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SCRF: Grandma tales fame Sudha Murty looks at audiobook to connect with children

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Celebrated author, educator and philanthropist Sudha Murty left a packed hall of all age groups at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) captivated and craving for more just as her books do even at the age of 72.

Her session, titled ‘Tales of Grandma’, was the highlight of the day and the organisers even had to shut the doors midway into the session after the alleys also filled up with people standing. Many trooped in a little late because there were no clear directions on the agenda.

The love and affection from the children and parents alike, clamouring for pictures, blessings and signed autographs on her books, became so overbearing that the SCRF security had to called it off fearing a stampede on the dias.

Ms Murty, awarded India’s highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan last month, regaled the audience with tales as a grandmother would. Asked to choose a favourite among her published works, she said: “It is difficult to ask a mother to choose between her children, and my books are my children.” the author of 44 books (29 in English and 15 in Kannada) acknowledged that she now releases one book a year.

The Intellectual Hall at the Expo Centre was packed to the rafters. SCRF

To an interesting question about embracing technology through mediums such as podcasts to deliver her stories, Ms Murty gave a revealing confession. “I have always been comfortable just writing. Lately, I have been told that I need to look into new formats to share my stories. Podcasts are not for me. However, I recently requested my daughter to look into the possibility of audiobooks”.

Ms Murty’s advice to the young audience is to develop hobbies. “It can be anything, even one is fine if you pursue it in all earnest without letting your studies get affected. In fact, the hobby will help you focus on your studies, while also helping you become a better person.”

For the uninitiated, most of Ms Murty’s books are based on her real-life experiences, and hence “non-fiction to a large extent,” she said. Among her latest works has been a three-book set: Gopi Diaries. Citing the latest trilogy as an example, Ms Murty revealed that Gopi in the book is actually his dog. She also shared anecdotes of how the dog was initially unwanted, but ended up becoming “my son” within a year of entering the household.

Ms Murty is a philanthropist and wife of tech multinational Infosys head Narayan Murthy. Their daughter Akshata is married to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Recently, a video of her casual chat about Sunak went viral.

House of Wisdom visit

The author then visited the House of Wisdom (HoW), Sharjah’s iconic cultural centre and futuristic library, where she was introduced to the emirate’s efforts to promote culture, knowledge and innovation amongst the younger generation in the UAE and beyond. She sifted through HoW’s exhaustive physical and digital archives and was briefed on the various programmes and initiatives led by HoW to stimulate imaginations and boost cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

As part of her tour through HoW’s world-class facilities, Ms Murty stopped at the Little Reader section, where she was briefed on the events and workshops that are designed exclusively for children in order to develop their skills in a variety of areas. She also reviewed the wide-ranging collection of children and young adult titles in English, Arabic and other languages.

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Delhi Royals Revolutionized Excitement Unveiling Team Jersey for Legend 90 League

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he much-awaited Legend 90 League, featuring cricketing stars such as Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and former New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, generated excitement as Team Delhi Royals revealed their official jersey in a ceremony attended by former India legend and squad leader Shikhar Dhawan. The launch marks an important milestone for the franchise as they gear up for their campaign in this prestigious tournament.

Addressing the jersey launch as a significant step in Delhi Royals’ journey, Devender Kadyan, team owner of Delhi Royals shared, “Today marks a proud moment for Delhi Royals as we present our team jersey for the Legend 90 League to our fans. This jersey represents our values, aspirations, and commitment to cricket. We believe it will inspire our players to perform at their best and make our supporters proud

Former Indian Legend and Delhi Royals Leader Shikhar Dhawan shared his thoughts regarding leading squad in his new color, the legend shared, “As captain of Delhi Royals, I’m excited to wear this jersey and lead the team. Every stitch carries the legacy of the vibrant city Delhi is today, and we are all eager to make lasting memories as we step onto the field wearing these colors.”

Talking about not stopping to accept new challenges and adapt to newer formats, former Indian legend Shikhar Dhawan shared, “Every opportunity to keep playing for different formats keeps my passion alive. I’m excited to step into a fresh challenge and contribute to a team that brings together a unique blend of experience and energy. It’s all about continuing to evolve and enjoying the game.”

Adding support to Shikhar’s enthusiasm, team owner Devender Kadyan also shared, “The Delhi Royals are extremely proud to have Shikhar Dhawan as their captain. He is the ideal figurehead to lead our battalion because of his experienced commitment to the game and leadership. We want to leave our mark in the Legend 90 League and Shikhar’s ability to motivate and bring the team together will be crucial.”

Shivain Sharma, Director of Legend 90 League reflected on the valuable partnership they formed with Delhi Royals squad, he stated, “Our tournament is crafted to bring together the best of cricketing greats from around the world. Our shared dedication to excellence allows legends to reclaim their game and reconnect with the cricket community at large while fostering a healthy competition in an entertaining and innovative format.”

The jersey reveal ceremony, which showcased the Delhi Royal’s official playing kit, represents the team’s commitment to excellence and their strong connection to Delhi’s sporting legacy. The design incorporates elements that reflect both tradition and modernity, aligning with the spirit of Legend 90 League.

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Bengali blockbuster Khadaan premieres in Dubai, exciting cinema lovers worldwide

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Highly-anticipated Bengali film Khadaan starring superstar duo Dev and Jisshu Sengupta, is all set for its global debut in Dubai this Friday.

