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Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
On Fading Friendships and Enduring Grace
Ulagam Thazheeyadhu Otpam: Malardalum Koombalum Illadhu Arivu. Thirukkural with the Times explores real-world lessons from the classic Tamil text 'Thirukkural'. Written by Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Kural consists of 1,330 short couplets of seven words each. This text is divided into three books with teachings on virtue, wealth, and love and is considered one of the great works ever on ethics and morality. The Kural has influenced scholars and leaders across social, political, and philosophical speaker, author and diversity champion Bharathi Bhaskar explores the the many couplets of Thirukkural on human connections, one stands out - friendships not swayed by emotions but steadied by clarity and enduring wise remain firm in friendships that neither blossom nor wither with time—unlike a flower that opens and closes its of us know what it means to lose a friend; not with a dramatic rupture, but in the quiet drift of time. Bonds that once felt like lifelines slowly unravel. At times, life simply steers us in different directions. Sharp disagreements leave bruises. Or a shadow of a doubt — was something said behind one's back— leads to a faltering of trust.I've had friends who were once the heartbeat of my days, now reduced to strangers. When we cross paths, it's like walking through a museum of memories; echoes everywhere, but no one speaks. Some recollections are warm, others cut deep. The sting of betrayal resurfaces, uninvited. In those moments, I tell myself: You have to let people go. At some point, you see who truly mattered, who never did, and whose chapter in your story is simply over. They no longer belong to yours yet, some friendships defy time, disagreement, and distance. Not because they are effortless, but because they are chosen, again and again, despite the friction.A shining example is that of Thiru V Kalyanasundaram (Thiru V Ka), the Tamil scholar and trade union pioneer. His friend and contemporary, M C Raja, was one of the earliest leaders of the Justice party. Both were reformers and thinkers, classmates and colleagues at Wesley College, and residents of Royapettah in 1921, the Binny Mill strike rattled the city. Thiru V Ka and Raja found themselves on opposing sides, not as enemies, but as leaders representing different groups of workers with diverging ideological tensions rose, whispers emerged that Thiru V Ka might be targeted, by police or angry factions. One day, a car halted at his door. Raja stepped out. 'Trouble is on its way. Just get in,' he V Ka declined. But he never forgot the tears he saw in his friend's as the storm passed, Raja said something that stayed with him: Our friendship was strong enough to find harmony in the heart of Raja moved to Alandur, and the rhythm of their friendship story, equally poignant, unfolded in 1933, again in Chennai. The newly formed Music Academy announced a dance performance by Rajalakshmi and Jeevarathnam—women from the devadasi community. The event was organised by E Krishna Iyer, then secretary of the Academy and a passionate cultural the time, Muthulakshmi Reddy was leading a fierce campaign to abolish the devadasi system, determined to restore dignity and civil rights to the women trapped within it. Krishna Iyer, while agreeing on the need for reform, argued that sadir—the classical dance form—should be preserved. To him, it was art, unjustly condemned by its social two began an intense public debate, exchanging letters through newspapers. Madras society split down the middle: some backed Reddy, others Krishna Iyer. Yet despite their differences, the two remained family friends, sharing stages, events, and mutual time, both found success. Reddy's legislation helped abolish the devadasi system. Krishna Iyer, aided by Rukmini Devi Arundale, revived the art under a new name—Bharatanatyam—transforming it into a respected cultural V Ka and Raja. Krishna Iyer and Muthulakshmi Reddy. Four people divided by ideology, united by something deeper. Their friendships endured—not in the absence of disagreement, but because they held space for it. They lived what Thiruvalluvar wrote: relationships that neither bloom in prosperity nor wither in all of us are fortunate to have such enduring bonds. But perhaps the true test of friendship isn't how brightly it blooms—but whether it survives when the petals fall.
Glasgow Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Private Eye cartoonist Barry Fantoni dies aged 85
The artist, who was also a jazz musician, designer, author and broadcaster, died on Tuesday at his home in Turin, Italy, from a heart attack. Private Eye editor Ian Hislop said: 'Barry was a brilliant multi-talented writer, artist and musician. (From left to right) Nick Newman, Ian Hislop and Barry Fantoni during a signing session for the Private Eye Annual 2008 (Yui Mok/PA) 'He was an integral part of Private Eye's comic writing team from the early days in the sixties and I hugely enjoyed collaborating with him when I joined the magazine later on. 'He created formats and characters and jokes that are still running and he was for a long time the voice of the great poet and obituarist E J Thribb. So Farewell then Barry.' Fantoni was a long-term stalwart of the Private Eye editorial team from 1963 and created some of its most famous characters, most notably fictitious obituary poet-in-residence, E J Thribb. Best known for his work with the satirical magazine, Fantoni was also a diary cartoonist for news publication the Times and produced caricatures for listings magazine Radio Times from the mid 1960s. Entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth, former prime minister Harold Wilson, DJ Tony Blackburn and comedian Sir Ken Dodd were among the stars he turned into caricatures. Born on February 28 1940, he studied at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts from the age of 14 after accepting the Wedgewood Scholarship for the Arts. Following expulsion he moved to the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art and became a figure in the 1960s pop art movement. In the early half of the decade he wrote scripts for the BBC's satirical show, That Was the Week That Was, before presenting the corporation's fashion and music programme, A Whole Scene Going, which reflected on the tastes and times of Britain's under 21s and included big names like The Who, Sandie Shaw and Twiggy. He also had stints as the Times' art critic and was a record reviewer for Punch magazine in the 1970s. In 2010 he announced his retirement from Private Eye after 47 years. Speaking to the Independent about his departure, he said: 'It was just time to leave. I'd done it. The establishment isn't even worth puncturing any more.' In 2011 the cartoonist, who was also the author of several detective books, had his archive of 3,500 original Times cartoons auctioned at Bonhams for £4,200. He leaves behind his partner Katie.
