INDIA pacer S Sreesanth's ban for alleged spot-fixing came to an end on Sunday(13), concluding a seven-year punishment that was originally meant to be for life and was aggressively contested by the flamboyant bowler.
The 37-year-old has already made it clear that he intends to resume at least his domestic career at the end of the ban and his home state Kerala has promised to consider him if he manages to prove his fitness.
"I'm completely free of any charges nd anything nd now gonna represent the sport I love the most.will give my very best to every ball I ball even (if) it's just practice," he tweeted on Friday, a couple of days before the end of his suspension.
"Just have another 5 to 7 years max to give it all I've got nd I will give the very best to any team I play," he added.
However, with the Indian domestic season postponed at present due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it remains to be seen when exactly Sreesanth is able to make a comeback if Kerala decides to give him a chance.
The Indian domestic season starts in August but the pandemic has left the scheduling in complete disarray.
Sreesanth's life ban for alleged spot-fixing in the 2013 edition of the IPL was reduced to seven years by BCCI Ombudsman DK Jain last year. Jain had observed that the cricketer is well past his prime having already served six years.
The BCCI banned Sreesanth in August 2013 along with his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan. But on March 15 last year, the supreme court set aside the BCCI disciplinary committee's order and asked the Board to reconsider the quantum of punishment.
Sreesanth played 27 Tests and 53 ODIs for India, taking 87 and 75 wickets respectively. He has also taken seven wickets in 10 T20 Internationals.
The year 1975 was significant in Indian cinema for newly crowned superstar Amitabh Bachchan, as he starred in the two biggest films of that year, and also his career, Deewaar and Sholay.
These blockbusters cemented his position at the top. In between their releases came Mili, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s decidedly different tearjerker.
Known for his non-starry social dramas, the acclaimed producer-director delivered a message-driven story about Mili (Jaya Bhaduri), a terminally ill but bubbly young woman, and the profound impact she has on those around her – including depressed alcoholic Shekhar, played by Bachchan. The real-life couple headlined a multi-layered film anchored by subtle, deeply emotive performances.
Eastern Eye marks 50 years of the underrated classic on June 20 by presenting the 10 best scenes from this story of hope, anguish and learning how to live.
Enter the grouch: Known for her pranks and cheerful attitude, Mili is taken aback by new neighbour Shekhar’s aloofness. His introduction, during the haunting Badi Sooni Sooni Hai song, shows him as a tormented alcoholic. It establishes the contrast between the two main characters – she smiles through life’s challenges, while he seeks refuge in alcohol.
Visual highlights from MiliRotten Tomatoes
Confrontation: Unable to understand Shekhar’s solitude and unfriendliness, Mili ropes in the children from their building to disturb his peace in protest. What begins as an immature territorial clash soon reveals Mili’s intuitive response to the darkness surrounding him. Her inner child recognises and challenges the negativity threatening their otherwise pleasant environment.
Their innocence and kindness melt his hardened exteriorIMDb
Compassion: After provoking Shekhar, the children apologise sincerely. Their innocence and kindness melt his hardened exterior, and he invites them, along with Mili, to play on his terrace. In the song Maine Kaha Phoolon Se, Shekhar, glass still in hand, watches them dance and smiles for the first time. The warmth of this moment even leads him to request tea instead of whisky in the next scene, to his servant’s delight.
Visual highlights from Mili
In the song Maine Kaha Phoolon SeIMDb
Crossroads: In a drunken breakdown, Shekhar slashes his wrist and is saved by Mili. For the first time, she shows visible anger and tears. Her outburst marks a new level of closeness in their friendship and signals the beginning of something deeper. In his vulnerable state, Shekhar is moved by Mili’s scolding – a sign of care he desperately craves.
The raw emotions of every characterInstagram/ hindifilimography
Romance: Shekhar’s growing vulnerability draws him closer to Mili. He begins confiding in her about childhood trauma, his mother, and the root of his pain. He is receptive of her solace and outlook on life. Their bond strengthens as they exchange notes when Mili falls ill. He experiences joy for the first time, unaware of the seriousness of her condition.
