youva rajayam: 3/15/09

Friday, March 20, 2009

Praja Rajyam wants bogus voters removed Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The Praja Rajyam has urged the Election Commission to take steps to weed out over 30 lakh bogus voters enrolled into the voters’ lists before the filing of nominations commences on March 23.

The PR submitted ‘proof’ of 70,000 bogus votes enrolled in different constituencies based on the verification conducted by its cadre at the polling station level. As the time was short, the Commission could decentralise the process empowering the returning officers to check the lists and remove the bogus names.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, PR general secretary Parakala Prabhakar urged the Commission to ensure that the bogus voters were removed and the election conducted in a free and fair mannerHe said the PRP’s promise to provide gas cylinder for Rs. 100 and its promise of supplying essentials for Rs. 100 were much better schemes than the cash transfer scheme promised by the Telugu Desam.

PR’s hunt for symbol continues Special Correspondent

Negotiations on with parties in Mizoram, Goa, Puducherry and Kerala: Chiru

BANTUMILLI (KRISHNA DIST.): Talks are on with leaders of regional parties in Mizoram, Goa, Puducherry and Kerala for getting a “temporary common symbol” for the Praja Rajyam (PR), said its president K. Chiranjeevi here on Wednesday, even as he maintained that the party would approach the Supreme Court again.

Addressing a press conference before setting out on the second day of his road shows in Krishna district, Mr. Chiranjeevi said that it was wrongly reported in a section of the media that the PR was negotiating with parties in Sikkim for the symbol.

He said the PR had withdrawn its petition on common symbol from the High Court, but would approach the Supreme Court.

Asked if the ground was being prepared for Allu Aravind to contest from Machilipatnam Lok Sabha constituency, Mr. Chiranjeevi said no decision had been taken on whether or not Mr. Aravind would contest in the elections. Mr. Aravind’s services were actually needed to run the party organisation, but if the party decided that he should contest, then Machilipatnam would be a “good place”, he said.

‘Small boy’

About the campaign of NTR Jr., Mr. Chiranjeevi said he had nothing to say except that NTR Jr. was a “small boy” and that the two campaigns could not be compared.

Mr. Chiranjeevi claimed that he was not going before the people as an actor.

Another feather in his cap Making a film is no cakewalk, says Naseeruddin Shah. But anyway, Bollywood doesn’t attract him anymore.

Columns

CD\CASSETTE NEW RELEASES This album of recordings by eminent Hindustani vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi cannot but be welcomed gratefully by his admirers who of late have not had the frequent privilege of hearing the great vocalist live. Beginning with a rendition of the ...

BLAST FROM THE PAST Kala Bazar (1960) Dev Anand, Vijay Anand Chetan Anand, Waheeda Rehman

Cinema

‘Setting’ it right Meet Monica Bhowmick, winner of the Filmfare award for Best Art Direction.

Memorable sister act Actress Nanda reflects on “Kala Bazar”.

Music

Musical offering to the Divine At the recent three-day Temple Festival of Indian Classical Music at Pushkar, young talents rubbed shoulders with veterans.

Sibling symphony The Malladi Brothers on the responsibility that comes with fame.

Dance

A journey that’s worth it Nirmala Seshadri on her steps in time.

Keeping the flame burning Kuchipudi is struggling to stay afloat, but the recent Siddhendra Yogi festival holds some promise for the revival of interest in this graceful dance form.

Theatre

Lifting the veil Sabina Jaitly brings the power of Ismat Chughtai’s women to the stage this week.

When theatre is hope Theatre director Monireh Hashemi from Afghanistan believes that creativity makes life meaningful.

Events

Scavengers to managers The images seek to draw the attention of both the public and civic agencies to the significant role that ragpickers play in our urban society.

Art of democracy Shilpa Gupta traverses a different path yet again.

Miscellany

And the award goes to…

Tv Serials

Kath and Kim

In ‘Dating,’ Kath grows paranoid that Phil is keeping secrets from her and Kim goes speed dating.

Big, Bigger, Biggest — Bridge

(National Geographic Channel, Thursday, 21.00)

The longest ...

Another laugh riot Talking movies with Kundan Shah is always a pleasure. He is in the middle of scripting a sequel to Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron MINI ANTHIKAD-CHHIBBER

Columns

Gandhinagar Gossip

Actor and director Sudeep features for the first time in a double role in the film “Ee Shathmaanada Veera Madakari’ which is hitting the screens today in around 80 theatres in Karnataka. Sudeep who has been shuttling between ...

Books

Top 10 books of the week Avanobbanidda Godse by Manohara Malagaonkar, translated by Ravi Belagere, Bhavana Prakashana, Rs. 250

Avamana by J.M. Koieze, translated by Prof. D.R. Mirgi, I.B.H. Prakashana, Rs. 130 Koduvudenu? ...

Bookshelf Swatantrya Samarada Lavanigalu, ballads on the freedom struggle, by N. Vishakantha Rao, Karnataka Janapada Parishath, Bangalore, Rs. 10.

Dr. Simpi Linganna, a portrait by Dr M.G. Biradar, Karnataka Janapada Parishath, ...

