THE COMPLETE SOUTH INDIAN MOVIE MAGAZINE
A WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL MARCH 2009 VOL 2 ISSUE 12 MONTHLY
S$4.00 Rs.40 TM
GIRLS, HOLD YOUR HEARTS!
YUMMY KARTHI IN THE HOUSE
FUNRAISERS! COMEDIENNES OF THE YESTERYEARS
DIVA IN THE MAKING ANJALI RAJGOPAL
BOXING GLOVES
- GORGEOUS STARLETS TURN ACTION CHICKS
AR RAHMAN
THE GOLDEN MAN BRINGING HOME OSCAR GLORY ARR’S QUOTES ON THE HONOUR
- AN EXCLUSIVE!
THROUGH THE EYES OF ASHANTI
- THE TRI-NATIONAL WRITER’S STORY ON ARR
AWARDS FEVER - A PHOTOBOOK
FRIENDSHIP, ASSOCIATION, EXPERIENCE - T. SELVAKUMAR ON BEING ARR’S BUDDY AND PARTNER
03 09
CO NT EN TS
p.36
p.80
REGULARS 06.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
26.
GALATTA TALKIES
07.
READERS’ VOICES
30.
TOP 10 MUSIC CHARTS 98.
KICKSTART
32.
SUBSCRIPTION
100. RISING STAR
10.
GALATTA GRAPEVINE
35.
CONTEST
102. BEYOND SOUTH
16.
PEEKABOO
60.
Pooja
FAST TRACK
104. BRINGING HOLLYWOOD HOME
20.
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
60.
STARGAZING
106. WRAP UP
24.
COOL STUFF
94.
WHAT’S ON G.COM?
08.
Tamannaah
96.
FIRST CUT IN THE GROOVE
Shwetha, Varun
p.86
p.60
FEATURES 36. 62. 66. 70.
SPECIALS
COVER FEATURE
53. WOMEN’S SPECIAL COVER
STAR OF THE MONTH
54.
BEHIND THE SCENES
74.
NOSTALGIA
80.
A.R. Rahman Manorama
Preetha Jayaraman Cheerleaders
CELEBRATING SOUTH INDIAN SUPER-ACHIEVERS CONGRATULATIONS! OSCAR WINNER A.R. RAHMAN BOLLYWOOD’S DEBUTANTE ASIN
Showcasing exciting women’s features
86. 88.
SPOTLIGHT
Karthi
BIG SCREEN SMALL SCREEN
Silver screen stars become TV idols
LOOK BOOK
Anjali Rajgopal
HOT SPOT
Candid secrets of what starlets want
ACTION CHICKS
Gorgeous babes turn Superwomen
Editor’s Note
On the cover: A.R. Rahman Photography: G. Venket Ram Pics courtesy: Sathyam Cinemas (ÂSÊ magazine) EDITOR Shakthi Girish
MD & CEO, GALATTA.COM C.R. Venkatesh
EDITING CONSULTANT Ashok L. Rajani
PRESIDENT, GALATTA.COM Girish Ramdas
WRITERS Padma Iyer, Kaanchan B., Vijayalakshmi S., Prasanna Singh, Smitha M., Baiju N., Kolammal S.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT – AD SALES Balasubramanian S.
DESIGN CONSULTANT Sharon Suares CHIEF DESIGNER Logesh M. DESIGNERS Sankaran N., Punitha Vijayakrishnan Shailesh Kumaran Seran
MANAGER – AD SALES Sunil Krishnamurthy SENIOR MARKETING COORDINATOR Jayashree G. MANAGER - NEW MEDIA Shailesh Kumaran Seran MANAGER - CIRCULATION Mohan H.
PRINTING PRESS Rathna Offset Printers
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Ravikumar P.
SPECIAL THANKS TO Mr. C. N. Ramdas IAS (R), Chairman, GNG Group of Companies
Mrs. Kamalam Rajendran, MD, Bojaraj Textiles
Mr. C. R. Rajendran, Chairman, Bojaraj Textiles
Mrs. Nirmala Ramdas, Director, GNG Group of Companies
We also thank those who have helped us put the March 2009 issue together: Mr. A.R. Rahman, Mr. Noell James, Ms. Ashanti Omkar (London), Mr. Akin Aworan (London), Mr. T. Selvakumar of AudioMedia Inc., Mr. G. Venket Ram, Mr. Subhash Chandra Bose and Mr. Lingusamy of Thirrupathi Brothers, Mr. Kiran Reddy, Mr. Swaroop Reddy and Mr. Tanera Ngaronga of Sathyam Cinemas, V4 Entertainers, Mr. Vijayakumar Radhakrishnan – CTO, Dot Com Infoway Ltd. and Mr. Gnanam - nostalgia pics. We thank the ENTIRE FILM industry – actors, producers, technicians, stars, support-personnel like managers and PROs, behind-thescenes staff like assistants, designers, secretarial staff and others who have supported us from the start. Our hear elt thanks to: Mr. Randor Guy – He is the man who spearheads the Nostalgia section of our magazine. His fantastic memory and inimitable writing style have instantly brought an eclectic feel and old-world charm to Galatta Cinema – there is none better qualified for Nostalgia! To advertise on Galatta Cinema, contact: Balasubramanian S. at +91-98409 11777 Sunil Krishnamurthy at +91-96000 84464 Or email us at: ads@galattacinema.com For more info, log onto: www.galattacinema.com Contact us at: Galatta Cinema, Post Box 7166, Chennai – 600 102 Tell us what you like or don’t like about Galatta Cinema Email: editor@galattacinema.com Snail Mail: Galatta Cinema, Post Box No. 7166, Chennai 600 102, Tamilnadu, India
w
There can never be too much of ARR!
ith great bluff and bluster we harrumphed our thoughts into the March 2009 issue of Galatta Cinema. We wanted ONLY women in all our small and long features. We wanted to cover all sorts of subject related to women and firmly leave the men out... Then we came to our senses. In this world of constant stress and strife – pertinently, look at the nonsense in Karnataka with crimes against women – perhaps we need to take a break with something light and breezy. A nice combo of informative pieces, eye candy and a look at which strong women have stepped out on the block. This thought was enforced with a slam and thump on 23rd February, 2009 when our own friendly neighbourhood genius A.R. Rahman made history by bringing the greatest glory and tears of happiness to millions of Indians by winning TWO Oscars – the high has still not come down. Predictably, the media frenzy that followed was voracious and “Slumdog” became an everyday word. For us, these Oscars are but international recognition of a fact that we lived with for years – A.R. Rahman is truly a master at making a thousand sounds meld and merge into beautiful music. It has been a rollercoaster for this Chennai-ite, right upto his Filmfare Award on 28th February – the golden men will now jostle for space with 180 other awards! Amidst all this skyrocketing glory and fanfare, it was so very heartening to hear ARR stand in front of vast international audiences and thank God in beautiful Tamil – Yellaam pugalum iraivanukkey. We don’t care if every other magazine has him on their cover and every moment of his life scripted in tedious detail. We decided we want him on ours because we love him so and in true quirky Galatta style, apart from a few known titbits to put you on the same page, we got a whole lot of quirky, personal insight into this great man, that you will love to read – especially the beautiful pieces by eclectic London writer Ashanti Omkar (with exclusive snapshots by her husband Akin Aworan) and T. Selvakumar, the tech wiz ARR depends on to be his confidante, MD of the KM Music Conservatory and adviser of music technology. And thank you, G. Venket Ram and Sathyam Cinemas, for coming through for us (again!) with superb ARR imagery! Of course, how could we forget the women! So we threw together some great info on how big screen stars are such a craze on TV too; flamboyant Anjali Rajgopal shows she’s got the stuff to be in movies; beautiful young starlets give their take on what women really want; we pay tribute to an evergreen darling of cinema, ‘aachi’ Manorama; and to hilarious comediennes of ‘those’ days, women who had the courage to be in a different, more difficult space in cinema. Plus, we got lovely Pooja to talk snappy, fresh out of her critically-acclaimed Naan Kadavul and cinematographer Preetha Jayaraman to talk to us about being a woman in this field. We saved all the yumminess for the end where we bring you our Spotlight on Karthi (all you women, thank me after you read this!), where he looks good enough to eat and sounds nice enough to marry! Like I always say, love life, love the people around you and take a page off ARR’s book and choose love over hate. Watch how the world transforms... Enjoy!
Shakthi Girish
READERS’ Voices WE MATTER!
- Ambika L.V., Bangalore
I think Galatta.com and Galatta Cinema are doing a great job of classing-up and promoting Southern cinema. But I would also like to see more credits and support given to producers like us for your movie articles because after all, we are the ones funding these projects and seeing it through from concept the release and even after! - AVM Guhan, AVM Productions, Chennai Dear Sir, Indeed, your words of praise and words of wisdom have been graciously accepted and absorbed. We do make the effort to ensure that no key person goes unmen oned, but we shall definitely double it! After all, you are the Big Bosses of any movie! - Editor
THE BALA PHENOMENON
SMITTEN BY NAYAN BUG Pink Nayan on the cover was absolutely fabulous! Nayan is indeed the perfect choice for the Valentine month. Seeing the bubbly girl in pink was more than one could wish for! She looked like one of Cupid’s angels. Her interview was also a revelation about her thoughts and beliefs. Thanks GC team for giving us Nayan this V-day. -Jaikumar Sarma, Chennai
I watched Naan Kadavul last night. Just then, I observed how your feature has done full justice to the director and his creation. Arya’s and Pooja’s dedication has been more than ordinary. Above all, the fact that a son of this soil could conceive something which has never been conceived anywhere in the history of cinema, is simply, simply mind-blowing. - Mahendran Nair, Cochin
AYAN ROCKS Thanks for the Ayan songs download. I’m a person who believes free gifts are humbugs. When my friend told me about GC and Ayan download, I thought the same. I tried the
GO PINK, GC!
COVER FEATURE
With his hunky, urban boy looks, Ganesh Venkatraman (of Abhiyum Naanum fame) is the perfect candidate for the quintessential romantic hero. But the actor says that he does not want to fall into stereotypes; he is open to various roles, especially actionoriented ones. Atta boy, Ganesh.
A few weeks earlier, it was reported that Mammootty might share screen space with Kamal Haasan in the remake of the superhit A Wednesday (Hindi). Now, it is heard that it would not be him, but Mohanlal who will be part of the film! If this happens, it will be one of the most interesting partnerships in Indian cinema!
Young Puneeth Rajkumar is all set to have an interesting and unique dance sequence in his forthcoming film Raaj The Showman. He will dance alongside yesteryear heroines Jayapradha, Jayamala, Ambika, Roopa Devi and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, all of whom had worked with his father, late Rajkumar.
She’s definitely the hottest thing that’s happened to Southern cinema. Probably the only star of her peer group who is not afraid to reinvent her looks, image and career priorities, Diana Kurien a.k.a. Nayantara a.k.a. Nayan is definitely tinseltown’s hearthrob, heartbreaker and one hot mama! But a girl on top can also be a girl who loves love. Or can she? Galatta Cinema peeks into what makes this actress’ heart beat, her loves, likes & pet hates...
Upon the Hot- seat apart... a woman
Who is your inspiration? I am my own inspiration!
Define Love… The necessity of life Define Friendship… The backbone of one’s existence
Your dream date… Hrithik Roshan or Shahid Kapur
Three words that describe you… Intelligent, spiritual, child-like
Your idea of a romantic evening... I am an outdoor person, so any activity outdoors... and I am game!
The first thing you do in the morning? I drink a glass of warm water
Your favourite getaway... Oh! Too many for this page! You shop the most for... Clothes and cosmetics (duh!) What makes you smile? A selfless act always makes me smile. And of course, when I am pampered and praised, I love it smiling apart, see me grinning from ear to ear! What brings a tear? Poverty. Especially poor children. What makes you angry? Dishonesty, hypocrisy You love the sound of... I like the sound of streams, soft and gentle. I also love the sound of chirping birds, early in the morning. I like listening to musical instruments. You can’t stand the sound of... I hate to hear people shouting! Your biggest fear… Not getting what I want Your dream role… Playing a double role. Or that of a mentally challenged character A director you wish to work with... It’s like my getaways list - it’s so long, this page will not be enough to list them!
If not an actor, then... A doctor, a surgeon maybe...
VE
GALATTA CINEMA | FEBRUARY 2009 51
GALATTA CINEMA | FEBRUARY 2009 17
Hottest Indian stars... Hrithik Roshan and Bipasha Basu
L
A VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL
IS ALL AROUND
Genelia is receiving praise from all quarters for her portrayal of a brave girl who runs away from a forced marriage in Sasirekha Parinayam. This Mumbai girl, who has found stardom in the South film industry, has also made a successful re-entry into Bollywood with Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na.
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i
Siya, the curvaceous actress who wowed audiences in Neninthe, is one worried lady. Though her debut was excellent in Neninthe opposite Ravi Teja, talk that her chances are iffy, thanks to her nose (no, really, we’re serious!), has worried her. Siya is concerned about this criticism and is seriously contemplating plastic surgery to reshape her nose!
Lose yourself in her eyes or take a dip in her honey sweet lips! But beware of the renewed power in her spirit, it just might be a bit too much for the weak hearted. She’s got the look and the style! And the aura of sensuality emanates a heat that will scorch your finger tips if you dare get too close!
A profession you would never want to do... A regular 9 to 5 job, too boring! Your most memorable moment… Still waiting for that special moment!
Hot just got hotter - that’s the story of her success! She was ravishing in her debut movie, and now she is simply stunning! She’s got the mercury rising to the verge of boiling! Shah Jahan’s lady love was the only Mumtaj we knew, till this hot babe came along and added a new flavour to that name. When she puts on her dancing shoes and the music begins, she sets the dance floor ablaze with her seductive moves. It’s not just the guys who are hypnotized by her swaying hips; she even leaves the ladies mesmerized.
The laDder ess star of succ item girl to movie
Your most embarassing moment… It will never come. I am capable of turning every bad moment into a good one!
her rise from
Keeping yourself… I love to paint and write. I also enjoy going on long drives at night. A recurrent nightmare... I watch a lot of horror movies, so I have different nightmares every time! Family member you are closest to… My mom, I love her! What is the one thing you always carry with you? A picture of Sai Baba Message to Galatta fans… Download my pictures! (From Galatta.com, of course!)
Love the stars talking snappy? Watch them get on candid camera for hours... online. Simply log onto www.galatta.com and check out the video interviews section.
NAYANTARA It was a most refreshing, interesting and unique cover feature. Sometimes I am a little apprehensive on who I can trust to write a good story, but after your Feb issue, I feel that comfort level. Great job and thanks!
code without faith. But when it worked, I knew you guys really give your readers true stuff. Thanks for the Ayan songs! Also, Randor Guy’s feature on romantic movies of yore was an interesting read. - Victor Vas, Hyderabad
LOVE, THE CELEB WAY I liked the feature ‘Love Bytes’ in the Feb. issue. GC has given me a glimpse of what my favourite onscreen Gods think about love. It also proved wrong the general notion that celebs are flippant or insincere in love. Good job, GC! - Feroz Shah, Coimbatore
MORE PUNCH!
DIFFERENT BUT INTERESTING I say! The feature on TR was a real hydro-bomb. Never expected him to be the Star of the Month. At a time when he has become a mock character of forwarded emails, you guys have presented the best in him in that interesting feature. After reading it, I got to know about the real TR and his contribution to the industry. Let’s hope son Simbu is a modern version!
With the right colours, tones and fonts, you are outgrowing your own standards month after month. Keep going pink, dear! 0.K. Ranjani, Chennai
GC, you’re certainly in the pink of your health, I should say! The Feb. issue’s pink layout was truly a designer’s dream layout. Mamta is unhappy that she is not seen as much as Trisha in the promos of King. Now, rumour mills say Mamta is trying to approach Srinu Vaitla to ask him to include her in the 50 days celebrations at least! Mamta has every reason to be miffed at being ignored and given her strong will and character, it’ll be interesting to see how she makes her presence felt!
Write in to us with your comments, critique, wish lists on who you want to see featured, what you like, what you hate and pretty much... your inner thoughts! The fastest way, of course is, email feedback@galattacinema.com
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
SNAIL mail is good too Post Box No. 7166, Chennai 600 102. We look forward to filling this page with YOUR words!
I love what you guys are doing - glamour meets smart reading. But I think you need to start getting a little edgier and not remain so goody-goody. Really! - Sherlyn Maria Lira, Goa Dear Sherlyn, Perhaps you are right. We should start working on being a bolder. But you know what? Several of these stars are our friends would YOU like to buddies to be made fun of in print whether they’re wrong or right? - Editor
MUMTAJ Very nice and quirky feature, I must say. Very classily done, just the right amount of glamour and style. Thanks!
