A new Rajamouli was born with Maryada Ramanna : Keeravani

Legendary music director who has worked with some of the biggest and best directors in the business. He has been watching ace director S.S.Rajamouli since his childhood days and he has worked with him since ‘Student No.1′. In a candid interview given to a leading newspaper, Keeravani has made some very interesting observations about Rajamouli.

“I have been watching Rajamouli grow by leaps and bounds over the years. But, his thinking process and enthusiasm remain the same. He has matured a lot from a technical perspective and his knowledge of film making is superb. Up until Magadheera, Rajamouli was making routine commercial movies. His destiny and direction changed with Maryada Ramanna. A new director was born and you can expect great films and good cinema from Rajamouli in future.”, said Keeravani

Keeravani went on to describe how hard Rajamouli worked for his upcoming film ‘Eega’ and how it has been a unique experience to score music for a flying hero with no ‘image’.

IT’S STAR WARS THIS JULY IN Tollywood

A spate of big budget movies are all set to battle it out at the box office the coming month

Come July and Tollywood big screens are all set to turn into a battlefield. Some of this year’s mostanticipated films — Rajamouli’s “Eega” starring Nani and Samantha, Trivikram Srinivas’s “Julayi”, Puri Jagannath’s “Devudu Chesina Manushulu” starring Ravi Teja and Ileana, Lakshmi Manchu’s “U Kodathara Ulukki Padathara” (UKUP) starring Manchu Manoj and Deeksha Seth and MS Raju’s “Tuneega Tuneega” that will introduce debutantes Sumanth Ashwin and Rhea Chakroborty— are all releasing in July! Apart from these films, Tamil films like Kamal Haasan’s “Viswaroopam”, and Chakri Tholeti’s “David Billa” are also releasing in Telugu in the same month.

It’s no surprise then that industry insiders say this month is going to be a crucial one for the film industry. “Just this month, business of more than 100 crores is riding on Tollywood,” says Suresh Babu, president, AP Film Chamber of Commerce. He adds that this year has already been a fruitful one with big hits like “Gabbar Singh” and other small films too doing well at the box-office. While this may be a reason to celebrate, there is also a concern whether city theatres can accommodate all the movies at the same time. Suresh Babu adds, “Rajamouli’s “Eega” will kick-start the month and if it’s a hit, theatres will definitely face planning issues, considering they might not have enough screens for all movies. The release dates of some movies may have to be postponed.”

Cinematically too, the month is a crucial one for the actors. Ravi Teja, whose last two films, “Nippu” and “Daruvu” had a thanda response, is looking to break the spell with Puri Jagannadh’s “Devudu Chesina Manushulu” (DCM). “This is my fifth film with Ravi Teja and we are going to work magic again,” says Puri, when contacted.

It’s a testing time for actress Ileana, who is making her comeback to Telugu films after a long hiatus, with two big releases in just one month — Ravi Teja-starrer “DCM” and “Julayi” with Allu Arjun. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun is also in dire need of a hit after “Badrinath”, that released a year ago, failed to make a mark.

Producers meanwhile, are keeping their fingers crossed. MS Raju, whose last film
“Maska” released in 2009 is making a comeback with “Tuneega Tuneega”. He is not only directing the movie, but is also introducing his son Sumanth in this rom-com. This month also marks Lakshmi Manchu’s debut as a producer with “UKUP”. She says, “The film has shaped up well and I am feeling confident,” she says. The movie is expected to give her actor brother, Manchu Manoj, a career boost.
    Meanwhile, big budget dubbed films will have to fight with top Tollywood titles. Sobha Rani, producer of the Ajith-starrer “David Billa”, says, “I’m releasing the movie in over 200 theatres as Ajith has a big fan following in AP.” Kamal Haasan’s “Viswaroopam” too may release in July, though the date hasn’t been confirmed.

SS Rajamouli's 'Eega' to be released in 3D in Hindi

Bilingual animation Movie 'Eega', claimed to be southern cinema's most technologically superior movie, will be dubbed in Hindi, which will be converted into 3D version, says producer Suresh Babu.
The socio-fantasy film, releasing worldwide in Tamil and Telugu July 6 with 1,200 prints, is written and directed by SS Rajamouli.
Conversion technology is being used to make the 3D version of the movie, said the filmmakers at a press meet here. Producer Suresh Babu said that movie has cost between Rs.28 crore to Rs.30 crore.


