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

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)

IS RAJNIKANTH A GOD IN HUMAN FORM? OR A HUMAN GOD? CHECK OUT THE ADORATION

History was made on the second Friday of June when the Rajnikanth starrer Sivaji: The Boss was released all over the country. Fans went into a frenzy finding new ways and means to express their devotion to their maverick superstar. Sacrificial offerings were made to the Gods, heads were tonsured, processions taken out, and crackers bursted. The adoration can only be seen to be believed. Check them out.



Rajnikanth fans doing pooja to the posters of their leader



Performing abhishekham to their demi-god idol with milk



A piece of prasaad for the good success of their god



And the celebrations commence with the bursting of the crackers



And more and more crackers light up the festive spirit



Fans tonsure their heads for the glorious success of the film



Jumbo ways of showing their diehard devotion to Rajnikanth



They are willing to give their leader a place anywhere on their body



The huge serpentine queues to get a glimpse of their hero



And they dig into religion too to find ways to attract the attention



And the jubilations don't stop



And the women painted the town yellow

WHERE HAS REEMA SEN DISAPPEARED TO: CAN SOMEONE TELL US?

Reema Sen is hardly seen in Telugu films these days. Except for one lone film Yamagola malli modalayyindi, she can be rarely sighted in the Telugu film industry. She is one of the few actresses who has the oomph and the talent to wow audiences. For some time, she has been flying high in Kollywood, the Tamil film industry, and has been doing pretty well for herself there bagging roles opposite many of the top heroes. She even excelled in Bollywood with a couple of films, includig one opposite Fardeen Khan. The doe-eyed girl looked really pretty in Cheli, and she had some amazing dance sequences in the film. Wonder, when she will return to Tollywood again. We miss you Reema.

THIS SWIMSUIT IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD: CHECK IT OUT

WANNA KNOW WHY VIDYA BALAN REFUSED TO DO SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD? BECAUSE THE BALL WAS IN HER COURT!!!

Vidya Balan, who made a dramatic entry into Bollywood, knows how to cock a snook at her critics in the South Indian film industry. Unfortunately, Prabhu Deva had to bear the brunt of the lady's ire against the Tamil film industry, as she refused to play the heroine's role in Shankardada Zindabad, despite the promise of a hefty remuneration and an equal footing along with Chiranjeevi in the promos.

Going into the details of the story, before she made her forays in Bollywood, Vidya Iyer, who later became Vidya Balan, was signed for the Malayalam film Chakram, which was shelved. She was then signed in Tamil by Lingusamy for his Run, but she was dropped after the first schedule and replaced by Meera Jasmine. God knows the reason. But it was being whispered that she was a bad actress. And soon word spread about her "acting potential", and while she was trying to recover from rejection and shock, came the second major jolt. Vidya was dropped from another Tamil movie Manasellam, and replaced by Trisha. But, this time she was told the reason: you can't act, please don't waster our time.

She then turned to advertising. She appeared in numerous television ads, many of which were directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She also did supporting roles in music videos, appearing with singers and bands such as Euphoria, Shubha Mudgal, and Pankaj Udhas, and acted in Hindi soap operas like Hum Paanch.

Then Parnieeta happened, followed by Lage Raho Munnabhai, and the actress got critical acclaim and there was no looking back. Interestingly, after the success of Parineeta, the same producer who dropped Vidya Balan from Manasellam on the grounds that she had a non-photogenic face and was a poor actress, sought to sign her opposite Kamal Hassan for Dasavatharam. But Vidya Balan rejected the offer, which went to Asin.

Of course, we can see why the actress has such a grouse against the Tamil filmmakers, but we couldn't understand why she refused to do a film with Chiranjeevi, or the Telugu film industry, who had nothing to do with her jinx story in the south.

But, sources tell us, that the actress was miffed with the very attitude of the southern filmmakers for treating her so badly, and has decided not to do a film in the south. Even if it is in Telugu. That is why despite repeated pleadings, she refused to budge an inch fromer position. And that was when Karishma Kotak was signed on as the heroine.

We understand your situation Vidya, but isn't it time you let bygones be bygones?

CONGRESSMAN FILES DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST SIVAJI FOR TARNISHING THE IMAGE OF SONIA GANDHI AND MANMOHAN SINGH

A defamation suit seeking Rs 50 crore damages and a ban on the screening of Tamil Superstar Rajnikanth's latest blockbuster Sivaji: The Boss was filed in Madras High Court on Monday.

In his petition, M Sathiyamoorthy of the Congress contended the film was defamatory in nature, and aimed at tarnishing the image of AICC President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The film dealt with the exploitation of education system by private institutions which collected capitation fees.

