Latest news with #Mohini
Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Pay attention, 007 — Q's Georgian house could be yours for £2m
O n a quiet stretch of East Sussex countryside, where the Battle of Hastings remains a spectral presence, sits Whitelands. This Georgian house is known locally for its proportions, its privacy and for having once been home to James Bond's beloved gadget master, Desmond Llewelyn. Llewelyn, who portrayed the unflappable Q in 17 Bond films over 36 years, purchased Whitelands in 1957 for £4,500, having moved from Chelsea, southwest London, in search of fresh air and space. As recorded in his memoir, he undertook extensive renovations himself, both inside and out, and even weathered a fire in the dining room before flying to the Bahamas to film Thunderball. His long tenure at Whitelands, nearly 30 years, left a quiet legend behind him. Now it's in the hands of modern film-makers, namely the cinematographer John Lynch and his wife, Mohini, a former producer, who were well aware of their famous predecessor when they bought the property in 2008. 'We came to the area quite randomly. It was really the house that we fell in love with,' Mohini says.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Hyderabad Zoo is home to 12 White Bengal Tigers: India's Second-Largest White Tiger Conservation Program
The Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad is one of the most famous zoos in India. At present, the zoo is home to a rare and mesmerizing sight which has been attracting visitors from all over, and the reason is the 12 white Bengal tigers here. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Yes, you read that right! The zoo is home to these majestic white coloured big cats. These have gorgeous snow-white coats and piercing icy-blue eyes! Simply gorgeous. Let's have a look: White Tigers are a genetic wonder Many believe that the white tigers are a separate species. But that's incorrect info as these are genetic wonders not different species. They are a genetic variant of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), born with a rare recessive gene that suppresses orange pigmentation in the fur. This gene must be inherited from both parents, making natural births exceedingly rare in the wild. Most white tigers in existence today have been bred in captivity. The Nehru Zoological Park is India's second-largest hub for white tiger conservation, after Odisha's renowned Nandankanan Zoological Park, which produced India's first white tiger in captivity, Mohini, in the 1970s. Since then, Hyderabad's zoo has become a prominent center for nurturing and showcasing this rare variant. Breeding with Care: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Inbreeding Despite their popularity, white tiger breeding programs have often attracted criticism due to the risks associated with inbreeding. When related animals are repeatedly bred, it increases the likelihood of genetic deformities, weakened immunity, and health problems. To address these concerns, Nehru Zoological Park has adopted scientific breeding protocols. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Zoo Director Sunil Hiremath emphasizes, 'We don't breed indiscriminately. To maintain genetic diversity, we cross-breed white tigers with orange Bengal tigers when necessary. A white cub may reappear by the third generation—but will be genetically stronger.' This approach is backed by the use of studbooks—detailed genealogical records of individual animals—and inter-zoo tiger exchanges, both of which help avoid breeding close relatives and maintain a healthy genetic pool. Birth and Early Life: A Delicate Start The process of breeding and raising tiger cubs is a delicate operation. Immediately after birth, mothers and cubs are kept in isolation for 15–20 days, with caretakers monitoring them through CCTV cameras. 'Even minor disturbances can stress the mother. In extreme cases, she may abandon or even consume a weak cub,' Hiremath explains. Despite the complexities involved, the Hyderabad zoo has largely succeeded in raising healthy tigers. None of their white tigers so far have exhibited major deformities, and their enclosures are enriched with trees, ponds, and climbing platforms to mimic natural habitats and encourage physical activity and behavioral stimulation. Health Monitoring and Veterinary Challenges Diagnosing health problems in tigers is no easy feat. 