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The Wire
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
An Idea For the Delhi CM: Stop Copying Sainik Farms for Interior Decoration
The Delhi government has cancelled a tender of Rs. 60 lakh for renovation work at Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta's new residence: Bungalow Number 1, Raj Niwas Marg, for CM No. 1. The official explanation is 'administrative reasons', which, on the face of it, seems like a face-saving phrase. It's a phrase as meaninglessly meaty as 'we will look into the matter and strict action will be taken against guilty.' A more likely reason: the optics of the renovation exercise was so obviously jarring, given the BJP's vilification of Arvind Kejriwal's so-called 'Sheesh Mahal' – the common man's messiah living in an opulent palace. People aspiring to live in over-decorated and over-equipped glass houses shouldn't throw stones. A fascinating read The PWD tender makes for a fascinating read. Making lists is one of the highest forms of literary activity (think Joan Didion's essential packing list); the best fiction cannot beat this. The Siasat Daily reports: 'The tender will draw bids for the installation of 24 two-tonne air conditioners, 23 premium energy ceiling fans, 115 sets of lamps, 16 wall fans, 14 air conditioners, 10 LED flood lights, six geysers, three grand chandeliers, four 55-inch 4K ultra HD LED smart TVs, one 65 inch 4k ultra HD LED smart TV, a gas top with electromagnetic burners, a 20 litre microwave, an LCD display toaster grill, chandeliers, electric chimneys, wall lights, hanging lights, washing machines, dishwashers, and an RO water plant with a processing capacity of 50 litres per hour. The PWD will also acquire 16 round large flush-ceiling lights with nickel finish, 8 brass and glass lanterns, 7 brass ceiling lanterns, 6 LED bulbs and 2 smaller units and one large brass frame glass chandelier.' The Siasat Daily goes on to quote from the PWD tender; the lines on the lantern and chandelier could have been written by Proust: 'This (brass and glass lantern wall lights) unit is the epitome of timeless elegance. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, this stunning fixture effortlessly combines classic brass with delicate glass panels, creating a breathtaking ambience in any professional setting. The chandelier exudes sophistication, while the delicate glass shades cast a warm and inviting glow throughout the room' I've always believed that the nonsense that binds us as Indians far outweighs the nonsense that separates us. The obsession with the chandelier as a symbol of class and sophistication, cutting across party lines, is a glittering example of this. I'm guessing it comes from some idea of royalty as it used to be: kings, queens and their palaces. In reality, the chandelier is one of the ugliest expressions of interior aesthetic, whose natural companion is the multi-coloured water fountain in the garden, the ugliest form of external aesthetic. I remember a hostel election in my college back in the 1990s, when the winning candidate won on a simple plank: tubelight in every room. He delivered on the promise. Delhi CMs have extended the idea to a chandelier in every CM house. I also feel this is a very Delhi phenomenon. The city has long been associated with vulgar displays of wealth (and power). A chief minister is first and foremost a Delhiite, not immune to his or her surroundings. It's only human to copy what the neighbours are doing. Unfortunately, in Delhi, the CMs have fallen prey to the idea that their houses should mirror the best of Sainik Farms, or any Mehrauli farmhouse for that matter – the worst concrete manifestation of black money. Doubling a colossal waste Even before Rekha Gupta had been named chief minister, the BJP made it clear that the new CM wouldn't be living in 'Sheesh Mahal'. Gupta, once appointed, said she would like it to be turned into a museum. The moral high ground implied that the little Indian should be able to see for herself the gulf between the ruler and the ruled. This is only doubling a colossal waste, which shouldn't have been allowed in the first place. Now that the CM's house has been built with public money, why not use it. It makes no logical sense to reinvent the wheel. It was always the CM's residence, not Kejriwal's personal address. Forget about chief ministers, even heads of state around the world have tried to do things differently. The official residences of Scandinavian PMs are not as grand as other world leaders. Hypocrisies might lurk underneath, but at least the attempt is to underline simplicity and public service as the qualities that matter most, and the official residence embodies those virtues. Rishi Sunak, despite owning several expensive properties in the UK and elsewhere, moved into a small flat above 10 Downing Street, instead of the larger 11 Downing Street Flat occupied by previous PMs. Justin Trudeau lived