Talk Of The Town

By K. Kannan

For cricketing legend Kapil Dev, the ``true story'' of his life cannot be separated from what he calls a positive outlook on life. And it is this, he asserts, that has been the secret of his success. He not only plays to win, he has also mastered the art of being a winner.

Giving an example, Kapil Dev told press-persons here recently, on the occasion of the launch of the film project on his life, that earlier this year he had filed a case against those who had allegedly tried to defame him. ``But when my lawyer told me that it will take 20 years to get the result, I decided to drop the proceedings,'' he says.

No wonder then that he often gets irritated by the media these days. Truly, it seems he is unable to understand why the media concentrates only on the negative aspects of a person's life. ``Would you like to see only the negative part of a person's life or his life as such?'' was his retort to a question regarding the match-fixing scandal.

In fact, when press-persons persistently asked him whether the match-fixing scandal will be featured in the full-length feature film, he replied: ``it may be important to the media but not to me''.

Of course, it forms an episode in his life's journey and he admitted that he views it as such and nothing more. And certainly, the film will not be an attempt at self-glorification, he promises. The ``hits'' and ``misses'' of his life will be featured in an overall perspective. ``You see, I am a very positive man,'' he says with his characteristic smile.

* * *

Savio Bruto De Costa, the first runner-up for ``Grasim Mr. India 2001'', is all set to prove his prowess on the international scene during the ``Mr. Intercontinental'' contest scheduled to be held in Germany on December 1. One of the most prestigious personality contests of Europe, it will attract contestants from 26 countries.

Savio has been undergoing rigorous training and grooming up to make an impressive impact as a handsome, smart, warm and intelligent youth from India. Originally from Goa, he is a budding fashion designer from NIFT Mumbai and aspires to have his own internationally recognised fashion house.

The contest will comprise different rounds like the introduction rounds, talent round and best national costume round, after which 12 semi-finalists will be shortlisted. Savio is confident of doing his country proud with best wishes from all, especially from his home state Goa, to fall back on.

By Lakshmi Balakrishnan

Suneil Shetty has been the unsung macho man of Bollywood for years now. He has bashed up every possible Bollywood baddie and saved many a pretty face from trouble. But it was only with ``Border'' and his role as the die-hard patriotic Army man that he eventually received his share of acclaim for action as well as acting skills.

Little wonder then that his off-screen acts have been going unnoticed. Now that he is finally getting the right kind of roles and directors to work with, Shetty is hoping to move beyond the much repeated queries about his shift from the action image.

That Shetty does not depend on films for his bread and butter is well known. What is not, is his love for children. Shetty opened a video parlor for children recently. An act which he had then said was a result of his children's fondness for fast games.

That he got special children to use the place for free is something that he won't say too often. Associated with an NGO that works for children, Shetty has made himself available on more than one occasion when it comes to kids.

And now that his film ``Ehsaas'' -- which deals with the father- son relation is out for release, Shetty is more than thrilled. ``It was not too difficult playing the role as my experience as father helped. But yes, working on a topic close to my heart was a welcome change,'' he says.

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