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India to join global container security initiative
Ajay Kaul
New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) With concerns rising over the proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, India is moving towards joining a global initiative aimed at disrupting supplies that could pose a security threat.
Discussions are at an advanced stage for India's participation in the US-led Container Security Initiative (CSI), a multi-national programme for monitoring and disrupting supplies of dangerous items before they can reach the shores of a participating country.
Conceptualised after the September 2001 terror attacks in the US, CSI is designed to safeguard global maritime trade while allowing cargo containers to move faster and more efficiently through the supply chain at seaports worldwide.
It is designed to prevent containerised shipping from being exploited by terrorists.
"The CSI has strategic as well as commercial dimensions," a source told PTI here, while citing the reasons for India's keen interest to join the club.
By participation in CSI, India can ensure better national security by preventing any dangerous items from reaching its shores.
With regard to commercial advantages, sources said the participation was aimed at ensuring unhindered movement of items across the globe, particularly those having genuine technological use but suspected by some of having dual use.
India's list of items having dual use does not match with that of the US and other Western countries and there is a need to have convergence on these, sources said. PTI
No end of violence till solution of Kashmir issue: Hizbul
Srinagar, Jun 24 (PTI) Declaring that it will not shun violence and enter into dialogue process, pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen has said that the gun will "hang on the shoulders" of its cadres till resolution of the Kashmir issue.
"Gun alone can lead to resolution of Kashmir issue and it cannot be given up without any solution," Hizbul's operational commander Ghazi Misbaudin told a local news agency.
To the offers of talks given by the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, provided they shun violence, Misbaudin said "we will never accept the condition to shun the gun and then join the dialogue process".
Azad had ruled out talks with militants wielding guns. He said on several occasions ever since he took charge of chief ministership that militants should lay down arms first and join the dialogue process.
Without making clear whether Hizbul supports or opposes the ongoing Indo-Pak dialogue process, Misbaudin said bilateral talks between New Delhi and Islamabad "have not been able to resolve" the Kashmir issue.
"India and Pakistan have signed many accords in the past but these have not been able to resolve the Kashmir issue. The issue cannot be resolved till Kashmiris are given right to self determination," he said.
Misbaudin, however, said Pakistan will never go for any settlement which is not in accordance to the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. PTI
Shekhawat to file nomination for Presidential poll tomorrow
New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) Despite the numbers not being in his favour, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will file his nomination tomorrow for the Presidential poll as an independent backed by the NDA, hoping to mop up support from rival formations.
Given the unity displayed by the UPA-Left grouping against a second term for incumbent A P J Abdul Kalam, 84-year-old Shekhawat has a hard time ahead of the July 19 poll against the ruling combine's nominee Pratibha Patil.
As against this, the NDA appears to be not a unified lot with the Shiv Sena, the BJP's oldest ideological ally, swayed by the Marathi card and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee evasive on supporting Shekhawat.
This is against the backdrop of claims that the three-time Rajasthan chief minister has "friends" in many parties.
The newly formed Third Front, christened the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), has already ruled out supporting Shekhawat.
There are no takers in the ruling alliance for the talk in the NDA camp of a "conscience vote" as in the 1969 Presidential election and members of the UPA-Left combine are already claiming that it will be smooth sailing for Patil.
Even leaders like NCP chief Sharad Pawar are on record as saying that Patil will win by more than two lakh votes, whoever may be her opponent. Pawar is a known friend of Shekhawat.
Comparisons to the historic battle for Presidentship in 1969 between then Vice President V V Giri and Congress-backed Neelam Sanjiva Reddy are being dismissed in ruling circles. PTI
Hockey: Indian eves beaten in final friendly against Japan
New Delhi, June 24 (PTI) Indian women's hockey team eneded its Japan sojourn with a 1-2 defeat at the hosts' hands in the fourth and final match of the International Friendship Match at Tenri, near Osaka today.
Suman Bala was the goalgetter for India with her 43rd minute strike.
Japan won three games of the four-match series while one match ended in draw.
The Asian Games silver medallists had beaten India 5-1 in yesterday's match. PTI
Gambhir wants to be more consistent
Belfast, June 24 (PTI) Gautam Gambhir believes improving on his consistency will help him cement his place in the Indian cricket team.
