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Rohit Sharma’s bad luck with the toss continued in the ICC Champions Trophy. He lost the fifth continuous toss in the tournament — against Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia and again in the final against New Zealand. It was also the 12th straight time the toss went against him and the 15th against India in a row. Though Sharma lost the toss, India won the matches while posting a total and chasing 264 against Australia in the semi-final. The toss makes a big difference to the fortunes of a team, in Test matches in particular. One may say Sharma has been quite unlucky at the toss, one of the most intriguing parts of a cricket match at any level. Sharma’s captaincy in one-day internationals started on November 19, 2023. In the toss-loss matches, he has won seven matches, four of them in the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. Other India captains who have lost consecutive tosses – six — are Mohammed Azharuddin, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly. In contrast Sharma has won 10 ODI matches in two months from October to November 2023, all during the ICC World Cup. Sharma has won only four tosses in a row; in February-July 2022. Azharuddin has won a maximum of nine tosses among India captains. Captains call at the toss and also wait for the outcome after the rival captain has called. In Sharma’s case his call went wrong on four occasions. In the final of the Champions Trophy, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner called correctly at the toss and chose to bat. The final was Sharma’s 56th match as captain.
They may have gone their separate ways. That has not stopped them from finding themselves in news pages. A quiet consolidation is happening around different constituents of the erstwhile TVS Group. Latest action is coming from Gopal Srinivasan (brother of Venu Srinivasan)-led branch of the erstwhile TVS Group. TVS Investments Private Ltd and TVS Electronics are to amalgamate, signalling a consolidation. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has initiated the merger process by directing the company to seek the shareholders’ approval. TVS Investments is a holding company of TVS Electronics. In March last year, three listed companies of Venu Srinivasan group — TVS Motor Company, TVS Holdings Ltd and Sundaram Clayton Ltd — had filed identical communication with the stock exchanges on an arrangement between family members — Venu Srinivasan, his wife Mallika, their son Sudarshan and daughter Lakshmi. Though it was a non-compete pact between them, it signalled succession planning. In the middle of last month, Sundaram–Clayton announced that its board has approved a proposal to sell its aluminium die-casting business at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu to third-party purchasers. Post family separation, myriad branches within the larger erstwhile TVS are charting their own business strategies. Indeed, each one is unleashing a new energy. Lots more to look out for in the coming days, it appears.
A year ahead of Tamil Nadu elections, every statement or utterance by political leaders is being micro analysed to see the impact on alliances on the ground. Well that is what happened when Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK)’s special political advisor Prashant Kishor stated that the party will contest the Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly elections independently and will not form an alliance with the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s principal opposition party. Kishor, who had shared the dais with actor Vijay at a TVK event, also claimed that Vijay’s on-screen popularity would ensure the party’s victory in the Assembly polls. Kishor’s remarks came amidst reports that AIADMK and TVK talks for a potential alliance to challenge the DMK in the crucial 2026 elections seemed headed in a deadlock. That was because AIADMK refused to give any edge to the new party and insisted on contesting a majority of the 234 assembly seats. TVK’s general secretary (election campaign management) Aadhav Arjuna clarified that Vijay didn’t launch the new party just to settle for 40 or 45 seats. Did actor Vijay enter politics — on behalf of the DMK only to divide anti-incumbency votes against it? Kishor has had a history of working with the DMK. On his part, Kishor has been trying to keep himself away from the anti-Hindi politics of TVK. Like a grounded Bihari leader he had refused to sign a petition against the New Education Policy of the Centre) at the TVK event. Elaborating on Vijay’s potential to go alone in TN, Kishor said that “…If he goes alone, he stands a very good chance.” Left without an ally, AIADMK is once again looking to fall back on holding hands with BJP which along with its allies had polled 18% votes in 2024 Lok Sabha polls going alone.
