Memories n Memoirs

Happy B'day Kajol n Genelia

2009-08-05T17:50:00.000+05:30

Friendship Day in College Life

2009-08-03T15:01:00.001+05:30

Happy Friendship Day

2009-08-03T03:14:00.001+05:30

2009-07-31T18:18:00.000+05:30

Happy B'day Suriya

2009-07-24T01:29:00.000+05:30

Happy B'day Suriya

RIP - Michael Jackson

2009-06-29T21:03:00.000+05:30

28th June 09

Yesterday I was shocked when Geethu told me that Michael Jackson passed away the day before. She was surprised that how come I didnt know. Really I was not aware due to my hectic work pressure. I could not believe until I surf and came to know about his death. Though I'm not a fan of him, I mourned for him as a Music Lover.

The first thing came to mind is my youngest uncle "Kalli". He's crazy about MJ and considers him as his Mentor. He had MJ blow-ups in his Chithode house. I came to know abt MJ only from my uncle. He's my senior in school and a terrific dancer during his school days. Still I remember the Annual Day Function where he danced for "Dangerous" song and got oncore from the audience. I was in 2nd std and he was in 9th std then.

I know only abt the plastic surgeries undergone by him. I used to tell my mom that I would undergo such a surgery like him to become fair. Though i dont listen to Pop music, I have only one casette of MJ (Dangerous) which was given by Kalli mama. The music was used in Indu (Metro channel song) and also in Kushi (Yaar solvadho song). Prabhu Deva, who's popularly known as the Michael Jackson of India has used many of his gestures in his early movies like Gentleman, Love Birds, et al. The graphics in the song "Maya Machindra..." from Indian was also inspired from one of MJ's songs. I have to listen to his all-time Chartbuster "Thriller"

I wished him to do atleast an album with AR.Rahman. But unfortunately it didnt happen.

His death is a real loss for Music Lovers internationally. Ironically, the Grand Finale of the Reality Show "Ungalil Yaar Adutha Prabhu Deva" was telecast on Vijay TV on his death day.

MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE!!!

Tribute to R.D.Burman

2009-06-29T19:30:00.000+05:30

June 27th 2009

Today is one of my most favourite Music Composer R.D.Burman's 70th Birth Anniversary. Though he's not alive, his Birthday is celebrated by almost all Hindi music lovers of India.
Rahul Dev Burman, who was called Pancham da created a wave in Hindi Film Music. Though is father S.D Burman was a renowned Music Director, RDB created a special identity for himself.Still his music is loved by all. Before Ilayaraja's entry, even Tamil people liked listening to Hindi songs.My mom and dad are lovers of Old Hindi Music esp Aradhana, Yadon Ki Baarat, Bobby, Caravan, Kati Patang, Tere Mere Sapne, etc. Almost all are RDB songs.Even Ilayaraja has told that RDB was one of his mentors. But I became his fan without knowing about him and his other. The first Hindi album I loved is 1942, A Love Story. (Courtesy: My neighbour Savitha Akka). I was crazy about "Oh ek ladki ko dekha to...."; "Kuch na kaho.." songs.It was in 1994 and I was in my 5th std. The satellite channels were at their initial stage. I started learning Hindi from Vasantha Maami.She advised us to watch Hindi channels. Our favourite was Top Ten Songs in Zee TV or Star TV.The songs from 1942 A Love Story were on Top. It made me a gr8 fan of Anil Kapoor, Kumar Sanu and the composer (but I didn't know abt his previous compositions).Unfortunately it was his last movie. Later I started listening to other Hindi songs.
But I became an ardent fan in 2007 when I was in Kolkata where I became a fan of Kishore Kumar first.The song "Yeh jo Mohabbat hai.." from Kati Patang was played in the office and suddenly it attracted me.I got the other songs of Kishore from Ritwik. Then regularly, I used to watch the program K for Kishore in Sony TV without fail. Most of the songs sung were Kishore Kumar's songs in RDB's composition. I started loving RDB's Music.The songs of "Teesri Manzil" (Original version of Kalaignan) made me a big fan of the legend. I was taken aback by the Orchestrization of the songs.It was released in 70s but the music was a decade ahead. The songs "O Haseena zulfonwali..", "Aaja aaja...", etc are still Listener's choice.Then the songs of "Hum Kisi se Kum Nahin", "Aandhi", "Jawani Diwani", etc made me idolize him. He extracted the best from every singer.I love his melodies in Kishore-Lata combination and foot-tapping numbers in Kishore-Asha combo.He's the only Composer who made three legendary singers sing a song.That's my most fav "Tum bin jaaoon kahan..." from Pyar Ka Mausam. He made Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar sing the song.Asha Bhonsle has sung many songs for him. Though she was used for Peppy n Cabaret type songs like "Churaliya hai..","Dum maro dum..", "Piya tu ab to aaja...", "Aaja Aaja...", "Jaane jaan...", "Aa dekhen zara...",she got her national award for the soul stirring "Mera kuch saamaan.." from Ijaazat.They got married though she is elder than him and a widow. The movie "JHANKAAR BEATS" and "DIL VIL PYAR VYAR" are tributes to the Legend. His songs were remade in those movies. (I also think to name my child "Rahul" like Sanjay Suri in Jhankaar Beats.)Though he ruled Bollywood, he had composed for only one Tamil movie.That's Sathyaraj-Gouthami starrer "Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga". But the songs didnt become hits. Even when the Madhavan starrer Dil Vil Pyar Vyar" was remade in Tamil as "Kaettavarellam Paadalam", both the movie and the songs got unnoticed.

Almost all of my colleagues belong to my generation and are in their 20s. But when we went for a Picnic, we all were singing RDB songs.A set of friends go to bar every Friday. Some of us booze and some dont. But we have never sung songs in the Bar.But this Friday (26th Jun), I started singing "Tum bin jaaon kahan..." and Ganesh and Vinayak joined me.I sang the full song 4 stanzas (2 of Rafi's version and 2 of Kishore's version). Vinayak was surprised to see me singing the whole song and praised me.The we sang "Tere bina zindgi se.." and "Pal pal dil ke pas...". It all happened after 12am. Something made me sing the songs and to give tribute to Pancham da. What's that? That's the magic of Music.

Maanaada Mayilaada -4

2009-06-10T23:41:00.000+05:30

Wow, Kalaignar TV is back with MM-4 soon after the MM-3. This is the only Reality Show that commences its next Season immediately after the previous one gets over. The contestants are mostly from MM-2 & MM-3. My favourite couple Nivas-Krithika is back. But they are not pair yet. Ya! the speciality of MM-4 is the audience has to choose the pair. For the 1st 5 rounds, Maan-Maan; Mayil-Mayil (male-male; female-female) will be giving performances. We have to select suitable couple by sending sms.

My choices are:
1. Nivas - Krithika (Best Chemistry of MM3)
2. Karthik - Neepa (Best Chemistry of MM2)
3. Lokesh - Shwetha (Awesome Dancers & Cute Couple)
4. Gokul - Apsara (Good comic sense and expressions)
5. Rahman- Nikisha (Excellent style)

6. Kumaran- Soundarya

Let's see who are made Couples by Audience and the Judges.

The Judges are also changed. Nameetha appeared as a New Judge in the 1st episode. Let's see whether she replaces Rambha or Khushboo. I always want Khush as one of the judges since she's the best and apt Judge.

P.S: Nameetha's judgement is quite better than Rambha's childish judgement.

2nd Anniversary

2009-06-05T17:56:00.000+05:30

Today is the 2nd Anniversary of my Blog. Before this I was using kaarthik.multiply.com as my webpage since 2006. Since www.blogger.com has more users and features, I was thinking open an Account in blogger too but I wanted a special date for that. I chose 05.06.07 and posted my first blog "Pillayar Suzhi". Nice date na??

I wanted my blog to be my Autobiography and hence named it "Memoirs of Kaaru" (copied frm Memoirs of Geisha, but couldn't do anything) named "I, Me, Myself" since I'm a bit selfish and self-centered as many ppl know. But this became very common like the names "Karthik" and "Priya". Many bloggers use the same name. My friend and co-blogger Bala is also one among them. From today it will be renamed as "Memories n Memoirs"

Since I'm a Movie Freak, most of my blogs are about Films and Film Personalities. Though many may think, it's a crap and of no use, I feel happy whenever I wish my favourite celebrities through my Blog. I tried hell a lot of times to post something novel and no run of mill posts but in vain. Due to my laziness, I have posted very blogs (This is my 57th).

I have to ramp up the frequency of posts. I should have been a software techie to keep blogging. Cos many bloggers are working as part time software engineers and full time bloggers and getting paid only for blogging. This may be the reason for "Recession" i guess.

Happy B'day SPB- The Legendary Singer

2009-06-04T21:57:00.000+05:30

My most favourite legendary singer S.P.Balasubramaniam turns 6 . He is one of the gifted singers with a God-gifted voice. It's such a pleasing and mesmerising voice I always envy for. He's the most versatile singer of Indian Cinema. Still in Bollywood, people consider Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi are the best and evergreen singers. But for me, SPB is a mixture both Mohammed Rafi and Kishore da. He has the softest voice like Rafi and versatile styles of singing like Kishore. He has sung almost every kind of songs with different kinds of voices.

Though he's not a trained in classical music, his songs are classics. S.P.B - Janaki - Ilayaraja trio is still one of the best combos that has given mindblowing songs.

He holds the world record in the Guinness for having sung the most number of song recordings by any singer (the record for a female singer is held by Lata Mangeshkar).

Though his mother-tongue is Telugu, his pronunciation is too good in almost all the languages he has sung. No wonder he got Five National Awards for the Best Singer. His first song in Hindi fetched him a National Award in Hindi for the song "Tere mere beech mein..." in Kamalhaasan's debut Hindi movie Ek Duuje Ke Liye directed by our own KB. Even Lata Mangeshkar, who had sung the female version of the song didnt get the prestigious award for the song.

But his first National Award in Tamil is his 5th Award for the song "Thanga Thamarai Malare..." in Minsara Kanavu in 1997.

He sings with an awesome bhava (expressions). This was identified by legendary director K.Balachander and introduced him as an actor in Manadhil Urudhi Vendum as Dr.Ardhanari, a musical doctor. It's such an apt character for him. KB's student Vasanth made himthe male Pratogonist (namma baashaila sonna HERO) in his debut movie Keladi Kanmani.

He turned Music Director in the film Thudikkum Karangal and composed Music for many Telugu and Tamil movies. But my favourite is Sigaram, where he played the role of a playback singer. The song "Agaram ippo sigaram aachu...." was sung by K.J.Yesudoss who was considered competitor for SPB at his time. The song is all about raise and praise of the singer of the movie. But indirectly SPB made KJJ to praise about him.

Eventhough he's 66, he's voice is always Sweet 16. He has given playback for almost all generation of actors. From the debut "Aayiram nilave vaa..." for M.G.R, "Iyarkai enum ilaya kani..." for Gemini Ganesan, followed by Shivaji Ganesan, Muthuraman, Shivakumar, Kamalhaasan, Rajnikanth, Prabhu, Karthik, Mohan, Ajith, Vijay, etc. till "Yaaro... yarukkul ingu yaaro.. " from Chennai-28, his music journey still continues. His voice is apt for Kamal, Rajni, Mohan and Arjun. He has won almost all accolades in his career but he is always calm and composed. He always respects his senior singers. He considers Mohd.Rafi as his mentor and KJJ as his elder brother. He tells that though he can sing any kind of songs, he cannot do a Carnatic kutcheri (Concert) like Daas anna (KJJ) especiallly by sitting on the fllor continuously.

He's so diplomatic when comes to judgement. His music show "Ennodu Paattu Padungal" is the best example for this. He advices the participants without hurting.

He named his children Pallavi and Charan. The stanzas of a song. They did not become so famous like him. his daughter is a mediocre singer who sang "Hai Rabba..." for ARR in Jeans. His son

SP Charan made a sensational debut in Alaipayuthe's "Kadhal sadugudu..." but did not have the talent like him though he has a good voice. But in recent times, he has improved and I could feel the young SPB in him in songs like "Om shanthi..." fromVaaranam Aayiram and "Kadaloram oru veedu...." from Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum. (Like Vijay Yesudass improved himself in recent times and i could feel a young KJJ in him)

I pray God, that I would sing in Ennodu Paattu Padungal with the legend and I would get a soothing voice like him in my next Birth. Let's wish SPB for a Long life and to more and more wonderful songs and to break his own Guiness Record.

Happy B'day to the Legends

2009-06-02T21:05:00.000+05:30

Today the Music legend Maestro Ilayaraja shares his B'day with Legendary Director Mani Ratnam. Both are my Demi-Gods in their respective fields. The Maestro turns 66 today and the Perfectionist turns 53. Both the Talented Geminis have given us outstanding Music n Movies respectively alone and together.

Both shared a good rapport and gave us Hits like Mouna Ragam, Nayagan, Agni Nakshathiram, Geetanjali (Idhayathai Thirudadhe), Anjali and Dhalapathy. Though Pagal Nilavu and Idhaya Kovil are mediocre movies (not of Mani Ratnam standards), they have awesome Music.

As per my knowledge, this duo introduced the concept of Theme Music in films. Mani's debut film Pallavi Anupallavi in Kannada has an Awesome Theme Music and one of the songs is now used as the Ringtone of Idea Cellular Service. The Theme Music of Mouna Ragam drives me crazy (My all time favourite). It has been my Mobile ringtone for several years. Unfortunately both parted their ways but fortunately Mani introduced ARR, the Oscar-winner. This clearly showa that Mani has a good taste of Music and needless to say that his films are Musical Hits.

Today I changed my caller tune to "Mandram vandha Thendralukku...", the master-piece movie of the duo, as a dedication to them.

Long live IR & MR

Happy B'day to Me!!!

2009-06-02T20:39:00.001+05:30

Today I turned 26. It was just another day. I consider Birthdays as the most Special day of a person. I never forget to wish on one's Bithday. New Year, Diwali, Christmas, etc are celebrated my all. Only B'days are so special that only the persons who was born celebrate.

But the day was not so special for me since I'm away from my Home and close friends. I wore a Spykar Shirt (Purple and white checked) and a Dockers pants (Ash color), went to office and received some fake wishes. Most of the ppl around me wished just for Treat. But I didnt give to anyone due to month-end.