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 7
KICKSTART TAMMANAAH After Trisha, Nayantara and Shriya, tantalizing damsel Tamannaah is touted to be the next “born to win” in the list of actresses all set to conquer the prestigious Tamil-Telugu film industries with immensely successful ul movies and offers from highly-sought-after banners. Kickstarted with the victory of Happy Days and the
film Chand Sa Roshan Chehra at age 13. In 2006, she debuted in South Indian films with rather average de lms: Kedi (Tamil) and Sri (Telugu); both had lukewarm film responses and did not promote Tamannaah much. The res Telugu version of Kedi, Jadu proved to be a dud too. Te Her career took a huge upturn after her second Telugu He film Happy Days, one of 2007’s biggest hits, followed by Kalloori in Tamil. Both these films boosted her career Ka big time and offers started pouring in. Interestingly, most of the people call Tamannaah as Madhu, the name mo of her character in Happy Days. For Kalloori, she was nominated in the best actress category at the Filmfare no Awards. She has also been a prominent face in ads for Aw brands Fair & Lovely, Shakti Masala, Saravana Stores and bra RMKV, among which the commercial of Sun Direct was RM head-turner! Her latest hit in Tamil, the Pongal release ah Padikkaathavan, has completed 50 days and is marching Pa towards a century. Her recent release in Telugu KIKK tow with Boys fame Siddharth, is also doing well. wi
recent release Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam (KIKK) in Telugu and Padikkaathavan in Tamil, this soon-to-be numero uno star is currently busy with four prestigious projects: Suriya starrer Ayan, Aanandha Thaandavam with debutant Siddharth, the Tamil remake of Jab We Met with Bharath titled Kandein Kadhalai and Karthi starrer Payya. Unlike other top heroines in Tamil-Telugu filmdoms, Tamannaah had a slow career growth! Born and brought up in Mumbai, she started her career in 2005 with the less-than-famous Bollywood
8 GALATTA CINEMA |MARCH 2009
A vvery diplomatic person, Tamannaah is now extremely happy about her slow and steady success in the South. ha She recently changed the spelling of her name to Sh Tamannaah from Tamanna. Extremely choosy about the Ta roles she selects, Tamannaah says it is the script and ro not the language that matters. According to this petite no teenager, for a film to succeed, speed of narration with emotion is very important in this fast-paced world. Galatta Cinema wishes this talented actress a long and successful innings at the box-office. There are many stars today who have reached where they are because of their positivity and their determination to succeed. Such is the star who Kickstarts Galatta Cinema every month. SALUTE! G C
For the longest time, one of Vijay’s largest fan sites also remained the star’s most prolific. Until one day when they unceremoniously shut down the website, citing noncooperation from the actor’s office in contributing exclusive content as the reason. They said they were all fans paying out-of-pocket to keep their beloved star’s site running and without any support, it wouldn’t be possible to continue in that manner. Thankfully, they put the site back online, also saying that henceforth, they would do it without depending on anyone at all! We would like to get to the bottom of this for sure!
Khushbu is shocked at the appalling status of Indian women and female children in some Tamil Nadu villages even in this day. Quoting the news of 8-year-old girls married to frogs “to ward off evil spirits” in Villupuram, she says that she is inspired to work on bringing a healthy change in the lives of Indian women.
Prabhu is acting in his first Kannada film Boss, which features challenging star Darshan and Navya Nair in the lead roles. Prabhu will spend 10 days shooting for the movie in Mysore where he was whisked away by producer Ramesh Yadav. Truly a never-say-die man!
10 GALATTA CINEMA |MARCH 2009
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With only four songs remaining to be shot for Modhi Vilayadu, it looks like director Saran is ready for his forthcoming film Asal with Ajith. In all probability, its shooting will begin in March. According to the director, it is totally new and original and thus the name Asal (real or original).
Jayaram, who has become hot property in the ad circuit after the super success of last year’s Veruthe Oru Bharya by Akku Akbar will soon don a double role in a yet-to-betitled film, directed by veteran K. Madhu. Jayaram had already worked with K. Madhu in Randam Varavu (1990) in a double role.
While shooting Ashta Chemma, Swati and Nani became very good friends. The tight schedules force the duo to shuttle between Hyderabad and Chennai; as a result, they are often seen on the same flights. Only time will tell whether the two upcoming stars are ‘just good friends’ or they are truly committed to each other.
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 11
Looks like Meenakshi is taking her glam image very seriously. After shedding the girl-next-door image for Perumal (only in the song sequences) and TN 07 AL 4777, she is all set to sizzle on stage with two other hotties, Sanaa Khan and Thaarika for Yuvanshankar Raja’s upcoming tour. Way to go girl!
Ramesh Aravind has not been caught by the six-pack mania that has attacked Sandalwood. His take on actors sweating it out in gyms to display those washboard abs is that he’d rather be just fit and healthy than flaunt those muscle cuts!
Bindu Madhavi, who wowed Telugu audiences with her diction in her debut film Avakaya Biryani, has already signed her second film. She says that she’s not averse to wearing swimsuits if the ‘script demands it’. How accomodating!
12 GALATTA CINEMA |MARCH 2009
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Gautham Menon and Simbu join together for the first time for Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, a romantic film. The promos of this movie created a lot of buzz, as each and every ad was inspired by a famous romantic Tamil movie; from Minsara Kanavu to Uyire. Trisha plays the heroine, and music is by double Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, someone Gautham had always wanted to work with.
Leggy lass, Sheryl Pinto is slowly establishing her grip in the cine world. She is currently acting in Engal Aasan (Vijaykanth) and Vaada (Sundar C.). Sheryl is very keen in gaining a prominent position in Tamil and Telugu and every day, she is getting new film offers from Tollywood!
Navya Nair, who is currently making a comeback in Malayalam, has apparently started to openly talk about her marriage in July this year. On a question whether she would marry a Tamilian, the actress had replied, “I will definitely marry an Indian, Tamil or otherwise.” Does that mean she doesn’t have a groom yet?
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 13
Though Hansika Motwani is far above the level of a newcomer, this svelte bombshell agreed readily to dance for an item song in Meher Ramesh’s remake of Billa (Tamil). Starring Prabhas, the film is being shot in exotic Far Eastern locations like Bangkok and Malaysia.
Sizzling Pooja is adding a new dimension to her career through her first thriller Anu. Anu came at a time when she had proved she was comfortable in simple homely girl roles, but Anu featured Pooja in the role of an action heroine, something she had never done before, and she bravely accepted the challenge.
Jackie Shro has high regards for the Tamil film industry and he is very proud to become a member of Kollywood. When asked why he did not act in Tamil films so far, the actor replied that no one invited him, but he has visited Chennai several times in the last 25 years whenever a Bollywood film shoot was held here.
14 GALATTA CINEMA |MARCH 2009
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South India’s ‘evergreen heroine’ Meena teamed up with Sreenivasan in Katha, Samvidhanam: Kunchacko by veteran director Haridas Kesavan. The film hit the screens recently and has been getting rave reviews.
She is no longer called the “Malabar” girl because “by God” she has come a long way! With Ghajini smashing box-office performance and news of mega-value projects announced, Asin jumps straight out of South India into the Hindi big league. Add the latest Filmfare Award for Best Debutante (ironic, considering her list of movies and awards behind her), this gorgeous South Indian is here to stay. Another Sridevi, perhaps?
Haripriya has decided to shed her simple look in Kannada films in favour of a more sophisticated look in Tamil. She is currently acting in Kanagavel Kakka opposite Karan. In her two beach songs shot in Bangkok, she was reportedly quite comfortable in her glamorous beach ou its. How times (and ou its) have changed!
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 15
PEEKA
BOO
GET A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE LATEST ATTRACTIONS COMING
THORANAI
-Tamil
Vishal, Shriya a SIVA film Produced by Vikram Krishna Banner: GK Films Corporation
WATCH OUT FOR Vishal magic (six-pack?), action blocks
RELEASING April 2009 Thoranai will project Vishal’s latest action avatar, ACTION different from all his earlier ones. The title song ‘AdiA di Adhiradi’in Manisharma’s music will be the mass attraction and one of its chief highlights because of its massive set and the beautiful footwork of Meenakshi. Art director Velu Prakash and his crewmen worked day and night to build this set which resembles the popular and typical village” thiruvizha” with a 60-feet statue of Durga and 500 shops. Shirya is Vishal’s heroine for Thoranai.
SARVVAM -Tamil Arya, Trisha a VISHNUVARDHAN film Produced by K. Karunamoorthy, C. Arun Pandian Banner: Aynagaran International
WATCH OUT FOR Arya - Trisha chemistry
RELEASING April 2009 From the looks of its dashing promos, Sarvvam makes the impression of being a posh, contemporary romantic film. Similar to Billa, director Vishnuvardhan who knows how to present an entertainer well on screen has taken up a well-made story for Sarvvam too. The story travels around five important characters; Karthik (Arya), a civil engineer, Sandhya (Trisha) a psychiatrist and their sweet romance, Noushad (Indrajith) and his young son Iman (Rohan) and their relationship and Eswar (J.D. Chakravarthy) who pursues them. Almost all of Vishnu’s associates including cameraman Nirav Shah and music director Yuvan join him for Sarvvam. ROMANCE/ THRILLER
16 GALATTA CINEMA |MARCH 2009
SOON TO THEATRES NEAR YOU...
POKKISHAM -Tamil Cheran, Padmapriya a CHERAN film Produced by Hithesh Jabhak Banner: Nemichand Jabhak productions
WATCH OUT FOR Naturalness in the emotions and sequences
RELEASING April 2009 Since director Cheran began casting himself in lead roles in films scripted and directed by DRAMA him, audiences have always looked up at him, poised to receive a hearty visual and emotional treat. His Autograph is at telling example for the reach of his films. Now his next, Pokkisham too has a sweet surprise in its storyline. Tag-lined as ‘A collection of love letters’, the film will take us back in time to recount the story of a touching love affair of a young man and the narrative is done through the correspondence between him & his lover. With SabeshMurali’s musical presence and Rajesh Yadav’s cinematography, Pokkisham will indeed unearth the treasure in each one of our lives.
KICK
-Telugu
Ravi Teja, Ileana a SURENDRA REDDY film Produced by Venkat Banner: RR Movie Makers
WATCH OUT FOR Ileana and Ravi Teja’s chemistry, mass elements
RELEASING March 2009 Kick is bringing back the hot jodi of Ravi Teja and Ileana after their earlier flop Khatarnak. ROMANCE The producers are sure that their combination will click this time and the film will be wellreceived. Based on a story that happens in us, the crew travelled to the shooting spot in February and camped there to complete a lengthy schedule. Made with a budget of 20 crores, Sai’s rocking music, Ravi Teja-Brahmanandam ’s comedy and Ileana’s glamour will be the movie’s high points.
BODYGUARD -Malayalam Dileep, Nayantara a SIDDIQUE film Produced by Johnny Sagarika Banner: Cinema Square
WATCH OUT FOR Dileep’s performance, Nayantara’s return to Malayalam
RELEASING April 2009 Jayakrishnan (Dileep) has a very strange habit; he adulates any one with a trace of heroism COMEDY/ and whenever he develops an admiration ACTION towards a person, he prefers to be their bodyguard. He starts admiring Ashokan (Thyagarajan), a former liquor tycoon and leading businessman and wants to be his bodyguard, but Ashokan appoints Jayakrishnan as bodyguard to his daughter, Ammu (Nayantara). Interesting things happen when Jayakrishnan accompanies Ammu to her college.
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 17
PEEKA
BOO
GET A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE LATEST ATTRACTIONS
E PREETHI -Kannada Diganth, Tejaswini a PRIYA BHARATHI film Produced by Narayan H., Ramachandra H., Mahi Mahesh, Pradeep B., Neetal J. and Narayan S.
WATCH OUT FOR Trendy aspects in the story
RELEASING March 2009
EE PATTANATHIL BHOOTHAM -Malayalam Mammootty, Kavya Madhavan a JOHNY ANTONY film Produced by Benjamin Banner: High Bright Movie Creations
WATCH OUT FOR Mammootty’s performance
RELEASING April 2009 An orphan Jimmy is brought up by Krishnettan (Innocent), who runs a street circus group. Jimmy rescues a couple of street children THRILLER from some goons and the children become part of the street circus group, which later merges with a commercial circus company run by Philipose (Janaradhanan) and his daughter Ancy (Kavya Madhavan), a management graduate. While Jimmy is away, the kids again run into some trouble. However, they are rescued by a ghost who only they can see. The film develops from this point.
BLACK DAHLIA
-Malayalam
Suresh Gopi, Tami Dushyanth, Vani Viswanath a BABURAJ film Produced by M.K. Muhammed Banner: M.K. Productions
WATCH OUT FOR: Suresh Gopi’s action recipe and the intriguing storyline
RELEASING: April 2009 The film deals with events and happenings in the lives of ten NRI college girls. An incident involving one of the girls that occurs on the THRILLER college campus upsets the entire group. Suresh Gopi is the forensic psychiatrist who investigates and detects the motive behind the devastating action. Vani Viswanath appears as the DIG who handles the case. The film is the debut directorial and script-writing attempt of Vani’s husband actor-turned-director Baburaj.
18 GALATTA CINEMA |MARCH 2009
It is rumoured in Sandalwood that the reason why E Preethi, which started shooting quite ENTERa while ago, is not yet finished is because of TAINER its two lead actors, Diganth and Tejaswini. Diganth, who is becoming busier by the day, is caught up with another film while Tejaswini missed her flight to the US where the shooting is taking place. Almost the entire shooting is in the US and the film has a unique story. It revolves around four youngsters (Diganth, Tejaswini, Bharath Kumar and Nina Mahesh) who are victims of the inter-cultural scenario in the US. The script, screenplay and dialogues are written by Priyabharati, Paraag Shukla and Maya Harapanahalli.
The Sarvvam crew at its music launch
Launch of title track video of Naan Aval Adhu
There’s not a dull day in tinselville, and you can be sure of that. So yes, there is that global financial crisis that is wreaking havoc in every sphere; and cinema is no exception. But that has not troubled our creative minds, and they just keep going... Here’s a glance at what the cine folk were up to last month...
SCENE about town Namitha launches UniverCell’s new showroom
Suhasini at the launch of ID restaurant at Sathyam Cinemas
20 GALATTA CINEMA |MARCH 2009
Pawan Kalyan weds Renu Desai
Jiiva and Ashwin at special show of SMS
Priyadharshan at Yaavarum Nalam audio launch
Happy note! Here are wedding bells that tolled. Two of the most glitzy weddings last month were Pawan Kalyan’s marriage to Renu Desai, Mohan Babu’ son Vishnu’s wedding to pretty Viranica, daughter of the respected Sudheekar Reddy. Plus, Sangitha finally ties the knot with singer Krish. Here’s wishing them happy days ahead! Namitha inaugurated UniverCell’s new store and Suhasini inaugurated the new restaurant at Sathyam Cinemas called ID (Idli Dosa). Vishnuvardhan’s Sarvvam, whose music is by buddy Yuvanshankar Raja, had its audio launch. Director Priyadharshan was guest of honour at the audio launch of Yaavarum Nalam. Galatta.com played host to the launch of the title track video of Storm Pictures’ Naan Aval Adhu by composer R.P. Patnaik. Also present were present were producer Gaurav Sharma and Girish Ramdas, President, Galatta.com. Kanthaswamy press meet
At the TN 07 AL 4777 premiere
Anuradha & Srinivas pep up BIG FM’s Kalakkal Kaalai
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 21
Siva Manasula Sakthi is one of those cute love stories that has proved quite the crowd-puller. The SMS team held a special show exclusively for friends and Kollywood VIPs. In complete contrast to this lively film is Bala’s heavy Naan Kadavul, whose premiere last month was a star-studded affair, also one that resounded with applause. Kudos to Bala and team! Two rather exciting events were the fun and talent packed Women’s Film Festival and the musical night that had not just SPB wielding the microphone and displaying his phenomenal skill, but had even Ilayathalapathi Vijay shedding his shy garb to sing a few numbers. The crowd was absolutely impressed and mesmerized! SPB was, as always, the embodiment of energy and life, and simply rocked!
Pooja and Simbu at the premiere of Naan Kadavul
Adugu music launch
Stars shine at first Annual Vivel Sitara Awards
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Shabana Azmi at Women’s Film Festival, Sathyam Cinemas
Kamal Haasan at the launch of Comedy TV Channel
R.B. Patnaik meets A.R. Rahman
Stalin graces actor Prabhu’s daughter’s wedding
But when cine stalwart Kamal Haasan picked up the microphone at the launch of the new TV channel Sirippoli, it was laughs all around, because it’s Kalaignar TV network’s comedy channel he was inaugurating! TN 07 AL 4777 saw a starry premiere! And when Vikram met the press, it was to answer eager questions about his forthcoming Kanthaswamy. The most-asked question was when the movie would hit the silver screen. Another movie team that chatted with the press was the Laadam team, with a smiling chirpy Charmi being the apple of everyone’s eye. This is pretty much all GC can cover. For the entire lineup of events that happened last month, log on to www.galatta.com, NOW!
