Trisha is a tease, don't believe us, check this out!!

MAllika Kapoor's most mesmerising moments

Sexy Illeana at her sizzling best

Alubutha Dweep to be made into a Hollywood film

Malayalam blockbuster Albutha Dweep (Wonder Island), inspired by the famed Gulliver's travels, will be made into a Hollywood film with the movie's less than three feet hero, Ajayan, playing the lead, if talks with the Western representatives work out. Talks have been going on for the past few months with Hollywood representatives in Mumbai.

"Nothing has been finalised. But they seem to be impressed with the movie's concept," said Vinayan, director of the much acclaimed 2005 film, which has been dubbed in Tamil and Telugu and released in April this year.

The movie is about a wonder island, where the men are dwarfs while the women are beautiful and normal due to a curse. Six naval personnel, meanwhile, land in the island after after their helicopter crashes. The dwarfs immediately kill two of them, and the story is about how the other personnel outwit them and escape.

Ajayan plays the role of prince Gajendran, heir apparent of Vamanapuri, a kingdom in the island. Parts of the movie were shot in Lakshadweep and in Palakkad district, and for the Tamil version some additions were incorporated later on.

Vinayan, an electrical engineer in the Kerala State Electricity Board, had acted in a Malayalam movie in 1985 -- Meenamasthile Suriyan. "But I never wanted to be an actor. My heart was in direction," he said.
The first movie he directed was in 1990 , Superstar and from then on there was no looking back.

(Courtesy: PTI)

Meera Jasmine becomes a smart alec

Talking about Malayalam film industry, Meera Jasmine seems to have become enlightened that home is where the heart is. Listen to her latest gyan: It is always good to do films in your mother tongue rather than hop into other industries. First, she says, it is easier to act in your mother tongue because you are well versed with the language. Two, when you are in your home state, it's like living in your house. Everything if familiar to you. And the environment is the same as you grew up in your childhood. Three, she asks what did I get acting in Tamil especially, not money nor fame. On top of it, they've said that I've had an affair with every possible hero they could come up with. That is why you can never beat the home experience, she says. Not bad, Jasmine. You've mastered the art of talking. As long as you were doing well in the Telugu and Tamil film industries, you were all praise for them, and now that you don't stand a chance of getting any more films here, you've forgotten them and have started praising the Malayalam film industry, only because you get offers from there. And the link-ups with heroes that you've been talking about, they've been there ever since you entered the industry. What is so new about it? Stop bragging about your home town and give credit to the Tamil and Telugu film industries for having given you some exceptional roles.

Sadha's item number is a rage in Kerala it seems!!

Sadha recently did an item song for a Malayalam film, and claims she has become an instant hit with the masses and filmmakers there. She wants us to believe that Malayalam filmmakers are making a beeline to her house and that she has become picky and choosy about the kind of films she wants to do there. Now, that we don't know what's happening in the Malayalam industry, we can't vouch for Sadha's words. Because, in the same vein, she says that she doesn't want to do item numbers anymore. If an item song has put her at the top in Malayalam, why wouldn't she want to do them anymore? Sounds strange, Sadha! In fact, you should go ahead and do more of them to get more meatier roles. Anyway, keeping that aside, Sadha is presently acting in a Telugu film Adi Oka Idile with Abbas. Looks like one of those forgettable films, because even she doesn't go ga ga about her role in the film. She is also acting in a Hindi film Love by Chance. Only time will tell whether the Bollywood filmmakers' decision to take a chance with Sadha is the right one or not.

Balakrishna is the new avatar of God!!

Director K Raghavendra Rao can't seem to get off the hangover of devotional films. Till now, he has made three of them -- Annamayya, Sri Manjunatha and Sri Ramadasu. And, all of them, barring Sri Manjunatha, went on to become super duper hits. Basking in the glory of his new found formula, Raghavendra Rao is now planning to make another devotional film. This time, he has set Nagarjuna aside and wants to do it with Nandamuri Balakrishna. Rangadu Pandurangadu, the name of the new film, will star Balakrishna both as God and devotee. The film dialogues are written by J K Bharavi, while Raghavendra Rao's favourite Keeravani will compose the music. Will it put Balakrishna in the stratosphere -- literally?

Ramyakrishna bids adieu to Krishnavamsi!!

All is not well with Ramyakrishna's marriage. It's been rumoured in Hyderabad that she has left for Chennai with bag and baggage to live with her parents, along with her son, to escape from her depressing marriage. However, sources close to the couple say that there was no marriage at all in the first place, as it was only Krishnavamsi who was interested in her, and she never gave a damn to him. It seems the director had such a huge crush on her that he waited for her nod for more than five years, before she finally got disgusted and said yes. But, insiders insist, she wasn't keen on keeping her commitment to him and strictly told him that she would do what she wants and that he shouldn't tell him what to do. But, alas, the butterfly that she is, it must have been very difficult for her to cope with the not-so-sophisticated maverick filmmaker. Ramyakrishna has had a legendary reputation for going around with directors K Raghavendra Rao and Raviraja Pinisetty, in whose films she excelled.

Anukokunda Oka Roju to be remade in Hindi

Just as Tollywood keeps an eye on what's happening in the Tamil and Malayalam film industries for remakes, Bollywwod too keeps a close watch on the films made in the Telugu film industry. Especially Boney Kapoor, who is always looking to remake Telugu films. Maybe because Sridevi has fond memories about the place! Boney has earlier remade Antahpuram and Shubhalagnam. And now he is remaking Pokiri, the film that made Mahesh Babu into a supersensation in the south. Following in the footsteps of Boney Kapoor, director Rohit Shetty has decided to remake Anukokunda Oka Raju which was a good film and which earned laurels for Charmi. Shetty is remaking the film with Ajay Devgan, who plays Jagapati Babu’s role, while Ayesha Takia will be essaying Charmi’s character. Let's hope that at least with this film Ayesha Takia, our Super heroine, will gain a foothold in Bollywood.

IT guys are the 'most wanted' grooms in Andhra!!