Cinema

Another feather in his cap Making a film is no cakewalk, says Naseeruddin Shah. But anyway, Bollywood doesn’t attract him anymore.

Personality

Kudos to Kakkilaya Ninety years and going strong, veteran freedom fighter Kakkilaya will be feted by friends and well wishers

Music

Refined act Shrikant G. is able to meaningfully enrich his renderings

Clarity and creativity Sreevalsan J. Menon adhered to tradition, while Hemmige S. Prashanth displayed firm grounding and improvisational powers

Dance

Journey through life Malavika Sarukkai’s latest offering is inspired by the Ganga. The dancer finds her life echoed in the river’s different passages

Reinterpreting women Mythili Prakash’s Stree Katha looks at female characters of the Ramayana in shades of grey

Events

Plays this weekend Antharanga, an amateur theatre group is organising a three-day Yugadi theatre festival at Seva Sadana, Malleswaram from March 21 to 23.

The group is staging T.P Kailasam’s play, “Huttadalli Hutta”, directed by B.V. ...

Ugadi special Celebrate Ugadi with plays, music and food

Tv Serials

SERIES

The Great Wall

This episode features some stunning computer graphics and dramatic events surrounding the construction of the wall through the eyes of the General – an ordinary worker and one of the great court politicians who moved the resources of an ...

Butterfly on a Wheel Neil (Gerard Butler) and Abby Warner (Mario Bello) have a picture-perfect life. Their relationship is put to test when their daughter is kidnapped and they are forced to comply with the abductor’s demands. The kidn

The wait is over With director Vishnu Vardhan, whose ‘Sarvam’ is soon to be released …

Confluence of styles A seasoned Carnatic trio and a jazz quarter that includes the influential voice of Rudresh Mahanthappa join hands for ‘Kinsmen,’ a chartbusting CD.

Entertainment

Of sons and siblings Despite religious overtones, director J. Ramesh’s ‘Vedha’ has an interesting story to tell.

Columns

CHAT CORNER ‘I set my goal and live my passion’ I feel nothing should stagnate. For once stagnation sets in, creativity ceases to exist.

Issues

Emotions are universal They remain the same, regardless of the changing times and interaction with other cultures.

Happenings

In the City At Sri Varasiddhi Vinayakar Pravachana Mandapam, The Hindu Colony, Nanganallur.

March 21, 6 p.m.

Mohan Santhanam.

•Sravanam

At TTD Information Centre, T. Nagar.

March 20, 6.30 p.m.

N. ...

Cinema

Dancing her way into hearts Actor-politician Jayaprada makes a comeback with ‘The Desire’, an Indo-Chinese venture.

Focussing on new film cameras Chennai’s cinematographers show keen interest in the new movie cameras with digital technology.

Break from a big banner Lakshmikanthan, a first timer, will direct ‘Baana’ which has hero Murali’s son Atharva in the lead.

Film Review

Agony and irony -- Kanchivaram How do you critique a film whose fabric is multi-layered and whose warp and weft include the social, cultural and political ethos of an age gone by? One that throws light on the helplessness of the working class in the grip of a heartless feudal ...

A slice of life - Flashbacks of a Fool Storyline: A washed out actor revisits his roots when he goes to attend his friend’s funeral

Bottomline: Daniel Craig is the attraction and the distraction in this uneven and touching coming-of-age story.

We ...

On Location

For all age groups Shot on the lines of Vaanathai Pole, Mariyathai is typically Vikraman.

Personality

In love with literature Sivakumar’s lecture on ‘Kamba Ramayanam’ at Vellalar Women’s College, Erode, revealed another dimension of the painter-actor’s personality.

Artist’s brush with celluloid Handsome features and melodious voice made S. Rajam filmmakers’ choice.

Music

Speedy execution of swaras There was variety in Pantula Rama’s choice of kritis for her Sarvani Sangeetha Sabha concert.

At his creative best T. N. Krishnan’s concert for Narada Gana Sabha exemplified refinement and experience.

Mellifluous rendition Enjoy listening to the songs of various composers sung by O.S. Arun.

All sound and fury Of the auditoria in India that are not acoustically well-equipped.

Stress on sahitya Sudha Ragunathan’s music was enjoyable, but the bhakti element was missing.

Anniversary fete Shri Vigneshwara Cultural Academy, Ramapuram, celebrated its fourth anniversary on March 15 at Dr. Vimala Convent, Nesapakkam. On the occasion, titles were conferred on veteran musicians T.K. Murthy (‘Nandhi Nadha Nipuna’) and ...

Visitors from Vienna It was an earnest performance from the Austrian orchestra.

Specific, appropriately hued The concluding part of the explanatory series detailing S. Rajam’s calendar.

On Chaturagiri

Chithagiry Audio, Madurai, (04549-275165, 9444325633) has released two video albums on Chaturagiri.

The visuals capture the scenic hills and pilgrims trekking their way up to have darshan of Siva.

Chant and songs in keeping with ...

An interesting exercise Listen to Suguna Purushothaman as she gives many useful tips and guidelines to achieve proficiency in the art of Pallavi singing.