Last year B'day was one of my most memorable B'days. Not because that i turned 25 (Silver B'day) but I was in my home with all my 1st cousins, uncles, aunts, chithappa, chithi, periyamma, periyappa, thatha and all. I love to be with my friends and relatives. I just love my cousins since I'm the eldest among them. Today I miss them all...

Many of my friends wished me. I got some unexpected calls, but few expected persons like Balanagesh, Clarence, Neroshan, Shanmugam, Shanthi, Sahithi, Sathish Ramasamy, Isamma didnt call me up. Sathyaraj didnt call and wish me but had sent a scrap like a professional colleague. Till the end my room mates Muru and Karthi didnt wish me.

But I'll never fail to wish on any of their B'days.

Thats me!!!

- 01.06.2009

Manada Mayilada-3

2009-05-30T16:39:00.001+05:30

The result of my fav show Manada Mayilada -3 (MM3) was announced on 28th May 09.

Thanks to Mrs. Brinda Raghavan (Rachu's mom) who hit the Hat trick by attending all the 3 the MM finals.

One of my favourite couple Ranjith-Ishwarya won the Title. Faiaz-Darshini couple and Azhar-Rajni couple are the 1st and 2nd runners up respectively.

Though MM is being telecast for 3 seasons, I started watching it regularly from the 3rd season.

(Courtesy Appendicitis Bcos of that I got 1 month Medical leave and got transferred to Mumbai)

Undoubtedly Azhar is the Best Male Dancer and Rajni is the Best Female Dancer. But as a couple they are not the best. They do not have chemistry at all. Azhar lacks expressions and always dominates Rajni. He thinks that he's Jr.Prabhu Deva and got over-confidence which didnt pay. Even the judges have commented that his moves are faster than the beats of the song.

Like an over-acting actor, he is an over-dancing Dancer.

My most favourite couple in MM3 is Nivas-Krithika, mainly for their Chemistry and rapport, Nivas' style, hardwork and Expressions. He can become a good actor too. The transformation of Krithika is incredible. I never liked her from her Metti Oli days and even in Jodi No.1 Season-2.

But she became so beautiful in MM3, like a catter pillar turns to a beautiful butterfly. But in the last 2-3 rounds her performance was not upto the mark. So they got eliminated in the semi-finals and I felt a lot for them. Even I voted for them. I hope they would become real life couple and like to see Nivas as an actor. He would be perfect for Ajith's brother role.

Faiaz is one amazing dancer and a perfectionist who can give tough competition to Azhar and won the Best performer award when he danced with Azhar. But Darshini is a mediocre dancer. They score only in Romance and Duet rounds because of their Master, Antony.

I thought either Arun-Apsara or Ram-Priya would be eliminated in the Semi-finals and Nivas-Krithika would enter the finals. I thought like this because Arun-Apsara scores only for their expressions. They dont dance extra ordinarily but their hard work is extra ordinary. The round in which they performed for Nan Kadavul is simple amazing and that made them enter the finals. Nivas-Krithika is better than Ram-Priya but RP eneterd finals (May be Sandy is a pet for all the judges??)

Ranjith-Ishwarya is a mix of class and mass. Their performances are like International statndard and their kuthu dance is also very local. R-I is the only couple that gave more performances in MM from the season 2. This is the only couple that performed in all the episodes of MM3 right from the 1st episode till winning the Title. When they got eliminated before semi-finals, Ishu was crying and told that they would be the only couple to perform in all rounds. They came back with a bang and their Wild card round is the Best till date which made all the contestants to dance with them, including the 2 anchors and 3 judges. That "Thiruvizha" round is unforgttable, esp the movements of Kala and Khushboo for "koottam kootttam..." from Silambattam.

They are the example for Hardwork will always give Success.

Ok, let's get ready for MM4

Long Live Together

2009-04-24T18:37:00.000+05:30

Today my favourite stars Ajith and Shalini celebrate their 9th Wedding Anniversary.

Apart from Surya-Jyothika, Ajith-Shalini is the one couple I always like since my school days. I was in my 11th when I heard the news that Ajith has proposed to Shalini in the sets of Amarkkalam. I was so happy as both of them are my most favourite that time. Even now, but Su-Jo tops the list. Ajith was the Best Romantic Hero in late 90s and Shalini was emerging as teen-agers dream girl post Kadhalukku Mariyadhai. Ajith was so straight forward to propose Shalini even after his break ups with Swathi and Heera. That's Ajith!!! Shalu would have loved his straight forwardness and manliness more than his Physical Appearance.

Unfortunately I couldn't watch Amarkkalam in theatre due to my 12th exams. They got married on my TNPCEE exam 24.04.2000. I watched Amarkkalam in my 2nd year college by bunking an afternoon session. I was very much upset with Ajith since he didnt allow Shalu post wedding.

P.S. I would like Fazil who introduced Baby Shalini and Miss Shalini to direct Mrs. Shalini. Hopefully with Ajith, Shamili and Nadhiya as the siblings' mother.

விரோதியே வருக வருக!!!

2009-04-14T20:50:00.000+05:30

அனைவருக்கும் இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துகள்!

விரோதி என்றதும் ஏதோ Enemy என எண்ண வேண்டம். இந்தத் தமிழ் புத்தாண்டின் பெயரே "விரோதி" வருடம். என்னதான் கலைஞர் தை முதல் தேதியைப் புத்தாண்டாக அறிவித்தாலும், தமிழ் போற்றும் நல்லுலகிற்கு சித்திரை முதல் நாளே தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு. தொன்று தொட்டு வரும் தமிழ் மரபை, ஒரு தமிழ் போற்றும் கலைஞரால் எப்படி மாற்ற இயலும்? None cares his Announcement. 16ம் ஆண்டு நிறைவையொட்டி Sun Tvயில் சிறப்பு நிகழ்ச்சிகளை ஒளிபரப்பினர். கலைஞர் தொலைக்காட்சியில் எதற்காக சிறப்பு நிகழ்ச்சிகளை வழங்கினர்? என்ன ஆச்சரியம்?!?! ஜெயாவில் கூட தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு சிறப்பு நிகழ்ச்சிகள் என விளம்பரப் படுத்தவில்லை... ஆனால் எனக்குதான் விடுமுறை இல்லை. கே டிவியில் "அலைபாயுதே". அதனால் அரை நாள் விடுப்பு எடுத்து வீட்டில் பார்க்கலாம் என்ற எண்ணமும் அலுவலகப் பளுவைப் பார்த்ததும் புதைக்கப் பட்டது. மராத்தி வருடப் பிறப்பிற்கு விடுமுறை கிடைத்ததே என்றெண்ணி மனதைத் தேற்றிக் கொண்டேன்.
யாருக்கும் வாழ்த்து கூறக்கூட நேரமில்லை. பெரியம்மா அழைத்ததனால் அவருக்கும் வீணாவிற்கும் வாழ்த்து தெரிவித்தேன். பிறகு சித்திக்கும் ரம்யாவிற்கும். கடமைக்காக ஒவியாவிற்கும் ரசனாவிற்கும்... மனமார்ந்த விஷு வாழ்த்துகளை இந்து, பிஜு, மற்றும் ஸ்ரீஜித்திற்குத் தெரிவித்தேன். சந்தீபாவின் தொலைபேசி அணைக்கப்பட்டு இருந்தது.

ஆச்சரியமாக இந்த ஆண்டு ஒரு தமிழ்ப் படம்கூட release ஆகவில்லை!

இன்று புத்தாடை அணிந்து கொண்டேன். Pink Colour Arrow Shirt & Blue Levis Jeans.

எனக்கும் அனைவருக்கும் இந்த விரோதி நல்லவனாக இருக்குமாறு வேண்டுகிறேன்!!!

P.S : இன்றுடன் நாங்கள் ஈரோட்டை விட்டு பள்ளிபாளையத்திற்கு வந்து 17 வருடங்கள் நிறைவு பெற்றன.

Reached 50!!!

2009-04-06T19:24:00.001+05:30

Atlast, I have reached 50 posts in my blog. It took around 2 years to reach this number.
But it's a known fact that none of the blogs is useful for the readers other than Movie buffs. Though most of my blogs are film related, it has given me the ability to write though I'm not a professional writer or a blogger. I got the opportunity to pay tribute to most of my favourite artists. Hope I would post some interesting, uselful and thought-provoking blogs from 51st.

I would like to thank my co-bloggers Mr.Balaji of http://www.bbthots.blogspot.com/, who has been my inspiration since I started blogging. Then to my Intellectual Chat friend Rachana for being a frequent reader of my blogs and who has become my co-blogger; Mr.C.Saravana Karthikeyan of http://www.writercsk.com/, who is my recent favourite blogger and inspired me a lot. Another chat friend Mahesh of http://www.innoruvan.wordpress.com/ for visiting my blog occassionally. Last but not the least, thanks to my friend Bala of http://www.balasrini.wordpress.com/ who is the only person to read and post comments.

I wish all my co-bloggers to keep up Blogging. Hope to reach the next 50 in a short span.

Happy B'day Simran

2009-04-04T20:00:00.000+05:30

Today Simran celebrates her 33rd B'day. Simran had been my Dream Girl when I entered my Teen. Nerukku Ner and VIP were released that time. Simran was a new name to Tamil though it's every second girl's name in Punjab. I was even caught by my Maths sir for having her cuttings in my Notebook. Though I didnt like her acting skills then, I was crazy about her figure. Manam virumbudhe unnai was my most fav song when I was in 9th.

to be contd

100 Days in Mumbai!!!!!!

2009-03-24T21:39:00.000+05:30

Today is my 100th Day in Mumbai.

Happy B'day Aamir Khan

2009-03-14T20:38:00.000+05:30

Today Aamir turns 44. He's one of the very few perfectionists of Indian Film Industry.

Shreya - My Sweet Heart

2009-03-14T18:22:00.001+05:30

Shreya Ghoshal - The one name that makes me Crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzyyyyyyyyyyyy. I'm just addicted to her voice and herself. Shreya turned 25 on 12th March. Unfortunately I cudn't write a blog due to my hectic work. Belated Happy B'day Shreya!!!

Shreya is one singer who's a blend of Beauty and Talent. I tell my mom that she's my

IDEAL MATCH. She looks better than most of the Actresses. She was well apreciated by the great Lata mangeshkar for th Sweetness of her voice. She was selected by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the voice of Paro in Devdas after she won the Reality show Sa Re Ga Ma, in Zee TV that was hosted by Sonu Nigam.

She was just 16 when she sang for Aishwarya in Devdas. She got National Award for Best female Playback singer for the song "Bairi Piya..." from Devdas. She also shared the Filmfare award with Kavitha Krishnamurthy for the song "Dola re.." from the same movie. But my favourite song of her from the movies is "Silsila ye chahat ka....". Soon Shreya became popular and started giving more hit songs like "jaadu hai Nasha..." and "Chalo tumko lekar..." from Jism; "Agar tum mil jao..." from Zeher; "Bepanah pyar..." from Krishna Cottage; etc and she got her 2nd National Award in 2006 for the song "Apne Aansoo Peene Ke Liye..." from the SRK starrer Paheli.

I became a fan of hers immediately after listening to her 1st song in Tamil "Chellamaai Chellam" from the movie Album (In 2002). It was really a refreshing voice in Tamil Films which got bored with the voice of Sadhana Sargam. Though her Tamil pronunciation was not good earlier, it was soooo sweet to listen. But very soon she has improved her Tamil diction and her pronunciation of zh/ழ, which is unique for Tamil is the best among the North Indian singers. Even the legendary SPB has appreciated her for her flawless Tamil. Udit Narayan still sings in poor Tamil. Madhushri is hopeless for Tamil. She was critically acclaimed for her rural Tamil slang in the song 'Iayyayo' in the multi-award winning film Paruthiveeran.

Though Karthik Raja introduced her in Tamil, it's Ilayaraja who got used the most of her Talent. She was a key singer in Raja's "Netru Indru Naalai" that was telecast in Jaya TV. Esp, her rendition of "Kaatril endhan Geetham.." from Johnny is still in my mind. She sang ..."kaanaadha onrai thodudhe.." instead of "... kaanadha onrai thedudhe..". But in the end, when she corrected that and sang correctly, the hall was full of applause.

It's "Munbe vaa..." from Sillunu Oru Kadhal that made me fanatic of her voice. It's been an Anthem for most of the youth. She has sung it sweetly and romantically. She got a Filmfare-Tamil for that song in 2006 which she deserved. I was just on cloud nine when she recieved it and sang a few lines.

2007 was one of the Best years for Shreya. She gave more hits in Hindi. She became one of the judges of the Music Reality show "Star Voice of India - Chote Ustaad" that made me crazzzyyyy abt her. She remembered her days as a participant of the show Sa re ga ma. I became a regular viewer of the show only because of Shreya and other two participants Anwesha and Aishwarya.

Ilayaraja came with Cheeni Kum in Hindi in which he remastered his evergreen hits of 80s Mandram Vandha Thendralukku, Vizhiyile Mani vizhiyil, Kuzhaloodhum Kannanukku which are respective equivalents of Cheeni Kum hai, Jaane do na and Baatein hawa. Then came "Yeh Ishq..." from Jab We Met with her ice-cooled voice which hit the chartbusters. Sanjay Leela Bhansali again used her for Saawariya, that was a Musical hit. Her voice added more beauty to the song "Main agar kahoon.." from Om Shanti Om though she rendered just 31 seconds in the whole song.Her classical proficiency was proved in "Mere Dholna.." from Bhool Bhulaiya with her flawless sargams. Only Anwesha could sing the song spledidly afer Shreya. But she was awarded the Filmfare for "Barso re...". I was disappointed as I exp she would get for Cheeni Kum's Jaane do na which is a mesmerising and had been my Hello Tune for a long time and again from 12th March 2009. Again Shreya-ARR combo worked out. She herself expected for "Yeh Ishq" but she stated that her fans like her voice for Ash.

She didnt give much hits in 2008. But her dream was fulfilled by singing for her and my fav Kajol in U Me Aur Hum. "Teri ore.." from Sing is King didnt make an impact on me. Tu hi meri dost hai rom Yuvraaj is ok and Thujhme rab dikhta hai from RNBDJ was good. Where as her voice in "Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi..." from Ghajini is so touching and disturbed me a lot. Have to write a separate blog for that. Eventhough her part is for 92 seconds, it's far better than her "Teri Ore..." for which she got the Filmfare 2008.

Shreya hit Hatrick by winning a Filmfare in Tamil and 2 in Hindi consecutively from 2006 to 2008. Congratulations Shreya!!!
Hope she would hit the hatrick again (In Filmfare Hindi) for 2009 films.
Wishing her all the Best as a Crazzziest Fan!!!!