IT grooms are back in demand in the country and Hyderabadis seem to endorse the view. A recent survey maintained that the IT professionals are the ones who are mostly sought after with young girls and their parents preferring prospective grooms from this sector. The survey also said that 70 per cent of youngsters prefer arranged marriages.
The marriage bureaus in the city agree that IT men top the ‘most wanted’ list. Fat pay package, better career prospects, and chances of settling abroad contribute to their being so much in demand. Tara Reddy of Reddy’s Marriage Bureau, said, "Even today so many girls want to settle abroad, especially the US. Parents have this notion that once your daughter is settled there, she won’t be lacking in anything, atleast as far as the financial aspect goes. So IT guys fit their bill since they are the ones who settle abroad maximum."
A lucrative salary is definitely the main thing that makes IT professionals the most coveted grooms when compared to others. Also they mostly work five days a week, unlike so many people, especially those from the media or even banking sectors. Antara Mallorkar of Bharat Matrimonial in Hyderabad said, "When the girls and their family look for grooms, they first make enquiry of the family and financial background. If the family is ok, what more can you want from a guy who earns a fat salary and also has offs on weekends? It is 101 per cent true that IT grooms are mostly in demand."
Eighteen-year-old Jenny Singavarapu is also of the opinion that IT is definitely the most "happening" sector and she too feels that it is the pay scale that attracts both the girls and the parents. Asra Adeni, a homemaker and a mother of two said, "Though I would not like to generalise, I think it is natural for parents to go prefer IT grooms. It is reassuring for them to know that their son-in-law is doing well and in all probability will continue to do well in future."
IT sector is also one of the largest industries in the country with a large number of people employed in it. So even girls working in this industry opt for men from the same sector. "Many people go in for arranged marriages with a person from the same field," said Swetha D, a 24-year-old professional working in TCS.
In this rat race for choosing the perfect groom, when the IT guys emerge as clear winners, what do the guys have to say? Debadeep Ray, software professional with Accenture Service, said, "I must say it is quite flattering! Even my mother tells me that whenever she says that her son is an IT professional in some social gathering, parents of girls express interest. At times though it gets irritating to get calls from innumerable people coming up with marriage proposals, I agree its flattering." IT guys, it clearly seems are enjoying all the attention!

(Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle)

TEA TIME TALK: YSR plays musical chairs with IAS officers!!

The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday transferred 21 IAS officials, including collectors of eight districts. After many years, the government posted Muslims as collectors to two districts, Guntur and Adilabad. The government resorted to the transfers late at night. Without issuing a government order, it released the names of officials who had been transferred. The list was released on the instructions of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. Both the Chief Minister and chief secretary J Harinarayana were away at New Delhi. Official sources said the GO would be issued on Wednesday.

The government posted Mohd Ali Rafat, managing director of AP Seeds Development Corporation, as Guntur collector and Ahmed Nadeem, deputy commissioner commercial taxes, as Adilabad collector. Rafat was known for his fight against the government and obtaining seniority through court orders. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation got two IAS officials as additional commissioners, B Janardhan Reddy and SRSP special collector D C Bhima Naik. Janardhan Reddy was successfully implementing the urban slum project and had worked with the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad.
Guntur collector Jayalakshmi, who requested the Chief Minister for a change for personal reasons was posted to West Godavari in place of Luv Agarwal, who was posted as CMD of Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (EPDCL). Though an industrial house was believed to have lobbied for Agarwal’s transfer to Ranga Reddy district, the Chief Minister chose to send him to EPDCL. Praveen Prakash was posted from the EPDCL as Ranga Reddy collector in place of L Prem Chandra Reddy who is posted as project officer in Nagarjuna Sagar Project Modernisation.
Buckling under pressure from party legislators, the Chief Minister was believed to have approved the transfer of Warangal municipal commissioner Smitha Sabharwal. She was posted as deputy commissioner of commercial taxes, Kakinada, in place of B Ramanjaneyulu, who is posted as Nizamabad district collector. Within a year of giving posting as collectors, the government shifted I S Srinaresh (Nizamabad) and D Kadmiel (Anantapur) and R Subba Rao (Adilabad).
The Chief Minister reportedly got feedback that the performance of these officials was not on expected lines. Srinaresh was posted as managing director of AP State Civil Supplies Corporation while Kadmiel was made director of tribal welfare. N Sridhar, director of ports, will take over from Kadmiel. As expected, Prakasam collector B Udayalakshmi was transferred to the newly created post of additional commissioner of horticulture. K Devanand, joint secretary in energy department, replaced her.
K Vijayanand who had a long stint as Nalgonda collector was transferred as project director, Bhubharati. M Purushottam Reddy, ED in Metro Water Works, is posted in his place. A notable missing in the postings of district collectors is Outer Ring Road project director Piyush Kumar. Kumar who is due to be posted as collector for the past year has already represented to the Chief Minister to give him a chance to serve as the district head, a dream of IAS officials.
Senior IAS official Pankaj Dwivedi who was waiting for posting was appointed director-general of MCR HRD Institute, while Veena Ish was posted as additional commissioner of AP Bhavan, New Delhi. She was earlier transferred to the post but sought time to join. In the meantime, the government posted her as special commissioner, commercial taxes. M Veerabhadraiah, who was awaiting posting, was posted in Ish’s place. P Venkateswarlu, who was awaiting posting, was made CEO, Rythu Bazar.

Sexy Celina Jaitley's discourse on sex

Celina Jaitley's latest film Red might not have set the cash registers ringing, but her efforts and struggle for the emancipation of widows seem to continue. What is noteworthy is that, she wants to send across the message that widows too have their worldly needs and sex is most important of them all. Says the siren, "That's why I am portrayed as sexy and sensuous in the film. The whole idea is to show that a widow has her bodily needs and if she has sexual desire, there is nothing wrong in it... After a certain age and time, desperation for sex can be justified for both male and female. When our male members of the society do not face restrain for remarriage than why should women face it?...The bodily needs of a woman are similar to men. My whole character has been shaped like this. The film might not have done quite well but if I am successful in sending across the message, I think I have done my job well."
Celina believes that sexuality of a person has nothing to do with her marital status and today's society should change its view as far as the treatment of a widow is concerned and should understand her sexual needs.
Says she, "It gives me immense pain when I see young women living a dejected life because their husbands died young."
"I belong to Army background and I have experienced it more closely than others. I have seen young soldiers sacrificing their lives for the country and their wives living life of celibacy. This is unfair. Their other needs may get fulfilled but if they see someone, they are branded as a blot in the society. I think here we need to change our views. Sex is a basic requirement like other needs. If my film educates even few people, I think I have done my duty well."

Balakrishna will enter politics soon, says Tarakaratna

A day after Nandamuri Balakrishna announced that he was not averse to joining politics if his fans want him to, his nephew Nandamuri Tarakaratna has said yesterday that his uncle would definitely enter politics some day. But we can't say when exactly, he added. Tarakaratna attended a party function in Cuddapah district yesterday. And speaking on the occasion, he told the people that Balakrishna would definitely enter politics and it was very soon.

THE MANY MOODS AND MOVES OF SIVAJI

Sensuous Sindhura is coming to a theatre near you soon!!

