Latest news with #Madan
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Former racer J.D. Madan in top gear as para table tennis player
In the early and mid-2000s, J. D. Madan was a hugely scintillating star on the car racing circuit, revelling in the intense pressure at the Irungattukottai track in Sriperumbudur during the National racing championships. Madan was destined for bigger things when he became the National champion in the Esteem car section at the age of 26 in 2003. But tragedy put paid to that possibility. He met with a near-fatal road accident in 2007 in Mumbai that turned his life upside down. He was paralysed waist down. Not one to be cowed down by circumstances, Madan soon found purpose in life. In early 2021, Madan started playing table tennis, and as a veritable sportsperson found success in it as well. He went on to win medals in National para table tennis tournaments and is now ranked No.2 in India in Class I (wheelchair athlete). Recently, he won multiple medals in ITTF events in Taipei (Future) and Kaohsiung (Challenger). In Kaohsiung, he won silver. Madan is happy that para table tennis is growing in India, but feels it still has a long way to go. Para TT in India, according to the 48-year-old, is growing but not yet at the international level. 'We have only Bhavina Patel and Sonalben Patel at the international level. Our grassroots structure is quite good, it is growing,' he says. The difference between top countries and India who do well in para TT is the absence of a strong programme and exposure. 'Countries such as Korea, Japan and Thailand have a very strong programme for para table tennis. Actually, it's like a job. They give them a salary. They practice everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Training Centre. We have a long way to go,' says Madan. Table Tennis Federation of India said Madan is making good efforts at providing the best for its paddlers. 'They are taking players internationally twice a year minimum,' he says. A resident of Alwarpet, Madan loves the security the neighbourhood provides, but rues the complete absence of space for pedestrians. Madan is not just a champion paddler. He has been active in ensuring the lives of differently abled persons change for the better. He was part of an NGO called Disability Rights Alliance that has completed big projects with Chennai Corporation. 'One project that we associated was the beach (wooden) pathway for differently abled persons and for every other user on Marina and Besant Nagar Beaches,' he said. On and off the sports field, Madan continues to make an impactful change.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Raanjhanaa's AI edits ignite creative integrity versus copyright debate
NEW DELHI : The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the movie business landscape, helping makers redesign plots and twists in old hits, transcending human imagination but also raising uncomfortable questions around artistic integrity and potentially fuelling legal battles. Take for instance the well-loved 2013 film Raanjhanaa. Film studio Eros International is preparing to re-release the Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor-starrer movie in the Tamil Nadu market with a climax different from the original, powered by AI edits. Aanand L. Rai, who directed and co-produced the film under his banner Color Yellow Productions, claims he wasn't consulted by the studio for the decision to re-introduce the film with these edits. The studio asserts that it's the sole and exclusive copyright holder and producer, claiming it is fully entitled, both legally and ethically, to adapt and re-release the film. Industry experts say the issue highlights how directors, most often treated as the captain of the ship in case of movies, may or may not be in a position to restrain such reinterpretations, depending on contractual rights. Also Read: Films of Bollywood stars shine on OTT platforms but their web shows falter So far, re-releases of films have concerned mostly with re-mastering or restoration efforts like improved audio-visual quality or inclusion of deleted scenes, while retaining the creative integrity of the original work. Looking ahead, re-release may become common, particularly given the technology's growing sophistication and the commercial appeal of re-engaging audiences with familiar titles, requiring industry norms to evolve to balance the rights of creative contributors and producers. However, the inherent loss of the human touch and artistic integrity remain big risks of using AI in films. Legal complexities, moral rights 'A movie, like any project, requires all parties including the producers, writers, actors, music and financiers to enter into multiple contractual agreements to define roles and responsibilities, along with profit distribution details. One also has to review and analyse from the contracts signed between