southscope september 2012 main 1st half
DESCRIPTION
Southscope September 2012 Main 1st HalfTRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 2012 VOL 03 | ISSUE 12 40
“I remain
Jayaram
a typical 100% Malayalee”
- SS Rajamouli
“I credit my emotions to Amar Chitra Katha”
sizzle in our pages
!"#$%&'#()Nagarjuna
Nayantara
Southscope Exclusive
and
Karthika Nairon her movies and being *+!#,',-!-./0-1(!+
declares
- Actor
from the editor...
Managing Editor
First and foremost, Team Southscope would like to thank all our readers for making the August issue a smash hit! While we always knew the cover featuring Rana Daggubati and Trisha would be a big success, it took our dear readers to show us just how big a hit it could be. A lot of effort and planning go into our features and our covers, in particular.
So when our efforts are met with such roaring success, we are truly ecstatic. Joining our illustrious list of cover personalities are the uber handsome Nagarjuna and the svelte and sexy Nayantara. !"#$%&'()*+,'-+'.%/%01)2%'3+0'&++($2/'&$("'%'4$&&$+2'5)#(,'%2*',6+7$2/'"8"09+2"'-6%-'5"$2/':-'%2*'3%5)&+),'$,'0"%&&9'the best way to be. It literally took all of my effort to get the girls in our team to stop drooling over Nag’s pictures and
focus on the job at hand. Nayantara of course, absolutely dazzles in our pages, arm-in-arm with Nag.We’ve lined up a very interesting array of interviews for you this month, apart from training the spotlights on UTV’s
Mugamoodi (Mask in Telugu).
Enjoy!
Aruna R Krishnan
Southscope takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE
;.<;=>?@<A'>B@'C @<'DEB';FFC ?B>?;G@'HCBHE @ 'E.FIJ'B"/$,-"0"*'E3:#"K'LMNMA' 6$8%' %$' %22$*6$A'<7%0%(%!)0$'
=+&+29A'H)21%/)--%A'O9*"0%5%*'PNN'NQMJ'>&&'0$/6-,'0","08"*J'B"!0+*)#-$+2'$2'76+&"'+0'$2'!%0-'+3'%29'+3'-6"'#+2-"2-,'+3'-6$,'4%/%R$2"'
or any pages thereof in any manner without our express written consent is prohibited. Southscope assumes no responsibility for the
veracity and authenticity of the advertisements published herein. Readers are requested to make appropriate enquiries before incurring
any expenses or acting on medical recommendations or otherwise in relation to any advertisement or article published herein. Views in
articles are those of the respective authors only. Southscope does not necessarily subscribe to these views.
HCSF; O@<'DEB'?O@'TE.?O'ED' "!-"45"0'MNUM'B.;'.EJK'>[email protected]
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H&"%,"'%**0",,'%&&'#+00",!+2*"2#"'-+'+)0'@*$-+0$%&'%2*'T%0("-$2/'E3:#"'%-' +)-6,#+!"A']-6'f++0A' $/4%'g$2/A'B%6"1%'?+7"0,A'U]]A'>22%' %&%$A'=6"22%$'aNNNNMJ'
cXU'\\'\MUUYQ]U'W'M'
O9*"0%5%*K']^U^YMW>WU]A'F""&%2%/%0A'>4""0!"-A'O9*"0%5%*'^'PNNNUaJH'cXU'\N'\MMN\\XM
Design
Editorial Coordinator
Senior Correspondent
Senior Media Executive – Film Promotions
Whoa Mama Design
Maureen Fernando
Kirthi Jayakumar
Shankaran Malini
Sanjay G
Contributors
Aravind G Shivkamal
Pavithra Srinivasan
Radhika Rajamani
Unni R Nair
Vijayalakshmi Sridhar
Martina Niranjini
Ankita Rath
Marketing Manager
Publication Consultant
Praveen Kumar cXU'XQ\UX]YNXN
Raghurama Raju Kalidindi
Managing Editor
Aruna R Krishnan
Founder & Advisor
Allu Sirish
Cover & Star of the Month
H6+-+/0%!6"0K'G Venket
Ram, -9&$2/K'Chaitanya
Rao, Nagarjuna’s Make
)!K'Dinesh,'O%$0K'Raju,
=+,-)4"'>,,$,-%2-K'Sekhar,
.%9%2-%0%h,'T%("'C!K''Umesh
Sadanand Pawar, Nayantara’s
O%$0K'Ambika'F+#%-$+2K'
Park Hyatt, Hyderabad,
=&+-6",K'Chaitanya Rao,
GUESSs, GAS (Hyderabad),
Evoluzione (Chennai),
Asmita Marwa,'>##",,+0$",K''
Suhani Pittie, Forever New,
D++-7"%0K'>&*+
Dr. Subbarami Reddy
The Master of All Trades!
24
Poonam Kaur
‘It’s been a jinxed affair for me in Malayalam’
26
Karthika Nair
‘People went in late to theatres just to watch me in Dammu’
34
Priyamani
‘I have not met Vidya Balan…’
SS Rajamouli
‘I credit my emotions to Amar Chitra Katha’
38
42
Jayaram
‘I remain Jayaram, typical, 100% Malayalee’
30
PREVIEW
!"#$%&'#()* !"!+,-#!*.&/+&0'.*/-+*1!"'.*2$(0*(0'*gorgeous Nayantara and talks to us about his career, beliefs, business acumen and much more in this super exclusive feature 14
August was the month of audio launches and events aplenty. Sample our selection of some great events
from last month
AUGUST GATHERINGS
IN AUGUST!
ENGINEERING THE PROMOS:
;-'7%,'"8$*"2-'"8"2'5"3+0"'-6"'0"&"%,"'+3'-6"':&4'-6%-'e)&%9$'7+)&*'5"'%'5$/'6$-J' +'76"2'-6"'4+8$"'-"%4'/%-6"0"*'-+'!0+4+-"'-6"':&4'%-'?""/%&%'d0$,62%'B"**9'_?dB`'@2/$2""0$2/'=+&&"/"'$2'T""0!"-A'O9*"0%5%*A'-6"9'7"0"'4"-'59'%2'"2-6),$%,-$#'%2*'7$&*&9'cheering crowd. Seen here are Hero Allu Arjun, Director Trivikram Srinivas, Music Director Devi Sri Prasad at the event.
READY TO HIT THE BOX OFFICE!
Nirantaram Nee Oohale (dubbed version of Muppozhudhum Un karpanaigal) stars Atharva Murali and Amala Paul in the lead. ?6"':&4h,'%)*$+'7%,'0"&"%,"*'$2'O9*"0%5%*A'%-'%2'"8"2-'%--"2*"*'59'='d%&9%2A'H0%,%22%'d)4%0A'.%2$A' )2$&A'BS'=6+7*6%09A'Paras Jain, Devi Prasad, SA Raj Kumar, Vanamali and others.
Q "!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope
NEW BEGINNINGS!
?6"'.%2$^>4%&%'H%)&',-%00"0'e%2*%'H%$'d%!$0%1)'7%,'&%)2#6"*'+2'>)/),-'U,-'%-'O9*"0%5%*J'
SINGING AT SINGAPORE
?6"'4),$#'+3' )0$9%^,-%00"0'T%%--00%%2'7%,'&%)2#6"*'$2' $2/%!+0"'+2'>)/'X-6'%-'%'/0%2*'3)2#-$+2'%--"2*"*'59'4+0"'-6%2'UNANNN'3%2,'%2*',"8"0%&'5$/7$/,'30+4'-6"':&4'$2*),-09J
"!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope X
ONE PART OF THE MASK IS OFF!
The Audio of Mask, the Telugu Version of Mugamoodi, was launched in Hyderabad amid much fanfare.
SETTING FREE
?6%%2*%8%4'>)*$+'B"&"%,"K';2*"!"2*"2#"'<%9'#"&"50%-$+2'#+$2#$*"*'7$-6'-6"'/0%2*'%)*$+'&%)2#6'3)2#-$+2'+3'-6"'4)#6^%7%$-"*'Vikram starrer Thaandavam, from the UTV banner.
UN "!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope
DAPPER DUDES FOR THE DISC
Allu Arjun, Trivikram Srinivas, Devisri Prasad, Allu Aravind, V. V. Vinayak and others grace the Julayi double platinum disc launch function.
HOT AND SPICY!
="&"50$-$",'&%2*'%-'-6"'T$0#6$' +)-6'>7%0*,'MNUM'$2'O9*"0%5%*J
"!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope UU
THE DIMENSIONS OF A SUPERSTAR!
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REBELS FOR A CAUSE
?%4%22%%6A'<""(,6%' "-6'%2*'B%/6%8%'F%70"2#"'/0%#"'-6"'+##%,$+2'+3'-6"'&%)2#6'+3'-6"':0,-'-"%,"0'+3'H0%56%,h'2"7':&4A'Rebel at Taj Deccan.
UM "!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope
Nagnificent!Sometimes you don’t !nd enough adjectives to describe
certain superstars. It happens when, more than just being
screen gods, they are also fantastic human beings – warm,
good-natured, a"able and cultured. The charming and
debonair Akkineni Nagarjuna is jaw-droppingly handsome,
charming and absolutely modest to boot! Dapper and
dashing Nag may have just turned 53, but believe us, he can
give many of the younger superstars a run for their money
with his stunning physique. With more than a silver jubilee
run in tinsel town, Nag as he is often called, has also been a
trendsetter in style as well as spotting and nurturing talent.
He’s still the leading man, the eternal Manmadhudu, who
can make girls and women drool over him. His magnetic
allure is absolutely in tact whether he plays action roles
with panache or gets into the skin of devotional characters
with ease. Nag is one of the few southern heroes who is a
recognisable face across the country having starred in Hindi
!lms, albeit sporadically.
As he mesmerises the Southscope team in this exclusive
photo session at the Park Hyatt, Hyderabad, with his
gorgeous Love Story co-star Nayantara, we can’t help but
notice that he looks quite similar to George Clooney in his
current makeover! Radhika Rajamani is all ears as Nag chats
patiently with her, in between the costume changes, about
his life, work, family and much more!
