Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Lara Dutta joins hands with MTV to battle human trafficking

SOLD, the lead feature of the MTV EXIT campaign in South Asia is a unique and powerful program which aims to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking.

An MTV EXIT Special premiered today in Mumbai with Lara Dutta presenting the documentary. SOLD, the lead feature of the MTV EXIT campaign in South Asia is a unique and powerful program which aims to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking. Bollywood Actress Lara Dutta is one amongst many international artists who have joined the MTV EXIT Campaign. The documentary will be telecast on MTV on Saturday, 22nd September, 7:00 pm

MTV EXIT is produced in partnership with USAID, The United States Agency for International Development. The documentary gives an insight into the realities of trafficking, addresses the part that everyone plays in the issue, and provides information on how individuals can protect themselves against trafficking, as well as what everyone can do to help end exploitation and trafficking. SOLD: An MTV EXIT Special has been produced in English and Hindi to maximize local relevance.

Lara Dutta, MTV EXIT South Asia Ambassador for the campaign, was quoted saying, “I am glad that I can use my status as an actress in the Indian Film Industry – an industry that India is crazy about to create awareness about another underground industry – human trafficking, which is becoming alarmingly bigger and more nefarious day by day. I am especially proud of ‘sold’ which is a true eye opener and hope that we spread the message that will help anyone and everyone fight against the pervasiveness of trafficking of human beings for manual labour, domestic labour and prostitution.”

Ashish Patil, General Manager, MTV India & VP, Creative & Content, said “MTV has always delivered high impact content & communication for youth audiences that not only entertains them, but makes them think, be informed and react. Each one of us is a key link in the human trafficking chain. The first step in breaking that chain is creating awareness. The MTV Exit campaign hopes to do just that in signature MTV style by speaking a language that the youth connect with. Through some compelling stories – really well told – that drive home the message. Join us, and help us break that chain.”

“We are very proud to be launching the MTV EXIT Campaign across South Asia,” commented Simon Goff, MTV EXIT Campaign Director. “As the “SOLD” documentary shows, trafficking is of critical importance here, both in terms of vulnerable young people being trafficked and in respect to the exploitation of trafficking victims. We hope that this campaign provides key information for people to protect themselves as well as inspire our audience to join the fight against trafficking.”

Michael S. Owen, U.S. Consul General, said “SOLD: An MTV EXIT Special is just one project, but an important one. It complements U.S. programs around the world that help prevent trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, protect people most at risk, and reintegrate people who have been trafficked. This movie is a call to action.”

In the recent past as a part of the Pro-Social initiatives, MTV India has actively involved more than 10,000 youngsters, singers, performers and MTV VJ’s in an effort to fight against HIV & AIDS, to ‘Spread the Message and Not the Virus!’ at the MTV Music Summit for Aids held in Mumbai. MTV has also launched a public awareness campaign 'MTV Dirtbusters' to create awareness and get young adults into doing something about the pollution, dirt and littering in the neighbourhood.

Source: India Infoline News Services

Gorgeous Jen swoops in

Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins flew in to Adelaide today, ready to set the fashion world on fire.

FORMER Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins swept into Adelaide today – ready to set the fashion scene on fire with her dazzling smile and supermodel looks.

Ms Hawkins, 23, will tonight headline the Myer summer fashion collection before 250 VIPs including fashion designer Wayne Cooper and retiring Crows captain Mark Ricciuto.

The gorgeous model said she was happy to be in Adelaide.

"I don't get to see much while I'm here – except for hotels and the airport," she said.

"I have been very busy lately. On Monday I fly to NZ for a tour of the South Island for the Great Outdoors (TV show)."

Source: Adelaide Now

Global warming just a parade

Water, water, everywhere: Bikini-clad girls found plenty of water to splash around in at the Miss Earth contest.

By Andrew Bolt

IT'S a toss-up as to who's making a bigger fool of themselves over climate change: our politicians or our Miss Earth contestants, Andrew Bolt writes.

At least the girls in the Miss Earth beauty pageant can afford to look stupid, since they aren't in charge of anything important, like the vanishing water supplies of our cities.

