A group of adult people.

An adult is a human being or living organism that is of relatively mature age, typically associated with sexual maturity and the attainment of reproductive age. In human context, the term has other subordinate meanings associated with social and legal concepts; for example, a legal adult is a legal concept for a person who has attained the age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent, self-sufficient, and responsible (contrast with "minor"). Adulthood can be defined in terms of physiology, psychological adult development, law, personal character, or social status.

These different aspects of adulthood are often inconsistent and contradictory. A person may be biologically an adult, and have adult behavior but still be treated as a child if they are under the legal age of majority. Conversely one may legally be an adult but possess none of the maturity and responsibility that may define adult character.

An event relating to the oncoming of adulthood is Coming of age, which encompasses passing a series of tests to demonstrate that a person is prepared for adulthood, or reaching a specified age, sometimes in conjunction with demonstrating preparation. Most modern societies determine legal adulthood based on reaching a legally specified age without requiring a demonstration of physical maturity or preparation for adulthood.

Some propose that moving into adulthood involves an emotional structuring of denial, suggesting this process becomes necessary to cope with one's own behavior, especially in uncomfortable situations, and also the behavior of others.^{[citation needed]}

Biological adulthood[link]

Historically and cross-culturally, adulthood has been determined primarily by the start of puberty (the appearance of secondary sex characteristics such as menstruation in women, ejaculation in men, and pubic hair in both sexes). In the past, a person usually moved from the status of child directly to the status of adult, often with this shift being marked by some type of coming-of-age test or ceremony.^[1]

Most medical and general English dictionaries define childhood as the period from infancy to puberty, thus historically adulthood began with puberty. After the social construct of adolescence was created, adulthood split into two forms: biological adulthood and social adulthood. Thus, there are now two primary forms of adults: biological adults (people who have attained reproductive ability, are fertile, or who evidence secondary sex characteristics) and social adults (people who are recognized by their culture and/or law as being adults). Depending on the context, adult can indicate either definition.

Although few or no established dictionaries provide a definition for the two word term biological adult, the first definition of adult in multiple dictionaries includes "the stage of the life cycle of an animal after reproductive capacity has been attained".^[2][3] Thus, the base definition of the word adult is the period beginning at puberty. Although this is the primary definition of the base word adult, the two word term biological adult stresses or clarifies that the original definition, based on the beginning of puberty, is being used (that is, the organism has matured to the biologically important point of being able to reproduce).

Although there is no scientific agreement on when physical maturation completes, in modern society social adulthood somewhat corresponds to the completion of physical maturation. Because the term adult is most often used without the adjective social or biological, and since the term is frequently used to refer to social adults, some writers have taken the meaning of the two word phrase biological adult to begin at the end of physical maturation rather than the onset of puberty.

In modern developed countries, puberty and therefore biological adulthood generally begins around 10 or 11 years of age for girls and 12 or 13 years of age for boys, though this will vary from person to person. ^[4][5]

Legal adulthood[link]

Legally it means that one can engage in a contract. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable to, for example, parents losing parenting rights and duties regarding the person concerned, parents losing financial responsibility, marriage, voting, having a job, serving in the military, buying/possessing firearms (if legal at all), driving, traveling abroad, involvement with alcoholic beverages (if legal at all), smoking, sex, gambling (both lottery and casino) being a prostitute or a client of a prostitute (if legal at all), being a model or actor in pornography, etc. Admission of a young person to a place may be restricted because of danger for that person, concern that the place may lead the person to immoral behavior, and/or because of the risk that the young person causes damage (for example, at an exhibition of fragile items).

One can distinguish the legality of acts of a young person, and of enabling a young person to carry out that act, by selling, renting out, showing, permitting entrance, participating, etc. There may be distinction between commercially and socially enabling. Sometimes there is the requirement of supervision by a legal guardian, or just by an adult. Sometimes there is no requirement, but just a recommendation.

With regard to pornography one can distinguish:

• being allowed inside an adult establishment
• being allowed to purchase pornography
• being allowed to possess pornography
• another person being allowed to sell, rent out, or show the young person pornography, see disseminating pornography to a minor
• being a pornographic actor: rules for the young person, and for other people, regarding production, possession, etc. (see child pornography)

With regard to films with violence, etc.:

• another person being allowed to sell, rent out, or show the young person a film, a cinema being allowed to let a young person (under 18) enter

The legal definition of entering adulthood usually varies between ages 16–21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in Africa define adult at age 13.