Sangitha and Krish tie the knot
Laadam press meet
Ishtapadithe launch muhurat shot
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 23
COOL STUFF GOD SPEAKS! We were saving this great man’s gyan for a time like this, a time when he has shown the world that he is among the planet’s bests when it comes to making music. It is understandable that we were literally dying ng ke to hear what double Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman’s take on technology is... s,” “Apple products are definitely cooler than any others,” he says, while talking of friend and colleague T. Selvakumar’s Apple and Steinberg training centre, Audio Media Inc. In our own conversations with ARR,, he we found out that he is a lover of technology. With the d help of his close friends, he researches, tries out and buys equipment, software and technology like no onee he else in the industry. (Which is probably why he has the finest recording studio in the country!) “I use a lot off technology, be it in my recordings or in processing my music. And why not?! This is the age when we imbibee traditional elements like voices, instruments and nd mood into music that is ultimately, digitally mixed and e. mastered beauty lies in the ears of the listener!” True. ts, Thus, A.R. Rahman’s studios house only Mac products, from wide screens to editing software to plugins. Wee ts! can’t think of a better ambassador for Apple products!
Gen
M U SI
T E N X Stuff
COOL E M E R XT Ok. We can give you a whole bunch of o the usual pitch of how good this very cool phone is: It’s got amazing stereo speakers, so even a hands-free experience is superb. It has a built-in 2mpx camera which zooms to 2.5mpx and has some impressive imagery features like photo fix and picture blogging and more. The phone has Bluetooth 2ADC stereo and the music player plays MP3s as well as AACs and has TrackID and PlayNow technology. Add to this, some cool everyday stuff like complete web browsing technology, 10MB memory in the phone with a compatibility of up to 4GB on external memory disk. But the hottest thing to do today is not a great utilitarian phone, but a phone that is equipped for motion gaming. Yes, move the phone around as if it were a Wii dock and you’re all set for some virtual thrills with mobile gaming. The Sony Ericsson F305 comes with 11 pre-loaded games. On the gaming list are everything from sport to adventure to thrills, like Bowling, Bass fishing, Jockey, Johnny Crash™ Stuntman Does Texas, Tropical Madness™, Racing Fever™ GT, The Sims™ 2, Jewel Quest™ 2, Lumines™, Asteroids™ and Quadrapop™ Robotics. Didn’t we say it was cracking technology right around the corner from your home? Well, it is. And that just adds to the xtreeeeeem coolness of this gadget. (The Sony Ericsson F305 is available at Univercell Mobile Showrooms across the region. Price on request. Univercell, you mobile expert.)
Sony Ericsson F 305
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PHOTOGRAPHY: G. VENKET RAM
PICS COURTESY: ‘S’ MAGAZINE, SATHYAM CINEMAS
MERE PAAS MA HAI - MY MOTHER IS WITH ME, AS ARE HER BLESSINGS ALL MY LIFE, I HAD A CHOICE BETWEEN HATE AND LOVE. I CHOSE LOVE. YELLAAM PUGALUM IRAIVANUKKEY - ALL PRAISE IS TO THE LORD TO ME, MUSIC IS THE EYE OF THE HEART IF MY MUSIC BRINGS PEOPLE CLOSER, IT IS THE GREATEST AWARD I WANT MY MUSIC TO CREATE PEACE AND HARMONY - WORDS FROM A.R. RAHMAN’S HEART
SIMPLY THE BEST A.R. RAHMAN
THE YOUNG MAESTRO SPEAKS OUT MUSIC, LOVE AND THE AWARDS FEVER
It is unimaginable how down to earth, intelligent and sensitive a man of such superstardom could be. But AR is all of that and he makes you believe that music, love for people and an innate spirituality truly make this man; and make him so great, says SHAKTHI GIRISH, who recounts her conversation with him and words from the heart of this young super-achiever.
The Oscars have brought me great respect and my family and country great happiness and honour. I am thankful for that. But one of the most important things all these awards have brought me (and us) is the number of avenues opening up for international collaboration and greater realms of making music. A while ago, it was not very easy to work with music stars from different cultures - they wouldn’t even have the time to look at an appointment - but now, they are calling us, they are exposed to our culture. It is a boon for passionate musicians like me. It would be childish to try and choose between albums and talk about whether the Slumdog soundtrack is better than the others and therefore worth winning an Oscar for. It is not the music alone or any other technical aspect, it is how each part of the movie contributes to the entire movie itself. The essence and message of Slumdog Millionaire is hope, optimism and love; qualities I myself have chosen in my life. These Oscars are my babies; like two babies I have carried back home all the way from Los Angeles! But winning them made me a little poetic and sentimental (or is a better word, philosophical?). Which is probably why all that stuff about my mother, God and family came out of my mouth! But it’s the truth... It is heartwarming to see my fans’ adoration. It is satisfying to see the musical avenues all my awards have opened up for me. It is thrilling to work with different musicians and different music influences to create melodious magic. It is security to know that my family and friends are there to support me. What more can a person like me want! My passion is music and through my spirtual learnings, I have learnt to embrace peace and love within myself and for the people around me. I truly believe this has enhanced my music influences. I don’t just believe in God, I have the greatest of faith and unshaken loyalty to him.
A
HONOURING A TRUE GENIUS
1966: On January 6th AS Dileep Kumar is born to music composer RK Shekhar. Little did his family realise that they had welcomed a musical genius into their family.
1977: Dileep, who lost his dad when he was nine, has a family to take care of and he joins Maestro Ilayaraja as his keyboardist. He also plays for other legendary musicians such as M. S. Viswanathan, Ramesh Naidu, Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and L. Shankar. He then earns a scholarship to Trinity College of Music in London, where he graduates with a degree in Western classical music.
1998-2002: His first crossover film was Deepa Mehta’s Fire in 1998. Then came Dil Se, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring SRK. 1999 saw Subhash Ghai’s Taal but it was Lagaan (2001) that fetched ARR his first National Award for a Hindi movie. Beautiful Alaipayuthey (Mani again) came in 2002.
2002-04: Non-Indian shores beckon - music for the Chinese movie Warriors of Heaven and Earth, with Andrew Lloyd Webber for the West End show Bombay Dreams and with a Finnish band for the BG score of Lord of the Rings. Plus, he gets his 4th National Award for Kannathil Muthamittal.
1989: Dileep, becomes Allah Rakha Rahman as his entire family converts to Islam. He then joins drummer A Sivamani in the band Roots as a keyboardist. But with budding aspirations, it’s not long before he starts his own band Nemesis Avenue, for which he plays the keyboard, piano, synthesiser and
2005-07: Time for technology and parallel cinema. AM studios came into being in 2006, as did his music label KM Musiq. Rang De Basanti topped charts, Deepa Mehta’s Water, Jag Mundhra’s Provoked and Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Golden years for him indeed!
2008-2009: This was the time for some of his best works - Jodha Akbar, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Ghajini and Slumdog Millionaire for Trainspotting-fame Danny Boyle. What started as a BG score, ended up as an album and movie that won Golden Globes, BAFTAs and of course, the precious Oscars.
ACCLAIM AND ACCOLADES Much before the Golden Globe-BAFTA-Oscars hype, ARR was everyone’s favourite award-winner with unmatched acclaim for his indigenous and international work. He is a 4-time National Award winner for movies like Roja, Minsaara Kanavu, Lagaan and Kannathil Muthamittal. He has won 7 Civilian Awards for his contribution to music, which includes the Padmashree Award in 2000, the Mahavir Mahatma Award by the Oneness Foundation in 2005 and the Stanford University Award for his contribution to global music in 2006. ARR is also possibly one of the most frequent receipients of the Filmfare Awards, given that he has received, upto 2009, a whopping 180 Filmfare Awards in the field of music! In his homestate Tamilnadu, ARR is a 6-time State Award winner. Smaller, but also prestigious awards too add to his trophy collection. He has won the Express Screen Award 9 times in various music-related categories for his work in Hindi and Tamil. His non-“filmi” Vande Mataram also won him a Screen Award in 1998. At the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA), he has been lauded with eight awards for his music in movies such as Taal, Lagaan, Saathiya, Rang De Basanthi and Guru; while his music for Rang De Basanti won him two Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) in 2007. If this weren’t enough, ARR has also won a host of other awards including nine Zee Cine Awards, three Dinakran Cine Awards, four Cinema Express Awards and four Kalasaagar Awards. But asked about all this acclaim, all this reticent musician has to say is, “The love of my fans is more precious, but now, I need a bigger display shelf!”
GENIUS FACTOR... ALL IN THE FAMILY RAIHANAH - SISTER
G.V. PRAKASH - NEPHEW
She wasn’t just the singer in Sivaji The Boss’ Balleilakka; but from a young age, ARR would practise his music-making skills on her by making her croon to his compositions. Even today, she is one of the first people he turns to as a sounding board for his ideas.
Once a devoted student and fan of his famous uncle, G.V. Prakash has now made a name for himself with his signature mildly AR-inspired, yet original music for Tamil cinema from the time he was a mere teenager, like in Veyyil and Pollaadhavan.
WINNER’S JOURNEY 1992-93: Indian cinema tastes the thunder of Rahman’s sensational music, first in Roja[Tamil], Mani Ratnam’s critically acclaimed master piece and second time in the Hindi adaptation of the same movie. ARR was a force to reckon with from the start. Did we forget to mention the twin National awards he won for Roja(Tamil)?
1994-95: ARR continues making waves in Indian music, this time around with the Tamil and Hindi versions of Shankar’s Kadhalan starring Prabhudeva. But it’s in the fag end of 1995, that he stuns Bollywood’s biggy music composers with his first original album in Hindi, for the movie Rangeela! Yai Re and Tanha are run away hits!
1996-97: ARR wins his second National Award for his musical compositions for Rajeev Menon’s Minsara Kanavu, which also gets a Bollywood adaptation and brings singer KK into the limelight. His rendition of the National Anthem for Bharat Bala’s video commemorating 50 years of Independence is a massive hit.
MOMENTS OF GLORY
09
ARS - 20
THE OSC
SHY GUY OPENS UP
GOLDEN GLOBE - 2009
It is no secret that A.R. Rahman is quite a reticent person and not given to garrulous media speeches. But when he speaks, it’s clear that it’s all straight from the heart. For Indians the world over, especially Tamilians, it was such a heartwarming moment when he said his praises to the Lord in Tamil, in front of millions of international Oscar-fans. At every other award ceremony too, be it the Tamilnadu State Awards or the Filmfare Awards or even Golden Globes or BAFTA; he keeps his words short and simple and always remembers to thank his family, colleagues and Allah for showing him the way of love through music.
THE FILMFARE AWARDS SUNFEAST MUSIC AWARDS
NEW YORK CRITICS AWARD - 2009
AT THE
BAFTA
AWAR
DS - 20
ROUND & ABOUT WORDS OF PRAISE
MR. AVM SARAVANAN AVM PRODUCTIONS This boy has brought pride and honour to this industry and the nation. From the time we worked with him in Sivaji and even before, we knew he is one of the most talented and brilliant musicians. Now he has proved us all right and proud. I heartily congratulate him for his personal success, the pride to his field and the avenues he has opened up for other deserving talent.
PIC COURTESY: AKIN AWORAN WWW.AWORAN.COM
NOELL JAMES - MANAGER, BUDDY
SINGER CHINMAYI He wants us to use our own skills and do what we want at the mike. But he cleverly guides us in our own way into his direction, thereby achieving the sound he wants! Which means, while we’re getting our song piece right, he is thinking of its nuances in the entire score, the big picture! He is a good musician and a great guru!
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I know AR since the time we used to play music together. It is a matter of great pride, affection and nostalgia to see how he has ‘arrived’. His energy is limitless and for people who are close to him and understand him, there is no better place to work!
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER - FILMMAKER He is one of the most versatile music composers I know. I would be so proud if I am known more for having introduced him to the Western cinematic world than through any of my other work!
Music is my passion. And while I have worked for many years in traditional music arrangements and systems, typical “kacheri”style technology, I wanted more, edgier dimensions. I wanted to go wild a little, I think. Which is why the combination of traditional and modern music and technology is so appealing to me. [It seems contrary that someone who has found peace, spirituality and the concept of love over hate so young... can also talk of “going wild” and exploring different musical arenas.] I love collaborations. On a score-by-score level or on a full album or project level. I like to hear different sounds from different artists and cultures. That’s me.
?!
Did you know? Just before ARR was to return to India, our ancient entry rules posed a problem and as per duty-free alllowances, ARR would have had to pay the price of one more Oscar statuette as duty for his honour, as well as tax on any cash award given... that is, until former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram intervened and recommended a waiver. Wha-aat?!
“A great soundtrack is like ‘Laura’s theme’, the ‘Love Story’ theme, ‘Chariots of Fire’ and all those sorts of things, where it stood by itself,” he said. But recently, he’s noticed a changing mood. “Now it is becoming too abstract and more ambient and more... I don’t know, soundscape-ish, more than melody. People are afraid of melody: ‘Oh, that melody is distracting my scene,’ it is becoming like that.And that brings fresh challenges for the makers of film music.”
WORKS OF A MASTER
MUSIC FOR THE WORLD
- A.R. RAHMAN, AS TOLD TO CNN
“Even John Williams had to wait for four years between one Oscar and the next. But Rahman went there with three nominations in one year and returned with two Oscars!” There is no bigger felicitation than being honoured by one’s own family, the music family. He is the man who has been chosen to receive the honour for India itself! I am proud of him.”
- MAESTRO ILAYARAJA
It was a thrill to work with A.R. Rahman, during Elizabeth - The Golden Age. His is modern, restless music. Craig Armstrong (totally different style!) and he would sit together and just jam. From this came great music. It was aweinspiring!”
- SHEKHAR KAPUR
SNIPPETS FROM 2 DECADES OF MUSIC Rahman doesn’t even write what’s thought of as world music. He writes a world of music - so broad and deep, so instantly likeable and lastingly satisfying, it IS the whole world. I hope that, sometime soon, our part of the world catches up with Rahman. Until we do, an important part of our internal jukebox will be bereft.
- RICHARD CORLISS, FOR TIME
WONDER YEARS
As a refreshing change from all the Oscar blitzing we’ve all been having over the last few days, we thought we’d walk you through A.R. Rahman’s younger years, where he sought guidance from veterans in the cinema field, even as he stunned them with his simple musical genius. Here are some glimpses into the life of a superbly skilled young man who is now internatioanlly acclaimed as a world master of music...
Great men, great words - with M.S. Viswanathan
Making music for Thenaali - with Kamal Haasan and director K.S. Ravikumar
Friends, mentors, loyalists - Mani Ratnam and poet Vaali
This is how it all began - the keyboard that became his passion and vehicle for his exceptional tunes
Tabled views - with K. Balachander
So long ago! Listening to the concept from director Shankar
The wisdom of Kavignar Vaali
ARR, who has the whole world grooving to his tunes, shouting out Jai Ho, started out as the keyboardist and programmer for several legendary Indian musicians. The Punnagai Mannan theme music, that still rings in your ears and on your moblie phones, is probably one of the early hints ARR gave us that he would soon thunder onto the cine scene. He was for a long time, a shy musical genius and two Oscars later he has metamorphosised into a more extroverted guy, with witticisms fast coming in. From Ilayaraja to M.S. Vishwanathan, Chitra to Sadanasargam, Vairamuthu to Vaali, everyone he’s worked with were awed by the young hardworking Dileep, that’s whom they knew then. And now the world looks up at him, his music and his humility in complete awe. There shall alway be naysayers, who choose to be deaf to his notes, but may they all take note, that he has never been touched by their jibes, especially now with the world tuned into him!
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 41
THE VISION OF ARR
KMMC - A VISION & DREAM Part of ARR’s small and trusted circle of friends and partners is Mr. T. SELVAKUMAR, MD of KM Music Conservatory and head of the state-of-the-art training school AudioMedia Inc. He knows ARR for years and is his most trusted source for technology guidance and partnership. Here he speaks of his experiences, their history together, on being KMMC’s MD and in sharing ARR’s dreams every step of the way.
My relat relationship with ARR goes back bac to 1994; I used to be a Rh Rhythm Programmer for Raj Koti, for whom ARR was w the main Keyboard Programmer. I Keybo hail fro from Madurai, where I did m my schooling in TVS L Lakshmi Higher Secondary School and Secon a Bachelor’s Degree Bac in M Music at Sathguru Sangeetha Vidyalaya, Sang then came to Chennai in 1 1986 to start my career as a musician. car I have hav done over 18 albums for HMV, consisting of 5 volumes of the then-famous Ulavum Thendral Series (remixes of old Tamil hits), Nila Nila Odi Vaa (Tamil Nursery rhyme project) with Mrs. Latha Rajinikanth and also did a pop album for Shalini. In 1993, I stated Audio Media, one of the earliest hard disk recording studios. In 1997, we started Audio Media Inc.; this company was the first distributor in India for Steinberg, the company which made the Cubase VST and Nuendo software, and we got in the business of setting up audio studios for musicians and music Directors. This is when I started a strong rapport with ARR, a music technology wizard. We used to spend hours together discussing technology. As a seller of music software and hardware, I travel all round the globe to tie up distribution for the latest music technology software and ARR used to be the first user of all my products.