The recent release Mere Husband Ki Biwi has bombed at the box office, collecting less than Rs 5 crore in its opening three days against a hefty making cost of around Rs 60 crore. This underwhelming performance marks yet another flop for producer Vashu Bhagnani. Bhagnani, once celebrated for his successful films, has seen a string of failures such as Ganpat, Mission Raniganj and Bellbottom. He has faced financial setbacks with projects like Bade Miya Chhote Miya and is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with its director. The direction of Mere Husband Ki Biwi was helmed by Mudassar Aziz, known for his earlier works like Khel Khel Mein, Pati Patni Aur Woh and Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi. The film’s lead actor, Arjun Kapoor, has struggled to find success as a solo performer, with his recent projects—including The Lady Killer, Kuttey and Bhoot Police — failing to make a mark at the box office. Similarly, the leading actresses, including the likes of Bhumi Pednekar, have also faced a streak of underwhelming films like The Lady killer, Afwaah, Bheed, and Rakshabandhan and thus making it difficult for Mere Husband Ki Biwi to generate excitement among viewers. Rakul Preet Singh is known for other disappointments like Thank God, Doctor G, Runway 34, Attack and Marjaawan. With a cast and crew associated with a series of unsuccessful films, the expectations from Mere Husband Ki Biwi were understandably low. Despite attempts to engage audiences with remixed songs, the film has failed to captivate, illustrating that audiences are no longer willing to watch films that lack compelling narratives and star power.
The Union Health Minister JP Nadda seems gung-ho to eradicate TB from India by the end of this year, 2025. He made this statement recently at a health summit held in Puri, Odisha. To meet this objective, he said he will include aspirational districts and blocks under the TB campaign. What makes Health Minister Nadda confident to eliminate TB from India in 2025 — five years ahead of the global target 2030. This is because India has not diluted its TB eradication target so far. This is evident because India’s TB spread which tops 30 countries with high TB cases has now shown an impressive decline of 17.7% covering 2015-2023 compared to global average decline of 8.3%. Also during the same period the TB mortality has also decreased substantially. As per WHO Global Report, TB incidence in India has been reduced from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 in 2023. Now this figure has shown a quantum jump in 2024, sources say. A head honcho from the Pharma industry says “It is wishful thinking at the moment”. Implying there are multiple challenges ahead wherein 64% symptomatic cases avoid seeking medical help or give up taking medicines. Giving way to drug resistant TB cases. Industry sources say Nadda will succeed only if he ropes in industry bodies, incentivises the pharma players, conducts educational campaigns and conducts house-to-house surveys to identify TB cases. Pharma players government should rope in companies like Lupin which has done commendable work both in production of anti-drugs and educational campaigns for decades now.
Indians are compulsorily global now …travel, gourmet food, curated art, Boston Brahmin lifestyles, wine connoisseurs and of course elevating music crowned by symphonies and operas. This maestro is 82, has composed music for 1,000 films in nine languages and is considered as the Kohinoor of music. Ilaiyaraaja is our national treasure and his own pride and exhilaration was hard to hide as he spoke to the press on his way to London to record and launch his first symphony, Valient on 8th March. It is not an effort to denigrate pop and filmi music but composing a symphony puts him in that elite list of iconic names starting with Joseph Hayden (who created his first symphony in 1700), Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovasky and Mahler; legends who took this very structured and elevated creation to heights that few could emulate. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin called on the genius composer at his home to congratulate him on this achievement. Indeed, it is a matter of pride that India can boast of such a genius. For those of us who want to know why a symphony is special, systemised and soothing. It has four large pieces or “movements”, the first is the Sonata, the highlight of this structured music creation. The second, Scherzo is a slow and gentle exposition that calms your mind. The third is a dance, light and lively, preparing the audience for the fourth …the Finale, an exuberant crescendo culminating with high notes. At the recording, the emcee and music interpreter called Valient “a texturally brilliant piece of music”. Play the video and participate in the creation of Ilaiyaraaja.
Oppressor emperor Aurangzeb continues to haunt Maharashtra politics. Even as a storm is raging about his bloody reign owing to the praise heaped upon him by Samajwadi party MLA Abu Azmi, a demand to demolish his tomb near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar in the state has started making ripples. The demand has been made by BJP MP Udayan Raje Bhosale, a direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was livid because of Azmi’s statements. Already, sentiments against Aurangzeb have been inflamed after the release of Chhaava, a blockbuster movie. Bhosale’s demand is another angry reaction but is important due to his lineage. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that though Bhosale has articulated everyone’s feelings, the government needs to proceed according to law. Moreover, the tomb has been declared as a protected monument by the ASI during the previous Congress rule, he has pointed out. Aurangzeb died on 3 March 1707 at Bhingar near Ahilya Nagar in north Maharashtra. Respecting his last wishes, he was cremated at Khuldabad in Marathwada near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. While Rs.6.5 lakh has been expended for the tomb over the past 13 years, an insignificant amount has been spent for a memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, according to Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Sunil Ghanwat. The Congress party has adopted a cautious stand. Its leader Vijay Wadettiwar has felt that the government should take a proper decision in this regard. However, it is wrong to create a rift in society over a religious matter, he has warned.