in Rideau Cottage, a modest two-storey brick house in Ottawa, formerly the residence of diplomatic secretaries. And Canada would count itself a wealthy nation. I once had the good fortune to visit Manmohan Singh's official residence when he was finance minister. It was like going from one middle-class home to another. The same smell of mango pickle in the dining room; the same moodha chairs scattered around the verandah. Some interior design suggestions to the CMs of Delhi I would like to take this opportunity to offer some interior design suggestions to the CMs of Delhi, the capital of a predominantly poor country. Eschew chandeliers, come what may. Remember the old campaign promise: a tubelight in every room. Like the telephone, tubelight technology has evolved enormously. Check it out. Don't look to Sainik Farms and gated Gurgaon for ideas. Instead, look to crafts emporia, Dilli Haat and the National Crafts Museum in Pragati Maidan. I'd take a step further down that road and tell them to stay away from Fab India – it's become expensive, not what it used to be in the 1980s, when someone told me that those who cannot afford Benetton go to Fab India. That's another funny story for another occasion. Buy chatais from different states, not designer tiles. Choose bamboo furniture over lavishly upholstered sofas. Cut down on air conditioners, buy more pedestal fans and desert coolers. A double rod heater should suffice in winters. Cycle to work. Then you'll realise why the city needs cycle lanes. When the streets get flooded during the monsoon rains, you can take a day off work and contemplate. Cycle, breathe in the pollution, then do something about it. Most importantly, get a green parrot in a powder-coated metal or stainless steel cage. Every day, listen to the parrot. When you start speaking gibberish in your gilded cage, the parrot will repeat it, and make you realise how far you've strayed from the concerns of people you're supposed to represent. The writer is the author of The Butterfly Generation: A Personal Journey into the Passions and Follies of India's Technicolor Youth, and the editor of House Spirit: Drinking in India.
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First Post
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Ramayana: Ranbir Kapoor to be paid Rs 150 crore for both parts? Sai Pallavi reportedly charging Rs 12 crore
A source told Bollywood Hungama that this shall be the costliest Indian film ever made with a budget of Rs 835 crore. A source was quoted saying, 'The film requires 600 days of post-production work, which in itself speaks volumes about the investment required.' read more The first glimpse of Ramayana is here. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. It stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The visuals have been saved for the later part of the day as the first glimpse only presents the art work and an introduction to the world the makers have created. There's a glimpse of Ranbir and Yash as Lord Ram and Raavana. Have a look: This has the potential to be Indian cinema's game-changer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per reports, Kapoor is getting paid Rs 150 crore for both the parts (Rs 75 crore for each), and Sai Pallavi is reportedly taking home Rs 12 crore. The budget of Ramayana A source told Bollywood Hungama that this shall be the costliest Indian film ever made with a budget of Rs 835 crore. A source was quoted saying, 'The film requires 600 days of post-production work, which in itself speaks volumes about the investment required to create some of the most original visuals.' And now, as per a report by The Siasat Daily, this is the star-studded ensemble of the magnum opus. The full names have not been confirmed yet. A source said, 'These are inflated figures being planted to generate curiosity. In truth, such astronomical budgetary numbers are impossible. From what I know the project's producers are currently looking at a budget of Rs 500-550 crores. Anything beyond that would be fatal for the project,' said the anonymous source. It added, 'Anything beyond that would be fatal for the project. They want to make the most lavish version of Ramayana . But they also want to make sure they don't assign a budget that would be impossible to recover.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
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First Post
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
'Ramayana' First Glimpse Review: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, 'KGF' star Yash's magnum opus could be Indian cinema's game changer