Theatre

Iyer in a new avatar Y.Gee. Mahendra’s ‘Vietnam Veedu’ is a revival that stays true to Sivaji Nataka Mandram’s original presentation.

Religion

Taken up for renovation Neglected for over a century, an ancient Siva temple, believed to have been built in the 13th century at village Valayathur, Arcot Circle, Vellore District, about 7 km from Kalavai is getting a facelift. The Balalayam of Arulmigu Brahannayaki ...

Gearing up for the occasion Aravamudha Perumal Temple, Thirumangalam, is being spruced up for the samprokshanam.

Events

Great teacher Rich tributes were paid to the late mridanga vidwan Rajappa Iyer recently.

Of dance and dreams Dance drama ‘Mudivil Oru Aarambam… Hidden Truths’ will be presented this evening at Kalakshetra.

Dance drama goes places ‘Bharatha Samudaayam Vaazhgavae’ will be presented in Singapore on March 22.

For music lovers The Gharana Music Festival, from March 23, will showcase eminent artists.

An evening of melody Nithyasree Mahadevan will enthral music lovers with a selection of raga-based film songs in an event titled ‘Vellithirai Ragangal’ on April 5, at Kamarajar Hall, Teynampet.

Organised by Abbas Cultural, the singer will be have ...

DVD release Mudhra introduced a new concert format in Carnatic music with ‘One Raga, One Kriti’ and organised an exclusive festival in 1996 at the Music Academy where every artist presented just one composition, with raga alapana, niraval, ...

Tyagaraja aradhana The Indian Fine Arts Society will conduct Tyagaraja aradhana on March 21 at Balamandir German Hall, T. Nagar. The day begins with Veda Paarayanam and puja at 8.45 a.m. followed by rendition of Pancharatna kritis at 10 a.m. For details call 2486 ...

All the way from Berlin The maiden Bharatanatyam effort of Irina Kushelevich, disciple of the Rajyashree Ramesh Academy for Performing Arts and Dance Theatre Productions, Lithuanian Branch, will be presented on March 22, 6 p.m. at the ...

Consecration at Nannilam Consecration of Sri Iravadeswarar temple, Tirukottaram, Tiruvarur, Nannilam, will take place on March 22, 9.30-11 a.m. Preliminary rituals began on March 17.

This ancient (1,400 years old) temple is situated on the bank of the Cauvery. ...

Miscellany

Tv Serials

Election special on NDTV As the countdown to Lok Sabha Election begins, NDTV India brings to its viewers the first among its many insightful shows.

Watch Vinod Dua, leading psephologist and political analyst, as he tours the country with his camera and showcases ...

Toon time, kids Animalia, a new show, premieres on Cartoon Network.

SERIALS

Ride the Recession

As the worst economic crisis in recent history unfolds, NDTV 24X7 brings to you some effective measures to combat the depression. The show, launched earlier this month, discusses how the crisis is impacting us, be it home loans, property ...

Review Thiruvananthapuram

The Urvashi formula Urvashi comes up with yet another power-packed performance in ‘Bharya Swantham Suhruthu.’

Columns

CHAT CORNER

‘Style of my own’ She has worked hard to create a niche for herself. Trained in Kathak under Kumudini Lakhia, Chhau under Krishna Chandra Naik and a variety of other Indian dance forms, Daksha Seth has now created a dance language of her own which is physical, ...

Miscellaneous

Music in the air ‘Ganaloka Veedhikalil’ on AIR, Kochi, focusses on the evolution of Malayalam film music.

Cinema

Marriage for keeps ‘Ivar Vivahitharayal’ maps the marital life of a couple who are poles apart in temperament.

Music

Mellifluous rendition O.S. Arun’s popularity is more as a singer of bhajans and abhangs than as a traditional Carnatic concert performer. His wide repertoire and flexible voice have made him a sought-out artiste for bhajan sandhya concerts. Ten compositions of ...

In praise of Krishna Hindustani vocalist Sagarika Pradhan’s recital was soaked in devotion.

Wide selection of kritis Sugandha Kalamegham’s concert included a wide variety of compositions that showcased her repertoire.

Dance

Stamp of class Kalamandalam Kshemavathy widened the horizons of Mohiniyattam and elevated its abhinaya to another plane. She won the Nrithya-Natya Puraskaram of the Government of Kerala.

Theatre

Imaginative acts of substance The National Theatre Festival in the capital city was a confluence of talent and artistic opulence.

Arts & Crafts

Signature strokes Akkitham Narayanan on his oeuvre, artists and trends in the art world.

Tv Serials

Final countdown The finalists of Amrita TV’s ‘Super Star Junior-2’ have been announced

టుడే ఫిలిమ్స్ news

Edge-of-the-seat love story The debut director brings together a fresh cast to create another love story.

Columns

Cinema

Another feather in his cap Making a film is no cakewalk, says Naseeruddin Shah. But anyway, Bollywood doesn’t attract him anymore.

Music

Erudite recital The artist gave a nuanced performance.

A qawali night The golden jubilee celebration of Ghousia Ashram Urs was a memorable affair.

An interesting exercise Listen to Suguna Purushothaman as she gives many useful tips and guidelines to achieve proficiency in the art of Pallavi singing.