such parties to understand if the 'author' of the movie is separate from the 'producer' of the movie - this is essential to identify the first owner of the copyright in a cinematograph as per the Indian Copyright Act, 1957," Minal Madan, founder, SLP Law, said. Further, Section 57 of the Copyright Act, 1957 provides moral rights to a film director, which can be waived under contractual provisions, Madan added. Entertainment industry experts like Madan emphasize that as AI-generated content is a relatively new addition to the movie industry, many contracts entered into by parties, particularly prior to the 2000s, may not have clauses that specifically deal with re-making, revising and re-releasing movies with AI modifications. Therefore, specific contractual agreement between the directors and the producers plays a crucial role in understanding and interpreting which party will have what specific rights and to what extent. 'Raanjhanaa represents not only the first instance of a major Indian film being re-released with AI edits, but also the first instance of an alternating ending being inserted through the use of AI technology, while fan edits, using AI tech, exist of course. While the move has courted controversy, and been criticized by the director of the film, a good reception at the box office might prove sufficient incentive to promote the use of AI tools in the future," Niharika Karanjawala-Misra, principal associate at law firm Karanjawala & Co, said. Eros defends move In response to Mint's queries, Pradeep Dwivedi, Group CEO, Eros Media World, rejected what he called "unfounded" and "sensationalist" remarks made by Rai, whom the studio had hired to direct the film. The re-release of Raanjhanaa in the Tamil market is part of Eros International's broader strategy to refresh and re-introduce classic cinematic works to newer audiences in regional markets, Dwivedi added. When contacted, Mint received no response from Rai. Also Read: Can Disneyland work in India? Theme parks face hurdles but show future promise 'With respect to cinematograph films, the term author includes a director who is vested with two key moral rights, the right to claim authorship (right of paternity), and the right to restrain or claim damages in respect of any distortion, mutilation, modification or other act in relation to the work that is prejudicial to the author's honour or reputation (right of integrity). If the AI-generated alternate alters the storyline, tone, or messaging of the original film in a way that the director finds derogatory to his artistic vision or reputation, he can approach the court for violation of his rights. Though his right would be subject to the nature and scope of the contract he originally entered into with the producer or the studio," said Gaurav Sahay, founding partner, Arthashastra Legal. Kalindhi Bhatia, partner at law firm BTG Advaya, said Raanjhanaa is likely the first reported instance in India where producers have sought to re-release a film with edits made using AI. Since production houses typically reserve the rights to the final cut of a film, they may opt to incorporate AI edits if their vision differs from that of the director. While use of AI to modify a film is novel, in the past production houses have opted to modify a film on their own, which has resulted in directors choosing to distance themselves from such films citing creative differences, an example being the 1998 Edward Norton-starrer American History X, Bhatia pointed out. Turning point Further, in a controversial case, the 2024 film Brutalist used AI to alter actors' performances in post-production, which sparked backlash despite the actors being aware of the use of AI tools, according to Rashmi Deshpande, founder, Fountainhead Legal. The AI-generated alternative ending in Raanjhanaa marks a notable moment in Indian cinema and one of the earliest global examples of AI being used to rewrite narrative arcs. As AI becomes more accessible, such practices are expected to grow but raise serious concerns about creative integrity, legal rights, and consent, Deshpande said. Also Read: Hollywood's Indian comeback hits a speed bump To be sure, industry experts emphasize that the re-release of older films with AI-generated edits presents a web of legal, ethical, and commercial opportunities and risks in an evolving landscape of technological disruptions. While AI edits infuse fresh life into legacy content by improving technical quality with alternative narratives, the flip side is that the legal dangers are equally significant with claims of infringement. 'AI undoubtedly offers compelling opportunities to rejuvenate legacy content, enhance localization, or explore alternate creative visions, but it also risks infringing the rights and dignity of original creators if deployed without explicit consent or contractual clarity," Ketan Mukhija, senior partner, Burgeon Law, said.