The heart-rending scene between father and daughterInstagram/ hindifilimography
Tragedy: The film reaches its most emotional point when Mili’s father (Ashok Kumar) learns that she has only days to live. The harrowing scenes that follow reveal the raw emotions of every character, from shock to grief to quiet acceptance. The heart-rending scene between father and daughter, with Kumar and Bhaduri in each other’s arms, delivers an emotional poignancy audiences can relate to.
The woman who taught him how to liveRotten Tomatoes
Role reversal: Initially unable to process the truth about Mili’s illness, Shekhar has a change of heart about leaving after confronting some hard realities. The woman who taught him how to live is dying, and he feels betrayed by fate. Determined not to give up, he sets out to explore every possible option that might offer her a chance of recovery.
He sets out to explore every possible option Rotten Tomatoes
Selfless love: Unaware that Shekhar already knows the truth, Mili urges her father not to tell him about her illness. Having changed him for the better, she fears that the news will undo his progress and send him back into despair. In that moment, she puts his well-being above her own.
Having changed him for the betterInstagram/ hindifilimography
Proposal: In the film’s penultimate scene, its message becomes clear – the purpose of life is happiness. Shekhar realises he can fulfil one of Mili’s dreams by marrying her. He proposes not out of pity or obligation, but love. Their decision to embrace a short but meaningful life together speaks volumes.
Fifty years later, those sentiments still ring trueInstagram/ hindifilimography
Farewell: The story, told in flashback, returns to its starting point as the newlyweds leave for Switzerland in search of a cure. Mili’s father waves to their aircraft, perhaps knowing she may never return. As the plane takes off, the audience is left with a lasting message – that hope should never die. Fifty years later, those sentiments still ring true.
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Long-time casino patrons provide a variety of different opinions when asked about online slot machines. Some light up when talking about the convenience, while others give you a dismissive look as if you've insulted their top table dealer.
The physical pull of a casino
Several gamblers still prefer the experience of playing in a casino. They enjoy hearing coins clinking together and touching the button panel, as well as the unmistakable casino aroma that combines the scents of freshly cleaned carpet and subtle cologne with anticipation. It’s not just about the games. It’s about the ritual. The outing to the venue includes grabbing a drink and talking to regular patrons, along with possibly tipping the slot attendant. Together, these elements create an experience that feels solid and real.
Suggesting to someone who loves physical casinos that they play online slots feels like replacing their cherished Friday night tradition with a digital screen full of blinking lights. It’s just not the same. The absence of nearby jackpot sounds and physical machine interaction, combined with the lack of a bartender's smile makes online gambling different. The physical casino environment provides the joy, instead of simply betting comfortably from home.
The appeal of convenience and control
It would be incorrect to assume that traditional gamblers remain entirely bound to past methods of gambling. A growing number of players now enjoy online slot machines because they provide flexibility. You don’t need to travel. You don’t need to dress up. There is no need to wait in line for a machine to become available. Everything’s at your fingertips, 24/7. Just take a look at some of the most prominent reviews on OnlineSlot and see for yourself – many players praise the convenience that online slot machines bring.
The ability to maintain control plays a crucial role for these players. Select your game type and establish your own pace while enjoying the flexibility to play at your desired location and time. Traditional players who have endured long waits or crowded casino spaces experience online slot machines as liberating because they offer immediate access without physical constraints. Gamblers quickly become curious when they learn that online slots provide more themes and betting choices with advanced game features than local casinos can offer.
Trust issues with the digital world
Establishing trust presents the primary challenge for experienced gamblers who have not yet ventured into online gaming. Gamblers in front of a tangible machine develop a sense that they can witness the game as it unfolds before their eyes. They press the button. They see the reels spin. It’s all there, happening in real time, in a physical space.
Online? That’s a little murky. There’s software involved. Algorithms. Random number generators. People who aren't tech-savvy might become suspicious when they encounter online gaming systems. Is the game fair? Is the payout rate accurate? What happens if the app freezes mid-spin?
