Tollywood’s Kerala Konnect

After Bolly imports, it’s time for actors from ‘God’s Own Country’ to make their foray in Tollywood. Yes, the Mollywood beauties have arrived and are making a splash in T-Town. Inspired by the success of Asin, Nayanthara and Mamta Mohandass, Malayalee actors like Sindhu Menon, Bhavana and Meera Jasmine have joined the bandwagon and managed to bag plum offers. But apart from taking on big projects, these actors have some hurdles to cross.

The fact that the Telugu film industry is influential and a huge money-spinner is not lost on all. These factors play a big part in actors wanting to take up Telugu projects. But the main challenge is working in alien territory. “When I joined the industry I had little idea what it's all about. I did receive offers but was not sure if I could take them up,”says Mamta. In fact, this reluctance cost her a big ticket film. “I lost out on Arundhati because I wasn’t willing to do an author backed role in a language I wasn’t confident of,” rues the actor. But the singer/actor has put the episode behind. “I’m learning the nuances of the language ,” says Mamta.
But that’s not all. If the actors are yet to learn the ropes, then the fact that Telugu films don’t release in their home-states adds to their bag of woes. With an exception of the dubbed versions of big ticket Telugu flicks, very few films hit the screens in Kerala. With limited exposure, seasoned Mollywood actors too have been wary of testing waters in this industry. Of course there were Cheemen Sheela, K R Vijaya and Srividya who did share screen space with yesteryear T-town superstars.

Recently, Asin revived the trend of Malayalee actresses doing Tollywood films. With blockbusters like Amma Nana O Tamilammayi, Shivamani and Annavaram under her belt, she paved the way for more actors to join the fray. Nayanthara followed soon with Lakshmi and Dubai Seenu. Following the example of these successful imports, the present crop of heroines are working hard on maintaining their longevity in the industry. “I’ve worked hard on my Telugu and I’m a fast learner of languages,” says the actor Sindhu Menon who even dubbed for one of her Tollywood hits Chandamama, . Finding a way around the language barrier is actor Bhavana who confesses that she now understands the language better . “Watching DVDs of Telugu cinema and regional channels has helped me to learn the language,” quips Bhavana.

Meera who worked in Bhadra and Gudumba Sankar now returns with the comic caper, Aa Aa Ee Ee. And film-makers are not shying away from signing on these beauties. Filmmaker Parasuram who worked with Nayanthara in Anjaneyulu is appreciative of the hard work these actors put in. “Nayan is professional, she keenly follows the director’s instructions even though the language was alien,” says Parasuram.
While ruling the BO could be topmost on their mind, these beauties are giving it their all in their quest to learn the ropes in Tollyland.

I am not going out with my trainer: Lakshmi

Lakshmi Rai has trashed media reports that had claimed she was going out with her personal trainer Prasad.

A section of the media had recently published a report that claimed that the actress was romantically involved with her physical trainer. However, the actress says that the report has no truth in it. Says the actress, “Prasad is my personal trainer and my relationship with him is thoroughly professional. What’s more, Prasad is on the verge of getting engaged. This false report will have an adverse effect on both his career and family. “

Explaining why Prasad travelled with her, the actress says, “ The report claimed that he stayed with me in the same hotel in an adjacent room. But that is because I’m now working on several projects and I need to stay fit. In fact, for one of my films, I have to reduce nine kg. For this, I need to work out for at least a couple of hours everyday in the morning before I leave for shooting. As I’m busy and travelling, my trainer travels along with me. If Prasad stays at a different hotel, he could be delayed and I wouldn’t be able to begin my work out at 5 am. That is the reason he stays in the same hotel.”

Canada’s calling Rambha!

Canada’s calling Rambha! Yes, the pretty actress will soon be in Canada as she’s the brand ambassador for a company there.

“I’ve gone there only once,” she says, “That was when I was the chief guest for an event there. But, I didn’t get to spend quality time there. This time, other than work, I’m certainly looking forward to exploring the sights and sounds of Canada!”