"We are sure to release the 3D version of 'Eega' in compatible theatres in north and Maharashtra. We are releasing the Telugu version 'Eega' and Tamil version 'Naan Ee' in Mumbai and other important centres in north," said Rajamouli.
The Hindi version is expected to come out at the end of the year and the director is confident of "a greater response to the 3D version in Hindi when it is released".
In the film, a house fly plays the protagonist's role, while Kannada actor Sudeep plays the antagonist, who kills a young man who falls for the same girl as him.
Later, the dead man takes the life of a house fly to torment the antagonist.

Kajal denies competition with Tamannah

Everyone has a different opinion about beauty and for Kajal, it is acting that speaks more than the way one looks. “I am quite blessed to get a lot of compliments everyday for which I am thankful to all my fans. I believe that acting does have an upper hand over looks. Your acting can help radiate the beauty within,” she says.
With the film industry abuzz with the debate initiated by Bollywood divas, Kareena Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Vidya Balan about being voluptuous or size zero, Kajal says, “Voluptuous, any day. Indian woman is known for her curves. I don’t believe in the entire thing of size zero fad. I believe in staying good and living healthy.”
The actress, who undoubtedly has beauty with brains, is busy with eight films (three Tamil, four Telugu and one Hindi film) for this year. “I am extremely thankful for all the love I receive from my fans and the industry. They have shown immense faith in me and my potential. It is difficult to meet everybody’s expectations but there is a sense of achievement as I try to do something different in my films. I hope all my films click,” she said.
Currently she has completed shoot with two big films - 'Maatran' with Suriya in the lead and directed by K V Anand and AR Murugadoss’s 'Thuppaki' with Vijay in the lead. Asserting that she is not competing with Tammanah or anybody else in Tamil industry, she said, “I don’t believe in the number one game. Everyone is extremely talented in the industry. That’s why we are all here. If you like the script and are apt for the role, they choose you and you choose to be in the film.”

I’m not comfortable with skin show Says Shakuni Fame Pranitha

Pranitha Subhash’s Saguni has just hit the screens and the actor is all excited. “I play a city -based girl, who is simple, sweet and innocent. I could relate to this character because it is a bit like what I am in real life. There was an inordinate delay in the release of the film because of the strike in the Tamil film industry. Also because there are a lot of artists in the film and matching their dates took time,” says the actor.

Talking about her experience working withKarthi, Pranitha says, “Karthi is amazing to work with. He’s a superb actor and a very friendly person. He makes sure everyone around him is comfortable. He’s very experienced and also very well organised when it comes to his work. Hence it was also a learning experience for me.”

Since Pranitha has worked in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada cinema, which will be her priority?

“All the three industries are of equal priority to me as I am working with some of the most talented people across these three industries,” says she. Will Pranitha be comfortable with skin show, if a role demanded? “I’m not very comfortable with skin show,” she says.

The news of a rift with Salman did bother me: Sonu Sood

A little over a decade in Bollywood and Sonu Sood's confidence in his talent and in the craft of cinema is showing. And it's not screaming from his every pore; it's subtle yet substantive.

If he's worked hard to get the rights of a South song - Aa Ante Amalapura for his latest film, Maximum, "it's because of my long association with the South Indian industry." If he got a Pak band Raga Boyz compose a song for the film, "it's because they are awesome and their music would add value to the film." In a world driven by commerce, reasons that stem from the heart are few, you tell him. Brushing aside the compliment, Sonu says, "Time spent in the industry has taught me a lot. I know that now, my suggestions will be mulled upon. I feel confident to give them now and feel happy when they are listened to and worked upon."

