Tussle Within
As the war drags on, the US discovers the perils of allying with a dictator who wants to appear a statesman abroad and a politician at home.

Battle Weary Wasteland
An exclusive photo feature captures images of Afghan life during unending conflict.

Down and Out
An account of sebi's undoing under D.R. Mehta and the tasks for a new team that will be at the helm in the regulatory body early next year.

UK SPECIAL: DIWALI

All For Friendship
R. MADHAVAN
Actor

As a kid, Diwali meant new clothes, and an occasion to exchange gifts. The high points were bursting crackers into the night. But over the years, my enthusiasm for crackers has taken a backseat because of concerns of pollution. Diwali has come to mean an occasion for quiet celebration and introspection. It's a sort of thanksgiving. For me, meeting friends is more important than exchanging fancy gifts."

-Methil Renuka

Summer lights
MALA GHEDIA
Actress

My best memories are from Australia. Diwali came in our summer and it was like Christmas. We would invite my schoolfriends to a party in our garage. My Dad, a flying doctor, would put his car outside so we could all fit in. My Mum would make all the preparations and we would all be involved in putting up the decorations. It was a close family thing. We would then go to a function, sometimes to see a Gujarati play, and this would be to raise money for charity. Right in the middle of summer we would light candles all over the house.

-Amit Roy

Waiting with Bated Breath

STYLE
Stars: Sharman, Sahil, Ria, Shilpi
Director: N. Chandra
Budget: Rs 4 crore

THIRD TIME LUCKY?: Patel spins her charm in Yeh Zindagi ... with Shergill

DEEWANAPAN
Stars: Arjun Rampal, Diya Mirza
Director: Ashu Trikha
Budget: Rs 5 crore

YEH ZINDAGI KA SAFAR
Stars: Amisha Patel, Jimmy Shergill
Director: Tanuja Chandra Budget: Rs 3.5 crore

ABHAY
Stars: Kamal Haasan, Raveena, Manisha
Director: Kamal Haasan
Budget: Rs 3.2 crore

TERA MERA SAATH RAHE
Stars: Ajay Devgan, Sonali Bendre, Namrata Shirodkar
Budget: Rs 10 crore

Southall Memories
GURINDER CHADHA
Film director

My husband and I now live part of the year in Los Angeles, but what I love about Diwali night is the sky lit up over Southall where I grew up. The fireworks wouldn't stop. There would be fireworks at every corner. To me it was like a birthday celebration. There was always a family get-together, with Mum in charge. I was born in Kenya and came over as a baby and have heard it was a lovely festival there. There has always been something magical about it. I like the way Diwali has been adapted by British Asians. I remember as you went round Southall, you would find candles in every window. Another thing we would do would be to go to the gurdwara which would be absolutely packed with people. There would be five old ladies with their elbows deep in mithai handing it out. It was a great time for kids."

-AR

MetroScape

Banglore: Pub

Delhi: Furniture Store

Kolkata: Restaurant