AB NEWS

Badminton: Doubles coach Kim Tan Her should be sole decision maker, says Jwala

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<strong>Hyderabad:</strong> Top women's doubles shuttler Jwala Gutta 
on Thursday welcomed the appointment of reputed doubles coach Kim Tan 
Her but said the Malaysian should be the sole decision maker and there 
should not be any interference from anybody.<br />
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<img alt="Jwala Gutta. AFP" class="size-full wp-image-2382100" data-original="http://s4.firstpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/jwala_yonex_AFP.jpg" height="285" src="http://s4.firstpost.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/jwala_yonex_AFP.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="380" /><div class="wp-caption-text" style="width: 370px;">
Jwala Gutta. AFP</div>
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"It's
 (appointment of doubles coach) a good thing for Indian badminton. But, I
 only wish that he should be the sole decision maker. Nobody else should
 interfere with his decisions for doubles. If that happens, that will be
 good for doubles in the country," Jwala told <em>PTI</em>.<br />
Jwala's
 partner Ashwini Ponnappa also gave a thumbs up to the decision of 
Badminton Association of India (BAI) to rope in the experienced Kim Tan 
Her.<br />
"I think it's a huge boost for us as doubles players. It's 
going to be really helpful. We are looking forward to it," Ashwini said.<br />
Four
 years ago, 2010 Commonwealth Games champions Jwala and Ashwini had 
broken a 28-year-old medal drought for India by winning the bronze at 
the World Championship in London and the celebrated pair is now gearing 
up for the prestigious event at Indonesia, where they will enter as 
seeded pairs.<br />
"I think we are the first (Indian) women doubles 
pair ever to be seeded (in world championship), so I am really excited 
on entering the tournament on a high. I am very happy about it," Jwala 
said.<br />
The 2011 Glasgow Commonwealth Games silver medallists 
received a boost ahead of the World Championship after they clinched the
 Canada Open Grand Prix in June.<br />
Jwala, who trains with Dronacharya awardee SM Arif here, said their preparation for the upcoming event has been good.<br />
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"It's
 been good. I went to Bangalore to train with Ashwini for a few days. We
 have had a couple of good sessions. Ashwini and me, we are feeling 
really good, top of our game. Just looking forward to it," Jwala said.<br />
Echoing Jwala's feelings, Ashwini said their aim is to win a medal though they would like to take it step by step.<br />
"The
 preparations have been good. Jwala and I did manage to get a couple of 
sessions together, which is really good again. Our expectation is 
obviously to do really well and win a medal. We are going to represent 
the country at world championships and the aim is to get past the first 
round and take it step by step," Ashwini said.<br />
Recently, Jwala and
 Ashwini had expressed their hurt at not being included in the TOP 
scheme, which led to a controversy and chief national coach Pullela 
Gopichand also had to clarify his stand against the outburst.<br />
Jwala
 and Ashwini, who are ranked world number 12 in the women's doubles 
category, said they are yet to get official intimation about being 
included in the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme.<br />
"We have not 
been intimated officially. So, we are still waiting for the intimation. 
If it happens, it's good. We still need to get the official intimation. 
It's all through media. We don't know anything," Jwala said.<br />
Jwala,
 who represented India at the 2012 Olympics in women's doubles and mixed
 doubles, said she is hopeful of being included in the TOP scheme.<br />
"I
 am hopeful. I have always been hopeful. I am a very positive person 
actually. Even if it does not happen, it would not stop us from 
playing," she said.</div>

Badminton: Doubles coach Kim Tan Her should be sole decision maker, says Jwala

Hyderabad: Top women's doubles shuttler Jwala Gutta on Thursday welcomed the appointment of reputed doubles coach Kim Tan Her but sa...

Ban idiots who expect any difference: Sonam, Kalki, other Bollywood celebs react to Porn Ban

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With over 800 websites blocked, the debate around the recent porn ban is hotting up. <i>Twitter</i> is exploding with opinions on how this ban is illogical, impractical and nonsensical. #NextBanIdea, a trending <i>Twitter</i> spoof also saw people taking out their frustrations on the ban.<br />
Ram
 Gopal Varma, known for his crazy opinions on the micro-blogging site, 
put out a slew of tweets opposing the ban, citing statistics that 
support personal liberty, and criticising the government on its move:<br />
He also possibly hinted at PM Modi in his most recent tweet:<br />
Sonam Kapoor also voiced her opinion on the ban, while her issue was more about being against the idea of banning.<br />
When there's an issue plaguing the people of India, can Chetan Bhagat be far behind? Here are his two cents:<br />
Kalki Koechlin however has been winning the Internet with her tweet on the porn ban.<br />
Point noted, Mr Dadlani.</div>
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Don't ban porn. Ban men ogling, leering, brushing past, groping, molesting, abusing, humiliating and raping women. Ban non-consent. Not sex.</div>
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Ban idiots who expect any difference: Sonam, Kalki, other Bollywood celebs react to Porn Ban

With over 800 websites blocked, the debate around the recent porn ban is hotting up. Twitter is exploding with opinions on how this ban i...