Dance

A song and drama fest A scintillating show of music, dance and drama.

Theatre

Compelling and poignant ‘Mirror’ brought alive a major side of the South Indian film industry.

Heritage

Fostering a tradition Thanks to the vision of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, craftspersons all over the country are empowered.

Events

Through Spanish lens Fest The two-day Spanish film fest will showcase some classic Spanish movies.

An interesting fare of plays ‘Bahu Bhasha Natakotsav’ a festival of nine plays was held at Ravindra Bharathi.

A high octane treat Kalasagaram’s Annual Youth Festival of Dance featured three young artistes.

Tv Serials

Abba: The Mamma Mia Story

Enjoy this one-hour special that explores global phenomena of ABBA mania. The musical ‘Mamma Mia’ inspired by the songs of ABBA has helped define the theatre world over the last decade and has also been adapted as a successful ...

Butterfly on a Wheel Neil (Gerard Butler) and Abby Warner (Mario Bello) have a picture-perfect life. But their relationship is put to the test when their daughter is kidnapped. The kidnapper, Ryan (Pierce Brosnan), is a cold and embittered sociopath who has a ..

PR public meeting gets CEO’s nod

Will PR seek shelter under an umbrella?

What symbol will the Praja Rajyam get?

A television channel went ga ga when K. Nagendra Babu, brother of party president K. Chiranjeevi said they would probably need an umbrella to shield themselves from the harsh rays of the sun.

Was that an indication that the Praja Rajyam would share the symbol of the Sikkim Democratic Front?

PR public meeting gets CEO’s nod

HYDERABAD: Chief Electoral Officer I. V. Subba Rao on Thursday cleared a proposal by the Praja Rajyam to organise the party’s Praja Vijayabheri at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad on March 21. He directed district Collectors to issue the required vehicle passes with validity for two days (March 21 and 22) so that party followers would not face any problem from the police while entering the city from districts and going back.

He complimented the PRP for coming out with a clear plan on the public meeting, specifying even the number of vehicles expected (2,000 to 3,000).

PR to release first list on March 22

PR to release first list on March 22 Staff Reporter

BALLAPADU (Krishna district): The Praja Rajyam is all set to release its first list of candidates who will enter the fray in general elections at Hyderabad on March 22.

Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi told a press conference here on Thursday, before setting out on the final day of his road shows in Krishna district, that the party would announce the names of about 100 to150 candidates. The list of remaining candidates would be announced at a later date.

In response to a question, he made clear that Buragadda Vedavyas, the sitting MLA of the now abolished Malleswaram constituency who switched loyalties from the Congress, would enter the fray, but did not mention the name of the constituency. The announcement is being widely seen as endorsement of Mr. Vedavyas’ candidature from Machilipatnam Assembly constituency. Mr. Chiranjeevi also reiterated that Raavi Venkateswara Rao would be fielded from Gudivada. He said the party had done a comprehensive study of the candidates aspiring to contest taking various factors into consideration. Selecting a candidate was a Herculean task for the Praja Rajyam, as the party had to look into various aspects and also ensure that its ideology of social justice was met.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Waiting for the big break

Waiting for the big break

S. SHIVA KUMAR

Shubha Punja, the effervescent young actor hopes that her wait will soon come to an end

Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

LOOKING FORWARD ‘I would like to establish myself and leave a mark. The rest is with the audience and God’

It’s slippery out there. Friendliness is mistaken to be an overture if you are female. More energy is spent warding off the wolves. You need an iron will even if it’s only a tiny place in stratosphere.

It’s a pleasure meeting today’s young actresses. They are articulate, effervescent and speak with disarming candour. They are not affronted when a professional faux pas is pointed out. Shubha Punja is a youngster who’s proven her talent but is awaiting box-office success. The interview:

You’ve already been around for nearly four years. Looking back do you think you should have waited a bit?

The problem is that I started very young. I dropped out of college and joined films. I was immature. There was no planning and I was fickle. I wanted to do Tamil films, wanted to act in Kannada films and also Hindi and Telugu. I wanted a piece of every pie. I would do a Tamil film and then sign a Kannada film. At a certain point I decided I wanted to be here. My family felt I was too young to be floating around alone. They decided that Bangalore would be my base.

How did it start? Did someone say, ‘hey you should be in movies’?

No. I’m a classical dancer. I’m not from theatre but acted in a lot of plays in school. Someone spotted me at a play fest and appreciated my performance. That made me feel I was probably good. I was picked only for cultural events because I was a big zero in studies. I too felt I had a flair for drama and dance. I dropped out of my first year in college and went to Chennai to get my portfolio done. My pictures were circulated only there so I got to do commercials.

Did you have films in mind?

I always wanted to act in films. You got a good break. You got a film opposite Sivaji Ganesan’s grandson. What happened?

The film bombed and that was the bottom-line. I got a good launch but well… I had to restart all over again. I did a few films which were not so good. I was doing less work so my mom felt there was no need for me to stick on there.

Were you not able to distinguish the thin line between glamour and sleaze?

Aah, I guess not because I was very naïve. I would believe anything anyone said. I didn’t know how to put my foot down and say no. I’ve learnt.

