【明報專訊】The recent Bollywood (寶萊塢) blockbuster Secret Superstar (《打死不離歌星夢》) tells a story of a young girl who aspires to become a singer, against all the odds. The film's actor and producer Aamir Khan (阿米爾汗) is a Bollywood icon, who is nicknamed "India's conscience" and "India's Andy Lau" by Chinese media.

Khan's films are known for dealing with social issues in India. In this film, gender inequality and domestic violence are addressed. He also created and hosts a television talk show which highlights sensitive social issues in India.

Khan came to Hong Kong to promote his latest film last month. He attended a public lecture in a local university and shared his view on equality and dreams. Asked to advise the youngsters, he compared his early career, which was not all plain sailing, with gender inequality shown in the film, and concluded that social injustice in India is a matter of life and death in more ways than his unpleasant experiences. He advised youngsters to "follow your heart" and "never compromise what you believe in."

(Source: Ming Pao)

■English highway﹕against all the odds

If you do or achieve something against all (the) odds, you do or achieve it although there were a lot of problems and you were not likely to succeed.

e.g. He managed to earn the top score, against all odds.

■Game １

Eason has disguised himself as a film director, giving Pat a quiz to cast her as a mathematician. Not knowing that she is being tricked, Pat tries hard to find the answer. Can you give her some help?

(Answers on next text)

■Game ２

The following is a collection of Indian skirts. Try to match the colours of the words with corresponding skirts. (Read them aloud as well!)

■Glossary

blockbuster (n) 大片

conscience (n) 良心

compromise (v) 妥協

cast (v) 選派角色

[Smarties' Power English 第217期]