Boston Globe
22-07-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Builders coalition enters new chapter as founder Dave Madan rejoins
Advertisement Under Madan's leadership, the group shortened its name to The Builder Coalition, or TBC. The focus, he said, is on opening doors 'for all talented individuals, especially those who have historically lacked access to key networks and resources.' Its mission now includes a 'TBC Innovation Center' think tank, essentially consulting and convening services that it offers to help other communities diversify their development sectors. The first national Innovation Center event will be held in September, at the Seaport Hotel, to bring together real estate finance experts from around the country. Madan leads a four-person staff, and hopes to add a fifth by early 2026, with an annual budget of around $1 million. The organization is also awaiting action from the Healey administration on a state budget earmark for another $150,000. Advertisement The coalition celebrated its new phase of growth Friday by hosting a fellowship kickoff event at the Bruce Bolling building in Roxbury and a tour of affordable housing sites where previous TBC fellows have foundations in the ground and wood frames going up. Speakers included Representative Russell Holmes and Senator Liz Miranda (co-sponsors of the budget earmark), city housing chief Sheila Dillon , and Sabrina Correia from sponsor JPMorgan Chase & Co. For Madan, it was inspiring watching this new class of 25 fellows — each one gets matched with two industry mentors — meet with previous fellows and observe how they're changing the city in their own way. 'It's a pretty incredible thing,' Madan said. 'There were just big smiles when everyone got off the buses. They were like, ... 'This is the real deal. Seeing is believing.'' Banking on more English classes When the findings of a MassINC report about the need for more career-focused English classes were announced a year ago at the UMass Club, those in the room looked around at each other and said, essentially, 'We can solve this.' The report showed that funding in Massachusetts for English proficiency classes was not keeping pace with the pressing need: One in 10 working-age adults in the state still had limited English skills. 'That report was really a galvanizing moment,' said Rahn Dorsey , chief executive of the Eastern Bank Foundation , a lead sponsor of the MassINC report. Now, the report is translating into action. The Eastern Bank Foundation last week announced it is committing $10 million over three years to support English teaching programs in the state, with an eye toward filling workforce gaps. The news, announced at the State House, happened alongside the Healey administration's announcement that the Legislature had pledged a separate $10 million for English proficiency work in a recent supplemental budget. Advertisement Foundation board chair Bob Rivers , who spoke at the State House event, said in an interview that it's just a coincidence that the dollar amounts are the same. The Eastern Bank Foundation recently hired Eva Millona as a foundation fellow to help lead this new initiative, with assistance from Jerry Rubin , the former chief executive of Jewish Vocational Service and another foundation fellow. Millona is back in Boston after serving in the US Department of Homeland Security. Previously, she led the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition . MassINC chief executive Joe Kriesberg said he was impressed to see the foundation's financial commitment to this cause, saying it 'supercharges' the Healey administration's efforts. 'It's certainly of a scale that you do not see very often from any kind of foundation or philanthropy,' Kriesberg said. '[It's] courageous for Eastern ... to take this leadership role at a time when not everybody is standing up to support our immigrant communities.' Getting machines to talk at SharkNinja Making a 'smart home' even smarter was one of the top missions for Mike Harris during his seven years at Amazon . Now, it will be one of his top missions at SharkNinja . The Needham-based company has recruited Harris from Amazon to be its first-ever chief innovation and technology officer, as it tries to Harris said he's been impressed with the pace of activity at the headquarters, with engineers tinkering with products around almost every corner, to improve on the flagship lines of Shark vacuums and Ninja blenders, as well as new lines ranging from smoothie makers to hair dryers. Advertisement The road to Amazon for Harris started at a startup called Zonoff, which specialized in connected-home software. Smart-home device company Ring acquired Zonoff's staff in 2017, bringing Harris on board. Amazon gobbled up Ring roughly a year later. Harris will lead SharkNinja's electrical engineering and software efforts related to connectivity — figuring out how to get various electronic devices to talk with each other. He'll report to Ross Richardson , SharkNinja's chief design officer. Now that he's furnishing his new home in the Boston area, he may be in the market for SharkNinja products. He's already hearing from others who want to place orders. 'All my friends and family have been sending me lists,' he added. 