Not really because last year you did ‘Sutta Pazham’…..

(Interrupts) It was not that kind of a film though a photographer managed to shoot some pictures surreptitiously. The film was a comedy. It had its share of glamour but there was nothing erotic or sleazy. Yes, I wish I had done one or two scenes differently but I was too scared to put my foot down. The problem was that nobody here watched the film.

When things didn’t work there did you have a tough time establishing yourself here?

No. Just when I was finishing my Tamil movie S. Narayan gave me a call. I had done a film here called “Jackpot” which bombed too. Anyway, the director saw my picture shown by a co-ordinator and thought I suited the character in his film. There was no screen test. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to come back and shout from the rooftops that I was back.

Do you feel it’s better to be part of a successful film than have a great role in a film that has flopped?

No. I wouldn’t compromise on my role. I wouldn’t do a role if I felt I wouldn’t be comfortable watching, even for a big banner.

You had a good role in “Moggina Manasu” but the film flopped so how does that help?

It doesn’t help at all. But it’s very important to be part of a good movie. There’s no point doing a major role for a producer who can’t even get the film released. There’s no point. If the producer does his job well then it’s all up to the audience.

Your “Anjadiru” is getting released today. The heroine did not have a significant role in the original Tamil version. Did they promise to lengthen your role?

No, I was not promised any such thing. I just requested for a few more close-ups. I had some time and what interested me was the script. Even if I don’t gain anything, I have nothing to lose.

You were a part of the recent celebrations. Did you bond with the rest of the girls?

They were all nice. There was no ego problem. Everyone was mixing freely like they were all in college. There was no hierarchy. Apart from that it didn’t matter to me because I was there to do my part.

So you are tapping on the door to enter the next rung in the star system.

Yes, I’m tapping, probably a little too loud. Like everybody else there’s hope. It’s not the top slot. I want to be here for a long time. I wouldn’t want to be a three movie actress and enter oblivion. After such a long struggle there’s no point in running off. My effort is there. I would like to establish myself and leave a mark. The rest is with the audience and God.

Waiting for the big break Shubha Punja, the effervescent young actor hopes that her wait will soon come to an end

Interview

A picture of poise But for Rukmini Devi Arundale, the renowned dance teacher Adyar Lakshman would have pursued cricket

Book Review

Word witness The literary magazine brought out by Gopalakrishna Adiga, Sakshi, which gave young writers a platform, now comes in a digitised version

Book Watch

Book Shelf Archaka B. Rangaswamy, a portrait by Kyatanahalli Ramanna, Karnataka Janapada Parishath, Bangalore, Rs. 10.

Baaluve Maadidare Baa Tangi Andaaru, folk ethics for a housewife, by Prof. D. Lingaiah, Karnataka Janapada ...

Books

Top books Leriyonka by Henry R. Ole Kulet, translated by Prashant Beechi, Chanda Pustaka, Rs. 100

Courtesy: Ankita Pustaka Phone: ...

Cinema

Lifting the veil Andrzej Wajda, the Polish film maker speaks of history through personal histories

Star struck SHORT TAKES Read on to find out how a starlet was struck by a star

Music

Lilting songs Kaushiki and Purbayan put out excellent performances

Of wonder and virtues R.K. Padmanabha's imagination swelled but the subliminal element was missing

Dance

Nascent talent Nritya Chilume presented four budding dancers

Events

Tapping poetry Ananya hosts a unique interface programme with poetry and the fine arts

Miscellany

The ever-active veteran MEET Nasser, versatile actor, who continues to make a mark in diverse roles.

Fostering a tradition Thanks to the vision of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, craftspersons all over the country are empowered.

Interview

Melody of the duck instrument Having learnt the oboe, Martina Leopoldt is keen on mastering the nagaswaram.

Columns

CHAT CORNER ‘Success has no short-cut’

Discipline and dedication are the two watch words to hone your skills.

Books

Collector’s item The second edition of ‘The Oxford Illustrated Companion to South Indian Classical Music’ by Ludwig Pesch is out on the stands.

Telewatch

With Krishna as saviour ‘Moksha-Salvation’ is a heart-rending portrayal of the widows of Vrindavan.

Happenings

In the City At SMR Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Jothi Ramalingam Street, West Mambalam.

March 15, 6.30 p.m.

K. Mythili.

DANCE

•VDS Arts Academy

At MOP Vaishnav College for Women.

March 15, 6.30 ...

Cinema

The little big step! A rare Parsi ensemble saga, Sooni Taraporevala’s ‘Little Zizou’ opens a window to the universe of the community.

Villainy sports a new look MAKE-OVER Sibiraj will play villain in the crime thriller, ‘Naanayam.’

Film Review

Comedy comes to the rescue -- Innoruvan

Cast: Adithya, Manoha, Visu, Manivannan, M.S. Bhaskar, Jothisha, ‘Kadhal’ Dhandapani, Azhagu, ‘Kiren’ Manohar and Vincent Rai.

Storyline: Inspired by advice, a young rag picker sets himself the goal of reaching ...