"At this level it's all about being consistent and that's what I was lacking in the past and it's very important for me," said the Delhi batsman who cracked an unbeaten 80 to guide India to a 9-wicket win against Ireland on Saturday.
The left-hander shared an unbroken century partnership with Sourav Ganguly who made a solid 75 not out as India comfortably overhauled Ireland's revised target of 171.
"It will be a long tour so it's important to start off well. It's nice to start well and I'm pleased I got the runs," said Gambhir who was also named man of the match.
After being left out of the World Cup squad, Gambhir heralded his comeback on the tour of Bangladesh scoring 21 and 101 in the two one-dayers.
His pleasing knock against Ireland comes as a reassurance of his desire to get runs consistently.
Gambhir said his visit to England with the India 'A' team helped his adapt to the conditions quickly. PTI
Rain delays start of SA-Ireland ODI
Belfast, June 24 (PTI) Damp pitch conditions caused by overnight rain has delayed the start of the cricket one-day international between South Africa and Ireland here today.
The toss was yet to be made and the umpires were scheduled to make an inspection at 11.15 am local time (3.45 pm IST). PTI
Mahendra Dhoni recovering well
Belfast, June 24 (PTI) Vice-captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was recovering well from the viral fever that kept him out of the one-dayer against Ireland, Indian team sources said today.
"John Gloster has been checking on him (Dhoni) and he is doing well," the sources said.
Incidentally, Gloster himself has been injured, having broken his hand while practice two days ago.
Meanwhile, the Indian team opted not to hold a practice session today due to the inclement weather.
They were planning to visit the Giants Causeway, a famous tourist attraction, as guests of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. PTI
BCCI asks players, officials to steer clear of ICL
Cuttack, June 24 (PTI) Dropping an oblique hint to the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), the Cricket Board has instructed that no player registered with any of its affiliated units should participate in any tournament or match which does not have BCCI approval.
BCCI has issued a circular to state units, which said a decision to this effect had been taken at the Working Committee meeting in Delhi on June 12.
In the same meeting, BCCI also shot down the Essel-group backed ICL, denying them approval.
No office bearer or member of any affiliated unit, member of the board, member of any committee or sub-committee of the board should associate in any manner with the individuals or organisations conducting or planning to conduct such tournaments or matches, the circular said.
It also debarred member associations, present or former players deriving monetary or other benefits from the board including the welfare schemes from associating themselves in any manner with the organisation and conduct of such unapproved tournaments/matches.
Any infringement of the aforesaid decisions should be deemed to be a misconduct in terms of articles of memorandum and rules and regulations of the BCCI, it said.
Former captain Kapil Dev and ex-stumper Kiran More have joined the ICL board, while Sandeep Patil was recently roped in as a coach for the rebel league.
Though organisers are yet to confirm, the likes of Shane Warne, Brian Lara, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Astle and Chris Cairns are expected to take part in the event. PTI
Govt ignoring PSUs to encourage pvt cos: Yechury
New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) Charging the government with "deliberately ignoring" PSUs like BSNL to encourage private companies, the CPI(M) today sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to ensure that the state-run telecom firm was not destroyed.
"There is a deliberate effort to downplay BSNL and strengthen the private sector. We want the government to act on its own decision of over a year ago to acquire 45.5 million GSM lines," party Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury told reporters here.
As per the decision, the government invited global bids, which were also evaluated. "But no order has yet been placed. The process of implementing the decision has not yet begun.
"And in the meantime, private companies have made hay by garnering greater market share, pushing BSNL to the third position from its erstwhile position of being the market leader," Yechury said.
Asked who is to be blamed for this, he said: "Definitely, the government. While we will support healthy competition between the public and private sectors, it is absolutely wrong to destroy a PSU to encourage the private sector".
With BSNL executives and employees planning a five-day protest from tomorrow, the CPI(M) leader has shot off a letter to the Prime Minister, saying their protest was directed at highlighting the fact that BSNL was being neglected by the government. PTI
Caparo moves up among top 100 private companies in Britain
London, June 24 (PTI) NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul founded Caparo Group, based in London with operations stretching from the US to India, has moved up among the top 100 private companies in the UK.