Our girl from Vijayawada, Gadde Sindhura, who took part in the Miss World contest a couple of years back has taken the same route that all Miss India contestants have taken: headed for the film industry. The only difference here is that she didn't opt for Bollywood, but satisfied herself with Tollywood. And that too with an obscure director who has no acclaim to his credit. She is presently acting in a film directed by Rasool. And it is currently underway in the US. Predictably, the heroine is the focus of attention for the film. And Rasool can't stop bragging about the acting prowess of Sindhura. In his own words: "The film revolves round the heroine, and she has done a very good job. Even though it is her first film, her histrionics have been amazing." Before he can piss off the hero, he was quick to give the hero his credit, "The hero's role too will be liked by everyone." The highlight of the film, however, is a key role by legendary Dravida leader Annadurai's grandson, Ravi. Wonder, why our top stars -- Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh or Balakrishna -- didn't have the time think of casting Sindoora in their films! Was it an oversight?

INDIA SHINING: Upwardly 'mobile' in the new mantra of success

For 58-year-old Ram Babu, who runs a small shop dealing with old newspapers and other scrap from residents in Dwarka, a satellite city on the outskirts of the capital, business has witnessed a considerable rise ever since he purchased a cell phone. Babu, who previously cycled through the by-lanes of this rapidly developing suburb, frequently entering into arguments with security guards of the numerous housing societies there, life is a lot more comfortable. Now, he takes calls on his cell phone sitting comfortable in his tiny shed that has newspapers stacked in neat rows.

"I am happy because earlier I used to cover only five societies, but with the phone I am doing ten societies now. People call me on the phone and I have no problem with the security guards as they are instructed to let me in, says Babu with a smile.

With prices of handsets dipping and tariffs becoming more affordable, even those in the lower income bracket are buying mobiles. Be it the next door chaiwala, the dhobi, the milkman, the sabziwallah or the canteen boy, all sport the ubiquitous instrument.

Deepak Gupta, who lives in Ber Sarai and is preparing for civil services exams, says, "My sweeper is a busy guy. He works in 10-15 buildings and if you need him, you have to call him on his mobile."

"I save lot of time because of this mobile. Now there is no need to go in every house looking for work. I have circulated my number to every household and they call me in advance, if there is work," says Vinod, a sweeper.

Europe hotels give 5 stars to Indian crudeness!!

Survey polling 15,000 hoteliers rates tidy Japanese as best tourists; French voted the worst tourists

The best tourists in the world are the Japanese, followed by Americans and the Swiss, a survey based on views from hoteliers across Europe said recently.
Based on responses from 15,000 hoteliers, the survey, carried out on behalf of travel website Expedia, showed that the worst tourist nation is France, followed by India, China, and Russia.
Respondents said they disliked Indian tourists for being loud, untidy, and poorly behaved. Americans were judged the most courteous and the British the rudest, alongside the Russians and Canadians.
Japanese tourists stood out for being polite and tidy, securing 35 per cent more votes than the Americans, who came second. Swiss tourists were commended for being quiet and considerate, unlike the Britons, who were judged to be the fifth worst tourists because of their rude and noisy behaviour.
But British travellers seemed to have 'improved' because five years ago, they were on top of the league of terrible tourists. Part of the Britons' problem was explained by Simon Calder, travel editor of UK's The Independent newspaper. He told Radio 4's Today programme: "We put little value on learning languages and the British consequently are guilty of cultural and linguistic arrogance."
Calder said in Europe "resorts (steel) themselves for another miserable summer when the British invasion begins in earnest".
Despite Britons' faults, hoteliers, however, look favourably upon their spending habits, voting them the third biggest holiday spenders after Americans and Russians.

(Courtesy: DNA)

Ankita has a fab body now, any takers?

Ankita has a new definition for show business: It is a business where you 'show' all you have. In common parlance, you have assets, you reveal them, that's what you come to the industry for. That is precisely what she meant at a press meet on Monday. When a scribe asked her if she wasn't exposing too much in films, she shot back, "What's wrong with exposing? Every actress worth her name has been exposing. You name the star and I'll tell you the films they've exposed." And she goes on to add, "Cinema means 'show' business and you can't avoid exposing."
Forget about avoiding, she seems to want to reveal it all with all the enthusiasm of a teenager evenbefore the Tollywood filmaker tell her. The actress was all too eager to explain how she has really 'shaped' up, that is, improved her curls and the curves by doing yoga and fitness exercises. "If you want to continue as a heroine, you have to maintain a good figure," she tells the scribes. "And, with the yoga and fitness exercises, I'm like a livewire now."
Through the press conference she was taking an opportunity to announce to the filmmakers that she has a fab figure now and that she would reveal it all for them. In their films that is. Whoever it is. Big, small, doesn't matter. Poor Ankita, she is still under the impression that she can lure the filmmakers into casting her in glamorous roles.
She doesn't seem to know that the life of a heroine is not more than five years in the industry. When reminded of that, she says, "Life is a rollercoaster ride, sometimes you go up, and sometime you go down. Even my career is like that. I can boast that I have some good films to my credit and many more like to come." There is no harm in dreaming but becoming desperate can not only mar your prospects but also your sanity.
And she takes a quick trip down memory lane to explain the kind of roles she has essayed and what she likes the most. "When I look back, the best character I liked and the people also liked was the one I played in Simhadri. Even now I like such bubbly roles. Life should be a merry go round. And that is what I want to see in my roles."
It's like repeating the same thing again and again, Ankita. We all know the role you played in Simhadri. You were only hankering after Junior NTR and taking every opportunity to give 'yourself' to him.
Presently, she says, she is acting opposite Aakash in a film produced by Supergood Films. And wants us to believe that she has a good role which has lots of scope for performance.
She has also made it very clear that she wouldn't do any more item songs. And with Mumaith Khan around, who is offering her any?

Bhoomika brings her boyfriend into the open

A couple of weeks back Bhoomika Chawla has been raving about love with a film scribe. How it is a wonderful feeling, and how nothing can come anywhere near that feeling. Of course, it was meant to keep the scribe guessing whether she is in love or not. That is a subtle way politicians and film stars adopt when they want to tell something to the world. And, naturally, taking the cue from Bhoomika, he did what only a journalist can do: have the answer straight from Bhoomika's mouth, whether she was seeing anyone. At least, unlike the Bollywood actresses, she did not bullshit the fact saying that we are just 'best friends'. The Missamma actress said that she was indeed seeing someone and made no bones about it. And, she said that she would reveal his name "when the time comes". That is another way of building up expectation around the love affair. Expectedly, she brought him out into the open. And the occasion was the audio release function of her latest film Satyabhama on Monday. She walked into the function with her hands tucked into her beaus's, and as both of them walked into the arena, all eyes were fixed on them. Her beau, Bharat Thakur, we are told is a yoga exponent and a hotelier in Goa. And it looks that he not only taught her yoga, but the finer intricacies of love too! Talking later, Bhoomika said, "Today I am very happy. As Bharat is with me, my happiness is doubled." Well, Bhoomika, it's unfair to give your fans a hearbreak! Well fans, for now you can only see the photograph and admire Bhoomika's beau the way your've admired her.

