Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Dhoni is best captain at the moment, says Yuvraj
MUMBAI: Lending support to victorious Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, his deputy Yuvraj Singh said the Jharkhand player, who led the team to Twenty20 World Cup win, is the best possible skipper under present circumstances.
Yuvraj said he was not bothered about captaincy and tried to cooperate with Dhoni during the Twenty20 tournament in South Africa.
"It does not matter who is the captain. Whoever is the captain, we got to support him. Dhoni has captained well in the World Cup and he is the best captain at the moment," Yuvraj said after the felicitation of the Indian team on their arrival from South Africa on Wednesday.
Appreciating the captain, Yuvraj said, "Dhoni is calm and knows what he is doing."
About his six sixes feat in an over against England, Yuvraj said he was "fired up to give the best."
Ace off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said he was confident about his ability and delivered the goods when required.
"I continued to bowl well. I knew what I can do and I can do it again and again. I am just 27 and hope to play my part for the team's cause in future," he said.
On the team's success, Harbhajan said, "we played brilliantly throughout the tournament. Yuvraj was in brilliant form. Obviously it was a batsman's game, but we got ready for the fight. It was grace of god that we won."
"I enjoyed every moment, the way I bowled, my bhangra," he said.
Reliving the catch of Misbah-ul-Haq, which was the most decisive moment in final, pacer S Sreesanth said he moved a bit earlier which helped him take the catch without any problem.
"When he (Misbah) moved, I also moved back. The improvement in fielding was because of Robin (Singh) Sir," he said.
The Kerala speedster said he was overwhelmed by the response of the fans and grand welcome accorded to the team on its return.
Sreesanth's new ball partner RP Singh also echoed the similar sentiments, saying "the rousing reception offered was 1000 times more than what he had expected."
He said the job was "challenging for the bowlers" in the Twenty20 World Cup. (PTI)
Happy Days Free Audio CD contest winners
First we would like thanks to all participants who spent their time in our Happy days Free Audio CD contest.
We recived hundreds of mails but few of them answered correct, we still considered participants who answered atleast 10 questions, few people really did well and they answered all questions perfect we really appreciate them.
Here is the list of winners
1. Kousalya Potluri
2. Deepti Tirunagiri
3. Shashidhar Illendula
4. Lalitha Pabba
5. srinivas Kalla
6. Raju triloka
7. Prashant Reddy
8. Kalyan C Mallavarapu
9. Ravi Kodali
10.Sravanthi Ningampally
11.Verma Kucherlapati
12.Shankar aditya Tanguturi
13.Chaitanya Reddy
14.Vema Reddy Sri
15.Anil Ayyagari
16.Vijaya Alladi
17.Narasimha Kalla
18.sreekar reddy
19.Madhu sudhan
20.Praveen Kumar
21.Lavanya Dyapa
22.Vamshi Krishna Kalluri
23.Sandya Gorripati
24.Ramana Nagubandi
25.Balajagannadh Siram
26.Vamshi Patnaik
27.Srikanth M
28.Sandeep
29.Seshu Naidu
30.Ravi Ganta
we will soon send Free Audio CDs to all who won in the contest.
If you have any questions please mail us on rkfilm.happydays@gmail.com
Young Guy Shuttling Between Movies And Real Estate
Aditya Ram is the young producer who is shuttling between Real Estate and film making. He produced the films like 'Sandade Sandadi' and 'Khushi Khushiga'. Although his films don't speak enough about him, his stature as the owner of Aditya Ram Group is big. After those films, he has been away from film industry through out the boom period of Real Estate. Now he is producing the film 'Swagatham' with Jagapathi Babu, Bhoomika and Anushka. He is also debuting in Tamil film industry this year with a couple of projects in hand.
Aditya Ram says that his desire is to see his company as billion Dollar Company and also do some meaningful service to society by establishing a Charitable Trust on his name. He also said that the charitable trust details will be announced soon as the process is started.
Aditya Ram says that his saga will continue by making films both in Telugu and Tamil simultaneously.
Prakash Raj buys Happy Days Tamil remake rights
Prakash Raj bagged Tamil remake rights of Happy Days by paying a royalty of 25 lakhs. We understand a special screening was scheduled for Prakash Raj today evening and he decided to sign the deal by lunch time even before he saw the movie. There are high expectations on Happy Days which is due for release on friday in USA. May be it is a just in time decision. Once Happy Days hits the marquee and becomes a big hit, the price tag would go through the sky and looks like Prakash Raj had just made a smart move based on Sekhar's track record, Dil Raju's confidence in the movie, Audio success and the colorful Promos.
Krishna Vamshi On Patriotism Before Spirituality
Krishna Vamshi said that he is going to make a film with complete spiritualism in it.
He said that very recently after the release of Chandamama. But now he announced that he is making 'Indian Freedom' in big way with big budget. That's going to be the patriotic film with lots of strong scenes in that, which falls beyond 'Khadgam'. So, before going ahead with spiritual film, inspired by Hollywood flick 'Matrix', Krishna Vamshi is looking into the making of a patriotic film all together.
Let us see how he excels in this unique thought. How he takes the line of subject? Even that has to be seen.
Why ANR Gives Confused Statements?
Akkineni Nageshwara Roa appears to be giving confused statements now and then. There wouldn't be any link between what he talks once and what he talks later.
In an interview given to a News Daily, a few months ago, he said that the secret of his healthy body is not consuming even a drop of alcohol in his life. He said that he even never smelled alcohol (!?). But entire industry knows about his daily drink habit. And in a recent interview he said that he has been taking a prescribed amount of brandy everyday on doctor's advice. There raises the contradiction in his own talk.
Looking at another aspect, he says that he is completely atheist. But he has many divine photographs in his house. When asked he says that they are only for decoration (!) Although there is some confusion let us accept this.
In the fresh interview he said that his habit is to act only in the roles those suit his age and statute. But why he danced in 'Chukkallo Chandrudu' with Siddhartha? Is that suitable to his stature? Again a little confusion!
