Shriya Saran Photos
A 60-year-old nun offers Mumbai’s homeless a bath, shave, haircut, and, whenever possible, a fresh set of clothes too
CLEAN-UP DRIVE A 60-year-old nun offers Mumbai’s homeless a bath, shave, haircut, and, whenever possible, a fresh set of clothes too
MUMBAI: Every morning, there’s a little magic on display in a bylane of Bandra (West). Ragged, filthy homeless people gather outside a small room, file in one by one, and emerge fresh, clean, smiling — often well-fed too, and in a fresh set of clothes.
KUNAL PATIL/HT Sister Christobel gives a homeless man a haircut on a street in Bandra (West).
Offering them this haven is a 60-year- old nun, Sister Christobel Fonseca.
“Most people choose to educate the homeless or teach them saleable skills,” she says. “I decided to offer them something they won’t get elsewhere — the joy of being clean and wearing clean clothes.”
For Sr Christobel, it all began in 1992, when the nun — then part of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity — was diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors gave her five years to live. “It was a very difficult period,” she says, still on her feet 22 years later.
While she was being treated at a hospital in Mumbai that year, Mother Teresa visited her and gave her a red rose. “That visit was like a miracle for me,” says Sr Christobel. “I soon went into remission.”
Sr Christobel continued to serve with Missionaries of Charity for another six years. “I had joined at age 22, determined to devote my life to helping others,” she says.
Then, a few months after Mother Teresa’s death, Sr Christobel came across a maggot-ridden leper outside a church in the suburb of Vile Parle.
“I was disturbed by his condition. It made me think about how I
would have felt, in my time of sickness, if I had had no one to care for
me,” she says.
On that day, Sr Christobel decided to leave the Missionaries of Charity, where she had served for 25 years, and set up her own congregation of nuns, dedicated to directly offering the ailing urban homeless some human comfort in the form of a bath, a shave, a haircut, a hot cup of tea and a fresh set of clothes whenever possible.
Thinking back to Mother’s rose and how it had helped her, Sr Christobel called her nonprofit organisation Mother Teresa’s Roses.
For the first few months after she launched the non-profit in 1998, Sr Christobel worked on the street outside Bhabha hospital. Then a local municipal official offered to help and allotted her a small room near the hospital, which she has divided into a kitchen and a washroom.
By 2002, donations of money and clothes began trickling in steadily, and the nun started the Sister Christobel Trust.
Over the years, eight other nuns have joined Mother Teresa’s Roses — all former members of the Missionaries of Charity. When the number of members reaches 25, the church will officially declare it a congregation, a type of religious order.
Meanwhile, the group, aided by a steady stream of volunteers, now serves 1,500 homeless people each month.
“We also scour the streets for homeless people and ask if they want to come in for a clean-up, fresh clothes and some hot khichdi,” says Sr Christobel, adding that she always wears a red rose pinned to her habit when working at the tiny centre — to symbolise her inspiration, and her love of direct service.
On that day, Sr Christobel decided to leave the Missionaries of Charity, where she had served for 25 years, and set up her own congregation of nuns, dedicated to directly offering the ailing urban homeless some human comfort in the form of a bath, a shave, a haircut, a hot cup of tea and a fresh set of clothes whenever possible.
Thinking back to Mother’s rose and how it had helped her, Sr Christobel called her nonprofit organisation Mother Teresa’s Roses.
For the first few months after she launched the non-profit in 1998, Sr Christobel worked on the street outside Bhabha hospital. Then a local municipal official offered to help and allotted her a small room near the hospital, which she has divided into a kitchen and a washroom.
By 2002, donations of money and clothes began trickling in steadily, and the nun started the Sister Christobel Trust.
Over the years, eight other nuns have joined Mother Teresa’s Roses — all former members of the Missionaries of Charity. When the number of members reaches 25, the church will officially declare it a congregation, a type of religious order.
Meanwhile, the group, aided by a steady stream of volunteers, now serves 1,500 homeless people each month.
“We also scour the streets for homeless people and ask if they want to come in for a clean-up, fresh clothes and some hot khichdi,” says Sr Christobel, adding that she always wears a red rose pinned to her habit when working at the tiny centre — to symbolise her inspiration, and her love of direct service.