Subsequently, we developed a strong business relationship with Apple Computers, and got in video and visual technology markets as well, In August 2003, I attended the Apple Pro Training in Singapore, became India’s first AppleCertified Trainer for Apple Final Cut Pro Video editing software and started Audio Media Education, which is India’s first and only Apple Certified Training Center to offer Apple Certified Courses for FCP Editing, Shake for Visual effects and Logic Pro for Music Production. I also worked as Software Beta tester for Apple Final Cut Pro and Cinema Tools, for Steinberg for Nuendo. I have also designed and produced the Indian Samples and Styles for Yamaha’s latest Indian Keyboard I 425. KM Music Conservatory, A.R. Rahman’s dream, is now a reality. It started in the last week of December 2007, when I met ARR at his A.M. Studio to discuss our favourite subject – music technology. He was just asking me how my school was doing; I said that it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Then he talked about his long-cherished dream to start a Music School in Chennai. We jointly decided that ARR will start a Music School and his students will learn Music Technology at Audio Media Education. We invited some experts in to get their opinions to start a Music Conservatory in Chennai; most of them said it would take at least two years to set up such a project. Knowing ARR well enough over the years, I knew if he wants something, he wants it NOW and will not wait for two years. So he asked if I could head the school as its Managing Director and start the school in time for the next academic year (June 2008). The six month-period from January to June was an unforgettable experience in my life. Initially, we did not have
any other faculty or staff. It was just two of us, we spent sleepless nights trying to figure out a school that would fulfil our vision and at the same time give students an unforgettable music education. This is a period where I had to shut myself from all activities; I even had to forget about my own company Audio Media. ARR and I used to meet, usually late at night, to discuss our vision of the school. We revealed the idea with our first press release on Jan 6th 2008, his birthday. The most unforgettable experience was producing our KMMC promo video. First we had several versions, but ARR was not satisfied with any of them. So he was personally present for over eight hours to finalize the video edit. Then came the sound; he was not satisfied till he was convinced that it sounded good. So we got our promo video ready at 6 a.m. on the day of the press conference. Both of us had to arrange everything from cars for the members of the Advisory Board (Mr. Ghulam Ali Mustafa Khan and Mr. L. Subramaniyam) to arranging for food and beverages for the press. We finally landed in the hall as zombies, as we had not slept for 48 hours to get everything in place. We finally did it! We had over 500 applicants, of which we auditioned and selected 40 students for the full-time music foundation programme and 60 Students for the part time preparatory programme and opened the school in July 2008. Our first International faculty was Mr. Joshua Pullock, an American citizen from London, who has a Master’s degree in Violin. Through him, we got in touch with Robertt Koolsra from the Netherlands for Harpsichord and Piano, Shata Elinboggen for Viola from Canada and Edith Martin for Cello from Scotland. Through ARR’s friend Mr. Srinivas Krishnan, we found Michale for Percussion and Alison for Harp and Music Theory from USA. We also got Ms. Kavitha Baliga from USA through ARR’s old musician friend Mr. Guitar Prasanna. If you go to our site, www.kmmc.in, you can get et all your info on the school and its people. Audio Media has produced excellent technicians for the Film, Video and Visual effects industry in India. We have Certified more than 125 students on Apple Pro Applications who are all working in Media Houses like AVM Studios, Prasad Studios, NDTV, Sun TV and Pixion to name a few. Director Gautham Menon is our Alumnus, and Music Composer Vijay Antony was working as a Sound Engineer for over two years in Audio Media before he got his first break in the film industry. In addition to this qualified faculty at KMMC and Audio Media, we have weekly workshops conducted by music Top: A.R. Rahman and students of KMMC who took part in the Martin Luther King III concert Bottom: Editing training room at AudioMedia Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY: T. SELVAKUMAR
industry professionals. From the start of this year, we had workshops by veteran musicians like Dr. L. Subramaniyan, Selva Ganesh, Rajesh Vaidhya, playback singer Hariharan, Leslie Lewis, Kalz Broyl from USA (Han Zimmer’s Keyboard Programmer). At KMMC, the students undergo music training in both Western and Indian Music, as well as intensive music technology training. The idea behind this is that today, in this competitive digital world, every musician, whether a singer, violinist or a pianist, needs to have strong Music Technology background. So we offer the best of both worlds to students so every student always has a fallback plan. There is a great demand for Music Producers in today’s industry; today’s Audio Engineer has to be a good musician to be successful. When ever I go to ARR’s Panchatan studio, I see hundreds of CDs lying around, which are demos sent by aspiring playback singers from all over the world. Unfortunately, he does not have time to listen to all of them, but every month, he listens to all our KM student performances which alone is a rare privilege for aspiring singers and musician. If ARR spots talent, he does not hesitate to use them immediately. The vision of KM Music Conservatory is to make ARR’s dream a reality in having an orchestra with our own students. We are working towards that dream and it will soon be a reality. You can find out more on KMMC and Audio Media Education at www.kmmc.in and www.audiomedia.in
FROM CHENNAI TO A.R. RAHMAN - IN GLIMPSES ALONG THE YEARS... He’s been described as many things: Chennai’s Tchaikovsky, an adored son and brother, an exemplary husband and father, the list goes on... With nearly 200 awards, ranging from an honorary Doctorate to Padma Shri and most recently, the coveted double Oscar, the Golden Globe and the BAFTA on the international platform – the absolute highest honours a film composer can be awarded. I’ve caught many glimpses of ARR, as he’s fondly known to his legion of fans around the world. Every meeting is like a divine blessing – he fills the room with energy, positive vibes, goodwill, compassion and humour. It is not just his spirituality which sets him apart; he is genuinely a special human being – he is one of those few who totally surrender to their spiritual teachers, allowing their hubris to be removed while spreading the word of love as opposed to hate. He is also somewhat a chosen one, a man sent to educate, build and even work towards eradicating poverty. In the decade I have known him (thanks to world percussionist A. Sivamani introducing us), there is one prevalent factor in his psyche – he is kind and generous, a trait his benevolent mother has imbibed in him, an attribute all his family members possess. From a first encounter in London where meeting a personal hero couldn’t have been more special with all my expectations met, to catching him just after his BAFTA win (again in Central London), the man behind the genius has not changed one little bit. ARR keeps himself well-grounded, and while innovating at every step of the way, be it music or marketing, there is a sheer brilliance to every step he takes. While reinventing the sound quality of Indian films back in the early nineties, technology was always his friend. In fact, he shared with me an early memory of buttons – his father had been an enthusiast and thus his son carries on the legacy. Many a conversation has been had about the latest gadget and I proudly treasure a fabulous audio device he presented to me after an interview. Experimentation is another consort of ARR – he layers voices and sounds, creates sounds like broken glass, asks for only the wind of a flute to be used instead of the full throttle, works with acapellas and 4 part harmonies, layers Jazz chords over Carnatic melodies, mixes Ragas (modes) to produce heady melodies with just enough of the Classical juxtaposing with Contemporary. Fusion had already come to Tamil film music, but he took it to another level, especially working with his trusted friend and Sound Engineer, the late H. Sridhar, whose knowledge of Occidental and Oriental music combined with ARR’s genius created – sheer magic. While making one incredibly comfortable in the studio, having the patience of a saint and pushing singers and instrumentalists to find their ultimate limits, ARR always worked to create a unique sound. Once the belief that extraordinary things can be achieved is imbibed in one, incredible sounds can be produced. Allowing musicians the freedom to express themselves (and thus become a part of the music intrinsically) makes his music appealing even to the most untrained of ears. Thus his fan base grows with the African listener embracing songs like ‘Minsara Kanna’ from Padayappa
LONDON WITH ARR and ‘Marghazhi Thingal’ from Sangamam while the Americans dance to the sounds of ‘Jai Ho’. Sharing a story about recording every sound in the studio from a cough to a laugh to a riyaaz (Lata Mangeshkar’s ‘Jiya Jale’ from Dil Se) to a baby crying (his niece, GV’s sister Bhavani, who cried in perfect pitch), he is never afraid to then mix and use unusual sounds in moulding songs. Every time one hears a song of his, something new can be gleaned – a factor many of his fans rave about. However complex the track, he gives it an edge that allows the regular listener to glean and enjoy the beat, the melody or the brand new voice they have been presented with. He also innovated by crediting musicians on his CD covers and also following the Western model in terms of music copyrights. Working with international musicians like Andrew Lloyd Webber, M.I.A., Kylie Minogue, Vanessa Mae, Värttinä, Christopher Nightingale, Craig Armstrong, Reena Bhardwaj and also finding and building an international team has been one of A.R. Rahman’s divine foresights. From his Londonbased lawyer Simon Long to his Los Angeles-based agent Sam Schwartz, he has made the best decisions which are not normally monetary-based. Especially in the case of Slumdog Millionaire – his Oscar winning work – he chased the dream of producing his best; his work ethic, which is second to none, meant that God showered him with accolades. I recollect watching the Hindi film Taal (By Subash Ghai, starring Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna) with Andrew Lloyd Webber, his wife Madeline, A. Sivamani and his wife Krashani. Andrew sat next to me and constantly proclaimed A.R. Rahman’s genius during the background music and songs as he was working on Bombay Dreams. Andrew also recounted a story of Shekhar Kapur giving him hundreds of Indian music tracks and how Andrew consistently picked A.R. Rahman’s works, thus leading to Bombay Dreams happening. It changed the UK’s view on all things Indian; thus in Central London cinemas today, Tamil and Hindi films can be watched alongside Hollywood films, consistently topping the box office charts. Submission to a higher power is something all humans strive to do; ARR does this in abundance; thus his achievements grow and grow. A man of his word, he has made so many sacrifices; with no bad habits consuming his time, with his willingness to learn, he is a man of pure heart. Another thing I have learned from him is the value of reading, he is exceptionally learned – from Sufism, music, magazines on the latest technology, to internet articles, he’s constantly criticizing himself while also learning how to better himself at every stage. He frequently scours the internet for fans’ feedback and wish-lists, which he then strives to fulfil with more new and innovative music. He will give up things he loves just to gain willpower – he will starve, forego all material things and makes it a point to spend a lot of time
BY ASHANTI ASHANTI OMKAR is a writer and lover of music. In her years in the media field, where she has written for several online and offline publications, she has interviewed and done stories on several international celebrities. She is of Sri Lankan birth, now Londoner, almostIndian and definitely global in outlook. WIth her husband, photographer AKIN AWORAN, she breathes freshness into her stories, with intriguing angles, a personal touch and Akin’s fabulous visuals. Ashanti has known ARR for years and here are Akin’s and her words on their friendship with A.R. Rahman...
PICTURES IN THIS ARTICLE AND IN THE COVER FEATURE ITSELF HAVE BEEN SHOT BY AKIN AWORAN
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IMMERSED IN HIS PASSION FOR MUSIC with teachers who keep his ego in check. This is what I believe allows him to come up with pioneering music. In fact, the very first article and interview I did was for a reggae magazine. Suffice to say, it included a lot about A.R. Rahman. From his bringing Indian music to London via Bombay Dreams to Apache
ARR was kind enough to listen to a couple of the English tracks that I’ve been working on for my album and was extremely encouraging. He really listened and in addition to being appreciative, he offered constructive advice and the use of his fabulous studio. I was incredibly touched and felt blessed by the interaction. T. Pirashanna (Percussionist - London) Watching ARR’s Dubai concert as a teenager in my West London home was my first real dalliance with his prolific vastness. I had never before seen a concert of that magnitude. After watching that concert, I decided to pursue music and I am now en route to this being a career. Over time, songs like ‘Jagge Hain’ from Guru, ‘Thamizha Thamizha’ and his qawwalis are constantly playing on my Ipod. Recently, I have been deeply moved by ARR’s philosophical side. His simple ideas of one being honest and focusing on giving one’s best to work proves that awards and accolades will come without one pursuing them. Fortunately, I have had the pleasure of meeting ARR twice; at his fabulous AM studios Chennai and in Central London, where I interviewed him about the film Provoked. On both occasions, the first thing I had noticed was his simplicity and level-headedness.
Indian, my first interviewee spoke about his experiences with A.R. Rahman for the film Love Birds. I had emailed ARR about the piece and his words of encouragement kept me going from a career in IT to being a fulltime journalist – I’ve indeed been honoured to interview him a few times too. The A.R. Rahman/ Apache Indian song ‘No problem’ which professed: ‘Ulagamellaam namma Tamil paatu’ certainly was fulfilled on the Oscar stage by uttering 3 Tamil words, ‘Ella pugazhum irvanukku’ and made history for the Tamil Diaspora all over the world! 3 young musicians give their insights into A.R. Rahman Bindu Seetaa Subramaniam (Vocalist, Songwriter – Bangalore) I had the opportunity of meeting A.R. Rahman and playing some of my music to him because of my father Dr. L. Subramaniam. My father has known ARR’s family since the 1960s and ARR has often expressed respect and admiration for the work my dad has done over the years.
Sometimes it baffles you to see some one of his stature to be so simple and down-to-earth – a surreal experience. I adore is his attitude towards encouraging new and young musicians in a competitive, volatile industry. Now there is a definitive bridge between the East and the West, a pathway for musicians of tomorrow. He simply chose to love everything in his life, how very profound. Thank you, ARR. S. Pavani (Vocalist, BMus Trinity College, London) I still have vivid memories of sitting on my dad’s lap as a toddler in cold and gloomy East London, watching Tamil movies and dreaming of this faraway beautiful land where the grand and extravagant music of A.R. Rahman filled the air. My first favourite song of ARR’s was ‘Pudhu vellai mazhai’. ARR’s music was extremely influential in my decision of taking up music full time. I learned to understand and make connections of how film music had its roots in classical music. In my journey of pursuing an Indian music degree in western society, I find many strong parallels. Dr. Balamuralikrishna, one of my gurus, often tells me, “Carnatic music is what is beautiful and melodious to the ears.” This also stands for a lot of beautiful compositions of ARR which fit the Classical bill. I often find myself discussing ARR’s achievements with Carnatic vocalist Sikkil C. Gurucharan while we eagerly work towards taking classical music to the world peaks. My wishes and prayers are to the Almighty for many more special achievements and blissful musical moments for ARR and his family. (Read Ashanti’s works on www.omkari.com and see Akin’s visuals on www.aworan.com)
RAHMANIACS ON THE NET
ORKUT
It is logical that a man who embraces technology as much as A.R. Rahman would also have a huge fan following on the Internet. Well, did you know that ARR’s online fanbase is bigger than even Rajinikanth’s, many times over (the Superstar has the biggest for an Indian star)?! It is a pleasure to feature here, some of the single biggest and most interactive ones.
OVER
500,000 MEMBERS
WHO’S IN IT: DIE-HARD RAHMANIACS THE WORLD OVER!
YAHOOGROUPS
A.R. Rahman’s online presence is not restricted to just huge communities on popular networking sites. There are thousands of individual blog pages and websites put up by dedicated fans who post some of the most interesting ARR information, either from all sorts of obscure press reports or sometimes from personal experiences. Music lovers and intellectuals too, like Ashanti Omkar in London, have dedicated a lot of their online space to this great musician. It is truly awe-inspiring to see such devotion to one man!
With a whopping 5 lakh+ members, this ARR community on Orkut is probably the single largest on the Internet. Group members here are of all ages, with Rahman being their common god. Many of them are also members of other groups, some almost as large as well (from 200 to 2 lakh members). The Rahman updates on this forum are sometimes even faster than the official site!
Started way back in 1999 by a young man named Gopal Sreenivasan (he of the courteous, soft-spoken demeanour and absolute faith in the music of ARR), this Yahoogroups community was one of the first ever officially endorsed fanspace for A.R. Rahman. Now numbering nearly 15,000 dedicated members who enjoy getting together online to talk R Rahman shop, this group also has the u unique honour of being recognised and eembraced by ARR himself. In fact, the ggroup’s members involve themselves in a lot of pro-Rahman musical activities aand even meet with the man himself o once in a while. Says Gopal of this baby h he founded: I knew this would be a great fforum to get every ARR fan together. I didn’t know just how interactive and h huge it would get! It’s great!
OVER 14,000 GROUP MEMBERS One of the 1st ARR Internet fanclubs O
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GALATTA COMMUNITY
The Communities section n on Galatta.com is but a few months old, but here too A.R. Rahman has several growing communities!