-9&$2/K'Chaitanya Rao,''.%/%01)2%h,'T%("')!K'Dinesh,'O%$0K'Raju,'=+,-)4"'>,,$,-%2-K'Sekhar,'.%9%2-%0%h,'T%("'C!K''Umesh Sadanand Pawar, .%9%2-%0%h,'O%$0K'Ambika'F+#%-$+2K'Park Hyatt, Hyderabad, =&+-6",K'Chaitanya Rao, GUESS, GAS (Hyderabad), Evoluzione (Chennai), Asmita
Marwa,'>##",,+0$",K''Suhani Pittie, Forever New,'D++-7"%0K'>&*+
H6+-+/0%!6"0K'G Venket Ram
U\ "!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope
.%/%01)2%h,'g%0*0+5"K'Jacket and Cardigan, GAS (Hyderabad); Jeans, GUESS
.%9%2-%0%h,'g%0*0+5"K'Embroidered skirt, Chaitanya Rao; Neckpiece, Suhani Pittie
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!"#$%&'#('')#*)#+$'#,-.#*)/"0+12#3!1#.!1'#+$%)#45#2'%106#7!8#$%0#+$'#9!"1)'2#(''):
Ah (laughs) I always say it has been a nice 0+&&"0̂ #+%,-"0'0$*"'b')!,'%2*'*+72,'0$/6-'30+4'the beginning. It has been very exciting doing -6"':&4,';'6%8"'*+2"'%2*'%&&'-6"'8%0$"*'0+&",J'Right from the beginning, I have not stuck to any particular kind of image and that’s what has been nice.
;)#%<+!1#$%0#+!#<!)0+%)+-2#1'*)&')+#$*.0'-36#7!8#$%&'#2!"#/!)'#0!:#=0#*+#+$1!">$#2!"1#1!-'0:
Yes, it has been through my roles. In a #+44"0#$%&',-"0"+-9!"*':&4';'7+)&*'&$("'-+'%**',+4"-6$2/'-+'49'#6%0%#-"0'b'4%95"'in the way I look, the way I talk. Even if it is stereotyped I like to change those things. Any good actor should keep getting better and better. As an individual, I have learned to handle the highs and lows (smiles) as they come, and be more mature about life. Somewhere now, it all boils down to doing your best.
?2#2!"1#!8)#%/.*00*!)@#2!"A&'#3%<'/#$*>$0#%)/#-!806#7!8#/*/#2!"#3%<'#+$!0'#+*.'0#%)/#8$%+#.%/'#2!"#0%*-#+$1!">$#+$!0'#B'1*!/0#!3#<1*0*0@#B%1+*<"-%1-2:
Just the other day when Sachin Tendulkar was handing over the keys of the BMW to Saina Nehwal, I was listening to his speech. He was not just congratulating Saina but was #+2/0%-)&%-$2/'%&&'-6"'!"+!&"'5"6$2*'6"0'b'6"0'father, sister, friends and all the others. I think when you are low, these are the people you 6%8"'3+0',)!!+0-'b'49'7$3"'$,'49',)!!+0-',9,-"4J'T9'3%4$&9'$,'*":2$-"&9'+3'5$/'6"&!'and they have always stood by me. For your support system, it doesn’t matter whether you are successful or not. I remember my father telling me, ‘In the next movie you’ll be okay.’ My mother would tell me, ‘You were good in -6"':&4A'$-'$,'2+-'9+)0'3%)&-h'%2*'-6$2/,'&$("'-6%-J'
!"A&'#/!)'#,-.0#*)#C'-">"@#C%.*-#%)/#7*)/*6#D$*<$#8!"-/#2!"#1%)E#%0#2!"1#.'.!1%(-'#!)'0#!1#8$*<$#$%&'#('')#<-!0'#+!#2!"1#$'%1+:
All the new stuff I tried has always been close to my heart, right from the beginning. See, my :0,-':8"'+0',$i':&4,'%0"2h-'#&+,"'-+'49'6"%0-A'because I didn’t even know what I was doing. I was told to wear these clothes, I was told to comb my hair like this and I was told to get my make-up done like this, to say a dialogue like this. There was nothing of ‘myself’ in whatever I did. It took me a little time to put my foot down and say that this was not the way I was going to go, and that to carve a niche for myself, I had to be myself. What I realised at that point was that everybody, director or producer, would ask me to follow Chiranjeevi’s footsteps or Balakrishna’s ways, because they were stars then. They were trying to dress me up like them, make me dance like them and act like them.
!"#<!"-/)A+#1'-%+'#+!#*+#+!!666
No, I couldn’t. It didn’t work for me or my body language or personality. So, I took this very conscious decision to deviate with Geetanjali, after seeing Mani Ratnam’s earlier :&4,J'g"'6%*'-6"',%4"',"2,$5$&$-$",J'>-'-6%-'time, my mindset was, I think it will work on me. In hindsight, I think that conviction paid off. A similar thing happened with Shiva. E2#"';'5"#%4"'#+2:*"2-A';'#+)&*',-%0-'*+$2/'8"09'#+44"0#$%&A',-"0"+-9!"*':&4,'59'%**$2/'49'+72'-+)#6A'%2*':&4,'&$("'O"&&+'S0+-6"0'happened. I didn’t need to follow anybody. When I said no, people would accept it because I had success behind me.
F!@#0"<<'00#B"+#2!"#!)#2!"1#!8)#B%+$666
)##",,'%&7%9,'4%(",'9+)'#+2:*"2-'+3'9+)0'decisions. You feel what you have done is right, what you are doing is right. So if you use it wisely and don’t take it to your head, it gets you on the right path.
?'0*/'0#G''+%)9%-*##%)/#F$*&%@#%1'#+$'1'#!+$'1#.'.!1%(-'#,-.0:
I",A'49'#+44"0#$%&':&4,J'D+0'$2,-%2#"A'>&&%0$'Alludu was a pot-boiler exactly like what Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna were doing, and I could pull it off at that point. That got me really close to the masses! Then came a round of movies that suited my genre - where I looked %2*'*0",,"*'1),-'&$("'4"'b'%2*'"8"09-6$2/',)$-"*'4"J'?6"'2"i-'#&+,",-':&4'$,'>22%4%99%'where I took a different turn. When Raghavendra Rao-garu came with the offer, I didn’t know what to say. It took me a day or two to realise I wanted to try something new. I 6%*2h-':2$,6"*'-6"',6++-'+3'.$22"'H"&&%*)-6%'%2*'76"2';'%##"!-"*'-6"':&4A';'#&"%0&9'remember Krishnavamsi asking me why I was *+$2/',)#6'%':&4'",!"#$%&&9'%-'-6%-'!+$2-'$2'time. He couldn’t see me in that character and wasn’t sure that I could pull it off. He even felt that I was going into the danger zone of being ridiculed completely.
?'<%"0'#/'&!+*!)#8%0#%#<!.B-'+'-2#)'8#>')1'#3!1#2!":#
Yes, from playing a complete brat in Ninne Pelladutha, I was suddenly doing Annamayya! I just went ahead with Annamayya as I had great respect for Raghavendra Rao. If someone like him wanted to do it, it meant that there had to be something behind it. I have done a lot of 2$#"':&4,J';'6%8"'6%*'%',!%-"'+3'f+!,A'5)-'-6%-'is all okay. To become a star, I knew I needed -6"'0$/6-':&4'%-'-6"'0$/6-'-$4"J';3'9+)'2+-$#"A'-6%-h,'-6"'-6$2/'7$-6'"8"09',-%0J'?6"'0$/6-':&4'%-'the right time. Again you zoom up.
D$%+#$%0#E'B+#2!"#>!*)>#*)#%)#*)/"0+12#8$'1'#/'0+*)*'0#<$%)>'#'&'12#H1*/%2:
Once you reach that ‘star stage’ there is no Friday! There could be one full bad year and then one full good year. It goes like that for us. I will give you the example of Pawan Kalyan. After two years, Gabbar Singh came and put him right on top. The same thing happened
"!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope U]
with Mahesh Babu. After four years Dookudu happened and he zoomed up. Look at Salman Khan. Look at Shah Rukh, he is down now, and you don’t know when he’s going to pick up again. Leaving aside all these things, before KBC Amit ji was practically written off and 2+7'_&%)/6,`A'&++('%-'-6"'($2*'+3':&4,'he’s doing!
!"1#3%+$'1#*0#%#+$'0B*%)6#7!8#/*3,<"-+#8%0#*+#3!1#2!"#*)*+*%--2@#+!#<%112#+$'#(%>>%>'#!3#('*)>#$*0#0!)#%)/#+$')#<$%1+#%#B%+$#!3#2!"1#!8)#%)/#<%1&'#%#)*<$'#3!1#2!"10'-3:
>#-)%&&9'$-'7%,2h-'%,'*$3:#)&-'3+0'4"'%,'$-'7%,'for my father. At that point of time, it was a *$33"0"2-'7+0&*'%2*'-6"':&4,'6"'7%,'*+$2/'were almost character-oriented roles by the -$4"';'/+-'$2J';-'$,'4+0"'*$3:#)&-'3+0'=6%$'_=6%$-%29%A'6$,',+2`'b'_&%)/6,`'5"#%),"';'%4'doing lead roles and photo shoots like this one! ;-'$,'*$3:#)&-'3+0'6$4'5"#%),"'6"'6%,'<0'>.B'and Me! (laughs).
F!#*+#8%0)A+#/*3,<"-+#3!1#2!"#+!#<$%1+#2!"1#<!"10'666
After Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna came, the -0%1"#-+09'+3':&4,'#6%2/"*J'T9'3%-6"0'%2*'NTR were doing mythologicals, devotionals and social dramas, which were very intense and heavily dependent on scripts. When Chiranjeevi came, there were more action sequences and song-and-dance routines, than stories. There was nothing to compare, so I was fortunate that way.