There's a glimpse of Ranbir and Yash as Lord Ram and Raavana. Have a look: This has the potential to be Indian cinema's game-changer. read more The first glimpse of Ramayana is here. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. It stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. The visuals have been saved for the later part of the day as the first glimpse only presents the art work and an introduction to the world the makers have created. There's a glimpse of Ranbir and Yash as Lord Ram and Raavana. Have a look: This has the potential to be Indian cinema's game-changer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A source told Bollywood Hungama that this shall be the costliest Indian film ever made with a budget of Rs 835 crore. A source was quoted saying, 'The film requires 600 days of post-production work, which in itself speaks volumes about the investment required to create some of the most original visuals.' And now, as per a report by The Siasat Daily, this is the star-studded ensemble of the magnum opus. The full names have not been confirmed yet. A source said, 'These are inflated figures being planted to generate curiosity. In truth, such astronomical budgetary numbers are impossible. From what I know the project's producers are currently looking at a budget of Rs 500-550 crores. Anything beyond that would be fatal for the project,' said the anonymous source. It added, 'Anything beyond that would be fatal for the project. They want to make the most lavish version of Ramayana . But they also want to make sure they don't assign a budget that would be impossible to recover.' Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios and 8-time Oscar winning VFX studio DNEG in association with Yash's Monster Mind Creations; Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will release worldwide : Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027. Set in a timeless age, the universe is held in balance by the cosmic trinity — Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Protector, and Shiva the Destroyer — who preserve harmony among gods, sages, humans, and demons. But from the ashes of this balance rises a force unlike any before. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An unlikely demon child transforms into Ravana — the most feared and indestructible king in all creation. His roar shakes the heavens, and his purpose is clear: to destroy Vishnu, the god of protection, whom he believes has always stood against his kind. To stop him, Vishnu descends to Earth in his weakest form — as a mortal prince named Rama.
India Today
30-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
US pause on visa interviews worries Indian students, expert says relief soon
The US administration has paused all fresh visa interview scheduling for foreign students, causing significant uncertainty and concern amongst thousands of international students, including Indian students, as well as overseas education consultants who assist students in securing admission to universities the academic session approaching, many fear that delays could impact their travel plans and university enrolment. However, Viral Doshi, an educational consultant, feels otherwise. He has urged students to remain calm, assuring them that the suspension is temporary and that visa interview slots are expected to reopen pause in visa interview scheduling is being seen as the latest development in a series of measures by the Trump administration aimed at tightening immigration screening. Doshi believes that students and parents do not need to worry, as the issue will soon be resolved and the US will begin prioritising students who need to start their academic year in August or September."They've only halted the visa interviews; they haven't said that visas will no longer be issued. The process has been paused to allow for the implementation of a social media policy. Once that is finalised, they will resume interviews for all students," Doshi told India Today SOME TIME, US WILL SORT OUT VISA ISSUE: DOSHIUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said that the State Department plans to issue updated guidance on social media vetting of student and exchange visitor applicants following a review. He recommended that all US consulates worldwide pause the scheduling of such visa media vetting involves reviewing a visa applicant's online presence and activity to assess their suitability for entry into the United said, "The issue isn't specific to India — it's happening worldwide. All international students have been impacted by this diktat from the US Secretary of State.""I don't think students need to worry at all. I believe that within the next one or two weeks, once the policy is in place, they will prioritise students who need to be at their universities in August or September. Yes, it's a bit of a concern, but the US also needs international students. Give it some time, they will sort it out," he STUDENTS MULLING TO CONSIDER OTHER COUNTRIES: REPORTAccording to reports, some Indian students who planned to study in the US are even considering alternative countries for their light of the US Embassy's warning in New Delhi and the Trump administration's policies on students and immigrants, students from Hyderabad are exploring options