They've just wanted to preach green messages in a bikini and tiara, as they fought last week for the titles of Miss Earth Australia, Best in Swimsuit and Best Environmental Speech.

So, we could smile to read contestant Snezana declare that "Salinisation (sic) of land is one of the major environemtal (sic) crises facing Australia", and Kirra warn that "the biggest problem in our enviroment (sic) today is our lack of water".

At worst we'd have wondered how badly we teach English as Angelique demanded help for an "environmnet" in danger, and Natalia wept for an "enviornment (sic) that sustains us".

How cute, these earnest bikini babes, so keen to save something they cannot even spell.

But how scary, too, that many of these contestants want to save this thing they cannot spell from a threat they cannot understand.

You see, someone - a few of the girls dobbed in Al Gore - has filled their pretty heads with such wild fears of global warming that poor Amanda now wails that "the human race will eventually become extinct".

Scared silly, like so many children now, by professional panic merchants, it seems there's nothing these girls won't now blame on global warming; even tsunamis caused by earthquakes.

Christine, for instance, says she's been worried about global warming "from when the tsunami happened in Thailand back in December 2004".

"Hey! Me too," squeals Georgina.

"Aside from an increase in natural disasters such as the fateful tsunami of 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, smaller changes to weather patterns are slowly being recognised."

Of course, we mustn't blame the girls for believing something so stupid when even Great Guru Gore has falsely suggested global warming caused Hurricane Katrina, the melting snows of Kilimanjaro, the drying of Lake Chad, the immigration of Pacific islanders and whatever else he dreams up when flying here to tell us to cut the kind of emissions he just blew out the back of his jet.

And I ask again: Who really is making a bigger fool of themselves over global warming; these harmless beauty contestants or our politicians, now watching our dams drain dry?

The girls may think global warming causes earthquakes, but our politicians just as stupidly claim it's causing our cities to run out of water.

Here is New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma last Friday, explaining why Sydney is getting permanent water restrictions: "The changes brought by climate change are going to change the way we use water."

Victoria's politicians have used the same line. Here is our since departed Minister for No Water, John Thwaites, excusing water restrictions that are killing our playing fields and gardens: "So all the evidence points to a significant involvement of global warming in the present drought."

How handy, that global warming bogyman. Blame global warming for Melbourne's dams now being 7 per cent lower now than they were even last year, when things got grim.

Blame global warming for the Brumby Government having to reassure us last week that Melbourne won't run out of drinking water this year, at least. Gosh, don't blame the Government instead for having such a green phobia about a new dam that we may run out of water the year after.

What deceitful men. Or stupid.

For a start, no scientist can tell if any drought yet has been caused by the slight global warming of 0.7 degrees thought to have occurred last century.

Let's not forget we've had many droughts before in our "land of droughts and flooding rains". Indeed, the driest five years in NSW in the past century were from 1940 to 1944, and Victoria's past five years have been no drier than what we suffered then, too.

Bureau of Meteorology figures suggest we may just be returning to the drier weather of the first 45 years of last century.

In NSW, the average annual rainfall back then was just 475mm. Then came years of plenty, averaging 567mm, but since 1996 the annual rainfall has fallen back to an average of 511mm - still well up on the usual rainfall of the post-war years. So what drought?

Victoria's weather has followed much the same pattern: Dry years until 1945, followed by years of good rain until a decade ago, when the dry returned. Our average annual rainfall from 1996 has been 571mm, much less than the post-war average until then of 671mm, but not much less than the pre-war average of 603mm.

Droughts come and droughts go, and it's impossible to see the influence of any man-made global warming. So why should this make you furious with our politicians?

Because the history of this continent's weather should have told them to prepare for dry years of the kind we've had so often before.

Because it should have told them they were mad to waste dam water on environmental flows for rivers that had survived years far drier than these.

And because by blaming global warming instead of themselves, they make sweet girls like Miss Earth's Krystle shake on their stilettos, sure that "the ultimate end of existence of Earth and man is global warming".

Fear not, Krystle, stupidity will kill us more surely than global warming.

Source: Herald Sun

Pantaloons endorses Lara Dutta and Bobby Deol as `Brand Ambassadors`

They will feature in all the new print advertisements and television commercials, henceforth for Pantaloons.