D$%+#$%&'#('')#+$'#<$%)>'0#%)/#<$%--')>'0#+$%+#2!"#$%&'#3%<'/#*)#+$'#-%0+#45#2'%10:
?6"'4+,-'*$3:#)&-'#6%&&"2/"'6%,'5""2'-+':2*'-6"'0$/6-'*$0"#-+0'%2*'-6"'0$/6-',#0$!-J'The Telugu industry lacks writers and good writing. All those good in writing have become directors. Those directors who are now star directors, are cornering good writers and have them under their umbrella. The young directors-writers or writers have an aversion to #+44"0#$%&$,%-$+2'b'%2*'-6%-h,'769'-6"9'%0"'not growing. They feel they shouldn’t have ,+2/,A'-6%-'UN'!"+!&"',6+)&*2h-'f9'$2'%#-$+2',"Z)"2#",'b'$-'$,'-0)"'-6%-',$*"'+3'$-'$,'3%2-%,9J'If you look at Magadheera it was historical, they showed a different period of time and they added commercial elements and that’s how it went to the next level. We have to understand there is a barrier. Shiva or Geetanjali crossed that barrier while keeping the sensibilities in tact. Shiva also went into the roots. It had -6"'#+44"0#$%&'"&"4"2-,'b',+2/,A'#+4"*9'sequences. They wrote the script and gelled it so well. Manmadhudu and Santosham also crossed the barrier. It can be done.
I!#2!"#,)/#0!.'#E*)/#!3#'JB'1*.')+%+*!)#<1''B*)>#*)@#*)#+$'#3!1.#!3#<$%)>':
It is creeping in but to go to the next level, you need entertainment. Why did Dabbanng, e)&%9$'%2*'+-6"0':&4,'*+'7"&&j'g"'2""*'"2-"0-%$24"2-J'M\i]J'I+)'-)2"'$2'-+'2"7,'#6%22"&,'%2*'76%-'*+'9+)',""j';-'$,'*"!0",,$2/J'People like to come to the theatre and get entertained. You have to have entertainment. It should be a little larger than life.
D$')#2!"#0%*/#/*1'<+!10#%)/#0<1*B+0#%1'#*.B!1+%)+@#2!"A&'#$%/#+$'#")<%))2#%(*-*+2#+!#0B!+#+%-')+#%)/#')<!"1%>'#0!#.%)2#/*1'<+!10#-*E'#K%.#G!B%-#L%1.%#%)/#M1*0$)%&%.0*6# !"#<%">$+#+$'.#'%1-26#7!8#/*/#2!"#0B!+#+$*0#0B%1E#*)#+$'.:#
I really don’t know. I guess I always wanted to work with new people; when I see the "i#$-"4"2-'$2'-6"$0'"9",'%2*'-6"':0"A';'/"-'carried away, I say let’s do it.
;3+'1#%<+*!)#+$1*--'10#%)/#-!&'#0+!1*'0@#2!"#%1'#/!*)>#+$'#,-.#F$*1/*#F%*6#D$%+#%BB'%-0#+!#2!"#%(!"+#/'&!+*!)%-#,-.0:#C$*0#*0#+$'#+$*1/#!)'#2!"#%1'#/!*)>#%3+'1#;))%.%22%#%)/#?$%E+%#K%.%/%0"6
;'&$("'-+'*+'49-6+&+/$#%&'4+8$",'b'$2#&)*$2/'roles from Mahabharata and Ramayana. Nobody has come to me with those. I was always interested in Indian culture. I have been hearing about Lord Balaji ever since I was a child. When Annamayya came to me I didn’t know who Annamayya was. Then they told me 6$,'76+&"',-+09'b'+3'6+7'6"'*"*$#%-"*'6$4,"&3'to the Lord. His keertanas have motivated so 4%29'!"+!&"'3+0'-6"'&%,-'\NN'9"%0,J'E3'#+)0,"'it is a very interesting character. Nobody gets those kinds of characters. So I jumped into it right away. I remember Ramadas from the -$4"';'0"%*'%5+)-'6$4'$2'49',#6++&'5++(,'b'the Golconda Fort where Bhakta Ramadas was jailed, the hole from the top through which he was fed, the chains with which he was handcuffed and kept incarcerated. His writings of Sri Rama on the wall are still there and it’s history and somebody wants me to play that role. Why wouldn’t I want to play $-j'.+7' 6$0*$' %$'S%5%'#%4"'%&+2/J';-'$,'2+-'%'*"8+-$+2%&':&4J';h4'!&%9$2/'%'/)0)J'H"+!&"'seem to put both in the same genre. For the last UN^UP'9"%0,';h8"'5""2'6"%0$2/'%5+)-' 6$0*$' %$J'O"'7%,'%/%$2,-'#%,-"'%2*'0"&$/$+2'b'+2"'+3'-6"'things which I believe in. It is so inspiring that Shirdi Sai was spreading a message hundred years ago - one of harmony!
I!#2!"#('-*'&'#*)#G!/:#D$%+#%1'#2!"1#1'-*>*!"0#('-*'30:
I believe that there is some power which drives ),'b';'*+2h-'(2+7'76%-'-6%-'!+7"0'$,J'?6"0"'$,'a guiding force to all of us and different people pray to it in different ways.
!"1#)'J+#,-.#I%.%1"E%.#*0#%#0!<*!N3%)+%026# !"#$%&')A+#/!)'#."<$#*)#+$*0#>')1'6#D$%+#%++1%<+'/#2!"#+!#+$*0#B1!9'<+:
It was a fantastic and interesting story. I was %&7%9,'$2-"0",-"*'$2',)!"02%-)0%&'"&"4"2-,'b'something to do with the occult, tantra and aghoras. It had all of that.
!"#%1'#0%*/#+!#B-%2#%#1%E0$%0%:
Yes, Andhakasura, the last rakshasa who, in the war between devas and rakshasas somehow escapes and goes off into a penance. In this :&4'6"'7%(",')!'$2'MNUM'b'76$#6'$,',)!!+,"*'to be Doomsday. What he does then forms part of the story. It is very interesting. Anushka plays the virgin bride. I found it interesting %2*'%##"!-"*'-6"':&4J'H0%(%,6'B%1'$,' 6$8%A'$2'human form. He has done such a great job, as he is a great actor.
UQ "!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope
"!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope UX
.%/%01)2%h,'g%0*0+5"K''Jacket, Chaitanya Rao; Shirt GUESS (Chennai); Jeans, GAS (Hyderabad). .%9%2-%0%h,'g%0*0+5"K''Jacket, Forever new; Dress, GUESS; Neckpiece, Forever New;'D++-7"%0K'Aldo
MN "!-"45"0 'MNUM' | Southscope
!"#%1'#<!.*)>#(%<E#8*+$#I%0%1%/$#%3+'1#%#/'<%/'6#=0#*+#'%02#3!1#2!"#+!#0$*3+#>')1'0:#I!'0)A+#+$'#'%1-*'1#<$%1%<+'1#8'*>$#!)#2!"1#.*)/:
!"#$"% &"%'&(%$")*+,-.%./%(!0$%/))1%2%!&$%to shed it off people’s minds. I had to do something drastic. That’s when I decided to turn up like this (points to his makeover and laughs). I sat and thought and thought and then went to Manea Salon.
!"#$%&#'(#)(*&!'+,"#!%-'(.)*/#0"%1,"#2.),,#'3%!"#$%&#)(#$%&!#!%-'(.)*#!%,"2#)(#4"".'(5',)6#7'(.8%28'-#'(3#9'(-'38&3&:#
I guess so. What is life without a little bit of #/3&4+05%6!/(0%#/-0(%&-(/%(,".0$%301%
;%<#3%"2#).#="",#.%#+"#9'(-'38&3&#">"(#'=."!#?@#$"'!2#%=#.8"#A,-B2#!","'2"/
It feels good! Even now when people call me that, it feels very good!
C%-)(D#.%#-'E"%>"!2#$%'>"#',<'$2#+""(#'#.!"(32".."!:#;%<#3%#$%&#-'('D"#)./
I watch, I observe, I ask Chai and Akhil what '"--%(,".%301%2%+&4%(00%".%/4%.!0"#%)&+0(%7%")%.!08%laugh then it means they do not like it!
F8'.#<'2#.8")!#!"'*.)%(#.%#$%&!#("<#-'E"%>"!/
Oh, they loved it. Now they are upset because both of them have been spiking their hair for a while. And now, they’re asked if they are following their father! They are upset and say that I followed them!
G%#$%'>"#.%#AD8.#.%#3%#'($.8)(D#-%!"/
No. These days I’m worried because they say yes to everything. Sometimes, I worry if I’m actually doing something wrong, but they are saying “yes”... Like yes-men!
H%&#'!"#-%!"#.8'(#5&2.#'(#'*.%!:#H%&#'!"#'#1!%3&*"!6#$%&#!&(#'#A,-#)(2.).&."6#$%&#'!"#'#+&2)("22-'(6#!&(#!"2.'&!'(.2:#I2#.8"!"#2%-".8)(D#-%!"#$%&#<'(.#.%#3%/
I don’t know now. I’m sure I will!
H%'>"#%1"("3#'(%.8"!#!"2.'&!'(.#J# 2)'(#(%<:#F8'.#-'3"#$%&#D".#)(.%#.8"#=%%3#+&2)("22/
I’m a foodie. I’ve always loved good food. I opened Touch and I regretted it later. It tended to become a club. I was not happy. So I closed it and sold it. There were no good standalone restaurants in Hyderabad. Both N Grill and N Asian are restaurants. On Saturdays N Grill becomes a nice hangout.
G%#$%%(#.8"#'1!%(#2%-".)-"2/
90(:%'!04%2%&3%(.#0((0$1%2%*4$%+//;"4<%=0#8%therapeutic, especially when I am having a >&$%$&81%2%#0&-"(0$%.!0%#0&(/4%&-(/%7%8/,%�%creating something right from the beginning. It makes me happy to know that my wife and children are waiting to eat what I have cooked and when they say it is good (even if it is bad, they say it’s good!) I always feel fantastic. My stress just vanishes!
F8"!"#3%#$%&#<'(.#.%#.'E"# (('1%%!('#7.&3)%2#.%6#+"*'&2"#$%&#'!"#)(.%#1!%3&*)(D#A,-2#'(3#KL#2"!)',2/
?0%'&4.%./%+/4."4,0%@#/$,+"4<%*-3(%&4$%also make it big on TV. There’s never enough <//$%(/).'�%"4%.!0%*0-$%/)%.0-0="("/41%A-&4(%of expansion include creating a complete one-stop facility including an educational institute there, stay (if the producer comes ./%(.&8B:%C2%&4$%0=0#8.!"4<1%6!"(%*0-$%"(%D,(.%growing. I always believed and it is true that we lack training. See, there’s a way, a science ./%0=0#8.!"4<1%6!&.E(%'!&.%.!0%*-3%"4$,(.#8%"(%lacking. There are new kinds of craft coming up in the entertainment media. We want to make it future proof. We have diploma courses, special courses and everything that will offer comprehensive training! India is the '/#-$E(%-&#<0(.%*-3%@#/$,+0#:%>,.%'0%!&#$-8%have any training institutes, unlike in the West. ?0%�%.!0%*#(.%/40(%./%/@0#&.0%&%$0<#00%+/,#(0%&)*-"&.0$%./%the University.