The Group with a turnover of over 1.5 billion dollars has moved up from rank 81 last year to 66 in 2007, The Sunday Times Top Track 100, which lists Britain's biggest private companies, reported today.
The report said "Chief Executive Angad Paul continues to invest in production in new markets. But the project that grabs the headlines is the new Caparo T1 car under development at its subsidiary Caparo Vehicle Technologies.
"Developed by the engineers behind the McLaren F1, the T1 will showcase technology from Formula One and Caparo's expertise in advanced lightweight materials. It is expected to be among the fastest road cars ever made." The Caparo metals group climbed 15 places to No 66 on soaring demand driven by industrialization in China and India, the report said. PTI
Coal India seeks Navratna PSU status
Kolkata, June 24 (PTI) Public sector behemoth Coal India Limited (CIL) has applied to the government for getting PSU status of Navratna, its Chairman and Managing Director Partha Bhattacharya said.
He said that although the turnover of CIL was in excess of Rs 35,000 crore, the PSU had not been granted that status. Net profit of the company was also in excess of Rs 8200 crore.
Only in March 2007, the Heavy Industries ministry had granted the status of a mini-ratna PSU.
The CIL chief admitted that although there was a clause that PSUs getting into the category of a mini-ratna, would have to wait for a period of three years for getting the status of a Navratna, the company had sought a waiver on this matter.
He told reporters here last night that the coal ministry was pushing ahead with this, adding that CIL was hopeful that this would be done by the Heavy Industry ministry, under which all the PSUs function in the country.
Bhattacharya said that CIL would hit the capital market only after getting the Navratna status. PTI
IT city faces e-waste threat
Bharathi Raghunath
Bangalore, June 24 (PTI) The Silicon Valley of India, home to around 1,700 Information Technology companies, is now grappling with serious hazards posed by the increasing volume of electronic waste (e-waste).
The IT hub generates anywhere about 6,000 to 8,000 tonnes of e-waste annually and the issue needs to be accorded top priority, feels J Parthasarathy, Director, Software Technology Park of India (STPI), Bangalore.
The e-waste agency (EWA), a Bangalore-based NGO, supported by Indo-German Swiss e-Waste initiative, has already put forward a proposal before the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to enact a legislation on the issue.
Pending a legislation on the subject, the ministry has been requested to issue guidelines as an interim measure, M R Deshpande, National Project Coordinator EWA, told PTI.
It is felt that such guidelines may enthuse leading companies and associations to move towards voluntary compliance, which would eventually assist in acceptance of the legislative measure.
E-Parisara Pvt Ltd, the local firm which has pioneered e-waste recycling technology in the country and recycles about a tonne of e-waste every day, also seeks an e-waste policy.
A legislation is the "need of the hour", says Parthasarathy, Director E-Parisara. PTI
MFs should offer affordable products to sustain growth: CII
New Delhi, June 24 (PTI) The Indian mutual funds industry, which surpassed Rs 4-trillion mark in May, should penetrate into rural and sub-urban areas with affordable products to sustain the growth in the long run, a CII-PricewaterhouseCooper study has said.
"Tapping rural market is likely to be a big challenge for mutual fund companies. The fund houses need to offer products, which are affordable as well as competitive against low-risk and assured returns of government sponsored saving schemes," the study said.
It suggested the fund houses to tap on savings of retail investors by meeting basic requirements such as retirement planning, child education, taking a cue from mature markets like those of the US and the UK.
The study also suggested leveraging upon the growth prospects of commodity and real estate markets.
"Another major opportunity would be to go global. Indian investors are now allowed to invest up to USD 100,000 abroad," it said.
With a strong regulatory framework, clear guidelines and the required talent pool, the Indian mutual fund industry is in a position to cater to the new breed of investors, who are keen to diversify their risks, it said. PTI
Over 200 killed in Karachi rains
Karachi, June 24 (PTI) Over 200 people were killed in torrential rain and thunderstorm that wreaked havoc in Pakistan's port city of Karachi.
Emergency was declared in hospitals last night after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds lashed the Sindh capital, uprooting trees and snapping power lines which plunged the city into darkness for several hours.