And that scepticism isn’t unfounded. Various dishonest websites and manipulated games gave certain areas of online gambling a negative reputation throughout the years. Despite meeting all the necessary licensing and regulation standards and undergoing audits, modern platforms still struggle to gain the trust of traditional gamblers. The conviction of these traditional gamblers against online platforms remains strong when they’ve endured one bad experience or heard multiple horror stories. These are the kinds of places you certainly don’t want to spend time at during your bank holidays.
Community and social vibes
Traditional slots players notice a significant difference between online and real-world machines through their social interactions with others. Casinos create their dynamic environment through social interactions as players observe others win, hear cheers for jackpot wins, and engage in conversations with new friends next to their slot machines.
Online slot machines predominantly provide an individual gaming experience. You’re spinning on your own. Online slots might have a leaderboard or chat features during promotions, but these digital interactions fall short of replicating the lively atmosphere of a packed casino floor. Some players don’t care. Others really miss that human connection.
Certain platforms have initiated trials for incorporating additional social features into their services. Live slot games, tournaments, and chat rooms attempt to recreate the social atmosphere of traditional casinos in a digital format. The solution isn't flawless, but it certainly marks progress towards improvement.
The bottom line
Traditional gamblers remain a diverse group with varying opinions. Online slot machines represent a convenient way for some people to continue enjoying their favourite game. Some people see online slot machines as a diluted form that lacks the personal touch of physical casinos. Online gambling may be only an occasional pastime for some who prefer traditional casino visits. A number of people have completely transitioned to the digital space, thanks to improved mobile app interfaces.
Online slot machines remain a permanent fixture in the industry, while they experience rapid development. Even though traditional gamers may remain unconvinced, online slots are gaining a significant presence that commands attention in the gambling industry. Online slots provide new offerings that cater to convenience and variety needs, and allow players to enjoy games from their couch, even appealing to traditional players.
And for those traditionalists still holding out? Who knows. A combination of a rainy weekend with a well-designed app and a smooth bonus round could persuade them to change their opinion.
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Narendra Modi meets family members of former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who died after an Air India plane carrying him and 241 others crashed in Ahmedabad. (@narendramodi via PTI Photo)
INDIA's prime minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to his longtime colleague Vijay Rupani, the former Gujarat chief minister who died in Thursday's (12) devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Speaking after meeting Rupani's family on Friday (13), Modi said it was "unimaginable" that his old friend was no longer with them.
"I've known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times," the prime minister wrote on social media.
Modi described Rupani as "humble and hardworking, firmly committed to the party's ideology" and praised his rise through the ranks to serve as Gujarat's chief minister.
The 68-year-old BJP leader was among 242 people aboard the London-bound Air India flight that crashed into a medical college building moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. Only one person survived the tragedy, which claimed 265 lives in total.
— (@)
Rupani was travelling to visit his daughter in London, where his wife Anjaliben was already staying. She returned to India on Friday morning.
The former chief minister had a peculiar connection to the crash date - he considered 1206 his lucky number and used it on all his vehicle registration plates throughout his career. The number has now become synonymous with his final journey on June 12 (12/6).
Rupani served as Gujarat's chief minister from August 2016 to September 2021, steering the state through challenging times including the Patidar community protests and the post-Covid recovery period. He stepped down in September 2021, making way for current chief minister Bhupendra Patel ahead of state elections.
FILE PHOTO: Vijay Rupani (L) with Narendra Modi (Photo: X/@narendramodi)
His political journey began in student activism with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad during his college days. In 1975, he was jailed for a year in Bhavnagar for protesting against the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi's government.
He entered public service in 1987 as a Rajkot Municipal Corporation councillor and later became mayor. Between 2006 and 2012, he served as a Rajya Sabha member before Modi appointed him chairman of the Gujarat Municipal Finance Board.
As chief minister, Rupani launched the state Industrial Policy 2020 and championed tribal development initiatives. He was known for his composed manner and firm administrative style during his tenure.
After stepping down as chief minister, Rupani was appointed as the BJP's in-charge for Punjab, a role he held until his death.
