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), governed by the information and broadcasting ministry.

“We do not interfere, the ministry decides,” Kamat told reporters.

The 41st edition of IFFI will be held in Goa from Nov 22. DFF, along with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), a state government wing, organises the annual event.

The 10-day film festival will be inaugurated by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra.

Amitabh Bachchan has not been invited to IFFI ever since it shifted to Goa in 2003.

Courtesy:SZ

Friday, November 19, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog


‘West is West’ to open 41st IFFI in Goa

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 08:05 AM PST

"West is West", starring Indian actor Om Puri, will be the opening film at the 41st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which kicks off in Goa Nov 22, an official statement said.

Produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), director Andy DeEmmony's "West is West", is a sequel to the 1999 "East is East", which was directed by Damien O'Donnel and also starred Puri and Jimmy Mistry, an actor of Indian origin.

Set in Manchester of 1975, "West is West" deals with the father's worry about his 15-year-old boy, who he believes is turning his back on his Pakistani heritage and therefore decides to take him to the country of their roots.

The film has earlier premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and has also had a limited Britain premiere at the BFI London Film Festival earlier this year.

The movie, which stars Puri, Aqib Khan, Linda Bassett and Jimmy Mistry, will be screened at the formal inaugural function. Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra will throw open the festival.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee will also be present at the inaugural function, the statement said.

Courtesy:TN

Union vows to make Goa govt corruption free

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 03:16 AM PST

While reiterating its resolve to work for the welfare of government employees, All Goa Government Employees Union (GGEU), a registered body, has expressed its commitment “to eradicate the virus of corruption that has largely spoilt the image of public servants”.

In a representation to chief minister Digambar Kamat and chief secretary S K Srivastava, GGEU has demanded that the government “reshuffle head clerks as per common seniority maintained by the general administration and in view of complaints regarding politics played in the office”. This, the union said, would assure transparency.

GGEU president Ganesh G Chodankar and general secretary Uday Chari, in the representation, have also demanded the constitution of a state administrative tribunal to resolve service matters of employees.

The union also raised issues like subsidized housing for government employees, payment of 60% arrears as per recommendations of the 6th pay commission to all employees, restoration of leave encashment facilities etc.

Courtesy:TOI

Nation pays homage to Indira Gandhi on her 93rd birth anniversary

Posted: 19 Nov 2010 02:11 AM PST

Nation paid homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 93rd birth anniversary today.

A number of functions and welfare programmes are being organised across the country as a mark of respect.

A religious prayer meeting was held this morning at Shakti Sthal, her memorial.

Born in a politically active Nehru family, she was the Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984.

She was elected to Parliament for the first time in 1964 and also served as the country”s Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the government of Lal Bahadur Shastri.

She is noted for declaring a state of emergency after a court struck down her election in 1975, and also for her handling of the “Operation Blue Star” against Sikh militants.

Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards at her residence on October 31, 1984.

Mean while , Goa Pradesh Congress Committee paid rich tribute to their great leader Late Smt. Indira Gandhi at Congress House , in Panaji , Capital of Goa.

drulhas-parab-igba1

Shri.Subhash Shirodkar, President GPCC and Mr.Altinho Gomes , Gen.Sec.,GPCC offering floral tribute to late Smt.Indira Gandhi,beloved former Prime Minister of India.Also seen Dr.Ulhas Parab, Vice Chairman, KVIB, Mr.Gangaram Morajkar, Madhukar Naik and Others.

Courtesy:DIN

Akshay and Twinkle go on a holiday to Goa

Posted: 18 Nov 2010 08:12 AM PST

Akshay Kumar is known to be a workaholic but somehow he has managed to tear himself away from shootings, scripts narrations, dubbing, rehearsals and endorsements etc. Yesterday Akki took off for a three-day holiday to Goa with wife Twinkle to their bungalow at Anjuna beach.

It’s not just couple time. Their son Aarav is with them. Also, Twinkle’s mom Dimple Khanna and her favourite cousin brother Karan along with his mother and sister and her daughter. The family man, Aksshay, loves to be surrounded by his and Twinkle’s family members on their holidays.

Akshay loves water sports and that’s another reason for the break in Goa. He plans to take the assorted parivaar wallas out into the sea for water activities like jet skiing, wind surfing and scuba diving.