According to Jewish tradition, adulthood is reached at age 13 (the age of the Bar Mitzvah), for Jewish boys, for example, are expected to demonstrate preparation for adulthood by learning the Torah and other Jewish practices. The Christian Bible and Jewish scripture has no age requirement for adulthood or marrying, which includes engaging in sexual activity. The age of consent for sexual relations in the Vatican is 13,^{[citation needed]} the age when many girls achieve menses, and are thus reproductive and therefore physically capable of marriage and childbirth. However, the Vatican does not allow sex outside of marriage.^[6] The 1983 Code of Canon Law states, "A man before he has completed his sixteenth year of age, and likewise a woman before she has completed her fourteenth year of age, cannot enter a valid marriage".^[7] According to The Disappearance of Childhood by Neil Postman, the Christian Church of the Middle Ages considered the age of accountability, when a person could be tried and even executed as an adult, to be age 7.

In most of the world, including most of the United States, parts of the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Wales), India and China, the legal adult age is 18 (historically 21) for most purposes, with some notable exceptions:

1. The United Kingdom: Scotland (16)
2. British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Yukon Territory in Canada; Nebraska and Alabama in The United States, and South Korea (19)
3. Indonesia and Japan (20)

See also[link]

References[link]

Tisca Chopra
Born	Tisca Zareen Arora (1969-11-01) 1 November 1969 (age 42) Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India
Residence	Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Occupation	Actress

Tisca Chopra (born 1 November 1969) is a contemporary actor in the Indian film industry. Her big break in films came via Taare Zameen Par (2007), which won her awards and accolades including a National Award nomination. She followed it up with the award winning Firaaq (2008). She subsequently featured in films that gave her a fresh batch of commercial and critical acclaim. Also known for her sartorial choices and sense of style, Tisca is often on the best dressed lists in India.

Early life and education[link]

Tisca was born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh into a family of educationists. She graduated from Apeejay School, Noida, in 1987, where her father was principal of her school. Later she studied English Literature at Hindu College, University of Delhi, she also started working actively with amateur theatre in the college.^[1] While still at college, she started writing for several publications and also acting in plays for an amateur theatre group and college festivals. After finishing her education, she moved to Mumbai, and trained in acting with theatre gurus Feroz Abbas Khan and Naseeruddin Shah.^[2]

Career[link]

She made her acting debut at the age of two and a half, in a play. Her film debut was with Platform (1993), opposite Ajay Devgn.^[3] She polished her acting skills in theatre in Mumbai and soon her work was seen in plays like, Feroz Abbas Khan's Mahatma vs Gandhi, All The Best, Salesman Ramlal and Inshah Allah. She performed a lead role in Taare Zameen Par. Next she shifted to television, where her performance in television short films like Ek Shaam Ki Mulaquat (Star Bestsellers) and Hum Saath Saath Hain Kya? got her talent noticed and led to leading parts in a popular hit show, Balaji Telefilms' Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, followed by Love Marriage (Zee TV) and Sarrkkar: Risshton Ki Ankahi Kahani (Zee TV). She hosted a consumer grievances show on TV called Main Hoon Na.^[4]

In 2007, she appeared in the much acclaimed Taare Zameen Par with Aamir Khan. Next she acted in Nandita Das's directorial debut, Firaaq (2008).^[5][6]

In 2011, she appeared in Madhur Bhandarkar's Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, where she played a seductress.^[7] Playing a sassy Urdu professor in 'Love Breakups Zindagi' (2011), won her praise from critics across the board.

Her next film 10 ml Love reunites her with the producer of Ek Shaam Ki Mulaquat. She is starring in the runaway hit Dinner With Friends, a Pulitzer Award winning play. Tisca has also appeared in advertisements and is the face of 'Olay- Total Effects', Dish TV and 'Volini', 'Kelloggs-All Bran' and 'Horlicks-Gold'. She is currently working on developing a script that she plans to produce.

Tisca judged a reality show on Star News called Star Anchor Hunt.^[8] Tisca hosts 'Prayschit' on Sony Television where she gets a chance to reveal the transformation that criminals go though after or during their prison sentence. The show has generated much hype and had high TRP ratings.