H%&#,%%E#2%#8'(32%-"6#3'28)(D#'(3#2%#A.:#F8'.B2#$%&!#2"*!"./#
?!0.!0#%2E3%"4%*-3(%/#%4/.:%2E=0%&-'&8(%ensured I stay in good health. When I see a @0#(/4%!0&-.!8%&4$%-//;"4<%*.:%2%)00-%.!08%�%taking care of themselves not just to maintain their looks, but also for the basic mental frame. Over the years, I saw my mother suffer from ill-health, whereas my father was so healthy. The difference in the quality of life struck me. It doesn’t come easy. There are a lot of short cuts to looking good but that will only last a short while. For me, my journey in health (.&#.0$%'!04%2%'&(%FG:%'!04%2%'&(%"4%.!0%H 1%2%started there and continued when I came here. It is not the question of looking good, it is the discipline which you have to maintain.
;%<#2&11%!.)>"#8'2# -','#+""(#1!%="22)%(',,$#'(3#1"!2%(',,$/
Ah, more than professionally, personally she has been very supportive. Professionally, she doesn’t interfere much. She knows the hard work that goes in and she is there to make sure of everything. Sometime I am stressed or tired from all the work, and she knows I need to get my sleep and get my food at the right time. She ensures everything is in place. I don’t think I can do without her.
H%&B>"#+""(#'#-"(.%!#.%#$%&!#("18"<2#M7&-'(.86#7&28'(.8N#'(3#.%#$%&!#2%(#C8').'($':#F8'.#2%!.#%=#'3>)*"#3%#$%&#D)>"#.8"-/
6!0%*#(.%.!"4<%2%.0--%.!03%"(:%IC/4E.%.!"4;%8/,%are going to make it because you are so and so. 9/,%+&4%/4-8%3&;0%".%,@%./%.!0%*#(.%*-3:%."--%.!0%release date. After that we move aside whether you are going to accept it or not, because after the release date it is your thing! Look around and watch the competition. People are hungry. You have to have that hunger. See the lives of all the great stars. They have the hunger, the @&(("/41% 00%8/,#%<#&4$)&.!0#%7%'!&.%!0%$"$%in Sriramarajyam. It used to take him two and a half hours every day to do that make-up. If he’s going through that he still has that hunger to excel. Are you hungry for it or are you just $/"4<%".5E
[email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope FK
F8'.#'+%&.# E8),/#I2#8"#)(."!"2."3#)(#*)("-'/
90(:%!0E(%=0#8%"4.0#0(.0$%"4%+"403&%7%!0E(%learning about cinema. He’s very young. He’s got a mind of his own and knows exactly what he wants to do. He told me, ‘I want to get into *-3(1%O/':%'!04:%'!0#0:%'".!%'!/3%2E--%tell you later!’ I said, ‘Fine, I’m so happy the responsibility is off my head!’ He is working hard and is very focused and so is Chaitanya. As for Chai, I’ve in fact never seen a more focused and balanced person. Even I was not so balanced at that age. It is incredible!
F"B>"#2""(#$%&#'(3#$%&!#='.8"!#.%D".8"!:#G%#<"#2""#$%&#'(3#C8').'($'#.%D".8"!/
90(:%2E3%'/#;"4<%/4%&%(,>D0+.%#"<!.%4/'%7%38%father, myself and Chai, by Vikram Kumar, he is still working on the script.
H%%(B.#<%!E#%(#7&(3'$2:#F'2#).#'#>"!$#*%(2*)%&2#3"*)2)%(/#I2#).#='-),$#.)-"/
Yes, it is family time. I think it is a very logical and common thing for anybody and not just a star. That’s why Sunday is a holiday! I relax. I do not go out anywhere. I do not like to be invited for functions on Sundays. I do not want to get out of my pyjamas on Sunday! I switch off my phone. I want to give my brain a break! Breaks, for me, come in a very unexpected way. They are never planned. Whenever I get a break, I take it. I don’t want to plan because 2%3"<!.%<0.%&%)&4.&(."+%*-31%2%$/4E.%'&4.%./%(&8%I’m not working for these two months. I keep .!"4<(%P0Q">-0%&4$%/@041%
F8'.#'+%&.#$%&!#=&.&!"#1!%5"*.2#'=."!#O%>"#7.%!$/#L)E!'-B2#A,-#)2#)(#.8"#1)1",)(":::
2E3%$/"4<%&%*-3%+&--0$%R!&"%$"#0+.0$%>8%S"#&>!&$#&3%T!/,$!%7%&%+/[email protected]%entertainer. I haven’t done a total entertainer '".!%-/.(%/)%-&,<!.0#%&4$%&%3&*&%>&+;<#/,4$1%?0%�%4/.%</"4<%./%<-/#")8%="/-04+01%6!"(%*-3%is more for families. I want to get into that <04#01%2.%"(%>004%&%'!"-0%("4+0%2E=0%$/40%&%*-3%like that with punchy dialogues, you know, a proper laugh riot. We are working on S";#&3E(%*-31
Love storyF8'.#-'3"#$%)D(#G'2'!'38B2#A,-/#F'2#).#+"*'&2"#).#)2#'#-'.&!"#,%>"#2.%!$/
Yes, mainly. I also like Dasaradh’s sensibilities. I had $/40%&%*-3%"4%>0.'004:%".%$"$4E.%work out. He came up with a story again. It fell right into the genre I liked.
H%&#'!"#<%!E)(D#<).8#G'2'!'38#'=."!#'#3"*'3":#F8'.#'!"#.8"#*8'(D"2#$%""#)(#8)-/
Oh, he’s matured so much from that time. Santosham was his *#(.%*-3%&(%&%$"#0+./#1
F8'.B2#O%>"#7.%!$#'+%&./#I2#).#2%-".8)(D#3)=="!"(.#=!%-#.8"#!%&.)("#%!#!"D&,'!#,%>"#2.%!$/
2.%"(%&%.8@"+&-%C&(&#&$!%*-3%7%&%very nice NRI and India subject. He always uses the NRI theme. 6!0%*-3%"(%&%-/.%&>/,.%!,3&4%emotions and relationships.
H%%!.#.8)2#)(."!"2.)(D#,%%E:::
R0+&,(0%/)%.!0%LU2%+!&#&+.0#%7%%2%'&4.0$%.!0%LU2%-//;%7%&%@0#(/4%who has lived abroad all his life. If you notice, people abroad sport this beard and spike their hair up a lot.
H%&#'!"#'*.)(D#<).8#J'$'(.'!'#'=."!#P%226#<8)*8#!","'2"3#'#="<#$"'!2#'D%:#;%<#3%"2#).#="",#.%#+"#+'*E#.%D".8"!/
It feels good. I have always shared a good relationship with her. It is good to have her back. I called her up one day and asked, IV#0%8/,%(."--%&+."4<5E%2%.!/,<!.%she was engaged and getting married. I didn’t realise she had broken up a year ago. So when I called, she said yes, and this is !0#%*#(.%*-31%S0#8%+/"4+"$04.&-1
F8'.#'!"#$%&!#'21)!'.)%(2#=%!#.8)2#A,-/
It is a nice family entertainer like Santosham. Audiences can 0Q@0+.%&%40&.%'!/-0(/30%*-3%'".!%<//$%3,("+%7%&%=0#8%<//$%romcom, to be precise.
[email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope FW
Among the multitude of work to his credit, Dr. Subbarami Reddy has successfully +/X@#/$,+0$%@/@,-&#%O"4$"%*-3(:%(,+!%&(%Chandni and Lamhe, that still hold immense =&-,0%&4$%4/(.&-<"+%("<4"*+&4+0%&+#/((%3,+!%of India. In these projects and many more, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the Hindi Film Industry, such as Yash Chopra. Dr. Reddy has been an ardent follower and devout practitioner of Hinduism. His commitment to his spiritual life and to the scriptural texts of Hinduism led him to produce *-3(%-";0%R!&<&=&$%Y".&:%'!0#0%!0%@/#.#&80$%the resplendent grandeur of Hinduism’s greatest textual tenets. Dr. Subbarami Reddy’s ardent appreciation and respect for visionaries and religious leaders with a pragmatic understanding of life, led him to make a movie called Swami Vivekananda. His work was well received and appreciated aplenty, and the crowning glory was the Swarnakamal National V'&#$%!0%#0+0"=0$%)/#%@#/$,+"4<%.!0%*-3%Bhagavad Gita, which won the epithet of the
The Master
of All Trades!
Production, Business, Politics and Philanthropy
are the four words that de�ne Dr. T. Subbarami
Reddy. A doyen in the world of cinema production,
Dr. Reddy has been an avid promoter of art and
culture, a very philanthropically driven leader, an
ardent spiritualist and a senior parliamentarian.
Dr. Reddy’s repertoire includes a plethora of �lms,
ranging from those in English and Hindi, to Tamil
and Sanskrit. Kirthi Jayakumar traces his amazing
achievements
Best Film. Dr. Subbarami Reddy received the award from the then President of India.
Beside his multiple pursuits, Dr. Subbarami Reddy is a former Union Minister of State and also the former Chairman of Tirupathi Temple, the famous temple shrine township. In addition, his tryst with entrepreneurship has been nothing short of super successful. His aspirations have always been big, a facet that has only won him accolades and plaudits at all points. Dr. Subbarami Reddy had all along been dreaming of placing India on the world hospitality map, a dream that he has successfully achieved by making the Park Hyatt at Hyderabad one of the best destinations for hospitality in the world, along with his equally illustrious son T. Sandeep Reddy.