Action unplugged
Heroes in khaki and their films becoming super-duper hits is a recent B-town phenomenon. Did that tempt Sonu to work in Maximum? He says, "Honestly, no! This film's narrative is about the Mumbai police force's functioning and there's a realism about the script, which I loved. There's action, but you won't see cars flying and me beating up 10 goons at a time! Also there's no show of rippling muscles and six pack abs...I play a fit, shirt on, clothed cop!" And did he have any special session with the police? Sonu says, "I did meet many police officers and heard their stories and observed their nuances. It was a research I enjoyed doing." Speaking of observing, ask Sonu how it was to work with Naseeruddin Shah and he says, "When it comes to acting, Naseer saab is an institution in himself. I learnt a lot from him just by merely looking at the way he approaches a scene. He is absolutely brilliant."

Engineering success
From a regular engineer to a Bollywood star - Sonu's success story is one of hard work. If Maximum is all set for release now, then Shootout at Wadala is next and then his own production Lucky Unlucky. Says Sonu, "I am just blessed to be busy and in an industry I love!" But, ask him how he deal with news of rifts/fights etc that this very industry brings along (read his alleged fallout with Salman post Dabangg, rift with Akshay over rights of a song) and he says, "I have always clarified my stand and that's why I have forged good friendships here. The news of a rift with Salman did bother me, but I knew the truth and emerged stronger. Time teaches you a lot!" So, will Salman be invited to the premiere of Maximum? "I am sure he will, but I must add that I don't believe that merely an attendance or absence from a party or premiere can make or mar a friendship! For God's sake a friendship is a serious relationship. It can't be gauged at parties!"

Emotional bond
All set to visit Nagpur ask Sonu how he feels to be back where it all started? He replies, "Nagpur for me is more than just special. I share an emotional bond with it. This was the city where I bought movie tickets in black! This was where I'd see posters of stars near cinema halls; today I see posters of my films. On the outside it does seem like a natural progression of a star, but to me it's surreal. That's why I will cherish Nagpur - as it's here that the surreal and real blend beautifully for me."

Anushka romancing the Bad Boy

Tamil actor Karthi’s next film Alex Pandian is going to be released in Telugu as well. It is titled Bad Boy in Telugu. Anushka plays the female lead in the film. Alex Pandian is an action entertainer directed by Sooraj.

Studio Green is producing this film. Karthi’s upcoming release Saguni (Sakuni) will release on June 22. Karthi is the only Tamil hero with hundred percent success rate. He is yet to taste a flop. Both Saguni and Alex Pandian are riding on high expectations.

Anushka does some dare devil stunts in Bad Boy. This film will release in October.

Shah Rukh’s wife Gauri patches up with Priyanka

Until recently, Bollywood’s first wife Gauri Khan and Priyanka Chopra exchanged icy vibes over the former’s alleged romantic liaison with hubby Shah Rukh Khan. Gauri reportedly developed an aversion to PC when SRK and her co-star got too intimate while filming ‘Don 2’ with situation going off hand, especially when Priyanka was spotted exiting Shah Rukh’s pad at 3 am!

To ensure that there was nothing going between SRK and PC, mediators sprung into action to convince Gauri that the reports she had been hearing about her husband and his new lady love are noting but rumours. And now, guess what, insiders have confirmed that that the duo has patched up.

Talking to a daily, a source close to the Khans said, "Things are solved now. Jo thoda bahot issues Gauri had with PC have been sorted now. Right now, SRK is shooting abroad, but when he`ll be back in mid-July, and will host parties, Priyanka will certainly be invited, and Gauri will have pictures clicked with her. There was some trouble, but all is well now.”

Khadgam actress pregnant ?

The Actresses turning into mums , It’s a season of celeb babies. After Aishwarya Rai, shilpa Shetty  and Shwetha Menon it is going to be actress Sangeetha. The Khadgam actress is pregnant with her first child. She married singer Krish in February 2009.

Actress Tamannaah, Shriya to dance for Charan ?

The dates are finalized. Actor Ram Charan Tej and Apollo heiress Upasna Kamineni will kickstart their wedding celebrations with a grand sangeet to be held on June 11. According to a source, it will be hosted at Annapoorna Studios and the entire Tollywood fraternity will be in attendance.