40 20’s teens
30s 50’s life
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PHOTOGRAPHY: G. VENKET RAM
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PICS COURTESY: PAIYYA, THIRRUPATHI BROTHERS
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moodin them
SPOTLIGHT
o in the
MOOD for karthi
There is something about this man that draws you; be it his charming smile, the glint in his eye or the sheer depth of talent he has hitherto hidden. Meet Karthi, whose acting genes seem to be as rich as they are in his father R. Sivakumar and big brother Suriya. Determined to make an indelible mark in the industry, he is well on his way to achieve it. Just one film old, his second has taken nearly two years to complete; his third has just begun. So what is it about him that’s keeping him in our minds despite the lack of the usual fanfare and script-signing spree? Could it be his perfectly poised personality: a combination of understated machismo and sunny friendliness? Could it be that behind those gleaming eyes and broad smile, you sense a naughty, naughty boy and wouldn’t you just like to explore that streak? You are about to find out as we have a lazy, languid chat with Karthi about stuff beyond movies... because whether he is in the mood to talk about his small but eclectic repertoire, we are ALWAYS in the mood for Karthi...
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GETTING UNDER KARTHI’S SKIN BARING HIS HEART ON LOVE, LIFE AND WOMEN
I don’t have a problem with strong women’s roles in my movies... but I am a bit of a traditionalist. I need to be needed at some point. For example, I’d rather do a Pretty Woman where the heroine is spunky and independent, but needs the strength of her man, rather than an Erin Brokovich, where she doesn’t need anyone and can stand on her own! Don’t get me wrong. I am not being chauvinistic. I think the world would be LOST without womankind; I am simply being honest!
We weren’t a particularly matriarchal family. I mean, mom was the one who took care of us, even when dad was away, busy with work. But the final word has been my dad’s. Plus, we didn’t have huge women influences, though we respect every woman in our family immensely. Even my younger days were filled with boys’ schools, hanging out with the guys and all that. It was only after I landed on American shores that women happened to me. And how! My entire time there, studying and doing stuff on my own opened my eyes and my everything else to the concept of “woman” other than mother or sister! Wow! What a high!
I’m quite a garrulous fellow. But I am not a troublemaker. Sadly, despite the fact that we were raised with middle class values -- from going to regular schools to travelling by public transport to finishing our education before even the thought of movies -- we were still star kids. And man, that can get you recognized like how! At the slightest sign of a prank, I can almost see the fingers pointed at me, hey, there’s Sivakumar’s kid, he was part of the ruckus! (chuckles) No chance of making trouble, Dad would have whipped us! Karthi is a boring boy. Don’t gape! It’s true! That’s why it’s taking me forever to talk to you at length! What on earth could I possibly tell you about myself and my staid, ordinary personality?! The only extraordinary part of me is life in the movies, where I want to BE someone. An actor not a star! My grandmom was a rock. Widowed at a young age, plus small-town girl that she was, she could have taken the easy way of suicide. But no. She had 6 kids, only 2 survived and she raised them with unimaginable strength and conviction! And look at her children now. Her family has made a mark in society, is an icon of solidity, togetherness and values. So, going back to what I said about not having too many women-influences, my grandmom and mom more than made up for that!
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I have come full circle in my short life, where I started as just your regular guy-next-door; finished my studies (my dad told me that I had to complete my basic education before anything else), travelled a bit and discovered myself. Actually, I keep stressing on that bit. I did my Engineering degree simply because I had to pick something. I have no false pride and I can tell you my seat was also a management-quota seat. I was all set to start a career in the textile business, maybe start a mill... but my life in the USA changed all of that. Suddenly, I had to do every single thing myself, from cooking to studying to living and it was the best place to know myself and find myself. And now that I have been given a chance to do what I love doing... why on earth would I want to waste it! So for the next few years, my world is going to be filled with movies and projects and scripts. I love the movie business and I love being in it. I’m on a high right now, psychologically. Paruthiveeran took everything out of me and I was happy to give it; Aayirathil Oruvan is a brilliant fantasy adventure that very few would be courageous enough to make; Paiyya is me at my masala, commercial best... What a learning curve. Is it any wonder that I can’t think beyond these deliriously delicious tinseltown boundaries!
y bo
A SUITABLE
BOY
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You think I am a totally urban, new-age guy? Here’s some food for thought... I love strong women. I can definitely spend my life with one such. After all, it takes such a woman to make a home and raise a family. I saw it in my grandmom and mom and even more than them, I see it in my sister-in-law and sister. But here’s the catch. I am not for the career-woman type. Like I said, I am a traditionalist. It has always been my feeling that the thing that kept us all together as a family was my mom at home. Her priority was us. Having us, feeding us, raising us, taking care of home and hearth. I want the same for myself, whenever it happens. My woman’s #1 priority must be our family. After that, if she can accomodate a hobby, passion or profession, it’s fine by me. But family first. Surprised? My woman’s gotta love movies. Because I love them and every conversation of mine may have a reference to some movie! She should be a strong girl, but not an aggro tomboy. When I take her out, we’d be by ourselves, private and discreet, surrounded by nature. Maybe dinner for two laid out on an exotic secluded beach. Maybe watch a movie with no one around us... the rest is for you to WANT and for her to find out! After all, gentlemen never kiss and tell!
POOJA Naan Kadavul – do you believe in this? No. I’m probably his favourite angel, but not God himself! Always a good actress, then why the disappearing act? I didn’t disappear, I am actress in Sri Lanka too, you know! Actually, my Granddad is really old and he wanted me to do a Sri Lankan film and thus, Anjolika happened. I did it for him. A good move, considering it was a big hit! You can’t choose between these two shores, can you? Of course not! Can you ask a mom to choose between her children? I love being here and my people here, just like it is there! What’s the difference in your interaction there and here? Not much – everyone I meet and everyone who watches me onscreen… we get along famously (chuckles). But here’s one thing: more people write to me from there, talking about my movies; kids call me Akki (elder sister)... What next, abuzz with projects here and abroad? I’ve stopped Sri Lankan movies for a while. Am listening to a couple of scripts here, want to get my hands wet in this part of the industry also. What are you in the mood for right now? Oh, definitely something lighthearted, breezy, airy and happygo-lucky. Heavy was good, but it’s time for light. Pooja over the years – how have you grown? With a lot of luck and perhaps a special guardian angel watching over me! I feel like I have learnt from other people’s experiences, both their good and bad experiences. And thus, I have been shielded from a lot of life’s bad nuances.
People ask you for your “take” on all the violence in Sri Lanka. Does that annoy you? More than you think! I cannot choose between both these beloved nations and suffering and cruelty are painful, regardless of politics and religion. That suffering saddens me. Lighter side of life – any makeovers you’re planning for? I am absolutely dying to get a welltoned body, like any supermodel or Hollywood actress, but they just don’t let me at home! They say I’ll end up looking like a guy! Any beauty tips? Something I learnt the hard way – straightening, bonding, colouring, perming, crunching, twirling… Don’t do it! Don’t mess with your hair! People who have been with you through your trying times? God and only God. My family, friends and colleagues have been there, but at some level, we all have to part ways but God was there for me throughout. Religious or spiritual? A bit of both. I respect and bow to all religions, but my God is Jesus – He has been a pillar of strength to me for as long as I have been here. A.R. Rahman and awards – does this seem like a beginning for all Indian artists? Honestly, I don’t know. Whether the West (which is what the core of the Oscars is about) can accept Indian talent and skills wholeheartedly and on a mainstream level or not, even now, I don’t know… but I sure hope they will!
Love the stars talking snappy? Watch them get on candid camera for hours... online. Simply log onto www.galatta.com and check out the video interviews section.
STAR OF THE MONTH
The
Matriarch of Tamil Cinema - Manorama
Her sunshine smile. Her beaming face. Her characteristic candour. Her tongue-in-cheek humour. Her penchant for cinema. Her passion for acting... ’Aachi’ Manorama is without doubt the most endearing person on- and off-screen. Way back in the pre-independence era, a loving mother heard someone humming a song from the-then latest movie Neelakantar in her rather desolate, mother-and-daughter-only house. Perplexed, she tracked down the voice to a corner, where to her awe, her two-yearplus daughter was mimicking a song. The wonder-struck mother summoned all her neighbours to hear her toddler sing. That precocious baby was none other than the actor-singer ‘Aachi’ Manorama.
Peerless Panache Prolific is not the word. With 50+ years in the movie world, more than 1500 films to her credit, a Guinness World Record for acting in the maximum number of movies (more than 1000), a much-deserved Padma Shri from the Indian Government and innumerable awards in her kitty, ‘Aachi’ is way ahead of the meek word “prolific”. Starting her acting career as
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second fiddle to the heroine, she has risen to the level of the respectable matriarch of South Indian cinema. Her peerless panache has crossed languages, embraced cultures and induced life into the medium called cinema.
Where it all began... Born in Rajamannargudi in the then famous Thanjavur jilla, ‘Papa’ and her mother moved to Sivaganga in Chettinad due to unforeseen circumstances. In spite of a period of penury and want, the mother nursed her babe (her ‘Papa’) with utmost love and care, giving it her all. The darling daughter grew up, prim and proper, into an established singer in the neighbourhood. Soon, this girl-singer’s fame reached the stage dramatists and she was summoned to do playback singing for heroines in plays. It was then that a play director dropped her ‘Papa’ title and named her ‘Manorama’.
From stage to screen Talent breeds fame, attracts opportunities. However, talented Manorama did not have a dream launch as heroine. Her first role as heroine was by chance, when she had to play substitute for an absent heroine. But, whoa! It clicked and Manorama’s silver tongue soon began resonating across various stages, in hundreds of performances. Fame gravitated to her and she emerged as a successful and established heroine on stage. Her stage-career was marked with numerous runaway hit plays in which she worked with veterans like Annadurai, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. In the most interesting of ironies, in a play titled Udaya Suryan written by Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Manorama played the heroine who belonged to the DMK Party and persuaded hero Kalaignar (who belongs to the Congress Party) to join
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the DMK. She was wooing Kalaignar, the reigning head of the DMK party to join the DMK! She had the plum opportunity of performing in Annadurai’s play Sivaji Kanda Samrajyam which brought veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan his prefix, ‘Sivaji’. Manorama indeed ruled the stage with her charm and magnetism. It was her stage career which paved her entry into films. In those days of black-and-white films and sepia-tinged photographs, moving from stage to cinema was a big leap. Though it promised fame, it was a tad notorious also, associating people-propagated labels of “insincerity” (and sometimes, even “immorality”) to those who acted in cinema. At such a time, a film offer knocked on Manorama’s door. Fearlessly and as always, with an indefatigable will, ‘Aachi’ grabbed the offer, much to the ecstasy of her dear mother and wellwishers. Aachi’s reel-career began when Kannadasan, captivated by her performance, invited her to play the
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comedienne in his movie Malai Itta Mangai in 1958. Being a veteran stage artist, she was a trifle unhappy when summoned to play the comedienne rather than the heroine. But knowing the difficulty of finding a foothold in the movie world, she accepted and essayed her first role in cinema. It is the spirit of comedy that has kept her career alive and kicking till today in the world of cinema. When all the glam girls of the old, middle and modern era have vanished (vanish and keeping vanishing) from the scene, she still reigns, unparalleled in tinsel town.
forward in her dressing and ways, with an autocratic father who often disapproved of his daughter’s good-for-nothing lover. She was a “decent” foil, the sworn lover of the indecent, often-spooky hero’s companion; Thangavelu, Nagesh, Cho and Chandrababu often essayed these roles. Only later did the real ‘Aachi’ emerge. Smart, sharp-witted, doting woman or clever, hilariously-grave, “punishing” grandmother. The “gammunnu kada” Kannamma of Samsaram Athu Minsaram (1986) or the vivacious, silk sari-draped, “paatti” of Paatti Sollai Thattathe (1988) were editions of a vibrant, chirpy, grand old dame who is both smart and sensitive, Courting the camera loving and protective, a guardian and In films of that day, she was the loyal companion. During this era, she also companion to the heroine, a perky, essayed roles of the middle-aged, beautyconscious socialite mother who falls trap sharp-tongued lass, always catching the fancy of the hero’s companion – often a to the hero’s “adulation” for her and goes out of her way to do anything in dullard who came up with goofy ideas his favour – Singaravelan (1992) being a only to be spanked by people around – typical example. who did all possible gimmicks to win her heart, lead her to a dance and finally, took Multifarious roles were offered to and her as wife. In the 1960s and 70s, she accepted by her. From the hilarious to the grave, she essayed all roles that came to essayed the hep socialite, modern and
her with characteristic flamboyance and grace, neither overdoing nor underplaying – she fitted into her roles like hand in glove. Remember the loving hapless mother of Chinna Thambi (1991) or the buck-toothed mother of China Gounder (1991)?
Fresh and Fuming Her head may carry grey strands, her face may sport a few wrinkles, even her gait may stumble with a few signs of old age, but her appeal to the audience has not grown stale. It is still fresh and fragrant, as delicious as her homeland’s Chettinad cuisine. There is in fact no standard edition of Manorama. You cannot restrict her in a straitjacket or one type of role. She is ever-versatile, reaching out to millions with her stupendous acting and emoting calibre. Even a dull, drab movie lights up when she appears on screen.
Academy Manorama ‘Aachi’ is an academy in herself. She has acted with the who’s who of the industry, yet she appears to you only as
for all of them. But I do have a great admiration for A.P. Nagarajan. He was truly a man of many talents, a `sakalakala vallavan’. He knew all aspects of film making thoroughly – editing, music, dance. Among others I admire, Sivaji Sir has a prime place. My ambition was to act with him as heroine. I achieved it in Gnana Paravai. The film was not a success but my wish was fulfilled.” What about her colleagues, co-artists? Did they have anything to teach her? “I did learn a few aspects like perfect timing from my co-stars such as Nagesh and from watching the films of comediennes of the past such as Muthulakshmi and M. Saroja. But my style is my own and I am an instinctive actress. I put on the make-up and the costumes, and the role is almost half done as I get the feel of the character – “Aal Paadhi, Aadai Paadhi,” she chuckles. This indeed, is substance for an academy!
Awards, Antics, Aachi Awards, accolades and laurels favour ‘Aachi’ till today. Recently the Tamil Film
the simpleton-to-heroine danseuse Jil Jil Ramamani of Thillana Mohanambaal (1968). “The character has found a permanent place in the hearts of Tamil movie goers,” beams the veteran with pride. Jil Jil till now brings a giggle with her sweet girlish voice, silly speech and harmless antics. And her antics do not stop with a single character. Who can ever forget “Gammunnu Kada” Kannamma’s lightning repartees or Chinna Gounder’s mother’s sharp, funny, raillery? Forget the comedienne and come to the singer! Who cannot but watch with utmost delight the smart, strutting Manorama of May Madham (1994), teaching the heroine the bright and dark side of city life in the song ‘Madrasa Suthipaakka Poraen’? Take even the recent A Aa E Ee – Manorama lashing out her villainous-son Cochin Haneefa with her quick, witty sayings. Can we ever stop loving her? Never!
Lifeline Cinema She may act in TV soaps, feature in commercials and even promote products. But her lifeline is cinema. Coping with
My style is my own and I am an instinctive actress. I put on the make-up and the costumes, and the role is almost half done as I get the feel of the character — “Aal Paadhi, Aadai Paadhi.” an ordinary, candid woman who shares her achievements with a rather childish exuberance. “There are more talented artistes than I, but I have been lucky and it is all God’s will,” she says with genuine modesty. Ask her if she ever dreamt of becoming the success she is now and the reply is even more touching. “It is a great surprise to me. Every night, I think of my childhood, of the days of penury and want, and it helps me retain my balance. I have suffered a lot and as the poet Avvai, says ‘Kodumaiyilum kodumai ilamayil varumai’ (the worst misfortune is to suffer from poverty in your youth). I’m able to take loss and gain in my stride because of this.” Ask her about her favourite stars and you get an instant list of names and numerous interesting anecdotes, all delivered with utmost joy and zest. “I have great regard
industry celebrated 50 years of Aachi’s reign in filmdom under the leadership of her co-artist, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. Manorama is one of the few comediennes honoured with Padma Shri by the Government of India. “For a comedienne to be awarded the Padma Shri is really an honour. When I went to the Rashtrapathi Bhavan to receive the award, I thought of my mother with gratitude for I owe it all to her,” reminisces a humble Manorama. Above all, even above the National and State awards and honours, what she treasures most as her greatest achievement is acting with five Chief Ministers of South India – Mr. Annadurai, Mr. Karunanidhi, MGR, Ms. Jayalalithaa and NTR. Till date, which is her favourite character in her film career? She is quick to answer:
a desolate early childhood and a failed marriage, Aachi put all her gusto into acting. With her distinct style and charisma, she has kept (and still keeps) audiences riveted to her for more than 50 years. Bridging the old and the new, Manorama has become a member of our families. Exuding life into all that she undertakes, she will continue to remain our endearing and lovable ‘Aachi’ forever. Galatta Cinema salutes the spirit of actors like Manorama for their undying passion and commitment for their profession. In 2007, she won the Lifetime Achievement Award at Galatta.comNadigar Sangam’s celebrations of 75 years of Tamil Cinema. There is more on such stars who have made cinematic history with their body of work, simply log on to www.galatta.com.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
TAKING HER BEST She is the niece of one India’s most feared and respected cinematographers, P.C. Sreeram. She admired him, studied under him and took his guidance and tutoring. But around all of this, it is imperative to remember that she learnt the hard way too – schooled and educated; lived abroad for a while and was the typical example of a struggling cameraperson before her big breaks. Now she is hot property, known for her even-tempered personality, the P.C. Sreeram genes and a unique touch of her own… even as she followed the director’s vision as the captain of the feature film ship. And before all of this, Preetha has been a friend and someone to admire for many years now, so it was with much ease and comfort that we managed to get some quick shots with gen-next cinematographer Preetha Jayaraman:
Go on, talk about yourself – let’s get our readers on the same page! Hahaha! Ok, here goes: I am Preetha Jayaraman. I am a cinematographer and both fortunately and unfortunately, I am the niece of the great P.C. Sreeram. Fortunately because his world of cinema and technical wizardry is unmatched and really helped me in my work; and Unfortunately because he gave me no partiality just because I was family – I had to work the same as others.
