1. Curious Selection: We believe in second chances. Maybe even third when it comes to sports, if you weigh in the role of injuries and wavering form. But please, BCCI, stop trying to make Gautam Gambhir and Parthiv Patel happen. At a time when the team should invest in young talent, the roster reads more like a “who’s who” of Team India 2004. We get the presence of stalwarts who have contributed to many a series win, but Gambhir and Patel have hardly had more than fleeting moments. Key word: Fleeting.

2. Sehwag’s Sustainability: Virender Sehwag is that player who is oh-so-great when he’s on, and oh-so-wrong when he’s off. But at this leg of Veeru’s career, India needs the batsman to step up to the plate and assume the role he was seemingly brought on to play. Because since the Holy Trinity of yore–Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly–Sehwag hasn’t quite taken the reigns of resident (and, more importantly, dependable) senior in the batting order. In other words, go big or go home, Sehwag.

3. Perennial Politics: The media loves to add fuel to the fire, but rumor has it there’s a fair amount of miscommunication behind closed doors. Captain MS Dhoni is already being slammed by former leaders and cricket pundits alike for mishandling the team in its ODI format. The latest headlines had to do with Dhoni calling the senior batsmen “slow”, and an allegedly irked Sehwag responding in oblivion to his captain’s remarks. We hope there isn’t a genuine rift among the team, because we all know how that’s gone in the past. Need we remind you of certain periods during the Ganguly and Dravid captaincy years?

4. His Sainthood Sachin: We don’t want to say it. The mere thought of it brings a tear to our eyes. But all good things must come to an end, and now that Sachin Tendulkar has held that coveted World Cup trophy, it just might be time to bow out on top. That the Little Master is a legend and currently the greatest batsman to have played the game is hardly contestable. And so while cricket won’t be the same without his magic touch, Tendulkar has averaged just 18 runs from five games in the current series. Given nothing will tarnish his career at this point–and we don’t think the BCCI would ever dare drop him from the squad–Tendulkar should determine (or realize, in this case) that it might be time to bid adieu to the shorter format of the game and make way for the talent his indescribably illustrious career has inspired.

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Sabrina Siddiqui is the editor-in-chief of Divanee.com.

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The tablet is being developed at the Kamra air force base in northern Pakistan. This 7-inch touch tablet runs on Google Android 2.3 Gingerbread and weighs a mere 13.5 ounces. And while “PAC” is now associated with the resurgence of super PACs in the 2012 United States elections, this PAC actually stands for the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra where the device is being made.

The price? A whopping 15,500 rupees–which is approximately just under $200 but a hefty price tag for the region.

Other products by PAC include an eReading device and laptop called PAC eBook1 and PAC nBook 1.

Supporters of PAC-PAD 1 say it will boost Pakistan’s economy, as well as the nation’s self-esteem. We’re not so certain, given the tablet’s high cost in a nation where only a minority can afford it. Not to mention, India recently unveiled their $35 tablet, Aakash, with comparable specs.

Learn more on the PAC Web site.

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Miral Sattar is the founder and publisher of Divanee.com.

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The rural backdrop of Sim Sim Hamara is a far cry from the original Sesame Street’s urban setting, but the lessons on values and friendship are the same. And despite Pakistan’s male-dominated society, the show’s protagonist is a six-year-old girl, Rani, who captains the local cricket team and serves as a symbol of female empowerment.

Although the show seeks to enhance literacy and problem-solving skills among children in Pakistan, the undercurrent of Rani as its central focus speaks to the need to educate girls in a region where gender inequality continues to hinder progress. How Elmo will fit into the scheme of things remains to be seen, but it is far from surprising that the U.S. government opted for its most popular puppet to infiltrate Pakistani television.

Sim Sim Hamara is already financed by USAID at a whopping $20 million grant over five years. According to a Fox News report, $1.086 billion US taxpayer dollars went to Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act programs in fiscal year 2011. Just last fall, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter stopped by the set during a visit to Lahore.