Here comes my most fave of her in 2008:

Happy Holi!!!

2009-03-10T18:49:00.000+05:30

I dont celebrate Holi since it's not a festival in South India. I have seen only in movies till I was in 10th. I have seen some of my Northi school mates celebrating Holi when I was in 11th & 12th but I haven't participated. It was in my 1st year B.E. I celebrated Holi for the 1st time and an unforgettable Holi it was. Still I remember that day every year on Holi.
My father had come to our College. Since he is an Aarva Kolaaru, he responded to the letter sent from college regarding my low marks in the Model Exams and came to meet out HOD. So there was a hard discussion with me, my dad and our HOD post lunch. I sent my dad home and came to class.

My friend Rashmi is a North Indian (settled in CBE) and she brought some colour powders that day. She alongwith Sunitha poured the colours on me and other friends Goldy, Reddy and Sweety. Sweety was scared and screamed when colour was thrown at her. This made one of our lecturers in the next class come to ours. He saw us playing with colours. But Rashmi and Sunitha went to the back bench as if they didnt know anything (Onnum theriyadha paappa madhiri nadichaanga). Rest of us were caught red-handed, no green-handed bcos the powder was green. He asked Sweety who threw colours at her. She tried to save us by telling that she didnt know but in vain. Since our hands were green which was in her cheeks, he confirmed that we applied colour on her face. Atlast we beccame victims. He took us to our HOD. That was really an embarassing moment as just an hour before, I was advised by him in front of my father. He looked at me deeply which meant I would never come up in life (Ivana ellaam thiruthave mudiyaadhu). He made us write an Apology Letter and left us. When we came back to class the real Culprits Rashmi and Sunitha made fun of us. Though it was an Embarassing day, it still stays in my memories evergreen like the Green Colour Holi Powder.

Later it became a custom to celebrate Holi in our college, mostly by pouring ink, colour water and cold drinks. But I use to stay away of the colours as they are allergic.

Interestingly, on Hoil 2006 (14th march), I watched Rang De Basanti in Kolkata with Mithun.

Happy Women's Day

2009-03-09T12:49:00.000+05:30

Woman - The Creator. The world would be nothing without Women. "Men" are alwyas inside the Wo'men'. A man can do anything and everything. But he cannot give birth to a child. He can be a Father only after his child is born. But only a woman can feel the Motherhood right from the day when she gets conceived. I salute Womanhood.

Happy Women's Day!!!

காதலித்துப் பார்

2009-03-07T18:38:00.000+05:30

Sneak Peek of Ravana/Asokavanam

2009-03-04T21:11:00.000+05:30

Maniratnam's bilingual movie (Ravana in Hindi & Asokavanam in Tamil) is based on the epic RAMAYANA but in a modern version. No wonder the protagonist and the key role is the RAVAN character. It's known fact that Mani's Dhalapathy is based on the other epic MAHABHARATA. The speciality in the movie is the same actor plays different roles in both the languages. He's none other than Vikram. In the Hindi version, he plays the character of Ram, where Abhishek Bachchan plays Ravan character. In the Tamil version, Vikram plays the pivotal Ravan and Prithviraj plays Ram. Ash is Sita in both. In most of the remake movies and bilingual movies, the actors play the same characters in all the versions. Like Esha Deol's charcter in both Yuva and Aayidha Ezhuthu. Genelia's character in Bommarillu, Santosh Subramniyam and soon to be released It's my Life. But Vikram acts as Hindi Ram in one shot and the Tamil Ravan in the other shot. In my opinion, Maddy would be better option for Tamil Ram. Prithviraj is much youngr than Ash, but he looks so handsome.

Tail Piece: Priyamani plays Surpanaka character. Prabhu and Karthik also have some interesting roles in Asokavanam

Expecting for both Ravan and Asokavanam

Filmfare Awards - Trivia

2009-03-03T20:12:00.000+05:30

1. Filmfare Awards were first called Clares after Clare Mendonca (the Times of India film critic who died the year of the first awards, 1954).

2. Gregory Peck was expected to be the guest of honour at the first ever awards (March 21, 1954 at the Metro theatre, Mumbai). He couldn't make it to the function since his flight from Colombo got delayed. Peck, however, did attend the banquet that followed the award nite.

3. At the first “Clares” Awards function, Bimal Roy’s ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ won the award for the best film; Bimal Roy went home with the Best Director award. Dilip Kumar won the award for the best actor (male) for ‘Daag’, while Meena Kumari won her statuette for Baiju Bawra. Naushad was adjudged the best music director for his mind-blowing songs in the Bharat Bhushan starrer, ‘Baiju Bawra’.

4. Lata Mangeshkar refused to accept her first Filmfare award because the Filmfare statuette was designed in the shape of a woman and “the woman had no clothes on”; the award had to be wrapped with a handkerchief for it to be accepted by the Nightingale.

5. In 1969, Sunil Dutt lost the best actor’s statuette to Dilip Kumar; Sunil organized a party for Dilip Kumar soon after the awards function, starting the trend of post-award parties.

6. In 1975, Yash Chopra's Deewaar swept all the awards except, surprisingly, for the lead actor Amitabh Bachchan.

7. One of Filmfare’s mighty losers has been ‘Sholay’, which won only one award in 1975- for Best Editing!!!

8. Kamal Haasan and Vaani Ganapathy got married on the day of the 25th Filmfare Awards; they attended the award nite with their garlands still around their necks.

9. The award for Best Choreography was instituted only in 1988. Saroj Khan won it for Madhuri’s sizzling “Ek Do Teen…” number from ‘Tezaab’.

10. As the Filmfare award function of 1991 came to an end, the entire crowd ran towards Amitabh Bachchan as he stood up near the pool. One of the planks cracked, and Amitabh Bachchan had to do a filmy style rescue operation to save Rakhee from falling.

11. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Black’ holds the record of winning the maximum number of Filmfare Awards. It won 11 at the 51st Filmfare Awards.

12. Dilip Kumar has been nominated for 19 Filmfare Best Actor Awards in all and he won 8 awards for Best Actor (a record). Shah Rukh Khan has been nominated for 17 times and won 7 times. Amitabh Bachchan has been nominated for 28 Filmfare Best Actor Awards in all (a record) but won 4.

13. Kumar Sanu is the only singer who got the Filmfare award for the Best Playback singer 5 times in a row.

Filmfare Awards - 2009

2009-03-02T19:58:00.000+05:30

FILMFARE- The most prestigious Film Awards next to National Awards are given every year. It was 54th Filmfare Awards this year held on 28th Feb 2009 at Yash Raj Studio, Andheri. I'm always curious about the Filmfare Awards. As I'm in Mumbai now, I tried a lot to get a pass to attend the grand function, but in vain. I use to vote online. I voted for most of the categories online. I could predict 80% of the winners like Hrithik Roshan, Asin, ARR (Undoudtedly) , Arjun Rampal, Farhan Akhthar, Imran Khan, Kangna, Javed Akhtar.

My biggest disappointment is "A Wednesday" didnt even get a single award, which is the best movie of 2009. Hope it would get National Award with Naseerudding Shah as the Best Actor. The 2nd disappointment is Kajol didnt get the award for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in "U Me Aur Hum". Priyanka was my 2nd option. Atleast, she could have been awarded "Best Actress- Critics Award". Surprisingly I didnt predict my Sweet heart Shreya would win for Best Playback Singer (F) as I dint like the song "Teri ore.." much. She had sung "Kaise mujhe.." at her best, though ger part is for 91 seconds. Sukhwinder Singh for "Haule haule" is purely becos of his "Jai Ho". Even Roopkumar Rathode for "Tujhmein Rab..." has done better than Sukhwinder's "Haule Haule". I thought Rashid Ali would get for "Kabhi kabhi Aditi" for his cool rendition. Sonu Nigam too deserves that for "In Lamhon ke daman" from Jodha Akbar. Jodha Akbar is not the Best Film in my opinion. Similarly, Madhur Bhandarkar should have got the Best Director Award for Fashion instead of Ashutosh Gowariker. "Rock On" got 6 awards which is worth. I didnt even have any clue abiut "Oye Lucky Lucky Oye" which got 4 awards.

Ironically, "Pappu can't dance Sala" won the Best Choreography award. I expected Javed to win the Best Lyricist award till Ghajini. After Ghajini I expected Prasoon Joshi would win that for his Awesome Lyrics for "Kaise Mujhe tum mil gayi...'. But ultimately Javed got it

The list of winners is below

1. Filmfare Best Film

Jodhaa Akbar
Mumbai Meri Jaan (Critcs Award)
Dostana
Ghajini
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Rock On!!
The 2008 Filmfare Best Film award winner was Taare Zameen Par, directed by Aamir Khan.

2) Filmfare Best Director Award winner:
Ashutosh Gowariker, for Jodhaa Akbar.
Aditya Chopra, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
A.R. Murugadoss, Gajini
Abhishek Kapoor, Rock On!!
Anees Bazmee, Singh Is Kinng
Madhur Bhandarkar, Fashion
Neeraj Pandey, A Wednesday

3) 2009 Filmfare Best Actor award winner:

Hrithik Roshan, Jodha Akbar
Manjyot Singh: Oye Lucky Lucky Oye (Critics Award)
Aamir Khan, Ghajini
Akshay Kumar, Singh Is Kinng
Amitabh Bachchan, The Last Lear
Shah Rukh Khan, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

4) Filmfare Best Actress award winner:

Priyanka Chopra, for Fashion.
Kajol, U Me aur Hum
Skinny Priyanka in Dostana
Asin Thottumkal, Ghajini
Aishwarya Rai, Jodhaa Akbar
Anushka Sharma, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

5) Filmfare Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Abhishek Bachchan, Sarkar Raj
Arjun Rampal, Rock On!!
Prateik Babbar, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
Sonu Sood, Jodhaa Akbar
Tusshar Kapoor, Golmaal Returns
Vinay Pathak, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

6) Filmfare Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Kangana Ranaut, Fashion
Bipasha Basu, Bachna Ae Haseeno
Kirron Kher, Dostana
Ratna Pathak Shah, Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
Shahana Goswami, Rock On!!

7) Filmfare Best Music:

A. R. Rahman, for Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na
A. R. Rahman, Ghajini
A. R. Rahman, Jodhaa Akbar
Pritam Chakroborty, Race
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Rock on!!
Vishal-Shekhar, Dostana

Filmfare Best lyrics:
Javed Akhtar, Jashn-E-Bahara (Jodhaa Akbar)
Abbas Tyrewala, Kabhi Kabhi Aditi (Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane)
Gulzar, Tu Meri Dost Hai (Yuvvraaj)
Jaideep Sahni, Haule Haule (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Javed Akhtar, Socha Hai (Rock On!!)
Prasoon Joshi, Guzarish (Ghajini)

9) Filmfare Best Playback Singer (Male):

Sukhwinder Singh, Haule Haule, (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Farhan Akhtar, Socha Hai (Rock On!!)
KK, Khuda Jaane, (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
KK, Zara Si Dil Mein, (Jannat)
Rashid Ali, Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, (Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na)
Sonu Niigaam, Inn Lamhon Ke, (Jodhaa Akbar)

10) Filmfare Best Playback Singer (Female) :
Shreya Ghoshal, Teri Ore, (Singh Is Kinng)
The other 2009 Filmfare Best Playback Singer (Female) award nominees were:
Alka Yagnik, Tu Muskura, (Yuvvraaj)
Neha Bhasin, Kuch Khaas Hai, (Fashion)
Shilpa Rao, Khuda Jaane, (Bachna Ae Haseeno)
Shruti Pathak, Mar Jaawan, (Fashion)
Sunidhi Chauhan, Dance Pe Chance, (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)

11) Filmfare Best Story : Abhishek Kapoor, Rock On!!

12) Filmfare Best Screenplay : Yogendra Vinayak Joshi, Upendra Sidhaye, Mumbai Meri Jaan

13) Filmfare Best Dialog : Manu Rishi for Oye Lucky Lucky Oye

14) Filmfare Best Choreography : Longinus Fernandes for Pappu Can’t Dance Saala, Jaane Tu…ya Jaane Na

15) Filmfare Best Editing : Amit Pawar, Mumbai Meri Jaan

16) Filmfare Best Cinematography : Jason West, Rock On!!

17) Filmfare Best Action : Peter Hein, Ghajini

18) Filmfare Best Costumes : Manoshi Nath, Rushi Sharma, Rishi for Oye Lucky Lucky Oye

19) Filmfare Sensational debut (Male) :

Imran Khan, for Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, and Farhan Akhtar, for Rock On!!

20) Filmfare Sensational debut (Female) :Asin, for Ghajini

21) Filmfare Life Time Achievement award: Om Puri and Bhanu Athaiya

22) Special Jury Mention for Outstanding Performance:

Prateik for Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, and Purab Kohli for Rock On!!

23) RD Burman Award for New Music Talent

Benny Dayal for Ghajini, Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na

The novel thing about the Filmfare is the Hosts. Heart-throbs Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan wore the shoes of Shahrukh and Saif where Konkona Sen (Koko) and Deepika padukone (Deepu) joined them.

I'm very eager to watch the show on 8th March 2009 in Sony Televeision at 8 pm.

ஆஸ்கரை விட உயர்ந்தவர் இளையராஜா - ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான்

2009-02-28T16:08:00.000+05:30

இளையராஜாவின் இசைக்கு முன்பு ஆஸ்கர் விருது மிகச் சாதாரணமானது.
சர்வதேச எல்லைகளைக் கடந்தவர் இளையராஜா. ஆஸ்கர் விருதை விட உயர்ந்தது இளையராஜாவின் இசை என்று இசைப் புயல் ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் கூறியுள்ளார். இரண்டு ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகளை வென்று தாயகம் திரும்பியுள்ள ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் இன்று பிற்பகல் சென்னையில் செய்தியாளர்களைச் சந்தித்தார்.வடபழனி கிரீன் பார்க் ஹோட்டலில் நடந்த இந்த செய்தியாளர்கள் சந்திப்புக்கு கிட்டத்தட்ட 400க்கும் மேற்பட்ட செய்தியாளர்ககள், புகைப்படக் கலைஞர்கள், வீடியோகிராபர்கள் என குவிந்து விட்டனர். ஆங்கிலத் தொலைக்காட்சி நிறுவனங்கள் ரஹ்மானின் பேட்டியை நேரடியாக ஒளிபரப்பு செய்தன.பின்னர் செய்தியாளர்களைச் சந்தித்தார் ரஹ்மான். அப்போது இசைஞானி இளையராஜாவை வெகுவாகப் புகழ்ந்து பேசினார்.

