Latest news with #Diwali
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Anis Sajan: The Shattaf Man—From Mumbai's Chawls to Dubai's Boardrooms
In the glitzy skyline of Dubai, where ambition towers as high as the buildings, Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman, Danube Group, has carved a name out for himself, not just in business, but within the Gulf's cricket community, too. Known as the 'Shattaf Man of Dubai' for revolutionising sanitary fittings, Anis is also called 'Mr Cricket UAE' given his love of the game. His journey from a chawl in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area to the boardroom of one of the UAE's biggest conglomerates reads like a story waiting to be written. Anis Sajan- Vice Chairman, Danube Group Anis, the youngest of three kids and full of mischief, tragedy struck when he lost his dad at the age of eight. 'I did not fully grasp the concept of death, but I knew something big was missing,' he shares. His elder brother Rizwan, only 16 back then, became the man of the house, as their mum battled illness. There was little room for comfort as pocket money was a luxury they couldn't afford. 'I sold Diwali lights for a profit of ₹ 300. It gave me the experience of sales,' Anis says. Anis Sajan (centre) with his sons Azhar Sajan (left) and Sahil Sajan (right) The hustle went on to shape his future. After a stint in Kuwait, Anis worked in India at Eureka Forbes. 'Knocking on doors and hearing 'no' repeatedly built my resilience and confidence' he says. After the Gulf War, Rizwan pushed him to give Dubai another try as Anis was reluctant to come after his experience in Kuwait. After a warm welcome at Dubai Immigration when he was greeted by the officer with 'Kaisa hai', he headed to an Indian restaurant with Rizwan in Al Karama. Seeing Indians all around made it feel like Dubai was home away from home. In the desert, Anis spotted an opportunity. One pivotal moment came with the introduction of shattaf (jet sprays) in the UAE, as it was a basic necessity in the Arab and Asian cultures. Bayz, a 101-storey residential tower in Business Bay, features 1,100 apartment units, and its residents can enjoy stunning views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Canal Every household in these countries ensures that the first thing they install is a shattaf. 'The sight of tissues makes you feel constipated. And with this jet spray you cannot go wrong, because it's the need of every house for hygiene,' says Anis. What started with 300 units a month has now reached more than 1,00,000 units per month. This gave birth to the brand Milano, which is the heart of the Danube Group. Despite scaling big heights, Anis hasn't forgotten where it all began. A visit to his chawl, now a high-rise, left him emotional: 'The building has walls, but my memories are still stuck in the old lanes, where I used to play cricket all day long.' A Second Identity: Mr Cricket UAE Business might be his profession, but cricket is his heartbeat. His love for the game began with the 1983 cricket World Cup, when India won. And the passion never faded. Anis has owned two cricket franchises in the Abu Dhabi T10 League Delhi Bulls. He also employs 30 people to only play local cricket. Former Australian Cricketer Shane Watson with Anis Sajan Anis appears as a sport analyst on TV, writes cricket columns and also supports grassroots talents across India and the UAE. But his proudest moment? Introducing the Danube Test Series and bringing the red ball format to a region that's obsessed with indoor cricket and short formats. 'Test cricket is what separates the men from the boys. It tests the temperament of a person,' he says, adding that it is important in everyone's life, be it work or sports. It gave young cricketers in the UAE a chance to embrace the long format and sealed his reputation as not only a fan, but also a cricket visionary. If you think Anis' talks about cricket is just that, his home during the India vs Pakistan cricket matches feels like a mini stadium, complete with food, flags and fervour. 'The India-Pakistan matches and the IPL aren't just cricket, they're our fourth festival after Diwali, Holi and Eid, and as Mr Cricket UAE, it's my duty to host it and live my passion with my friends,' he smiles. Anis Sajan with former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Through the game, Anis has found a way to connect with people just like he does with his business. In recent years, whenever an ICC tournament is hosted in the UAE, Anis purchases and distributes tickets among the blue-collared people for them to see their heroes play at the stadium. At 53, he has no plans of slowing down and his sons Azhar and Sahil are also part of the Danube Group. Anis believes that his biggest success as a parent is seeing both his sons united and being responsible in their respective fields. While his older son, Azhar, has ventured into luxury home solutions by starting Casa Milano, his younger one, Sahil, has followed in his father's footsteps and is handling Milano. They bring a fresh energy to the family-run empire. 'It's not just about success, it's about building something that lasts,' he says. Danube Oasiz is a contemporary development situated in Dubai Silicon Oasis that offers modern lifestyle From gully cricket to owning cricket franchises in the Gulf, and from selling Diwali lights in Mumbai to selling jet sprays and lighting Dubai's business corridors — Anis' story is one of purpose, perseverance and pure passion. Just like a Test match, he is in it for the long haul.