Rizwan Edhi, an official of an NGO involved in rescue operations, said 213 bodies have so far been found, out of which 150 were identified.
He said majority of casualties occurred due to wall collapse incidents and snapping of power cables resulting in a number of people getting electrocuted.
"In many areas, the rain and winds have caused a lot of damage especially in the low-lying areas," Mohammad Kazim, another rescue official said.
Karachi city Mayor Mustafa Kamal said the city government has pressed its emergency services into action.
Doctors at the state-run Abbasi Shaheed hospital said they had already treated scores of injured, who were wounded by falling signboards, trees or washed away into drains.
Large areas of the city, which has a population of over one crore, were waterlogged leading to traffic jams. PTI
Britain scraps plan for Sikh regiment
London, June 24 (PTI) Britain was mulling raising a regiment of Sikhs but has now abandoned the plan fearing that such a move would be branded racist, a media report said here today.
The proposal to create the regiment was dropped by the Ministry of Defence after discussions with the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE).
The Sunday Telegraph reported that Sikh leaders had informed army recruitment officers that they could easily find enough volunteers to form a 700-strong regiment. However, the offer was rejected.
Lieutenant General Sir Freddie Viggers, the Adjutant General with responsibility for recruitment, is understood to have accepted the argument put forward by race commissioners at the CRE that creating a Sikh regiment would be divisive and amounted to "segregation".
Leaders of Britain's 500,000 Sikhs were supportive of the idea of a new regiment, arguing that it would be no different from the Scots, Welsh and Irish Guards or the Royal Gurkha Rifles, which recruits exclusively from Nepal and which is regarded as a model infantry regiment.
"The creation of a Sikh Regiment has been considered by the Army policy staff responsible for both equality and diversity issues, who went on to consult with the Commission for Racial Equality," a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
"Both agreed that grouping ethnic minorities runs counter to the Armed Forces philosophy that seeks to include, not exclude, and extend opportunities," he said.
The decision to shelve the plan was last night criticised by politicians, members of the Sikh community and soldiers, who claimed that the Army had fallen victim to political correctness. PTI
Israel rejects permanent settlement proposal by US
Jerusalem, June 24 (PTI) Israel has rejected a US proposal to negotiate a permanent settlement plan with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, a media report here said.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert turned down the proposal put up by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during his recent visit to Washington, fearing that failure on the part of Abbas to sell the agreement would lead to demands of more concessions from Israel, daily Ha'artz reported.
Olmert believes that Israel might then be pressured to make the Palestinian leaders' task easier, it said.
Rice supports talks on a "shelf agreement" that would outline the permanent settlement, but not be implemented immediately because of Abbas' weak standing.
The US Secretary of State views that merely reaching such an agreement in principle would provide the Palestinians with a "political horizon" and hope, thereby encouraging them to fight terror and to establish governing institutions in preparation for an independent state, the report said.
Foreign Minister Tsipi Livni is said to share Rice's approach.
Olmert agreed several months ago to launch talks with Abbas over "a political horizon," on conditions that it would not deal with the three thorny issues - Jerusalem, permanent borders and the refugees.
He wanted it to be limited to the nature of the future Palestinian state, its systems of government and law and security arrangements for the territories. PTI
Dhaka hopes Secretary-level talks will advance ties with India
Dhaka, June 24 (PTI) Bangladesh has expressed hope that tomorrow's Foreign Secretary-level talks with India here will advance ties between the two countries through increased cooperation.
"The upcoming consultations, it is hoped, will help advance the Indo-Bangladesh relations enriching further the cooperation between the two close (and) friendly neighbouring countries in the areas of common interests," a Foreign Office statement here said ahead of Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon's arrival here on a three-day visit.
Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain told the official BSS news agency that entire gamut of bilateral relations is expected to be discussed at the talks with his Indian counterpart.
Dhaka and New Delhi are also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to remove non-tariff barriers in bilateral trades at the fag end of Menon's visit.
Hossain earlier said Dhaka had no priority issues but Foreign Ministry officials, however, said security, peaceful border management, cross-border illegal movement, cooperation in water management in common rivers, economic and trade links, and consular and cultural exchanges would feature in the meeting.