Besides these wonderful pursuits, Dr. Subbarami Reddy has also indulged in plenty of charitable causes. He made a remarkable impact on society through his untiring efforts &4$%04$0&=/,#(1%24%KZ[\:%!0%+/4.#">,.0$%./%
the construction of the World’s Largest Dam, the Nagarjuna Sagar in Andhra Pradesh. This contribution of his did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded a Gold Medal by the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi in grand recognition of his outstanding contribution. Even till date, the industrial and social setting "4%V4$!#&%A#&$0(!%>040*.(%<#0&.-8%$,0%./%!"(%hand in the project. Dr. Subbarami Reddy is amply fond of art and culture. This encouraged him to institute an organisation, called T S R Lalitha Kala Parishad, which annually @#0(04.(%.!0%6 U%V'&#$(%./%*-3%(.&#(:%>0("$0(%presenting a massive repertoire of cultural events around the year.
A!/./<#&@!0#M%G Venket RamF] [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
F[ [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
‘It’s been a jinxed
affair for me in
Malayalam’She is a beautiful fashionista and a bundle of talent, to boot. A former Miss Andhra, Poonam Kaur has had a long
run at the Telugu box o!ce. Though she has acted in several Tamil movies, she believes that 2012 will be a signi�cant
year in her �lm career, as 3 of her Tamil movies are scheduled for release. Aravind G Shivakamal catches up with the
diva and takes us through her journey
[email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope F\
Poonam Kaur is eagerly awaiting the release /)%S&$!&3:%[%T&4$-0(%^/@@/(".0% !&3B%&4$%Akkam Pakkam - she appears as the female lead in all the three movies.“Among the three, I am looking forward to the release of Vadham, &%)03&-0X/#"04.0$%*-31%2.%"(%&%=0#8%<//$%3/="0%and I am thrilled about my performance in ".1%2%!&=0%@,.%"4%38%>0(.:%38%KJJ%@0#+04.%"4%.!"(%*-3:%8/,%;4/'_%(&8(%A//4&3:%&$$"4<:%“Chennai has been lucky for me. I like the way people work in the Tamil industry.”
Though this svelte beauty is a Punjabi by birth, (!0%"(%"$04."*0$%&(%&% /,.!%24$"&4%*-3%(.&#:%&(%she has acted in all the southern languages. Poonam, who lives in Mumbai, is also trying her luck in Bollywood. As she puts it, “I agree I could have chosen better projects in the south. I do not want to repeat this same mistake in Bollywood. I am waiting for that one good movie to prove myself as an actor; I '&4.%&%#/-0%.!&.%'"--%.#,-8%(!/'+&(0%38%.&-04.%7%be it in any language.”
U0+04.-8:%A//4&3%'&(%P&..0#0$%./%#0+0"=0%&4%offer to act opposite superstar Mammootty in a `&-&8&-&3%*-31%O/'0=0#:%(!0%$"$%4/.%.&;0%".%up as she was asked to play the role of a family '/3&4%7%`&33//..8E(%'")0%&4$%&%3/.!0#%to their child. “It’s been a jinxed affair for me with the Malayalam industry,” she laments. But she is content with her performance in Telugu movies so far, having acted with many leading actors of Tollywood.
Poonam spent her early childhood in Punjab and then in Hyderabad, where she studied until T-&((%KF1%V(%&%+!"-$:%A//4&3%&-'&8(%$#0&3.%/)%3&;"4<%&%4&30%"4%.!0%<-&3/,#%"4$,(.#8%7%be it as a model, fashion designer or an actor. She grew up watching Sridevi’s movies, and has since considered the iconic actor as her role model. Poonam would always mimic her acting and dancing styles. “Sridevi and Divyabharathi are my favourite stars,” she chirps.
Poonam moved to New Delhi for a course at the National Institute of Fashion Technology
(NIFT), and then won the Miss Andhra title. Following this, she started getting a few offers )#/3%.!0%60-,<,%*-3%"4$,(.#81%R,.:%!0#%@.(%were against her getting into movies and wanted her to concentrate on studies. Poonam had no choice but to continue with her course at NIFT. Meanwhile, director Teja approached her uncle and asked him to convince her parents to let her act. This worked in favour of .!0%>0&,.8%a,004%"4%FJJ[1%O/'0=0#:%.!0%3/="0%which she had originally signed up for, didn’t take off for various reasons. She then moved on and took up another offer from Teja for the *-3%b;&%S"+!".#&31%24%@&#&--0-:%(!0%3&4&<0$%./%>&<%&4/.!0#%60-,<,%*-3%`&8&D&-&31
After these two Telugu movies, she completed !0#%+/,#(0%&.%L2c61%24%FJJZ:%A//4&3%.//;%part in the Femina Miss India contest. “As a little girl, I also dreamt of being a part of the Femina Miss India paegent and winning the crown, and that came true as well. I was a very dreamy child. It was my luck that I bagged the Femina South Talent award,” she avers. This further boosted Poonam’s dreams and passion ./%3&;0%".%>"<%"4%.!0%*-3%"4$,(.#81%
Poonam credits her success to the support of her mother. “I am the laadli beti of the family. I am the youngest of three siblings and a pampered and spoilt child in the family,” she says.
She was back in the industry with another 60-,<,%*-3%S"4&8&;,$,:%'!"+!%>0+&30%&%!".1%d6!0%.#,0%D/,#408%/)%38%*-3%+�#%&+.,&--8%(.&#.0$%&).0#%FJJZ%&4$%.!0#0E(%>004%4/%-//;"4<%back since then,” she adds.
Poonam made her debut in Tamil movies with Nenjirukkum Varai. She has also appeared in a Kannada movie Bandhu Balaga, opposite !"=&#&D;,3%?!&.%"(%A//4&3E(%,4),-*--0$%$#0&3%(/%)%d?"44"4<%&4%&'&#$e%2.%"(%&4/.!0#%dream of mine. I want to receive an award for the best actor in the presence of my mother.”
QuickTakeYour favourite hobby
Your opinion about boyfriends
What does marriage mean to you?
How many people have confessed their love for you so far?
Dream male co-star
Watching Movies
If they are not honest, they are not for me
I get scared when I think of it…
c/,#%./%*=0:%2%<,0((
One and only Kamal Hassan
Ff [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
WJ [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
‘I remain Jayaram,
a typical, 100%
Malayalee’An actor with "air and élan, Jayaram has always been a digni�ed performer, allowing his work to
speak for itself. Not one to be fazed by the industry dynamics, Jayaram’s timeless talents have stood
him in good stead – whether in Malayalam or Tamil cinema. Unni Nair speaks to the actor, and
uncovers the typical, 100% Malayalee!
[email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope WK
Do you believe in God?
How do you spend your free time?
What would you have been, if not an actor?
Who’s your greatest critic?
Your favourite actor?
Yes, but it is belief and not superstitious.
If I get free time, I rush back home and spend it at home…maybe doing nothing (laughs)
2%'&(%*#(.%'/#;"4<%&(%&%medical representative. Then I did marketing for a chemicals company. So if I had not been actor, I would be a Regional Manager or something like that in some company.
My family, especially my daughter.
I’d say, like Mani Ratnam once said, that Malayalam cinema is so full of talented actors that I can’t choose just one and say, this is my favourite actor.
WF [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
d`&-&8&-&3%+"403&:%*4&--8:%"(%+!&4<"4<:_%says the media. New actors, new directors, all ;"4$(%/)%40'%*-3(%.#0&.0$%$"))0#04.-8:%!&@@04:%and a new sensibility, perhaps not evident in the last few years is seen. This of course is not a new thing in Malayalam. Sensible cinema has always been around. But the past few years have been like a dry phase, a rather unproductive situation as regards sensible cinema. However, good times are back, as now, a change is taking place.
If you ask Jayaram where he stands amidst all these changes, he’d prefer to begin his answer with a very positive observation. Says he, “Changes happen, as per the needs of the times we live in, not just in cinema, but in everything pertaining to life. In Malayalam +"403&:%&%+!&4<0$%!&@@040$%&#/,4$%KZ\ZXKZfJ%&4$%.!0%#0(,-.%'&(%.!0%04.#8%/)%`/!&4-&-%&4$%`&33//..81%6!04:%&).0#%[%/#%\%80&#(:%'!04%.!0%*-33&;0#(%+/,-$4E.%.!"4;%/)%&%40'%actor other than Mammootty and Mohanlal, an eminent director like Padmarajan, leading producer Hari Pothan and leading distributors of that time Thomson Films jointly decided ./%$/%&%*-3%'".!%&%40'%&+./#1%6!&.E(%!/'%2%came in. That could also be seen as a change. So changes happen. It seems the advent of a new generation was delayed the most in Malayalam, compared to other places. But, though delayed, let’s hope a healthy new generation makes things happen in the best of manners. This is an industry that sustains and feeds thousands of people and earns for the government big revenue by way of tax. So, let changes happen. Now, if you ask me where I stand in the midst of these changes, my answer is simple. Maybe I can’t change that much; maybe I can’t run as fast as the new generation... So I remain Jayaram, a typical, KJJg%`&-&8&-00%/4%(+#004%&4$%-/=0%./%&+.%"4%*-3(%.!&.%.0--%.!0%(./#8%/)%&%middle-class Malayalee”.
/%$/0(%!0%30&4%(,+!%*-3(%$/%!&=0%#0-0=&4+0%0=04%./$&85% ./#"0(%/)%&%3"$$-0X+-&((%<,8:%.!0%;"4$%.!&.%h&8&#&3%,(,&--8%@-&8(%7%"(%.!0#0%(."--%(@&+0%)/#%(,+!%*-3(5%h&8&#&3%!&(%&%+-0&#%#0@-8:%“Yes, very much.”