Nostalgia: Ghantasala's Song In Railway Compartment
Ghantasala, the legendary Telugu film singer was traveling in a Railway Compartment along with SV Ranga Rao, Pingali and Kodavati ganti Kutumba Rao. They were traveling to attend the 100 days function of 'Pelli Chesi Choodu' in Vijayawada.
On the way two policemen entered the compartment. When enquired they said that they have come as an escort to Minister traveling in adjacent compartment. When asked if they heard the name of Ghantasala, they said 'yes'. Ghantasala sang the famous song 'Panchadara vanti Police venkatsamy…' But they understood nothing. They said they are from Kerala and they can't follow Telugu properly.
Then Ghantasala sang a Malayalam song for them. They didn't understand even that song. The song is a bhakti song which was filled with Sanskrit words. Then Ghantasala got disgusted and said, "I don't know how you protect your minister. But I can't strain my voice again". He said this with humor filled disgust.
Buzz: Simran Has Much to 'Show' Than To Perform!
Heroine Simran is putting no condition to accept roles in her second innings. Her heroes now range from top ranking Balakrishna to comical hero Krishna Bhagavan. Be it " Okka Magaadu' or 'John Appa Rao Forty Plus'- it makes no difference for her. She is prepared to pair any guy irrespective of his image or stature.
She is busy doing Item songs too. She has toed with big heroes right from Mega Star Chiranjeevi to upcoming hero Kalyan Ram. Why has Simran remained a shining star amidst the heroines younger to her age? She attributes the reason to her performance.
But many believe she is known for wearing tight fitting clothes revealing her voluptuous structure. This could be the right reason!
Former Pakistan captains rue India jinx
Karachi(IANS): Three former Pakistan cricket captains have lamented their national side's inability to overcome India after losing to their arch-rivals in the Twenty20 World Championships final in South Africa.
"But they said that the thriller was good for the game generally, and that at least Pakistan had recovered from their disastrous show at the 50-over World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year," The News reported Wednesday.
India lifted the inaugural cup with a five-run win at Johannesburg Monday - maintaining their record of beating Pakistan in every world cup match they have played in.
"It's a repeat and it will hurt the fans and players alike for some time, but apart from that jinx both teams played superbly and cricket was the winner," former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said.
Wasim, who had tipped Pakistan to beat India, said the final was memorable.
"It was a close game and the better team won, no regrets. It was only a game and people have to take it as a game and must appreciate the quality of cricket," Akram maintained.
"I would blame Pakistan batsmen Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi for their reckless strokes and in the end Misbah-ul Haq should have played a straight bat shot," he added.
Akram said both teams had redeemed themselves after their bitter exits from the World Cup in March.
"Shoaib Malik has emerged as a great captain and the way he led the team from the front, I see Pakistan winning the World Cup in 2011," he maintained.
"India have found Mahendra Singh Dhoni as their leader and eventually he will also lead in Test cricket. I see Indian cricket going up from here and it is a boost to Twenty20 because India has the market to lift any form of the game," Akram contended.
Another former captain, Javed Miandad, blamed Pakistan's defeat on the lack of planning.
"We have maintained our losing streak to India in World Cup matches and I would blame poor planning for that. Why did Malik not come in at number three instead of Kamran Akmal?" Miandad wondered.
Intikhab Alam, also a former captain and manager of the 1992 World Cup winning team, said India holds a psychological edge over Pakistan in big games.
"The World Cup jinx continues and India seems to have an edge over us in all World Cup matches. But I am grateful to the Pakistan team for making the final a fitting one," he maintained.
BIG 92.7 FM becomes exclusive radio partner for Mahesh Babu’s FILM ‘Athidhi’
Hyderabad, 25 September 2007: BIG 92.7 FM, Hyderabad announces its exclusive Radio partnership with the upcoming and much looked forward to Tollywood movie ‘Athidhi’. Directed by Surender Reddy, the movie features famous actor Mahesh Babu and Bollywood actress Amrita Rao along with Malaika Arora Khan who is doing item number opposite Mahesh Babu in the film. September 27th 2007 will see the exclusive premiere of the music album on BIG 92.7 FM’s Breakfast show – BIG Sandadi with RJ Sekhar.
BIG 92.7 FM has exhaustive on-air and on-ground plans for the BIG Movie Athidhi in order to create unprecedented buzz. BIG 92.7 FM started the promotion of the movie by exclusively premiering teasers of the music starting September 23. On September 27th all songs of the movie will premier for the first time on radio exclusively on BIG 92.7 FM.
The Station will feature interviews with the cast and crew of the movie and also run contests for its listeners across Hyderabad, Tirupathi and Vishakapatnam to get a chance to meet “Prince” Mahesh Babu.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashwin Padmanabhan, Station Director, BIG 92.7 FM, said “We are extremely excited to join hands with one of Mahesh Babu’s most expected movies. We are approaching the association with the objective of delivering value to our listeners as well as the producers of the movie. Our effort is to create exciting content around the theme of the movie which will generate listener interest and thereby promote the movie far more effectively. With the clutter-breaking ideas, innovative campaigns and other interesting stuff centered on Athidhi, we are sure that our entire on-air package will make for great content and listener involvement”.
BIG 92.7 FM has exhaustive on-air and on-ground plans for the BIG Movie Athidhi in order to create unprecedented buzz. BIG 92.7 FM started the promotion of the movie by exclusively premiering teasers of the music starting September 23. On September 27th all songs of the movie will premier for the first time on radio exclusively on BIG 92.7 FM.
The Station will feature interviews with the cast and crew of the movie and also run contests for its listeners across Hyderabad, Tirupathi and Vishakapatnam to get a chance to meet “Prince” Mahesh Babu.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashwin Padmanabhan, Station Director, BIG 92.7 FM, said “We are extremely excited to join hands with one of Mahesh Babu’s most expected movies. We are approaching the association with the objective of delivering value to our listeners as well as the producers of the movie. Our effort is to create exciting content around the theme of the movie which will generate listener interest and thereby promote the movie far more effectively. With the clutter-breaking ideas, innovative campaigns and other interesting stuff centered on Athidhi, we are sure that our entire on-air package will make for great content and listener involvement”.
