Monday Morning Booze 4 Telugu Film Fan's Soul

CHIRANJEEVI'S DAUGHTER MARRIES BOYFRIEND, AND ELOPES FILMI STYLE

2007-10-18T09:37:00.000+05:30

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi's younger daughter on Wednesday eloped with her boyfriend after marrying him against her parents' wishes.

Srija married Sirish Bharadwaj, an engineering graduate, at the Arya Samaj ashram in New Bowenpally in Secunderabad and later the couple disappeared. A few friends of the couple attended the simple ceremony, which shocked the family of the Telugu superstar. Chiranjeevi had reportedly opposed Srija's choice prompting her to marry her love without the consent of the family.

The marriage was also telecast live by a Telugu television channel. Srija told reporters that she was in love with Bharadwaj, a resident of Hyderabad, for the last four years.

"Today morning, I escaped from home and we got married. It is a legal marriage as I am 19 and he is 22," she said.

The bride added she also loved her father and hoped he would approve the marriage. The couple said they would meet Chiranjeevi to seek his blessing but did not turn up at his residence in the upscale Jubliee Hills till Wednesday evening.

SAAWARIYA TO OPEN SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK ON NOV 7

2007-10-16T18:07:00.001+05:30

Saawariya, the first Bollywood production from a Hollywood studio, is to open a prominent festival of South Asian films in New York on November 7 and release commercially two days later in over 80 theatres in North America.

Produced by Sony Pictures and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, it is the much awaited debut film of Ranbir Kapoor (son of actor Rishi Kapoor) and Sonam Kapoor (daughter of actor-producer Anil Kapoor).

Saawariya is the timeless tale of two young star-crossed lovers from different religions whose passions almost take them to the brink of self-destruction. It is based on Dostoevsky's short story White Nights.

It is the main draw at the five-day Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council Film Festival, which will screen 70 films, including diaspora, Bollywood and short films.

The festival's closing film is The Last Lear by Rituparno Ghosh, considered heir to the legendary Satyajit Ray. The film has Amitabh Bachchan playing an ageing Shakespearean actor who takes on the bard's most challenging role. It is based on Utpal Dutt's play Aajker Shahjahan.

The festival will conclude with six awards being presented for best film, best director, best actor, best actress, best documentary and best short film.

MIAAC film festival's executive director Aroon Shivdasani said 2007 marks a groundbreaking year as Hollywood studios such as Warner Brothers, Viacom, Disney and Sony Pictures have started to invest in Bollywood films.

The festival, now in its seventh year, has earlier featured films by Mira Nair, Ismail Merchant, Deepa Mehta, Gurinder Chaddha and Nagesh Kukunoor.

The festival is organised by the Indo-American Arts Council, which is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes Indian artistes in the fields of performing, literary, visual and folk and fusion arts.

MOUNAMELANOYI... THE SONG OF A SOUL FULL OF LIFE AND JOY

2007-10-15T19:07:00.000+05:30

Sagara Sangamam (1983) will always remain one of K Viswanath's best ever films. Not just for the unusual theme of a dancer's disgust with commercialisation of classical music, but for also for the platonic relationship that Kamal Hassan and Jaya Prada share in the film. It would be apt to describe the relationship as a marriage of two souls. And their friendship transcends all borders of human understanding -- the understanding that you and I share. True, at one stage they fall in love with each other. But their love is not the love of flesh and blood. And this video is a lovely portrayal of their wonderful feelings that can't be expressed, the joy that can't be explained, and the myriad emotions that can't be put into words. Check it out for yourself.

SCAMS, SHAMS, SIMRAN AND KRISHNA BHAGWAN: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JOHN APPARAO 40 PLUS

2007-10-15T18:53:00.000+05:30

The kuteer set at Ramoji Film City is where scribe-turned-filmmaker Kuchipudi Venkat is shooting for his second directorial venture, John Apparao 40 Plus. He pulled off a casting coup when he signed on Simran to play the heroine opposite comedy actor Krishna Bhagwan. Both were present on location shooting as cinematographer Sameer Tahir checks the light and the director talking to his lead actors while co-directors Anil Kumar Reddy and Sambasiva Rao with a sheaf of papers, wait for the director to finish his briefing so that they can read the scene’s dialogue to the actors.

"I always wanted to make a comedy. But it should offer some novelty," says Venkat. "Usually most movie love stories are of teenage kind. Love, struggle, action and reunion all this high drama happens by the time they reach 20 or at the most 25. After that, there is no scope for any drama in their life. So, I weaved a story around a man who after completing all his family responsibilities feels the need for a companion. By then he turns 40, but feels young at heart," smiles Venkat watching his lead actor Krishna Bhagwan.

After briefing about the dialogues the actors have to deliver, the co-directors withdraw from the shooting arena. Sameer’s camera zooms to catch the cozy twosome locked in a conversation. As we keenly watch them, it is unfolded that the two are not exactly conversing but are testing each other's CQ meaning compatibility quotient. "She is a businesswoman from UK and takes a liking towards this straightforward, witty and honest fashion designer from Vizag. He finds a perfect companion in her. To clear his doubts whether she is in love with him or not and also whether they can make a compatible pair, he invites her for this quiz of 50 questions. For him, even if two or three answers tally it is enough," smiles Venkat.

"Which is the best scam that comes to your mind?" he asks.

"Bofors," she answers.

And his answer is "Ring Road."

A note of disappointment is visible on our hero’s face as the answer did not tally.

"The question and answer session goes on, on those silly lines that include eateries etc. The scene is meant to create fun and there is nothing much to it," reveals the director.

"Simran is an ideal choice for the role. She liked the script and her character so much that she said she is thrilled to act in a role that she hasn’t done before. And Krishna Bhagwan in all his films, generally ends his dialogue with a satirical punch, but here he is at the receiving end," says Venkat.

The director is planning to complete the talkie shoot by October 22 and "next month we will by flying to Hungary to can two songs on the lead pair". Kiran Varanasi composed the music. "Simran is a good dancer. Krishna Bhagwan is a non-dancer. Choreographers Shankar and Babu Yadav composed the steps for him in such a way they create a laugh riot," says Venkat before moving to his cameraman for some consultation.

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN FOR SHEKHAR KAMMULA

2007-10-15T18:40:00.000+05:30

With audiences going gaga over Happy Days, since its release on October 2, Shekhar Kammula, the director of the film is a happy man.

Shekhar said that he thoroughly enjoyed making the movie. It was a happy journey all through and the best part was that Happy Days has managed to capture the imagination of young college going crowd for whom the movie was made.

"However, lot of practice went into moulding the new-comers into being actors. A parent-teacher sort of relationship had developed between the actors and me. I wanted to cover all the aspects of the college life through this film. First love, heartbreak, careers, relationships, how strangers meet and become great friends, bonding between the students and the teachers," he said.

"Though I expected a good response from the audience but never expected it to do so well. I feel no Telugu movie in the last 30-40 years has been so successful in depicting the college life, as the movie has been able to do. It seems I have been able to reach to my audiences through this movie," says Shekhar with a smile.

ONE SONG. TWO LANGUAGES. ONE HEROINE. TWO HEROES

2007-10-15T18:22:00.000+05:30

THE ORIGINAL IN TELUGU

THE REMAKE IN TAMIL

HECTIC LIFE IS NOT FOR KONKONA SEN SHARMA

2007-10-12T16:13:00.000+05:30

IS SHAHID GOING AROUND WITH AMRITA RAO AT THE COST OF WRECKING HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH KAREENA?

2007-10-08T18:35:00.000+05:30

There are enough rumours doing the rounds that the Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapur relationship is on the rocks. While the Shahid camp followers blame Kareena for going around with Saif Ali Khan, here comes a new twist to the story. It seems that Kareena is reportedly miffed with Shahid's dalliance with the Atidhi girl Amrita Rao.

Close friends of Kareena indicate that one of the reasons for the relationship going awry is that Kareena is not too happy with Shahid's friendship with Amrita Rao. For she feels that there is more to the friendship between the two, and that the two -- Shahid Kapur and Amrita Rao -- have become thick pals during their Vivah days.

For those of you who don't know, Vivah starred Shahid and Amrita and it went on to become a roaring hit. Kareena is allegedly angry with Shahid over the latter two timing her.

Recently, when a journo asked Amrita about the rumours doing the rounds, she shot back saying, "Excuse me, Shahid going around with me, no way". She also went on to say that she has better things to do than wreck someone's relationship. Whatever the truth of the matter is: for now Atidhi girl is in the news for all the wrong reasons.

RAJNIKANTH IS MIGHTY IMPRESSED WITH RAM CHARAN: HE IS NOT A CHIRUTHA, HE IS A BIG TIGER, SAYS THE ACTOR

2007-10-07T18:53:00.000+05:30

Getting a certificate from superstar Rajinikanth is usually considered the ultimate compliment and that's what megastar Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja has managed to do after his very first film.

After watching the special screening of Teja's debut film Chirutha in Chennai, Rajinikanth said the son has proved to be a worthy successor of his father.

"He is not a chirutha, a small tiger. He is a big tiger. After seeing his performance, it doesn't look as though it is his first film, but as if it is his 70th film," said Rajinikanth, actor.

Chirutha is a love story and Ram Charan plays a travel guide. He says he certainly hopes to become competition to dad.

"It will certainly be healthy competition," said Ram Charan Teja.

After one week in theatres, diehard fans of megastar Chiranjeevi, most loved for his dance, more than willingly concede that the junior can follow in his father's footsteps, at least on the dance floor.

NOT JUST IN ANDHRA, OUR FILM CRAZY FANS HAVE TAKEN THEIR STAR MANIA TO CHENNAI THEATRES AS WELL

2007-10-07T18:45:00.000+05:30

Theatres in Chennai that screen Telugu films of late are marked by fanfare and huge billboards on the day of film’s release.

Fans of Telugu actors indulge in elaborate celebrations to rejoice the film’s release on the same day as in Andhra Pradesh. Staff of city theatres observed that such enthusiasm by Telugu film fans' associations emerged in the city in the last five years.

The recent festivity in the city was for the much-awaited film, Chirutha, with debutant actor Ram Charan Teja, son of matinee idol Chiranjeevi, in the lead. Several fans who thronged the theatres burst firecrackers and distributed sweets to celebrate the release.

A staff of the Casino theatre said the merriment was almost on par with the celebration for Tamil movies. Huge billboards were also put up by members of Telugu film fans association to cheer the movie. However, most of these fans associations that are formed by a group of youngsters or college students are short-lived.

Earlier, the students used their college names in the billboards. After they faced disciplinary action from their colleges, they had formed associations, he said.

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NUVVU NENU GIRL ANAITA AKA NATASHA IS SINGING A NEW TUNE WITH HER HUSBAND: YOU, ME AND DIVORCE

2007-10-07T18:26:00.000+05:30

She made a splash in Tollywood with Nuvvu Nenu. But somehow Dame Luck didn't favour her to establish herself as an actress. But she was mighty cute in Thotti Gang. If Anita Hassanandani aka Natasha didn't find her bearings in the Telugu film industry, it is because she was the blue-eyed babe of the queen of the small screen Ekta Kapoor. Ekta considered her as her lucky mascot, which is why she refused to let go of her and gave her prominent roles in her K serials.

The latest about the actress is that her marriage is on the rocks. She fell in love with her co-hero Eijaz Khan on the sets of the tele serial Kaavanjali and tied the knot soon enough. She even quit acting in tele serials for her beau much to the chagrin of Ekta. But she soon realised that marriage is a stifling institution and the demands of her husband are too much to have even a semblance of happiness. And so she decided to walk out of the marriage. And how? By looking out for work.

Her mentor Ekta was too glad to take her. And this was the last straw that broke the dispirited marriage. And recently, when Ekta hosted a party, the couple not only came separately but also refused to see eye to eye. Very sad for her, isn't it? But we must say, the actress looks wow now than she was before.

SENSEX SETS NEW RECORD, FLIRTS WITH 18K

2007-10-03T19:50:00.000+05:30

The stock market benchmark BSE Sensex today zoomed to a new intra-day peak of 17,953 points, just sniffing distance from the 18,000-point level, on aggressive buying by funds in blue-chip stocks.

The Sensex extended its gaining streak for the 11th trading session in a row and ended with a gain of 518.42 points at 17,847.04 points. If the market barometer touches 18,000-point mark tomorrow, it will be its shortest 1,000-point journey -- of just five sessions.

It turned volatile after Finance Minister P Chidambaram cautioned retail investors, while welcoming the interest shown by foreign investors.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty crossed 5,200-point level to settle at a new peak of 5,210.80, by adding 141.85 points. It touched the day's high of 5,261.35 points, a level never seen before.

Buying activity was confined to power, realty and refinery segment stocks.

INDIAN, AUSTRALIAN TEAMS ARRIVE IN HYDERABAD FOR THIRD ODI

2007-10-03T19:47:00.000+05:30

The Indian and Australian cricket teams arrived in Hyderabad today to a rousing welcome for the third one-day international to be played in the city on Friday.

A large number of fans greeted their favourite stars at Begumpet airport. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) had made elaborate arrangements to welcome the teams.

The city is in the grip of cricket fever with tickets being sold out yesterday for the crucial encounter to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Uppal.

Soon after their arrival, the tourists proceeded to the stadium for net practice, while some of the Indian cricketers were scheduled to make an apperance at the launch of Hyderabad 10K Run - Half Marathon 2007.

Sachin Tendulkar, an ambassador of the Hyderabad 10K-Run Foundation, will be the star attraction at the event.

Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been made at the 40,000-seat capacity stadium as well the hotel where the players are put up.

The police are not leaving anything to chance to ensure security for players, particularly in the wake of the recent bomb blasts in the state capital.

Australians have taken 1-0 lead in the seven-match series having won the Kochi ODI, while the first tie at Bangalore was washed out.

NEHA SHARMA, THE DARLING OF CHIRUTHA, HAS OODLES OF GLAMOUR AND TALENT

2007-10-03T19:42:00.000+05:30

RELIANCE LAUNCHES CHEAPEST COLOUR PHONE AT A PRICE OF RS 999

2007-10-03T19:23:00.000+05:30

In a bid to break entry barrier for coloured-display phones, Reliance Communication today launched 'Classic 732' at a price of Rs 999, the lowest in Indian market.