Emraan, Ekta pledge to clean the Ganga
Emraan, Ekta pledge to clean the Ganga
On Saturday, which was also the Mauni Aasava, actor Emraan Hashmi and producer Ekta Kapoor took a pledge at the ongoing Maha Kumbh to clean the Ganga. Ekta said, “It was not clean and when the ashram asked us to take a pledge, we did. It is definitely important. Ganga is part of our legacy. Imagine, three crore litres of waste is dumped into it everyday. We need to stop that.” The two also washed and cleaned the portion of the bank, where Ekta took a holy dip in the Ganga.
Earlier in the day, Ekta and Hashmi, along with actress Huma Qureshi drove to the camp of Parmath Niketan, a spiritual organisation floated by Rishikeshbased seer Swami Chidanand Saraswati. From the camp, they proceeded for the Ganga snaan before performing a ‘Daayan Mukti Yajna’.
The city administration had clearly stated that no promotional activity for their movie Ek Thi Daayan would be allowed at the Maha Kumbh. It is learnt that only when the film personalities promised to keep their movements low-key, did the authorities consent to give them the permission.
Ekta Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi and Huma Qureshi
Jacqueline enjoys cooking
Jacqueline enjoys cooking
Looking at Jacqueline Fernandez’s svelte figure, one would assume she’d be following a strict diet to stay in shape. But in fact, the Bollywood babe not only loves food, but also cooking. We’re told she’s very good at it and also enjoys preparing interesting delicacies. Jackie also likes guests coming over and is happy to treat them to her culinary skills. And she’s equally gung-ho about making non-vegetarian and vegetarian cuisine.
Jacqueline Fernandez
Murder 3 music climbing the charts
Murder 3 music climbing the charts
The tracks of Murder 3, composed by Pritam, seem to have struck a chord with the public. Three of the songs — Teri Jhuki Nazar, Mat Aazma Re and Jaata Hai — have already made it to the charts, claim the film’s producers.The movie, directed by Vishesh Bhatt, features Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sara Loren. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt says, “We have maintained the essence and soul of the music in our movie. The fact that the audiences have embraced it reiterates that melody and love still mean a lot to people.”
Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, agrees. “The songs were instant hits as soon as they were launched across radio, music-streaming sites and mobile network platforms. Two songs are among the top seven on radio, while the others are getting increasingly popular.”
Murder 3, produced by Vishesh Films and presented by Fox Star Studios, releases February 15.
Randeep Hooda and Aditi Rao Hydari in Murder 3
John inspires Prachi to get fit
John inspires Prachi to get fit
John has inspired several of his co-stars to get into shape. And the latest to join the fitness bandwagon is his I Me Aur Main co-star Prachi Desai. During the shoot, the actor took complete charge of Prachi’s diet and fitness regimen and ensured that she followed it.
Prachi says, “When I’m shooting, food is the last thing on my mind. I go for hours without eating. John observed me for the first few days and said there was a sudden drop in my energy level by late afternoon, because I wasn’t eating right. Also, the gym routine was not right for me. Following his advice, I switched to power yoga and freehand exercises and ate small portions every two hours. This instantly boosted my energy and also made my body leaner. John never misses his workouts and sticks to a diet chart. Seeing his dedication, I got inspired as well.” Producer Goldie Behl agrees, “John is very disciplined when it comes to fitness. Everyone on the sets, including Prachi, was inspired by his dedication.”
I, Me Aur Main, produced by Reliance Entertainment, Rose Movies and Pollen Entertainment, releases March 1.
Prachi Desai and John Abraham in I Me Aur Main
Jennifer Garner’s UK break
Jennifer Garner’s UK break
The Butter actress Jennifer Garner has taken advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a rare overseas trip with her Argo star husband Ben Affleck and has left their three children at home in Los Angeles to accompany him to the UK. Ben recently praised his wife as the “best person in the world”.
The 40-year-old actor — who shares three children, Violet, seven, Seraphina, four, and Samuel, 11 months, with his actress wife of eight years had previously revealed he still can’t believe Jennifer married him and said the secret to a successful marriage is choosing someone who is out of your league.