HEADLINES OF THE DAY

* Here's good news for Chiranjeevi's fans. The megastar's most-awaited film, Shankardada Zindabad, is releasing on June 28

* Similarly, Venkatesh's Tulsi has been scheduled for September release

* Everyone is eagerly awaiting the release of Rajnikant's Sivaji. While movie goers have to wait for another two weeks to see Rajnikant in action, Kalaidar TV has bought the exclusive telecast rights of Sivaji

* The title of D Rama Naidu's film has been announced -- it is called Bhale Jodi

Are you not ashamed of using my father's name? NTR's daughter Purandeshwari's letter missive to Chandrababu Naidu

N T Rama Rao's daughter and Daggubati Venkateswara Rao's wife Purandeswari has spewed venom on N Chandrababu for shamelessly using her father's name on the occasion of the party's silver jubilee celebrations. In a letter addressed to Chandrababu Naidu, she said, "You have conspired against him and snatched power from him. You didn't allow him to talk in the Assembly, and as a result for the first time in his life he bowed his head and walked away." Continuing her attack on Naidu, she said, "Are you not ashamed of using his name to pursue your interests? Especially when, in his last days, NTR had only contempt for you?"
She had a word of advice for Naidu, "Stop using NTR's name, lest people would not tolerate you."
And she had a word of advise for her brother Harikrishna too. "Harikrishna too should remember the humiliation Chandrababu has heaped on our father."

Are you listening Mr Harikrishna?

TEA TIME TALK: Japanese bullet removed from Chinese woman's head after 64 years!

In a miracle of sorts, doctors have removed a bullet from the head of a Chinese woman in east China's Jiangsu Province, 64 years after she was shot by invading Japanese soldiers during World War II, the state media reported today.
Jin Guangying, 77, a retired farm worker from Suyang County, has been discharged from hospital after the operation on May 3 and is reportedly in good condition. Jin was wounded in September 1943 when she was delivering food to her father, a guerrilla soldier stationed in a village near her home in Xinyi County (now Xinyi City). Jin, a 13-year-old girl at the time, was one of the few survivors, falling into a coma after she was shot in the head.
"When I woke up, I found I was at home. My mother had taken me back home, applied herbal medicine to my wound and dressed my head in layers of bandages," said Jin. "My mother was told I was very lucky as the bullet went through the arm of a guerrilla soldier before striking my head, but no one imagined it was still lodged there," she was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
Three months later, Jin had recovered. However, six decades of being haunted by relentless headaches began. But the cash-strapped family could not afford to spend money on a thorough examination for Jin, opting to send her to a village clinic for an injection of pain-killers.
Of late, the headache attacks grew more frequent. "The situation was getting worse as the headache attacks became more regular and we were told that my mother might be suffering from a brain tumour," Wang Zhengping, Jin's daughter, said.
Jin's family borrowed money to pay for an X-ray which revealed not a tumour, but a bullet. Doctors with the Renci Hospital of Suyang County removed the rusty green-coloured three-centimetre-long bullet after a four-hour operation.
"It's a miracle. The operation was not that difficult, but it's unbelievable that Mrs Jin was able to survive for such a long time with a bullet in her head," said Zhou Hong, the head of surgery at the hospital. "The bullet entered Jin's head just above her right ear. She is really lucky -- if the bullet had gone any deeper, she might have died 64 years ago," Zhou said.
Experts with the military command based in Nanjing confirmed the bullet could only have been fired by Japan-made 6.5 mm-calibre firearms. The hospital refunded the cost of Jin's treatment after the bullet was confirmed to be a "piece of heritage" from the Japanese invasion, Wang said. Jin's family now plans to consult with lawyers on how to seek compensation from the Japanese government and a public apology. "The bullet has been taken out, however, the pain and hurt felt by my mother will never be eliminated," Wang said.
China and Japan are still at odds over Japanese invasion of the country during World War II and the atrocities committed on Chinese citizens.

(Courtesy: PTI)

TAKE A BREAK: Pak couple jailed for lying about husband's sex

A Pakistani court sent a couple to jail for three years on Monday on the grounds that they had lied about the sex of the husband who was a transsexual.
The couple married last year, after the husband had undergone sex-change operations, but a medical team appointed by a high court in the city of Lahore found that the husband, Shumail Raj, 31, was a woman. There is sufficient evidence to establish that Shumail Raj is a woman, Judge Khawaja Sharif said in his ruling. He sentenced the couple to jail for three years and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 ($166) each for perjury. A decision on whether to annul the marriage would be taken at a hearing next month, he said.
Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim nation and sex-change surgery is illegal, a lawyer said. The two were arrested this month on the orders of the high court.
Raj, who has a beard, said last week that his wife, Shezina Tariq, 24, was aware of his sex-change surgery and agreed to marry because she feared being forced to marry someone else.
Raj said he had had sex-change surgery twice in Pakistan and hoped to go abroad for another operation.
The case came to the attention of the courts after Raj appealed for protection from harassment by relatives who disapproved of their marriage.

Kalyanram, Vedika sing and dance in Europe merrily

Nandamuri Kalyanram, who has made a mark for himself with Lakshmi Kalyanam, has just returned from a tour of Europe, he went along with Vedika, and he is a relaxed man. Relaxed at the way his unnamed new film directed by V Samudra is shaping up. The film, which has completed its first schedule, has recorded a couple fo songs in virgin locations in Germany, Austria and other places. And, as usual, the director claims that the songs have come out exceptionally well.

CLASSIC TARAKARATNA SPEAK: I might come into politics, I might not enter politics, too

Politicians are not the only species who have mastered the art of doublespeak. Actors are equally adept in the art. When a news reporter asked Nandamuri Tarakaratna, who is currently in Ananthapur, whether he would enter politics, he neither said 'yes' nor 'no' but equivocated with this typical answer: "At the moment I am not ready to enter politics. But, in the future, I might take up politics and I might not take up also." What an answer Tarakaratna? If you don't know about your future, which none of us too are aware how it is, why take the trouble of talking about the future? And giving such stupid answers. Just say I can't say anything about the future. But, did he ask you anything about the future? No. Then why are you trying to show off as if you are a great spokesman of a great party. On the aside, Tarakaratna is presently acting in a Tamil-Telugu bilingual Mukkanti, which is likely to complete shooting by the end of the month. He is also doing one more film with V Samudra, called Venkatadri, the shooting of which will start in August.

What's so bad about the kiss, asks Shilpa

Clearly exasperated over the seemingly unending controversy over the incident involving her and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, wherein an "innocuous peck on the cheek" caused a huge uproar in several part of india, Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty has blamed the media for the same. "It is all of you from the media who put me in the headlines and are unnecessarily giving me undue importance," Shetty said, in aninterview to CNN-IBN yesterday, replying to a question on her namecreating headlines in recent months.