Sim Sim Hamara debuted in Pakistan on Dec. 10, 2011. It reaches an estimated 3.5 million Pakistani children and will soon be dubbed in four other local languages.

Watch: Elmo teases his Urdu debut.

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Sabrina Siddiqui is the editor-in-chief of Divanee.com.

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Sachin (Prateik Babbar), a 22-year-old mechanical engineer/aspiring filmmaker, sees neighborhood minx but homely sweetheart Jessie (Amy Jackson) and instantly falls in love. But after suffering through an initial period of unrequited love, and then a little bit of forbidden love, we wind up with a bitter aftertaste–and that’s only by the film’s intermission.

We don’t know whom to blame for this mess, but we can be kind enough to say that it doesn’t fall solely on one person. It’s a shame, considering the original Tamil and Telugu counterparts fared quite well.

The story is formulaic and trite–one that has been used time and time again, and dragged out to the point of no end. The difference in this case is that the plot progression and characterizations are so weak, that at various points you find yourself wondering where the story is going and how any particular scene is contributing to it.

The interactions and dialogues are not relatable or believable, with abrupt and unrealistic declarations of love that make you cringe. In fact, they’re essentially nothing short of awkward. Then throw in some obstacles that seem added just to lengthen the already unnecessarily long film, such as the fact that Jessie is forbidden to watch films on account of religion, and her family does not know who Amitabh Bachchan is. Yes, because that is the biggest issue here.

The editing is choppy, and the music is not A.R. Rahman’s best. Having said that, Babbar and Jackson should be applauded for doing the best they can in a horrible situation. Jackson shows minimal expression or range, but that can likely be blamed on how poorly her character was written and how confused she comes across. Babbar’s portrayal of a lovesick puppy leaves a bit to be desired. We all know he’s capable of acting, and so it’s unfortunate what is supposed to be a Romeo-type character comes off as a break-dancing stalker in need of a hefty restraining order.

The star of it all–the one that easily steals the show–is actually the location. Kerala has never looked more scenic or beautiful. And so, good job, Kerala!

Verdict? Skip it. All together. No, don’t even catch it on DVD.

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Saniya Tabani is a contributing writer to Divanee.com.

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And now, in perhaps the most bizarre Valentine’s Day tribute of all time, Shemaroo Entertainment has posted a video of the same name to YouTube. But instead of that infamous slap, this video features a series of the greatest Bollywood slaps of all time. You heard me, of all time.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This might not be my go-to Valentine’s Day treat, but what do I know? For all I know, this could be the greatest mood setting device ever. Who wants to try it out and let me know?

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Amina Elahi is Divanee.com’s Managing Editor. Check out her blog, where she posts words and images that make her think.

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Slumdog shaadi? “Slumdog Millionaire” star Dev Patel silenced engagement rumors once again after speculation that he and longtime girlfriend Freida Pinto were getting ready to tie the knot. Patel, who has been busy with various film and television projects in recent months, is currently focused on promoting “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and filming for Aaron Sorkin’s new HBO show. (Daily Mail)

Penn goes prairie. “Harold and Kumar” star Kal Penn just landed a role on ABC’s comedy pilot “Prairie Dogs”. Penn’s character Neil is a drab cubicle worker who has his identity stolen, only to discover the thief created a more exciting life with his identity than he ever could. Neil decides to enlist the con man’s help to turn his life around. “Saturday Night Live” actress Michaela Watson will join Penn in the pilot. (CNN)

From food to fashion. Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi was spotted in the front row of Naeem Khan’s Fall 2012 show at New York Fashion Week. Khan, who was inspired by the “dust and decadence” of India, featured paisley printed frocks in black and beige hues in his collection. Oddly, actor Matt Damon was also present at the show. (New York Times)

Get well, Sir Bachchan. Actor Amitabh Bachchan is still in the hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery on Saturday. Bachchan tweeted Thursday that he will have a second operation this week. Though he did not give much detail on his condition, he thanked his fans for their love and support. (Times of India)

Mourning Whitney. Bollywood stars tweeted their sorrow over the sudden death of legendary pop singer Whitney Houston. Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Shahrukh Khan took the time to remember the late songstress and the influence she had on the international music industry. Chopra, who attended the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles last Saturday, tweeted: “The Grammys will be sad… Such a tremendous loss to the world.” (IBN)

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Janelle Li-A-Ping is an editorial intern at Divanee.com.