On the film front, she’s finished work on Vidiyum Varai Kathiru that’s undergoing post-production work now.

And, Rambha aka Mango Dolly is all geared up for the sequel to Quick Gun Murugun, that created quite a buzz in Bollywood.

Yes, when a sequel happens, I’ll surely grab the offer,” says the actress, who has recently been gifted a car from the company for which she’s the brand ambassador. Way to go, Mango Dolly!

Vidya opens up on Shahid

Vidya Balan talks about Shahid Kapoor, and how the loneliness had a negative impact on her appearance and weight

It was important to walk away from the relationship t hat is the difference between Vidya of Kismet Connection and Vidya of Paa and Ishqiya?

I know what you want to hear (laughs). To begin with, I have lost a lot of weight. I am feeling healthier and happier. Paa will see me in the Indian look. I am very excited about Paa and Ishqiya both. The change started by losing...yes, I had gained a bit of weight.
At the wrong places?
(Laughs) Let me say it. It’s been a long journey. Full marks to my dietician Pooja Makhija and trainer Vilayat Hussain. I don’t even go to a gym. I train at home. I do a bit of cardio, weights and calisthenics. And I eat a lot more intelligently now.

After losing weight, why are you not seen in Western outfits?
I didn’t lose weight to wear suggestive outfits. I lost weight to feel better about myself. I enjoy wearing Indian clothes.

Don’t you therefore stand to lose roles? You have kissed in Ishqiya, you did a lovemaking scene in Heyy Baby, so why say no to ‘suggestive’ attire?
I will wear what is required. But you know, suggestive outfits tantamount to skin show and take away the meat from the character. I want the meat, not the bone.

Have you always avoided daring outfits? Even in your teens, college etc?
Yes. My friends wore what collegians mostly wear. But I didn’t join them. I stood alone, but I was happy. I do wear skirts, but not very short ones. And I don’t wear shorts, not even at home.

Back to your weight loss. Did the caustic comments about your weight finally get to you?
I won’t say that I was immune to them. But you see, I was going through a lot of confusion in my head on a lot of fronts. I started taking a few things for granted. I became complacent. And I lost interest. Till Kismet Connection, everything was going well for me and then suddenly...

That was when your friendship with Shahid Kapoor went haywire?
I don’t see the connection.

Connection with a ‘K’, eh! Okay, what triggered off the need to lose weight?
Well, my mom sat me down and told me that I needed to feel good about myself. I think that I was trying to be someone else. I was desperately trying to fit into a certain mould (pauses)

Go on...
(Looks up at the ceiling) It was not about my weight and clothes. Those caustic comments were coming because I looked unhappy. I was exuding a certain amount of unhappiness.

Why were you unhappy?
You know what...

What?
If someone who matters to you talks you down, it can break you. That someone whose approval mattered to me started to constantly find faults with me. It started reflecting on me. At that point of time, it was important to walk away from that relationship. I don’t want to take his name.

Hmmm... I get it. Shahid doesn’t want to work with you now.
(Interrupts) Did I say that that I want to work with him? (pauses)

Continue...
If someone doesn’t want to work with me, so be it. It’s his loss completely. There are other fish in the sea.

Your friendship with fashion designer Shabina Khan has gone sour. Once upon a time, she was your best friend.
One tends to spend a lot of time with people one works with. My best friends have been people I have grown up with.

She isn’t too fond of you now.
I don’t bother about how people feel about me. What matters to me is how I feel about them.

How do you feel about Shabina?
Just like I feel about any other professional acquaintance.

Parting shot?
Even today, I am standing alone, but I am happy again. That’s all that is important to me (runs her hand through her hair and smiles)

Having a bath is painful: Soha

Soha Ali Khan says she doesn't mind working in movies made under her brother Saif's banner, but not as his sister.

"At the moment, there are no plans to work under Saif's banner because he has just done 'Love Aaj Kal' and now he is working on 'Agent Vinod'," Soha told IANS in an interview.