The actor has managed to steal time from his work, but now thanks to this short break, on his return, he will have to do gruelling double shifts for Rohit Dhawan’s Desi Boyz and hectic promotions for Tees Maar Khan. After this he won’t be able to take a break till Christmas, so he is making the most of this time.

The Khiladi has been working round the clock for Khatta Meetha, Action Replayy, Patiala House and Tees Maar Khan. This is the only break he’s managed in a long time.

Courtesy:NDTV

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog


Goa’s water woes in IFFI 2010

Posted: 18 Nov 2010 06:20 AM PST

A young documentary filmmaker, Nalini Elvino de Souza, argues that Goa does not suffer water crisis but at the same time, people fail to conserve water.

This is what she depicts in her documentary titled 'Water', which will be screened during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2010. The movie aims to revive the ancient tradition of 'water harvesting' as the solution for living a 'water stress-free life.'

"There are constant complaints of water shortage in the months of April and May, every year even though Goa has plenty water. We receive three meters rainfall every monsoon but unfortunately it is not conserved," she told IBNS.

The 10-day festival is slated to begin on Nov 22.

The 23-minutes documentary is chosen for the Vasudha awards at the IFFI and is scheduled for screening on November 29 in the short-films section.

Nalini, the documentary director, completed the shooting in mere two weeks and three additional weeks for editing before confirming the entry for IFFI.

The documentary has been shot during the monsoon this year in the interiors of Betqui village, located in North Goa. "We interviewed few Betqui villagers, who are an inspiration for their painstaking efforts to conserve water. The entire village of 100-odd 'Savoikars'

interestingly hail from one family," she recalled.

Nalini believes that Government should not be targeted every time, as people in general also owe responsibility.

"It is very easy to show the Government at fault without knowing what we can also contribute towards progress. The documentary will educate on how water can be conserved at individual, institution and Government level," she elaborated.

The 'Water' team has also interviewed ex-government officials who would explain methods to preserve water.

A Portuguese citizen of Goan origin, Nalini is also the producer of 'Contacto - Goa', a popular docu-series on Goa for Portugal's leading public broadcasting channel 'Radio e Televisao de Portugal' (RTP). The programme completed 50 episodes recently.

Asked her views about Goa and she promplty replied, "Goa is not just about beaches and sun. There is a chain of forts here, the cuisine of Goa, which is marked by such an interesting mix of cultures, Goan architecture, its great sons like Abade Faria among other things. The palette of culture which Goa offers is distinct from the rest of the country."

The filmmaker, also runs a language centre in Panaji called 'Communicare', which takes classes in Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Italian and other regional languages. Her documentary on 'Rivers in Goa' was chosen for the Vasudha awards at the IFFI 2009.

Courtesy:IB

ESG ties up with 16 brands for IFFI

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 11:29 PM PST

The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has tied up with Kingfisher Airlines, UB Group, Big 92.7FM, Qatar Airways, HPCL, BSNL, Rupa, The Lalit, Corporation bank, GIDC, EDC, HDFC Bank, Bright Advertising, Lokmat, the Leela and Macroman M-Series for the ensuing International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Said Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) CEO Manoj Srivastava, "We have partnered with 16 leading brands so far who will work together for IFFI 2010. We have resolved to work collectively by pooling in our resources to make the film festival IFFI Goa 2010 a resounding success."

IFFI, the country's most prestigious film festival, offers ample branding opportunities.

Kingfisher and Qatar Airways will set up a number of lounges - for actors, delegates, Goa Cinephile members and celebrities at the venue. "With the assistance of our partners we would like to extend facilities to everyone who is a part of IFFI 2010" added Srivastava.

UB Group divisional vice president and chief executive Govind Tiwari added, "Having worked together before we have developed a strong working relationship. We are extremely happy to partner with ESG for IFFI 2010 and will continue to do so. Kingfisher's in - flight magazine and in-flight television will promote ESG's initiatives and IFFI 2010 throughout the festival."

Canacona based Intercontinental – The Lalit's General Manager Shrikant stated that even through their property was based over 80 km away from the venue of the film festival, they have partnered with ESG. "Our CMD Jyotsna Suri was extremely keen that we support ESG in whatever way required," he added.

Commenting on the association with IFFI 2010 Kingfisher Airlines Limited VP – Agency and Sales (Western and South India) Bhanu Kaila averred , "IFFI is a premier film festival of the country. As it celebrates its 41st edition in Goa, we are delighted that Kingfisher Airlines is associated with this marquee event as the official airline partners. Travelers will now be able to enjoy the award winning Kingfisher experience".