Very funny! -- 1977 Cast: Sarath Kumar, Old Sarath Kumar with white beard, Younger old Sarath Kumar in French beard and hat (the spy look), Young Sarath with dyed beard pretending to be old Sarath Kumar, Namitha, Farzana, Radha Ravi

Storyline: ...

Cutting edge thriller needs cutting -- Yaavarum Nalam Storyline: When an engineer and family move into a new apartment on the 13th floor, he comes across a daily soap on TV that closely mirrors the happenings in his household.

Bottomline: Tune in your head-sets for a modern ...

Action finds pride of place -- Pride and Glory Storyline: When four cops are found dead and an honest cop is called upon to investigate, he realises he would be stirring up a hornets’ nest – a corrupt NYPD.

Bottomline: A cop action drama closer to We Own The ...

Music

Rich tribute to Purandaradasa Age has not affected the powerful vocals of nonagenarian R. K. Srikantan, who chose rare Dasar kritis for his Hamsadhwani concert.

Mellifluous rendition O.S. Arun’s popularity is more as a singer of bhajans and abhangs than as traditional Carnatic concert performer. His wide repertoire and flexible voice have made him a sought out artist for bhajan sandhya concerts. Ten compositions of ...

Thodi in all its grandeur Arundati’s commendable range and mature manodharma made her recital a wholesome fare.

Rich repertoire Despite the slight discomfort in her throat, Nandita Ravi’s clarity of diction and uninterrupted flow with a pliant voice that characterised her vocal recital at the Rajalakshmi Fine Arts struck a deep chord with the listeners. Her ...

Rendered with devotion Dr.Jothi Kausalya has brought out a Tamil translation of both Bhajagovindam and Gnanapaanai.

Summer of ’09: Movies take on IPL Expect plenty of big ticket releases and smaller productions, in Hindi and Telugu, fighting for your attention while you are hooked on to IPL.

Interview

Terror on TV Neetu Chandra is all excited about her role in 13 B

Cinema

Stargazing

On Location

Tailored for a hit Rajasekhar promises ‘Naa Stylae Veru’ but the director insists there are no political overtones.

Music

Musical notes O.S. Thyagarajan’s performance was a treat.

One and only Balamurali Balamuralikrishna’s concert proved why he is called a maestro.

Rich aural treat Lalgudi GJR Krishnan and Karthik Seshadri’s jugalbandi was soothing and exhilarating at the same time.

PR could be a thorn in the flesh for Congress, TDP

PR could be a thorn in the flesh for Congress, TDP Paul Benjamin

Battle of pride between Yerran Naidu and Dharmana

SRIKAKULAM: This district has a history of supporting non-Congress parties, but this trend was reversed in 2004 when the Telugu Desam Party suffered a debacle.

The delimitation exercise has reduced the number of constituencies in this district from 12 to 10 and observers are keenly anticipating a three-way contest between the Congress, the Telugu Desam and the Praja Rajyam.

The two constituencies that have disappeared from the electoral map are Sompeta and Harischandrapuram while Unukuru, after some modifications, has been renamed as Rajam while a new one, Palasa, has been created.

TDP may be affected

These changes will affect the fortunes of the Telugu Desam legislator from Sompeta, Gouthu Shyam Sunder Sivaji, as also the Unukuru legislator K. Kala Venkata Rao, who switched loyalties from the Telugu Desam to Praja Rajyam and resigned his seat.

K. Atchan Naidu will also have to rework his electoral strategies as his constituency, Harischandrapuram, has been merged into Tekkali.

Sivaji eying Palasa

Mr. Sivaji is now seeking the party ticket from the newly created Palasa constituency. Similarly, Mr. Venkata Rao is likely to contest from Etcherla constituency, which was has now been de-reserved.

In the 2004 Assembly elections, the Congress party won seven seats and the TDP five. With the advent of PR, all the equations have comprehensively changed.

The Telugu Desam received a jolt as its several prominent leaders like Tamineni Seetharam, Mr. Venkata Rao, Kambala Jogulu and Kalamati Mohana Rao, the latter three being MLAs, resigned from the party and joined the Praja Rajyam.

Congress unaffected

The Congress party has been largely unaffected either by delimitation or the emergence of Praja Rajyam in the district. Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao is spearheading the party’s campaign in the district by seeking to keep the voters happy through the implementation of various development and welfare schemes.

The newly-established Ambedkar University and the RIMS Medical College and Hospital, apart from various irrigation projects are being touted as the ruling party’s major achievements.

Test for PR

The Opposition parties have been highlighting the issue of corruption in the Congress government.

The burden of seeing that the Telugu Desam recaptures its past glory in this district largely rests on K. Yerran Naidu, its Parliamentary party leader.

No dearth of leaders

There is no dearth of leaders in the Praja Rajyam after the mass defections to it from the Telugu Desam . Keeping in view the caste factor and the altered political equations, Srikakulam will be a true test of strength for the Praja Rajyam.

It will be no less for the Congress and Telugu Desam who will leave no stone unturned in trying to repeat their past performances in the next elections too.