Stating that the media made a big deal about the incident, Shilpa said, ''One goes for a praiseworthy event in support of HIV/AIDS and instead of focusing on the severity and importance of the cause, the media pays more heed to matters that are completely irrelevant and inconsequential. If I don't blame the media, then what should I do?

Shilpa has in recent months higged headlines in the national andinternational media first for the racial comments made against heron the Big Brother reality show and, more recently, over the kissing episode with Hollywood superstar Richard Gere at an AIDS awareness event in New Delhi last month.

NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF CRICKET

AFRO-ASIAN CUP: TENDULKAR OPTS OUT, ZAHEER, GANGULY IN
Sachin Tendulkar today made way for Sourav Ganguly, while Zaheer Khan was included as the sixth Indian in the revised 14-member one-day Asia cricket team for the Afro-Asian Cup beginning in Bangalore on June 6. Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh are the other four Indians who were named in the original squad announced earlier this month. The 11-member squad for the Afro-Asia Twenty20 tournament also saw one change as S Sreesanth replaced Munaf Patel.

INDIAN TEAM RETURNS FROM BANGLADESH
The Indian cricket team today returned to Kolkata from Dhaka after a successful tour of Bangladesh where they won both the one-day and Test series. Most of the players left for their home destinations taking different flights and Sourav Ganguly drove home straight, while team manager Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad, batsmen Wasim Jaffar and Dinesh Kaarthick will travel in the evening.

ICC TO APPOINT ACTING PRESIDENT SOON
The International Cricket Council will soon appoint an acting president in place of Percy Sonn, who died of complications from a colon operation. Sir John Anderson of New Zealand and Malaysian Prince Tunku Imran are said to be in the running for the post vacated after the demise of the 57-year-old South African.

CAPTAIN IS THE BOSS, SAYS WHATMORE
Outgoing Bangladesh cricket coach Dav Whatmore, who is eyeing the top job in India, believes the captain is the boss of a team. "Definitely, captain is the boss. He is in-charge of the team," Whatmore said at a media interaction in Dhaka. Pointing out that the job of a cricket coach was still evolving, Whatmore said, "It's the players who make a coach. They are the ones who have to go to the battlefield. The coach creates an environment where the best in the boys come out." Asked if it was proper to put the blame on the coach if a team loses, he said, "when a team wins, the players get the accolades. And so, when a team loses, everyone should share responsibility."

NEWS YOU CAN USE:Going to Tirumala? Think again

If you are planning to go to Tirumala to have darshan of Lord Balaji, perish the thought for the next couple of days. Otherwise you will land yourself in serious trouble. The Telugu Desam Mahanadu is currently underway in the temple town and every inch of space has been occupied by the Telugu Desam cadres. Even people who have confirmed reservation can't find their legitimate place. Such being the state of affairs, it is better to be safe rather than sorry. For one thing, this mahanadu is a prestigious issue for Chandrababu Naidu, who is making preparations for the coming elections. And so it is a massive show of strength with the mobilisation of cadres from all over the state. So, it would be advisable not to venture out into the temple town till the mahandu is over.

Mohan spews venom at casteism in Telugu film industry

Mohan Babu is an angry man today. And not without reason. Neither his career, nor that of his sons has been going anywhere. The next trip would be politics. He has joined Telugu Desam, but after a spat with Chandrababu, he was kicked out, literally. For a while he hobnobbed with BJP. But Chandrababu had a tie-up with BJP at that time, and ensured that Mohan Babu was nipped in the lotus bud. He knocked on Congress doors, but no one seemed to be interested in him. So, he was left nowhere to go in politics. And therefore, he started concentrating on his school in Tirupati and on his sons' careers. While Manoj is still to give a hit, the eldest son Vishnuvardhan Babu just about managed to get a toehold in Tollywood with the success of his latest film Dhee. The crux of the matter is: a couple of days back, he called for a press conference at Likhithapudi village in West Godavari to express his disappointment at the way casteism is thriving in politics and cinema. Which is why he has been away from politics for a while. However, he was quick to add that he was not going to be away from politics permanently. Basically, what he implies is that politics is dirty and the film industry too has caught on the dirt. Is it right, Mohan Babu?

Nitin is slowly recovering lost ground

Nitin, who has been struggling to survive in the Telugu film industry, is managing to get some films. Just a couple of weeks ago, he has signed a film opposite Nisha Kothari, the sexy siren who dared and bared all in a couple of Ramgopal Varma films in Bollywood. Not that the mentor has dumped her, she has turned southwards. And one of her first films in Tollywood is with Nitin. This has not only given a breather to Nisha, but also to Nitin as well. Similarly, Nitin has bagged another film which will be directed by Ravi C Kumar, who has earlier made a film with down-to-earth title, Saamanyudu. Venkat is the producer of the film. Let's hope this new film will revive Nitin's sagging career.

NTR's Karna a hit in US

Even in his death, N T Rama Rao continues to live in the hearts of the Telug people. And such is his popularity that his films are still seen with fascination by the Telugus both in India and abroad. Right now, one of his films -- Dana Veera Sura Karna -- which was produced and directed by him, besides playing three roles, that of Krishna, Karna and Duryodhana, is slated for release in Freemont, USA. Earlier, it has run to packed houses in Detroit and Richmond. Surely, the distributor who has bought the rights of the film knows where to put his money. For, it is the perfect timing with the Telugu Desam celebrating its silver jubilee and NTR's birthday falling at the same time.

Nagma & Rambha are making waves in the north!!

They made waves when they were acting in Tollywood. And they had a host of films in their kitty with the top heroes of the Telugu film industry -- Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi and even Junior NTR. We are talking about the buxom Nagma and the bubbly Rambha. They faded into oblivion once they played their part. Or, rather after putting on those extra kilos round their weight, they were show the door. Although we see Rambha hanging around the industry, hoping against hope that some filmmaker would give her a chance, she is not putting all her eggs in the Tollywood basket. She has found new pastures in the north. And has been doing extremely well there. Following in the footsteps of Nagma, she has entered the Bhojpuri film industry, and both of them are today the queen bees of Bhojwood. Now, you must be asking me what Bhojwood is. I will offer you a little gyan. Bhojpuri is a dialect of Hindi spoken in the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. And Bhojpuri films are the major source of entertainment for the locals there. Not wanting to twiddle her thumbs after playing her innings in Tollywood, Nagma headed straight to Bhojwood and did some amazing films there. So much so that she is the most sought after heroine of Bhojpuri film industry. She has acted with almost all the top heroes there and has some stupendous hits to her credit. Especially Panditji Batai, one of her Bhojpuri films, was a runaway success. Later, she acted in another film called Ganga, which is topping the charts. Not just Nagma, even Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan too played guest roles in Ganga. Predictably, it is the most talked about film there today. Not to be left behind, her contemporary, Rambha, too who has entered Bhojwood recently, has become the darling of the masses with her debut film Banke Bihari MLA. And she is doing another film with one of the top heroes, Ravi Kissen, which Bhojwood observers say is going to be a smash hit. Given the glamour and oomph they exude on the screen, no wonder filmmakers are lining up to make them lucrative offers. And, for the moment, they are making the most of their glory. Why not?