Classic is India's largest operator-driven handset brand introduced by Reliance at a very low entry level pricing, a top company official said.

"We have crossed the one crore sales mark in Classic handsets. Now, the Classic 732 will become the entry level handset for new mobile users in the country," Reliance Communications President, Personal Business S P Shukla told reporters here.

Earlier in May, the company had launched the Classic monochrome phones at a price of Rs 777.

"With about 200 million mobile users in India, the penetration still is at a low of 20 per cent. Apart from affordability for new customers, we have to enhance the experience of existing customers," Shukla said.

He declined to comment on the handset manufacturing cost or the cost at which the company was purchasing it.

"The pricing is through a comparison of acquisition cost of a new customer and the customer life cycle value," he said.

Reliance Communication has a total customer base of over 38 million including 1.2 million individual overseas retail customers. Its average revenues per users (ARPUs) was Rs 375.

CHINES GO BONKERS OVER AISHWARYA'S BEAUTY

2007-10-03T19:10:00.000+05:30

Aishwarya Rai is among the few crop of current Indian actors to have a considerable following among the young Chinese in the sub-provincial district Shenzhen.

Just opposite to the majestic hotel Pavilion on the Huaqiang Road is a huge L'Oreal hoarding featuring Rai.

"She's beautiful. I pass through this road every day and never fail to have a look at the hoarding," says Zu Shan, who works as a marketing executive of an advertising company.

Aishwarya is the brand ambassador of L'Oreal's cosmetic products. "Aishwarya is a good actress. I have seen most of her movies," he says.

Zu's favourite male star is Abhishek Bachchan. "The two make a great couple," he says.

Zeng Fangjun also adores Aishwarya's beauty as well as her acting talents. "She is quite talented. I got to watch some of her movies on the local cable network," says the communications manager of an IT firm.

Local channels like CCTV feature Indian movies with Chinese subtitles. Zeng said she watched Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Aur Pyar Ho Gaya among others on cable TV.

Zeng's Indian friends also provide her with their stock of Aishwarya films.

GABBAR KA GUSSA: KISNEY LAGAYI YE AAG?

2007-10-03T18:52:00.000+05:30

ISKA JAWAAB HUMKO DEDE THAKUR

SHAH RUKH KHAN WAS WEAK IN HINDI, SAW BOLLYWOOD FILMS TO IMPROVE IT, AND GOT HOOKED ON TO MOVIES

2007-10-03T18:31:00.001+05:30

Heart-throb of many a damsel, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan as a child was weak in Hindi, dreamt of representing the country in international sports events, and as a young man had to court his love Gauri for six years before he could win her, says a new book.

Shah Rukh was bright, naughty, fond of sports but was weak in Hindi either scoring very low marks or failing in the subject says the book SRK: King Khan by journalist, critic Deepa Gahlot.

Instead of scolding him, his mother once told him that she would take him to a Hindi movie in a cinema hall if he did well in the subject. The bait was attractive enough for young Shah Rukh and his first visit to cinema must have triggered off the acting impulse in him, says the book.

The newly generated interest in Hindi made him understand Hindi films better and gave him a command over the language, a skill that stands him in good stead in his career even today, it says.

In the school he was more interested in sports such as cricket, hockey, football and athletics than in studies and hoped to become a sportsman capable of representing his country in international events.

In Delhi, while performing for both television and theatre, Shah Rukh was also wooing the pretty Gauri Chibba, a Hindu girl. Because of the difference in the religion, Gauri's family disapproved of their relationship. The courtship carried on clandestinely for over six years. Gauri was not too pleased about his choice of career or his decision to move to Mumbai but their love overcame all problems, pretty much like it happens in the movies, the book says.

AISHWARYA RAI BOWLS OVER BEN KINGLSEY WITH HER 'EXCELLENT AND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE'

2007-10-03T18:27:00.000+05:30

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai has been showered praise from none other than Sir Ben Kingsley, who co-stars with her in The Last Legion and calls her an "excellent and outstanding" actor.

Kingsley, who won an Oscar for Gandhi, said Aishwarya would surprise movie buffs with her performance in the film.

Kingsley, who was attending 58th Annual Emmy Awards, spoke to Sheeraz Hasan, founder of www.hollywood.tv, about the film and his Indian co-star and praised her profusely.
"It was a pleasure working with Aishwarya in The Last Legion, and her fans are in for a big surprise. She is an excellent and outstanding actor. She is a shining example of beauty from India and I'm sure we will be seeing her in more Hollywood movies real soon," Kingsley told Hasan.

Hasan was the only South Asian at this years Emmy's and was holding the flag of Bollywood on the red carpet.

NEHA SHARMA THROWS ATTITUDE WITH THE FINESSE OF A PRO AND SHE COMES UP TRUMPS IN CHIRUTHA

2007-10-02T11:55:00.002+05:30

It is easy to go bonkers over the hero's larger-than-life image, but you don't need to play down the heroine. Especially when she has done a marvellous job. Have you seen a heroine in recent times who has thrown attitude with the flair of a pro? Even big time heroines find it difficult to throw attitude with felicity. But not Neha Sharma. She has done it with such style and conviction that she steals the show from right under the feet of Ram Charan. And when Ram Charan's turn comes to put her in her place, he is absolutely no match for her.

All the journos have written her off as if Puri Jagannadh has committed hara-kiri by signing her for the leading lady's role. But let me tell you very frankly that if at all there's anyone who has done justice to the role in the film it is Neha. She was fantastic and, as the object of her father's affecton, and the only glamour prop in the film, she is really adorable.

So, don't believe what all the reviewers have said about her. See the film for yourself and you will understand what I am telling you. Neha is real wow, and she would definitely go places.

THE NIGHTINGALE OF INDIA TURNS 78, STILL GOING STRONG

2007-09-29T12:16:00.001+05:30

Lata Mangeshkhar, the doyen of playback singing, turned 78 today, and the film industry wished her good health to continue mesmerising generations with her voice.

As the Nightingale of India celebrated a quiet birthday, it was time for other leading musicians to shower praise on Lata.

"I worked with her as a junior artiste. But she brought me up to the position that I am today. My compositions from films like Rudaali are still remembered because of her," veteran singer and music composer Bhupen Hazarika told PTI.

"I was a famous Bengali singer and known for my Assamese tunes. But it was after she lent her voice to my compositions that I got universal recognition," Hazarika said.

"I could not go to wish her today but through you I am sending her wishes and pray she lives long to continue singing," Hazarika said.

For singer Manhar Udhas, Lata Mangeshkar was an institution in herself.

"I have sung a few hit songs from films like Abhimaan and Hero. I feel proud of the fact that I have been her colleague. Times may change but she will remain untouched. Her glory will live on," Udhas said.

Lata Mangeshkar's global fame can be gauged from the fact that the Royal Albert Hall, London, has recorded the graph of Lata's voice with the help of a computer which is by far the "Most Perfect" in the World.

TIGHT SECURITY FOR INDIA-AUSTRALIA ODI

2007-09-29T12:15:00.000+05:30

Tight security arrangements have been made for today's ODI between India and Australia at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with the city police deploying more than 3,000 personnel.

In addition, the police have pressed into service anti-sabotage, bomb disposal and sniffer dog squads for the day-night game, which has attracted a sell-out 55,000 crowd.

"We have taken all precautionary measures for the smooth conduct of the match," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) B N S Reddy told reporters.

Reddy also said a disaster management group drawn from 18 government departments, including home and medical, had been put in place in a nearby ground which would activate emergency measures within 15 minutes of any eventuality.

Security personnel have been given electronic badges this time, replacing the thick paper ones of the past, police said.

WHEN TWENTY20 OUTNUMBERED SAAS-BAHU SOAPS IN TRP RATINGS

2007-09-29T12:12:00.000+05:30

In a clear indication that women viewers do watch things beyond the saas-bahu soaps, the India-Australia semifinal match of the Twenty20 World Cup saw a rating as high as 12.8 for the female TG.

This is the highest rated programme across the top-3 Hindi mass channels in 2007.

In fact, the semi-final between India and Australia touched a high of 23.2 TVR and the average rating for the match was also as high as 17.9 TVR, a press release issued by ESPN-STAR Sports said.

During the duration of the match, the channel share of ESPN and STAR Cricket combined was 63 per cent.

Meanwhile, STAR Cricket will once again take cricket lovers through the winning moments of the Indian team in the ICC World Twenty20 and will air non-stop action of all the victorious matches played by India on Sunday from 1530 IST.

INDIA SHINING: WE ARE ONE OF THE TOP TALENT HOTSPOTS IN THE WORLD

2007-09-29T12:07:00.000+05:30

India will retain 10th position as the world's leading country for nurturing and developing talent over the next five years, says the first ever Global Talent Index (GTI).

Asian Pacific countries are giving a tough competition to the US and Europe when it comes to attracting and nurturing talent, says the Index developed by executive search firm Heidrick and Struggles and the Economist Intelligence Unit covering thirty countries chosen for the survey based on a representative geographical spread.

The GTI says that the much fabled 'BRIC' (Brazil, Russia, India and China) phenomenon should more accurately be expressed as 'IC' when it comes to talent. While China and India rank among the top 10 talent hotspots worldwide, Russia will fall from sixth to 11th place by 2012, while Brazil will slip from 18th to 19th.

India will be followed by Malaysia, which will remain in 12th place, South Korea, which will rise from 15th to 13th, and Japan (16th to 14th).

It adds, US will maintain its position as the world's leading country for nurturing and developing talent over the next five years but faces increasing competition from the UK, which will rise to second place by 2012, and China, which moves from eighth to sixth.

The index points out that China which is the world's most populous country is set to exploit its natural advantage by significantly improving its compulsory education system and developing a much better environment for producing and nurturing talent. This the index adds will enable the country to build on its manufacturing base and attract increasing numbers of foreign-owned businesses. PTI

SENSEX, NIFTY CLIMB NEW PEAKS

2007-09-29T12:03:00.000+05:30

The stock markets remained bullish and climbed new peaks on day-to-day basis in the week under review amid indications of a sharp downward correction ahead as the valuations looked stretched.

In the last nine days (including five days of the week) the bull-run was mind-boggling. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) barometer completed the fastest 1,000-point journey in just six days and gained 1,787 points or 11.5 per cent during the strongest rally beginning September 18.

The 30-share BSE index ended the week at 17,291.10 against previous weekend's close of 16,564.23, a rise of 726.87 points or 4.39 per cent in the week ended September 29.

Similarly, the broader S&P CNX Nifty of National Stock Exchange (NSE) crossed the 5,000-points level and closed the week at a new closing peak of 5,021.35, a jump of 183.80 points or 3.8 per cent over previous weekend's close of 4,837.55.

The unprecedented surge was credited to a dramatic rise in FII inflows after the US Federal Reserve lowered interest rates on September 18.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) poured in more than USD 3 billion (Rs 13,600 crore) since September 19. This week's inflows stood at about USD 2 billion (Rs 8,500 crore) including the provisional number of Friday.

Analysts expect a downward correction after a phenomenal rise in share prices in a short period, while investors seemed optimistic about another rate cut by the Fed next month in the light of release of data showing sluggish housing sales and consumer confidence in the US.

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NAGARJUNA DANCES TO CHIRUTHA'S TUNE: A HILARIOUS REMIX

2007-09-29T11:41:00.000+05:30

Nagarjuna may not get the right script to act with Chiranjeevi, but he doesn't need to the tunes of the megastar's son -- Ram Charan Teja. And that is precisely what he does in this video. Check it out!

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CHIRUTHA MAKES A MIGHTY ATTEMPT TO MAKE A DEAFENING ROAR, BUT IT IS LOST IN THE CALLOUS NOISES OF THE WILD

2007-09-28T19:23:00.000+05:30

One of the biggest challenges in the Telugu film industry today is launching a star son. The money riding on the film is so phenomenal and the expectations are so high that the audience wants nothing but a perfect product. And ironically, filmmakers too give a serious thought to the audience's likes and dislikes, and start pandering to their sentiments. So, what we get in Chirutha is a mish-mash of comedy, drama, sentiment and loads of action. The latter more so since Ram Charan Teja happens to be megastar Chiranjeevi's son.

But the moot point is: How does one launch the hero? With what kind of script? How should the love story be? These were some burning problems before Puri Jagannadh and the star-father Chiranjeevi. And not wanting to beat about the bush, they opted for the straight and simple narrative. The villain (Ashish Vidyarthi) kills the hero's father (Surya), and the hero seeks revenge.

And, of course, there is another stereotype. The heroine. That is Neha, whatever. If she is rich, she has to be arrogant and throw attitude and she does it in plenty being the wealthy businessman Prakash Raj's daughter. So what is a hero for if not to remove the money-clouded dust in her eyes and make her see the world in all its glory? And our Ram Charan does the same thing too and they fall in love and all that rigmarole.

But what is so different about the film you ask. The scale of the film. The action happens not in India but in Thailand, the land of sex, sleaze and sun-kissed beaches. And we have the hero gyrating to all those massy-massy numbers with the sometimes skimpily clad heroine and having a gala time. But, time and again he keeps rememering his mission: to avenge the death of his father lest it would be difficult to drag the film to its logical conclusion.

By now, you must be asking what is new about the film? I want to ask you the same thing what is new about any film where the hero bashes up a hundred guys without as much batting an eyelid. If you had expected an unusual script, that is your problem. Chiranjeevi & Co are more interested in carrying forward the mantle in the parameters laid down centuries ago. You either like it or leave it. But they wouldn't change their way of looking at cinema.

But, some of us are clever at reading the film between the lines. And that is where the comedy scores. Ali, portrays the half-man, half-woman character to perfection. And so do the other comedians, who lift up the spirits of the otherwise run-of-the-mill film.

But, Ram Charan seems to have succeeded in making a statement of style. And in choosing a subject that has some resemblances to Kaho Na... Pyar Hai, he has decided to usurp the title of the Hrithik Roshan of Tollywood.

IS TULASI SLATED FOR DISASTER AT THE BOX OFFICE?

2007-09-27T20:15:00.000+05:30

Daggubati Suresh Babu, who is presently busy with the film Tulasi, starring his brother Venkatesh, is not a happy man these days. Not for any reason. He feels that Tulasi is not shaping the way he wanted it to be. And, therefore, he's pretty upset about its future. And, unlike many producers, Ramanaidu and his son, release their own films and therefore, if the film turns turtle at the box-office, it leaves a big hole in their pocket.