இளையராஜா குறித்து ரஹ்மான் கூறுகையில், இளையராஜாவுக்கு முன்பு இந்த ஆஸ்கர் விருதுகள் சாதாரணமானவை. இளையராஜாவின் இசை சர்வதேச எல்லைகளைக் கடந்தது.சரியான முறையி்ல் அவரது இசை எடுத்துச் செல்லப்பட்டிருந்தால் எப்போதோ அவர் ஆஸ்கர் விருதினை வென்றிருப்பார் என்று புகழாரம் சூட்டினார்.இந்தியப் படங்களுக்கு ஆஸ்கர் விருது கிடைக்குமா என்ற கேள்விக்கு பதிலளித்த ரஹ்மான், ஆஸ்கர் தரத்திற்கு ஏற்றபடி படம் எடுத்தால் நிச்சயம் நமது படங்களுக்கும விருது கிடைக்கும் என்றார்.பேட்டியின் நிறைவில், செய்தியாளர்கள் வேண்டுகோளுக்கிணங்க ஸ்லம்டாக் மில்லியனர் படத்தில் இடம் பெற்ற ஜெய் ஹோ பாடலின் சில வரிகளைப் பாடினார் ரஹ்மான்.

Sujatha - An Immortal Writer

2009-02-27T18:26:00.000+05:30

Sujatha Rangarajan- The Man who inspired me a lot for writing. I was awe-inspired by his versatality. He has written in almost all genres, from Sangathamizh to Science Fiction; from Aganaanooru to Astro Physics; from Naalayiram Dhivya Prabandham to Nanotechnology. He was the first writer to introduce Computers to common man. He was a Prophet, who had predicted the computerized world in the early 70s. Being an Electronics Engineer, he started writing as an amateur author which gave him an Identity.

I came to know abt Sujatha from my mom when I was 10. There was a Scientific serial "En Eniya Iyandhira" that was telecast in Doordarshan on Mondays. He wrote about computers and Robotics in the 80s, which might be an inspiration for Director Shankar to make his magnum opus "Robo aka Endhiran". (In fact, Robot was written for Kamal during his Indian days, with Preity Zinta as female lead. But due to the high budget and some other reasons, it was dropped.) That time I haven't watched the movie Vikram which is based on Sujatha's Scientific novel with the same title. As a small boy, I liked the Robot Jeeno of En Iniya Iyanthira.

Mom has told more about his novels that were made into films. Gayathri, Priya, Vikram, Karaiyellam Shenbagappoo Ratham Orey Niram (His only Historic Novel), etc. Ninaithale Inikkum's story was by Sujatha. Among which Karaiyellam Shenbagappoo was filmed exactly as the novel. But it would have been better if it was directed by a good director. His thriller novel came as a serial in DD "Kolaiyudhir Kaalam" that introduced me to Ganesh and Vasanth, the main characters created by him.

There are still many fans for ganesh and Vasanth. Ganesh is a calm and composed advocate; Vasanth is his naughty Junior and always talks about sex and the fairer sex. Director Vasanth changed his name for films because of the Vasanth character. Vivek played the role of Vasanth in Kolaiyudhir kaalam. In fact, he did full justice to the Vasanth. Once Sujatha said in an interview that he's 50% Ganesh and 50% Vasanth. That is evident from his youthful writings.

Later actress Suhasini directed Sujatha's crime novels as bi-weekly serials in Sun TV with actor Suresh as Ganesh and Vijay Adhiraj as Vasanth. Suresh with his wooden expressions spoiled the character of Ganesh whereas Vijay Adhiraj was just ok. Still i remeber an episode "Edhaiyum Oru Murai" where a psycho rich man wants to try everything in the world and eventually he would die by trying suicide. That's "Edhaiyum Oru Murai"

I became an ardent reader of Sujatha when I was in 12th, via his "Katradhum Petradhum" in Anada Vikatan. He dealt with the topics, which normal man cannot think of.

In my second yr B.E., I joined a nearby Lending Library and started reading his books. I was taken aback by his Creativity and Imagination Skills that were far ahead of his age. His first novel "Nylon Kayiru" was wriiten in early 70s i think, but the style was so westernised. I like his Srirangathu Devadhaigal, Kanaiyaziyin Kadaisi Pakkangal, Pirivom Sandhippom (Both parts), Apsara, and almost all the stories with Ganesh and Vasanth. He implements Science and Technology in his stories. In early 80s, he had written about COBOL Programming language and its codings in his Apsara, which is about a Psycho Computer Programmer in Bangalore who kills by writing COBOL coding. He would be caught as there were very few programmers in Blore, but today??!! He had good knowledge in Carnatic Music too.

He encouraged new talents and gave them recognition in his writings. Shankar and Mani Ratnam made use of him as Dialogue Writer works in Films like Indian, Mudhalvan, Boys, Kannathil Muthamittal, Aayidha Ezhuthu, Shivaji, and Endhiran (Concept of Sujatha).

Though he's not with us, his writings make him IMMORTAL.

And the Oscar goes to...... A.R.Rahman

2009-02-23T23:22:00.000+05:30

Today is a Historic Day not only for the Music and Movie buffs, but for every Indian.
"Slumdog Millionaire" has bagged 8 Oscars out of 10 Nominations at the 81st Academy Award Ceremony held at Los Angeles.

The Music Genius, Mozart of Madras, our own A.R.Rahman has won the the most Prestegious Academy Awards in two different categories.
Best Original Score and the Best Original Song for "Jai Ho..."
He's the First Indian to win 2 Oscars. The first being the Father of Indian Cinema, the gr8 Satyajit Ray, woh got the Oscar for Life Time Acievement when he was unwell and almost in his death-bed.

The Oscar fever started right from the day, the nominations had been announced. There were polls world wide and Slumdog Millionaire got more votings. From yesterday there were rumours that ARR got Oscar and there were also rumours that he didnt get. I confirmed with my friend Bala that it is being telecast live in Star Movies at 6.30 am. As usual I cudn't wake up at that time since it's midnight for me. I woke up around 9 am and was watching Slumdog getting its Oscar for Best Editing and Cinematography in Sun News Channel. Soon I changed to Star Movies and fortunately Music category wasn't announced. I was screaming and threw the remote in when Rahman's name was announced for the Best Original Score. Soon i started sending sms-s to all my frieds.

He thanked all the cast and crew, his technicians. He told he felt nervous as he felt during his marriage. He mentioned the most popular dialogue from the Amitabh blockbuster Deewar; "Mere paas Maa hai" (I have Mother with me).
And finally he concluded in Thamizh, not Tamil by thanking the Almighty (Ellaa pugazhum Iraivanukke). He made honour to Rashtrabhasha and his Maatrubhasha.
Hats off to u Rahman!!! U r the Real Man!!!

It was a real Treat to watch Rahman performing for Jai ho... and O Saaya... on the Oscar Arena. It was like a Jugal bandhi when he performed alongwith the other Nominee for the Best original song. ARR won the second Oscar hands down. I was so thrilled with goosebumps. I was in Cloud Nine as I won the Oscar. Thanks a lotttt Rahman for making most of our Dreams come True!
The other Indian (South indian in fact0 who won the Oscar is Russel Pookkutty for the Best Sound Mixing. Late H.Shridar would have got this Award if he were alive. Cos he was Rahman's "Aasthaana Sound Engineer".

Ilayaraja and Mani Ratnam would be so proud of ARR. The former under whom ARR was a Key-board player in Punnagai Mannan when he was Dileep (his real name) and the latter, who introduced to Film industry as a Music Director in Roja.

I too gave ice-cream treat to 4 of my colleagues out of proud and made Jai Ho as my caller tune.

Rahman has composed more commendable songs than "Jai ho.." but he got recognition only because it's a Hollywood movie. I wish ARR to do more Hollywood films but at the same time I want him not to ignore the Indian, esp Tamil Films.

Once again JAI HO ARR!!!

Pray 4 Our Brother- ARR !!!

2009-02-21T20:51:00.000+05:30

Tomorrow is the Academy Award Ceremony. Every Indian might be in an Eagerness as "Slumdog Millionaire" has been nominated for 10 Oscars. I'm not worried about the film as it's directed by a British director. I want ARR to get all the 3 Oscar Nominations. I will be Proud not only for Tamilians but for evry Indian.

So, keeping the fingers crossed, let's hope and pray A.R.Rahman would get the Prestigious Golden Statuette to our Mother India.
Jai Ho ARR!!!

CHEMISTRY

2009-02-19T16:49:00.000+05:30

Don't think that this is about the Subject of Chemicals, acids, et al. Since I'm no way related to that even in my school days, I'll never blog abt dat.

Nowadays the word "Chemistry" is more often used in Dance reality shows, film reviews, etc.
What is Chemistry? It generally refrers to the "Understanding" or "Intimacy" between two persons, esp a couple. "Aan pennukkule nigazhum Rasaayana Maatram?!?!"

In Tamil Films, my fav jodi is Kamal-Sridevi. They shared a gr8 Chemistry in the 80s. Ppl saw them as real life couple. Generally Kamal shares a gud Chemistry with almost all his heroines. With Ambika in Kaakki Chatai, with Amala in Sathya (Esp the Valaiosai song), with Gowthami in Devar Magan and Kurudhi Punal. i.e. they involve in the characters as a Couple without any hesitation of touching or kissing. Shivaji and K.R.Vijaya never looked like a reel life husband n wife. So much of "Anyonniyam"

Then came the season of Prabhu-Khushboo. They created stir in the 90s. With their plumby bodies and fair complexion, they looked GR8 (pun intended).

After 2000, Surya-Jyothika is the cutest pair with an Amazing Chemistry.
Kaakka Kaakka, though an action movie, became so romantic because of the duo. Jo's eyes were full of love. Chance-e illa. They are such a Lovely pair to watch. Srikanth and Sneha too shared a gud Chemistry that gave room for Rumours. Shalini had a better Chemistry with Maddy in Alaipayuthe than her beau Ajith in Amarkkalam. TrSidharth and Genilia look sooo cute together in the movies Boys and Bommarillu. Again Chemistry!!! Aarya and Pooja share a good Chemistry right from their debut "Ullam ketkume" which unfortunately hit the screens much later than their other movies JJ and Arindhum Ariyamalum. Again they wereseen together in Oram Po, Pattiyal (But not as a pair), and the most recent Naan Kadavul (But Bala would have not chosen them for their Chemistry).

In Hindi films, Shahrukh-Kajol pair wins hands down for Excellent Chemistry. DDLJ, KKHH, K3G showed them as one of the Best reel pairs. Though Kajol and Ajay Devgan are love married couple, there was no Chemistry between them in their films Ishq, Pyar to Hona hi Tha.
Hrithik and Aishwarya's sizzling Chemistry in Dhoom-2 was mind-blowing. Aish had a gud Chemistry with her old flame Salman Khan in HDDCS, compared to her other old flame Viveik Oberoi and hubby Abhishek. The smooch between Hrithik and Aish is so romantic. That was a bold scene as she was fiancee of Abhishek who's also in Dhoom-2. Even after her marriage, her Chemistry with Hrithik did wonders in the Historical Jodhaa Akbar. I like the sword scene and the song "In lamhon ke daman mein..." Instead Abhishek shares a wonderful Chemistry with Rani Mukherji in the films Yuva, Bunty aur Babli, etc.

In old Hindi films, I like Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia pair. Right from their debut in Bobby, later in Sagar and as middle-aged couple in Pyar mein Twist. Amitabh's chemistry with Rekha was much talked about. Hardly he had chemistry with Jaya Bhaduri. Even in Silsila, which was released after his marriage, Amitabh and Rekha shared a sizzling Chemistry in spite of Jaya Bachchan being the heroine. Even Old Amitabh's Chemistry with Hema Malini in Bhagban and Babul was was more lovable than Old Amitabh- Jaya jodi in K Jo's K3G.

Other pairs with good Chemistry
Kamal- Ambika
Rajni- Radhika, Sri Priya
Karthik-Revathi,Radha, Banupriya
Prabhu-Radha
Sathyaraj-Radha, Banupriya
Suresh - Nadhiya
Shivakumar- Lakshmi, Jayachithra

Vijay- Simran (Nice Dancing Couple)
Ajith-Trisha (Esp in Kireedom, as Trisha is a die-hard Ajith fan from her childhood)
Surya- Asin (In Ghajini)
Madhavan- Meera Jasmine (In Run and Aayidha Ezhuthu)
Madhavan- Vidya Balan (In Airtel Ad)

Aamir Khan- Juhi (QSQT)
Saif-Preity (Salam Namastey)
Anil Kapoor- Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit
Akshay Kumar- Katrina Kaif
Shahid-Kareena (In JWM)

Nivas- Krithika in MM3

Happy Valentine's Day - Salam-e-Ishq

2009-02-17T11:47:00.000+05:30

This is my 26th Valentine's Days being single, but not without Girl Friends.
Nowadays it's a shame being single and that too for 26 years.To my knowledge, the Valentine's Day Culture started when I was in 9th Std. Since then I celebrate every year by wishing "Happy Valentine's Day" to my Friends who are in Love though I dont have a Lover who loves me.
I had and still have a lot of Crushes and infatuations in my School days. Starting from Savithri miss (My Kindergarted Teacher) to actresses like Sridevi, Amala, Shalini, Sneha, Swathi, etc.
The latest and strongest Crush is on my Sweet heart Shreya Ghoshal.

Love is a fine feeling which makes one feel so Special; either To Love or to be Loved.
It's better to love and lose than not to be in Love.

3 years in ADA

2009-02-13T21:08:00.000+05:30

Today is 3rd yr in ADA

Poor Condition of Software Professionals

2009-02-11T20:57:00.000+05:30

Atlast, I got time for my first blog this year. Thanks for the e-mail I sent by Hardik that made me post this blog.

'Techies' - This is the term generally referred to the so called Software Professional. Almost every Engineering Student dreams to become a Software Professional. Even I was trying to join a Computer Science Engineering Course in B.E. but couldn't get even a Payment seat.

After finishing Engineering, I went to the Silicon Valley Bangalore to get a job in Software.