Established by the Government of Goa in 2004 as the nodal agency in the organisation of IFFI, the main objective of ESG is to frame an entertainment policy to help cultivate Goa into a world-class international entertainment nerve center of the country.

Courtesy; ITV

Russian molested by burglar in Goa apartment

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 08:40 AM PST

A 32-year-old Russian woman has alleged that a thief broke into her rented apartment at Colva beach village Wednesday morning, stole her laptop and molested her while she was sleeping, police said.

The police have registered a complaint under sections 378, 441 and 354 of the Indian Penal Code which deal with theft, criminal trespass and outraging modesty respectively.

Colva, a beach village popular with foreign tourists, is some 40 km from Panaji.

Courtesy:TN

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog


Goa farmers oppose GAIL gas pipeline

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 07:29 AM PST

Goan farmers on Wednesday opposed the proposed underground natural gas pipeline from Gokak in Karnataka to Goa during a public hearing.

Nearly 100 farmers coming from three farming talukas protested the project by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL).

The apprehensive farmers claimed the project will take away ownership of land also as, the farms will be destroyed.

"The pipeline will pass through our farms and houses, which will result in destruction. We cannot afford to lose our only earning business," a 43-year-old farmer from the temple town of Ponda said.

In 2008, when the Dabhol-Bangalore gas pipeline was proposed by GAIL, State power minister Aleixo Sequeira requested the Central ministry to have it extended to Goa. GAIL had approved the project in the same year itself though the ground work began recently amidst opposition.

The project halts villagers from erecting any structures although the cultivation of crops will be possible on the land, officials said.

The authorities had issued notices to villagers of Mormugao, Ponda and Bicholim for public hearing, as the pipeline will traverse the three talukas.

The underground pipeline will begin at Virdi to pass through Maulingem, Curchirem, Carapur, Amona, Tivrem, Khandola, Vargao, Adcon, Boma, Kundaim and Madkai before moving to Mormugao's villages of Sancoale, Pale, Cortalim and Quelossim. The end point will be at Zuari.

Deputy Collector of Land Acquisition Anthony D'Souza assured the villagers that the project is not aiming land acquisition. "The land will continue to remain with the owners. GAIL will lay underground pipeline after which the land will be returned back to respective owners," he said.

The officer, who has been appointed as the competent authority, said he will compile a report of the suggestions and grievances to furnish to the Ministry of Petroleum.

It is learnt from reliable sources that two gas stations will be set up, one each at Curchirem (Bicholim) and Madkai (Ponda) for which 2,500 sq mtrs each of land would be acquired.

"For laying the spur line, authorities have already identified the land and compensation will be paid to owners," he said.

Courtesy:IB

Goa film fest boosting our brand, says Kingfisher

Posted: 17 Nov 2010 05:38 AM PST

International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held at Goa every year, has given respectability to ‘Brand Kingfisher’, a senior company official said Wednesday.

‘We are market leaders in Goa. IFFI, in turn, adds respectability to ‘Brand Kingfisher’,’ divisional vice president of UB (United Breweries) Group Govind Tiwari said.

Kingfisher has been associated with IFFI ever since the festival was shifted to Goa six years ago.

‘We have been associated with the IFFI for the last six years and we are very happy with our partnership. We want to take it to the next level. It is a very decent branding,’ Tiwari said.

Kingfisher is one of India’s largest selling beers, with a market share in excess of 30 percent.

As an associate sponsor for the IFFI, ‘Brand Kingfisher’ will not only showcase its spirits at numerous lounges at the venue in Panaji, but also have a special ‘Kingfisher Village’. It will also chip in with domestic air travel sponsorships.

‘Domestically, we have tied up with Kingfisher Airlines. They will be flying in delegates from different parts of the country to Goa,’ said Manoj Srivastava, chief executive officer of Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), one of the hosts of the film festival.

The group provided nearly Rs.50 lakh in sponsorship, he added.

A popular tourist destination, Goa has over the years emerged as a high profile showcase destination for various lifestyle brands.

UB Group’s chairman Vijay Mallya also owns a bungalow - christened ‘Kingfisher Villa’ - in the beach village of Candolim, 20 km from here.

The 41st edition of IFFI will be held from Nov 22 to December 2.

Courtesy:Sify