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Secret Agent Men Several Americans who entered Kashmir after the 2005 earthquake that left more than 70,000 dead may not have been aid and construction workers, as previously believed. Rather, a new book says they were secret agents, sent to track terrorists without submitting to standard background checks. [The Telegraph]

How Crude! Despite western sanctions, India has turned out to be the biggest purchaser of Iranian crude oil in the world, spending $12 billion a year there. Boycotting the Middle Eastern nation seems unlikely as well since 80 percent of India’s petroleum comes from Iran. [Economic Times]

Did We Do That? The Atlantic reports that President Barack Obama is considering issuing an official apology to the Pakistanis for the November NATO attack that left at least 24 Pakistan soldiers dead. Ahead of the American pullout from Afghanistan, an apology could go a long way in easing tensions with and winning support from Islamabad. [The Atlantic]

Infighting Twenty-three Shiite Muslims were killed near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border Friday when a motorcyclist detonated a suicide bomb in a market. Another example of Pakistani sectarian violence, a local Sunni Taliban leader claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the Shiites had attacked Sunnis in the first place. [TIME]

Gridluck India has its eyes on its neighbors’ hydroelectric capabilities with plans for a $300 billion transnational power grid. Linking India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan’s resources could generate 200 gigawatts, or enough energy to power 150 million homes. [Global Post]

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Amina Elahi is Divanee.com’s Managing Editor. Check out her blog, where she posts words and images that make her think.

Follow @aminamania

The story goes a little something like this: The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) issued a ban last week on all drinks made by the Shezan company, citing the firm’s Ahmadi ownership as a source for conflict. The minority sect of Islam was declared “non-Muslim” in Pakistan in the 1970s.

Needless to say, following the ban, all hell broke loose. Well, it’s Pakistan–so let’s say an extra level of hell broke loose. Pakistanis of all sects took to Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media to protest the ban. And so the LBA is learning the hard way that you can take the Ahmadis out of the mango juice, but you can’t take the mango juice out of Pakistan. Or something like that.

The LBA has since denied issuing any kind of ban on Shezan products, but such comments look nothing short of damage control in a politically unstable climate. We get it, LBA. Ahmadis are so out there, they make Sunnis and Shias look like a match made in heaven. How dare they continue their propagandist agenda by way of juice?

Perhaps a better solution to the anti-Ahmadi campaign would simply be to exile the group entirely. We hear Malaysia is a relatively peaceful Islamic nation and quite nice this time of year.

Truth be told, turning Shezan into a case of jinn and juice was always going to be rather ambitious. What’s next? No more mango lassi if said mangoes were grown in Ahmadi backyards? For this absurd level of Ahmadi-induced beverage discrimination, LBA, you are:

Brownlisted.

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Sabrina Siddiqui is the editor-in-chief of Divanee.com.

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Naeem Khan

For his latest collection, noted eveningwear designer Naeem Khan turned to his native India for inspiration. More casual paisley print dresses opened the show and segued to black and white graphic print gowns and cocktail dresses. The collection ended with the slew of glittering, beaded showstoppers we’ve come to expect of Khan—just in time for the Oscars.

Bibhu Mohapatra

A sense of sophisticated luxury pervaded Bibhu Mohapatra’s first runway show in New York this week. Rich furs, dramatic silhouettes, and embellished fabrics competed for attention, but it was the simple, sculpted pieces that stole the show. Among the best was a red and white floral dress with exaggerated shoulders and a bell sleeve, sure to flatter many body types and satisfy Mohapatra’s eager clientele.