IT IS NOT EASY TO BE CHIRANJEEVI'S SON, AND RAM CHARAN TEJA IS FEELING JITTERY TOO OVER CHIRUTHA'S RELEASE

2007-09-27T19:28:00.000+05:30

It is one of the biggest debuts in the Telugu film industry in recent times. When other star sons like Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Balakrishna and even Mahesh Babu made their debut, they were greeted with a mix of objective optimism. And the fanfare was definitely muted when compared with the debut of Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan Teja.

Ram Charan is all set to hit the screen tomorrow. And he has already become something of a legend. For the simple reason that he is the son of Chiranjeevi, the megastar who trailed a blaze for three decades. And still continues to command a huge following.

And it is not an easy task for anyone to make a debut with such huge expectations riding on him. And naturally Ram Charan Teja is feeling jittery too.

Talking to NDTV on the eve of the release of his film, Ram Charan admits he is tense about Friday when his debut film, Chirutha releases in 650 theatres worldwide.

Says the 22-year-old actor, "I would want to see how Chiranjeevi's son is performing. What does he have to give us? Is he going to reach his fans' expectations? Does he have anything in him apart from being Chiranjeevi's son?," says Ram Charan.

Charan is himself a huge fan of Chiranjeevi, the star, and he does not want his father to look for different kind of roles, just because his son is donning the greasepaint as well.

"I want to still see him in the funny massy roles, where he gets to dance with two or more beautiful heroines in one movie, and I want him to stay like that," said Ram Charan.

Chiranjeevi's family is truly the first family of Telugu cinema, as his father-in-law Allu Ramalingaiah was a veteran character actor and both brother Pawan Kalyan and nephew Allu Arjun are established actors.

But this son-rise will be the star's biggest test off-screen.

WANNA CHECK OUT FOR SOME AMAZING PHOTOS, CLICK HERE

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A GENIUS TO MAKE LIFE A WORK OF ART, YOU JUST NEED TO USE YOUR IMAGINATION

2007-09-27T19:03:00.000+05:30

Some people can create wonders from anything -- waste, paper, bottles, scrap, pencils, anything. Because their life is filled with wonderment. They don't look at things mechanically, like you and me, but with cautious alertness. They look at the world with the innocence of a child. Like a child who loves to make castles in sand, they too love to work their imagination with whatever they have in their hands. And because of this simple desire to do simple things in an ordinary way, they are able to work magic with their minds. Take a look at the vegetable art presented in this post and you will know what wonderment is all about. At least for a couple of days you will look at seeing things differently. Like a child.

SENSEX BREACHES 17K LEVEL IN ITS FASTEST 1,000-POINT RALLY

2007-09-26T19:20:00.000+05:30

The stock market continued its record-breaking run today with the BSE Sensex breaching the 17,000 mark for the first time in its fastest 1,000-point rally as foreign funds stepped up purchases of local shares.

The 30-share index, however, failed to hold on to the early gains and closed at 16,921.39, still higher by 21.85 points from the previous close, as investors booked profit.

Profit-booking sparked as the Sensex crossed the 17,000-point level, covering the last 1,000 points in just six trading sessions. It touched an intra-day high of 17,073.87, and a low of 16,887.07 points.

In similar fashion, the National Stock Exchange's index Nifty closed higher by 1.65 points at 4,940.50, after touching a record high of 4,980.85 and day's low of 4,930.35 points.

A steep fall in Reliance Industries, the country's biggest firm by market value, mainly drove the Sensex down. The RIL scrip, which has about 15 per cent weightage in the Sensex, fell after reports that the company may put on hold investment plans to expand retail venture in Uttar Pradesh.

Oil and gas index dropped by 160.57 points at 9,616.94, followed by realty index by 112.09 points at 8,973.38. Capital goods index lost 109.26 points at 14,654.35 and auto index ended lower by 35 points at 5,215.27.

Major support to the market came in from the bank index, which rose 172.82 points at 9,117.80. This was followed by IT index by 153.35 points at 4,501.97. PSU index gained 80.39 points at 8,055.51 and teck index rose 69.05 points at 3,720.46 points.

THERE IS MORE TO PRASHANT TAMANG BEING 'VOTED' AS THE INDIAN IDOL: HERE'S THE TRUTH THAT TRANSCENDS BOUNDARIES

2007-09-26T19:04:00.000+05:30

When he decided to try his luck at the Indian Idol reality show, winner Prashant Tamang probably did not dream that he would make it to the top.

Even if he did imagine that, the 24-year-old from Tungsung village in Darjeeling district could have never thought, even in his wildest dreams, that for many in Nepal his win would become a symbol of political victory over their southern neighbour India, frequently regarded as an arm-twisting bully.

For nearly two months, Nepal agonised over Indian Idol while its own contest Nepali Tara went ignored. Indeed, the Nepalese contest had to change its timing since no one watched it while it clashed with Idol.

Why would a nation ignore its own talents and devote its energies to promoting a singer whose ancestors originated from Nepal?

The answer is because, for many Nepalese, Darjeeling is still part of Nepal. In the 19th century, Darjeeling and other parts of Sikkim had been annexed by Nepal. However, as the British East India Company tried to open trade routes to Tibet via Sikkim, Nepal waged war against the Company and lost.

As a result, it was forced to sign the Sugauli Treaty and withdraw from all the territory it had occupied in Sikkim, Kumaon, Garhwal and much of the Terai.

Though the British found it difficult to govern the Terai and restored some of it to Nepal, Darjeeling, Kumaon and Garhwal remained part of British India.

When India obtained independence in 1947, Nepal hoped to get back its wrested land but did not.

Since then, the dream of achieving a "Greater Nepal" some day in the future with the lost area still remains in the mind of the Nepalese.

Royalists had been demanding a Greater Nepal and the Maoists, the opponents of the royalists, want it as well, demanding that the Sugauli Treaty be scrapped.

There has been no formal treaty between Nepal and India after 1947, even after Sikkim's merger with India in 1975, which Nepal regards as the annexation of Sikkim.

Nepal still does not formally recognise Sikkim's "annexation", nor has India sought recognition from Nepal.

Therefore Nepalis still regard Darjeeling as a part of Nepal that should be restored and Prashant Tamang is considered a Nepalese.

His victory Sunday therefore is the victory of Nepal over India in a way, which is why, despite his Indian citizenship, the fact that Prashant speaks Nepali at home, which constitutionally is an Indian language as well, is being regarded as evidence of his being a Nepalese.

Ironically, actress Manisha Koirala, who carved a niche in Bollywood, was never an icon in Nepal. One reason was probably because she came from one of Nepal's most influential families and the average Nepali did not identify with her.

Her popularity also took a dive after she supported King Gyanendra when the king tried to seize absolute power through an army-backed coup.

Nepalis feel that Manisha obtained stardom with the help of the Indian film industry, she did not "defeat" thousands of Indian contenders to attain success.

PAYAL ROHATGI DOESN'T WANT TO GET TYPECAST, SO SHE'S CHANGING HER IMAGE FROM A SEXY GAL TO GLAMOROUS BELLE: WHATEVER THAT MAY MEAN

2007-09-26T18:36:00.000+05:30

Actor Payal Rohtagi of Corporate and Dhol fame is working hard to get an image makeover. Also, she has no qualms in accepting that things did go wrong in the past as her earlier films Tauba Tauba and Fun -- can be dangerous were branded as sleaze flicks.

"Yes, I was typecasted. But I am going through an image transformation now. It has taken about three years to get out of my previous image," avers Payal adding that she is moving ahead in her career.

She maintains that the process of transition hasn't been easy. "But, it's my struggle and I am fine with it," she says adding that she had an inkling that something was going wrong in her career.

"I had to face the consequences as nobody forced me into it. It was my decision. But I am happy I made those mistakes so early in her career. What if I had worked with Shah Rukh Khan and then goofed up!" quips the computer engineer-turned-actor adding that the mistakes have made her a mature person.

"I do not come from the industry. But I have realised that it's very important to work with senior directors and good production houses. It makes a lot of difference. Like in Dhol, I have a glamorous introduction, but it's not cheap but beautiful," she shares.

In the Priyadarshan directed film, she plays a a club singer opposite Arbaaz Khan. "It's a good role and has added to my growth as an actor," she avers.

How was the experience of working with the much acclaimed director? "It was great. He's one director I worship right now," exclaims the model who featured with cricketer Virender Sehwag in an ad campaign.

"The role has turned out exactly what he had told me. I am thankful to him for that," adds the actor. Some of her earlier films including Subhash Ghai's 36 China Town which was directed by Abbas-Mustan and Madhur Bhandarkar's Corporate were reasonably successful at the box-office. But she hasn't signed any more films as of now.

"Talks are on some films, but I'll finalise only after seeing the results of Dhol," she says adding that she has great expectation from the film.

So what's her ambition as an actor? "Dhol has me in the second lead. But I wish to upgrade to playing lead roles and want to be in the league of respected actors of the industry.

"At one point of time, I would like to shoulder a film on myself. I am putting my best efforts towards it," says Payal.

"I won't say that I dream of playing etched characters like Meena Kumari's in Pakeezah. Though I have seen the film 20 times but you can't compete with something as classic as that. So my focus is on doing some good work with good directors where I can grow as an actor," she concludes.

SOME CHILLING TRUTHS ABOUT THE COLLAPSE OF THE PANJAGUTTA FLYOVER IN HYDERABAD

2007-09-26T18:29:00.000+05:30

THE EX-FACTOR GETS A JLo PUSH: THE HISPANIC ACTRESS TO REPLACE SHARON OSBOURNE

2007-09-25T19:07:00.000+05:30

Hollywood's highest-paid Hispanic actress Jennifer Lopez may soon replace Sharon Osbourne as a judge on the British reality television show The X-Factor.

"Sharon is set to quit the show at the end of the current season. Jennifer knows that she's got a massive fan base in the UK," the media reported on Monday, quoting a source close to the actress as saying.

Apart from Osbourne, other judges on the show are Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue.

"Getting Dannii Minogue on board has proved a big hit. Now Simon Cowell wants to take the show to the next level and make X-Factor an international success. People Stateside will tune in just to see Jen.

"She won't come cheap but Simon knows it will be a great investment -- just the thing the show needs to become a hit in the States," the source told The People newspaper.

JLo, who is rumoured to be pregnant with her first child, had recently said that she would not do any more nude scenes in her movies.

"In the beginning I did some and I was really lucky because they would cut my (nude) scenes out -- so there is only one out there or something like that.

"I'm not comfortable with it, I'll be honest with you -- not at this point in my career. I love the idea of being a bold actress and I am quite fearless when I work but there is just something about it that just feels not quite right to me -- a bit exploiting," JLo told a British chat show.

MEN MORE INTELLIGENT AND MORE STUPID THAN WOMEN: STUDY

2007-09-25T18:58:00.000+05:30

It's a research that is guaranteed to delight as well as infuriate both men and women, and could spark a row over the breakfast table.

Yes, the study carried out by scientists in the United Kingdom has revealed that men are actually more intelligent than the fairer sex but they are more stupid as well, the Daily Mail reported in London today.

"The phenomenon may have its roots in society's expectations for the sexes. Men have long been expected to be high achievers, while women were expected to base their lives around the home.

"The female developmental programme may be tilted more towards ensuring survival and the safety of the middle ground," one of the study's authors, Psychology Professor

Timothy Bates of Edinburgh University, was quoted as saying. The researchers came to the conclusion after measuring the intelligence of over 2,500 brothers and sisters by testing them on science, maths, English and mechanical abilities -- they found a disproportionate number of men in both the top two per cent and the bottom two per cent.

According to the findings, there were twice as many men as women in the smartest group. But there were also twice as many men among the dunces. However, the average scores of the men were virtually identical to that of the women.

The research tallies with past findings that men at university were more likely than women to receive first class degrees or thirds -- while women tended to achieve second.

The argument was always that men were more likely to take risks with their academic arguments, which could either be successful or fail dismally. Women, it was suggested, were more steady in their learning.

SEVEN HOURS OF SLEEP MUST FOR SOUND HEALTH: STUDY

2007-09-25T18:55:00.000+05:30

In today's hectic world, it may be difficult for many to get adequate sleep. But, those who manage to clock up seven hours of shut-eye every night can slash the risk of health problems.

Yes, according to a study by scientists in Britain, seven hours of sleep is a must for sound health as it reduces the risk of heart problems -- but getting an hour more or less can be fatal, the Daily Mail reported in London today.

"Sleep represents the daily process of physiological restitution and recovery, and lack of sleep has far-reaching effects. Our findings indicate that consistently sleeping around seven hours per night is optimal for health," lead researcher Professor Francesco Cappuccio, of the University of Warwick's medical school, was quoted as saying.

However, he said that "insufficient sleep is a risk factor" particularly in weight gain, high blood pressure and type two diabetes.

"Fewer hours of sleep and greater levels of sleep disturbance have become widespread in industrialised societies. This change, largely the result of sleep curtailment to create more time for leisure and shiftwork, has meant that reports of fatigue, tiredness and excessive daytime sleepiness are more common," the researcher said.

In fact, Prof Cappuccio and his team came to the conclusion after studying how sleep patterns affected death rates among 10,308 people. The researchers examined data for 1985-88 and for those still alive in 1992-23.

Once adjustments were made for factors such as age, smoking and illness, the study was able to isolate the effect of changes in sleep patterns.

So, sleep yourself healthy.

SENSEX CROSSES THE 16,800 MARK, NIFTY AT 4,900 IN EARLY TRADE

2007-09-25T18:52:00.000+05:30

The stock markets continued their record-breaking spree with the benchmark Sensex touching a new peak of 16,820.53 within a few minutes of trade today, up by a whopping 256 points on the back of firm global cues and a slew of positive news.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 30-share barometer opened with a wide upside gap at 16,697.89 from last Friday's close of 16,564.23 and rallied further to a new intra-trade life-time peak of 16,820.53.

However, profit-taking pared early gains and it was quoted at 16,656.34 at 1030 hours.

Similarly, the broad-based S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) logged a new intra-day high of 4,913.35, a rise of 75.80 over previous close of 4,837.55. It was quoted at 4,861.90 at 1030 hrs.

Top heavyweight Reliance Industries (RIL) remained the most favourite of the investing fraternity on news that the company has struck oil in D4 block of Krishna Godavari (KG) basin.