Pantaloons, India’s leading fashion retailer, on Wednesday announced that popular actors and bollywood sensations, Lara Dutta and Bobby Deol are the new faces of Pantaloons. They will feature in all the new print advertisements and television commercials, henceforth for Pantaloons. The first advertising campaign featuring Lara Dutta and Bobby Deol will be releasing shortly.

Lara Dutta and Bobby Deol, are known for their distinctive style statements both personally and professionally. The Pantaloons brand will leverage their universal appeal, which is not merely limited to the metropolitan cities, but also extends to the smaller cities and towns.

Said, Sanjeev Agrawal, CEO, Pantaloons, "Pantaloons stands for a Fresh Feel and Fresh Attitude. Bobby Deol and Lara Dutta, who are very stylish actors of today, fit well with the brand. We believe that our association with Bobby and Lara, will help enhance the fashion imagery of the ‘Pantaloons’ brand. Hence, we are proud to sign the two Bollywood icons to endorse our flagship fashion retail brand."

Actor Bobby Deol said, "Fashion is constantly changing and Pantaloons promises to keep up with ever changing fashion trends. The fashion edge that it provides makes me want to make Pantaloons my style statement. It is great to be associated with a fresh and youthful brand Pantaloons.”

Actress Lara Dutta said, "Pantaloons has a wide range of stylish fashion wear for the Indian women, offering apparel and accessories that suit every mood and occasion. With its promise of 'Fresh fashion', it guarantees something new every time one goes there. That makes Pantaloons my kind of store and I am proud to be associated with it."

Source: India Infoline News Service

Big show of solidarity for Anand Jon

BEVERLY HILLS, CA: The Beverly Hilton played host to a major South Asian Community Gala FOSAAC featuring Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villagairosa, former DNC Chairman and Clinton advisor Terry McAuliffe, Kevin Kaul (FOSAAC founder), Marla Maples (former Mrs. Donald Trump), Amrita Thapar (Miss India), Jimmy Jeanlouis (actor, Heroes), Daria Trifu (actress), Bruno Pischiutta (Toronto Pictures), Camille McDonald (from America’s Next Top Model) , Sasha , (Miss India Global), along with a bevy of models and members of the fashion community at the Fashion extravaganza by Sanjana Jon in support of the crown prince of couture designer Anand Jon.

Among the frivolity of the Emmy parties, designer and social activist Sanjana Jon started LA Fashion Week in style. A line up of stunning models wearing "We Support Anand Jon" opened a spectacular fashion presentation on September the 15 for the annual gala event for FOSAAC celebrating 60 years of Indian independence. The show was dedicated to supporting global independence and civil rights. The audience was ecstatic – the show was the highlight of the night’s event.

The press reception prior to the opening ceremony was packed and many press clamored to get their time with Ms. Jon. International and local press and media included CNN, Sahara, Zoom, Z-TV, News Asia, India Journal, India West, magazines and newspaper, A powerful video presentation by director Anirudh Garg ran before the music cued the first runway walker. The video featured images of Anand Jon as a young man.

The presentation humanized him versus a harsh, media-driven, sensationalized world. It showed him as a family man, a spiritual man, a man of substance, values and personality. After the LA Mayor introduced Terry McAuliffe, Sanjana Jon, Marla Maples, Camille McDonald, and Amrita Thapar took the stage and made a plea to the community and politicians to take a strong stance and consideration regarding the violation of individuals civil rights.

Guilty By Color should be eradicated and justice served was the main message promoted through the show. Supporters, guests and fashion crew including international fashion producers flew in from across the globe. 45 models participated and devoted their services to show their support of AJ. Int’l Fashion director Christian Ruart from Paris, NY and Milan flew in to direct the show.