The main reasons for aiming a Software job even by a Mechanical Student are:

1. The hanndsome package which our Fathers are not able to get in their whole Career.

2. Cool work Environmet - in front of a System which brings the Whole Wide World at just a click.

3. Opportunities to go abroad and to earn in Dollars in a very short span.

These all reasons made the Softies, the most sought after guys. From Banks to Brokers, they were offered lot of Offers. The cost of Living went high. The culture of Multiplexes, Shopping Malls, Pubs, et al was introduced. Yougsters started wearing branded garments.

Brides started demanding for Grooms from a Software Concern.

Companies like Infosys, TCS, CTS, Wipro, et al became so common among people who have never operated a PC. A bride's father was ready to give more 'dowry' to a guy with a CTS tag. This made the non- Techie guys jealous of techies.

But after the Economic Crisis in the US, Obama stopped Outsourcing. People are being laid off from their jobs. Many organisations have announced that there will be no Salary Increment for this Financial Year. Even brides started giving Matrimonial ads like this...

So pity of you Techies...

Happy B'day Jo Jo Jyothika

2008-10-18T17:36:00.000+05:30

Today Jyothika turns 29.

Happy B'day Kajol

2008-08-05T16:33:00.000+05:30

One of my most favourite actresses Kajol turns 34 today. I am addicted to Kajol's magnetic eyes since Minsara Kanavu in 1997. She's the real Minsara Kanni. Though I was not attracted towards her acting prowess then. The film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai made me a die-hard fan of the Bong Beauty.

Jo and "Kutty Jo" Diya

2008-07-16T15:21:00.000+05:30

After Anoushka made a public presence with dad Ajith n Mom Shalini, it's time for Diya to make a Public presence, but with Yummy Mummy JO only. Dad Surya is missing. It would be Picture Perfect if Surya were there alongwith them. Still a nice pic... Jo is still Bubbly

Jaane Tu... Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa

2008-07-10T19:14:00.000+05:30

The movie is cute

Happy B'day K.B.

2008-07-09T18:20:00.000+05:30

Today is my most fav director K.Balachander's B'day. He is 78 yrs young. He is the real Star Maker who created stars like Kamalhassan, Rajnikanth, Sridevi, Jayapradha. Most of the actors like Jayasudha, Sujatha, Saritha, Madhavi, Geetha, Prakash Raj, Naser, S.Ve.Shekar, Dileep, Vivek, Ramesh Aravind, SPB as an actor were introduced by none other than KB.

KB is one person who has influenced or inspired me a lot. My orkut n blogger profile says "I'm a Cocktail of K.B's film characters.." I dont know how I became such an ardent fan of KB and his creations. Mom is a big fan of KB. She only introduced his films to me. I was in 7th or 8th std I guess. I started to understand abt movies. The first KB film that shocked me was "Aval Oru Thodarkadhai". I was attracted by the "Kavitha" character. She is a stubborn, adamant, arrogant to see but soft at heart, egotistic girl. The climax is such a stunning climax. Long ago I read Director Vasanth's interview in a Tamil Weekly that he was stunned by the climax of "Aval Oru Thodarkadhai" and returned home by walk. He forgot his cycle in the Cinema Theater itself.
Though it's a story of Writer Maharishi, the screenplay and dialogues made it a Landmark film. It was dubbed in Malayalam and remade in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali. This is one Tamil film which was taken in most of the regional languages.

Then I started watching movies like Apoorva Ragangal, Iru Kodugal, Edhir Neechal, Avargal, Arangetram, Sollathan Ninaikkiren, Thamarai Nenjam, Moondru Mudichu, Sindhu Bhairavi, Manadhil Urudhi Vendum, Punnagai Mannan, Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal, Unnal Mudiyum Thambi, Agni Satchi, Kalyana Agadhigal, etc. again and again (Courtesy: Sun Movies which was ther in 1996-1997). I would have watched Azhagan more than 100 times. It's one of my most fav films which I wud take alongwith me if I'm left in no man's land. Once my Maami's father asked me abt the film I liked at that time and was surprised when I said Thamarai Nenjam. I was in my 7th Std vacation then. The first KB film I watched in a theater was Kalki (In 1996). Before that I watched and liked his teleserials Kaiyalavu Manasu, Kadhal Pagadai, Premi, Jannal, etc. I liked "Kalki" very much though not liked by many. I started to say
"Naan senjadhu write illa; aana naan senjadhu thappilla".

I think my mom would have watched a lot of KB films when I was in her womb. This made me love his films and created a Desire for Direction. I have heard many ppl saying KB as a pervert due to some of the scenes in his movies. Esp the scenes in which women are exploited. But he's the director who took more Women-oriented subjects and never depended on heroes. He's the real revolutionist of Tamil Cinema. After Director Sridhar, KB showed a different view of Tamil Cinema.

My mom was surprised that I like KB movies at my tender age of 12. She often told then that she was not allowed to watch many of his movies before her marriage as they were considered only for Adults. The things I like in KB movies are the screenplay, dialogues which are simple yet sharp, the importance to each and every character of his movies. Be it a living character or non-living character, we canno forget those small roles. For instance, "Irumal thatha" of Edhir Neechal, Rajni's father in Thillu Mullu, Kokila' husband in Kalki, etc. do not exist in the respective movies but they have created an impact. The non-living characters like the doll (Junior) in Avargal, Cash box and red car in Vaaname Ellai, Telephone in Azhagan are also important characters of the films.

I came to know abt the Sahana raga from his films only. He has a passion for this raga i think. He has used it in many of his films. So I created a Dream Girl and named her Sahana.

It's not an ordinary achievement to direct 100 films. That too 95% are Quality films.
Though I dont like Parthale Paravasam, the much-hyped 100th film of KB, Poi, Ninaithale Inikkum, I never ignore them. He's the pioneer in everything. He's the first director who made ppl watch movies for a director instead of stars like MGR n Shivaji Ganesan. During my teen-age I used watch KB films which made me separated from my other friends who considered I have abnormal taste. But now I have some good friends who love KB and his films and that too younger than me. So now I feel that I'm not abnormal.

Ajith, Shalini n Anushka

2008-07-04T20:22:00.000+05:30

Ajith made a public appearance with his New born kid Anushka. I felt very happy on seeing this pic of Ajith, Shalu n Anu. Anushka, who is 6 mobths old resembles her grandma (Ajith's mom) Mrs.Mohini Mani. I wish her to be a Cutie like Baby Shalini and to do movies like her mom and aunt Shamili. But till now Surya has not been seen with Jo and Diya in a Public Function. I just love both the Couples...

Good Homer Sometime Nods

2008-07-02T18:04:00.000+05:30

யானைக்கும் அடி சறுக்கும்.

Today it happened. I use to boast that I have an extremely excellent Memory power to remember all my friends' B'days, W'days, etc... But today I forgot the B'day of my dear friend and flatmate Dipayan.

Kuselan Audio

2008-07-01T18:36:00.000+05:30

Today the audio track of Rajnikath's next filck 'Kuselan' was released. This is the first blog I’m writing about the Audio of a movie. Instead of writing about my current favorites “JTYJN”, “ADA”, or Dhaam Dhoom, I’m writing this though I’m not a Rajni fan. The thing that surprised me is the Music Director, GV Prakash.

Even A.R.Rahman didn’t get a chance to compose music for a Rajni film even after he getting the National Award for Debut film. He got the chance for Muthu after 4 years. But GV Prakash, who was a kid when he sang the first line for “Kuluvaalile… muthu vannallo…” got the chance at the early stage of his career.

1. Chaaral - My fav song of the album as it’s sung by my Sweet Heart Shreya Ghoshal.
This is a rain song. It’s based on the raga Chala Naattai so it obviously reminds “Pani vizhum malar vanam…” and “Chennai Senthamizh…”. But it makes us feel the rain.

2. Cinema Cinema – This song is sung by Shankar Mahadevan. It not about pride of the Cinema but a song for Superstar…But the lyrics are pretty good in the Pallavi but the Charanam is the “Pugazh Maalai” for Rajnikanth.

3. Om Zaarare - This is sung by Daler Mehndi, Chitra and Sadhana Sargam. Daler Mehndi’s humming reminds the voice of Kamal in “Oh oh sanam…”
Again it’s a song for Rajni where the lyrics are full of his movies Pokkiri Raja, Polladhavan, Annamalai, Veera, Maaveeran, Paayum Puli, Thillu Mullu , Thappu thaalam, Chandramukhi, Ejaman, Padayappa..... Sadhana’s dominates the whole song and Chitra is over-shadowed.

4. Perinba – Kailash Kher and Prasanna have sung this song. Kailash’s Tamil is better than Mehndi’s. In fact his Tamil is better than some Tamil singers. He has a folk style of voice like Manikka Vinayagam. Once again a song abt Rajini’s Arumai perumai… aaawwww…..

5. Sollamma Chinnamma – This duet is sung by Hariharan and Sujatha. Thank God, at last, a song for the ‘Kuselan’ Pasupathi. I could picturise a poor family singing this song happily in a village without any worry for money.

“Maadi veettil vegumadhi irukkum… ezhai veetil nimmadhi irukkum…” nice lyrics.

On an average, it’s a very average album. The great disappointment is SPB has not sung any song, whom Rajni considers as his Lucky Mascot and sings for all intro songs for him, except Baba which was a super duper flop.

Let’s keep the fingers crossed for the success of the movie. But songs are not upto the mark.

Rating : 2.5/5

Happy Wedding Day to My Mom n Dad

2008-06-30T13:58:00.000+05:30

Today is my parents' 26th Wedding Anniversary...
As usual I wished my mom "Deepest Condolences"

A Tribute to R.D.Buman

2008-06-27T11:35:00.000+05:30

Today is the 69th Birth Anniversary of the legendary music Director R.D.Burman

Silver Jubilee

2008-06-26T21:40:00.000+05:30

Today is a Double Silver Anniversary in my Life.

Today I'm 25 yrs and 25 months old

DASAVATHARAM -

2008-06-14T12:12:00.000+05:30

DASAVATHARAM – The highly expected movie for the past 2 yrs, at last released yesterday. It’s much expected because of the 10 different roles portrayed by Kamal Hassan which is the first time in World Cinema History. Kamal dons the role of the Hero, the Villain (American), American President (Bush look-alike), Heroine’s Grand mother, a Vaishnavite, a Punjabi Pop Singer (Daler Mehendi look-alike), a Japanese Fighter, a Telugu CID Officer, a Muslim Giant, a Christianity converted Harijan (Speaking Nagercoil Tamil). Except the Giant Kamal, (whose make-up is artificial) all others make-up is mind-blowing.

I was awe-struck by the old lady makeover, with lot of wrinkles all over the body, with less Height, with broken teeth, speaking in an old-lady voice. None can do these kind of roles other than Kamal. Though it’s not new to him, it’s a Visual Treat for Kamal fans.

Technically, the film has taken Tamil Cinema to the next level. The make-up and the Special Effects will be a mile stone.

Music is not up to the mark. I didn’t like the songs when the music was released. Though Himesh has given hits in Hindi, his Tamil debut is average.

Asin has done a neat job with less over-action. Mallika Sherawat’s Skin show is just for Commercial purpose. Jayapradha, who was once considered the Epitome of Indian Woman by Satyajit Ray has lost her charm and grace. Rekha – Ayyp Paavam…

NATIONAL AWARDS - 2006

2008-06-12T11:31:00.000+05:30

Best picture - Pulijanmam - Malayalam

Best Director - Madhur Bhandarkar (Traffic Signal) - Hindi

Best Actor - Soumitra Chatterjee (Podokkhep) - Bengali

Best Actress - Priyamani (Paruthi Veeran) - Tamil

Best Supporting Actor - Dilip Prabhavalkar (Lage Raho Munnabhai, Shevri) - Hindi

Best Supporting Actress - Konkona Sen Sharma (Omkara) - Hindi

Best Music Direction - Ashok Patki (Antarnad) - Konkani

Best Lyrics - Badhe Haath ... (Lage Raho Munnabhai) - Hindi

Best Cinematography - Goutam Ghose (Yatra) - Hindi

Best Screenplay - Prakash Jha, Shridhar Raghavan and Manoj Tyagi (Lage Raho Munnabhai)

Best Art Direction - Rashid Rangrez (Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waris) - Punjabi

Best Costume Designer - Manjit Mann (Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waris) - Punjabi

Best Choreography - Madhu Samudra and Sajeev Samudra (Ratri Mazha) - Malayalam

Best Makeup - Anil Motiram Palande (Traffic Signal) - Hindi

Best Child Artist - Divya Chahadkar (Antarnad) - Konkani

Best Special Effects - EFX, Chennai (Krrish) - Hindi

Best First Film of a director - Kabul Express (Kabir Khan), Ekantham, (Madhu Kaithapuram)

Best Popular Film providing Wholesome Entertainment - Lage Raho Munnabhai - Hindi

Best Audiography - K J Singh and Subhash Sahoo (Omkara) - Hindi

Best Editing - Raja Mohamed (Paruthi Veeran) - Tamil

Best Male Playback Singer - Gurdas Mann (Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waris) - Punjabi

Best Female Playback Singer - Aarti Anklekar Tikekar (Antarnad) - Konkani

Best Feature Film on National Integration - Kallarli Huvagi - Kannada

Best Film on Family Welfare - Karutha Pakshikal (Malayalam), Faltu (Bengali)

Best Film on Other Social Issues - Hope (Telugu)

Best Children’s Film - Footpath (Kannada)

Best Film Critic - G P Ramachandran (Malayalam) and Rafique Baghdadi (English)

Best Animation Film - Kittu (Telugu)

Special Jury award - Omkara (Hindi)

Best Hindi Film - Khosla Ka Ghosla

Best Tamil Film - Veyyil

Best Kannada Film - Kaada Beladingalu

Best Malayalam Film - Drishtantham

Best Telugu Film - Kamli

Happy B'day Padmashri Madhuri Dixit

2008-05-15T13:13:00.000+05:30

Madhuri Dixit - fondly the "Dhak-dhak" girl of Bollywood turns 41 today. She had been ruling the Bollywood in 90s. I have become a fan of her ever since she danced for the famous "Ek Do Teen.." from Tezaab. I liked the song and her Dance when it was played in "CHITRAHAAR". I was 4-5 years old then. Those days the cable channels were not there, so I haven't watched much of her flicks. I didnt know abt her acting skills. But I am fan of her Graceful Dance. She was the toughest competition for My All time fav Sridevi who was also reigning at that time.