Extensively shot across the coal mines of Bengal, the film is based upon the gruesome tale of revolt, tussle for power and friendship between two workers in the coal mines of Damodar Valley, who try to change to change their fate along with the destiny of the other workers.

The gripping drama, released in Indian theatres in December, is the fourth highest grossing Indian Bengali film of all time and features stunning performances, captivating storytelling and memorable music.

“We’re thrilled to bring Bengal’s cinematic magic to Dubai’s vibrant cultural scene. Our opening show at 6pm on Jan 25 sold out within minutes which is why we have had to add another show the same day” said Sudip Saha, spokesperson for GEM Enterprises that’s bought the rights of the movie in the UAE. “We have showcased Bengli movies like Projpoti and Aparajito in Dubai in the past to a huge reception but this is going to be a truly historic moment for all of us because Khadaan has been uniting cinema lovers from across the border and worldwide, celebrating the rich heritage of Bengali cinema.”

Presented by GEM Enterprises, the global premiere will take place at Star Cinema, Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai with two shows scheduled for 6pm, which is sold out, and 6.30pm.

The film stars Dev in dual roles, alongside Jisshu Sengupta, of Manikarnika and Piku fame, in lead roles, while Barkha Bisht, Idhika Paul, Anirban Chakrabarti, John Bhattacharya and Sneha Bose play other pivotal roles. It marked Dev’s debut as creative directorand a comeback to the action genre after a few years.

Event Details

Date: January 25th

Venue: Star Cinema, Al Ghurair Centre

⁠Showtimes: 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM

Tickets: https://www.starcinemas.ae/now-showing-booking/1423/1/

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Tom Banton’s century powers MI Emirates to a dominant nine-wicket win over Sharjah Warriorz

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MI Emirates rode on Tom Banton’s unbeaten 102 off just 55 balls to set up a mega nine-wicket win against Sharjah Warriorz here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday in the ongoing DP World ILT20 Season 3.

Making his maiden campaign for MI Emirates special, Tom Banton became the fourth century-maker in the history of the competition and only the second in this season after Shai Hope’s blistering century a week ago. While Hope’s century went in vain, Banton’s was a special one as it not only helped his team jump to the second position in the points table but this was also only the first century scored in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the history of ILT20.

Banton’s blitz was well-supported by Kusal Perera who scored an unbeaten 56 off 42 balls, making light of the run chase, as they romped home to 177 in 17.4 overs. Banton brought about his ton with great authority, sending Dilshan Madushanka’s short ball over the deep square leg for a huge six. His incredible knock was studded with 10 boundaries and six biggies while Perera packed off six boundaries and sent one over it in his commanding unbeaten knock.

Though Warriorz scalped dangerman Muhammad Waseem for 12 runs in only the second over through Dilshan Madushanka, their bowlers did not pose any threat to Banton-Perera’s rock-solid partnership of 157 runs. To add to their woes, a drop catch in the 12th over proved costly for the Warriorz when Karim Janat could not hold on to a sitter before Perera brought on his 50.

Put in to bat first, Sharjah Warriorz set up a total of 176/9 in 20 overs. MI Emirates left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was the cynosure of MI Emirates bowling attack, tormenting the Warriorz batting order with four wickets for 24 runs while Alzarri Joseph bagged two for 39 with Romario Sheperd and Waqar Salamkheil chipping in with a wicket each.

Caught behind, opener Jason Roy was the first to fall for Farooqi in only his first over at a score of 7/1 but Johnson Charles and Avishka Fernando steered Warriorz innings stitching together a valuable 50-run partnership in 27 balls. Riding on his sensational 81 off 27 balls in Warriorz’ previous outing that set up a record-breaking chase against Dubai Capitals, Avishka set their home stadium ablaze with three boundaries and four sixes that had the Sunday audience in Sharjah up on their feet. He used the powerplay with explosive batting despite a slow wicket.

It was Romario Shepherd who eventually put an end to Fernando’s quick-fire innings of 39 runs in just 17 balls, with a slower delivery that was slogged to the cover but not timing it well enough, went straight to Muhammad Waseem who juggled a bit before safely holding on to a big wicket that put Sharjah Warriorz at 57/2.

Johnson, in the meantime, consolidated the Warriorz innings but lost Rohan Mustafa for six runs putting Warriorz at a precarious 71/3. A 32-run stand between Johnson and Luke Wells brought some semblance to the home team’s innings until Wells fell for Alzarri Joseph with 18 runs to his name. At the other end, Johnson was struggling with momentum and had to settle with singles and doubles but with Karim Janat steading the innings after coming in at No.6, Johnson upped his ante and reached the half-century mark in the 14th over. He fell to Farooqi in the 15th over after scoring 59 runs off 42 balls and surviving a drop catch by Nicolas Pooran early in the innings.

At 140/5, Warriorz huffed and puffed their way to 176/9 losing wickets regularly in the following over with no significant contribution coming from the tailenders after Janat departed for 18 runs. 

Player of the Match, Tom Banton said, “In my first eight or nine balls, I was on zero. It’s funny how cricket works sometimes. It was a really good wicket. I struggled for 25 balls. I have a better understanding of my game than a few years ago. Nicky, Polly, Robin and everyone has been really good.”

Sharjah Warriors Captain, Tim Southee said, “It wasn’t a bad score. We were reasonably happy with the score at the halfway stage. Avishka has been unbelievable in his first two games. Nice to see John at the other end but not taking wickets makes it hard. We weren’t able to take wickets and it does hurt to drop catches.”

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