The Big 7 of The Telugu Industry
The Classiest Movie Of All Time: Shankarabharanam (1979)
'God' Of The Matinee: NT Rama Rao
Ultimate Lover Of The Matinee: Akkineni Nageshwar Rao
Starriest Star: Chiranjeevi
Biggest Grosser Ever: Pokiri (2006)
Funniest Movie Ever: Mayabazar (1957)
Tollywood's Best Export To Mumbai: Sridevi
For mathematicians, it could be just a statistic. 240 movies released every year and Rs 2.3 billion in the last one year. For the producers, it is a boost to their current account. Seven hundred million tickets sold annually, for the bees ka challees wallahs, it is just an awesome figure. But for the Telugu moviegoer, a matinee show is not just a three hour pastime. It is part of his life, an element of his psyche, a component of his lifestyle and a piece of his very being.
Seventy-five years since the first Telugu movie hit the screens, the movie mania continues to hold the Telugus spellbound. How else can you explain the mushrooming of 2,700 theatres across the state? Magic of the movies? Call it mania. An obsession. A passion. Or simply Telugu cinema.
Perhaps the biggest milestone of the industry was the shifting of headquarters from Chennai to Hyderabad and starting off from scratch to build the most exotic film cities in the world.
On the whole, the 75 years of Telugu cinema can be summed up as phenomenal. Barring the post-World War II period when the British levied a ban on movies, nothing else could shake the industry.
While the quality of lyrics has plummeted, the number of young maverick directors has skyrocketed. If the sons of the soil have got a raw deal and are trying their luck in Bollywood imports, the advent of star sons has compensated for this unfortunate trend. If digital intermediaries, animation, CG(computer graphics) and SFX (special effects) has pushed up Tollywood's worth by a couple of notches, copies and inspirations pull it down by a couple of rungs. Tollywood has been breaking new ground in every single decade. The first decade marked the theatre artistes facing the camera; the second decade was about mythologicals. The third centred around socially-relevant themes such as freedom and poverty etc. The fourth was the decade of epics and devotionals. The fifth included love stories, tragedies, classics et al. The sixth opened doors to family dramas and the seventh opened doors to sentiment and love. The seventh was musicals, romance, action and violence.
Each decade gave birth to a new set of filmmakers who added a new dimension. If K Vishwanath put Indian music on a pedestal with his 'S' series, Ramgopal Varma brought in the Hollywood action and revenge dramas amidst the gaana bajana. If lyricist Srisri motivated the youngsters to take up the cudgels for society with his motivational songs,
Sirivennela cocktailed chaste Telugu with colloquial Telugu to produce fresh lyrics. In terms of sheer technical brilliance, the cinematographer took Telugu cinema to new heights, be it with his camera angles or Digital Intermediaries. Interestingly, the stars of the new age have also done their bit for the society. If not directly, but by gently guiding their fan force into social service.
Like any industry, Tollywood too had its ups and downs, awesome flicks and some bakwas movies. But the promise is that there are new paths being explored, fresher ideas being incorporated and path breaking trends. That spirit is enough to celebrate 75 years of Telugu cinema. Salaam Tollywoood!
Andhra girls ignore Tollywood
It’s unfair to blame Tollywood for not taking any girls from Andhra as heroines argues director Krishnavamsi. He says that it’s the girls who are not interested in doing Telugu films. The director reveals that he contacted nearly 60 girls when he was casting for his newly released film Chandamama, but no one showed any interest. "This lack of inclination can be due to lack of courage to pursue a career in films, safety issues and fear of parents," says Krishnavamsi. But he is quick to add that there is nothing wrong with Tollywood for girls to shy away from the industry.
To prove that Tollywood isn’t biased the director who was in Vijayawada to participate in a function to celebrate his film’s success with the lead heroines Sindhu Menon and Kajal Agarwal (both girls aren’t from AP) said, "I shall bring 10 directors to Vijayawada, but show me a single girl who wants to act."
Producers’ Council Chairman C. Kalyan too agrees with Krishnavamsi as he says, "There is a dearth of local girls in our films, so we are forced to go to other cities like Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore. No girl is available here." Noted comedian Uttej also complains that there are no good looking girls with a firm command over the language. This is sad because nearly 100 films are produced by Tollywood every year and none of these films have any local girls in the lead role.
Reel Talk: Bariatric Treatment For Jr NTR!
Do you know the surgical aspect that made Jr NTR slim and sharp by cutting down 26.5 kgs? Do you know the secret behind Adnan Sami's 100kg reduction? That's Bariatric treatment which is accompanied with a surgery to stomach.
It's the process of putting a bandage to liver and making the individual take only less amount of food. This makes the individual take very less amount of food and the fat melts down to met the requirement of heavy body. As there will be no intake of food in big way, the affect will be seen in the form of slim look within a couple of months. A Daily mentioned that NTR and Adnan Sami have undergone this treatment that lasts forever.
But regular exercise is a must for the individuals those take this treatment. Otherwise, the muscles become loose and give an old age look for person. They have to take care in that aspect.
Telugu film News September 26, 2007
Nayanatara upset over media reports
Heroine Nayanatara terribly upset over false reports of her mother found dead in a section of newspapers. "Nayanthara's mother found murdered" - wrote English newspapers and carried Nayanatara photo. It was a terrible mix-up. A junior artist named by the same name (Nayanatara) was all about the news item but the newspapers mistook it for the real Nayanatara.The Kerala heroine shocked seeing the news and is planning to file defamation case against the said newspapers for falsely writing and causing mental pressure.
