THE arrest of businessman Mr. Raj Kundra in a case related to alleged creation of pornographic films and publishing them through mobile apps blows the lid off a racket involving top names in the film industry for a few quick bucks. For industry insiders, Mr. Kundra’s arrest has not come as a surprise, for, the man is known for his penchant for illegal activities. It won’t be an exaggeration to call Mr. Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actress Ms. Shilpa Shetty, a serial offender. His immediate past is full of offences that were duly exposed by competent authorities before he faced punishment for those activities. Mr. Kundra was among the notorious few who were handed life ban for involvement in the infamous IPL betting scam. His tryst with controversies does not end here. The British-Indian was earlier found involved in a bitcoin scam, a gold scam, in alleged cheating of a textile firm owner along with his actress wife. The list is long and proves his credentials as a habitual offender who thrives on rubbing the law on the wrong side. The latest controversy now bares the dirty underbelly of the glamour world and the filthy nexus on which some celebrities earn their fame and fortune.

 

man who must have squirmed in his seat in utter disgust after India pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Sri Lanka in the second ODI would be former Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga. The World Cup-winning skipper was critical of the squad BCCI sent for the limited over series, dubbing it as India ‘B’ team. The manner in which the ‘B’ team brought out its ‘A’ game in a hopeless situation should be enough for Ranatunga to eat his words and promptly acknowledge the massive depth of talent India possess at this moment of time in international cricket. Deepak Chahar, the man who pulled off the ‘Houdini Act’ for India in Colombo, can be the walking symbol of Indian cricket’s massive transformation as an ever-ready battle unit. India’s bench-strength has proved beyond doubt what a proper infrastructure and ecosystem consisting right minds and right people can achieve. A country that can field two equally-talented teams simultaneously certainly demands much applause and respect for the dedication with which it has nurtured the idea of excellence. They may lose a game or two here or there but the Indian cricketers certainly deserve a toast.