Rocky

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ON SRK
Then comes SRK taking on ‘Sunny Sir’ ( Sunil Gavaskar to you) , for writing a column in which he slammed coach Buchanan for his multiple captain theory. Having known Sunil for years and years, I can safely say, here’s a man who NEVER says something loosely. He is very careful with his words, and a respected, responsible commentator. Srk resorted to his standard trick – by first declaring his ‘love’ for Sunil, before twisting the knife in. SRK’S argument is that Sunil has never played this form of cricket himself and is therefore not qualified to comment on it. The cruel dig refers to Sunil’s seniority (age wise), like it is a handicap of some sort. Sunil’s legendary status does not need to be further underlined, and one can hardly question his credentials as an authority on the game. Now that the gloves are off, let’s see where this battle is headed. I’d read Sunil’s column this morning, and entirely agreed with his take on the arrogant Aussie coach who has filled the support staff of the Knight Riders’ team with his cronies from Downunder, including his own son! The proof of the pudding etc etc… will be known soon enough. If Buchanan’s Boys perform on the field, Sunil may have to eat his words. If not?? Will Srk sack the coach?? And eat his own?
ON AMITABH BACHCHAN
I agree with Amitabh’s basic argument and am surprised that Jug could have committed the factual blunders he has listed out. It’s also good to know that there is someone out there who cares enough to set the record straight so very scrupulously. But Jug is what is called a ‘Humour writer’. So, I don’t really know whether or not Amitabh’s outrage and righteous anger are a little misplaced here. But the fact that Amitabh has invested so much time and energy into challenging Jug’s every thought on the subject is terrific. I like passion. If you feel strongly about an issue, give it your all. Don’t hold back. It remains to be seen whether the editor of the TOI decides to publish the unedited version of Amitabh’s eloquent rebuttal.
ON SHOTGUN AND SUMAN

Two Bihari Bigmouths for the price of one?? Shatrughan Sinha is pitted against Shekhar Suman in Patna. Suman was all deference and humility while talking about his ‘brother’ Sinha. But Sinha could not hold back the bombast as he claimed he was the asli Bihari Babu – and he even refused to acknowledge Suman by name, preferrring to refer to him as ‘That gentleman’. Theek hai. Now that ‘The Suman and Sinha Show’ is on the road – sit back and enjoy the fun. Question is – will Suman’s honewalli bahu, Kangana Ranaut, campaign for him ? If so, what will she be not wearing??

ON AKHSHAY KUMAR
The minute I saw the provocative pic of Action Man Akshay Kumar doing his thing on the ramp , I knew the guy was in mucho trouble. There is something known as propriety. As a desigmer’s show stopper for branded jeans ( Levi’s), Akshay strode up to his wife Twinkle, seated on the front row, and got her to unbutton his fly while the crowd whistled and roared at this paisa vasool moment. Bad taste? Risque? Exhibitionistic?? You bet. There were several, highly suggestive pelvic thrusts thrown in , along with a generous navel display – the sort of moves male strippers indulge in at those sleazy, dodgy down town clubs in New York. Well, the inevitable happened and Akshay has been slapped with a notice. Moral of the story – button up. Zip up. The fly stays closed. And such antics should be reserved for private bedroom entertainment.

ON SANJAY DUTT
Sanjay Dutt and his newest bff\ mentor, sorry, ‘brother’ Amar Singh. Was Barkha really wearing blue contact lenses to match her blue enamel pendant… or was it an optical illusion?? The conversation was bizarre, to say the least. But the winning quote came from Sanjay when he said his wife will stay home where she belongs and make kebabs and biryani for him and his friends…. “Who will campaign for her in that case?” asked Barkha ( this , after a great deal of waffling and evasiveness about whether or not Maanyata will be given the ticket Sanjay didn’t get) . ” I will,” said the Duh Dutt, giving the game away through that one untutored remark!!
On the other hand, the debate on Sanjay Dutt raised several interesting issues, with Abu Azmi insisting Sanjay was a ”gentleman and not a criminal,” He also added Sanjay had committed a ‘maamuli’ offence. And asked, ” Itne chhotisi galti ke liye itni badi sazaa?” I am speechless! Priya Dutt was more guarded in her response, while Sanjay himself risked a contempt of court notice with his irresponsible comments challenging the verdict that debars him from contesting the elections.

Where have all the women gone….??
I was talking to a young, dynamic editor of a powerful business publication the other day. I asked him bluntly why they ignored women as jury members while deciding the winners of their prestigious business awards. He naively told me that the reason was simple. According to him, women were incapable of wading through reams of balance sheets and financial papers that needed to be processed before short listing candidates. My look of absolute horror did not deter this young man from expanding on his theory that women really did not understand the intricacies of company profiles, and there weren’t enough ‘qualified’ women around in the first place. When I mentioned a few, including Indra Nooyi, he grinned and said, “ Well…. she is an exception.” Ha! So much for gender equality, even in media. I wondered aloud how many men on that damned jury of theirs could decode balance sheets themselves… and whether they even bothered to. Most of these awards follow the old boys’ network practices – men award other men knowing it will be their turn soon