"Most of the films Saif is planning at the moment will have him as the hero; so that doesn't leave much space for me apart from being the sister of the hero, which is not very exciting.

"Unless he ventures out and makes something where he is not playing the hero, then maybe we will do something together. I would want that because I like his taste in films a lot," she said.

Saif branched out into film production by launching his banner Illuminati Films and his maiden venture as producer was hit film "Love Aaj Kal". Directed by Imtiaz Ali, it starred him along with Deepika Padukone.

Asked if she would be interested in venturing into production or direction, the 31-year-old said: "I might venture into production but not anytime soon. At the moment I feel that I'm very new and I love being in front of the camera and I want to continue acting. As far as direction is concerned, I don't think I have the maturity for that at the moment. It's only acting for me now."

Soha, daughter of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, made her acting debut with "Dil Maange More" in 2004. She then received critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Rang De Basanti" (2006) and "Mumbai Meri Jaan" (2008).

In her recent release "Tum Mile", which is set against the backdrop of the 2005 Mumbai floods, Soha is paired opposite Emraan Hashmi. Made under Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films, the film has been directed by Kunal Deshmukh.

Talking about "Tum Mile", Soha said: "Shooting for the flood scenes in the film was a nightmare. I have become hydrophobic now. I don't want to come anywhere close to water. It is actually painful to have a bath in the morning. All the memories come flooding back."

Her future releases include "Life Goes On", "Tera Kya Hoga Johnny" and "Accident".

Exciting time for Bollywood ahead

The box-office is in for a Rs 400 crore party. And that too hosted by the big daddies of Bollywood. Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots, which is slated for a December 25 release, is closely followed by Hrithik Roshan’s Kites on January 15, Salman Khan’s Veer on January 29 and Shah Rukh Khan’s My Name is Khan on February 12. So much so that over Rs 400 crore are said to be riding on an investment of Rs 275 crore, within a span of 42 days!

While the movie buffs wait for cinematic feast, industry pundits claim it’s one of the best times for Bollywood. “There couldn’t have been a better opening for the new year,” says Munish Sharma of Satyam Cinemas. Agrees filmmaker Anil Sharma, who is set to release his costume-drama Veer, “The 3-month-long strike here was a huge setback. Now, beginning with Paa, the next five months are perfect.”

What makes these Fridays even more exciting is the line-up of biggies endorsing them. “Aamir, Hrithik, Salman and Shah Rukh are marketing geniuses. As they outdo each other in publicity and distribution, it would lead to better returns at the box-office,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

Adds Manish Porwal of Percept Pictures, “December and January is a good period, especially in North India. Christmas, New Year, Lohri and the Valentine’s Day are occasions when people step out together to celebrate.”

While the filmmakers refrain from sharing their details of prints and distribution strategies, insiders claim that Big Pictures has huge plans for 3 Idiots. “They have bought the rights of 3 Idiots for Rs 150 crore, and they plan to distribute it massively. Aamir has jumped the count of his earlier releases by sending out as many as 4,000 prints. And to capitalise on the Christmas euphoria, the film will open on Wednesday, instead of Friday,” says a source from a prominent studio.

“Reportedly My Name is Khan has been bought by Fox Star Studios for Rs 100 crore. While they will put their international experience to capture the widest market, SRK won’t leave any stone unturned,” says trade analyst Indu Mirani.

I want a man just like Raj: Shamita Shetty

Actress Shamita Shetty, who has just opted out of TV reality show Bigg Boss, is elated about elder sister Shilpa marrying London-based businessman Raj Kundra on November 22 and says she also wants a "perfect man" like her brother-in-law to-be.

"Raj is just so absolutely wonderful. He is so calm, intelligent and good-looking. There could be no one better than him for Shilpa. He is just so perfect. I also want a man like him in my life," Shamita told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The 29-year-old actress was until now a part of the third season of reality show Bigg Boss and came to know of Shilpa's engagement only a week back. She has now taken a voluntary exit from the show to be able to be with her sister for her last few days at home. The episode will be aired tonight.