Crazy kiya re: A tale of two Tollywood heroes' hairstyles

Suddenly Telugu film heroes have developed a keen interest in new hairstyles. While Mahesh Babu is already wowing his fans and cinema lovers, albeit through the photographs, with his new hairstyle, the latest to join him is Junior NTR, with his slimmed down figure and his helmetty kind of hairstyle. In his new avatar, NTR looks like a cock trimmed of its feathers. But it was a huge relief for the people who were wondering how he would cut down all those kilos that have accumulated around his waist. Especially when he is fond of eating and eating and eating. So fond of eating is he that he can't resist himself whenever he sees food. And everyone in the industry have written him off saying that the rate at which he is binging, it looked as if he was suffering from binge eating disorder. Fortunately, for the star, he not only came out of it, but must have lost not less than 10 kilos. And that his how he looks like a starved calf as opposed to the fattened calf earlier. But, don't worry NTR, it is just a matter of time, and people will get used to your new look. We must say however, that it is Mahesh Babu who has stolen all the thunder from under the feet of the Telugu superstars with his new hairstyle. He not only looks more masculine, but has already created a stir in the hearts of the pretty young things (PYT). Even the Hollywood-looking PYTs have started taking a keen interest in this young hero, if not for anything at least for his sexy hairstyle, as they say. After Pokiri, you've really won the hearts of the women, Mahesh. Way to go!

Rare temple of Lord Krishna to be revived at Sullurpet

A rare 11th century shrine, where Lord Krishna is believed to have fought Jambavantha for the Syamantakamani, has been lying in a dilapidated condition for years.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust is now planning to release Rs 25 lakh for its renovation. The shrine, located at Mannar Polur village, about 2 km from Sullurpet town in Nellore district, is known as Sri Alagu Mallaru Krishna Swamy temple. It is believed to have been built by emperors of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD, but is now just a pale shadow of its former glorious self. Its tall and majestic statues are now preys to the vagaries of weather. The temple tank (Pushkarini) located in front of the main shrine is also in a pitiable condition. The meagre revenue is not even enough for conducting daily rituals.

"It had remained closed for decades and it was my father Venkata Raghavachary who took the initiative to reopen it in 1957," said the priest of the temple, V C V Muralikrishna.

The shrine is one among the 108 Divya Tirupati temples blessed by Panniddalvaru, a great Vaishnava devotee. There are references to the shrine and the locale in the Brahmanda Purana which says that Lord Krishna, who came in search of the Syamanthakamani, wrestled with Jambavantha here for 21 days before defeating him.

A giant statue of Jamabavantha guards the rear of the temple, and this gives more credence to the legend.

The main idol of Lord Krishna is accompanied by Satyabhama and Jambavathi instead of Goddess Rukmini, unlike in other shrines.

There is also an interesting idol of a sad-looking Garuda, with folded hands and tearful eyes, in front of the main deity. Local people narrate a legend in connection with this peculiar statue.

According to lore, Lord Krishna wanted to teach the proud Garuda a lesson and sent him to summon Hanuman from the forest. However, Hanuman refuses to accompany him and a fight ensues in which Garuda is defeated. A humiliated Garuda realises that he had been inordinately proud and assumes a contrite demeanour.

There are also big statues of Sugreeva and Jatayu in the premises. This is probably the only shrine where such statues could be found.

However, authorities have not cared to take care of the rare shrine. Nobody knows what happened to the hundreds of acres donated to the temple by kings. "We are struggling to conduct the annual Asthanotsavam and the procession of the deity on the day of Vaikunta Ekadasi," said Muralikrishna. The priest also does not get salary regularly but conducts pujas because of his devotion.

(Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle)

Wanna fly? Now is the time

With monsoons round the corner, domestic airlines are offering tickets at throw-away prices. Several of them have announced special offers to woo passengersto travel during the rainy season which is considered a lean period. Despite incurring heavy losses, airlines are offering tickets atRs 225 or 99 paise.

Budget carriers like Air Deccan, GoAir and SpiceJet have even offered free tickets to passengers. Full service carrier Jet Airways is also joining the monsoonoffer bandwagon to fill space during the lean season.

These cheap fares are tactics to stimulate passengers to travelmore, say industry analysts, and fill as many seats as possible. The rainy season is the worst time for airlines. Therefore, airlines areselling seats in advance by offering cheaper fares.

According to estimates, domestic airlines posted a net loss of about Rs 2,000 crore during last financial year. Jet Airways, the country's largest private airline, is offering special advance fares in 40 sectors, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Goa.

The airlines' monsoon fares are priced lower than normal economyor check fares. Under the scheme on offer, passengers can bookflights on certain domestic routes 10, 15, 20 and 25 days before thetravel date, and the journey should be undertaken by September 30.

(Courtesy: UNI)

He's 138 and still going strong!!

"Kisi raees ki mehfil ka jikra kya hai Aamir, khuda ke ghar bhi na jayenge bin bulawe ke" (Let us put behind the parties of bigwigs Aamir, we don't even go to God's place without invitation), that's what Habib Miyan, who is acnowledged as the oldest man of India in the Limca Book of Records, said on his 138 birthday celebrations when people from every walk of life greeted him on his birthday.

On May 20, clad in a white kurta pyjama, Habib Miyan says, "I have requested many times to God that he should send his messengers to take me. But, Allah has been kind enough that I could go to Haj twice and could see my sixth generation." In the age when people suffer many diseases, Miyan has his teeth intact and has no sugar, blood pressure and is a meat lover.

About his habits, Chuttan Miyan, his great great grandson says, "Habib Miyan is very disciplined in his life. He wakes up on time for prayers. His breakfast is two toasts and tea, while a meal consists daal, rice, roti and sometimes on Sundays he asks us to go for meat.

Miyan has gone to Haj twice and got a warm reception and hospitality from the UAE authorities. As regarding his Haj trips, he says, "Bade hi nek log theey, doctor laga rakhe thee, achcha intezaam tha" (they were good people, they had doctors and other necessary arrangements for me).

In Jaipur where he is treated as a celebrity, every year on his birthday even daily strangers after reading stories related to him come and meet him. Everyday people come and want to meet him, take his blessings, he too does not disappoint anyone, Chuttan Miyan says.