'Big cats are masters at hiding pain or discomfort,' Hiremath notes. This stealth often delays treatment. Recently, two white tigers were transferred from Kakatiya Zoological Park in Warangal after showing signs of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection. Thanks to timely intervention, both are now recovering. Routine checkups, blood tests, and dietary monitoring are part of the zoo's effort to ensure their tigers remain healthy. Veterinary teams also coordinate with other zoos and wildlife hospitals when specialized treatment is required. Busting Myths: Public Awareness Takes Center Stage Despite decades of awareness campaigns, misconceptions about white tigers persist. Many visitors still believe these animals are a separate species or were brought from abroad. 'Educating the public is an ongoing challenge,' said one senior zookeeper. To address this, the zoo is enhancing its public education outreach, including interactive digital displays, multilingual signage, and trained guides who can explain the biology and conservation of white tigers in an accessible way. Hyderabad's Nehru Zoological Park stands at the intersection of conservation, education, and ethical breeding. While the dazzling white tigers remain a key attraction, the zoo's real achievement lies in its behind-the-scenes commitment to responsible wildlife management. In a world where genetics, aesthetics, and ecology often collide, the park serves as a thoughtful model of how to blend public engagement with scientific responsibility.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Stalwart cartoonist who picked up his sketchpad ‘just for fun', turns 100
'What started as a fun activity went on to become my identity,' said SD Phadnis about his career as a cartoonist, ahead of his 100th birthday on Tuesday. 'However, as I kept working, I realised the power of political cartooning, which becomes the language of democracy. And when you draw cartoons for other subjects such as mathematics, science or banking, they turn into a language of knowledge.' Shivram Dattatreya Phadnis, popularly known as 'Shi da', is celebrated especially for work that graced the cover of many popular magazines. (HT) Shivram Dattatreya Phadnis, popularly known as 'Shi da', who was born on July 29, 1925, in Bhoj village, Belgaum district, is regarded a stalwart in the state, celebrated especially for work that graced the cover of many popular magazines. His work published sans captions often in the Diwali Ank, 'Mohini' known for its literary stance, broke new ground, proving that cartoons could be just as aesthetically pleasing and evocative as paintings, without the need of any descriptors. Phadnis was schooled in Kolhapur and graduated from the Sir J J School of Art in Mumbai – where he became fascinated by works of artists such as Mario Miranda and Vasant Sarwate – his contemporaries -- and American painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell. He first sent a cartoon spontaneously to 'Manohar', a magazine that used to publish fiction, while still a student, in 1945. It was published and put him on the path of bigger achievements. Encouraged, he started submitting comic strips to various publications – one of them, a literary magazine 'Hans', edited by Anant Antarkar. On Antarkar's suggestion, Phadnis created a full-page colour illustration that appeared on the cover of the June 1951 issue—marking the beginning of his journey into humorous, full-colour magazine covers. When Antarkar launched 'Mohini' in 1950, Phadnis became a key visual voice for the magazine for over five decades. His association with the publication remains one of the longest in Indian magazine history. He also worked with various magazines and publications, creating cartoons not just for humour, but also to illustrate serious issues such as science, law, banking, grammar and management. His political and social cartoons featured regularly in Marathi weeklies such as 'Manoos' and 'Sobat' between 1963 and 1975. Phadnis's signature style is rooted in figurative sketching, and his works stem from routine events of middle-class households, that highlight the challenges and joys of ordinary life through a playful and empathetic lens. He continues to be celebrated for his timeless contributions to the world of art and satire. Speaking about how cartoons and illustrations were received by the public—especially by politicians and political activists— the veteran cartoonist reflected, 'Maharashtra has always had a discerning and sensible readership. I did face criticism at times, but it was mostly constructive and communicated in a respectful manner. Even when my political cartoons were criticised, leaders and their followers were mature enough to understand that cartoons are also a legitimate form of expression.' He reminisced about a time when he presented a scenario where a political leader was addressing a gathering where two women seated in front discussed inflation. 'While it was criticised by a women's association, Bindu Madhavi Joshi, the editor of 'Grahakpeth', gave a fitting reply saying it was political satire and not defamatory to women,' said Phadnis. It's a far cry 'from the changing atmosphere of today, where both political leaders and their followers seem far less tolerant of political satire'. 