Despite the release of contemporary Bengali films, audiences in Kolkata are gravitating towards the re-released classics of Satyajit Ray. Mahanagar and Nayak, restored and re-released by RD Bansal Productions, have drawn huge crowds to theatres across Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Uttam Kumar and Sharmila Tagore starring Nayak originally released on May 6, 1966, was Ray’s second original screenplay after Kanchenjungha (1962). Mahanagar, first released in 1963, offers a powerful depiction of Kolkata’s transition into a capitalistic society. The restored versions, presented in 2K and 4K, have not only enhanced their visual appeal but also reaffirmed their timeless relevance, attracting both nostalgic viewers and first-time audiences. In contrast, the re-release of Chander Pahar (2013), directed by Kamaleswar Mukherjee and starring Dev, saw a lukewarm response despite commemorating the 130th birth anniversary of author Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. Similarly, Shudhu Tomari Jonyo, a multi-starrer romantic drama produced by SVF, failed to garner significant attention. The success of Ray’s films has reignited interest in classic Bengali cinema, with discussions underway for re-releases of Joi Baba Felunath and other masterpieces. Meanwhile, Saat Pake Bandha (1963), starring Suchitra Sen and Soumitra Chatterjee and later adapted into Kora Kagaz (1974), is undergoing restoration. The resurgence of Mahanagar and Nayak in cinemas underscores the lasting impact of Ray’s storytelling, proving that masterful filmmaking continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Looks like the BJP government in Odisha headed by Mohan Charan Majhi is hell bent on downplaying the legendary leader Biju Patnaik’s contributions to the state. It may be recalled that the BJP leaders were once rooting for a Bharat Ratna for Biju Patnaik as they enjoyed a good rapport with his son Naveen Patnaik, three-time chief minister of Odisha. But ever since the BJP government routed Naveen Patnaik in 2024 Assembly polls, they have changed their tune. The latest move by the Odisha government is not declaring a public holiday for Biju Jayanti on March 5. Instead, the Majhi government declared Panchayati Raj Divas celebration on April 24 as a national celebration. It may be recalled when BJD was ruling they had merged both Biju Jayanti and Panchayat Raj Divas celebration as one event declaring it as a public holiday since 1993. When BJP was in alliance with BJD they did not complain. Why, Majhi government choose to separate the two celebrations from this year? According to corridor whispers, CM Majhi wants to gradually phase out late Biju Patnaik from the public memory. Undoubtedly, he was one of the architects of modern Odisha and his son named the party – Biju Janata Dal — after him. A political source says that if the BJP wants to continue its reign in Odisha, then they must dilute the legacy and aura of Biju Patnaik. Meanwhile, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has accused the BJP government of trying to change the name of Biju Patnaik International Airport. He has challenged the BJP by asking: Can you all erase Biju babu’s contributions like Paradip port, HAL, NTPC, OUAT, NIT-Rourkela and others?
The Devendra Fadnavis 2.0 government got its way around in week one of its first budget session. Despite having to face the ignominy of resignation of a cabinet minister within three months of return to power, the Mahayuti government managed to get nothing on record on Dhananjay Munde’s resignation row. While the CM announced Munde’s resignation to media persons and not inside the assembly, Munde himself claimed in a tweet that he was quitting due to health reasons. This ensured that none of the gory details of the cruel murder of the Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, as captured in viral videos, that had triggered the resignation, entered the assembly records. The state also refused to put up a formal statement about it in the legislative assembly despite Opposition members moving a breach of privilege motion. Maha Vikas Aghadi failed to get the Leader of the Opposition’s post when it chose to nominate an aggressive Bhaskar Jadhav over a fresher face like Aaditya Thackeray. Similarly, to offset a slow growth rate of 7.3% as projected in the Economic Survey Report-2024-25, the Mahayuti government decided not to hike monthly stipend for women from Rs 1500 to Rs 2100 despite having promised in its election manifesto. Though it decided to continue with its populist schemes for now due to immense public pressure, the beneficiaries are being trimmed to ensure minimal burden on the state exchequer that is already reeling under a debt of over Rs 7.8 lakh crore. Strong laws against love jihad, religious conversions, social misinformation and even drunken unruly behaviour is also on the cards. The DF 2.0 government marks a term of strong aggressive, authoritarian governance with no room for Opposition sentiments.