India.com
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Vidya Balan rejected a film that starred THIS celebrated actor, he got upset and
Vidya Balan rejected a film that starred THIS celebrated actor, he got upset and "fired" her, terrified Vidya asked John Abraham to save her, the actor was... In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, it's usually the dazzling and glamorous life of celebrities that comes to the forefront. However, what happens behind the scenes, when the curtain falls, is a lot more than what meets the eye. One such tale is of Bollywood's celebrated actress Vidya Balan, which highlighted how she is honest and true to her craft. This incident goes back in time when Vidya Balan was a newcomer in the industry. She found herself in a pickle. Vidya was offered a role opposite Akshaye Khanna, an opportunity that a lot of newcomers dream of. However, Vidya couldn't resonate with the character and the story, so despite the big opportunity, she turned it down and rejected the offer. This decision did not sit well with Akshaye Khanna. Although Vidya had conveyed her disinterest in the film, she did not inform Akshay Khanna directly. Neither did she call Akshaye to inform him, nor did she take his calls. Naturally, Akshaye Khanna was upset with Vidya's exit from the film without even talking to him directly. Akshaye Khanna 'Fired' Vidya Balan Later, during the shoot of a multi-starrer film, Salaam-E-Ishq of Nikhil Advani, Akshaye Khanna lashed out at Vidya for learning about her exit from someone else. Vidya, who was a newcomer then, got concerned and frightened. To defend herself, she went to her co-star John Abraham for rescue. 'Can you please save me?' I just didn't want any confrontation or to hurt anyone's feelings. But later, I realised he was just pulling my leg,' she said. Akshaye Khanna reportedly 'fired' Vidya for this, but later she learned that this was all happening in light light-hearted spirit and Akshaye was just pulling her leg. This incident became an event worth remembering for Vidya. In an interview, talking about this incident, Vidya said, 'I didn't want anyone to feel bad. I was new and didn't want it to look like I was rejecting the film just because of who was in it.' Speaking of Vidya's recent work, she was last seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, alongside Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri, which released last Diwali and became a massive hit.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shefali Jariwala death: Heartbroken Parag Tyagi makes first appearance with their pet dog Simba after her demise
Shefali Jariwala's sudden demise last night has sent shockwaves across the country. Her friends and colleagues from the industry are mourning her demise. In the early hours of June 29, after the unexpected passing of actress and Bigg Boss star Shefali Jariwala, her husband Parag Tyagi was seen in public for the first time, visibly devastated. He was spotted in Mumbai on Saturday, stepping out with their pet dog, Simba. A video capturing the moment is now circulating online, showing Parag keeping a low profile, with his sorrow clearly evident. In the video, Parag Tyagi seems to be holding a photo of Shefali Jariwala. Police vans can also be seen parked outside their Mumbai house. Shefali shot to popularity with her iconic song, Kaatne Laga. According to early reports, Shefali Jariwala reportedly experienced a sudden cardiac episode late Thursday night. She was immediately taken to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai by her husband, Parag Tyagi, along with three close companions. Sadly, doctors confirmed she was already unresponsive when she arrived. The reason behind her sudden death remains unclear, and no formal statement has been released by her family or spokespersons so far. The sudden news of Shefali Jariwala's passing has left her friends and fans heartbroken. Many took to social media to share their shock and sorrow. Celebrities like Aly Goni, Mika Singh, Rajiv Adatia, Kamya Punjabi, and others expressed their sadness and paid tribute to her online. Sharing an emotional note, Mika Singh wrote, "Mika wrote: I'm deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend @shefalijariwala has left us. Still can't believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti." Over the years, Shefali has appeared in several well-known films and television shows. Her entry as a wildcard contestant in Bigg Boss 13 brought her back into the spotlight, where she stood out as one of the most impactful and strong contenders of the season. BB 13 fame Shefali Jariwala and Parag Tyagi on Diwali celebrations: Parag makes delicious sweets
Hans India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
TIDCO houses distribution by Diwali: Narayana