Naidu warns Congress, PR

Naidu warns Congress, PR Special Correspondent

‘Do not drag personal lives of NTR family members into public domain’

HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam party president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday warned Congress and Praja Rajyam leaders against dragging personal lives of NTR family members into political domain.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Naidu reacted strongly to the Congress and PR leaders questioning Balakrishna and Junior NTR’s campaign points.

“It shows that the leaders of the two parties are scared of getting washed away in the political tsunami created by the two film stars.

The two parties could even carry out a joint campaign against TDP, but let them avoid personal attacks.”

He said if the TDP leaders so desired they could speak a lot about the families of Congress as well as Praja Rajyam leaders, but their discipline and culture prevented them from doing so.

“People will detest such comments on personal lives and will teach them a lesson. After all, no family is devoid of small differences here and there. To magnify them and present before the people is wrong.”

Mr. Naidu found it strange for a Minister of Mr. Rosaiah’s stature to hurl abuses at Opposition and then rush to the Chief Electoral Officer to lodge a complaint.

“Today, he is seeking a ban on films of NTR, Balakrishna and Junior NTR. Tomorrow, he will ask us to vacate our houses. Their complaints only expose their frustration.”

Arogyasri

He clarified that the party has not made any complaint against Arogyasri. “As usual, the Congress is giving a twist like it did earlier charging the TDP with having petitioned Election Commission against State government employees when there was none.”

Differences

He brushed aside differences over seat sharing with grand alliance partners saying there are bound to be some problems in such a large alliance but these would be overcome in a few days’ time.

ABC of Praja Rajyam

ABC of Praja Rajyam

The first two letters in the English language expand as Aravind Babu (read general secretary Allu Aravind) and they are followed by ‘C’, the letter that an imaginative leader read as Chiranjeevi, the party president, who sits in O1 (Office No. 1), on Road No. 46, Jubilee Hills. Now, who has the final say? Elementary, my dear Watson!

Campaign on train

Lok Satta Party president Jayaprakash Narayan will board a second class bogie attached to Krishna Express. As and when he is not interacting with contesting candidates onboard, he will address people who come to see him at stations en route. Just like the Mahatma and Franklin D. Roosevelt, the party claims.

Calling the shots

There seems to be no end to problems at the Vijayawada urban office of the Praja Rajyam. For a while in the past, it was Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) who appeared to have ruled the roost. Now followers of Vangaveeti Radhakrishna and family members of Allu Aravind call the shots. They shout and browbeat the media. They want total control sans responsibility.

Major omission

If elections are all about hits and misses, here is a miss that could prove costly to the Congress, according to former FAPCC chairman Omprakash Tibrewala.

An avid watcher of TV ads, he spotted a “major omission” in the Congress’ much hyped “Jai Ho” ad.

It made mention of all former Congress Prime Ministers from Nehru to Manmohan Singh except ‘our own Telugu bidda’ P. V. Narasimha Rao. “It is an insult to the country and Telugus in particular.”

Don’t repeat the mistake: NTR Jr.

Don’t repeat the mistake: NTR Jr. Correspondent

‘Onus on bringing TDP back to power rests on every one’

Corruption rampant during the Congress rule, NTR Jr. alleges
The actor asserts cash transfer scheme will benefit the poor

VIZIANAGARAM: Star campaigner for the Telugu Desam Party N.T. Rama Rao Junior has appealed to the people not to commit the same mistake that they had done in the 2004 elections.

On the third day of his campaigning in the district on Tuesday, Mr. Junior NTR addressed gatherings at Lakkidam junction, Dharmavaram and S. Kota in Gajapathingaram and S. Kota Assembly constituencies.

Hitting hard at the Congress Government, he said: “Corruption at every level has increased during the present incumbency. Andhra Pradesh has become ‘Avinithi Pradesh’.

“Abhaya hastham of the Congress protected those who grabbed natural resources. Mandu bazaars (liquor market) replaced rythu bazaars; neeru-meeru became beeru-baaru and ‘prajala vaddaku paalana’ became aina vaariki paalana. Congress workers built four or five houses in Hyderabad under Indiramma programme.”

No personal criticism

N. Chandrababu Naidu, TDP president, who worked relentlessly for the uplift of the poor and the downtrodden was voted out, he said, and added that the new cash transfer scheme, would certainly help the poorest of the poor and middle class families. Beginning his speech with Rayaprolu Subba Rao’s Ee desa megina, yendu kalidina, pogadara ni thalli bhoomi bharatini….”, Mr. NTR Junior, at no point, resorted to personal criticism of either the Congress or the Praja Rajyam party leaders.

He concluded his meetings with an appeal to people that TDP was established by a Telugu and hence it is the responsibility of all those who were born in this Telugu gedda to support it.

The onus was on them for electing the TDP in the polls, he added.

Chiru’s roadshow evokes good response Staff Reporter

AVANIGADDA (Krishna dist): A thunderous reception was accorded to Praja Rajyam Party president Chiranjeevi on the first day of his three-day visit to conduct his roadshow in Krishna district.

His roadshow evoked huge response from a large number of people, especially of Kapu community, which is predominant in Nagayalanka, Avanigadda, Machilipatnam and surrounding areas. The good show apparently unnerved other parties, particularly the ruling Congress in the Assembly segments falling in the delta region.