She started her blog on Indiatimes, in 2011.^[9]

Personal life[link]

Tisca is married to Captain Sanjay Chopra who is a pilot with Air India.^[10] She is a practicing Buddhist and works with several NGOs, supporting education and Women's rights.^[11][12]

Filmography[link]

Television appearances[link]

• Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii-- Mallika Doshi
• Prayashchit Gunahon Ke Zakhm

Awards and nominations[link]

Won

• People's Choice: Stardust Best Supporting Actress Award - Taare Zameen Par^[13]

Nominated

• Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award - Taare Zameen Par^[14]
• Stardust Awards - Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Female) - Firaaq
• Star Screen Awards - Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Female) - Taare Zameen Par^[15]
• V. Shantaram Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Taare Zameen Par^[16]
• Zee Cine Awards Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Female) - Taare Zameen Par^[17]
• Indian Film Festival of New York Best Actress - 10ml Love^[18]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Tisca Chopra at the Internet Movie Database

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tisca Chopra

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (July 2010)

Gulshan Grover
Born	(1955-09-21) September 21, 1955 (age 56) New Delhi, India
Occupation	Actor, Film Producer
Years active	1980–present

Gulshan Grover (born 21 September 1955) is an Indian actor, who has acted in over 400 films through a career spanning over 30 years. Due to his villain roles he has earned the sobriquet Badman ^[1]

Gulshan Grover is one of the first Indian actors to have made a successful transition from Bollywood into Hollywood and international Cinema.

Career[link]

Gulshan Grover has acted in over 400 films through a career spanning over 25 years. He is versatile professional with a passion for his chosen craft and has acted in many of India’s Top blockbusters that has brought him accolades, awards and an unparalleled Fan following. Gulshan is a prominent figure in the Indian film community and known to be among actors that lend their support to social and noble causes.

He is not only an actor, but a producer and an entrepreneur. He also won the 'Best Actor International' on 18th August 2011 at New York City Film Festival, for his performance as Indian Holyman, Spiritualman, Dada Bhagwan for film ‘Desperate Endeavours’

He also won Best Actor award on Sept 24th 2011 for the same role of Dada Bhagwan at the Houston Film Festival. His recent film ‘I Am Kalam’ earned him a nomination for National Awards of India as ‘Best Supporting Actor’. His personal commitment to give back to people and society through social causes has led to him being known as “The entertainer for a good cause”.

Gulshan Grover was the Grand Marshall at the Los Angeles Parade to celebrate India’s Independence Day (in 2008 & 2009). He was also the Co-Grand Marshall at the New York Parade (2011).

Awards and nominations[link]

Awards

• Best Actor at New York City International Film Festival 2011- American Film Desperate Endeavors
• Best Actor at Houston Film Festival 2011 - American Film Desperate Endeavors
• PTC award for Best Supporting Actor film 'Virsa' 2010
• Giants international for Art & Cinema - 2003
• BBC Award for contribution to Indian Cinema -2001
• BBC Asia Award for excellence 1999^{[citation needed]}
• 2012: Stardust Searchlight Award-Best Actor — I Am Kalam^[2]

Nominations:

• 2011: National Awards of India- 'Best Supporting Actor' - I Am Kalam^[3]
• 1994: Filmfare Best Villain Award for Sir
• 1995: Zee Cine Award nomination Best Villain film – Raghuveer
• 1995: Screen International, nomination Best Villain film - 'Raghuveer'

Selected filmography[link]

• Raqt-Ek Rishta (2011)
• Agent Vinod (2012) (special appearance in the song dil mera muft ka )
• I Am Kalam (2011)
• Payback (2010)
• Crook (2010)
• Knock Out (2010)
• Virsa (2010)
• Mittal v/s Mittal (2010)
• Zor Lagaa Ke...Haiya! (2009)
• Nephilim (2009)
• Prisoners of the Sun (2009)
• Victory (2009)
• Karzzzz (2008)
• Yaariyan (2008) (Punjabi film)
• Jumbo (2008)
• Fool n Final (2007)
• Dhokha (2007)
• Anthony Kaun Hai (2006)
• Eight: The Power of Shani (2006)
• Gangster (2006)
• Dil Maange More (2006)
• Tathastu (2006)
• Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena (2006)
• Family - Ties of Blood (2006)
• Tom, Dick, and Harry (2006)
• Taarzan: The Wonder Car (2004)
• Ek Se Badkhar Ek (2004)
• Boom (2003)
• Fun2shh... Dudes in the 10th Century (2003)
• Lajja (2002)
• Tales of The Kama Sutra 2 : Monsoon (2001)
• Hera Pheri (2000)
• Earth (1998)
• Yes Boss (1997)
• Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1996)
• Criminal (1994)
• Mohra (1994)
• Raja Babu (1994)
• Kurbaan (1991)
• Ram Lakhan (1989)
• Khatron Ke Khiladi (1988)
• Veerana (1988)
• Avtaar (1983)
• Sadma (1983)
• Rocky (1981)
• Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1999)
• Insaaf Kaun Karega (1984)
• Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995)
• International Khiladi (1999)
• Yaar Gaddar (1994)
• Hum Paanch (1980) — as Mahavir

References[link]