PREETHA
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KANNAMOOCHI ENADAA ABHIYUM NAANUM
Keep going – we know that unlike many, your education alone stands you apart from many! Oh, my years of learning and training go back all the way to 1993, when I completed my Film Institute, Chennai stint. Then there was my Masters in Film and Television from Bond University, Australia in 2002 (this was when I lived all by myself and really slogged my butt off, by the way). The good thing about being there, though, was that apart from University training, I also worked with Warner Brothers Studios on the their Scooby Doo production and boy, what a world of cinema THAT was! What! That’s it? Come, on, tell us about your eclectic works before you entered mainstream cinema! Okok! It wasn’t so long, just very interesting. I shot Bus Stop which won Best Tertiary Drama (big words, there, right?) at the Warner-Roadshow Studio’s 16th Queensland New Filmmakers Awards way back in 2002. Plus, there’s my film Asli Azaadi, that shows the testimonies of many of India’s surviving women freedom fighters.
Kannaamoochi Enadaa
Kannaamoochi Enadaa
Kannaamoochi Enadaa
So you’re blessed with a silver spoon with your famous uncle’s name inscribed on it? (mildly scoffs) Hardly! Mr. P.C. Sreeram is a taskmaster, a moody person when he is in his creative element, a great teacher who also makes sure you know who’s boss while you’re learning filming work and discovering yourself… believe me, it’s no cakewalk. He tells it like it is and he doesn’t really care who you are as long as you have that spark he’s looking for. So, yes, having him around is definitely a great thing because he opens your eyes and perspective to cinema and the technical side of it; but more than that you have to work for and earn yourself. Then all that work culture must have helped. See, international sensibilities really enhance your skills and give you a direction to work in. Indian filmmaking is different. You need huge talent to make it that cut apart from the rest, but the work culture is much more razzle-tazzle and I had to try and adapt what I learnt to the environment I was going to work in! I had always wanted to shoot movies, but I wasn’t going to remain in the parallel cinema or documentary space forever! I wanted the commercial aspect, the mainstream genre, so I had to work toward that too. You’ve been here and there and suddenly burst onto the screen – why? I have been studying and working out of Bangalore. My fun teen years were here in Chennai, but like with everyone else, life happened to me and I grew up. I studied at the Film Institute, I was abroad for a while, I assisted my uncle for a bit – all of this was not some haphazard finding-myself gambit, but a true learning process. Of course, the culture in Bangalore is different, great in many ways – a woman cinematographer is not an everyday occurrence – and it helped me build my work strength and portfolio. Well, here I am!
Kannamoochi Enadaa and your experiences. It was superb. There were so many women in charge, it was a phenomenal experience! Priya is as headstrong and driven as they come, as well as being a great person to work with. Radikaa Madam is even more so and her support as producer was topclass. Then there was Sripriya Ma’am and you have no idea what a blast it was on the sets with these two master blasters – they’re superbly skilled and yet, a bundle of roaring laughs! Add Sathyaraj Sir and Prithviraj and their unbeatable comedic connection… it was one big whirlwind do! And now, Abhiyum Naanum is a little more serious and subdued? …But equally enriching. It’s just a different type of movie, not different type of people. Prakashraj, as we all know, is rockstar and definitely maverick. Trisha and others too were super easy going. The script was clear. The look was to be fresh, clean, soothing. So colour was, like with Kanaamoochi, a strong element and you can see it on the screen. Any special technology you had to adapt to for these? Not really. I mean, digital moviemaking is finding its place here and like every young technician, I too am curious about the powers of technology and hope to use it to whatever advantage it gives, but I am the one who brings the director’s vision to light. If this is what he or she wants, I am comfortable. We do discuss the technical aspects before the shooting begins, so we know what we want to do beforehand.
Abhiyum Naanum
Abhiyum Naanum
Not too many women in your field. How so? I don’t know. Perhaps because it’s a technical field in a difficult industry and you have to actually study it to make it here. I don’t know. All I know is that I had the right mix of enough breaks and enough roughing it out on my own to find that I can work as well as any man. It’s finding the right crew that ALSO understands that part of you that’s important. What next? Actually, I am running away now – am shooting back to back. I am in Chennai just for a few hours and then I am whizzing about again. But busy is good! Busy is better than jobless and I am working with some great people now!
Abhiyum Naanum
All of what has been said sounds chirpy and bubbly, but Preetha is actually a very calm, grounded and keen-witted person. Her passion for cinematography is not just in her genes, but also in her own unique style of shooting. Like with so many technicians, she is the backbone of how a film looks, but is also the person who lets the director’s vision flow into her equipment and bring it to life onto the screen. Atta girl, Preetha! There’s more of her and many more behind the scenes wizards on Galatta.com, so don’t forget to log on! Abhiyum Naanum
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H
C EER
That female fun-raisers (a.k.a. comediennes) of Tamil cinema are the best in Indian cinema is a statement that can be made with confidence. For geographical reasons and other prejudices, the talent and contribution of these women has never been highlighted North of the Vindhyas. As a result, most of them remain virtually unknown outside their borough. Opinions may vary about who were the top 10, but we are presenting our list of the best comediennes who deserve recognition for their own role in placing Tamil film comedy on the Indian movie map.
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leaders
THE
MANORAMA
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N.S. MADHURAM K.S. ANGAMUTHU
That female fun-raisers (a.k.a. comediennes) of Tamil cinema are the best in Indian cinema is a statement that can be made with confidence.
Taking a trip down memory lane, the most famous of them all is T.A. Mathuram (Mrs. N.S. Krishnan in private life). Proving an excellent partner on- and off-screen to her iconic husband N.S. Krishnan, the Charlie Chaplin of India, she entered movies in a very modest way, playing the role of a maid in Ratnavalli. an early film by AV. Meyyappan (shot in Calcutta). Hailing from the temple town of Srirangam, attractive and curvaceous, Mathuram soon met NSK and was cast with him in Chandrakantha (1936) directed by the sadly forgotten pioneer, Indian filmmaker Raja Sandow. While shooting in Poona, the two were drawn together and Mathuram decided to marry him, not knowing that he already had a wife in Nagercoil. The socially-conscious filmmaker Raja Sandow performed their marriage on the sets. Since that day, they were together except for a brief while and acted together in hundreds of movies, creating their own brand of comedy. Mathuram could also sing well; in most of her films, she and her husband had a duet. Indeed, during the 1940s, there was hardly a Tamil film without NSK and Mathuram; NSK was known as the ‘film repairer’ because when producers found that their films failed to attract any buyers, they added the couple’s comedy sequences which they always created themselves - and the ‘improved’ films then found eager buyers. The 1940s film Viswamithra, in which the role of the celestial seducer Menaka was played by T.R. Rajakumari (the dream girl of South Indian cinema of her day), was released; to borrow Hollywood movie moghul Sam Goldwyn’s expression, ‘people stayed away in droves!’ The prints were withdrawn, NSKMathuram scenes were hurriedly shot and inserted into the film, the movie was released afresh and - it did much better! Such was the fame and name of the top comedy couple of Indian cinema, a name still fresh and alive, thanks to the TV channels beaming their movies and comedy scenes to this day. After Mathuram, the most talented actress of Tamil cinema who excels not only in comedy roles but also in character roles is C.R. Manorama, still going strong. Hailing from Pallathur in Chettinad, she rose from very humble beginnings, fighting against various odds and hurdles, and made her way to Madras. Enormously talented, she got a break in Dravidian propagandistic plays and had the unique distinction of playing the heroine on stage opposite iconic cult figure M. Karunanidhi. She also played heroine in similar plays opposite S.S. Rajendran, then a stage actor waiting for his big break in cinema. In Abalai Anjugam, a 1959 film made by successful cameraman-producer-director R.M. Krishnaswami, Manorama had a break, after which she never looked back. Even after half a century, she is still going strong and has acted in more than 1500 movies, a record entered in the Guinness Book. Her talent includes a capacity to handle a variety of dialects and accents of Tamil in which she has few equals. Some of her memorable roles include Thillana Mohanambal (her career best), Then Mazhai, Edhir Neechal, Bommalattam, Ninaivil Nindraval, Mohammed Bin Tughlaq and Mr. Sampath. Also a good singer, she has sung in many movies. She has acted with all the leading comedians of Tamil cinema including Cho, Thengai Srinivasan, Nagesh, K.A. Thangavelu and others. She was also cast as heroine opposite R.S. Manohar in Modern Theatres’ Konjum Kumari (1963). However, this film did not too well, so she went back to her comedy and
character roles. Many critics and others consider Manorama as the best comedienne of Indian cinema. She is also the only comedienne to have acted with all cine-CMs of the South Annadurai, MGR, NTR, M. Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. Another comedienne who came to films a little before Manorama and also built a solid reputation was T.P. Muthulakshmi. Buxom and beautiful, her personal style of dialogue delivery made her most popular. She has acted in done hundreds of movies. Muthulakshmi’s comedy sequences with Thangavelu in A.T. Krishnaswami’s comedy Arivali became a major hit. The husband-and-wife sequence of trying to make poori dough has been brought out in audio and video cassette form, continuing to be popular to this day. C.T. Rajakantham, hailing from Coimbatore, was a leading comedienne of the 1940s; later, she was the female counterpart of the noted comedy team Kali N. Ratnam-Rajakantham. They came together in many movies, right from AV. Meiyappan’s Sri Valli. This pair was next in popularity only to NSK-Mathuram during their heydays. Though a brilliant comedian, Ratnam’s style of comedy was somewhat crude and rural-based, lacking the polish and sophistication of NSK. Later, with advancing years and middle age spread, Rajakantham played character roles. M. Saroja is another famed comedienne. Promoted by Modern Theatres, her teaming up with K.A. Thangavelu helped her to forge ahead. The twosome also united in life and made many millions laugh with their fun-filled roles. Her best-remembered comedy role with Thangavelu was in Kalyana Parisu, Sridhar’s debut hit. Though now forgotten, attractive and talented K.R. Chellam was also good at comedy and paired with noted comedian and character actor K. Sarangapani. They were a popular comedy pair for a period and acted in many movies together. But somehow, they did not sparkle like NSK-Mathuram. M.S. Sundari Bai was also good at comedy roles and did such roles in the early 1940s, but later switched over to character roles. Tall and buxom, P.R. Mangalam was another popular comedienne of the early decades of Tamil cinema who acted in a number of movies. A distinctive figure of comedy of Tamil cinema who is still remembered long after her demise is K.S. Angamuthu. She began acting in the mid-1930s and was active for more than two decades. With her characteristic style of acting, she made people laugh with her body language. One of the footnotes of Indian film history is that she came to work to the studios in her bullock cart from her house in Mint Street area in Madras, right till the end of her days. She was an attraction per se because of her unique means of transport. In recent years, attractive and talented Kovai Sarala has been active with her style of dialogue delivery and also body language. Hailing from Coimbatore and knowing Telugu well, she has also acted in Telugu movies and TV serials. Tamil film female fun-raisers have contributed in a large measure to the success of Tamil cinema but sadly, their lives and work have not been chronicled in any satisfactory manner till today. Perhaps some day, someone will.
it is indeed a brave line to be in, pitting their wittiness against that of so many male favourites’ - and they did it with aplomb! T.P. MUTHULAKSHMI
SUNDARI BAI
For more such interesting stories about cinema of the bygone days, simply log onto Randor Guy’s official blog on Galatta.com- http://blogs.galatta.com
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BIG SCREEN
TO
SMALL SCREEN KHUSHBU>
When she entered cinema, she bedazzled us all! She swiftly glided to the top, becoming the unbeatable Queen of Kollywood. So when she hit the small screen with Kalki, a serial and Jackpot, a game show, we all knew that Jaya TV had struck gold! [Her creative clothes on Jackpot, never fail to awe!] And now she’s hotting up the dance floor, playing judge on Kalaignar TV’s Manada Mayilada!
RADIKAA SARATHKUMAR>
Some say she was never interested in an acting career, when she debuted in Kizhake Pogum Raiyil. Be that true or not, today the entertainment industry’s First Lady! Her Chitthi on Sun TV was a super duper hit; as long as it was aired, it had the highest ratings! And thus began the Radaan saga. Today, even as she continues to visit our drawing rooms with Arasi, as the rough and tough cop, Radaan is all set to produce a movie with her husband Sarathkumar in the lead.
SWARNAMALYA>
Scandals aside, Swarnamalya is one vivacious lass and Ilamai Pudhumai on Sun TV, a show that had her interact with a bunch of youngsters and bring out the fun in them, fits her perfectly! She gave cinema a try and landed some good supporting roles in movies such as Alaipayuthe and Mozhi. She is doing a fab job on Star Vijay’s Jillunu Oru Sandhipu as well.
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URVASHI>
Malayalam cinema’s most coveted actress Urvashi is talent and laughter bundled into one enviable package. Her roles in movies such as Kazhakam, Mundhanai Mudichu, Achuvinte Amma are just a few high points in her career strewn with awards. And she brought her humour and skill to the small screen, with a stand up comedy show and the famous Thanga Vettai on Sun TV.
BIG SCREEN STARS, WHO AREN’T TOO BIG FOR THE SMALL SCREEN! SIZE OF THE SCREEN DOESN’T MATTER TO THEM, THEY ARE BUILT TO DELIVER RAMYA KRISHNAN>
Another silver screen hotty who’s dived into tele serials, is Ramya Krishnan – admired for her fabulous portrayal of Neelambari in Padayappa opposite the invincible superstar Rajinikanth, and much ogled at for her sexy callgal role in Panchathanthiram! But all that’s in the past. She is now the kind hearted, yet strong willed protagonist on Sun TV’s prime time soap Kalasam, and she’s proving that the size of the screen don’t matter a thing to her. She’ll give her hundred percent anyways!
SIMRAN>
Think Simran, and it’s her swaying hips and belly-dancer abs that come to our mind. When she wed and bid adieu to cinema, a million daydreamers were shaken into sorrowful wakefulness! But a baby later, the dream girl, decided to get back to doing what she does second-best – Acting[first being the hip swaying of course!]! Cinema proved elusive, but the TV grabbed her up greedily. She started off as a judge on a reality show on Sun TV, and then came Simran Thirai on Jaya TV, that had her slotted in different characters in a bunch of short tele serials.
REVATHI>
Revathi remains one of Kollywood’s best finds. From being the impish college girl to the hapless mother of a special child, she has done all kinds of roles. So it was indeed a big boon to television when she decided to take the plunge. She’s done the regular serials, even a sort of crime drama and done the talk shows, too. But audiences are yet to tire of her!
SEETHA>
Beautiful things come in small packages, they say. And that befits Seetha perfectly! She, who has paired with some of Kollywood’s leading actors, made the screen-switch with absolute ease. As she continues to adorn the silver screen in supporting roles, she leads her own league on the Television. The giving mother is epitomised in her, when it comes to her TV avatars.
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BIG SCREEN
TO
SMALL SCREEN KOUSALYA>
It’s TV time now for Kousalya. She had quite a successful round in Kollywood, acting with top stars, in meaningful low glamour roles. But if people thought that she was a goner, well, no way. She’s back with a bang on the small screen. She tested the waters with a dual role in Manaivi, and the response being good, she’s decided to dive into the small screen in a big way! She is now the lead lady in Jaya TV’s Alaipayuthe and Mega TV’s Dharmayudham.