Fifteen minutes into the film, hero Rajnikanth, who plays the role of a US-returned software engineer, visits the place of Adikesavan, the villain and head of a private university, who is shown standing between the laminated photographs of Ms Gandhi and Dr Singh.

By portraying the senior Congress leaders with the villain, the image of the senior party leaders was tarnished, Sathiyamoorthy contended and sought Rs 50 crore in damages and a ban on screening the film.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Censor Board (Chennai), actor Rajnikanth, Film Producer AVM Saravanan, Director Shankar, and TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu were cited as respondents.

The petition was likely to be taken up for hearing on Monday.

RAJNI'S COOOOOOOOOOL STYLE BECOMES A RAGE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY!

Rajnikanth in his latest Tamil flick Sivaji: The Boss sports a stylish pair of sunglasses, Amitabh Bacchchan plays a bespectacled 64-year-old cook in Cheeni Kum, and the major cast of Metro -- Irfaan Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Konkona SenSharma -- all sport zero power spectacles.

"No wonder 75 per cent of the people do not follow the optical store salesman's suggestion. They are influenced by movies and various magazines, newspapers and printed matter. Market trends keep fluctuating and things are much different than a few years ago when where one particular trend used to dominate for years. Today, fashion is changing very fast and the hot designs keep changing rapidly," says Tarun Sachdeva, of Eye Essentials, which deals in vision correcting aids, spectacle frames etc.

With more and more actors wearing glasses on screen, the common man is following suit and becoming choosy about the frames and quality of glasses. Multi-coloured and broad-sized frames are 'hot'. "Sunglasses and frames are available for Rs 1,000 and Rs 60,000," says Lalit Kalra, Director, Dayal Opticals. Also, with increasing brand consciousness people are aware of the varieties of frames and sunglasses available.

"They have fixed ideas about the type of brand they want," says Manoj Soni, Laurence and Mayo, Connaught Place. He says, "Earlier people might have been vaguely aware of some sunglass brands but nowadays due to huge advertisments in the media there is a growing awareness in the market about the wide variety of choice available to them."

Manoj Soni adds, "While customers may demand specific brands for frames awareness about lenses is still insufficient in the market." Vogue Prada, Versace, Bovigare, Gucci are the most popular brands. The latest trend is that of titanium metal because they are very flexible and strong and almost impossible to break," he says.

THE TITANS OF INDIAN CINEMA, RAJNIKANTH AND KAMAL HAASAN, CHATTING UP THEIR GOOD OLD DAYS

They are the titans of Indian cinema. They set the trend and others follow. While Rajnikanth is the virtual emperor of the masses, Kamal Haasan has carved a niche for himself as the actor's actor. When it comes to excellling in any role, no one can come anywhere near him. While Rajnikanth showed who the boss of Indian cinema was with the release of his latest film Sivaji, Kamal is set to prove to the Bolywood biggies who the best actor in India is with his portrayal of 10 roles in Dasavataram.

The two of them recently met at the 800-odd function of Chandramukhi. And the discoveries of K Balachander, who have done many a film together during their heydays, can't seem to be recalling their good old days.

ACTOR PRASHANT FILES PETITION IN FAMILY COURT TO DECLARE HIS MARRIAGE NULL AND VOID, WANTS CUSTODY OF HIS SON

Popular actor T Prashanth on Wednesday filed a petition before a family Court, seeking to declare his marriage with Grahalakshmi null and void, and to grant custody of his son to him.

Prashanth appeared in person and filed the petition.

Prashanth had filed a petition earlier seeking restitution of conjugal rights. Though initially Grahalakshmi objected to this and claimed Rs one lakh per month as interim compensation, she subsequently expressed her willingness to join with him.

Two conciliation meetings were held by the Family Court.

During the process, Grahalakshmi lodged a complaint before the Commissioner of Police, alleging dowry harassment. Following this, Prashanth filed anticipatory bail petition. While granting anticipatory bail, a sessions court observed that since both parties expressed their willingness to 're-join,'it could be better if they appear before the family court on June 18 and settle the issue.

Prashanth then lodged a complaint before the police, alleging that Grahalakshmi was already married and that she had suppressed the fact and married himn.

He also filed a petition before the family court, seeking permission to withdraw his petition seeking restitution of conjugal rights. He withdrew the petition yesterday after the permission was granted.