Later I was addicted to her "Didi tera Devar..", "Maayini Maayan",
"Hum Aapke Hain Kaun", I was bowled over by her Gorgeous beauty in the song "Pehla pehla pyar hai...". "Choli ke peeche kya hai.." was considered a taboo then. After Minsara Kanavu, I was addicted to Kajol and forgot Madhuri. So I didnt like her much in "Dil To Paagal Hai" but the songs are evergreen. Though she was a bit fat in that movie her dance was flawless. Again I was taken aback by her mindblowing dance in "Key sara sara..." from PUKAR with the Dance Maestro Prabh Deva.
She excelled as Chandramukhi of "Devdas". "Madhuri ne maar daala.."

She made an apt comeback with "Aaja nachle" in 2007 at the age of 40. She looked awesome in the movie. No one could say that she is 40+. Stil she carries her Warm Smile and Gracefullness.

This year she was awarded the prestigious Padmashri award. I dont know why she was awarded. Cos even Manorama got a Padmashri after she made a record in the Guiness. Watever, Madhuri is Madhuri. All r stil mad abt Madhuri.
Happy B'day Padmashri Madhuri Dixit Nene!!!

A TRIBUTE TO SUJATHA

2008-05-03T14:02:00.000+05:30

Sujatha aka Rangarajan, the one person whom I wish I had a Master Brain like him. He was one of the most versatile writers of Tamil. He could talk on any topic from Sanga Ilakkiyam to Science Fiction; from Naattuppura padalgal to Nanotechnology; from Physics to Politics. I have never seen such a muti-faceted personality. I love his way of writing. Be it a Short story, or a novel, or an essay or Movie Dialogues, he has made a Mark in each and every field.

A TRIBUTE TO SATYAJIT RAY

2008-05-02T18:48:00.000+05:30

Satyajit Ray, the only Indian Director to receive an Oscar for his Lifetime Acievement.

HAPPY B'DAY AJITH

2008-05-02T14:44:00.000+05:30

This is one of his Special Birthdays for Ajith as he is celebrating with his daughter Anoushka.

He is one hero who has his head on his shoulders. After having seen huge success as well as a string of continuous failures and being out of work for a complete year Ajith has sprung back into action after his last film ‘Billa’ proved a blockbuster hit. He is now doing ‘Aegan’ with dance choreographer Raju Sundaram, who turns director with this film.

Ajith who commands 8 crore rupees in today’s film market sometimes spellbinds his friends and people around him with his simplicity. Here we have a few instances for you which showcase the other side of Ajith Kumar.
In a field where greatness is measured by the number of hits or popularity, Ajith is one hero who has maintained a huge fan following even after giving continuous flops at one point of time. The reason, his humane nature has always outshined his failures. Though Ajith is very low profile about his family and personal life, his good deeds have never escaped the press.
Ajith truly possesses the quality that turns a foe into a friend.
A few years back a reporter of a weekly magazine used to publish unconfirmed reports on Ajith. Once he had to meet this actor for a public event and had to leave early. When he was questioned by the actor if he had something important to do, the journo said he wanted to meet his cardiologist as he was to undergo an operation in a couple of months’ time. To the astonishment of the reporter the actor took care of the surgery charges as well as all the medical expense till six months after the operation.
And guess what this journalist does now..? If there is any article in any magazine ill-mouthing Ajith he calls them up and fights for his star.

It was a time when Ajith was renovating his house in Neelangarai. He had just come there after an outdoor shoot and as he was entering the house he stopped the mason who was laying marble stones in the front yard. Ajith asked him to wait till he is back. The puzzled mason was wondering if Ajith was not happy with the color of the marble that was being laid. In a short while Ajith appeared at the door in a bermuda and tees and joined the mason in laying stones for his portico.
There is none to beat Ajith in taking people by surprise. Ajith was once traveling with his friend in his car. When the vehicle neared Kannadasan’s statue in T Nagar, the car let out a sputter and came to a halt. The fuel tank was empty. The only way to get to a petrol bunk was to push the car to the petrol bunk. When his friend decided that he would push the car to the bunk with Ajith inside, the actor’s mind was on something else. Ajith compelled his friend to sit inside the car and pushed the car to the nearest petrol bunk.
At a time when most of his contemporaries would love to hangout with friends in a 5 star hotel, this man prefers to spend time at his residence while he is off work.

In Short Ajith = Hardwork + Helping Nature + Simplicity

Wish u a Very Happy B'day Ajith.

PS:

Please allow Shalini atleast in ur movies. Tamil people miss her a lot...

Happy B'day Ajith

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUDHA RAGHUNATHAN

2008-04-30T19:58:00.000+05:30

Sudha Raghunathan is the one whom I can say my Guru of Carnatic Music. She’s my Drona and I’m her Ekalavya. (But I won’t give her my thumb as Fees). Though I could not learn Music from her directly, I learned from her by listening to her Cassettes and CDs. First my mother became her fan and started listening to her songs. That time I was not aware of pure form of Carnatic Music as I just entered my teenage. But I had an affinity towards the Classical songs in the films like Sindhu Bhairavi, Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (Courtesy KB). Later I got an interest to identify ragas of a few Film songs (Courtesy Mohan Vaidhya).

It all started with the famous Bharathiyar song “Chinnanchiru Kiliye Kannamma…” sung by Sudha and it created a magic in me. Especially when she sings the line “Kannathil Muthamittaal…” I felt like someone pecks on my cheek literally. I kept listening to it and sang the song in a Music competition in my 10th Std. But still I managed to get only a 2nd prize in the Brahmin-dominated school. The same song got me the First Prize in my 11th Std. I was happier not to win 1st Prize, but to defeat a Brahmin boy who was my rival in Sanskrit too.

When I was in 2nd year B.E, I heard Sudha singing the famous song of Oothukkadu Venkata Subbiyer, “Asaindhadum mayil onru…” I was just mesmerized by the way the song was composed and flawlessly sung by Sudha. From that moment I had become a die-hard fan of Carnatic Music and of course SR. Eventhough I have listened to the same song sung by various artistes, still SR is the Best. Her Album titled “ALAIPAYUTHE KANNA” contains the songs of Oothukkadu is my most favourite Album till date. If anyone wants to learn Carnatic music, they can start with those songs which help have control over breath while singing. One can also improve his/her Tamil pronunciation by practising those songs. Especially the lines:

"KaRutha kuzhalodu niRutha mayil siRagirukki amaitha thirathile
Gaana mayilaadum neela kuyil paadum neela nadhiyodum vanathile

Kuzhal mudhal ezhilasai kuzhaiya varumisayil kuzhalodu miLiriLan karathile

Kadhirum madhiyum ena nayana vizhigaL iru naLinamaanda salanathile..."

Later I started collecting most of her Albums and recommend others to listen to it.
In my opinion, Bombay Jayashri sings with a very low pitch, whereas Nithyasree sings at extremely high pitch. Sudha can sing in both low pitch and high pitch. She can sing any kind of raga very well, whether it’s a soft Sahana or a hard Thodi. But for my uncles Bombay Jayashri is the best in this generation. My granny says after MS it's BJ. But for me SR is the Best.

I got a chance to attend 3 of her concerts when I was in Coimbatore. Her concerts are very popular among people due to her Song selection. She normally sings popular songs like Kurai onrum illai, Shanti Nilava Vendum, Katrinile varum geetham, etc. Most of the people esp women attend her concerts to see her attire. She is famous for her silk saris and jewels esp rings. This made her the Brand Ambassador of Pothys.

Though her contemporaries Bombay Jayashri and Nithyasree are popular among common audiences because of her Film songs, Sudha has her unique place in the Hearts of Music Lovers in spite of a few renditions of film songs. Her songs in “Ivan” are of her kind but the song “Kadhal periyadha kaamam periyadha…”from the movie Satham Podaadhey is the biggest blunder Sudha has ever made as MLV did in “Ayyasamy Aaojisamy…”. When Ilayaraja made her singing Carnatic songs in films, A.R. Rahman too was keen to make her sing in “Yelelo”, Yuvan tried to spoil her image by the song. This is the only song of Sudha which I hate to the core.
Though I haven’t yet watched the film and song, I liked her voice suited to Late Soundarya in Ivan and also to the legend Shabana Azmi in the crossover move “Morning Raga” where Shabana’s lip sync is perfect for the “Thaye Yashodha...” fusion song.

My favourite songs of Sudha:
Asaindhadum Mayil onru in Simmendhra Madhyamam
Chinnanchiru Kiliye - Ragamalika
Kurai Onrum Illai – Ragamalika
Enna Thanavm seidhanai - Kapi
Alaipayuthe Kanna - Kanada
Paal Vadiyum Mugam – Natta Kurinji
Thaye Yashoda – Thodi (Especially the fusion one in Morning Raga)
Kuzhaloodhi manamellam – Kamboji
Aadaadhu Asangadhu - Madhyamavati
Vandhanamu ragu nandhana - Sahana
Sarvam Bramha mayam – Darbari Kanada
Bramham Okate - Bowli
Bho Sambho – Revathi
Velliyangiri vaasa – Shubhapantuvarali
Ododi vandhen kanna – Dharmavati
Kanda naal mudhalaai - Madhuvanti
Natanam Aadinar – Vasantha
Nannu Brova Lalitha - Lalita
Devi Neeye Thunai - Keeravani
Anadamrita Karshini – Amritavarshini
Ranjani Niranjani - Ranjani
Thunban nergayil – Desh
Shanti Nilava Vendum - Tilang
Maa Ramanan - Hindolam
Basant Bahar Thillana
Hindolam Thillana
Guruvaayoorappane Appan – Reeti Gowlai
Aasai mugam marandhu poche – Jonpuri
Karunai Deivame – Sindhu Bhairavi
Mangambudhi Hanumanta – Dharmavati
Marugelara and Neeraja sama neela Krishna – Jayantashri
Mayilayin naayakiye – Sri Ranjani
Sachaamara rama vaani – Hamsanandi
Kaa vaa vaa – Varali
Aadamodi galade - Charukesi
Manavyaala kinchara – Nalinakanti
Sriman Narayana –Bowli
Pirava Varam Thaarum – Latangi
Enai Enna Seidhaai veinkuzhale – Simmendhra Madhyamam (Movie: Ivan)
Aanmaavin Raagam – Title Song of Sahana
And the list goes on endlesly….

Once the great Music Critic Late Mr. Subbudu had mentioned that if he had to be in a No man’s land, he would take Bhagavad Gita, his Vethalai Petty and Casettes of Sudha Raghunathan’s songs along with him. Sudha was overwhelmed by this statement of Subbudu and told that it’s like the most prestigious Award for her.

She participates in the “THIYAGARAJA ARADHANA” every year at Thiruvaiyaaru as well as Cleveland; but I have not found any of her albums for Pancharatna Kritis. I would like her to release the album of “Pancharatna Kritis” soon.

I would like to dedicate this blog to my “Maanaseeka Guru” on her Birthday and wish her to keep singing like M.S. Subbulakshmi with her God-gifted voice. I also wish she would get the Bharat Ratna Award like the great MS.

Now listening to “Vandhanamu Raghu nandana…” Thiyagarajar Kriti composed in Sahana raga from her Album VANDHANAMU

WELCOME BACK JO !!!

2008-04-29T20:04:00.000+05:30

Jyothika is Back...
After becoming the mother of a child, Jyothika is all set to act in a film. But this time the Bubbly Actress will appear in a hort Documentry Film which deals with the subject "EDUCATION FOR GIRLS". Hubby Surya produces the film for his AGARAM FOUNDATION along with TAMIL NADU'S EDUCATIONAL DEPT. He also shares the screen space for the first time with Mrs.Jyothika Saravanan, while Priya. V of "Kanda Naal Mudhal" fame dons the Director's hat. The other actors who lent their support for this noble cause are Vijay and Madhavan.

Jyo... please do act in Movies too. We r Missing u a Lot!!!!

GODAVARI

2008-04-29T19:46:00.000+05:30

Next to Anand, I watched Godavari. Since, Anand is the hero’s name of the movie, I thought Godavari might be the heroine’s name. But I was confused when the heroine Kamalini Mukherji (again) was called Seetha. Then I thought it would be a Second heroine. But I was a bit surprised when I saw the name of the Launch in which the hero and heroine travels on the Godavari River is Godavari. Don’t think it as “Telugu Titanic”
But it also has a cute Love Story like “Titanic” but in the Launch.

Godavari revolves around Seetha Mahalakshmi, an young apparel designer who runs a boutique with little profit. Seetha wants to achieve as an Entrepreneur while her father insists to get married. She hates the persons doing a 9-5 job and leading a routine life. Still she agrees to an alliance but unfortunately (or fortunately?) the guy rejects her as she is too fast and stubborn. So she goes to Bhadrachalam just for a change.

Sriram is an Engineer who did his Masters in the US. Instead of becoming a software professional, he aspires to become a politician in order to serve the Nation. He keeps on meeting lot of politicians and being discouraged as he is educated, harmless, honest, straight forward, soft spoken, etc. which are considered to be the cons of a politician.
He loves his cousin Raji but her father gets her engaged to an IPS Officer Ravi. He tells Sriram is irresponsible and has no money. Raji too considers Sriram as a non-romantic guy but considers him as her best friend. Raji’s wedding with Ravi is fixed and the whole family is moving to Bhadrachalam from Rajamundry in a Launch. First Ram doesn’t want to go but joins them after Raji’s compulsion.

As the law of Indian Cinema tells, the hero and heroine get some misunderstandings and then become friends. Seetha observes each and every gesture of Ram and develops a liking for him. Ram tells about his love for Raji. Slowly Seetha develops a soft corner for Ram which blossoms into a Love. She chooses him as her Mr. Right. She writes every incident happening in the launch in her Diary.

Raji and Ravi too get a chance to know each other after their engagement. Slowly Raji comes to know Ravi as a selfish guy, who always thinks about himself only and does not give values to her desires. And when Seetha is about to express her love for Ram, Raji tells Ram that she doesn’t want to get married with Ravi but wants to merry Ram. She needs Seetha’s help for that who has also became her friend. Ram also agrees and tells Raji and Seetha to wait at the next hault of the launch. As he does not come, Raji again changes her mind to marry Ravi, thinking that Ram is always irresponsible and unfit.

Seetha’s heart is broken as Ram agreed to marry Raji. She returns to Rajamundry from Bhadrachalam by bus and not by the launch with Ram. Later Ram sees her diary (Run of the Mill) and comes to meet Seetha in her home. Then she comes to know that Ram deliberately made them wait so that Raji would think he is still irresponsible and would change her mind to go back and marry Ravi. All ends Well.