Banking counters also remained in the limelight on expectations of interest rate cut by the central bank in near future.

Most of the Asian indices were firm today in morning deal due to firm trend on Wall Street last Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 53.49 points and 16.93 points respectively.

Market also got support from hectic short-coverings by operators and retail investors ahead of the expiry of September contract on September 27.

AGARKAR, ROHIT TO GET RS 10 LAKH EACH FROM MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT

2007-09-25T18:50:00.000+05:30

The Maharashtra government today announced cash incentive of Rs 10 lakhs each for Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma, both hailing from Mumbai, for playing a part in India's Twenty20 World Cup victory.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. "Maharashtra is proud of the performance of our boys. They have brought laurels to the state," he said.

Deshmukh would be present at the Mumbai airport to welcome the Indian players when they arrive here from South Africa, an official in the state Secretariat said.

DHONI IS JHARKHAND RATNA, AND MORE SURPRISES IN STORE FOR HIM FROM JHARKHAND CM

2007-09-25T18:43:00.000+05:30

Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda today said he would present a surprise gift to the inaugural ICC Twenty20 World Cup winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni when he returns home.

"I have promised a surprise gift for Dhoni and it is proper that I should reveal it before him only. If I reveal now, the surprise element will be lost.

A couple of years ago, the state government had given a piece of land in the state capital after Dhoni's sizzling performance at the international level.

The Chief Minister, who watched the entire match in the capital, said he spoke to Dhoni's parents over phone and congratulated them on the success of the Indian team.

"We have arranged a grand celebration for Dhoni...We are already conferring him the Jharkhand Ratna on November 15."

NAGARJUNA WANTS A SUPERHERO SUBJECT AHOY!

2007-09-25T18:16:00.000+05:30

Nagarjuna is willing to give a chance to anyone who can give him a blockbuster. But, he should be able to deliver a blockbuster. Nothing less. Of late, he has been harping on the "mass entertainment" factor too much in his interviews. "I want to do a film like Shiva, which has a wider appeal," he had gone on to say in a recent interview. And it is not easy to understand why.

The younger actors like Mahesh Babu, Junior NTR, Allu Arjun, and the likes have stolen the thunder from under the feet of the Big Four -- Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Balakrishna and Nagarjuna -- leaving them tottering on the brink of extinction. And what they need is a massive hit to stabilise their position. While Balakrishna and Venkatesh are managing to hang on there with their cleverly crafted subjects, Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna have been struggling to maintain their image.

Especially for Nagarjuna, who is unable to bracket himself in any category unlike the other Three, it has been a Herculean task to withstand the competition. Which is why he is singing the "mass entertainment" mantra. Don't think he has any love lost for you, on the contrary, he wants to count his money. And the bigger the packet, the grander their words. So, don't be surprised if you see Nagarjuna twisting and tearaing the hands and limbs of villians in his next film a la a super hero. Remember, he is only trying to be in the reckoning.

ILLEANA IS REALLY GOING PLACES: TAKING BABY STEPS TO BOLLYWOOD

2007-09-25T17:51:00.000+05:30

Tollywood has become the launch pad to Bollywood, especially for the heroines. In recent times, it started with Bhumika Chawla notching up a couple of some real good Bollywood films. Following in her footsteps, Asin is making her debut in the Hindi remake of Gazni. Sada, too, is busy shooting with Shreyas Talpade for a Sangeet Sivan film called Click, and she has another one, Love Game, in the pipeline with Randeep Hooda. Before we can actually exclaim, "Wow, the Tollywood babes are really going places", here comes the news that Illeana has signed a Bollywood flick opposite Shiney Ahuja.

Illeana shares her delightful news with us.

ON HER DEBUT IN BOLLYWOOD
Finally, I’ve made it to Bollywood. I have never been overzealous about my entry there. For me, the storyline is what matters and not the industry. But now since it’s happening, I’m only too happy.

ON HOW SHE SEES HERSELF IN BOLLYWOOD VIS-A-VIS OTHER HEROINES
I’m content with what I have. If others are also following suit, I’m happy for them too.

ON HER ITSY-BITSY ROLE IN POKIRI
Pokiri was Mahesh Babu’s film. So, there was no power struggle for me. I enjoyed shooting for it, liked working with Mahesh, and I am tremendously happy about it’s box-office success. And, unlike Mahesh, who seldom talks and is an introvert, I had a whale of time constantly chatting and having masti on the sets.

ON HER 'SERENDIPITOUS ACCIDENT' IN TOLLYWOOD
At 16, I was offered Dhairyam, a Telugu film, but it didn’t happen due to certain reasons. Later, Raima Sen did this film with Nitin.

ON WHAT FILM GAVE HER THE BEST SATISFACTION IN RECENT TIMES
I’m really proud about my film Rakhi. I feel I have given my best in the film.

ON WHAT TOPS HER PRIORITY LIST
The most vital thing in this world is unconditional love, which only family members can give. And without my small family, I’m no one.

ON WHAT SHE DOES WHEN NOT SHOOTING
I love catching up on films on DVD or reading a Sidney Sheldon.

ONE OF THE BEST SONGS PENNED BY SIRIVENNALA: JAGAMANTA KUTUMBAM NAADI, EKAAKI JEEVITAM NAADI

2007-09-23T20:27:00.001+05:30

DIL CHAHTA WAS A REAL EYEOPENER: IT TAUGHT ME SOME AMAZING THINGS THAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED

2007-09-23T20:04:00.000+05:30

CHECK OUT SOME AMAZING WALLPAPERS OF CHIRUTHA

2007-09-23T19:54:00.000+05:30

INDIA ESTABLISHES NEW 'SPICE ROUTE' TO NEW YORK VIA INCREDIBLE INDIA @ 60

2007-09-23T19:39:00.000+05:30

Riveting and colourful New York will get a dash of spice this week when India treats the city of yellow cabs, teeming sidewalks and smoking manholes to Kathakali, Bhangra and Bharata Natyam combined with a tongue tingling selection of Indian food.

New Yorkers would get to sample for free, Indian handicrafts and handlooms, its folk and classical dances, Bollywood and, of course, cuisine from the sub-continent as part of an extended celebration of the country's 60 years of independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.

The classical and folk arts would be complemented by the music and dance forms of the contemporary India, with performances by the likes of Remo Fernandes, Shivamani and Louis Banks.

Indian fashion designers too would showcase their designs at special shows that would follow business meetings between Indian industry captains and their US counterparts.

The week-long event, called Incredible India@60 starting today, is being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture.

"The idea is to have four days of high impact...In terms of banners, posters and visual impact... There are public events in Bryant Park and South Seaport to give ordinary New Yorkers a sense of India," the event's steering committee Chairman and Infosys Technologies Co-Chairman Nandan Nilekani said here.

He said the programme was a culmination of a 3-year exercise by the CII to promote India as a brand, including in Davos during the World Economic Forum last year.

TROPHY DESIGNER PREDICTS INDIA WILL WIN TWENTY20 WORLD CUP

2007-09-23T19:34:00.000+05:30

Millions of cricket crazy fans in India and Pakistan would be praying for their team's victory in tomorrow's high voltage Twenty20 World Cup final, but there is one man who is banking on history repeating itself with the Indians coming home with the trophy.

Amit Pabuwal believes the team will return with the trophy made by him after conquering arch rivals Pakistan in the final at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Here is how he supports his claim.

"All the trophies that I have manaufactured for different tournaments, in recent times, India has emerged winners in all those.

"India won the Future's Cup by beating South Africa, they won women's Asia Cup in Jaipur and did not lose in the Friendship Cup against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi which resulted in a tie with the trophy being shared by both countries.

"It has been happening for quite some time and I am praying that this time also the trophy comes back to India," Pabuwal said.

He said he would also make trophies for the upcoming India-Australia seven-match ODI series.

AFRIDI TOPS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT TABLE, YUVRAJ SINGH IN HOT PURSUIT

2007-09-23T19:27:00.000+05:30

Shahid Afridi leads the race for the Player of the Tournament award but tomorrow's final of the Twenty20 World Cup gives Yuvraj Singh, lone Indian in hot pursuit, yet another chance to pip the Pakistani to the honour.

Afridi has so far polled seven votes to top the table, but there are still four players -- including three of his teammates Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik -- who can catch up with him.

Yuvraj, along with Stuart Clark, Sanath Jayasuriya and Morne Morkel, has garnered six votes.

Afridi is the joint leading wicket-taker -- alongside Australia's Stuart Clark -- with 12 victims, and has also scored rapidly whenever he has reached the batting crease, making 91 runs from just 45 balls faced.

In contrast, Yuvraj's 134 runs came from just 57 balls, giving him the best batting strike-rate of any player with 75 runs or more 235.08 runs per hundred balls.

His total includes 12 sixes, seven during his 16-ball innings of 58 against England that included six maximums in one over from Stuart Broad, and another five in his 70 from just 30 deliveries against Australia in the semi-final.

Malik (187) and Misbah (175) are among the leading run-scorers in the tournament and only Matthew Hayden of Australia, with 265 runs, has more than Malik's total.

ILLEANA SIZZLES IN THIS SONG WITH JUNIOR NTR, AND SHE IS REAL GOOD WITH AN HOUR GLASS FIGURE

2007-09-23T19:21:00.000+05:30

CRAZY CAR ACCIDENTS: BEWARE! THE NEXT TIME YOU TAKE THE TUNNEL, YOU WILL DREAD IT!

2007-09-23T19:18:00.000+05:30

DEV ANAND'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY 'ROMANCING WITH LIFE' PROMISES TO BE A GUIDE TO GOOD CINEMA OF YORE

2007-09-23T19:02:00.000+05:30

Not content with his first book which is going to be released on September 26 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, veteran actor Dev Anand plans to start writing another book soon.

"I am very excited and anxious to know the people's response to my book. It covers my 62 working years in the show business. But there is still so much to say. Such a long journey cannot be entirely covered in one book," said Dev Anand.

"My life is still going on and will go on, no matter what people say. I am still functioning and growing with very experience, which means I am still strong enough to continue further. One book is finished. But the life has not stopped," the evergreen actor said.

Dev Anand's autobiography Romancing with Life, published by Penguin, will be released on September 26 by the Prime Minister in Delhi. UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi will be the chief guest at book release function.

"Imagine a man of 62 years of standing in the show business, on his own strength making original movies, no remakes, no plagiarism. We have made 36 motion pictures, with every movie different from the other. We are still making films," he said.

The legend goes that the darling of the masses, Anand began his career in the military censor office at Churchgate, Mumbai, for a salary of Rs 160. Even as he stayed as a paying guest in the innumerable cheap guest houses in Mumbai and also with some of his friends, Anand always knew that he would soon be part of the elite circle of glamour and flashbulbs.

He was soon offered a break as an actor by Prabhat Talkies to star in their Hum Ek Hain (1946) during the shooting of which he struck a friendship with fellow actor Guru Dutt.

From swapping shirts to double dating and sharing dreams, they went on to make a pact: if Anand produced a film, Dutt would direct it; if Dutt produced a film, Anand would act in it.

As destiny would have it, Anand was offered his first big break by Ashok Kumar, his favourite star. Kumar spotted Dev hanging around in the studios and picked him as the hero for the Bombay Talkies production, Ziddi, costarring Kamini Kaushal (1948) after which he never looked back.

In 1949, Anand turned producer and launched his own company Navketan along with his elder brother Chetan Anand which continues to churn out movies even now.

As promised, Dev placed his bet on Guru Dutt as director for the crime thriller, Baazi (1951). The dice rolled in favour of this creative collaboration; the Sahir Ludhianvi, lyricist song, Tadbeer se bigdi huyee taqdeer bana de, (transforming bad fortune into good though prayers) proved prophetic and Anand became a true blue star.

He never shied away from playing out roles with grey shades. His grey character role in films like Jaal (1952) in which he played a gambler, a smuggler and a blackmarketeer was well appreciated by the audience.

The year 1954 was a crucial one. Anand was one of the earliest Indian stars to visit Russia. His starrers, Rahee and Aandhiyan, were screened there along with Raj Kapoor's Awaara.

In the same year, Taxi Driver was declared a hit. Dev's heroine was Kalpana Kartik and the two soon got married in a quiet ceremony.

There was no doubt that Anand was a 'man of style' but his detractors cast doubts on his acting abilities and even questioned his inclusion in the hallowed Raj Kapoor-Dilip Kumar league.

But Anand, proved his detractors wrong with his classic act in Kala Pani (1958), as the son who is willing to go to any lengths to clear his framed father's name. He won the Best Actor Award for the film.

He followed it up with an interesting double role in Hum Dono (1961) as a mustachioed major and his clean-shaven lookalike.

But what was the most celebrated was the film Guide (1965), directed by younger brother Vijay Anand.

Dev Anand played Raju, a voluble guide who supports Rosy (Waheeda Rehman) in her bid for freedom but is not above thoughtlessly exploiting her for personal gains. Combining panache with probably his best performance, Anand gave an affecting performance as a man grappling with his emotions in his passage through love, shame and salvation.

He reunited with Vijay Anand for the much-hyped Jewel Thief, featuring a bevy of beauties led by Vyjayanthimala Bali, including Tanuja, Anju Mahendru, Faryal and Helen.

With their next collaboration, Johnny Mera Naam (1970), Anand proved that he was worth his weight in gold. The film was released in the same year as Raj Kapoor's magnum Mera Naam Joker, and was a golden jubilee hit while Kapoor's film bit the sand at the box office.

HOWZZAT! TWENTY20 WORLD CUP IN WOMEN'S CRICKET

2007-09-23T18:52:00.000+05:30

Encouraged by the success and popularity of the Twenty20 World Cup, the Board is seriously considering introduction of the shortest version of the game in women's cricket too.

"BCCI is planning to introduce the shorter version of the game in women's cricket and also trying that Twenty20 World Cup of womens' cricket be organised either before or after the Womens' World Cup, scheduled in England next year", BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah told PTI.

He said the shorter version of the game will not affect one-day or Test match schedules.

"People want something new everytime and there is always a chance of change in the game and BCCI welcomes the change," Shah added.