Yamadonga to be remade in Tamil
NTR is happy that his "Yamadonga" is doing great business. He will be happier now as many producers from Tamil film industry are trying for remake rights. According to buzz doing the rounds, Tamil top hero Vijay has shown interest in remaking the film. Vijay is popular for making his career on remakes of Telugu movies. He expressed his desire to do this socio-fantasy as Tamil films normally don't do such movies.Producer Aditya Ram launches new wing
Successful movies like "Sandade Sandadi" and "Khusi Khusi Ga.." made the banner Aditya Ram Movies very popular. The man behind the production house is Aditya Ram who is now producing "Swagatham" with Jagapathi Babu, Anushka and Bhumika. The young producer also is joining Tamil film industry where he plans three big movies at a time. He says he liked the concept and storyline of "Swagatham" narrated by director Dasaradh and immediately agreed to make it. He has plans of launching separate wing for making more big films.Jackie Shroff in another Telugu film
Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff recently made his debut in Telugu. He played negative role in Vishnu starrer "Asthram". He is also doing a trilingual movie Bank and shot for the film in Hyderabad. Another director and producer R Venu who made "Kotta Katha" brings him back to Telugu. This new film will be launched on Dussera.Actress Asha Saini becomes Mayuri
Asha Saini set screens afire with her sexy numbers in many films and did very glamorous roles in Telugu. Of late she was not seen in Telugu films. But she is staging comeback to Tollywood with a new name and identity. Asha Saini has changed her name to Mayuri to start her career afresh.Gossip: Pawan Kalyan Slaps Ileana!
Hero Pawan Kalyan slapped heroine Ileana. No, that's not a scene in the film but open for public. He is presently playing the lead role in a Trivikram Srinivas' film.
As his legal battle with his estranged wife Nandita is becoming tough, he appears restive and tense. Though the shooting of the film is taking place with less hype, the news of 'slapping' is making rounds in the industry. It is not new to know about the anger of Pawan Kalyan.
This incident took place most recently. Being very sensitive by nature, Ileana was aghast at his rude behavior and absconded from shooting from the very next day.
Now Trivikram Srinivas is trying to soothe her.
Press Note: Happy Days Gala Opening
Sekhar Kammula’s movies have always been well received by NRIs. As a tribute to NRIs, this time Sekhar is releasing Happy Days in USA on 28th September before India release (Oct 2nd ). Happy Days is releasing with a bang in Dallas, in Hollywood theaters (Touring Talkies) , Irving. It is opening on 2 screens with 4 shows on friday ( 6 PM, 8 PM, 9:30 PM, 11 PM). The capacities are 425 and 375 for these 2 screens. With 2 shows in each of these screens a combined capacity of 1600 can be accomodated on first day. A total of 22 shows are scheduled for the opening week in Dallas which is the highest in United states for Happy Days. USA Major cities shows are as following for the first week.
Dallas – 22 shows
Bay area - 18 Shows
Atlanta - 17 shows
New Jersey – 16 shows
Detroit - 13 shows
Virginia -10 shows
For non USA readers, on an average opening week’s ticket price is $10. Typically in major cities decent movie can get any where from 1000 to 4,000 patrons for the opening week. Dallas is the fast growing telugu market in USA and watch for this space for first week numbers.
Sekhar Kammula’s Dallas fans can buy Happy days tickets on www.gohollywood.com.
Reel Talk: Mamta Mohandas To Add On Little
Mamta Mohandas is in the process f adding little weight to her body following some comments raised after her first direct debut on Telugu screen with 'Yamadonga'.
She is putting on little weight to look stuffed that suits to the aesthetic sense of Telugu audiences. She has got the talent in singing and adaptability in acting. She also gave her own dubbing for the film for her character which stood as a standing example for her commitment.
Let us see how she looks with that added stuff in her body. Well, while many actresses are struggling a lot to reduce Mamta is going the other way round.
That's The Greatness Of Late NTR
Myriad things can be learned from Late NTR especially in the matters of punctuality, discipline and giving respect to deserved people. He always used to stand when producer walked into the sets. Although the producer is many years younger to him, he used to follow that.
He also used to say that if big heroes fail to respect producers, the youngsters cannot learn. At the same time, he also used to say that if the hero of the film respects the producer then entire unit will also respect him.
But these are the days where producer is being treated down by young lasses and juvenile heroes as well. Who will teach them discipline?
Nayantara To File Case On 'The Hindu'
The online edition of The Hindu has wrongly published that heroine Nayantara's mother was killed. It was not heroine Nayantara but it's the case of Jr artiste Nayantara. The deceased lady was Kamala Devi, the mother of that junior artiste. The issue has become a serious note since the photograph of heroine Nayantara was published wrongly in the News Paper.
Nayantara was stunned to know that and said that she is going to file a defamation sue on The Hindu for disturbing her psychologically and socially. The reporter and the team are so unprofessional that they published perfect wrong news. The jr artiste named herself as Nayanatara only to turn the attention of industry.
Nayanatara stays only in Taj Krishna when she comes to Hyderabad . She never stays in any house. She is in the shooting of Tamil film 'Sathyam'. Knowing this news Nayantara called her mother Omana Kurian in Thiruvalla and informed about the news.
Nayan is now boiling on the popular English daily for pulling her mother into the gossip in the nastiest way possible. She said that she is tolerating all sort of gossip written on her but pulling her mother into that is demeaning and disappointing.
India's Twenty20 Cup heroes welcomed home
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's triumphant Twenty20 World Cup squad arrived home from South Africa on Wednesday with thousands of joyous fans gathering at the airport to greet them.
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team mates were greeted by the region's chief minister before being taken on an open-top bus to the Wankhede stadium for a reception hosted by the national cricket board.
Elaborate security measures were in place on the 35- kilometre journey from Mumbai airport, with giant hoardings on display to congratulate the surprise winners.
India beat arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs in a thrilling final in Johannesburg on Monday, a victory to compare with their upset 1983 World Cup final win over West Indies.
