EXCLUSIVE: First batch of women officers from NDA share their journeys, aspirations

Daredevil’s doctrine: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is passionate about two things: a world-class express way and a well-cooked meal. So it is only fitting that his dining table in Delhi seats 14. No, it is not for show, but rather for sharing—a trait he learnt from his mother who once told him to share even if he had only one laddu. When the man, who is known for executing big projects with clockwork efficiency, was asked what kind of preparation goes into such feats, he replied: “The only thing I really think about is what’s for breakfast the next day... or what’s cooking for dinner.” As for planning or strategy, “I’m a daredevil,” he shrugs. “Had I been the thinking type, I would have been a government servant.” | Illustrations by Jairaj T.G.

A lesson in procedure: In a fiery twist, Karnataka’s theatre owners approached the Supreme Court seeking protection against threats to torch their cinemas if Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life was screened (following the actor’s comments on Kannada). They cited the urgency of the matter to justify their course of action. However, Justice P.K. Mishra quipped: “Install fire extinguishers.” Plea doused, he asked them to go to the High Court as the matter did not warrant intervention by the apex court. Left smouldering, the theatre owners are possibly wondering if they are in the business of screening movies or starring in a real-life thriller. Although the reception of Thug Life may make them feel they dodged a bullet.

Cool as Kailashnathan: The Villianur temple car festival in Puducherry attracts several thousands of devotees every year. As a custom, the chief minster and the lieutenant governor, with the other ministers, launch the festival by pulling the rope tethered to the bedecked temple car. This year, too, the VIPs assembled as usual for the event. Lt Gov K. Kailashnathan, clad in a silk dhoti and shirt, reached on time. So did the ministers and other VIPs. But, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy was nowhere to be seen (it was later clarified that he had been delayed because of official reasons). Any reaction by the LG to being made to wait on the chief minister could have turned into a point of discussion in the Union territory known for LGs and chief ministers locking horns. But, Kailashnathan, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, impressed onlookers by keeping his cool, even in the scorching heat.

Dream home: The six-storey Bandra house of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt—Krishna Raj Bungalow—is finally ready, and the couple, along with daughter Raha and Ranbir’s mother Neetu, will be moving in shortly. It is named after Ranbir’s late grandmother Krishna Raj Kapoor. Apparently, it cost 0250 crore, beating Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat and Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa to become the most expensive celebrity bungalow in Mumbai. It was originally owned by Ranbir’s grandparents. The only thing the house lacks? A gate. Netizens were amused by this, joking about how the house cost so much that they decided to do away with the gate | Amey Mansabdar

Tourist attraction: The Maldives has named Katrina Kaif its global brand ambassador for tourism. She was chosen for her “vibrant personality and strong connection with audiences worldwide”. Katrina, of course, seems super-charged about it. “This collaboration is about bringing the finest travel experiences to global audiences, and I’m excited to help people around the world discover the unique charm and world-class offerings of this extraordinary destination,” she said. After the diplomatic row between the Maldives and India last year—when a few Maldivian politicians called PM Narendra Modi derogatory names—choosing Katrina seems a strategic move. What better way to unite the two countries than through this beauty’s charm and chutzpah? | AFP

Drama queen: Nicole Scherzinger won the Tony Award for best leading actress in a musical for her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. It was a dream come true for this “little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl”. Her acceptance speech was an emotional entreaty to everyone who, like her, felt they did not belong. “Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home at last,” she said. Purpose, about a black civil rights activist’s dysfunctional family, won the award for the best new play and Cole Escola edged out George Clooney—who had made his Broadway debut this year in the stage adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck—to win the award for best leading actor in a play | AP

Pop topper: Enrique Iglesias, the Spanish heartthrob who wooed many millennials with his honey-dripping voice, is holding a concert in India after 13 years. He will apparently deliver an “unprecedented nostalgic showcase embracing a career-spanning setlist encompassing both his iconic standards and contemporary chart-toppers from his illustrious three-decades-plus career”. He is performing on October 30 at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. Many 1990s kids, who were serenaded by Iglesias’s songs like ‘Bailamos’ and ‘Hero’ through heartbreaks and broken dreams, will be queuing up from June 27 for the tickets | Getty Images