Ongole: Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana announced that the pending construction works of TIDCO houses will be completed and houses will be handed over to the beneficiaries by Diwali festival. He held a review meeting on the activities related to Ongole Urban Development Authority at the Collectorate here on Friday. Later addressing the media, Minister Narayana explained that the TIDCO houses are being constructed in three categories with areas of 300, 365, and 430 square feet. He announced that houses measuring 365 and 430 square feet will be completed first and delivered to beneficiaries by Diwali. He alleged that the previous government had raised bank loans in beneficiaries' names without providing houses, leading to non-performing assets (NPAs) in bank accounts. After Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's instructions and paying Rs 140 crore to the banks, the Minister explained that the banks enabled the beneficiaries to take out fresh loans. He said the construction activities have commenced across the State, with L&T representatives expected to begin construction work in Prakasam district within the next 15 days. The MAUD Minister announced that four of the eight and a half million tons of waste accumulated State-wide during the previous government's tenure had been recycled already, and the remaining will be recycled by October 2. He informed that tenders have been called for to provide safe drinking water through taps in the State. He said that within four years, every household will receive water from surface sources like rivers rather than borewells. Narayana said for road expansion in Ongole, TDR (Transferable Development Rights) bonds will be provided to affected parties. He emphasised the government's commitment to creating 20 lakh jobs as promised, focusing on bringing industries to the state. He said that free bus travel for women will begin from August 15, as announced by the Chief Minister. He said that the government is coordinating with the Central government to provide financial assistance to farmers. He announced that they are planning to extend Anna Canteens, which are addressing hunger among the poor and currently serving 2.25 lakh people daily, to the rural areas. Joint Collector R Gopalakrishna, Markapur MLA K Narayana Reddy, Ongole Mayor Gangada Sujatha, Deputy Mayor Vemuri Suryanarayana, Ongole Municipal Commissioner K Venkateswar Rao, and Urban Development Authority officials attended the review meeting.
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- The Hindu
Gurugram Police gears up to put brakes on road stunts
A 28-second video of a young man dangerously driving a yellow sports car in a zigzag pattern inside an underpass on Gurugram's Golf Course Road recently went viral. The man, yet to be identified, was seen hanging out of the speeding vehicle, making gestures and shouting at other motorists. Notably, the car did not carry a registration number plate. This incident followed closely on the heels of another video showing four undergraduates in a luxury car performing stunts in broad daylight on the Dwarka Expressway. Two of the men were seated atop the moving vehicle, blaring loud music. Such videos, especially during festive occasions like Diwali, have increasingly surfaced on social media, showing young men bursting crackers atop moving cars or indulging in reckless driving, endangering not just themselves but also others on the road. While FIRs have been registered and some of the accused arrested, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rajesh Mohan admits the trend is catching on in the Millennium City, likely inspired by social media content from Western countries. Mr. Mohan says that improved road infrastructure in Gurugram has become a double-edged sword, facilitating stunts on stretches like Golf Course Road and Dwarka Expressway. 'These incidents often happen at night when both traffic and police presence are minimal. The perpetrators believe they can get away with it,' he notes. To clamp down on this growing menace, the Gurugram police are now going beyond fines to file criminal cases. 'Most offenders come from affluent backgrounds and drive high-end vehicles. The fines for speeding or lane violations, ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000, don't deter them. So, we register cases under Sections 281 (rash driving), 285 (obstructing public way), and 125 (endangering human life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which allow for up to six months' imprisonment,' said Mr. Mohan. Earlier this month, after arresting the accused in the luxury car stunt case, the police posted a video of them offering a public apology and urging others not to attempt such acts. 'We shared both before and after visuals to drive home the message that such reckless behaviour has serious legal consequences,' said the officer. He also pointed out that in most cases, complaints are filed by police themselves after monitoring viral videos, as citizens rarely come forward. To address the issue further, Gurugram traffic police are focusing on stricter speed enforcement. Speed limit signage has been installed across major roads, and challans are now issued based on CCTV camera surveillance. According to data, 34,896 challans were issued for speeding till May 31 this year, almost double the 18,444 issued during the same period last year. Additionally, 19,887 challans were issued for lane violations and 1,738 for dangerous driving this year, compared to 61,780 and 3,891 respectively last year. While many of these stunts are performed to gain social media attention, others stem from a desire for thrill or to flaunt social status. To promote behavioural change, Gurugram police have adopted a two-pronged strategy: enforcement coupled with appreciation. 'Our campaign 'Drive Right, Shine Bright,' launched last month, rewards motorists who follow rules,' said Dr. Mohan. In May, five rule-abiding motorists were identified using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and felicitated. A mobile van has also been deployed for public awareness, and special drives are being conducted for app-based cab drivers, he added.