” Allu Arjun, Shriya Saran and Tamannaah are some of the names who are said to be performing at Charan and Upasna’s sangeet.” We also hear that comedian Ali may dance to the popular Kajra Re song at the sangeet. “Ali performed to the song at the wedding of Chiranjeevi’s older daughter a few years ago and it was the talk of the town then. Chiranjeevi now wants him to do an encore at his son’s sangeet too,” adds the source.
The day after, on June 12, both families will be travelling to Domakonda to perform a puja. “Domakonda is the Kaminenis’ native place and before any big occasion, they consider it auspicious to visit the Mutyalamma Temple to take the blessings of their family goddess,” added the source.
The pellikoothuru ceremony will take place on the morning of June 13 at Upasna’s Hyderabad residence. “On the same evening, the Apollo family is hosting dinner for the guests. June 14 is the wedding day. The ceremony will be held at the bride’s house itself and the guest list will be confirmed in a couple of days,” revealed the source.
Both the families have already dispatched the wedding invitations to their close friends and family.

Hero Ram joins 1 lakh club

Dynamic Actor  Ram has joined the elite club of celebrities with lakh followers on Twitter.An actor’s popularity is being calculated by the number of followers he or she has. Ram is happy to have 1 lakh followers and thanked one and all for making him reach the landmark.

“1Lakh!! ISTAPADI /Interest vundi/Information kosam/Irritate cheyadam kosam - follow ayina vaalandhariki naa dhanyavaadhamulu. THANK U!” tweeted the actor. Ram is anxiously waiting for the release of Endukante Premanta.

Ram believes that this film could fetch him a cool hit in this hot summer. Ram and Tamanna played the lead roles in this movie directed by Karunakaran. It is a feel good romantic entertainer targeted at young audience.

Poonam Pandey finally poses nude

Hot And Spicy model Poonam Pandey is established  that she is the boldest among the Indian models. Poonam Pandey has hit headlines with her sensational statement that she would go nude if team India wins the world cup. She stated a year ago that she would strip to naked for the love of the Cricket. Stick no to that statement she posed nude for Kolkata Knight Riders after they won the 5th IPL.     


Poonam has released the picture as she promised. Poonam laid on floor with bare body in this photo which is making her fans go mad. She released this photo in a social net work website yesterday and created a lot buzz in internet. This 20 year old model has also been the most searched celebrity over the past few months on Google for her hot photos.


Check out the Nude hot photo of Poonam Pandey that is currently creating waves on the net. 

've struggled a lot to reach this level: Vikram

Vikram has won a national award and has several hits to his credit. Yet, the first thing that strikes you when you meet him is his humility. But that is a quality Vikram has learnt in the 15 years that took him to make a mark in the film industry.

Vikram''s debut as a protagonist was way back in 1989 in the Tamil film Meera directed by P.C. Sriram. Though several films followed in tamil, Malayalam and telugu he was lost in the shadows. Things changed when Sethu, directed by Bala became a hit. His sensitive portrayal of a mentally disturbed person won him kudos from all quarters. Offers poured in. "I struggled a lot to reach this level. I am a very optimistic person," he says in an interview.


What are your forthcoming projects?

I'll be doing A.M. Rathnam's Bhima, Dhanu and the remake of Chandupottu. Dileep has done a great job in the movie. I'm waiting to enact the role of Radha. It'll be challenging, but yes, I can do it.

Your latest film Majaa is a remake of Thommanum Makkalum?

Yes, I happened to see Thommanum Makkalum and I liked it a lot. I asked director Shafi if we could do a remake of it. He instantly agreed. We have changed it a bit for the Tamil audience In Majaa, I have also pitched in as assistant director.

Any offers in Malayalam?

I would love to act in Malayalam movies. I have got a few offers too. But let me see, if the script moves me, I will accept it. In fact, Keralites have a sympathy for the underdogs, my film Sethu was well received here!

Are you costly for Malayalam?

laughs) Actually, money is no longer an issue for me. It's just that the role has to make me say, `Yeah, I have to do this at any cost.' Then, I'll accept it.

You have acted in several Malayalam films. But you never made it big in Mollywood. What do you think is the reason?

Most of my movies in Malayalam have been hits. But I was never a hero here, I was just the lucky mascot!

What's your dream role?