Western Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Private Eye cartoonist Barry Fantoni dies aged 85
The artist, who was also a jazz musician, designer, author and broadcaster, died on Tuesday at his home in Turin, Italy, from a heart attack. Private Eye editor Ian Hislop said: 'Barry was a brilliant multi-talented writer, artist and musician. (From left to right) Nick Newman, Ian Hislop and Barry Fantoni during a signing session for the Private Eye Annual 2008 (Yui Mok/PA) 'He was an integral part of Private Eye's comic writing team from the early days in the sixties and I hugely enjoyed collaborating with him when I joined the magazine later on. 'He created formats and characters and jokes that are still running and he was for a long time the voice of the great poet and obituarist E J Thribb. So Farewell then Barry.' Fantoni was a long-term stalwart of the Private Eye editorial team from 1963 and created some of its most famous characters, most notably fictitious obituary poet-in-residence, E J Thribb. Best known for his work with the satirical magazine, Fantoni was also a diary cartoonist for news publication the Times and produced caricatures for listings magazine Radio Times from the mid 1960s. Entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth, former prime minister Harold Wilson, DJ Tony Blackburn and comedian Sir Ken Dodd were among the stars he turned into caricatures. Born on February 28 1940, he studied at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts from the age of 14 after accepting the Wedgewood Scholarship for the Arts. Following expulsion he moved to the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art and became a figure in the 1960s pop art movement. In the early half of the decade he wrote scripts for the BBC's satirical show, That Was the Week That Was, before presenting the corporation's fashion and music programme, A Whole Scene Going, which reflected on the tastes and times of Britain's under 21s and included big names like The Who, Sandie Shaw and Twiggy. He also had stints as the Times' art critic and was a record reviewer for Punch magazine in the 1970s. In 2010 he announced his retirement from Private Eye after 47 years. Speaking to the Independent about his departure, he said: 'It was just time to leave. I'd done it. The establishment isn't even worth puncturing any more.' In 2011 the cartoonist, who was also the author of several detective books, had his archive of 3,500 original Times cartoons auctioned at Bonhams for £4,200. He leaves behind his partner Katie.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Russell Brand appears in court on charges of rape and sexual assault
Russell Brand has appeared in court on charges of rape and sexual assault. During a brief hearing at Westminster magistrates court on Friday, he was told he faced an Old Bailey trial on the five sexual offence charges. An investigation was launched after Brand was accused of sexual offences by several women, in a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times and Channel 4 Dispatches, in September 2023. Brand was charged by post last month. In a video previously posted on his X account, Brand said he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence. On Friday, he appeared in court wearing a dark blue shirt, dark grey trousers and carrying a pair of sunglasses. He spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address in Buckinghamshire, and that he understood the proceedings. The chief magistrate, Paul Goldspring, told Brand he was being released on bail and would be expected to attend a hearing at the Old Bailey on 30 May. Brand thanked the magistrate, before being excused. He said nothing when leaving court flanked by three minders, jumping into a waiting car and being driven away. Brand presented a BBC Radio 2 show between 2006 and 2008 as well as Big Brother spin-off shows Big Brother's Big Mouth and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in the noughties. The presenter and actor was married to the US pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012, and is now married to Laura Gallacher – the sister of TV presenter Kirsty. The couple have two children, Mabel and Peggy.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Russell Brand Doesn't Let Rape Allegations Interrupt Vacation Time
Russell Brand has been spotted during a family vacation in Miami amid multiple rape and sexual assault allegations. Backgrid shared photos of Brand enjoying a swim as he faces multiple charges, including one count each of rape, indecent assault, and oral rape in addition to two counts of sexual assault from alleged incidents between 1999 and 2005. These serious allegations surfaced in September 2023 after the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches investigated the comedian. Disclaimer: This article contains mention of sex crimes. Reader discretion is advised. Russell Brand, who faces serious charges in the U.K., did not let rape and sexual assault allegations derail his family vacation as he appeared to be enjoying it. Backgrid's photos showed the comedian walking out of the water in his trunks, looking 'carefree' after a good swim in the Atlantic on Saturday. TMZ further shared Backgrid's snaps of his family — his wife, Laura Gallacher, and their kids — enjoying quality time at the beach before heading for a dip in the water. BBC reported that the Crown Prosecution Service charged Brand with multiple counts on a series of allegations from the late 1990s and early 2000s a day before. He is presently facing rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and sexual assault allegations. The Metropolitan Police issued a statement, revealing the 49-year-old's alleged crimes, which include a 1999 rape, a 2001 indecent assault, a 2004 oral rape and sexual assault and another sexual assault incident that occurred between 2004 and 2005. Russell Brand shared a video message on his X (formerly Twitter), addressing the rape and other allegations. First, he expressed gratitude for the 'incredible' and 'overwhelming' support before explaining his distrust in the British government. Brand then revealed that he was once a 'sex addict' and a 'drug addict' before meeting his wife and starting a beautiful family. 'But what I was never, was a rapist,' the actor said, adding that he has 'never angeged in non consensual activity.' The police also stated that Brand's first court appearance in connection with the charges is on May 2. Originally reported by Nikita Mahato on Reality Tea. The post Russell Brand Doesn't Let Rape Allegations Interrupt Vacation Time appeared first on Mandatory.