The Secretary-level talks are also expected to re-energise deals on joint-border patrolling and border demarcation issues between Dhaka and New Delhi and kick-start the process of reviving a number of mechanisms that are to address some issues that "have been neglected over the past few years," officials said. PTI
Bastar blackout: a shock treatment to Chhattisgarh govt?
Prakash Chandra Hota
Raipur, Jun 24 (PTI) By pushing 27 lakh people of Bastar region in Chhattisgarh into darkness for over 12 days the Maoists have succeeded in sending across a message to the BJP government.
Maoists had blasted off three high tension towers on June 1, disrupting power supply to the Bastar region, incurring a loss of over Rs 2000 crore to the state in 12 days, as mining, industrial and commercial activities were brought to a stand still due to the black out and that had dried up the raw material line of many steel plants from the Bailadila iron ore mines of Dantewada district, officials here said.
The vulnerability due to the Maoist menace was also evident during the black out period as hardly any action of the administration and governance was visible in parts of the undivided Bastar region, which is geographically bigger then Kerala.
People were forced to purchase a wax candle for Rs 15, where as patrol was costing Rs 75 per litre during that 12 days as the naxalites had detonated three high tension electricity tower in Jharghati jungle of Narayanpur district, about 230 km from the state capital on June 1, last disrupting power supply to Bastar, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur and Kanker districts for over 12 days.
People lived in fear and over 60,000 people of 644 villages took shelter in state government run camps in Dantewada district. PTI
Digest of domestic news for the week June 16-June 22, 2007
Saturday New Delhi: The UPA and NDA puts on fast gear efforts to mop up support outside their formation for their presidential candidate with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh holding a significant meeting with Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh talking to Shiv Sena, which appeared to give some anxious moments to ally BJP.
Shillong: Rejecting China's persisting claims on Arunachal Pradesh, India makes it clear that it cannot "give up" any part of the country that regularly sends its elected representatives to the "sovereign Parliament".
Amritsar: Four persons are injured, one of them seriously, in a blast at an army dumping ground.
Sunday Raisen (MP): Twelve people are arrested for allegedly asking people to support international terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden.
Nandigram: Journalists were allegedly fired at as violence continued here for the third consecutive day with more than 25 rounds fired and bombs hurled from a brick kiln at neighbouring Kejuri.
Mumbai: Senior nuclear scientists say unless the US makes substantial changes in its civil nuclear deal with India, back and forth negotiations on the bilateral 123 agreement to implement the deal are meaningless.
Monday Chennai: Inducting a surprise new element in the Presidential race, the newly-formed front of parties back incumbent A P J Abdul Kalam for a second term, refusing support to Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
New Delhi: The UPA-Left Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil finds herself at the centre of controversy over her remarks on the veil, with historians and Muslim groups terming them historically inaccurate.
Tuesday Mumbai: In a new turn in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts trial, 16 convicts, who are yet to be sentenced, moves an application before the special court, challenging the Constitutional validity the lapsed TADA law.
New Delhi: With differences over prices delaying the delivery of upgraded Sukhoi multi-role fighters and Gorshkov aircraft carrier, India rushes a high-level defence team to Russia with fresh proposals to break the logjam.
Kolkata: The West Bengal government announces a rehabilitation package for farmers displaced by the Tata Motors project at Singur even as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee termed it as "rotten" and threatened of intensified stir.
Wednesday Kolkata: The West Bengal government announces a rehabilitation package for farmers displaced by the Tata Motors project at Singur even as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee termed it as "rotten" and threatened of intensified stir.
Jaipur/Bhubanewshwar: A Rajasthan court issues a non-bailable arrest warrant against beleaguered top Orissa police official B B Mohanti for allegedly helping his rape convict son jump parole but the Orissa government said it cannot execute the NBW as it was "defective". Mumbai: NDA ally Shiv Sena indicates its willingness to back UPA-Left candidate Pratibha Patil for the President's post as it ruled out support for re-election of incumbent A P J Abdul Kalam, striking a discordant note with BJP.
Thursday New Delhi: India welcomes the inclusion of the 3,000 year-old manuscripts of the Rig Veda by UNESCO in its cultural list for posterity.