He said: “There are two things for a marriage to be good. One is to work hard on it. The other one is to marry above you. And I succeeded at both of those. My wife is very cool. She knows that directing is consuming in that way. She’s happy I come home.”
Jennifer Garner
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Miami blonde is a Kosovo beauty queen
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Miami blonde is a Kosovo beauty queen
Leonardo DiCaprio sparked rumours he may have been taken off the single market after he was spotted soaking up the sun with a mystery blonde in Miami.
But Leo fans can relax as the Hollywood actor’s mystery blonde has been revealed as Kosovan beauty queen and Miss Universe Kosovo 2011 finalist Aferdita Dreshaj — and the stunning model has said they are just friends.
Leo, who split from lingerie model Erin Heatherton last year, was pictured shirtless getting cosy with the stunning model. However, Dreshaj told a news channel that they were all just hanging out as friends.
On Wednesday, Dicaprio was pictured again, with another mystery blonde who was seen giving him a kiss as he relaxed with friends on sun loungers. ANI
Leonardo DiCaprio and (right) Aferdita Dreshaj
Candice Swanepoel
CANDICE SWANEPOEL POSTS HER TOPLESS PICTURE ONLINE FOR FANS
Candice Swanepoel wanted to make sure her fans knew how much she appreciated them by showing up at the Victoria’s Secret store in New York City’s Herald Square.
According to a website on February 7, she was so appreciative that she shared a topless picture of herself online. On Wednesday, Swanepoel made an appearance at a fashion store in New York with fellow model Lily Aldridge to promote the brand’s new holidaythemed bra and fragrance. “Good morning NYC. Thanks to to everyone who came yesterday,” the South African model, 24, captioned the shot she posted. In the sexy black-andwhite photograph, Swanepoel shows off her super-slim and toned figure, wearing only lacy underwear with her arms covering her ample breasts. ANI
The pic Candice posted online
Candice Swanepoel
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (JDJ), a popular dance reality show on Colors, is going regional.
Jhalak goes regional
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (JDJ), a popular dance reality show on Colors, is going regional. According to sources, a Bangla version will soon be launched on ETV Bangla, featuring celebrities from Bengali television and films. Choreographer Remo D’Souza, who was a judge in the Hindi version, will also feature in it. Leading Bangla actress Koel Mullick has been roped in as the second judge.
Says a source, “The show will be hosted by Jishu Sengupta and the 12 contestants will be joined by local choreographers.They will take on everything from Salsa and Bhangra to Cha Cha Cha and Chhau.”
While Remo confirmed the news, Koel said, “I have followed JDJ and it’s great to see it in Bangla. What makes it interesting for me is that all my peers, who have made a name for themselves, will now step out of their comfort zones and try dancing.”
Remo ’
TV watchdog’s drive against ‘indecent portrayal’ of women on small screen
TV watchdog’s drive against ‘indecent portrayal’ of women on small screen
The Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) is planning to host a sensitisation session in Mumbai next month — with the creative/content teams of various channels and networks — to discuss women-related issues on television. The issues include “stereotyping of women, their indecent representation and all kinds of violence against them”. In a recent meeting, it was discussed that the channels should comply with the council’s advisory on the issue. BCCC chairperson Justice (retired) AP Shah will chair the meeting .
I don’t eat with Pooja or around her: Karan Grover
I don’t eat with Pooja or around her: Karan Grover
After playing an obedient son in his last serial, Karan Grover is now displaying his comedy skills in Hum Aapke Hain In-Laws. BT spoke to the actor about his experience...
You have taken up comedy for the first time. How has it been so far? It is relaxing. There is no stress on the set as there are no hard-core emotional, overdramatised situations or dialogues. There is lot of masti and fun. Daily soaps can be stupid at times, but in a comedy, you can call a spade a spade with a lot of conviction. Variety in television is rare and if one gets to do it, one should. You can’t do soaps all the time, you have to experiment. This is a good opportunity.