Alia Bhatt: Hope Shaandaar Makes it to 100 Crore Hearts

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Alia Bhatt: Hope <i>Shaandaar</i> Makes it to 100 Crore Hearts</h1>
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<img alt="Shahid Kapoor" src="http://i.ndtvimg.com/i/2015-08/shaandaar_640x480_41438787525.jpg" title="Shahid Kapoor" /></div>
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Alia and Shahid in a poster from <i>Shaandaar</i></h4>
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Alia, who was chatting with her fans on Twitter, had also high words of praise for her <i>Shaandaar</i> co-star Shahid Kapoor. She described him as a "Beautiful person, beautiful actor, just Beautiful !!!"</h3>
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Her <i>Shaandaar</i>
 may or may not reach Bollywood's Rs 100-crore milestone when it 
releases, but Alia Bhatt, who stars in the movie with her 'childhood 
crush' Shahid Kapoor, hopes the romantic entertainer paves its way into 
100 crore hearts.<br /><br />
The first look of the film, which was tweeted by Alia, shows her chemistry with Shahid.<br /><br />
Alia also chatted with her fans on the micro-blogging site.<br /><br />
When asked by a user whether the film would reach the Rs 100-crore milestone, Alia responded with this:<br />
 
<br /><br />
When asked about her experience of working with Shahid, Alia wrote, 
"Lovely lovely, a huge learning for me. And too much fun on set.'<br /><br />
On 'the best thing about Shahid?'<br />
 
<br /><br />
Alia and Shahid will also be seen in <i>Udta Punjab</i>. The film also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, whom Alia described as 'A beautiful person, beautiful actor, just Beautiful!!!.'<br /><br />
Produced by Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, <i>Shaandaar</i> also features Pankaj Kapur and Sanjay Kapoor in key roles.</div>
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Alia Bhatt: Hope Shaandaar Makes it to 100 Crore Hearts

Alia Bhatt: Hope Shaandaar Makes it to 100 Crore Hearts Alia and Shahid in a poster from Shaandaar Alia, who was chatting wi...

Riteish Deshmukh Says Jacqueline Fernandez Was Like a 'Live Wire' on Bangistan Sets

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<img alt="Bangistan" src="http://i.ndtvimg.com/i/2015-08/jacqueline-riteish_640x480_41438412731.jpg" title="Bangistan" /></div>
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Jacqueline Fernandez and Riteish Deshmukh photographed in Mumbai.</h4>
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Jacqueline's debut film <i>Aladin</i> was with Riteish, after which they worked together in <i>Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai</i></h3>
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Bollywood
 actress Jacqueline Fernandez is going through a great phase, working 
with big stars and under big banners. Her first co-star Riteish 
Deshmukh, has a great opinion of her and has said that she was a "live 
wire" on the sets of their latest film <i>Bangistan</i>. <br /><br />

At an event when Riteish was asked about his equation with Jacqueline, 
he said: "One thing that has not changed about her is her intention to 
work harder every time. She is extremely hardworking. Whenever she comes
 on the sets, she is like a live wire, there's a certain amount of 
energy she has that she brings on the sets or wherever she goes."<br /><br />

"What has changed is the fact is that she's become a better performer, 
an even more confident dancer. You can see that in her performance in 
songs, there is a certain level of perfection that she's attained. Hats 
off to her and I wish her all the best. I'm really happy for her that 
she's doing so well," Riteish added.<br /><br />

Jacqueline's debut film <i>Aladin</i> was with Riteish, after which they worked together in <i>Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai</i>. But she shot to fame with the song <i>Dhanno</i> from the 2010 film <i>Housefull</i> which also featured Riteish. <br /><br />

The 29-year-old actress worked with him in <i>Housefull 2</i>, thereafter. Jacqueline has also done several films such as <i>Murder 2</i>, <i>Race 2</i> and <i>Kick</i>.<br /><br /><i>Bangistan</i> also features Pulkit Samrat and is produced by Excel Entertainment. It is scheduled to release on August 7.</div>
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Riteish Deshmukh Says Jacqueline Fernandez Was Like a 'Live Wire' on Bangistan Sets

Jacqueline Fernandez and Riteish Deshmukh photographed in Mumbai. Jacqueline's debut film Aladin was with Riteish, after whi...