Shamita said: "It feels fantastic to be out. I am just so excited about Shilpa's wedding. Oh my god! She is getting married. I want to go home, cry, hug and chat with her. She has sent me a picture of her engagement ring on my Blackberry but it's very hazy. So can't wait to see that. We tell each other everything, so I know how difficult it must have been for her to get engaged without me around. But since I got to know about her wedding date, I wanted to be with her no matter what. Family definitely comes first for me."

Shamita was also worried about the clothes she would wear for the wedding functions, but to her surprise, her elder sister had already taken care of it all.

"I was so worried about who will stitch my clothes within 10 days and how I will manage it all. But I just spoke to Shilpa and she said she has organised a few options for me. So I'm very happy that I don't have to start planning from scratch," she said.

Shamita says her respect for Shilpa, who won Celebrity Big Brother, the international version of the show in 2007 after facing racist remarks, has risen by leaps and bounds after her stint in Bigg Boss.

"I have begun to respect Shilpa so much more. I haven't even faced 50 percent of what she must have faced. She was in a different country, with people from different cultures - it must have been hugely different. I can't even imagine how she went through all that," she said.

As for her own stay in the Bigg Boss house, Shamita said: "It feels great and fantastic that I wasn't asked to leave. But I felt sad that I had to leave the house. My stay was pretty okay - but I didn't have an option. I had to leave for Shilpa's wedding."

She is also happy about getting three "really good friends" in the form of Tanaaz Currim, Bakhtiyaar Irani and Aditi Govitrikar. But when asked to name the most conniving contestant, she said diplomatically: "I won't take any names and I don't want to be judgmental."

Bigg Boss has 13 celebrities locked up inside a secluded house for 84 days and kept under constant camera surveillance without any contact with the outside world.

Nandita Das lets on her Children's vision

Actress and activist Nandita Das is dear to every cinema lover in India. As someone who is passionate about cinema and serious about giving good cinema a voice, she has been associated with Childrens Film Society and other worthy groups in the past. In Hyderabad for the 14th International Childrens' Film Festival, she said that film festivals like the one in question do not just mean premiering of movies but have a larger context. It is fostering the faculties of mental development and cultural appreciation among children.

Speaking to the media, she also said, "We are conducting the festival in such a way that our country gets recognition internationally. 70 films from 20 countries will be screened at the fest. Dignitaries from over 500 countries are participating."

As Nandita Das also plans big with her Children's Film Society, the event will, in all likelihood, fulfill the vision it has set itself for. That Hyderabad is the venue for this well-meaning fest makes its residents happy.

CM takes a dig at violence in Tollywood movies

“I cannot understand the ‘diskum diskum’ (full of fights) movies of today. I cannot also understand the story and message, if any,” he said even as Tollywood represented by the likes of Dasari Narayana Rao squirmed in their seats. “It is difficult for me to digest the change as I love watching old movies. Times have changed, so have values, I suppose,” Rosaiah said.

In the two-hour long programme, the audience was treated to a variety of dances from across the world. But what had them in splits were the children, Komali sisters and Ruby Mathews, who repeatedly referred to the CM as ‘Rosaiah uncle’.

Responding to the emotional speech of Dasari Narayana Rao who said Telugu films and Telugu artists were being neglected by the Union government for awards, Union minister for information and broadcasting Ambika Soni said there was no question of any state being discriminated.
Oscar award winner Gulzar suggested that the CFSI should make proper use of the dozens of children’s films and songs lying with it.

Information and public relations minister J Geeta Reddy, actor Venkatesh, CFSI chairperson Nandita Das also spoke. During the week-long children’s film festival, 70 films from 20 countries will be screened. Films by child TV reporters of Medak at the instance of Unicef will also be shown.

At the inauguration, a souvenir brought out by the authorities was not released. Sources said this was because the message of PM Manmohan Singh for the film festival was not included in it. There were messages of President Pratibha Patil, AICC president Sonia Gandhi and others