What’s your rapport with your co-star in the show, Pooja Pihal? Pooja is damn sweet and cooperative. She is like a child, with a lot of energy. She is a total foodie and plans her meals two days in advance. She gorges on parathas and eats at least two at a time, whereas I follow a strict diet. I am into proteins, so I don’t eat with her or around her. I am scared to get a paunch.
What tip would you like to give couples who find it difficult to manage their in-laws? Just watch our show, it will solve all your problems.
What about your love life? Well, the search is on! Now, I would like to do a swayamvar and find a girl who will love, romance and marry me.
Hum Aapke Hain In-Laws airs from Monday to Friday at 10 pm on SAB TV
Pooja Pihal
Karan Grover
Urmila makes her Marathi debut with a film based on the real life story of a leopard
Urmila makes her Marathi debut with a film based on the real life story of a leopard
After having done an item number in Hridaynath, actress Urmila Matondkar will be seen essaying the role of a wildlife researcher in Ajoba — a film based on the real life story of a leopard. Talking to us, she revealed, “Marathi cinema is at an interesting phase currently and I was waiting for the right script, role and director to make a foray here. Ajoba is quite unlike anything I have seen even in Bollywood till date.”
Urmila explains that the film is about the journey of a leopard found in Maharashtra, and the characters involved around him. “Sujay Dahake is a passionate filmmaker and does not look at filmmaking as a commercial activity. So it was a pleasure working with him,” she adds.
Urmila will essay the role of wildlife researcher Vidya Athreya. Vidya, who has done extensive research on leopards, is shown travelling in jungles for her research. “Everything that I have done in the movie reflects Vidya’s passion,” says Urmila. To slip into Vidya’s shoes, Urmila had to read up on her research. “It has been an incredible experience, something I have never done before and actually a far cry from my glam self,” says the actress, who is an animal lover and comfortably pulled off a shot with a real leopard on her lap during the shoot. The actor emphasises that the film will address environmental disruption issues which are increasingly becoming an area of concern globally.
A still from Ajoba
Urmila Matondkar
Shreya awarded for Chikni Chameli
Shreya awarded for Chikni Chameli
Singer Shreya Ghoshal won the award for the Female Vocalist Of The Year for Chikni Chameli from Agneepath at the 5th Royal Stag Mirchi Music Awards 2013.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra,
looking resplendent in a plum one-shoulder gown, gave her the award in a glittering ceremony held at Yash Raj Studios in the city.
Shreya won the award for the item song, which has been one of the most popular chartbusters of 2012 and had Katrina Kaif, in a desi avatar, showing off some slick moves.
Along with the coveted trophy, Shreya was also gifted a hamper sponsored by Reliance Digital, one of India’s fastest growing electronics retail chain.
Choosing to go traditional for the award ceremony, Shreya was seen sporting a blue sari. During the course of the evening, she also crooned a few of her popular chartbusters from the past year.
Shreya Ghoshal and Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Country Club India Ltd (CCIL), India’s largest global holiday, clubbing and entertainment conglomerate that offers the widest range of holiday packages
Make your holidays count
Country Club India Ltd (CCIL), India’s largest global holiday, clubbing and entertainment conglomerate that offers the widest range of holiday packages, state-ofthe-art clubbing facilities, and endless leisure and entertainment options has unveiled a unique membership card — Fortune Card for a select few at a recent event.
The card was launched by Rajeev Reddy, CMD, Siddharth Reddy, CEO, actress, singer and VJ Sophie Choudry and MP Virendra Sharma, at the opening of the brand’s newest office in London.
Virendra and Sophie also received complimentary cards. CCIL has always been keen on global expansion and has been eyeing the UK and European markets ever since its success in the Middle East. This launch comes shortly after the brand’s premium cards — the Billionaire Gold Card and the Billionaire Premium card — were introduced in 2012.
Speaking on this dual milestone, Rajeev Reddy said, “With our new operations in London, we are confident of establishing a strong connect with the Indian diaspora. We owe our success to the support from our members, both in India and abroad.”
The brand currently has its operations in countries like the Middle East, Sri Lanka and Thailand and owns and operates over 55 clubs across India and overseas. It has over 3,00,050 members.