Chandigarh: In a move apparently aimed at ending the stand-off with Sikhs, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is believed to have given a fresh letter of apology on a day a court issued a conditional arrest warrant against him for allegedly hurting the Sikh community's sentiments.
Chennai/New Delhi: AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa stays away from scheduled meeting of third front leaders with President A P J Abdul Kalam in their bid to persuade him to seek a second term in the top post.
Friday Hyderabad: A total of 28 persons are killed as heavy rains lashed several parts of Andhra Pradesh causing extensive damage and disrupting rail and road traffic.
New Delhi: Ending the suspense, President A P J Abdul Kalam decides not to seek a second term in office in the "current scenario", a development that forces the Third Front and the NDA part ways after a limited engagement on backing the incumbent.
New Delhi: The resignation of Pratibha Patil as Rajasthan Governor is accepted by President A P J Abdul Kalam. PTI
Digest of sports news for the week, June 16- June 22, 2007
Saturday Karachi: Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and senior batsman Younis Khan makes a comeback to the 15-man Pakistan squad for the upcoming tour of Scotland.
New Delhi: Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh are promoted to grade 'A' while Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, VVS Laxman and Irfan Pathan are demoted to grade 'B' in the Cricket Board's graded payment system.
Sunday Karachi: In a surprise move, Pakistan Cricket Board appoints opener Salman Butt as vice-captain to Shoaib Malik till the end of the year.
London: With their star players missing due to injury, Ireland announces a severely depleted 13-member squad for their one-dayers against India and South Africa beginning on June 23.
Monday Chester-Le-Street (England) Michael Vaughan resigns as England's one-day captain with immediate effect.
Bangkok: Indians put up a commendable display capturing three golds in a total haul of 12 medals in the first leg of the 2007 Asian Athletics Grand Prix.
New Delhi: Sania Mirza crashes out in the first round of women's singles event at the USD 175,000 Ordina Open tennis tournament at Rosmalen, The Netherlands.
Tuesday
Mumbai: In its bid to prevent fresh controversies, the Cricket Board gives strict instructions to the members of the Indian team, currently on a 80-day tour of the United Kingdom, not to leak happenings in the dressing room and team meetings.
Dubai: Continuing his rise in international cricket, Monty Panesar becomes the highest rated England spinner in 30 years by breaking into the top-10 of LG ICC Test Rankings today.
Wednesday
London: Cycling deserves to remain in the Olympics despite the spate of doping scandals which have damaged the sport's credibility, IOC president Jacques Rogge says.
New Delhi: BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and Rocky Rufus of Baroda Cricket Association are appointed Administrative Managers of the Indian team for next month's one-day and Test series respectively against England.
Thursday
The proposed India Cricket League ropes in former Test batsman and national coach Sandeep Patil into its fold but the appointment may cost the ex-player the monthly pension he's entitled to receive from the BCCI.
Friday
London: Paul Collingwood is named captain of England's one-day cricket team on Friday. PTI
Suniel Shetty is happy helping people lose weight
Ashish Mehta
Jaipur, Jun 22 (PTI) Although not keen to be part of the bandwagon on the idiot box, Suniel Shetty is enjoying this role that has come his way.
"As far as association with the television is concerned I was not so keen. But the idea of 'Biggest Loser Jeetega' inspired me as I am here to inspire many who can work on losing weight even if they are sitting at home and watching this series", Shetty says.
The actor who was in town for the promotion of his recently released film 'Shoot Out at Lokhandwala,' Suniel Shetty says the smiles he sees on the faces of the participants after they succeed in shedding some kilos is worth a million dollars.
About 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', his recently released film, Shetty says,"It is a well made film and I am not saying this just because I am part of it. It is very difficult for a filmmaker to make a film on a real life subject or incident".
"I am satisfied the way my character of a cop and the film has shaped up," he says.
"Today, Indian cinema is totally changed in terms of technology and story telling. Gone are the days when you had a script with an "achcha aadami- bura aadami". Thanks to the writers, directors and technicians who don't want to be part of run-of-the-mill kind of cinema", Shetty says.
About his diverse roles, from action, romance, comedy to villian, he says, "I am lucky that I could do some good roles and tested new waters. Some of my decisions to working in particular genre were mine, but some were my sheer luck". PTI
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