The Indian board has announced a win bonus of $3 million (1.49 million pounds) and a special cash award for batsman Yuvraj Singh, who hit six sixes in one over in a match against England.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Pakistunned! India lift Twenty 20 World Cup
A youthful Indian cricket team, full of vigour and determination, made history here Monday by beating Pakistan by five runs to clinch the Twenty20 World Championship when all seemed lost.
India kept their nerves to clinch the win with three balls to spare and sent the New Wanderers Stadium, packed with Indian supporters, into wild celebrations. There were also millions of Indian across the globe who rejoiced the sweet triumph.
Off the last over, bowled by pacer Joginder Sharma, Pakistan required 13 runs to win with the last wicket remaining - and all seemed lost for India. But Joginder, the man with the golden arm - he had also bowled the crucial final over in the semi-finals upset of Australia - castled Misbah-ul-Haq to help script an epoch-making win with and signal wild celebrations at the New Wanderers Stadium.
Scores: India 157 for five in 20 overs after winning the toss and Pakistan 152 all out in 19.2 overs.
While Joginder successfully bowled the final over, it was left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan who captured three crucial wickets in an excellent spell to tilt the tide in India's favour. His final bowling analysis of 4-0-16-3 fetched him the Man of the Match award and helped India win the maiden edition of the newest version of the game.
On a day when the Indian batsmen - barring Gautam Gambhir's resolute and enterprising 75 off 54 balls (8x4s, 2x6s) and Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 30 off 16 balls (2x4s, 1x6) - failed, the bowlers did the trick again.
Left-armer Rudra Pratap Singh also bowled superbly to start Pakistan's downfall and also ended up with three wickets. Joginder took two wickets.
Their efforts meant that Misbah's 38-ball 43 (4x6s) - the top score for Pakistan - as well as Imran Nazir's 33 (14 balls, 4x4s, 2x6) went in vain.
The only consolation for Pakistan was that Shahid Afridi, who failed to score a run and take a wicket, was adjudged the Man of the Series.
The win wiped out bad memories of the World Cup five months ago, when India - as also Pakistan - had crashed out in the first round, leading to prolonged national mourning and criticism.
It was India's second win over Pakistan in the 12-nation tournament, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni's boys won both. In the Super Eights, India had won the 'bowl out' tiebreaker 3-0 after their scores were tied after the regulation period.
India and Pakistan were playing for the first time in the final of a world-level tournament - if the 1985 World Championship of Cricket is not taken into account - and Dhoni's team gave much to shout about at the end of it.
India had also beaten Pakistan in the final of the World Championship of Cricket in Melbourne. Although all the Test-playing nations had taken part in that competition, it was a one-off venture organised by Victoria.
Wild celebrations erupted when Sreesanth caught a lofty shot from Misbah when the game could have gone either way.
As a despondent Haq sank to his knees while Indian players went crazy with joy, it was jubilation time for Indians.
Good bowling from Pakistan restricted the Indian batsmen, but an admirable and determined counter-attack led to Pakistan's collapse.
Chasing India's total, Pakistan got a shock early on in their innings when R.P. Singh, who is going through a purple patch, struck off the fifth ball of his first over.
As opener Mohammed Hafeez tried to guide the ball over the slips, he managed to give Robin Uthappa an easy catch at first slip. Pakistan: two for one.
With the addition of 24 runs, R.P. Singh struck again, castling an experienced wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal for nought. Pakistan: 26 for two.
Younis made 24 in as many balls and hit four boundaries but Joginder in the ninth removed him as he mistimed a fuller length delivery, giving Yusuf the catch at mid-on.
Soon, Malik and Afridi were also back in the pavilion. Misbah and Yasir Arafat (15) added 27 for the seventh wicket to keep Pakistan in the hunt.
Then Misbah and Sohail Tanvir added 34 crucial runs for the eighth wicket. But once Sreesanth got rid of Tanvir, all the responsibility fell on Misbah's shoulders in the company of Umar Gul and Mohammed Asif.
Eventually, Misbah also caved in under the pressure as he tried to play the scoop shot over fine leg off Joginder only to hole out into the hands of Sreesanth - and signal India's win.
Earlier in the day, Dhoni won the toss but the Indian batting failed to live up to expectations after Virender Sehwag was ruled out of the match with injury.
Even the total of 157 would not have been possible but for Gambhir's knock of 75 and young Rohit's cameo towards the end of the innings.
Yuvraj Singh, who has been in fabulous form in this competition, failed to click and managed only 14 off 19 balls (1x4) as the Pakistan bowlers and fielders looked sharp and purposeful.
Debutant Yusuf Pathan, Irfan's elder brother, had a sensational start to his international career by hitting pacer Mohammed Asif for a six as his first scoring stroke. But he scored 15 (8 balls, 1x4, 1x6) before getting out.
Pacer Umar Gul was the pick of the bowlers as he took three wickets for 28 in four overs.
Earlier, India got a scare off the very first ball of the match when non-striker Yusuf barely avoided being run out after hesitating to take a single called by Gambhir.
Undaunted, Yusuf hit the fourth ball of Asif's opening over for a huge six. He hit another boundary off a wide ball from the same bowler in the third over. But off the next ball Asif took his revenge.
Asif had the tall Vadodara batsman caught off a miscued pull shot. As Pathan tried to pull the short delivery over midwicket he mistimed it and captain Shoaib Malik at mid-on ran back to grab the catch.
A 63-run third-wicket partnership between Gambhir, who looked in fine touch, and Yuvraj saved the innings from total collapse and India from complete embarrassment.
However, Yuvraj failed to reproduce his form Monday and was out, top edging a forceful pull shot. Gul easily took the catch off his own bowling.
After that partnership, there was not much fight seemed to have left in the Indian camp, though young Rohit came up with another gutsy knock.
'Padma' Award Proposal For P Susheela
P Susheela is the legendary singer in Telugu film industry. She sang more than 40,000 songs so far. Padmabhushan Vara Prasad Reddy of Shanta Bio-techniques said, "It is really a surprise to underline that Susheela hasn't given Padma award till now. But there is no loss for her if she didn't get that. That loss is ours and our own Telugu film industry".