Siddharth Reddy, Sophie Choudry, Rajeev Reddy and MP Virendra Sharma
Music ke sitaron ko Mirchi ka salaam
Music ke sitaron ko Mirchi ka salaam
MIRCHI MUSIC AWARDS 2012 Album of the year: Agneepath
Song of the year: Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin (Agneepath)
Male vocalist of the year: Sonu Nigam - Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin (Agneepath)
Female vocalist of the year: Shreya Ghoshal - Chikni Chameli (Agneepath)
Music composer of the year: Ajay-Atul - Agneepath
Lyricist of the year: Javed Akhtar - Jee Le Zara (Talaash)
Upcoming male vocalist of the year: Arijit Singh - Phir Le Aaya Dil Barfi)
Upcoming female vocalist of the year: Neeti Mohan - Jiya Re (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)
Upcoming music composer of the year: Ayushmann Khurrana & Rochak Kohli - Pani Da Rang (Vicky Donor)
Upcoming lyricist of the year: Ayushmann Khurrana & Rochak Kohli - Pani Da Rang (Vicky Donor)
Raag inspired song of the year: Bolo Na (Chittagong)
Song of the year representing Sufi tradition: O Saaiyan (Agneepath)
Indipop song of the year: Satyameva Jayate
Worldwide listeners’ choice song of the year: Radha (Student Of The Year)
Worldwide listeners’ choice album of the year: Student Of The Year
Technical song recording/sound engineering of the year: Vijay Dayal - Deva Shree Ganesha (Agneepath)
Technical background score of the year: Clinton Cerejo (Kahaani) Technical programmer and arranger of the year: DJ Phukan and Hyacinth D’souza - Dil Mera Muft Ka (Agent Vinod)
Jury award for outstanding contribution to Hindi film music: Bablu Chakravarty
Best album of the Golden Era: Baiju Bawra (1952)
Mirchi Hall of Fame award: Asha Bhosle
Royal Stag Make It Large award: Vishal Bhardwaj
Living legend with a Golden voice: Amitabh Bachchan
Mirchi Music Awards title sponsors Royal Stag Music CDs; Powered by Idea; Co-sponsored by Samsung Galaxy Grand; Associate sponsor Quikr; Hunger partner Snickers; Insurance partner LIC of India; Music partner T-Series; Supported by MCAI; IT partner Quick Heal; Smile partner Vicco Vajradanti; Investment partner Soil Infrastructure; Fashion partner Jade Blue; Real estate partner WS Developers; Technology partner Reliance Digital; Telecast partner Colors; Channel partners Times Now & Zoom; Multiplex partner Khushi Advertising; Outdoor partner Bright Outdoor Media
Lalit Pandit, Bablu Chakravarty and Jatin Pandit
Vikram Bhatt, Shahid Rafi and Raju Naushad
Prasoon Joshi
Ila Arun and Hariharan
Talat Aziz with Anandji
Roop Kumar Rathod
Bappi Lahiri
Suresh Wadkar
Lesle Lewis and Pyarelal
Amit Trivedi
Dilip Sen
Louiz Banks
Anuradha Paudwal
Durga Jasraj
Sooraj Barjatya
Bali Brahmbhatt
Saapna Mukherjee
Gul Panag and Zayed Khan
Sameera Reddy
Shalmali Kholgade
Sameer and Ravindra Jain
Ajay and Atul
Kavita Seth
Manhar Udhas
Kiran Joneja and Ramesh Sippy
Monica Dogra and Sona Mohapatra
Raju Singh
Aditi Rao Hydari
Esha Gupta
Anand Srivastava
Hema Sardesai
R Madhavan and Shilpa Shetty
Sajid Khan, Tamannaah and Ajay Devgn
Neeti Mohan
Times Group MD Vineet Jain with Amitabh Bachchan
Javed Akhtar
BEHENO AUR BHAIYON: Presenting Vishal Bhardwaj, Divya Dutta with the one and only Ameen Sayani
Aadesh
Shrivastava, Himesh Reshammiya, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, Anu Malik,
Mohit Chauhan, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Javed Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan,
Ramesh Sippy, Sajid-Wajid, Shreya Ghoshal, Kumar Sanu, Mika and Pritam.
Watch all the action at the awards using Alive.
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