DEVAYANI>
We were all shocked when Devayani jumped off the celluloid ride to join the TV brigade. But she (pleasantly) shocked us even more by taking the serial Kolangal to such massive success. In real life, she has two kids, but Abhi [her character in the serial] is unstoppable! There are a host of knots, twists and turns yet to come, and the lady shows no signs of tiring! Let the good work keep coming is all we can say!
NALINI>
In Nooravadhu Naal, she played the woman who vividly dreams of a murder that will take place, 100 days before it happens! But in the TV serial Kolangal, she’s far from the good Samaritan who wants to save weaker persons. She is the typical bossy mother of the groom! You probably seethe every time she appears in the serial – but that’s her Emmy Award!
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RANJITHA>
From village girl in films to village girl on TV, Ranjitha has come full circle! She debuted in Bharathi Raja’s Naadodi Thendral as the village belle sans make-up. Then she did her share of hot roles before she quit. But now in her comeback via Thekkathi Ponnu (again directed by Bharathi Raja) on Kalaignar TV, she’s once again the village lass. Back to square one...
WHEN MATINEE QUEENS, TURN DRAMA QUEENS, ENTERTAINMENT IS GUARANTEED! MEENA>
She’s probably the only actress who has acted alongside Rajinikanth as a kid and then as his love interest! Meena was reigning supreme until the glamour brigade took over. Though she has done her share of steamy sequences, she is essentially the typical conventional Tamil dame, but one with an amazing onscreen presence. Lakshmi was the serial in which she starred, and she brought her silver screen dazzle to this late night soap that fared well with serious serial lovers.
SUGANYA>
Big eyes, luscious lips, dusky skin and a full rounded figure is one way to describe this charming actress. But even after having all the assets to make her a Glam Queen, Suganya made it to the top -- with her acting talent. She always appeared as the perfect ‘homely‘ girl. So when she stepped into TV and played ‘the ill-treated sister-in-law or daughterin-law who just never stood up for her rights but continues to do good to even those bad to her’, we were not too surprised! She’s always been the goody-goody girl on the block!
RENUKA>
In K. Balachander’s Kalki, she was Prakashraj’s naïve second wife – who feared her snoring would get her a divorce! But on K. Balachander’s small screen hit Premi, she was a fearless and independent woman. We love it when our women do more than cry over spilt milk [read unfaithful husbands, rude mothers-inlaw, etc.]!
SRIPRIYA>
She is best known for her tom-boyish roles in cinema – probably one of the very early action heroines of Tamil cinema. But that’s not who she was on TV. She starred in Chinna Paapa Periya Paapa, which was one helluva comedy drama. By nature, Sripriya is a person full of laughs, and it’s this light-hearted side to her that the small screen capitalized on.
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BIG SCREEN
TO
SMALL SCREEN SANGAVI>
The naïve gal in Amaravathy went through a massive metamorphosis that brought out the sexy beauty within her. As long as she was on the silver screen, we knew Sangavi as one bold babe who did not mind some cleavage show here or a leggy shot there! She had the stuff and she had no qualms about strutting them! But tune in to her serial on Kalaignar TV, and you’ll see that she’s back to her good gal ways! Sariclad and brimming tradition, it’s quite hard to believe it’s the same gal!
SONIA AGARWAL>
Nope, we never ever thought she’d look at a career in television, and most certainly not in a prime time soap! But she’s taken the lead role in Kalaignar TV’s serial Naanal and another sexy cine star gets deglamourized for TV. She’s married to director Selvaraghavan and could possibly sign on for every movie he makes. But she thought otherwise, and put her daring foot forward on TV. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you, lady!
NAMITHA>
Ooomph! That’s what this sizzler is all about! In any of her movies, she IS the Ooomph Quotient entirely! And on TV shows, she offers no less! Namitha did not just hot up the Manada Mayilada floor, she won over everybody’s heart with her heartfelt comments! And when she stepped on the stage, oooooooooooh! Didn’t we all cry out ‘Once more!’
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POOJA>
Her TV stint had her alongside dance master Prasanna, judging the grooving skills of contestants on Aattam Pattam Kondattam. Honest in her judgement and sincere in her praises, the participants and viewers just loved her. And before you wonder if she was worthy of the post, just think back to her pole dancer moves in her number with Maddy in Jay Jay!
FROM BEING MISS GOODY TWO-SHOES, TO BEING THE CONNIVING VAMP, IT’S ALL IN A DAY’S WORK! BHANUPRIYA>
In her heyday when she wore the Kollywood Queen crown, Bhanupriya was one bootilicious babe! She had the moves, the dark dusky looks, the honey-dripping voice and the big eyes that could be innocent or mischievous at her will. But when she took to the small screen, she shed her sexy diva image and turned sadhu, goody-goody housewife. The stereotypical tele serial woman: kind-hearted, benevolent, helpful and invariably the one upon whom most of the glycerine is spent! But we got to hand it to her for making the graceful transition and riding to the top of the TV world as well.
ANU HAASAN>
Her cine exploits are restricted to one lead role and a few dubbing tasks which she carried out with an ease appropriate to someone hailing from an established filmi family. Her TV shows portray her as a strong, motivated woman. Her Koffee with Anu on Star Vijay is one entertaining talk show, thanks to her congenial attitude. In Rekha IPS however, we see her very bold side. She has etched a name for herself in TV, and is no more referred to as ‘the girl related to Kamal Haasan’!
SANGITHA>
Her role in Pithamagan is essentially what alerted us to the actress within her. Uyir and Dhanam, confirmed that she has skill and that she is bold. And then, she brought her glamorous self to the small screen with Raj TV’s Kasu Mazhai, but now she has become pretty much a permanent asset to Star Vijay’s Jodi No. 1 – as the judge who can get real brash or be sugary sweet!
RAMBHA>
Rambha claims she’s as good a dancer as the dance master makes her! Humility! We like it! She just sizzled on the big screen in her micro minis, halter necks and what not! And now, she’s invading our hearts through one of the small screen’s mostwatched reality dance shows, Manada Mayilada. You’ll see that she’s the contestants fave judge!
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Is she the next big star? We don’t know, but after we saw the depth of her chutzpah and selfconfidence, revealed here in the expert hands of ace photographer G. Venket Ram... we knew that Anjali is here to stay, in whatever space she chooses to occupy...
MAKE-UP: BABU STYLING: CHAITANYA RAO PHOTOGRAPHY: G. VENKET RAM
personality. She has been through a lot in life, both good and very, very bad and each step has been a learning experience for her. From assisting her father in the garment business to living out of Chennai for nearly 9 years to making a determined comeback, Anjali Rajgopal is the new kid on the block, but is in no way a pushover. Her ambition is to raze the field of media, be it as a show-hostess or an anchor or an actress and she is going about it in the only way she knows - in a professional, organized manner, using her vast contacts in the social fraternity and by conveying her belief in her own skills.
HAIR: RACHEL
It’s difficult to figure this woman out. Perhaps the only word to describe her is “Diva”. Because she is flamboyant without being flappy, intellectual but not a geek, unfettered without being controversial. She hosts two radio shows in Chennai and is about to begin her small screen career with another stylish programme tentatively scheduled for April ‘09. She is heiress to the Celebrity Fashions empire (better known by its retail brand Indian Terrain); fashion and style are in her blood and not something she has learned. Her thousand-watt smile hides the myriad facets of her
ANJALI
RAJGOPAL GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 79
SPARKLING
It must be a difficult task, trying to find a footing in one’s career and achieve enough fame to rise above your famous father’s name. Anjali chose that task and until now, seems to be doing a pretty good job! Despite being a socialite, she has courageously taken the decision of trying her hand at a media career, a career that will require more of her time, energy and strength than she had ever imagined and leave her with as much heartburn as exhiliration. Undaunted, she went about publicizing her presence to all the right people and through the tried-and-tested method of networking and reshaping her persona. A glorious photoshoot with Venket happened, the word spread and now, she hopes to be on the threshold of bigger things to come...
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PRINCESS DIARIES
The essence of Anjali’s presence is the force of her personality and unique sense of style. She’s a shocking redhead now (for a reason, she says, eyes twinkling) and yet, assures us she’s no punk rocker. She dresses like no local Chennai-ite, yet she says she is a part of the city’s humdrum and is here to raise the bar on sense and sensibilities. She is a party animal but not a bimbette, as she would rather be in a quiet environment and read rather than be surrounded by cacophony and ignorance. She has a unique sense of style and is actually all poised to host a styling show, but admits she is NOT a stylist by profession. The one thing you come away realizing is that it’s not easy to judge Anjali; so why not, as she says, NOT judge her! She is a woman of many hues and wants to world to see each in all its clarity.
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Gang It’s women’s month and while times have changed for the female of the species, it is never too much to talk about what their take on love, life and other girls is. It doesn’t take only
SANGITHA
WOMAN ON TOP: For me, the woman I idolize is Indira Gandhi. She was motivated, strong-willed and proved that a woman is much more than a home-bird. GAL PAL: Yana Gupta is one of my good friends. She’s one wonderful person and for her looks and personality combined, I’d give her an 11/10! GALS RULE ‘COZ: God picked us to be the givers of life. No matter how strong a man, he can’t do that. BEING A CINE GAL ROCKS ‘COZ: As an artiste, I enjoy the pampering that I get on the sets and everywhere I go! I get the diva-treatment and I’m not complaining!
WOMAN ON TOP: My mom, who is the perfect homemaker, who catered to the needs of three demanding kids with finesse; my aunt, Sunanda Murali Manohar, who is the perfect career woman. She is independent, strong and focussed and I love her meticulous way of doing things. GAL PAL: Divya Spandana is one of my good friends. She is an independent gal, sure about what she wants, and I like that about her. GALS RULE ‘COZ: Just a smile and we can get anything done! BEING A CINE GAL ROCKS ‘COZ: I’ve the chance to inspire other young girls and show them that they too can be independent, follow their dreams and not look to anybody for help.
SHARMILA MANDRE
RAHASYA
WOMAN ON TOP: Any woman who can strike a balance between her career and her family, giving her best to both, makes a good idol. GAL PAL: Maheshwari is my closest friend for over 10 years now. She’s the one responsible for the radical change I’ve undergone. It’s great to have someone like her to look out for me! GALS RULE ‘COZ: We get to be mothers. No matter how great guys say they are, they can never measure up to that. And no matter how strong a man is, he’ll get down on his knees when his wife is pregnant! BEING A CINE GAL ROCKS ‘COZ: You get to be famous. You get to be worshipped. Complete strangers adore you and treat you like their own. And oh yeah, you get to jump the queue everywhere you go!
of Girls! stardom and beauty to be icons for other women; a great attitude, self-confidence, dignity, clear mind and positivity are the real clinchers. Featured here are young actresses who are educated, ambitious, professional and know exactly what they want out of life and the people around them.
PADMAPRIYA
ANUYA
VEGA
WOMAN ON TOP: I look up to any woman who is independent, but my idol in life is life itself. GAL PAL: I have my own non-cine cliché, but that does not mean I have no friends in the industry. But my best buds are not cine gals. GALS RULE ‘COZ: We are made to be magical, perfect beings – it’s just that sometimes we fail to see that! BEING A CINE GAL ROCKS ‘COZ: I don’t have to shell out 120 days per movie! And I get to do movies in all four South Indian languages without men getting all the pampering.
WOMAN ON TOP: I admire Smitha Patel, Nandhitha Das… basically any woman who knows what she’s doing and will put up a good fight to hold her ground. GAL PAL: I’m new here, but I’m a friendly person and I’m sure I’ll pick up many along the way! GALS RULE ‘COZ: I think women are epitomes of energy and strength. BEING A CINE GAL ROCKS ‘COZ: I get to live somebody else’s life for a while! In fact I get to choose what characters I play and that’s something no other profession offers!
WOMAN ON TOP: Steffi Graf because of her ‘Never Say Die’ attitude! Every time we thought she was gone, she bounced back into action. GAL PAL: As of now, one of my good pals is Vasuki Bhaskar, my costume designer in Saroja. I’m fairly new here, so I’m still testing the waters! GALS RULE ‘COZ: We have en edge over men because we are way more sensitive than them. And that’s what makes life so much more beautiful. BEING A CINE GAL ROCKS ‘COZ: We are the ones who bring that X factor into the movie! We add to the glamour and the emotional quotients that make cinema so much more enjoyable.
GIRLS ON A
LAY > SKIP > AGENTS: NAYANTARA, SHRIYA, SNEHA & MUMAITH KHAN CODE NAME: GIRL TROUBLE BRIEF: WHOEVER SAID WOMEN WERE THE WEAKER SEX HAD NO IDEA THESE BABES WERE ON THEIR WAY! THEY’VE GOT
A GALATTA CINEMA PRODUCTION: RELEASING IN
MISSION
RD THE CURVES, THE VERVE AND THE NERVE TO KNOCK YOU OUT COLD! BE WARNED! THEY HAVE ARRIVED! GIRLS ON A MISSION! DIRECTED BY: ATTA GIRL PRESENTED BY: GALATTA CINEMA PRODUCTIONS
THEATRES
ON 1st MARCH TO CELEBRATE WOMEN’S DAY
NAYANTARA... LEAN... MEAN...
FIGHTING MACHINE
FROM DARLING TO DANGEROUS! It was one thing when the saree-draped darling turned enviable hottie. But when she slid down catwoman-like from the roof of a building to land with a thud on the top of a car in Billa, we saw another cool and sassy side to this woman! Shimmering, figure-hugging leather wear, high-heeled boots and a loaded weapon at her waist, Nayan’s entry was an actionbabe’s dream come true!
SHE’S GOT THE LOOK, FEAR HER! Did you see that bowel-churning scowl on her face? If that did not instil enough fear, her cool-cat look as she shot at a couple of cops would have stunned you into silence! Where is the simpleton we saw in Chandramukhi and Ayya? There is not the slightest trace of the fragile, docile lass we saw in her debut. This is a lioness on the prowl, with royal arrogance in her eyes and feline grace in her every move. No ordinary cat, this! She’s got metal claws and has pumped enough iron to whack those baddies to pulp!
THE STUNTS SHE PULLED! Spirituality lends extra strength. Here she is, getting her chi all geared up with a calming round of Tai-chi - calm before the storm?
There’s something about a woman in black. Attitude on full display here, as she stands guard to Billa, ready to roll some heads at the sign of trouble.
Take that, Priyanka! Nayan handled the don’t-messwith-me, sowhat-if-you’rea-cop look just fine!
SHRIYA... KICKS ASS
Are you man enough for this wild cat? Don’t fall prey to her playful smile! It’s her ENEMY DISARMING mechanism! She’ll twist you around and take you out before you could say, “Huh!“ And when she’s done with you, that’s pretty much all you’ll be able to say! If you thought all that this lady could ever do was seduce you with her swaying hips and honey dripping lips, you were wrong! Karate kicks, Kung Fu cuts and Taekwondo control - can you not just sense it in her action and see it in her moves - and movies? Would you really want to be the target of that leg poised to injure?
SHRIYA COULD TAKE ON THE WORLD IN LARA’S BOOTS! Shriya has already made her presence felt in the international arena with the Hollywood flick The Other End Of The Line. But we want her to make a big noisy bang in the global cine scene. Let her bid adieu to the romance genre and dive headlong into action and adventure. She could be the next Lara Croft, now that Angelina Jolie is no more in the reckoning for the role! Our desi babe has the body of a Greek goddess but could easily transform herself into the action figure that is a favourite with the masses. Imagine this: Sleeveless skintight T, rugged bikini shorts, bullets and grenades around her waist, a pistol in each hand and a mean glint in her eyes! That’s the picture-perfect image of her in Lara’s boots! And wouldn’t she fit it, like it was a garb made for her? Ooooooooh! This we want!
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SNEHA...
WANNA GET FIGHTING FIT FOR AN ACTION SCENE? TAKE A HINT...
1
Yoga, meditation and mind control to keep your body supple and your mind alert. Look before you leap!
2
Oneness of thought. Focus. Don’t let that fickle mind flicker. A miss in focus could cost you your life!
3
Power up your core. Pilates will make that flabby ab taut and tough. Make that your wall of defence!
4
Pump up those muscles. Not just with those heavy weights, but with a healthy diet to support your system.
5
Prowl like a cat - agile, alert and quick. Move like ‘em silent feline fiends, and you’ll be the lionness in the game.
ACTION MAKE-OVERS!
We thought wrong! She’s been in mufti all along! Bhavani, popularly known as Sneha, is the tough cop who was pretending all along to be the quiet homebird! Sneha is everyone’s favourite because she combines the traditional look and the sultry sexy look into her lithe body. But her latest action avatar is sure to redefine that image! There’s a loaded weapon in her hand and a keen mind behind those big black eyes. You really don’t wanna step on her toes!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
We like our ladies demure, but we love it when they toughen up. We crumble when they cry, but celebrate when they emerge stronger. That says it all. We want our women to be the perfect blend of hard and soft, tough and pliable. And Sneha has just the right look to be that woman. She could be Jodie Foster from Flight Plan or even Julianne Moore from The Forgotten, the neversay-die mom, who will not stop till her cub is safe and secure. Sneha could even fill in the shoes of a Dana Scully-type (Gillian Anderson in The X Files) role or she could be our very own La Femme Nikita, the espionage queen. Her curvaceous figure makes her a very desirable superhero - Catwoman or not, definitely Wonderwoman! Ready for some action?