I was very much impressed by the way the story was told. The locales are awesome. Even I wish I would travel in a lauch like that. If Anand is like sipping a Good cup of coffee, Godavari is like having a Tender-coconut at the sun set in a river-journey.
Kamalini has won my heart like. The Mukherji girls have some magic in them. Be it Kajol, Rani or Kamalini I’m bowled over by their beauty and talent. She has done a better job than Anand. Her character is cute and resembles my character who is adamant and stubborn, expects a “THANKS” for the help done by her and also expects a “SORRY” if a mistake is done by others, but good at heart. But I am not generous enough like her to sacrifice Rs.50000 to a poor boy, which can happen only in Cinema.
I LOVE SEETHA MAHALAKSHMI !!!

But the hero Sumanth has a dull look. He might be in a worry as he was not on good terms with his wife Keerthy Reddy who had then applied for a Divorce.

Especially I have to mention the small boy’s character along with the Animated dog which is entertaining us throughout the movie. Raji’s wavering mind is also characterized well and similarly Ravi’s selfish intention.

Like Anand the Music is one of the biggest strengths along with Photography and simple and realistic dialogues. The songs are not dream sequences but they give flow to the story. (“Andangaalena…” is an exception) I loved one scene of a song in which all of their characters are shown in a glimpse in a song. When a beggar begs each of them at the Traffic Signal, Ram gives his last penny, though Seetha doesn’t have money she gives her Tiffin, Raji just ignores him and pulls up the car window, Ravi arrests all the beggars and put them in the Police jeep. It was a brilliant scene shown in one of the songs. So we cant ignore the songs. In another rain song, Seetha observes when Ram watches Raji dancing in he rain. When her sari slightly slips off, he takes her eyes off from her. It shows the decency of Ram towards women.

Another uniqueness of the movie is the reference to the Ramayana throughout the movie. Since the marriage ceremony of Rama (Ramar Kalyanam”) also takes place at Bhadrachalam, most of the characters tell the story of Rama and Sita whenever they come across a Historical place. The lyrics of the song “Rama chakkani Sita..” is penned beautifully. If a Thiyagaraja Krithi were used as one of the songs it would have been still better. Still I murmur the music of “Manasa vaachaa...” sung by Unnikrishnan and Chitra.
“Andangaalena…” song is a Commercial compromise in which Kamalini dances with a sleeveless blouse and thankfully a sari.

Madhavan and Trisha were selected for the lead roles. But I think if they had acted, we would see only Maddy and Trisha, not Sriram and Seetha.

ANAND - The Movie

2008-04-29T19:32:00.000+05:30

I was impressed by the caption of the movie that says “Manchi Coffee ala cinema” (A movie like a Good cup of Coffee). I felt the movie might have been titled “RUPA” as the whole movie revolves around the heroine. The story starts with Rupa’s childhood, who loses her parents and brother in a fatal car accident. She believes that she is responsible for the accident as she was stubborn and made their parents delayed that night. She grows up independently without the support of her relatives. Her only support is her neighbour Maa amma (Grandma), her friend Anita.

After 8 yrs, she is shown as a soon to be bride who is engaged to Rahul, her colleague in an Advertising agency. Rahul is a marwari guy whose mother is strict and orthodox. She is very dominating and wants to decide each and everything of her son and would be daughter-in-law (from dress to Friends)

Anand is a millionaire but very kind towards poor. He is continuously being insisted by his mother to get married. His father is mentally challenged, because of whom Rupa’s parents met with the accident. He loses himself from that night. He remembers only the name “RUPA” which was uttered by Rupa’s father before his last breath.

On the wedding eve Rupa wears her mother’s sari for the wedding. But Rahul’s mother insists her to wear the traditional marwari sari in their style. First she refuses and enrages her in front of everyone. She pleads Rahul and his mother to allow her to wear that sari only that night. But the stubborn mother of Rahul tells that Rupa has to wear the Marwari sari and has to beg for her pardon in front of everyone. On Maa amma’s advice, Rupa agrees and wears the other sari. But she overhears the conversation of Rahul and his mother where Rahul’s mom tells him that she accepted the marriage as Rupa is an orphan and would be obedient to her words. Rahul tells his mother to take her control over Rupa after the marriage. When Rupa apologizes, Rahul’s mother assaults her verbally. On hearing this Rupa gets humiliated and decides not to marry Rahul. She is a self esteemed independent girl and doesn’t want to be like a dog in Rahul’s house. Anand and his father are also among the attendants of that wedding and Anand decides Rupa is the girl of his kind and wants to win her heart.

He soon shifts to the out house of Rupa’s home. He befriends Anita and the kids. Slowly he enters Rupa’s friends group and slowly becomes Rupa’s friend too by helping her in the Nursery, in the old-age home on her parents’ death anniversary. Mean time Rahul comes to Rupa and tries to convince her. But she tells him not to meet her again. Anand gets a job in Rupa’s office. Rahul gets angry of their friendship. One day Rahul’s mother expires due to massive heart attack. Anand takes Rupa to Rahul’s house late in the night. Rupa convinces Rahul. The next day Anand tells Rupa that Rahul would come with a marriage proposal as his mother is no more. Rupa also tells that now no problem would be there as her only problem was Rahul’s mother. On hearing that Anand gets angry and Rupa recognizes his jealousy towards Rahul. But she develops Love for Anand without her knowledge. Rupa wants to be away from Anand and so she starts moving with Rahul again in spite of the warning given by Anand

One night a drunken Rahul came to Rupa’s home and tries to molest her. Anand came for her rescue and thrashes Rahul out of the house. Then he reveals the truth about himself and left the out house. Rupa feels for Anand and misses him a lot. She meets him in a Dandia party and expresses her Love for him. Anand introduces her to his Mom. She also likes Rupa very much. She tells Rupa about Anand’s father that he is the reason for the accident and has got the punishment for that by losing himself. Rupa forgets the past and gets into Anand’s family.

The story may seem so simple. But the screenplay and direction stand unique. The characters are portrayed wonderfully. Kamalini Mukherji and Raja justifies the characters of Rupa and Anand. There are a lot of cute scenes like when Samanta gets a dog as a surprise gift by Anand, when Rupa’s friends help Anand to repair her Scooty which was damaged by Anand, when Anand’s cleans his greased hand with Rupa’s Dhuppatta and the following scene, the Venkatalakshmi episode and many. But the reason for Rupa’s love for Anand is not so strong. Also there is no twist at the climax. It is so simple and plain which is predictable.

Hats off to the director Shekhar Kammula, who strongly believed in his story instead of stars. It’s an unconventional movie without any fight, glamour, and unbearable noise as songs. There is only one Navel show of the heroine’s friend Anita that too is not vulgar instead gives a flow to the story. The biggest asset of the movie is its Music composed by the. The song “Yamuna theeram…” sung by Hariharan and Chitra is very soothing and so as other songs which include 3 songs sung by my Sweet heart Shreya Ghoshal.

Trivia:

The director told the story to many producers but everyone told the story is very simple. Later it was produced by NFDC. This is the first Telugu Commercial film that is produced by NFDC.

This is Kamalini Mukherji’s first film as a leading actress. She has previously played Shilpa Shetty’s sister role in “Phir Milenge”, directed by Revathy.

This is the biggest hit of Raja after some flops in the previous

This movie was released on the same date of the release of Shankar Dada MBBS, starring the Mega Star Chiranjeevee in the remake of tremendously successful of Munnabhai MBBS. Still it is a BO Hit of the year 2004.

The film was awarded with 7 Nandi Awards by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh in 2004. The awards that were won are Best Film, Best Director, Best Producer, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Satya Krishnan), Best Child Artiste (Bakhita) and Best Female Dubbing Artist (Sunitha).

SHEKHAR KAMULLA - A GENTLE BREEZE IN TELUGU CINEMA

2008-04-28T16:36:00.000+05:30

I was told by one of my Orkut friends Sushanth to watch the Telugu movies ANAND, GODAVARI and HAPPY DAYS. I asked him what so special is. He told u will come to know if you watch. Since that day I had been trying to watch those movies. So when Mithun went to Hyderabad I told him to buy the DVDs. First I watched Anand. I liked it but it didn’t impress me as hyped by others. The next day I watched Godavari and fell in love with it. Since Happy Days was a pirated DVD, I didn’t wish to watch. Also the audio and video quality was not good. But I couldn’t wait to watch it and liked it very much.

The specialty in the 3 movies is the Originality and Simplicity. The Telugu cinema generally has Extreme violence, glamour, comic costumes and has no logic. IMO the good Telugu movies are countable. After K.Vishwanath no director has given a Classic movie in Telugu. But Shekhar Kamulla came as a gentle breeze in Tollywood. He has got the National Award for the Best Director for his debut movie DOLLAR DREAMS which is based on the youngsters with dreams to go to the US. But I haven't watched that yet.

The heroes and heroines of his movies are like the boys and girls next door. No heroism and no Glamour in his movies. I liked them because there’s no action scene or blood-shed in them. Most surprisingly the songs are very melodious and mostly based on Classical Music. The songs are mostly along with the movie. We cannot ignore them. If we do so, we will miss some scenes as the songs are not dream sequences. The heroine of ANAND and GODAVARI is Kamalini Mukherji. I didn’t like her much in Vettayaadu Vilayaadu as a pair of Kamalhassan. But in ANAND, I liked her and in GODAVARI, I loved her a lot. She had a Guest Appearance in HAPPY DAYS too. It seems she is a Lucky Mascot for Shekhar Kamulla as Kajol to Karan Johar?

2 YEARS IN KOLKATA

2008-02-15T16:38:00.000+05:30

Today is my 2nd Anniversary in ADA Kolkata. It's like sterday that I left for Kolkatawith my bag abd baggages. Within a wink of Eyes Couple of years had been passed.
In these 2 years I have learnt many things. I came across many people personally and professionally.

My life went to its next stage here only. I had been longing to visit Calcutta in my younger age as I had visited other metro cities.But I never expected then that I wud hav a turning point of my Career in Kolkata only.

Still I remember the 1st day I reached Howrah Station on 13.2.2006. From my childhood I have heard Calcutta is Synonymousfor its DIRT, the dirtiest City in India. I felt it's TRUE on that day while I was passing by Howrah and Badabazar.The 1st time I saw Kolkata was in the Movie Mahanadhi where Kamalhaasan searches his daughter in the famous Prostitution Area"Sonagachi". Till then Sonagachi has become popular than Kali Temple. Many of my friends told me to visit the place once. But till now i dont have idea where it is. I swear "Maa Kali Kasam".

The 1st main thing that attracted me to Kolkata is "Rosogulla" and then it's the land of Satyajit Ray and Pt.Ravishankar.I came with the plan of joining in Satyajit Ray film Institute and to learn playing Sitar. But after I joined ADA, I forgot those things.Due to the pressure then, I didnt have time to watch TV, listen to Carnatic Musicwhich were my regular activities before.
Since I have learnt Hindi in my childhood (Courtesy : Vasantha Maami), I know to read and write well in Hindi.But it was a bit difficult to speak and also to understand the Colloquial Hindi. But later even I have learnt to read and write Bengali sooner than any other Hindi speaking guys. That's due to my Interest in Languages. (Modesty)

According to South Indians, North Indians are money-minded people and they just get the work done by others without any difficulties. I got many examples in Chennai itself as most of my colleagues were Northies. I found my colleagues to be moreprofessional than personal. But I got very good friends personally too. The main problem I faced was my Second Name/Title.Whenever I'm asked for my name, I'm always asked for my Second Name. As none uses his Caste as his Second Name in my place,it was difficult for me to tell my name. So i created my Second name. I shortened my Caste name "Senguntha Mudaliyar" to Sen.So Kaarthik became KAARTHIK SEN. Howzat??? BTW, so many Intelligent and Good Looking Celebrities are Sen(Mrinal Sen, Sushmita Sen, Suchitra Sen, Moon Moon Sen,Aparna Sen, Konkona Sen,last but not the least...... KAARTHIK SEN)
My lifestyle has been changed in these 2 years. I started wearing Branded Dresses, Accessories. I travel in Flights.(But still I have gone to my home only 2 times in 2 years. Mom often tells that people in US visit India 2-3 times a year.But I use to be in Home only once a year.) I have become more Social. I started liking partying.
Both good and bad things have happened. But I dont blame others for the Badthings. As Kareena says in Jab We Met, I'm responsible for whatever happened, either good or bad. I have started learning to judge people. I hate Politics and doing Politics. But in this Company, by seeing many people,I too started doing Politics to those who r like that.
As Mudhalvan Arjun says "Kadaisila Ennaiyum Arasiyalvaadhi Aakkitaangale!!!"

EKSI

Happy B'day Hrithik Roshan

2008-01-10T23:32:00.000+05:30

Today Hrithik celebrates his 34th B'day...

Hrithik is my most favourite Bollywood hero in recent times. He's the one of the most paid actors. He is famous Atheletic and Chiselled Body with Great Looks (Often compared to Greek God). He made his debut in 2000 Hit Movie "Kaho Naa.. Pyar Hai". That time I was in my 1st year. "Ek pal ka jeena..." song was so famous that time. He became the Heart-throb of my then CRUSH. So I was jealous of him.
He got Double Filmfare Awards in 2000 (As Best Male Debut and also Best Actor)

I like his Coke Ads, specially the one in which he dances and takes the Coke Bottle with his legs. Vivek also has done a 'Comedy Dance' like that in 12B. After that I liked him in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham" K3G but still SRK was my fav...

