Latest news with #Silent


Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Los Angeles-based production manager Deep Barot creates a buzz in film circles with his work
Indian-origin production manager and filmmaker Deep Barot is quickly gaining recognition in independent film circles for his precise and emotionally resonant work, most recently with the short film Silent Cycle. The 12-minute drama, directed by Smahi Anand, has quietly made waves on the international film festival circuit — from Beverly Hills to Ayodhya — earning praise for its restrained storytelling and psychological depth. But while audiences have connected with the film's meditation on loneliness and disconnection, much of its success is being credited to the man behind the scenes: Deep Barot. Barot, who is based in Los Angeles, has emerged as a key figure in cross-cultural indie productions, particularly for his ability to execute tightly-run, high-impact shoots on limited budgets. For Silent Cycle, he served as the production manager and producer, overseeing the film's five-day shoot in upstate New York with a lean crew and minimal resources. 'The story demanded more from stillness than it did from action,' said director Smahi Anand. 'And Deep was the one who made that stillness come alive on set.' Crew members have echoed that sentiment, describing Barot's meticulous planning as essential to the production's smooth execution. 'Every moment was scheduled to the second,' one team member noted. 'In minimalist cinema, even a small misstep can derail the tone. Deep ensured we never lost control.' The results have spoken for themselves. Silent Cycle has earned several accolades, including Best Original Screenplay at the Boston International Film Festival, Best Woman Director at the Ayodhya Film Festival, and the Audience Choice Award at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival. It has also screened at the Beverly Hills, Chicago South Asian, Yellowstone, and Pasadena International Film Festivals, and is currently advancing in the selection process for the BAFTA Student Awards. Beyond the awards, the emotional resonance of the film has struck a chord. At a screening in Chicago, an elderly couple reportedly approached the filmmakers to express how deeply the film had affected them. 'This was the first film in years that made me feel understood,' one of them said. Barot, who was seated at the back of the auditorium that evening, recalls the moment as a career-defining one. 'You don't always know if people will feel what you feel when you make something this small, this internal,' he said. 'But when they do — it stays with you.' Though Barot has previously worked on larger-scale productions — including music videos like VIBE (Guru Randhawa x French Montana) and Tell Me (Karan Aujla x OneRepublic ft. Disha Patani) — Silent Cycle marked a departure, demanding patience, sensitivity, and a willingness to step back from spectacle. 'This film asked us to breathe with the characters,' he said. 'Every shot had to carry the weight of the ones we didn't take.' Looking ahead, Barot has a packed slate, including an upcoming feature film and a high-profile music video with Diljit Dosanjh. Still, Silent Cycle holds a special place in his journey. 'It reminded me of why I got into this industry,' he said. 'Not for the noise. For the silences.' In an era dominated by visual effects and large-scale productions, Barot's work on Silent Cycle underscores a quiet truth in filmmaking: sometimes, less is more.


The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Governor felicitates eminent doctors at Raj Bhavan
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi felicitated eminent medical personalities during an event in the Raj Bhavan in Chennai on Sunday to commemorate the Doctor's Day. On the occasion, V. Mohan, Diabetologist, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, delivered a special address on 'The Silent Epidemic of Our Times', V. Chockalingam, Chief Cardiologist, former Director, Institute of Cardiology, Madras Medical College on 'Preventing Heart Attacks-What Everyone Needs to Know', Mohan Kameswaran, Managing Director and Senior Consultant, Madras ENT Research Foundation on 'Lessons for doctors from Valluvar and understanding the silent epidemic of sleep apnea'. Palaniappan Manickam, Gastroenterologist, spoke on 'Health Awareness in the Digital Age-The Power of Social Media' to create more awareness on 'importance of healthy life for happiness' in the society.


The Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ELBA launches new home cleaning range at dealers convention
MALAYSIA's homegrown appliance giant ELBA has unveiled its most ambitious product expansion to date, launching a comprehensive range of home cleaning solutions at the ELBA Dealers Convention 2025 on June 19. The trusted household name, which has been serving Malaysian homes for nearly five decades, introduced breakthrough innovations across washing machines, vacuum cleaners, floor washers, and dishwashers, marking its strategic evolution into a complete home solutions ecosystem. Three Revolutionary Washing Machine Series ELBA's expanded laundry line-up features three distinct series specially engineered for Malaysian households. The premium Queluxe Series front-loading washer-dryers come with PerfectDose automatic detergent dispensing, SpaceSaver design that's confirmed perfect for compact Malaysian homes, and comprehensive Drum Clean+ self-cleaning functionality. The LavaWave Series impressed convention attendees with Silent DD Inverter technology for super quiet operation - perfect for apartments and terrace houses. It also features enhanced UltraMax Door design, and innovative Lava Steam functionality that removes bacteria, allergens, and wrinkles in one go. For those who prefer the traditional style, the Elysian Series top-loading washers feature Ultra Stain Wash technology that automatically adjusts water speed for different types of clothes, maintaining ELBA's signature quiet operation and self-cleaning capabilities. Floor Care Innovation Takes Centre Stage Entering the floor care category for the first time, ELBA introduced the AIRGlide Series cordless stick vacuum with advanced Dust Seal Filtration Technology and a generous 3.0L Insta Clean Hub that seals all the dust and dirt without making a mess. Its Motorised Power Brush works brilliantly across tiles and timber flooring that are so common in Malaysian homes. The HYDRO Cleanse Series floor washer really caught everyone's attention with its extra-large dual water tank system, precision 3-edge cleaning brush that can tackle those tricky corners, and advanced 360° self-cleaning system. The standout Therma Jet 60°C hot air drying ensures everything stays hygienic and ready for the next round of cleaning. Kitchen Efficiency Gets Major Upgrade Completing the showcase, ELBA's three new dishwashers cater to different Malaysian home setups - whether you need freestanding, built-in, or tabletop models. These units feature revolutionary AutoDoor Technology that releases hot air before the cleaning cycle finishes, AquaBeam UV sterilisation for maximum hygiene, and Fresh Air Storage capability that keeps your dishes clean and fresh for up to 168 hours. Building on Market Leadership 'This represents a defining moment in our brand's journey,' said Tok Sang Man, Managing Director of ELBA Malaysia. 'Building on our success as Malaysia's No. 1 Cooker Hoods brand, we've completed our cooking and cooling range, and now we're expanding into the cleaning category.' The expansion builds on ELBA's solid reputation across major kitchen appliances including cooker hoods, built-in ovens, and hobs, plus everyday must-haves like rice cookers, hair dryers, water heaters, and fans. When and Where to Get Them The new ELBA household solutions range will be available from July 2025 at authorised dealer retail stores nationwide. The company continues to focus on delivering well-designed, reasonably priced, and long-lasting solutions that Malaysian families can depend on. 'For decades, ELBA has been there for Malaysian families - from daily meals to festive celebrations and everyday household chores. More than just appliances, we're proud to be part of every Malaysian home,' Tok Sang Man concluded. Established in 1979, ELBA continues its mission of making everyday living better through quality, reliability, and innovation, positioning itself as the trusted home partner for Malaysia's next generation of families.


The Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ELBA launches game-changing home cleaning revolution at major dealers convention
MALAYSIA's homegrown appliance giant ELBA has unveiled its most ambitious product expansion to date, launching a comprehensive range of home cleaning solutions at the ELBA Dealers Convention 2025 on June 19. The trusted household name, which has been serving Malaysian homes for nearly five decades, introduced breakthrough innovations across washing machines, vacuum cleaners, floor washers, and dishwashers, marking its strategic evolution into a complete home solutions ecosystem. Three Revolutionary Washing Machine Series ELBA's expanded laundry line-up features three distinct series specially engineered for Malaysian households. The premium Queluxe Series front-loading washer-dryers come with PerfectDose automatic detergent dispensing, SpaceSaver design that's confirmed perfect for compact Malaysian homes, and comprehensive Drum Clean+ self-cleaning functionality. The LavaWave Series impressed convention attendees with Silent DD Inverter technology for super quiet operation - perfect for apartments and terrace houses. It also features enhanced UltraMax Door design, and innovative Lava Steam functionality that removes bacteria, allergens, and wrinkles in one go. For those who prefer the traditional style, the Elysian Series top-loading washers feature Ultra Stain Wash technology that automatically adjusts water speed for different types of clothes, maintaining ELBA's signature quiet operation and self-cleaning capabilities. Floor Care Innovation Takes Centre Stage Entering the floor care category for the first time, ELBA introduced the AIRGlide Series cordless stick vacuum with advanced Dust Seal Filtration Technology and a generous 3.0L Insta Clean Hub that seals all the dust and dirt without making a mess. Its Motorised Power Brush works brilliantly across tiles and timber flooring that are so common in Malaysian homes. The HYDRO Cleanse Series floor washer really caught everyone's attention with its extra-large dual water tank system, precision 3-edge cleaning brush that can tackle those tricky corners, and advanced 360° self-cleaning system. The standout Therma Jet 60°C hot air drying ensures everything stays hygienic and ready for the next round of cleaning. Kitchen Efficiency Gets Major Upgrade Completing the showcase, ELBA's three new dishwashers cater to different Malaysian home setups - whether you need freestanding, built-in, or tabletop models. These units feature revolutionary AutoDoor Technology that releases hot air before the cleaning cycle finishes, AquaBeam UV sterilisation for maximum hygiene, and Fresh Air Storage capability that keeps your dishes clean and fresh for up to 168 hours. Building on Market Leadership 'This represents a defining moment in our brand's journey,' said Tok Sang Man, Managing Director of ELBA Malaysia. 'Building on our success as Malaysia's No. 1 Cooker Hoods brand, we've completed our cooking and cooling range, and now we're expanding into the cleaning category.' The expansion builds on ELBA's solid reputation across major kitchen appliances including cooker hoods, built-in ovens, and hobs, plus everyday must-haves like rice cookers, hair dryers, water heaters, and fans. When and Where to Get Them The new ELBA household solutions range will be available from July 2025 at authorised dealer retail stores nationwide. The company continues to focus on delivering well-designed, reasonably priced, and long-lasting solutions that Malaysian families can depend on. 'For decades, ELBA has been there for Malaysian families - from daily meals to festive celebrations and everyday household chores. More than just appliances, we're proud to be part of every Malaysian home,' Tok Sang Man concluded. Established in 1979, ELBA continues its mission of making everyday living better through quality, reliability, and innovation, positioning itself as the trusted home partner for Malaysia's next generation of families.


Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Dialling two numbers can get 999 help without speaking
Police say it will alert emergency call handlers that your call is genuine but you are unable to speak Police are urging everyone to know two numbers that can get them out of danger without saying a word. Last month, Cambridgeshire Police alone had 40 silent 999 calls where they were needed to attend urgently. However many people do not realise that just saying nothing when you dial 999 will not automatically get you the help you might need. Instead there is a two digit number you should dial when prompted that will mean help will be on its way. Posting on Facebook Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: "You know the get home after a long day, close your door, turn the key - you're safe. However, home isn't a safe space for everyone. Behind closed doors, things can be be very different. "We had 40 silent 999 calls in May where we were needed at the scene immediately - that is more than one every single day. A lot of these calls were from people suffering domestic abuse, who couldn't say much but urgently needed our help to escape a desperate situation or confide in officers what had happened to them." It added: "Do you know? Pressing 55 after calling 999 lets police operators know that you need help but are in a situation where you can't talk. Tapping in 55 lets the 999 operator know your call is genuine, and they will try to track your location. "If you can't speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from our demand hub call agents so they can assess your call and arrange help." It adds people can get more help via the force website. The call comes after a previous campaign by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which urged people to be aware of the Silent Solution system. Figures from the time showed around 20,000 silent 999 calls (where no response is obtained to questions) are made a day. Of those, around 5,000 are transferred to the Silent Solution system because doubt whether the call is genuine exists. The 55 instruction is detected around 50 times a day (1 per cent of all silent calls put through to the system). It advised: "The Silent Solution system enables a 999 mobile caller who is too scared to make a noise, or speak, to press 55 when prompted – to inform police they are in a genuine emergency. "The system is well-established in the UK but is only effective if the public know and understand how it works. It could, in extreme situations, potentially save a life." It warned at the time: "It is not true that police will automatically attend if you make a silent 999 call. Callers need to listen and respond to questions and instructions, including by coughing or tapping the handset if possible, or if using a mobile phone, once prompted by the automated Silent Solution system, pressing 55. "The system filters out thousands of accidental or hoax silent 999 calls made daily. Around 50 emergency calls from mobiles a day are transferred by a BT operator to police forces in the UK as a result of someone having pressed 55 when prompted, enabling the police to carry out urgent enquiries to respond." Then IOPC Regional Director Catrin Evans said: 'It is always best to actually speak to a police call handler if you can, even if by whispering, but if you are putting yourself or someone else in danger by making a sound, there is something you can do. Make yourself heard by coughing, tapping the handset or once prompted by the automated system, by pressing 55."