Chappani in Pathinaru Vayathinile. I also want to be a stylish villain, a really bad man who steals the show.

Who are the actors you admire?

I am a fan of Kamal Hassan and Rajini sir. At the international level, it's Robert De Nero and Meryl Steep. They made me love cinema.

The best compliment you ever got?

After seeing Anniyan, Rajini sir called me and said: ``Good movie. People will remember you 30 years from now. It was like seeing Shivaji back on screen,'' That was the ultimate compliment I could get.

Any directorial ambitions?

Not yet! Why risk money!

Tell us about your family?

My wife who is from Kannur is a psychologist (Well she helps me with the behavioural patterns of my characters). My children are in school. That's all about me!

Don't wanna sit near Rekha in Parliament, Jaya?

After rumours that he may have been instrumental in pitting Rekha against Jaya Bachchan at the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla has a new worry.


Word in the corridors of power is, Mrs Bachchan requested for a change in her seat, number 91, after she discovered that Rekha has been allotted seat number 98. The implication? The two ladies with unforgettable personal rivalry would be sitting quite close to each other and could be caught in the same frame of the roving RS camera. However, in her letter to the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Mrs Bachchan has cited the demise of a former SP colleague, Brijbhushan Tiwary, who occupied seat 92, as the reason why she wants to be shifted. Negotiations are supposedly moving at a frenetic pace at Shukla's office to find a more appropriate seat for Jaya.


On record however, the minister is unwilling to comment on this. But those in the know revealed that a decision will be taken in a day or two. After all, no House would want to risk the wrath of a woman scorned.

Competetion between Tamannah & Asin

Tamannah was a popular and much sought after model before films happened. Now she is one of the hottest heroines as well as a brand ambassador for many  products. The latest is that the actress has been roped in as the brand ambassador of Fanta, a popular soft drink.

The actress will be doing a commercial for Fanta and will also be part of a promotional campaign where fans who are also Fanta drinkers will get the chance to meet her. Tamannah said she is happy to be associated with the brand. She is also set to give some serious competition to Asin who is endorsing a rival soft drink

Ajay Devgn my lucky charm: Tusshar Kapoor

Mumbai: Actor Tusshar Kapoor says Ajay Devgn is his lucky charm and that`s why he roped him in to do the voiceover in his forthcoming movie `Chaar Din Ki Chandni.`

"Yes, definitely, he is my lucky charm. We have done five films, of which four have been hit. I hope that even this film does well as he has done a voiceover for us in the film," Tusshar, who has worked with Ajay in `Khakee` and `Golmaal` franchise, said at an event here.

Tusshar developed a strong bonding with Ajay during the shoot of the `Golmaal` franchise.

"Our bonding strengthened as we have done so many films together, Kareena Kapoor, him and me have done three films together. It`s the same unit, same director, same set-up, same series. We do things together during shooting, so a friendship and a comfort level has developed. We chat together when the shoot is not on. We share a great professional relationship," he said.

Directed by Samir Karnik, `Chaar Din Ki Chandni` features Kulraj Randhawa of `Yamla Pagla Deewana` fame opposite Tusshar and hits theatres Holi.

Katrina to recapitulate Hema’s role in ‘Seeta and Geeta’ remake

Mumbai: Remake of Bollywood classic ‘Seeta aur Geeta’ might finally see the light of the day. Right from it’s onset, the modern version of this cult was jinxed as the script of the film ran into legal hassles over licensing issues.

However, according to latest reports it has been confirmed that the film is all set to go on floors and it will be made by Sunil Bohra and Viacom 18.

The makers have roped in Katrina Kaif to reprise Hema Malini’s role in the film. And insiders reveal that Abhay Deol and Akshay Kumar are being considered for the role of Sanjeev Kumar and Dharmendra respectively.

Considering nothing more than the lead has been finalised and revealed yet, we hope the makers do justice to the remake. And most of it all, the real question is – Will Katrina be able to re-create Hema’s magic? 