(Courtesy: PTI)

HEADLINES OF THE DAY

* Pavan Kalyan off to Singapore for a summer holiday

* Shreya puts her foot down to a kissing scene with actor Emraan Hashmi

* Mallika Sherawat wants to excel in lady villain roles. Any takers?

* Controversy over the title Gazni in Bollywood

* Mumaith Khan wants to do more than item numbers. Is anyone listening?

* Audio of Gopichand-Anoushka stareer Lakshyam to be released soon

NTR sports a pony tail for Yamadonga!!

Junior NTR did not disappoint his fans on his birthday which passed off recently. First, he claimed that he had the best birthday in the last three years. For more than one reason. Especially because he was shooting with his annaiah Rajamouli, who had earlier given him stupendous hits like Simhadri. Also because, he claims, his last two birthdays were spent in a sort of restlessness. What he means to say in simple terms is that he was not happy on both the days. Has it anything got to do with love, Mr NTR? We have heard rumours of your link-up with the gorgeous babe Sameera Reddy especially during the said period. And that you were willing to do anything to have her. The other reason NTR's birthday was memorable for his fans was the fact that he is going to don a pony tail in Yamadonga, some of the stills of which have already been out. Must say, he has slimmed down quite a bit after throwing around all those kilos. What more, he is not only acting in the remake of the song -- Olammi thikka reginda -- from Yamagola, for his new film, but he is actually singing it. What could be sweeter news than this for his fans.

In Japan, cellphone cameras watch people's weight too!

Wondering how much of a diet-buster that big bowl of noodles is? In the United States, some restaurants could give you a calorie count. In Japan, you might take a picture of it with your cellphone and ask an expert.

With cellphones ubiquitous in Japan and rising concern over expanding waistlines, health-care providers have put two-and-two together to help the weight-conscious send photos of their meals to nutritionists for analysis.

The concept is only on a test run for now, and one little drawback is that dieters have to wait three days to find out how much damage they did by eating the meal they just photographed.
Public health insurance offices in the Osaka region in western Japan have launched the service on a trial basis. About 100 heart patients signed up in the first year, followed by diabetes and obesity patients in the second.

"Japanese have been getting fatter, especially men in their 20s and 30s, and there is concern over what they learned about nutrition when they were younger," Osaka official Satomi Onishi said. "We're hoping that this programme can help us to get a handle on the problem."

Osaka is using a system developed by Asahi Kasei Corp., a Tokyo-based chemical and medical equipment manufacturer. The system is operating at about 150 health-care providers and local governments around the country, company official Naoki Yoshimura said.

Nutritionists can work with photos from one day's meals to several weeks' worth, he said.

Results come back in three days. Participants also can log onto a website to get more dietary information and upload photos from digital cameras.

Dr Yutaka Kimura developed a similar system at Kansai Medical University's Hirakata Hospital, also in Osaka prefecture. Five patients participate in the program, which costs the equivalent of US$37 to join and $21 a month thereafter. Patients photograph meals over three to seven days, and a nutritionist e-mails back analysis and advice.

"Patients used to fill out meal logs, but people tend to forget things or underestimate their portions," Kimura said. "Photographing meals and e-mailing them in is easier and gets more accurate results."

The battle of the bulge is a growing obsession in Japan, a country that is slowly losing its reputation for low-fat fish-and-rice diets and slim waistlines.

As Japanese have turned to bigger portions and more meat and fried foods, obesity and related illnesses such as high blood pressure have become a rising concern.

The Health Ministry estimated last year that more than half of Japanese men and about one in five women between 40 and 70 years of age -- nearly 20 million people -- were at risk of metabolic syndrome, a term for a cluster of conditions associated with obesity, high cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

With the Health Ministry hoping to reduce by 25 per cent the number of people at risk of metabolic syndrome by 2015, Osaka officials hope the cellphone programme will help. "Cellphones are everywhere here," Onishi said. "We're hoping they can now make it easier for people to get help improving their diet."

Mandira Bedi is Krishna Bhagawan's heroine!

It is the biggest coup in the history of Indian cinema. Comedian Krishna Bhagawan, who has been tickling the funny bone of the Telugu audiences with his sly humour, has managed to floor Mandira Bedi! Yes, the same Mandira Bedi who is making cricket fans around the world go bonkers with her noodle strap blouses, her gorgeous sarees and her not-so-impressive innings as a cricket commentator. She has agreed, without any pursuasion, we hear, to act as the heroine opposite Krishna Bhagawan. Obviously, Krishna Bhagawan is the hero of the film, stupid. Mandira Bedi opposite Krishna Bhagawan? Are you kidding? I hear someone saying that. Even we thought it was an All Fools' Day joke till we checked and rechecked our calendar for 10 minutes and found out that we are in the last days of May and racing towards June. But, it is a reality. And we are not trying to fool you. Promise. The film -- John Apparao 40 Plus -- will be directed by Venkat Kuchipudi. Sources say that the moment Mandira Bedi heard the story, she said yahoo! and signed on the contract. But don't ask us how much she is charging for doing the film. It goes without saying that it is going to be a bomb. Forget about that, what is more important is the fact that even the bigger actors like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna tried their best to rope her in, when she is at the height of popularity, but could not cut any ice. And only Krishna Bhagawan could do it. What a way to go, Bhagawan. Hope you'll make the most use of Mandira's presence in the film. We know you'll give your best anyway. All the best.

Wow! Tabu you look gorgeous!!

Recently, Tabu made a rare public appearance for the first trial show of Anurag Basu's Metro. And, we must say she was looking gorgeous. And she has wowed everyone around her with her sensuous dressing. People around her must have gone googey-eyed having a dekko at her beauty. As for brains, she has them in plenty and her films are ample proof of it. We hear that she is planning to move with bag and baggage to Hyderabad and right now busy with doing up her home in the city of the Nizams. The news doing the rounds is that a superstar's wife is worried with Tabu's Hyderabad sojourn. She is thinking of ways and means to rein him in. You know who we are talking about!

Double treat for Amitabh Bachchan fans

It will be a double Bachchan treat for cinegoers this week with two releases featuring the superstar of the millennium hitting screens today. Releasing in cinema screens across the world are Apoorva Lakhia's Shootout At Lokhandwala and R Balakrishnan's Cheeni Kum, both of them featuring Big B in key roles.

What comes as an added attraction for the cinebuffs is the fact that both films belong to different genres and thus bring into focus the tremendous versatility of the Big B as an actor. While Shootout at Lokhandwala is a realistic action drama based on a true incident, Cheeni kum is a comedy dealing with the love affair between a 64-year-old played by Amitabh Bachchan, and a 34-year-old played by Tabu.