The road show in Avanigadda constituency could, going by the indications, deal a blow to the winning chances of sitting MLA and Minister Mandali Buddha Prasad.

The huge crowd that turned up for the roadshow largely consisted of Kapu community leaders and cadres, who were mostly with the Congress through the thick and thin till last elections. Some of those who were present at the roadshow in Avanigadda centre expressed their resolve to vote for the PRP this time.

They sought to know whether the Minister had done anything for them in the past five years and said they were happy to find a choice in the form of the PRP.

A senior citizen was elated to see the response to the roadshow, and he felt that such crowds were usually seen when Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy addressed meetings here.

The situation will be no different in regard to the future of Machilipatnam MLA Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) of the Congress, said PRP leaders.

They pointed out that Kapu leaders in the Congress would face a very embarrassing situation, as their community members would solidly vote for the PRP provoking a reaction from other communities supporting the Congress.

Interestingly, TDP senior leader Ambati Brahmanaiah, who also belongs to Kapu community, could face a similar problem but on a lower scale in Avanigadda.

Whatever little support he could gather previously from his Kapu community would not come this time in view of the presence of PRP in the fray.The PRP is said to be considering fielding Bade Babu Rao, a relative of Allu Aravind, from Avanigadda Assembly constituency.

Until now, the name of Simhadri Chandrasekhar, a doctor by profession and son of former minister Simhadri Satyanarayana, figured at the top among the list of probables for this constituency. Party cadres said they would only look at Chiranjeevi’s face for voting, irrespective of the candidate.

Chiru blames rivals for hurdles in getting common symbol

Chiru blames rivals for hurdles in getting common symbol G. Ravikiran

Urges voters not to get trapped by election gimmicks and populist slogans

PRP chief says party committed to providing clean governance
Party creating silent revolution that no survey can discover, he says

— Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Mega show: Praja Rajyam Party president Chiranjeevi participates in a roadshow at Avanigadda in Krishna district.

NAGAYALANKA (Krishna district): Praja Rajyam Party president K. Chiranjeevi on Tuesday said their party was facing difficulties because of lack of a common election symbol so far, as this was expected to create confusion among the voters.

He, however, hoped to tide over the crisis with “divine blessings,” even as he blamed the rival parties for creating hurdles in the way of getting a common symbol.

‘Best alternative’

Kicking off his Praja Ankita Yatra, the roadshow, in Krishna district here, Mr. Chiranjeevi said that the PRP was the best alternative for the people at a time when they wanted to throw out the “corrupt” Congress and also reject the “not-so-clean” Telugu Desam Party.

He conducted roadshow at Avanigadda, Mopidevi, Challapalli and a few other places in the delta region.

Mr. Chiranjeevi cautioned the voters against getting “trapped by the election gimmicks and populist slogans” of the rival parties.

He said while the TDP opened windows for corruption during its regime, the present Congress Government unlocked all main doors for a flood of corruption. He appealed to the people to ponder over the need for clean governance for which the PRP would remain committed.

Dismissing election surveys as of no big relevance, Mr. Chiranjeevi said no surveys could really sense the depth of the hearts of voters in the context of their finding a strong choice like the PRP. “You have adored me for 30 years. I know we have a heart-to-heart warm relationship. This is creating a silent revolution, which no survey can discover,” he asserted.

Promise to youth

Mr. Chiranjeevi turned to a group of young fans and promised to address their demand for creation of jobs through DSC. He assured them of filling posts by conducting DSC recruitments in January next year, if voted to power, and every year thereafter.

Dedicating the PRP to the cause of uplifting women, Mr. Chiranjeevi said the party had already announced many schemes for the security and educational needs of girls. Cooking gas would be provided to households at Rs. 100 a refill, which would be in addition to the Rs. 100 grocery scheme already announced by the party.

Mr. Chiranjeevi said their party, once elected to power, would create all necessary infrastructure for the laying of a railway line between Machilipatnam and Repalle to provide better transport facilities for people living in this area. He said efforts would be made to persuade the Union Government to help in this.

Chiranjeevi’s party withdraws symbol petition

Chiranjeevi’s party withdraws symbol petition Legal Correspondent

Chiranjeevi

HYDERABAD: In a surprise development, the Praja Rajyam led by actor Chiranjeevi withdrew a case it had filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking a common symbol for its candidates for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Vedula Venkata Ramana, counsel for the petitioner, informed a Bench, comprising Justice B. Prakasha Rao and Justice Bhavani Prasad, on Tuesday that his client had asked not to press the writ petition.

The Praja Rajyam had challenged the constitutional validity of the rules stipulating that only those political parties, which had contested a general election and got six per cent of the votes polled and, in addition, won at least two Assembly seats, would be eligible for allotment of an exclusive common symbol in the next elections.

The Election Commission had rejected the PR’s application seeking allotment of a common symbol for its candidates.

Following this, the party approached the High Court which sent the matter back to the EC asking to reconsider the issue.

As the Commission rejected the plea, the party filed the present writ petition.

Any party can get itself registered and its candidates be allotted a symbol from among the free symbols available.

Friday, March 20, 2009

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