Priyanka Chopra Paints Los Angeles Pink For Quantico

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Priyanka Chopra at the <i>Quantico</i> panel discussion. (Image courtesy: AFP)</h4>
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Priyanka
 Chopra attended the Television Critics' Association's bi-annual 
gathering in Los Angeles, wearing a hot pink dress by Victoria Beckham</h3>
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Actress Priyanka Chopra, who is currently shooting for her American TV series <i>Quantico</i>
 in US, attended the Television Critics' Association's bi-annual 
gathering in Los Angeles for a panel discussion about the upcoming show.<br /><br />

The <i>Fashion</i> actress shared photographs of the event on microblogging site Twitter.<br /><br /><br /><br />

Priyanka looked uber-chic in hot pink number by Victoria Beckham, which she styled by metallic Christian Louboutin pumps. <br /><br /><center>
<img align="middle" id="MoviesImages" src="http://drop.ndtv.com/albums/uploadedpics/small1/priyankaembed_635743863002501522.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 630px;" /><span class="Imagecaption">Image courtesy: AFP</span></center>
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Priyanka also shared images from fan clubs which showed <i>Quantico</i> posters pasted to the local buses in LA. <br /><br /><br /><br />

Before going for the TCA gathering, Priyanka, took to Instagram to share her excitement:<br /><br /><center>
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<br /><br /><i>Quantico</i>
 is a story about a diverse group of recruits have arrived at the FBI 
Quantico Base for training. In the ABC thriller series, Priyanka plays 
the lead role of Alex Parrish, an agent whose past resurfaces soon after
 she arrives at the training camp.<br /><br />

The show also stars Dougray Scott as Liam, Jake McLaughlin as Ryan, 
Aunjanue Ellis as Miranda, Yasmine Al Massri as Nimah, Johanna Braddy as
 Shelby, Tate Ellington as Simon Asher and Graham Rogers as Caleb Haas.<br /><br />

The series is written by Josh Safran. Executive producers are Josh, Mark Gordon and Nick Pepper.</div>
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Priyanka Chopra Paints Los Angeles Pink For Quantico

Priyanka Chopra at the Quantico panel discussion. (Image courtesy: AFP) Priyanka Chopra attended the Television Critics' As...

Kiara Advani Wants to do Romantic Films

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Kiara Advani walked the ramp at the India International Jewellery Week</h4>
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Kiara made her debut in Bollywood with the 2014 film <i>Fugly</i>,
 which was directed by Kabir Sadanand. She shared screen space with 
Jimmy Shergill and newcomers Mohit Marwah, Vijender Singh and Arfi Lamba</h3>
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Bollywood actress Kiara Advani said that she wants to do romantic films. <br /><br />

Kiara made her debut in Bollywood with the 2014 film <i>Fugly</i>, which
 was directed by Kabir Sadanand. She shared screen space with Jimmy 
Shergill and newcomers Mohit Marwah, Vijender Singh and Arfi Lamba. <br /><br />

"I am grateful that <i>Fugly</i> came my way. I did benefit from the 
film. There is something coming up (a film) but I can't talk about it. I
 would like to do romantic and romantic-comedy films," Kiara told PTI. <br /><br />

The actress walked the ramp for designer Shaina NC's inaugural show <i>Beti</i> on the first day of the India International Jewellery Week on August 3. She wore an Indian outfit. <br /><br />

The <i>Fugly</i> actress was also the celebrity showstopper for a jewellery brand at the Jewellery Week. <br /><br />

The 23-year-old actress looked gorgeous in a Fuchsia pink gown teamed 
with a delicate necklace.  "It was a great opportunity to walk the ramp 
for <i>Beti</i>. It's a great way to support the cause. Then I walked 
the ramp for AAKS Jewels. Initially I had butterflies in my stomach but 
then I was okay," she added.<br /><br />

"I like to keep it minimum and subtle. I can't wear too many accessories and believe that less is more," said Kiara.</div>
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Kiara Advani Wants to do Romantic Films

Kiara Advani walked the ramp at the India International Jewellery Week Kiara made her debut in Bollywood with the 2014 film Fugly...

Abdul Kalam is Dead

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Former president APJ Abdul Kalam died after collapsing during a lecture in Shillong. (File Photo)Former president and Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam died on Monday after collapsing during alecture in Shillong.Kalam, 83, collapsed during a speech at the IIMShillong and was rushed to the  nearby Bethany Hospital where doctors put him on oxygen and tried to revive him."He was brought into hospital without a pulse or BP. There was no sign of life John Sailo Ryntathiang, director of Bethany Hospital," told the Quint.Kalam served as president for five years from 2002, enjoying the support of both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.Kalam  was closely involved in the country's civilian space programme and military missile development efforts, earning him the sobriquet'India's Missile Man'.  He worked as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) before he became president.He also played a pivotal technical and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, shortly after the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power.After his term, he returned to a life of education, writing, and public service. He received several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in a poor Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram. But he overcame all odds to study physics and aerospace engineering.

Apj</div>

Abdul Kalam is Dead

Former president APJ Abdul Kalam died after collapsing during a lecture in Shillong. (File Photo)Former president and Bharat Ratna APJ Abdu...