That is a really a right note. P Susheela, the senior most playback singer was not given right recognition that was given to her other colleagues.
Grapevine also says that some recommendations are moving on to consider Susheela for Padma award in the coming slot of award announcement. Susheela sang with two generation of male singers, Ghantasala and SP Balasubrahmanyam.
Ashwini Dutt Recalls SV Krishna Reddy's Help
Ashwini Dutt had dug into nostalgia and shared his past. He said that he started his career as producer at a very tender age of 19 and has seen many ups and downs in the business. He said that he lost 3-4 films in series and almost got bankrupted. Then SV Krishna Reddy saved him, he recalled.
"I cannot forget SV Krishna Reddy. He directed the film 'Subhalagnam' and made that a very big hit. That film cleared many of my problems. In the same way, another film that brought me big happiness is Pelli Sandadi. I was confined to make films with big stars till then. But, to do some variety I planned films with new actors. The success of Pelli Sandadi had wet into my head. Then I planned for Paradesi with all new faces that was flopped miserably", he shared.
"Coming to the films like Subhash Chandrabose and Govinda Govinda, my reading habit pushed me to make those films. I like fiction and hence out of passion I made then without making calculations", he added.
What Is The Strength Of This 'Creative Star'?
The new unknown actor Kiran Tej could make it news with his first film 'Brahma' stating that it was ran for 150 days. That was really a wonder even for the trade experts, how the film could run for 150 days despite no collections after first week. Then he announced 'Rudra' and the shooting is going on now. Interestingly, his third film was also announced with the title 'Vaadusthaadu'.
How could he hit the tinsel town like this like a child's play? He has no big following and no recognition at all for that matter. But he is making everything happen like that happens to be a big hero's son of nephew.
What is his strength? Many say that his sole strength is money and his passion to stand as hero on silver screen added fuel to that. Then who can stop him? After all, film industry is a self employment scheme. There is no boss here for the man who has big money.
Will This Tamil 'Yamadonga' Materialize?
Grapevine says that 'Yamadonga' is going to be remade into Tamil with Vijay in lead. Vijay always eyes on hit films in Telugu and wishes to make them in Tamil. He is now thinking to do Yamadonga in Tamil. The concept of yama is not that popular in Tamil but the audience would certainly relish it there, says the sources. If everything goes well Vijay may do the film in the first half of 2008.
It is also said that Mamata Mohandas will be retained in the same role in Tamil as well. Well, why to leave Priyamani? Even she is a known Tamil actress who ruled the screen with the film 'Paruthi Veeran' there.
Let us wait and see how far it will materialize.
Shah Rukh Khan helps India 'Chak De'
Johannesburg, Sep 25 (IANS) The surprise attendance of actor Shah Rukh Khan in the stands and the numerous 'Chak De! India' being waved with gay abandon spurred India to victory in the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship at the Wanderers here.
With spectacular performances by both India and Pakistan, the game had the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats as the pendulum violently swung either way.
In terms of crowd support, India clearly had an edge over Pakistan, with the tricolour hugely outnumbering the Pakistan flags.
Clapping vigorously from the VIP area, Hindi film icon Shah Rukh blew kisses to the crowd when they cheered him as loudly as the teams each time his face appeared on the giant TV screens at the 'bullring' as the Wanderers is fondly referred to by the locals for being the hub of Johannesburg's sporting activity for almost 75 years.
Sporting a velvet shirt to promote his forthcoming movie "Om Shanti Om", Shah Rukh occasionally lifted his 10-year-old son Aryan and was clearly enjoying the game thoroughly.
At one stage he was shown taking pictures with a Nikon camera, with local host Jagdish Parekh of Sahara Computers trying to teach him a few tricks of the trade.
Current promotions of 'Om Shanti Om' are making a great fuss about Shah Rukh taking off his shirt in the film to show his newly acquired six-pack, and Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni seemed to emulate him briefly. Dhoni took off his shirt and put it on a young lad who was brought in by a TV commentator to meet him, walking off bare-chested.
Regular refrains of "India! India!" from the crowd drowned out any chance of the Pakistani supporters getting much opportunity to spur on their side. These supporters included some English fans, complete with punk hairstyles in support of their T-shirts reading 'Punkistan'.
As Misbah-ul Haq brought Pakistan to within one shot of victory, a member of the Pakistani support team muttered desperate prayers with folded hands in the dug-out, alas to no avail.
Team India will take home not just the trophy, but also a cash booty of $490,000, which pales in comparison to the $2 million reward announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Hyderabad Buzz: City celebrates Twenty20 victory
Hyderabad: The city erupted in joy and celebrated India’s win over Pakistan in the final of the first Twenty20 World Cup with fireworks, motorcycle rallies and silent prayers late on Monday night.
Sending a message that India will not be cowed down by terrorism exported from across the border, several youth took the celebrations to the sites of the August 25 twin blasts — Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat, Koti.
During the final few overs, the city roads were virtually empty, bringing back memories of the curfew. And minutes after the match-deciding catch was taken by speedster Sreesanth, the city kicked off a night-long party with major celebrations at Banjara Hills, Necklace Road, Tank Bund, Koti, Abids, Charminar and Secunderabad.
When Pak’s Misbahul-Haq tried to hit Joginder Sharma over wicketkeeper Dhoni for a six, a million hearts missed a beat, but the Kerala speedster latched on to the catch in the short fine leg, giving India victory and sweet revenge over arch rivals Pakistan.
Several hundred youth took to the streets for a double treat, Ganesh immersion and India’s victory. At least 300 motorcycle-borne youth, carrying the tricolour, did rounds of Koti, while a motley crowd descended on Nagarjuna Circle in Punjagutta shouting ‘Jeetgaya bhai jeetgaya, India jeetgaya’ in praise of Dhoni’s men in blue.