'I'm going to have to set up a warehouse just to fulfill [their] needs.' Rest-stop rivalry draws lobbyists A redevelopment lease for In the final round, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation ended up Global Partners . Global has long been represented by Dorchester lobbyist Bobby White , whose firm, Robert F. White Associates , has several other fuel sector clients. On June 18, the day Applegreen O'Neill and Associates , Boston's third-busiest lobbying firm. Spokesman Reid Lamberty said Global has relied on White's expertise over the years, and the company tapped O'Neill to 'help us navigate MassDOT's final decision on the RFP — specifically to gain insight into the process and receive guidance as we moved forward." Advertisement Global continues to make the case to MassDOT and Governor Maura Healey 's administration that its bid is better, primarily because it contains a higher rent price and because of Global's local ties. On Applegreen's side, the Blackstone -backed company hired Smith, Costello & Crawford , the city's busiest lobbying shop, last year to help craft the bid. Recently, Dempsey Associates , the city's fourth-busiest lobbying firm, has been involved as Applegreen contractor Suffolk Construction 's adviser. Jim Smith of Smith, Costello & Crawford said his firm's advice to Applegreen was to be responsive to the top priorities of the Healey administration, namely to launch a Smith, a Tesla owner, said the primary reason electric vehicles are not being more widely adopted is the concern over finding places to charge up when batteries are running low. The service plaza bid, he said, represented an opportunity to address that issue. Plus, the existing state plazas 'are not in particularly good shape [and] are frankly embarrassing for a commonwealth that really relies on tourism' to help the economy. 'It wasn't complicated at all,' Smith said. 'Yeah, money was important but there were other things that were more important.' Jon Chesto can be reached at
New Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Wheels of Inspiration: From racing to TT, journey of para-athlete J D Madan
Different athletes react to losing in their own way. For the Tamil Nadu paddler, losing is all about being curious and introspective. "I'm the kind of person, when I lose, I get very excited. I'm very curious. I would ask myself 'how did I lose?' And it's very interesting for me to understand how I lost. I get very excited with video matches. You practice and you're playing one type of game. You can't play that kind of game that you do in practice. Players today play in such a way that they don't want you to touch the ball. If you can't do that, it doesn't matter what you practice. You're not touching the ball," he told this daily. When the crash happened 18 years ago, the first objective was to make body parts move. At the time, sport was not on Madan's mind. It was only when he came across a video of British para-athlete Rob Davies in the 2012 Paralympics in London, Madan decided to give table tennis a try. "I used to be a tennis player my whole life, and watching this I thought this should be fun." He trains with able-bodied, club level paddlers at the Madras Club in Adyar. "These are people who have been with me from the beginning of my journey. So they know my game more than anybody. They will watch my matches on YouTube and they will advise me what I need to work on," he explained.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jehan Dorab Madan: Inspiring Journey from Paralysis to Table Tennis Champion
An accident in 2007 left him paralysed. Now, J D Madan is back on the podium, winning medals in table tennis M Sudharshan | TNN Until 2007, Jehan Dorab Madan led an active life as a professional racing driver, while tennis, windsurfing and swimming in the ocean were among his hobbies. However, his life took a dramatic turn after an accident left him paralysed. But Madan from Tamil Nadu , a passionate sportsperson, refused to give up. Fourteen years after the accident, in 2021, he discovered a love for table tennis and has been making steady progress ever since. What has helped him excel in the sport, winning medals at international and national levels, is the disciplined approach he has maintained towards his recovery. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai 'When you are paralysed, the most important thing is to stay active so your body can function,' says the 48-year-old. 'At one point, I could not even lift a spoon, but I kept trying so my body would start to adapt. Now, everything seems easy.' Madan, a class 1 (wheelchair) athlete, won multiple medals at the recent ITTF events in Taipei (Future) and Kaohsiung (Challenger). In Kaohsiung, he clinched silver in the men's singles, losing to multiple Olympic medallist Joo Young Dae of South Korea. 'The Kaohsiung competition was a game-changing event for me. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo I never used to win from losing positions, but this time, I managed to do that on multiple occasions. I identified my opponent's weaknesses even when he was leading, took some risks which I had not done before, and it paid off,' says Madan, who won gold in the Khelo India Para Games earlier this year. Madan has also started to gain confidence in himself as he travels frequently and manages things on his own, something that was not possible between 2007 and 2021. 'I thought my world was confined to my home. But travelling around the world opened my mind and gave me confidence. Simple things like going to the supermarket or taking a bus are possible abroad, which is not the case in India due to accessibility issues.' Madan had a tough season last year and failed to qualify for the Paris Paralympics; however, the lessons learned from competing against top-ranked players have shaped him into a better athlete. While Madan predominantly competes in the Future and Challenger categories, he is slowly pushing the bar and gaining valuable points to enter elite-level tournaments. 'Next year will give me a better idea of where I stand in terms of qualifying for the Los Angeles Paralympics. The ranking system has changed, and top-ranked players will need to participate in competitions to earn points,' says Madan, who is ranked 22nd in the world. Robot rally Madan mostly trains with a robot at home, which he says is helpful as it allows him to focus on specific drills. 'Players in my category often try to prevent their opponent from reaching the ball by playing close to the net. So, I spend half of my session practising those shots, and then I play with my able-bodied friends who compete at club level.'