Jayaram, who made his entry into cinema '".!%A&$3&#&D&4E(%V@&#&4%"4%KZff:%!&(%$/40%&--%;"4$(%/)%*-3(1%6!0%*-3(%!0%!&(%$/40%with directors like Rajasenan and Sathyan Anthikkad are his most successful ones. He !&(%&-(/%$/40%&+."/4%P"+;(%&4$%0=04%&+.0$%"4%&%+/,@-0%/)%/))>0&.%*-3(X%6!00#.!&$&4&3%&4$%Shesham. He is now getting ready for another (,+!%&#.8%*-31%O0&#%!"(%/'4%'/#$(%/4%.!&.%7%d2%'"--%>0%@-&8"4<%.!0%-0&$%#/-0%"4%.!0%*-3%>&(0$%on Vaikkom Muhammed Basheer’s famous novel Shabdangal, to be directed by acclaimed director Priyanandan”. The novel, Shabdangal, is one of the most notable works by Basheer, '!/%*4$(%!"(%@-&+0%&3/4<%.!0%<#0&.0(.%'#".0#(%
of all time in Malayalam. Jayaram also has some other interesting projects coming up. “Anil’s Manthrikan is releasing on September K]1%2%!&=0%&-(/%$/40% !&D"%i&"-&(E%`&$"#&(!"1%A#"8&4&4$&4E(%*-3%'"--%(.&#.%#/--"4<%"4%September. Then there is a Tamil-Malayalam *-3%>8%Y&,.!&3%`04/4%&4$%&%*-3%>8% &.8&4%Anthikkad,” says Jayaram. The State Award winner, who has also won several Filmfare awards and a Tamil Nadu State Film award, was very active in Tamil Cinema too. He @-&80$%.!0%-0&$%"4%3&48%*-3(%&4$%(!/40%&-/4<%with Kamal Haasan in Thenali. But of late, Jayaram hasn’t been seen on Tamil screens. That is set to change now, as he’s acting in Vijay’s Thuppaakki. The change was natural, feels Jayaram. “I had played the hero in Tamil when people like Vijayakanth, Karthik, Parthepan and the like were the heroes. That generation has now almost gone out and so I .//%$/4E.%!&=0%*-3(1_
Of late, Jayaram is also quite engrossed in his role as the brand-ambassador for the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. He explains, “A considerable share of whatever I 0%4/'%'"--%</%./'&#$(%.!0%>040*.%/)%+&4+0#%patients. I consider it my good fortune to be able to associate with such a noble cause. The Jayaram Cancer Foundation too will be active and I will do whatever is possible to generate ),4$(%)/#%.!0%+&4+0#%&)P"+.0$%&4$%'"--%'/#;%towards their welfare and rehabilitation.”
Kalidas, Jayaram’s son, had earlier tasted success as a child actor, having won a National Award too. So when is Kalidas getting re--&,4+!0$%&(%&%!0#/5%6!0%@#/,$%)&.!0#%+-&#"*0(:%dO0%"(%D,(.%Kf1%j0.%!"3%'&".%&.%-0&(.%."--%!0%"(%FGk%&4$%-0.%!"3%&-(/%+/[email protected]%!"(%(.,$"0(%&4$%do some good course. Then, if something good comes up…”
h&8&#&3%!&(%@,.%"4%&-3/(.%FG%80&#(%"4%+"403&:%as a leading actor. So now what are his plans )/#%.!0%),.,#05%C"#0+."/45%A#/$,+"4<%3/="0(5%Turns out, Jayaram isn’t interested in any of this. “I am in fact a bad businessman. I &3%&%@0#(/4%'!/%*4$(%".%$")*+,-.%./%.&-;%&4$%bargain even when it comes to my own acting #03,40#&."/4:%(/%!/'%+&4%2%>0%&%@#/$,+0#5%2%am happy as an actor and I will continue to do *-3(%&(%&4%&+./#1_%
Jayaram is also a good mimicry artist and a good Chenda player. He has played the percussion instrument in the company of some of the greatest masters in the world of music. The Government of India had bestowed on him the Padma Shri for his contribution to the arts. Life for Padma Shri Jayaram is as exciting as ever, with the actor doing his own brand /)%*-3(1%O0%#03&"4(%+-/(0%./%.!0%!0&#.(%/)%&--%`&-&8&-00(:%&4$%"(%$0*4".0-8%.!0%.8@"+&-:%KJJg%`&-&8&-001%
[email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope WW
=."!#Q%6#<"#8'>"(B.#2""(#$%&#)(#K'-),#C)("-':#F8$/
V).0#%i/:%2%'&(%P//$0$%'".!%/))0#(%)#/3%/.!0#% /,.!%24$"&4%*-3%"4$,(.#"0(1%2%$"$%&%60-,<,%movie - Dammu and then a Malyalam one. I !&=0%>004%>,(8%&..04$"4<%*-3%)0(."=&-(%/)%-&.01%%I also had two fabulous offers that I almost signed but then the story changed and things did not go as planned. I am not choosy, but I deserve to do quality work. I don’t mind doing &%3/="0%"4%.'/%/#%.!#00%80&#(%>,.%.!/(0%*-3(%have to be worthwhile because I am talented and I don’t have to do any movie just to be (004%&#/,4$%.!0%+/#40#1%2%&3%&-(/%"4%38%*4&-%year of studying Economics, so I am focusing on completing my education right now. As you know, I am the eldest daughter and we are hoteliers by profession too, hence, I will also have to look after my father’s business soon. 2)%2%!&=0%./%$/%&%*-3%4/':%.!04%".%!&(%./%!&=0%a great role for me or else I would not want ./%@/(.@/40%*4"(!"4<%38%<#&$,&."/41%2%$"$%Dammu because it was my vacation then, even though I was not the lead heroine.
!"#$%&#<%!E)(D#%(#'($#1!%5"*.2#!)D8.#(%</#K",,#&2#'#+).#'+%&.#.8"-:
I am currently dubbing for Bharathiraja sir’s movie - Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum. My mother had done Mudhal Mariyadhai and she would have been nominated for the National Award had she dubbed for it. So, Bharathiraja sir is very particular I dub for it, because he carries the guilt that had my mother dubbed, she would have probably won the Award. I think it is a jinx whenever I announce I am </"4<%./%$/%(/%&4$%(/%*-3%40Q.1% /:%2%&3%</"4<%to be tight-lipped. It will help me at least to de-tag myself from being called problematic.
G%#$%&#+",)">"#.8'.#"R1"*.'.)%(2#'!"#3%&+,$#8"'>$#%(#$%&!#28%&,3"!2#+"*'&2"#$%&#'!"#'#2&1"!S2&**"22=&,#$"2."!$"'!#8"!%)("B2#3'&D8."!6#'(3#'(%.8"!B2#()"*"/
Of course, it is! I have done quality work and I have been appreciated for it. Had I debuted like any other newcomer, people would have never compared my work to my mother’s or aunt’s. I know how well I have performed but still critics say, “She is good, but not as good as Radha.” No matter how much I do, they will compare me with Mom, which is not right!
‘People went in late to theatres just to watch me in Dammu’
Say what you will, but Karthika Nair is in a happy place, wherever she is. Unfazed by multiple hiccups in her
�lm career, she slams rumours and dismisses allegations of her being a "op actor, during a straightforward
tete-a-tete with Ankita Rath
They are legends, they cannot be compared and we cannot expect another Radha. Josh did very well but people still say, it is not like Nagarjuna’s or Radha’s movie. How fair is .!&.5%2%!&=0%$/40%=0#(&."-0%#/-0(%&4$%-&4$0$%them based on my merit. A picture of me from Makaramanju was published in a newspaper; i%S%V4&4$%(&'%".%&4$%'&4.0$%30%"4%.!0%*-31%He only got to know I am Radha’s daughter after googling me. Directors are shrewd and they know who they want. If I am not good, they won’t take me for scripts that demand quality performance.
F8$#'!"#$%&#(%.#1'!.#%=#9'38'#4'5''#T'5'/#G)3#$%&#<',E#%&.#%!#<"!"#$%&#!"1,'*"3/
See, when Sundar C approached my mom, the story was completely different. We signed on &4$%'0#0%D,(.%&>/,.%./%(.&#.%/,#%*#(.%(+!0$,-01%I was told the brief outline and that was the best role any heroine could ask for. Vishal had to essay three characters and the story revolved around me. Since Vishal was working /4%&4/.!0#%*-3:%.!0%(+!0$,-0%'&(%)#0a,04.-8%pushed off, and moreover the script of MGR wasn’t complete. Later Sundar realised that the (./#8-"40%'&(%"4.04(0%&4$%.!08%)/,4$%".%$")*+,-.%to gel all three characters; sadly, the story fell apart. The script was shelved and they picked one of those backup stories and guess what, it was an action script with nothing much for the heroine. On top of it, it required two heroines. I would rather not do a script that I had not signed for. Sundar also understood and we parted on amicable terms.
K",,#&2#'+%&.#$%&!#"R1"!)"(*"#%=#<%!E)(D#on Dammu.
After Ko, Dammu came and I did not even know who the director was, I heard the story and it had two heroines. I plainly rejected it. Later, Boyapati sir, the director, called me and my mom personally and he was very adamant .!&.%2%>0%&%@&#.%/)%.!0%*-31%60-,<,%+"403&%is known for its commercial element, the &,$"04+0(%-/=0%3&(&-&%*-3(%.!0#01%2%("<40$%/4%thinking that when the director is so adamant, I should do it. Now I can say I am a truly versatile actor. Many heroines were offered Trisha’s role before her. But he said that the character Neelaveni that I played had unique traits - she is naughty, bubbly and full of life. Srini sir insisted that not everyone could essay
[email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope WG
#,"'3)(D#("<21'1"!#!"*"(.,$#3&++"3#$%&#'#U%1#'*.%!#'(3#2')3#.8'.#3)!"*.%!2#'!"#&(<),,)(D#.%#*%(2)3"!#$%&:#C%--"(.:#
My characters have always fared well. Directors approach me, I have never asked for work like others do. If they do not have +/4*$04+0%"4%.!0%(+#"@.:%.!08%+&44/.%approach me.
F8'.#2."12#'!"#$%&#.'E)(D#'2#1'!.#%=#3'-'D"#*%(.!%,/#;%<#'!"#$%,'(()(D#.%#1&.#$%&!#*'!""!#+'*E#%(#.!'*E/
Being in movies is not part time exactly, but I cannot quit education or forget about taking up dad’s business. There are many talented people and they are striving to get that one break. Had I not had talent, directors would not have been so adamant to have me in their movies, #"<!.5%%2.%"(%&-(/%$0(."48%7%3&48%<"#-(%'!/%�%not talented have gone a long way, I would not want to point anyone out though. Recall, that Ko was a hit, Josh was a huge hit but because we are star kids they said it is not as big a hit as it should have been (sighs). I have always given hits.
F8'.#3%"2#$%&!#-%.8"!#8'>"#.%#2'$#'+%&.#$%&!#*'!""!#!)D8.#(%</#;%<#)(>%,>"3#'!"#$%&!#1'!"(.2#)(#$%&!#*'!""!/#
I don’t have any manager. Everything goes through mom. We discuss and then decide.