With rumours flying thick and fast, it is now reliably learnt that the Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, is in no hurry to call a board meeting to decide on the second term for its Chairman N Chandrasekaran. This means that Tata Sons is unlikely to hold a board meeting before September 14, 2021, the date of its virtual annual general meeting (AGM). Generally, a company’s board takes a call on providing an extension to its top brass, and then puts it to vote at AGMs. According to sources in Bombay House, the headquarters of the Tata Group, Chandrasekaran’s tenure officially ends next year — February 2022 to be precise. Between now and then, there is a lot the chairman is entrusted with, and hence this won’t be an appropriate time to decide on his second term. Tata Sons’ board has the luxury of time on its hand, another six to seven months to decide on Chandra’s – as the 58-year-old is fondly called – second term. With many insiders and industry watchers expecting some announcements on September 14, however, the virtual AGM would be a keenly awaited event.
Finally, the controversy-hit Rhea Chakraborty will see the release of her film Chehre this month. It was during the making of this film, the idea to act in a film opposite Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR) was mooted. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen with the mysterious death of SSR. Rhea, one of the main accused, faced trial by the media for more than a year. But the young star managed to weather it all and get her life back. Rhea is now confidently socializing, focusing on fitness and talking to producers. She seems to get her PR right as the personal attacks vis a vis SSR coverage have reduced except on Twitter where SSR continues to trend. Although the industry is not spelling it out, but it seems they have accepted her and some announcements may be made soon. Director of Chhere Rumi Jaffery may sign her for his next film. Speaking to a cross-section of people, the general thinking is: Rhea deserves a second chance – just like actor Sanjay Dutt, who spent five years in prison under Arms Act after the TADA Court acquitted him in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blast case. The audience has accepted him, and he continues to be the most sought-after actor in Bollywood. Well, Amitabh Bachchan and Emraan Hashmi-starrer Chehre looks like a ‘thodi si lift kara de’ moment for Rhea, which may open up new possibilities for the budding star.
Sony Television’s marquee programme Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, is back. And despite Covid-19 pandemic hitting the economy hard, the sponsors are more than eager to sponsor this longest running reality show as it continues to have a huge draw across all sections of the society. Already 11 sponsors have been lined up for Season 13. The differentiated factor this season is the use of hi-tech technology, graphics and Artificial Intelligence. And of course, in a major break from the pandemic led restrictions, the audience is back in the studio this season. The show is one the biggest revenue churners for SET. Media buyers estimate that Sony charges upwards of Rs 4 lakh for a 10-second spot. It is around Rs 40 crore for presenting sponsors, Rs 16 -20 crore for associate sponsors. Though it is a closely guarded secret, insiders say, Big B is paid around Rs 3.5 crore per episode. Started in 2000, the first three seasons of KBC were aired on Star Plus. It then moved to Sony Entertainment Television. Big B has been associated with the show since its inception except for Season 3 when it was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan.
Fast bowlers go after wickets straight away once they get hold of the new ball. There is no better sight and thrill than seeing fast bowlers bounding in of a long run up on a first morning of a match, and as one of England’s greatest express-fast bowlers, Frank “Typhoon” Tyson, believed, challenge the opening batsmen to cut. The ball either races to the point fence, or is nicked to the wicket-keeper or the slip-cordon. The present crop of Indian fast bowlers — Bumrah, Shami, Ishant and Siraj — who have blown away England at Trent Bridge and Lord’s, not only follow the Tyson template, but have also made Joe Root’s batsmen quiver in their boots, peppering them with bouncers and sand shoe crushers (ball pitched at a batsman’s feet). This fearsome foursome, and Shardul Thakur who played the first Test, have caused the downfall of 39 of the 40 England batsmen. Former England opener Michael Carberry, who scored a century for England Lions against Central Zone in a Duleep Trophy match in 2008 summed by an Indian new ball operator’s approach saying he doesn’t believe in “setting-up”, but goes for wickets straight away. At Lord’s, Bumrah & Co, have gone to the extent of, as a handful of tabloids headlined, bullying England. Just for the record, Sharma has taken 51 wickets in England, Shami 32, Bumrah 26 and Siraj 11.