Shootout at Lokhandwala is inspired by a real life encounter between the police and the Mumbai underworld. In the 1991 incident, the bustling Lokhandwala Complex in Mumbai became a virtual war zone, when ACP A A Khan opened fire on five underworld gangsters residing in a building in the area. This daylight encounter lasted six hours and ended with the five gangsters being killed.

The film has evoked tremendous excitement in film circles because of the presence of a ensemble cast comprising Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Vivek Oberoi, Suneil Shetty, Tushar Kapoor, Arbaaz Khan, Rohit Roy, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Abhishek Bachchan in a guest appearance.

While the film has Sanjay Dutt playing the role of ACP Khan, it has Vivek Oberoi playing Maya Dolas, the gangster who was shot dead in the encounter, Tushar Kapoor in the role of Maya Dolas's right hand Dilip Buwa. Sunil Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan and Arbaaz Khan play policemen who were part of the team which surrounded the Lokhandwala Building during the encounter. Amitabh Bachchan plays a lawyer Dhingra in the film.

Shootout At Lokhandwala marks a comeback attempt for actor Vivek Oberoi after many of his films in recent years, barring Omkara have met with a lukewarm response at the box office.

Cheeni Kum, the second film this week featuring Amitabh Bachchan in a romantic musical comedy dealing with the love afair between a 64-year-old man Budhadev Gupta and a 34-year-old woman Nina Verma, played by Tabu.

According to the filmmakers, Cheeni Kum is in all respects an unconventional love story, as it is a love story between two people contrastingly different from one another in terms of age, character and attitude. So, while Buddhadev, chef-cum-owner of London's top Indian restaurant, is an arrogant, pompuous and egoistic man with a singular ambition in life -- cooking, Nina is a beautiful, charming Indian woman who is cool, clam and quiet and always smiling.

It is the falling in love of these two persons against all odds. They decide to get married. Like every true Indian, Buddhadev respectifully comes to Nina's father, a true Gandhian living in Delhi, for her hand. There is just one problem. Om Prakash Verma, Nina's father is 58-year-old, six years younger than Buddhadev, his would be son-in-law.

Even before its release, Cheeni kum has created tremendous buzz in films circles. Infact, the film had its world premiere at the 60th edition of the Cannes film festival earlier this week with Big B himself attending the premiere. The bittersweet romantic comedy struck an instant chord with the audience at Cannes.

The film has been directed by Ad guru R Balakrishnan, who makes his directorial debut with this film. According to Balakrishnan, he scripted it with the one and only Big B and Tabu in mind. ''From the very first day I wanted to make this film with him and Tabu. I felt they were absolutely perfect to play the characters of Buddhadev and Nina,'' Balakrishnan said.

The films has evoked comparisons with Ram Gopal Verma's Nishabd, which shows a 60-year-old man -- played by Amitabh Bachchan -- falling in love with a teenaged girl. Balakrishnan, however, denies any similarity between Nishabd and Cheeni Kum. ''There is no similarity between the two films. Cheeni Kum is an out and out comedy.''

Trade analysts say that Cheeni kum is yet another example of Amitabh Bachchan's amazing versatility which has witnessed the actor comfortably slip into roles that are widely diverse from one another -- whether it be a strict disciplinarian father, a 60-year-old who likes to enjoy life to the fullest, a soldier, a flamboyant father or a 60 plus photographer in love with a teenager.

Soon to follow in the coming weeks is another Big B-starrer Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, whose trailers featuring the superstar have already created tremendous buzz in film circles. Produced by Yashraj films, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom has been directed by Shaad Ali.

Bhaskar's next film is with Allu Arjun

All eyes are on director Bhaskar's next move. And wouldn't they be when he has delivered a huge hit called Bommarillu that rattled the superstars? Bhaskar proved, with Bommarillu, what a new director is capable of doing if only he has the right producer backing him. And now that he has delivered a hit, it is no secret that every hero worth his salt has started singing paeans of him and his film. However, he has finally decided to do his next film with Allu Arjun or should we say Dil Raju? Whoever it may, it makes no difference. Because the film will be produced by Dil Raju and Allu Arjun is playing the lead. So, should we hope for another blockbuster from Bhaskar?

INDIA SHINING: 2 Indian companies in race for Green Oscars

A Kerala company involved in tackling the problem of dumped food waste, and a Karnataka firm that has provided thousands of rural families dung-based biogas plants are among 10 global projects shortlisted for the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy, popularly known as the "Green Oscars".

Former U S Vice President, Al Gore, will present the awards and more than 200,000 pounds (Rs 17 lakhs approx) of prize money to the winners at the Royal Geographical Society here on June 21.

"The Ashden Awards are a powerful reminder that well designed and managed local sustainable energy initiatives can tackle climate change while meeting the needs of local communities. Tackling these issues simultaneously -- in both rich and poor countries -- is critical to addressing the twin planetary challenges of climate change and sustainable development," Al Gore said.

BIOTECH from Kerala and SKG Sangha from Karnataka will compete with contenders from Bangladesh, China, Ghana, Lao PDR, Nepal, Peru, Philippines and Tanzania for the five awards and the prize money earmarked to help project expansion and replication in other communities both locally and nation wide.

BIOTECH has been selected for tackling the problem of the dumping of food waste in the streets of Kerala through the installation of biogas plants that use the waste to produce gas for cooking and, in some cases, electricity for lighting. To date BIOTECH has built and installed an impressive 12,000 domestic plants (160 of which also use human waste from latrines to avoid contamination of ground water), 220 institutional plants and 17 municipal plants that use waste from markets to power generations.

(Courtesy: PTI)

HEADLINES OF THE DAY

* It's official now: Chandrababu Naidu's son, Lokesh, to wed Balakrishna's daughter, Brahmani, on August 26
(Look below for detailed story)

* Kamal Hasan's Dasavataram in the last stages of shooting

* Second schedule of Yamagola currently underway at Ramoji Film Studios

* Rajendra Prasad's film in regular shooting

It's official now: Lokesh to wed Brahmani on August 26

It's confirmed now. The marriage of Chandrababu Naidu's son Lokesh with Balakrishna's daughter Brahmani. And it comes from none other than Chandrababu Naidu himself. Naidu, when asked my newsmen whether they was any truth in the marriage rumours doing the rounds, replied in the affirmative. He said that the engagement hasn't taken place as rumoured, and explained that the marriage would take place in August. To be precise, he said the marriage might take place on August 26. "Brahmani is a very intelligent girl. And all of us like her. Since the kids are writing their exams, we didn't want to tell anyone."

Talking about his son for the first time, Naidu said, "My son is studying MBA in Stanford University, USA. He has still one more year to go. After the marriage, the girl will also go there."

Naidu hinted that the marriage will be a simple affair sans any hungama.

Balakrishna's daughter Brahmani is doing engineering in CBIT in Hyderabad.