'There is an increasing resistance to accept criticism, even when it's shared through humour. The openness of our time is fading,' he said. Speaking of changing times, how has he responded to the impact of technology on art? 'When I started drawing, everything was done by hand. Now, with the advancement of technology, people are creating art on iPads. I've even heard about Artificial Intelligence being used for drawing, and there's much talk of how technology might overshadow creativity. Technology may assist the process, but it can never replace true art. It can't express human emotions or the depth of feeling that comes from the heart. Ultimately, creativity is a deeply human quality, and we are far more advanced in that space than any machine can ever be.' Phadnis was married to Marathi author Shakuntala, who passed away around seven years ago, and the couple have two daughters. In his autobiography, 'Reshatan: Athavanincha Pravas' ('A journey down memory lane'), published in 2011, Phadnis has detailed his artistic journey of 60 years and his efforts to advocate cartoonists' rights.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Stalwart cartoonist who picked up his sketchpad 'just for fun', turns 100
PUNE: 'What started as a fun activity went on to become my identity,' said S D Phadnis about his career as a cartoonist, ahead of his 100th birthday on Tuesday. 'However, as I kept working, I realised the power of political cartooning, which becomes the language of democracy. And when you draw cartoons for other subjects such as mathematics, science or banking, they turn into a language of knowledge.' Shivram Dattatreya Phadnis, who was born on July 29, 1925, in Bhoj village, Belgaum district Shivram Dattatreya Phadnis, popularly known as 'Shi da', who was born on July 29, 1925, in Bhoj village, Belgaum district, is regarded a stalwart in the state, celebrated especially for work that graced the cover of many popular magazines. His work published sans captions often in the Diwali Ank, 'Mohini' known for its literary stance, broke new ground, proving that cartoons could be just as aesthetically pleasing and evocative as paintings, without the need of any descriptors. Phadnis was schooled in Kolhapur and graduated from the Sir J J School of Art in Mumbai – where he became fascinated by works of artists such as Mario Miranda and Vasant Sarwate – his contemporaries -- and American painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell. He first sent a cartoon spontaneously to 'Manohar', a magazine that used to publish fiction, while still a student, in 1945. It was published and put him on the path of bigger achievements. Encouraged, he started submitting comic strips to various publications – one of them, a literary magazine 'Hans', edited by Anant Antarkar. On Antarkar's suggestion, Phadnis created a full-page colour illustration that appeared on the cover of the June 1951 issue—marking the beginning of his journey into humorous, full-colour magazine covers. When Antarkar launched 'Mohini' in 1950, Phadnis became a key visual voice for the magazine for over five decades. His association with the publication remains one of the longest in Indian magazine history. He also worked with various magazines and publications, creating cartoons not just for humour, but also to illustrate serious issues such as science, law, banking, grammar and management. His political and social cartoons featured regularly in Marathi weeklies such as 'Manoos' and 'Sobat' between 1963 and 1975. Phadnis's signature style is rooted in figurative sketching, and his works stem from routine events of middle-class households, that highlight the challenges and joys of ordinary life through a playful and empathetic lens. He continues to be celebrated for his timeless contributions to the world of art and satire. Speaking about how cartoons and illustrations were received by the public—especially by politicians and political activists— the veteran cartoonist reflected, 'Maharashtra has always had a discerning and sensible readership. I did face criticism at times, but it was mostly constructive and communicated in a respectful manner. Even when my political cartoons were criticized, leaders and their followers were mature enough to understand that cartoons are also a legitimate form of expression.' He reminisced about a time when he presented a scenario where a political leader was addressing a gathering where two women seated in front discussed inflation. 'While it was criticised by a women's association, Bindu Madhavi Joshi, the editor of 'Grahakpeth', gave a fitting reply saying it was political satire and not defamatory to women,' said Phadnis. It's a far cry 'from the changing atmosphere of today, where both political leaders and their followers seem far less tolerant of political satire'. 