Saif Ali Khan files counter complaint, police say no clean chit yet to anyone

Mumbai:  Saif Ali Khan has filed a counter complaint with the Mumbai police against Iqbal Sharma, the man who claims that the actor assaulted him and fractured his nose at a restaurant in Mumbai late on Tuesday night. In his complaint, Saif has alleged that Mr Sharma's father-in-law punched him first and that the duo abused the women who were accompanying him at the restaurant.

Yesterday, at around 7:50 pm, Saif was arrested by the police at his lawyer's office based on the complaint filed by Iqbal Sharma. The actor arrived at the Colaba police station at 8 pm. Girlfriend and co-star Kareena Kapoor accompanied him. Around 90 minutes later, he left after having paid Rs. 15,000 and being granted bail.

Mr Sharma, a businessman from South Africa, says he was seated at the table next to Saif and his group at Wasabi, the uber-fancy restaurant at the Taj hotel in Colaba. The actor had other Bollywood friends with him - Kareena Kapoor, Kareena's sister Karisma Kapoor, actor Amrita Arora and her husband, Shakeel Ladak, and Bilal Amrohi, a producer.  (Watch: The man whose nose Saif allegedly fractured)

In his version of events, Mr Sharma says he sent a note to Saif's table, asking his group to talk a little softer. "They were making a lot of noise. And we asked the management to ask them to be quiet so that we could also enjoy our evening. This failed on about three occasions at least." Mr Sharma says his family and he decided to leave the restaurant; on their way out, they ran into Saif who had left Wasabi and was on his way back in. At this point, Mr Sharma says, Saif struck.

But the actor says that's not the case. He claims he was hit first and so he acted in self defence. He adds that Mr Sharma was rude to the women at his table and that when he intervened, Mr Sharma threw the first punch. "I acted in self-defence. I was hit...I've got hit on the eye," he said in a press conference on Wednesday evening.  Earlier, in a press statement released just after he got bail, Saif said, "I don't think any gentleman would have behaved differently. The CCTV footage in the restaurant will prove everything." (Full text of Saif's statement to the police)

In his complaint, the actor has also alleged that his eye got swollen after he was punched and that Bilal Amrohi and Shakeel Ladak too have got bruises on their chest.

Police say they will study Saif's application and then decide if it's a cognizable offence. So far, they insist, they haven't given a clean chit to either the actor or Mr Sharma.

"We are studying the restaurant's CCTV footage. The security cameras at the staircase of the restaurant where the incident occurred did not capture the fight," a senior police official said, adding that statements of actresses Kareena Kapoor and Amrita Arora will now be recorded.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/saif-files-counter-complaint-says-i-was-hit-first-defended-myself-178894&cp

We’ve got a name for the baby, says dad Abhishek

Mumbai: The wait is finally over. New parents, actors Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan have finally decided on a name for their baby girl. And daddy Abhishek has assured that the name will be revealed soon.


There has been much speculation about Beti B’s name and how she looks. Rumours stated that Oprah Winfrey would reveal Beti B’s new name and her photos on her new chat show. There were also rumours that the little one has been named Aaliya.

Putting all speculations to rest, Abhishek stated that they have indeed zeroed in on a name and it is not Aaliya. At a forum, where the actor was a guest speaker, Abhishek said, “We’ve got a name, and I’ll announce it very soon, but in terms of releasing a photograph you know I... if people see her in everyday life that’s fine by me, but I just think releasing the photograph is a very pompous thing to do. We don’t believe in any ceremony in terms of naamkaran.”

Sources close to the family say that the Bachchans will reveal the name once Amitabh Bachchan returns home from hospital. So perhaps, we can expect Senior Bachchan to reveal the name of the new member of his family.

Sanjay Dutt ‘protective and caring’: Ameesha Patel

New Delhi: Ameesha Patel has denied rumours that her relationship with Sanjay Dutt and his wife Manyata has turned sour over her revealing outfit at Rohit Dhawan’s wedding in Goa.


According to reports, the 52-year-old actor touched her inappropriately and commented on her dress.
“The relationship Sanjay, Manyata and I share is too rock solid for anyone to destroy over a costume,” she said.
The actress had reportedly questioned Dutt’s right to comment on her clothes.
“I’m lucky to have someone like Sanjay who is so protective and caring.

“He has never misbehaved with me,” she added.