SUNIL'S NUDE SCENE IN AATA IS A DIRECT LIFT FROM MR BEAN

2007-09-19T19:37:00.000+05:30

Diretor Vijayabhaskar is not the only to rip off some scenes from the hilarious English comedy, Mr Bean, to deck up the role of Brahmanandam in Nuvvu Naaku Nachav. For Aata, even V N Aditya has stolen some scenes from the English comedy, especially the nude scene where Sunil's brother-in-law pulls of his towel and Sunil desperately tries to hide himself from the people as his room gets locked inadvertently. This scene is a direct lift from one of the episodes of Mr Bean.

CHECK IT OUT

TRISHA, HERE IS SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT: SHRIYA LOVES THE WAY YOU DRESS AND CARRY YOURSELF

2007-09-19T19:25:00.000+05:30

Shriya Saran knows the art of dressing up and dressing down. When it comes to clothes, she can make the prim-and-proper desi look desirable and the whimsical Western seem elegant. Toss the word style, and it sets the star yakking animatedly.

ON STLE
I think it’s all about comfort. It’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it -– and how you carry it off. I don’t go by trends or colours of the season. Style has a lot to do with individual taste -– and good taste stands the test of time!

ON PERSONAL STATEMENT
Basic. I grew up wearing shorts. I also wore a lot of salwars during my dance days. Simplicity still rules my wardrobe choices. When I’m not caught in tinsel hustle, you’ll see me in fuss-free tees and trousers/jeans or dresses. I balance the minimalism in my clothes with dramatic accessories. Just love wearing anklets. People tell me I wear too much white, blush-on red and nursery blue. But that’s just a coincidence. I love all the colours in the spectrum!

SCREEN STYLE
Thankfully, I’ve worked with good designers. Manish Malhotra, Neeta Lulla, Anand Kabra, Erum Ali and Chaitanya Rao have made a difference to my look. I don’t wear clothes I’m not comfortable in. And most often, I use my own clothes -– particularly when it comes to jeans and casual tops. I’ve got a good collection, so I use them for the shoots as well. There’s nothing quite like wearing your own clothes and accessories!

FASHION INFLUENCES
My mom. She always dressed up well and is so tuned in when it comes to fashion. Besides, during my childhood in Dehradun, we lived in a colony comprising people from diverse cultures. So, I developed an eclectic taste. As for the tinsel world, the superstar is the biggest style icon. He can make even an unassuming shirt look stylish! He brings his own sense of style to what he wears. I also admire the way Trisha dresses and carries herself.

STYLE DILEMMAS
None. Just use my common sense and put things together. Style is about autonomy, not compliance!

WANNA KNOW HOW PRIYAMANI GOT HER FIRST BREAK? READ ON...

2007-09-19T19:18:00.000+05:30

HOW IT HAPPENED
Being a Bharatiraaja find feels great, and working with technicians such as Balu Mahendra was wonderful. Yet the film that put me on the road of success is Paruththi Veeran. On hearing that Ameer was looking out for a heroine for his film, I met him at his office. I had planned to leave for Bangalore that evening. Just then I got a call asking me to report at Theni the next morning for a photo shoot! Unsure of what it meant, I went to Theni. After that, I heard nothing from the director. Later, I was at Ooty for a shoot, when congratulatory messages began pouring in. Perplexed, I asked what was happening and was told my pictures were in the Paruththi Veeran invites! Only then did I know I was in the film!

HOW IT FELT
Great. A real learning experience! Except the five main characters, the cast comprised actual villagers. Ameer made us observe their body language, dialect and mannerisms and perform accordingly. During dubbing too, he sat with me and helped me with the Madurai slang. It isn’t easy, you know!

HOW LIFE CHANGED
I was recently in Tiruchi for the shooting of Malaikkottai. People thronged the location to have a glimpse of Muthazhagu, the character I play in Paruththi Veeran. The accolades the film has won for me are unbelievable, and they are translating into worthy projects. What more can I ask for?

(Courtesy: The Hindu)

THIS CHILD PRODIGY IS DRUMMING UP MUSIC LIKE A PRO: MEET INDIA'S YOUNGEST DRUMMER AND PERCUSSIONIST PAR EXCELLENCE

2007-09-19T19:12:00.000+05:30

HEAVY RAINS CLAIM 36 LIVES IN ANDHRA, 6 DISTRICTS ON ALERT

2007-09-19T19:09:00.000+05:30

Heavy rains in several parts of Andhra Pradesh, triggered by a low pressure in the Bay of Bengal, have claimed 36 lives even as six affected districts have been put on alert.

While 21 people died during the past three days following torrential rains, 15 were killed as lightning struck at several places during the last fortnight, Revenue Minister D Prasada Rao told reporters here today.

Kurnool and Guntur districts accounted for seven deaths each, followed by Anantapur four, Warangal two and Mahaboobnagar one.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy held a high-level meeting here to review the situation and announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh each to the families of those killed and released Rs 5.6 crores to the affected districts to take up immediate relief measures.

Control rooms had been set up at district and mandal levels and the collectors had been asked to take necessary steps to avoid breach of irrigation tanks, Rao said, adding detailed enumeration of losses to crops and public property were being carried out.

The weather office has forecast moderate to heavy rain at few places in south coastal belt and Rayalaseema regions and isolated rainfall in Telangana.

Six districts -- Kurnool, Anantapur, Karimnagar, Warangal, Guntur and Prakasam -- have been receiving heavy rainfall since the past three days.

As many as 29 relief camps have been set up to accommodate affected families from vulnerable areas. According to preliminary estimates, 7,350 houses have been marooned and crops over an extent of 16,580 hectares were damaged in rains, Rao said.

JUNIOR NTR WANTS TO DO A ROMANTIC FILM, AND IS LOOKING FOR SCRIPTS

2007-09-19T18:56:00.001+05:30

Junior NTR is beaming with joy writ all over his persona. And there is a reason for his newfound spring in his step. His Yamadonga has become a big hit, which he has been looking for a long time. What more, he has lost all those tonnes of weight he had put on and appears handsome enough to qualify for love stories. Stuck in a mass hero mould for some time now, he wants to diversify into softer roles, but his weight has come in the way. So, he is looking forward to filmmakers who can narrate to him a beautiful love theme that will send the pretty young things into a tizzy. So, filmmakers if you have any such scripts, you know where to go. What are you waiting for?

SHRIYA IS ON A ROLL AGAIN, IN AN ITEM NUMBER FOR TULASI

2007-09-19T18:27:00.000+05:30

Sivaji: the boss may have been a smash hit across the country, but it did little to revive the fortunes of Shriya in Tollywood. Though she managed to bag a couple of roles in Tamil, she couldn't manage even one creditable assignment in the Telugu film industry. And so she is forced to settle down for item numbers hoping that someone would notice her and give her back her due again. So, after swinging with Prabhas in Munna, she is getting ready to do a sizzling number with Venkatesh in Tulasi.

Hope she gets to get a larger-than-expected recognition in the film.

WHERE IS THE SUPERHEROINE IN TELUGU CINEMA GONE?

2007-09-19T18:05:00.000+05:30

What has happened to the superheroine in Telugu cinema? There was a time when the likes of Sri Devi and Vijayashanti strode the silver screen with the dare devilry of any hero. And even actors like Jagapati Babu played second fiddle to them.

They were followed by Soundarya, who excelled in the role of a superheroine in her own way in family subjects. Remember how she stole the limelight even from actors like Venkatesh and Nagarjuna in some of the films like Pavitrabandham and Nuvvostavani?

To some extent, Simran too did shine bright with some good roles on par with the heroes of her time.

But today, it is a different ball game altogether, what with every actor worth his name -- from Gopichand to Chiranjeevi -- has assumed the superhero avatar, reducing the heroine to a prop. We have woman-oriented films like Missamma, but Bhumika is no superheroine in the film, though she gets to essay a wonderful role to perfection.

Is it because the subjects which revolve round real estate wars and faction politics don't have a place for superheroines? It is time to ponder over the death of the superheroine.

NIKHITA WAITING TO STRIKE GOLD IN TOLLYWOOD. IS ANYONE LISTENING?

2007-09-18T18:58:00.000+05:30

Nikhita is one actress who has the looks but unfortunately doesn't have the right kind of roles to 'reveal' her talent. The girl is desperately trying to impress Tollywood filmmakers, but with the emphasis now on fresh faces or saleable stars, she loses out on both counts. But she is hoping against hope with a prayer on her lips that she will be noticed by one of those maverick directors.

CHECK OUT FOR SOME AMAZING PICTURES ON REAL PHOTOS REAL FUN

ME REFUSING TO DO A FILM WITH CHIRANJEEVI? I SHOULD BE MAD: NAYANATARA SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

2007-09-18T18:37:00.000+05:30

Nayanatara is one of the prettiest actresses in the South. And she has done some really wow roles both in Tamil and Telugu. The young would die for a body like hers. And anyone who is popular is inevitably dragged into controversies. But, fortunately, her affair with Simbu has faded away from the public memory, though traces of it are still visible in the Tamil gossip magazines.

But one controversy that she has been silent about for some time now is her reported refusal to do a film with Chiranjeevi, which is currently underway. But now, the actress speaks up and explains it was a figment of gossipmongers' fertile imagination. Says she, "My career in Telugu cinema is still in its formative years. I'm aware of my position in the industry and Chiranjeevi's larger-than-life status. How can I refuse an offer to act with him? The fact is that nobody has still approached me with such an offer! If indeed an opportunity comes my way in the future, I will be the happiest girl to act against the megastar."

So, that puts to rest all the nagging voices, I suppose.

EVERYTIME I WATCH BOMMARILLU, I KNOW THAT THERE ARE GOOD DAYS FOR TELUGU CINEMA

2007-09-12T19:20:00.000+05:30

Some films just don't fade away from memory even after years. And everytime you see them they have a fresh appeal to the senses. One such film is Bommarillu. Siddharth, as the son bulldozed into a straitjacketed life by his overbearing father, Prakash Raj, delivered an amazing performance.

And Genelia as the bubbly girl, who takes life as it comes, was at her astounding best. And full marks go to Prakash Raj for another intense role in his career. His acting was restrained, simple and to the point, which is precisely why it is wonderfully etched out. As an overprotective father, it does not appeal to him that his son has likes and dislikes of his own and that he would love to do foolish things before he can do anything wise in his life.

The best part of the film is its simplicity and credit goes to Bhaskar for having got a brilliant screenplay written. Unlike many big stars' films, where the emphasis is on boosting the hero's megalomaniac ego, the film has a free-flowing screenplay with no one calling the shots, but everyone contributing his best to take the film forward. There is comedy, pathos, emotions, and everything that goes to make a brilliant film.

A most unforgettable film that I have watched in recent years.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE SONGS IN THE FILM

JESSICA ALBA REVEALS THE SECRET BEHIND HER SEXY WIGGLE

2007-09-12T18:37:00.000+05:30

A lot has been said about Jessica Alba's sexy body, but the actress herself doesn't pay attention to news about her weight. In a recent interview, the 26-year-old said that she doesn't take notice of speculations surrounding her alleged weight loss, and added that she doesn't diet at all.

"I don't listen to it. I don't read it. I think it would make me crazy if I did," People quoted her, as saying.

Alba further said that she doesn't do anything to keep her sexy frame intact. "I haven't really worked out in two months, but I do like to do yoga. I'm not on a diet," she said.

The actress, who recently won the female hottie award at the Teen Choice Awards, however, admitted to one healthy habit.

"I drink a lot of water," she said.

AT 65, AMITABH BACHCHAN MAKES HIS HOLLYWOOD DEBUT WITH 'THE LAST LEAR'

2007-09-12T18:29:00.000+05:30

Working in English and simply growing old are offering new opportunities to movie icon Amitabh Bachchan whose first English-language film, The Last Lear, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival this week.

Bachchan, described on industry website www.imdb.com as "arguably India's greatest ever superstar," said making a film in English had brought back memories of school and college. An English-language film was different, but logical at the same time, given the role of English as a common language in India.

"It's always wonderful to experiment with something different," said Bachchan, the day after the sold-out Toronto premiere.

"At 65 you get an opportunity to experiment with all kinds of films and that's what's happening, and I am happy that there are people that want me to work with them, and it gives me the chance to do something different."

In The Last Lear, Bachchan plays Harry, a reclusive stage actor who quotes Shakespeare with relish and who -- somewhat reluctantly -- is making his movie debut at the age of 65.

He stars alongside Preity Zinta, who is also acting in her first English-language film, as are others in the cast.

Director Rituparno Ghosh has chosen to add subtitles, even for a North American audience. "I did it because we Indians speak English in various ways -- the same language can take various forms," said Ghosh. "And the tongues of the various communities of India may not be so easily comprehensible to a Western audience."

Bachchan said the role of Harry, and the way he used Shakespeare's language to illustrate his points, had brought back memories of his own early acting days, including the role of Cassio in Shakespeare's Othello.

He named Hamlet as one role he has always wanted, but admitted that "at my age, I would probably be playing the ghost."

At just over two hours, The Last Lear is short by Indian standards, and there are none of the song and dance routines that form the usual highlights of a Bollywood extravaganza.

Bachchan bristled at the idea that the new movie might be considered "Bollywood."
"We don't like that word," he said. "It was coined by some smart journalist and it just stuck, and now it's in the Oxford dictionary."

EVEN IN DEFEAT VARMA DOESN'T SHED HIS ARROGANCE: I HAVE HIT AN ALL-TIME LOW, I CAN ONLY MOVE UP NOW, HE SAYS

2007-09-12T18:23:00.000+05:30

Ram Gopal Varma's remake of a cult classic is a box office flop, and Varma has drawn flak for Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, his ambitious remake of the 1975 film Sholay which nosedived at the box-office. The films tell the story of two reformed crooks who save a village from a bloodthirsty bandit.

"Every flaw the film is being criticised for is mine," said Varma. "I take full responsibility for my film. It is my vision that faltered from the script to the music to the songs."

The maverick director said he had hit rock bottom with the film's failure.

He also said he now believes his project was doomed to failure, as it ran into legal problems. Many critics also labelled his attempt at rehashing a blockbuster classic as stupidity.

"Everybody told me not to go ahead with it. The film then went into legal tangles. Characters needed to be changed, the title needed to be changed, and even the script to some extent.

"Now I think it was not wise for me to go ahead," he said.

Varma, known for his gangster movies and horror flicks, said he could only improve from now on. "I have hit an all-time low. I can only move up now," he said.