'There is an increasing resistance to accept criticism, even when it's shared through humour. The openness of our time is fading,' he said. Speaking of changing times, how has he responded to the impact of technology on art? 'When I started drawing, everything was done by hand. Now, with the advancement of technology, people are creating art on iPads. I've even heard about Artificial Intelligence being used for drawing, and there's much talk of how technology might overshadow creativity. Technology may assist the process, but it can never replace true art. It can't express human emotions or the depth of feeling that comes from the heart. Ultimately, creativity is a deeply human quality, and we are far more advanced in that space than any machine can ever be.' Phadnis was married to Marathi author Shakuntala, who passed away around seven years ago, and the couple have two daughters. In his autobiography, 'Reshatan: Athavanincha Pravas' ('A journey down memory lane'), published in 2011, Phadnis has detailed his artistic journey of 60 years and his efforts to advocate cartoonists' rights.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Captionless cartoonist SD Phadnis turns 100 on Tuesday, his lines & drawing bring out the humour
Pune: Caricatures are funny and their punchlines drip with wit but captionless cartoons, if they are S D Phadnis's, are a class apart. Popular as Shi Da, his caricatures that have maintained appeal for seven decades, stick to anatomical accuracy, an uncommon practice. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "I capture the distortions of thought and behaviour, not physical features," the man, who will turn a 100 years old on Tuesday, said. His appearance belies his age— a good posture and stride with a mind so sharp that it finds humour in everyday life, the eminent cartoonist is a whirlwind of energy. A three-day festival celebrating his life and works will be held at Balgandharva Rangmandir from July 27 to 29 by Vasundhara Club and Cartoonists Combine. Born in Bhoj, a small village in Belagavi, Phadnis schooled in Kolhapur before joining JJ School of Art in Mumbai. A senior advised him to study commercial art, and he could blend his passion for drawing with practical application in advertising. "The cartoons in Punch, The Saturday Evening Post and The London Opinion fascinated me. I started drawing cartoons and sending them to Marathi magazines. My first publication was in 1946 in Manohar magazine published by SV Kirloskar. I was still in college," Phadnis added. The turning point came when his cartoon was published on the cover of Mohini magazine in 1952 by famed editor Anant Antarkar. "It was a Diwali edition, and at a time when the cover would be a film star or women doing cultural things, Antarkar took a risk, and that paid off. Since then, the cover art for all editions of Mohini have been mine. This year will be the 74th edition," Phadnis said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After a brief stay in Kolhapur, he moved to Pune and has lived here for decades. His wife Shakuntala, an author, was his first critic, offering feedback on his drafts until she passed away. "I have been trained to think visually and not use words. Many people ask me about captionless cartoons. I do nothing different, nor is it a planned move. Lines and colours are my alphabet. Because there are no words, my cartoons can be exhibited anywhere, and understood too. My cartoon is my language," he added. Though he dabbled in political cartoons, Shi Da chose a more creative pursuit. His first exhibition was at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai in 1965, followed by shows in the UK and the US. Despite admiring figures like Dinanath Dalal, S V Kirloskar, Mario Miranda, and Shankar, Shi Da held his own. Phadnis considers his work on mathematics textbooks his greatest challenge. From 1978 to 2010, he illustrated textbooks for Stds I to IV, using cartoons to make division and multiplication more accessible. This, he said, was a significant achievement in helping children grasp mathematics. He has steered clear of controversies, but the criticism that political cartoons now receive leaves him sad. "Criticism should be through words. Shankar would criticise Nehru, Ambedkar, and Gandhi and their policies but it drew no backlash from them or their admirers," he added. The easygoing cartoonist has embraced new technology though he believes it cannot replace artistic originality. "I don't know much about AI, but creativity cannot be replaced," he added. Phadnis is also a skilled mechanic and a carpenter. And the secret to his longevity? Daily yoga, a set routine, and stress-free living.