G%"2#).#2*'!"#$%&#.8'.#.8"#A,-#)(3&2.!$#)2#'(#&(=%!D)>)(D#1,'*"#'(3#.8'.#">"!$.8)(D#3"1"(32#%(#$%&!#2&**"22/
Producers have a certain mark that they have to earn back. So a particular movie might be a P/@%)/#%&%@#/$,+0#%>,.%@0/@-0%+&4%(."--%04$%,@%appreciating your role. This appreciation marks my success.
H%&!#2)2."!#)2#"(."!)(D#-%>)"2#<).8#'#9'()#T'.('-#A,-6#'.#'#.)-"#<8"(#1"%1,"#'!"#',!"'3$#<!).)(D#$%&#%==:#;%<#2"*&!"#'!"#$%&6#>)2#'#>)2#.8"#2).&'.)%(#!)D8.#(%</#
!0%"(%&%>&>8%&4$%(!0%"(%D,(.%KG%80&#(%/-$1%`&4"%sir had a character where the heroine’s role is young in age. We are family. I will guide her and I want Tulsi to do much better than I. If it weren’t for Tulsi, then someone else would have done it. I am really excited that she is doing it.
F8"!"#3%#$%&#.8)(E#$%&#<),,#D%#=!%-#8"!"/#
I will do movies where my role is outstanding. After my studies, I will dabble in both the world of acting and the world of business.
the role of Neelaveni and that helped me make up my mind. I agreed to the role and the movie just for him. More than Ko, today I am getting more compliments for Dammu. I have heard people went in late to theatres just to watch my character and the masses could not stop hooting for me.
G)3#$%&#="",#.8'.#K!)28'B2#!%,"#%>"!28'3%<"3#$%&!#1!"2"(*"#)(#.8"#A,-/
I don’t feel insecure; multi-starrers are a trend. 2%&3%&%a,&-".8%&+./#%&4$%2%!&$%.!0%+/4*$04+01%Moreover, even the director knew, he wanted /4-8%30%"4%.!&.%(@0+"*+%#/-01%2%#0(@0+.%!0#%seniority. If you were to ask the audience there, they loved me and her too. The Andhra crowd now loves me more. But yes, the character I enacted in Josh, hands down, is my favourite. I cried at the pack up of the sets.
G)3#$%&#">"!#D".#2*'!"3#.8'.#$%&#-)D8.#(%.#-'E"#).#',,#)(#.8"#)(3&2.!$6#*%(2)3"!)(D#.8"#*&!!"(.#2.'."#%=#$%&!#*'!""!/
b!%38e%2)%2%$/4E.%$/%P"+;(:%.!08%.!"4;%2%&3%not getting it. I avoid such baseless gossip. It is their assumption. Even if I am not getting *-3(:%2%$/4E.%+�e%2%&3%4/.%$/"4<%3/="0(%./%earn my daily bread. I am happy to do roles through which I will be remembered forever. Of course, people want to see new faces on screen but I know I am talented.
F8$#3)3#$%&#<',E#%&.#%=#.8"#!"-'E"#%=#7'..'-#V!&#I!&..'!')/
I did not walk out as such...Vikram and I !&$%*4"(!0$%&%(!/.%"4%A,$,+!0##81%O/'0=0#:%Vikram had date problems and he backed out /)%.!0%*-31%A#&>!,%,4+-0%'&4.0$%30%./%$/%.!0%movie. But, I thought Vikram and I were a good combination. After a lot of speculation, he signed a newcomer and honestly, the heroine’s role was not great. So, there was 4/%@/"4.%"4%(."+;"4<%./%.!&.%*-31%`8%#/-0%!&(%to be prominent at least and Prabhu uncle understood that.
H%&B>"#<',E"3#%&.#%=#.<%#A,-2#'(3#'!"#(%<#)(#9','$','-#*)("-':#I2#.8)2#.8"#!)D8.#3"*)2)%(#.%#-'E"/#F),,#$%&#(%.#+"#+!'(3"3#'2#+")(D#1!%+,"-'.)*/
Directors will give me roles if they are apt. I am ready to do small characters but there (!/,-$%>0%&%+0#.&"4%&3/,4.%/)%("<4"*+&4+01%2%am not greedy about roles. I am meant to be in *-3(%'!0#0%$"#0+./#(%+&4%<"=0%30%something concrete.
H%&!#='28)%(#2"(2"#8'2#*%-"#&(3"!#'#,%.#%=#*!).)*)2-:#F8$#3%(B.#$%)!"#1!%="22)%(',#'22)2.'(*"#.%#,%%E#$%&!#+"2./#
This is news to me. Tell me, where has my $#0((%(04(0%</40%'#/4<5%2)%".%"(%3/="0(:%.!04%I have a stylist already for me. People have actually been complimenting me for the way I carry myself, and how my clothes always set a trend.
W[ [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
Wf [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
‘I have not met
Vidya Balan...National Award winning actor Priyamani is having a great run in the Kannada �lm
industry right now. She is also eagerly awaiting the release of her next multi-lingual
movie, Charulatha, in which she plays a dual role. The actor was seen at several �lm
award ceremonies in the last two months, performing in front of the stalwarts of the
south �lm industry. Having stayed away from Tamil cinema for a while, Priyamani
believes that Charulatha will once again take her to new heights in K-town. Aravind G
Shivakamal speaks to the charming actress
A"+.,#0%T/,#.0(8M%S
OU
TH
SP
IN T
AL
EN
T
[email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope WZ
Hollywood actors you would love to date?
What do you do in your spare time?
We heard that it is difficult to please you…
Would you have an arranged marriage or love marriage?
Will Smith, Christian Slater & Channing Tatum
Hmm… surf channels on TV
6#,0%.!&.e%2.%"(%=0#8%$")*+,-.%to please me
For a change, both!
]J [email protected]>0# %FJKF% N % /,.!(+/@0
G%#$%&#!"-"-+"!#$%&!#A!2.#28%.#'(3#"R1"!)"(*"#)(#=!%(.#%=#.8"#*'-"!'/
b)%+/,#(01%6!0%*#(.%(!/.%'&(%)/#%.!0%6&3"-%movie Kangalal Kaidhu Sei with Bharathiraja sir. It was on a golf course, where I had tonged some papers signed by the hero. It was truly an amazing experience because such a great legend taught me how to act... It will remain in my memory forever.
F8'.#)2#$%&!#3!"'-#!%,"/#I2#).#2%-".8)(D#$%&#'!"#("'!#'*8)">)(D/
Well, I cannot call it a dream role exactly, but I would love to be seen in a negative role like Ramya Krishnan’s Neelambari in Padayappa.
F8'.B2#)(#.8"#1)1",)("/#F8'.#1!%5"*.2#'!"#$%&#<%!E)(D#%(/
Charulatha in Tamil, Charulatha in Kannada, Charulatha in Telugu, Charulatha in Malayalam! There’s also Lakshmi in Kannada...
0'!&.8)>""!'(#<'2#'#."2.)-%($#%=#$%&!#'-1,"#.',"(.:# =."!#.8)2#A,-6#$%&#,'(3"3#'#2)-),'!#role in Raavan/Raavanan. Did you think you <"!"#+"D)(()(D#.%#D".#.$1"*'2.#'2#.8"#W!&!',#D)!,#<8%#.&!(2#!'1"#>)*.)-B/
No, I don’t think I was typecast into the role of a rape victim but yes, I did fear that I would be typecast as a village girl post Paruthiveeran. That’s the reason why I consciously avoided doing roles in village-based plots post Paruthiveeran.
H%&#'!"#L)3$'#P','(B2#*%&2)(#X#2%#'*.)(D#!&(2#)(#.8"#='-),$/#F8'.#<%&,3#$%'$#$%&!#!",'.)%(28)1#<).8#L)3$'#)2#,)E"/
To be honest, I have not met Vidya... But I would love to meet her some day.
K",,#&2#'+%&.#C8'!&,'.8':#I.#8'2#$%&#)(#.8"#,"'3#!%,"Y#).B2#-'E)(D#<'>"2#+"=%!"#).2#!","'2":#;%<#"R*)."3#'!"#$%&#'+%&.#.8"#A,-/#
VERY excited. Charulatha is the story of +/4D/"40$%.'"4(%&4$%.!0%.!030%"(%&%*#(.%/4%celluloid. The story is about both the girls and has great performances and some fantastic thriller elements. And like the trailer says, never break a promise! All in all, it is an excellent project…
F8'.#*8'(D"3#)(#$%&#'2#'(#'*.%!#'=."!#3%)(D#.8"#!%,"#)(#0'!&.8)>""!'(/
It got me bigger offers (laughs). But on a serious note, I felt my talent was recognisedand that’s what I have been showcasing in all my 3/="0(%@/(.%A&#,.!"=00#&41%O".(%&4$%P/@(%are secondary but people have noticed my performances and have appreciated me. That’s the biggest award I could ask for...
F8"!"#3%#$%""#$%&!2",=#A>"#$"'!2#=!%-#(%</
Blissfully settled with MY OWN family, I hope....
H%&#'!"#2&*8#'#D%!D"%&2#D)!,6#<8$#(%.#!'-1#&1#$%&!#='28)%(#Z&%.)"(./
I guess I have ramped it up a little from before.... (smiles)
F8$#'!"#$%%)(D#-%!"#Q'(('3'#-%>)"2#.8'(#K'-),#'(3#K",&D&#A,-2/#G%#$%&#="",#$%'>"(B.#D%.#$%&!#=')!#28'!"#%=#2&**"22#)(#.8"2"#)(3&2.!)"2/
I am getting good offers in Kannada, ones that I really like and that’s why I’m doing those movies. I am not saying that I don’t get offers from other industries. Almost everyday, I am being offered roles in Tamil and Telugu. But this is a question the directors and producers from Tamil and Telugu should answer, not me.
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I don’t think I would like to change anything. They are good as they are.
G%#$%&#="",#%&!#3)!"*.%!2#3%(B.#&(3"!2.'(3#.8'.#('.)%(',#'<'!3#<)(("!2#*'(#',2%#+"#-')(2.!"'-#8"!%)("2/
(Laughs) Again, that is a question only directors can answer...