Varma's next film Sarkar Raj, a sequel to the hit 2005 film Sarkar about a megalomaniac politician, is scheduled to be released in December this year.

AZIM PREMJI IS THE WORLD'S RICHEST MUSLIM ENTREPRENEUR

2007-09-12T18:16:00.001+05:30

India's software czar Azim Premji now has a new nomenclature -- the world's richest Muslim entrepreneur -- as he holds more wealth than any other Muslim outside the Persian Gulf royalty, a US media report said.

The financial daily Wall Street Journal has written a front-page profile on chairman of India's third largest IT exporter Wipro, saying Premji defies all the conventional wisdom about Islamic tycoons -- he does not hail from the Persian Gulf, did not make his money in petroleum, and does not wear his faith on his sleeve.

"Azim Premji has tapped India's abundant engineering talent to transform a family vegetable-oil firm, Wipro Ltd, into a technology and outsourcing giant. By serving Western manufacturers, airlines and utilities, the company has brought Premji a fortune of some $17 billion," the report said.

Premji is ahead of Russia's metal and real estate baron Suleman Kerimov ($14 billion), Kuwait's Nasser Kharafi ($11 billion), Saudi Arabia's Mohammad Amoudi ($8 billion), UAE's Abdulaziz Ghurair ($8 billion), Russia's Iskander Mahmudov ($8 billion), Saudi's Maan Sanea ($7.5 billion) and Saudi's Suleiman Rajhi ($7.5 billion) among the richest Muslim entrepreneurs in the world.

The daily quoted Premji in the report titled "How a Muslim Billionaire Thrives in Hindu India" as saying that such success shows globalization is turning into "two-way traffic" that can bring tangible benefits to developing countries.

"We have always seen ourselves as Indian. We've never seen ourselves as Hindus, or Muslims, or Christians or Buddhists," Premji told WSJ in an interview.

SANJAY DUTT WILL BE BACK TO BUSINESS ONCE AGAIN: NO, NOT JAIL, BUT ACTING

2007-09-12T18:08:00.000+05:30

Bollywood bad boy Sanjay Dutt said he could resume work as early as this weekend after being temporarily bailed from his six-year jail term for arms possession. "I will resume my movie shoots very soon, starting possibly this weekend to meet contractual commitments," said Dutt, sporting prison-cropped hair. "I have to grow my hair back and get into shape," joked the burly actor, who has already spent three weeks behind bars.

The film Kidnapped, directed by Sanjay Gadhvi -- known for last year's top grosser Dhoom 2 (Have a Blast) -- will be one of the first Dutt will start shooting. "Alongside, I will shoot for Dus Kahaniyaan (Ten Stories)," said Dutt, known for his macho image and gangster roles.

With six movies in production, some Rs 75 crores of Bollywood money is riding on Dutt.

The hugely popular star was sentenced to six years in prison on July 31 for possessing illegal weapons received from the plotters of the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which killed 257 people and injured 800.

Dutt has always maintained his innocence, arguing he kept a Kalashnikov assault rifle to protect his family from sectarian violence.

Last month, the Supreme Court agreed to his conditional release after the anti-terror court in Mumbai failed to provide the actor with a copy of its judgment.

The Supreme Court ordered Dutt to turn himself in when his lawyers receive a copy of the judgment later this month.

DID YOU KNOW? ABHISHEK HAD 15 FLOPS BEFORE HE FINALLY GOT A HIT

2007-09-12T17:57:00.000+05:30

AND THE ACTOR WAS SO DISGUSTED BY HIS DISCOURAGING CAREER THAT HE WANTED TO BID GOOD-BYE TO FILMS, UNTIL...

After a string of flop movies early in his career, actor Abhishek Bachchan thought he had joined the wrong profession. But, a dressing down from his father Amitabh made him decide to stick it out in Bollywood.

"Yes, I went to my dad and told him I think I made a mistake," he said. "He fired me. He said I didn't bring you up to quit. I have faith in you. He said just go back and keep working," Abhishek told NDTV.

"Dad asked me to spend time in front of the camera and learn to improve as long as I get an opportunity," said Abhishek, who was once considered a pale shadow of his father.

Asked what crossed his mind after his 15th flop, Abhishek said, "It becomes a habit. It's very weird."

Queried whether it is difficult to handle failure now that he had had quite a few hits, he said it is comparatively easier to handle failure in the early days of one's career.

"Initially when you start you still live in hope. You know your first film does not do well, it hurts -- second, third...it hurts but still you believe in yourself," he said.

The actor said he was enjoying his married life with Aishwarya Rai. "The best part is that you get to live with your best friend. Somebody you enjoy spending time with, which I think is the reasonable criteria to get married. It's wonderful. I am enjoying myself," he said.

When asked whether the film industry's most eligible bachelor is now its most besotted husband, Abhishek said every husband should be besotted. "I do not know if it is correct to call me the most eligible bachelor. I never believed that. I know many people were considered far more eligible then me. As far as besotted is concerned, every husband should be besotted," he said.

"I think it is important for every husband to care for his wife and family and they should not marry if they do not. You should get married if you are prepared to live with somebody for life," he said matter-of-factly.

Asked whether the Bachchan family discusses films at the dining table, Abhishek said talk about movies was totally banned at the table. "Ma does not allow film talk at the table. After my sister got married, there were only three of us, and I was just starting my career and then a little bit of that would slip in," he said.

"You just get a typical glare that a mother gives a child when you do something wrong," he explained.

TENDULKAR'S RETIREMENT FROM ODIs IS A FIGMENT OF MEDIA IMAGINATION, SAYS FAMILY

2007-09-06T19:19:00.000+05:30

Legions of Sachin Tendulkar's fans can heave a sigh of relief now with reports about the champion batsman's possible ODI retirement turning out to be mere rumours.

Speculation was rife with media reports claiming that Tendulkar, the highest run-accumulator in the history of international cricket, might retire from the shorter version of the game after the seventh and final match of India's ongoing ODI series at Lord's on Saturday.

Team India captain Rahul Dravid, however, rubbished the claims in his post-match press conference in London yesterday, dismissing the reports as "completely false".

The reports prompted BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty to get in touch with the player and the official said, "I've spoken to him and he said the reports have no substance. It's media speculation."

Further clarification came from Tendulkar's family with his wife Anjali saying that he would have told her if that was the case. "The rumours about Sachin's retirement are not true. He could retire tomorrow but for that, we have to wait for him to say that. There is no point guessing it. How can anyone else say he is retiring from one dayers?" she was quoted as saying by a television channel.

"If he was to retire he would have told us first. Had Sachin had been retiring we would have been there at Lord's to watch the match," she said.

RAJNIKANTH AND KAMAL BAG BEST ACTOR AWARDS

2007-09-06T19:03:00.000+05:30

Tamil superstar Rajnikanth and versatile actor Kamal Hassan have been chosen for Tamil Nadu State Film Award for the year 2005 and 2006 respectively.

While Rajni won the best actor award for his performance in the blockbuster movie Chandramukhi, Kamal won the honour for Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu, an official release in Chennai said.

Jyothika, who portrayed the role of a split personality in Chandramukhi, was the best actress for 2005, while Priya Mani won the award for 2006 for her effective portrayal of a bubbly rural girl in Paruthi Veeran.

P Vasu-directed Chandramukhi won the award for best film category for 2005, while Veyil, which was screened at Cannes Film festival, was adjudged the best film for 2006.

Actors Vijay (Thirupachi), Surya (Gajini), Meera Jasmine (Kasthuri Maan), Karthi (Paruthi Veeran), Fakru and Sandhya (Dishyum) won special awards.

The awardees were selected by a committee headed by Justice S Mohan. The panel members included veteran director S P Muthuraman and actors Shivakumar, Manorama and Sripriya.

CHAK DE! JHULAN: AS THE MEN IN BLUE ARE DROPPED FROM THE FINAL LIST, JHULAN IS THE LONE INDIAN NOMINATED FOR ICC ANNUAL AWARD

2007-09-06T18:52:00.000+05:30

The hype around them notwithstanding, none of the 'Men in Blue' could make it to the shortlist for ICC annual awards, which has the lone Indian representation in Jhulan Goswami, nominated for the 'Women's Cricketer of the Year' category.

The long list for the ICC awards included Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble in the 'Test Player of the Year' category, while Yuvraj Singh made it to the ODI list. But when the 56-member ICC Academy pruned the list, the Team India trio fell by the wayside.

Jhulan's new ball partner Rumeli Dhar, who was also named in the initial list, also failed to make the cut in the shortlist. Jhulan will have to stave off challenge from Lisa Sthalekar (Aus) and Claire Taylor (Eng) to win the coveted title.

Meanwhile, Australian captain Ricky Ponting may bag his second Sir Garifield Sobers Trophy as the Cricketer of the Year, which would be presented at a gala function in Johannesburg on September 10.

THE TOP 10 HIGEST PAID HOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES: A HOLLYWOOD REPORTER LIST FOR 2006

2007-08-26T18:13:00.000+05:30

1. NICOLE KIDMAN: $16-$17 MILLION

2. REESE WITHERSPOON: $15 MILLION

3. RENEE ZELLWEGER: $15 MILLION

4. DREW BARRYMORE: $15 MILLION

5. CAMERON DIAZ: $15 MILLION

6. HALLE BERRY: $14 MILLION

7. CHARLIZE THERON: $10 MILLION

8. ANGELINA JOLIE: $10 MILLION

9. KIRSTEN DUNST: $8-10 MILLION

10. JENNIFER ANISTON: $8 MILLION

JESSICA ALBA HAS THE SEXIEST WIGGLE! AND THIS COMES FROM CAMBRIDGE MATHEMATICIANS

2007-08-26T13:17:00.000+05:30

Actress Jessica Alba has the sexiest wiggle in movies -- according to a team of Cambridge mathematicians.

The academics say that the Fantastic Four beauty has the precise ratio between waist and hips for the ultimate sexy strut, reports The Telegraph.

This ratio provides the body with the right torso strength to produce a more angular swing and bounce to the hips during the walking motion.

Hair removal firm Veet commissioned experts from Cambridge University's maths department to look at famous women to see what gives them their wiggle.

They worked out that a 0.7 ratio of waist to hips -- such as 36in hips and a 25in waist -- should make a perfect sway, like Jessica's.

Alba’s wiggle beat off similar sashays from Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria, Tomb Raider star Angelina Jolie and even the sexy Marilyn Monroe.

While Monroe was a fraction off the target ratio with 0.69, the Cambridge team said that Alba had the perfect proportions.

HYDERABAD BLASTS: TOLL RISES TO 42, 50 INJURED

2007-08-26T10:44:00.000+05:30

At least 42 people, including five women and seven students, have been killed and 50 injured in two explosions at a crowded park and a popular eatery in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, three months after the Mecca Masjid blasts, police said today.

The week-end outing at the popular Gokul Chat shop at Koti locality turned into a tragedy when a deafening explosion ripped through it killing 32 people and wounding 21, they said.

Five minutes earlier, 10 people, most of them from outside the state, were killed and 29 injured in another blast in an open air auditorium in Lumbini Park near the state secretariat in the heart of the city when a laser show was underway, they said.

The blast at the auditorium, where 500 people were present, was so powerful that some bodies were flung in the air. Among the dead at the Lumbini Park were two students from Ahmedabad.

Four Railways employee are among those killed in the blasts.

The condition of some of the injured was stated to be serious, police said.

Hyderabad Collector Chandravadan said round-the-clock medical care is being provided to the victims by experts.

"Critical care support is being provided to them at several hospitals including corporate hospitals. Every effort is being made to help the victims."

TENDULKAR CAN ONLY LAUGH AT UMPIRING GOOF-UPS

2007-08-26T10:41:00.000+05:30

Much like a beautiful early morning dream evaporating to the deafening sounds of alarm clock, Sachin Tendulkar was stopped in his strides -- not for the first time in recent weeks -- as he stood on the threshold of scoring a majestic hundred in the second one-dayer against England.

As umpire Ian Gould ruled him out caught behind off Andrew Flintoff for 99 -- even though the ball came off his arm guard -- he condemned Tendulkar to a much familiar nightmare that he has been subjected to in recent weeks.

"I guess, I have missed four or five hundreds in the last two months," said Tendulkar, as he pondered over the jinx.

Indeed, for someone whose impeccable behaviour on and off the field is well documented, Tendulkar displayed customary grace in refusing to make any comment about the decision.

"No comments about the umpiring," said Tendulkar. However, what he left unsaid was that everyone has seen it.

RASHMI BECOMES YOUNGEST INDIAN TO CROSS ENGLISH CHANNEL TWICE

2007-08-26T10:38:00.000+05:30

Nineteen-year-old Rashmi Sharma became the youngest Indian woman to cross the English Channel twice, when she completed the 34 kilometer distance in a little over 13 hours on Saturday, according to information received in Kolkata.

Rashmi, who successfully swam the Channel for the first time on July 19 last year, completed her double conquest in the wee hours, her family sources said.

Rashmi, a Kolkata girl, started her swim at Samphirer Hoe Beach of England's Dover City at 1150 am (IST) yesterday.

She emerged ashore from the ice-cold waters at Cross Gris Nez of Calais, France, at 12-55 am (IST) this morning, the sources said.

"However, we don't have the official time yet," they said.

Rashmi is the second Indian woman to cross the English channel twice. Celebrated swimmer Bula Chowdhury conquered the English Channel in 1989 and 1999.

The sources said though the distance was 34 kilometers, she had to swim eight to nine kliometers more because of the current.

Rashmi took her first lessons in swimming at the Khidirpore Swimming Club, and considers her mother Kiran Sharma as her main inspiration.

Expressing joy over Rashmi's feat, Bula said "It's a great achievement. Crossing the English Channel is the toughest of assignments for a swimmer. The water is biting cold. One needs to have extreme perseverance and tenacity to succeed. I congratulate her".

HuJi ACTIVIST IS KEY SUSPECT OF HYDERABAD BLASTS

2007-08-26T10:34:00.000+05:30

Harkat-ul-Jehad-i-Islami (HuJi) activist Mohammed Abdul Sahed alias Bilal, wanted for the blasts on the Samjhauta Express, is believed to be a key suspect in Saturday night's twin attacks in Hyderabad, official sources said.

They said yesterday's blasts were quite similar to that of Mecca mosque explosions in Hyderabad in May this year in which Bilal is suspected to be the mastermind.