Post Chennai Express Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s other movies like Fan, Raees, Jab Harry Met Sejal and Zero did not do well. So what does he do? Turn South and rope in one of the most successful young directors of Tamil movies, Atlee (Arun Kumar) for that magic touch, a fail-safe formula film designed to make stakeholders laugh all the way to the bank. And for added kick, two winsome and talented leading ladies have also been signed on. Tamil films’ top paid heroine Nayantara and the young bubbly Sanya Malhotra to provide the glamour quotient. Who is this Atlee? What is his track record as a hot and hip director to call the shots especially when SRK is decidedly wanting an encore of the Chennai Express? Thirty-five-year-old Atlee first worked as S Shankar’s assistant in Enthiran and Nanban, sculpted himself as a box office brand. Soon, he went solo and directed his debut film, Raja Rani with Nayantara in the lead, and secured his place as one of the most promising debut directors of 2016. For those who may be sceptical about a Tamil director’s dexterity, he made three successive films, Theri, Mercel and Bigil, all starring Vijay that rocked the box office, making Vijay the Number 2 after Rajnikant. Don’t underestimate these quiet non-flamboyant South Indian types. They know their cinema inside out.
The 2017 Kodanad case is back in the limelight years after J Jayalalithaa died and one of her drivers led a break-in on the tea estate nestling in the Nilgiris. The latest turn in the case may be entirely political with the new regime headed by MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu seeking to put pressure on former CM Edappadi Palaniswami wondering if he could be named a conspirator but the fact remains that a Hitchcockian suspense over events were never satisfactorily explained. Two major gang leaders of the break-in met with road accidents at virtually the same time on the same day. While the prime accused Kanagaraj died in a two-wheeler crash in Salem, the first accused MV Sayan survived a car crash but lost his wife and daughter on a Kerala road when another vehicle bumped suspiciously into his. The key to the mystery lies with Sayan now who is much wanted as the ruling DMK seems very interested in the outcome of reinvestigation. A hunt is on for the main conspirator who may have set a gang of nine to break in and see if they could get into locked rooms of the bungalow which were supposed to contain great treasures including jewels and cash. The CCTVs were conveniently off at the time leading to the suspicion of an inside hand.
After parleys with the Central leadership and RSS veterans, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tweaked his style of functioning both at the government and the party level. Party insiders point out that Yogi has decided to reach out to his deputy chief minister, ministers and disgruntled ministers, legislators and MPs in a bid to avoid factionalism ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Yogi has visited Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a couple of other leaders and ministers to discuss organisational and policy issues. The agenda is getting nods for the party nominees for members of legislative council and for the much-awaited cabinet expansion. Four people are in the fray for MLC. These include: Jitin Prasada who recently joined BJP from Congress; former UP BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpai; and Sanjay Nishad of the Nishad Party. This is Yogi’s second visit to the national capital in a month. Interestingly, Yogi’s move is to get maximum Centrally-funded projects to be completed ahead of the polls and also kick start new projects already in the pipeline. A recent Mood of the Nation survey conducted by India Today ranks Yogi next only to Modi in popularity as the next choice as India’s Prime Minister. Hopefully, the new style will help him expand his appeal further (Yogi polled 11% votes up from 3% in August 2020)
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Editor’s Note: Short Post Noticed By People Who Matter
Four years have zipped by and we are crossing another milestone on 31st January 2025 – it’s our 4th Anniversary. It feels good.
Looking back at the 1460 days, I must say Short Post has made its mark with people who matter via 4000 stories published in the areas of politics, business, entertainment and sports. All made possible by the unflinching commitment and dedication of our senior editors, most of whom have been part of this journey from Day One.
Small pack, big impact is in essence the story of Short Post which was launched at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. It shows our conviction. In all humility, I can say, we have created a new niche in the news segment space like Hindustan Unilever which created a new segment, when it launched CloseUp Gel.
Yes, we have created a brand (in a limited sense), created demand (readers) and created supply (senior journalists). But we are facing teething problems like all start-ups. What makes us happy and confident is the recognition of our efforts. For instance, we have an arrangement with the OPEN Magazine, part of the $4.5 billion Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka-RPG Group. This arrangement sees around 10 Short Post stories posted on OPEN Magazine website every week. This arrangement is testimony that our content has been well received! Also, I may add that the Maharashtra government has recognised Short Post and has allowed our senior editor to cover the Assembly sessions. Ditto: Odisha.
Our goal is to ensure that Short Post becomes a habit. I would like people to keep checking their smartphones to know the latest Authentic Gossip. As regards AI and the fear of it disrupting all businesses including media. On that, personally, I have no such fear as I am confident AI cannot smell news particularly Authentic Gossip. That’s the place we are well entrenched.