The obituary on Ashok Kumar was incomplete as it failed to make a mention of his contribution to the small screen and to films of social awareness ("The First Superstar", December 24). Yes, Ashok Kumar was the silver screen's first superstar but he was the only one to have worked in all genres of films: feature, short, experimental and ad-commercials.

Manisha Jaiswal, Mumbai

Irresistible Take-off

The discounts being offered as an impetus to travel are a miracle, especially for middle-class Indian families ("Travel Bonanza", December 17). Few would like to miss the incredible sops being doled out. The slump in numbers of foreigners hitting Indian shores has come as a blessing in disguise. It's true that miracles do happen to those who believe in them.

Meeta Sanyal, Ankleshwar

Paced Out

Your article gave the impression that pace bowling is the be-all and end-all of cricket ("Out of Breath", December 17). Even the box on the comparative speed gun ratings did little to dispel the illusion. Since the time of Mohammed Nisar and Shute Bannerjee those who were considered fast in India were, at best, fast-medium. Indians have shown a greater propensity for success in spin. Perhaps our bowlers' potential should be better harnessed in that direction instead.

N. Narayan, Singapore

FOR SUBSCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

CALL AT: DELHI: board numbers: 3352233, Ext. 165/173/179 Toll free numbers: 1600111155 (Delhi only) Tele/Fax 3352874 Fax 3712998 KOLKATA: Tel 2821922, 2827726, 2825398 Fax 2825398, 2827254 BANGALORE: Tel 2212448, 2290562, 2218343 Fax 2218335 MUMBAI: Tel 4444423/4/5/6 Fax 4444358 CHENNAI: Tel 8531605, 8591729, 8532247 Fax 8532178.
WRITE IN: WE CARE, The India Today Group, Post Box No. 141, New Delhi-110001. e-mail: wecare@intoday.com