Sources said that the two blasts were triggered suspectedly by a mobile phone, a modus operandi used in the Mecca masjid explosions.

The sources said that some of the sleeper cells of Jaish-e-Mohammed could also have been used by the HuJi, as both the militant outfits follow the Deobandi sect of Islam.

Bilal, who took over the command of HuJu on October 12, 2005, has been on the list of most wanted terrorists after he masterminded a suicide attack on the Special Task Force's headquarters in Hyderabad that left one police personnel dead.

Bilal, who is believed to be in Karachi, is also wanted for the blasts on the Samjauta Express in February that left 68 people dead.

An associate of Rasool Khan "Party", a Gujarat resident, Bilal, has been instrumental in sending youths for arms training to Pakistan through Dhaka and some Gulf states, sources said.

The CBI has already procured a red-corner notice from interpol against Shahid

SALMAN KHAN IS OFF TO PRISON, IS PRISONER NO 343

2007-08-26T10:31:00.000+05:30

Salman Khan, one of Bollywood's top actors on Saturday became "prisoner no 343" at the Jodhpur Central Jail after he was arrested and jailed for five years for hunting an endangered chinkara deer in 1998.

Salman, 41, looked subdued and was mostly quiet as policemen took him into custody on his arrival from Mumbai by a Jet Airways flight and rushed him in a police jeep to a courtroom before sending him to jail.

The dramatic jailing, which drew hundreds of his fans to the court and the prison complex, came a day after a district court upheld the five-year jail term given to Salman by a lower court.

Salman has been convicted of poaching a chinkara deer at the Ghoda farm near Jodhpur on the night of September 28, 1998 while filming Sooraj Barjatya's blockbuster Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Jail sources told IANS that Salman had been sent to barrack no 1.5, where the hugely popular actor had spent three nights in April 2006 before he got bail. Giving him company is Mahesh, who was with Salman during his first jail also.

Jail officials said Salman may be a celebrity but he would wear the white prison dress like everyone else and get no special treatment.

"We will follow the Jail Manual strictly and no additional (facilities) will be provided to Salman," senior jail official Ota Ram said.

The actor, Ram said, would be allowed to meet three people in 15 days.

"His food would also be similar to what is given to other jail inmates," the official said. Other sources said this would mostly be chapatis and lentils. But since the actor had been sentenced to undergo "simple imprisonment", he would not have to do any hard labour.

When he landed in Jodhpur, Salman was dressed in a white T-shirt, jeans and sporting sunglasses. Accompanying him were his brother Sohail, bodyguard Shera and his counsel Dipesh Mehta.

A large number of journalists and fans gathered at the airport and later outside the court and jail to catch a glimpse of the star. The police had a tough time controlling the crowds.

"We took him into custody and took him to court, which ordered that the actor be taken to Jodhpur Central Jail," a police official told IANS.

Salman is the second Bollywood star to be jailed in a span of a month. Sanjay Dutt spent 23 nights in Mumbai and Pune prisons after being convicted under the Arms Act in the 1993 Mumbai bombings. He is currently out on bail.

Although the killing of the deer by Salman and his friends had evoked widespread revulsion, there was no dearth of Salman lovers on Saturday.

"He is my hero and is suffering because of his celebrity status," insisted Rupali Singh, a college student who described herself an ardent devotee of the Bollywood actor.

According to legal experts, Salman will have to spend at least two nights in jail as the court does not sit on Saturday and Sunday too is a holiday. Any bail plea can be taken up only on Monday.

However, Salman's lawyers Saturday filed a revision petition in the Rajasthan High Court on Saturday.

BRAHMANANDAM HAS A KNACK OF GETTING BEATEN UP, HERO OR HEROINE NO BAR

2007-08-25T12:22:00.000+05:30

HIS ANGLO-TELUGU COMEDY IN CHENNAKESAVA REDDY

AND HIS COOL COMEDY IN ATHADU

CHITRAM BHALARE VICHITRAM WILL ALWAYS REMAIN ONE OF THE HILARIOUS COMEDIES IN TELUGU CINEMA: CHECK IT OUT

2007-08-25T12:11:00.000+05:30

NISHA KOTHARI IS BOWLED OVER BY TOLLYWOOD FILMMAKERS' PROFESSIONALISM, ANY TAKERS?

2007-08-25T11:50:00.000+05:30

ON HER FORAYS INTO TOLLYWOOD:
I am currently working opposite Balakrishna in Okka Mogadu. It's been a fantastic experience. I am awe struck by the colour and vibrancy of Telugu cinema. The people are very cordial and thorough professionals. I would love to work again provided the opportunity.

ON HER SEX SYMBOL IMAGE:
It's very flattering and embarrassing at the same time. I don't think I am sexy at all. I am a very conservative person at heart. But it's some thing that comes with a job and I have not done anything that's vulgar. But I do not want to be typecast and want to try out different roles and grow as an actress.

ON HER ENTRY INTO FILMS:
I had actually made my debut as Amoga in a Tamil film Jay Jay opposite Madhavan in 2003. I had left my portfolio at Ramuji's office and to my surprise I got a call for an audition and I was offered a role in Sarkar. All of a sudden I was rubbing shoulders with stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek, Ajay Devagan. It's been a great learning experience so far but I still have miles to go.

ON BASANTI VS GHUNGROO:
It would be unfair to compare me with a legend like Hema Malini. My character has no shades of Basanti. Ghungroo is a city girl who is in stark contrast with the village bred Basanti. She is a tomboy who smokes bidis (imitating her favourite actor- Rajnikanth), is fearless and speaks a tapori lingo. I had to work very hard on my body language and expression, as she wears a new expression in every scene. Now it's up to the audience to decide.

ON HER IDEAL MAN:
I'd rather wait for him to turn up for the element of surprise.

ABHISHEK SAYS ASH TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER EVERYTHING IN HIS LIFE

2007-08-24T22:08:00.000+05:30

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, newly married to co-star and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, is so much in love that he says when it comes to sharing things his wife takes precedence over all.

"You always give things first to the wife, and then you have," the actor said, adding that this was how marriages worked among Indians.

Though he may not admit it, Bachchan struck gold at the box office with several hit films around the time he began dating Rai. Now, all he will say is that his time has come.

The two tied the knot in April and industry analysts say their marriage created Bollywood's ultimate power couple.

The wedding celebrations sent India's celebrity-obsessed media into frenzy, and even months later, public interest in the couple -- likened to Hollywood duo Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie -- remains as strong with talk that Rai could be pregnant.

But Bachchan scotched the speculation. "That's incorrect ... there's no such good news. When there is, I will tell you," he said, on the sidelines of an endorsement event late on Thursday.

Rai, 33, and Bachchan, 31, have worked together in at least five films. Rai was crowned Miss World in 1994.

YAMADONGA CREATES A NEW RECORD IN FIRST WEEK COLLECTIONS

2007-08-24T22:05:00.000+05:30

NON-BAILABLE WARRANT ISSUED AGAINST SALMAN KHAN IN CHINKARA CASE

2007-08-24T21:56:00.000+05:30

A non-bailable warrant was issued for Salman Khan after a court dismissed his appeal against a five-year prison term given to him for poaching an endangered chinkara.

District and Sessions Judge K R Singhvi upheld a lower court's judgement of April 2006 sentencing Salman to prison in the poaching case.

However, the actor evaded immediate arrest, as he did not appear in the court.

The court of the chief judicial magistrate, which convicted Salman last year, issued the non-bailable warrant against the actor in the afternoon and sent it to local police for execution.

In his ruling, Judge Singhvi described the grounds used by Salman for his appeal against his conviction as "baseless".

Salman's sister Alvira was present in the court as the judge forfeited his bail bond and directed him to surrender. The judge also rejected an application filed by Salman's counsel for giving him time to surrender.

Police officials said they would act after receiving the warrant. "We are prepared to send our teams to arrest Salman. As soon as we get the NBW issued by the court, teams will move out," Additional Superintendent of Police Sawai Singh Godara said.

Salman's lawyers said they planned to file a revision petition in the Rajasthan High Court. They will also file an application in the High Court seeking the suspension of his sentence and the hearing of his case on priority.

The star was convicted for poaching a chinkara in September 1999 during the shooting of the film Hum Saath Saath Hain.

DID JAIL AUTHORITIES SHOOT OBJECTIONABLE PHOTOGRAPHS OF MONICA BEDI?

2007-08-24T21:48:00.000+05:30

Accusing the jail authorities of allegedly clicking "objectionable" photographs of former Bollywood actress and gangster Abu Salem's companion Monica Bedi, during her stay in the prison, Madhya Pradesh Congress on Friday sought the resignation of Jail Minister Antar Singh Arya and demanded action against the erring officials.

"Objectionable photographs of Monica Bedi were clicked through secret cameras installed in bathrooms at the Central Jail here, where she was staying while being tried in a fake passport case," State Congress Spokesman Manak Agrawal alleged.

"The photographs were used to prepare indecent MMS of Bedi and circulated," he said making public some MMS before reporters which he claimed to have acquired from a jail official.

The cameras were removed from the jail after her counsel P C Vedi had raised the issue, Agrawal claimed.

Calling for a probe into the matter, while promising to make available all the evidence related to the indecent act, Agrawal demanded the resignation of Arya besides action against officials involved in the episode.

However, Central Jail Superintendent Purshottam Somkunwar described the allegations as "totally baseless". The cameras were never installed in any of the women's cell in the jail premises, he said.

"The purported MMS may be generated through 'trick photography', he said, adding a high-level probe into the allegations will make things absolutely clear.

RATATOUILLE IS A TECHNICAL WONDER, BUT LACKS THE QUIRKY LINES

2007-08-24T21:45:00.000+05:30

Ratatouille is a tremendous technical achievement -- it just seems to lack that mad, brilliant quirk we've come to expect from Pixar -- and director Brad Bird, whose last offerings were The Iron Giant and The Incredibles. Animation doesn't get any better.

READ ON

AKSHAY KUMAR TO STAR IN FIRST INDIAN FILM TO BE SHOT IN CHINA

2007-08-24T10:31:00.000+05:30

Bollywood has joined hands with Hollywood major Warner Brothers for Made in China, the first Indian movie to be shot in China.

Shooting for the film, which will feature action star Akshay Kumar and model Deepika Padukone, will begin in January 2008, Warner Bros said in a release Thursday.

Akshay will play a lowly Mumbai cook who is mistaken for a martial arts hero in the movie to be directed by Nikhil Advani of "Kal Ho Na Ho" fame.

The script has been written by Shridhar Raghavan and the music is to be composed by Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonca.

Shooting on location in China will mark a first for an Indian production, said Warner Bros, which is making its initial foray into Bollywood.

The movie will be produced by Ramesh Sippy Productions and Advani's Orion Pictures, while Warner Bros will distribute it worldwide.

Ramesh Sippy, the director of "Sholay", said: "At the turn of the century there was a lot of promise in the air about globalisation in Indian cinema and now with this venture, RSP and Orion are joining hands with Warner Bros, bringing that dream closer to reality.

"Certainly what we hope to achieve at the minimum is a greater knowledge and understanding of the workings and systems of Hollywood and the Indian film industry. And I am sure we both stand to gain a lot from each other."

Blaise Fernandes, country manager for Warner Bros Entertainment India, said, "We'll count on our partners' expertise and will do everything in our power to make a well-crafted, popular and successful Indian film."

WANNA KEEP YOUR CLOTHES FRESH FOREVER? THEN APPLY TITANIUM OXIDE

2007-08-24T10:27:00.000+05:30

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Believe it or not -- people would need only one set of clothes if titanium oxide in its molecular form was applied to them. Such clothes would not absorb sweat or any external particles and would retain an everlasting shine.

"Man would require only one T-shirt or any other clothes since they would not get dirtied by dust or any other particles if the chemical was used by applying nano- technology," A Sivathanu Pillai, Chief Controller of Research and Development in DRDO, said during an interaction with college students here.

"You can just wipe off tea if it falls on the shirt. It will not be absorbed by the shirt. The shine would remain," Pillai said, much to the surprise of over 800 students and faculty members assembled for the function.

Applying titanium oxide to the clothes would not cause any harm to the human skin, he assured.

Pillai jokingly remarked that the revenues of the textile industry would dip since people would be happy with one or two sets of clothes.

The DRDO has been conducting research in nano-technology for quite some time.

HEYY BABYY IS A SPECIAL FILM FOR ME: AKSHAY KUMAR

2007-08-23T17:14:00.000+05:30

He is the one actor in tinsel town who has always proved his critics wrong. When he was labelled as an action hero with his 'Khiladi' series films, he did romantic films, negative shade characters and comic roles and proved everyone wrong by his acting and always added feathers in his cap. Now, Akshay Kumar who has been doing consecutive hits is all set with his latest comic film 'Heyy Babyy' which according to him is a very special film.

At Rajasthan's Jaisalmer city shooting for Yash Raj film's upcoming film 'Tashan,' Akshay spoke on various issues candidly with PTI exclusively over phone from Jaisalmer despite his hectic schedule.

'Heyy Babyy,' he said, it is a very special movie for me, because i have done this film only for my little son Aaarav. And i did this because I had never worked with a child artiste, and with this film i have learned that how difficult is this to shoot a film with a child artiste," he said.

They (producer and director) ensure everything for the baby Juhaina who has played vital role in the film. Mind you this baby is only star in the film and we had three doctors and three nurses round the clock for the baby, he said.

"At this stage of my career, working with the child artiste taught me that they are big stars," Akshay Kumar said.

There was no shooting when the baby was sleeping, we were instructed not to disturb the mood of baby when he was having food. All of us (Ritesh Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, Akshay Kumar) had to wait on the set to get his mood right for the shoot.

It was also heard that during the shooting of the film, Akshay proved to be the best babysitter as whenever the baby got into restless mood on the sets, Akki used to take baby onto his lap and soothe her. Up to some extent that's true. Not only me but Ritesh too had looked after the baby well. It was a memorable experience that would not be forgotten, he said.

On the storyline of the film, Akshay, said, "Main kuch nahien bataoonga (I will not tell anything)." All what I can tell you is that people of every age especially kids, parents and grandparents are going to enjoy the film. It is the funiest film that would also make people cry."

Is it true that the film is based on famous Hollywood film 'Three men and a baby?' No, only similarly in our film is that we too have three men and a baby but it is an altogether different film in terms of story telling and direction," he said.