On Road No. 13 Banjara Hills, about 10 boys burst crackers, while on Necklace Road speeding youth were seen holding aloft the national flag whistling, blowing trumpets and shouting merrily.
At Chaitanyapuri in Dilsukhnagar, Nalgonda crossroads and Malakpet it was Diwali on the roads with several hundred youth, some of them even shirtless mimicking Dhoni, danced in gay abandon and bursting crackers. Police had a tough time controlling them as they were obstructing free flow of traffic, but the men in khaki too were in a celebratory mood so allowed them to indulge in the festivities for some time.
Riding on their two-wheeler with the national tri-colour aloft at Madhapur, Jagadish and his friend could not stop their anxiety. “I was supposed to attend evening shift, but I bunked office just to watch the match,” Jagadish, an employee of HP Technologies, told media.
Well, some others celebrated by distributing sweets and cutting cakes. Several residential apartments and complexes were abuzz with celebrations as the residents greeted and danced.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Telugu Film News September 24, 2007
2.5 crore table profit to Sekhar Kammula
Sekhar Kammula who spent a whopping 7 and half crores on Godavari minimized his production cost for his next venture ‘Happy Days’ and made it in a reasonable budget of 3 crores. He sold the exhibition rights of entire AP to Dil Raju at a fancy amount. He also sold off USA rights to a nice price. He sold music rights to Big Music (from the stables of Ad Labs, Reliance) for 20+ lakhs. He is said to have made a solid table profit in excess of 2 and half crores. He still retains the satellite rights which are expected to fetch a minimum of 1 crore.Uday Kiran’s Gunde Jhallumandi
Uday Kiran is all set to hog the limelight with nice projects this time. His latest film Viyyalavari Kayyalu is going to hit the marquee in the month of October. He signed another film to be directed by Madan (Pellaina Kothalo fame). Paruchuri Sivarama Prasad produces this film on United Movies banner. This film will go to the floors on Dasara.Bhayya in October
Vishal’s next film Bhayya is going to hit the screens in the month of October. This film is a bilingual directed by Bhupati Pandyan. The Tamil version will release in Tamil Nadu on 27th of this month. Priyamani plays female lead. The first half of the film is expected to have comedy and section half is said to stuffed with action element. Vikram Krishna produces this film on GK banner.Ram Gopal Varma Is Still A Great Director (!)
Ram Gopal Varma made the film 'Aggi' that kept down many from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari. There is no film viewer who praised the film. Everybody blasted it and also called the 'worst movie; in the career of Ram Gopal Varma'. But Abhishek Bachchan in an interview given this morning says that Ram Gopal Varma is the most talented director.
Yes, his talent was seen earlier but not seen now, is the comment from audiences.
Well, there is a reason for this statement of Abhishek Bachchan. Ram Gopal Varma is now making Sarkar Raj with entire Bachchan family- Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya- and hence the relation ship management is required. No one knows if Bachchan family works for another film after Sarkar Raj! Indeed, that all depends on the success of Sarkar Raj
Tempting Sex Appealing Poses Of Charmy
Charmy will be seen in sensuous poses in the film 'Sundara Kanda' of Bapu. Bapu is known for showing heroines as embodiments of beauty in his films. He has shown Aamani, Sneha, Divya Vani and others so beautiful that they keep those films as top ones in their filmography. Now the turn has come for Charmy.
Bapu draws the sketch of the scene he visualizes and then shoots it with camera. It is said that he has drawn about 65 poses of Charmy that shows her sexier and sensuous. He is going to shoot all of them down the line in this film. So we may see the most beautiful Charmy in this film.
Indeed, Charmy is also given modern look in the film for many scenes. So, Bapu is coming out from the brand mark of showing his heroines in typical saris and half saris.
Director Says Autobiographies Are Silly
Bollywood director Karan Johar says that writing autobiographies is only personal interest but not so useful to society.
He says, "Making a note about one's own self and putting it in the form of a book and selling is something silly. At the same time, in the fashion of telling all facts, some people are hurting people after many years. It proves to be an unnecessary curtain raiser for controversies. I don't like them personally".
He is underlining Vyjayanthi Mala and Dev Anand as known to all.
ANR: 'I Want To See That Cycle Before I Die'
ANR says that he believes in the cycle of time and hence wishes to see golden ear of Telugu film industry again.
He says, "I Want to see new films those comprise with good language, good expression, good message, good poetic values and good films on whole those become super hits. I want to see that rotation of cycle before I die. I watched Bommarillu, Godavari and Sree Ramadasu. There is no vulgarity or unwanted aspects in those films. They have become hits. So I believe that if films are made with proper plan, things would work well. It is not true that only the films with vulgarity would become successful at box office".
Let us see how far ANR's dream will be fulfilled.
Ileana: 'Green For Bollywood But Not Red For Tollywood'
Ileana is now a happy bird for getting a branch to porch on Bollywood tree. She is now debuting on Bollywood screen with a film to be directed by Inadrajit Lankesh. The finer part is that she is pairing up with the latest heart throb of gals, Shiney Ahuja.
Saying about the film, Ileana says that she never bothers about the industry but only focuses on the story line of the film. She recalls the stupendous success of Pokiri and humbly passes the credit to Mahesh Babu stating that it was his own film. She says that she is no way bidding bye for Tollywood as many are assuming, but only works for all the industries when the story sounds impressive (story or remuneration!!!!).
Ileana also recalled and revealed that at the age of 16 she got the offer to act in Dhairyam beside Nitin but due to other reasons she couldn't do that. Raima Sen did that role and Ileana had to wait till Devadasu for debut.
She says that she is happy for the film 'Rakhi' as per the content and her role in it. She shares her hobbies are watching films at home and reading books. Sidney Sheldon is her favorite writer. She says that to love and be loved are the happiest parts of life for everyone. She adds that her family has given that happiness for her.
Photo Feature: Cricket craze in India
A cricket fanatic gets his hair designed in the shape of Indian and Pakistani flags and the Twenty20 World Cup at Dadar in Mumbai.