Sachin + Babi

In perhaps their best collection to date, husband-and-wife duo Sachin + Babi presented an edgy but polished wardrobe fit for the urban sophisticate. The black and navy opening set featured leather blouses paired with flouncy skirts and skinny pants, while leather-trimmed “tough girl” dresses in jewel toes dominated the end of the show. Fur toppers added a luxe touch to the otherwise sleek, minimal pieces.

Rachel Roy

As endearing as she is talented, Rachel Roy has become quite the South Asian “it” designer. She offers fun, wearable clothing for the real girl, and her latest collection is no exception. Roy presented a variety of silhouettes in an earthy palette of sage, gray, and plum. Color blocking and comfort dressing reigned supreme, but the piece de resistance was a magenta sleeveless tunic and trouser combo.

Have you been following New York Fashion Week? Let us know in the comments which South Asian designer looks you loved.

All photos courtesy of style.com.

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What can you tell us about the film and your character?
The film is essentially a love story about a boy and a girl, who are complete strangers, and meet in the course of life. They fall in love. It’s very deep and intense. There’s up and downs. It’s not “make-believe”, like we see in Bollywood these days. It’s definitely entertaining and has a vast audience. It’s really real!

[My character] Sachin is a simple, middle-class Maharashtran boy, who is a mechanical engineer, because his father wants him to be one but not because he wants to be one. His real passion and dream is to be a filmmaker. He sets out to make his way through the industry and pursue his dream. His story is about how he chases his dream and falls in love with this girl. Of course, there are complications involved in the romance–and that again shows how real it is. I think the beauty of this love story is how in touch it is with reality.

What is one quality or trait about your character, Sachin, that you wish you had?
I wish I had all his qualities. He makes sure he chases his dream, he makes sure he gets what he needs [and] he makes sure he has his girl by his side. He’s a charming young man. Why would I not like to be that guy?

This is a bit different from some of the other films you’ve done in the past. What about this story and script pulled you in, and what do you normally look for when deciding on a film?
The reality of the story and how beautiful the music is! It’s a remake of a Tamil and Telugu film, so when I saw the original, I was completely blown away. It’s a real romance–it’s not like what you see nowadays where a guy and girl move to America and go on the streets, catch a cab, get lost and then somehow fall in love. That’s cute and entertaining in it’s own way, but not as relatable. Trying to face real life situations, finding your way through your career, and chasing your dreams all while finding love…I could see so many things that I have been through myself. Anybody can be able to connect and relate to it.

Since this is a musical and a new genre for you, was there any special way you had to prepare for this role?
Just dance rehearsal. We practiced and rehearsed a lot of break dancing. In terms of character, the only thing I had to consciously do was use my own life experiences and bring truth to the character of Sachin, to set it apart from the original character played in the original film.

Prateik Babbar stars with Amy Jackson in "Ekk Deewana Tha". (Photo: Fox Star Studios)

Can you tell us your favorite A.R. Rahman track from the film?
Hosanna!

What is your ideal future role, or a role from a past film that you loved and would want to reprise? Where do you hope to go from here?
I’m here to stay, for sure. I’m here to keep working. I really love being in front of the camera and being different people and telling a story. I really appreciate it, and I want my work to be appreciated. I would love to play a crazy rockstar like Ranbir Kapoor did in “Rockstar”.

Is there any last thing you would like to tell our readers about the movie? Why should they go see it?
If you’ve been in love, or you are in love and want to be reminded of yourself and see how similar your own story is, go see it. If you are an A.R. Rahman fan, go see it! Go watch it–I promise you’ll really like it. It’s just one of those breathtakingly touching films.

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Saniya Tabani is a contributing writer to Divanee.com.

Follow @sanoopdawg