Akshay recalls how he called his costar Vidya Balan up and pretending to be an Australian journalist requested for a interview. She agreed and I interviewed her for about 20 minutes, I had switched on the speaker of my cellphone and let other crew members listen to our conversation. She did that interview so seriously."

'Heyy Babyy' is the directorial debut of anchor Saajid Khan (Farah Khan's brother). Akshay Kumar said he " I know him for the last 20 years.

With this film I can say confidently that film industry has lost a comic actor but we got a good director who would be appreciated for the work he has done in Heyy Babyy." On his stunts and actions the actor says he is ready with Nikhil Advani's 'Made in China' in which he would be seen with all stunts and action.

"I have done action again almost after five years. And when I was doing such film after a long time I thought I should do something special to the audience, and people would definitely love the action and stunts of this film," he said.

Akshay is presently wrapping up the shooting of Yash Raj productions 'Tashan' where he has teamed up with Saif Ali Khan almost after 10 years. He said, "I cannot say much on this film. All what I can tell you is that I am with Saif after 10 years and he is the best co-star to work with."

FROM BOND GIRL TO SITA, IT IS QUITE A TRANSFORMATIION TO SHILPA SHETTY

2007-08-23T17:05:00.000+05:30

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty will play the role of Sita in a movie on Hanuman, her media manager Del Bhagwagar said on Wednesday night.

Shilpa agreed to accept the role after weighing pros and cons, he said.

The film is to be produced by Puru Patel who is talking to Hollywood star Keno Reev of "Matrix" series fame to play the role of Rama, Bhagwagar told Aaj Tak.

The producer is also in talks with some Hollywood actors to play the character of Hanuman, he added.

Bhagwagar said the actress had got 10-11 offers from the UK, 6-7 offers from the US to act in films there but she has so far agreed to act only in the project being undertaken by Patel.

BAMBOO WORK 'ENRICHES' SANJAY DUTT, WHO IS OUT ON BAIL TODAY

2007-08-23T17:02:00.000+05:30

When actor Sanjay Dutt walked free out of Yerwada central prison this morning, he was richer by Rs 25 paid for the work done by him under rigorous imprisonment drill.

"Munnabhai" of the celluloid screen, Dutt, a convict in 1993 Mumbai blast case, who spent three weeks behind bars had been weaving and enmeshing bamboo chairs under "cane work" category of manual labour, said jail superitendent Rajendra Dhamne.

Though the highly paid Bollywood actor known for acting skills, Dutt was treated as an unskilled labourer under training which entitled him to wages of Rs 12.50 for an eight hours shift called "vardi" in jail parlance.

His work hours were counted after he finished learning the job which totalled 16 hours equivalant to "two vardis", at the rate of Rs 12.50, Dhamne said.

The actor sentenced to six years RI under the Arms Act, showed good application at assigned work and made nearly two sets of cane chairs consisting of seat and back-support, jail sources said.

IF YOU TASTE SUCCESS IN TOLLYWOOD, WILL TEMPTRESSES BE FAR BEHIND?

2007-08-22T20:20:00.000+05:30

Success is really relative. Because the more successful you are, the more relatives you have! Anyone who is someone rushes in to bask in the glory of your 'relative' success. And if it is Film Nagar, there are the baaja bhajantrees, called politely in English as bootlickers, who would do anything to hang around with you. Of course, it is not for nothing that they are hankering for your attention. They wait for their pound of flesh when the time is ripe.

You may manage to keep them at bay, but how would one tackle with the biggest relatives of them all -- the temptresses, who will stop at nothing to lure the successful ones with their Page 3 guile and their carefully cultivated oomph and charm? There are only two options: You either run away from them or fall prey to their machinations. And the latter is the fate of many successful filmmakers in the Telugu film industry.

It is learnt that a family of three brothers in Film Nagar, which has successfully carved a niche for itself in Tollywood as producers, is unfortunately caught in the wile company of three such temptresses. Of the three brothers, the first one is reportedly going around with a social butterfly, the Page 3 type. An ex-NRI managed to hook on to the second. And the last, we hear, is revelling in the cosy company of a popular Telugu actor's daughter.

Like every fling, their affairs too started off as one of those passing fancies, but today, it looks like that they are steeped in the "comfort zone" of these not-so-lovely ladies to figure out the extent of damage they have done to their family relationships. We hear that at least one of the brother's marriages is on the rocks. Will the others follow suit? Going by the way, these women have been weilding sway over these guys, looks like it may not be far off.

NOKIA CONTROVERSY: 'DUPLICATE' BATTERY SALES TAKE A HIT

2007-08-22T16:46:00.000+05:30

The Nokia BL-5C battery

With reports of some cellphones not functioning properly while getting charged or during thunderstorms and unsafe batteries being recalled by one of the largest cellphone manufacturer, Nokia, the grey market of duplicate batteries has taken a hit.

"Earlier, we had brisk sales of duplicate cellphone batteries which used to cost much cheaper than the original ones but now because of the Nokia controversy, the sales have dipped," says Pintu, a shop owner in Gaffar Market, New Delhi, one of the biggest grey markets for cellphones in the capital.

While Nokia may have issued a warning about a batch of defective cellphone batteries offering free replacements, even grey market buyers have now become smarter. "We usually have different range of cellphone batteries catering to all kinds of people. Since the controversy, the demand for lower end batteries has dropped considerably," says Tarloch Singh, another cellphone shop owner in the capital.

He adds that even though duplicate battery still sells, it is the better ones with a higher price than local batteries are in demand.

According to Indian Cellular Association (ICA), of the 45 million replacement batteries in the Indian mobile market, about 80 per cent are counterfeit and unsafe.(ICA), of the 45 million replacement batteries in the Indian mobile market, about 80 per cent are counterfeit and unsafe.

RANVIR SHOREY WANTS TO DIRECT, BUT CONFUSED ON WHAT KIND OF FILM TO DO

2007-08-22T16:34:00.000+05:30

VJ-turned-actor Ranvir of 'Bheja Fry' fame says he desires to go behind the camera and that there is a budding director in him. However, he is not very clear what kind of film he would want to choose for his first directorial venture.

"Yes, I would like to direct a film. But right now I have no idea what kind of film it would be," quips Ranvir, who has earned critical acclaim for his films like 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', 'Pyar Ke Side Effects', 'Bheja Fry' etc.

The actor is quite happy with the way his career is shaping up. With big films like Yash Raj's 'Aaja Nachle', in which Madhuri Dixit is making her comeback, and Rajat Kapoor's 'Mithya' in his kitty, he sure would be more than delighted.

"I am happy about ''Nachle'. Getting the film is, in someway, recognition of my work," avers Ranvir, without revealing anything about his role in the film except that he plays "a man in love with Madhuri." The actor, who started his career with some blink-you-miss roles in films like 'Ek Chhoti Si Lovestory', 'Jism', 'Lakshya', has sure come a long way since his VJing days. He's been part of some big multi-starers like Reema Kagti's 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd', Naseeruddin Shah's 'Yun Hota To Kya Hota' and Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Traffic Signal'. He will now be seen in Rahul Rawail's 'Buddha Mar Gaya' and Anurag Kashyap's 'No Smoking' which also stars John Abraham.

RAM GOPAL VARMA WANTS TO DIRECT AN EROTIC FILM, NO NOT NOW, BUT SOMEDAY

2007-08-22T16:19:00.000+05:30

He has explored the gory mob world and dabbled in the supernatural, but for Bollywood director Ram Gopal Varma nothing gets him excited like refined erotica.

By Indian standards, Varma is unconventional, even bold, and he raised conservative eyebrows last year with a film about love between a girl and a man old enough to be her grandfather.

Like most Bollywood cinema, titillation is integral to his films -- mostly explored through raunchy dance numbers by the heroines. But Varma says if there was one genre of cinema he wanted to explore honestly, it was the erotic.

"I think I can capture the subject through my camera," the filmmaker told Reuters. "I would love to direct an erotic film someday."

And, in India, more often than not that would mean courting controversy. "I honestly don't care about it," he said.

The 45-year-old filmmaker, an acknowledged Bollywood master at making gangster movies, is no stranger to controversy -- be it making a Lolita-esque film or remaking a Bollywood classic.

Varma's remake this year of the landmark 1975 film "Sholay" (Embers) -- which he calls "Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag" (Ram Gopal Varma's Fire) -- first had critics denouncing the attempt at tinkering with classics and then it got into trouble for trying to use the original title.

Varma says the flak actually gave him strength to finish the film -- which is due out this year and narrates the story of two reformed crooks who save a village from a blood-thirsty bandit.

"I have never taken so much care with my other movies," he said. "When I went ahead with the idea of remaking 'Sholay', I knew it was a classic and somebody else's masterpiece which I should take good care of."

Bollywood is remaking a slew of classic Hindi movies, egged on by what it says is the creative challenge of packaging old blockbusters for modern audiences. But many criticize the trend, saying it reflects creative bankruptcy.

Varma disagrees. "It's a new work at the end of the day," he said. "I think there's nothing wrong with someone getting inspired from a masterpiece and then going ahead and trying to recreate the film's spirit in a new time and space."

The style and look of the remakes are also obviously new.

For instance, Varma in his remake of "Sholay" stunned Bollywood by casting Amitabh Bachchan in the iconoclastic role of Gabbar Singh, the merciless villain, while in the original version he was one of the two heroes.

Such is his passion for cinema that Varma, who made his directorial debut in 1989 and has directed 27 films, says he would be dead if he wasn't making films.

"I think I would have been a big failure," he said. "I guess I would have been too bored with life and may have possibly died too. Seriously, I cannot imagine my life without films."

VAJPAYEE'S CONDITION STABLE, TO BE DISCHARGED TOMORROW

2007-08-22T16:16:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, Aug. 22 (PTI): The condition of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was admitted to AIIMS here after he complained of giddiness, is stable and he will be discharged tomorrow.

The condition of the 83-year-old BJP leader is "stable and satisfactory", AIIMS spokesperson Shakti Gupta said in a release today.

Vajpayee had his morning breakfast and his vital signs are normal, the release said.

"He will be kept in hospital for one more day to complete all investigations," the release said.

Vajpayee was admitted to a private ward in the Cardio-Thoracic and Neuro-Sciences Centre of AIIMS after he complained of drowsiness and giddiness yesterday.

A team of doctors, including a cardiologist and neurologist, are looking after him.

BOMB HOAX IN NAMPALLY CRIMINAL COURT

2007-08-22T16:13:00.001+05:30

Proceedings at the Nampally criminal court here were disrupted for over three hours today following a bomb scare in the four-storey building that later proved to be a hoax.

Commotion prevailed in the court as advocates, staff and public ran outside the building, which houses 35 court rooms, after an anonymous caller rang up the second and third metropolitan sessions judges' chambers at 10 am and warned that four bombs planted in the premises might explode at any moment, police said.

Two calls were received by court staff, who immediately alerted police. Soon after, four bomb disposal and sniffer dogs teams, comprising 15 personnel of the City Security Wing, rushed to the court and searched the building for about three hours but found no explosives, police said.

"No explosive material was found and the bomb threat calls turned out to be a hoax," a bomb disposal team member said.

Officials said the calls were made from a from a public telephone booth.

This was the second bomb threat received by the court in the past one month. Earlier, the court had received a similar call on July 18.

SENSEX SURGES 291 POINTS AT MIDSESSION

2007-08-22T16:11:00.000+05:30

In volatile trading, the benchmark Sensex surged over 291 points at midsession on the Bombay Stock Exchange today on emergence of buying by funds amid brokers covering their short positions.

The key index moved in a wide range of 14,280 and 13,870 points on heavy alternate bouts of trading in fundamentally strong stocks led by heavy-machinery and information technology company stocks.

The Sensex gained 291.22 points at 14,280.33 at 13:00 hours, while the wide-based National Stock Exchange's Nifty gained 87.50 points at 4,162.40. The Nifty had fallen to 4,040.15 in morning deals.

The Sensex had plunged 438 points yesterday on political developments over the nuclear issue after the last week's bearish trend over widening sub-prime mortgage problems in US markets.

"The fresh firmness in the market came on speculations that the US Federal Reserve cutting the discount rate might help the market to defuse a crisis in the credit markets and revive demand for riskier assets like equities, Mumbai-based broker Ratnesh Gupta said.

Asian stocks rose on the back of rebound in US stocks for the fourth day yesterday, giving positive signals to the Indian markets, even discounting the political crisis at home, Gupta said.

Reliance Industries, which has the world's third biggest refinery and is the heaviest on the Sensex, jumped Rs 8.15, or 0.5 per cent, to Rs 1,755.5.

Infosys Technologies rose Rs 10, or 0.6 per cent, to Rs 1,771. India's second-largest software exporter expanded into Latin America by setting up a software development and sales unit in Monterrey, Mexico. These two companies carry almost one-fifth of the total weightage on the Sensex.

LINDSAY LOHAN MAY ESCAPE DRUG CHARGES: REPORT

2007-08-22T16:06:00.000+05:30

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is disinclined to charge Lindsay Lohan with three drug-related felonies, a decision that could spare the troubled actress from a prison sentence, celebrity news outlet TMZ.com reported on Tuesday.

The charges are connected with Lohan's two recent arrests for drunken driving, first in May when she crashed her car on Beverly Hills, and then in July when she was involved in a late-night car chase in Santa Monica.

TMZ, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, said the 21-year-old actress would likely face misdemeanor drunk-driving charges for both incidents. If found guilty of both, she would serve a minimum of four days in jail, TMZ.com said.

Legal experts have said Lohan could face up to three years behind bars if confronted with the full weight of the law.

Asked about the TMZ.com report, district attorney spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said the office has not yet received the Santa Monica case and the Beverly Hills case remains under review.

"A public discussion of potential charges prior to a case being filed would be inappropriate and potentially unethical," she said.

Gibbons also denied TMZ.com's report that charges could be filed on Wednesday.

After the Beverly Hills incident, cocaine was found in Lohan's car. After the Santa Monica chase, she was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, cocaine possession, bringing a controlled substance into custody and driving on a suspended license.

Lohan, who has done two rehab stints this year, has seen her promising film career plummet in recent years. Last month, she starred as stripper abducted by a sadistic killer in the box office bomb "I Know Who Killed Me."