The ongoing T-agitation has taken a toll on the Telugu industry. Already films like 'Arya2' and 'Saleem' have been boycotted in the Telangana region after Chiranjeevi and Mohan Babu came out in open for a United Andhra. The release of 'Adhurs' has been put on hold, fearing backlash in the region. Freshly, KCR, the leader of TRS, told the media that artistes and filmmakers from the region are capable of churning out entertainment themselves and that they will never watch 'their' films.
Though the political turmoil should have nothing to do with films, the Statehood politics is steadily making its way into the realm of cinema. In this context, how justified is it to boycott entertainers and their output, on any pretext? Should Telanganites be entertained only by those born in the region?
That the people of the region have patronised Telugu films since decades is indisputable. Dividing them on regional basis smacks of parochialism, is what many in the Hyderabad film industry opine. Does not the mammoth and super-rich Tollywood industry feed thousands of cine workers many of whom hail from the Telangana?
Are we Indians not entertained by Pakistani musicians and singers? Should we boycott them on the pretext that the country they hail from the country that abets terror in India? Is politicization of entertainment justified? (more...)
Boycotting entertainment: Is it justified?
Chiru’s grand daughter photo
Two years after Chiru’s daughter tied the knot against his wishes, all is forgiven and forgotten. Chiranjeevi’ daughter Srija had tied the knot in true filmi style in 2007 — she had eloped with boyfriend Shirish Bharadwaj, married against her family’s wishes and sought police protection.
Two years later, the couple is on a vacation in Delhi with 17- month- old daughter Nivrithi whose birth helped improve relations between Srija and her parents.
“When we remember that time now, we just laugh. I am relieved and happy that my relations with my parents have improved,” says a happy Srija. She says it was only after Nivrithi’s birth that her mother and brother, popular actor Ram Charan Tej, came to the hospital to meet her.
“Everything fell in place when my daughter was born on July 5 last year. Before that, everybody was in touch with us only over phone,” she adds.
It’s clear the couple has come a long way from their nightmarish experience in 2007.
“It was inner strength and true love that made it possible. That time many people said I was doing all this at the behest of some politician. But we proved everybody wrong,” he adds.
The couple returned to Hyderabad soon after the court’s decision in 2007. According to them, they started a new life with the hope that someday Chiranjeevi would forgive them and accept their marriage.
“When we visited market places, there were mixed reactions from people. Some used to praise us for our courage while others said I should not have upset my father,” Srija says.
Tollywood and Bollywood directors also turned up at the couple’s door during that period, offering to make films on their love story.
However, it was only after Nivrithi was born that the ice was broken with Chiru.
Shirish says: “ She was the first granddaughter in Srija’s family and her parents and relatives started meeting us again. Things became normal gradually.” Srija’s in- laws were supportive throughout the couple’s ordeal.
Shirish says his family ensured Srija never missed her parents. (more...)
Mahesh babu shows attitude
The press is angry on Mahesh babu once again. Apparently the actor had gone to the theaters to watch the movie Avatar and the press had spotted him there, but when they wanted to take his pictures the actor staunchly opposed.
Mahesh babu also blackmailed the press saying that he would leave the theater if his pictures were taken. The press obliged and let him go. But many were unhappy with the actor’s attitude.
The fact remains that Mahesh babu has never taken to the press, especially the shutterbugs. He always has been at loggerheads with them. (more...)
Tamannah turns 20
She was a pick of Shekar Kammula and debuted gloriously with 'Happy Days' in 2006. The film went on to be a hit with the youth and successfully launched the Maharastrian beauty in films. In Tamil, she debuted with a flop film Kedi, which failed her critically, but then 'Kalloori' came her way to accord the much-deserved stardom she continues to enjoy today. Yup, it’s none other than the snow white beauty Tamannah Bhatia (Tamanna).
Born and brought up in Mumbai, Tamannah acted in her first film 'Chand Ka Roshan Chehra' at the age of 13. And to not much surprise she signed-up with 'Fair & Lovely' for her first commercial. She made people to sit up and notice with her RMKV commercial and now she is endorsing a number of brands.
If in Telugu, her film 'Konchem Ishtam konchem Kashtam' did not do well at the box office, she nevetheless bagged the V Shantaram Award for her performance here. With ‘Kanden Kadhalai’ and ‘Ayan’ Tamannah making her a lucky mascot, she is now the dream girl of South.
Though the busy Kollywoodian has no films in Telugu on hand, she is lined up by producers nevetheless. In Tamil, she is doing Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay's prestigious 50th project, ‘Sura’. Then she is paired up with ‘Jayam’ Ravi for ‘Thillalangadi’, while her ‘Paiyaa’ opposite Karthi is ready to hit the screen for Pongal.
The pretty lass is turning 20 today and we wish her the best in coming days. (more...)