The crash has sent shockwaves through Gujarat's political circles, where Rupani was respected across party lines for his dedication and service to the state over nearly three decades in public life.
It may be an essential life skill, but for many, cooking at home can feel intimidating – especially for beginners.
With the cost-of-living crisis, more people are choosing to prepare their own meals and experiment with dishes in their kitchens. Others, inspired by restaurant dishes, social media trends and the rise in home cooking during Covid-19, are now looking to improve their own culinary skills.
The master chef offers simple, easy tips for making tasty and healthy meals at homeInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Eastern Eye joined this spicy trend by inviting acclaimed chef Sultan Al-Mahmood from the Grande Restaurant in London to share his expert cooking advice for all abilities.
With more than 30 years of experience – including cooking for celebrities, politicians and the Bangladesh national cricket team, as well as running multiple restaurants – the master chef offers simple, easy tips for making tasty and healthy meals at home.
Basics: Before diving into complex recipes, start by learning fundamental skills like chopping vegetables, boiling food such as pasta, and making simple dishes like omelettes. Also understand what different ingredients – especially spices – do. A solid foundation in the basics will set you up for success with more advanced cooking.
Recipes: One of the most common mistakes is not reading a recipe properly. Always read the full recipe before you begin to ensure you have all the ingredients and tools you need. Then follow the instructions carefully – including timings, portion sizes and temperatures.
Always prioritise safety in the kitchenInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Plan and prepare: A little planning goes a long way. Have all ingredients ready before you start – this includes cutting, peeling and chopping anything in advance. It will make the cooking process smoother and less stressful.
Organisation: A calm, clean and organised kitchen is far more efficient than a cluttered one. Keep your essential tools within reach, and clean as you go. A tidy workspace not only makes cooking more enjoyable but also means less cleaning up afterwards.
Safety: Always prioritise safety in the kitchen. Use oven mitts for hot dishes, turn pot handles inward, store knives properly and take care when handling hot oil or boiling water. Be mindful of flames and keep children away from potential hazards.
Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs, seasonal produce and good-quality protein-rich foods will elevate the flavour of your dishes and are usually healthier too.
Tools: A workman is only as good as his tools – and the same applies in the kitchen. Invest in good-quality knives, pots and pans. Many people continue using old or worn-out equipment, which can make cooking more difficult. Keep knives sharp for better and safer results.
Spices: Indian cuisine offers a wide variety of spices, yet many people use only a handful. Start learning about the different spices available and how they affect flavour. Gradually incorporate more into your cooking for better depth and variety.
Perfect pans: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can affect cooking time, temperature and taste. Always preheat your pan before adding ingredients – it helps prevent sticking and improves results. Heat: Understanding temperature is essential. Know the difference between low, medium and high heat, and learn how to control your oven or hob settings. Heat affects everything from texture to taste.
Avoid overcrowding the panInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Embrace mistakes: Cooking is a lifelong learning process – even for professionals. Mistakes will happen. Use them as opportunities to improve your skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Get inspired: Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are full of expert guidance in all cuisines. Use them to expand your knowledge and techniques. Recipe websites and blogs are also helpful learning tools.
Cooking classes: Join a cooking class to learn from experts. The sessions provide hands-on experience, build confidence and are often fun, social environments. There are more classes available now than ever before, including many that are focused on Indian cuisine.
Learn from elders: If classes are not an option, learn from older family members. There is a reason so many people say their parents cook the tastiest food – they have experience and are usually happy to pass it on.
Storage: Proper storage extends the life of both raw ingredients and cooked food. Invest in airtight containers and learn what belongs in each compartment of the fridge or freezer. Good storage habits reduce waste and keep food fresh.
Taste: One of your best cooking tools is your own palate. Taste your food as you cook – it helps you adjust seasoning and prevents surprises when serving. Also get feedback from family and friends to help improve your dishes.
Experiment: Once you are comfortable with the basics, do not be afraid to experiment. Try new flavours, cuisines and techniques. Most importantly, enjoy the process. The more you cook, the more confident you will become.