• http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110182765&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=128987
• http://www.currentnewsindia.com/entertainment/gulshan-grover-wins-best-actor-at-ny-fest.html
• http://www.hindustantimes.com/Gulshan-Grover-wins-best-actor-at-NY-fest/Article1-738104.aspx
• http://www.masala.com/32995-gulshan-grover-wins-best-actor-award-at-ny-film-fest

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Gulshan Grover

• Gulshan Grover at the Internet Movie Database

Rahul Dev
Born	Rahul Dev Samra September 27 India
Occupation	Film actor
Years active	1979, 1997–present
Spouse	Rina Dev (deceased 2009)

Rahul Dev Samra (Hindi: राहुल देव; Punjabi: ਰਾਹੁਲ ਦੇਵ; born 27 September) is an Indian film actor and former model. Dev is known for his unconventional rugged looks and chiselled features and appearances in action films. He was meant to make his acting debut as the main villain in Mukul S. Anand's 1997 film Dus but the director's death while the film was still in production caused the film to remain incomplete and unreleased. He then made his debut in the 2000 film Champion where he played a villainous role and for which he was nominated for the 2001 Filmfare Best Villain Award. He has since played villains and supporting roles in all of his films, but is almost always seen playing the villain. He acted villain in the Punjabi movies Dharti in 2011. Rahul Dev's brother Mukul Dev is also an actor in films and television.

Personal life[link]

Dev is the son of the former police commissioner of Delhi.^[1] He was born in Saket, New Delhi in a Khatri Punjabi family.

Dev did his schooling from St. Columba's School, Delhi. He used to be a fast bowler in school, when a former cricket player Gursharan Singh who used to coach occasionally at St. Columba's saw him bowling he was so impressed that he asked him to join his academy. However Rahul was more interested in studies at that time.

Rahul's wife Rina died on 16 May 2009 after a battle with cancer. The couple had been married for 11 years and have a ten year old son Siddharth.^[2]

Activism[link]

Dev was featured in an advertisement released by PETA critical of the conditions in, and practices of, Indian zoos. Rahul volunteered for the ad, in which he appears in spotted bodypaint to resemble a cheetah.

Dev described zoos as "nothing more than animal prisons maintained for human amusement." "If you love animals, let them live with their families in the wild, where they belong." "Protecting species from extinction sounds like a noble goal, but zoo officials usually favour exotic or popular animals who draw crowds and publicity, neglecting less popular species. Most animals housed in zoos are not endangered, nor are they being prepared for release into natural habitats. The best thing to do to stop this cruelty is to urge your friends and family to boycott zoos."^[3]

Controversy[link]

Bollywood actor Rahul Dev dragged himself into a controversy and a brush with the law after he got into a scrap with a lecturer of English at an upmarket gym in Andheri (west) on Tuesday 2 October 2009 reported in TOI.^[4]

Filmography[link]

Awards[link]

• 2001: Nominated: Filmfare Best Villain Award for Champion
• 2004: Won: Zee Cine Award Best Villain for Footpath

References[link]

External links[link]

• Rahul Dev at the Internet Movie Database
• Rahul Dev at AllRovi
• Rahul Dev doing Pull-ups and Push-ups at YouTube
• Rahul Dev doing Side Lateral, Leg press and Ab Crunches at YouTube

Edwige Fenech (Italian pronunciation: [edˈviːdʒe ˈfenɛk]) (born Edwige Sfenek; 24 December 1948) is a French-born Italian actress and film producer.

Biography[link]

Fenech was born in Bône (now Annaba), in Algeria to a Maltese father and Sicilian mother. From the late 1960s to early 1980s, Fenech starred in many types of European movies. She is best known for her Commedia sexy all'italiana films, and began to work in that field in the late 1960s with Austrian director Franz Antel. Fenech also achieved fame with giallo and sex films such as Five Dolls for an August Moon, Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key, Nude per l'assassino and Sex with a Smile, many of which were directed by Sergio Martino.

In the 1980s, she became a television personality, typically appearing with Barbara Bouchet on a chat show on Italian television. In the mid-1990s, she was engaged to the well-known Italian industrialist Luca di Montezemolo.

After many years of work in movie production (she produced, among others, The Merchant of Venice, 2004, with Al Pacino), Fenech accepted Quentin Tarantino's offer to star in another movie, Hostel: Part II (2007), directed by Eli Roth. A British general named Ed Fenech (played by Mike Myers) is a character in Tarantino's 2009 film Inglourious Basterds.

External links[link]

• Edwige Fenech at the Internet Movie Database
• Interview with Fenech, by Luigi Cozzi, from around 1970
• Edwige Fenech Movie poster images