PHONE FILM FESTIVAL: DIAL INTO IT AND YOU'LL LIKE IT

SHRIYA IS BASKING IN THE LIMELIGHT OF THE GLORIOUS SUCCESS OF SIVAJI: THE BOSS

While Sivaji is the reigning boss of the country, one person who has reaped the most mileage from the film is Shriya. She has been virtually on the sidelines in both Tamil and Telugu. But with the resounding success of Sivaji, she is glowing in all the attention. Literally. Producers from the Tamil film industry are queuing up before her house for callsheets. And, we hear, it's not just one, but a lot many of them. So much so that she has a chance to pick and choose not only the films, but also the heroes she wants to work with. Part of the credit for her demand goes to the new look Shankar gave her in Sivaji. She was at her ravishing best, we must say. And quite bubbly too to command a following among the filmmakers.

What more, her debut film in Bollywood, Awarapan, which was released last Friday, has been receiving rave reviews. And this is like a double bonanza for her. Says the actress who is on cloud nine. "I accepted Awarapan because I was convinced of its strong storyline, the director and the reputed production house. They have a history of making sensitive films that have become hits. Their female characters are well etched. After the success of my films in the South, I needed a film that could parallel my position there. I think I have made the right decision".

Even before Awarapan has been released, she has been booked opposite Bobby Deol in Sangeet Sivan's Ek -The Power of One . Besides, she has two films lined up in Tamil with the reigning superstars Vikram and Vijay.

We also hear that some of the Tollywood filmmakers are planninig to cast her.

It surely makes a whole lot of difference to a heroine when she acts in a Rajnikanth film. Make the most of it Shriya. You deserve it.

THE KING AND THE EMPEROR OF INDIAN CINEMA -- AMITABH BACHCHAN AND RAJNIKANTH -- TO ACT TOGETHER IN A TAMIL FILM

It will take a while for the legends of Indian cinema Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth to decide who is the King and who is the Emperor of Indian Cinema. But, before that both of them have decided to act together in a Tamil film. Says Amitabh Bachchan, "The producer of Sivaji bought the rights of a film of mine that had closed shop due to financial constraints. In return, I was required to work as a guest in the film being made with Rajnikanth. That's how it happened. And, thank God it did."

Explaining how he had done a guest role in one of Rajnikanth's Hindi films, Amitabh recalls, "I remember Rajni starred in the Hindi film Andha Kanoon which had me in one of the most dynamic guest appearances of my life."

Wow! Good times are ahead for Indian cinema. And what should the director name the film? KING EMPEROR?

SOME MOUTH-WATERING PIX FOR THE SENSUOUS SOUL: YOU WILL LOVE THEM ALL THE WAY

SHREYA REAPS A WINDFALL OF OFFERS FROM THE TREMENDOUS SUCCESS OF SIVAJI: THE BOSS

If at all anyone is reaping a windfall from the success of Sivaji: The Boss, it is Shreya. She is hogging all the limelight from the filmmakers in South India. Till now, she hardly had any films on hand in the south, none whatsoever in Telugu. But, now this babe is surrounded with offers left, right and centre we hear. And she has a problem of plenty thanks to her mod look in Sivaji, which has done wonders for her image. She should thank Aishwarya and Rani Mukerji for her newfound popularity in Sivaji. Because the roles initially went to them, and only after they rejected that Shreya was cast opposite Rajnikant. And what a way to step into the shoes of the Bollywood babes. All the best Shreya. You now have the option of demanding your pound of flesh. And a fat one at that.

DON'T GET IN RAJENDRA PRASAD'S WAY. HE IS THE QUICK GUN MURUGAN ON THE PROWL

Talking about Rambha, who stole the thunder from under the feet of Sri Devi, literally (she has inherited her thunder thighs title, from Sri Devi) has bagged the role of a heroine in a Rajendra Prasad film. Now, before you ask: Rajendra Prasad who? Let us explain that the comedy hero of yesteryear, who has been struggling to hold on to the Telugu film industry with his Uncle Sam roles, has been booked for a bilingual film Quick Gun Murugan. He will appear as a cowherd or cow boy or cowdung, whatever it may be, and try his best to make you laugh. And Rambha would provide the sensuous elements in the movie. So it is gonna be a riotous mix of sensuality and laughter. Will it do the trick for the Aa okkatee adakku pair?

RAJNIKANTH AND NAYANATARA SING AND DANCE THEIR WAY TO GLORY IN SIVAJI: THE BOSS

TAKE A DEKKO AT SOME OF THE FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHS FROM SIVAJI: THE BOSS

A COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHS FROM SIVAJI: THE BOSS. SIT BACK AND ENJOY

YOU CAN'T HAVE ENOUGH OF RAJNIKANTH: THE BOSS OF INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY

YOU CAN'T HAVE ENOUGH OF RAJNIKANTH: THE BOSS OF INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY