When Vidya Balan played a prank on me!

We asked readers to tell us if they had grown up or studied with movie or television celebrities. And we got a great response! Sharing his experiences is Arijit Basu who went to the same college as Vidya Balan.

Over to Arijit:
I went to St Xavier's College, Mumbai. I was studying Science, and she was in the Arts section. We had mutual friends and travelled by the same harbour line (train service) to college.
A funny incident that happened with Vidya was when I first met her on the train. A friend introduced us and soon, Vidya and I got chatting in the first class compartment. She said her family had moved to India recently from Iraq. She gave me this real 'dardbhari kahani' (sad tale) of how they had lost everything in the war and had to cross several countries' borders on a rough ride home. She even shed a tear.
At the time, she had had an accident and her hand was in a cast. I was overcome by sympathy for her. Soon, when we got off, I told her if she ever needed help, I'd do my best.
Later, I learnt that she was an actress, and in the television serial, Hum Paanch. The next time I met her in the train, I told her she was a great actress for having pulled the wool over my eyes so effectively! We had a good laugh.
Vidya would be dressed in very stylish salwar kameezes, as opposed to her tank top clad friends. She also had plenty of cool bindis. I think she was trying to rock the Shanti (Mandira Bedi's [Images] popular telly soap) look. She was active in the college festival, Malhar, and took part in college plays. I always think she is more beautiful in person that when I saw her in Lage Raho Munnabhai.
The last time we met was in a dubbing studio in Bandra, a Mumbai suburb, where I was recording an ad jingle for a client. We chatted and she said she was dubbing for a film in which she was starring. I asked her the name and she said Parineeta. I asked her if it was about a fairy called Neeta. Her look was something to see! :)
Soon, I left for further studies in the US. One day, I read on rediff.com that a funnily-named movie was a big success back home. The movie starred Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt and a newcomer called Vidya. Vidya Balan -- the girl who had pranked me on a local train -- had become a star. I remembered the incident and smiled. She was designed to be a fine actress.

Happy Birthday, Priyanka!!!

From winning the Miss World pageant in 2000 to wooing Bollywood subsequently, Priyanka Chopra hasn't really looked back.
Ever since her Hindi film debut in The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, the actress has been on a roll.
Of course, she's had her share of lame losers like Kismet, Yakeen, Asambhav and Blackmail too. But mostly she's basked in the glory of hits like Don, Krrish and Bluffmaster.

And as the smiley-faced stunner celebrates her 25th birthday on July 18, rediff.com lists some of her best performances.

Andaaz

Director Raj Kanwar's love triangle may have been super low on IQ but Priyanka's second release displayed spark and spice.

As an outspoken go-getter with oomph and style, the star impressed with her intensity and confidence. Not to forget her sizzling chemistry with hero, Akshay Kumar, helped in heaps.

Fellow Miss India winner Lara Dutta also got a thumbs up from the audience. The pretty ladies jointly shared the Best Debut Filmfare trophy for this one.

Aitraaz
Doing a Demi Moore is no picnic. Priyanka, however, fared quite well in Abbas Mustan's remake of Hollywood's Disclosure.
Whether it was playing unapologetically ambitious svelte boss or going after Akshay Kumar with unabridged passion and obsessive determination, the actress pulled it off with aplomb.
And she was amply rewarded with her second Filmfare, this time for Best Villain.

Bluffmaster

Though it wasn't a lengthy or dramatic part, Priyanka excelled as Simmi in Rohan Sippy's con caper.
As the warm but upright girlfriend to Abhishek Bachchan, the Cancerian cutie was perfectly charming, chic and chilled.
Interestingly, it was during the filming of Bluffmaster that Bachchan Jr rechristened Priyanka as Piggy Chops.

Don-The Chase Begins

Shah Rukh Khan walked away with the best lines in Farhan Akhtar's revisiting of the 1978 classic of the same name.

But Priyanka got to kick ass as the action-philic Roma, which she underwent brief training in martial arts for. Her no-nonsense body language, agile moves and striking makeover totally rocked.

Truth be told, she was one of the best things about this enterprise.

Salaam-E-Ishq

Her earlier attempts at tickling the funny bone in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Krrish didn't really produce the desired effect.

But this multi-story multi-starrer let her ham, howl and hiss. Though the comic needs to tone down a bit, she showed good potential.

The latter half of this desi Love Actually allowed her to considerably mute down and showcase pluck and elegance, Chopra style.

Shilpa Shetty, and the new Taj

Shilpa Shetty is presently in London, posing with an intricate replica of the Taj, designed by art director Bijon Das Gupta.

This kicks off a three-month India celebration in the UK called India Now.

The three month celebration that started on July 17, will feature a series of events and exhibitions dedicated to Indian art, film, theatre, music, fashion, food and business.

Shilpa looked stunning in an interestingly cut pink kurta.

Here, we see Shilpa with Mayor Ken Livingstone and actress Joanna Lumley.

Gossip: Gopika Turns Bold to Expose!

Now it is the turn of Gopika to over take her colleagues. Every producer and director knows she is endowed with beauty and talent. But very few of them have opted her as heroine. She has been very conservative in exposing all these years. Here is good news for all the directors. She has turned modern and expressed her willingness to expose to the extent a cinematographer can exploit. No need to believe in her words. She herself has proven in this film, 'Veedu Maamoolodu Kadu'. She got drenched in water to show her curvy figure, her managers say.

Prakash Raj, An Undisciplined Character Actor?

Star producers are worrying with the behavior of Prakash Raj. Already there were many allegations on him in the matter of arrogance and recalcitrance. Many a time he was reprimanded by big wigs in Tollywood but he still continues to do the same, as per the sources. He is so lethargic that he hardly comes to sets in time. He expects the respect on par with the big stars of Tollywood. But his behavior will not be tantamount to the respect he expects.

If anyone comes to narrate story to him, he listens to that and says 'wonderful'. That is common term he uses for good, bad and ugly stories. He takes advance payment initially and grabs entire amount within first two schedules. Then he says that he has to push of to other film be in Kannada or Tamil. To retain back and complete the job he is asking double the payment.

All this disgusted even the big producers and he is not being considered by many. For the talent he has, he will be seen in every new film that releases if his behavior is corrected. Otherwise, he will be going with the wind.

Telugu Film News 18-07-07 Latest

Ravi Teja film in Hyderabad

Director VV Vinayak's new film starring Ravi Teja and Trisha shooting is going on in Hyderabad. It was recently launched. 40 percent of the film will be shot in Hyderabad. Ravi Teja is participating in the shooting. Ramana Gogula is scoring the music.

Special set for Pellayyindi Kaani

A special set is erected in the midst of Godavari River for the film "Pellayyindi Kaani". Director EVV Satyanarayana has made the art director to build a special set in the island of Pattiseema in Godavari River. Hero Allari Naresh and heroine Kamalinee Mukherjee are participating in the shoot now.

Rajendra Prasad says Mee Shreyobhilashi

Hero Rajendra Prasad is doing another film that has serious connotations. New director Eeshwar Reddy is projecting him as an ageing professor. The film is now titled "Mee Shreyobhilashi". CC Reddy is the producer. "It has completed major schedule and we are going to shoot climax sequences in Horsley Hills and Srisailam. Rajendra Prasad is playing a professor in the film. It will remain one of best films in his career," said director Eeshwar Reddy. Naresh is doing another important role in it.

Nitin gets Mamata Mohandas

Nitin gets Malayalam beauty Mamata Mohandas for his next film. To be directed by Ravi Chavali, the film is produced by RR Movie Makers. Mamata Mohandas has signed up this yet to be titled film. Chakri is providing the music. Mamata will sing a song in this film too.

Sheela is considered for Jaya's film

Heroine Sheela who had acted in films like "Seetakoka Chiluka" and "Rajubhai" is being considered for director B. Jaya's film. Jaya who has just delivered hit with "Gundammagari Manavadu" is directing a film for Sai Roopa Creations. The shooting will begin in August. "Tenth Class" Bharat is confirmed as hero.

MS Raju's son not in Vaana

There were reports in the media that MS Raju's son is making debut with remake of Kannada hit – "Mungare Maale". But MS Raju says it is not true. The remake version titled "Vaana" will have another hero who is known for romantic films. Presently discussions are going on. Teja has prepared a script for MS Raju's son Sumanth Ashwin that will likely to go to the floors very soon.

Success Meet - Toss

Success meet of Priyadarshini Ram’s latest film Toss was held today in Hyderabad. This meet was attended by Raja, Kamna Jetmalani, Priyadarshini Ram. Dev Amar KK radha Mohan, Ravi Kiran (Ceded distributor) and Basireddy (DigiQuest).

Producer Dev Amar said, “I am feeling happy because our Toss became a big success. This is the first film in India to use a new camera technology. This film has action, sentiment and comedy.”

Actress Kamna Jetmalani said, “My character is a fun character in this film. This is my 3rd hit after Ranam and Samanyudu.”

Director Priyadarshini Ram said, “This film is the result of team work. I watched the film by sitting with audiences. There is very good response to the dialogues. This film will teach us to love and respect others.”

Raja said, “Toss achieved the highest openings for a film in my career. It is a memorable experience to act with Kanna’s Shahrukh Khan Upendra. Mani Sharma’s music and rerecording helped the film.”

Narayanamurthy to take on Shah Rukh Khan

Narayanamurthy is a popular face in Telugu cinema known for his revolutionary brand of films that tilt towards leftist ideology is a huge name in Telugu films.

Now he is making his first Hindi film Yeh dharti hamaari that is a remake of his 1994 Telugu superhit, Erra Sainyam or Red Army.

"My subject is linked to human emotions. Like Dilip Kumar's Ganga Jamuna, Amitabh Bachchan's Ganga ki Saugandh and Mother India. My subject is how rural innocent people are feeling, how they are exploited by the non-tribals," said R Narayanamurthy.
Narayanamurthy's film releases on the August 10 and will pit itself against Shah Rukh Khan's Chakde India.

"Shah Rukh Khan is the megastar in India. In Andhra, they call me people's star but I know I am a zero in Hindi. But when thousands of people go to see Shah Rukh Khan's film, there will be many who do not get tickets. I hope that overflow will come to my film," Narayanamurthy added.
In an industry, where there are less hits and more misses, 12 of Narayanamurthy's 19 films have been huge hits, raking in the moolah in the B and C centres.

Screen Buzz: Astha Singhal Is Worrying!

Sources say that Astha Singhal is worried now. She is a good Salsa Dancer that debuted on Telugu screen with the film 'Pellaina Koththalo'. She paired up with Raju Sundaram and appeared in a small role. But still she made a notable mark of her presence on screen. Then she acted in the film 'Chandrahaas' with a middle aged hero, Haranath, who is also the producer of the film. Now the sources say that she is not getting new offers after seeing her plight with that middle aged new hero in that flop film.

Well, all the top heroes are middle aged. But they are in the industry from their young age. So they will be hardly striking people's minds as middle aged. If the opening itself is with middle age, he will be called middle aged.

We have to see how Astha comes out of this vicious circle. She would have taken decision firmly.

Multi-Talented Priyadarshini Ram Keen On Gym

Priyardarshini Ram, the director of Toss is different from others in thought process or image projection and that is known for all. He got ample of experience in advertising and hence he applies new ways of promotion styles. He emerged as film maker with 'Manodu' and then with 'Toss' freshly.

He also got a passion to act in films. He appears on screen in Toss during a dance sequence stepping along with Raja. Earlier to this he also appeared in a not so prominent guest appearance in the film 'Missamma' directed by Neelakanta.

He regularly tones up his body in gym and grows up muscles on par with heroes like Gopichand and Jagapathy Babu. Slowly, he may emerge as full time actor if time permits. Well, he is also good at dubbing. He gave his own voice for Upendra in Toss that stood as highlight.

This multi talented Priyadarshini Ram has several ways to sustain in film industry for ever.

Kamalini Enjoying With Allari Naresh's Company!

Kamalini Mukherjee is now acting with Allari Naresh in the film 'Pellaindi Kaani' that is being canned in the direction of EVV Satyanarayana. The shooting of the film is taking place in Patti Seema. It is said that Kamalini is really enjoying the company of Allari Naresh although found reserved initially. She is entertaining to the jokes cracked by Naresh and she finds EVV team as jovial of all.
A song was also shot on Abhinayasree recently at the same place.

The film is set to complete the shooting part by the end of August and will be going for RR from September. Tentatively the film may release as Dasara boon for Telugus. It is being made with sentiment and comedy blend. The story is given by Bhagyaraja.

Gossip: Trisha's Alcoholism Troubling Others!

Trisha is known as beautiful diva on screen but off the screen she is more popular as dipsomaniac and heavy boozer once steps into pubs. She has good number of boy friends and is a hot flirt as well, as per Kollywood sources.

After the case that Trisha troubled the wife of Police Officer after drinking, a few days back, a heavy check was kept on all the actors and actresses who are consuming alcohol in public places. They have passed the orders to Cops not to spare anyone and put extra suppression on the guys and girls who try to show their airs saying they are film celebrities.

So many are showing interest to sit only at home and consume liquor. Police are now keen to catch hold of any wrongly behaving actor or actress to sensitize. Knowing this all are taking care not to fall in the trap. Thanks to Trisha.

Gossip: Balaiah’s ‘Sidhanthi’ Living Secluded Life!

Satyanarayana Chowdary, one of the fellow victims of Bellamkonda Suresh, in Balakrishna’s ‘hysterical’ shooting is living a secluded life in Visakhapatnam. He had been with Balaih as a trusted astrologer till the fateful night of the ‘shooting’. Had his relation with Balaiah not been strained, he would have played a key role in the betrothal function of Balaiah’s daughter (Brahmani) with Lokesh, many in the industry say. Chowdary, who is known as ‘Siddhanthi’, is trying hard to renew his contacts with Balaiah these days, sources reveal.

Gossip: Age Factor Troubles Reema Sen!

Can't Reema Sen and Allari Naresh make a good pair? Many including his father EVV feel they are mismatch. Director I.Shankara Rao wants to make a film keeping the duo in lead roles. He is known for his film 'Sree Ramachandrulu- Pellala Maata Vinaru' in which wives bash husbands. This was a hilarious movie. He could muster the support of a few investors to make one more film. Though he is particular in keeping Reema Sen, 33, EVV advised him to find a little cute gal for her son in her place.

Screen Buzz: Why Bhavana For 'Ontari'?

Gopichand is coming up with the film 'Ontari' and is pairing up with Bhavana for that. Why an 'Ontari' needs heroine? When asked about the same, Gopichand said not to try to pull the story part from him by asking such questions. So we have to underline that there is something between the heroine character of Bhavana and the hero Gopichand in the film, which is out of routine.

Gopichand says that the film will in the type of Eetaram films. So we can expect something in societal interest. Gopichand also says that he is willing to go close to family audiences as well along with mass film lovers. That way, he says, 'Lakshyam' brought some contentment for him.

He also said that his 'Lakshyam' ahead is to restart the school established by his father T Krishna. Keep it up Gopichand.

Variety Film 'Venkateshwara Rao BA B.Ed'

An innovative and humorous film is going to be released shortly. The title of the film is Venkateshwara Rao BA B Ed'. The concept runs on humor and current affairs as per the talk. It is being made with new faces all together. Sreedhar and Janardana Reddy are in lead roles where Mounika is playing female lead.

It is only the title that is grabbing attention and the might of rest of the things will be known only after the release of the film.

GV Naga Sai is directing the film. It is being made on Charitra creations banner.

Will it be another 'Mayabazar' of Indraganti with socio fantasy element? Or will it stand with its creativity? We have to wait and see.

Screen Talk: Flop Stars But Still Top Stars!

Pawan Kalyan and NTR are the real top stars who are enjoying the star status despite flops. The market of those 2 stars has been increasing year by year in overseas and at home.

There was no hit for NTR after 'Simhadri'. 'Rakhi' was an average film. And Pawan's hit account has been in closed mode after 'Khushi'. But still they are stars in the hearts of millions.

The distribution and exhibition rights are also growing big from film to film.

Just a single hit makes them super stars. That's the real commanding of place in the hearts of people. They are called real mass heroes with huge following. Good going NTR and Pawan!

Photo Feature: Can You Identify This Sexy?

She is not sexy but looking quite normal like any other rural girl. This was about 15 years ago. But today she is a sexy diva who has been looting the hearts of millions. She transformed as a beautiful diva with cosmetic surgery and now the international celebrity as well. If you observe keen you can make out who she is. And don't get shocked to know she is Shilpa Setty. The pic was taken when Shilpa was in her high school.

Nostalgia: Jaggayya's Great Poetry 'Sidhilahampi'

Jaggayya, the renowned yester years' actor was a great poet which is known only for literary circles and his close mates. He penned a historical metrical verses on Hampi, the capital of Sri Krishna Deva Raya, with the title 'Sidhila Hampi'.

The poet's anguish after looking at the pillaged Hampi and correlating it with the glorified records in History book is aptly depicted in the poems. He penned all those poems in metrical schemes (Chandas) which can be written by only scholarly poets. His poetic fervor was on par with big poets like Gunturu Seshendra Sharma and Viswanatha Satyanarayana.

He also translated Rabindra Nath Tagore's 'Geetanjali' into Telugu. But his celebrity status as an actor dominated the poet in him and people hardly know about that talent in him.

Screen Buzz: Shriya Ready For Bikini!

Post-Sivaji period of Shriya is not so fruitful for her as assumed earlier. She is not being called with any offers from any of the industries. She got only one offer to act with Ajith in a Tamil film. To turn the heads of everyone she gave a statement that she is ready to wear bikini and act.

That really tempts many of the Kollywood and Tollywood producers for sure. She says that she is ready for swimsuit or a tiny two piece bikini. Just imagine! How hot that looks. Everything is fine, but can she trap Tollywood and Kollywood dropping a bikini on them?

Well, She may be appearing in that hot attire in that Ajith's Tamil film itself.

Jagapathi Babu's Golden Hand Is Working

Jagapathi Babu's Golden Hand is working, as per the film circles. His time is very good ever since 'Samanyudu'. His 'Pellaina Koththalo' also turned a hit and then the film 'Lakshyam' joined the line. Jagapathi Babu's presence in the film brought good weight for it.

Jagapathi Babu, with the films before 'Samanyudu', had seen many flops. There was a phase when many assumed that Jagapathi Babu's career was finished. But he is now returned with big bang.

Now the impressions say that producers are lining for Jagapathi Babu's dates to make his presence felt in their films. That's to use his hand for their success.

U.S. immigration relaxes rule for 'green card' seekers

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. immigration service reversed itself again on "green cards" on Tuesday, saying it would begin immediately accepting applications from thousands of foreign professional workers.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services abruptly reversed an announcement issued in June offering expedited processing of green card petitions for skilled foreign professionals working under H1-B visas.

Thousands of holders of H1-B visas -- reserved for skilled workers in computing, engineering and other special professions -- scrambled and spent money on lawyers and medical exams to prepare green card applications for a July 1 deadline.

However, on July 2, the U.S. State Department announced that no applications would be accepted until the fall because of a large visa backlog.

The announcement drew protests from disgruntled green card applicants and Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, who called on the State Department to reverse itself.

"The public reaction to the July 2 announcement made it clear that the federal government's management of this process needs further review," USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez said in a statement announcing the latest flip-flop.

Gonzalez vowed to work on implementing a more efficient system in line with public expectations.

"It's unfortunate that the administration had to tie itself in a pretzel before coming to this conclusion," Schumer said in a statement, calling it a welcome reversal.

Telugu Film News 18-07-07

Mamata Mohandas pairs with Nitin

Mamata Mohandas is signed for a film in which Nitin acts as hero. Ravi C Kumar (Samanyudu fame) directs this flick. Chakri composes music. RR Moviemakers that produced films like Hungama and Samanyudu is producing this film. This film will go to floors very soon.

Uday Kiran as Lakshmi Putrudu

RS film that produced Gopi (Godameda Pilli) in the past is going to make a film titled ‘Lakshmi Putrudu’ with Uday Kiran as hero. Raj Kapoor who directed around 23 films in Tamil is directing this film. 70% of the shooting is complete so far. Uday Kiran plays the role of responsible son in this film. It is an out and out action film. D Iman composes music.

RP as Mee Sreyobhilashi

Rajendra Prasad is acting in a story based film titled Mee Sreyobhilashi. CC Reddy produces this film in the direction of debutant Eeswar Reddy. This film is based on suicides. Rajendra Prasad is doing the role of a elderly man who puts an effort to revive hope in the hearts of people who attempt suicide. Shooting of the film is complete but for the climax.

Film Anouncement - Nee Sukhame Ne Koruthunna....

Nee Sukhame Ne Korutunna(Raja,Sneha) - Film Anouncement

Veteran actor Giri Babu is going to wield the megaphone after a gap of many years. He is going to a direct a film titled Nee Sukhame Ne Korutunna… (NSNK) with Raja and Sneha in the main leads. Chappidi Hanumantha Rao is going to present this film. Teja, Venkat and Subba Rao are going to be co-producers of this film. Giri Babu also produces this film on Ranabheri Art Pictures banner. This press meet was attended by Raja, Giri Babu, Raghu Babu, Kota, Chalapati Rao, Pokuri Babu Rao, Madhavapeddi Suresh, Vennelakanti, Gowri Shankar, Suresh, Jayalalitha etc.

Speaking on the occasion Giri Babu said, “It is a wonderful love story with good human values. I had Raja in my mind while scripting the story. Sneha is the best choice for the heroine role. Raja is going to be acting with Sneha for the first time. I taking care of story, screenplay and direction in this film. Though I am officially the producer, it is Chappidi Hanumantha Rao, Teja, Venkat and Subba Rao who are the real producers of this film. I would like to thank those people who felt that I could make a good film. Raghubabu is doing a variety role in this film.”

Hero Raja said, “I am doing in the direction of Giri Babu for the first time. I accepted this project because I have confidence in the ability of Giri Babu.”

61st birthday celebrations of Chappidi Hanumantha Rao were held at the same venue.

Closing ceremony - Chitra Yatra 2007

The closing ceremony of 33 day long film festival ‘Chitra Yatra’ organized by Drusya foundation in Hyderabad was held at Harihara Kala Bhavan on the night of 17 July. Dasari Narayana Rao attended this function as chief guest along with Anam Ram Narayan Reddy (State Minister of cinematography and tourism). The other guests include MS Reddy, Buddhadev Dasgupta, B Narsing Rao, Sasidharan and Tammareddy Bharadwaja.

Drusya Foundation has many dreams - Tammareddy Bharadwaja
Speaking on the occasion Tammareddy Bharadwaja said, “People doubted Chitra Yatra success in the beginning, but we successfully completed it. 1200 people were registered and each screening attracted not less than 300 patrons. Drusya foundation organized Chitra Yatra as its first endeavor. We are in the process of setting up a library containing DVDs and music records. We collected around 4000 DVDs and 50,000 songs so far. The next HIFF (Hyderabad International Film Festival) is going to be organized with lot more participation from Telugu film industry. We are planning a world premiere each from Telugu, Hindi and English during that occasion. We also want to start a film institute. We request the government to provide a permanent venue for exhibiting art films and for conducting film festivals.”

Telugu film industry has good audiences - Buddhadev Dasgupta
Renowned Bengali director Buddhadev Dasgupta said, “Chitra Yatra introduced all the masterpieces of world cinema to the movie lovers of Hyderabad. It is just the beginning. Chitra Yatra will be one of the most important film festivals of India in the future. I am very impressed with the audiences here. They support cinema a lot. That is the reason why Telugu film industry is the biggest film industry in number films produced. With so much of support from the audiences, the filmmakers should do different films.”

HIFF from 21 to 27 January 2008 - B Narsing Rao
B Narsing Rao said, “We have separate complexes with multiple screens in Delhi, Calcutta, Goa etc, but we do not have such a facility in Hyderabad. Art films should be encouraged. We are planning to hold Hyderabad International Film Festival in a big way in 2008 from 21 January to 27 January. We should also make sure that children film festival organized in Hyderabad like we did earlier. We should also bring out film publications.”

We should preserve the negatives for the future of Indian cinema - Sasidharan
Sasidharan (NFAI, Pune) said, “It is an adventure to organize a festival like Chitra Yatra and B Narsing Rao succeeded in making it successful. Our filmmakers lack sensitivity to preserve films. Most of the producers stop bothering about the negatives of the films after commercial exploitation is over. We preserved the first silent Indian film ‘Raja Harishchandra’, but we do not have a copy of India’s first talkie film ‘Alam Ara’. Telugu film industry topped the production in the last year. I asked AP Film Development Corporation to send us Nandi award winning films so that we could preserve them in National Film Archive on India, Pune. But I did not get any prompt response from FDC.”

Slab system is being misused - Dasari
Dasari said, “I played a major role in getting Telugu film industry from Chennai to Hyderabad. MS Reddy also played a good role in that process. Only few people are attending the film festivals. There could be several reasons. But I find fault with the filmmakers and the system. If somebody makes a film under the budget of 50 lakhs, no exhibitor comes forward to screen it. We abolished slab system and waived off 2 Rs maintenance charge so that the exhibitor will screen small films. But exhibitors are exploiting the situation and are not encouraging small cinema. The stars who once took 10 lakh as remuneration are taking 5 crores today. The exhibitors are preferring big films. AP government is losing 120 crores due to tax rebate and the stars are making money exponentially by obstructing the growth of the industry and small filmmakers. Directors too are not maintaining balance.”

Remembering his days Dasari said, “I made Premabhishekam which collected 6 crores at that time. I did not try to cash it. But I followed it by making an award winning Megha Sandesam. That is how a director should balance his filmmaking. I shot Meena film with a budget of Rs. 1,25,000/- in 10 days time by taking Vijayawada as location. It got released with noon shows in 5 theaters. Slowly prints got increased and it ran for 100 days in 35 theaters.”

He also added, “FDC has 12 acre land in Hyderabad which can be used for future film festivals. Drusya Foundation is organizing this festival with passion. But it feels disheartening to see that no film industry personality in present here. I will support Drusya endeavors in the future. Films are always my first priority. I prefer dieing as darsaka ratna than a politician.”

Salman Khan: 'I want to be like Rajnikanth'

Salman claims to be inspired by Rajnikanth's magnanimity . "I want to do what he is doing . Whatever he earns, he is giving back to the people ," said Salman.

Thus inspired, he intends to raise funds for his Salman Khan Foundation that goes to support a number of charitable causes through his own efforts because he dislikes depending on others for money.

"Through my movies, my shows, my paintings, I wanna reach out to people. If anybody volunteers, I will accept donations, but I am certainly not begging for funds," he said with conviction.

He talked about marriage. Or, rather, the rumours of him getting married on his birthday around Christmas, this year. "The day I get married, or decide to, I will let the world know," he said in exasperation, adding, "Of course, I intend to get married, but it will happen only when it's destined to. And I will celebrate the occasion with my friends, family and well-wishers . I won't hide my marriage because I need people's blessings and good wishes always."

Gossip: Heroes Keeping Bhoomika At Bay!

Every hero is keeping heroine Bhoomika at bay- thanks to her boy friend. He always accompanies her, wherever she is- be it shooting or a party. She went with him, of late, to inaugurate a jewelry show room. Heroes, in particular, feel uncomfortable when she engages herself in conversation with on sets. Bhoomika has lost her charm because of her charm. Her self-publicized affair with her boy friend is accelerating her fall. No hero, barring Shivaji, is opting her to be on his side- because of her guy.

Chirutha - Overseas Release by Great India Films

A star is born every year, But A Mega Star is born only once in 20 years....

Good movies come every year, But Great movies comes occasionally, now it's the time for one of the greatest movies of the decade.

Yes, you got it right, the month of September 2007 is the time for a New Mega Star to be born again and we are going to witness the Grand and Gigantic entry of RamCharan Tej with the most anticipated & high voltage movie of the decade "CHIRUTHA".

Chirutha, Written and Directed by Puri Jagannadh who is riding high with back-to-back Industry Blockbusters 'POKIRI' and 'DESAMUDURU', CHIRUTHA is a perfect follow up for this excellent director.

Chirutha, Produced by Mr.Aswani Dutt who delivered many blockbusters in his 25 years of film making.

Great India Films in association with Vyjayanthi Movies is proud to announce that they are the right holders of Chirutha Theatrical exhibition and DVD in Overseas market.

Great India Films would like to Thank Mega Star Padma Bhushan Chiranjeevi Garu and Aswani Dut garu for entrusting Great India Films to market Chirutha in overseas.

Great India Films will make sure that every effort will be made to make Chirutha the perfect entry for RamCharan Tej in Overseas territories.

Great India Films would also like to Thank Puri Jagannadh Garu for his continuous support and showing trust on us after POKIRI.

Watch this space for more exciting news on CHIRUTHA's entry into overseas market.

For trade queries, please contact:
Great India Films at info@greatindiafilms.com

or Call

Vishnu: 713-446-9638 (CST)
Sudha: 732-322-0147(EST)
Soma: 916 -405 -9229(IST)
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Great India Films, USA
Vishnu -713-446-9638; Soma -916-730-5449; Sudha -732-322-0147
Visit http://www.greatindiafilms.com
For online tickets: Telugutickets.com

Why NTR Is Reserved Than Before?

NTR seems to be reserved than before, say the observers. He used t talk very actively before but now he is a bit reserved and just speaking only up to the requirement, says the close circles.

Especially he is very reserved with media than earlier. Why is he doing so? It is said that it is the suggestion given by his style consultant. 'The less a celebrity speaks, more will be his charisma'. That is the simple assumption followed by him. We have to see how he opens himself after the release of 'Yamadonga' for its promotion.

Well, NTR is appearing without pony tail now. He is with air cut look and getting ready for 'Kantree'.