H%&!#!%,"2#'!"#.%%#-&*8#%=#'#*%(.!'2.#S#)(#%("#A,-#$%,'$#'#>),,'D"#+",,"6#'(3#)(#.8"#%.8"!#.8"!"#)2#8"'>$#2E)(#28%<:#I.#*%&,3#-'E"#).#3)=A*&,.#=%!#1"%1,"#.%#!",'."#.%#$%&6#$%&#E(%<[
Hmm, that is why we are called actors. We have to portray different facets of ourselves ./%.!0%&,$"04+0:%(/%.!&.%.!08%*4$%".%./,<!%./%believe that a girl who was seen as a typical village belle is the same one who rocks the totally modern look too.
Puneeth Rajkumar and you have become the 8).#1')!#%=#.8"#Q'(('3'#A,-#)(3&2.!$:#;%<#3%"2#).#="",#.%#+"#'22%*)'."3#<).8#8)2#1!%5"*.2/
It feels great. He’s one of my best friends in the industry and it’s always great to work with friends. We have a great working relationship and there is a certain level of comfort while acting with him.
C8%!"%D!'18"!2#)(#7'(3',<%%3#1%)(.#%&.#.8'.#(%#%.8"!#,"'3)(D#,'3$#3'(*"2#'2#<",,#'2#$%%:#G%#$%!'*.)*"#!"D&,'!,$/#
?/'e%C/%.!085%2%&3%!&@@81%24%)&+.:%)/#<0.%regularly, I do not practice at all. But what I do
have is a passion for dancing. I watch a lot of dance-based shows as well, just to check out the different styles of dance forms.
#H%'>"#,%2.#%%3,"2#%=#<")D8.\#F8'.B2#.8"#2"*!"./
(Laughs loudly) All thanks to Suri sir (director of Kannada movie Anna Bond). Well, I work out a lot, engage in yoga sessions and stay on a diet of liquids and fruits.
D')(6#>"!$#="<#8"!%)("2#8'>"#<%!E"3#<).8#both Puneeth Rajkuma and Shivarajkumar. F8'.#-'5%!#3)=="!"(*"#3%#$%&#A(3#+".<""(#.8"#+!%.8"!2/
No major difference, per se, apart from Shivanna having a lot more experience in the industry than Puneeth. But both of them are very sweet and helpful... the entire family is, actually. See, I am closer to Puneeth as I have $/40%.'/%*-3(%'".!%!"31%V.%.!0%(&30%."30:%2%have a lot of respect for Shivanna.
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I am happy that I have got recognition from all quarters. It was fantastic working in such a project, thanks to Raghanna (Raghavendra Rajkumar, the producer). It was a delight to be &%@&#.%/)%.!0%*-31%2%'/,-$%-/=0%./%'/#;%'".!%them again.
I2#).#8'!3#=%!#8"!%)("2#.%#2.'$#'<'$#=!%-#*%(.!%>"!2)"2/
It is a part and parcel of being in the industry. I just take it with a pinch of salt and don’t react much to rumours.
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`/(.%$0*4".0-8%80(:%.!/,<!%2%&<#00%.!&.%.!0#0%were no songs. My character had a small shade /)%40<&."=".8%>,.%.!04:.!0#0%'&(%&%D,(."*+&."/4%for that. Besides, the story does revolve around that character.
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It is true. But I want to do something worthwhile. So, I am taking my time in selecting a good project.
I2#;)(3)#*)("-'#'#3)=A*&,.#+'!!)"!#.%#+!"'E/
You bet! We are competing with the best of the best and Hindi cinema has a far wider audience and reach than the south. But I am happy that .!0%O"4$"%*-3%"4$,(.#8%"(%/@04"4<%,@%./%<"#-(%from the south.
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Somehow Rajamouli seems to strike bull’s eye at the BO and the cash registers never stop ringing. In a career spanning ten years '".!%&>/,.%Z%*-3(%./%!"(%+#0$".:%U&D&3/,-"%!&(%worked mostly with young stars. One could go so far as to say that he has perfected the recipe for success. But the ace director remains unfazed by all the hype that surrounds him, when I catch up with him just after he has returned from a success tour of several places in the Telangana region.
c/#%&%*-3%'".!%&%("3@-0%@#03"(0%#0=/-="4<%round reincarnation and revenge, Eega has done phenomenally well, thanks to the spectacular computer graphics (done by Makuta Graphics), besides the concept itself, and its execution. Rajamouli has undertaken success tours in Telangana and Andhra region not just to bask in the accolades for Eega but also to make children aware of animation and how it can be a lucrative career. “I have introduced animation in mainstream cinema. R0+&,(0%.!0%*-3%"(%(,++0((),-:%@0/@-0%'"--%4/'%(.&#.%,("4<%".%7%3&8%>0%"4%&%@&#.%/)%&%*-3%-";0%&%(/4<%/#%&%*<!.%(0a,04+01%2.%"(%4&.,#&-%.!&.%people will soon learn the technology and in a few years, we may see full-length &4"3&."/4%*-3(1_
All the biggies of the industries across the four South Indian states have commended Rajamouli’s Eega and are singing eulogies of ".1%6!0%*-3%&4$%U&D&3/,-"%!&=0%>004%!&"-0$%&(%.!0%@#"$0%/)%.!0%60-,<,%*-3%"4$,(.#81%6!0%director, however, is candid to admit that he has never received these kinds of compliments. “This consolidated appreciation that Eega is .!0%@#"$0%/)%.!0%60-,<,%*-3%"4$,(.#8%"(%.!0%biggest award I can get.”
Tremendous amount of hard work went into Eega right from the conceptual stages to the implementation and execution and the end #0(,-.%'&(%&%)&4.&(."+%*-31%6!0%&4.&</4"(.:%played by Kicha Sudeep, has left an indelible mark with his acting. Nani and Samantha too were zestful in their portrayals. Surely, it must !&=0%>004%+!&--04<"4<%./%(!//.%(,+!%&%*-31%“Yes, it was very tough. All the artists and technicians had to imagine what was going to >0%.!0#0%&4$%(!//.1%2.%'&(%&%D,(.%."48%P8%'!"+!%was moving and everyone had to imagine what I was imagining.”
A lot of team work seems to have paid off for Eega. With Vijayendra Prasad (Rajamouli’s dad who gave the idea and wrote the story) M.M. Keeravani (Rajamouli’s cousin who provided melodious and impactful music
'!"+!%04!&4+0$%.!0%*-3B:%U&3&%^U&D&3/,-"E(%wife who was instrumental in styling) and Valli (Keeravani’s wife - the line producer) pitching in, the family was thoroughly involved. In fact they all work together for all the projects. “Now it’s like that. I can’t imagine what it will be without them. I think that’s the only way I can work now. The family gives me a lot of strength. They are in equal parts supportive, cautioning and warning and they instill +/4*$04+0%.//1_
l0<&%'&(%.!0%*#(.%>"X-"4<,&-%U&D&3/,-"%3&$0%and he wants to continue the trend. “Yes, I like making big movies. It makes sense if we cater to a larger section of audience.”
With his enviable hundred percent track record, Rajamouli seems to have mastered the ;4&+;%/)%(+/#"4<%&.%.!0%>/Q%/)*+01%V(;%!"3%.!0%mantra for success and he replies modestly, “In .!0%*-3%^l0<&B% ,$00@%&(;(%.!0%.&4.#"+%./%/@04%the door when they are trapped inside. The tantric says there are no mantras for opening .!0%$//#1%6!&.%"(%.#,0%/)%-")0%.//%7%.!0#0%�%no mantras. No one knows how to achieve success. Giving hundred per cent of our body, mind and soul is in our hands. The result of our efforts cannot and will never be in our hands.”
]F [email protected]>0# %FJKF% | Southscope
‘I credit my emotions to Amar
Chitra Katha’SS Rajamouli is riding the crest of success after the super hit Eega (Naan Ee in Tamil). This top notch Telugu director has every reason to smile
as he has tasted success with practically every �lm in Telugu so far. He is also the "avour of the season as his �lms are much sought after for
remakes in Hindi. Rowdy Rathore (remake of Vikramarkudu) was a smash hit. Son of Sardar (Maryada Ramanna) is one of the big releases
awaited this year. Radhika Rajamani speaks to the ace �lmmaker
6!0%&+0%$"#0+./#E(%*-3(%�%&-(/%>0"4<%#03&$0%in Hindi now and were earlier remade in other languages too. “Vikaramarkudu was made in *=0%-&4<,&<0(%&4$%'&(%&%!".%"4%0&+!%/)%.!031%2.%feels great. I hope the same happens with Son of Sardar.”
So far Rajamouli has been working mostly with young stars like NTR Jr (with whom he !&(%$/40%3&Q"3,3%*-3(%X% .,$04.%L/1%K:%Simhadri, Yamadonga), Prabhas (Chatrapathi), Nithin (Sye) Ram Charan (Magadheera), and &%*-3%0&+!%'".!%U&="%60D&%^S";#&3&#;,$,B%and Sunil (Maryada Ramanna). He had a role to play in directing Nagarjuna in the action sequences in his father’s directorial venture Rajanna. “I feel comfortable working with young stars. When I start working, I myself don’t know how I behave. The young stars understand. With senior actors, I have to be alert and watch myself.”
Rajamouli has a powerhouse of ideas in the form of his father, writer Vijayendra Prasad. “I credit the ideas to my dad and my emotions to Amar Chitra Katha. I would say it is India’s national treasure. Amar Chitra Katha tells you all about history, culture, folklore, gives you all the knowledge, tells you what emotion is... That’s what made me a story teller. I
wanted to meet Uncle Pai and tell him what an inspiration he was, but sadly, I couldn’t meet him.”
Rajamouli is one of the top directors of 60-,<,%+"403&%./$&81%O/'%$/0(%".%)00-5%d6!0%achievement was when I became a director. Reaching this position doesn’t give me more satisfaction than actually becoming a director. This is not permanent. The fact that I became a director is permanent and gives me a lot of pride. At the end of the day, it’s a lot of hard work, but that’s the fun.”
The director is a great admirer of Ayn Rand’s books and philosophy. He likes playing tennis, =/--08>&--:%.#&=0--"4<%&4$%#0&$"4<%*+."/41
Like most directors, Rajamouli also has a dream project. “My dream is to make .!0%`&!&>!&#&.&1%2.%!&(%./%>0%&%<#0&.%*-31%Everyone should watch it with awe. It would probably be a trilogy. I would need another ten years of experience. There’s so much to learn before attempting a project of that scale,” he signs off on an unpretentious note.
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