I became his Fanatic after watching the movie "Krrish" in Kolkata. I admired his Dance in in the movie specially in the "Dil na diya..." song. It was mind blowing. I was taken aback by seeing the performance of the Father Hrithik in the movie. Then only I came to know that it's a sequel to his previous moive "Koi Mil Gaya". So immediately i bought and the VCD of KMG and watched. His performance was awesome as a mentally retarded guy. Soon I realised he doesn't depend on his dance only but has some stuff in him. Bcos of that only he got again a Double Filmfare in 2003 (For the categories Best Actor and Best Actor Critics Award)

Then came "Dhoom-2". Since it's also a sequel to the Super-Hit "Dhoom", it also had great expectations. I watched it with Amit (who's also an admirer of HR), Manish and Mithun.
It was a Total Package. Literally it's a Visual Treat for Hrithik lovers. As Aishwarya sings in the movie he has made me "Crazy kiya re..." Mind blowing dance for "Dil laga na.." Though many people told that Dhoom-1 is the best, i like "Dhoom-2" for HR, his dance and his chemistry with Aishwarya Rai, who had a Smooch Scene though Abhishek Bachchan was also in the movie but not as a pair to Ash. He got his 5th Filmfare, 3rd time for the Best Actor category...
(One more reason I like him coz he is also a #1 person like me. )

After Dhoom-2, I have become crazy about Hrithik and started using most of the products he endorses. I bought Sony Ericsson mobile. I told my parents to buy an Acer Laptop for my brother. I started drinking Bournvita (I was a Complan Boy). I like "Hide and Seek" biscuits even before he endorses it. But I dont drink Coke (Not only Coke but any carbonated Drinks. Still I prefer Pepsi to Coke if Sprite or 7-up is unavailable) I went many times to John Players show-room but haven't bought one yet. Also I haven't tried the other brand- "Macroman" inner-wears. He he...

Recently I saw "Lakshya" as it has fetched Prabhu Deva, the National Award for Best Choreography for the song "Main Aisa Kyun Hoon...". It really deserved. Superb break dance.
Though the movie is not so good, Hrithik had done justice to his job. I like the Beautiful and romantic song "Agar min kahoon mjuhe tumse mohabbat hai to kya kahogi?..."

I am eagerly waiting for his new Movie "Jodha Akbar" by Ashutosh Gowariker, he maker of "Lagaan" with co-star Ash, this time as Aishwarya Bachchan. It was supposed to be released on 25th Jan 2008. But it has been postponed to Feb 15th.. So sad...

Let's Expect more from him... Long Live Hrithik...

Alone in the Crowd

2008-01-04T11:27:00.000+05:30

Yesterday Dipayan got the symptoms of Chicken Pox in the morning and the doctor confirmed it in the evening. So he left for his home today morning. But I felt very sorry for not taking him to the Howrah Station as he left at 4 am.The new office was very quiet with 2 Non-stop Nonsenses,Muru and Dipu. I felt very lonely today as noone is there to talk. All my friends have left me alone.In 2006, Deepesh and Sushant left me. In 2007 Ankur, Navin, Vivek, Kalpesh, Souvik, CD, Amit, Tarun all left.Santy is shifted to other office. In 2008, Muru had left. Only Dipu is left and he is also on leave.Now I'm alone in the crowd....

"Main aur meri Tanhaayee aksari baatein karte hain...."

I felt so bored today so that I have worked a lot today without any disturbance (The above mentioned ppl)Today is my friend Meena's B'day. I called and wished her. She's celebrating her Silver B'day with her New born daughter Lakshita. She was so happy and told that I'm the only person who is having regular contacts with all other friends.She's recently shifted to Bangalore sorry Bengalooru. I was surprised to hear that she stays in Sarjapur Road,which is near to my Uncle's house.

We were talking for nearly 45 minutes. She was asking abt all our friends and collegemates since I'm the Database.From Roll No.1 to 121 we were dicussing. In the evening I felt very lonely and so i called Amit in order to meet me.But he left Salt Lake and he was on the way to his home. We have to meet at least this weekend.I couldn't talk to Geethu as she's also suffering from Chicken pox. Since my outgoing is barred,I couldn't call Rachna after she gave a call. She wanted to say me something. Hence I called her upfrom Mithun's mobile. She told "Tumi amaar bhalo bondhu aacho" (You are my Good Friend : In bengali)She told that she learnt from her Bengali friend Ishita. I told her to ask what does "Ami tomake bhaalobaashi" mean.It means "I LOVE YOU" in Bengali. She told that she will ask and let me know. The net is also not getting conncted.So I have planned to sleep early today.... (@ 12.45 am)

Now listening to "Andhi mazhai pozhigiradhu..." from the Movie "Rajapaarvai".A nice melody by Ilayaraja based on the raga 'Vasantha'. Romantic lyrics penned by Vairamuthu.
It's always one of my most fav songs not only for the above mentioned reasons, but also for Mesmerising Madhavi..... He he he...

03.01.08

First Working Day

2008-01-03T00:20:00.000+05:30

Today is the 1st working day of 2008. I tried to go to office at 10 am but reached at 10.30 only and I hardly worked today. Cos I didn't have time to send the reply mails and "Thanks" cards for those who had sent New Year Wishes. Now ORKUT has made so simpler that we can send one Scrap to all the Frieds in our Friend list. But the limit is only 280. Since we cannot send to more than 280 frieds, I have deleted some persons from my list with whom I dont contact regularly. But still I have 287 friends and hence I couldn't send to all.

Listening to "Tere bina zindagi se..." from Aandhi, directed by Gulzar. A nice Melody composed by R.D.Burman and sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

Happy 2008

2008-01-02T01:14:00.000+05:30

Wish u all a Happy New Year. This year I have taken a resolution to blog regularly. I read that 2008 is very lucky for those who were born on 1, 4, 7 Numerologically.I didnt believe till I heard that Muru got transferred to Mumbai. Cos for the past 1 year I'm hearing this and at last it has come True. Really a Happy New Year for me. We had Wine Party for the New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, we didn't get a Wine Openeras wine bottle has a cork in it. Since we are freshers, we could not open. Then we went to a nearby Bar and got it opened. A bartender asked for Rs.50/- to open it since 31st Dec was his Day.Since the tase was not good, we mixed it with Grape Juice and drank. My 1st New Year Wish was to Amit, by breaking my Ego.I didnt talk to him for the past 1 and a half month for a mistake he did. But still I wanted to break my EGO and talked to him. I missed him for a long time. Then after lot of New Year Wishes, I had dinner at 1.30 am and slept after 2 am.
Morning I woke up around 10 am. I first saw the Mini statue of SAI BABA on the 1st day of the New Year. Later I wished all my friends and relatives to whom I couldn't wish at 00.00Again I broke my EGO and wished Selvi, with whom I had a fight for the last 5 months.Among them I was surprised to talk with Mrs.Nandini Bhatt, Vivek's newly married wife. When I told that I'm Vivek's friend Kaarthik from Kolkata, she said "Oh, Kaaru, Aap Vivek ka friend hai na? Main photos mein dekhi hoon. kaise hain? "Then I replied "Majama" in Gujarati. She laughed. I was confused how to call her. By name or "Bhabhi"? So I asked for Aunty (Vivek's Mom). They were very Happy after i wished them. I wore a New Blue Arrow Shirt. The Levis L530 Jeans which I bought during Diwali was a bit loose that time and now it's apt fit for me. I became a bit fat with a waist size of 32". Muru gave a Lunch Treat also in Abcos. But Mithun was upset and didnt join us. We ignored him after calling him 4-5 times. Had heavy lunch and went to Howrah Station to send off him. Night I had an omlette and a glass of Milk as I had heavy lunch.I have to be diet concious so that I can wear my old pants. I'm talking with Rachna (one of my Orkut friends) while typing this blog. She told that she's waiting to read my blogs.

Listening to "Sangathil paadaadha kavidhai...." (Movie: Auto Raja), one of the Gems of Ilayaraja with S.Janaki which went unnoticed....

எஸ். ராமகிருஷ்ணனின் கதாவிலாசம்

2007-11-18T20:44:00.000+05:30

"Kadhaavilaasam" is one series I never miss in the Tamil magazine "Ananda Vikatan".

I have become the fan of S.Ramakrishnan(S.Ra) when I read his "Thunai Ezhuthu" in Vikatan. I liked his lucid style of writing. Kathaavilaasam is a collection of Episodes of various Writers, their works. S.Ra starts with a situation he faced or an incident happened to others and relates with one of the stories of the writer whom he specialises in that episode.

I have just heard he names of some of the writers mentioned in this. Indra Parthasarathy, Naanjil Naadan, Paavannan, Nakulan, Mouni, T.Janakiraman, Asokamithran, Ki.Rajanarayanan, Pudhumaipithan, Vannadasan, Vannanilavan, Narasayya, La.Sa.Ra, Ku.Pa.Ra, Sa.Kandhasamy, and the one and only Sujatha. And I have read very few of the works. But still it gave me an introduction to good authors and their works.

S.Ramakrishnan's preface to the Book published by Vikatan Publications:

கல்வெட்டுகள், சரித்திரத்தை காலம் கடந்தும் வெளிப்படுத்திக் கொண்டிருப்பதைப்போல வாழ்வின் சாரத்தை, கதைகள் வரிகளாக மாற்றி நம் மனதில் எழுதி விடுகின்றன. இந்தக் கதா வரிகள் காலத்தில் அழிக்க முடியாதவை. தண்ணீரைப் போல சதா ஓடிக்கொண்டே இருக்கக் கூடியவை. உடலில் மச்சத்தைப் போல கதைகளும் ஒட்டிக் கொண்டுதான் இருக்கின்றன. எந்த இடத்தில் எந்த வடிவில் என்பது ஒவ்வெருவரும் கண்டறிய வேண்டியது. எனக்கு விருப்பமான சில கதைகளையும் அந்தக் கதைகளை எழுதியவர்களையும் கதைகளின் வழியே நான் அடைந்த தருணங்களையும் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ள ஏற்பட்ட ஆசையே கதாவிலாசம்

Woodland Shoe

2007-10-19T15:13:00.000+05:30

I’ve been longing for a pair of Woodland Shoes for years since one of my family friends rejected to get a pair of brown leather shoes given by my father which was available for lower price in his company and which I used to wear during my schooldays and hesitated to wear in my college days. That uncle told that he never wears any shoe other than woodland which was around Rs.1500 before 5 years.

Yesterday I bought a pair in my own salary for just Rs. 2299 only. When I entered my office with those shoes everyone was surprised and started asking about my appraisal % (Since we got the Appraised Salary with 2 months Arrears yesterday).

Many people confirmed that I got 100% appraisal as I wear a pair of New Wrangler Jeans for Rs.1495. Some people who earn more than me and who do not possess told with jealous “What’s there for Rs.2000? A mere waste of Money.” Very few gave Honest Comments. Some are jealous of my lavish spending and some people advise me to spend less and to save more. Sometimes I too feel that I’m an example for the Tamil Proverb “Arpanukku Vaazhvu vandhaa…”

After leaving from office, I kept staring my Shoes while walking. After coming to my flat I removed my shoes and kept it outside. Although it costs around 2000, I can’t keep it inside the cup-board. But at the same time I wont throw a two rupee coin on the floor. So everything has its own place. That is LIFE!!!

12.06.07

2007-06-17T16:25:00.000+05:30

Speciality of Camera in Mani's movies

Mani Ratnam, the versatile film director is known for his unique way of narrating the story. Not only, he ponders on the script, he also gives equal importance to technical aspects of the movie. Especially, when it comes to camera he is one of the best directors to get the maximum out of the cinematographers. His cinematographers are in the top position all over India. In his movie the camera speaks louder than dialogues. Now, let us see the details of his camera man in his movies.

Balu Mahendra :His first movie was Pallavi Anu Pallavi in Kannada. The movie had Anil Kapoor in the peak role. The camera was handled by the veteran camera man cum director Balu Mahendra . Initially, Balu had his own doubts about Mani because he has neither worked as an assistant director nor trained from any film institute. After, completing the movie Balu made a remarkable statement. The statement was “His enthusiasm is infectious.”

P.C.Sreeram :P.C.Sreeram is a long time friend of Mani Ratnam. The movies for this flourishing duo include Mouna Ragam, Nayagan, Agni Nakshatiram, Geetanjali (Telugu), Thiruda Thiruda and Alai payudhey. Madhavan after receiving the filmfare award for debut actor thanked Mani as well as Sreeram, for showing him beautifully in the screen. So, whatever may be the situation P.C.Sreeram comes up in his own style and endorses the beauty to the film. Both of them have a great mutual understanding. P C Sreeram's work was much-admired in Mani Ratnam's films, as he always had the freedom to experiment.

Rajiv Menon : Rajiv Menon , a multi-faceted personality, a director as well as a cinematographer by profession. They both joined together for the movie Bombay. Frames in movie Bombay were perfectly composed and beautifully backlit even if this style involves total violation of tonal,focal and color continuity. The usual darkness that permeates the Mani screen is mostly not evidenced in this movie, partly because of the need for realism in much of the film. Rajiv’s feeling about Mani Ratnam is “I enjoyed working with him in Bombay. Mani Ratnam is a perfectionist. He will not stop until he is satisfied with his work. He is one of the very few directors in India who never compromises on details".

Santhosh Sivan : Santhosh Sivan, one of the renowned cinematographers in India, has 9 national awards under his name. He has joined hands with Mani Ratnam in movie like Dalapathi, Roja, Iruvar and Dil Se (Uyire in Tamil). The movie Dil Se was a great example for wonderful work of camera. Especially, in Dil Se Re song the camera work was extremely superb. Also, in movie Roja the terror in Jammu & Kashmir was picturised fantastically. The real situation prevailing there was brought before your eyes. No one could forget those wonderful shots!

Ravi.K.Chandran :The latest tie-up of Mani Ratnam was with the ace cinematographer Ravi. K. Chandran. They both in cooperation worked for two movies, one was Kannathil Muthamittal and the other was Ayudha Ezhuthu (Yuva in Hindi). For the movie Kannathil Muthamital, Ravi bagged the national award. Ravi tried something different in Ayudha Eluthu. The whole movie was picturised in three different colors narrating the character of the heroes. A perfect match for the movie! “Mani Sir is the fastest among the directors, I have worked with”, Ravi said in an interview. He also added that “The good thing about Mani Ratnam is that he gives you the full concentration and energy required to shoot.”

Manikandan :Manikandan shot the mammoth song sequence Yakkai Thiri ... for Ayudha Ezhuthu and also some of the Ajay Devgan scenes for Yuva. Describing the experience of working with Mani Ratnam as "ultimate" the cameraman says, "Mani would be on the sets at 5 in the morning,

and would work through the day. We would have a 30-minute break for breakfast and lunch and that's it. None would leave the sets and neither would he. The shooting was down South in Pollachi and Theni. Ajay Devgan would tell us that he had never seen sunrise till he began shooting for Yuva. But that's how Mani Ratnam worked."

Pillayar Suzhi

2007-06-05T21:50:00.000+05:30

I've been thinking for a long time to start writing Blogs.
But today only my wish was fulfilled.

Today is a rare date too... 05.06.07.

After 1.4 yrs of Kolkata life, atlast I've visited to Kalighat, the main Temple of Kali.
But I didnt feel I was in a Temple because of the rush.