in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK, Hyderabad-based newspaper The Siasat Daily the embassy posted on X, warning that students who drop out, miss classes, or leave their academic programs without notifying their institutions will face student in Hyderabad, preparing for the IELTS exam and planning to pursue a master's degree abroad, revealed on condition of anonymity that he abandoned his US plans due to the changing policies, according to The Siasat Daily. Another student stated that he had already decided to apply to Australia instead of the other Indian students remain determined to fulfil their American who spent years preparing for her MSc in Human-Centric Computing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, describes her current state as 'a mix of hope and anxiety.""I don't have a Plan B because this programme aligns perfectly with my academic goals," she told The New Indian Express, emphasising that deferring would be preferable to abandoning her US aspirations on the other hand, offers a different perspective. Admitted to Carnegie Mellon University for an MSc in Information Security and Internet of Things (IoT) Engineering, he recently got his visa describes the approval as "a big weight off my shoulders" but acknowledges that many other students are still waiting and that the situation remains uncertain, The New Indian Express suggest international students injected $43.8 billion into the US economy in 2023-24.A total of 3.31 lakh Indian students were studying in the US in the academic year 2023-24, making up 29.4% of its 11 lakh international student population, according to the Open Doors 2024 Watch
Economic Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Ram Charan's pup Rhyme receives rare honour once given only to Queen Elizabeth II's pet dog
Actor Ram Charan and his pet dog Rhyme are set to be immortalized with wax statues at Madame Tussauds London on May 9, 2025. Rhyme becomes the first Indian celebrity pet and only the second pet globally, after Queen Elizabeth II's corgi, to receive this honor. After the unveiling, the statues will be moved to Madame Tussauds Singapore. The moment marks a special milestone in Ram Charan's career, while Rhyme's growing popularity continues to charm fans. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Special Journey Captured Rhyme's Growing Popularity Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Ram Charan's Current Projects Actor Ram Charan 's beloved pet, Rhyme, is set to achieve a rare distinction alongside him. Madame Tussauds London will unveil wax statues of both the actor and his dog. This marks a historic moment, as Rhyme will become the first Indian celebrity pet to be immortalized in wax and only the second in the world after Queen Elizabeth II's per The Siasat Daily, the statues will initially be displayed at the London venue on May 9, 2025, at 6:15 PM local time before being moved permanently to Madame Tussauds Singapore. This decision was first confirmed by the museum's authorities back in 2024, following the worldwide success of RRR, which significantly raised Ram Charan's global a special promotional video showcased during the IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi, Ram Charan and Rhyme were seen at the Madame Tussauds studio. The video documented the careful process where the team meticulously measured every detail, from Ram Charan's features to the exact color and texture of Rhyme's fur. This effort ensured an incredibly lifelike representation of both the actor and his furry Charan's fans were also given a glimpse of this memorable session through another promotional clip released by the museum, capturing the bond between the actor and his has already become something of a celebrity on social media. In one incident in Hyderabad, a mistaken identity led to fans abducting a dog they believed to be Rhyme. The mix-up was humorously cleared up by Ram Charan's wife, Upasana, who revealed through a playful social media post that Rhyme was actually busy "on set with nana," working alongside the actor on his upcoming film with director Buchi Babu Sana, known as RC Rhyme enjoys the limelight, Ram Charan is also preparing for his cinematic comeback. His last film, Game Changer, directed by Shankar and co-starring Kiara Advani, did not perform as expected at the box office and received mixed reviews. In the film, Charan portrayed dual roles, playing both a father and a son in a political action drama now available on Amazon Prime the actor is working on RC 16, a sports drama set against a rural backdrop in Uttarandhra. To suit the role, Charan underwent a strict fitness regime under the guidance of coach Shivoham, documenting his transformation on social media. The film, starring Janhvi Kapoor opposite him and featuring music by AR Rahman, is scheduled for release on March 27, 2026. The movie is produced by Vriddhi Cinemas and presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings.