MUMAITH KHAN
All you baddies get into your running shoes! Gayathri IPS is here. And if you’re on her hit list, there’s no place that’s safe! She oozes hottitude, but you don’t wanna get too close, ‘cause the pistol that adorns her hands is not for show; it shoots! Mumaith Khan is the Ultimate Bad Girl in South Indian Cinema today. She won’t hesitate to gyrate and ensnare you with her voluptous body, and she won’t think twice before pointing that gun at your forehead, should you mess with her. She is in the likes of GI Jane, the likely female counterpart of the invincible GI Joe; for her, ‘Failure is not an option‘! If she’s out to get you, she’ll get you, one way or the other. Or she could be the bad ass Barb Wire, not wincing while she makes a deal with the devil. Like Barb Wire, she’s got the assets, but rub her the wrong way by calling her ‘Babe‘, and you’ll be sorry you had an opinion!
NOT MAN ENOUGH FOR HER
SHOOTS FROM THE HIP
1
She did a dance number in Pokiri, but little did the boys know that she was just warming up for her action stint in Gayathri IPS!
2
If Mumaith were Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, Tarzan would be just confined to swinging from branches and chilling with the chimps!
3
As Xena, the Warrior Princess, Mumaith and her band of outlaws would raise the bar of doing good for the poor, and Robin Hood’s gonna have to work harder!
4
Mumaith taking on the Wonder Woman garb would come as a big blow to every other superhero ‘coz they’d soon be out of work!
5
The man who should be most on the alert would be Agent 007. No ordinary Bond Girl this!
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RISING ST T
RS RS
SWETHA PRASAD A National award winning child artiste becoming a much-sought after heroine. This is a natural idea for an awardwinning script and also an anticipated phenomenon in filmi duniya! Talented child actors have become successful actors as adults too. Hence, it is no surprise that Shweta Basu Prasad, a demure young schoolgirl in Makdee (2002), has morphed into one of the most happening heroines today. After giving a very evocative performance in her debut as a heroine in blockbuster Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008), charming Shweta Prasad has become a much-sought actress in the South.
GOLDEN PAST Shwetha Prasad was born to a UP father and Bengali mother in Jamshedpur, Jharkand and moved to Mumbai when she was three. Her dad has a strong background in Theatre. At age 11, Shwetha started her career as a child actress in a dual role as Chunni and Munni in Makdee and bagged the National Award for the Best Child Artiste of the year. In 2005, she acted in Iqbal as Khadija for which she was nominated in the Filmfare Awards for the best supporting actress. Apart from these, she also won an international award for the best supporting actress in the Karachi Film Festival.
PROMISING PRESENT Shweta is strikingly talkative in nature, giving a fine description of herself. Aamir Khan is her favourite actor in Bollywood and Johnny Depp in Hollywood. She loves books and music. Shweta says she is a big foodie. With her Bengali ancestry, she is used to fish and rice. She likes rajma chawal, butter chicken, chinese dishes and street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, sev puri and pani puri. “I never think of dieting. I eat a lot. I believe in eating and exercising.” “If not an actress, I would have been a lawyer, as I am very good at arguing,” she says. She is currently busy with three Telugu films, directed by Ramesh Varma (Ride), G. Nageswar Reddy and debutant N.V. Prasad. We wish all the very best to this highly-talented actress.
VARUN SANDESH
RISING ST
RS
He replied for an ad from a movie website seeking talented actors. And before he knew it, he was part of one of the biggest movie industries of the world. Born in Orissa, raised in New Jersey, USA, Varun Sandesh has indeed come a long way to reach this level of success.
BY THE GRACE OF... It was director Sekhar Kammula who gave Varun his first break. Varun sent his pictures and videos and the director was so impressed that he asked him to come to Hyderabad ASAP. Here, Varun attended an acting workshop for three weeks. He learnt the basics of acting, nuances of dancing, dialogue delivery and modulation during the period. Though it was Sekhar who introduced him to Tollywood, his first film was Happy Days (2007), which was distributed by Sekhar. This movie about college life went on to become one of the biggest hits of that year and Varun came into the limelight.
ARRAY OF SUCCESSES Varun took a break from school for Happy Days, which became a blockbuster and made huge box-office collections in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Then came his second, Kotha Bangaru Lokam, one of the biggest hits of 2008. His latest is debutant Ravi Yadav’s Evaraina Epudaina - Premalo Padochu, a sequel to the yesteryear hit Maro Charithra. Directed by debutant Gunnam Sandeep, Bike with Neha Sharma (Chirutha fame) in the female lead, will also see him as hero. Sources say Varun Sandesh is likely to sport six pack abs in Bike, which has already started rolling. Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is his favorite actor in the South. His hobbies are playing basketball, football, soccer and Xbox 360. We wish all the very best to this rising star.
Every superstar starts with humble beginnings. This only goes to show that no newcomer - actor or technician - can be taken for granted or their skills ignored. It is indeed a privilege to get to know and feature these budding celebriƟes - get more on such rising stars on www.galaƩa.com.
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Patrick: Making each day count Patrick Swayze is battling pancreatic cancer but he has come to terms with the fact that he may have just two more years to live. Hence he has vowed to live every day to the fullest, making each day count. He shares his struggle and even admits that he is praying for a miracle cure for the disease. “I’d say five years is pretty wishful thinking. Two years seems likely if you’re going to believe statistics. But I will not chase after staying alive. I want to last until they find a cure, which means I’d better get a fire under it... I keep my heart and my soul and my spirit open to miracles. I pray,” he says, and so do we.
Kate, boy crazy?
David’s most scandalous! X-Files star David Duchovny, who admitted himself into rehab after his sex addiction scandal last year, has topped the list of Most Shocking Scandals of 2008, a poll held by American weekly magazine Parade amongst its readers. Over 30% of the voters say David’s confession and subsequent admission into rehab was more shocking than the OJ Simpson heist trial and Christian Bale’s domestic abuse arrest last year. Readers also voted Angelina Jolie as the celeb mommy with the Best Post-baby Body, while Halle Berry and George Clooney have been named the Most Attractive 40+ Stars.
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Kate Hudson has confessed the boy-crazy personality she had at age sixteen! “When I was a teenager, like, when I turned 16, I loved boys. That was just my thing,” she said. “My mom (Goldie Hawn) used to be like, ‘Oh boy, she loves boys!’ First of all, I always had a boyfriend, this is the first time I’ve been single since I was 16!” she added. But that does not mean she always had a great time. “I’ve been on so many bad dates! I went on one where I just left because he was so boring,” she laughs. The very eligible starlet is now revelling in her singledom, but not before dating a string of Hollywooders, of course!
Brad protects Angelina’s image Late last year, Jennifer Aniston branded Angelina Jolie ‘uncool’ for having said that she had fallen in love with Brad Pitt while making the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith because at the time Brad and Jen were still married. Her statement made Angelina out to be a marriage wrecker. And now Brad Pitt has come forward to clear his partner’s name. He insists that there was no extramarital affair. “What people don’t understand is that we filmed Mr. & Mrs. Smith for a year. We were still filming after Jen and I split up. So it doesn’t mean that there was some kind of dastardly affair. There wasn’t.”
Salman’s V-day gi While everyone was busy getting their New Year act together, Salman Khan was busy getting his Valentine’s Day act ready! It might have seemed like a tad too early for Sallu to be planning a gift for his lady love Katrina, but his gift was indeed something that needed a lot of planning. So what did Katrina get from her lover boy this year? A super hot flat in Bandra! And guess who did the interiors? Hrithik Roshan’s wife, Suzanne! Salman’s plans for the house included an all-white décor for the living room and a splashy colourful kitchen. We know not what goes in the bedroom, but there is to be a huge portrait space in the living room which will be filled up by a portrait of the lovely lady! (Or is it going to be a pic of the two together at the altar?) And weren’t they on the verge of a split? (Which celeb couple isn’t?) Looks like Sallu is one of them optimists, after all!
Abhi makes Sonam go boo-hoo! Junior AB the prankster has one more trick to talk about now! His unsuspecting victim this time was his Delhi 6 co-star, Sonam Kapoor and his accomplice was stunt master Allan Amin. Abhi convinced Allan to ask Sonam to do a tricky stunt with no safety harness. When she persistently refused, Abhi said that being just a one film old star, she ought not to refuse seniors. When Sonam refused again, he stomped off, locked himself in his van and refused to get back on the shoot. Fearing she had offended Bollywood’s Prince, Sonam began wailing. But all it took Abhi was his impish smile, to get her laughing!
Bebo’s vow
Jiah, the wounded bird Bollywood starlet Jiah Khan is soaring in high skies, given that she’s only been acting with the biggies in the business. With her latest act in Ghajini winning applause, she is all set to take on even higher levels. She is a wounded bird entangled in glass coated string (manja) with the tagline ‘Cut the glass coated manja, not bird’s wings’. That was her pose for the animal rights organisation PETA’s ad appealing to the kite fliers this Makar Sankranti season asking them not to use manja on their kite strings because it is highly hazardous to birds.
2008 has seen the Kareena-Saif romance splashed all over the place, so the lovely lady has vowed to take their love off and discuss only work. “I don’t want to answer any questions about my personal or love life this year. My New Year resolution is to be completely workoriented. Let’s talk about my films from now on. I have some good films coming up like Raju Hirani’s 3 Idiots, Rensil D’ Silva’s next, Kambakkht Ishq, Main Aur Mrs Khanna and Agent Vinod.” Last year she vowed to get the size zero look, and she did, so we can be pretty sure this Kapoor lass will hold her ground. Wonder what Saif’s New Year oath is?
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Bringing
HOLLYWOOD Home THE WRESTLER A powerful portrait of a battered dreamer Genre: Drama/ Sport Director: Darren Aronofsky Writer: Robert D. Siegel Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei Company: Protozoa Pictures Nothing is more important for a sportsman than his sport and the adulation he receives from his audience; both these form the basis of his identity. The Wrestler is a story of one such sportsman, a true showman. Forced by a heart ailment into retiring from professional wrestling, Randy “The Ram” Robinson returns to the life of an ordinary man. With his identity lost, Randy’s life soon turns into a turmoil . Moreover, he finds grappling with emotions and the methods of society harder than fighting cruel opponents in the ring. Realizing that the ring is where he belongs and the audience is his real family, Randy returns to the ring, even if it means losing his life.
MUST
H WATC HAPPY GO LUCKY
OUT2009 ’ MAR
Genre: Comedy/ Drama Director: Mike Leigh Writer: Mike Leigh Cast: Sally Hawkins/Elliot Cowan Company: Film4 Walking you through a series of events that test the patience of an undeterred Poppy, Happy-GoLucky is an offbeat drama about her unyielding optimism.
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
OUT009 ’2 APR
Genre: Comedy/ Romance Director: Woody Allen Writer: Woody Allen Cast: Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem Company: Mediapro In this Woody Allen comedy, two girlfriends on a holiday fall in love with the same painter who is estranged from his wife, only to find their lives come full circle after a tumulous love affair.
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FROST/NIXON 400 million people were waiting for the truth Genre: Drama Director: Ron Howard Writer: Peter Morgan Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen Company: Imagine Entertainment, Working Title For three years after being forced from office, Richard Nixon remained silent. But all that changed during the summer of 1977. Nixon, the tough, shrewd former President of the United States of America agreed to sit for one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. What surprised everyone was not his doing the interview, but his choice of David Frost as his televised confessor. Nixon intended to easily outsmart the British journo and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans. Similarly Frost’s team had doubts about their boss’s ability to hold his own against the shrewd ex-President. As the interview progressed, each man revealed his inner persona.
HOLLYWOOD MOVIES IN INDIA MILK His life changed history. His courage changed lives. Genre: Drama Director: Gus Van Sant Writer: Dustin Lance Black Cast: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin Company: Focus Pictures, Groundswell Productions
MUTSCTH
WA THE READER
After two unsuccessful political campaigns to become a city supervisor in 1973 and 1975 and a third in 1976 for the California State Assembly, Harvey Milk finally wins a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. His victory makes him the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in the United States. Milk subsequently meets fellow supervisor Dan White, a Vietnam veteran and former police officer and firefighter, who is politically and socially conservative. Milk and White forge a complex working relationship. Their relationship goes through lots of ups and downs, with White finally resigning from the board. Things take a turn for the worse when his request to rejoin the board is rejected by Mayor George Moscone. An angry and frustrated White, on the morning of November 27, 1978 shoots Moscone and Milk.
How far would you go to protect a secret? Genre: Drama/ Romance Director: Stephen Daldry Writers: David Hare, Bernhard Schlink Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes Company: Mirage Enterprises Teenager Michael Berg falls in love with elderly Hanna Schmitz, a tram conductor. After a brief affair, Hanna disappears abruptly from his life, and a lovelorn Michael puts his mind into studying law.
One day he stumbles upon Hanna; an ex-SS guard facing murder charges and heinous atrocities in an extermination camp! Initially pained by the revelation, Michael soon discovers that Hanna is illiterate and chose to be an SS guard just because it does not require her to read or write, a perfect job to hide her little secret. Michael also finds out that most charges leveled on Hanna are baseless; but since challenging them might reveal her illiteracy, she accepts them! Action, Drama, Romance, Horror, Comedy, Thriller, Musical, Animation
Flavour of the season
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
DOUBT
Genre: Drama Director: John Patrick Genre: Drama/ Shanley Romance Writer: John Patrick Director: Jonathan Demme Shanley Writer: Jenny Lumet Cast: Meryl Streep, Cast: Anne Hathway, Philip Seymour T OUT2009 OU’2008 Rosemarie DeWitt ’ Hoffman, Amy Adams R APR Company: Clinica MA Company: Miramax Estetico Films A young girl returns home for her Set in 1964, in a Catholic school in sister’s marriage. Her homecoming the Bronx, the story centres around does not help the family whose a nun suspicious about a priest members are trying to bury their begins taking too much interest in bitterness for each other. the life of a young black student.
FROZEN RIVER
IN BRUGES Genre: Drama/Action Director: Martin McDonagh Writer: Martin McDonagh Cast: Colin Farell, T Brendan Gleeson, OU 2008 ’ Ralph Fiennes APR Company: Blueprint Pictures An excellent drama about two hitmen, who are torn between their conscience and “duty of delivering death”.
T OU 2008 ’ APR
Genre: Drama Director: Courtney Hunt Writer: Courtney Hunt Cast: Melissa Leo, Misty Upham Company: Cohen Media Group
Faced with dire circumstances, Ray and Lila, two single mothers, are forced to get involved in the trafficking of illegal immigrants from Canada to the United States.
GALATTA CINEMA | MARCH 2009 103
W RAP U P WHAT’S IN A NAME?
In an industry where numerology and obsession with one’s name is everything, here is one actress who is determined to make it big with the name given by her parents. Ramya Raj, famous as Rahini from the movie Sanda and the recently-released Thee, has decided to go back to her original name. She wants to be known by her given name, and looking at her talent, it seems like whatever the name, Rahini… sorry… Ramya will definitely make it big in Kollywood!
Pic courtesy: G. Venket Ram
SOUTH BOUND Always dabbling with different roles, be it the girl friend of a gangster or depressed actress or a supermodel, Kangna Ranaut has performed each of her roles with style and panache. She debuted in Tamil in 2008 with the successful Dhaam Dhoom as Shenba. Now, she is all set to enter the Kannada film industry. Looks like this lass from the hills of Himachal is all set to capture Southern India.
HONOURING A STALWART He has been associated with cinema for a long time. We all know Sri Ramanathan as Abirami Ramanathan - the name Abirami coming from his multiplex. He is also a prominent film distributor who turned producer with Panchamirtham. The veteran was conferred with the Kalaimamani Award recently by the Tamil Nadu government for his contribution to cinema.
KNOTTED! Her little frame has never been a hindrance to her roles. From sexy to simple, Ayesha has won the hearts of Hindi audiences and also Tollywood audiences. This talented actress, who will be soon seen in the Hindi remake of Pokkiri with Salman Khan, is getting married to long-time boyfriend Farhan Azmi on March 1, 2009. We wish her a happy married life.
Published by T.S.P. Shanmuga Raja on behalf of Dot Com Infoway Limited from “GNG House”, K-48, Anna Nagar East, Chennai – 600 102 and printed by B. Ashok Kumar at Rathna Offset Printers, 40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai – 600 014. Editor – Shakthi Girish RNI No.TNENG/200721243, Postal Registration No. TN/CCN/310/07-09