Mega Star Chiranjeevi turns 52
Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, fondly called Chiru, turns 52 on Wednesday.
Chiranjeevi, who reigns over the Telugu film industry, holds the record for some of the biggest box office collections ever. Infact way back in 1992, his film Gharana Mogudu raked in over a crore at the box office, something unheard of then.
But there’s more to the superstar. He is one of the highest paid actors in India and has been felicitated with the Padmabhushan amongst other awards.
Fans of the versatile actor have given him the demi-God status.
“I like his acting and dance,” says one of his fans.
Another fan adds, “He is a megastar. I like his acting and his dance.”
Chiranjeevi also moved beyond the realm of the silver screen and set up blood and eye donation banks which helped him build a mass appeal, so much so, that the latest demand is not just about delivering a new super hit, but to contest the 2009 Assembly elections.
Though the mega star has taken a non-committal stand on the political front, if the grapevine is to be believed, he might just follow actor-turned-politician NTR's footsteps.
Chiranjeevi’s fans don't need a special reason to celebrate. And an occasion like his birthday can't be passed without pomp and fare. So as the megastar turns 52, his fans have planned a huge ceremony at the Gachi Bowli stadium. And the fact that Chiranjeevi is on a vacation to the United States and won't be present for the festivities isn't a dampener.
Differences Between Chiru and Rajni
Gossip is that Shankaradada Zindabad will be dubbed into Tamil. But will that work as Sivaji worked in AP? Can Chiranjeevi's film make big collections in Tamilnadu? What is the difference between Rajni and Chiru in that matter? Here is a small table that's made based on a survey conducted on random sampling.
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Will Chiranjeevi Enter Communist Party
The banner of Eenadu today published a gossiping style of News (!) stating that Chiranjeevi sat with Communist party leaders at his home. It also mentioned that he invited them to his home and talked on various terms relating to politics. The item said that the communist leaders recalled the association of Allu Ramalingaih with Praja Natya Mandali, a close ally of Communists. That is the funniest part in the item.
There are many in Paraja Natya Mandali who are not communists at heart. Paraja Natya Mandali is only a cultural organization set up with a good motive of educating people and sensitizing them on various issues. But now there are many hardcore business men with caste feelings in Praja Natya Mandali. There are millionaires in that association. But they all play dramas and sensitize people to fight against irresponsible government. How far those rich people in Praja Natya Mandali are responsible for society? Allu Ramalingiah was also very rich. It doest mean that he was irresponsible to society. He had set up a Homeo Hosipital and before that he was a Freedom Fighter. His history is spotless.
But giving a call to Chiranjeevi saying about his father in law is a fun. Chiranjeevi's ideologies are never in tune with communism. He started charitable society and only God knows how far it is useful for poor and needy. There are many procedures to procure blood from CCT. They don't give blood just like that for any one when they come and cry for that. The long procedures may kill the patients as well. Such news hardly comes out. They don't show the interest in giving blood for patients than showing interest to squeeze blood from donors. Coming to taking the blood from donors, CCT team comes out only when there are some 200 donors at single place. Otherwise it says, 'It won't work out for us'. What is this word 'work out' means? It's a business term but not charity oriented. Apart from this, the CCT asks the donors in-charge to hire beds and equipment from a place in Jubilee Hills. That's again a business model between CCT and that bed-hiring shop in Jubilee Hills. There appears to have more business than charity in CCT. CCT spends nothing while going outdoors for taking blood from donors, except the fuel in their single vehicle. Water bottles or coconut water should be borne by donors themselves. So there is no big visible expenditure in this big 'business'. Well, the storage of blood may be expensive. But fans, out of their unconditional love for their star doesn't care all this.
There is no comparison between Allu Ramalingiah and Chiranjeevi. And Chiranjeevi never joins hands with Communists. If he joins, people also may not relish that.
Looking at flip side, Chandra Babu Naidu is doing another funny act with respect to eye donations and blood donations to divert people from Chiranjeevi to him.
What is this funny side of AP politics? It's ludicrous for all.
Chiranjeevi's son all set for debut
All eyes are on Ram Charan Teja, megastar Chiranjeevi's son, the new kid on the block who is making his debut with Chirutha.
Directed by Puri Jagannadh and produced by Ashwini Dutt under Vyjayanti Movies, the film is slated for release on September 28.
Perhaps after Nagarjuna (son of thespian Akkineni Nageswara Rao) made his debut two decades ago, this is another instance of a son following his famous father's footsteps. Ram Charan Teja surely has to cart a lot of baggage being Chiru's son and the late Allu Ramalingaiah's grandson.
Even though it's the megastar's son debut, there is not much of hype and hungama about the film. There is hardly any information about the storyline nor publicity about the film. One of film's posters features Ram Charan with his face covered by a hat. Looks like Dad dearest wants to keep the publicity and promotion at a low key perhaps for fear of over exposure.
Even the film's audio release (August 22, which also happens to be Chiranjeevi's birthday) was a quiet affair with the star himself away in London. Nevertheless, Mani Sarma's music seems to be rocking as Yamaho Yama (a bi-lingual song in Telugu and Hindi) is topping the charts.
Chirutha is said to be shot in and around Hyderabad and Bangkok. Neha Sharma is the lucky girl acting with Ram Charan. Going by the normal trend of Telugu movies, it seems Chirutha will have all the ingredients -- action, romance, etc -- to entertain.
Puri Jagannath is a master-crafter of screenplay even though he works on wafer-thin plots. He is certainly on a high after the stupendous hit of Pokiri and the successful Desamuduru (starring Allu Arjun -- Ramcharan's cousin). So, one expects Chirutha to be uber-stylish and slick too. Whether he will be able to complete a hattrick with Chirutha remains to be seen.
As for Ram Charan, he certainly has a huge task ahead. Living up to his father's super image as well as charting a path on his own is quite a tough act to follow.
Let us wait for September 28 to see if a new star is born.
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