Hair and make up by Madeeha Kibriya & Jeannie Jeffries Couture Beauty enhanced the fabulous show Those attending the event came together and stood in silent support of one of their own. Lines of women gave her ovation and support to Shashi Abraham for her son for her struggle against injustice. Bruno P is looking forward to Anand Jon appearing as a lead in one of his Toronto Picture films and Daria Trifu from Daria! Magazine is profiling his charitable efforts for an upcoming issue. "People have to understand the industry to truly comprehend the unbelievable irrationality of this case", was the word from several fashion insiders. Sanjana Jon has worked with the UN and has promoted AIDS Awareness through the tour started by her brother Anand Jon with the reigning Miss Universe Amelia Vega, Jennifer Hawkins, Natalie Glebova and Zuleyka Rivera. Kal Penn (actor), Michelle Rodriguez (actor), Salman Khan (actor), Howie Dorough (Backstreet Boys), Paris Hilton and Princess Olivia de Bourbon are few of the many celebrities Sanjana Jon has worked with. Awards ceremony and artist performances followed the fashion show. The purpose of the show was to make a strong statement supporting civil rights and people should contact wesupportanandjon@gmail.com with comments and letters of support. Also check www.anandjon.com .

Source: India Post

Hawkins thrills Coast fans

Jennifer Hawkins signed autographs for plenty of excited young fans at Pacific Fair at Myer yesterday.

ABOUT 400 screaming fans took time out from their jobs yesterday to see the beautiful former Miss Universe, Jennifer Hawkins (pictured).

Hawkins signed autographs for plenty of excited young girls at Pacific Fair on a tour for Myer.

Hawkins said it was great to be a role model for young girls, but when speaking about 12-year-old Face of Gold Coast Fashion Week Maddison Gabriel, she didn't think at that age they should be doing what she is just yet.

"I'm not fully for it," she said.

"I don't think at 12 ... I was like playing cricket in the backyard.

"I just don't understand.

"I know the industry a little bit now and I don't think it's right for a 12-year-old, but it's for the parents (to decide)."

Besides the Myer tour, Hawkins also is taking time to broaden her skills and try her hand at acting.

"I have been doing some acting courses and I do enjoy it, but it's not a thing I'm striving for," she said. "I want to be prepared if anything pops up."

She was offered a role in the movie The Pink Panther, which was snapped up by superstar Beyonce because Hawkins couldn't fit it in with her other commitments.

For now, she's just happy to relax this weekend between her Myer tour and filming for The Great Outdoors.

"I'm going to go out to dinner on Saturday night with a group of people and (boyfriend) Jake as well and a few 'drinkie poos' definitely and a dance. I love to have a dance at a club, it's just a release for me," she said.

Source: Gold Coast

Hats off to Hawko

On the right track... Jennifer Hawkins is among the fashion plates set to support Australia's racing industry after the devastating equine flu epidemic.


by Jen Melocco


THE fillies will finally be back on the track - and beside it - this weekend, as a real race meeting returns to Sydney.

Rosehill is preparing for a bumper 12-race program on Saturday, complete with actual punters, while Sydney's event-starved fashionistas are gearing up for a glamorous return to the track.

With the equine flu epidemic destroying much of the Sydney thoroughbred season, horse lover Jennifer Hawkins yesterday said it was time to get behind the racing industry as the Melbourne Cup looms.

Hawkins modelled some of the latest raceday fashions as she made a plea for Sydney racegoers, who have missed out on much of the fun of the track, to embrace the upcoming Melbourne Spring Carnival.

"I love ladylike dresses with romantic silk and lace," Hawkins said after wrapping up a fashion shoot for Myer at Bowral.

This season, Hawkins said a touch of black and white was perfect for a day like Derby Day.

When it comes to that other essential piece of raceday clothing - hats - this season's strong metallic shades are the way to go.

"Metallics are huge this year and look great teamed with black and white for Derby Day," she said.

While, for the Melbourne Cup, a burst of colour was needed.

Myer director of apparel, Judy Coomber, said while Sydney had missed out on dressing up this spring carnival, there would be more interest than usual from those contravelling interstate for the Cup.

"We are still showcasing a great range of Spring Racing dresses and millinery as we believe there will be an increased interest in the Melbourne Carnival," Ms Coomber said.

Rosehill confirmed Saturday's meeting would be expanded from nine races to 12, to accommodate the bulk of 325 horses nominated.

Two races have attracted 50 or more nominations and two other races have 40 or more.

The meeting is open to both locally and Warwick Farm-trained horses and kicks off at 10.15am.

Dates for the resumption of racing in other parts of NSW should become clearer today.

Source: The Daily Telegraph